[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 70 (Saturday, April 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2587-H2593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INDO-PACIFIC SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024

  Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1160, I call up 
the bill (H.R. 8036) making emergency supplemental appropriations for 
assistance for the Indo-Pacific region and for related expenses for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, and ask 
for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1160, the bill 
is considered read.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 8036

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,  That the 
     following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, namely:

                                TITLE I

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

                       OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

                    Operation and Maintenance, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Navy'', $557,758,000, to remain available until September 30, 
     2024, to support improvements to the submarine industrial 
     base and for related expenses:  Provided, That such amount is 
     designated by the Congress as being for an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

                     (including transfers of funds)

       For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, 
     Defense-Wide'', $1,900,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2025, to respond to the situation in Taiwan and 
     for related expenses:  Provided, That such funds may be 
     transferred to accounts under the headings ``Operation and 
     Maintenance'', ``Procurement'', and ``Revolving and 
     Management Funds'' for replacement, through new procurement 
     or repair of existing unserviceable equipment, of defense 
     articles from the stocks of the Department of Defense, and 
     for reimbursement for defense services of the Department of 
     Defense and military education and training, provided to 
     Taiwan or identified and notified to Congress for provision 
     to Taiwan or to foreign countries that have provided support 
     to Taiwan at the request of the United States:  Provided 
     further, That funds transferred pursuant to the preceding 
     proviso shall be merged with and available for the same 
     purposes and for the same time period as the appropriations 
     to which the funds are transferred:  Provided further, That 
     the Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional 
     defense committees of the details of such transfers not less 
     than 15 days before any such transfer:  Provided further, 
     That upon a determination that all or part of the funds 
     transferred from this appropriation are not necessary for the 
     purposes provided herein, such amounts may be transferred 
     back and merged with this appropriation:  Provided further, 
     That any transfer authority provided herein is in addition to 
     any other transfer authority provided by law:  Provided 
     further, That such amount is designated by the Congress as 
     being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985.

                              PROCUREMENT

                   Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, 
     Navy'', $2,155,000,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 2028, to support improvements to the submarine industrial 
     base and for related expenses:  Provided, That of the total 
     amount provided under this heading in this Act, funds shall 
     be available as follows:
       Columbia Class Submarine (AP), $1,955,000,000; and
       Virginia Class Submarine (AP), $200,000,000:
       Provided further, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                        Other Procurement, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Other Procurement, Navy'', 
     $293,570,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, 
     to support improvements to the submarine industrial base and 
     for related expenses:  Provided, That such amount is 
     designated by the Congress as being for an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                    Defense Production Act Purchases

       For an additional amount for ``Defense Production Act 
     Purchases'', $132,600,000, to remain available until 
     expended, for activities by the Department of Defense 
     pursuant to sections 108, 301, 302, and 303 of the Defense 
     Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4518, 4531, 4532, and 
     4533):  Provided, That such amounts shall be obligated and 
     expended by the Secretary of Defense as if delegated the 
     necessary authorities conferred by the Defense Production Act 
     of 1950:  Provided further, That such amount is designated by 
     the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant 
     to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

               RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION

            Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy

       For an additional amount for ``Research, Development, Test 
     and Evaluation, Navy'', $7,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2025, to support improvements to the submarine 
     industrial base and for related expenses:  Provided, That 
     such amount is designated by the Congress as being for an 
     emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

                     GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE

       Sec. 101.  For an additional amount for the Department of 
     Defense, $542,400,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 2024, for transfer to operation and maintenance accounts, 
     procurement accounts, and research, development, test and 
     evaluation accounts, in addition to amounts otherwise made 
     available for such purpose, only for unfunded

[[Page H2588]]

     priorities of the United States Indo-Pacific Command for 
     fiscal year 2024 (as submitted to Congress pursuant to 
     section 1105 of title 31, United States Code): Provided, That 
     none of the funds provided under this section may be 
     obligated or expended until 30 days after the Secretary of 
     Defense, through the Under Secretary of Defense 
     (Comptroller), provides the Committees on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate a detailed 
     execution plan for such funds: Provided further, That not 
     less than 15 days prior to any transfer of funds, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense 
     committees of the details of any such transfer: Provided 
     further, That upon transfer, the funds shall be merged with 
     and available for the same purposes, and for the same time 
     period, as the appropriation to which transferred: Provided 
     further, That any transfer authority provided herein is in 
     addition to any other transfer authority provided by law: 
     Provided further, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                                TITLE II

                         DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

              Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

       For an additional amount for ``Military Construction, Navy 
     and Marine Corps'', $281,914,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2028, to support improvements to the submarine 
     industrial base and for related expenses:  Provided, That not 
     later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Secretary of the Navy, or their designee, shall submit to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate an expenditure plan for funds 
     provided under this heading in this Act:  Provided further, 
     That such funds may be obligated or expended for planning and 
     design and military construction projects not otherwise 
     authorized by law:  Provided further, That such amount is 
     designated by the Congress as being for an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                               TITLE III

                 DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

                   INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

                  Funds Appropriated to the President

                   foreign military financing program

       For an additional amount for ``Foreign Military Financing 
     Program'', $2,000,000,000, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2025, for assistance for the Indo-Pacific 
     region and for related expenses:  Provided, That amounts made 
     available under this heading in this Act and unobligated 
     balances of amounts made available under this heading in Acts 
     making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign 
     operations, and related programs for fiscal year 2024 and 
     prior fiscal years shall be available for the cost of loans 
     and loan guarantees as authorized by section 2606 of the 
     Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (division N of 
     Public Law 117-103), subject to the terms and conditions 
     provided in such section, or as otherwise authorized by law:  
     Provided further, That loan guarantees made using amounts 
     described in the preceding proviso for loans financed by the 
     Federal Financing Bank may be provided notwithstanding any 
     provision of law limiting the percentage of loan principal 
     that may be guaranteed:  Provided further, That up to 
     $5,000,000 of funds made available under this heading in this 
     Act, in addition to funds otherwise available for such 
     purposes, may be used by the Department of State for 
     necessary expenses for the general costs of administering 
     military assistance and sales, including management and 
     oversight of such programs and activities:  Provided further, 
     That such amount is designated by the Congress as being for 
     an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) 
     of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
     1985.

                   INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

                        Multilateral Assistance

       contribution to the international development association

       For an additional amount for ``Contribution to the 
     International Development Association'', $250,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended, which shall be made 
     available for a contribution to the International Development 
     Association Special Program to Enhance Crisis Response 
     Window:  Provided, That such amount is designated by the 
     Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.

                     GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE

                     (including transfers of funds)

       Sec. 301.  During fiscal year 2024, section 506(a)(1) of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2318(a)(1)) 
     shall be applied by substituting ``$7,800,000,000'' for 
     ``$100,000,000''.
       Sec. 302.  During fiscal year 2024, section 506(a)(2)(B) of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2318(a)(2)(B)) 
     shall be applied by substituting ``$400,000,000'' for 
     ``$200,000,000'' in the matter preceding clause (i), and by 
     substituting ``$150,000,000'' for ``$75,000,000'' in clause 
     (i).
       Sec. 303.  During fiscal year 2024, section 552(c)(2) of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2348a(c)(2)) 
     shall be applied by substituting ``$50,000,000'' for 
     ``$25,000,000''.
       Sec. 304. (a) Section 2606 of the Ukraine Supplemental 
     Appropriations Act, 2022 (division N of Public Law 117-103) 
     is amended as follows:
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``and North Atlantic 
     Treaty Organization (NATO) allies'' and inserting ``, North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, major non-NATO 
     allies, and the Indo-Pacific region''; by striking 
     ``$4,000,000,000'' and inserting ``$8,000,000,000''; and by 
     striking ``, except that such rate may not be less than the 
     prevailing interest rate on marketable Treasury securities of 
     similar maturity''.
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``and NATO allies'' and 
     inserting ``, NATO allies, major non-NATO allies, and the 
     Indo-Pacific region''; by striking ``$4,000,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$8,000,000,000''; and by inserting at the end of 
     the second proviso ``except for guarantees of loans by the 
     Federal Financing Bank''.
       (b) Funds made available for the costs of direct loans and 
     loan guarantees for major non-NATO allies and the Indo-
     Pacific region pursuant to section 2606 of division N of 
     Public Law 117-103, as amended by subsection (a), may only be 
     made available from funds appropriated by this Act under the 
     heading ``Foreign Military Financing Program'' and available 
     balances from under such heading in prior Acts making 
     appropriations for the Department of State, foreign 
     operations, and related programs: Provided, That such funds 
     may only be made available if the Secretary of State 
     certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional 
     committees, not less than 15 days prior to the obligation of 
     such funds, that such direct loan or loan guarantee is in the 
     national security interest of the United States, is being 
     provided in response to exigent circumstances, is addressing 
     a mutually agreed upon emergency requirement of the recipient 
     country, and the recipient country has a plan to repay such 
     loan: Provided further, That not less than 60 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall 
     consult with such committees on the implementation of this 
     subsection.
       (c) Amounts repurposed pursuant to this section that were 
     previously designated by the Congress as an emergency 
     requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the Budget 
     are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985.
       Sec. 305.  Prior to the initial obligation of funds made 
     available in this title in this Act, but not later than 15 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, as appropriate, 
     shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations spend plans, 
     as defined in section 7034(s)(4) of the Department of State, 
     Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 
     2023 (division K of Public Law 117-328), at the country, 
     account, and program level, for funds appropriated by this 
     Act under the headings ``Foreign Military Financing Program'' 
     and ``Contribution to the International Development 
     Association'': Provided, That plans submitted pursuant to 
     this paragraph shall include for each program notified--(A) 
     total funding made available for such program, by account and 
     fiscal year; (B) funding that remains unobligated for such 
     program from prior year base or supplemental appropriations; 
     (C) funding that is obligated but unexpended for such 
     program; and (D) funding committed, but not yet notified for 
     such program.

                                TITLE IV

                      GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

       Sec. 401.  Each amount appropriated or made available by 
     this Act is in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated for 
     the fiscal year involved.
       Sec. 402.  No part of any appropriation contained in this 
     Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current 
     fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.
       Sec. 403.  Unless otherwise provided for by this Act, the 
     additional amounts appropriated by this Act to appropriations 
     accounts shall be available under the authorities and 
     conditions applicable to such appropriations accounts for 
     fiscal year 2024.
       Sec. 404.  Funds appropriated by this Act for foreign 
     assistance (including foreign military sales), for the 
     Department of State, for broadcasting subject to supervision 
     of United States Agency for Global Media, and for 
     intelligence or intelligence related activities are deemed to 
     be specifically authorized by the Congress for the purposes 
     of section 10 of Public Law 91-672 (22 U.S.C. 2412), section 
     15 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 
     U.S.C. 2680), section 313 of the Foreign Relations 
     Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 (22 U.S.C. 
     6212), and section 504(a)(1) of the National Security Act of 
     1947 (50 U.S.C. 3094(a)(1)).
       Sec. 405.  Each amount designated in this Act by the 
     Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985 shall be available (or repurposed 
     or rescinded, if applicable) only if the President 
     subsequently so designates all such amounts and transmits 
     such designations to the Congress.
       Sec. 406.  Any amount appropriated by this Act, designated 
     by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to 
     section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
     Deficit Control Act of 1985, and subsequently so designated 
     by the President,

[[Page H2589]]

     and transferred pursuant to transfer authorities provided by 
     this Act shall retain such designation.


                       spending reduction account

       Sec. 407. $0.
        This Act may be cited as the ``Indo-Pacific Security 
     Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill shall be debatable for 30 minutes 
equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member 
of the Committee on Appropriations or their respective designees.
  The gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) and the gentlewoman from 
Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro) each will control 15 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole).


                             General Leave

  Mr. COLE. Madam 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 measure under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Oklahoma?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific 
Security Supplemental Act of 2024.
  The bill provides $8.12 billion in emergency supplemental 
appropriations to continue efforts to counter Communist China and 
ensure a strong deterrence in the region.
  It includes $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure; $2 
billion for the foreign military financing program for Taiwan and other 
key partners in the region; $1.9 billion for replenished defense 
articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners; 
$542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region, 
and $133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery 
and critical minerals.
  Today's bill should not be viewed in isolation. It is part of a 
series of three security supplemental bills and a related national 
security measure, all of which are being considered as part of a 
comprehensive funding package.
  This measure and the other two supplemental bills will provide needed 
military assistance to Israel and Ukraine during their time of crisis; 
will provide support for Taiwan as it confronts aggression from the 
Chinese Communist Party; and will provide support for the U.S. military 
forces operating in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including the 
critical replenishment of American stocks of ammunition.
  American's greatest writer, Mark Twain, is reputed to have said: 
``History does not repeat itself, but it does sometimes rhyme.''
  Tragically, the past 2 years have produced echoes of a dark time in 
world history, the 1930s.
  In the 1930s, evil regimes bent on aggression, domination, and even 
genocide, took their first steps down a dark road that would eventually 
lead to world war.
  Tragically, the democratic West turned inward then, standing idly by 
while fascist regimes began to take aggressive actions against their 
weaker neighbors.
  There was time then to put a stop to aggression, if only we had had 
the fortitude and the wherewithal to stand firmly on the side of 
freedom.
  Today, we are seeing uncomfortable parallels to that dark time. In 
Europe, Vladimir Putin launched an unjust and illegal invasion of his 
democratic neighbor, Ukraine. In Asia and the Pacific, the Chinese 
Communist Party encroaches on its neighbors and openly threatens the 
continued self-determination of Taiwan, a nation which continues to 
show the world what a free and democratic China could look like.
  In the Middle East, Israel faces attacks on multiple fronts, 
beginning with the horrible terror attack launched by Hamas on October 
7, and continuing with an unprecedented direct aerial assault launched 
by the Iran regime over the weekend.

                              {time}  1000

  These events do not take place in a vacuum, Madam Speaker. They take 
place in regions around the world critical to American national 
security. They threaten our friends and partners around the globe and 
threaten the continued safety of democracy.
  The security of our fellow democratic states is our security, and 
protecting their security is undoubtedly in America's national 
interests.
  Some of America's greatest leaders of the 20th century recognize this 
fundamental reality. I think of Franklin Roosevelt calling on America 
to become the great arsenal of democracy to defeat Nazi Germany. I 
think of Ronald Reagan reminding us that the preservation of a 
peaceful, free, and democratic Europe is essential to the preservation 
of a peaceful, free, and democratic United States.
  Madam Speaker, peace through strength cannot be delivered through 
appeasement. We cannot wish our way to national security, and we cannot 
thrust our heads into the sand while aggressive nations threaten their 
neighbors.
  Today's measure is not only about safeguarding the ideals of 
democracy and peace, but it is also central to our own national 
security.
  The actions we take today will be seen and heard around the world. 
Vladimir Putin is watching. Xi Jinping is watching. The Iranian mullahs 
are watching. What will we show them? Will we show them that our 
commitment to security does not stop at the water's edge? Will we show 
them that we know that the security of our friends and our partners 
around the globe is our security? Or will we fail to take action and, 
in doing so, give these powers the same gift we gave to the fascist 
powers in the 1930s?
  I know which I would choose. I know what I would show our 
adversaries, these tyrants and dictators, that just in Ronald Reagan's 
time, the United States stands committed to the common defense, that 
our commitment to our friends and partners stands both now and into the 
future.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the bill, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in strong support of the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental 
Appropriations Act, which will provide allies in the Indo-Pacific 
region with the support they need to counter China's aggressive and 
adversarial posture.
  The post-World War order, U.S. leadership, and our historic and 
strong allyship with Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Philippines 
have created enduring peace and prosperity for much of the region.
  Retreating from Asia under the guise of putting ``America first'' 
would be a colossal mistake and would yield the fate of democracy and 
freedom in the Western Pacific to the whims of an autocratic Communist 
Government of the People's Republic of China.
  China is expanding its military capability at a rapid pace, and it is 
using its influence to suppress dissenters. We have already seen 
rollbacks of once ironclad rights and freedoms in places like Hong 
Kong.
  This bill provides $3.9 billion to support Taiwan and other allies 
and to replenish our own equipment stocks, as well as $3.3 billion for 
the AUKUS trilateral security partnership.
  The world is watching and waiting to see if the America that they 
know is ready to stand for freedom and democracy and against tyranny. 
It is up to us to show them that America, their trusted ally, is right 
here and that we have their back. We must demonstrate that our word can 
be counted on. Xi is watching. Our friends in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and 
the Philippines are watching.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of time.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Womack), chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, 
Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the 
Appropriations Committee.
  Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, preserving the safety, security, and 
prosperity of our Nation is arguably our most important duty. There is 
a new axis of evil on the rise around the world, and just like the 
terrible original, this group is bound together by their desire to 
subjugate their people and destroy freedom and democracy all around the 
world. They want to end American leadership and prosperity.

[[Page H2590]]

  The second half of the 20th century was the most prosperous in our 
Nation, and that prosperity was underpinned by relative peace. 
Increasing our strength and the strength of our allies is the only 
avenue to peace. This package does just that.
  I thank Speaker Johnson for his courage and leadership, and I thank 
my good friends, Chairman Cole, Chairman Calvert, and Chairman Diaz-
Balart, for putting this package together and putting it on the floor.
  Madam Speaker, I was in the Army National Guard for over 30 years. A 
significant part of that time was spent training to fight and win 
against the Red Army in the Fulda Gap. There is a new Red Army today, 
and they are inching closer to Central Europe. This time, we have a 
democratic country in Eastern Europe in their way. All they need are 
weapons and training.
  That is among the bills in the package that we provide today, which 
this body will vote on. Without this package, Putin will continue his 
march of death and destruction. Without this package, our own Army will 
have to cancel Combat Center training rotations, the training events 
that keep our forces the greatest in the free world.
  During those 30 years, I was deployed with my battalion to the Sinai 
in Egypt. Standing on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, I saw 
firsthand the death and destruction of Hamas. I also saw our greatest 
ally in the region, Israel, defending itself. This package today 
provides Israel with the tools it needs to destroy terrorists killing, 
capturing, and raping its citizens.
  Our friends need our help, and without this package, our Navy--our 
Navy--will be without critical air defense munitions required to 
protect our sailors. These air defense assets enable our control of the 
seas.

  Another dictator is marshaling his resources and planning to upend 
the free and open Indo-Pacific region that has contributed so much to 
American prosperity. This package makes important investments in our 
defense capabilities to deter this aggression. Without it, we will 
produce fewer submarines, produce fewer antiship missiles, and 
underfund the requirements of our commanders in the region.
  Madam Speaker, Arkansans are at the forefront of producing critical 
munitions, from Tomahawk missiles to standard missiles to naval strike 
missiles, all funded in this package. Yes, Arkansas, like many other 
States, is the forge of the arsenal of democracy.
  Today's vote seems pretty simple to me. We are choosing between 
strength and weakness, between freedom and repression, and between 
prosperity and decline.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow Members to look past the end of your 
noses, understand the context and gravity of the situation we face and 
that our partners and allies face, and support this package today.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Krishnamoorthi), the ranking member of the Select 
Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and 
the CCP.
  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8036.
  A recent survey showed the majority of Americans believe there is a 
50/50 chance or greater of war between the United States and China. It 
is one of their greatest fears. That same survey showed that 80 percent 
of Americans want us to do everything in our power to prevent war with 
China.
  This particular bill, H.R. 8036, is critical in preventing war with 
China by increasing deterrence against their aggression through foreign 
military financing of our partners, upgrading the industrial submarine 
base, and replenishing our defense stocks.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly urge support of H.R. 8036. We cannot wane 
in the defense of democracy.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman 
from California (Mrs. Kim), my good friend.
  Mrs. KIM of California. President Ronald Reagan said: ``We cannot 
play innocents abroad in a world that is not innocent, nor can we be 
passive when freedom is under siege.''
  The free world is under attack as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, the 
ayatollahs, and Kim Jong-un are teaming up to destroy any glimpse of 
freedom and democracy in their path.
  Deterrence is not divisible, and history has shown that when the free 
world wavers, adversaries see a green light.
  Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said recently that the United 
States' failing to support Ukraine would embolden Xi Jinping and 
support Beijing's propaganda that the United States is not a reliable 
partner.
  We want our allies and partners to turn to the United States, not to 
the Chinese Communist Party, which wants to replace the American Dream 
with its authoritarian vision in a quest to become the world's top 
economic and military superpower by 2027.
  If Xi Jinping is successful in his ambitions to take Taiwan, it will 
directly hurt our economy, our national security, and our leadership 
globally. We know he won't stop there. That is why we need to give 
Taiwan the weapons that it has paid for to defend itself and support 
other partners in the region.
  This bill reaffirms our support by increasing foreign military 
financing and revamping our submarine industrial base as we implement 
Pillar 1 of the AUKUS agreement, which allows for the sale of nuclear-
powered submarines to Australia and the United Kingdom.
  For America to continue to shine as a beacon of hope and freedom, we 
need our allies and partners to trust us and our adversaries to respect 
us.
  This is about freedom versus authoritarianism. This is about 
maintaining a world order that is safe for future generations.
  History will judge this institution and our country based on how we 
vote today. The world is watching us, and we need to deliver.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to meet this critical moment and 
pass H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations 
Act.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Courtney), a member of the Armed Services Committee 
and ranking member on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Indo-
Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.
  This bill makes critical investments to integrated deterrence in the 
Indo-Pacific, fulfills the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's unfunded 
priorities, and uplifts the U.S. submarine industrial base in support 
of the trilateral AUKUS security agreement.
  Its $3.3 billion investment in submarines will both expand the 
production capacity of the Virginia and Columbia class programs and 
provide the Navy with resources to get more attack submarines out of 
maintenance delays and into the fleet. This supplemental was crafted 
last fall in tandem with House and Senate passage of AUKUS authorities.
  It will turbocharge AUKUS with real capital and match the Australian 
Government's commitment to invest $3 billion into the U.S. industrial 
base.
  The supplemental, along with continued procurement of two Virginia 
subs per year, will ensure that our Navy has sufficient inventory to 
sell three subs to Australia in the early 2030s, as the agreement calls 
for.
  I salute Mr. Cole and Ms. DeLauro for their steadfast leadership in 
bringing this measure to the floor so that our Nation will renew its 
role that Franklin Roosevelt described as the arsenal of democracy. I 
urge passage.

  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Wilson), my very good friend.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the visionary Ben 
Shapiro, editor emeritus of The Daily Wire and host of the top 
conservative podcast in America, wrote ``Why Speaker Johnson Is 
Correct'' on Thursday. His defense of Speaker Johnson has been re-
enforced by Mark Levin and General Jack Keane.
  In supporting the people of Taiwan, it is crucial to be a deterrence 
to the China Communist Party invading, saving hundreds of thousands of 
lives.
  As the son of a Flying Tiger in World War II who served in Kunming, 
Chengdu, and Xian, I grew up with an appreciation of people of Chinese 
heritage.

[[Page H2591]]

  America will stand with the people of Taiwan, with South Korea, 
Japan, Israel, and Ukraine. We are the greatest nation on Earth, and we 
have to act like it. This is a basic Reagan Republicanism.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected 
America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the 
Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new voter laws. We 
need to enforce the existing laws. Biden shamefully opens the borders 
for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as 
repeatedly warned by the FBI.

                              {time}  1015

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).
  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, Speaker Johnson said he was a wartime 
Speaker and was a child of the eighties influenced by Reagan who went 
to the Berlin Wall and said: ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.''
  I am a child of the sixties and John Kennedy, and I heard him say in 
his inaugural address: ``Let every nation know, whether it wishes us 
well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any 
hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and 
the success of liberty.''
  Mr. Reagan and Mr. Kennedy each expressed what is the will and the 
heritage of the American Government in supporting liberty around the 
world.
  These bills, that protect the Indo-Pacific, Israel, and Ukraine, 
protect these countries against attacks on their sovereignty and their 
existence. They are free countries that celebrate democracy. We have a 
duty to support them, and we are engaging in that American tradition. I 
support the bills, and I urge everyone to do so.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), my very good friend.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, history is watching us today. The whole 
world is watching us today.
  Winston Churchill, before World War II, spoke of those like Neville 
Chamberlain who chose dishonor over war and ended up with both.
  Likewise, isolationists today who choose to retreat from helping our 
friends who are being threatened and invaded will find that the 
struggles of our friends will sooner or later follow us home.
  Our standing in the world is at stake with our vote today. We can 
choose dishonor, or we can choose to help friends who are oppressed by 
strong and malignant neighbors. Speaker Johnson has chosen honor and is 
to be commended.
  Taiwan, Israel, and, yes, Ukraine desperately needs our help. Vote 
for all four bills. Choose honor over dishonor.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Beyer).
  Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the good news for our 
allies in the Indo-Pacific and the Ukrainian people that the House is 
finally doing the right thing.
  Today, moral courage and sound strategic thinking finally defeat the 
partisan cynicism and political calculation of a small minority of this 
body who have held our national interests hostage.
  Some of my colleagues say America should reject our role as the 
world's dominant power and ignore our geopolitical foes as they move 
aggressively against our interests and menace our allies. They are 
wrong.
  While it is deeply unfortunate that it took this long for wiser 
voices to prevail, the House is stepping up today to proclaim American 
strength and send bold support to Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific.
  The Ukrainian people did not choose this war. Ukraine was invaded by 
a bloodthirsty tyrant who has designs that go far beyond Ukraine.
  If allowed to expand unchecked, Russian and Chinese aggression will 
only make a deadly global confrontation more likely. This moment is 
long overdue, and we can only hope this delay will not result in 
lasting damage to Ukraine's war effort.
  It is my deepest hope that this victory in Congress will help make 
possible Ukraine's ultimate victory on the battlefield.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have 
remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Oklahoma has 1\1/2\ 
minutes remaining. The gentlewoman from Connecticut has 9 minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Mrvan).
  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member DeLauro for the time 
and applaud the dedicated work of her and all the leaders and staff of 
the House Appropriations Committee on both sides of the aisle for their 
commitment to advancing this legislation.
  I am proud to support this legislative package that is of paramount 
importance to the strength of our Nation, to the American worker, and 
for our role as a world leader that is working to defend democracy.
  This is an incredibly serious moment for our Nation and the world, 
and I appreciate that these measures rise to the occasion to provide 
the necessary resources for those in need, including funds for 
Ukraine's military, for our ally Israel, and $9 billion in humanitarian 
assistance for the people of Gaza.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support these measures 
and ensure they are signed into law.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).
  Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Indo-
Pacific defense supplemental and all of the foreign aid bills we are 
voting on today.
  I recently returned from a State Department-led trip to Japan where 
we discussed the security challenges the region is facing from the PRC.
  Our partners in the Indo-Pacific are dealing with the daily threat of 
aggression from China. China is quite literally seeking to gobble up 
other countries, including the vibrant sovereign democracy of Taiwan, 
and China is working to gain leverage over countries through cheap 
infrastructure deals and digital authoritarianism.
  The Indo-Pacific region has been calling on the United States to be 
reliable, present, and engaged. Just last week, the Japanese Prime 
Minister came to Congress to tell us that Japan and the region need the 
United States and that our partners will be by our side. All we need to 
do is show up.
  With this bill, the United States is saying we need you, too, we will 
not cede our leadership, and we are here for good.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  At this juncture, I thank the former chair of the Appropriations 
Committee, our colleague, Kay Granger. It has really been my honor to 
serve with Congresswoman Granger. She has been a pioneer in so many 
ways.
  I have said it to many folks, and especially to the women who serve 
in this House: No one hands you anything here. You earn it. Kay Granger 
has earned every bit of the accolades and the titles she has received 
because she earned it, she deserves it, and she is an outstanding 
Member of this body.
  Madam Speaker, I would also say it is an honor to serve with Chairman 
Cole. I think it really is impressive that in the second week leading 
the committee, we are passing a long overdue supplemental to aid our 
allies. That is to his credit, and I thank him very much.
  Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Massachusetts (Ms. Clark), the distinguished Democratic whip and former 
member of the Appropriations Committee.
  Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman 
for yielding.
  John Gardner said: ``History never looks like history when you are 
living through it.''
  There is no doubt that today's votes in the House of Representatives 
will reverberate through history and will be felt for generations to 
come.
  We have learned that when figures like Vladimir Putin emerge, we will 
not find peace through appeasement.
  As caretakers of the world's most powerful republic, we cannot look 
away when the world looks to us to lead the defense of democracy. We 
cannot look away because tyranny is not just emanating from Moscow.

[[Page H2592]]

  The same extremism that has fueled the Russian attack on the 
Ukrainian people has found countenance here in the people's House. In 
voting ``yes'' today, we can rebuke all those who choose to side with 
the enemies of freedom.
  As we combat tyrants, we can also not turn away from the innocent 
victims of war and famine, the suffering people of Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, 
Chad, and Armenia. The humanitarian aid in this package is vital to 
relieving their pain, saving their lives, and securing their children's 
future.
  As we witness so much destruction and starvation, as we attempt to 
comprehend the intertwined horrors of the October 7 attack on Israel 
and the devastating toll on innocent civilians in Gaza, I cannot see a 
path to peace that does not provide security and sovereignty to both 
Israelis and Palestinians, a peace rooted in justice and our common 
humanity. It is my hope that the votes we take today are a start.
  We are not simply living through history. We are shaping it. We have 
the opportunity today to shape a future that is more just and more 
equitable.
  The bills before us today are not perfect. They consider very complex 
and painful issues, but they are a critical step forward, and I urge my 
colleagues to join me in taking it.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for 
closing.
  I begin by thanking the Speaker and the Rules Committee, particularly 
my good friends Chairman Burgess and Ranking Member McGovern, for 
structuring this debate so every Member in this Chamber would have an 
opportunity to express their opinion on every issue. This is really a 
very welcome gift. Nobody is being jammed. Everybody can voice their 
own opinion.
  I thank my good friend, the ranking member of the full Appropriations 
Committee, for working with me. We have had a long friendship and a 
long professional relationship, and I look forward to the years ahead 
working with her.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, I urge all our colleagues to support all four 
of these bills. We are, as speaker after speaker has said, at a 
critical moment in our history. We need to stand firm. We need to send 
a clear signal to the rest of the world, so please pass the bills.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join 
me in supporting H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental 
Appropriations Act, a bill whose passage is essential to our national 
security.
  By far and away, the greatest threat to world peace since the fall of 
the Soviet Union is a Communist China that seeks to displace the United 
States as global hegemon, while nursing historical grievances over past 
humiliations by nations of the West.
  The People's Republic of China is not simply a strategic rival of the 
United States, but a systemic one, which seeks to rewrite the entire 
rules-based international order and recreate it in its own image.
  To that end, it has targeted Taiwan, known formally as the Republic 
of China.
  The strategic importance of Taiwan in countering the Chinese 
Communist Party's hegemonistic ambitions cannot be overstated. It is 
the anchor of the first island chain, stretching from Japan to the 
Philippines, and it is a major economic and trade power in its own 
right. It dominates the semiconductor supply chain, integral to our 
economic and security well-being.
  But more than that, it is a beacon of hope for the Chinese people, a 
bastion of democracy and freedom and a rebuke to the narrative of Xi 
Jinping and the CCP that the Chinese tradition is inimical to democracy 
and human rights.
  Taiwan, like Israel, is an absolutely key strategic ally in a 
dangerous part of the world. To keep the peace, we must ensure that it 
has the arms necessary to defend itself, and we must stand by it 
against any cross-Strait aggression.
  Congress' commitment to Taiwan is longstanding, and it is important 
that we reaffirm that today, so as to underscore to the regime on the 
Chinese mainland that there is can be no doubt or ambiguity--strategic 
or otherwise--regarding that commitment.
  As the bedrock Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 clearly stated, we are 
committed to resisting ``any resort to force or other forms of coercion 
that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, 
of the people in Taiwan.
  Ronald Reagan constantly and consistently stated that we achieve 
``Peace through strength.''
  It is that strength--and the willingness to resort to force of arms--
that keeps the peace, paradoxical as that may seem to some.
  Towards that end, we need to be prepared. That is why I in the House 
and Marco Rubio in the Senate introduced the Taiwan Protection and 
National Resilience Act, first in 2022 and then again in this Congress. 
That bill calls for a strategy to counter any coercive action by 
Communist China towards Taiwan.
  It is why I introduced an amendment to last year's NDAA which called 
for assisting Taiwan in developing an asymmetric naval self-defense 
capability, enhanced by small, high speed, long-range, extreme-weather-
capable, reduced-radar-signature boats.
  Another idea whose time has come is developing a technology security 
alliance with Taiwan and our other allies in Asia such as Japan and 
South Korea. We would create a trade network that provides a realistic 
alternative to China, providing a shield against any coercion by China. 
Former Taiwan Legislative Yuan member Jason Hsu has championed that 
idea, and it is a good one.
  Finally, there is a backlog in sending weapons and ordnance to 
Taiwan, some $19 billion worth, due to our commitments elsewhere, and 
due to bureaucratic and production bottlenecks. Co-production--the 
building of weapons in Taiwan, under contract, from drones to small 
boats to missiles--is something that needs to be done, so that Taiwan 
can deter mainland aggression.
  Let us unequivocally state: we stand with the people of Taiwan, and 
our Indo-Pacific allies.
  I will vote in favor of H.R. 8036 and urge my colleagues to do the 
same.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate on the bill has expired.


                  Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Issa

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider the amendment 
printed in part C of House Report 118-466.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 8, line 8, after the dollar amount insert ``(increased 
     by $500,000,000) (reduced by $500,000,000)''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1160, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.

                              {time}  1030

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, we meet in an extraordinary, extraordinary 
session here on a Saturday, and we do so because Iran has fired 
missiles over our very ships intended to land on our ally Israel. We 
meet here on a Saturday because Russia has invaded Ukraine and 
continues an aggression that will not stop there, but we also meet here 
in order to provide a protection and a preventative funding to our 
allies in the Indo-Pacific.
  Included in those allies in this amendment must be the Philippines. 
Only days ago, the President of the Philippines and the Prime Minister 
of Japan met with our President in a trilateral meeting for the first 
time in, literally I believe, history. They did so to talk about many 
things, including the joint agreement for defense that includes Japan 
and the U.S. both participating in the Philippines in their defense on 
their soil by their invitation.
  That is how grave the threat from China is and how nothing will do a 
better job of preventing yet a third major area of conflict than peace 
through strength.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support for this amendment, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I claim the time in opposition, although 
I am not opposed to the amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentlewoman from 
Connecticut is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Scott).
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the 
amendment I joined with Congressman Issa and Delegate Moylan in support 
of foreign military funding for the Philippines. Earlier this month, as 
cochair of the United States-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I had the 
opportunity to meet with the President of

[[Page H2593]]

the Philippines, along with members from the Philippine House of 
Representatives, to discuss the important bilateral relationship 
between our two countries.
  In these discussions, we emphasized our shared maritime vision of 
keeping peace and freedom, particularly in the South China Sea. As the 
gentleman from California has mentioned, we are pleased to see the 
Biden administration recognize this important relationship, 
particularly by enhancing the defense cooperation agreement. This would 
allow the United States and the Philippines to better address the 
shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan).
  Mr. MOYLAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the importance 
of supporting our ally, the Philippines, as they stand on the front 
lines of China's gray zone warfare in the Philippine Sea. The U.S. 
needs to further commit to its security cooperation efforts with our 
friends in the Philippines. Since increasing Philippine foreign 
military financing in 2022, we have drastically improved their ability 
to counter regional threats.
  Madam Speaker, we can do more. Our Philippine allies are harassed and 
intimidated daily. This includes the use of high-pressure water cannons 
against civilian Philippine fishing vessels in their own waters.
  To show our support, I introduced, with  Bobby Scott, H. Res. 837, 
Reaffirming the Ties Between the United States and the Philippines.
  Funding our allies is simple math, dedicating $500 million in 1 year 
ensures the protection of nine critical military bases and ports 
protecting 11 million Filipino citizens across 300,000 square 
kilometers.
  The Philippine Department of National Defense has a storied record of 
military operations planning with our USINDOPACOM leaders and to meet 
our future fight with force.
  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Issa, for submitting this 
amendment.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, how much time do I have remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California has 2\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Madam Speaker, I want to remind this body of something that I think 
is important today. When I entered this body some 20-plus years ago, 
another Congressman then, Bob Filner, and I founded the Philippine 
Friendship Caucus.
  We did so because there were many promises made all the way back in 
World War II that had been reneged on through what was known as the 
Rescission Act.
  Through education, the Congress wisely restored those scouts. These 
were individuals who fought and died next to us, or often were tortured 
when captured while defending us and warning us from the Philippines 
when it was occupied.
  The Philippines has been our possession, our colony, our ally 
throughout history, but, more importantly, the Philippine people have 
reached out to us time and time again to be our friends.
  President Marcos came here personally to double down and triple down 
on that relationship as a friend of the U.S., a democracy, and, in 
fact, ready to defend the region with its partners for freedom in the 
Indo-Pacific.
  So, Madam Speaker, I ask you, please, this is an amendment more 
important perhaps than any other to prevent war, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Edwards). Pursuant to the rule, the 
previous question is ordered on the bill and on the amendment by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa).
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Issa).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the engrossment and third 
reading of the bill.
  The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was 
read the third time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the bill.
  Pursuant to clause 10 of rule XX, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.

                          ____________________