[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7234-H7237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         DECORUM ON HOUSE FLOOR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2019, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. 
Hill) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to reflect on the 
recent acts of Speaker Pelosi and other Members of the majority last 
week on the House floor, it was a clear and egregious violation of the 
rules of the House that transpired.
  House Members are expected to speak respectfully of their fellow 
Members of Congress and of the President of the United States, a 
precedent that goes back to the very first Congress about conduct on 
the floor of the House.
  Citing Jefferson's Manual, the first American book on parliamentary 
procedure, ``References to racial or other discrimination on the part 
of the President are not in order.''
  Last week, Speaker Pelosi clearly violated Chapter 29, Section 65.6 
of Jefferson's Manual. The House parliamentarian ruled her speech 
violated the rules forbidding personal attacks on the House floor 
against the President.
  Sadly, the majority then voted to ignore the rules in order to 
justify the Speaker's breaking of our rules.
  Madam Speaker, how do we expect the American people to follow the 
laws we pass in this Chamber when we don't even follow the rules that 
we place on ourselves?
  I call on the majority to put partisanship and pointless attacks 
aside and get back to the real work that will move our great country 
forward.


                            Crisis in Syria

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to, once again, 
speak out about the crisis in Syria.
  The director general of the Organization for the Prohibition of 
Chemical Weapons recently reported that traces of a nerve agent or 
poison gas byproduct were discovered late last year at Syria's 
Scientific Studies and Research Center.
  Even though we were assured by the Obama administration that the 
Russians would remove all the chemical weapons in Syria, this report is 
not surprising. For some, photos of dead bodies in the streets littered 
with children, victims of barrel bombing, or asphyxiated by sarin gas 
just weren't enough.
  Now we have a United Nations report. The United Nations reports that, 
since May, fighting in Idlib Province has forced 300,000 Syrians to 
flee their

[[Page H7235]]

homes and thousands more continue to die from Assad's butchering.
  Madam Speaker, when will this House finally grow weary of 8 years of 
Assad's treachery: more than 570,000 dead, 200,000 imprisoned, and 
nearly 12 million dislocated?
  The House must act.
  Speaker Pelosi well knows, this House, under Republican leadership, 
passed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act three times over the 
past three Congresses, only to have it bogged down in the Senate.

                              {time}  2115

  Now, Madam Speaker, the tables are turned. Leader McConnell passed S. 
1 in February, and we in the House must finally act with expedition and 
pass the House version of S. 1, which is H.R. 336, to end this step 
back into darkness, stop the torture and murder of thousands, and move 
to convict Assad and his henchmen of war crimes.


                          Anti-BDS Resolution

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about H. 
Res. 246, a resolution stating Congress' opposition to the ongoing 
efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel in the Global Boycott, 
Divestment, and Sanctions Movement, or BDS, targeting Israel.
  H. Res. 246 passed this House today. Let me get one thing clear, 
though. BDS is anti-Semitic at its core, and it seeks to delegitimize 
and isolate our ally Israel.
  I am a strong supporter and I cosponsored H. Res. 246, but this is 
not the piece of anti-BDS legislation that we should have considered on 
the floor of this House this week. We should not be letting the 
majority off the hook by passing a nonbinding House resolution. H. Res. 
246 does not take tangible action to combat the BDS movement, nor does 
it have any teeth in it.
  Instead, we should be considering and passing H.R. 336, the 
Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act, which is the 
House version of S. 1. This legislation, Madam Speaker, passed the 
Senate in February by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 77-23.
  H.R. 336 includes the Combating BDS Act, which allows a State or 
local government to divest its assets from entities using BDS against 
Israel. This bill includes other important provisions for U.S. and 
Israel security assistance.
  Why won't Speaker Pelosi bring this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill to 
the House floor? Well, the reason they are avoiding this bill in favor 
of a toothless resolution is because the majority party in this House 
is hopelessly divided on what should be a commonsense issue. Imagine 
House Democrats hopelessly divided about anti-Semitism--sad.
  Resolutions serve an important purpose in this House, but at other 
times, we need legislative action. This is the time for legislative 
action. We should be changing the Federal law to no longer allow 
entities to use BDS to attack the only democracy and our greatest ally 
in the Middle East.


                 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the United 
States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA. I congratulate the 
Trump administration for successfully updating the 1994 North American 
Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and enhancing the benefits to Arkansans 
in the form of expanded export sales and growth in jobs.
  USMCA modernizes and rebalances the 25-year-old NAFTA, including a 
21st century approach to digital trade, intellectual property rights, 
and cross-border data flows.
  In Arkansas, trade with Mexico and Canada alone supports over 100,000 
jobs, and this highlights the need to preserve and strengthen our North 
American trading relationship.
  USMCA is a big win across the board. We will have stronger growth, 
more exports, more jobs, and rising wages. This agreement results in a 
more level playing field for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and 
businesses.
  Madam Speaker, Canada has approved it. Mexico has passed the enabling 
legislation for it and has approved this treaty. Now it is time for 
Speaker Pelosi to bring the USMCA to the floor and seek approval of 
this House.


                     Religious Freedom Ministerial

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Secretary 
of State Mike Pompeo and Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Sam 
Brownback for hosting the 2019 Ministerial to Advance Religious 
Freedom.
  This second ministerial on religious freedom makes the protection of 
religious freedom around the world a priority for this administration. 
This global conclave demonstrates that the United States proudly stands 
for religious liberty and tolerance so that everyone from all nations 
can worship freely and without discrimination.
  I agree with former President Ronald Reagan when he addressed the 
United Nations General Assembly in 1986 by saying: ``Respect for human 
rights is not social work; it is not merely an act of compassion. It is 
the first obligation of government and the source of its legitimacy.''
  It is through this obligation of service to our fellow man that we 
can make our societies better for our children and all future 
generations yet to be born.


                     American Taekwondo Association

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
American Taekwondo Association and the roughly 20,000 people who 
gathered in Little Rock for the 2019 Worlds ATA Martial Arts 
competition just last week.
  ATA is celebrating its golden anniversary this year with 50 years of 
international training. This organization was founded in 1969 and 
relocated to Little Rock in 1977, citing similarities between the 
State's landscape and that of South Korea.
  My friend, Mrs. Sun Cha Lee, is the chairman of the board for ATA 
Martial Arts and is committed to changing lives through martial arts 
and her philanthropy.
  As a fellow member of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, Mrs. Lee 
embodies the motto of ``service above self'' and continues to lead 
their scholarship foundation that has provided over $1 million to 
deserving students.
  Mrs. Lee and ATA's cultural addition to Little Rock's story has made 
and indelible impact on Arkansas citizens and communities.
  I would like to extend gratitude and congratulations to Mrs. Lee on 
reaching this memorable milestone. I wish her and all of ATA much 
continued success for generations to come.


                         Eagle Bank Anniversary

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Eagle Bank and Trust Company on its 100th anniversary. Eagle Bank has 
been serving customers since 1919 and has grown into 13 full-service 
bank locations.

  Eagle Bank was the vision of Harry Hastings, Jr., who applied for a 
bank charter for the First State Bank of Sherwood in 1964, eventually 
becoming Eagle Bank and Trust Company in 1988.
  In 2012, the bank merged with Heber Springs State Bank, which 
received its original bank charter in 1919 and was originally known as 
Arkansas National Bank of Heber Springs. The bank survived the Great 
Depression and the 2008 recession, never closing its doors on its 
customers.
  Today, Cathy Hastings Owen, daughter of Harry Hastings, operates 
Eagle Bank and Trust Company. In 2018, she became the 128th chairman of 
the Arkansas Bankers Association and is the first woman to lead that 
important organization.
  I would like to extend my congratulations to the Hastings family and 
Eagle Bank and Trust Company, and I wish the company much continued 
success for generations to come.


             Flooding--Prevention, Preparation, and Cleanup

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize three 
Faulkner County, Arkansas, Scouting units that helped fill sandbags in 
preparation for the historic flooding that occurred in Arkansas just in 
the past few weeks.
  Pack 444, Troop 444, and Troop 644, all of the First United Methodist 
Church in Vilonia, volunteered to help our communities in need. This 
group who filled sandbags included children in elementary school and up 
to high school-aged teens.
  Arkansans began filling sandbags on May 22, and more than 65,000 
sandbags have been filled by volunteers from across our State. 
Sandbagging helps divert water from peoples' homes and

[[Page H7236]]

was an effective way to prevent and reduce the flood damage from these 
historic floods.
  I thank the Scouting units of First United Methodist Church and all 
of those who volunteered their time to help those affected by this 
historic flooding.


                      Congratulating Ford Overton

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I want to rise and 
congratulate and thank my very good friend, Ford Overton, for his 
selfless service to the State of Arkansas.
  Ford served on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for 7 years, 
including serving as chairman in his final year. His term just expired 
on July 1.
  As a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, his love 
for the outdoors has always been evident, especially his interest in 
fishing and preservation of habitat.
  While on the commission, Ford worked with wildlife biologists and 
lawmakers to ensure that future generations of Arkansans will be able 
to continue to enjoy the healthy wildlife populations with which we are 
so abundantly blessed. He successfully inspired many young Arkansans to 
enjoy the great hunting and fishing opportunities all across our State.
  Ford's service to the State of Arkansas and to wildlife conservation 
will not be forgotten, and I join all Arkansans in congratulating Ford 
on his infectious passion and leadership throughout the State.


           Recognizing the Heroic Acts of Troy Braswell, Sr.

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
heroic acts of Mr. Troy Braswell, Sr., a World War II veteran, for his 
remarkable service to our country.
  Troy grew up in Louisiana, and after graduating from high school, he 
joined the Navy to serve his country. He was only 17 years old, and his 
role was that of a powderman.
  During his service, Troy served on the USS Mississippi, survived a 
kamikaze attack, and, afterwards, contracting tuberculosis. He was told 
by a doctor that he had but 6 months to live.
  He overcame and survived these challenges, and after his military 
service, Troy located to Arkansas in 1945. In 1952, he graduated from 
the University of Central Arkansas, then called Arkansas State Teachers 
College. Troy turned 93 years old earlier this year and currently 
resides in Hot Springs Village.
  Troy's sacrifice for Arkansas and for America will not be forgotten, 
and I join all Arkansans in thanking him for his bravery and his 
dedication to our State and our country.


           Recognizing Victory Mission Bible Training Center

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Victory Mission Bible Training Center's grand opening and ribbon 
cutting earlier this month in Center Ridge, Arkansas.
  Victory Mission Bible Training Center is an 8- to 10-month 
residential discipleship training program catering to those who 
struggle with problems such as alcoholism and addiction. It is strictly 
donation-based and available to people of all ages who need this 
important assistance.
  I want to congratulate the resident director, Ms. Jennifer Jones, 
herself a graduate of the program. She was homeless and struggled with 
alcohol and drug addiction before entering this important program.
  Since 1960, over 24,000 people have been treated by Mission Teens 
centers, and 89 percent of their graduates report that they are doing 
well. Several have gone into the ministry or now help at one of the 20 
centers across the United States.
  Alcoholism and addiction are powerful diseases, and I am grateful to 
the Center Ridge community for the opening of the Victory Mission Bible 
Training Center and their worthwhile investment in the health of our 
citizens and their community.

                              {time}  2130


                     Honoring Dr. Edith Irby Jones

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Edith 
Irby Jones, a civil rights leader and the first African American 
graduate at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Jones 
recently passed away at the age of 91.
  Dr. Jones became a distinguished physician on the national stage and 
accomplished many firsts for African Americans and women. She was the 
first African American woman to intern in the State of Arkansas, the 
first to intern at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospital, and 
the first female president of the National Medical Association.
  As a child, Dr. Jones experienced the deaths of her father and sister 
and suffered from rheumatic fever that left her temporarily unable to 
walk or attend school. Despite her hardships, she went on to become the 
first African American female resident at Baylor and was one of the 
founders of Mercy Hospital in Houston.
  When Dr. Jones wasn't practicing medicine, she was in schools and 
churches, advocating for racial equality. She later became an advocate 
for underprivileged patients and earned an award for volunteerism and 
community service by the American College of Physicians.
  She also has been inducted into both the University of Arkansas 
College of Medicine Hall of Fame and the inaugural group of women 
inducted into the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame.
  I honor Dr. Jones for her determination, dedication, and 
contributions to civil rights and enriching the lives of countless 
Arkansans and Americans. She was a role model and a friend to many 
across our State. I extend my respect, affection, and prayers to her 
friends, family, and loved ones.


                   Congratulating Anne Marie Doramus

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Anne Marie Doramus on her recent appointment to the Arkansas Game and 
Fish Commission, becoming the first woman so appointed as a full-term 
commissioner.
  A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, her 
interest in the outdoors has always been evident, especially duck 
hunting and bass fishing in southeast Arkansas. She is a founding 
member of the Arkansas Outdoor Society, a group of young adults 
passionate about conservation and the outdoors.
  Commissioner Doramus, with leadership and passion for conservation, 
will be a great asset to the commission over the next 7 years. She 
embodies the talent of the next generation of leaders who will be 
protecting and promoting our great outdoors.
  I join all Arkansas in congratulating Anne Marie and wish her much 
success throughout her term as a commissioner.


                    Congratulating Camp Rockefeller

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Arkansas' Camp Rockefeller for being recognized, once again, as a 
nationally accredited camp by the Boy Scouts of America National Camp 
Accreditation Program.
  BSA's National Camp Accreditation Program recognizes camps that 
provide a fun, high-quality, and safe program consistent with the Boy 
Scouts of America brand and what the public expects from scouting.
  Camp Rockefeller successfully completed a review of over 200 
standards related to the safety and quality of the program, including 
campgrounds, properties, and the well-being of every camper, leader, 
and visitor. Over the years, Camp Rockefeller has shown continuous 
improvement in all areas.
  Camp Rockefeller is located within Gus Blass Scout Reservation. Each 
year, thousands of scouts from across the country enjoy this beautiful 
part of Arkansas and are given the opportunity to participate in 
hiking, fishing, climbing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
  As a fellow scout, I am proud of these high standards that are being 
set at Camp Rockefeller. On behalf of all Arkansans, congratulations, 
and we look forward to following your continued success in the years to 
come.


               Congratulating Conway for Recycling Award

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Conway Department of Sanitation in the city of Conway, Arkansas, on 
being named the 2019 Recycling Education Program of the Year by the 
Arkansas Recycling Coalition. This award honors an agency or 
association that has made a significant contribution to the advancement 
of waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability across our State in 
the past year.

[[Page H7237]]

  Conway was selected for this award as a result of its outstanding 
public education and community outreach effort. This involved talking 
with more than 2,700 community members of all ages from schools, 
daycares, churches, homeowner associations, universities, and more.
  Recycling is a component of making the environment a cleaner place, 
conserving materials, saving energy, and reducing the size of our 
landfills.
  I extend my congratulations to the Conway Department of Sanitation 
and the entire city of Conway for its worthwhile commitment to our 
environment and our natural resources.


   Congratulating Fairfield Bay on Top 100 Planned Communities Honor

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, on being named the Best of the Best Top 100 
Planned Communities in America by ideal-LIVING Magazine. The Best of 
the Best honors those areas and communities that deserve special 
recognition for their outstanding qualities, facilities, and programs.
  Fairfield Bay began as a planned community 40 years ago and has grown 
into an ideal family recreation destination. It was chosen from 
hundreds of nominations from North America and Central America.
  A huge congratulations to the community, to the residents of 
Fairfield Bay, and to Mayor Wellenberger on achieving this recognition. 
I look forward to following the Fairfield Bay community as it continues 
to grow in the years to come.


                    Recognizing Journalism Awardees

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two 
central Arkansas journalists who received the Golden 50 Service Awards 
from the Arkansas Press Association for a half-century in journalism.
  Larry Miller, from Morrilton, Arkansas, is the editor of the Conway 
County Petit Jean Country Headlight newspaper.
  Frank Fellone of Little Rock was also recognized and is a former 
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette deputy editor and now an independent 
journalist.
  I also congratulate David Bailey, managing editor of the Arkansas 
Democrat-Gazette, on receiving the Arkansas Press Association Freedom 
of Information Award.
  I congratulate these men who exemplify the spirit and dedication 
behind the mission of these awards and our First Amendment, and I wish 
them continued success in the years to come.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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