[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 131 (Thursday, August 4, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4039-S4044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

  The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and 
were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:

       POM-175. A resolution from the House of Representatives of 
     the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico expressing its firm support 
     to congressional bill H.R. 7409, known as the ``Territorial 
     Relief Under Sustainable Transitions for Puerto Rico Act of 
     2022'' (Trust for Puerto Rico Act of 2022), introduced by 
     Congressman Ritchie Torres, that would amend the Puerto Rico 
     Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) 
     in order to facilitate the termination of the Financial 
     Oversight Board after certification of a balanced budget for 
     two consecutive fiscal years; to the Committee on Energy and 
     Natural Resources.

                        House Resolution No. 764

       Ove the past decades, Puerto Rico's economic growth has 
     experienced a deceleration that has resulted in the loss of 
     competition in the private sector and a severe financial 
     crisis in the governmental sector.
       The Island's economic recession began in 2006. However, it 
     should be noted that the financial crisis precedes it, 
     because previous government administrations issued debt 
     amounting to billions of dollars to finance budget deficits, 
     thus presenting to the Island the illusion of a balanced 
     budget, as provided by our Constitution. It is worth noting 
     that a $45 billion debt was issued between 2000 and 2012. 
     Approximately half of the money was used to finance budget 
     deficits and to defray the government's payroll expense and 
     spending.
       We must remember that the financial crisis broke that 
     started during the first decade of the 21st century led to 
     the subsequent enactment of the Puerto Rico Oversight, 
     Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) and the 
     creation of the Financial Oversight Board, hereinafter the 
     ``Board,'' for the purpose of managing Puerto Rico's 
     finances.
       Ever since PROMESA and the Board became effective in 2016, 
     the government of Puerto Rico has maneuvered to meet the 
     financial requirements imposed within this new reality. Under 
     PROMESA, the territorial government must approve a balanced 
     budget for four (4) consecutive fiscal years in order to 
     require the termination of the Board. Given this scenario, it 
     must be noted that, since the Board began operations, the 
     first balanced budget was approved by the current Legislative 
     Assembly for fiscal year 2021-2022.
       In view of this context, and given the imposition of an 
     antidemocratic body such as the Financial Oversight Board, 
     Congressman Ritchie Torres started this initiative to amend 
     PROMESA in order to reduce the required number of balanced 
     budgets from four (4) to just two (2). Furthermore, this 
     measure establishes that the Board shall be terminated 90 
     days after the certification of the second balanced budget. 
     Thus, any ambiguity within the statute in effect regarding 
     the Board's termination is eliminated.
       This House of Representatives believes that the bill 
     introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres (H.R. 7409, better 
     known as ``Trust for Puerto Rico Act of 2022'') provides a 
     mechanism to restore power to the people of Puerto Rico, and 
     consequently, to its democratically elected officials. 
     Liberty and democracy are two pillars of our government and 
     our goal must be to strengthen them; therefore, we are duty-
     bound to promote and support policies aimed at its 
     attainment. It is time to raise our voices and join in any 
     effort that seeks to restore the people of Puerto Rico's 
     control and power over its finances as soon as possible.
       For all of the foregoing, this House of Representatives 
     expresses its firm support to congressional bill H.R. 7409, 
     known as the ``Territorial Relief Under Sustainable 
     Transitions for Puerto Rico Act of 2022'' (Trust for Puerto 
     Rico Act of 2022), introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres. 
     This bill would amend the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, 
     and Economic Stability Act

[[Page S4040]]

     (PROMESA) in order to facilitate the termination of the 
     Financial Oversight Board after the certification of a 
     balanced budget for two consecutive fiscal years.
       Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of Puerto 
     Rico:
       Section 1.--The House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby expresses its firm support 
     to congressional bill H.R. 7409, known as the ``Territorial 
     Relief Under Sustainable Transitions for Puerto Rico Act of 
     2022'' (Trust for Puerto Rico Act of 2022), introduced by 
     Congressman Ritchie Torres, that would amend the Puerto Rico 
     Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) 
     in order to facilitate the termination of the Financial 
     Oversight Board after the certification of a balanced budget 
     for two consecutive fiscal years.
       Section 2.--A copy of this Resolution shall be translated 
     into the English language and delivered to the President of 
     the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden and the 
     leadership of the United States Congress.
       Section 3.--This Resolution shall take effect upon its 
     approval.
                                  ____

       POM-176. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of 
     Michigan urging the adoption of policies that will help lead 
     to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United 
     States, including ending the state's efforts to shut down 
     Line 5; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

                       Senate Resolution No. 114

       Whereas, Plentiful affordable energy is essential for the 
     well-being of the American people. The lack of an adequate 
     energy supply leads to higher prices, fewer jobs, and threats 
     to public health and safety. It should be the policy of the 
     government at every level to ensure that energy is available, 
     accessible, reliable and as affordable as possible; and
       Whereas, For decades, the United States has too greatly 
     relied on sources of energy produced on the other side of the 
     world. While the United States has enjoyed a higher degree of 
     energy independence in the last decade due to an increase in 
     domestic oil production, we still import tens of millions of 
     barrels of foreign crude oil from overseas each month; and
       Whereas, As a direct result of both federal and state 
     policies and foreseeable world events, gas prices in the 
     United States are rising at the fastest pace recorded since 
     2000. Not only are rising gas prices eating away at recent 
     wage growth and increasing the risk of a recession, they also 
     could have sweeping impacts for U.S. consumers as higher 
     diesel prices raise the cost of shipping goods through 
     already stressed supply chains, disproportionately affecting 
     low-income families and citizens; and
       Whereas, Enacting policies that will lead to energy 
     independence is necessary for the safety and prosperity of 
     the American people. Reliance on overseas oil has the 
     potential to maximize the leverage of foreign producers. 
     While the Biden Administration's efforts to isolate and 
     weaken Vladimir Putin have been welcome and necessary, our 
     reliance on sources of energy originating on other continents 
     creates a potential risk that those sources could be 
     jeopardized by United States' actions abroad, which limit our 
     ability to preserve and protect American values. Ensuring 
     that the United States' economy can support itself without 
     relying on supply chains that span the globe and without risk 
     of foreign political disruptions is critical to job growth 
     and competition in the United States; and
       Whereas, President Biden, United States Secretary of Energy 
     Jennifer Granholm, Governor Whitmer, Michigan Attorney 
     General Nessel, and other elected officials have pursued 
     policies that have harmed our ability to achieve energy 
     independence, including the President's decision to halt the 
     Keystone XL pipeline and the Governor's and Michigan Attorney 
     General's attempts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline, a 
     crucial source of energy for millions of Michiganders; and
       Whereas, Protecting our environment is better accomplished 
     with domestically produced fossil fuels, which are believed 
     to be significantly cleaner than those found in other parts 
     of the world; and
       Whereas, The United States must focus on policies that 
     increase the production of energy here at home, such as 
     ensuring the continued safe operation of the Line 5 pipeline 
     in Michigan, increasing domestic oil and gas drilling, 
     increasing investments in renewable energy, and abandoning 
     policies that limit domestic energy production and raise the 
     capital costs associated with fossil fuel development; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the adoption of 
     policies that will help lead to energy independence and lower 
     energy costs in the United States; and be it further
       Resolved, That we urge Governor Whitmer and Michigan 
     Attorney General Nessel to immediately cease their efforts to 
     shut down the Line 5 pipeline and instead work proactively to 
     lower energy costs for the residents of this state; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Governor, the Michigan Attorney General, the 
     commissioners of the Michigan Public Service Commission, the 
     commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 
     the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy, the 
     Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, 
     the President of the United States, the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, and the entire Michigan congressional 
     delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-177. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Michigan urging the adoption 
     of policies that will help lead to energy independence and 
     lower energy costs in the United States, including ending the 
     state's efforts to shut down Line 5; to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources.

                        House Resolution No. 250

       Whereas, Plentiful affordable energy is essential for the 
     well-being of the American people. The lack of an adequate 
     energy supply leads to higher prices, fewer jobs, and threats 
     to public health and safety. It should be the policy of the 
     government at every level to ensure that energy is available, 
     accessible, reliable and as affordable as possible; and
       Whereas, For decades, the United States has too greatly 
     relied on sources of energy produced on the other side of the 
     world. While the United States has enjoyed a higher degree of 
     energy independence in the last decade due to an increase in 
     domestic oil production, we still import tens of millions of 
     barrels of foreign crude oil from overseas each month; and
       Whereas, As a direct result of both federal and state 
     policies and foreseeable world events, gas prices in the 
     United States are rising at the fastest pace recorded since 
     2000. Not only are rising gas prices eating away at recent 
     wage growth and increasing the risk of a recession, they also 
     could have sweeping impacts for U.S. consumers as higher 
     diesel prices raise the cost of shipping goods through 
     already stressed supply chains, disproportionately affecting 
     low-income families and citizens; and
       Whereas, Enacting policies that will lead to energy 
     independence is necessary for the safety and prosperity of 
     the American people. Reliance on overseas oil has the 
     potential to maximize the leverage of foreign producers. 
     While the Biden Administration's efforts to isolate and 
     weaken Vladimir Putin have been welcome and necessary, our 
     reliance on sources of energy originating on other continents 
     creates a potential risk that those sources could be 
     jeopardized by United States' actions abroad, which limit our 
     ability to preserve and protect American values. Ensuring 
     that the United States' economy can support itself without 
     relying on supply chains that span the globe and without risk 
     of foreign political disruptions is critical to job growth 
     and competition in the United States; and
       Whereas. President Biden, United States Secretary of Energy 
     Jennifer Granholm, Governor Whitmer, Michigan Attorney 
     General Nessel, and other elected officials have pursued 
     policies that have harmed our ability to achieve energy 
     independence, including the President's decision to halt the 
     Keystone XL pipeline and the Governor's and Michigan Attorney 
     General's attempts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline, a 
     crucial source of energy for millions of Michiganders; and
       Whereas, Protecting our environment is better accomplished 
     with domestically produced fossil fuels, which are believed 
     to be significantly cleaner than those found in other parts 
     of the world; and
       Whereas, The United States must focus on policies that 
     increase the production of energy here at home, such as 
     ensuring the continued safe operation of the Line 5 pipeline 
     in Michigan, increasing domestic oil and gas drilling, 
     increasing investments in renewable energy, and abandoning 
     policies that limit domestic energy production and raise the 
     capital costs associated with fossil fuel development; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the 
     adoption of policies that will help lead to energy 
     independence and lower energy costs in the United States; and 
     be it further
       Resolved, That we urge Governor Whitmer and Michigan 
     Attorney General Nessel to immediately cease their efforts to 
     shut down the Line 5 pipeline and instead work proactively to 
     lower energy costs for the residents of this state; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Governor, the Michigan Attorney General, the 
     commissioners of the Michigan Public Service Commission, the 
     commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 
     the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy, the 
     Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, 
     the President of the United States, the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, and the entire Michigan congressional 
     delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-178. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Arizona urging the United States Congress to 
     pass the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock 
     Mines Act to allow Good Samaritan groups to clean up 
     abandoned mines in this country; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.

                  House Concurrent Resolution No. 2008

       Whereas, the United States has more than 140,000 abandoned 
     hardrock mines, and more than 22,000 of these pose 
     environmental hazards that threaten our land, water, fish and 
     wildlife and the communities that depend on them; and
       Whereas, the mining industry and the conservation community 
     are highly motivated

[[Page S4041]]

     to remedy the environmental challenges created by abandoned 
     mines but are hindered by burdensome red tape and potential 
     and significant liability risks; and
       Whereas, numerous organizations have expressed a 
     willingness to remediate the damage caused by these long-
     abandoned mines, but doing so would expose a ``Good 
     Samaritan'' volunteer to legal liability for all the 
     preexisting pollution from a mine despite having no previous 
     involvement with it; and
       Whereas, the bipartisan ``Good Samaritan Remediation of 
     Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act'' has been introduced in 
     Congress that would allow state agencies, local governments, 
     nonprofit groups and corporations to clean up these abandoned 
     mines, thereby helping to reduce pollution and improve water 
     quality in and around the mining areas; and
       Whereas, this important legislation creates a path forward 
     for Good Samaritans to work unimpeded and increase the pace 
     and scale of reclamation and, in so doing, create jobs and 
     enhance our nation's environment. Therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of 
     Arizona, the Senate concurring:
       1. That the Members of the Legislature express their 
     support for the United States Congress to pass the Good 
     Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act to 
     allow Good Samaritan groups to clean up abandoned mines in 
     this country.
       2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona 
     transmit copies of this Resolution to the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State 
     of Arizona.
                                  ____

       POM-179. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Michigan urging the United 
     States Congress to expand the federal Family First Prevention 
     Services Act by allowing flexibility in the use of Title IV-E 
     funds to help children remain safely in their homes; to the 
     Committee on Finance.

                        House Resolution No. 262

       Whereas, In the United States, nearly half a million 
     children are in foster care. Michigan ranks 18th in the 
     country for the number of children, per capita, placed in 
     out-of-home care, with approximately 13,000 children in 
     foster care or a residential placement on any given day; and
       Whereas, Research shows that children in the foster system 
     have the best outcomes when they are placed in a safe and 
     stable environment that supports their long-term well-being. 
     Instead of subjecting children to the trauma of being 
     separated from their family and placed out of their home, 
     more efforts are being made to provide struggling and 
     overburdened families with the resources they need to create 
     a stable and loving environment; and
       Whereas, The Family First Prevention Services Act. signed 
     into law in 2018, was enacted to help increase the number of 
     children who can remain safely at home with their families. 
     The law allows states to use federal funding available under 
     Title IV-E of the Social Security Act to address some of the 
     issues that contribute to family separation. Currently, the 
     Family First Prevention Services Act allows funding for a 
     narrow range of services, including substance use prevention 
     and treatment, in-home parenting skills classes, and kinship 
     navigator services. While these services are essential, there 
     are many other areas in which families require assistance; 
     and
       Whereas, Poverty and homelessness, for example, have been 
     shown to be associated with the separation of families, and 
     many studies have documented that children in families who 
     experience homelessness frequently become separated from 
     their parents. Poverty leads to housing instability and 
     parents often struggle to provide for their children's basic 
     needs. Helping parents out of poverty and providing stable 
     environments for children would allow more families to stay 
     together, which would reduce the number of children that have 
     to endure the foster care system; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the 
     United States Congress to expand the federal Family First 
     Prevention Services Act by allowing flexibility in the use of 
     Title IV-E funds to help children remain safely in their 
     homes; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 
     the President of the United States Senate, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-180. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of 
     Michigan urging the United States Congress to enact 
     legislation to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities 
     Education Act; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions.

                       Senate Resolution No. 129

       Whereas, Children with disabilities deserve quality 
     education to develop skills so they can fully participate in 
     social, economic, and political life. Many of these children 
     face significant barriers to education and are more likely to 
     be out of school. Ensuring access to education is the best 
     way to help children with disabilities realize their full 
     potential; and
       Whereas, Congress has established that equal access to 
     education for students with disabilities is an essential 
     element of our national policy by passing the Individuals 
     with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In the Act, Congress 
     states that disability is a natural part of the human 
     experience, and the IDEA is meant to ensure equality of 
     opportunity and economic self-sufficiency for all individuals 
     with disabilities; and
       Whereas, While the IDEA has resulted in increased access to 
     education for millions of students, the Act remains 
     dangerously underfunded. In the original 1975 legislation, 
     Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost of 
     special education services required by the Act. However, as 
     of 2020, the federal government was covering only 14.6 
     percent of the cost, despite a 25 percent increase in the 
     number of students served; and
       Whereas, The IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 866) was introduced 
     in 2019 to require that Congress fund the IDEA at the 40 
     percent level that was originally promised. Similar 
     legislation needs to be introduced this session in order to 
     ensure that the federal government is paying its fair share 
     of the cost of special education services and to alleviate 
     the financial burden on individual school districts; and
       Whereas, Students and teachers suffer when Congress fails 
     to live up to its funding commitment. School districts are 
     forced to cover the costs with a scarcity of resources and 
     must sometimes divert funds away from other programs that 
     serve all students. In addition, schools have less funding 
     for teacher salaries and classroom resources, making it more 
     difficult to recruit and retain high-quality teachers; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of 
     the United States to enact legislation to fully fund the 
     Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so children with 
     disabilities have equal access to educational opportunity; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-181. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Missouri urging the President of the United 
     States to designate a state funeral for the last surviving 
     Medal of Honor recipient form World War II; to the Committee 
     on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

                  Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28

       Whereas, World War II, the most widespread war in history, 
     lasted from 1939 until 1945; and
       Whereas, the United States entered the war in 1941, 
     following an attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese fighter 
     planes; and
       Whereas, over sixteen million Americans served their 
     country and the Allied powers over the course of the war; and
       Whereas, the generation of men and women who served our 
     country in World War II has been called the ``greatest 
     generation'' for their selfless sacrifice; and
       Whereas, the Medal of Honor is the highest military 
     decoration that is awarded by the United States government; 
     and
       Whereas, the Medal of Honor is presented by the President 
     of the United States, in the name of Congress; and
       Whereas, the Medal of Honor is only conferred upon members 
     of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves 
     through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of 
     life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in 
     action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged 
     in military operations involving conflict with an opposing 
     foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces engaged 
     in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which 
     the United States is not a belligerent party; and
       Whereas, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded 
     to our nation's bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, 
     and coast guardsmen since the creation of the award in 1861; 
     and
       Whereas, the Medal of Honor was awarded to 353 Americans 
     during World War II; and
       Whereas, only one of those 353 Americans is alive today; 
     and
       Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams of West Virginia served 
     his country with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the 
     risk of life and therefore deserves the gratitude of the 
     American people; and
       Whereas, the President of the United States has the sole 
     authority to designate a state funeral; and
       Whereas, historically, the President of the United States 
     has designated state funerals for former presidents, 
     generals, and other extraordinary Americans; and
       Whereas, our nation is currently divided and yearns for a 
     unifying national event; and
       Whereas, designating a state funeral when the last 
     surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient dies would be 
     a wonderful way for the American people to unite and honor 
     all sixteen million soldiers, sailors, and airmen who served 
     in our Armed Forces from 1941 to 1945: Now therefore be it
       Resolved, The members of the Missouri Senate, One Hundred 
     First General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the House of 
     Representatives concurring therein, hereby urge the President 
     of the United States to designate a state funeral for the 
     last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to 
     prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for the 
     President of the United States, the Vice President of the

[[Page S4042]]

     United States, the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the United 
     States Senate, and all members of the Missouri congressional 
     delegation.
                                  ____


       POM-182. A concurrent memorial adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Arizona urging the United States Congress to 
     implement steps to forward fund the Higher Education Grant 
     Program of the Bureau of Indian Education; to the Committee 
     on Indian Affairs.

                  Senate Concurrent Memorial No. 1002

       Whereas, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) operates the 
     Higher Education Grant Program (``Grant'') as authorized by 
     the Snyder Act (25 United States Code part 13); and
       Whereas, numerous Indian tribal governments provide college 
     financial assistance and scholarships from the Grant directly 
     to Indian college students through Public Law 93-638 self-
     determination contracts (Indian Self Determination Act and 
     Education Assistance Act) or through Public Law 103-413 self-
     governance compacts (Tribal Self Governance Act of 1994); and
       Whereas, the federal government routinely operates under 
     continuing resolutions and, as such, Grant funding is 
     delayed. Consequently, college scholarship and financial 
     assistance payments and institutional disbursements are 
     delayed, which is problematic for many Indian college 
     students who depend on these monies to pay for tuition, books 
     and room and board: and
       Whereas, there is precedent for forward funding federal 
     Indian education programs, as BIE-funded schools, including 
     Public Law 93-638 and Public Law 100-297 schools (25 United 
     States Code section 2010) and tribally controlled colleges 
     and universities (25 United States Code section 1810), are 
     forward funded; and
       Whereas, forward funding the BIE would make Grant monies 
     available for obligation on July 1 of the fiscal year and 
     would provide that Grant monies remain available until 
     September 30 of the succeeding fiscal year. Wherefore your 
     memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of 
     Representatives concurring, prays:
       1. That the Members of the United States Congress take 
     affirmative steps to forward fund the Higher Education Grant 
     Program of the Bureau of Indian Education.
       2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona 
     transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State 
     of Arizona.
                                  ____


       POM-183. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico expressing the support of the 
     Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to S. 405, better 
     known as the ``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act,'' 
     introduced by the 117th Congress; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.

                       Senate Resolution No. 591

       Vieques is an island muniicipality Puerto Rico, measuring 
     approximately twenty-one (21) miles long by four ( 4) miles 
     wide, and located approximately eight (8) miles east of the 
     main island of Puerto Rico
       When discussing the history of Vieques and its 
     difficulties, it is important to remember that the United 
     States Navy maintained a constant presence in the eastern and 
     western portions of Vieques for close to sixty (60) years. 
     The United States Navy used large parts of the island and its 
     beaches as a training range and for military exercises. Many 
     of these exercises were carried out using live ammunition. It 
     is estimated that over eighty (80) million tons of ordnance 
     and other weaponry available to the United States Armed 
     Forces since World War II were dropped during that sixty 
     (60)-year period.
       The unintended, unknown, and unavoidable consequence of 
     decades of military exercises was that generations of 
     Vieques' residents, who are U.S. citizens, were exposed to 
     the residue left and the waste produced by such weaponry and 
     munitions, which includes heavy metals and other chemicals 
     now known to harm human health and life.
       As a result of the aforementioned and according to 
     Government and independent documentation, the lands and 
     waters of the island of Vieques contain high levels of heavy 
     metals and have been exposed to chemical weapons and other 
     toxic chemicals. Ever since the military exercises began in 
     Vieques sixty-two (62) years ago, the island residents have 
     suffered the effects of the long-term exposure to the 
     contamination created by such exercises. In comparison to 
     other Puerto Ricans, the residents of Vieques have 
     experienced higher rates of certain diseases including 
     cancer, cirrhosis, hypertension, diabetes, heavy metal 
     diseases, as well as many unnamed and uncategorized 
     illnesses. The continuous exposure to these toxic residues 
     has resulted in the development of these particular illnesses 
     in the U.S. citizens who reside in Vieques.
       Prior to the passage of hurricane Maria in 2017, the Susana 
     Centeno Family Health Center managed the health emergencies 
     of the residents of Vieques. However, those residing or 
     visiting Vieques would have to travel outside of the Island 
     Municipality for most cases that required urgent medical 
     care. This is due to the fact that the facility in Vieques 
     lacked, among others, X-ray, CT scan, EKG, ultrasound, and PT 
     scan equipment.
       Maritime transport has been and remains the predominant 
     means of transporting passengers between Vieques and the 
     island of Puerto Rico. However, this service has been plagued 
     by problems and interruptions which makes it unreliable for 
     visitors and residents, and, for example, those who are 
     cancer patients that require continuous treatment outside of 
     Vieques, also known as the Isla Nena. It is worth noting that 
     cancer patients who travel from Vieques to the Municipality 
     of Ceiba have to pay between one hundred twenty dollars 
     ($120.00) and two hundred dollars ($200.00) per trip.
       Vieques, like all of Puerto Rico, suffered the onslaught of 
     hurricane Maria in 2017. This was a particularly destructive 
     hurricane that devastated Puerto Rico and Vieques and 
     intensified the humanitarian crisis by destroying many of the 
     existing medical-hospital facilities. In the case of Vieques, 
     the previous medical system was already unable to properly 
     handle the crisis that existed due to the toxic residue left 
     on the island's soil and waters as a result of the military's 
     activities. The Susana Centeno Family Health Center was 
     closed after the passage of hurricane Maria due to the damage 
     it suffered and was thus unable to render the few services it 
     previously provided.
       Consistent with the foregoing, it is worth stressing 
     Vieques' need to have a medical facility with the capability 
     of providing the critical and urgent care to its residents. 
     It is a matter of quality of life and basic human rights. Due 
     to legal restrictions, the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency (FEMA) is unable to provide a hospital where its 
     capabilities exceed those of the previous facility, to wit, 
     the facility that existed prior to the passage of hurricane 
     Maria. Therefore, Vieques needs additional assistance and 
     support to properly address and manage the vast health needs 
     of its residents.
       In 2012, the residents of Vieques were denied the ability 
     to address their needs before the United States Courts due to 
     the sovereign immunity of the Government of the United 
     States. Sanchez v. United States, No. 3:09-cv-01260-DRD 
     (D.P.R.). However, the United States Court of Appeals for the 
     First Circuit referred the issue to the United States 
     Congress and urged it to address this humanitarian crisis. 
     U.S. senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Roger Wicker (R-
     Mississippi) have introduced S.405, popularly known as the 
     ``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act.'' This Bill creates 
     a compensation fund for the residents of Vieques or their 
     heirs to claim compensation for the damages caused or 
     resulting from the use of the island of Vieques for military 
     training or exercises and for other related purposes. The 
     compensation for individuals or their heirs shall fluctuate 
     between fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and one hundred ten 
     thousand dollars ($110,000) with the possibility for 
     additional awards for special circumstances. The awards shall 
     be determined by a Special Master to be appointed by the 
     United States Attorney General pursuant to the qualifications 
     and requirements established in the Act. Likewise, the 
     Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act would authorize the 
     municipal government of Vieques to file certain claims with 
     the Special Master for the establishment or improvement of 
     the health infrastructure or facilities on the island.
       The Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby 
     requests to the Senate and the House Representatives of the 
     United States the prompt approval of S.B. 405, the Vieques 
     Recovery and Redevelopment Act. We appeal to the sense of 
     responsibility of the Congresspersons and members of the 
     United States Senate in order to do justice to the residents 
     of Vieques and their heirs by providing a mechanism to help 
     relieve a burden on their lives and compensate them for the 
     damages caused by six (6) decades of military exercises in 
     Vieques. Likewise, this legislation shall help future 
     generations of Vieques' residents by streamlining the process 
     so that the municipal government can procure enough resources 
     for appropriate medical facilities and infrastructure.
       The Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, on behalf of 
     the residents of Vieques and the People of Puerto Rico 
     appeals to the leadership of the United States Senate and the 
     United States House Representatives and both parties to work 
     together to ensure the approval of the Vieques Recovery and 
     Redevelopment Act before the end of the 117th Congress.
       Be it resolved by the Senate of Puerto Rico:
       Section 1.--We hereby express the support of the Senate of 
     the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to S.B. 405, better known as 
     the ``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act,'' introduced by 
     the 117th Congress, to the Senate and the House 
     Representatives of the United States.
       Section 2.--We hereby urge the Senate and the House 
     Representatives of the United States to promptly approve S.B. 
     405, better known as the ``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment 
     Act,'' introduced by the 117th Congress.
       Section 3.--A certified copy of this Resolution, translated 
     into the English language, shall be delivered by the 
     Secretary of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to 
     the President of the United States of America, to all members 
     of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United 
     States, to the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in 
     Washington, as well as to communications media for its 
     effective dissemination.
       Section 4.--This Resolution shall take effect upon its 
     approval

[[Page S4043]]


     
                                  ____
       POM-184. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of West Virginia applying to the United States 
     Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the 
     Constitution of the United States, for the calling of a 
     convention of the states limited to proposing amendments to 
     the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal 
     restraints on the federal government, limit the power and 
     jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms 
     of office for its officials and for members of Congress; to 
     the Committee on the Judiciary.

                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 31

       Whereas, Executive orders by the President of the United 
     States have become a vehicle through which the President may 
     overstep the limits of his or her constitutional authority; 
     and
       Whereas, The concentration of power at the federal level 
     has had the effect of making federal officials less 
     responsive to the will of the people and more readily 
     influenced by lobbyists, wealthy corporations and special 
     interests in Washington, D.C.; and
       Whereas, Much of federal law is now enacted by federal 
     bureaucrats who were never chosen by the people and have no 
     accountability to the people whatsoever; and
       Whereas, Policy decisions made at the state level tend to 
     be more responsive to the needs and desires of the people; 
     and
       Whereas, The federal government has created a crushing 
     national debt through improper and imprudent spending; and
       Whereas, The federal government has invaded the legitimate 
     roles of the states through the manipulative process of 
     federal mandates, many of which are unfunded to a great 
     extent; and
       Whereas, The states have the ability to restore the 
     responsiveness of government to the people and to restrain 
     abuses of federal power by proposing amendments to the 
     Constitution of the United States through a limited 
     convention of the states under Article V; therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia, That the 
     Legislature hereby applies to Congress, under the provisions 
     of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, for 
     the calling of a convention of the states limited to 
     proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States 
     that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, 
     limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, 
     and limit the terms of office for its officials and for 
     members of Congress; and, be it further
       Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward 
     a copy of this resolution, legislative call and application 
     to the President and Secretary of the United States Senate 
     and to the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of 
     Representatives, and copies to the members of the said Senate 
     and House of Delegates from this state; also to transmit 
     copies hereof to the presiding officers of each of the 
     legislative houses in the several states, requesting their 
     cooperation; and, be it further
       Resolved, That this application constitutes a continuing 
     application in accordance with Article V of the Constitution 
     of the United States until the legislature, of at least two 
     thirds of the several states have made applications on the 
     same subject; and, be it further
       Resolved, The West Virginia Legislature adopts this 
     application expressly subject to the following reservations, 
     understandings, and declarations:
       (1) An application to the Congress of the United States to 
     call an amendment convention of the states pursuant to 
     Article V of the United States Constitution confers no power 
     to Congress other than the power to call such a convention. 
     The power of Congress to exercise this ministerial duty 
     consists solely of the authority to name a reasonable time 
     and place for the initial meeting of a convention;
       (2) Congress shall perform its ministerial duty of calling 
     an amendment convention of the states only upon the receipt 
     of applications for an amendment convention for the 
     substantially same purpose as this application from two 
     thirds of the legislatures of the several states;
       (3) Congress does not have the power or authority to 
     determine any rules for the governing of an amendment 
     convention of the states called pursuant to Article V of the 
     United States Constitution. Congress does not have the power 
     to set the number of delegates to be sent by any state to 
     such a convention, nor does it have the power to name 
     delegates to such a convention. The power to name delegates 
     remains exclusively within the authority of the legislatures 
     of the several states;
       (4) By definition, an amendment convention of the states 
     means that states shall vote on the basis of one state, one 
     vote;
       (5) A convention of the states convened pursuant to this 
     application shall in limited to consideration of the topics 
     specified herein and no other. This application is made with 
     the express understanding that an amendment that in any way 
     seeks to amend modify, or repeal any provision of the Bill of 
     Rights shall not be authorized for consideration at any 
     stage. This application shall be void ab initio if ever used 
     at any stage to consider any change to any provision of the 
     Bill of Rights;
       (6) Pursuant to Article V of the United States 
     Constitution, Congress may determine whether proposed 
     amendments shall be ratified by the legislatures of the 
     several states or by special state ratification conventions. 
     The West Virginia Legislature recommends that Congress select 
     ratification by the legislatures of the several states; and
       (7) The West Virginia Legislature may provide further 
     instructions to its delegates and may recall its delegates at 
     any time for a breach of a duty or a violation of the 
     instructions provided; and, be it further
       Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of 
     this resolution to the representatives and senators elected 
     by the citizens of West Virginia serving the citizens of West 
     Virginia in the Congress of the United States in Washington 
     D.C.
                                  ____


       POM-185. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Missouri applying to the United States 
     Congress, as provided by Article V of the Constitution of the 
     United States of America, to call a convention limited to 
     proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United 
     States of America to set a limit on the number of terms that 
     a person may be elected as a member of the United States 
     House of Representatives and to set a limit on the number of 
     terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United 
     States Senate; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                  Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25

       Whereas, Article V of the Constitution of the United States 
     requires a convention to be called by the Congress of the 
     United States for the purpose of proposing an amendment to 
     the Constitution upon application of two-thirds of the 
     Legislatures of the several states; and
       Whereas, the Legislature of the State of Missouri favors a 
     proposal and ratification of an amendment to the U.S. 
     Constitution, which shall set a limit on the number of terms 
     that a person may be elected as a member of the United States 
     House of Representatives and as a member of the United States 
     Senate; and
       Whereas, the Ninety-ninth General Assembly of Missouri, 
     Second Regular Session, adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 
     40, which contained an application for an Article V 
     Convention to propose an amendment identical to that proposed 
     in this resolution, but provided that the application would 
     expire five years after the passage of Senate Concurrent 
     Resolution 40: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the members of the Missouri Senate, One 
     Hundred First General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the 
     House of Representatives concurring therein, hereby make an 
     application to Congress, as provided by Article V of the 
     Constitution of the United States of America, to call a 
     convention limited to proposing an amendment to the 
     Constitution of the United States of America to set a limit 
     on the number of terms that a person may be elected as a 
     member of the United States House of Representatives and to 
     set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be 
     elected as a member of the United States Senate; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That this application shall be considered as 
     covering the same subject matter as the applications from 
     other states to Congress to call a convention to set a limit 
     on the number of terms that a person may be elected to the 
     House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States 
     and the Senate of the United States; and this application 
     shall be aggregated with same for the purpose of attaining 
     the two-thirds of states necessary to require Congress to 
     call a limited convention on this subject, but shall not be 
     aggregated with any other applications on any other subject; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That this application hereby repeals, rescinds, 
     cancels, renders null and void, and supercedes the 
     application to the Congress of the United States for a 
     convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United 
     States by this state in Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40 
     as adopted by the Ninety-ninth General Assembly, Second 
     Regular Session; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to 
     prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for the 
     President and Secretary of the Senate of the United States 
     and to the Speaker, Clerk, and Judiciary Committee Chairman 
     of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United 
     States, and copies to each member of the Missouri 
     Congressional delegation, and the presiding officers of each 
     of the legislative houses in the several states, requesting 
     their cooperation.
                                  ____

       POM-186. A resolution adopted by the General Assembly of 
     the State of New Jersey urging the United States Congress to 
     reconcile the United States Innovation and Competition Act 
     and the American COMPETES Act to expedite funding for 
     semiconductor production and innovation; to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

                      Assembly Resolution No. 141

       Whereas, A semiconductor is a material that conducts 
     electricity in variable ways, is used in computer chips, and 
     is vital to the operation of thousands of electrical 
     products, such as automobiles, computers, smartphones, gaming 
     systems, and medical equipment; and
       Whereas, The Semiconductor Industry Association asserts 
     that the share of modern semiconductor manufacturing capacity 
     located in the United States has decreased from 37 percent in 
     1990 to 12 percent today and that this decline is largely due 
     to substantial manufacturing incentives offered by

[[Page S4044]]

     foreign governments, which places the United States at a 
     competitive disadvantage in attracting new construction of 
     semiconductor manufacturing facilities; and
       Whereas, In recent years, global semiconductor supply chain 
     vulnerabilities have emerged, leading to market shortages of 
     automobiles and other electronic devices; and
       Whereas, These supply chain vulnerabilities have revealed 
     our reliance on foreign manufacturing of essential technology 
     and should be eliminated through government investment in 
     semiconductor production and innovation, which would 
     strengthen our market security; and
       Whereas, On January 1, 2021, the federal Creating Helpful 
     Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act (CHIPS 
     Act) was enacted as part of the FY 2021 National Defense 
     Authorization Act; and
       Whereas, The CHIPS Act creates federal incentives for 
     investment in facilities and equipment used for semiconductor 
     fabrication, assembly, testing, advanced packaging, and 
     research and development for the purpose of protecting supply 
     chains, ensuring long-term national security, and bolstering 
     international economic competitiveness; and
       Whereas, The effectiveness of the CHIPS Act relies on 
     Congress fully funding the provisions of the law, including 
     enacting an investment tax credit, to support semiconductor 
     production and innovation in this country; and
       Whereas, On July 8, 2021, the United States Senate passed 
     the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 
     (USICA), which included $52 billion in federal investments 
     for the CHIPS Act; and
       Whereas, On February 4, 2022, the United States House of 
     Representatives passed the America COMPETES Act of 2022 
     (COMPETES Act), which, like USICA, included $52 billion in 
     federal investments for the CHIPS Act; and
       Whereas, The Senate, upon receiving the COMPETES Act from 
     the House, substituted the bill with the USICA, and passed it 
     on March 28, 2022; and
       Whereas, Although the USICA substitute was sent back to the 
     House of Representatives for a final vote, Congress intends 
     to convene a conference committee to reconcile the 
     differences between the COMPETES Act and the USICA in order 
     to finalize the version of the bill that will be sent to the 
     President for enactment; and
       Whereas, Governor Murphy has voiced his support of the 
     USICA and has encouraged Congress to expedite the 
     reconciliation of the bill; and
       Whereas, United States Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo 
     specifically mentioned that the New Jersey Innovation and 
     Technology Hub in New Brunswick, which will provide 550,000 
     square feet of space for medical learning, research, and 
     innovation, would be a suitable potential site for 
     semiconductor manufacturing; and
       Whereas, New Jersey's Congressional delegation, who are 
     integral in directing federal funds to this State, has also 
     voiced support of the intent behind the COMPETES Act and the 
     USICA; and
       Whereas, New Jersey's economy would greatly benefit from 
     federal investments in semiconductor manufacturing in this 
     State and would strengthen the State's historical reputation 
     as a leader in science and innovation; now, therefore,
       Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New 
     Jersey:
       1. This House respectfully urges Congress to expedite the 
     reconciliation of the COMPETES Act and the USICA to secure 
     the country's supply chain, increase the country's global 
     competitiveness, and establish this State as a leader in 
     semiconductor production and innovation through the resulting 
     federal investments.
       2. Copies of the resolution, as filed with the Secretary of 
     State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General 
     Assembly to the President and Vice-President of the United 
     States, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United 
     States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United 
     States House of Representatives, and every member of the 
     Congressional delegation from the State of New Jersey.
                                  ____

       POM-187. A resolution adopted by the Mayor and City 
     Commission of North Miami Beach, Florida calling on the 
     Federal Government to reverse the decision to deport Haitian 
     asylum seekers under Title 42 and immediately halt the 
     deportation of Haitian immigrants, thereby allowing them to 
     seek due process through our legal system to make claims for 
     legal status; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                          ____________________