▶ 0:18:40To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good morning.
▶ 0:19:09The committee is meeting today for of HR2505 to block the use of transatlantic technology in Iranian main drones act. HR4233 the AUS reform for military optimization and review act. HR 4216, the Made in America Defense Act. HR4215, the International Traffic and Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act.
▶ 0:19:35the Fred Fre Frederick Douglas Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025. the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations Act. HR 3429, the US Japan Republic of Korea Trilateral Cooperation Act. HR4335, the Abraham Accords Defense Against Terrorism Act. HR 3068, the Missile Technology Control Revision Act.
▶ 0:20:04HR 3613, the Streamlining Foreign Military Sales Act of 2025. HR2633, the US South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, and the Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act. I announce that any requests for recorded votes may be rolled, and I may recess the committee at any point without objection.
▶ 0:20:26So Pursuant to House rules, I request that members have the opportunity to submit views for any committee report that may be produced on any of today's measures. And again, without objection, so ordered. I want to take a moment just to make a separate announcement on the operations of the committee and the committee moving forward as it relates to amendments with the goal of trying to make this committee more paperless if possible. Uh, as hopefully all members are aware, markups now have an option to submit amendments electronically.
▶ 0:20:56At the markup of the state authorization act in less than two months, we expect hundreds of amendments. So, this becomes far more important when you're dealing with hundreds of amendments. A lot of work occurs behind the the scenes if members are not aware for all of those amendments. J jurisdictional review, technical assistance, budget impact, uh an opportunity to modify the language to fix any problems or issues with those needs to take place.
▶ 0:21:19So to incentivize submitting amendments early enough uh for that due diligence to occur and incentivize uh getting members to do it we're going to ask uh that this uh committee that individuals uh submit that 48 hours in advance. Uh that's the goal. This committee will wave the requirement for the sponsor to provide a paper copy if that takes place.
▶ 0:21:41If the amendment is electronically submitted 48 hours prior to GAVL moving forward, amendments submitted submitted before the 48 hour deadline will be digitally distributed to members during markups, that's a process that we're working through with all of you to make sure that we have the appropriate contact for you, email, text, whatever it is that you want to receive that in a paperless fashion. uh we can save a few trees uh in way of uh conducting it in that way. For today's markup, no amendments were submitted by the 48 hour deadline.
▶ 0:22:08Therefore, any member offering an amendment is expected to bring their own 70 copies. That is the incentive that we give to make you do this paperless uh in a paperless way, make you bring your own copies instead of us doing all the printout for you. In that, let's move Pursuant to notice, I now call up the block the use of transatlantic technology in Iranian-made drones act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:22:40HR 255 to require the development of strategies and options to prevent the export of Iran and certain technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems and other and for other purposes. be it enacted by the Senate and the
▶ 0:22:54Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I now recognize and support myself in support of this bill. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Lawler Keading, Representative Keading, uh, for leading this important bill. Iran's continued proliferation of lethal drones represents a clear and direct threat to the US security.
▶ 0:23:20Through the development and export of lowcast long range unmanned aerial vehicles, most notably the Shahed series, Iran has enabled asymmetric warfare across multiple regions. We've all witnessed this. According to the global terrorism trends and analysis center and you guys have done nothing to stop the starvation of these people.
▶ 0:23:47According to the global terrorism trends and analysis center, most UAVs deployed in conflicts across the world today originate from Iran. We've seen them used for years by Iran's proxies in places like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
▶ 0:24:01Indeed, just last week, Yemeni forces interdicted a significant shipment of lethal Iranian weapons, including missiles and critical UAV components dested for the Houthis just days after the Houthis sunk not one but two commercial ships transiting the Red Sea, killing at least four innocent mariners. More recently, we've seen them used by Iran directly, including against our friend and ally, Israel.
▶ 0:24:25And it's been well documented that Iranian drones have played a pivotal role in fueling Vladimir Putin's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. As this demonstrates, the proliferation of Iranian drones is not merely a regional concern. It's a global challenge. Their adaptability has allowed state and non-state actors to bypass traditional military constraints.
▶ 0:24:47Iran Iranian strategy of exporting drone technology to support indigenous production has exacerbated this threat, amplifying the reach and capabilities of these terrorist groups and providing Iran with a lowcost means of testing regional defenses. Addressing this threat requires coordinated international efforts to disrupt supply chains, enforce export controls, and invest in counter drone technologies.
▶ 0:25:11The unchecked spread of Iranian UAVs, including to terror proxies like the Houthis, risk normalizing the use of unmanned systems in conflict zones, escalating tensions and eroding regional stability. I urge my colleagues to join me in robustly supporting this piece of
▶ 0:25:27Is there any further discuss?
▶ 0:25:28Is there any th further discussion on the bill? Ranking member Meeks, you are
▶ 0:25:32Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Representative Keading for his continued leadership in advancing bipartisan efforts to counter Iran's drone program, a threat that continues to bring devastating harm to civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine and Israel. And I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill to help ensure that the United States and European technologies smuggled by illicit intermediaries don't fuel Iran's drone program.
▶ 0:26:00Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Iran has exported thousands of Shahed drones to the Russian military, fueling attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. In June alone, over 5,400 Iranian-made drones were launched into Ukrainian airspace. An average of more than 100 per day with a single coordinated assault on July 9th involving 728 drones.
▶ 0:26:26Iranian drones have been used to strike residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and power plants, overwhelming Ukraine's air defenses and deepening the humanitarian crisis. At the same time, Iran has armed Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Middle East with similar drones, which played a direct role in the October 7th attack and murders of scores of Israeli civilians.
▶ 0:26:53This legislation is a timely and necessary response. We know from recent declassified analysis, including by the Defense Intelligence Agency, that many of the components recovered from Iranian drones originated from the United States and European manufacturers.
▶ 0:27:11Despite existing closes critical gaps in enforcement and aligns our intelligence and intradiction policies with our national security threats interests. This is not just a non-prololiferation issue. It's about protecting innocent civilians, defending our allies, and confronting a clear and growing threat.
▶ 0:27:40Nothing in this bill authorizes the use of military force and any and any administration must seek the authority of the United States Congress before engaging in warfare with Iran or any other entity. All tools of American power should be used to stop Iran's nefarious behavior, but diplomacy and other methods of soft power should always be the tip of the spear.
▶ 0:28:06This bill helps our government better deploy such tools and I urge all members to support this bill and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:28:15Representative yields back. Is there any further discussion? Representative
▶ 0:28:19Uh thank you chairman mass. Thank you, Ranking Member Meeks, for holding this mark up and for bringing forward my legislation HR2505 to block the use of transatlantic technology and Iranian-made drones act for consideration here today. Since February 24th, 2022, we've seen the impact of Iranian-made drones on the battlefield in Ukraine.
▶ 0:28:42As Ukrainians bravely fight Russian fight Russian aggression and continue to feat Russian military equipment with superior US and European defense equipment, Russia has turned to its allies, China, North Korea, and Iran to supplement its war effort.
▶ 0:28:59The extent of the Iranian Russian partnership was shown in 2025 when both countries finalized and signed a 20-year strategic partnership to expand their bilateral ties and deepen the defense cooperation by closely coordinating their activities at the regional and at the global level. This pact assures both countries will work together against common military threats, strengthen the military technical uh technological cooperation and ensure participation in joint exercises.
▶ 0:29:29This is a timely and troubling development as Iran seeks new international partners following the steady erosion of its proxy network and as Russia searches for new pathways to influence the Middle East through the fall of Russianbacked Assad regime in At the same time, we know that Iran and its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah have repeatedly used drones to disable Israeli communications and surveillance capabilities and attack Israeli citizens and its infrastructure.
▶ 0:29:57Most recently, that in the two-e conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran launched more than 1,000 drones at Israeli territory. The threat from Iranian drones remains everpresent.
▶ 0:30:11And as Iran continues to expand its regional international military presence, we must act in response with a whole of government approach to target Iran's steadily advancing drone program and to prevent the illegal export of US and European technology for use in Iranian-made drones. This is why I introduced HR2505.
▶ 0:30:33This legislation requires the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense to each draft strategies and report to Congress on actions that have been taken to prevent the illegal export of certain US technologies to Iran and to Iran's uh related unmanned aircraft systems.
▶ 0:30:51This bill ensures that the subcomponents that are key to the manufacturing and functioning of unmanned aircraft systems like microcontrollers, voltage regulators, digital signal controllers, GPS modules, and microprocessors are not exported from the United States for use in any aspect of the design, development, and production of operational employment of Iranianmade unmanned aircraft systems.
▶ 0:31:19This legislation also includes provisions to ensure the Secretary of State is working with allies and partners to synchronize our export control regimes and to close r loopholes related to the illegal export of US and European technology for use in Iranian uh drones. I want to thank Chairman Joe Wilson for being an original co-sponsor of this legislation, both this Congress and the Congress uh before. And I want to thank other bipartisan members who have co-sponsored.
▶ 0:31:48I also want to thank the committee leadership for coming together to a bipartisan agreement on this particular text. I firmly believe that this legislation furthers US policy towards our allies in Ukraine and in Israel, improves our export control regime, and punishes Iran for its malign influence campaigns. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I yield back.
▶ 0:32:12Gentleman yields back. Any further discussion on the bill? Are you raising your hand, Mr. Kaine?
▶ 0:32:24Representative Kaine is recognized. Uh thank you uh Mr. Chairman and I'm pleased to support this important legislation, the block the use of transatlantic technology in Iranianmade drones act with my esteemed colleagues. This bill addresses the growing concern drone proliferation as Iran seeks to obtain the la latest technologies in modern warfare. We have seen that the danger Iran poses and we must ensure that they do not obtain the latest drone technologies.
▶ 0:32:55Consequence of drone warfare have devastated Ukraine as Russia continues to target Ukraine with unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs. I think we can all agree, regardless of party, that we need to work with our partners and our allies to ensure that technologies critical to UAV proliferation do not end up in the wrong hands. We have seen the damage that UAVs have done in Ukraine.
▶ 0:33:20I'd encourage my colleagues to support this legislation to further peace and stability in the Middle East. I support this effort and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.
▶ 0:33:33Any further debate? Representative Wilson.
▶ 0:33:37Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Indeed, I'm grateful to be working with Congressman Keading in regard to this legislation and how important it is that we address the threat of the regime in Thran and also War Criminal Putin. In line with that, I am really hopeful too that at sometime soon we can address the issue of repealing the Caesar Act. The people of Syria have remarkably uh overthrown the dictatorship of Basar al-Assad.
▶ 0:34:05Uh appropriately he has fled to Moscow. Uh I take it personally because in November uh I was identified as an enemy of the Syrian state. Well, I was an enemy of the state but supporter of the people of Syria. And so I'm so grateful that again uh for the people of Syria, they now have a new government. Uh we have uh the prospects of uh Assad living in Moscow. That must be uh an interesting place.
▶ 0:34:31Uh in addition to that, working together with our allies of Turkey, with Saudi Arabia, with Jordan uh to help uh build a secure uh Syria and the great greatest beneficiary of that would be the people of Israel to have a level of security and not a fragmented Syria.
▶ 0:34:47So I look forward to working with the chairman as we have in the past for the provision of having a repeal of the Caesar Act so that their companies can uh truly invest uh in the new uh Syria which would be very beneficial first of all for the people of Israel. With that I yield
▶ 0:35:11Gentleman yields back. Any further There being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move for consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 0:35:22There being no amendments, I move that committee report HR2505 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 0:35:31I. All those opposed signify by saying
▶ 0:35:35In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the moist.
▶ 0:35:39The motion is agreed to and a recorded vote has been requested. Roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to chair uh's previous announcement, this vote will be
▶ 0:35:54Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR4233, the AUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act. The bill was circulated in advance. The clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:36:04HR 4233 to modify provisions relating to defense, trade, and cooperation among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Without objection, the first reading of this bill is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point.
▶ 0:36:19I now reck this committee worked in a very bipartisan and biccameal manner to codify the AUS partnership was a groundbreaking defense partnership between the US, UK, and Australia created with the intention of keeping a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening defense trade between the US and some of our closest allies.
▶ 0:36:41The AUS partnership presents a unique opportunity for the US to strengthen our relationship with our allies while promoting innovation in defense technology and strengthening the US defense industrial base. While Congress codified the AUS partnership last year, AUS has faced numerous challenges in its implementation due to what we often see as bureaucratic red tape.
▶ 0:37:04Through the foreign arms sales task force, members have heard from the AUS embassies as well as defense companies utilizing the expedited process created by the AUS legislation. In each of these engagements, the same concerns have been raised over and over again. East Asia-Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim heard these concerns and worked with the Arm Sales Task Force ranking ranking member Dean to formulate this bipartisan legislation that addresses some of these challenges.
▶ 0:37:35The Armor Act will ensure that US defense industry and our AUS partners are able to take full advantage of the benefits of this groundbreaking defense
▶ 0:37:46Is there any discussion?
▶ 0:37:47Is there any further discussion on the bill? Ranking member Meeks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support Representatives Kim and Dean's bill to further improve defense cooperation with our ARCUS partners, Australia and the UK, through an important trilateral agreement that was initiated by the Biden administration. From its inception, I have been a strong supporter of ARCs as an important way to bolster our alliance to better meet challenges in East Asia and the Pacific and work together with our allies towards a common cause.
▶ 0:38:17In this case, a free and open Indo-Pacific and an ironclad security cooperation. Orcus facilitates this by providing Australia with additional submarine training and technological and technology in pillar one, as well as knitting together cooperative defense research and development efforts between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom in pillar two.
▶ 0:38:43This bill aims to build on important bipartisan provisions in the FY24 NDAA which set the foundation for ARCS and provides minor but necessary technical improvements. Principally, it clarifies and enshrines the ability for ARCS partners to reexport and retransfer defense material and technology within the Orcus construct through established channels with necessary safeguards.
▶ 0:39:10It also provides technical fixes and clarification to the already strong bipartisan ARCUS foundational tax as the Trump administration conducts its belated review of Orcus and many of us here in Congress on both sides of the aisle look forward to seeing ARCs continue forward. This bill is a helpful contribution to its shared goals and I thank the authors of it and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:39:38Gentleman yields back. Gentleman yields back. Any further discussion? Representative Kim.
▶ 0:39:44Thank you, Chairman Mass and Ranking Member Mix for holding today's markup and considering my bipartisan bill HR 4233, the AUS reform for military optimization and review act or Armor Act. The Armor Act enhances defense trade and cooperation between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which collectively make up the AUS Trilateral Security Partnership.
▶ 0:40:12Since 2021, the AUS Security Partnership has been a cornerstone of our collective defense strategy, fostering collaboration on advanced technologies like nuclearpowered submarines, AI, and hypersonic capabilities. Unfortunately, current barriers, including outdated export controls and bureaucratic hurdles, slow the sharing of critical defense technologies among our trusted allies.
▶ 0:40:45removes these obstacles, enabling faster, more secure transfers of defense articles while maintaining essential safeguards to protect uh sensitive technologies.
▶ 0:40:59Specifically, it expands the expedited licensing to include uh removes the congressional notification requirement on certain AUS transfers, requires a report on implementation of expedited review for export licenses and requires an annual review of the excluded technology list to ensure the list is relevant and aligned with AUS goals.
▶ 0:41:27The Indo-Pacific faces growing challenges. China's aggressive posturing in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. North Korea's provocations emboldened by its alliance with Russia and other destabilizing actions demand a united front. Time is of essence. We need to expedite our three nations access to markets and make sure AUS is working as intended.
▶ 0:41:56Bureaucratic delays to the AUS agreement weaken our ability to counter threats and to maintain technological and defense superiority. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, which will send a strong message to our adversaries and friends alike that the United States is serious about working with like-minded allies to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
▶ 0:42:21I want to thank arm sales task force co-chairs representative Zinci and Dean for joining me in this uh introduction of this bill. Thank you and I yield the balance of my time.
▶ 0:42:32Representative yields. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, being no further discussion, the committee will move for consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 0:42:43Chairman, may I ask for a recorded vote?
▶ 0:42:45In a moment, you may. Not quite yet. There being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR4233 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 0:42:58All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. And I believe there is a request for a recorded vote.
▶ 0:43:07Thank you, chairman.
▶ 0:43:09That recorded vote will be postponed until the end. Thank you. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR4216, the Made in America Defense Act. This bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:43:28HR 4216 to direct their Secretary of State in coordination with the Secretary of Defense to carry out a review of the list of defense articles.
▶ 0:43:37Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the BIG's amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated to members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as original text for purposes of the amendment. I now recognize myself in support of this bill. When our partners and our allies choose to procure US origin defense articles or services, they have a choice.
▶ 0:44:07a choice to purchase items via foreign military sales process or the direct commercial sales process. And while the foreign military sales is often the path of choice due to the robust total package approach, DCS is preferable in many cases as it is faster and a more nimble process than FMS. When you need the weapons, you need them. However, the State Department maintains an outofdate list of defense articles that may only be purchased via FMS.
▶ 0:44:37This list is meant to only include the most sensitive technologies that would pose a risk to US competitiveness if certain technologies were to be shared via DCS. But its outdated nature ends up creating the very problem it seeks to avoid. US competitiveness is limited as our partners choose to turn to other sources for technologies that are too slow to procure from the United States.
▶ 0:45:03President Trump's April 9 executive order mandated the State Department review and update the FMSON list. This legislation would codify that requirement and go one step further by requiring an annual review of that list. Miss Big's bill will also enhance congressional reporting requirements to ensure that Congress has oversight over any changes to that list.
▶ 0:45:26This muchneeded legislation is part of the key of reforming our foreign defense sales process to ensure that the US maintains its competitiveness and remains the global partner of choice for procurement of defense technology. Is there any further discussion on this legislation? Ranking member Meeks.
▶ 0:45:45Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support Representative Beg's bill regarding foreign military sales. I appreciate constructive efforts by members of this committee, including on the arm sales task force, who have sought to develop bipartisan proposals to improve how the United States provides defense articles and capabilities to our partners and allies. Foreign military sales or FMS enable the United States to provide defense articles and services to our allies and partners.
▶ 0:46:16United States FMS cases offer a unique opportunity to provide most capable military platforms to our friends through what has historically been known as the total package approach. Not only the military hardware itself, but training, repairs, maintenance support, and capacity building for the nation's military.
▶ 0:46:39Our adversaries simply do not and often cannot provide such exquisite technologies and the whole suite of support that comes with it. The United States total package approach, advanced technology and our diplomatic influence and values set us apart. While FMS transfers are fit for many cases and situations, some foreign partners have sought to expand their defense purchases via greater direct commercial sales from US firms.
▶ 0:47:09This bill directs the Department of State to conduct an annual review in consultation with the Department of Defense of what weapons and technologies can be moved from the FMS only list to be eligible eligible for direct commercial sales. But importantly, it does not modify or undermine Congress's oversight or visibility into proposed arm transfers.
▶ 0:47:38Given the rapid changes in the defense sector and my interest in ensuring our allies and partners are effectively supported via United States security assistance and defense sale. I support this bill and yield back the balance of my time. Representative yields back. Is there any further discussion? Representative Biggs, are you asking to be recognized?
▶ 0:48:05Thank you, Chairman Mast and Ranking Member Meeks. The Made in America Defense Act strengthens American manufacturing, supports our allies, and advances national security, all by cutting through the bureaucracy that's slowing us down. President Trump's executive order on reforming foreign defense sales made very clear we need faster, more accountable systems. This bill delivers on that.
▶ 0:48:34It allows trusted allies to acquire critical Americanmade defense equipment directly, speeding up delivery and reducing dependence on slow, outdated government channels. Here's the bottom line. The Made in America Defense Act is about one thing. It's about putting American workers and manufacturers first.
▶ 0:48:57In South Carolina's third district, this means more welders, more machinists, and more engineers on the job, more orders flowing to manufacturers in Anderson, Greenwood, and Okone counties, and faster delivery to top tier equipment to our partners overseas. Cutting red tape drives demand. That means expansion, hiring, and investment at home.
▶ 0:49:28The current foreign military sales process is often too slow to meet our urgent needs. And we're not dismantling it, we're improving it. Direct commercial sales for select items will make our supply chain more agile and responsive while preserving oversight where it's needed most. Across the upstate, small businesses producing precision parts, military textiles, and advanced electronics are ready to scale.
▶ 0:49:58This bill gives them the runway to grow, compete, and to lead. My bill will strengthen our defense industrial base, reinforce our alliances, and create highquality American jobs in the process. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Let's move with purpose and deliver results for our workers, our allies, and our na and those that our nation can count on. And with that, I yield back.
▶ 0:50:28Representative yields back. Any further Seeing none, being no further discussion, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 0:50:39Sir, may I request a recorded vote?
▶ 0:50:41In a moment, you may. Being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR4216 as amendment to the House with favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 0:50:55All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to and a roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Thank you. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR4215, the International Traffic and Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:51:25HR 4215 to require the Secretary of State to promate expedited and fixed timelines for the decision-making process to license the
▶ 0:51:34Without objection. The first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I will now recognize myself in support of this bill. America's foreign defense sales programs are known for slow timelines and an opaque process. Unfortunately, there's often little clarity about how different foreign partners are prioritized, which can lead to frustration and confusion from allies as they seek to procure US origin defense articles.
▶ 0:52:03The inefficiency forces our partners to consider turning to other countries to source their capabilities. The direct commercial sales process presents a quicker, more straightforward pathway for our allies and partners to purchase US technology. The US authorized over 200 billion in DCS sales in FY 2024, a significant increase from 2023 and over 80 billion more than FMS sales.
▶ 0:52:30These numbers show that DCS is the future of arm sales process. But more needs to be done to streamline DCS to ensure the US can remain the partner of choice for foreign origin defense technology. Mr. Mr. Bombgartner's legislation would codify President Trump's April 4 executive order to establish a list of priority partners for certain defense sales and would create a timebound process for approving DCS cases.
▶ 0:52:56This will increase speed and efficiency in the DCS process and ensure our partners and allies are able to continue procuring US origin defense equipment in a timely manner. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks.
▶ 0:53:14Thank you, Mr. Chairman. HR 4215 seeks to improve the processing of direct commercial sales of defense articles to our allies and partners. And while I have disagreements with the Trump administration and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle regarding how the United States should pursue and better administer security assistance as only one component of our foreign policy, I do agree Congress should take the steps
▶ 0:53:44to support our allies and partners getting defense articles they need in a timely manner. This bill will institute clearer time frames for the licensing decisions made by the state department for direct sales of defense items by private firms to foreign buyers. While large systems like aircrafts, shifts, ships, tanks, and missiles are principally provided via the foreign military sales or FMS process.
▶ 0:54:14A number of important items such as small arms, vehicles, radars, and other equipment are transferred via direct commercial sales. These items are often vital to our partners and allies to replenish their military stocks and defensive capabilities. While the vast majority of such proposals for export sale are processed and licensed in the expeditious manner, foreign partners often seek greater speed and clarity regarding the process.
▶ 0:54:45This bill simply institutes reasonable time frames of up to 60 days for a licensing decision to be made. This does not pre-ordain an outcome. The state department can still either return such licenses for adjustment or modification or reject the requested licenses license outright. These are options available now and will still be under this bill.
▶ 0:55:10Importantly, the bill also does not alter or undermine congressional oversight over direct commercial sales. While I have numerous concerns with other areas of arm sales and security assistance policies of this administration, including President Trump's executive order on arm sales, I support efforts to provide our allies and partners with improved time timeliness and processing for defense articles they need for our shared national
▶ 0:55:41security goals. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:55:45Rank member yields. Representative Self is recognized.
▶ 0:55:48Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I certainly applaud the efforts of my colleague, Mr. Bumgardner, and I certainly support this bill, but this is only one of many actions we need to take for the US uh industrial base and the European industrial base. Uh because we have, for instance, to Mr. Meek's point, we're adding a factory simply for 155 artillery rounds, and there is a search around the world for them.
▶ 0:56:14So, while I applaud this bill, we've got a lot of work to do in Congress to encourage and support the uh defense industrial base. Uh, and with that, I ask my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back. Representative yields. Any other members seek recognition? Representative Bob Gardner.
▶ 0:56:32Well, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, I think this is uh one of the most important bills that will be considered in the 119th Congress. Uh America today faces a more complex security environment than any time since World War II.
▶ 0:56:47One need only look at uh uh imperialist China, militant Russia, uh Iran supporting terrorist actors across the globe and North Korea uh rattling its nuclear saber, transnational terrorist groups, drug traffickers.
▶ 0:57:04Uh it is a dangerous dangerous world out there and uh increasing the amount of American foreign military sales not only helps our allies help us deal with these challenges, it also helps us create new allies and allies that are better integrated into our military apparatus when and if we do need uh to take action. It also is uh tremendously important to our economic growth and a real opportunity.
▶ 0:57:30Unfortunately, today uh our military sales process is mired in red tape and bureaucracy and is stuck in the mud. Uh fortunately uh this bill is an important part of the solution. Uh HR 4215, the International Traffic and Arms Regulation Licensing Reform Act, is a bill aimed at cutting through the bureaucracy and red tape that slows down our ability to support key security partners around the world.
▶ 0:57:58Our current arms export licensing system is based on outdated Cold War era rules and is far too slow, far too opaque, and far too risk adverse to address the complex threats our nation faces today. Right now, each license application for direct commercial sales is reviewed on a casebyase basis without priority again without priority or expedited consideration for American allies.
▶ 0:58:26This approach creates unnecessary delays and can inadvertently hinder US national security interests. We must prioritize these sales in a strategic fashion. And our partners cannot afford to wait years for approval. And they shouldn't have to. My bill would address this very issue by setting strict timelines for licensing decisions and prioritizing applications that involve key partners and allies all while strengthening our ind defense industrial base.
▶ 0:58:53an issue which congressman self just spoke very eloquently to u I want to especially thank Congressman Zinci for his leadership and for our arm sales task force for driving this bill forward. It demonstrates to our allies that the United States will have their back not just in the world uh but in not just in word but in action. Uh let's make America and the world safer and let's make our economy stronger.
▶ 0:59:20I urge my colleagues to support uh HR4215 and support this critical step towards a faster, more reliable arm sale transfer process. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I yield back. Is there any further There being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR4215 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 0:59:48I. All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed
▶ 0:59:56Uh, Mr. Chair, I request a roll call
▶ 0:59:59recorded vote.
▶ 0:59:59A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 1144, the Frederick Douglas Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025. That's a long title, Chris. The bill was circulated in advance. The clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 1:00:30HR 1144 to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Smith amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated to members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as the original text for purpose of the amendment. I now recognize myself in support of the bill.
▶ 1:00:55I want to thank my colleague Representative Smith from New Jersey for leading this important bill. I know personally from many discussions that we have how personal this is to him, how close to his heart this is to him. He's been uh carrying legislation, this and legislation like it for many years. It's it's constantly something that you work on. Uh you've made it your priority and I appreciate that and your work to to move this across the line.
▶ 1:01:22I support this Trafficking in persons, the buying and selling of human beings is a horri or horrific form of modern slavery. Between yourself and your co-sponsor, Representative Ufume, leading this effort, I have no doubt that you will make a difference to the world and what we see taking place all too prevalently.
▶ 1:01:46Today, millions are traffked globally for labor or commercial sex obtained through force or fraud or coercion. Transnational criminals profit off of human trafficking to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, often stealing directly from Americans.
▶ 1:02:05Since 2021, a new and very troubling form of trafficking has emerged as well in Southeast Asia, where Chinese criminal gangs are operating industrial scale compounds that are devoted solely to conducting online crypto scams. These scam centers are powered by the forced labor of hundreds of thousands of trafficked victims and they target Americans. Sometimes estimates say Americans were scammed out of over $5 billion in 2024 alone.
▶ 1:02:33Last year, I chaired an oversight subcommittee hearing on State Department grants programs. And there I heard from the ambassador at large to monitor and combat trafficking in persons who testified on the work of the TIP office does to expose and prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and protect victims.
▶ 1:02:51The bill before us now, the Frederick Douglas Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025, it reauthorizes the TIP Office and its work and makes common sense amendments to strengthen our anti-trafficking statutes. Ever since Congress passed the original Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000, the United States has led the world by example on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Smith.
▶ 1:03:18And this year marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of the original Trafficking Victims Protection Acts, also written by Representative Smith. I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan piece of legislation. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I'd like to thank you for bringing up the Frederick Douglas Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025.
▶ 1:03:46This bill is essential to our nation's ongoing efforts to combat the global scourge of human trafficking and uphold the core values of freedom, dignity, and human rights around the world. In the face of the administration's cuts at the State Department and USAD to core institutional mechanisms that address issues related to human rights, including trafficking in persons.
▶ 1:04:12Passing this bill sends a powerful message that the United States Congress remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and advancing human rights globally, honoring the enduring legacy of the great Frederick Douglas in the fight for human dignity. We passed this bill last year and I think it's time that we get it over the finish line.
▶ 1:04:39passing it again, getting it through the Senate and on the president's desk to be signed. And with that, I yield back the balance of my
▶ 1:04:48Representative yields back. The author of this legislation, Representative Smith, is now recognized.
▶ 1:04:54Thank you so very much, Mr. Chairman. First of all, thank you for putting it on the schedule and for your very strong commitment to this this issue of trying to protect women and children and men uh from modern-day slavery. So, thank you very very much and for your kind words and to Mr. Meeks, thank you as well. This year, as you pointed out, Mr.
▶ 1:05:13Chairman, marks the 25th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, comprehensive landmark legislation that I authored uh that is the cornerstone of US and global anti-human trafficking efforts. I would remind my colleagues that when I first introduced the TVPA in the late 1990s, the legislation was met with a wall of skepticism and even outright opposition.
▶ 1:05:37Assistant Secretary of State Harold Co testified right here in this room uh that against most of the provisions of that bill. Uh he said that there was no need for a tip office uh just put it into the country reports and human rights practices. He said that the sanctions would be counterproductive, which they are not.
▶ 1:05:55I pointed out at that time that one reason why our civil rights laws work is because there is a penalty phase for those who do not follow human rights norms and civil rights norms uh as prescribed in those statutes. Uh we did prevail uh and thankfully it was done in a totally bipartisan way uh and we did get the bill over the finish line. At the time trafficking was widely associated with drugs and with weapons, not human beings.
▶ 1:06:23I talked to several US attorneys who as soon as I brought up the subject, they defaulted right to a discussion about weapons and especially about uh drugs. Back then, stories of women and children being bought and sold and treated as commodities for sale were met with disbelief. But we persisted and as I said in a bipartisan way, we got the bill passed in the House, then in the Senate, and then it was signed into law by President Clinton.
▶ 1:06:50uh it established what is now well known a framework called the three Ps prevention of trafficking protection for the victims and prosecution of the traffickers. I would note parathetically that more than major cases have been traffickers have been convicted and are today doing serious jail time. Even Epstein was being prosecuted pursuant to the TVPA.
▶ 1:07:16Uh but he died obviously before uh justice could be medded out. But so many and many of our US attorneys, one of the things we put into the bill, Mr. Chairman, was to try to empower states to pass their own anti-human trafficking laws, which virtually every one of them has. So more prosecutors, more weapons against these people uh who treat people again in such a heinous way.
▶ 1:07:39The trafficking law created the uh TIP office uh the TIP report which continues to hold governments around the world accountable for failing to combat this heinous crime. Today we are considering and again I thank you for putting it on the schedule HR 1144. Uh, and we honor Frederick Douglas, a man, a heroic man, a brilliant man, and a Republican uh, who was born into slavery who became one of America's greatest abolitionists.
▶ 1:08:09The bill was developed in very close collaboration uh, with his great great great grandson, Kenneth Morris, and shaped by insights and trauma-informed input from survivors and of trafficking.
▶ 1:08:23I'm grateful, very grateful to Democratic lead co-sponsor Khisi Mafuni for his leadership and deep commitment to ending modern day slavery and to colleagues like chairman emeritus Michael McCall, uh, Maria Salazar, Joe Wilson, Miss Ratawagen, uh, Brian Jack, Blake Moore, and many others who have joined in this effort. I'd remind my colleagues, and Mr. Mr.
▶ 1:08:45Meeks mentioned this a moment ago that this bill has passed the House in the last two congresses in 2022 and again in 2024 again with broad bipartisan support over 400 members voting for it only to stall in the US Senate. And I urge my colleagues to to again try a final effort again to get this across the finish line for the victims and to stop this practice.
▶ 1:09:09Specifically, it reauthorizes programs across the State Department, Department of Justice, Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services. It continues the Angel Watch program to prevent convicted child sex predators uh from exploiting and raping children overseas. Megan Cananka, the little girl, International Megan's Law is what we call it, uh was from my hometown of Hamilton.
▶ 1:09:31a convicted pedophile lived across the street from her, invited her into the into his home, brutally raped her, killed her, buried her, and then he went out and handed out brochures saying, "Do you know where Megan is?" That led to Megan's law in all 50 states, uh, which has had a very profound impact. And then we found out that many of these people who are convicted, travel on these child sex tourism trips, uh, and they rent a child for a week or two and exploit the living daylights out of them.
▶ 1:09:59This now notices countries of destination before they leave and also stamps their passport with information that says the bearer is a child sex predator uh has been convicted for that. It also enhances and this is not part of our jurisdiction, Mr. Chairman, but it is jointly referred to some other committees which I believe will wave to to provide situation awareness training for elementary and secondary school students so they can be aware and know what the signs are so that they're not trafficked.
▶ 1:10:28I again I want to thank you so much for this and I yield back.
▶ 1:10:31Representative yields. Any further discussion? Anything over here? No. Representative Kaine is recognized. Uh thank you Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to support this important legislation, the Frederick Douglas Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025. Human trafficking is a terrible atrocity and survivors never fully escape the trauma of of their trafficking.
▶ 1:10:59In my home state of New Jersey, tireless advocates continue to push for justice for these victims. This bipartisan legislation is an important step in protecting the victims of this horrible crime. It will ensure grant funding is provided to help American communities recognize and respond to trafficking.
▶ 1:11:18Additionally, it will allocate funding to help educate and to employ survivors of human Through this legislation, we can take an important step in the fight against human trafficking. I thank their colleagues for their partnership and I urge this committee support this important legislation. Mr. Chair, I yield back.
▶ 1:11:40Any further discussion? There being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? Seeing none, I move that the committee report HR 1144 as amendment to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 1:12:04All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR4490, the providing appropriate recognition and treatment needed to enhance relations act.
▶ 1:12:32The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill. to amend the International Organizations Immunity Act to extend diplomic
▶ 1:12:46without objection.
▶ 1:12:48The first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I recognize myself in support of this legislation. I support the partner act because it strengthens US diplomatic engagement with key international and regional organizations at a time of growing global competition.
▶ 1:13:11The bill extends diplomatic privileges and immunities under the international organizations and immunities act to a number of different groups. Azion, CERN, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Caribbean Community, and the African Union. Secretary Rubio has recently attended meetings with a number of these, the Azan Summit, where he reaffirmed his commitment to this important multi-ateral organization and others.
▶ 1:13:39In doing so, it acknowledges these entities as legitimate counterparts to other international organizations that already receive such treatment under US law. This step reflects a practical recognition of the growing roles in shaping regional security, economic development, and global coordination. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the partner act. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member
▶ 1:14:05Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support this has been that in order to grant diplomatic privileges and immunities to an international organization where the United States is not a full voting member, Congress must act first.
▶ 1:14:25Extending the status to an international organization sends a crucial sign of respect and makes it much easier to work with them in simple ways, including to establish a physical presence in the United States with diplomatic status on enabling officials to travel here with diplomatic visas.
▶ 1:14:45Today, in advancing this bill, we act to strengthen our partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the Caribbean Community, and the African Union's Mission of the United Nations. Every component of this bill is bipartisan.
▶ 1:15:07It represents a co consolidation of five separate pieces of legislation to which I have to which have passed the house and previous congresses. So I want to give a thank you to Mr. Castro for his tireless effort in this area.
▶ 1:15:26And this dates back to the 117th Congress and the original partner with the Azion Act and acknowledge the many representatives from both sides of the aisle whose work is reflected in this product. I urge all members to support this legisl this this legislation and I yield back the balance of my time. Further discussion.
▶ 1:15:52Representative Castro. Uh I'm sorry. Is further discussion over here? Sorry. Representative S.
▶ 1:15:58Um Mr. Chairman, uh most of these are nations that have diplomatic immunity through their embassies. Uh the CERN is is a different animal under this bill. I would certainly support the CERN getting uh getting this visited with them uh on site recently and I believe that they need it uh for the academic and and scientific uh work.
▶ 1:16:24The rest of these are companies uh and I have concerns about several of the nations themselves uh because again they have diplomatic immunity through their embassies. Uh I have concerns about expanding this and I I we could have a discussion on whether or not it actually weakens the embassy level uh by giving this them. So I will probably be a no on this simply because my concern for several of the nations. Thank you.
▶ 1:16:53I thank the representative for voicing his concerns. Do any other members seek
▶ 1:17:02Oh shar. Thank you chairman and thank you ranking member Meeks for bringing this up in today's agenda um and for your support on advancing this legislation in a bipartisan manner. One of the measures here of course is a partner act which would strengthen the US US diplomacy by extending privileges and immunities under the international organizations immunities act to several key regional international organizations.
▶ 1:17:27And I want to take a moment to explain why extending privileges and immunities to international organizations is so important and why we do it. Uh these legal protections aren't perks or favors. They're standard tools and ensure international organizations can carry out their official functions effectively and independently. Privileges and immunities allow these institutions to operate without the threat of litigation, taxation, or other interference that could compromise their diplomatic or technical work.
▶ 1:17:54uh they don't shield individuals from accountability for private actions, but they do create the space for official work to be done without disruption. This is the same framework that protects US diplomats and officials when we participate in international organizations abroad. It's part of the basic infrastructure of diplomacy around the world. Extending these privileges and immunities is not just symbolic. It would have meaningful benefits to US diplomacy and engagement with these partners.
▶ 1:18:21Under US law, the president is authorized to extend these privileges and immunities to international organizations that the United States is a member of, such as the United Nations or the Organization of American States. For organizations that the United States is not a member of, a specific act of Congress is required, as was done for the European Union and the African Union. This bill ensures we treat partners like ASEAN, CARACOM, the Pacific Islands Forum and CERN with the same level of recognition and respect.
▶ 1:18:51And then finally, uh the partner act includes language from a number of different legislative efforts in the House and the Senate consolidated into one vehicle. And so I want to thank my colleagues, Representatives Young Kim, Ed Casease, Dusty Johnson, Johnny O, Amada Coleman, Radawagen, Sheila Sherflow, McCormack, Maria Salasad, Bill Foster, Mike Lawler, and Bill Wizena for their leadership and contributions to this effort.
▶ 1:19:17Also want to say that it this bill has passed through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee just last month and want to thank over there Senators Ris, Duckworth, and Cortez, Masto, and Rickettts. uh for their efforts as well. With that, chairman, I yield back. Thank you, Representative Castro. Any other members seek Seeing none.
▶ 1:19:44Thank you. Being no further discussion of the bill, committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? Seeing none, I move the committee report HR4490 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 1:20:16Very good.
▶ 1:20:17Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 3429, the US, Japan, and Republic of Korea Trilateral Cooperation Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 1:20:37HR4 3429 to
▶ 1:20:40without objection. The first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I now recognize myself in support of this bill. I want to thank my colleagues, Representative Barah and Representative Wilson for their bipartisan leadership on this piece of legislation.
▶ 1:20:58The US, Japan, and Republic of Korea Trilateral Cooper Cooperation Act builds on historic momentum from the August 2023 Camp David Summit, reaffirming our shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indoacific. As threats from China, Russia, and North Korea mount, this bill provides a platform for coordination among three of the region's most trusted partners.
▶ 1:21:23By establishing a formal interparliamentary dialogue, we are ensuring Congress is directly engaged in advancing the trilateral partnership. In an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific, our trilateral unity with Japan and South Korea is essential to countering aggression, deterring conflict, and safeguarding the international rules-based order.
▶ 1:21:46With this legislation, we send a clear signal the United States is serious about deepening strategic cooperation with our closest allies in Asia. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this forward-looking piece of legislation. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks.
▶ 1:22:02Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I too support this measure authored by Ranking Member Barra and thank him for his leadership and encouraging greater trilateral cooperation with two of our closest allies in the world, Japan and South Korea. This is a bipartisan measure that highlights the importance of our cooperation to advance our shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. The trilateral cooperation has strong bipartisan support in Washington.
▶ 1:22:30But now that we have new leadership in all three capitals, we must sustain it. That is why this bill is so important. It calls on the Secretary of State to work with the Japanese and Korean governments to establish a trilateral interparliamentary dialogue. This is vitally important and it is why I support this measure and we should pass it collectively and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 1:23:01Do any other members seek recognition? Mr. Chairman,
▶ 1:23:05Representative Barah.
▶ 1:23:06Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member Meeks. Um, I'd also like to speak in support of HR 3429, the US Japan ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan legislation. I'd like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Wilson, Kelly, Castro, Smith, and the late Honorable Jerry Connelly, who are co-chairs of the Korea and Japan caucuses, for introducing this bill with me.
▶ 1:23:33Representative Connelly was a champion of the trilateral relationship and I'm pleased to see this committee continuing his legacy by considering this important legislation today. Mr. Chairman, as you mentioned, um the historic trilateral leaders summit at Camp David um really did mark a a milestone of codifying multi-year trilateral military exercises um between our partners, improved cooperation on ballistic missile defense between the United States, Japan, and Korea,
▶ 1:24:03a trilateral working group on um North Korea's cyber activities, a trilateral development finance corporation to work together um in other areas. trilateral maritime security cooperation framework, a supply chain early warning system, um, and much more. And that was at the executive level. What we've also seen though is at the executive level, we had an election last November with the new administration coming in.
▶ 1:24:30But we've also seen both in Japan and Korea new administration coming in. And part of the the thought behind um the legislative dialogue, the interparliamentarian dialogue on an annual basis is many of us who are members of um the United States Congress, members of Japan's diet, members of Korea's um National Assembly are here longer than one administration or another. So we do think um an annual gathering is incredibly important.
▶ 1:24:59um talking to our counterparts in Japan and and Korea um they also share that same um you know in intention of an ongoing dialogue. So this legislation really would strengthen that critical trilateral cooperation by really cottifying an annual interparian dialogue between the United States Congress, Japan's National Diet and South Korea's National Assembly. And with that, you know, again, I think this is an important piece of legislation.
▶ 1:25:28I respectfully urge the committee to pass HR 3429 and reaffirm our commitment to deepening the US Japan ROK trilateral cooperation um in the face of the ch shared challenges. And with that um I yield back. Thank you for your work on this piece of legislation. Representative Barrett, do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:25:47Mr. Chairman,
▶ 1:25:48Representative Ufume.
▶ 1:25:50Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I just want to speak briefly in support of this uh amendment 3429 and associate myself with the comments of yourself as chair and Mr. Meeks as ranking member. Uh all duly noted facts and all duly noted in terms of why it is important that uh we get behind this and I don't want to forget anybody else. I know Mr. Barrett pretty much uh said the same thing. So I would associate myself with his remarks also. And while I have the floor u Mr.
▶ 1:26:20Speaker, I do want to uh commend u members of the committee in particular Mr. Smith of New Jersey for fighting so very hard for this Frederick Douglas human trafficking law. It's uh very important and the gentleman from New Jersey has worked on this over and over and over again. I'm happy to be a co-lead on it and uh understanding the fact that Frederick Douglas cared so much about trafficking.
▶ 1:26:45In this case, it was trafficking of human beings, slaves, and finding a way to bring an end to that. I think it was appropriate that this particular amendment carries that title. And again, I want to thank Mr. Smith and everybody else who works so hard to bring this to fruition. I yield
▶ 1:27:01Representative yields back. There any further discussion? There being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR 3429 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 1:27:25Mr. Chairman, can I ask for a recorded
▶ 1:27:27in a moment?
▶ 1:27:29All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The motion is agreed to.
▶ 1:27:36Mr. Chairman,
▶ 1:27:37roll call vote
▶ 1:27:38has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Thank you. Pursuant to notice, I now call up the Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act.
▶ 1:28:10This pro this bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill
▶ 1:28:16HR 4335 to provide authority to enhance security assistance with countries that are engaged in regional security cooperation efforts in the Middle East and North Africa and for other purposes.
▶ 1:28:27Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Also without objection, the Lawler amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated to members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as original text for the purpose of the amendment. I now recognize myself in support of this legislation. Thank you.
▶ 1:28:56I want to thank my friend and my colleague, the MINAS subcommittee chair, Representative Lawler, for sponsoring this piece of legislation. The foreign military sales program, which we've spoken about quite a bit today, is a key component for our national security. FMS strengthens our alliances, enhances interoperability with partner forces, promotes regional stability by ensuring that foreign governments are equipped with highquality, reliable US defense systems.
▶ 1:29:25Yet, the process underpinning foreign military sales is complex, lengthy, and opaque, leading many of our traditional defense partners to question US reliability and commitment to our long-term partners. There is a clear recognition that it's simply not enough for our equipment to be the best. Those procuring US origin weapons must also have the confidence that our equipment will be delivered on time in a transparent manner.
▶ 1:29:52Streamlining the FMS process is critical if the US is to remain the partner of choice, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, which represents the lion share of FMS cases globally, yet also subject to some of the most egregious delays.
▶ 1:30:08This inherent unpredictability has increasingly driven our traditional partners to consider alternative defense suppliers, threatening the competitiveness of the US defense industry as well as its These sales are critical to ensure our partners and allies have the tools that they need to continue working with the US to advance our shared objectives. These issues are something this committee will work hard to address, a goal that I know is shared by this administration.
▶ 1:30:38This is why this bill is essential by ensuring FMS sales to partners and allies in the region who have taken steps to advance critical US national interests notably with respect to Iran and Israel receive priority when it comes to congressional review. These seals these sales not only build partner capacity but also help strengthens interoperability.
▶ 1:30:59As I've said already, this helps ensure key partners in the region are equipped to work and hand work in a hand-inclub manner with us to collectively respond to evolving security challenges and ultimately strengthens our collective deterrence and therefore overall regional stability and the strength of the United States of Do anybody any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Let me be clear.
▶ 1:31:29that I'm a strong supporter of the Abraham Accords and the efforts by Arab states to normalize diplomat diplomatic relationships with Israel. It is something that I have seen over my lifetime in Congress for the first time countries agreeing to the Jewish state of Israel. It is the beginning of trying to get to a real peace in the Middle East.
▶ 1:32:00It is just the beginning. We have a long way to go. But I'm a supporter and I thank the many Arab countries who have agreed to normalize diplom diplomatic relations with Israel. And I look forward to others joining to do just that.
▶ 1:32:21It's the only way to work towards broader regional peace and And it's important though that countries do so based on merit and genuine We shouldn't be having a set of quid proquo arrangements or enticements.
▶ 1:32:43It should be done on the As we see countries agreeing and moving forward, we cannot ever forget human rights. It is, you know, in Mr. lawless bill.
▶ 1:33:02It would mandate expedited processing of all US arm sales to the Abraham Accord countries as well as we shrink the statutory required congressional review time of any such sale from 30 to 15 Why do I disagree with this is because this would put such a review periods on par with our historic US treaty allies
▶ 1:33:34like NATO member countries like South Korea, South Korea and Japan. And while I support the broadening of the Abraham Accords, I don't believe it is appropriate to equate longstanding allies like the UK, like France or Canada, all countries with which the United States has detailed comprehensive defensive agreements to countries who have thus far
▶ 1:34:05had inconsistent and checked records regarding the US weapons, the use of US weapons in conflicts and protections of sensitive defensive technologies. An example of that would be the misuse and diversion of US weapons in Yemen.
▶ 1:34:25The UAE unfortunately continues to provide armed support to the RSF militia in Sudan and this has been extensively I've paid particular attention to what's taking place and talking to our humanitarian groups and talking to individuals about what's happening on the ground there. It concerns me.
▶ 1:34:53I appreciate the UAE becoming an Abraham Accord country and working with Israel in that regards. But if we provide timeline to our closest allies or we do provide an expediated timeline to our closest allies because of the presumption of approval.
▶ 1:35:21I can't say that we have a presumption of approval in this case with the countries who are party to the Abraham Accords. This bill also comes at the time that the Trump administration has made corrupt pay-to-play deals with the Gulf governments a central part of US policy.
▶ 1:35:41Congress still has yet to receive any substance substantive details from the administration regarding the arms, crypto, and AI deals the White House announced during President Trump's May Golf trip. This reflects the administration's unfortunate pattern of discounting the legislative branch and flouting transparency and oversight.
▶ 1:36:05And for these reasons, I cannot support this bill at this time and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 1:36:13Ranking member yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? Representative Lawler is recognized.
▶ 1:36:18Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for bringing this bill forward for markup today. The Abraham Accords were the single greatest development towards peace in the Middle East in recent decades. For over 75 years, Israel has been our staunchest ally and a pivotal partner in the region. Israel is a beacon of freedom, democracy, and prosperity. A true innovation nation with a successful and vibrant society despite the geopolitical conditions they have faced.
▶ 1:36:48President Trump recognized this during his first administration and he worked diligently with some of our partners in the Arab world to showcase this. He showed them the economic benefits to normalizing with Israel and that the real inhibitor of to a prosperous Middle East is not Israel but Iran. So at its origins in September 2020, the Abraham Accords included the UAE and Bahrain. Morocco joined the following December.
▶ 1:37:18During President Biden's term, he made no forward progress with other nations to normalize with Israel. Luckily, President Trump has again been prioritizing this agreement since he has been back in the White House. The Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act will make the president's job just a little easier by further incentivizing countries to normalize with Israel.
▶ 1:37:44This legislation will enhance arm sales processes for Abraham Accords countries that also cooperate with the US on anti-Iran efforts or Iran proxy counterterrorism efforts. Specifically, it narrows the timeline for congressional consideration after arm sales are accepted. This is the same preferential treatment that our NATO allies receive. In addition to the tangible benefits of this shorter time period, there is also great symbolism.
▶ 1:38:13We are showing our Middle East partners that we're serious about deepening security ties. This was something I emphasized when I traveled to the region this past May and something I know the president has focused on during his trip there as well. The United States sees the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco as key partners and we are dedicated to maintaining these relationships and expanding them further. A similar sentiment is shared for Saudi Arabia and our other partners in the region.
▶ 1:38:41We are hopeful that Saudi Arabia and others in the future know this as well. As a leader in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords would make massive inroads for Israel's relationships not only in the Middle East, but across the globe. So, I want to thank Chairman Mass for understanding the benefits of strengthening ties in the Middle East and for bringing this critical legislation before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. And I encourage all of my fellow committee members to support this bipartisan bill. and I yield the remainder of my time.
▶ 1:39:11Representative yields. Representative Jacobs is recognized.
▶ 1:39:15Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I am opposing this bill. Overseeing arms transfer decisions is one of the most important oversight duties of this committee, and I cannot support a bill that weakens our oversight responsibilities. This bill would cut in half the time for Congress to review sales to Abraham Accord countries, which includes Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. In Egypt, Congress maintains long-standing concerns with its poor human rights record and growing ties to Russia and China.
▶ 1:39:43In the UAE, I and other members of this committee have expressed deep concerns that Abu Dhabi's continued material support to the rapid support forces in Sudan, which is committing a horrific genocide in Darur. We should not grant these countries privileged access to US arms given these considerations. Besides, this bill won't even solve the problems my colleagues are trying to solve. We all know that the arms transfer process is often a yearslong process whose lengthiest aspects are the DoD contracting timeline and the production timeline.
▶ 1:40:14Shaving 15 days off of the congressional notification clock will do little to incentivize countries to normalize relations with Israel, but it will have the time available to members of Congress to assess some highly sensitive sales to countries that require heightened, not weakened, oversight. So for that reason, I oppose this bill. Well, I urge my colleagues to do so as well. And Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 1:40:37He yields back. Representative Self is
▶ 1:40:40Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I applaud Mr. Lawler's work on this. The Abraham Accords are vitally important uh to the Middle East. Uh, I will just make two points uh along the lines of Mr. Meeks. Uh, if everything is most important, nothing is. If everything is number one, nothing is.
▶ 1:41:02Uh so we need to be careful because our industrial base is having trouble keeping up right now with our commitments for weapons across the world uh as is the European uh uh industrial base. And secondly, I want to make very clear that I support the qualitative edge of Israel's uh weapons from the US over over anyone else in the in the region.
▶ 1:41:28So we need to be really careful about the qualitative edge of the Israeli weapon systems that we are getting to them. With that I yield back.
▶ 1:41:38Representative yields back. Any further discussion? There being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move for consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 1:41:46Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 1:41:52The clerk shall distribute the I'm sorry.
▶ 1:42:01Uh yes.
▶ 1:42:01Yes, sure.
▶ 1:42:02I'll just use this as an opportunity to make the point again uh for members. We're working to make a more paperless process. Uh so members have, I believe, up until 48 hours uh within the markup to get these amendments submitted. If not, you have to bring your own 70 copies of the amendment to distribute. This is an effort to make it painful so that you all choose to use the digital program instead of printing out 70 copies uh for all the members. But for
▶ 1:42:29we did we did use the digital program. I just didn't know the number.
▶ 1:42:33Not in the the right window of time, but today we're working with everybody. Again, we're just trying to make the point so people learn the process of it and uh we use less paper in here. So, we appreciate it in that uh clerk shall report the amendment. Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR 4335 offered by Mr. Schneider of Illinois page one line eight strike it strike it is the
▶ 1:42:56without objection further reading of the amendment is dispensed with the representative is recognized for five minutes on his amendment
▶ 1:43:02thank you Mr. Chairman and uh as my uh colleague Mr. Lawler said the Abraham Accords were a a singular achievement uh the most significant achievement uh in a move in a very important and dangerous region towards trying to achieve uh greater security uh prosperity and peace for all the people in the region.
▶ 1:43:24The Abraham Accords, for the first time in documented the idea that both Jews and Arabs belong to the same land, that they can share this land and prosper together if they work together. It opened the door to normalization with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and even Sudan.
▶ 1:43:50Uh the Abraham Accords are something that holds out the promise of and possibility of security, prosperity, and peace for the entire region. Which is why I'm proud to be the co-chair of the bipartisan biccameal Abraham Accords Caucus joining with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, on the very premise that we need to work to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords to move it forward.
▶ 1:44:19None of the work we do exists in a vacuum. We are building on prior work. So this amendment would make reference to the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2022 by including the policy stated in that legislation, building upon uh that work to advance what we're doing here.
▶ 1:44:40And that's why we're recommending uh this amendment to to reference the policy of the IRNA uh that uh is uh already part of the work that we have done. In addition, uh we have a hope for peace. We are at a a crossroads moment.
▶ 1:44:56the uh attack on Iran's nuclear program, setting that program back, uh hopefully paving the way not just to block Iran's path to nuclear weapon, but to permanently close that path uh opens the opportunity for perhaps a different uh path. And so the second change uh recommended with or would be achieved with this amendment would be note that if there is a time during any period in which the United States does not maintain diplomatic relations, this would be the policy.
▶ 1:45:24But if we can get to that new period, the policy has the pos possibility of changing. With that, I yield back.
▶ 1:45:31Representative yields back. Let me say that I support the revised amendment.
▶ 1:45:35Do any other members seek recognition? Representative Lawler is recognized.
▶ 1:45:39Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to thank my colleague, Mr. Schneider, for working with us on this amendment and uh happy to support it in furtherance of passage of this legislation. I yield
▶ 1:45:51Representative yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? Being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Shiner number 41. All those in favor signify by saying
▶ 1:46:04I. I.
▶ 1:46:04All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to.
▶ 1:46:13Mr. Chairman,
▶ 1:46:14I have an amendment. Okay.
▶ 1:46:16We'll get to your number 42 in a second.
▶ 1:46:22Are there any other amendments? I have an amendment at the desk. Clerk shall distribute the amendment and the clerk shall designate the amendment, shall report the amendment. Clerk shall report.
▶ 1:46:52Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4335 offered by Mr. Schneider of Illinois. Add at the end the following new
▶ 1:47:00Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. Representatives now recognized for five minutes on the amendment.
▶ 1:47:07Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I'll be very brief. Uh the idea of this amendment is recognizing that in a region that has history that dates thousands of years, uh it is appropriate to review and consider positions uh that we take as a body here. Uh recognizing that a generation is uh at least 20 years. Uh my suggestion is that this uh uh legislation uh will terminate at the end of uh our generation or 20 years after the date of enactment. I yield back.
▶ 1:47:37Representative yields back. Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:47:40I seek recognition.
▶ 1:47:42Representative Sherman.
▶ 1:47:43I rise in support of the amendment. It's biblically inspired and wise. Uh but I also want to comment on the bill which uh surprisingly perhaps to some I Uh what this bill does is it diminishes the effect of congressional involvement in deciding whether to export arms to certain countries in the Middle East. And I have uh three concerns with it.
▶ 1:48:12The first is I like congressional involvement. I like that involvement to be effective. and to shorten by 15 days um either allows a good decision to go forward 15 days sooner, which is no big deal. It takes years to manufacture these weapons, or it has the effect of pulling Congress effectively out of the decision-making process.
▶ 1:48:40The second concern I have is that this bill is based on the idea that our decision as to whether to export weapons to a country in the Middle East should be based exclusively on that country's relationship with Israel. We have other concerns in the Middle East, one of which is directly triggered by this bill. I believe the United Arab Emirates has entered into the Abrahamic Accords.
▶ 1:49:05uh and u so you'd say well they meet that standard but there's a war in the Middle East namely the civil war in Sudan that has killed far more people than have died in Israel and the Palestinian territories over the last two years that is the war in Sudan the United Arab Emirates has provided substantial weapons to the rapid support um arguably
▶ 1:49:36the worst of the uh factions involved in that civil war. So for us to take Congress out of the decision as to whether we turn to the UAE and say you ought to stay out of Sudan's civil war, you shouldn't be arming the descendants of the John Jedid who are responsible for the Darur uh uh uh genocide. Um that's a decision that we in Congress should make.
▶ 1:50:07Uh and of course uh we have to factor in the fact that the UAE has entered into the Abrahamic Accords with Israel. So there are a number of factors. Congress ought to consider them. But the biggest reason I oppose this bill is it starts with the idea that um you make the weapons transfer to a particular government, a non-democratic government in most cases, a government that does not necessarily speak for its people.
▶ 1:50:37And then you expect that government to continue its policies in the future. If this bill had been effective in 1978, then Congress would have not been in a position to caution against transfers of weapons to the sha of Iran. And certainly the sha of Iran met last century's standards for having an Abrahamic Accord agreement.
▶ 1:51:03Every weapon that was transferred to the sha in 1978 was in the hands of the Ayatollah in So, Congress ought to be involved in looking at when weapons are transferred to a country independent of the country's reversible uh diplomatic stance toward Israel that it has at a particular time with a particular government uh particularly when that government uh could be
▶ 1:51:33swept away. And if a government speaks for the people of a country, then you expect that governmental decision to stick. If the government is uh non-democratic, then when the government is gone, um the deal is gone. So I realize that everyone wants to encourage uh countries to enter into Abrahamic Accords and we should do that in every way we can in trade, in discussions, by diplomacy.
▶ 1:52:04But we should not shortcircuit the decision of whether weapons are transferred to some very um you know some non-democratic regimes and we should not take Congress out of that decision nor should we have uh that decision be made solely by whether that country has entered into an accord with Israel a record which as I point out a subsequent government may reverse.
▶ 1:52:28So, I appreciate the purpose of this bill, which is to encourage the Abrahamic Accords and other countries to join that, and I look forward to finding a way to do that that is less dangerous than transferring highly sophisticated weapon systems to non-democratic regimes without congressional input. And I yield
▶ 1:52:46Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:52:50Representative Lawler.
▶ 1:52:52Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I uh want to comment on the amendment uh and I thank my colleague Mr. Schneider for offering it and I look forward to supporting it and furtherance of passage of this bill. Thank you.
▶ 1:53:11Representative yields back. Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:53:16Seeing none. Thank you. Being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Schneider number 42. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to.
▶ 1:53:46Are there any further amendments? Seeing none. Being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR4335 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 1:54:01I. All those opposed signify by saying
▶ 1:54:05In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it.
▶ 1:54:07Mr. Chairman, I ask for a roll call
▶ 1:54:10You're all premature.
▶ 1:54:13A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Thank you all for your requests for a roll call vote.
▶ 1:54:22We did it at the right time.
▶ 1:54:24Yes, you two can jinx each other.
▶ 1:54:28Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 3068, the Missile Technology Control Revision Act. This bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill. HR 3068 to amend the arms export control act to modify certain provisions relating to AUS defense trade cooperation and for other purposes be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled section one modification
▶ 1:54:59without objection first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point without objection the Heisenga amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated to members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as original text for purposes of the amendment. And I now recognize myself in support of the bill.
▶ 1:55:19The missile technology control regime was signed in 1987 as a non-binding political agreement designated to curtail proliferation of weapons of mass destruction delivery vehicles in the context of cold war era arms race. The MTCR is an outdated agreement that has been strictly implemented through the Arms Export Control Act.
▶ 1:55:41The current implementation of the MTCR has limited our ability to share missile related technologies such as advanced drones and space launch systems with our closest allies. Meanwhile, Russia and China are exporting similar technologies with fewer constraints, harming US competitiveness and pres preventing our allies from having access to the most up-to-date technologies. Mr.
▶ 1:56:03Heisinga's legislation would allow for expedited defense trade with countries the president determines should be eligible for certain defense trade exemptions. This will improve our partners and allies access to advanced US origin technology as we work together to successfully combat the threat posed by Russian and PRC origin technologies. Do any other members seek recognition? Representative Jacobs.
▶ 1:56:28Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the gentleman from Michigan's intent, but I must oppose this measure due to its detrimental impacts on global non-prololiferation efforts, the vital importance of protecting and safeguarding sensitive missile technology, and the administration's lack of transparency about its own reportedly recent overhaul of the MTCR policy. The missile technology control regime is a decades old political agreement the US pioneered with like-minded G7 partners to limit the proliferation of missiles and sensitive missile technologies.
▶ 1:56:59Long-range missiles and rockets are among mankind's most advanced weapons of war and can be employed to deliver the most destructive payloads, including nuclear, chemical, or biological agents. The MTCR was instituted to limit the increasing proliferation of these destructive weapons, and more than 30 countries are now committed to these objectives. The MTCR provides a framework for standards and regulations, coordination and control over such transfers and exports, and mutually reinforcing safeguards.
▶ 1:57:27This bill would prematurely create exemptions from the MTCR for the most sensitive missile and drone systems on the planet and weaken the US's important defense technology controls enshrined in the Arms Export Control Act. Providing for unregulated, uncontrolled exports, even to close partners, for these long-range missiles and rocket systems, would undermine global arms control and encourage other states to loosen their constraints on such transfers as well.
▶ 1:57:51Last year, technical experts on arms control and defense technology at the State Department, made clear their opposition to this measure, as did multiple outside organizations such as the Arms Control Association. This year, unsurprisingly, the Trump administration has spoken disparagingly about arms control and has repeat and has reportedly completely revised its own missile transfer control policy while refusing to provide any details about its new policy to the committee.
▶ 1:58:16Supporters on the other side of the aisle may claim that providing additional flexibility or support to certain NATO or AUS partners with long-range missile or drone capabilities is necessary, but this is not the case. The administration has plenty of discretion to sell such weapons and capabilities to close allies and partners and MTCR commitments have never impeded that. Indeed, such systems are routinely approved for transfer to AUS partners, including recent Tom Hawk missiles, SM6, Global Hawk, and MQ9s.
▶ 1:58:44Additionally, while this bill would loosen arms control from the US side, neither the UK nor Australia are planning comparable preemptive changes to their respective defense controls to allow completely license free transfer of the most highly capable MTCR weapons. Any modification is best done jointly and in a thoughtful coordinated manner among all partners within existing authorities and through the multilateral MTCR structure.
▶ 1:59:07Preemptive removal of MTCR categories from important defense licensing controls will undermine the competence of allies and other nations in our commitment to arms control and multilateral agreements. We are stronger together when we operate multilaterally to uphold important arms control agreements in the face of those states who wish to destroy such efforts. Therefore, I must oppose this measure and encourage all members to do so as well. I yield back.
▶ 1:59:30Any further discussion?
▶ 1:59:34Mr. Heisenga, were you Mr. Mr. Heisinga.
▶ 1:59:37Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, just want to address this. The mission techn technology control regime, as you had said, is a cold war era non-binding voluntary political agreement with 35 nations, including Russia. This regime was originally designed to curtail the export of controlled items such as ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, UAVs, uh, and the production the production facilities of those systems.
▶ 2:00:01oftentimes the TCR has produced a strong I'm sorry a strong presumption of denial on these covered technologies even when exporting to our closest allies. Uh moreover as technology has advanced and we have deepened our cooperation and collaboration on advanced technologies with allied nations through partnerships such as NATO the five eyes and AUS the guidelines of the MTCR have not evolved to meet those new threats.
▶ 2:00:28For example, the MTCR operates through consensus and past attempts to reform export policies have been unsuccess unsuccessful when countries like Russia have the ability to veto any measures that they do not like. Additionally, the MTCR lacks independent means to verify whether member states are actually adhering to its guidelines, nor does it have a mechanism to penalize states that violate them.
▶ 2:00:52So, last Congress, uh, my bill, the AUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act, laid the groundwork for implementing pillar one of AUS. However, uh, many are worried that the MTCR will stand in the way of current collaboration on AUS, especially on the pillar 2 issues.
▶ 2:01:10And uh as uh as the representative Jacobs had said uh there has been times where we have overcome that presumption of denials with the MQ9s, the Global Hawks, the Tomahawk cruise missiles uh with each of those, but was subject to an inter agency review process that immensely delayed those decisions. So we cannot let this opportunity to enhance collaboration with our allies by hindering an overly bureaucratic process bogged down by red tape.
▶ 2:01:37And as such, the United States is seeding its sovereignty in allowing countries like Russia to influence how we can engage with our allies and partners. This does not advance the national security interests of the United States. Nor does it make us safer, stronger, or more prosper uh prosperous. The weakness of the MTCR is not only felt by our allies and partners, but also by US companies. I'd like to uh uh submit for the record, Mr. Chairman, a couple of letters of support.
▶ 2:02:06one from the Aerospace Industries Association uh and then the other from the NDIA uh National Defense Industrial Association uh and uh and with that the list without
▶ 2:02:17with that the list of their partnerships and if I mean my colleagues take a look these are these are small companies that are in uh in in virtually every single one of our congressional districts and states. uh they are very very widespread and this is about jobs in the United States as well but navigating the time-consuming and opaque process losing the competitive edge as strategic partners move away from American products instead of choosing foreign competitors and the lack of orbital launch site
▶ 2:02:48availability in the US hinder agile defense startups with innovative technologies from entering the market all of which is a detriment to the United States in the time that the United States has subjected industry to a lengthy bureaucrat ratic process. China has fielded countless ballistic missiles and drone systems. Meanwhile, Russia and North Korea are proliferating these capabilities in places like Ukraine, where the Defense Intelligence Agency has confirmed the appearance of North Korean missile debris.
▶ 2:03:16It's time to reform our approach on MTCR and foster enduring cooperation with allies and partners in the face of aggressive actions from our adversaries. The ANS in uh on this bill 3068 is simply is simple and narrowly scoped.
▶ 2:03:32It removes the statutory requirement of the MTCR from the arms export control act thereby allowing for expedited trade with countries that the president determines any president by the way determines are eligible for a defense trade exemption. At one point, one point I do want to clarify is that this bill does not withdraw the United States from the MTCR or the obligations of global security cooperation.
▶ 2:03:58It simply removes policy decisions surrounding the MTCR from the statute by allowing the president to exempt allies and partners from outdated regulatory burdens. The MTCR act reflects the current uh security realities and needs to keep pace with the evolving relevance and flexibility required for success on the global stage. And with that, I urge support of this ANS. And I yield back.
▶ 2:04:22Representative yields back. Any other members seek recognition? Representative
▶ 2:04:26Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I I thank the gentleman for his legislation, but I have to tell you that I rise in opposition to this legislation. Uh considering the ongoing Russian and Chinese goals to steal US origin technology, the protection of advanced sensitive US technologies from our adversaries must be our priority.
▶ 2:04:46It is our duty to uphold the international security architecture, including the full scope of arms control measures both for weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms to ensure the transparency, predictability of the world's most dangerous weapons. This also includes supporting non-prololiferation regimes to to strengthen safeguards and protect advanced and sensitive technologies from diversion and exploitation.
▶ 2:05:12While I support the importance of defense agreements with our close allies, the amendment proposed by Mr. Heisinga undermines the missile technology control regime and creates blanket exemptions for MTCR category 1 covered weapons such as long range missiles, UAVs, and rockets. I recognize the need to adapt to the speed, scope, and scale of technology sectors, particularly in the defense industry space.
▶ 2:05:39However, we must ensure that any amendments do not undercut critical arms control and non-prololiferation goals and our obligations uh or compromise our most sensitive defense industry information. I encourage my colleagues to join me in opposing this legislation and Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 2:06:00Representative yields back. Is there any further discussion?
▶ 2:06:06Seeing none, does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR 3068 as amended to the House with a favorable
▶ 2:06:17All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying
▶ 2:06:23In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 2:06:29Yes. Representative Jacobs.
▶ 2:06:31May I request a recorded vote, please?
▶ 2:06:33A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the cheer's previous announcement, this vote will be
▶ 2:06:48There's always one.
▶ 2:06:51Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 3613, the Streamlining Foreign Military Sales Act of 2025. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill. HR 3613 to amend the Arms Export Control Act to streamline foreign military sales under that act.
▶ 2:07:10Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I will now recognize myself in support of the bill. We've spoken a lot about foreign defense sales uh and how they've skyrocketed in the past several years. As the global threat landscape evolves, our partners and allies are increasingly turning to the United States to procure not only American defense systems, but also American training and equipment because it's the best.
▶ 2:07:37There's hands down there's nothing better out there anywhere across the globe. The United States remains the partner of choice for our foreign allies, but slow delivery timelines and bureaucratic red tape undermine our ability to keep up with the increasing demand for US-made systems. A single FMS case can take years to receive the necessary approvals from the US government. And each FMS case requires considerable effort from US officials at the State Department and Department of Defense to prepare.
▶ 2:08:07The dollar threshold that determine which defense sales cases need congressional approval have not been updated since the year 2003 despite rising inflation and rapidly increasing demand. President Trump called attention to this matter on April 9th executive order which required the inter agency to consider raising the threshold levels to reduce bureaucratic red tape and speed up the foreign defense sales process.
▶ 2:08:33As part of the work of the arm sales task force, Representative Zinci's legislation to update the congressional notification threshold to levels requested by President Trump would maintain congressional oversight powers while reducing red tape and expediting process for our foreign arms sales. I would like to now ask, do any other members seek recognition in support?
▶ 2:08:58Representative Jacobs is still
▶ 2:09:00Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Rarely in my years in Congress have I seen legislative proposals that actually reduce Congress and this committee's oversight ability on consequential national security matters. But this bill is one such case. It is now more important than ever for Congress to assert itself and stand up to increasing executive power overreach and maintain its important responsibility to check the power of the executive.
▶ 2:09:27I cannot support this measure that would decrease Cong congressional oversight ability. This bill amends the Arms Export Control Act by significantly increasing congressional notification dollar thresholds for major arm sales required to be notified and reviewed by Congress. Representative Zinci's bill either doubles or triples in certain categories.
▶ 2:09:46is the threshold at which major arm sales or other types of defense transfers would be notified to Higher thresholds mean less oversight and visibility for Congress as any sales that fall below the dollar value threshold are not notified or reviewed by Congress at all.
▶ 2:10:02Even at the current notification levels, without this bill's increases, in 2020, the State Department Inspector General found that over a four-year period, the State Department provided more than 11 billion in below threshold sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including weapons Congress had placed holds on due to legitimate concerns over civilian casualties and egregious human rights violations.
▶ 2:10:27Much as we saw with the effort last year to move similar legislation, both incorrectly pins partner country frustration with slow US arms deliveries to the congressional review process when in fact most significant delays are due to an obsolete outmoded defense contracting system that piggybacks on top of numerous defense manufacturing constraints and inefficiencies by the industry itself.
▶ 2:10:49Notably absent from the conversation and claims made by industry is the continued destruction of our State Department and the summary firing of over 1300 hardworking Americans without cause. At no point did the Trump administration either through its arm sales executive order or the minimal consultation with committee about such proposals ever address the staffing needs or increased budget to lessen strained political military affairs bureau workloads.
▶ 2:11:15While my majority colleagues may be quick to claim that the political military affairs functions have been spared the worst cuts of the administration's shameful mass firings, that does not address short- staffed offices and teams there. Let's not kid ourselves. Rubio's cuts at the department will make these delays worse. You cannot do more with less.
▶ 2:11:33And worse, this bill further weakens congressional oversight over arm sales as the Trump administration actively undermines the legislative branch at every turn, bypassing congressional review of sensitive arm sales on multiple occasions, and seeking corrupt pay-to-play deals. By raising the threshold amounts as the bill proposes, Congress will lose visibility on what arms are being transferred to what countries, struggle to ensure that transfers are consistent with US law, policy, and interests.
▶ 2:11:59So I oppose this bill and its objectives which undercut the oversight functions of this committee. I yield back.
▶ 2:12:07Is there any further discussion? Representative Jipole.
▶ 2:12:10Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This bill is another attempt by Republicans to shield the president's corruption from accountability and weaken the already limited checks and balances that exist for arm sales. This administration doesn't seem to want to answer for the lethal weapons it's sending. doesn't seem to want to answer to Congress, not to the public, and certainly not to the people that these weapons are used against.
▶ 2:12:34They know that if Congress were allowed to weigh in, many of these sales, including to serial human rights abusers, would never pass scrutiny. So, they're doing the only thing they can to avoid accountability, trying to hide the deals altogether. These notifications of arm sales give Congress the ability to weigh in and conduct oversight into the lethal weapons that we send abroad.
▶ 2:12:56By raising the reporting threshold by tens of millions of dollars, the president will be able to send billions of dollars in weapons, including drones, bombs, surveillance tools to foreign governments without even a whisper to Congress. Already, the majority of weapons sold through direct commercial sales fall under the existing notification thresholds, meaning that Congress never actually sees them. And with this bill, even more deals, including deadly ones, would be buried from public view.
▶ 2:13:24This isn't streamlining, it's whitewashing. Let's talk about what's already happened under Donald Trump's presidency. Earlier this year, he took a trip to the UAE. He got whined, dined, and bribed by Emirati officials. And when he returned, his administration quietly bypassed Congress, notifying billions of dollars in weapon sales to the Amiradis without adhering to the committee review process that has long been considered best practice.
▶ 2:13:51This administration rushed forward with the sale despite credible evidence linking UAE weapons supplies to the brutal RSF militia in Sudan because it was in the best interest of the president, not of the American people. This undermines democratic accountability and it highlights another aspect of this administration's corruption.
▶ 2:14:12Even though Congress was cut out of the decision to send weapons of war, at least we knew it was happening so we could attempt to use legislative tools to block sales that aren't in Americans best interests. Earlier this year, I joined Congresswoman Rashida Talib in introducing joint resolutions of disapproval to block the sale of specific offensive weapons to Israel.
▶ 2:14:34These sales included bulldozers that have been used to flatten Palestinian homes, JDAM guidance kits that have been used to target civilians, schools, and hospitals, and 2,000 pound bombs with a blast radius so large that they cannot be used in densely populated areas like Gaza without inflicting mass civilian casualties.
▶ 2:14:56While these attempts were blocked, they at least provided the American people with transparency about what was happening and the US role in providing these weapons. That is far from sufficient. We need to respond to these atrocities with restraint, with a true assessment of how to ensure that any government upholds our own laws and international humanitarian laws.
▶ 2:15:19Instead of that, however, Congress is now being asked to loosen the rules and let even more weapons flow with even less oversight. Republicans are trying to tell the American people that oversight is somehow too cumbersome, that transparency slows things down too much, that checks and balances that are built into these process processes are not necessary, and that all power should be concentrated in the hands of the president and his administration.
▶ 2:15:47This kind of impunity from oversight is what endangers our credibility and our democratic processes. This bill is not just misguided. It's dangerous. It gives cover to future presidents, Democrat or Republican, who want to greenlight shady arms deals behind closed doors and flood foreign battlefields with US arms entirely off the books. It's a gift to dictators, a green light for war profiteeers, and a direct attack on Congress's oversight.
▶ 2:16:18It lets the defense industry write foreign policy and tells the world that the United States is more interested in hastily selling bombs than in protecting human rights. So, if you believe in the checks and balances our democracy was founded on, vote no. If you believe in congressional authority and article one powers, vote no. If you believe in human rights, vote no. And if you believe that no president should be able to sell weapons to autocrats without so much as a cursory notice to Congress, vote no.
▶ 2:16:48I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 2:16:49Any further discussion? Representative Zinci is now recognized.
▶ 2:16:54Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank the chairman, ranking member for the consideration of HR 3613, the bipartisan streaming foreign military sales act of From Europe to Indo Indo-Pacific, partner nations are increasingly turning to the United States for the tools they need to deteriorate aggression and defend their sovereignty and stabilize the region. There's a reason why US military hardware is highly soughta because it's effective.
▶ 2:17:22FMS by US companies exceeded $115 billion. That's up from $80.9 billion in 2023. uh when factoring it in as far as direct military sales and FMS that exceeds what a Department of Defense spends for their equipment. The supply chain in the United States could not operate without foreign military sales and direct commercial sales.
▶ 2:17:47These figures underscore the urgency felt by nations throughout the globe amid changing global security paradigms where equipment changes, generations changes within weeks and sometimes months but never years and our procurement system is widely outdated within the FMS and and DCS processes. Magnitudes more of arm sales are from that program than defense.
▶ 2:18:14As far as oversight goes, uh, every decision still goes through the same rigorous processes of approval, human rights evaluations and other other units and agencies monitored to include the Department of State, Blue Lantern, and Department of Defense, Golden Century. If you don't know what the Lehey laws are, then I suggest you look them up. Congress has never successfully blocked an arm sales.
▶ 2:18:40Congressional has not been updated since 1976 in some cases. What we've created is a bureaucracy and nightmare for companies. Mr.
▶ 2:18:54Chairman, I'd like to enter the record as a statement of of support from the Aerospace Industries Association and a detailed listing almost in every jurisdiction and and and areas are absolutely small companies that depend on on on our supply system. They depend on jobs, American jobs supplying the
▶ 2:19:18Without objection.
▶ 2:19:19Thank you. So with that, Mr. chairman. Uh, this was developed also in concert with Secretary Hegth and Secretary Rubio and supports President Trump's April 19th executive order of how to reform foreign defense sales to improve speed and accountability. The changes are made as far as effectiveness goes, it would reduce uh FMS notifications by about 15% still having 85%.
▶ 2:19:48Again, these figures have not been adjusted for decades. And then and the as far as the D uh direct commercial sales have reduced about 30 to 40% reduction. And with that I think it's absolutely incredibly important that we in speed they increase the speed and accountability of our foreign partners because right now what happens is our foreign partners pay for it upfront. We assuredly will deliver it late and whatever we do deliver will be obsolete.
▶ 2:20:17And in this changing environment our allies matter. Our ability to fight effectively matters and our ability to make sure we support national strategic policy is what we should be looking at and I urge your support. I will be calling a recorded vote.
▶ 2:20:31Very good. Any further discussion of the of the bill? Seeing none, does any member wish to offer an Seeing none. There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR 3613 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 2:21:00All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 2:21:03In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 2:21:06Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote. A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR2633, the US South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:21:34HR 2633 to review to require a full review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa and identify South African government officials and ANC leaders eligible for the imposition of sanctions and for other purposes.
▶ 2:21:52Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. and I now recognize myself in support of the bill. I want to voice my strong support for HR2633, the US South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act. This is a targeted and overdue response to troubling shifts in South Africa's foreign policy under the African National Congress. Let me be clear that this bill is not anti-South Africa. It is pro accountability.
▶ 2:22:20For too long, we've watched a key partner drift closer to authoritarian regimes, conducting joint military drills with Russia, strengthening economic and cyber security ties with the Kremlin and Beijing, and aligning with efforts to ddderize the global economy. These actions raise serious questions about the ANC's alignment with the democratic values and US interests. Even more alarming has been South Africa's posture following the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel.
▶ 2:22:49The ANC's refusal to acknowledge those atrocities, its direct engagement with Hamas leadership, and its politicized case against Israel at the ICJ reflects a government that has turned away from principle and from its traditional role as a bridge between the global south and democratic norms. South Africa or any nation cannot conduct themselves in such a manner and expect the same quality of relationship with the United States of America. HR2633 requires the administration to provide clarity.
▶ 2:23:20It mandates a full comprehensive review of bilateral relationship between our two countries. It requires the president to certify whether South Africa has engaged in activities undermining the United States, national security or foreign policy interests and requires a classified report identifying South African individuals eligible for sanctions based on corruption or human rights abuses. These are practical measured steps to ensure our policy reflects our values.
▶ 2:23:47I urge my colleagues to support this bill, not severtise, not to severtize with South Africa, but to reset the expectations that we have. We owe it to the American people and to the South African people to take these concerns seriously. And I thank you all for hearing my remarks. Does the ranking member have any comments? Ranking member is recognized.
▶ 2:24:10Thank you, Mr. Chairman. South Africa acts as a leader not only among African countries but also on the world stage as we have seen this year with the country's G20 presidency. We have a long history of partnership between our countries that I hope to see continue in the future including with a successful handover as the United States assumes the G20 presidency next year.
▶ 2:24:40Unfortunately, this bill will not help to deepen our further will not help to deepen or further that partnership. Instead, I believe it sets us down the wrong path with respect to our relationship with South Africa. South Africa has taken a number of foreign policy positions that I happen not to agree with.
▶ 2:25:04But in mature relations between countries, we can deal with those differences through diplomacy and This legislation does just the opposite, taking a heavy hand in mandating a certification and a full bilateral review of relations by the president of the United States as well as a politically targeted report related to global Magnetski sanctions.
▶ 2:25:33I would also point out that the bill duplicates processes that are already in law, including the certification process under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the power to identify perpetrators of human rights violations who should be subject to global Minsky sanctions. The president can already do these things if he chooses. He doesn't need this legislation to do it.
▶ 2:26:00And let's be honest, President Trump has already disproportionately targeted South Africa. He's done this by trying to embarass to embarrass President Ramiposa and the Oval Office with faulty evidence of purported atrocities in the country by instituting an executive order cutting all US assistance to the country and putting it in in a place where special refugee resettlement programs for African.
▶ 2:26:26And at the same time, he's blocking the resettlement of literally all other refugees to the United States. Refugees fleeing genocide in Sudan, not allowed. Refugees fleeing Russian bombardments in Ukraine, not allowed. Refugees fleeing political persecution in Venezuela, not allowed. This is glaring hypocrisy. And I do not believe Congress should further a enable or double down on President Trump's misguided approach.
▶ 2:26:56When we disagree with our partners, including on the continent of Africa, we should handle that responsibly by using diplomacy and presenting convincing arguments. Unfortunately, this bill fails to do that. So, I strongly oppose this legislation and urge all of us to look for future opportunities to steer the United States, South Africa relations in a more productive direction. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 2:27:28Is there any further discussion?
▶ 2:27:32Representative Jackson is recognized.
▶ 2:27:34Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 2:27:35Which Jackson, sir?
▶ 2:27:38Rody Jackson.
▶ 2:27:41The senior Jackson.
▶ 2:27:42The one I was looking.
▶ 2:27:44I thought I made eye contact with the one I wanted, but next time I'll make it more clear.
▶ 2:27:51Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. and thank you for holding this important markup today and allowing us for swift consideration of my bill, the South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act. For decades, South Africa has enjoyed a rich partnership with the United States, particularly in terms of trade, counterterrorism cooperation, and global health. Recently, however, South Africa has abandoned America and our allies and increasingly aligned itself with our adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and Iranian military proxies like Hamas.
▶ 2:28:20South Africa also hosts Confucious Institutes, cooperates with PRC's Belt and Road Initiative, conducts military exercises with China and Russia, and is involved in efforts to d to degrade the US dollar in the global monetary system.
▶ 2:28:34If strengthening ties with our adversaries wasn't enough, South Africa is systemically systematically going after our partners and allies, downgrading Taiwan's presence in the country, falsely accusing the state of Israel of genocide at the at the illegitimate international criminal court, and mimicking Iran's disgusting dismissal of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October the 7th.
▶ 2:28:58Domestically, extreme politicians from the African National Congress or ANC have led efforts to target Africaners. These actions cannot go unanswered. South Africa and the ANC must be held accountable and it is imperative that we re-evaluate our bilateral relationship to ensure it still aligns with our strategic national security objectives.
▶ 2:29:19My bill, the US South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, will provide the president and the secretary of state with the tools needed to conduct a full review of the US South Africa bilateral relationship and determine whether South Africa has engaged in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interest.
▶ 2:29:39In addition, my bill will give the Trump administration the authorities needed to identify the sanction identify and sanction corrupt officials of the ANC and continue that continue to align with China, Iran, Russia, uh, and have abandoned the United States in the process. President Trump has already shown tremendous leadership on this issue, eliminating aid or assistance to South Africa and working to help resettle persecuted farmers outside of South Africa.
▶ 2:30:07The US South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act will expand on the president's efforts to hold bad actors accountable while promoting our national security and supporting our partners and our allies. I encourage every member of this committee to support my legislation. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 2:30:24Any further discussion?
▶ 2:30:25Mr. Chairman,
▶ 2:30:26Representative Jacobs.
▶ 2:30:29Thank you, Mr. Chairman. While I too have expressed concerns with South Africa's engagement with Russia, I do not agree with this bill's approach. As the ranking member of the subcommittee on Africa, I hear constantly from leaders in the global south that they do not want to be forced to choose between the US and Russia or the US and the PRC. One incredibly successful program of the United States in South Africa is AGOA, which has created jobs and strengthened US soft power in the country, which we know is critical given the economic challenges everyday South Africans face.
▶ 2:31:00However, this administration has completely undermined this long-standing bipartisan program's implementation through its slapping of 10% tariffs on all countries and has threatened to increase the tariffs even more. Continuing to undermine this law would be a mistake, including cutting off South Africa's eligibility. I think it's important that we do not punish everyday South Africans for actions of their government that some of us may disagree with. The certification section of this bill also duplicates an existing annual review under the AGOA act and is unnecessary.
▶ 2:31:29The US government already has a process to consider all of these factors and determine AGOA eligibility. I oppose this bill and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
▶ 2:31:40I yield myself um such time as I may consume five minutes. I rise in strong support of the legislation. I want to thank Dr. Jackson for this bill. I think it's long overdue. Thank you for it. I do wish to highlight one provision of the bill which identifies the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing efforts to bully Taiwan and to pressure the South African government into downgrading Taiwan's representative office and move it from Ptoria to Johannesburg.
▶ 2:32:08The unrelenting pressure that the CCP wages against Taiwan on multiple fronts is part of a broader strategy to wear down and conquer the frontline democratic partner, a democratic partner of the United States. Indeed, tomorrow on July 23rd, the Congressional Executive Commission on China, which I co-chair, will be holding a hearing entitled Stand with Taiwan: Countering the PRC's Political Warfare and Transnational Repression.
▶ 2:32:36The CCP's actions in South Africa is yet another front in this larger campaign against Taiwan. I would note with deep concern that on July 18th, South African Deputy President President Paul Mashhatili concluded a visit to China and then yesterday, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation or Durko issued a statement containing retroactive references with regards to the Taipei liaison office in the Republic
▶ 2:33:06of South Africa, the officially mutually agreed upon name of Taiwan's representative office to the government of South Africa. I wish to reiterate that the United States Congress is viewing this very closely and that any changes from what has been the status quo would be viewed very negatively. It's a core concern, US concern that democratic countries do not acquies and cower to the demands of the Chinese Communist Party.
▶ 2:33:33Let's not forget uh the Chinese Communist Party is a dictatorship run by Xi Jinping who is committing genocide as we meet in this hearing or today uh against the weaguers the Muslim weaguers and a multitude a myriad of human rights abuses are committed each and every day uh by that Chinese Communist Party. We are also watching this very closely because it impacts South Africa's trustworthiness as a partner.
▶ 2:34:00South Africa signed an agreement with Taiwan in 1997 by which it agreed to let Taiwan have a representative office in Ptoria with its diplomatic diplomats accorded certain rank and privileges. Any unilateral attempt to break this agreement would be unacceptable.
▶ 2:34:18I want to commend the democratic alliance which is a member of the government of national unity in its effort to stand up for the democratic Taiwan and push back against the pro-CCCP actors in the government who seek to acquies to Chinese demands and to the extent that the African National Congress is seeking to silence the Democratic Alliance reformist voice in the ongoing national dialogue currently underway. This too has now gotten the attention of the US Congress.
▶ 2:34:46It is my hope that Taiwan and South Africa can return to the status quo which was legally binding by their agreement and that they reject any pressure by the Chinese Communist Party. Is there any further discussion? Dr. Mr. Jackson.
▶ 2:35:07Um, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Meeks, I rise today in strong opposition to HR the US House South African Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. This resolution does absolutely nothing to advance our bilateral relations with South Africa and in fact threatens to undermine it at a time when strengthening its relationship is crucial.
▶ 2:35:34This bill proposes a full review of our relationship with South Africa and must I say it's less than 30 years old before there was a segregated apartheidbacked South African government that the United States was on the wrong side of the people of South Africa. This bill proposed a full review of our relationship as long as is the focus on the South African government and ANC leaders for potential sanctions. This is not diplomacy.
▶ 2:36:02This is coherion and it's based on a deeply flawed premise that ignores the complexities and international relationships and significant strides we've made together. Yes, we have differences with South Africa, particularly concerning the Russia Ukraine conflict and the Israel Hamas conflict, but let's be honest, South Africa's position on these conflicts is no different than some of our own allies. Are we questioning our relationship with our other allies that are Europeans? No.
▶ 2:36:30We continue to engage them through dialogue, seeking to win them over. Why should South Africa be treated any differently? This bill even south Africa's stance on the Israeli Hismas conflict, accusing Israel of genocide. Yet about 14 countries, including EU and NATO allies alike, like Spain, Italy, Ireland, are supporting South Africa's decision to file a suit in the International Criminal Court of Justice.
▶ 2:36:59Are we sanctioning Ireland, Spain, and Italy? The hypocrisy is glaring. Furthermore, let's not forget that President Trump himself went further than South Africa of falsely blaming Ukraine for starting the war and even accusing President Zalinski calling calling President Zalinsky a dictator without elections.
▶ 2:37:19According to the AP, this bill seeks to punish South Africa for positions in some cases that echo the sentiment even from within our own government or are shared by our closest allies. South Africa regard this bilateral relationship with the United States as founded on mutual respect and shared values for democracy and liberty. There are open and willing to deepen and expand cooperation through robust engagement.
▶ 2:37:46President Ramaposa has recently dispatched cabinet members to Washington DC for working visits and meeting requests are being submitted to members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. The effort to reset strained relations are already underway. Congress must also allow diplomacy to play a central role in resolving political differences based on principles of international law, mutual respect for sovereignty. Such engagements will build upon our recent meetings with President Trump and President Ramaposa.
▶ 2:38:17Consider our economic ties. South Africa is our largest US trading partner in Africa with a total of two-way trade that consumes over two 20.5 billion dollars in 2024. Over 600 US American businesses are set up in South Africa and are being very prosperous. South Africa is a strategic partner, a strong democracy, a global voice committed to human rights.
▶ 2:38:41We collaborate on shared global policies, health, climate, trade, investment, education, and d and digital economy. Addressing challenges through mutual respect and respectful dialogues will yield enormous returns for Africa where we have vital national security interests. The proposed HR 2633 will only lead to further tension and undermine the progress already achieved already uh that's already being achieved.
▶ 2:39:07We cannot convince South Africa that international law doesn't matter and that only the United States law truly matters. This is not leadership. This is arrogance. I must say as we sit here in these marbled balls of Congress and talk about a democracy. We've had less than a 30-year relationship with South Africa. This is a sovereign nation that chooses to have an independent point of view. They have suffered the most. We have been on the wrong side of exploiting them.
▶ 2:39:36The only people that have experienced uh a genocide and a dispossession of their land in South Africans have been the blacks in South Africa. There is no credibility, no truth to saying that white South Africans have experienced genocide. Those were manufactured pictures. We should have a level of humility, a level of decency, a level of integrity to stand up for what is right. South Africans have not been guilty of white genocide. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 2:40:08Anyone else wishing to be heard? Yes, Mrs. J. Paul.
▶ 2:40:13Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I oppose this bill. It appears to be in large part an attempt to punish the South African government for its advocacy for the Palestinian people at the International Court of Justice. This is particularly offensive given that black South Africans are intimately familiar with the oppressive structures of apartheid and land expropriation. It is outrageous and horrifying to see what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank to the Palestinian people.
▶ 2:40:41For over a year and a half, the government of Israel has repeatedly used weapons, including many supplied by the United States, to kill people in Gaza indiscriminately in violation of both our US laws and our international humanitarian laws. In Gaza, the reported death toll has now surpassed 58,000 people and tens of thousands more have been injured. Hundreds of thousands of homes, buildings, schools, hospitals, and religious sites have been destroyed or damaged.
▶ 2:41:11Even when it is unnecessary to achieve Israel's stated military goals, two million Gazins face prolonged food shortages as the Israeli government uses hunger as a weapon of war. This is, to use Pope Leo's word, barbaric. Palestinians must make an impossible choice. Starve or risk being shot while trying desperately to reach food. There is no place that is safe in Gaza, not even churches or other places that should be sanctuaries.
▶ 2:41:41I have repeatedly condemned Hamas's terror attacks on October 7th that killed 1,200 people. And I also immediately called for a release of all hostages. But it is unfortunately becoming clear that Netanyahu is not prioritizing the safety of the hostages and has no interest in securing a peace deal. Nor is the Israeli government's intent even simply to dismantle Hamas.
▶ 2:42:05Prime Minister Netanyahu and top Knesset leaders have made repeated comments that disgustingly dehumanize Palestinians, calling for Palestinians to be forcibly relocated. In fact, even the Trump administration has grown alarmed at Netanyahu's behavior with an administration official reportedly saying Netanyahu is acting quote like a madman after his recent strikes on Syria.
▶ 2:42:29South Africa's case in front of the International Court of Justice deserves to be fairly evaluated without political pressure. If one is so convinced that this is not a genocide, why not then allow the ICJ to investigate and assess the evidence? Instead, Republicans are now using the same playbook they use in the United States to attack the court and launch outrageous attacks against South Africa to try and discredit their claims.
▶ 2:42:56This began with a claim with claims of a supposed genocide against white Africer far farmers where even the photo that President Trump showed during these theatrics was from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country that is over a thousand miles away from South Africa. And if he cared about facts, he would know that a crime report from the South African Police Service shows that of murders in the country have been directed towards farmers.
▶ 2:43:24And despite black South Africans representing 80% of South Africa's population, they only own 4% of all farms and agricultural lands, a result of the legacy of colonial and apartheid rule that lasted until the early 1990s. Trump then made a mockery of our refugee system by granting refugee status to 59 white Africaners who were fleeing fabricated persecution.
▶ 2:43:48This group even included an individual who had published anti-semitic claims that quote, "Jews are an untrustworthy and a dangerous group." End quote. Despite statements from Secretary Rubio that our immigration policy should be based on quote the national interest of the United States, the hostility towards black South Africans and opposition to the African National Congress, partly expressed by my Republican colleagues, is not unfortunately new.
▶ 2:44:17Nelson Mandela, who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in the anti-aparttheid movement, was considered a terrorist by the United States government for his activism, and he remained on the terror watch list until 2008. Since then, the United States has worked hard to deepen our strategic, political, and trade relations with South Africa. But now, we are once again jeopardizing that progress.
▶ 2:44:42These claims of a supposed white genocide combined with this administration's cozying up to dictators like Putin and Bolsinaro damage not only progress but America's credibility. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and I yield back. Anyone else asking to be heard? If not, there's no further discussion in the bill. The committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? Mr.
▶ 2:45:09I have an amendment at the desk. Clerk will distribute the amendment.
▶ 2:45:22Yes. No.
▶ 2:45:26Number 41.
▶ 2:46:04Clerk shall report the amendment. Amendment to HR 2633 offered by Mr. Meeks New York. Page two, beginning on line three. Insert the following new paragraphs and redesate accordingly. Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensement. The representative is recognized for five minutes on the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 2:46:28I'm introducing this amendment because I believe that it's extremely that we acknowledge the fuller history here if we're going to look comprehensively at the United States South African relations and if this bill is going to criticize the South African government's decisions some of which as I said I disagree with just as there's a lot of disagreements that I have
▶ 2:46:58with the United States government and that we've had not only now but over the years. But so therefore the record should also reflect the terrible decisions that were made in South Africa by South Africa's apartheid regime prior to 1994. Should be clear.
▶ 2:47:23So this amendment just restates the basic facts that an apartheid Africana government ruled south Africa 1940 to the 1990s that that government refused to grant political or civil rights to the nation's black majority.
▶ 2:47:48It is also true that this government, the apartheid government of South Africa, Nelson Mandela for over 27 years.
▶ 2:48:03this apartheid government who looked at black South Africans having no rights, no ability to vote, no ability to free movement. Yet the United States government did not sanction it.
▶ 2:48:30In fact, it was the last country to join to sanction South Africa after the rest of the world had done it.
▶ 2:48:38The last one. Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa in 1994. Yet, it took from 1994 to 2008 to even get Nelson Mandela off the terrorist list in the United States.
▶ 2:49:05We've got a lot of work to do to make up to South Africa for our
▶ 2:49:12awful behavior.
▶ 2:49:15So, to come in this short period of time, as Mr. Jackson said in less than 30 years and now want to sanction the South African government after all that it has been through is just wrong. And this record should reflect the true history of what has taken place because this amendment takes us back to where we should never want to go.
▶ 2:49:41We should be able to sit down and talk to South Africa who over those last 30 years with the leadership of Nelson Mandela have worked with us cooperatively also in many areas. This disagreement that we have on certain issues shouldn't cause a fracture that will lead us continually to move in the wrong direction.
▶ 2:50:09So if we're going to do this kind of amendment, let it reflect the true history of what has taken place. Let it reflect South Africa's place of leadership on the continent of Africa for the last 30 years.
▶ 2:50:23Let it reflect the spirit of those black South African citizens of coming back and being able to become presidents and governments headed by black South Africans when they've been forbidden to do it for such a long period of time.
▶ 2:50:46So my I urge my colleagues to support this amendment so that the record would be clear and reflect who and what South Africa represents in its entirety and not in just a limited viewpoint. Now yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 2:51:04Any further discussion? Mr. Chairman,
▶ 2:51:07Representative Jackson.
▶ 2:51:08Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the middle of the night and in bad faith, Democrats introduced this amendment, which has no relevance to the underlying bill. The findings listed in my legislation call out the bad actions by the current South African government and I don't see any any role in going back and looking at past governments and the relationships previously. This is the current South African government and the US South African relations now.
▶ 2:51:38and the ranking members amendment is nothing more in my opinion than an attempt to justify the ANC's egregious actions toward Aphiconor community. Arguing over findings language and is frankly a waste of everyone's time especially considering that findings do not have any bearing on actual law and regardless if this amendment were to be adopted the ranking member would still continue to oppose the underlying bill. I encourage every member of this committee to focus on the relevant bill language and oppose this amendment. And with that, Mr.
▶ 2:52:08Chair, I yield back.
▶ 2:52:10Any other members seek recognition? Representative Jackson.
▶ 2:52:14Um, I would like to lend my support and agreement with our ranking member Meeks. And please tell when it's appropriate for me to introduce an amendment. Let me introduce. Okay. Thank you so much. Yield back. Yield back. Any other members seek recognition? Seeing none, uh, Representative yields back. I oppose this amendment. There being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Meeks number 41.
▶ 2:52:43All those in favor signify by saying
▶ 2:52:46All those opposed signify by saying no. No. In the opinion of the chair, the nos have it in the amendment is not agreed
▶ 2:52:53Roll call.
▶ 2:52:54Roll call vote. Having been requested,
▶ 2:52:59we will uh postpone that roll call vote. Pursuant to uh chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Any further amendments?
▶ 2:53:09Representative Meeks is recognized.
▶ 2:53:11I have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 2:53:14Clerk shall distribute the amendment.
▶ 2:53:15James to come up here. One second.
▶ 2:53:26Clerk shall report the amendment. Amendment to HR 2633 offered by Mr. Meeks of New York. Page 14, line 12, strike and legal authorities.
▶ 2:53:40Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. The representative is now recognized for 5
▶ 2:53:46Thank you. My second amendment is a somewhat technical but nonetheless important fix. When we negotiate sanction bills, and I've negotiated many of them over the years, one of the foundational questions is whether the sanctions authority will be mandatory,
▶ 2:54:01The president shall do something or permissive, right?
▶ 2:54:04He may do something. I've supported both types of sanction bills depending on the specific context in question. The world is not a simple place and we need to adjust our policy levies to specific contexts. But let's be clear, the executive branch doesn't need to cite a legal authority as to why it is not sanctioning an individual when the underlying authority is permissive in the first place.
▶ 2:54:32Yet, as drafted, this bill is committing a basic logical error. Moreover, Global Magninski has a unique mechanism that allows the chairman and the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to send a letter that the administration must respond to and reach a sanctions determination by law. The language in this bill muddies that established process.
▶ 2:54:58My amendment fixes fix this errors these errors by striking a few words. So I urge all of my colleagues to support it and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 2:55:10Representative yields back. I support this amendment. Do any other representatives seek recognition? Seeing none. Being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by representative Meeks number 42. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 2:55:27All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to. Any further amendments? Representative Jacobs.
▶ 2:55:39Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. Jacobs number three.
▶ 2:55:42Clerk shall distribute the amendment.
▶ 2:55:53Clerk shall report the amendment.
▶ 2:55:55Amendment to HR 2633 offered by Miss Jacobs of California. Red designate section seven as section 8. After section six, insert the following. Section seven, report.
▶ 2:56:07Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. The representative is recognized for five minutes on the amendment.
▶ 2:56:12Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment is very simple. The Trump administration has stopped all refugee resettlement programs in the United States with one exception, Africconers from South Africa. As part of our committee's oversight responsibilities, it's important we understand the full accounting of US taxpayer dollars required to resettle Africaners in the United States. This amendment would ask for a one-time report with this information. It's a common sense amendment and something uh I urge all of my colleagues to support. I yield back.
▶ 2:56:43Representative yields back. Now recognize myself. I oppose this amendment. President Trump is justified in providing asylum to these individuals. More importantly, this report does not have relevance in this particular bill. This bill is about holding the South African government accountable about their actions that they have taken that directly and negatively impact the interests of the United States of America. Any other representatives seek recognition? Representative.
▶ 2:57:09Yes. I thank member Jacobs for offering this amendment which requires the Department of State to report to this committee the amount of money our government is paying to resettle African refugees in the United States. This comes at the same time President Trump has blocked all other refugee settlements to the United States. That is a pretty remarkable when you think about it. Let that sink in.
▶ 2:57:33The United States is welcoming white African from South Africa, many of whom will tell you they neither need or want refugee status while we actively turn away people from warn torn countries and those escaping extreme human rights abuses and political violence. The American people deserve to know how much money of their taxpayer dollars are funding this political stunt of a refugee program.
▶ 2:58:03So I urge my colleagues to support Representative Jacob's amendment that will give us much needed transparency and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 2:58:13Any other members seek recognition? Representative Jackson.
▶ 2:58:17Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to point out that this amendment was offered by my treasured colleague from California less than 15 minutes before the start of markup and appears to be a latch a lastditch effort to criticize President Trump for his leadership in offering refuge and resettlement for legitimately persecuted africconors. I fully support knowing where every dollar of taxpayer funding goes, but this report does not belong in a bill that reviews the bilateral relationship between the US and South Africa.
▶ 2:58:47This amendment is also particularly ironic given that Democrats had absolutely no issue with taxpayer dollars being used to transport millions of illegal aliens into the United States during the Biden Harris administration. Even today, Democrats have taken no responsibility for the immigration crisis directly caused by these failed policies. I encourage every member of this committee to oppose this amendment. With that, Mr. Chair, I yield back.
▶ 2:59:10Gentleman yields back. Any further discussion? Representative Jipel.
▶ 2:59:15Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to thank my colleague, Representative Jacobs, for introducing this amendment. Um, I just want to remind the committee and anyone that's watching that the refugee resettlement program has long been a bipartisan program. As the ranking member of the immigration subcommittee, I can tell you that it was Democrats and Republicans together who worked on establishing the program, supporting the program.
▶ 2:59:39And in fact, the evangelical community has called this the crown jewel of American This is a program that has saved lives, that have supported people who have been fleeing persecution and conflict, and shown the United States sense of compassion, built our leadership around the world as we build all of our relationships.
▶ 3:00:03And so, um, I think it is entirely appropriate that we find out how much money is being spent on this given that the rest of the refugee resettlement program has been brought to an abrupt and cruel stop and there are people that are stranded around the world because the United States has reiged on our promises. So, I urge adoption of the Jacobs amendment and I yield back.
▶ 3:00:26Representative yields back. Any other members seek recognition? Representative
▶ 3:00:31Thank you so much, Chairman. and I look forward to supporting the um amendment of my colleague, Congresswoman Sarah Jacobs. Um we are here to deliberate the fate of a nation that is half a world away. A nation that is long entangled has been long entangled in the bitter veins and vines of racial animosity that was in large part created by the United States of America. South Africa is a baby amongst nations on the continent.
▶ 3:01:01We have had a wholesale retreat from anything humanitarian, anything decent, anything engaging in diplomacy across the state. Striking this blow to the South African government is a strike to a blow to the entire continent. I've lived long enough to witness the lies that power tells itself. I have seen the myths that shroud oppression. I must speak plainly against the cruelty of injustice masquerading as legitimate concern.
▶ 3:01:31I support the amendment of the honorable Sarah Jacobs. I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Any other members seek recognition. Being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Jacobs number three. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 3:01:50All those opposed signify by saying no. No. In the opinion of the chair, the nos have it. The amendment is not agreed to. A roll call vote has been requested pursuant to the chair's previous announcement. This vote will be postponed. Are there any further
▶ 3:02:09Which one?
▶ 3:02:10Jackson. Hello. Thank you so much. Thank you, Chairman M. Thank you, Ranking Member Meeks, members of the committee.
▶ 3:02:16You're just telling me you have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 3:02:18I have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 3:02:19There you go.
▶ 3:02:19Thank you. I'm anxious to get started. We're away from
▶ 3:02:23Appreciate that.
▶ 3:02:24Thank you, Ronnie. Thank you, chairman.
▶ 3:02:25Clerk shall distribute the amendment that you just requested.
▶ 3:02:33Clerk shall report the amendment
▶ 3:02:35amendment to HR 2633 offered by Mr. Jackson of Illinois. Reddesate section 7 as section 8. After section six, insert the following.
▶ 3:02:46Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. representative is recognized for five
▶ 3:02:52Thank you so much, Chairman Mass. Thank you, Chairman Meeks. Uh, today I hear whether through indifference or deliberate misdirection um terms that are invoking white genocide, I think in order for us to heal the wound, we first have to acknowledge uh the truth versus the um the lies. There is no genocide going on in South Africa. I think we should be able to say that clearly and plainly.
▶ 3:03:20There has been an atrocious history in South Africa, but a new South Africa is being born. And I hope that we as members of this body will be able to participate. But stoking those embers of fear and hatred and racial animosity will not yield us a very positive result. This committee uh considers sanctions. Sanctions is a moral instrument of pressure.
▶ 3:03:46Yet some argue we must punish South African the South African government not for repression but for seeking justice and land reform, economic justice and voting. For redistributing land that was stolen from its people. For unsettling the long imbalance of racial injustice in South Africa. Let me be clear. Justice is not genocide. Accountability is not persecution.
▶ 3:04:13Our work involves careful review of the information that shapes America's foreign policy, especially as it relates to critical partners like South Africa. My amendment to HR 2633 ensures that our relationship with South Africa is rooted in fact and not fear. Section 7A calls on Congress to insist on honesty in our diplomatic interactions.
▶ 3:04:38At the highest level during the meetings between President Trump and President Ramroposa, misinformation or lies were circulated. Video evidence which was a lie was having to say there was proof positive of body bags in South Africa actually that came but those body bags were actually in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and depicted Congalles victims. And for that we've never apologized to the president of South Africa.
▶ 3:05:06Having a level of humility gives you truth and then you can build. Another claim involved individuals making racist or incendiary remarks. Yet those people were expelled from the relevant political party long ago. They are not a part of the ANC. We have people in our very government right here that are part of Proud Boys and um Oathkeepers and we do not associate them with the party that's currently in power. We can tell truth to power.
▶ 3:05:34Fabrications about so-called white genocide in South Africa have entered headlines in social media. These stories suggest that white South Africans face widespread targeted violation violence and extermination. They gain traction in certain groups but data does not support the narrative. And I ask my colleagues, show us the narratives or in the vernacular of the young people bring us the receipts. There's no evidence.
▶ 3:06:01South African police statistics, independent human rights monitors, and multiple inter international investigations confirm no pattern in practice matching the claims of systemic governmentbacked attacks or extermination campaigns against white citizens. I wish we could have an honest conversation and people would bring information.
▶ 3:06:24Misinformation about this subject routinely creates international tension, leads to fear-mongering, and can distort US policy if not challenged directly. Section 7B of this amendment instructs the president to review the accuracy and complete list of black of background information offered for that meeting within 120 days.
▶ 3:06:48The president must provide a report to both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I would say that I have a problem in taking the president at his word and on primmaaccia on what he designates to be his truth. This effort establishes accountability. Congress receives documentation and details for decisions made in America's name abroad.
▶ 3:07:15My amendment encourages truth over rumor, accurate reporting, and careful review uh to form the foundations of ethical foreign policy, misleading stories about South Africa, especially those invoking the false narrative of white genocide. Wherever there's genocide, that should be highlighted and we should be focused on it. No other country in the world is saying there's South African white genocide.
▶ 3:07:41This risk damaging partnerships and erode trust within communities affected by years of injustice. Policies shaped by rumor and deception carries real consequences. By favoring fact and oversight, this committee protects the integrity of our relationships and contributes to a future grounded in mutual respect. I urge all my colleagues to prioritize fact over fictions, to have truth over lies in our relationship with South Africa, and to support my amendment. Mr.
▶ 3:08:11Chairman, I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Representative Jackson is
▶ 3:08:15Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Unfortunately, this amendment is another attempt by my Democrat colleagues to attack President Trump. The meeting between President Trump and the South African president sent a clear message. The ANC has led efforts to target and attack Africconor farmers and we cannot tolerate these deliberate injustices. This amendment seeks to appease the South African government and is an unserious attack on the on the administration and its efforts to do the right thing in this case.
▶ 3:08:44I encourage every member of this committee to oppose this amendment. With that, Mr. Chair, I yield back.
▶ 3:08:49Any other members seek recognition? Representative Meeks.
▶ 3:08:53I support the gentleman's amendment that calls attention to President Trump's offensive treatment of President Ramiposa during their meeting at the White House this past May. Like so many, I was surprised to see President Trump invoke images purporting to document the mass killing of white farmers in South Africa when I was aware of no such evidence.
▶ 3:09:17And I was disappointed to see President Trump confront the South African delegation with video of bombastic opposition politicians and expect the South African government to be responsible for the reprehensible views those opposition leaders expose.
▶ 3:09:32Public reporting since then has attempted to set the record straight, noting that the photos actually depicted casualties from the brutal violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and backing up President Ramiposa's assertion that the opposition leaders in the video do not speak for the government of South Africa.
▶ 3:09:57But we deserve to know from President Trump whether he has determined that the information he received from his aids in preparation for that meeting is accurate. You know what? Facts matter. They always have and they always will. And this amendment will help us to clarify important information from that bilateral meeting.
▶ 3:10:24In fact, it will determine the facts of what was at the meeting. And I urge my colleagues to vote yes. And I yield back the balance of my time. Any other members seek recognition? Seeing none, being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Jackson. Number one, I oppose this amendment. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 3:10:55All those opposed, signify by saying no. No. In the opinion of the chair, the nos have it. The amendment is not agreed to.
▶ 3:11:01Mr. Chairman,
▶ 3:11:03I'd like to have a role.
▶ 3:11:04A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Are there any further
▶ 3:11:12Representative Kitty.
▶ 3:11:13Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk and 70 copies.
▶ 3:11:18Very good. You You'll do the online in the in the future, though. We certainly try and save a few trees.
▶ 3:11:25The clerk shall distribute the
▶ 3:11:28I don't think you need 70 today. Sure. Clerk shall report the amendment.
▶ 3:11:43Amendment to HR 2633 offered by Mr. Keading of Massachusetts. Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with and the representative is recognized.
▶ 3:11:53Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. This amendment's simple. It's very important. In the 118th Congress, this committee considered a version of this legislation, HR 7256. In clause one of section three of that bill, the majority, the same Republican majority made sure to explicitly state that Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine was illegal.
▶ 3:12:22Uh in this new version however of the uh the 119th Congress, this was reported out by the majority and it was decided to delete and remove the word illegal from section 3 clause one.
▶ 3:12:40And to me, it's not only factually incorrect, it's wrong uh to make any kind of uh lack of clarity that Russia's war of aggression is illegal. Uh there's some ambiguity from time to time, and this is why it's important with the administration where uh some members of the administration will say, well, uh Russia wasn't really the aggressor. Others will say uh Russia was the aggressor.
▶ 3:13:11Uh there's one thing I know though. I'm quite confident within this committee uh that there's a strong majority of all members uh that will uh support making sure that we're clear as we were just in the last Congress that uh Russia's action is illegal.
▶ 3:13:30In fact, we have one of uh great allies I work with uh on the other side of the aisle who makes a point that not only he uses the word Putin, but he describes him as war criminal Putin. Uh and so I'm confident that the majority of members here understand that this law uh that this action by Russia is illegal.
▶ 3:13:53And that's why I'm introducing this amendment to make clear that this committee agrees and maintains the Russia's war of aggression was just as illegal in 2023 when we voted on this legislation as it is today in 2025. Nothing has changed. Their actions, Russia's actions have even become more uh abominable.
▶ 3:14:18So, I'd urge my colleagues to be clear that Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine is illegal and I urge a yes vote on this amendment.
▶ 3:14:30Gentleman yields back.
▶ 3:14:31I yield back.
▶ 3:14:32Very good. Any other members seek recognition? Representative Jackson.
▶ 3:14:36Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, I just want to state that I totally agree that the word illegal should be included in and I have no objection to this and encourage a yes vote. Thank you.
▶ 3:14:46Gentleman yields back. Any other members seek recognition?
▶ 3:14:49Representative Beeks.
▶ 3:14:51And uh I agree with Mr. Keaton and Mr. Jackson on this one. And I think that it's clear that Russia was a war of aggression against Ukraine. And I hope we do do this in a bipartisan way. Your
▶ 3:15:03Any other members want to agree?
▶ 3:15:07Very good. Why not? Very good. Yes. Thank you. Being no further discussion, uh, question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Keading. Uh, I recommend a yes on this. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 3:15:22All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 3:15:25In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. And the amendment is agreed to.
▶ 3:15:28Just to show the strong bipartisan support in this, I ask for roll.
▶ 3:15:34Roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Are there any further
▶ 3:15:40Mr. Chairman,
▶ 3:15:42Representative Oeski.
▶ 3:15:43Thank you. I have an amendment at desk. Amendment number two.
▶ 3:15:46Clerk shall distribute the amendment.
▶ 3:15:51Uh, Mr. Chairman, as that's being um distributed, I will hope that my colleagues view this as Oh, we have to be read. I'm sorry.
▶ 3:16:01I thought you just wanted to maybe
▶ 3:16:02I've been here long enough you think I would like know the process.
▶ 3:16:04I thought you just wanted to have a conversation with me or something. Okay. Clerk shall report the or you want to have a conversation with the clerk maybe. So clerk clerk shall report the
▶ 3:16:17Amendment to HR 2633 offered by Mr. Oshvski of Maryland. Red redd designate section 7 as section 8. After section six, insert the following.
▶ 3:16:27Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. Representative is recognized for 5
▶ 3:16:33Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh and thank you to my colleagues. I hope this is an amendment that is also not perceived as an attack on President Trump, but one that gives this committee more information. For decades, US foreign assistance has transformed lives across South Africa. American generosity has played a critical role in strengthening South Africa's healthcare infrastructure, helping millions of vulnerable South Africans, especially children, have access to nutritious food, and has supported educational initiatives that empower youth.
▶ 3:17:04Most notably, however, the president's emergency plan for AIDS relief or PEPAR has stood as one of the most bipartisan and successful US foreign assistance programs for the past 22 years. In South Africa, PEPFAR's impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. It's been a lifeline for millions of families across the country. It has strengthened communities and it has helped stabilize the country's health system in the face of one of the world's most devastating epidemics.
▶ 3:17:32In 2023, there are nearly 8 million people living with HIV in South Africa with an estimated 6 million people receiving lifesaving treatment. The stakes, however, are not just humanitarian. They're also strategic. A healthier South Africa means a more stable, prosperous partner supporting a huge 20 billion dollar trade relationship, the largest we have on the continent. PEPAR is a model for how our assistance can promote health and prosperity in a bipartisan manner.
▶ 3:18:01Yet today, uncertainty threatens these achievements. Without strong US leadership and continued commitment to PEPAR's mission, we risk reversing decades of this historic progress. So, this is hopefully a simple amendment. It acknowledges the millions of lives that have been saved by US foreign assistance and programs uh in South Africa and requires a report to this Congress on the number of lives saved by US HIV AIDS assistance in South Africa.
▶ 3:18:26If we're going to do a full bilateral review, which is reasonable, it's important context to know how many lives US taxpayer dollars have saved. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment, and I yield back.
▶ 3:18:37Gentleman yields back. Any other members seek recognition? Representative Jackson is recognized.
▶ 3:18:41Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, while I do agree that the generosity of the American taxpayers have saved thousands and thousands of lives on the continent of Africa, I will have to say that I oppose this. I believe that this amendment is redundant as this information uh is that would be required is in this report is already publicly available and it would be a waste of the administration's time to go through this bureaucratic process of conducting another report when this is already publicly available information.
▶ 3:19:10Uh with that I encourage every member of the committee to oppose the amendment. With that, Mr. Chair, I yield back.
▶ 3:19:14Any other members seek recognition? Representative Meeks.
▶ 3:19:17I support Mr. amendment which correctly identifies the role American generosity has played in saving South Africa South African lives through PEPAR and other US assistance. We have partnered with the South African government for years to address the scourge of HIV AIDS and literally saved millions of lives. This accomplishments deserve recognition when we look at the United States South African relations.
▶ 3:19:42The amendment before us requires the state department and USAID to quantify just how many South African lives our HIV and AIDS assistance has saved. An important metric to consider, especially in the context of the evolving bilateral relationship.
▶ 3:19:58South Africa still experiences one of the highest HIV burdens globally and it is in our national interest to continue to help them control the epidemic because we will all benefit when our global health programming saves lives and I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment. Yield back.
▶ 3:20:18Any other members seek recognition? Seeing none, there being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Elchesky. I recommend a no on this. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 3:20:31All those opposed signify by saying no. No. And then pin in the chair. The nos have it and the amendment is not agreed
▶ 3:20:37Mr. Chairman, request for court vote,
▶ 3:20:39A roll call vote has been requested pursuant to the chair's previous announcement. This vote will be postponed. Are there any further Further proceedings on this bill are Pursuant to notice, I now call up the Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 3:21:05to provide protection, support, and humanitarian assistance to Rohinda refugees and inter and internally displaced people in Burma.
▶ 3:21:15Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Meeks amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated to members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as original text for the purposes of amendment. I now recognize myself in support of the bill.
▶ 3:21:36I want to thank ranking member Meeks and Chairman McCall, Representative Barah, Representative Heisenga for introducing the Burma Gap Act. For too long, the world has watched as Rohingya people have focused unspeakable horrors. Genocide, mass rape, torture, and forced displacement. All that at the hands of the Burma military. This isn't history. It's happening as we speak.
▶ 3:22:01This bill sends a clear message the United States will not stand by while war criminals rule with impunity. It calls genocide what it is. It backs justice with action, funding investigations, supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. It empowers Rohingya voices and demands that any future Burma include them as equal citizens, not stateless victims. Over 600,000 Rohhinga remain trapped in Burma.
▶ 3:22:29This bill gives them hope and the tools to rebuild their lives. It also confronts Burma's military juna headon, isolating it diplomatically and economically until democracy is restored. This is a test of our values. If we believe in human rights and justice and dignity, then we should pass this piece of legislation. The time for silence in this matter is over and I urge every member to stand up with a yes vote. Any other members seek recognition? Representative Meeks.
▶ 3:22:57Let me thank you, Mr. chairman for marking up my bill, the Burma Gap Act. And I want to thank all the co-sponsors, especially co-lead Representative McCau and original co-sponsor, Representatives Bara and Heisinga. This bill passed our committee last Congress, and I hope this year we can get it signed into law.
▶ 3:23:18After years of congressional pressure to investigate the Burmese military's violence against the Rohhinga in March 22 2022, the State Department made an official determination that members of the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya.
▶ 3:23:35According to former Secretary of State Anthony Blinkin, the Burmese military's attack forced nearly 100,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh in 2016 and killed more than 9,000 Rohhinga and forced an additional 740,000 to flee the following year. Unfortunately, the violence hasn't ceased.
▶ 3:23:58In 2021, the Burmese military conducted a coup, imprisoned much of Burma's elit uh civilians government and went to war against its own people. Around 600,000 Rohingya remain in Burma's Rashin state and face violence, starvation, and worse.
▶ 3:24:18As violence continues within Burma and more and more innocent civilians flee to camps in Bangladesh, Thailand and other neighboring nations, international assistance has failed to keep up with the growing humanitarian need. The bill continues US focus on Burma crisis and provides support for Rohingya community that still faces violence and repression.
▶ 3:24:43The bill calls for a holistic strategy and authorizes the special representative and policy coordinator for Burma to manage the complicated multi-d dimensional challenges across the East Asia-Pacific and South and Central Asian bureaus in the absence of a US ambassador in Burma. It authorizes funding for protection efforts and justice and accountability programs and calls on the administration to continue contributing to critical humanitarian efforts.
▶ 3:25:14And finally, it calls on the administration to continue the bipartisan policy of refusing to recognize the Burmin the Burmese military and state administrative council as Burma's legitimate government. By voting for this bill, our committee will make it clear that the United States will hold the murderous hunter accountable.
▶ 3:25:36We make clear that we stand with Rohingya and all the Burmese people who continue to face violence today and we make clear that we want to see a democratic and inclusive Burma that Rohingya can safely call home. And with that, I yield back the balance of my
▶ 3:25:56Any other members seek recognition? Representative Smith.
▶ 3:25:58Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support ranking member Meek's legislation, which seeks to provide support to Rohingya refugees who have fled to the country, fled the country due to the genocidal policies of the Burmese government, as well as to hold accountable those Burmese government and military officials responsible for this genocide.
▶ 3:26:20The Rohhinga, as we all know, are an ethnically distinct predominantly Muslim group who have by and large been pushed out of their homelands and into neighboring Bangladesh. Truly, the actions of the Burmese government and their military are extraordinarily reprehensible and support the designation of genocide, which former Secretary of State Anthony Blinken previously announced.
▶ 3:26:42To the Rohingya people, we need to say it with one voice, "You are not forgotten." And to the other oppressed people of Burma, including the Chin, the Kurin, and many of whom are Christian, I would also add, you are not forgotten either. I yield Any further discussion of the bill. Seeing none, being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 3:27:12Seeing none, being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR4140 as amendment to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 3:27:31Roll call vote.
▶ 3:27:32A roll call vote has been requested pursuant to the chair's previous announcement. This vote will be The committee will recess and reconvene at 3 p.m. for votes.
▶ 3:27:50Very good.
▶ 5:13:54you fell from my
▶ 5:13:55I was just testing the gavl to make sure it works. We're not actually ready.
▶ 5:24:21I am going to take a quick moment and recognize that we have a new member. Earlier today, House Resolution 600 passed on the House floor. It elects Mr. Randy Fine of Florida to serve on the Committee of Foreign Affairs. And we'll now take five minutes for each member to say whatever they want about you. and
▶ 5:24:40alternating between sides.
▶ 5:24:42Nothing like
▶ 5:24:45is that chairman? Is that real? I can
▶ 5:24:47Would you like to kick that off?
▶ 5:24:49I I could kick that off.
▶ 5:24:50No, that's all right. We don't We might have to go back in time and start doing this retroactively at that point. All right. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR2505 the block use of transatlantic technology and Iranian-made drones act favorably to the house on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the house with a favorable recommendation. Measures will vote using the electronic voting voting system.
▶ 5:25:19The clerk will open the vote
▶ 5:25:24and I am a yes. Have all members voted?
▶ 5:26:06Where's Mr. Costa?
▶ 5:26:08I don't know.
▶ 5:26:13There he is.
▶ 5:26:18We're holding it for you, Mr. Costa. Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:26:36On this vote, the eyes are 50, the nos are zero.
▶ 5:26:51The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. Committee postponed further proceedings on reporting of HR4233, the AUS reform for military optimization and review act favorably to the House on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the House with a favorable recommendation. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote and I recommend a yes.
▶ 5:27:41Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change his or her vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:27:51On this v vote, the eyes are 48, the nos are two.
▶ 5:27:54The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting of HR 4216, the Made in America Defense Act, as amended favorably to the House, on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the House with a favorable recommendation. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:28:23Recommended I have all members voted. Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:28:45On this vote, the eyes are 48, the nos are zero, two present.
▶ 5:28:50The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. The committee postpone further proceedings on reporting of HR4215, the International Traffic and Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act, favorably to the House, on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the house with a favorable recommendation. Members will vote using the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:29:21Recommended I. Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? The clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:29:36On this vote, the eyes are 47, the nose are three. The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. The committee postpones further proceedings on reporting of HR 3429, the US Japan Republic of Korea Trilateral Cooperation Act favorably to the House on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the House with a favorable recommendation.
▶ 5:30:04Members will vote using the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote. Have all members voted? Any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:30:35On this vote, the eyes are 47, the nose are three. The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. The committee postpone further proceedings on reporting of HR 4335, the Abraham Accords defense act defense against terror act as amended favorably to the house on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the house with a favorable recommendation.
▶ 5:31:05Members will vote using the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the Recommended I. Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:31:31On this vote, the eyes are 31, the nose are 19. The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The measure is ordered favorably reported as amended as a single amendment in the nature of a substitute and the staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes.
▶ 5:31:52Committee postpone further proceedings on reporting of HR 3068, the missile technology control revision act as amended favorably to the House on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the House with a favorable recommendation. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:32:11Recommend a yes. Recommended no.
▶ 5:32:17Gentleman was not recognized.
▶ 5:32:22Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally. On this vote, the eyes are 26, the nos are 24.
▶ 5:32:33The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The measure is ordered favorably reported as amended as a single amendment in the nature of a substitute and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting of HR 3613, the streamlining foreign military sales act of 2025 favorably to the House on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the house with a favorable recommendation.
▶ 5:33:03Members will vote using the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:33:08Recommend a yes.
▶ 5:33:20All members voted. Any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally. On this vote, the eyes are 27, the nos are 23.
▶ 5:33:31The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The measure is ordered favorably reported as amendment as a single amendment in the nature of a substitute. Staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. Some amendment vote.
▶ 5:33:49Just so you all pay attention, the committee postponed further proceedings on the roll call vote on amendment number 41 offered by Representative Meeks to HR2633 on which the nose had prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on agreeing to the amendment. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. I recommend a yes for uh I'm sorry, recommend a no for Republicans. I'll bet you do.
▶ 5:34:14I recommend a no for Republicans. Then the clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:34:33Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally. On this vote, the eyes are 23, the nos are 27.
▶ 5:34:48Nose have it and the amendment is not agreed to. Committee postpone further proceedings on the roll call vote on amendment number three offered by representative Jacobs to HR2633 on which the nose had prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on agreeing to the amendment. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. I recommend a no. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:35:20Have all members voted?
▶ 5:35:24Does any member wish to change their
▶ 5:35:30The clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:35:35On this vote, the eyes are 23, the nos are 27.
▶ 5:35:38Nose have it and the amendment is not agreed to. The committee postponed further proceedings on the roll call vote on amendment number one offered by Representative Jackson to HR2633 on which the nose had previously prevailed by voice. The question now occurs on agreeing to the amendment. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. I recommend a no. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:36:12Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:36:19On this vote, the eyes are 23. The nos are 27.
▶ 5:36:22The nos have it and the amendment is not agreed to.
▶ 5:36:27The committee postponed further proceedings on roll call vote on the Keing amendment to HR2633 on which the eyes had prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on agreeing to the amendment. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. I recommend an I. The clerk will open the vote. Have all members voted?
▶ 5:37:00Brad Schneider. Any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:37:15On this vote, the eyes are 48, the nos are two.
▶ 5:37:17The eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to. The committee postponed further proceedings on roll call vote on amendment number two offered by representative to HR2633 on which the nose had prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on agreeing to the amendment. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. I recommend a no vote. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:37:51Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally. On this vote, the eyes are 23, the nos are 27.
▶ 5:38:09The nos have it, and the amendment is not agreed to.
▶ 5:38:12There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR2633 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 5:38:23I. All those opposed signify by saying no. No.
▶ 5:38:27In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed.
▶ 5:38:30Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote. A roll call vote has been requested. Members will vote using the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the Recommend an I. Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:39:05On this vote, the eyes are 34, the nos are 16.
▶ 5:39:09The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The measure is ordered favorably reported as amended and as a single amendment in the nature of a substitute and staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR4140, the Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act, as amended favorably to the House, on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on reporting the measure to the House with a favorable recommendation.
▶ 5:39:38Members will vote using the electronic voting system. I recommend an I vote. Best thing ever.
▶ 5:40:08Have all members voted? He wants to vote.
▶ 5:40:38Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote. Report the tally. On this vote, the eyes are 44, the nos are five.
▶ 5:40:48The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. This concludes consideration of the measures noticed by the committee for today. I want to thank all members for participating. There being no further business to transact, the committee stands adjourned. I just noticed what you do.