[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 194 (Wednesday, December 14, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H9848-H9850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
UKRAINIAN ACCOUNTABILITY AND FUNDING
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 4, 2021, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr.
Hill) until 10 p.m.
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I, too, thank my friend from Texas for his
inspirational recitations of these outstanding young people who seek an
appointment to the military academy. There is no more optimistic and
positive aspect of being a Member of Congress than making those
appointments. I thank him for his service.
I also want to echo our thanks from both sides of the aisle to the
Chaplain, the Clerk of the House, the Sergeant at Arms, the minority
and majority cloakrooms, and our brave stenographers who sit here for
hours taking down every inspirational word. We thank them for their
service in this Congress.
Madam Speaker, in October, as the first frost touched Ukraine,
Vladimir Putin turned 70 years old. That week, Russian chess champion
and activist Garry Kasparov spoke at Westminster College in Fulton,
Missouri, the scene of Churchill's famous ``Iron Curtain'' speech.
Garry Kasparov declared: Thirty years of making concessions that were
intended to keep the peace have only postponed the war.
Appeasement, Madam Speaker, never works. Kasparov went on to say: The
price of stopping a dictator always goes up. It may seem expensive
today, but it is only going to be more tomorrow.
It is critically important that we build a consensus to support the
Ukrainian people and their government in their valiant efforts to
reject Putin's rapacious invading Army.
This illegal invasion and Putin's wanton war crimes have been
rejected by the world. This is evidenced by votes in the General
Assembly of the United Nations and the ejection of Russia from the U.N.
Human Rights Council. It is evidenced by Sweden and Finland petitioning
to join NATO. It has been evidenced by a global coalition of nations
supporting the Ukrainian people with humanitarian assistance and
military aid.
But in order to maintain and enhance that global coalition of
citizens and their elected representatives, it is critical that we
provide a great deal more information and oversight to that
humanitarian and military assistance. Only together can we help Ukraine
eject the bully and free its people.
I support the idea of a special inspector general to oversee U.S.
military and humanitarian assistance, coordinating with the very active
and existing inspector general programs at the Department of Defense
and Department of State. This is common sense. American taxpayers need
to ensure full transparency and accountability for our financial
support.
Likewise, in my view, the Biden administration has done a poor job
explaining to Congress the over 100 billion euros in support of Ukraine
from all the countries of the world, including the United States. That
is, they should provide Congress detailed assessments of what funding
has been provided to Ukraine, both military and humanitarian, from the
European Commission, individual member states of the European Union,
and other nations from around the world, such as our great friend and
ally, Japan.
It is important for us, in assessing our own contributions to freedom
in Ukraine, to assess and encourage our friends, allies, and partners
to do as much as they can, maybe more, and as effectively as possible.
We are all in the boat pulling mightily in the same direction, but we
need that detail and transparency.
Madam Speaker, in that regard, I was reflecting on my prior
government service as a Treasury Department official during the
administration of George H. W. Bush.
On August 1, 1990, Iraq was invaded by Kuwait and within 12 hours was
in full control of that country.
President Bush denounced the invasion and stated clear and effective
principles: First, to seek the immediate, unconditional, and complete
withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait; next, to restore Kuwait's
legitimate government; and, finally, to remain committed to the
security and stability of the Persian Gulf region.
Backed by a Security Council resolution at the U.N., the Bush
administration set about to carry out those objectives.
It is important to note the extraordinary leadership of then
Secretary of State Jim Baker, Secretary of Treasury Nick Brady, Deputy
Secretary of State Larry Eagleburger, and the Undersecretary of
Treasury David Mulford. They all worked as a team and built an
extraordinary coalition to
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raise the financing for this global effort to stop Saddam Hussein and
his illegal invasion.
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U.S. forces ultimately deployed over 600,000 military personnel
alongside more than 200,000 troops from our allies. Secretaries Baker
and Brady and their teams visited selected countries and developed the
financial resources to effectively fund Kuwait's liberation. More than
90 percent, Madam Speaker, of the United States' incremental costs were
reimbursed by our allies. This work was inspirational then and now.
I call on Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Secretary of the
Treasury Yellen to craft an active and effective campaign to globally
bring forward even more diverse, comprehensive financial resources to
support Ukraine and their valiant fight to inject the invader.
This campaign will be essential to see the financial burden shared
widely among all peace-loving countries of the world.
The Federal Reserve and Price Stability
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, as inflation continues to wreak havoc on the
wallets of our hardworking families, I rise today to urge the Federal
Reserve to stay the course and win the fight against this insidious
inflation.
Our economy is in this troubling situation of coping with a four-
decade high in prices due to three core reasons:
First, the Biden administration's wasteful spending, pouring an
avalanche of loose money into an economy struggling with getting folks
back to work and supply chain woes.
Madam Speaker, our fiscal 2023 spending is running 25 percent greater
than just before the pandemic; 25 percent more on an annual basis. If
you include all President Biden's new spending spree, it is running
$1.3 trillion higher per year.
I wish Chairman Powell back in 2021 had agreed with former Treasury
Secretary Larry Summers and opposed this massive, unfunded fiscal
stimulus.
Next, the Biden administration's war on energy and employment has
made it harder to get people back to work and harder to find and
produce the badly needed oil and gas, get it out of the ground and on
its way to heat our homes, fuel our communities, and support our allies
in Europe.
Finally, the Federal Reserve itself kept interest rates too low for
too long while also purchasing trillions of dollars in government
securities. Now the Fed is left playing catch-up in the hopes of
beating inflation in the short run without damaging our economy in the
long run.
Madam Speaker, I have a better approach. Earlier this year, alongside
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Donalds), my friend and colleague, I
introduced H.R. 7209, the Price Stability Act. This legislation would
ensure that our central bank focuses exclusively on its principal
mandate of price stability.
This bill repeals the 1970s so-called dual mandate whereby the Fed is
conflicted, supposedly focused on price stability but also maintaining
a growing economy. Madam Speaker, the legislative branch and the
executive branch should have that responsibility for policies that
promote economic growth and a well-trained workforce with more job
opportunities. The Fed should focus exclusively on price stability.
Now, I welcome the Federal Reserve's current efforts to mitigate
inflation, and I urge Chairman Powell and his colleagues to avoid
distraction and ensure their efforts are successful. Inflation is a
thief, and it hurts our hardworking families, our seniors, and those on
fixed incomes. It is vital that the Federal Reserve focus on containing
inflation and steer clear of economic policy fads.
recognizing arkansas governor asa hutchinson
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Governor Asa
Hutchinson and recognize his accomplishments as the 46th Governor of my
home State of Arkansas.
Governor Hutchinson began his career in service when President Ronald
Reagan appointed him to the position of U.S. attorney for the Western
District of Arkansas. Afterwards, he went on to serve three successful
terms in this Chamber, representing the fine citizens of Arkansas'
Third Congressional District.
During his third term in Congress, President George W. Bush appointed
him as Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration and later as an
Under Secretary in the newly created Department of Homeland Security.
Governor Hutchinson has been instrumental in aiding our families by
cutting taxes by over $250 million and signing into law legislation
that exempts the retirement pay of veterans from State income tax.
Governor Hutchinson has been a great advocate toward enhancing
computer science education in our State. His leadership led Arkansas to
be the first State in the Nation to pass legislation requiring every
public school to teach computer science courses. This has
further encouraged our students to pursue pathways and become
innovators.
He has also served as an advocate for our Little Rock Venture Center,
entrepreneurship, and enhancing venture and startup ecosystems across
our State.
During his time as Governor, he has enhanced Arkansas' reputation as
a business-friendly State, which has attracted companies to make the
Natural State their latest location and existing companies to expand
their business, creating more career opportunities for our citizens.
Over the past 8 years, the Governor and I have partnered on many
projects that have benefited the constituents of the Second District of
Arkansas.
Governor, I am grateful for your steady hand during the COVID-19
pandemic and for your dedication to our State. Governor Hutchinson is a
true public servant who worked every day to make our State a better
place. Asa, your leadership will be missed, and your hard work not
forgotten. Martha and I send our very best wishes to you and Susan for
that next chapter.
congress must work to limit aggression by countries
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, as we enter the final weeks of the 117th
Congress, it is important that we acknowledge the work that we have
done as a body to limit the financial capabilities of Russia's illegal
war in Ukraine.
Earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 6899, the Russia and Belarus SDR
Exchange Prohibition Act, which passed with bipartisan support in both
the House and the Senate, and was signed into law by President Biden in
October.
This bill closes a loophole around Western sanctions by freezing
Russia and Belarus out of future International Monetary Fund financing
by preventing them from using special drawing rights, known as SDRs, to
fund their nefarious activities: The war in Ukraine.
We must stay vigilant of the aggressive tendencies of other nations,
such as Russia and Belarus, and make sure they are not able to pledge
or transfer, that is, cash in those SDRs to fund their terror.
It is important that we continue to work together in the new Congress
to make sure that aggression is not rewarded and that we are working to
limit the financial capabilities of countries who demonstrate their
aggression toward another sovereign nation.
halting the spread of captagon
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise to applaud the inclusion of the
CAPTAGON Act in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The
production and sale of the dangerous narcotic Captagon is being used as
a major revenue source, fueling the regime and the war machine of
Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
It is this illicit activity that has allowed them to ignore U.S.
sanctions and continue to oppress the people of Syria and export
terror.
By using an interagency task force, including the Department of
Defense and the Drug Enforcement Administration, our CAPTAGON Act will
design a strategy to be able to disrupt and dismantle the trafficking
networks that are fueling terror in Syria and across the region.
While both the State Department and the White House have failed to
include Syria in their list of major illicit drug-producing countries
for FY 2023, I applaud this Congress for taking this key step in making
sure more illegal drugs are not able to make it through Europe, through
the Middle East, or even into the United States by working toward
halting the spread of Captagon around the world.
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Retirement Wishes for Walter Hussman, Jr.
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize the outstanding
career of Walter Hussman, Jr., the publisher of the Arkansas Democrat-
Gazette.
Recently, Walter announced that he will retire from the publication
at the end of 2022.
Walter's career began with him placing comics in the Camden News for
25 cents an hour all the way to restructuring the Arkansas Democrat,
buying the Arkansas Gazette and crafting the State's largest newspaper,
the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Over his career as a publisher, he oversaw many changes, including
bringing the Democrat-Gazette into the digital age, for which he was
recognized with national attention.
During his announcement of retirement, Walter shared that it is time
now for the next generation.
Walter is an example of the American Dream, how hard work and
dedication to your craft can lead to a long, prosperous career.
Congratulations, Mr. Hussman, on your outstanding career, your
evidence as a mentor and a role model, and I wish you a well-deserved
retirement.
Nigeria Country of Particular Concern
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge the President and our
Secretary of State to rectify their mistake of not designating Nigeria
as a Country of Particular Concern as it relates to religious liberty.
Having the ability to practice religion without fear is one of our
most basic principles needed to create a strong and stable nation.
Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the President
is required to review the status of religious freedom in every country
of the world. Any country that is seen to have consistently and
violently violating their citizens' religious freedom must be labeled a
Country of Particular Concern.
Over the last 2 years, Nigeria is a nation which hits every troubled
benchmark listed in this act. And yet, Madam Speaker, it has been left
off the list.
Over the past 2 years, violence targeted against Christians has
steadily increased. So labeling Nigeria as a Country of Particular
Concern is a vital step in working toward stability in Nigeria, better
partnerships with the United States, and a step toward international
religious liberty for all.
Congratulating Leslee Tell--Fulbright Fellowship Award
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leslee Tell, of
Conway High School, who has recently been awarded a Fulbright
Fellowship for the spring of 2023.
Mrs. Tell has taught in Conway schools since 2006 where she
originally taught students home economics, eventually moving on to her
current subject, a broader one, family consumer sciences.
The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program
offers educators the opportunity to teach abroad for a semester. In
just a few months, Mrs. Tell will be on her way to Vietnam where she
will be teaching home economics at a local public high school.
I visited with Leslee and her colleagues, and she is so excited about
this opportunity, not only the impact on her but her impact on those
students. I look forward to learning about her journey, the positive
impact that she will make and what she learns from those kids in her
class.
Congratulations, Leslee. We look forward to following your time in
Vietnam and sharing your success.
Crisis at the Border
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, as we end this calendar year, I rise once
again to bring attention to the crisis at our southwest border.
In 2022, over 2 million migrants were encountered at our southwest
border; the highest number in American history.
Just 2 months ago, there were over 230,000 migrant encounters at our
border. On top of this number, it is estimated that roughly 64,000
illegal immigrants evaded apprehension in October, and 70,000 evaded in
November.
For over a year and a half now, there have been over 150,000 illegal
border crossings each month. Those numbers are higher than ever.
Madam Speaker, 98 individuals on the Terrorist Screening Database
were apprehended at the southern border; more than the last 5 years
combined.
Over the last 2 years, the Biden administration has repeatedly
repealed effective Trump-era policies that kept our border and our
Nation more secure. Despite claims from Secretary Mayorkas saying
otherwise, the Biden administration does not have operational control
over our border.
During a recent visit to Arizona, President Biden claimed that there
were ``more important'' things to do than visit the southern border.
Madam Speaker, the President is in Arizona. What is more important
than a morale-boosting visit to our men and women at Customs and Border
Patrol?
What is more important than keeping our border secure?
Well, apparently, the President's 49 trips to Delaware, or maybe the
President's 8 trips to go get ice cream were more important.
Madam Speaker, I urge this President to take a trip to our southwest
border, see for himself, meet with our agents working on the border,
and see the reality of the crisis that his administration has created.
Opioid Crisis Impacting America
Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the opioid crisis
impacting all Americans. Opioids, such as illicit fentanyl, are
flooding across our open borders and sweeping across our Nation and
into every town and city.
In fiscal year 2022, 14,700 pounds of illicit fentanyl were
confiscated at our southern border. How much came across that wasn't
confiscated?
Over 75,000 Americans lost their lives last year to opioid overdoses,
many of them accidental. To help combat this, I introduced the
Preventing Overdoses and Saving Lives Act this year, alongside my
friend and colleague, Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan.
This legislation was inspired by my home State of Arkansas, which
currently encourages prescribers of opioids to also co-prescribe an
opioid overdose reversal medication, such as naloxone.
This summer, that legislation passed the House in a bipartisan mental
health package.
Madam Speaker, I am hopeful my colleagues in the Senate will work to
move this valuable piece of legislation forward because the data is
clear--co-prescribing helps save lives.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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