Statements For the Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 27, which would overturn a recent Biden Administration regulation clarifying protection of America's waters under the Clean Water Act.
Communities in Minnesota and across our nation need reliable access to clean water. Without clean water our communities don't have access to safe drinking water, farmers can't grow the food we eat, and our nurses and doctors can't clean their hands before a procedure. Clean water touches every facet of our daily lives, and our communities cannot thrive without it.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 140, the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act.
Mister Speaker, I rise today to recognize the history of Minnesota's African American railroad workers ahead of the new exhibit at the Minnesota Transportation Museum titled, "Twin Tracks: African American Railroad Workers, 1919-1941" curated by Marvin Anderson of Saint Paul, Minnesota, whose own grandfather worked as a Pullman porter. The exhibit will accurately highlight the crucial role that African American workers played in operating the early railroads by recounting the struggles and triumphs that they endured.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 347, the REIN IN Act.
House Republicans are claiming this bill will require the administration to publish the inflationary impact of executive actions before enacting them, but if Republicans had taken the time to hold a hearing on this bill, they would have discovered that the bill merely requires the President to "prepare and consider" the inflationary impact—not publish it. This is yet another misleading political stunt from the new Republican majority.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. J. Res. 24 and H. J. Res. 26 which would nullify legislation enacted by the D.C. Council.
Our constituents did not elect us to get involved in the local politics of our nation's capital city. Yet, House Republicans think it's appropriate to waste Congress's time to weigh in on D.C. politics instead of getting to work for the American people to cap insulin costs for everyone, make the wealthiest and the biggest corporations pay their fair share in taxes, or strengthen Social Security and Medicare.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide remarks on H.R. 185, a bill House Republicans have brought to the Floor to revoke vaccine requirements for global travelers entering the United States. This legislation puts American health care at risk, flies in the face of settled science surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine, and hinders America's ability to adapt and respond to emerging variants.
Mr. Speaker, let's be clear about what this resolution is. A complete waste of time. This resolution is not about Stalin. It is not about Mao. It is not about Castro. It is not even about condemning the human rights abuses that many communist dictators throughout history have committed. Instead, the Republican majority has thrown together a poorly written, ill-conceived resolution so sloppy that it condemns socialism in all its forms.
As a co-sponsor of H. Res. 326 as introduced on April 25, 2019, I support Representative Lowenthal's determination to advance U.S. leadership in seeking a diplomatic resolution to achieve a "two-state solution" to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, amendments to the resolution mean I can no longer vote in favor of H. Res. 326 and I will be voting "present."
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (H.R. 299).
When our brave men and women sign up to serve, the American people make a promise to them.
We assure them of clearly defined benefits that are guaranteed upon completion of their service. Unfortunately, for many veterans of the Vietnam era who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam, our government fell short of this solemn duty.
Madame Speaker, it is my hope that Members of Congress and the American people can stand united in the belief that justice, human dignity, and human rights are values we share and promote. Certainly, when it comes to protecting the rights of children we should be able to find universal agreement that ensuring their safety and well-being is a priority.