[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 198 (Wednesday, December 11, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                        The World Bank and China

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, last week, despite the objections of the 
United States, the World Bank adopted a plan for lending more than $1 
billion annually to China.
  China is the world's second largest economy, and its per capita 
income is well above the level at which countries are supposed to 
graduate from needing World Bank assistance. American tax dollars 
should not be used, even indirectly, for lending to wealthier 
countries, particularly when they violate human rights.
  China seeks legitimacy through international institutions for its bad 
practices, including for its own predatory lending through the Belt and 
Road Initiative. Despite what the recent World Bank Group's Country 
Partnership Framework reads, China is not an example developing 
countries should follow.
  To sum up on this point, China has the second largest economy in the 
world, and it still wants to be considered a developing country and 
lend taxpayers' dollars around the world in order for there to be a 
greater Communist influence. As taxpayers, we should not stand for that 
to happen.


             78th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

  Mr. President, on another point, this past weekend marked the 78th 
anniversary of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor--a raid that plunged the 
United States into World War II. Almost 2,500 U.S. soldiers lost their 
lives that day.
  I am proud of the many Iowans who have served and sacrificed for our 
great country. Earlier this year, three of these people returned to 
Iowa to be laid to rest--Robert J. Bennett, William L. Kvidera, and 
Bert E. McKeeman.
  I honor them and all of our servicemembers for their sacrifices in 
serving our people, protecting our constitutional rights and the 
freedom and liberties we have.
  I yield the floor.