[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 99 (Thursday, June 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H4685-H4687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 436 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union for the further consideration of the bill, 
H.R. 2740.
  Will the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew) kindly resume the 
chair.

                              {time}  1528


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the further consideration of 
the bill (H.R. 2740) making appropriations for the Departments of 
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and for other purposes, 
with Mr. Van Drew (Acting Chair) in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The Acting CHAIR. When the Committee of the Whole rose earlier today 
pursuant to House Resolution 436, further proceedings on amendments en 
bloc offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) had been 
postponed.

                              {time}  1530


                  Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Allen

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 2 
printed in part A of House Report 116-111.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of division D (before the short title), insert 
     the following:
       Sec. __.  Each amount made available by this division is 
     hereby reduced by 1 percent.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 436, the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Allen) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chair, we are nearly 6 months into the Democratic-
controlled House of Representatives, and here we are debating 
amendments to an almost $1 trillion minibus, $176 billion above current 
budget caps, without even a glimpse of a fiscal year 2020 budget 
proposal from House Democrats.
  You might ask, how did we get to this point? Well, my colleagues on 
the other side of the aisle are operating on a premise that an increase 
in defense spending justifies increases in nondefense spending across 
the board.
  Now and always, strengthening our defense should remain priority 
number one, but providing more than twice as much additional funding in 
fiscal year 2020 for nondefense programs as for defense programs is 
simply irresponsible.
  Additionally, if Congress does not come to a budget cap agreement, 
these spending levels would lead to sequestration, which would be 
devastating to our military.
  Folks, as a former business owner and someone who has experience 
operating within a budget, I am appalled by the lack of fiscal 
responsibility being shown here today. With an almost $22 trillion 
national debt, this minibus is a complete disservice to our country and 
our fellow Americans.
  If we wish to avoid passing an insurmountable debt along to the 
future generations, we must act immediately to tighten the purse 
strings on Washington's spending habits.
  My amendment today is simple. It would reduce State and Foreign 
Operations spending by 1 percent for fiscal year 2020. Democrats have 
increased this division by $2 billion, bringing foreign nondefense 
spending to a whopping $56 billion.
  If you do the math, my amendment would cut $560 million. Even with my 
1 percent cut, this division will still increase spending for fiscal 
year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019.
  So, in my mind, my Democratic colleagues should support my amendment, 
as they will still be spending a lot more of your hard-earned money, 
just a bit less than they intended.
  It is not my intention to cut funding going towards our critical 
ally, Israel. And while our diplomatic efforts abroad are necessary, it 
is equally as important that we take a hard look at the balance sheet 
and make appropriate cuts wherever possible.
  Also, just to be clear, it was my goal to offer an amendment to 
reduce spending by 1 percent across all branches in this minibus 
spending package, with the exception of defense. However, House 
Democrats blocked this effort, continued to promote out-of-control 
government spending and neglecting our national debt crisis, and only 
ruled this amendment in order.
  Mr. Chair, I am a proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren, and I 
believe it is my duty to do everything in my power to avoid placing a 
$22 trillion--and rising--burden on their backs.
  I urge my colleagues in this body to support my amendment today and 
take a small step towards bringing fiscal responsibility back to 
Washington.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the 
gentleman's amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from New York is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, our committee has worked hard on a bipartisan 
basis to craft a bill that provides the Secretary of State and the U.S. 
administrator with the necessary tools to advance United States foreign 
policy.
  As I have said before, I have long opposed amendments that 
indiscriminately apply across-the-board cuts to the carefully thought-
out funding recommendations in appropriations bills.
  Such amendments make no provision for protecting high-priority 
programs and activities. For example, the amendment would cut $33 
million from security assistance to Israel. It would cut $92 million 
from global health programs, including $118 million less for HIV/AIDS; 
$79 million from lifesaving humanitarian assistance; and $60 million 
from funds made available to protect our diplomats and development 
personnel and their facilities.
  Cuts would also impact funding for other key allies, such as Jordan, 
Egypt, Ukraine, Colombia, and countries in Eastern Europe battling 
Russian aggression and disinformation.

[[Page H4686]]

  Mr. Chair, I tell my friend, as a grandmother of eight, I strongly 
urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chair, I can't stress enough just how important it is 
to the future of this country that we take desperately needed steps to 
rein in our national debt and restore some fiscal sanity to this 
Chamber. H.R. 2740 is an unserious proposal that will not be signed 
into law by President Trump.
  I would ask all my colleagues to think about, again, their grandkids, 
their kids, and their great-grandkids before casting their vote. If we 
can't cut just 1 percent of one spending division on a bipartisan 
basis, then how will Congress ever get spending under control?
  Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment today, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close. I strongly urge a 
``no'' vote on the gentleman's amendment, and I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia will 
be postponed.


                  Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Allen

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4 
printed in part A of House Report 116-111.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chair, as the designee of the gentleman from Illinois, 
I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 381, line 11, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000) (reduced by $1,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 436, the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Allen) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer this amendment on behalf 
of my friend and colleague from Illinois, Representative Bost.
  This simple, straightforward amendment will ensure that the State 
Department emphasizes working with veteran-owned and disabled veteran-
owned small businesses when awarding contracts and grants.
  Small businesses are the backbone of our Nation's economy. Veteran-
owned small businesses play an important part.
  The number of veterans and veteran entrepreneurs continues to grow as 
veterans return from overseas, with many making personal sacrifices to 
stand up for America.
  Veterans understand the needs of the State Department in a unique 
manner and should be relied upon to supply the necessary equipment and 
expertise.
  I believe it is our duty to look after our soldiers when they return 
home from serving our country, and we should continue looking to these 
heroes as the Federal Government contracts with these small businesses.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, 
although I am not opposed.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Kentucky is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would ensure 
that veteran- and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses are 
able to effectively compete for State Department contracts and grants.
  We have a moral obligation to help our veterans, and especially our 
wounded veterans, to live a fulfilling life after they have hung up 
that uniform.
  This is a worthy addition to the bill. I urge its support and thank 
the gentleman for bringing this amendment up.
  Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. Lowey).
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, we must ensure we do everything possible to 
expand opportunities for veterans in this country. I will continue to 
encourage the State Department to increase grant and contract 
opportunities for veterans and service-disabled veteran-owned small 
businesses.
  Mr. Chair, I support this amendment.
  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chair, I appreciate that we were able to debate this 
amendment on the floor today that would emphasize the State 
Department's working with veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned 
small businesses when awarding contracts and grants, and we were able 
to agree on a bipartisan basis that this important amendment be passed.
  Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                  Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Rouda

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 5 
printed in part A of House Report 116-111.
  Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 416, line 6, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $2,000,000)''.
       Page 416, line 6, after the first dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $2,000,000)''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 436, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Rouda) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to 
recognize the contributions of Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian 
immigrants and to discourage attempts to repatriate them to those 
countries.
  In 2008, Vietnam and the United States reached a formal agreement 
that contains specific restrictions on the repatriation of certain 
individuals to Vietnam, including barring the repatriation of any 
Vietnamese national who arrived in the United States before our two 
nations established formal diplomatic relations on July 12, 1995.
  This limitation in the agreement, which has not been renegotiated 
since its signing, strengthens and protects our communities by keeping 
families together and empowering individuals who have lived in the 
United States for decades to continue to make positive change in 
communities across our country.
  Under President Trump's Administration, however, we have seen an 
increase in deportations of Southeast Asian immigrants in a push to 
negotiate repatriation agreements across Southeast Asia, including 
using visa sanctions to unilaterally punish countries like Laos that do 
not currently have such an agreement with the United States.
  I am proud to represent a thriving Southeast Asian community, 
including thousands of men and women and children who came to the 
United States fleeing violence and genocide during and after the 
Vietnam war in search of a better life.
  I call upon President Trump's administration to cease these attacks 
on Southeast Asian constituents and halt all efforts to renegotiate the 
2008 agreement with Vietnam and negotiate a new repatriation agreement 
with Laos.
  I would like to thank the organizations, like the Southeast Asia 
Resource Action Center, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the 
National Pacific American Bar Association for their work to support 
these individuals and their help in raising this issue before the 
House.

                              {time}  1545

  I would also like to thank my colleagues, especially Representatives 
Alan Lowenthal, Lu Correa, and Zoe Lofgren for their important work on 
behalf of these communities. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the 
amendment, although I am not opposed.

[[Page H4687]]

  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from New York is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, while deportation policy is a component of 
immigration and should most appropriately be considered by the House 
Judiciary Committee, I appreciate my friend raising awareness on this 
issue.
  The concerns expressed here today are echoed by many communities 
across the country who were distressed by the administration's actions. 
I commend the gentleman from California for highlighting this matter 
and urge my colleagues to support the amendment.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LOWENTHAL. I rise today in support of this amendment to provide 
protections for Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian people who came to 
the United States as war refugees. I thank my colleagues, Mr. Rouda, 
Mr. Correa, and Ms. Lofgren for their work on this crucial issue.
  Decades ago thousands upon thousands of Vietnamese, Cambodia, and 
Laotian refugees fled strife, war, and persecution in their own 
countries and made America their home.
  They started families, built businesses, and formed communities.
  They have become part of the American tapestry--contributing to a 
nation that welcomed them and is now their home.
  My district is one of the most diverse in the nation, and home to 
some of the largest Vietnamese and Cambodian communities outside of 
both countries.
  As the co-chair of both the Vietnam and Cambodia congressional 
caucuses, I am intimately aware of the problems these refugees have 
faced since arriving in America.
  One of the most pressing problems since the current administration 
took office is the deportation of members of the Vietnamese, Cambodian, 
and Laotian communities across the nation.
  Previous Democratic and Republican administrations put in place 
safeguards to prevent these refugees from being forced to return to 
countries that don't want them. These protections are now under attack 
by the current administration.
  These refugees fled war and persecution. America opened its arms and 
accepted them. We cannot turn our backs on them now.
  They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. Often the case, 
they also have spouses and children who are American citizens.
  Deporting them back to countries ruled by authoritarian governments 
is inhumane and will separate Americans from their loved ones.
  I support this amendment to uphold and acknowledge these refugees' 
contributions to our nation and to protect them from deportation.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.
  The motion was agreed to.
  Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. 
Rouda) having assumed the chair, Mr. Van Drew, Acting Chair of the 
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that 
that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2740) 
making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 2020, and for other purposes, had come to no 
resolution thereon.

                          ____________________