[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H925-H934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further 
consideration of the bill (H.R. 4521) to provide for a coordinated 
Federal research initiative to ensure continued United States 
leadership in engineering biology will now resume.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.


                amendment no. 22 offered by ms. jayapal

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
22 printed in part D of House Report 117-241.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer amendment 22 as a 
designee of Congressman Jamaal Bowman.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the appropriate place in title II of division D, insert 
     the following:

     SEC. __. REPORT ON IMPACT OF SANCTIONS ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR 
                   INNOVATION THAT ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND 
                   PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress as 
     follows:
       (1) The climate crisis is the single biggest health threat 
     facing humanity and unprecedented levels of global 
     cooperation and collaboration are necessary for basic 
     security provided by equitable access to food production, 
     access to fresh water, habitable ambient temperature and 
     ocean food chains.
       (2) The frequency and severity of extreme weather events, 
     such as wildfire, cyclones, floods and droughts are 
     increasing worldwide, significantly impacting the 
     environment, and displacing people from their homes, 
     resulting in growing numbers of climate refugees.
       (3) Substantially scaling up a range of investments to 
     address the climate crisis, including development assistance 
     and green tech transfer, are necessary to meet the goal of 
     limiting global warming to not more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Energy, 
     shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional 
     committees that--
       (1) describes the impact of United States sanctions on 
     opportunities for innovation that address the climate crisis 
     and promote environmental justice;
       (2) describes the impact of sanctions on climate diplomacy 
     and low-carbon development assistance; and
       (3) identifies barriers to reducing greenhouse gas 
     emissions and reliance on fossil fuels caused or exacerbated 
     by United States sanctions.
       (c) Form.--The report required by subsection (b) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form.
       (d) Appropriate Congressional Committees.--For purposes of 
     this section, the term ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology, and the Committee on Energy 
     and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, 
     the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Washington.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I first want to offer my congratulations to the 
chairwoman of the committee for this very, very important piece of 
legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today as the designee of Congressman Jamaal 
Bowman to offer this amendment. The climate crisis is the single 
biggest threat facing humanity, and if we are going to address it at 
the scale needed to limit global warming to not more than 1.5 degrees 
Celsius, we are going to have to work together. We are going to need 
unprecedented levels of global cooperation and collaboration to meet 
everyone's basic needs, including food, clean water, and keeping the 
communities we call home habitable.
  At the same time, we increasingly rely upon sanctions as a key 
foreign policy lever. The material impact of sanctions is known to 
undermine the human rights of civilians who can get cut off from access 
to basic needs, often the same basic needs that are threatened by the 
very climate crisis, as we see increasingly more frequent extreme 
weather events.
  This amendment would simply require the State Department to issue a 
report in coordination with the Department of Energy on the impact that 
sanctions have on our ability to be innovative in addressing the 
climate crisis and economic justice. This will give us important 
information as we seek to create and craft sanctions or understand the 
impact of sanctions and decide not to use them.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I claim time in opposition.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to 
amendment 22. I believe this amendment will undermine our ability to 
appropriately deal with human rights abuses and aggressions towards the 
United States.
  This amendment would require the Secretary of State in coordination 
with the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress on how U.S. 
sanctions are affecting our ability to adapt to climate change and 
promote environmental justice, among other things.
  First, let me remind my friends across the aisle that we are meant to 
be discussing the competitiveness bill today, not a climate bill. This 
bill is meant to address the Chinese Communist Party's growing 
aggression and

[[Page H926]]

to ensure the United States remains the world leader in science and 
technology.
  This amendment doesn't prioritize our competitiveness, and it doesn't 
help us face the threat from China. Worst, it could hinder our 
abilities to address that threat.
  Let's not forget sanctions are for countries that have committed 
inexcusable offenses against their own people or the United States.
  It seems to me that the purpose of this amendment is to show that our 
sanctions against China, who is committing forced labor crimes every 
day, are actually hurting progress towards adapting to climate change.
  Essentially, this amendment places technological adaptations to 
climate change on the same footing as forced labor and genocide. I 
fully believe that the United States has the capacity to develop 
innovative technologies to continue to reduce our emission and mitigate 
the effects of climate change. And I do not accept that to do this, we 
need to prioritize China's innovation over their use of forced labor.
  Addressing climate change does not require sacrificing American 
ideals and standards. We can best address global climate change by 
innovating in America and holding China accountable, not by giving them 
a pass. I would much rather look at how the United States can encourage 
more participation in research and development than drive innovation.
  Let's support our research enterprise, our workforce, our access to 
domestic critical minerals and, yes, let's actually identify innovative 
ways that we can combat global climate change.
  Not once has the Department of Energy or the National Science 
Foundation come to us to say that our stance against forced labor or 
child labor is hindering their ability to research, develop, and 
demonstrate clean energy technologies. This is a made-up problem, which 
this report is trying to solve with a pre-determined solution.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support your constituents by 
putting the United States first and opposing this amendment.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield 
myself the balance of my time.
  Madam Speaker, I don't really understand--and with tremendous respect 
to my colleague across the aisle--how assigning a report so that we can 
get more information about the effect of sanctions on the people of a 
country undermines in any way anything that we are trying to do in this 
bill. In fact, competitiveness is deeply tied to whether or not we 
adhere to human rights values that the United States holds very dear. 
And the question of how we can be most effective in our policy is very 
important to this bill.
  So I really don't understand why we wouldn't want the information 
that a report is going to generate unless we are afraid that it is 
going to present some choice that feels very difficult to us. So I am 
not sure why there would be resistance to a report that says, 
Department of Energy, in coordination with the State Department, tell 
us what impact sanctions have on our ability to be innovative, one of 
the key goals of this bill, in addressing the climate crisis and 
economic justice.
  Let's not disentangle competitiveness from justice. Let's not 
disentangle competitiveness from our ability to uphold our core values 
as a country.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I think my opening statement made the point that this 
is actually conflating two issues and shouldn't. And so for that 
reason, I strongly oppose the amendment.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal).
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Jayapal).
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.
  The Chair is advised that amendment No. 23 will not be offered.


            amendment no. 43 offered by mr. castro of texas

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
43 printed in part D of House Report 117-241.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 1847, line 1, insert ``media and entertainment,'' 
     after ``health care,''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Eddie Bernice 
Johnson and all of the chairs of the committees and members who helped 
bring the America COMPETES Act to where it is.
  Madam Speaker, today I offer my amendment to the America COMPETES 
Act. My amendment simply adds ``media and entertainment'' to the list 
of eligible programs for nontraditional industries or occupations.

                              {time}  1245

  The U.S. media and entertainment industry plays a prominent role in 
defining who we are as a nation, not only within our borders but across 
the world. The media, as I know the media is plural, but the media as 
an institution continues to serve as one of the main narrative-creating 
and image-defining institutions conveying America's values and ideals 
to audiences around the world.
  Yet the lack of diverse talent in the industry's workforce fails to 
reflect our population, therefore, stunting our ability to accurately 
portray the U.S. as a multicultural symbol on a global scale, and also 
sidelining millions and millions of Americans from participating in an 
industry with well-paying jobs.
  By expanding apprenticeship programs, we can build a foundation for 
more Americans to begin professional careers in the media industry, 
particularly those that have been traditionally excluded, such as 
Latinos and other minority communities that are often underrepresented 
and undervalued.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I claim time in opposition.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Oklahoma is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, this amendment further expands the existing 80-year-
old apprenticeships system to now include apprenticeships in ``media 
and entertainment.''
  Instead of expanding this program that is already bloated with 
bureaucracy, time-consuming paperwork, and overly burdensome 
requirements, this bill should be focusing on programs that push 
employer-developed apprenticeships that will help our workforce expand 
and thrive.
  I cannot help but ask: What do apprenticeships in media and 
entertainment have to do with competing with the Chinese Communist 
Party?
  The CCP has dramatically increased its STEM workforce. One report 
predicts a 300 percent increase in the number of overall STEM graduates 
in China versus a 30 percent increase in the United States.
  Instead of focusing on training the next Meryl Streep, we should be 
focused on developing America's STEM workforce, especially at the 
skilled technical workforce level.
  If we can't expand the STEM workforce through initiatives like 
innovative apprenticeship models that give

[[Page H927]]

employees the skills they need, we won't be able to maintain the talent 
base that supports key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, 
energy, healthcare, and defense.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to oppose this amendment and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, to address some of the concerns, the media and 
entertainment industry is one that involves different STEM fields such 
as a wide variety of engineering positions, for example, many of which 
have gone unfilled in different media corporations.
  Also, as the gentlewoman knows, the GOP in particular has made a big 
deal about our film industry yielding to different Chinese demands, for 
example. So it is important that our government collaborate with the 
industry to make sure that we have a well-prepared workforce that is 
able to, again, make sure that the America media is robust.
  We also want to be sure that--as you have industries like the media 
industry that continue to, for example, go film television and movies 
overseas, that American workers are well-prepared to take on those jobs 
so that industry does not have a single excuse to go somewhere else but 
to one of our cities and States in the United States. That is exactly 
what this amendment will help do, is to bring about a more prepared 
workforce to take on these roles so that industry doesn't have an 
excuse to go somewhere else.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I would reply to my colleague that in Oklahoma we have 
done an incredible job of expanding the media and entertainment 
industry within our State without this type of program.
  We need to be focusing on STEM innovation and STEM workforce. In 
Oklahoma, we could graduate every engineering student from our colleges 
and universities and still be 3,000 engineers short, particularly as we 
look at our military bases in Oklahoma. Focusing on core industries 
like energy and defense are what we should be doing.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Castro).
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Castro).
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                amendment no. 56 offered by mr. crenshaw

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
56 printed in part D of House Report 117-241.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 1330, after line 5, insert the following:
       (e) Annual Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Department of State, in consultation with the heads of other 
     relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall provide a 
     briefing to relevant Committees of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate regarding the progress and 
     efforts of the PRC to achieve the goals and commitments 
     stated in subsection (a)(3).

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Crenshaw) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of amendment 56, which I was proud 
to offer.
  Madam Speaker, it is no secret what the Republican Party thinks of 
the Chinese Communist Party and their attack on our global leadership 
and the threat they pose to our exceptional Nation and the global order 
we established and maintained.
  If you look at the COVID outbreak and coverup, the treatment of 
Uyghurs in Xinjiang, or the repression in Hong Kong, the facts clearly 
establish that the CCP is unaccountable, unreliable, and untruthful.
  While some in this Chamber want to think of them as a partner, I 
cannot bring myself down to that level of naivety.
  Let's call them what they are: they are a competitor; they are a 
threat. That is why when I read this bill I was shocked to see that 
Democrats are almost being complimentary when they refer to China and 
their emission goals.
  They say China ``is likely to achieve its carbon emissions'' pledge 
to the Paris Agreement, and that their emissions will peak ahead of 
schedule in 2030, a full 15 years after they agreed to Paris.
  Some Democrats go on to highlight China's pledge to be carbon neutral 
by 2060 and to phase down their coal-fired power generation. It reads 
like a press release for the Chinese Communist Party published in the 
Global Times or something tweeted by the bombastic foreign ministry 
spokesmen, not policy from the United States Congress.
  Worst of all, there is not even an attempt to fact check this 
information. Take it as blind fact, despite coming from an autocratic, 
Communist regime.
  Trust but verify will not do here. With China it should be do not 
trust until we verify and continue to verify.
  Madam Speaker, are we so naive that we take China's word at face 
value? I believe I speak for my fellow Republicans, and probably a few 
of my friends on the other side of the aisle, when I say: No, 
absolutely not.
  We have no reason to believe the Communist leadership that has 
publicly stated that their goal is to best us in every technological 
field and establish global dominance.
  In fact, we already have evidence that they falsified emissions data 
before joining the Paris Agreement. But some still want to trust them? 
It doesn't take a classified intel report to call China's bluff.
  They have no intention of meeting these goals, but that won't stop 
them from telling us that they are on track. If I had to guess, they 
will say they are doing it even better than we are in reducing 
emissions, if for nothing more than their ongoing information warfare 
to make us appear weak and ineffectual on the world stage.
  Madam Speaker, that is the purpose of my amendment. We need to have 
the State Department, in consultation with the Department of Energy, 
come in and give us the facts. This amendment requires an annual 
briefing regarding the progress and efforts of China to meet emissions 
goals.
  We need to know: Is China telling the truth about how much they have 
reduced emissions? Are they building more coal-fired power plants? Have 
they successfully deployed carbon capture technologies the way we have? 
These are answers we need for the United States to compete with China.
  Knowledge is power and the quickest path to victory is understanding 
your adversary. Despite all the other problems scattered throughout 
this bill, I believe this amendment is a chance to at least do one 
thing right.
  This amendment is about accountability, this is about accuracy, and 
most importantly, this is about knowing the full capabilities of our 
largest and fiercest competitor.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support accountability, to 
support accuracy, to support truth, and to support knowledge by 
supporting this amendment.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to amendment 
56 by Representative Crenshaw.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro) is 
recognized for 5 minutes.

[[Page H928]]

  

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I believe the information being solicited is 
important, although I don't think that we need to pass a law to get it, 
and we shouldn't have to pass a law to get it. In that sense, I think 
the amendment is overkill.
  As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs last 
Congress, I saw how incredibly difficult it was to get basic 
information and simple briefings from the Trump administration. So I am 
sympathetic to getting information from an administration.
  The checks and balances put in place by the Constitution require the 
executive branch, no matter the party, to be responsive to 
congressional oversight. As we saw during the last administration, the 
executive branch has become increasingly empowered to not cooperate 
with Congress on basic oversight matters; that much is true.
  The Foreign Affairs Committee has found statutorily mandated 
briefings, however, generally backfire. They give the executive branch 
an excuse not to provide basic briefings on important subject matters 
on which we do not mandate briefings through legislation.
  These topics vastly outnumber those with statutorily required 
briefings. By writing mandatory briefings into statute, Congress is 
conceding to the executive that it does not need to be responsive to 
legislative branch inquiries unless a statute says so.
  Although I am opposing this amendment, I think the information is 
important. I would also join Representative Crenshaw in a letter 
requesting that kind of briefing from the Biden administration this 
year and the next and until the next administration.

  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).
  Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for his 
leadership.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support for the amendment 
proposed by Representative Crenshaw.
  Despite being the world's leading emitter of carbon emissions and the 
second largest economy, China made minimal commitments under the Paris 
Agreement for greenhouse gas reduction, and we let them get away with 
it.
  Now we have heard claims from the CCP, this administration, as well 
others, the CCP is stepping up their commitments and generally want to 
address climate change. In fact, China has only committed to stop 
increasing emissions by 2030. That is another 8 years of increasing 
emissions from China.
  This administration's wishful thinking ignores the fact that the 
United States is the only industrialized nation to reduce greenhouse 
gas emissions over the last 2 years in a row, which has been achieved 
primarily with low-emissions natural gas from my home State of 
Pennsylvania.
  However, the reality of China's new commitments is that they are 
still doing the bare minimum compared with what the United States and 
other leading economies have committed. China continues to use fuels 
that this administration is strongly throttling back.
  If we are expected to believe the CCP is genuine in their commitments 
on climate, then it is critical that we see proof and accountability.
  Madam Speaker, that is why I support this amendment to require annual 
briefings on the Peoples Republic of China's progress toward their 
climate commitments.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, again, I agree this is important information. However, 
this should not be our approach, except on issues where the executive 
branch has continuously, and over a period of time, refused to respond 
to basic inquiries.
  On climate issues, the Foreign Affairs Committee has not had any 
issues obtaining core information that is shared on a bipartisan basis. 
In fact, both Secretary of State Blinken and Special Envoy Kerry 
addressed this question in their hearings in front of our committee 
last year.
  Again, I would be willing to work with Representative Crenshaw, and 
everybody else who is interested in a bipartisan way, to request this 
hearing.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Crenshaw).
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Crenshaw).
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the noes appeared to have it.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.

                              {time}  1300


               Amendment No. 89 Offered by Mr. Garamendi

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
89 printed in part D of House Report 117-241.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the rule, I rise to offer 
the Garamendi-Johnson amendment No. 89 to the America COMPETES Act.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       Add at the end the following:

                   DIVISION M--OCEAN SHIPPING REFORM

     SEC. 120001. PURPOSES.

       Section 40101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking paragraphs (2) through (4) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) ensure an efficient and competitive transportation 
     system for the common carriage of goods by water in the 
     foreign commerce of the United States that is, as far as 
     possible, in harmony with fair and equitable international 
     shipping practices;
       ``(3) encourage the development of a competitive and 
     efficient liner fleet of vessels of the United States capable 
     of meeting national security and commerce needs of the United 
     States;
       ``(4) support the growth and development of United States 
     exports through a competitive and efficient system for the 
     common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of 
     the United States and by placing a greater reliance on the 
     marketplace; and
       ``(5) promote reciprocal trade in the common carriage of 
     goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United 
     States.''.

     SEC. 120002. SERVICE CONTRACTS.

       Section 40502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (7) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (B) in paragraph (8) by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) any other essential terms or minimum contract 
     requirements that the Federal Maritime Commission determines 
     necessary or appropriate.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Service Contract Requirement.--With respect to 
     service contracts entered into under this section, a common 
     carrier shall establish, observe, and enforce just and 
     reasonable regulations and practices relating to essential 
     terms and minimum contract requirements the Commission 
     determines are necessary or appropriate under subsection 
     (c)(9).''.

     SEC. 120003. SHIPPING EXCHANGE REGISTRY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 405 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 40504. Shipping exchange registry

       ``(a) In General.--No person may operate a shipping 
     exchange involving ocean transportation in the foreign 
     commerce of the United States unless the shipping exchange is 
     registered as a national shipping exchange under the terms 
     and conditions provided in this section and the regulations 
     issued pursuant to this section.
       ``(b) Registration.--A person shall register a shipping 
     exchange by filing with the Federal Maritime Commission an 
     application for registration in such form as the Commission, 
     by rule, may prescribe containing the rules of the exchange 
     and such other information and documents as the Commission, 
     by rule, may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the 
     public interest.
       ``(c) Exemption.--The Commission may exempt, conditionally 
     or unconditionally, a shipping exchange from registration and 
     licensing under this section if the Commission finds that the 
     shipping exchange is subject to comparable, comprehensive 
     supervision and regulation by the appropriate governmental 
     authorities in the home country of the shipping exchange.
       ``(d) Regulations.--In issuing regulations pursuant to 
     subsection (a), the Commission shall set standards necessary 
     to carry out

[[Page H929]]

     subtitle IV for registered national shipping exchanges, 
     including the minimum requirements for service contracts 
     established under section 40502, and issue licenses for 
     registered national shipping exchanges.
       ``(e) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `shipping 
     exchange' means a platform, digital, over-the-counter or 
     otherwise, which connects shippers with common carriers (both 
     vessel-operating and non-vessel-operating) for the purpose of 
     entering into underlying agreements or contracts for the 
     transport of cargo, by vessel or other modes of 
     transportation.''.
       (b) Applicability.--The registration requirement under 
     section 40504 of title 46, United States Code (as added by 
     this section), shall take effect on the date on which the 
     Federal Maritime Commission issues regulations required under 
     subsection (d) of such section.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 405 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``40504. Shipping exchange registry.''.

     SEC. 120004. DATA COLLECTION.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 411 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 41110. Data collection

       ``(a) In General.--Common carriers covered under this 
     chapter shall submit to the Federal Maritime Commission a 
     calendar quarterly report that describes the total import and 
     export tonnage and the total loaded and empty 20-foot 
     equivalent units per vessel (making port in the United 
     States, including any territory or possession of the United 
     States) operated by such common carrier.
       ``(b) Prohibition on Duplication.--Data required to be 
     reported under subsection (a) may not duplicate information--
       ``(1) submitted to the Corps of Engineers pursuant to 
     section 11 of the Act entitled `An Act authorizing the 
     construction, repair, and preservation of certain public 
     works on rivers and harbors, and for other purposes', 
     approved September 22, 1922 (33 U.S.C. 555), by an ocean 
     common carrier acting as a vessel operator; or
       ``(2) submitted pursuant to section 481 of the Tariff Act 
     of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1481) to U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection by merchandise importers.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 411 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``41110. Data collection.''.

     SEC. 120005. NATIONAL SHIPPER ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) National Shipper Advisory Committee.--Section 
     42502(c)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting ``, including customs brokers or freight 
     forwarders'' after ``ocean common carriers'' each place such 
     term occurs.
       (b) Analysis.--The analysis for chapter 425 of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting before the item 
     relating to section 42501 the following:

``Sec.''.

     SEC. 120006. ANNUAL REPORT AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURES.

       (a)  Report on Foreign Laws and Practices.--Section 
     46106(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (6)--
       (A) by striking ``under this part'' and inserting ``under 
     chapter 403''; and
       (B) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) an identification of any anticompetitive or 
     nonreciprocal trade practices by ocean common carriers;
       ``(8) an analysis of any trade imbalance resulting from the 
     business practices of ocean common carriers, including an 
     analysis of the data collected under section 41110; and
       ``(9) an identification of any otherwise concerning 
     practices by ocean common carriers, particularly such 
     carriers that are--
       ``(A) State-owned or State-controlled enterprises; or
       ``(B) owned or controlled by, is a subsidiary of, or is 
     otherwise related legally or financially (other than a 
     minority relationship or investment) to a corporation based 
     in a country--
       ``(i) identified as a nonmarket economy country (as defined 
     in section 771(18) of the Tariff Act of ( U.S.C. 1677(18))) 
     as of the date of enactment of this paragraph;
       ``(ii) identified by the United States Trade Representative 
     in the most recent report required by section 182 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2242) as a priority foreign 
     country under subsection (a)(2) of that section; or
       ``(iii) subject to monitoring by the Trade Representative 
     under section 306 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 
     2416).''.
       (b) Public Disclosure.--
       (1) In general.--Section 46106 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Public Disclosures.--The Federal Maritime Commission 
     shall publish, and annually update, on the website of the 
     Commission--
       ``(1) all findings by the Commission of false 
     certifications by common carriers or marine terminal 
     operators under section 41104(a)(15) of this title; and
       ``(2) all penalties imposed or assessed against common 
     carriers or marine terminal operators, as applicable, under 
     sections 41107, 41108, and 41109, listed by each common 
     carrier or marine terminal operator.''.
       (2) Conforming and clerical amendments.--
       (A) Conforming amendment.--The heading for section 46106 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``and 
     public disclosure'' after ``report''.
       (B) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 461 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     related to section 46106 and inserting the following:

``46106. Annual report and public disclosure.''.

     SEC. 120007. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS.

       Section 41102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Prohibition on Retaliation.--A common carrier, marine 
     terminal operator, or ocean transportation intermediary, 
     either alone or in conjunction with any other person, 
     directly or indirectly, may not retaliate against a shipper, 
     a shipper's agent, or a motor carrier by refusing, or 
     threatening to refuse, cargo space accommodations when 
     available, or resort to other unfair or unjustly 
     discriminatory methods because the shipper has patronized 
     another carrier, has filed a complaint, or for any other 
     reason.
       ``(e) Certification.--A common carrier or marine terminal 
     operator shall not charge any other person demurrage or 
     detention charges under a tariff, marine terminal schedule, 
     service contract, or any other contractual obligation unless 
     accompanied by an accurate certification that such charges 
     comply with all rules and regulations concerning demurrage or 
     detention issued by the Commission. The certification 
     requirement only applies to the entity that establishes the 
     charge, and a common carrier or marine terminal operator that 
     collects a charge on behalf of another common carrier or 
     marine terminal operator is not responsible for providing the 
     certification, except that an invoice from a common carrier 
     or marine terminal operator collecting a charge on behalf of 
     another must include a certification from the party that 
     established the charge.''.

     SEC. 120008. PROHIBITION ON UNREASONABLY DECLINING CARGO.

       (a) Unreasonably Declining Cargo.--Section 41104 of title 
     46, United States Code, is amended in subsection (a)--
       (1) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) engage in practices that unreasonably reduce shipper 
     accessibility to equipment necessary for the loading or 
     unloading of cargo;'';
       (2) in paragraph (12) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (3) in paragraph (13) by striking the period and inserting 
     a semicolon; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(14) fail to furnish or cause a contractor to fail to 
     furnish containers or other facilities and instrumentalities 
     needed to perform transportation services, including 
     allocation of vessel space accommodations, in consideration 
     of reasonably foreseeable import and export demands; or
       ``(15) unreasonably decline export cargo bookings if such 
     cargo can be loaded safely and timely, as determined by the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard, and carried on a vessel 
     scheduled for the immediate destination of such cargo.''.
       (b) Rulemaking on Unreasonably Declining Cargo.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a 
     rulemaking proceeding to define the term ``unreasonably 
     decline'' for the purposes of subsection (a)(15) of section 
     41104 of title 46, United States Code (as added by subsection 
     (a)).
       (2) Contents.--The rulemaking under paragraph (1) shall 
     address the unreasonableness of ocean common carriers 
     prioritizing the shipment of empty containers while 
     excluding, limiting, or otherwise reducing the shipment of 
     full, loaded containers when such containers are readily 
     available to be shipped and the appurtenant vessel has the 
     weight and space capacity available to carry such containers 
     if loaded in a safe and timely manner.

     SEC. 120009. DETENTION AND DEMURRAGE.

       (a) In General.--Section 41104 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Certification.--Failure of a common carrier to 
     include a certification under section 41102(e) alongside any 
     demurrage or detention charge shall eliminate any obligation 
     of the charged party to pay the applicable charge.
       ``(e) Demurrage and Detention Practices and Charges.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law and not later than 
     30 days of the date of enactment of this subsection, a common 
     carrier or marine terminal operator, shall--
       ``(1) act in a manner consistent with any rules or 
     regulations concerning demurrage or detention issued by the 
     Commission;
       ``(2) maintain all records supporting the assessment of any 
     demurrage or detention charges for a period of 5 years and 
     provide such records to the invoiced party or to the 
     Commission on request; and
       ``(3) bear the burden of establishing the reasonableness of 
     any demurrage or detention charges which are the subject of 
     any complaint proceeding challenging a common

[[Page H930]]

     carrier or marine terminal operator demurrage or detention 
     charges as unjust and unreasonable.
       ``(f) Penalties for False or Inaccurate Certified Demurrage 
     or Detention Charges.--In the event of a finding that the 
     certification under section 41102(e) was inaccurate, or false 
     after submission under section 41301, penalties under section 
     41107 shall be applied if the Commission determines, in a 
     separate enforcement proceeding, such certification was 
     inaccurate or false.''.
       (b) Rulemaking on Detention and Demurrage.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall 
     initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish rules 
     prohibiting common carriers and marine terminal operators 
     from adopting and applying unjust and unreasonable demurrage 
     and detention rules and practices.
       (2) Contents.--The rulemaking under paragraph (1) shall 
     address the issues identified in the final rule published on 
     May 18, 2020, titled ``Interpretive Rule on Demurrage and 
     Detention Under the Shipping Act'' (85 Fed. Reg. 29638), 
     including the following:
       (A) Establishing clear and uniform definitions for 
     demurrage, detention, cargo availability for retrieval and 
     associated free time, and other terminology used in the rule. 
     The definition for cargo availability for retrieval shall 
     account for government inspections.
       (B) Establishing that demurrage and detention rules are not 
     independent revenue sources but incentivize efficiencies in 
     the ocean transportation network, including the retrieval of 
     cargo and return of equipment.
       (C) Prohibiting the consumption of free time or collection 
     of demurrage and detention charges when obstacles to the 
     cargo retrieval or return of equipment are within the scope 
     of responsibility of the carrier or their agent and beyond 
     the control of the invoiced or contracting party.
       (D) Prohibiting the commencement or continuation of free 
     time unless cargo is available for retrieval and timely 
     notice of cargo availability has been provided.
       (E) Prohibiting the consumption of free time or collection 
     of demurrage charges when marine terminal appointments are 
     not available during the free time period.
       (F) Prohibiting the consumption of free time or collection 
     of detention charges on containers when the marine terminal 
     required for return is not open or available.
       (G) Requiring common carriers to provide timely notice of--
       (i) cargo availability after vessel discharge;
       (ii) container return locations; and
       (iii) advance notice for container early return dates.
       (H) Establishing minimum billing requirements, including 
     timeliness and supporting information that shall be included 
     in or with invoices for demurrage and detention charges that 
     will allow the invoiced party to validate the charges.
       (I) Requiring common carriers and marine terminal operators 
     to establish reasonable dispute resolution policies and 
     practices.
       (J) Establishing the responsibilities of shippers, 
     receivers, and draymen with respect to cargo retrieval and 
     equipment return.
       (K) Clarifying rules for the invoicing of parties other 
     than the shipper for any demurrage, detention, or other 
     similar per container charges, including determining whether 
     such parties should be billed at all.
       (c) Rulemaking on Minimum Service Standards.--Not later 
     than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to 
     incorporate subsections (d) through (f) of 41104 of title 46, 
     United States Code, which shall include the following:
       (1) The obligation to adopt reasonable rules and practices 
     related to or connected with the furnishing and allocation of 
     adequate and suitable equipment, vessel space accommodations, 
     containers, and other instrumentalities necessary for the 
     receiving, loading, carriage, unloading and delivery of 
     cargo.
       (2) The duty to perform the contract of carriage with 
     reasonable dispatch.
       (3) The requirement to carry United States export cargo if 
     such cargo can be loaded safely and timely, as determined by 
     the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and carried on a vessel 
     scheduled for such cargo's immediate destination.
       (4) The requirement of ocean common carriers to establish 
     contingency service plans to address and mitigate service 
     disruptions and inefficiencies during periods of port 
     congestion and other market disruptions.

     SEC. 120010. ASSESSMENT OF PENALTIES.

       (a) Assessment of Penalties.--Section 41109 of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil 
     penalty, order the refund of money'' after ``this part''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or refund of money'' after ``conditions, 
     a civil penalty'';
       (2) in subsection (c) by inserting ``or refund of money'' 
     after ``civil penalty'';
       (3) in subsection (e) by inserting ``or order a refund of 
     money'' after ``civil penalty''; and
       (4) in subsection (f) by inserting ``or who is ordered to 
     refund money'' after ``civil penalty is assessed''.
       (b) Additional Penalties.--Section 41108(a) of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 
     41104(1), (2), or (7)'' and inserting ``subsections (d) or 
     (e) of section 41102 or paragraph (1), (2), (7), (14), or 
     (15) of section 41104(a)''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 41309 of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``or refund of money'' after ``payment of 
     reparation''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or to whom the refund of money was 
     ordered'' after ``award was made''; and
       (2) in subsection (b) by inserting ``or refund of money'' 
     after ``award of reparation''.
       (d) Award of Reparations.--Section 41305(c) of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``or (c)'' after ``41102(b)''; and
       (2) by inserting ``, or if the Commission determines that a 
     violation of section 41102(e) was made willfully or 
     knowingly'' after ``of this title''.

     SEC. 120011. INVESTIGATIONS.

       Section 41302 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``or agreement'' and inserting ``, agreement, 
     fee, or charge''.

     SEC. 120012. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.

       Section 41307(b) to title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``and third parties''; and
       (B) by striking the second sentence; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Third party intervention.--The court may allow a 
     third party to intervene in a civil action brought under this 
     section.''.

     SEC. 120013. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Federal Maritime Commission.--The analysis for chapter 
     461 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     the first item relating to chapter 461.
       (b) Assessment of Penalties.--Section 41109(c) of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 41104(1) 
     or (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1) or (2) of section 
     41104(a)''.
       (c) National Shipper Advisory Committee.--Section 
     42502(c)(3) of title 46, United States Code is amended by 
     striking ``Representation'' and all that follows through 
     ``Members'' and inserting ``Representation.--Members''.

     SEC. 120014. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 46108 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``$29,086,888 for fiscal year 2020 and 
     $29,639,538 for fiscal year 2021'' and inserting 
     ``$32,603,492 for fiscal year 2022 and $35,863,842 for fiscal 
     year 2023''.

     SEC. 120015. NAS STUDY ON SUPPLY CHAIN INDUSTRY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of 
     Sciences under which the National Academy shall conduct a 
     study on the United States supply chain that examines data 
     constraints that impede the flow of maritime cargo and add to 
     supply chain inefficiencies and that identifies data sharing 
     systems that can be employed to improve the functioning of 
     the United States supply chain.
       (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) the identification of where bottlenecks or chokepoints 
     are most prominent within the United States supply chain;
       (2) the identification of what common shipping data is 
     created with each hand-off of a container through the United 
     States supply chain and how such data is stored and shared;
       (3) the identification of critical data elements used by 
     any entity covered by subsection (c), including the key 
     elements used for various supply chain business processes;
       (4) a review of the methodology used to store, access, and 
     disseminate shipping data across the United States supply 
     chain and evaluation of the inefficiencies in such 
     methodology;
       (5) an analysis of existing and potential impediments to 
     the free flow of information among entities covered by 
     subsection (c), including--
       (A) identification of barriers that prevent carriers, 
     terminals, and shippers from having access to commercial 
     data; and
       (B) any inconsistencies in--
       (i) terminology used across data elements connected to the 
     shipment, arrival, and unloading of a shipping container; and
       (ii) the classification systems used across the United 
     States supply chain, including inconsistencies in the names 
     of entities covered by subsection (c), geographical names, 
     and terminology;
       (6) the identification of information to be included in an 
     improved data sharing system designed to plan, execute, and 
     monitor the optimal loading and unloading of maritime cargo; 
     and
       (7) the identification of existing software and data 
     sharing platforms available to facilitate propagation of 
     information to all agents involved in the loading and 
     unloading of maritime cargo and evaluate the effectiveness of 
     such software and platforms if implemented.
       (c) Collection of Information.--In conducting the study 
     required under subsection (a), the National Academy of 
     Sciences shall collect information from--
       (1) vessel operating common carriers and non-vessel 
     operating common carriers;
       (2) marine terminal operators;

[[Page H931]]

       (3) commercial motor vehicle operators;
       (4) railroad carriers;
       (5) chassis providers;
       (6) ocean transportation intermediaries;
       (7) custom brokers;
       (8) freight forwarders;
       (9) shippers and cargo owners;
       (10) the National Shipper Advisory Committee;
       (11) relevant government agencies, such as the Federal 
     Maritime Commission, the Surface Transportation Board, and 
     the United States Customs and Border Protection;
       (12) to the extent practicable, representatives of foreign 
     countries and maritime jurisdictions outside of the United 
     States; and
       (13) any other entity involved in the transportation of 
     ocean cargo and the unloading of cargo upon arrival at a 
     port.
       (d) Facilitation of Data Sharing.--In carrying out the 
     study under subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences 
     may solicit information from any relevant agency relating to 
     the United States supply chain.
       (e) Report.--Not later than 18 months after entering into 
     an arrangement with the Secretary under subsection (a), the 
     National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, and make available on a 
     publicly accessible website, a report containing--
       (1) the study required under subsection (a);
       (2) the information collected under subsections (b) and 
     (c), excluding any personally identifiable information or 
     sensitive business information; and
       (3) any recommendations for--
       (A) common data standards to be used in the United States 
     supply chain; and
       (B) policies and protocols that would streamline 
     information sharing across the United States supply chain.

     SEC. 120016. TEMPORARY EMERGENCY AUTHORITY.

       (a) Public Input on Information Sharing.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Federal Maritime Commission shall 
     issue a request for information seeking public comment 
     regarding--
       (A) whether congestion of the common carriage of goods has 
     created an emergency situation of a magnitude such that there 
     exists a substantial adverse effect on the competitiveness 
     and reliability of the international ocean transportation 
     supply system;
       (B) whether an emergency order described in subsection (b) 
     would alleviate such an emergency situation; and
       (C) the appropriate scope of such an emergency order, if 
     applicable.
       (2) Consultation.--During the public comment period under 
     paragraph (1), the Commission may consult, as the Commission 
     determines to be appropriate, with--
       (A) other Federal departments and agencies; and
       (B) persons with expertise relating to maritime and freight 
     operations.
       (b) Authority to Issue Emergency Order Requiring 
     Information Sharing.--On making a unanimous determination 
     described in subsection (c), the Commission may issue an 
     emergency order requiring any common carrier or marine 
     terminal operator to share directly with relevant shippers, 
     rail carriers, or motor carriers information relating to 
     cargo throughput and availability, in order to ensure the 
     efficient transportation, loading, and unloading of cargo to 
     or from--
       (1) any inland destination or point of origin;
       (2) any vessel; or
       (3) any point on a wharf or terminal.
       (c) Description of Determination.--
       (1) In general.--A determination referred to in subsection 
     (b) is a unanimous determination by the Commission that 
     congestion of common carriage of goods has created an 
     emergency situation of a magnitude such that there exists a 
     substantial adverse effect on the competitiveness and 
     reliability of the international ocean transportation supply 
     system.
       (2) Factors for consideration.--In issuing an emergency 
     order under subsection (b), the Commission shall ensure that 
     such order includes parameters relating to temporal and 
     geographic scope, taking into consideration the likely 
     burdens on ocean carriers and marine terminal operators and 
     the likely benefits on congestion relating to the purposes 
     described in section 40101 of title 46, United States Code.
       (d) Petitions for Exception.--
       (1) In general.--A common carrier or marine terminal 
     operator subject to an emergency order issued under this 
     section may submit to the Commission a petition for exception 
     from 1 or more requirements of the emergency order, based on 
     a showing of undue hardship or other condition rendering 
     compliance with such a requirement impractical.
       (2) Determination.--Not later than 21 days after the date 
     on which a petition for exception under paragraph (1) is 
     submitted, the Commission shall determine whether to approve 
     or deny such petition by majority vote.
       (3) Inapplicability pending review.--The requirements of an 
     emergency order that is the subject of a petition for 
     exception under this subsection shall not apply to a 
     petitioner during the period for which the petition is 
     pending.
       (e) Limitations.--
       (1) Term.--An emergency order issued under this section 
     shall remain in effect for a period of not longer than 60 
     days.
       (2) Renewal.--The Commission may renew an emergency order 
     issued under this section for an additional term by a 
     unanimous determination by the Commission.
       (f) Sunset.--The authority provided by this section shall 
     terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (g) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Common carrier.--The term ``common carrier'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 46, United 
     States Code.
       (2) Motor carrier.--The term ``motor carrier'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 13102 of title 49, United 
     States Code.
       (3) Rail carrier.--The term ``rail carrier'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 10102 of title 49, United 
     States Code.
       (4) Shipper.--The term ``shipper'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 40102 of title 46, United States Code.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, my amendment No. 89 is the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, 
H.R. 4996, which the House passed under suspension of the rules on 
December 8, 2021.
  I introduced this legislation with Congressman Dusty Johnson of South 
Dakota last summer to provide the first major overhaul of the Federal 
rules for the global ocean shipping industry in nearly a quarter 
century. We did this because American exporters have a serious and, in 
some cases, an existential problem.
  Many exporters cannot get a container to ship their goods. For those 
who can get a container, they cannot get it on a ship.
  Last Friday, a farmer in my district pleaded for help. His business 
depends upon exporting his crop. He had worked with the normal 
forwarding and shipping companies to no avail. His words were: ``I will 
be out of business. I will lose my market. Help me.''
  For months, I have heard similar words from the wine, almond, walnut, 
beef, and other industries. I know that my colleague, Congressman 
Johnson, has heard the same.
  The Ocean Shipping Reform Act is the solution to this problem. And 
the House has already acted, passing our bill by a strong bipartisan 
vote of 364 yeas to 60 nays.
  All but two members of the House Democratic Caucus voted for our 
bill, and I am looking for them now to vote on this in a positive way. 
Seventy percent of the Republican Conference also voted aye.
  In short, this is among the most bipartisan bills considered in the 
House this Congress, and it has the potential to get signed into law.
  Congressman Johnson and I are offering our Ocean Shipping Reform Act 
as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act, the House counterpart to 
the U.S.-China competition bill passed by the Senate last summer.
  The world has changed greatly since Congress last reformed the 
Federal law governing the global ocean shipping industry. In late 2001, 
the People's Republic of China was granted permanent normal trade 
relations with the United States, the so-called most-favored-nation 
status, following that country's admission to the WTO. The United 
States' trade imbalance with the People's Republic of China grew from 
approximately $83 billion in nominal dollars in 2001 to a trade 
imbalance of over $310 billion in 2020, increasing nearly every year.
  Our bipartisan legislation in this amendment would better support 
American exporters by ensuring reciprocal trade to help reduce the 
United States' longstanding trade imbalance with export-driven 
countries.
  There has also been considerable consolidation among the foreign-
based ocean carriers, coinciding with the continued decline of the 
U.S.-flagged international fleet in favor of foreign flags of 
convenience. A handful of foreign-flagged ocean carriers now dominate 
the global ocean shipping industry. Many of these foreign-flagged 
carriers are effectively controlled by foreign governments: China, 
Taiwan, and South Korea.
  In 2021, as Americans endured monumental port congestion and supply

[[Page H932]]

chain problems, the largest foreign-flagged ocean carriers saw their 
profits more than triple over the previous year. Last year, the China 
Ocean Shipping Company, COSCO, reported annual profits nine times 
greater than the company's earnings in the previous year.
  Madam Speaker, I am here today to say, once again, that foreign 
exporters' access to the American market and our consumers is a 
privilege. It is not a right.
  American agricultural exporters and other businesses are willing to 
pay to ensure that their products reach the emerging market in the 
Asia-Pacific region. In turn, companies looking to off-load foreign-
made products at West Coast ports must provide opportunities for 
American exports.
  In 2019, America exported more than $21.7 billion in agricultural 
products. Our farmers, ranchers, and producers in the Central Valley of 
California and throughout the State have worked for decades to unlock 
foreign export markets. That hard-won access to those valuable foreign 
markets, particularly in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific, is now 
threatened by the ocean carriers' anticompetitive and likely illegal 
business practices.
  Congress must ensure reciprocity in trade with other countries to 
reduce the American trade imbalance, particularly with cheap imports 
from Asia. Even during the pandemic, trade must be mutually beneficial, 
and that is exactly what the Ocean Shipping Reform Act would ensure.
  Dozens of agricultural exporters contacted my office, as I have 
already said, and the outright refusal of American exports is not 
conscionable.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I claim the time in opposition, 
although I am not opposed.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentlewoman is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, this amendment would insert the 
text of H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, into the 
America COMPETES Act.
  The bill passed the House under suspension of the rules with 364 
bipartisan votes in December, and I was proud to support the 
legislation.
  The amendment provides expanded authorities to the Federal Maritime 
Commission, which regulates ocean shipping to protect and ensure 
fairness for U.S. shippers who import and export items to and from the 
U.S.
  The amendment helps American shippers operate on a level playing 
field by increasing protections for U.S. shippers from retaliation by 
foreign shippers who file a complaint with the FMC.
  It also prohibits foreign ocean carriers from unreasonably denying 
the carriage of U.S. export cargo on foreign ocean carriers' vessels if 
such cargo is available, can be loaded safely, and is going to a 
destination on the ship's schedule.
  This provision is important for agricultural producers in Oklahoma 
and across the country who will benefit from increased capacity to ship 
production across the globe.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank Congressmen Garamendi and Johnson for 
their support of the underlying bill and this amendment, and I urge its 
passage.
  Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the Mount 
Rushmore State of South Dakota (Mr. Johnson).
  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam Speaker, some have suggested that 
the supply chain crisis has eased. Now, to be sure, important progress 
has been made, but serious problems still exist, and now is not the 
time for us to take our foot off the gas.
  Notably, although this body has passed the Garamendi-Johnson Ocean 
Shipping Reform Act, the Senate has not yet acted. Let's be clear: 
Action is needed.
  Earlier this week, the dry peas and lentils producers told me that 30 
to 40 percent of their shipments are still being canceled by the 
foreign-flagged ocean carriers. Now, remember, this is an environment 
where 60 percent of the containers that were hauled back to Asia last 
year went back empty. They were empty at a time when American 
agriculture products were aging and, in some cases, spoiling right 
there on the docks.
  Carriers are discriminating against American manufactured and 
agricultural goods.
  This is not a conceptual threat. These practices have already cost 
the American dairy industry more than $1.3 billion, and things could 
get a lot worse.
  Our producers have worked hard to build foreign markets in the 
commodities that Mr. Garamendi mentioned as well as beef, beans, corn, 
and dairy. If those producers cannot meet their obligations, then 
buyers will look elsewhere for food. This has already cost us an 
estimated 22 percent of market share for our ag producers. This is 
unacceptable.
  Now, Mr. Garamendi is right. A functional market has reciprocity. It 
also has basic rules of the road, and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act 
establishes those basic rules of the road. This amendment would add 
OSRA to the underlying bill.
  Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the amendment so that we can 
continue to build momentum.
  Now, in fact, our partners in the Senate, Amy Klobuchar and John 
Thune, are expected to introduce OSRA in their Chamber this week. Yet 
another House vote in support of OSRA will send a clear message to 
Leader Schumer that our bill should be put on the floor for a vote.
  Madam Speaker, we do need to better align the interests of the 
foreign-flagged ocean carriers with those of American manufacturers and 
American ag producers. That is what this amendment does.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from California.
  The question is on the amendment.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


                Amendment No. 124 offered by Ms. Jayapal

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
124 printed in part D of House Report 117-241.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer an amendment to the 
America COMPETES Act section 60501.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 1498, after line 7, insert the following:
       (D) An assessment of--
       (i) humanitarian impacts of U.S. and multilateral sanctions 
     on entities and individuals associated with the current 
     government of Afghanistan and the freeze of $9.4 billion of 
     the Afghan central bank's foreign reserves, including 
     projections regarding potential mortality rate and refugee 
     outflows;
       (ii) the impacts of existing United States and multilateral 
     laws, regulations, and sanctions on the influence of the 
     People's Republic of China in Afghanistan; and
       (iii) projected impacts on illicit finance activity between 
     the People's Republic of China and affiliated entities in 
     Afghanistan in connection with the finances of Afghanistan 
     and the Taliban in the event of a collapse of the licit 
     Afghan banking system.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Washington.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues 
to vote for my amendment to section 60501 of the America COMPETES Act, 
which asks the Treasury Department to study the growth of Chinese 
Government influence and illicit finance in Afghanistan.
  My amendment would also require the Treasury to examine the 
humanitarian impact of U.S. sanctions in Afghanistan, projected 
increases in civilian deaths and refugees, and the resulting effect on 
additional Chinese Government influence in Afghanistan.

[[Page H933]]

  Today's New York Times published a harrowing front-page article 
headlined ``Over a Million Flee as Afghanistan's Economy Collapses,'' 
which reports that for millions already living hand to mouth, Western 
sanctions have led to life-threatening hunger across the country as 
incomes have dried up and humanitarian aid has been obstructed.
  After our withdrawal from Afghanistan, U.S. sanctions on the Taliban 
have impacted the broader functioning of the entire Afghan Government, 
including schools and hospitals, which cannot buy food for patients or 
gas to heat their buildings.
  The New York Times reports that, according to aid organizations, 
starvation could kill 1 million children this winter. These fatalities 
could far exceed civilian deaths resulting from 20 years of war.
  The United States has frozen $9.4 billion of the Afghan central 
bank's foreign reserves, making it impossible for the country's 
financial system to function and threatening to collapse the entire 
economy.
  U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has pleaded for ``increased 
liquidity'' to ``free up frozen currency reserves and reengage 
Afghanistan's central bank'' to ``pull the economy back from the 
brink.''
  Former Republican South Carolina Governor David Beasley, now the head 
of the World Food Programme, similarly said that unless those Afghan 
central bank funds are unfrozen, ``this country will absolutely 
collapse.''
  A senior official at the International Red Cross pointedly asked: 
``Can the international community hold 39 million people hostage to the 
fact that they do not want to recognize the authorities that are now in 
place in Kabul and in Afghanistan?''
  If appeals from the world's leading humanitarian and aid 
organizations on the devastating impacts of current U.S. policy do not 
persuade my colleagues, I ask them to consider whether Afghanistan's 
economic crisis will pose an opportunity for neighboring China to 
expand its influence in the country.

                              {time}  1315

  For those seeking to better understand the Chinese Government's 
influence in Afghanistan and the rise of illicit financial transactions 
in the country, my amendment would ensure that we have this 
information.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, which simply requires 
additional information on the impact of U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan's 
migration, mortality, financial health, and influence from the Chinese 
Government.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I claim time in opposition.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to 
this amendment. The amendment is the latest attempt by Progressives to 
undermine efforts to keep money out of the hands of a terrorist 
organization.
  Following the Biden administration's disastrous withdrawal from 
Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover of the country, the U.S. did 
freeze nearly $9.5 billion in assets of the Afghan central bank to 
prevent the terrorist organization from accessing the funds.
  Other international organizations have taken similar actions. This 
amendment attacks such protections made by the U.S. and our 
international partners. The package already jeopardizes our national 
security by signaling to the Communist leadership in China that we are 
not taking our economic competitiveness and technological leadership 
seriously.
  Now, some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are taking 
it a step further by attempting to include language that encourages 
handing over billions of dollars to a terrorist organization. I am 
disappointed an amendment that helps enrich the Taliban is being 
considered for inclusion in a so-called international competitiveness 
package.
  I encourage my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, we join the American people in telling 
the President that he did the right thing by finally ending this never-
ending war in Afghanistan.
  However, we can't abandon the country and its people. We have to make 
sure we get aid to the people of Afghanistan in the wake of our 20-year 
war there.
  In addition to the moral urgency of reevaluating a set of economic 
policies that threaten to harm untold Afghan civilians, including 1 
million children, American policymakers deserve to have a complete and 
comprehensive picture of what is occurring in Afghanistan, including an 
honest understanding of our own actions, their human impacts, and their 
political and economic effects.
  We must not be afraid to connect the dots. Indeed, this is a pre-
condition to changing U.S. policy when it contributes to outcomes that 
contradict our own interests and our own values. Any report on 
Afghanistan's financial picture would be gravely incomplete without 
also examining current U.S. policies.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, why this particular amendment 
is being put into an America COMPETES Act is beyond me. It is 
emboldening and empowering our adversaries across the world and, 
certainly, with this particular move, you are allowing for terrorist 
organizations to access $9.5 billion.
  While I recognize the humanitarian crisis, this administration is 
responsible for that, candidly.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal).
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Jayapal).
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


           Amendment No. 131 Offered by Mrs. Bice of Oklahoma

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
131 printed in part D of House Report 117-241.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise as the designee of the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), and I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 371, after line 6, insert the following:
       (y) National Science Foundation Study on Inflation.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director shall commission a study 
     to--
       (A) measure the economic impact of inflation on the 
     American people, including an analysis of cost-of-living 
     impacts;
       (B) assess how the increase in inflation has harmed the 
     American workforce through decreased, less valuable wages;
       (C) consider the impact of inflation on American 
     international competitiveness, particularly as it relates to 
     offshoring jobs in the manufacturing industry;
       (D) evaluate the impact of inflation on rural and 
     underserved communities throughout the country;
       (E) assess the ways inflation at its current trajectory 
     could impact future American generations; and
       (F) make recommendations to Congress on the impact of 
     further government spending in regards to inflation.
       (2) Funding.--Of the funds authorized to carry out this 
     section, $1,000,000 shall be used to carry out the study 
     under paragraph (1).
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Oklahoma.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I strongly support this 
amendment, and I thank my fellow Science, Space, and Technology 
Committee member, Representative Young Kim, for first authoring this 
policy.
  According to a recent Gallup Poll, 79 percent of Americans expect 
inflation

[[Page H934]]

to continue to rise over the next 6 months. Inflation isn't an abstract 
concept. Americans across the country are feeling the pinch every day 
at the grocery store, the gas pump, and everywhere else as they buy 
goods to support their families.
  The Consumer Price Index reported earlier this year that inflation 
soared to a record level of 7 percent in 2021, and it only continues to 
grow with Democrats' wasteful spending sprees.
  The underlying bill we are considering today just continues that 
dangerous pattern of reckless spending. Instead of focusing on the 
targeted bipartisan investments in basic research that would help 
America excel in competition against China, the underlying bill is 
filled with partisan slush fund spending.
  We need to address the inflation crisis, and it should be top of mind 
whenever we consider massive spending bills.
  This is why I strongly support this amendment, which directs the 
National Science Foundation to commission a study on the impacts of 
inflation on the American people, our international competitiveness, 
our underserved and rural communities, and our future generations.
  As the U.S. economy rebounds from COVID-19, with the national debt at 
more than $30 trillion, and inflationary risks rising daily, this 
straightforward amendment is sensible, necessary, and timely.
  I want to thank my colleague for her work on this important 
amendment. I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the colleague's 
concern about the impact of inflation on our constituents, especially 
those who are already living on the margins. If anything, this should 
be a wake-up call to us how far too many Americans are living on the 
margins.
  But I will not digress further. This amendment, while well-
intentioned, I am sure, is misplaced.
  Without question, NSF funds important economic research. In fact, 
they have funded nearly all recipients in the history of the Nobel 
Prize in economics. So, surely, there are NSF-funded economists who 
study some of these questions.
  However, this amendment is highly flawed. If the intent is for NSF to 
fund researchers through the traditional grant-making process, this 
amendment circumvents NSF's gold standard merit-review process. In that 
process, the researchers themselves propose the important questions, 
which are then reviewed by their peers.
  If the intent, on the other hand, is for NSF to commission the 
National Academies or some other organization to carry out this study, 
the focus is entirely inappropriate.
  NSF, and sometimes Congress, do call on the National Academies, or 
another respected organization, to carry out studies on particular 
topics, but those studies are notable for some key criteria.
  First, they are not carrying out original research or data analysis. 
They are summarizing the current scientific understanding, as published 
in the peer-reviewed literature.
  And second, they are providing recommendations that guide NSF's own 
decisionmaking in what research topics are highest priority to advance 
to the frontiers of science, and the mechanisms to facilitate that 
research.
  This study meets neither of those essential criteria, not even close. 
Perhaps the Bureau of Economic Analysis has some of these data already 
and can brief the gentlewoman.
  But this is simply inappropriate for the National Science Foundation, 
and I must oppose this amendment.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to reiterate 
my thanks to Representative Kim for her work on the amendment. I urge a 
``yes'' vote to my colleagues, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 900, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice).
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from 
Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice).
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the noes appeared to have it.
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.
  The Chair understands that amendment number 171 will not be offered.
  Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further consideration of H.R. 
4521 is postponed.

                          ____________________