[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 196 (Monday, December 9, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H9352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STOP IGNORING CRISIS IN IDLIB, SYRIA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today again to bring 
attention to the travesty happening in Idlib, Syria.
  A week ago, Syrian dictator Assad, his protector Putin, and his 
Iranian coconspirators continued to bomb civilians in the town of 
Idlib.
  The Wisdom House School, a school supported by my constituents in 
Arkansas, has had to close for the third time due to this bombing and 
the massive attacks.
  I recently watched a video posted on Twitter of the airstrikes 
hitting a civilian home in the same town where Wisdom House School is 
located. Many of the children attending the Wisdom House School are now 
orphans. There are no military targets in this area, which has been 
repeatedly bombed by the Assad regime.
  When we look back on this calamitous conflict, the United States and 
our allies in Europe will hang our heads in shame for ignoring red 
lines that gave a green light to Assad's slaughter of his own civilians 
by the hundreds of thousands.


                      Fund NATO to Counter Russia

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, since its formation, NATO has 
served as the foundation for security between the United States and our 
allies in Europe.
  Years ago, the now-29 members agreed to a goal of spending at least 2 
percent of their gross domestic product on defense. When President 
Trump took office, only three countries met that objective. Now, it is 
nine. President Trump has done a good job urging NATO to meet its 
obligations among members.
  Russia, under Putin, is a threat to freedom that many in the post-
Cold War world have fought and died for. For decades, Russia has 
engaged in propaganda and political meddling in the Western 
democracies. It has invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea and territories 
in Georgia.
  NATO members need to meet their defense spending guidelines now more 
than ever. Actions speak louder than words, and NATO must continue to 
counter Russia and Russia's political and military actions around the 
world.


               Honoring Life and Legacy of Jerry McKinnis

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of one of Arkansas' great outdoorsmen, Mr. Jerry McKinnis, who 
recently passed away at the age of 82.

  A longtime Little Rock, Arkansas, resident, Jerry was a pioneer in 
outdoor cable TV programming. He was best known for his television 
program ``The Fishin' Hole,'' which featured fishing trips with 
celebrity guests like Hall of Fame baseball player Ted Williams.
  Jerry created the show after playing baseball professionally for a 
short time. ``The Fishin' Hole'' aired for 44 years and was the longest 
running show on ESPN short of ``SportsCenter.''
  Jerry has been inducted into the International Game Fish Hall of 
Fame, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of 
Fame, the National Fishing Hall of Fame, and the Bass Fishing Hall of 
Fame.
  Jerry was an inspiration and friend to many across our State, and I 
extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his friends, family, and 
loved ones.


                    Congratulating Rachelle Stewart

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief 
Deputy Rachelle Stewart for receiving the Lifesaving Award from Saline 
County Sheriff Rodney Wright.
  Stewart responded to an unknown medical emergency to assist EMS 
personnel with a patient who was unconscious and not breathing. Chief 
Deputy Stewart quickly recognized the patient was experiencing an 
opioid overdose and administered Narcan to save the patient's life. 
Chief Deputy Stewart's action marked the fifth life saved by Saline 
County sheriff deputies successfully using Narcan in the field.
  I extend my congratulations to Chief Deputy Rachelle Stewart and the 
Saline County Sheriff's Office for saving lives and continuing the hard 
work of protecting and serving central Arkansas.

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