the speaker pro tempore: the house will come to order. please take all conversations off the floor, out of the aisles and the back row. if you are having conversations, please remove them at this time. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h.r. 497 as amended. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: h.r. 497, a bill to direct the secretary of the interior to convey certain

public lands in san bernardino county, california, to the san bernardino valley water conservation district and to accept and return certain exchange nonpublic lands and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule the gentleman from california, mr. cook and the gentleman from virginia, mr. beyer, each will control 20 minutes. the house cannot proceed until conversations are quieted and the aisles are clear. . the chair now recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to evise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. cook: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume.

mr. cook: i am proud to sponsor this bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation. the santa ana river wash plan exchange act. his bill reflects a compromise negotiated at the grassroots level among the cities, counties, mining companies, wildlife agencies, and water organizations for over two decades in the upper santa ana wash area. the bill simply authorizes a land exchange of bureau of land management land for 310 acres of land currently owned by the san bernardino water valley conservation district. this exchange facilitates the implementation of the broader upper santa ana wash land management and habitat conservation plan. which identifies opportunities

to expand existing aggregate support newtions to infrastructure developments, enhance water storage for the surrounding communities, and establish support new infrastructure developments, pr certain threatened and endangered plants and species. after the exchange, the bureau of land management will use the land to protect critical habitat region's nhance the water conservation and storage efforts by recharging more than 77 water basins. the land acquired by the water conservation district, which is concurrently adjacent to two aggregate mines, will allow local mining companies to expand and create greater efficiency in their current mining operations. the companies estimate that this

small exchange will result in newoximately 8.5 million in infrastructure projects and a 6 million increase in annual payrolls from the new sites. this bill is supported by a wide variety of stakeholders in my district, including the san bernardino valley water conservation district. the san bernardino valley municipal water district, the san bernardino county, the city of redlands, california, the endangered habitats league, and others. i urge my colleagues to support this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. gentleman from virginia is recognized. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. speaker. i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. beyer: this bill authorizes

a land exchange in california between the san bernardino valley water conservation district and bureau of land management. after 15 years stakeholders have finalized the plan with the santa ana river washington that balances the needs of endangered wildfire with regional economic development. this is a stellar example of endangered species act as work. i commend representative cook for his work on this bill. the land exchange is a key component of the habitat conservation plan and win-win for all parties t will help protect an worn wildlife habitat while allowing the consequence vase district to increase water storage capacity and direct mining activity into the appropriate areas. again, this is exactly how the endangered species act should work. it's something we should all support. it's good bill and urge swift adoption by the house. mr. speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserve. mr. cook: mr. speaker, i have no

further speakers and reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia ready to close. mr. beyer: no. i would like to give -- the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves, the gentleman from virginia is recognized. recognize congressman aguilar for three minutes. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california is recognized for three minutes. mr. aguilar: i thank the gentleman for yielding. thank you, mr. speaker. i rise in support of the santa ana river wash plan land exchange act introduced by my republican colleague and regional part next colonel paul cook. this is the final step as he mentioned to complete the transfer of land between the san bernardino valley water conservation district and bureau of land management, known as the b.l.m. this slayings allows the b.l.m. valley water dino conservation district to trade parcels of land which will benefit both the b.l.m. and conservation district this. valley water empower

mining companies, robinson's ready mix, which sit on land managed by the b.l.m. to increase efishency. as the gentleman mentioned, by increasing that efficiency these local mining companies will produce aggregate that will support numerous infrastructure projects and approximately empo mining $36 million in annual payroll from this site alone. additionally, the land exchange creates 59 acres of land, further consequence saying -- for the conservation district to use for conservation purposes to protect endangered plants and and recharging water in more than 70 basins. the wash plan has been an ongoing project since the late 1980's when it was a proposal from the cities of highland and redlands. as the former mayor of redland, i worked on this project at the local level. years and actually decades of studies and committee reports have culminated in this final presentation of the upper santa ana river wash plan. the santa ana river wash plan land exchange act moves this decades-long process forward which will allow the san bernardino county to take advantage of critical economic

and environmental benefits. after years of working on this project at the local level and listening to constituents and local stakeholders' comments and questions, i can confidently tell you that this land exchange is widely supported. i have received letters of support from two mining companies affected by the transfer. the county of san bernardino, the city of highland, city of redlands, the san bernardino valley water conservation district, a local chapter of the habitat league and an organization of regional stakeholders that promote economic growth in the inland empire. this bill is a smart bipartisan plan that will help us support our local economy and protect the environment. it's a victory for all involved and i offer my complete support and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the santa ana river ash plan land exchange act. i want to commend representative cook again. he's been a regional leader on this issue. he's been a colleague. we have worked on many of these issues that border our two districts. he has been incredibly thoughtful in his approach to

this. he's done a yeoman's work with his staff in carrying forward this bill. it's always a pleasure to work with my colleague. thank you, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia reserves. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. ready to close. the gentleman from virginia ready to close. mr. beyer: yes, mr. speaker. mr. speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: support the bill obviously and yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california yields back. yet is, will the house suspend the rules and pass h.r. 497 as amended. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, -- mr. cook: on that i ask for the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on the

question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. cook: mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h.r. 220, as amended. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title. the clerk: union calendar number 101, h.r. 220, a bill to authorize the extension of an existing hydroelectric project, and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. cook, and the gentleman from virginia, mr. buy. beyer, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to evise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. i yield five minutes

to the gentleman from alaska. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from alaska is recognized for five minutes. mr. young: thank you, mr. speaker. thank you, mr. chairman. i ask unanimous consent to revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. young: mr. speaker, this legislation, h.r. 220, allows for the expansion of the tara lake hydroleak trick project on kodiak island of alaska. high the way which is larger than new jersey. the tara lake hydroelectric project provides hydropower capacity to the island of 13,189 residents and largest coast guard station in the united states. kodiak island is roughly the size of new jersey. it means it's reliant upon the electrical generation on the island mostly by hydroat this time. some diesel. with the growing electrical demands in the residents of kodiak, the association will not be able to meet their needs without requiring additional

resources or will be forced to increase the use of diesel. there is no reason why hydrorich community like kodiak should have to rely on diesel fuel for power generation. they wish to expand their operation by increasing their water resources, and i agree. my legislation allows the kodiak electric company to divert small flows of additional water from upper hidden basin and tara lake by digging a 1.5 mile underground tunnel. this diversion -- division will increase the water resources tara lake by 25%. resulting in an additional 33,000 megawatt hours of generation each year and totaling an estimated output of the project of 168 million watts every day. the issue at hand is the tunnel would need to go through kodiak's island national wildlife refuge, which is federal land to the state lands to where the water division will be located. my legislation authorizes the kodiak electric association to occupy not more than 20 acres of

federal land to the construction, operate, and maintain the upper hidden basin division expansion without further authorization of the secretary of the interior. alaska has tremendous hydroelectric potential and i look forward to moving additional commonsense reforms to provide for rural and remote communities insure opportunities to obtain reliable and affordable hydropower. mr. chairman, may i say that the fish and wildlife support this. there is no objection to it. it's a solution waiting to happen. we're going to dig a tunnel. it's really about a tunnel w that i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from alaska yields back. the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from virginia is recognized. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: is recognized for much as much time as you may consume. mr. beyer: h.r. 220 would authorize expansion of the existing tara lake hydropower project in alaska to meet increased power demands from island.

this bill unanimously passed both the house natural resource. committee and the senate energy and natural resources committee. i want to thank mr. young for his persuasive presentations both in committee an anne on the house floor. i fully support this sensible bipartisan legislation and urge my colleagues to vote it. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i was going to say a few words about this bill here, but i would be in fear of my life if i changed anything on congressman young's statement. with that i think did he an outstanding job presenting it and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. all time for debate is returned. the question is now will the house suspend the rules and pass h.r. 220 as amended. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3

of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are -- for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. cook: mr. speaker, i ask for the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. further proceedings on the question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? cook: mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h.r. 1500. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: house calendar number 47, h.r. 1500. a bill to redesignate the small triangular property located in washington, d.c., and designated by the national park service as reservation 302 as robert emmett park, and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. cook, and the gentleman from virginia, mr. beyer, each will control 20 minutes. the chair now recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to evise and extend their remarks

and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. cook: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. by ook: h.r. 1500 offered colleague, representative joseph crowley of d.c., as robert emmett park. . sometimes referred to as the george washington of ireland was a prominent historical figure known for his role in the irish rebellion of 1803 and or his classic speech from the dock to gain irish independence. the small national park service reservation that is redesignated by this bill includes a statue of robert

emmet originally cast in 1916 by irish american artist jerome connor. in april of last year, the statue was rededicated at a ceremony that also marked the centennial of the 1916 easter rising. the statue and park located just a few blocks from the irish embassy are a source of pride to the irish community. i wish to thank representative crowley for his sponsorship of this bill and also mr. jack 'brien of the ancient order of hibernians for his tireless support and his life-long dedication to irish cultural projects. i urge adoption of the measure and reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from virginia is recognized. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. speaker. as my friend, mr. cook, pointed out, h.r. 1500 designates the

small triangle of land in washington, d.c., as the robert emmet park. the parcel is home to a statue of robert emmet, a seminole figure for ireland's quest for independence. the bill also authorizes the national park service, which manages the area, to add interpretive displays and sinage to the area. emmet admired the independence we received in this country and only wanted the same freedom and liberty for his come pate reaches in ireland -- compatriots in ireland. this will stand as a constant reminder that binds our nation. so i'd like to thank my friend, representative crowley from new york, but also a proud son of st. patrick, for his work on this bill. i urge swift adoption. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i reserve my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: i'd like to yield as much time as he requires to the dwibtive representative from new york city -- distinguished

representative from new york city, joe crowley. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. crowley: i thank the gentleman from virginia for yielding this time. i'd like to thank the chairman and the ranking member of the natural resources committee here in the house of representatives for moving this bill and helping to put this bill on the floor today in a bipartisan spirit. i'd like to acknowledge the majority and minority staff who have been very helpful to my office in this effort. this is not the first time this measure has been considered. it passed the house during the last congress, but the session ended before it could be moved forward in the senate and into law. it was then as it is now a bipartisan bill. i'd like to acknowledge all the members who are co-sponsors. in substance, the bill would, as been said, name a small parcel of land in washington, d.c., as robert emmet park. emmet was honored by the united states 100 years ago when a statue of his likeness was donated to the smithsonian museum.

that statue was welcomed by no less than president woodrow wilson himself. after 50 years the museum moved the statue to the land where it rests now, an unnamed parcel of land. the rededication committee counted many key leaders, including speaker of the house then john mccormick, senator everett dirkson and senator mike mansfield. even president lyndon johnson conveyed his pride in emmet stating that, i quote, we americans are proud to accord a place of honor here in the nation's capital to robert emmet whose struggles and . crifices beseeks congress' long recognized the significance of this statue and it's the -- the role -- and its role in keeping alive not only

the memory of robert emmet but the ideals for which he stood. and at present, the statue of emmet is the only statue on this small piece of land. this bill would take the next logical step by naming the land for emmet. it is a fitting tribute since for generations many american schoolchildren learned the word of emmet's famous speech which became known as the "speech from a dock." i often wonder what abraham lincoln was taught as a boy. we all learn the gettysburg address, but in fact, abraham lincoln could recite the "speech from the dock" by memory. it couldn't have been an easy speech for emmet to give when ne considers that he was expected to be executed after giving that speech. emmet had been an irish

independence leader who was deeply influenced by george washington and the struggle for american independence. he was inspired by the american fight for democracy and self-determination, but after a failed effort to achieve independence, he was captured by the british as were many others over the centuries of struggle. in his speech, emmet said, let no man write my entath for no man dares now vindicate them. let not prestigious nor -- ejudice nor ignorance and my tomb remained uninscribed and my memory into oblivion until other men can do justice to my character. my country takes the place among the nations of the earth then not until then let my epitath be written.

shortly after giving that speech on september 20, 1903, robert emmet was hung, drawn and quartered but emmet's words lived on. in fact, groups name the emmet monument association were founded in the united states. their stated purpose was to mr. a burial monument to emmet, one that would of course include an epitath, but because emmet cailed for ireland to be free, these groups are actually seen in freedom organizations. they and other american groups were quite active in the united states for many years all across our nation. they came before us in the struggle for irish independence. and their presence played a major role in american political life for many, many decades. so i respectfully urge the passage of this bill. it does not require spending funds and it does not to the

park or the park system. it would basically include robert emmet park to a small piece of land where the emmet statue rests. american americans as well as our government have long recognized the significance of the america and the statue in keeping alive not just the history of robert emmet but what he stood for. i am glad that considers today. i'd like to once again thank the majority and the minority members of the american resources committee as well as their staff. their support made this possible for this measure to once again be on the floor today. i'd like to thank the hardworking staff of the smithsonian institute and the national park service who are taking care of the emmet statue and park for these many, many years. with that i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new york yields back. the gentleman from virginia reserves. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i reserve. i have no more speakers. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california is ready to close. the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the

gentleman from virginia yields back. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california yields back the balance of his time. all time for debate having closed, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 1500. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are -- for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. cook: i ask for the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. cook: mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h.r. 1073. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: union calendar a bill to .r. 1073 authorize the secretary of the interior to establish a structure for visitor services on the arlington ridge tract, in the area of the u.s. marine corps war memorial, and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. cook, and the gentleman from

virginia, mr. beyer, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. cook: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. cook: h.r. 1073, brought to us by our natural resources committee colleague, congressman don beyer of virginia, authorizes the united -- national park service to construct a visitor services center at the united states marine corps memorial in arlington, virginia. the united states marine corps memorial is one of the emblematic sites of our nation's capital. as a marine, the memorial is especially near and dear to my heart. it represents our nation's gratitude and esteem for the

marines and those who have fought beside them. while the statute depicts the fundraising on iwo jima, one of the most iconic events of world war ii, the memorial is dedicated to all marines who have given their lives in defense of the united states since 1775. each year the memorial attracts over a million visitors and hosts several popular events including summer and sunset parades and the marine corps marathon. despite this popularity, the memorial lacks basic visitor services such as permanent restroom facilities. the bill before us authorizes the construction of a visitor services center that includes permanent restroom facilities, thus allowing those visiting our nation's capital to visit and appreciate this grand memorial with a bit of i creased comfort.

-- increased comfort. i urge adoption of the measure and reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from virginia is recognized. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: and the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he wishes to consume. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. speaker. the bill before us today authorizes the national park service to construct a visit services facility that includes a restroom at the u.s. marine corps memorial, also known as iwo jima memorial. it's located in arlington, virginia, just a short drive from the pentagon and very short drive from here. this iconic statue of marines raising the flag ovary woe jeema is one -- is the most recognized memorial in the whole world and receives a tremendous amount of visitation. unfortunately, there are no permanent restroom facilities at the site. it goes without saying this is a major hurdle to visitor comfort and especially given this is a popular destination for our veterans, not all of whom are able bodied. however, once this bill becomes law, the national park service will be able to construct a

restroom with funds that have already been privately donated just for this purpose and this is in keeping with the broad policy of increasing accessibility of all of memorials on and around the national mall. this bill is a long time coming. i really want to thank my bill's co-sponsors for their support, mr. cook from california, mr. graves from louisiana, and i understand that our good friends from the park service are watching with excitement and pleasure this afternoon as we take this up on the floor. so i urge my colleagues to support this bill, and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia yields back. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california yields back. all time for debate having expired, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 1073. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. cook: mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass

h.r. 1135. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the. the clerk: union calendar number 104, h.r. 1135, a bill to re-authorize the historically black colleges and universities historic preservation program. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. cook, and the gentleman from virginia, mr. beyer, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to evise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. cook: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. cook: h.r. 295, introduced by congressman james clyburn of south carolina, re-authorizes the historically -- the historic bladge colleges and university historic

preservation program. since 1988, the historically black colleges and universities historic preservation program has awarded over $60 million in grants to assist historically black colleges and universities with needed maintenance and rehabilitation of historic buildings on their campuses. . these projects may include damaged masonry, upgrading electrical system or fixing leaking roofs. lthough the need for our damagd nation's historically black colleges and universities exceed the amounts authorized by this legislation, future funding provided to this program will help to ensure that the rich history of these campuses remains preserved for future generations. i urge adoption of this measure and reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume.

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. speaker. h.r. 1135 re-authorizes the historically black colleges and universities historic preservation program. this program provides grants to revitalize and preserve historical structures of historically black colleges. i'm proud of the five hbcu's we have in virginia, virginia state, virginia union university, hampton university, and virginia university of lynchburg. i point out that the nation's first elected african-american governor, douglas l. wilder, was a graduate of virginia union university. since the program was first authorized in 198 -- 1988, as mr. cook said, over 60 million in grants will help restore structures on these campuses. 2/3 has been leveraged for matching funds to maximumize the impact of taxpayer dollars. there is still a loft work that remains to be done at all 107

hbcu's. for this zation long overdude. i would like to thank my esteemed colleague from south carolina, mr. clyburn, for all his hard work to bring this issue to the attention of congress. with that, mr. speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia reserves. the gentleman from california. i would like to thank my esteemed colleague from south carolina, mr. mr. cook: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i'd like to yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished leader from south carolina, mr. clyburn. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from south carolina is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. clyburn: thank you very much, mr. speaker. mr. speaker, i thank the gentleman from virginia for yielding me the time. mr. speaker, as a student and former teacher of history, i have worked during my tenure in college to preserve and protect our nation's historic treasures. historical black colleges and universities, commonly called hbcu's, are some of the most

important historic educational institutions in our contry. -- country. there are over 100 hbcu's in the country and eight of them are in south carolina. i proudly represent seven of them, and i am a graduate of one. many of them have buildings and sites on their campuses that have existed for over a century and are of great historical significance. unfortunately, many of the historic buildings and sites on these campuses have deteriorated over the years or -- and are at isk of being completely if not -- completely lost if not preserved and protected. in 1998, at the behest of the congressional black caucus, the united states government accountability office, the

g.a.o., surveyed 103 hbcu campuses to identify the historical significant sites on these campuses and project the cost of restoring and preserving these properties. the g.a.o. identified 712 historic buildings and sites and 5 million a cost of $75 to restore and preserve thefment each of these sites has national significance -- preserve them. each of these sites has a national significance to american history and i believe we have an obligation to be stewards of these historic treasures. in 2003, working with our former colleague, jim andson of utah, -- jim hanson of utah, and our former colleague, dear friend,

mr. duncan of tennessee, congress extended the program and authorized expenses of $10 million annually for five years. i have seen the results first hand. last year a university rededicated the historic auditorium on its campus in olumbia, south carolina, which was painstakingly restored thanks to funding from this program. originally built in 1925, this building was central to the cultural life of african-americans in south carolina for generations. in 1947, reverend joseph a. delane, attended an naacp event at the auditorium that inspired him to organize black families in the county to petition their school district to provide buses for black students who at the

time were forced to make a daily miles to school. that was 9.4 miles to school, and 9.4 miles back home. the legal case that grew from this petition, briggs v. elliott, printed the frontal attack on segregation in the country and was later combined with four other cases that became brown vs. board of at ation of topeka, kansas, the supreme court. overturning the separate but equal fallacy, brown ended legal segregation throughout america. this is just a singular example of the history living on hbcu campuses. because of our past efforts, historic buildings and sites at

from 20 states have received funding from this program. however, many historic structures are still endangered. consequently, in the omnibus appropriations bill for 2017, which passed earlier this year, congress included $4 million for hbcu historic preservation. so that we can continue this progress. last year the house passed this bill unanimously, but it was not taken up by the senate. i thank chairman bishop and ranking member grijalva for supporting it again today. this bill is supported by the united negro college fund, the thurgood marshall college fund, anti-national trust for historic preservation.

the hbcu historic preservation program serves as an essential purpose to hbcu's which have a special place in the fabric of culture, and y, education. countless individuals have worked tirelessly to cultivate hbcu's and their legacy as seen in graduates whose achievements are on the pages of american history. from booker t. washington to ry mccloud bethune, w.b. deboys, and martin luther king jr., hbcu visionaries and graduates have set powerful examples of leadership. the legacy of hbcu's is one of significant courage and steadfast determination. the structures on these campuses across the country are living testaments to african-american history and deserve to be

stabilized and restored. hbcu's are among america's national stresh sure that must be preserved and protect -- treasures that must be preserved and protected for future generations. thank you, mr. speaker. i urge all our colleagues to support this needed legislation. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from south carolina yields back. the gentleman from virginia reserves. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i reserve my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. virginia.man from mr. buyer: i would like to yield three minutes to the distinguished member from congress, from north carolina, dr. adams. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady from north carolina is recognized for three minutes. miss dams: thank you. i would like to thank the gentleman for yielding. mr. speaker, i rise today in re-authorization of the hbcu historic preservation program. there are 10 hbcu's in re-autho carolina, johnson c. smith university is in my district. i'm pleased to see strong bipartisan support that

recognizes how integral historically black colleges and universities are to our situation. i'm proud graduate twice of north carolina at&t. most of the structures of this program will date back to the foundings of these schools, most founded in the 19th crentry. these structures teach us about the length that african-americans went through to be educated and fight for their place in american society. they also provide important lessons for tay. reminding us how far we have come as a society and how these truck stures were once built to cope with jim crow america but now used to educate our future lawyers, doctors, and politicians. they also remind us of how far we have to go. how we must continue to address the numerous inequities of hbcu's face compared to other universities when it comes to educating the next generation. funding from this program finances repairs with schools with large endowments take for

granted. repairs for water damage, asbestos, lead paint, and encreased physical accessibility for the disabled. the program helps modernize hbcu campus, createsing a suitable environment for learning and agreement, while allowing these institutions to attract deserveive students who an education. w.e.b. du bois reminded us of the civil rights that the world has struggled deserve an education. and fought for. that the right to learn is undoubtedly the most fundamental. in short, mr. speaker, this program is necessary. necessary to update hbcu infrastructure and maintain their competitive edge as institutions of higher learning supporting that fundamental right. the president has said these schools are a priority for his administration. they are absolutely a priority for me as well as for my colleagues of the c.b.c. and bipartisan hbcu caucus. so passing it proves that congress can come together to achieve something substantial

for these schools and continue the conversation surrounding hbcu's. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady yields back. the gentleman from virginia reserves. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: can i ask how much time? the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia has 9 1/2 minutes. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. speaker. i would like to yield three minutes to the distinguished congressman from north carolina, mr. butterfield. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from north carolina is recognized for 3 1/2 minutes. mr. butterfield: thank you very much, mr. speaker. thank you for yielding time. mr. speaker, i rise in support of my good friend, congressman jim clyburn's bill, to re-authorize the historically black colleges and universities historic preservation program. i have known jim clyburn for more than 35 years and this has been his passion ever since i first met him many years ago. thank you, mr. clyburn, for your passion and leadership on this issue. since 1988, the hbcu historic preservation program has provided more than $60 million

to hbcu's across the country to support infrastructure and facilitate learning. my alma mater, both my under graduate and law school, north carolina central university in durham, an institution that i am now praud proud to represent in congress, has greatly benefited from the program. and i might say that my father graduated from shore university which is an hbcu and later from a medical college. my mother attended high school at shaw university and graduated from college at hampton institute now called hampton university. hbcu's mr. speaker, fill a unique and important role in our nation's higher education system and in our country'saire tifment not only do hbcu's train our work force of the future by producing the most african-american students who can earn science and engineering doctoral degrees, they are integral parts of our national

identity. hbcu's spread 00 across the country house the books and memorabilia from friedman and -- freed men and h across the former slaves dating back many years. many of the historic buildings were used as meeting places during reconstruction and during the civil rights movement. hbcu's represent the past, the here, and now, and future of our country by re-authorizing this important program through 2024, e can honor the many important gack cult and students -- faculty and students that have helped hbcu's endure, support people at those institutions gack cult and students today, prepare our work force for the future. i strongly support this bill. i commend my dear colleague, congressman jim clyburn, for his enormous leadership on this important issue. i urge my colleagues to vote yes on this legislation. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from north carolina yields back. the gentleman from virginia reserves. the gentleman from california reserves. mr. cook: reserve my time.

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield three minutes to the distinguished member of congress from alabama, ms. sewell. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady from alabama is recognized for three minutes. ms. sewell: mr. speaker, i rise today in support of h.r. 1135, to re-authorize the historically black colleges and universities historic preservation program. i am so grateful to congressman clyburn for his leadership over the years to strengthen and protect the historic preservation program on behalf of our nation's hbcu's. he has been a tireless advocate on behalf of historic preservation on hbcu's and i am honored today to join him in this effort. he has worked tirelessly during his time in congress to preserve and protect our nation's historic pressures and the legacies of those who came before us. many of us have hbcu's in our district and they represent steep history of student activism in the civil rights movement. many of the buildings, sites, historic records that exist on

these campuses have existed for over a century and a half. in 1998, as a matter of fact, the g.a.o. found there were 712 historic buildings and sites on hbcu campuses. if we do not do more to protect and preserve the vestiges that remain, we will surely lose this important history. tuskegee university is one university in my home state of alabama where booker t. washington and george washington carver and the tuskegee airmen made their place in our nation's history. stillman college, concordia college, miles college, alabama a&m, and alabama state university where my mother and father graduated from are historically black colleges in the state of alabama. it the funds were used to restore foster hall erected for girls and teachers and the oldest dorm on that campus this. program has helped so many hbcu's in my statement the buildings were nearly destroyed

ve years ago but the funds from historic program were used to restore the buildings on talladega's campus . when i think about my own distrirkts the seventh congressional district alabama, miles college in birmingham, from historic program were used to restore the buildings students were leaders of the civil rights movement. congress has recognized that we have a responsibility to be stewards of these great national resources since we first enacted grants to hbcu's for historic preservation in 1996. the program has been the program was expended in 2003 thanks to mr. clyburn and others. if we continue making investments in this program, we can meet the dire historic preservation and restoration needs that remain at these threatened sites. we must not only know our history, but we must also protect our history. mr. speaker, i strongly urge my colleagues to continue this important work by voting for

this bill today, to re-authorize the hbcu historic preservation program through 2024. thank you and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady yields back. the gentleman from virginia reserves. the gentleman from california reserves. mr. cook: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield three minutes to the distinguished representative from texas, graduate of the university of virginia law school, congressperson sheila jackson lee. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady from texas is recognized for three minutes. ms. jackson lee: to the distinguished gentleman from virginia, i'm excited. my papers are kind of scattered. thank you for your kindness, the sponsor of this legislation and to the co-sponsors and thank you to mr. clyburn and so many others who have been part of really this historic legislation. thank you for your leadership on it. i want to rise as a member of the bipartisan congressional

hbcu caucus and as original co-sponsor of h.r. 1135. 1135 would authorize the appropriation of millions of dollars from 2018 to 2024 for the historic preservation fund to provide assistance for the restoration and preservation of historic structures at historically black colleges. let me indicate that this has been a long journey, and the re-authorization is very special and very emotional to many of us. as many of us know that the historically black colleges came in the wake of the ending of slavery and a place of refuge for so many students. reminded of those individuals who as freed slaves told stories of walking miles to be able to get to a school like fisk or a school of so many in north carolina and south carolina or all throughout the

south. great refuges of individuals who wanted a better life. it is important to note that in the 1980's, the national park service awarded more than $65 million, and that these grants require you to have to cover 30% of the project. it is not a handout, it's a hand-up. but it's preserving the history of this great nation. i'm grateful to the congressional black caucus when the question is asked -- what is the congressional black caucus and what do we do? well, i will say without shame, we are the conscious of this nation and we recognize that the vulnerable things, whether it be people or things, we have a responsibility to protect it. so the idea was to make sure that not only students have a brilliant education but those who would seek knowledge will be able to come to the campuses of so many historically black

colleges. and i happen to represent a state school, prairie view a&m. but throughout the state of texas, there are many hbcu's and we're grateful for the leadership they have given and they have history. soon i will be establishing what we call the emancipation trail that chronicles the announcement of freedom in texas. it was two years later. it's called juneteenth. it is called learning about your freedom two years after everyone else was free. those stories are being told at the hbcu's, but at the same time stem education is being told. one educates huge numbers of doctors, and i'm told the largest number of african-americans that go into medical school. stem is very important to our hbcu's, and to texas southern university, they have a renowned -- may i have an

additional 30 seconds? mr. beyer: i am afraid our side has run out of our time. ms. jackson lee: renowned texas southern university has an aviation program. this is the right bill and i thank my colleagues for voting for this very right and very positive bill. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady's time has expired. the gentleman from virginia. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. does the gentleman from virginia yield back as well? mr. beyer: we do the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 1135. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. cook: mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h.r. 1967, as amended.

the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: union calendar number 107, h.r. 1967, a bill to amend the reclamation project act of 1939 to authorize pumped storage hydropower development utilizing multiple bureau of eclamation reservoirs. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. cook, and the gentleman from virginia, mr. beyer, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. cook: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california is recognized for as much time as he may consume. the speaker pro tempore: i the gentleman will yield five minutes to the gentleman from california, mr. lamborn. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from colorado is recognized for five minutes. mr. lamborn: and i thank the representative from california, representative cook, a valuable member of the committee on natural resources. mr. speaker, today we are here

to consider a bill that aims to remove barriers to improving our nation's water and power infrastructure. just last thursday, the house passed a bill designating the bureau of reclamation as the lead agency when it comes to permitting new and expanded water storage projects. today, the bill before us seeks to clear up regulatory confusion over the development of new pump storage hydropower. hydropower can and should be part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy now and into the future. it's a reliable and emissions-free source of electricity that accounts for a majority of the nation's total renewable electricity generation. in my home state of colorado, we have over 60 operating hydropower facilities that generate more than 1,100 megawatts, including new projects such as carter lake, south canal and ridgway reservoir. however, as is the case nationwide, there is potential for new hydropower generation

in colorado. my bill, the bureau of reclamation pumped storage poirp development act looks to pave way for clean hydropower generation by cleaning up regulatory permitting confusion at existing bureau of reclamation facilities. we worked with our colleague from central washington state, mr. newhouse, on this bill. his interest stems from a real-life example of where it's unclear where the bureau of reclamation or the federal energy regulatory commission have permitting jurisdiction on a pumped storage hydropower project at the columbia basin project. the project's proponents wants from for two and hydroelectric generation. but because of the duo permitting requirements, there is serious delays on bringing this 500 megawatt project

online. similar to a law in 2013 by our committee colleague and coloradan mr. tipton, my bill makes it clear that bureau of reclamation is the lead agency that will oversee pumped storage development for projects exclusively utilizing the agency's facilities. the regulatory clarification in my bill will help pave the way for more pumped storage by incentivizing developers who will in turn pay the american taxpayers for the use of federal facilities. in a hearing of the water power and oceans subcommittee, which i chair, earlier this spring, even our friends on the other side of the aisle agreed that we should be doing all we can to incentivize clean, renewable hydropower generation at existing federal facilities. that is why this bill was passed by the house natural resources committee by unanimous consent in april. i urge my house colleagues to

join me in promoting clean renewable hydropower generation as part of our nation's all-of-the-above energy strategy by supporting this bill, the bureau of reclamation pumped storage hydropower development act. thank you, mr. speaker, and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from colorado yields back. the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. speaker. h.r. 1967 would amend the permitting process for pumped storage hydropower projects utilizing multiple bureau of reclamation reservoirs. currently hydropower pro >> have all -- are subject to either the ferc permitting process or the reclamation permitting process based on whether reclamation facility was originally authorized for hydropower development. the unique nature of pumped storage projects, which will require the use of multiple storage reservoirs, can mean that a single proposed project can be subject to reclamation and ferc's permitting processes

since different reservoirs are under different agency regulations. h.r. 1967 would use multiple reclamation reservoirs to just the reclamation permitting process instead of both reclamation and ferc. unlike ferc, reclamation's permitting process requires authorized pumped storage projects to comply with the national environmental policy act, the endangered species act, the national historic preservation act and other statutory requirements. while i believe that h.r. 1967 is a commonsense bill and i support its passage, i also support ongoing efforts to incorporate feedback from the coalville tribe in washington stayity as this bill advances to the senate and proceeds through the legislative process. mr. speaker, i had the remarkable opportunity to live in switzerland for four years and hiked and climb many of the alofs. s good to see the high altitude dams to see hydropower the dominant form of power in the country. 80% of all electricity was

hydropower or nuclear. so i want to thank my good friend, congressman lamborn of colorado springs for his leadership on this issue and encourage unanimous passage of this bill. and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia yields back. the gentleman from california. mr. cook: i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: all time for debate having expired, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 1967, as amended. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.

for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. royce: mr. speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass house resolution 397. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the resolution. the clerk: house resolution 397. resolution solemnly reaffirming the commitment of the united states to the north atlantic treaty organization's principle of collective defense as enumerated in article 5 of the north atlantic treaty. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california and the gentleman from new york each will control 20 minutes. the chair now recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. royce: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on this measure. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. royce: thank you, mr. speaker. i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. royce: mr. speaker, first i want to thank speaker ryan and minority leader pelosi. i want to thank leader mccarthy and minority whip hoyer. for their leadership on this important resolution.

and of course ranking member engel, who has also been a strong supporter of the nato alliance. mr. speaker, in 1949, 12 free democratic nations bound themselves together in an unprecedented defense alliance, the north atlantic treaty organization. these founding members acted in the aftermath of the second world war, to promote peace in europe, to promote their freedom, to face the threats they saw emerging on the horizon. and now, more than six decades later, this alliance has been the cornerstone of transatlantic security. and it is -- it has attracted other freedom-loving democratic nations to join its ranks. of course article 5's principle of collective defense has been key to the success of the alliance and we will not forget how the united states has benefited from that principle. as nato members unanimously elected to come to our support

after the terrorist attacks on september 11, 2001. proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, cyberattacks, nonconventional attacks by terrorist groups against our people. these are threats that nato's founders could not have anticipated. yet they are the challenges that must act now to address and we're stronger, no question, when we are together, when we act together. now, moscow's strategic objective is to break apart the nato alliance, to boost russian geopolitical influence in western europe. and in light of this, it is even more important that nato members meet the standard of investing 2% of their g.d.p. on defense. we appreciate the few who already meet the minimum requirement, estonia, greece, polet and -- poland and the u.k. at the administration's urging, others have stepped up their game, such as latvia, lithuania

and romania. but others have farther to go. this resolution calls on nato members to meet these commitments while also reaffirming our commitment to nato and to the article 5 provision for collective defense. i urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. engel: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise in strong support of this measure and i yield myself as much time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. engel: let me start by thanking the leaders on both sides of the aisle who work to bridge this measure forward. speaker ryan and -- bring this measure forward. speaker ryan and ms. pelosi. the minority whip, mr. hoyer, and my friend from california, our chair of the committee on foreign affairs, ed royce. mr. speaker, nato has been the most effective alliance of the 20th and 21st centuries. it stood as a bulwark against communist aggression during the cold war and since the fall of the soviet union, it's played a

critical role in building an integrated europe that is whole, free and at peace. at the heart of the alliance is the value enshrined in article 5. an attack on any ally is an attack on all allies. that commitment has been so strong across the decades that the alliance never once invoked article 5 during the long standoff between east and west during the cold war. in fact, article 5 has only been invoked one time in nato's history, when the ruins of the world trade center were smoldering in new york city, as the world rallied around the united states after the attacks of september 11, 2001. nato allies did what we always knew they would. they said the attack on us was an attack on all of them as well. since then, for nearly 16 years, american troops have fought and shed blood and died alongside men and women searching in the uniforms of our nato allies -- serving in the uniforms of our nato allies. while i'm glad president trump finally affirmed the commitment

of the united states to article 5, i think it's important for congress to do it as well. the administration's hot and cold approach to the alliance caused a lot of unneeded heartburn for our allies and caused even the best of friends to question our commitment. ow, nato is not a thing that can just be thrown in with everything else. it's very important to us. and we should allow our allies to meet their commitments laid out at the nato sunlsum knit wales. it's very important that -- summit in wales. it's very important that we do that. we need to be clear on the dange that are russia poses to the alliance -- danger that russia poses to the alliance. a unified europe is the greatest test in a generation. you can bette that vladimir puteland do -- you can bet that vladimir putin will do all he can to exploit cracks in the commitment. so today the house is saying we will not waiver, we're sending a message to our allies and partners and to moscow, that a

wager against nato is a losing bet. i'd like to see the house take an even tougher stance against moscow and immediately pass the senate's russia sanctions bill. the legislation with overwhelmingly bipartisan support in the other body yment i'm confident we could act on it -- body. i'm confident we could act on it swiftly in the house. article 5 is sacred, nato is strong and the resolve of the united states and our allies won't be weakened by a boy sitting in moscow. thank you, mr. speaker. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. royce: i yield two minutes to the gentlelady from florida, ms. ros-lehtinen, who chairs the foreign affairs subcommittee on the middle east and north africa. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady from florida is recognized for two minutes. ms. ros-lehtinen: thank you, mr. speaker. i thank our esteemed chairman as well as our ranking member. and i rise today in support of speaker ryan's measure, which reaffirms america's commitment to nato, to article 5, and the

principles of collective defense. like my colleagues, i believe that natoings that been -- nato has been indispensable in deterring another world war and in protecting our values and ideals. it is our commitment to each other and to those ideals that have made our alliance so strong, so effective, and it is that commitment to each other that has enhanced the territorial security and stability of each one of us. let us not forget that it was following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that nato invoked article 5 for the only time in its history. coming to the defense of us, the united states. this was a signal of unity. of strength. and that's what makes article 5 so special. i also appreciate the pledges of our alliance members to share the burden of the cost of our mutual defense by aiming to

spend at least 2% of their g.d.p. on defense by the year 2024. that is so important, mr. speaker, because nato's role over the years has evolved. we are no longer facing just the threat of communist aggression. we are facing a multitude of threats against our mutual national security interests around the globe. and we need to be prepared for whatever comes our way. so i'm pleased to reiterate my support for speaker ryan's resolution. i thank the chairman and the ranking member for their commitment to nato. and to the principle of collective defense. it is ever so important in these dangerous times. i thank the gentleman and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady from florida yields back. the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. engel: thank you, mr. speaker. recently i was in brussels and we met with nato officials on a could he dell led by the

democratic leader -- co-dell led by the democratic leader, ms. pelosi, so it's now my pleasure to yield her one minute. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. ms. pelosi: thank you very much, mr. speaker. i thank the gentleman for yielding and i thank him for his extraordinary leadership on the committee, as well as the bipartisan nature of this legislation that mr. royce and mr. engel are bringing to the floor. i associate myself with the remarks of the distinguished former chair of the international relations committee, congresswoman ros-lehtinen. mr. speaker, this bipartisan resolution reassures our friends , it rebuts our foes and reminds the world that america's ommitment to nato's common defense pledge is ironclad. when president truman signed the nato treaty 70 years ago, he called the alliance, and quote, a long step toward permanent peace in the whole world.

nato has guaranteed the security of the american people and our allies for decades. and now -- some people don't remember what those decades were like, fighting the threat of communism. article 5, the collective defense provision, is the core of that security guarantee. article 5, as the gentlelady just mentioned, was invoked only once. when america's allies joined in the fight against al qaeda after the september 11 terrorist attacks on our country. i, like many of my colleagues, have traveled to afghanistan and raqqa and other places and seen that our nato partners have shed blood in the name of article 5 and our common fight against terrorism. our commitment to article 5 is a commitment to brave men and women across the world who risk and give their lives for the nato alliance. previous administrations, both democratic and republican, have

strongly and unambiguously stood by nato and article 5. i was very sad, i'll be very honest with you, my colleagues, when meeting with nato leaders at the alliance's headquarters in brussels, a building dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 attacks, president trump refused to clearly and unequivocally reassure our nato partners that he would honor article 5. we in this congress of the united states, acting in a bipartisan way, want to remove all doubt that the u.s. commitment to the principles of the mutual defense -- to a mutual defense embodied by nato are ironclad. i'll keep using that word. every day putin searches for cracks in our nato alliance. we must convey to him that this alliance is ironclad. now, just on another subject, related, it's about our national security, while we're flad to be

passing thises remain -- glad to be passing this resolution affirming our commitment to article 5, the bipartisan bill sanctioning russia languishes in the house. while the white house caters to putin, congress must hold russia accountable for its actions by passing the iran-russia sanctions bill. t passed the senate with 98 -- 98-2. 98-2. strong bipartisan support for a bill that contained the iran and russia sanctions. we can't go home for the fourth of july without passing that legislation. it's my understanding, it was a blue slip problem that could be easily resolved. that's how it was characterized when the president of the -- of ukraine said to us that we really need the russian sanctions enforced. and strengthened. so let us have the courage to stand up with those who stand up to -- stand up to those who

menace the free world and stand by our partners in support of the peaceful democratic and free future for all. what we're doing today is very important. it's not just about a bill. it's not just about an agreement. it's about values. it's about security as a value. something we take an oath to protect and defend. and this nato agreement helps us do that. ows e must also do what fl from it and say to the russians, who are the point of nato, you -- we're going to have sanctions because of your aggression in eastern europe and at the same time send that message to the iranians. with that, mr. chairman, i urge a very strong unanimous vote for this. this is something so bipartisan, so wonderful. it's a good day, it's a good bill. it gives us all hope. i urge our colleagues to vote

aye. and call upon the speaker to bring the other bill to the floor. and i hope our distinguished chair and ranking member of the foreign affairs committee will be able to be part of bringing it to the floor very soon. thank you. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. the gentleman from new york reserves. the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. royce: continue to reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman continues to reserve. the gentleman from new york. mr. engel: i yield two minutes to the gentleman from virginia, mr. connolly. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia is recognized for two minutes. mr. connolly: thank you, mr. speaker. i thank my dear friend, the distinguished ranking member, and i thank my friend, mr. royce, chairman of the committee, for their leadership. i rise today in support of h.res. 397. referring -- reaffirming commitment of the united states' commitment to treaty. as the head of the u.s. delegation to the nato parliamentary assembly, and as its transatlantic subcommittee,

i can attest to the anxiety within nato regarding this administration's commitment to the alliance. case in point. one cannot talk about the u.s. commitment to article 5 in 2017 without mentioning president trump's failure to embrace it in full view of our nato allies when he was in brussels earlier this year. it's been widely reported that en the president's own national security team was blind-sided by his omission. i welcome this resolution. but it would have made a stronger statement to bring it to the floor immediately after the president's disconcerting speech in brussels -- brussels. this resolution isn't getting sigh of ile as it is a releaf. let's take up the sanctions bill and the iran sanctions package recently passed in the senate

and send it to the president's desk for signature. ny delay furthers the trend to the executive branch and enables disastrous retreat of world leadership. i'm glad this bill is on the floor and for all good things to come. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from new york reserves. the gentleman from california. mr. royce: continue to reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. . the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. engel: i now yield one minute to the the gentlewoman from florida, ms. frankel. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. frank frank that you and chairman -- ms. frankel:. like my colleague who just spoke, over the last four years i have been privileged to represent the united states at the nato parliamentary assembly.

and mr. speaker, i would like to borough a line from a very -- borrow a line from a well-northern poet. no man is an island recognizing that human beings do not thrive when isolated by others, a concept recognized by all religions and this is more true than ever as our world becomes increasingly dangerous. and more than ever the united states of america needs friends to stand strong and stand up for our mutual democratic values. so, mr. speaker, i urge our colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution committing the united states to nato article 5 collective defense. and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the entlelady yields back. the gentleman from california.

mr. royce: reserve the right to close. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new york is ecognized. mr. engel: thank you, mr. speaker. i now yield four minutes to the gentleman from maryland, the democratic whip, mr. hoyer, who is an original co-sponsor of this resolution. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from maryland is recognized for four minutes. mr. hoyer: i thank the gentleman for yielding. and i want to thank mr. royce and mr. engel for their leadership. i also want to thank mr. mccarthy, speaker ryan and leader pelosi for their strong support of this resolution. i went to brussels over the memorial day break. we met in brussels with the nato leaders. the deputy secretary general was

there and we spoke about the competence that our european allies had and needed for the continuing viability of nato, the north atlantic treaty organization and our commitment to the mutual defense of the members of nato. that has been for 70 years the critical -- over 70 years, the critical stability we have seen area. european i'm proud to co-sponsor this ress like which reaffirms our commitment to the common defense of our nato allies. for 70 years, nato has kept the peace. in europe and around the world. now that does not mean we have had peace everywhere in the

world. but it does mean that we have saw in the last century. from the cuban missile crisis to the fall of the iron curtain, nato has helped prevent a direct soviet attack against america and against our allies. since the end of the cold war, nato has been adapting to meet threats new and old. together, nato members have served on the ground in bosnia, kosovo, afghanistan and has made the allegiance even stronger. now with russia putting forward an aggressive posture to its neighbors and the world in addition to visiting bosnia, we went to estonia and i visited denmark as well. there is no doubt that those neighbors of russia's feel a

pressure that is over the last 15 years, not been as present. nato's common defense commitments is vital to global security and america's security as it has ever been. i know that russia interfered with our elections and used cyberattacks against our allies to subvert their democratic institutions as well. estonia in particular has developed and is developing defenses to cyberattacks. we, the united states, the leader of the free world, must to vladimir both putin and to our nato allies that the united states stands firmly by its commitments to the alliance and its collective defense. it is -- has only been once that

article 5 has been implicated and that was after 9/11 when all of our european allies in nato said that an an attack in the united states was perceived as an attack on them. and they pledged their unity and alliance and action. an attack on one is an attack on all. an attack on democracy, on freedom, on the values that this country and our nato allies stand for. it is in that context, mr. speaker, that i urge my colleagues to join us in giving this resolution -- it says here on this text, a strong vote of passage. more than that, i hope this is a unanimous vote of passage. we will not only lead but we will act and i thank mr. royce and i thank mr. engel and i

yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. the gentleman from california continues to reserve. the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. engel: if there are no more speakers on the other side, i'm prepared to close. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. engel: we should be clear that vladimir putin is testing us. he attacked our democracy in last year's election and working to create divingses among our allies and would love nothing more than to nato to full. our iron clad commitments to article 5, moscow will see that as an invitation to undercut transatlantic unity and fraction our critical bond with europe. i'm glad the house is coming together to ensure it doesn't happen. i hope to work in a bipartisan way to shore up our alliances and push back against russian

aggression. this is a real threat. i'm pleased to support this measure and i urge all members to do the same and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from cal is recognized. mr. royce: mr. speaker, as a chow author of this bill i thank steve cohen of tennessee, who has been a leader on nato issues. and in closing let me say for the advancement of our own security and promotion of our values and to send a strong statement of support for our friends and allies, i urge all our colleagues to support passage of this resolution. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. all time expired, will the house suspend the rules and agree to house resolution 397. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair -- mr. royce: i request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking

this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. royce: i move the house suspend the rules and pass house resolution 351 as amended. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the resolution. the clerk: resolution condemning the persecution and violence in chechnya. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california and the gentleman from new york will each control 20 minutes. mr. royce: i ask unanimous consent that members may have five legislative days to include any extraneous material on the road. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. royce: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the

gentleman is recognized. mr. royce: mr. speaker, the a er of chechnya rules dictatorship of evil brutality. those who challenge or simply displease often disappear in that country or murdered outright and in his latest campaign of persecution is aimed at gay men and women and those perceived to be gay and they have been abducted and have been tortured, they have been killed with many others that are forced to flee the country. en the russian newspaper ported these atrocities, the spokesman says such people don't even exist in the republic and then threatened the journalists that brought the story to light.

caught unaware by the unexpected publicity, they have choked off sources of information. we don't know the status of this campaign or its many victims, but there is no doubt that the situation there has long been and remains oppressive. disturbing reports indicate that pressuring has their families to murder them through so-called honor killings of these men and women. his is despicable. putin deserves the blame. chechnya is a constituent republic of the federation of which he is the president. as such he has a sworn responsibility to ensure that the russian constitution is fully implemented, which at

least on paper professes to guarantee basic rights for all citizens. russia is a signatory to international agreements that formally commit it to protecting a broad array of human rights. yet the russian government's response has been largely dismissive, if not two-faced. kremlin spokesmen have called the reports phantom complaints and recommended that victims report grievances to the authorities accused of carrying out the attacks. and there has been no criticism of him in the russian state-controlled media. barely a mention. and that is why this resolution is of such importance by shining a light on these crimes in this dark corner, we seek to give hope to otherwise who may have none at all. d we say to the ruler and to

putin that these atrocities are in plain view and that they are cowardly and evasive responses are not fooling anyone. i want to thank representative ros-lehtinen, the author of this bill and our ranking member, mr. engel, for their leadership on this resolution. and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from cal reserves. the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. engel: i rise in support of this measure and i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. engel: let me thank the foreign affairs committee and ms. ros-lehtinen and mr. cicilline and their leadership supporting lgbt communities around the world and i thank chairman royce for his support of this resolution. mr. speaker, day after day we hear new reports of abuse of lgbt individuals in chechnya. this spring, they rounded up hundreds of gay men, some were

tortured and murdered and activists tell us that the authorities have rounded up lgbt individuals, beaten them and tortured them with electric shocks and outed them to their families in the perverse hope of honor killings. this is horrific. let's not get forget chechnya is part of russia. this disregard for human rights and human dignity lie at the feet of vladimir putin and his cronny ruler. no one should face violence, persecution or death because of who they love. gay rights are human rights and human rights is gay rights as hillary clinton said when she was secretary of state. under putin's rule, those rights are a myth. i was disappointed when secretary tillerson testified about whether those atrocities were on the agenda with his russian counterparts. he said these are on the pending

list. the united states should never put basic human rights on the pending list unless we shed light and demand these abuses stop we are betraying our values. today the house in a bipartisan way is speaking out to condemn this violence and persecution and stand up for the freedoms of assembly and expression and we believe lgbt rights are human rights that must be protected around the world. i'm glad to support this measure. thank our chairman, royce and ms. ros-lehtinen and david cicilline. . mr. royce: i yield to the gentlewoman. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized for -- the gentlelady from florida is recognized for five minutes. ms. ros-lehtinen: thank you, mr. speaker. i thank as always our esteemed chairman, mr. royce of california, as well as mr. engel of new york, who really run our

committee in the most fair, bipartisan way possible. i think our committee is an example for the rest of the house. but i'm so grateful to have worked alongside my chairman and ranking member, and all of the colleagues in the house foreign affairs committee in a bipartisan manner. particularly mr. issa, mr. cicilline, mr. smith, mr. lowenthal, in introducing and bringing to the floor this important resolution, house resolution 351, condemning the violence and persecution in chechnya. since early april, there have been credible reports that gay or perceived to be gay men in the russian republic of chechnya have been rounded up, have been detained, have been put into prison camps by the authorities of chechnya. and according to international human rights groups and activists on the ground, the situation has rapidly escalated. and despite the international attention and the rage, the

beatings and torture did not stop. men continued to be tortured on a daily basis and allegedly at least 20 men have been killed. and the latest reports indicate that lesbians are also being targeted now. this government campaign targeting lgbt individuals is also inciting honor killings. families are being threatened and act out of fear of also being persecuted. this is appalling. putin has given free reign to the chechen leader, has significant influence over what goes on in chechnya. let's not forget russia's deplorable human rights record of silencing religious minorities, of prohibiting freedom of expression, of restricting free association of lgbt individuals. this is russia's record. it's chechnya's as well. nothing has been done. no perpetrators have been brought to justice.

this is why it is up to us in the united states to not sit idly by while the state-sponsored persecution is ongoing. this bipartisan resolution, mr. speaker, does not only shed light on this dreadful human ghts disaster, but it also calls on the officials of chechnya to immediately put an end to the abduction and violence of individuals based on their real or perceived sexual orientation. it call it's on putin to uphold -- calls on puten to uphold the international commitments and -- putin to uphold the international commitments and protect the human rights. russia has signed these commitments, yet they don't fulfill them. it holds account individuals in the attacks who will also be sanctioned under two existing u.s. sanctions laws that we have passed. a rule of law accountability act and the global human rights

accountability act. today this body has the ability to once again be that strong voice for human rights of all individuals and send a clear message to any oppressor that the united states will not turn a blind eye against violence, against harassment, and discrimination, no matter where it happens. and so as a country, we have the responsibility to promote our deeply cherished american values. and reaffirm our commitment to fundamental freedoms, especially for those who live under the shadow of oppression and tyranny. we stand in solidarity with the persecuted. with the religious minorities. with the ethnic groups. with the suppressed women. and in this case, with the lgbt community. because the respect of human rights of all people remains a u.s. foreign policy priority. so i thank my colleagues for their overwhelming support from

both sides of the aisle, who have supported this important resolution, which send as unified message that the united states is committed to promoting human rights and that this crisis must end now. because this matter is not just an lgbt issue. as important as it is. it's a human life matter. and it deserves support from all of us. everyone deserves dignity. everyone deserves respect. in the place they call home. no matter where that is around the world. and it is time to put an end to chetch unanimous na's mr. barrow: -- chechnya's bar i -- to chechnya's barbaric lgbt purge. i thank you for the time. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. engel: mr. speaker, it's my pleasure to yield four minutes to the gentleman from rhode island, mr. cicilline, a co-author of this resolution and someone who is fighting for human rights all the time. four minutes. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from rhode island is recognized for four minutes.

mr. cicilline: i thank the gentleman from new york for yielding. mr. speaker, i rise to support h.res. 351, which condemns the violence and persecution against lgbt or perceived to be lgbt individuals in chechnya. this resolution is an example of the strong bipartisanship of the house foreign affairs committee under the leadership of chairman ed royce and ranking member eliot engel. i want to thank my good friend, ileana ros-lehtinen, who has long been the champion of dillingnyity for all people around the world, for introducing this, and the chairman and ranking member for working with us to make sure this was passed without delay and with the support of the full committee. on april 1 of this year, one of the few independent russian newspapers posted a chilling report detailing a concerted campaign by chetch unanimous authorities to identify -- chetch unanimous authorities to identify, round up -- chetch unanimous authorities to identify, round up. dozens of suspected lgbt men and some women have been rounded up. with estimates at more than 100

people being he it daned and at least three murdered, maybe many more. chechen leader has denied the reports. when confronted with the accusations, his spokesman denied there were any gay people in chechnya and explained that, i quote, if there were such people in chechnya, law enforcement agencies wouldn't need to have anything to do with them because their relatives would send them somewhere from which there is no returning, end quote. in fact, there have been credible reports that chechen authorities have forced family members of those detained or those suspected of being gay to commit honor killings. or face violence and retaliation against their entire families. chechnya is a small region of russia. lgbt people there face a level of isolation and danger that is unthinkable to those of us living in the freedom of the united states. even those who have managed to escape chechnya continue to face danger from extended family members or chechen authorities within russia. and even parts of europe. that's why it's so important that the united states work with

our partners in europe and assist in making sure that those fleeing the violence in chechnya are relocated somewhere they can be safe. h.res. 351 condemns the violence and persecution against lgbt individuals in chechnya, and calms on chechen officials to immediately cease the abduction, detention and torture of individuals on the basis of their actual or suspected sexual orientation. and hold accountable all those involved in perpetrating such abuses. furthermore this resolution calls on the government of the russian federation to protect the human rights of all its citizens, condemn the violence and persecution, investigate these crimes in chechnya, and hold accountable all those involved in perpetrating such abuses. e must remember that president kadyrov is a close ally of president putin and the russian government has sanctioned the atrocities being carried out on its soil. that's why it's so important that representatives of the united states government at the highest levels raise this issue with president putin and other russian officials.

i was extremely disappointed that when secretary of state tillerson appeared before the foreign affairs committee earlier this month, he admitted that neither he nor the president had raised this issue with anyone in the raaschian government. the united states must make it clear that gross human rights abuses will not be tolerated. the president, secretary of state, and other senior officials must raise this issue consistently with the russian government and make it clear that they must protect the lives nd safety of all russian citizens. additionally the trump administration must take steps to ensure any russian officials involved in these atrocities are being sanctioned under the act and the global act which we passed last year. events like these are exactly why these bills were passed. to ensure government officials involved in gross human rights abuses do not have the privilege of accessing american markets or traveling to the united states. furthermore, the administration should be working in concert with our european allies to ensure that russia is being held to its international obligations and treaties.

the lives of vulnerable men and women are at stake and every day we remain silent we condemn more to a dark fate. i'm pleased that the house is considering this resolution tonight. i urge my colleagues to support it. i thank the gentleman again for yielding and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. the gentleman from new york reserves. the gentleman from california. mr. royce: continue to reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california reserves. the gentleman from new york is recognized. it's now: mr. speaker, my pleasure to yield one minute to the gentleman from virginia, a valued member of the committee, mr. connolly. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia is recognized for one minute. mr. connolly: thank you, mr. speaker. i thank my good friend. i rise to remind us, martin luther king once said, injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. we're all in this together. the idea that we can cherry pick whose rights we will proclaim and defend is a mistaken notion. it's also un-american.

so the future rights of lgbt members in chechnya are important to americans. and we need to stand up for their security, their safety and their fundamental human rights. this bill is important. i congratulate the chairman and ranking member for bringing it before us. i congratulate my good friend, ileana ros-lehtinen, and david cicilline, for their leadership. and i'm proud to support this bill today. thank you, mr. speaker. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from california continues to reserve. the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. engel: mr. speaker, we have no further speakers on this side, so i'm prepared to close. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. engel: let me first of all again thank representative ross let whon is always there on top -- ros-lehtinen, who is always there on top of issues that are so important, we really appreciate her leadership and everything she does on the committee. mr. cicilline, who has fought for lgbt rights.

and of course my partner on the committee, chairman royce. it's things like this that show the bipartisanship of our committee. which i think is really, really important. occasionally we hear talk about vladimir putin implies some sort of moral equivalency between the way he runs russia and american policies. if you want to know how false that comparison is, take a look at what's happening in chechnya, take a look at the violence that putin's thugs are waging against innocent citizens. that's how putin regards the rights of his own people. that's what we're here to condemn today. the united states should continue to make advancing and protecting human rights a foreign policy priority. including the rights of lgbt communities. i urge a yes vote on this measure. i thank chairman royce and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. royce: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. royce: mr. speaker, as an original co-sponsor of this bill, i again want to thank chairman emeritus ros-lehtinen. i want to thank the ranking

member, mr. engel, as well as representatives darrell issa and david cicilline. chris smith and jerry connolly. i want to thank as well for their work on this important resolution. the abduction, the torture, the targeted killings that we are seeing in chechnya are an affront to the core universal values that all nation states must striving to protect. the u.s. has -- strive to protect. the u.s. has a long history of speaking out on behalf of persecuted minorities and that is what we are doing here today. we cannot end injustice everywhere. but we can expose it. we can bring it to the world's attention. and in so doing, give hope to its innocent victims. i ask all members to speak clearly and to speak unanimously in condemning this violence.

and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: all time being yielded back, the question is, will the house suspend the rules and agree to house resolution 351. as amended. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the resolution is agreed to. without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the able. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed. house resolution 397 by the yeas and nays, h.r. 497 by the yeas and nays and h.r. 220 by the yeas and nays. the first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote, remaining electronic votes will be conducted as a

five-minute vote. the vote on the motion of the the gentleman from california to suspend the rules and agree to house resolution 397 on which the yeas and nays are ordered. the clerk will report the title of the resolution. the clerk: resolution reaffirming the commitment of the united states to the north atlantic treaty organizations principles of collective defense as enumerated in article 5 of the north atlantic treaty. the speaker pro tempore: will the house suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. members will record their votes by electronic device. . this is a 15-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]