[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13148]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2014

  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast a vote on rollcall 
votes 433, 434, 435, and 436 on July 22, 2014. Had I been present, I 
would have voted ``yes'' on all four votes.
  I would have voted in favor of H.R. 4450, the Travel Promotion, 
Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014, because the legislation 
ensures our continued ability to promote the United States as an 
international travel destination.
  I would have voted in favor of H.R. 4411, the Hezbollah International 
Financing Prevention Act of 2014, because it reinforces the United 
States' position against terrorist organizations. Imposing these 
sanctions will deter financial institutions and other entities from 
facilitating financial transactions with Hezbollah.
  I would have voted in favor of H.R. 1022, the Securing Energy 
Critical Elements and American Jobs Act of 2014, because I support 
permanently authorizing the Department of Energy's Critical Minerals 
Institute so that the United States can ensure a reliable supply of 
elements required for a broad range of advanced technologies and better 
promote research and development in the public and private sectors.
  I would have voted in favor of the Democratic Motion to Instruct 
Conferees on H.R. 3230, because I agree with the Senate's broad-based 
approach to addressing issues in the Department of Veterans Affairs. At 
this crucial junction, the Department requires both considerable 
oversight and support from Congress so that changes are put in place to 
ensure veterans are receiving the care they have earned and deserve.

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