[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ADDRESSING VOTES ON H. RES. 559, H.R. 340, H.R. 3774, AND H. RES. 798

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 2023

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address my votes on bills passed 
through the House of Representatives under suspension of the Rules the 
week of October 30. 2023: H. Res. 559, H.R. 340, H.R. 3774, and H. Res. 
798.
  I voted no on H. Res. 559 because it contained language that could 
insinuate U.S. support for potential military action against Iran at a 
moment when de-escalation is necessary. This legislation was overly 
broad, and without an opportunity for proper debate on the House Floor, 
this bill has the potential to give license to the United States to use 
any means, including military action, against Iran without 
Congressional approval.
  I voted no on H.R. 340, the Hamas International Financing Prevention 
Act, because it was intentionally amended to delay humanitarian aid to 
Gaza, where people are suffering without access to food, drinking 
water, fuel, and medical care. The United States has rightly designated 
Hamas as a terrorist organization since 1997--but holding Hamas 
accountable cannot come at the expense of Palestinian civilians living 
in Gaza, roughly 40 percent of which are under 14 years of age. This is 
dangerous, as civilians must be protected under international law.
  I voted no on H.R. 3774, the SHIP Act, because the bill contains 
overly broad language that would have serious impacts on the global 
economy and the U.S. economy as well. Sanctions are one of the most 
important and impactful diplomatic tools that we have in managing our 
relationships and security around the globe. The Executive Branch that 
administers them needs to be able to adjust and scale sanctions for 
them to be effective. The waiver within this bill provides the 
Executive with limited flexibility--rendering the waiver provision 
nearly unusable.
  I voted yes on H. Res. 798 condemning the support of Hamas, 
Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher 
education because every student deserves a safe environment in which to 
learn and live. This resolution fails to mention the concurrent rise in 
anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate. It is a glaring omission not to include 
other protected classes. Antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise 
in the U.S., and hatred in all its forms is unacceptable and must not 
be tolerated anywhere.
  All people deserve safety and security, and the only sustainable path 
forward is one where international human rights and international law 
are at the forefront and democratic ideals are upheld. Peace must 
remain our utmost goal in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

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