[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 9, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H1405-H1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  2015
   HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY 
                             INITIATIVE ACT

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 973, I call up 
the bill (H.R. 2471) to measure the progress of post-disaster recovery 
and efforts to address corruption, governance, rule of law, and media 
freedoms in Haiti, with the Senate amendment thereto, and ask for its 
immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the Senate 
amendment.
  Senate amendment:

       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Haiti Development, 
     Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States to support the 
     sustainable rebuilding and development of Haiti in a manner 
     that--
       (1) recognizes Haitian independence, self-reliance, and 
     sovereignty;
       (2) promotes efforts that are led by and support the people 
     and Government of Haiti at all levels so that Haitians lead 
     the course of reconstruction and development of Haiti;
       (3) contributes to international efforts to facilitate 
     conditions for broad, inclusive, and sustained political 
     dialogue among the different actors in Haiti to restore 
     democratic legitimacy and institutions in Haiti;
       (4) builds the long-term capacity of the Government of 
     Haiti, civil society, and the private sector to foster 
     economic opportunities in Haiti;
       (5) fosters collaboration between the Haitian diaspora in 
     the United States, including dual citizens of Haiti and the 
     United States, and the Government of Haiti and the business 
     community in Haiti;
       (6) supports anticorruption efforts, promotes press 
     freedom, and addresses human rights concerns, including 
     through the enforcement of sanctions imposed in accordance 
     with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act 
     (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114-328; 22 U.S.C. 
     2656 note) on individuals implicated in human rights 
     violations and corruption;
       (7) respects and helps restore the natural resources of 
     Haiti and strengthens community-level resilience to 
     environmental and weather-related impacts;
       (8) promotes political stability through the holding of 
     free, fair, transparent, and timely elections in accordance 
     with democratic principles and the Constitution of Haiti;
       (9) provides timely and comprehensive reporting on the 
     goals and progress of the Government of Haiti and the United 
     States Government, and transparent post-program evaluations 
     and contracting data; and
       (10) promotes the participation of Haitian women and youth 
     in governmental and nongovernmental institutions and in 
     economic development and governance assistance programs 
     funded by the United States.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.

       In this Act, the term ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 4. STRENGTHENING HUMAN RIGHTS AND ANTICORRUPTION EFFORTS 
                   IN HAITI AND HOLDING PERPETRATORS OF THE LA 
                   SALINE MASSACRE ACCOUNTABLE.

       (a) Prioritization by Secretary of State.--The Secretary of 
     State shall prioritize the protection of human rights and 
     anticorruption efforts in Haiti through the following 
     methods:
       (1) Fostering strong relationships with independent civil 
     society groups focused on monitoring corruption and human 
     rights abuses and promoting democracy in Haiti.
       (2) Supporting the efforts of the Government of Haiti to 
     identify persons involved in human rights violations and 
     significant acts of corruption in Haiti, including public and 
     private sector actors, and hold them accountable for their 
     actions.
       (3) Addressing concerns of impunity for the alleged 
     perpetrators of and the individuals who organized and planned 
     the massacre in La Saline that took place on November 13, 
     2018.
       (4) Urging authorities to continue to investigate attacks 
     in the neighborhoods of La Saline

[[Page H1406]]

     and Bel Air in 2018 and 2019 that left dozens dead in order 
     to bring the perpetrators to justice.
       (b) Briefing.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall brief the 
     appropriate congressional committees on the events that took 
     place on November 13, 2018, in the neighborhood of La Saline, 
     in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and the aftermath of those events.
       (2) Elements.--The briefing required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An examination of any links between the massacre in La 
     Saline and mass protests that occurred concurrently in Haiti.
       (B) An analysis of the reports on the massacre in La Saline 
     authored by the United Nations, the European Union, and the 
     Government of Haiti.
       (C) A detailed description of all known perpetrators of and 
     the individuals who organized and planned the massacre.
       (D) An overview of efforts of the Government of Haiti to 
     bring the perpetrators of and the individuals who organized 
     and planned the massacre in La Saline to justice and to 
     prevent other similar attacks.
       (E) An assessment of the ensuing treatment and displacement 
     of the survivors of the massacre in La Saline.
       (3) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall consult with nongovernmental organizations in 
     Haiti and the United States.

     SEC. 5. PROMOTING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND ASSEMBLY IN HAITI.

       The Secretary of State shall prioritize the promotion of 
     freedom of the press and freedom of assembly and the 
     protection of journalists in Haiti through the following 
     methods:
       (1) Advocating to Haitian authorities for increased 
     protection for journalists and the press and for the freedom 
     to peacefully assemble or protest in Haiti.
       (2) Collaborating with officials of the Government of Haiti 
     and representatives of civil society to increase legal 
     protections for journalists in Haiti.
       (3) Supporting efforts to strengthen transparency in the 
     public and private sectors in Haiti and access to information 
     in Haiti.
       (4) Using United States foreign assistance for programs to 
     strengthen capacity for independent journalists and increase 
     support for investigative journalism in Haiti.

     SEC. 6. SUPPORTING POST-EARTHQUAKE, POST-HURRICANE, AND POST-
                   COVID-19 RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT IN HAITI.

       The Secretary of State, in coordination with the 
     Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
     Development, shall prioritize post-earthquake, post-
     hurricane, and post-COVID-19 recovery and development efforts 
     in Haiti through the following methods:
       (1) Collaborating with the Government of Haiti on a 
     detailed and transparent development plan that includes clear 
     objectives and benchmarks.
       (2) Building the capacity of Haitian-led public, private, 
     and nongovernmental sector institutions in Haiti through 
     post-earthquake and post-hurricane recovery and development 
     planning.
       (3) Assessing the impact of the recovery efforts of the 
     United States and the international community in Haiti since 
     January 2010.
       (4) Supporting disaster resilience and reconstruction 
     efforts.
       (5) Addressing the underlying causes of poverty and 
     inequality.
       (6) Improving access to--
       (A) health resources;
       (B) public health technical assistance; and
       (C) clean water, food, and shelter.
       (7) Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on post-
     disaster recovery efforts and evaluating United States 
     support needed to help with the pandemic response in Haiti.
       (8) Supporting--
       (A) the export of additional United States-produced COVID-
     19 vaccine doses to Haiti; and
       (B) the safe storage, transport, and end-to-end 
     distribution of United States-produced COVID-19 vaccines 
     throughout Haiti, in light of ongoing humanitarian access 
     challenges presented by Haiti's security environment.

     SEC. 7. REPORT ON DEVELOPMENTS IN HAITI.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of the United States 
     Agency for International Development (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Administrator'') and other relevant 
     agencies and departments, shall submit to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a report on developments in Haiti.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A strategy for carrying out sections 4(a), 5, and 6, 
     including established baselines, benchmarks, and indicators 
     to measure outcomes and impact.
       (2) An assessment of major corruption committed among the 
     public and private sectors in Haiti, including identification 
     of any individual or entity that financed corruption 
     activities, and all corruption prosecutions investigated by 
     the judiciary of Haiti since January 2015.
       (3) An overview of efforts of the Government of Haiti to 
     address corruption, including the Petrocaribe scandal, and 
     corrective measures to strengthen and restore trust in the 
     public institutions of Haiti.
       (4) A description of efforts of the United States 
     Government to consult and engage with officials of the 
     Government of Haiti and independent civil society groups 
     focused on monitoring corruption and human rights abuses and 
     promoting democracy and press freedom in Haiti since January 
     2015.
       (5) A description of the response by the Government of 
     Haiti to civic protests that have taken place since July 2018 
     and any allegations of human rights abuses, including attacks 
     on journalists.
       (6) An assessment of United States security assistance to 
     Haiti, including United States support to the Haitian 
     National Police and an assessment of compliance with section 
     620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2378d) 
     and section 362 of title 10, United States Code (commonly 
     referred to as the ``Leahy Laws'').
       (7) A description of the efforts of the Government of Haiti 
     to support displaced survivors of urban and gang violence.
       (8) An assessment of United States interagency efforts to 
     counter kidnapping and armed violence in Haiti.
       (9) An assessment of the impact of presidential decrees on 
     the health of Haiti's democratic institutions and the 
     safeguarding of human rights, including decrees relating to--
       (A) reducing the authority of the Superior Court of 
     Accounts and Administrative Litigation;
       (B) promulgating an antiterrorism law;
       (C) establishing the National Intelligence Agency; and
       (D) retiring and subsequently appointing judges to the 
     Supreme Court of Haiti.
       (10) A review of the alleged coup against President Moise 
     on February 7, 2021, and subsequent arrest and jailings of 
     alleged perpetrators.
       (11) An analysis, conducted in collaboration with the 
     Government of Haiti, of efforts to support development goals 
     in Haiti since January 2015, including steps taken--
       (A) to strengthen institutions at the national and local 
     levels; and
       (B) to strengthen democratic governance at the national and 
     local levels.
       (12) An analysis of the effectiveness and sustainability of 
     development projects financed by the United States, including 
     the Caracol Industrial Park and supporting infrastructure.
       (13) A description of procurement from Haitian small- and 
     medium-sized businesses and nongovernmental organizations by 
     the Government of the United States and the Government of 
     Haiti for development and humanitarian activities, 
     disaggregated by year since 2015, and a description of 
     efforts to increase local procurement, including food aid.
       (14) A description of United States efforts since January 
     2015 to assist the Haitian people in their pursuits for free, 
     fair, and timely democratic elections.
       (15) An overview of United States efforts to cooperate with 
     diplomatic partners in Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, 
     and Europe to engage with political leaders, civil society, 
     the private sector, and underrepresented populations in Haiti 
     to support a stable environment conducive to holding free and 
     fair elections.
       (16) Quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess 
     progress and benchmarks for United States initiatives focused 
     on sustainable development in Haiti, including democracy 
     assistance, economic revitalization, natural disaster 
     recovery, pandemic response, resilience, energy and 
     infrastructure, health, and food security.
       (c) Consultation.--In preparing the report required by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary and the Administrator shall 
     consult, as appropriate, with--
       (1) nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups 
     in Haiti and the United States; and
       (2) the Government of Haiti.
       (d) Public Availability.--The Secretary shall make the 
     report required by subsection (a) publicly available on the 
     website of the Department of State.

     SEC. 8. REPORT ON THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT JOVENEL 
                   MOISE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in 
     coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security, and the Director of the Central 
     Intelligence Agency, shall submit to the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
     of the House of Representatives a report on the July 7, 2021, 
     assassination of former President of Haiti Jovenel Moise.
       (b) Updated Report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     submission of the report required by subsection (a), the 
     Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney 
     General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director 
     of the Central Intelligence Agency, shall submit to the 
     Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     an updated version of the report that includes any 
     significant developments related to the assassination of 
     former President of Haiti Jovenel Moise.
       (c) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) and 
     the report required by subsection (b) shall each include the 
     following elements:
       (1) A detailed description of the events leading up to the 
     assassination of former President Jovenel Moise and the 
     subsequent investigation of the assassination, including a 
     description and identification of key dates and the names of 
     foreign persons related to the assassination and the 
     investigation of the assassination.
       (2) A description of United States support for the efforts 
     of Haitian authorities to investigate the assassination of 
     former President Jovenel Moise.
       (3) An assessment of the independence and capacity of 
     Haitian authorities to investigate the assassination of 
     former President Jovenel Moise, including analysis of 
     significant advances and deficiencies of the investigation.
       (4) A description of any threats and acts of intimidation 
     against Haitian law enforcement and judicial authorities 
     involved in the investigation of the assassination of former 
     President Jovenel Moise, including the identification of 
     foreign

[[Page H1407]]

     persons involved in such threats and acts of intimidation.
       (5) A description of any efforts to interfere in or 
     undermine the independence and integrity of the investigation 
     of the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise.
       (6) A description of whether any foreign persons previously 
     employed by or who served as a contractor or informant for 
     the United States Government were involved in the 
     assassination of former President Jovenel Moise.
       (7) A description and the identification of foreign persons 
     involved in the execution and planning of the assassination 
     of former President Jovenel Moise and an assessment of the 
     intentions of such foreign persons.
       (d) Form of Report.--The report required by subsection (a) 
     and the updated report required by subsection (b) shall each 
     be submitted in an unclassified form, but each may include a 
     classified annex.
       (e) Publication.--The Secretary of State shall post on the 
     public website of the Department of State--
       (1) the unclassified version of the report required by 
     subsection (a) not later than 15 days after the date on which 
     the report is submitted under such subsection; and
       (2) the unclassified version of the report required by 
     subsection (b) not later than 15 days after the date on which 
     the report is submitted under such subsection.
       (f) Briefing Requirement.--The Secretary of State, in 
     coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security, and the Director of the Central 
     Intelligence Agency, shall brief the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
     of the House of Representatives on--
       (1) the contents of the report required by subsection (a) 
     not later than 15 days after the date on which the report is 
     submitted under such subsection; and
       (2) the contents of the report required by subsection (b) 
     not later than 15 days after the date on which the report is 
     submitted under such subsection.

     SEC. 9. REPEAL.

       The Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2014 (22 U.S.C. 2151 
     note; Public Law 113-162) is repealed.

     SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

       This Act shall terminate on December 31, 2025.


                            Motion to Concur

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the motion.
  The text of the motion is as follows:

       Ms. DeLauro of Connecticut moves that the House concur in 
     the Senate amendment to H.R. 2471 with an amendment 
     consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 117-35 
     modified by the amendment printed in House Report 117-269.
  (For text of the House amendment to the Senate amendment, see Book II 
of this Record.)
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 973, the motion 
shall be debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the 
chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations.
  The gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro) and the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Granger) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Connecticut.


                             General Leave

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the House amendment to the Senate 
amendment to H.R. 2471.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of our 2022 government funding 
legislation.
  This package makes historic investments in the middle class and 
people who are living paycheck to paycheck. They deserve a government 
that, instead of catering to the wealthy and big corporations, bends 
over backwards to support them. By providing a 6.7 percent increase for 
nondefense funding, the largest increase in 4 years, that is exactly 
what we are doing.
  What a marker we have put down. That is translated into funding for 
agriculture, increased by 6 percent; energy and water, increased by 6.6 
percent; 5.7 percent increase for financial services and general 
government; 5.2 percent increase for interior and environment; a 7.5 
percent increase for transportation and housing; 11.8 percent increase 
for legislative branch, which includes support for the Capitol Police 
who put their lives on the line defending this body; and a 7.5 percent 
increase for labor, health, and human services, and education to 
support Americans at every stage of their lives. That is what this bill 
represents after years of stalled investment in each area.
  With the funding included in this package, we are helping working 
families with the cost of living; we are helping students pay for the 
high cost of education; we are giving hardworking families a better 
chance to own their own homes; and we are connecting rural communities 
to the internet so that they can reach their full potential.
  We are putting Americans back to work by creating jobs here in 
America, helping small businesses, supporting job training, rebuilding 
our infrastructure, including unlocking the full funding provided by 
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
  We are supporting the vulnerable by feeding the hungry and the food 
insecure through nutrition assistance, making housing more affordable, 
and addressing gender-based violence.
  And we are tackling our toughest challenges. We are confronting 
climate change through environmental enforcement. We are supporting 
environmental justice with $100 million, an $83 million increase over 
last year. We are making historic investments in clean energy and 
climate science.
  By rebuilding our public health infrastructure, investing in 
lifesaving biomedical research, with $3.2 billion, an increase of $104 
million, for HIV/AIDS research, and confronting urgent health crises, 
we are making healthcare more affordable for more Americans.
  And we are going to ensure that big corporations and the wealthy pay 
their fair share to support these investments by increasing funding for 
the IRS to $12.6 billion.
  Think about the leaders that we hoped to emulate as we entered public 
life, all of us, leaders like Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve 
as the U.S. Secretary of Labor and one of the principal architects of 
the New Deal. She once said, ``I came to Washington to work for God, 
FDR and the millions of forgotten, plain common workingmen,'' and I add 
women.
  She, as well as my parents, told me to battle for working people, 
never to take no for an answer. They said work for the everyday 
citizen.
  With this government funding legislation, we are here tonight as well 
to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. As the world watches 
in horror, civilians--including children, the ill, expectant mothers--
are being targeted by Russia's unprovoked and utterly inhumane attacks.
  We are becoming witness to one of the worst humanitarian crises we 
have seen in generations, which is why this bill provides $13.6 billion 
in humanitarian assistance, defense support, and economic aid to help 
the Ukrainian people in their most desperate hour of need.
  We care for our servicemembers and our veterans by providing $224 
million for the military's child development centers; strengthening the 
VA with $598 million for suicide prevention outreach of veterans; and 
$840 million for gender-specific care and programmatic efforts for 
women.

  At the Labor, Health, and Human Services and Education, and Related 
Agencies Subcommittee, which I am honored to chair, we go even further 
to expand access to education, Head Start, childcare, lifesaving 
biomedical research, public health, maternal health, mental health, job 
training, and worker protection; and we support workers and support the 
skills they need to succeed.
  We deliver for our students by providing the largest increase to Pell 
grants since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. By 
investing $14.5 billion for special education programs, $75 million for 
full-service community schools, $17.5 billion to support low-income 
students, we are giving millions of students a chance to access higher 
education and unlock a lifetime of opportunity.
  We make healthcare more affordable and accessible; $8.5 billion for 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We bolster the public 
health infrastructure. We confront pressing health crises with $1 
billion for maternal and child health, $2 billion for mental health, 
and $3.9 billion for substance use treatment.

[[Page H1408]]

  Finally, we are strengthening lifesaving biomedical research, 
accelerating the pace of scientific breakthroughs with $6.9 billion for 
the National Cancer Institute, $1 billion to establish the Advanced 
Research Projects Agency for Health, ARPA-H. Together we are 
accelerating the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as 
ALS, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cancer.
  I must, however, express my disappointment that the Hyde amendment 
remains in this bill. I am the first Appropriations chair since 1977 to 
remove it, because I understand that this is an offensive and 
discriminatory policy which has shut out countless women from the 
reproductive healthcare that they deserve for more than 40 years. While 
Republicans blocked our efforts, I will never stop fighting to ensure 
equal treatment for women.
  The ten bills in this package include community projects funding, 
which meets the urgent needs in districts across the country and sends 
a clear message to the American people that Congress is working for 
them.
  I conclude with this comment from Frances Perkins, who said in her 
farewell address:

       There is always a large horizon, and it is up to us to 
     contribute some small part to a program of human betterment 
     for all time.

  I believe that through this government funding package, we are 
proving that that horizon is not only large, but it is endless.
  There is no limit to what we can achieve, and for the first time in a 
long time I believe we show just how government can work for working 
people once again and to achieve the betterment of humankind.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members' support for this transformative 
investment in working families and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2471, a bill that will 
provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of this 
fiscal year. While it has taken us far too long to get here, I am glad 
we were able to produce a bill that includes many funding priorities 
that I support.
  Since last summer, I have made it clear that House Republicans would 
oppose Appropriations bills unless they increase defense spending, 
restrain nondefense spending, include all longstanding policy 
provisions, and do not include any poison pill riders.
  After months of negotiations, we reached a deal that meets all four 
of these criteria. The bill before us increases defense spending by 
roughly 6 percent, which is $4.5 billion above the NDAA; rejects the 
President's proposed 16 percent increase in nondefense spending; 
includes the Hyde amendment and other critical pro-life policies; and 
drops other controversial language.
  For defense, the bill provides our military and our troops with the 
resources they desperately need. The roughly $42 billion increase in 
defense spending across all the appropriations bills will improve 
military readiness, start key modernization initiatives, and support 
our brave warfighters and their families so they can improve their 
quality of life.
  The package also contains an additional $1 billion for Israel's Iron 
Dome to allow Israel to replace the interceptors that were used in the 
most recent conflict.
  The bill also ensures the safety and security of the American people 
by increasing overall funding for Homeland Security by 11 percent, 
including increases for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs 
and Border Protection.
  New funding is also included to increase staff for the Border Patrol, 
which would address the crisis at our southwest border.
  Because of this bill, President Trump's successful remain in Mexico 
program will continue, and President Biden's plan to cancel existing 
border wall funding will be rejected.
  I am proud to say that this bill not only funds the police, it 
increases resources for law enforcement agencies to address the 
troubling nationwide increase in crime.
  Also before us today is crucial assistance to help the Ukrainian 
people, the Ukrainian Government respond to Russia's invasion. I know 
we all share the feeling of shock and grief as we witness Russia's 
attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine and its aggression across 
innocent people.
  To close, I want to thank my colleagues, Chairwoman DeLauro, Senator 
Shelby, Senator Leahy, and the subcommittee chairs and ranking members 
for their work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting the items in this bill that enhance our national security, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on 
Energy and Water.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, please let me thank Chair DeLauro for her 
persevering leadership on this critical bill, and I would like to thank 
Ranking Member Simpson for his productive partnership, as well as the 
Energy and Water Subcommittee staff and majority clerk, Jaime Shimek, 
for their work.
  The Energy and Water division of this bill is a historic investment 
in American jobs, innovation, and competitiveness. It engages and 
advances all energy technologies to assure America's energy 
independence in perpetuity and for our security while sustaining life 
on Earth.
  Our bill delivers for the American people by investing $8.3 billion 
in the Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild America's water 
infrastructure and prepare for increasing rainfall, rising sea levels, 
and desertification;
  $1.92 billion in the Bureau of Reclamation for the West's water 
management;
  $44.9 billion in the Department of Energy, including $3.2 billion for 
energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to spur good-paying 
jobs and lower costs for the middle class.
  Importantly, our bill responsibly funds our nuclear deterrent and 
enhances nonproliferation efforts.
  In sum, the energy and water division builds forward for America's 
critical goals. Our bill invests in the hardworking men and women who 
make, build, and grow America. Now more than ever, our bill is needed 
to unleash American progress in this new century.
  Finally, as chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I want to 
highlight the Congress' swift and essential support for Ukraine. On a 
bipartisan basis, it is this House, as Article 1 of the Constitution, 
that has always led on providing aid to Ukraine. The $13.6 billion in 
emergency funding includes vital resources for Ukraine and her brave 
people to meet their urgent economic and humanitarian needs.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure 
unanimously.

                              {time}  2030

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the former chairman of the Committee on 
Appropriations and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on State, 
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.
  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the 
introduction.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to salute Chairman DeLauro and Ranking Member 
Granger of the full committee for putting together a final 
appropriations package for the year. It is a fair compromise that 
includes funding for many priorities here at home and abroad.
  As ranking member of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, 
and Related Programs, I want to highlight a few priorities included in 
the SFOPS section of the bill that provide critical funding to our 
allies and partners during a time of great angst around the globe.
  Although essential military and economic aid for the brave people of 
Ukraine is included elsewhere in the bill as an emergency supplemental 
appropriation, base funding for State-Foreign Operations is essential 
to our national security.
  Following the chaotic Afghan withdrawal by this administration, and a 
full-scale assault on Ukraine by President Putin, it is critically 
important that this Congress sends a signal to the rest of the world 
that the United States stands by its allies and partners.
  We do so here by including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing 
for Israel and robust, continued support for other key partners in the 
Middle East like Egypt and Jordan. Funding is

[[Page H1409]]

also increased for our efforts to counter the malign influence of the 
Chinese Government.
  In our own hemisphere, the bill increases funding for one of our most 
important partners in the region, Colombia, as they continue to work to 
thwart drug producers and traffickers. The bill also prioritizes 
funding to address the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids 
into the United States from Mexico and China.
  I am also pleased to report that the agreement restores all 
protections for the unborn that are in current law, including a 
prohibition on the use of funds to pay for abortion. At no time should 
U.S. taxpayer dollars be used to kill the unborn. We must always 
protect the sanctity of life.
  Finally, this omnibus provides critical resources for southern and 
eastern Kentucky, I am proud to say. It continues our fight against the 
opioid epidemic, which is as important now as it has ever been.
  It provides record funding for my Abandoned Mine Land Economic 
Revitalization Program, which is creating new economic opportunities 
across Appalachia and throughout my district.
  It includes my community project funding requests, which will provide 
important resources to our first responders, help protect Kentuckians 
from future floods, improve access to clean water, fight the scourge of 
opioids, improve medical care, and promote economic growth.
  This bill is a substantial improvement on the House-passed bill, and 
I commend our chairwoman and ranking member for their hard work on this 
package.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee 
on Defense.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2022.
  As chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I want to 
thank Ranking Member Calvert for his partnership and Chair DeLauro and 
Ranking Member Granger for their leadership.
  For fiscal year 2022, the Defense bill provides a total of $728.5 
billion. That is $32.5 billion above the 2021 level. The House bill 
that I wrote was a much lower number, but this is the number I was 
instructed to mark up to.
  We prioritized critical investments and our most important national 
security asset, our servicemen and -women and their families.
  Here are a few examples: a 2.7 percent pay raise for over 2 million 
uniformed servicemembers and 750,000 DOD civilian employees; an 
additional $167 million so all DOD personnel can earn at least a $15 
minimum wage; an additional $397 million for basic housing and 
subsistence allowances so that our servicemembers can feed their 
children properly; $97 million to enact the Independent Review 
Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military; $37 billion for Defense 
Health and medical research programs, including $577 million for cancer 
research; historic levels of DOD investments in clean energy, climate 
adaptation, and facility resiliency; a $486 million increase of 
environmental restoration activities, including $210 million for PFOS/
PFOA cleanup; and an additional $686 million to respond to the Red Hill 
fuel spill in Hawaii.
  This bill confronts Vladimir Putin's illegal and unjust invasion of 
Ukraine by providing robust funding for the Ukraine Security Initiative 
and NATO's partners and allies.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is long overdue. It is time for Congress to do 
our work to pass this omnibus bill and fund our government.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of the fiscal year 
2022 omnibus appropriations bill and particularly the Energy and Water 
Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
  As ranking member of the subcommittee, I say to my colleagues: It is 
a strong bill and deserves bipartisan support.
  There are, of course, things I would have done differently had I been 
the only one writing the bill. I am sure my chairwoman would be able to 
say the same thing. But that is the nature of bipartisan negotiations. 
Everyone has to give a little in order to get what each needs most.

  First and foremost, this bill strongly supports our national nuclear 
security programs, providing $20.7 billion, which is an increase of 
almost $1 billion above fiscal year 2021 and above the Biden 
administration's budget request. This funding supports the maintenance 
and modernization of our nuclear weapons complex and supports the 
Navy's nuclear propulsion program.
  Harbor maintenance trust fund activities at the Corps of Engineers 
are funded at more than $2 billion, in accordance with the Water 
Resources Development Act of 2020.
  Efforts to guard our energy sector against cyberattacks are increased 
above last year and even above both House and Senate bills.
  The bill continues investments in a wide array of energy sources, 
including fossil energy, hydropower, energy storage, and--one of my 
highest priorities--nuclear energy. The bill provides $1.65 billion for 
nuclear energy, including increased funding for the advanced small 
modular reactors program; continued support for the Advanced Reactor 
Demonstration Program; and initiation of a new program to ensure a 
domestic supply of high-assay, low-enriched uranium that will be 
necessary for many of the advanced reactor designs currently under 
development.
  Before I yield back, I would like to note the hard work of our full 
committee leadership, my ranking member, Kay Granger, as well as Chair 
DeLauro.
  Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee 
Chairwoman Kaptur and I again worked well together with our Senate 
partners, Senator Feinstein and Senator Kennedy.
  Finally, I would like to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle 
for their hard work to help bring this bill to completion: on the 
majority staff, Jaime Shimek, Scott McKee, Brian Smith, Michael Brain, 
Will Ostertag, and Lauren Leuck; on the Republican side, Angie 
Giancarlo; and for my personal office, Sarah Cannon.
  Mr. Speaker, the fiscal year 2022 energy and water bill is a good 
bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the chair of the Appropriations 
Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related 
Agencies.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this far-reaching spending bill that 
lowers costs, creates jobs, and rethreads our safety net.
  As chair of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans 
Affairs, and Related Agencies, I am very proud of our funding for 
veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
  We steer $14.9 billion to critical base infrastructure to add new 
barracks and childcare centers and rid military family housing of mold 
and lead. It also invests in climate change and energy resilience on 
bases, devoting $150 million to PFAS contamination cleanup.
  It provides more to NATO and the European Deterrence Initiative, 
devoting $631 million to confront Russian aggression.
  For Veterans Affairs, it provides $112 billion to tackle disability 
claim backlogs, boost medical research, fully fund veteran medical 
care, and make major investments in women's health and mental health 
and suicide and homelessness prevention.
  I thank Ranking Member Carter and Ranking Member Granger for our 
close work together on this good bill, and I thank both the majority 
and minority staff.
  I am very proud of what this bill delivers to Florida, like investing 
$2 million into the Virginia Graeme Baker pool and spa safety grant 
program to curb drownings.
  We also add a record $350 million to restore the Everglades, the 
lifeblood of south Florida. This is on top of the $1.1 billion 
President Biden just allocated to our River of Grass in the bipartisan 
infrastructure law.

[[Page H1410]]

  Florida cities win, too, because we unleash infrastructure funds and 
provide local government formula funding and fund local community 
projects for the first time in more than a decade. For Dania Beach, 
that is $3 million to rebuild the C.W. Thomas Park Community Center. In 
Sunrise, it is $2 million for flood protection.
  There is tons more, from increased breast cancer screenings and 
reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act to provide lifesaving 
funds to curb domestic violence and sexual assaults. We even create a 
cancer screening program for disadvantaged communities that honors our 
departed dear friend, Alcee Hastings.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill helps every American every day. I urge my 
colleagues to support it.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on 
Homeland Security.
  Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for his hard 
work on this arduous project, this omnibus bill. I also want to extend 
my thanks to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Chair 
DeLauro and Chair Roybal-Allard, for their hard work.
  We disagree with many of the things that the majority has put forth 
in this, but we in the minority have gotten a lot of key wins for the 
American people in this bill.
  Coming over, Mr. Speaker, tonight on a cold, damp Washington evening, 
I was thinking about what I would say. This is a job well done.
  I rise in support of this bill. This is not the bill that I would 
have written. This is certainly not the bill that the majority would 
have written.
  Within this beltway, within this town, we have a dialect. We have a 
Washington-speak sometimes that should and does befuddle the American 
people. So, tonight is time for straight talk. Straight talk means that 
the needs of our Nation, the needs of the United States of America, 
change on an annual basis. The world doesn't stay the same.

  A few weeks ago, the world changed for the worse when Russia invaded 
the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Things change. Priorities change. 
Funding needs change.
  That is why, as appropriators, we come together every year and, 
ideally, address the Nation's changing needs--whether in defense; 
education; Department of Energy; and, in my case, homeland security--to 
address the needs of the American people.
  Now, this is an omnibus bill, ``omni'' from the Greek meaning 
``all,'' not ``cromni'' meaning ``some,'' but ``all.''
  Now, think about that. In one of the most partisan-charged times in 
American history, Republicans and Democrats, Senators and Members of 
the House, and the White House can come together and forge an agreement 
that gets all 12 bills done.
  To the American people watching, this is an accomplishment. It is not 
perfect. Of course, it is not.
  Now, the priorities that I champion in this bill, $1.9 billion to 
build the wall--very important. I know the majority doesn't like that. 
We got that in.
  The Iron Dome, I stood in this Chamber a few months ago, and I 
bellowed at the majority for stripping that out. I was very upset that 
day, and I knew a lot of people in the majority wanted Iron Dome in 
there like all the Republicans did as well. We got that in this bill. 
Our beloved ally, Israel, will now be able to defend itself with the 
Iron Dome.
  Our great United States Coast Guard will be getting more ships and 
more funding in the homeland bill. ICE beds will be funded.
  There are a lot of key priorities. Yes, I respectfully and strongly 
disagreed with Chair DeLauro when she was talking about her opposition 
to the Hyde amendment, and she has a right to her opinion. That is what 
is great about this Chamber.
  But we have the Hyde protections in this bill to protect the unborn. 
That is law in America, and that will remain law in America, those Hyde 
protections to make sure that the right to life, that sacred right to 
life--that abortions are never paid for by the American taxpayer.

                              {time}  2045

  So it was a compromise. There were some things in this bill, 
obviously, that I don't particularly care for, but key missions through 
the Department of Energy in my beloved city of Oak Ridge--my goodness, 
when we vote for this, please know that in the Department of Energy, 
the NNSA, the National Nuclear Security Administration that is in the 
Department of Energy, funds to keep our Nation's nuclear arsenal safe 
and secure, the funding is there for the uranium processing facility, 
$600 million.
  So this is a compromise bill. There is no question about that. But 
think about this, my friends in the majority and in the minority, to 
all of the staff who worked tirelessly to get this bill done, this is 
not easy work because of the bona fide differences that exist between 
the parties.
  We have gotten it done for the American people. No, it is not 
perfect. But, yes, it is good. It is going to help the people of 
Ukraine. It is going to help our country move forward.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Cartwright), the chairman of the Appropriations 
Subcommittee on Commerce Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.
  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  I rise in support of this omnibus bill, in particular, the Commerce-
Justice-Science title of the bill.
  In commerce it makes smart investments that create good-paying 
American jobs with economic growth. It supports American manufacturing.
  In justice, it makes funding increases for the police, creating 
better circumstances for public safety, for fighting crime, reducing 
gang and gun violence and in hate crime prevention.
  And in science, it provides robust support for things Americans are 
proud of like NASA, the National Science Foundation, climate science 
research.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the staff for a lot of hard work on this bill. I 
thank Ranking Member Aderholt for working with me, and I urge support 
for this package.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Calvert), the ranking member of the Defense 
Subcommittee.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  I rise today in strong support of this omnibus appropriations 
package. As the ranking member of the Defense Appropriations 
Subcommittee, I will outline why America's position in the world 
depends on the passage of this bipartisan bill.
  But first I want to thank Chair DeLauro for her hard work and Ranking 
Member Granger for putting this together. I thank my partner and 
friend, Chair Betty McCollum, for the hard work that she has put into 
this bill to make it a reality, and certainly the staff on both sides 
who have been working day and night to put this together and certainly 
my clerk, Johnny Kaberlie, who has done a yeoman's job of getting this 
done.
  Over the past several weeks, we have witnessed Russia invade a 
sovereign nation, indiscriminately killing civilians to the horror of 
the world. As a matter of fact, just a few hours ago a maternity ward 
was bombed by Russia, killing new mothers and babies just a few hours 
ago. And while this happens, President Xi, Kim Jong Un, and other 
autocrats are watching closely to see how the United States will 
respond.
  I firmly believe that today we are closer to a large-scale conflict 
with a near-peer adversary than we have been in recent memory. We must 
get this bill to the President's desk as soon as possible to respond to 
these acts of aggression. Weakness is provocative, and a year-long 
continuing resolution would undoubtedly demonstrate weakness on a 
global stage.
  Included in the defense portion of this bill are many priorities for 
Members of both parties that will strengthen our military. These 
include 13 new Navy ships, increased investment in next-generation 
capability, like hypersonics, full funding for our nuclear 
modernization, and investments in our servicemembers and their 
families.
  And as ranking member, I fought hard to make sure this bill gets the 
DOD what it needs. We began hearings for the fiscal year 2022 saying 
that the Mattis national defense strategy is the correct strategy, that 
we need a 3 to 5

[[Page H1411]]

percent net real growth above inflation for fiscal years 2022 to 2025. 
Although nobody anticipated inflation at the levels we have seen, I am 
proud to say the Republicans secured a 6 percent funding increase over 
last year's funding level.
  I am also proud to say that we worked closely with the Armed Services 
and Intelligence Committees to make sure all the priorities across 
national security were addressed.
  Thanks to the bipartisan commitment of Chairwoman Betty McCollum, 
House Republicans were able to secure over 2,000 Member funding 
priorities on our side of the aisle like additional Strykers, C-130Js, 
F-35 modernization, and critical programs. I thank Chair McCollum for 
her staff and her hard work on this package.
  Failing to pass this piece of legislation will only further extend 
the devastating effects of our military readiness, modernization, and 
lethality that we have witnessed over the last 6 months.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as the world watches, we must send the 
message that this Congress stands ready to strengthen its military, to 
stand by its allies, and continue to make the world a safer and more 
prosperous place.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
New Jersey (Ms. Sherrill).
  Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  I would like to engage in a colloquy with Chair DeLauro regarding the 
Strategic Long-Range Cannon.
  I ask my friend from Connecticut, is it the intent of the committee 
that a portion of the funds provided under the Technology Maturation 
Initiatives line be used to invest in the development of the SLRC 
program, should the program supply a spend plan?
  Ms. DeLAURO. Will the gentlewoman yield?
  Ms. SHERRILL. I yield to the gentlewoman from Connecticut.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  The agreement permits the Army to use 2022 funds for the Strategic 
Long-Range Cannons so long as it produces a comprehensive funding plan 
and a detailed schedule of activities.
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  I thank Ranking Member Granger, our Senate partners, Chairman Leahy, 
Vice Chairman Shelby, our cardinals, and all of our Members. I salute 
the staff on both sides of the aisle. I won't mention all their names 
in the interest of time, but these are the most unbelievably 
professional individuals I have ever met. They do the job every single 
day and night and they are up all night.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairwoman DeLauro, Ranking 
Member Granger, and all of the Members of the Appropriations Committee 
for their hard work to bring this bipartisan legislation together.
  I want to highlight several important inclusions in this package that 
are noteworthy and that reflect our Majority's commitment to governing 
responsibly For the People.
  First, this legislation includes a robust, emergency aid package to 
help the Ukrainian people and their military fight back against 
Vladimir Putin's criminal invasion, defend their freedom and their 
democracy, and address the humanitarian crisis resulting from this 
unprovoked attack while strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense.
  Second, this package will provide strong funding for the essential 
safety-net programs that enable Americans to make better lives for 
themselves and their families and keep millions of Americans from 
falling into poverty.
  I am particularly pleased that a number of key priorities for which I 
have been advocating were included in this package.
  Among them is a 21 percent increase in office budgets to make 
allowance for competitive pay for our staff here on Capitol Hill. This 
will enable us to recruit and retain the best and brightest to help us 
serve the American people and better reflect our nation's diversity.
  I am also glad that this bill funds the Department of Education's 
Full-Service, Community Schools program at $75 million.
  We were able to come together as well to reauthorize the Violence 
Against Women Act, which the House passed last year.
  Additionally, this omnibus includes $95 million for the Election 
Assistance Commission (EAC) and election grants to help states improve 
their voting systems.
  Last summer, I offered--and the House adopted--a Floor amendment to 
the House's Financial Services and General Government title directing 
the EAC to set aside $4 million for the purpose of administering the 
program that encourages college students to volunteer as poll workers 
in their communities--a program created under my Help America Vote Act 
legislation in 2002. As this bill heads to the President's desk, it is 
my expectation that the EAC will allocate this funding to that program 
as directed.
  I also want to thank appropriators for including language to direct 
the GSA to move forward expeditiously with the selection of a site for 
a new consolidated FBI headquarters at one of the three locations 
previously identified in Maryland or Virginia. This project has now 
been ongoing for fourteen years and needs to be concluded, and the 
decision to move forward needs to be made within six months.
  This omnibus reauthorizes our intelligence programs as well, and it 
funds the replenishment and enhancement of Israel's Iron Dome missile 
defense system. Furthermore, it includes Rep. Brad Schneider's 
legislation directing the State Department to continue expanding and 
deepening the Abraham Accords and promoting the normalization of 
relations between Arab states and Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Members as well for their efforts to 
identify and support requests for community project funding, which is 
back this year under strict rules to protect the process and ensure 
that it is ethical, transparent, and accountable. Members know our 
districts better than those working in the executive branch, which is 
why this facet of the appropriations process, derived from Congress's 
constitutional power of the purse, has always been very important and 
beneficial to our communities.
  This is an omnibus that all of us can be proud to support. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in voting for this legislation, and I hope the 
Senate will approve it swiftly as well so that President Biden can sign 
it without delay.
  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to speak on the FY 
2022 appropriations package. I thank Ranking Member Granger for 
yielding me the time and for her outstanding leadership this year.
  I also want to thank my counterpart, CJS Subcommittee Chairman 
Cartwright for his partnership over the last year.
  Within the CJS title, we've been able to increase funding for the 
Space Launch System, the Exploration Upper Stage, and other space 
technologies. All are key in our efforts to establish a strategic 
presence on the Moon ahead of Russia and China.
  There are increases provided to support our communities within 
agencies such as the DOJ and NOAA. We're investing millions of 
additional dollars to improve our ability to understand and forecast 
extreme weather, so that local leaders can help create more resilient 
communities, and Americans can get safely out of harm's way when 
dangerous weather strikes.
  We're increasing funding for critical drug court programs and other 
vital initiatives that address the opioid epidemic, as well as DNA 
analysis programs that are helping to solve cold cases.
  Even as we reflect on the spending priorities within this package for 
our own citizens, we must not turn our eyes away from the atrocities 
being committed by Vladimir Putin against the people of Ukraine.
  Today, we stand in strong support of the people and forces of our 
ally. Putin's violent attempt to strip Ukrainians of their freedom will 
be met with an even stronger force because of our help.
  American strength has long been a deterrent of global conflict. I 
take this responsibility seriously and will continue working to ensure 
adequate funding is provided to meet both the immediate and long-term 
security needs of this country.
  I encourage my colleagues to support the security package within the 
omnibus appropriations bill and ensure the Ukrainians have the 
resources they need to defend themselves from these heinous acts.
  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. 
As Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug 
Administration, and Related Agencies subcommittee I am pleased to 
highlight the national priorities funded in our division which impacts 
the lives of all Americans from heartland to coast, farms to cities, 
and everything in between.
  First, our bill makes important, USDA-wide investments to ensure 
equitable participation in USDA programs, address the impacts of 
climate change, and support staff and leadership offices at USDA.

[[Page H1412]]

  The bill includes over $550 million for the expansion of broadband 
service, including $450 million for the Reconnect program.
  Our bill fully funds all the domestic nutrition programs and includes 
a significant investment to increase the amounts of fruits and 
vegetables offered in the WIC program. Additionally, there is $2 
billion for international food aid.
  The bill provides $1.87 billion for farm programs, including $61 
million in loan authority to address heirs property issues.
  The bill includes $3.5 billion for agriculture research programs, 
including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute 
of Food and Agriculture to keep American agriculture the best and most 
bountiful in the world.
  The bill includes a total of $3.3 billion for FDA and provides 
targeted increases to ensure Americans have access to the safest food 
and medicine.
  This is a good bill and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  I want to thank our Ranking Member, Andy Harris, and the majority and 
minority committee staff.
  I also want to thank Chair DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger for 
their leadership through this process.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Committees on 
the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget, I rise in support of 
the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, the 
``Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022'' which provides funding for 
federal government operations for the remainder of this fiscal year--
through September 30, 2022--and prevents a wasteful and irresponsible 
shutdown of the federal government.
  The Consolidated Appropriations Act includes all 12 appropriations 
bills that fund the federal government through the end of Fiscal Year 
2022, as well as urgently needed supplemental appropriations.
  The legislation includes $13.6 billion in emergency funding for the 
courageous people of Ukraine, to support their security and 
humanitarian efforts as they struggle to survive and battle against the 
invading Russian army.
  I am particularly pleased that the Consolidated Appropriations Act 
specifically includes $24,435,000 for Community Funding Projects in 
Houston that will directly help my constituents and enable all Houston-
area residents to benefit from quality-of-life improvements.
  The provisions of the omnibus spending act that resulted from my 
requests for Community Funding Projects include:
  $1,500,000 for the Port of Houston Authority to begin a sedimentation 
study concurrent with the deepening and widening of the Houston Ship 
Channel in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  $975,000 for the City of Houston Police Department to enable 
employment of nine (9) crime victim advocates via the BYRNE Justice 
Assistance Grants Program who will help the department provide a 
trauma-informed response for victims of violent crimes.
  $1,060,000 for the Houston Independent School District to construct 
``The Vison'' Community Statue and Community Project on the historic 
Booker T. Washington High School campus.
  $3,000,000 to the City of Houston for two revitalization projects of 
cultural assets: construction of the Bethune Empowerment Center and the 
East End Facility for Latino Arts (Talento Bilingue de Houston).
  $9,950,000 to help Harris County prevent flooding by providing funds 
for the Stormwater Detention Basin and Culvert Improvement project, and 
its operations.
  $1,950,000 for Jacinto City for Northeast Water Mains & Fire Hydrant 
Improvements, to replace aging water and delivery infrastructure to a 
large portion of Jacinto City's residential and business districts.
  $1,000,000 for the Houston Independent School District for Project 
Engagement, an initiative to provide social and emotional learning 
services to high-needs students, including social and emotional 
learning supports.
  $2,000,000 for Houston Community College to fund a Regional 
Resiliency Operations Center (RROC) for program development, training 
and certification of disaster and mitigation professionals.
  $1,000,000 for community mental health treatment and support services 
to the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation in Houston to 
establish a juvenile justice diversion program that identifies gaps in 
services and provides resources for families and their children who 
were involved in the criminal justice system.
  $2,000,000 for Texas Southern University in Houston to fund 
facilities and equipment for its Urban Public Health Initiative--Health 
Professions Education and Workforce Development and Health Facilities 
Construction and Equipment Program.
  I strongly support this legislation and urge all Members to join me 
in voting for the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, 
the ``Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022''.
  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the Fiscal Year 2022 
omnibus bill.
  I want to thank Chair DeLauro for her leadership and perseverance in 
bringing this omnibus to the finish line. It has been hard fought and I 
can confidently say that the American people will benefit from the 
investments made in this bill.
  Thank you, Ranking Member Joyce, for your collaboration and 
partnership through this process. And thank you, Ranking Member 
Granger.
  For fiscal year 2022, the Interior and Environment division provides 
$38 billion.
  This is an increase of almost $2 billion over last year's enacted 
level, which is a 5 percent increase.
  This bill makes long-overdue investments to care for our planet, 
fight the climate emergency, and meet our trust obligations to tribal 
nations.
  The bill prioritizes the protection and preservation of our 
landscapes and biodiversity, providing $14.4 billion for the Department 
of the Interior.
  It supports the administration's initiatives on climate change and 
affirms the role of science as the foundation for decision making.
  The bill provides necessary resources to deal with the threat of 
wildfires in the West, providing $5.5 billion for Wildland Fire 
Management and it invests in programs to improve the health of our 
forests and make them more resilient.
  The bill also includes major investments to clean up pollution and 
protect human health and the environment. It invests heavily in 
environmental justice, and I am proud that we are providing an 
unprecedented $100 million for these efforts, which is a nearly 700 
percent increase.
  Additionally, the bill provides $3.3 billion for grant programs to 
make drinking water and sewer system improvements, remove lead from our 
taps, improve air quality, and strengthen our nation's recycling 
infrastructure.
  These grants have profound impacts on public health and the 
environment, but they also are economic drivers that create good paying 
American jobs.
  This bill supports the Arts and Humanities by providing the largest 
increase in twelve years to the National Endowment for the Arts and the 
National Endowment for the Humanities.
  And finally, this bill supports Native American families by investing 
in a strong and resilient Indian Country, including through education 
and health care programs.
  The investments in this bill will improve the lives of Americans and 
I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this omnibus 
appropriations bill. I want to thank Chair DeLauro, my fellow 
cardinals, and the Speaker for seeing this critical process through. 
Providing funding for the operation of our federal government is among 
our most important Constitutional duties. This package provides 
critical funding for health care, housing and human needs. It also 
includes specific community project funding important to my community 
in the East Bay as well as communities across the country. These are 
crucial investments in a more humane, equitable and sustainable future. 
I urge all my colleagues to support it.
  As Chair of the subcommittee on the State Department and Foreign 
Operations, I have worked to ensure that this bill includes the support 
that our diplomats and development professionals need to contribute to 
a better, safer world. The State and Foreign Operations division of 
this bill provides $56.1 billion, which is $595 million above 2021.
  In addition, it includes $6.8 billion in assistance to respond to the 
humanitarian and economic crisis caused by Russia's invasion of 
Ukraine. Added to the resources in the base SFOPS bill, we will be 
better able to address the historic levels of global displacement and 
humanitarian need resulting from natural disasters, conflict, and the 
pandemic.
  The bill includes $9.83 billion to support the health of families and 
communities around the world, a $634 million increase over last year. 
This includes $5.95 billion for PEPFAR to help them end the HIV 
pandemic by 2030, as well as increases for tuberculosis, global health 
security and maternal and child health.
  I am very proud of the steps this bill takes to increase diversity, 
equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the nation's diplomatic and 
development workforce. The bill includes $8 million for paid 
internships at the Department of State and robustly funds various 
workforce diversity initiatives at both the Department of State and 
USAID, including for the Pickering and Rangel Fellowships.
  We also added new language about nondiscrimination in humanitarian 
operations stemming from disturbing reports of unfair treatment of 
people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
  Unfortunately, a number of crucial investments and policy issues that 
I fought to include in this bill were not included in this final

[[Page H1413]]

agreement. We should be doing more to confront the climate crisis, to 
protect women's health and reproductive rights, and pay America's debts 
to international organizations. The need to overcome the filibuster in 
the other chamber blocked progress on these critical priorities in this 
bill. It's past time to end the filibuster and get on with the people's 
work. I will not stop fighting to meet these challenges and support the 
rights of Americans and all people to live in a more just, humane, and 
sustainable world.
  There is no question that this omnibus represents an important step 
forward to invest in America. Once again, I thank Chair DeLauro and the 
Speaker for leading this effort to make the critical investments in 
this omnibus bill, and I urge all my colleagues to support it.
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of H.R. 2471, the 
fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill.
  Every Member has met with countless constituents who have pleaded for 
Congress to do more to address diseases that are currently death 
sentences . . . pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma, 
ALS.
  Today's legislation delivers for those constituents by providing $1 
billion to create an independent Advanced Research Projects Agency for 
Health, ARPA-H.
  ARPA-H will embody the nimble spirit of the esteemed Defense Advanced 
Research Project Agency to pursue large-scale, high-risk projects. It 
will break the mold for federal research agencies by being uniquely 
focused on solving the ``valley of death'' to deliver transformational 
cures. ARPA-H will correct the gap that currently exists between the 
basic research pursued by the National Institutes of Health and the 
development of commercial products by the private sector. With this 
mission, ARPA-H will drive scientific breakthroughs to improve our 
nation's health and will help fulfill President Bidens promise to end 
cancer as we know it.
  I'm proud to have championed this bipartisan investment in this 
year's budget.
  Our work is not yet done. As Health Subcommittee Chairwoman, I look 
forward to passing my ARPA-H bill to provide the agency the full 
authorities it needs to be successful from Day One.
  I've worked on this legislation over the past year after President 
Biden convened a small group of bipartisan and bicameral members in the 
West Wing last March to describe his vision for the agency.
  I came to Congress to solve problems and better the lives of the 
American people. It is with great pride and joy to vote for today's 
budget that will fund the beginning of ARPA-H. This is a momentous 
first step in creating an agency that will be a beacon of hope to the 
American people.
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, in regards to Division P, Title 
III--Medicare, Subtitle A--Telehealth Flexibility Extensions, Sec 308. 
Reports on Telehealth Utilizations, an analysis of racial and ethnic 
minorities as well as dual Medicare and Medicaid eligible beneficiaries 
should be considered by the Commission. By not including racial and 
ethnic minorities in this study, Congress will be unable to identify 
potential health inequities that occur with regard to accessing 
telehealth services. Furthermore, the inclusion of dual eligible 
populations will allow Congress to account for differences in socio-
economic status with telehealth services. By including racial and 
ethnic minorities and dual eligible beneficiaries, we can ensure 
vulnerable populations have equitable access to telehealth services.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
  Pursuant to House Resolution 973, the previous question is ordered. 
The question of adoption of the motion is divided.
  The first portion of the divided question is: Will the House concur 
in the Senate amendment with the matter proposed to be inserted as 
Divisions B, C, F, X, and Z, and titles 2 and 3 of Division N of the 
amendment of the House?
  The question is on the first portion of the divided question.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Ms. GRANGER. 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.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further 
consideration of the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 
2471 with an amendment is postponed.

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