▶ 0:03:36A quorum being present. The committee on foreign affairs will come to order. I'd ask everybody everybody to rise. Join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to 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.
▶ 0:04:09Good morning everybody. The committee is meeting today for consideration of 20 separate measures. The chair announces that any requests for recorded votes may be rolled and may recess the committee at any point without objection. So ordered. 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. Without objection, so ordered.
▶ 0:04:40Pursuant to notice, I now call up the Advance Global Health Act. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill. to authorize the consolidation of reports required to be submitted by the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy of the Department of State and for other purposes.
▶ 0:05:02Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I recognize myself for a statement on this bill. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Lawler, for leading this bill. Currently, the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy is required to submit on an annual basis more than 15 reports to Congress, each with varying timelines.
▶ 0:05:28As a result, the burden of creating these reports, often using historical data has become increasingly timeconsuming, bureaucratic, and resulted in delayed information. None of this added bureaucracy actually advances foreign policy. By allowing the department to consolidate these reports while keeping all necessary oversight information, more staff time will be freed up to actually implement the global health programming our tax dollars pay for. So I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation.
▶ 0:05:57Is there any further discussion? Ranking member Meeks,
▶ 0:06:04I support this bill.
▶ 0:06:08I support this bill to consolidate global health reporting to Congress and I thank Representative Lawler and Jaipal for their work on it. Over the years, we've passed multiple pieces of legislation that require progress uh reports to Congress on topics such as combating HIV, AIDS, and malaria. Our preparedness to fight global disease outbreaks and programs to prevent and treat global malnutrition. There are multiple annual reports for PEPAR alone.
▶ 0:06:34This bill would consolidate those reports into one annual submission from the State Department without losing any of the content required by law. This will streamline congressional oversight and allow us to better process the information needed to inform our future policies. I yield back the balance of my
▶ 0:06:50Is there any further discussion? Representative Lawler.
▶ 0:06:53Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The State Department's global health programs are a priority. Our projects are not solely a testament to the leadership and generosity of the American people. They are programs that ensure America stays safe from health threats abroad.
▶ 0:07:09Because of the United States, we have made significant strides to end the HIV AIDS epidemic, develop malaria vaccines, deliver nutrition aid, including readytouse therapeutic food, and ensure expeditious and effective responses to international infectious disease outbreaks.
▶ 0:07:27Under President Trump's leadership, the roll out of the breakthrough HIV prep treatment has made drastic strides forward in ending motherto- child transmission of HIV across the African continent. And beginning soon, we will see a similar roll out of a new spatial malaria prevention tool developed by an American company. Currently and in support of all these programs, the Department of State's Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy is required to produce a variety of reports to Congress.
▶ 0:07:57While the key information needed to do this oversight will continue to be provided, the current structure means the department pulls the same data multiple times on varied timelines throughout the year, needlessly delaying information to Congress. This redundancy creates unnecessary administrative burden, slows down delivery, and makes it harder for Congress to fully evaluate the information in a timely way. And that's why I introduced the Advanced Global Health Act with my colleague, Representative Jaipal.
▶ 0:08:27This bill consolidates these reporting requirements into one comprehensive, searchable annual report. It preserves the intent of this reporting, but reduces the duplication we're seeing today. I want to thank Chairman Mast for bringing this bill before the committee and thank ranking member Meeks for his support. I appreciate the chance to work with all of my colleagues to advance US global health programs and I urge everyone to support this legislation. I yield the balance of my time.
▶ 0:08:55Is there any further discussion? Representative Jipal.
▶ 0:09:00Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. And I want to thank my colleague, Representative Michael Lawler, for his partnership in introducing the bipartisan advanced global health act with me to streamline global health reporting requirements. The Advanced Global Health Act is straightforward bipartisan policy. It consolidates multiple overlapping reports from the State Department's Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy into one comprehensive searchable annual report.
▶ 0:09:26Under current law, the department is required to produce a multitude of separate reports, meaning data can be duplicative, scattered across various documents and submitted at different times. Inconsistent reporting deadlines based on when individual bills were enacted means it's difficult to consistently track due dates for reports and to hold departments and agencies accountable for late or missing information.
▶ 0:09:50This bill would streamline recurring reports into one document that is delivered on a predictable timeline and contains easily searchable information that can be compared year-toyear. This effort to streamline reporting requirements will help advance enhance Congress's ability to conduct oversight on the status and effectiveness of the global health projects we fund. The issue of global health is personal to me.
▶ 0:10:14Before coming to Congress, I worked for a Seattle-based global health and development organization for many years focusing on reproductive health. And through this work, I've seen firsthand how effective our foreign assistance dollars can be in improving health outcomes abroad. Our global health funding has saved millions of lives in the past decades and importantly protects the health of Americans here at home. During the CO 19 pandemic, we were painfully reminded that diseases know no borders.
▶ 0:10:41An outbreak in one part of the world can easily reach our shores and overwhelm our health systems, disrupt supply chains, and take the lives of Americans. Investments in global health are more than just acts of charity. They are investments in American safety, stability, and leadership. When we talk about global health, we're talking about vaccination and monitoring campaigns that stop outbreaks before they spread.
▶ 0:11:04maternal health services that protect mothers and infants and funding to strengthen the health systems that allow communities to thrive economically and socially. Many of us have raised long-ter concerns about the long-term consequences of reductions on public health and our national security. And I'm grateful that congressional appropriators have kept much of our global health funding intact in the fiscal year 26 appropriations bills.
▶ 0:11:30and I plan to work with my colleagues to ensure that these funds are spent in line with congressional intent. But regardless of where any of us stood on the debates about the value of global health funding, we should all agree that when Congress allocates funds, they must be used effectively and transparently for the purposes that we authorized. We need to know where programs are operating and what outcomes are being achieved. And we need that information on a predictable basis so we can legislate responsibly.
▶ 0:11:59This bipartisan bill preserves the intent of every existing reporting requirement while reducing duplication and increasing efficiency. It ensures that Congress receives clear, consolidated, and accessible information. I thank my colleague, Mr. Lawler, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote yes on HR 7654, the Advanced Global Health Act. I yield back.
▶ 0:12:23Representative yields back. Before we move to further discussion, I want to welcome Representative Max Miller uh to the committee. You are recognized for a five-minute speech. Just kidding. You are not. You're not recognized for Yeah. We You actually thought we were going to give you a fiveminut speech to to welcome.
▶ 0:12:41No, but we are happy to have you. So, we're very glad to have you. You're a fine addition. And uh so yeah, if you want to be recognized on the bill, you can give your five minute speech then. okay, got it. Is there any further discussion on the Representative Miller? No. Going once. Okay. All right.
▶ 0:13:08There 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 further amendments, I move that the committee report HR7654 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 0:13:27All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it.
▶ 0:13:31Chairman, I request a roll call.
▶ 0:13:32You may. The motion is a agreed to. A recorded vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Thank you. Pursuant to notice, I now call up the guide act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:13:54HR 7642 to authorize the recruitment and retention of specialized disaster assistance professionals by the Department of State.
▶ 0:14:02Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Kim 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 for five minutes. I want to thank my colleague Representative Kim for bringing the generating utility through international disaster expertise act or the guide act forward.
▶ 0:14:32When disaster strikes overseas, the United States needs needs more than just good intentions to assist. We need trained professionals who can operate in difficult environments and manage resources responsibly. If we're going to deliver American aid, we must have the right experts in place to move quickly and efficiently. The Guide Act authorizes the State Department to recruit, train, retain specialized disaster assistance professionals within the Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response.
▶ 0:15:00And this bill ensures before providing assistance, we know there are significant unmet needs, that the recipient country is willing to work with us, and that we can meaningfully alleviate mass suffering, and that the response advances US foreign policy interests. Assistance should be strategic, not automatic. When we act wisely, we save lives while strengthening American leadership. And I would urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks,
▶ 0:15:31I support this bill which strengthens the United States ability to respond to natural disasters and other humanitarian crises overseas. For decades, the US Agency for International Development, known as USAID, housed a dedicated cohort of disaster assistance professionals who saved tens of millions of lives around the world. President Trump fired these courageous Americans and disparaged their honorable service to this country.
▶ 0:15:56This bill could help rectify some of the damage caused by President Trump's actions, and I thank the majority for working with us to reach an agreement on it. It encourages the Department of State to fill critical staffing gaps that are impeding the US government from quickly deploying life-saving assistance to address famine, floods, and other disasters. This is essential to saving lives, reducing human suffering, and promoting international peace and stability.
▶ 0:16:24I want to note that the State Department must take these staffing gaps seriously and work quickly to add muchneeded personnel capacity. To that end, the bill would be improved by a requirement that the State Department report to Congress on its progress in addressing staffing needs. Nevertheless, I expect the State Department to be in regular touch with this committee to update us in the coming months uh on their progress. I yield back the balance of my time. Ranking member yields back. Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 0:16:55Representative Kim.
▶ 0:16:57Thank you, Chairman Mass and Ranking Member Mix for holding today's markup and considering my bill HR7642, the generating utility through international disaster expertise or guide act. This bipartisan ANS equips the state department to lead American international disaster response with precision, speed, and strategic purpose.
▶ 0:17:22It does so by directing the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a dedicated program that recruits, trains, and retains specialized disaster assistance professionals. These professionals will possess expertise and technical skills in the fields that matter most during complex crisis: public health, engineering, nutrition, protection, logistics, and Through regular training, they will be
▶ 0:17:52ready for swift deployment, ensuring the United States can respond effectively when the next typhoon, earthquake, or humanitarian crisis strikes our allies and partners abroad. This is about doing American aid the right way. Lean, expert-driven and aligned with our national interests. A small, highly skilled workforce will deliver faster relief and maximum impact per taxpayer dollar.
▶ 0:18:20No bloated overhead, just decisive action that creates US jobs and advances our leadership on the world stage. When disaster response is executed with clear priorities, it ensures that America is the partner of choice over adversaries and prevents instability that can trigger other problems like mass migration.
▶ 0:18:45As the bill's name suggests, America, not China or Russia, can and should serve as the world's foremost guide for disaster rel response relief. This legislation will strengthen the State Department's capacity to lead strategically in humanitarian crisis, which builds goodwill with our allies and advances our interests without promoting dependency. I urge my colleagues to support the guide act, and I yield back.
▶ 0:19:18Representative yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? Seeing 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 further amendments, I move that the committee report HR7642 as amended to the House with a favor.
▶ 0:19:37May I ask for a recorded vote?
▶ 0:19:39In a moment, you can. We have to vote on it uh by voice first, but in a moment you can. Yeah.
▶ 0:19:45You and Max Miller, you're just you're dying to get out there. All right. I move that the committee report HR7642 as amended 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. The motion is agreed to.
▶ 0:20:04You're up.
▶ 0:20:04Now I ask for a recorded vote.
▶ 0:20:07A 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 7641, the Transparency and Foreign Assistance Act. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:20:27HR 7641 to provide for a pilot program to require congressional notification of additional information for certain foreign foreign assistance programs.
▶ 0:20:35Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I recognize myself for five minutes. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Lawler and Representative Jacobs for leading this bill to strengthen congressional oversight of foreign assistance.
▶ 0:20:55The current congressional notification process for foreign assistance programs has become cumbersome and inefficient. The bill provides direction to the State Department to effectively streamline information Congress needs to ensure appropriate oversight on behalf of the American people. This legislation does not add additional bureaucratic red tape, but clarifies how the department should share the information it is already providing.
▶ 0:21:24While this pilot program only applies to the Bureau of Counterterrorism and the Bureau of African Affairs, I would look forward to working with my colleagues to expand this process across the entire State Department in the future. I urge my colleagues to support this common sense bill and I now ask is there any further discussion? Ranking member
▶ 0:21:44I too support this bill to create a pilot program to receive more detailed information and congressional notifications from the Department of State. It is important that we have a clear understanding of how the State Department plans to program funds appropriated by Congress. This legislation would apply to the Africa and counterterrorism bureaus and require them to provide greater clarity and specific details on foreign assistance awards within their purviews.
▶ 0:22:14This information can contribute to stronger congressional oversight and I welcome a pilot program to explore how best to provide additional transparency to Congress and how our foreign assistance dollars are being spent. and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:22:32Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion? Representative
▶ 0:22:36Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Right now, when the State Department spends money appropriated by Congress, they are required to provide congressional notification. However, the way these notifications currently operate, the information doesn't show a full picture, lacking the detail necessary for effective oversight. That forces unnecessary back and forth with Congress requesting clarification from state. This also delays implementation and makes it harder for Congress to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used strategically and responsibly.
▶ 0:23:06My bill fixes this standard. It creates a pilot program to require the State Department to share more information with Congress. This is data they already have and will be sent to Congress in a standardized and usable format. This improves transparency, reduces bureaucratic friction, and helps Congress make better, faster decisions about foreign assistance and security assistance programs.
▶ 0:23:28It has been great to work with my Democratic colleague, Congresswoman Jacobs, on this legislation, and I thank you, Chairman Mast, uh, for bringing this bill to markup and the ranking member for supporting it. I urge all of my colleagues to support this, and I yield the remainder of my time.
▶ 0:23:42Is there any further discussion? Representative Jacobs.
▶ 0:23:45Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to co-lead this legislation with my friend, Congresswoman M. Congressman Mike Lawler. This bill is simple. It requires more information and transparency around foreign assistance programs implemented by the African Affairs Bureau and the Counterterrorism Office so that Congress can do better oversight of our foreign assistance dollars. This will ensure that Congress understands the objectives of each program, how the department is consulting with our ambassadors, and how we plan to ensure success with our aid dollars.
▶ 0:24:14This is a common sense bipartisan bill that I urge my colleagues to support. Thank you.
▶ 0:24:21All right. Is there any further discussion? Representative Kim.
▶ 0:24:25Thank you, Chairman. I rise to offer this amendment to HR7641, the Transparency and Foreign Assistance Act. The underlying bill requires a congressional notification for new and existing foreign assistance programs under the bureaus of African Affairs and The concept of the congressional notification is good and the list of required elements of the CN is comprehensive.
▶ 0:24:50This amendment simply requires within the congressional notification quote a description of how meeting the program's intended objectives will protect the core national interests of the United States. End quote. This addition aligns with the intent of Representative Lawler's bill and with President Trump's national security strategy, which states that the purpose of foreign policy is the protection of core national interest. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and I yield back.
▶ 0:25:24Is there any further discussion of the There being no further discussion, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR7641.
▶ 0:25:45There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR7641 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I.
▶ 0:25:54All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 0:25:56Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it.
▶ 0:25:59Request a recorded vote
▶ 0:26:01in a minute. Lawler,
▶ 0:26:03no. He can.
▶ 0:26:05Huh? All right.
▶ 0:26:06A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Pursuant to notice, I now call up. You have any more bills, Lawler?
▶ 0:26:21We might not see you have any more bills today. That's it.
▶ 0:26:26All right. You're done for the day. Very saved you some trouble.
▶ 0:26:33Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 7633, the American Assistance Visibility Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:26:42HR 7633 to require the United States flag to be displayed on United States Foreign Assistance.
▶ 0:26:49Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Shreve amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated in advance to members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as the original text for purpose of the amendment. I recognize myself for 5 minutes. I want to thank my colleague Representative Shreve for introducing this important piece of legislation and for recognizing something simple but powerful.
▶ 0:27:19When the American people provide assistance overseas, it should be clear to the world that it comes from the United States. It's just common sense. The American Assistance Visibility Act ensures that the American flag is prominently displayed on all US foreign assistance. Too often, we send billions of dollars abroad with little to no visible acknowledgement that it came from the United States while our taxpayers foot the bill. The host country communities sometimes never know it's paid for by the American taxpayer.
▶ 0:27:47At the end of the day, this is about accountability and transparency. When America shows up to help, the world should know it. And when taxpayers back home look at our foreign assistance, they should know that their country stands behind it. Urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank you, Representative Sharie, for your work on it. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks. Foreign assistance is one of our most important tools for addressing problems and projecting Americans soft power around the world.
▶ 0:28:15The branding we use, for example, on bags of food assistance, on schools we help build, on materials we distribute at US funded training sessions, demonstrates America's generosity and makes clear that the United States shows up for our partners and those in need. This is a longstanding bipartisan measure we must continue to send now more than ever.
▶ 0:28:41This bill will help ensure we can communicate our American generosity and credibility by using the US flag as the primary brand for our foreign assistance. It allows for co-branding when appropriate for projects we support with other donors and provides for necessary exceptions when needed to ensure the safety of our implementing partners and beneficiaries.
▶ 0:29:03It is important that the United States continue to show up globally and we can reinforce that message by branding our assistance in a clear and consistent manner. This is not about individual US officials or agencies getting credit. This is about promoting America's reputation and leadership around the world. And I look forward to supporting this bill. And I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:29:27Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion? Mr. Representative Sharie,
▶ 0:29:33I do seek recognition. Thank you. U Thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member Meeks. Uh, the United States is a generous nation. Every day, American assistance reaches people around the globe. Our support, uh, strengthens our relationships with allies, our partnerships, and advances American interests. But we're operating in ever more competitive world. China, Russia, and other adversaries are eager to exploit confusion and claim influence they did not earn.
▶ 0:30:02That's why our foreign assistance must be tied to our national interest. It should promote stability, strengthen partners, and clearly reflect who provided it. My amendment and this bill do something simple and sensible. It requires tangible items provided through US foreign assistance, equipment, vehicles, food, aid, medical supplies to clearly display the American flag. American assistance should never arrive anonymously.
▶ 0:30:29If American taxpayers paid for it, the American people should get the credit. Recipients should know this aid came from the United States, not from China, not from Russia, and not from anyone else trying to expand their influence at our expense. The American flag stands for freedom, hope, and opportunity. When American aid reaches those in need, that should be unmistakable. Let's make sure American leadership is visible, recognized, and never mistaken for someone else's. I urge support of this amendment, and I yield back.
▶ 0:31:00Is there any further Seeing none, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR 7633 as amended 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. Would you like a recorded vote?
▶ 0:31:27May I request a recorded vote on this?
▶ 0:31:30Yes, you may. Representative Kim, a roll call vote has been requested pursuant to the chair's previous announcement. This vote will be postponed. Thank you.
▶ 0:31:44Pursuant to notice, I now call up HRES 971 condemning condemning the coercive actions of the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to statements regarding Taiwan and reaffirming the United States commitment to its allies in the Indopacific region.
▶ 0:32:01The resolution was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the HRES 971 condemning the coercive actions of the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to statements regarding Taiwan and reaffirming the United States commitment to its allies in the Indopacific region.
▶ 0:32:18Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the resolution is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Kim amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated in advance to members shall be considered as read and will be treated as original text for purpose of the amendment. now recognize myself for a statement. I want to thank my colleague, Chairwoman Kim, for leading this resolution ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to DC.
▶ 0:32:48This resolution condemns the Chinese Communist Party's campaign of economic coercion and diplomatic intimidation against Japan, a close ally and cornerstone of stability in the Indoacific. Japan's prime minister was simply stating the truth that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait matters to the international community. China's response was to threaten, pressure, and punish. This is a pattern we have seen before and one we cannot allow to be normalized.
▶ 0:33:18When Beijing retaliates against allies for speaking plainly about Taiwan, it is testing the resolve of the entire alliance system the United States has built. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, send a clear signal to Beijing that the United States stands with Japan and stands with every nation in the region that refuses to be bullied into silence. Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 0:33:41Ranking member Meeks, I strongly support the United States Japan alliance and stand with Japan in the face of Beijing's irresponsible and cohive actions. After the Japanese prime minister made remarks regarding Taiwan in November, Beijing engaged in a campaign of economic, military, and diplomatic bullying against our ally.
▶ 0:34:05This included dangerous military maneuvers, diplomatic threats, and punitive economic measures meant to intimidate Japan into adhering to Beijing's wishes on Taiwan policy. I was deeply troubled that this administration was slow to come to Japanese defense power publicly. When one of our treaty allies is coerced in or threatened, we should not be taking a back seat.
▶ 0:34:28So, I'm glad that through this resolution by Representative Young Kim and Barack, Congress can demonstrate our bipartisan support for Japan and our unified rejection of Beijing's coercion. I'm also glad to say that Beijing's coercion has backfired. Instead of bending to Beijing's whim, Prime Minister Teeshi uh and the Japanese government have emerged with an even stronger mandate and plan to bolster Japan's defense.
▶ 0:34:57I'm satisfied with that and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:35:02Do any other members do any other members seek recognition? Representative
▶ 0:35:06Thank you, Chairman. I strongly support House Resolution 971, which condemns the People's Republic of China's coercive actions against Japan and reaffirms the United States ironclad commitment to one of our most vital treaty allies. Since World War II, the US Japan alliance has been the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indoacific.
▶ 0:35:30This partnership which is forged in the treaty of mutual cooperation and security has allowed Japan to flourish as a democratic nation and served as an anchor for the entire region. This relationship goes deeper than security. Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States and one of our top trading partners supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Our alliance is not justic.
▶ 0:35:59It is economic and it is essential. Today that alliance is being tested. The J Chinese Communist Party through coercion, illegitimate territorial claims and attempts to alter the status quo by force is directly threatening Japan's sovereignty and security. Japan has responded not with provocation but with principled measured leadership.
▶ 0:36:27In November 2025, Prime Minister Say Takichi stated before the Japanese diet that a Chinese military action or blockade against Taiwan end quote could become a survivor threatening situation end quote for Japan. This is a solo assessment given Japan's geographic proximity. its dependence on open sea lanes and its national security interest in crossstrait stability.
▶ 0:36:56Rather than engage diplomatically, Beijing retaliated with alarming aggression. China escalated military provocations near the Saku Islands and in international airspace. It imposed rare earth export restrictions, enacted travel bans, and pursued cultural cancellations.
▶ 0:37:18Most shockingly, one Chinese council general publicly threatened to cut off Prime Minister Takahuchi's filthy knack for her words. This is not the behavior of a responsible power. It is intimidation. This resolution condemns these coars measures in the strongest terms. It demands that China sees the military provocations, economic pressure, and diplomatic intimidation that is directed at Japan.
▶ 0:37:48It reaffirms the US Japan alliance and supports Japan's sovereign right to speak freely about threats to its own national security. The ANS to this bill clarifies that the contested waters of the Sako Islands are administered by Japan which the United States has consistently acknowledged since 1972.
▶ 0:38:10It also includes details on one of the latest course of actions by the PRC which was to prohibit exports of dual use items to 20 Japanese companies. President Trump and Prime Minister Takahichi just held a successful summit at the White House last week which further solidified the US Japan alliance. This resolution sends a very clear unified message from the United States Congress. We stand with Japan.
▶ 0:38:40We honor our alliance and we will not allow coercion to silence our friends or destabilize the Indo-Pacific. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I back.
▶ 0:38:52Is there any further discussion?
▶ 0:38:54Yes. Uh Representative Barah.
▶ 0:38:57Thank you, Chairman and Ranking Member Meeks. Um, I'd like to speak in support of HRES 971, condemning the coercive actions of the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to statements regarding Taiwan and reaffirming the United States commitment to its allies in the Indopacific region. I'd also like to thank my colleague, Chairwoman Young Kim, for introducing this resolution with me, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan resolution.
▶ 0:39:25On November 7th, 2025, Prime Minister Takayichi made comments beca before the Japanese diet that if the PRC was to use battleships against Taiwan or engage in a naval blockade of Taiwan involving the use of force, it could constitute a survivalthreatening situation for Japan.
▶ 0:39:43According to Japan's peace and security legislation 2015, Japan can exercise collective self-defense if an armed attack on another country in a close relationship with Japan threatens Japan's survival. While the remarks made by Prime Minister Takahuchi are entirely justified and reflect the sovereign right of nations to speak on regional concerns. The PRC has responded with both economic and military coercion.
▶ 0:40:11The PRC issued a travel advisory urging Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, citing alleged security concerns, and major Chinese airlines offered full refunds and free changes for Japanbound flights, resulting in an estimated 1.2 billion loss to Japan's tourism sector.
▶ 0:40:31The PRC also escalated tensions by dispatching fighter aircraft and bombers into airspace near Okinawa and sent a Chinese coast guard fleet to conduct patrols in the contested waters surrounding the Skaku Islands. China also imposed a complete ban on Japanese seafood seafood imports and in February announced it would prohibit the export of dual-use items to 20 Japanese firms.
▶ 0:40:56These actions are just the latest in clear and persistent pattern of Beijing employing economic coercion and military tactics to suppress narratives it deems This resolution condemns the course of actions taken by the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to Prime Minister Takichi's statements regarding Taiwan. Reaffirms the ironclad commitment of the United States and its alliance with Japan.
▶ 0:41:23supports the sovereignty of the government of Japan to express views on matters of regional and international concern without fear of economic or military coercion. Commends the government of Japan for its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Calls upon the PRC to cease its coercive actions against Japan and engage in constructive dialogue on matters of regional concern.
▶ 0:41:47and commits to strengthening US cooperation with Japan and other regional partners to deter aggression and maintain stability in the Indo-acific region. HRES 971 sends a strong signal to Japan and the PRC that the United States stands by our allies in in the face of economic coercion. I encourage all my colleagues to support this resolution and I yield
▶ 0:42:10Is there any further discussion? There being no further discussion of the resolution, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee reports HRES 971 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 0:42:37In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. A recorded vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Thank you. Pursuant to notice, I now call up the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 0:43:09to extend and authorize annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through fiscal year 2028.
▶ 0:43:16Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I recognize myself for a few minutes to speak on this bill. I want to thank Congressman Chris Smith for leading this bill as well as Congressman Sherman, the minority co-lead. This bill reauthorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom or USURF as many call it for two years until September 30, 2028.
▶ 0:43:42It is in our DNA to stand for religious freedom and against religious persecution no matter where it occurs. And we should be proud of the work you does to protect religious freedom throughout the globe. But we still need to have oversight on its programs. Ever since Yousef was created in 1998, regular authorizations have given this committee the chance to review its work and reform its operations instead of putting taxpayer spending on autopilot.
▶ 0:44:11This bill reinforces these reviews and I urge my colleagues to support it. Is there any further discussion? Ranking member Meeks. I support this bill to reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom or USURF through fiscal year 2028.
▶ 0:44:29Since its establishment 28 years ago, USF has served as an independent bipartisan watchdog monitoring conditions on the ground and providing policy recommendations to Congress and the administration. Its work reinforces the principles reflected in article 18 of the universal declaration of human rights and helps ensure that our advocacy for religious freedom is consistent, credible, and universal.
▶ 0:45:00True religious liberty cannot mean protection for only a favored few. Selective advocacy undermines both the legitimacy and the effectiveness of our efforts. A consistent defense of freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief or non-belief strengthens our voice globally and advances global stability, security, and prosperity.
▶ 0:45:27When individuals are free to follow their conscience, they are better able to speak freely, assemble peacefully, and participate fully in civic life. When governments suppress religious belief, broader repression often follows. In many parts of the world, severe restrictions on religion are an early warning sign of authoritarian consolidation and instability.
▶ 0:45:54And it's for these reasons we need to reauthorize this commission so they can continue to do their good work. And I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:46:05Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion? Chairman. Representative Smith.
▶ 0:46:08Thank you.
▶ 0:46:09The author.
▶ 0:46:09First of all, Mr. Chairman, thank you for bringing this bill to the committee and then to the floor. Thank you for your strong support for it. And I'd thank Mr. Meeks as well, the ranking member. Uh this is one of those issues that we truly rally around. Uh the commission itself is made up of nine members uh picked by the leadership of the House and Senate, both sides of the aisle and the president. And it has proven to be an extraordinarily valuable tool.
▶ 0:46:35They put out a report every year uh country bycountry analysis on religious freedom or the lack thereof and when they do it um the state department office of religious freedom listens it provides them uh a guide it helps us in a very very real way to know what's happening I always encourage members when they travel uh to any country read the narrative on the country you're traveling to and get a really good insight as to what that country's leadership is doing uh either in on the repressive side or
▶ 0:47:05uh you know in terms of promoting and the flourishing of religious freedom. This is a two-year reauthorization. Uh we do have an amendment that will add a couple of months to it for technical reasons and I think that will help uh the bill. And I just would point out that I often and I've chaired more than 50 hearings on religious freedom more way more than 50 over the years.
▶ 0:47:26Um, we just had Joe Biden's top pick, who is still on the on the um on the commission, testify two weeks ago on an issue with regards to the R20 and the hope that we'll have a religious freedom component to that when it's held in the United States in followup to what happened uh in Indonesia and it was a tremendous hearing, but he provided again some great insights. I am the author of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act reauthorization.
▶ 0:47:53Uh and we added entities of particular concern and again not just countries but entities and again the the freedom report includes all of that. Uh and they just they take it to the next level. They do it in a scholarly fashion. Um and it just it makes all the difference in the world. I want to note out in the out there in the last uh tier of the uh of is Doug Anderson.
▶ 0:48:19Doug Anderson was our general counsel and when we did the original 1998 in today's religious freedom and it was a hard hard bill to get past. I held all the hearings on it. Frank Wolf was brilliant in promoting that tremendous bill. But Doug, thank you for your great work. Uh it was just extraordinary. Uh today we have as Vicky Hartsler, our former um colleague as the head of the commission. She's doing a stellar job.
▶ 0:48:45Uh very smart, very effective, very informed and knows how to get it done. So I just can't tell you how grateful I am for the work that you has done. Uh the anacronym of course for the religious freedom commissions and I do have an amendment, Mr. Chairman, at the appropriate time that just added adds those extra couple of months to it. We'll let the discussion continue and then we'll get to the amendments uh in a moment. Are you yielding back?
▶ 0:49:07I yield back.
▶ 0:49:08Very good. Is there any further discussion? Uh, Representative Jackson,
▶ 0:49:15Mr. Chairman, I support this bill and I thank Representative Smith for his efforts regarding religious freedoms across the globe. That said, as we an independent agencies that monitors religious freedom worldwide and advises the government on policy actions to protect this fundamental right.
▶ 0:49:37I would be remiss if I did not mention the hypocrisy of my colleagues who perpetuate this type of vile degradation at home. If we have open and freedom of religion abroad, we should also be more tolerant at home. This administration holds itself up as a defender of religious freedom yet openly embraces Christian nationalism.
▶ 0:50:04This administration led by the president has a long history of anti-Muslim rhetoric and more dangerously anti-Muslim policies. He called for and let me share with you on this board.
▶ 0:50:26He has called for total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States during his first presidential campaign and a version of his quote unquote Muslim ban close quote remains in effect. He says, quote, "I think Islam hates us. Trump presides over a party remade in his image.
▶ 0:50:54His allies in this very Congress are embracing Islamophobia and trampling on our constitutional right to do a separation of church and states. Several members, several Republican politicians have made horrifying statements in recent months and they are going unchecked, unchallenged, and not corrected.
▶ 0:51:17Their moral depravity is on full display when they say things like, and I've spared our colleagues what I consider the personal embarrassment of putting their names beside these statements. The enemy is made inside the This was said in New York. How many Americans have to get al Allah Akbar before we get to realize Islam is a problem? Muslims do not belong in American society.
▶ 0:51:48Texans shouldn't go to the mall and feel like they're in Pakistan. Mass Islamic migration is killing the America. As we know, we need more Islamophobia, not less. These are statements that our colleagues have said. They go unchecked. I could go on and on, but I must say plainly, Americans who practice Islam are just as American as anyone else. The world needs leadership rooted in shared humanity.
▶ 0:52:18And I implore my colleagues to call out this hate for what it is and when they see it. All people of all faiths who make up the diverse tapestry of our nation deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. We must strongly condemn Islamophobia, anti-semitism, Christian nationalism, and all religious bigotry. Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 0:52:42Representative yields back. Any further discussion? Representative Fine.
▶ 0:52:47Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I have a few comments. I think I'd start with saying that in a time where religious practice is under threat around the world, um I I think a commission like this is even more important. To give you a sense of just a few examples, in Nigeria, um Christians have been persecuted by Muslims um and been forced to stop in many cases practicing their religion.
▶ 0:53:11Uh in the UK just a couple of days ago, um Jews were also attacked for practicing their religion by the same group. And I I I I would talk about we want to hear about, you know, the concerns about Islamophobia, which I'll get to in a minute. But I just want to give you some examples of why this is important. Um, in Saudi Arabia, the public practice of any religion other than Islam is illegal. In Maldives, the constitution establishes Islam as the state religion and only Muslims can be citizens.
▶ 0:53:39Um, in Yemen, public practice of non-Islamic religions is banned. In Somalia, the provisional constitution and societal norms only recognize Islam. And I could give many many many other examples of that where um there are very few Muslim majority countries in this world that allow open practice of other religions other than Islam. Um and it is why I have said that um I object to the term Islamophobia.
▶ 0:54:09It is interesting that we live in a world where um racism means you're against a race. That is a bad thing. It is sexism is when you're against a sex and that is a bad thing. Anti-semitism is when you're against Jews. That is a bad thing. I could give 10 other examples. But why when crafting language, why when crafting language would the word dealing with Islam not be anti-Islam or anti-Muslim or some other word?
▶ 0:54:39Why use the word Islamophobia? There's nothing when you deconstruct that word. I'm a student of language. There's nothing when you deconstruct that word that is about being anti- anything. The word deconstructed is Islam and phobia.
▶ 0:54:56Islam and fear, irrational fear, it is pointed out and the reason the word is objectionable is because it attempts to conflate something that we should all oppose which is discrimination with something we none of us should oppose which is questioning and criticism and asking questions.
▶ 0:55:19And I believe this word was constructed in order to conflate this stopping of with stopping the questioning. To say that it is discrimination to ask questions. To say that it is discrimination to live in fear. Now since the conflict in Iran started, we have had four terrorist attacks in this country. Four. All practiced by one religion in four separate states by five Americans using three guns, two bombs, one truck.
▶ 0:55:48yet all screaming the same prayer. And I would point out that the practitioners who went into the largest reform synagogue in the United States and tried to blow it up, they were trying to get in the way of religious freedom. The ones who threw bombs in New York were trying to get in the way of freedom of assembly. The ones who shot people in Texas were trying to create fear.
▶ 0:56:14And so we cannot allow whether it is this commission or in other times legitimate questions and legitimate concerns to be conflated with discrimination. We do have religious discrimination problems in this world. They are real. But we have to talk about them no matter how uncomfortable it makes us. I have said it before and I have said it again. Fear of Islam is rational. That is why Islamophobia does not exist.
▶ 0:56:42If they want to craft another word to come up with discrimination, I will fully embrace that. But as long as that word is used to conflate crit legitimate criticism with discrimination, I think there is a moral bankruptcy that we all have to deal with. This commission is important not just for the US and around the world. I'm glad this bill is being brought forward and I look forward to supporting it today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 0:57:05Representative yields back. Any further Seeing none,
▶ 0:57:13chairman, I got an amendment at the
▶ 0:57:16He's already been recognized.
▶ 0:57:21There being no further discussion, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 0:57:26I have an amendment that
▶ 0:57:27Representative Smith.
▶ 0:57:33The clerk shall distribute the
▶ 0:57:38Clerk shall report the amendment. Amendment to HR744 offered by Mr. Smith of New Jersey.
▶ 0:57:46Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. Representative is recognized for five
▶ 0:57:51Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, let me just say thank you for working with us to extend by just a few months, but it's an important few months uh to this reauthorization. uh you put together a round table with Vicky Hartsler uh who and other members of the commission and part of the concern that they expressed was uh their inability to pay some staffers in the second year of the authorization uh certain benefits and this helps to alleviate some of that pressure. So I deeply appreciate that.
▶ 0:58:18I also would say to my very distinguished colleague Mr. Jackson and I uh I understand he's we we do get along very well on all these religious freedom issues but I I have to tell you that I differentiate very profoundly a bright line of demarcation between radical jihadists uh and non-jihotist Muslims. I have been I remember being in Sar Evo and got to know the top Muslim cleric for that region uh Ray Surich.
▶ 0:58:44He was an absolute man dedicated to God and family uh and to his fellow Muslims. And he was very concerned about the Wahhabiism that was making its way into into his country. All radical kill the infidel and of course take more moderate Muslims and coers them uh into a radical mindset. Uh I believe that Hamas commits child abuse on an order that is unthinkable. Not just uh what they do to kill people, Jews and Christians.
▶ 0:59:14October 7th was a further uh manifestation of that, but they also commit child abuse against Palestinians. They turn little kids into child soldiers filled to overflowing with hate. And that is child abuse. The Palestinian children deserve better. I've read the Hamas charter several times. I read it on the floor of the House during one of our debates, parts of it. Uh, and it it is filled overflowing with kill kill.
▶ 0:59:42Uh, you know, one of my favorite way back when when I was a kid was South Pacific, and there's a song in that where you've got to be taught and you got to be taught to hate. You got to be taught to be prejudiced. And that's exactly what these radical jihadists do. That's what Boka Haram does. uh when they they hijack kids, when they kidnap children as they did with the Chebacc girls and others, right away they begin this very aggressive uh effort to turn them into uh radical Islamists.
▶ 1:00:10They do it with Christians, although lesser they did it with Muslims as well. Uh we got to say the Muslim faith is one of the great faiths of the world. Uh protect it and protect it, you know. So I'm against jihadists. I'm not against the Muslims and and we need to be very very clear. there's that line like I said uh of demarcation between the two. So I I I do you know I was in a number of places in Nigeria and I've been pushing and finally we got CPC designation there uh from President Trump.
▶ 1:00:40Uh I was shocked that President Biden reversed it uh without any real criteria. But when I would meet with Imans in Nigeria, I met with a lot of Christians leaders as well. They would tell me that if they speak out, they will be killed. That there will be the radical element that will visit them and their mosque and blow them up or kill them. So they normally pretty much stay silent uh to avoid that terrible outcome.
▶ 1:01:09Uh we need to be behind them. Uh they are co-religious in a sense and that they they're people of the book. uh and we need to be far more I think we need to be we need to discern better uh that we're not against Islam, we're against radical Islam because they are a threat uh not only in this country but above all in the Middle East and in parts of Africa. So I do hope that members can vote to the amendment u and I yield back Mr. Chairman the balance of my time.
▶ 1:01:38Very good. Uh I support this amendment. I want to thank Congressman Smith for working on it with me. It extends USURF's authorization for three more months from September 28 uh to December of 28. In other words, from the end of the fiscal year to the end of the calendar year. It is a small change, but one that makes sense. A longer authorization will help the commission carry out its work more effectively while also giving the next Congress the opportunity to take up their own reauthorization of this legislation. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks.
▶ 1:02:07I support this amendment that extends the authorization of you. Protecting religious freedom abroad advances our values and interests. It promotes stability, pluralism, and respect with fundamental rights. Let me also say I'm against hate and I'm against radicalism in any religion. And I don't point out radicalism in just one because every religion have some radicals in them. That's hate.
▶ 1:02:38And I oppose hate. You should not point someone out. If you hate somebody because they believe in a certain religion, let's wipe that out. That's what we've got to get rid of in our People look at somebody and they blame the religion as opposed to the individuals that are committing the We can show at every level where somebody from some different religion committed a hate act. That's bad. And we got to stop that.
▶ 1:03:10But to say that we want to just point out one religion as opposed to other, that's bad also because you're saying and trying to group people put a religion in a particular perspective. Religion is a way of life for everyone. And we should respect a person and the religion of which they believe in. And we should call out all of us. If somebody hates or is anti-Semitic or someone hates people because they're Jewish, call it out.
▶ 1:03:41If they hate them because they're Muslim, call it out. If they hate it because they're Christian, call them out. If they hate you because of a your ethnicity, call it out. We've got to get this poison out of not only the system here but around the world because in the end we are all human beings. We all share this earth. We all need to respect one another.
▶ 1:04:12Respect is what this is all about. And we can learn from one another because each religion has great history. It teaches us how to live and we should live together, not use and find something that separates us.
▶ 1:04:34So this is why I support this bill because the language in it brings us together and calls it out around the and the United States is still in the world. We got to call it out here. We got to call it out anywhere. So I support this bill.
▶ 1:04:54I'm against hate and I will stand up against anybody who hates someone because of the religion that they believe, the color of their skin, the way they speak, or anything of that sort. I support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. Representative yields back. Ranking member yields back. Any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:05:22Seeing none, I will have some comments on that, but I think I'll reserve them for a later later amendment, later bill, later amendment. Uh, in that there being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Smith. All those and I uh agree with this amendment. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is agreed Are there any further amendments?
▶ 1:05:53Seeing none. Being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR1744 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 1:06:07In opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Mr.
▶ 1:06:10Chairman, I guess recorded vote.
▶ 1:06:12A 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 3477, Chip Security Act. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 1:06:32HR 3447 to require the Secretary of Commerce to issue standards with respect to chip security mechanisms for integrated circuit products and for other purposes.
▶ 1:06:41Without objection, the 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 the purpose of the amendment. I now recognize myself for a few minutes to speak about the chip security act. I want to thank Representative Heisenga for leading this essential legislation to prevent China from getting its hands on our Blackwell AI chips as an example.
▶ 1:07:12We saw the importance of this legislation last week with the Department of Justice announcing charges against the co-founder and executive of AI server company Super Micro for leading an effort to smuggle 2.5 billion in AI chips to where everybody could guess it, China. No surprise there. This is probably the biggest violation of export controls in US history.
▶ 1:07:41We're continually talking about Chinese espionage, Chinese theft, Chinese diversion over and over and over again. We can't allow this to happen. This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish chip security mechanisms on advanced chips we export abroad to help us monitor our most sensitive technology actually goes where it's supposed to go.
▶ 1:08:04Put simply, if we're going to export advanced AI chips, we need confidence they don't end up in the hands of the Chinese military, which I have very, very serious concerns about happening. I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation, this very common sense piece of legislation that is related to winning the AI arms race. It's not about having the best video game systems.
▶ 1:08:33AI advanced AI chips absolutely drive everything we see taking place on the battlefields right now in Iran between Russia and Ukraine. They drive what takes place with on how nuclear weapons operate. Who strikes first? Who strikes last? Who strikes when? Who decides first? Who decides last? Who has more power to compute?
▶ 1:09:01who has less power to compute, whose AI can work to make their AI better, faster, whose can't for us to give China any capability, any inroad, any advantage in this whatsoever is So, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation about winning the AI arms race. And I now ask, is there any further discussion on the bill? Ranking member Meeks.
▶ 1:09:31I support the bipartisan INS and want to thank Chairman Mast and Rep. Hezinger for working with us to reach a compromise on this provision. Rampid chip smuggling is undermining the United States national security and our ability to win the AI race. Just last week in New York, three people were charged for attempting to smuggle $2.5 billion dollar in AI chips to China.
▶ 1:09:56This bill would boost the ability for the United States to detect when diversion occurs, thereby helping companies improve compliance and the government improve enforcement. The negotiated bill would ensure that the chip security mechanisms that the Bureau of Industry and Security BIS mandates is informed by technical studies, impact assessments, and rigorous stakeholder Commerce would will now
▶ 1:10:26first have to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on its findings. As this bill will impact commerce in the billions of dollars and regulate an industry that is critical to the United States technology leadership, it is crucial that the administration gets it right. Frankly, I don't have faith that the Trump BIS is up for the job.
▶ 1:10:51And that is why I insisted that a study must precede Despite the changes we have secured, I know that the US industry continues to have concerns and questions about this bill. So I urge the sponsors to continue to refine the bill after the markup. First, we should make sure that a year is sufficient time to get this right. Second, the agencies with expertise on technology studies and standards should be included in this process.
▶ 1:11:20That means the National Institute of Standards and Technology should be involved in the study. Third, if the study outlines any challenges or vulnerabilities with particular chip security mechanisms, BIS needs to address those concerns in its regulations.
▶ 1:11:36And finally, to acknowledge the contradiction, we are voting on a bill to address PRC chip smuggling while the president is selling advanced H200 chips directly to China right now. So, what's the point of cracking down on smuggling if the president is going to sell chips to Deep Seek and other PRC AI companies anyway?
▶ 1:12:02While this bill needs a little more work, I am willing to support this bill and I respect Mr. Heinzinga and the work that he's done in this area and I think that we work together and we have worked and I thank him for that uh as we move forward and with that I I I uh give back to balance by time.
▶ 1:12:20Any further discussion? Representative Uh thank you, Chairman Mast, and to the ranking member. I too appreciate uh our your willingness to work with us uh to find some of these solutions. Um and I just want to urge all my colleagues to vote in support of this, which is a strong step towards putting an end to the rampant smuggling of our crown jewel technologies.
▶ 1:12:45Uh both of you uh have noted both the chairman and ranking member have noted uh these the fact that we have seen two and a half billion dollars uh in uh in chip smuggling uh just be uncovered this uh this or at least revealed publicly over the last uh week. Um as the ranking member talked about, DOJ charged three people. Well, let's be specific about who those three people were.
▶ 1:13:12Uh it was one Chinese national and two US citizens that uh conspired to smuggle millions of dollars worth of export control chips to China through an illegal shipment scheme in Thailand. Uh in fact, multiple investigations, reports, testimonies show that there is an unadressed problem with the diversion of advanced chips despite some in the industry and leading voices in the industry claiming that they're not aware of any smuggling.
▶ 1:13:44There's no gambling here, sir. I believe is that old quote from Casablanca. Um I'll explain that to the younger staff at some point later on, but but Good movie, says Mr. Zinci. But don't take it from me. Uh, CyberCom commander Joshua Rudd stated this year that quote, "China is aggressively seeking to acquire advanced AI chips to accelerate its development of AI enhanced weapons." Close quote.
▶ 1:14:14BIS under secretary Jeff Kesler uh said last year that he worries that the smuggling efforts we do see is quote just the tip of the iceberg. and BIS assistant secretary for export enforcement David Peters testified last month that chip smuggling is quote among our top enforcement priorities close quote. Well, let's make sure it is.
▶ 1:14:38And I know the House of Representatives attempted to give BIS additional resources and un uh during our appropriations process and unfortunately the Senate took that out. Time to reverse that as well. While the Chip Security Act would work towards putting a stop to this theft, the Chip Security Act enhances protections on AI chip exports by scaling up best security practices and encouraging innovative technologies.
▶ 1:15:04This bill directly supports the Trump administration's AI action plan recommendations and benefits from both administration technical assistance and industry feedback as we did not write this in a vacuum. Moreover, the bill takes a light touch, allowing many existing secure business practices to qualify as chip security mechanisms. It does not mandate any one solution or any specific way of doing this.
▶ 1:15:31Instead, it gives the administration and industry maximum flexibility. And I want to be clear about something, Mr. Chairman, about some information that uh misinformation that's been circulating on social media. And I'm sure that's shocking everybody that everything on Twitter and on social media may not be true. Uh contrary to what some of that uh misinformation that's been circulating is, this bill explicitly rejects putting so-called kill switches into our chips or into any chips.
▶ 1:16:01Additionally, the rule of construction ensures that the required chip security mechanisms do not affect the functionality of advanced chips. So, I want to thank my colleagues both Republican and Democrat uh for their co-sponsoring of this bill.
▶ 1:16:16I want to again thank the chairman and his steadfast encouragement and support and the ranking member uh for working towards a bipartisan ANS on this as well as is the many numerous advocacy organizations that support this measure in helping block foreign adversaries from smuggling American technology. And I do have to acknowledge not all of them have the ability to be very public about it. There's a lot of intertwined business connectivity in this industry.
▶ 1:16:46But I can tell you with clarity and certainty that vast swaths of the industry know that this needs to happen. They know it, Mr. Chairman. We know it. And frankly, the Chinese are afraid of this. So, uh, in short, this bill will protect our technology while minimizing impact on industry. With the Chip Security Act, we can be confident that Deep Seek can never again use the black market to get AI chips that it needs to stay competitive with our great American innovators.
▶ 1:17:16We cannot afford to wait. And with that, I yield back. 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 further amendments, I move that the committee report HR 3447 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair.
▶ 1:17:45The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 1:17:48Mr. Chairman, yes.
▶ 1:17:49I'd like to request a recorded vote.
▶ 1:17:51A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Pursuant to notice, I now call up the Rejecting the Eraser of Afghan Women's and Girls Act.
▶ 1:18:11The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill, HR 7669, to require a report that describes the current restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls in Afghanistan since August of Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
▶ 1:18:28Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Kumla Verd Dove 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 purpose of the amendment. I now recognize myself for a statement.
▶ 1:18:56It has been more than four years since President Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and each day that goes by has meant more and more suffering for Afghan women and girls. This bill is one step in continuing to hold the Taliban accountable for their barbaric cruelty against women and girls, which to go back to a debate that was taking place previously about Muslims on Representative Chris Smith's user
▶ 1:19:26bill, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act. What we talk about with the Taliban is absolutely tied to their religion. No question about it. The women, the the treatment of of women and girls in their country, forcing them to entirely cover themselves, not work, not get an tied to religion.
▶ 1:19:57This bill is one step in continuing to hold the Taliban accountable for that. barbaric cruelty against women and girls. It requires the State Department to submit a report to HVAC, an SFRC, on the restrictions the Taliban has placed on women and girls since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
▶ 1:20:16It also requires the State Department to determine whether these restrictions amount to crimes against humanity, torture, or a gross violation of human rights as defined in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. I support this bill and I will ask do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks.
▶ 1:20:36I support Representative Camela's Dove's ANS and the amendments to it. As a ranking member of the South and Central Asia subcommittee, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that we do not forget our Afghan allies or the women and girls and other vulnerable groups who have seen the steady erosion of their rights and their basic place in society since the Taliban's brutal brut brutal takeover. The Taliban have already driven women and girls from schools and public places.
▶ 1:21:06In January, the Taliban published a new penal code that recognizes slavery and legitimizes violence against women. The world marked International Women's Day earlier this month, and I hope we will we will come together in a bipartisan way to show that human rights is still a critical part of our Afghanistan policy.
▶ 1:21:28Let us affirm that there are still areas of consensus on our Afghanistan policy today and we cannot ignore the Taliban's abysmal treatment of women and girls. Let me also say uh I heard the chairman uh say the Taliban, we just talked about them, but that's not their religion that they're Muslims. The Ku Clark clan right here, it was Christianity was part of their religion. Again, hate on both sides.
▶ 1:21:56So if you're hating someone or doing it, no matter what your religion, if your religion is Muslim and you are a terrorist, we don't like that. And if your m religion is a and you're a terrorist as the K Clair was, we don't like that. So I want to make sure that we support, everyone supports uh Rep. Camela Dove's bill and her amendments. And with that, I yield
▶ 1:22:21Ranking Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion? Representative Fine.
▶ 1:22:28Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, and I want to thank my Democratic colleague for bringing this important bill forward today. We can all agree, I think, that the Taliban is an evil, brutal regime whose treatment of women and girls is despicable. We've talked about it, but they've implemented restrictions that don't let women or girls go to school beyond the age of 12. They cannot go to university. They cannot even leave their house without a male chaperon.
▶ 1:22:58But it is important to note that these horrific things that are done to women and girls are being done in the name of religion. This is why they do that. The Taliban believes they are called by their faith to treat women this way. And while that does not mean that all Muslims want to treat women and girls this way, we must also say that some do.
▶ 1:23:28And the difference between them and the Ku Klux Clan is the Ku Klux Clan ain't in power anywhere. These people are. And they not only seek that, but this is exactly what we've seen for 47 years in Iran. The same treatment of women. women being killed because they will not cover themselves in the name of religion.
▶ 1:23:55Now, this legislation prevents these women from being forgotten and their treatment being accepted as was allowed to women of Iran. It ensures the State Department reports the Taliban's restriction gives Congress the information it needs to take further action to protect the women and girls of We must be comfortable calling evil by its name.
▶ 1:24:20And acting in your faith to oppress women and girls is evil. And it is not wrong to say that. If we don't, there will be more Afghanistans. There will be more Irans. Because make no mistake, the people who are doing it in Afghanistan don't just want to do it in Afghanistan. They want to do it to every woman and girl that lives in the entire world. And we need to stand up for it.
▶ 1:24:49And we need to stand up for our women and girls, no matter where they are. I appreciate this bill. I'm excited to support it. And thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back. Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:25:03Representative Heisen.
▶ 1:25:08Yeah, sorry. I was going to say I'm I'm I I just simply wanted to congratulate the representative and I support this. Appreciate her discussion and leadership on this and uh I have my full support.
▶ 1:25:19I was looking your way but I didn't see
▶ 1:25:22didn't know if any I was trying to be uh chivalous but I'll use my
▶ 1:25:28I know it's been a long day
▶ 1:25:31but I'm ready to speak on the bill sir. Mr. Chair,
▶ 1:25:33would you like
▶ 1:25:34Yes, I would.
▶ 1:25:34Very good.
▶ 1:25:35Thank you. Um, if there is one thing this committee should agree on, it is that the Taliban are egregious human rights abusers and no one has suffered more under Taliban rule than Afghan women and girls who face greater restrictions on their humanity and autonomy than anywhere else on the planet. In 2024, the Taliban issued an edict formally stripping Afghan women of nearly every right they are entitled to as human beings.
▶ 1:26:03education, employment, freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and freedom of religion. They even criminalized women's voices and faces. Then in January of this year, the Taliban issued a draconian criminal code to enforce this dehumanization, including stronger penalties for beating an animal than for beating a woman. It might sound like something out of a fiction novel, but it is anything but theoretical.
▶ 1:26:29There are Afghan girls in the room today who have lived under Taliban rule. They risked their lives to escape and now, thanks to the nonprofit Afghan Scout Relief Fund, are pursuing the education they were denied in Afghanistan here in the United States. We cannot allow this outrageous Taliban repression to go unanswered. And we cannot abandon Afghan women as their humanity and their existence is under attack.
▶ 1:26:57My bill, the Rejecting the Eraser of Afghan and Women and Girls Act, is a forceful message to the Taliban that Congress will not back down in our support for Afghan women. Women who want nothing more than to go to school, to read, to dress how they want, to say what they want, and to make their own decisions about their future.
▶ 1:27:18My bill requires the State Department to document Taliban abuses against women and girls and determine whether those conditions constitute torture, crimes against humanity, or a gross violation of human rights. I also have two amendments I worked with the chairman to finalize that are the strongest rebuke yet of Taliban repression. Together, these provisions signal our refusal to ignore the suffering of Afghan women under the Taliban regime.
▶ 1:27:45I know some of my colleagues have put their lives on the line to fight the Taliban's tyranny. And yesterday in a discussion about war, the chairman said that this is personal. Well, this issue is personal for so many of our vets whose lives were saved because of Afghan women. They have been up they have seen up close what the Taliban are capable of and the terror that Afghan women are living every day.
▶ 1:28:15I hope my bill will allow this committee to speak forcefully against the regime and its treatment of Afghan women. I am grateful to the chair and the ranking member for bringing my bill to markup and to my subcommittee chair Rep. Heisinga for his continued principled leadership and co-sponsorship of my legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to get behind these women and girls as was said earlier about another bill and I yield back.
▶ 1:28:45Thank you, Representative Kam Logerov. I'm going to just take a point of privilege here. We do have uh three young ladies from Afghanistan who are here uh studying in the United States of America being sponsored to study here. I don't want to do the injustice to your names that I would do if I tried to pronounce them. So, I'm actually going to let you step up to that microphone right there and introduce yourselves. Hi, I'm Homera Ja and I live in Massachusetts right now.
▶ 1:29:18Hello. Thank you so much. My name is
▶ 1:29:24Hello. Thank you so much. Um, I'm Ta Haidider and I live in New York.
▶ 1:29:30Thank you for introducing yourselves to We deal with a lot of black ink on white paper and it's important for all of us to be able to realize the the human element of it that we don't always see inside of the the confines of this room. So your presence here matters. The presence of others here matters. It's why it's so important the the travels that we undertake to uh truly witness the the human element of everything that we deal with here bipartisanly. So thank you for your presence here today.
▶ 1:30:01Uh, are there is there any further discussion, Representative Isa, and then Representative Stanton after that?
▶ 1:30:08Thank you. I'm going to be brief because I'm going to be supporting the bill, but I want to expand the conversation just slightly. You have three young women here who are here. But the amount of people including a great many women who helped us in Afghanistan who were in the process and in many cases approved to come here find themselves in in places including in Iran. Many of these people fled Afghanistan.
▶ 1:30:36They're eligible, but everything's been put on hold. And I think it's one of the important things, Mr. chairman for this committee to follow up on uh with the State Department and with the administration is to get an unhold on people who have gone through the process and now find uh trapped and I particularly am aware of a number of them that find themselves trapped in Iran of all places because they sought refuge there and it isn't much better as you
▶ 1:31:07know. Um but that's they can't get here even though they have done the right thing by the process. So I appreciate the gentle lady bringing up this point. I just wanted to expand it so that the committee continues to work toward u as much relief as we can provide in the post Afghanistan conflict era. And I thank the gentle the chairman and yield back.
▶ 1:31:30Representative Stanton.
▶ 1:31:32Thank you very much uh Mr. Chairman. Thank you to my colleague, Congresswoman Cam Leagger Dove, for leading on this very important bill in support of Afghan women and girls, including the young ladies who just introduced themselves before this committee. HR7669 requires the Department of State to submit a report to Congress describing the current conditions imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women and girls since August 2021 and a determination as to whether such restrictions are crimes against humanity and violate international law.
▶ 1:32:01Since 2021, the Taliban has tightened its oppressive hold over the Afghan people. Entire families remain displaced. Girls are barred from schools. Women barred from universities. Most jobs and public spaces like parks, gyms, sports clubs. This means that almost half the population is not allowed to contribute to civic life or the economy in measurable ways. The suffering of Afghan women and girls are experiencing is serious and deserves our utmost attention and condemnation.
▶ 1:32:29Additionally, the Hazara, a long persecuted ethnic minority that accounts for nearly 20% of Afghanistan's population, have historically been targeted by the Taliban. A small Hazara community resides in my district, and I've had the privilege of hearing their stories. Several Hzara community members are now pursuing their academic degrees at Arizona State University.
▶ 1:32:50This legislation is a strong reminder that people of to the people of Afghanistan, including women and girls who bravely served alongside our troops for decades remain in need of our support. This includes the fearless members of the female tactical platoon, many of whom identify as Hzara. Many members of the female tactical platoon who served alongside US soldiers on elite missions are still awaiting permanent status in the United States.
▶ 1:33:14I bring their stories before the committee again and again to underscore the importance of congressional action to support them. Our obligation to our allies is immediate. We must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act and we must loudly denounce the abuses suffered by women and girls and others that seek freedom from persecution in their home country. For Afghans rebuilding their lives in the United States, this is home. So I urge my colleagues to support HR769 and I yield back.
▶ 1:33:40Representative Zinci.
▶ 1:33:42Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I do support the bill and uh but should be recognized there's other evil and I find it interesting that we had 53 members of this body couldn't find their way to condemn evil in Iran. And just let me let me give you a quote from the Ayatollah Kmeni.
▶ 1:34:02Uh female prisoners who are virgins must be raped before execution to prevent them from going to If there is evil, that capitalizes it. That capillates it is that I can't think of a more evil statement than that. And I also would encourage our colleagues uh to do the right thing when it comes to Iran as well. I yield.
▶ 1:34:32Representative yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? There being no further discussion, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? Representative Kumlagger Dove.
▶ 1:34:46Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 1:34:49The clerk shall distribute the
▶ 1:34:53The amendment's been distributed by electronic device.
▶ 1:34:56Clerk shall report the amendment.
▶ 1:34:58Amendment to HR 7669 offered by Miss Commoder Dove of California. Red designate section two as section three. Insert after section one the following. Section two, statement of policy. It is the policy of the United States not to recognize the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan and to discourage other countries from so recognizing the Taliban absent meaningful advancements in establishing guarantees of internationally recognized human rights in law and in practice.
▶ 1:35:25To include the education, employment, free movement and free expression of women and girls in Representative is recognized.
▶ 1:35:36Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to thank you for recognizing the Afghan women that are in the committee hearing room today and my colleagues for their remarks on the underlying bill. This amendment reiterates long-standing principled US policy. The United States will not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan absent meaningful protections for Afghan women's human rights.
▶ 1:36:00For years, the Taliban has been seeking legitimacy from the international community and recently gained formal diplomatic recognition from Russia. This amendment would squarely reject the Taliban's efforts to masquerade as a legitimate government, which the subjugation of half their population shows to be a total farce. I urge all of my colleagues to support my amendment and oppose the Taliban's efforts to whitewash their abuses. Thank you, and I yield back.
▶ 1:36:30Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:36:33Representative Fine.
▶ 1:36:36Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I support the amendment. The Taliban should never ever be legitimized by anyone. Um, it's a Muslim terror regime. It oppresses women. It silences opposition. It enforces a totalitarian ideology that persecutes the people of Afghanistan. No country should formally recognize what they call themselves. And I think it is important particularly given some of the discussions we're having today. They call themselves not the United State of Afghanistan like we do in our country.
▶ 1:37:06They call themselves the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. They organize themselves as a religious theocratic government inspired by a religion. Recognition of their Muslim terror government remains tied to conditions including human rights and the mitigation of terrorism. But I doubt the Taliban will ever make those changes because they believe religiously they cannot. They believe that the way they treat women and girls is morally justified.
▶ 1:37:37They're wrong, but that is what they believe. Instead, they're tightening their grip, creating new laws that oppress people even further. It's important that we present we prevent the Taliban and every Muslim terror regime in the world from reaching any legitimacy. And it's hope our hope that the people of Afghanistan will ultimately rise up and rid themselves of this abhorrent regime and the religious ideology that it represents. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
▶ 1:38:05Representative yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? Uh let's see here. There being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by representative Kaml Logger. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I.
▶ 1:38:29All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to. Are there any further amendments? The clerk shall distribute the
▶ 1:38:46The amendment has been distributed by electronic device. The clerk shall report the amendment.
▶ 1:38:52Amendment number 126 to HR 7669 offered by Miss Klagger Dove of California. At the end, add the following. Section three, actions by the secretary. The Secretary of State in consultation with the heads of other relevant United States government agencies agencies should one support efforts to document and publicize Taliban abuses of internationally recognized human rights and encourage international support for the education of Afghan women and girls. Representatives recognized.
▶ 1:39:20Thank you, Mr. Chair. This amendment urges the Secretary of State to publicize Taliban human rights abuses and to encourage international support for Afghan women's education. It recognizes that the United States has a critical role to play in rallying the international community to oppose the Taliban's treatment of Afghan women. I believe that the Secretary of State's leadership matters.
▶ 1:39:47the human rights violations he calls out matters and if you believe that and you believe Afghan women deserve a future then I urge you to support my amendment. Thank you and I yield back.
▶ 1:39:59Is there any further discussion? There being no further discussion, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Kum Logger. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I.
▶ 1:40:10All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair the eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to. Are there any further amendments? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR 7669 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair. The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 1:40:39A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be Pursuant to notice, I now call up the Foreign Adversary AI Risk Assessment and Diplomacy Act. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill. to require
▶ 1:41:03Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any time. And I recognize myself for a statement on the bill. Thank you. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Bombgartner, for leading this important legislation, which ensures Congress has a clear understanding of the AI threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea.
▶ 1:41:26Our committee has done crucial work to give the United States the advantage over our adversaries who are actively working to undermine America's AI dominance. Even more important than the work that this Congress has done has been the work of our companies, our entrepreneurs, those that put their own capital on the line.
▶ 1:41:45Those engineers that go out there and create and develop frontier AI, the chips, the technology, the memory, everything that is a part of the stack of tech that allows all of this to take place. It is truly beyond incredible in many ways. It's beyond imagination for many.
▶ 1:42:04And uh so I want to thank the the people of the United States of America that have been a part of putting America at the at the forefront of this even well beyond China. We want to make sure that we stay there. As we speak, they are using every tool at their disposal, China and others to try and spy on Americans.
▶ 1:42:28They're using AI to in a more advanced way spy on Americans to attack companies and millions of times a day utilizing AI. The stakes could not be higher. We are in an AI arms race and Congress needs to have the most up-to-date information on our adversaries tactics against us if we are to win. With that, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Is there any further discussion?
▶ 1:42:58Ranking member Meeks,
▶ 1:43:01I support this measure by Rep. Bombgarter Gardner. Autocratic states like Russia and China are investing billions of dollars to develop AI and quantum cap capabilities. China in particular is likely to use these powerful technologies in ways that are contrary to the United States interest and could harm US national security.
▶ 1:43:24This bill requires the Secretary of State to assess the national security risk posed by foreign adversaries using generative AI for malicious purposes. This is a common sense requirement that should help keep Americans safe and ensure that AI is used in ways consistent with our values.
▶ 1:43:45It is worth mentioning that we need to safeguard Americans not just from adversaries use of AI but also the use and misuse of AI right here at home. Secretary Hexith labeling Anthropic as a supply chain risk earlier this month was an unprecedented attack against a private American company and one that is intricral to our ability to win the AI race against China.
▶ 1:44:16DoD's unprecedented coercion of a leading American AI company over issues of mass surveillance and targeting and kinetic operation raises serious questions about whether there are enough guard rails and regulations in place to protect Americans from the use of AI right here in America.
▶ 1:44:37It would be a lot harder to address AI safely and risk internationally with this administration's neglecting those concerns here at home. The American people support innovation, but they do not want innovation that comes at the price of their safety, their privacy, and their livelihoods. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 1:45:02Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion? Representative Bombgartner, the author.
▶ 1:45:08Well, thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to start by thanking you for holding a markup on this uh important piece of legislation and uh extend my appreciation both you, Rank Member Meeks, for uh your good efforts on this important subject. Uh you know, what this bill does is require for the next three years a report on how our foreign adversaries are using AI. And there's many important questions embedded with in that both for members of Congress but more generally for the American people.
▶ 1:45:36Uh uh you know this committee has done some good work. I read a lot about E AI like to consider myself a generally intelligent person and it's still unclear uh to me uh what is the extent of these capabilities? How will they be used? What will be manipulated? Uh what will be generated? What weapon systems will come about? Uh so there are many things that we need to know as we make key decisions over the next few years. Uh but also there are many questions the American people have.
▶ 1:46:02Uh one of the few things that polls even lower than Congress in popularity uh is artificial intelligence. And there's a lot of wellfounded concerns for the American people on the AI ecosystem and what supercomputers are doing. But we also need to understand these capabilities so we can build the knowledge and understanding needed for the American people to support potential countermeasures.
▶ 1:46:26When you look at things like popularity of data centers, well, what if those supercomputers are required to counter the threats uh from countries like China or North Korea if they were to do things like manipulate our elections or use uh autonomous uh weapons systems or uh other potentially problematic things? So uh there's this is a a evol quickly evolving space.
▶ 1:46:51It's a space that has both great promise uh but also great challenge and it is essential that both members of Congress understand how these tools are going to be used but also brought more broadly uh the American people. So I'm very pleased to uh put my name uh on uh this important piece of legislation and work through the process hopefully in a bipartisan fashion uh to get its support. And with that uh Mr. Chair, I yield back. Any further discussion?
▶ 1:47:19There 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 HR7058 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The motion is agreed to.
▶ 1:47:38Mr. Chair,
▶ 1:47:39yes. Could I request a roll call vote?
▶ 1:47:41A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 7653, the Biodense Diplomacy Enhancement Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 1:47:56HR 7653 to enhance diplomatic engagement for international biotechnology.
▶ 1:48:01Without objection, the first reading is dispensed within the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I recognize myself for a statement on the bill. I want to thank Representative Cell for introducing this important piece of legislation. It is unfathomable that in 2026 we are still living under the threat of biological warfare. We understand it, but we hate that it exists.
▶ 1:48:24Despite international adversarial nations and non-state actors continue to pursue bioweapons, programs that have the capability of producing unimaginable death and destruction well beyond what we saw with CO 19 and its weaponization against the world by China. President Trump has made ending this threat once and once and for all a top policy priority for the United States of America.
▶ 1:48:52It is absolutely essential that the state department is equipped to deal with the strategic challenge that these weapons pose. This bill bill would give the state department the tools it needs to enhance cooperation with our allies and partners on biod defense, biocurity security and The legislation also enables the State Department to evaluate opportunities for expanded diplomatic cooperation to improve NATO's capabilities to research, develop, and deploy biotechnology for international security
▶ 1:49:22purposes. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I yield back. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks. I support this measure. The United States must continue to work together to strengthen our capacity to identify, mitigate, and respond to biological weapon threats with within NATO and alongside allies and partners around the And while advances in biotechnologies offer opportunities to increase US and allied
▶ 1:49:52resilience against these threats, these advances also mean that we must continuously evaluate our capabilities and ensure we are appropriately postured to deter, detect, and respond where necessary. And with that, I yield back. Mr. Chair,
▶ 1:50:08ranking member yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? The author, Representative Self.
▶ 1:50:14Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of my bill the biod defense diplomacy enhancement act which aims to strengthen US foreign policy efforts in the rapidly evolving areas of biodense biocurity and biotechnology. We are living in a time of newfound threats that were once considered State and non-state actors alike are utilizing weapons and technologies to enhance their ability to threaten the United States and our allies and partners.
▶ 1:50:43Boweapons leverage harmful pathogens and biotoxins against humans, plants, and animals. These weapons can be used to inflict illness, death, fear, as well as economic and political crisis. Look, war is hell. Bowar would be worse. This bill would enhance US diplomatic efforts to coordinate with allies and partners on efforts to prevent, react, attribute, and recover from a boweapons attack.
▶ 1:51:14The bill also enables the state department to evaluate potential areas of cooperation within NATO to utilize biotechnology for the purpose of defense while ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and security when conducting research in the field. In December, the subcommittee on Europe hosted a hearing on hybrid warfare. I'll provide just two brief takeaways from the hearing from the committee.
▶ 1:51:41Far first, our adversaries are willing to utilize hybrid tactics on both military and civilian targets, including those with little or no strategic value. General chaos, division, and destruction are key pillars of their strategy. Secondly, our adversaries wage hybrid war by covert means. They are prioritizing the development in uh and deployment of tactics, technologies and weapons that enable malign activities while avoiding direct attribution.
▶ 1:52:13Consequently, we must be prepared for the possibility that biofological weapons could be part of this threat landscape. As this fifth generation of warfare takes shape, the State Department must continue to look over the horizon at the threats of the future. My bill does just that. It is essential that this committee recognizes the emerging threats posed by boweapons and the need to strengthen our diplomatic areas in the field of biod defense, biocurity and biotechnology.
▶ 1:52:44I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and I yield back.
▶ 1:52:50Thank you representative self. It's a it's a big discussion on this. Do any other members seek recognition?
▶ 1:52:56Mr. Mr. Chairman,
▶ 1:52:56Representative Bair,
▶ 1:52:59you know, my membership on the biotech caucus and my seat at the House Committee on Space Science and Technology, I have prioritized bio security and biotech. This leads to my deep support for HR7653, the biod defense diplomacy enhancement act. This legislation will strengthen American and NATO's biod defense, bio surveillance and biocurity practices.
▶ 1:53:24All of which can lead and be tied back to safeguarding our communities from pandemics, potential attacks or aggro terrorism and increasing the necessary international cooperation with NATO and other major allies ensures that the US is better equipped to detect, respond to and recover from biological incidents.
▶ 1:53:49Additionally, the State Department officials need to have a consistent directive to advocate for high standards of safety and security in biotechnology research. Risks of misuse, accidental release, or malicious activities may be mitigated with significant guard rails and safe practices when conducting research and the use of these developed technologies.
▶ 1:54:12These standards are significant for diplomacy and biological research abroad and prevent double standards with research domestically. As export controls come to the forefront of Congress's national security focus, it is important for us to prevent dangerous dualuse biotechnology from being obtained by the adversaries, hostile states or terrorist organizations. I yield back.
▶ 1:54:39Gentleman yields back. I appreciate the debate on this. Still just tweaks me, irks me that China has never been held to account for CO 19. I personally think that every country that has fallen into China's debt trap diplomacy should go out there and say any debt that China holds of them, they consider considered null and void because they're never going to get a a dollar, a yen, a pound a euro, or anything else uh for for what China did to the world. So that's my personal take on it.
▶ 1:55:08Um, any further discussion? There being no further discussion, does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no amendments, I move that the committee reports HR 7653 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The motion is agreed to.
▶ 1:55:32Do you request a roll call vote?
▶ 1:55:36A 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 6196, the locally led development and humanitarian response act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 1:55:57HR 6196 to author. Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I recognize the author for any statement.
▶ 1:56:06Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I'm proud to sponsor this legislation with my friend, Congresswoman Young Kim, which would make it easier to work with local organizations to implement foreign assistance. Years of research have shown that localized foreign aid is more efficient and effective. Some studies have found that local partners could increase cost effectiveness by 32%. Localized aid also leads to more sustainable outcomes so that countries can take ownership of development priorities and eventually be self-sufficient and not need foreign assistance at all.
▶ 1:56:35This bill would grant new authorities that will make it more efficient and less burdensome to work with local organizations. We have seen in so many contexts that the local organizations can deliver aid to populations much more easily and cheaply compared to our traditional partners. We saw this for instance with the emergency response rooms in Sudan. This bill also enhances oversight of the United States efforts to work with local organizations and our foreign assistance dollars more generally. The language in this bill is exactly the same as what passed during last year's state authorization markup.
▶ 1:57:05So I urge my colleague to support this bill once again. Thank you.
▶ 1:57:11Representative Yieldsback. I'll recognize myself for a moment to speak about this. I want to thank Representative Jacobs for introducing this important piece of legislation that brings accountability and common sense to how we deliver foreign assistance. This bill prioritizes locally led development by shifting resources and decision-making closer to the communities where that we are trying to support. It focuses on building self-reliance, cutting through unnecessary bureaucracy, and making it easier for effective on the ground partners to access US assistance.
▶ 1:57:39Just as important, it requires clear exit strategies so these programs don't turn into open-ended commitments funded by the American taxpayers. At the end of the day, this is about making foreign aid more efficient, more accountable, more aligned with the United States interest. I always tell people, I believe when we're looking at foreign aid, we need to ask number one, what does the United States of America need from a country or region? What is it that that country or region wants, actually wants from the United States of America?
▶ 1:58:06And if we are assisting them, does the United States of America get what it needs or do we not get what we need? Because that has to be an important part of it. I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. Is there any further
▶ 1:58:19Ranking member Meeks. I support Representative Jacobs's bill which will help the United States deepen our foreign assistance partnerships with local organizations. Countless studies have shown that supporting local organization is a cost effective means of increasing the impact of US foreign assistance programming leading to more sustainable and responsive outcomes. Despite this, the United States government has made insufficient progress furthering localization efforts.
▶ 1:58:49Prior to last year, only 10% of US foreign assistance funding went to local organizations. The remaining funding went to large NOS and other foreign entities that tend to be further removed from the communities they serve. We know that expanding locally led development and humanitarian assistance is not something that happens overnight.
▶ 1:59:13By putting the necessary pieces in place now, we can help set our assistance up for longer term success and send the clear message that we stand firmly behind efforts to ensure local partners can drive programming and results for their own communities. And I yield back the balance of my time. Ranking member yields back. Any further discussion? Seeing none, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 1:59:42There being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR 6196 as amended to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those posted signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes haven't. The motion is agreed to.
▶ 1:59:55Mr. Chairman, a recorded vote, please.
▶ 1:59:57A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 7632, the Shadow Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:00:13HR 7632 to designate a coordinator for hybrid warfare accountability require
▶ 2:00:19Without objection, first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the self amendment in the nature of the 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 for a statement. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Self, for leading this important bipartisan piece of legislation. This bill recognizes a simple reality.
▶ 2:00:47Our adversaries are no longer confronting us solely on traditional battlefields. They are waging hybrid warfare, utilizing cyber attacks, economic coercion, sabotage, malign influence operations, and other grayzone tactics. This has been going on for some time to undermine the US interest and to weaken transatlantic alliance.
▶ 2:01:08We've seen it in Russia where they're using hybrid operations against Ukraine or in China where analysts have described Beijing's approach as a three-phase strategy. First, penetrating networks and institutions. Second, prepositioning leverage through structural dependencies. And third, exerting pressure through economic, cyber, and information tools to influence governments. This bill ensures that we have a cleareyed assessment of these threats.
▶ 2:01:34It establishes a coordinator for hybrid warfare accountability to align our diplomatic inter agency and allied efforts. That means better information sharing, clearer attribution, coordinated responses, and stronger resilience across NATO. The legislation also requires a public report identifying Chinese entities that materially support Russia's defense industrial base and recommending appropriate export controls.
▶ 2:02:03If we are serious about protecting American interests abroad and deterring our adversaries, we need the clear structure and accountability that this bill provides. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks, I support this legislation, but would like to see additional changes as this bill moves forward in the legislative process.
▶ 2:02:26There are some strong aspects of this bill, like its reporting requirements on ties between China and the Russian Defense Industrial Base. But there are important provisions that merit more precision. The definition of hybrid warfare as drafted would allow the unconfirmed coordinator to freelance into the work of the Ebau, Fbureau, and T bureau while sitting in the P bureau.
▶ 2:02:52I think the broad mandate of this unconfirmed coordinator actually undermines the work that Chairman Mass has tried to do in establishing clear reporting lines and organizational structure at the State Department. I'll be offering an amendment that would help address some of these concerns, but for now, I'll just yield back the b back the rest of my time.
▶ 2:03:13Is there any further discussion? Representative S.
▶ 2:03:17Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to lead my ANS to the shadow act, the strategic hybrid activities defense and operations for the west act. As we enter a new era of fifth generation warfare, adversaries like Russia, the People's Republic of China, and Iran are actively undermining the United States and our allies. The battlefield has changed. This is not conventional war. It is hybrid warfare, and it is already underway.
▶ 2:03:43To be clear, we are at war, fifth generation war today. NATO defines hybrid warfare as the coordinated use of military and non-military covert and overt tools. cyber attacks, economic coercion, weaponized mass migration, irregular forces, and conventional capabilities to blur the line between war and peace and destabilized Russia and the PRC are applying this strategy across the dime framework, diplomatic,formational, military, and economic
▶ 2:04:13pressure to intimidate and weaken NATO member states. Since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of U of Ukraine, these hybrid operations have grown more aggressive, sophisticated, and persistent across Europe. As chairman of the subcommittee on Europe, we have already had two hearings examining these threats.
▶ 2:04:35One focused specifically on hybrid warfare in Europe targeting US interests and another on the growing use of weaponized mass migration as a geopolitical tool. These hearings made clear that the tactics are not isolated incidents. They are coordinated strategies designed to destabilize our allies, strain de uh uh democratic institutions, and test western resolve.
▶ 2:05:00In the air, drone incursions over civilian airports and military bases, creating risks and chaos. NATO forces have shot down Russian drones violating Allied airspace. NATO F-35s have intercepted Russian fighters breaching Baltic airspace. These provocations raise tensions and increase the risk of On the ground, Russia's GRU is is suspected of conducting sabotage, arson attacks, rail disruptions, severed undersea cables, and other covert actions.
▶ 2:05:31These are sewing deliberate chaos across our civilian society. cyerspace. Russian counterattacks against NATO countries are increasing year overyear. The PRC is deploying state sponsored hack hacking groups including Salt Typhoon that we're all aware of. Um, let me be clear again, we are in a grayzone conflict even though it has not been formally declared.
▶ 2:05:55The United States must continue leading alongside our NATO allies, but our partners much must match the threat with real investment. They've committed to it. Now we want them to follow through. This act of the shadow act builds directly on the findings of our subcommittee's work. It ensures we systematically identify, analyze, and counter hybrid threats before they escalate further.
▶ 2:06:18This bill also creates a hybrid warfare accountability coordinator at the State Department to unify unify our diplomatic inter agency and allied efforts driving faster attribution, stronger information sharing, coordinated responses and greater resilience across NATO.
▶ 2:06:37Ultimately, this legislation strengthens our ability to confront the shadow warway already underway and ensures the United States and our allies are equipped to meet the fight we are in today. I urge my colleagues to support this critical bipartisan legislation and I yield back. Any further discussion? Jim, you want to go ahead, Mr. Baird? a proud co-sponsor.
▶ 2:07:06As a proud co-sponsor, I'm pleased to support HR 7632, the Shadow Act. This vital legislation strengthens inter agency coordination in the face of hybrid warfare utilized by China, Russia, and other adversaries to the United States. Hybrid warfare and the combining of military, economic, and cyber tactics poses a real and growing threat to US interests abroad.
▶ 2:07:33Ranging from disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks, or the sabotage of critical infrastructure, adversarial actors undermine security of our partners and our homeland. The coordinator of the hybrid welfare as required in this legislation will be responsible for assessing that the state department may contribute to counter these activities.
▶ 2:07:57Additionally, the clear definition of these threats and actions will be established due to this legislation allowing the national security community and the state department to properly respond when necessary. I urge my colleagues to support the shadow act and commend representative self for introducing such legislation. I yield back.
▶ 2:08:18Is there any further discussion?
▶ 2:08:22There being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 2:08:32The clerk shall distribute the
▶ 2:08:36Yes. Amendment number 119. Clerk shall report the amendment.
▶ 2:08:43Substitute for the amendment in the nature of a substitute number 119 to HR 7632 offered by Mr. Meeks of New York.
▶ 2:08:50Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. And before I recognize the uh author, the representative for a minute, I I'm sorry. I I absolutely regret I'm not going to get to sit here and listen to you uh speak about your amendment. I have to go over to TNI and vote. Uh, so Representative Zinci is going to to sit up here. He's going to get to enjoy everything that you have to say and uh I'll hurry back as soon as I can and hopefully not miss any of it.
▶ 2:09:19Well, we will await your arrival.
▶ 2:09:22Your return, I should say.
▶ 2:09:23Rank member Meeks, you are recognized.
▶ 2:09:25Thank you. My amendment would make the establishment of the hybrid coordinator position an authorization rather than a mandate. An edit which I believe provides appropriate flexibility for the department without further hearing and study on the issue at hand. The amendment would also limit the scope of the coordinator's jurisdiction which is too broad and would cut needlessly across bureaus.
▶ 2:09:55Right now, the coordinator currently seated in P would have additional equities impacting E, F, and T. This is just too broad. And so I urge the adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The chair recognizes Mr. Self from the great state of Texas.
▶ 2:10:25U I rise to oppose the Meek's amendment to the shadow act. This amendment takes us in the wrong direction at the wrong time. Uh frankly, the state department, the initiator of the reorganization has agreed that this coordinator position belongs in the P family uh to ensure crossbureau coordination. Now, this bill does not add employees.
▶ 2:10:52Let's be clear and I want to make that uh that point clearly that does not add employees. It simply designates a coordinator.
▶ 2:11:01And I will point out that representatives Keading and Sherman have already agreed to support the underlying I oppose this because I believe that the uh the amendment uses the term unconfirmed coordinators. Uh under the last administration there were many unconfirmed coordinators designated.
▶ 2:11:27This simply takes an ex existing employee and gives him responsibilities that the state department has agreed uh will improve uh our crossbureau coordination. I recommend that my colleagues oppose this amendment and I yield back.
▶ 2:11:46there any discussion? Seeing none, there being no further discussion, the question now occurs in the substitute for the amendment and the nature of a substitute offered by ranking member Meeks. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 2:12:00All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 2:12:03In the opinion of the chair, the nos have it and the amendment is not agreed to. ask for roll call vote.
▶ 2:12:09Uh roll call vote has been requested and and uh it shall be propo uh postponed. Are there any further amendments? Pursuant to the notice, I now call up the US European Nuclear Energy Cooperation Act of 2025. The bill was circulated in advance. The clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:12:37HR2504 to require the secretary of
▶ 2:12:40Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Keing amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated to the members in advance. It shall be considered as read and will be treated as the original text to the proposed amendment. I now recognize myself. actually
▶ 2:13:02uh you can recognize. Do you want to do an opening statement?
▶ 2:13:07I there's any Mr. Kading, you're up. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise today to speak on the US European nuclear energy cooperation act. I appreciate Chairman Mast and ranking member Meeks considering this bipartisan legislation in today's markup and for recognizing it as an important bill.
▶ 2:13:27The US European Nuclear Energy Cooperation Act requires the Secretary of State to draft a strategy to expand US nuclear energy cooperation in Europe and combat Russia's influence in the nuclear energy sector in Europe.
▶ 2:13:41Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion and legal invasion of Ukraine, European allies and partners have had made immense strides in working together to strengthen energy cooperation uh with Europe and the United States and to remove the Russian influence that undermines transatlantic cooperation.
▶ 2:14:02This legislation, which I co-led with South and Central Asian Chairman Bill Heisenga and Representative Bill Foster, makes clear that the United States is stronger when we work with our European allies and partners to build capacity, strengthen supply chain and foster responsible and safe use of nuclear weapons in Europe.
▶ 2:14:24As part of this effort, the bill strengthens the State Department's first program and expands support for the development of new technologies like small modular reactors. European countries including Poland and Romania have already taken advantage of US technology and on Tuesday, Finland became the program's latest contributing partner to the program.
▶ 2:14:46Joining over 50 other nations, Finland brings extensive expertise in nuclear energy which will be vital in supporting first initiatives. Hopefully, this legislation can contribute to further cooperation in this field. Finally, the strategy required by this legislation will work with European allies and partners in the short, medium, and long term. It'll work to remove Russian influence from the European nuclear energy sector.
▶ 2:15:15For decades, Soviet built reactors have dominated the European nuclear energy markets. These reactors continue to provide the Russian Federation with a source of revenue to fund the Kremlin's illegal war in Ukraine as well as establishing a source of geopolitical and economic influence in the countries with nuclear energy sectors. Uh, it should be the bipartisan goal of this Congress to remove all Russian influence from the nuclear energy sector in Europe.
▶ 2:15:45I hope all the members of this committee will support this important legislation to do just that and to protect American allies and our transatlantic security. Uh, thank you and I yield back.
▶ 2:15:58There being no further amendments, I move the committee report. I'm sorry, sorry, Mr. Minks. I support this legislation and thank my colleague Mr. Keading for authorizing the bill for authoring the bill I should say. Russia has for decades leveraged energy exports and energy access as tools to spread its malign influence globally.
▶ 2:16:22And while the United States allies and partners have made significant strides in reducing reliance on Russian oil and natural gas, more must be done to curtail Russia's influence in the nuclear energy market. Russia maintains a strangle hold on the nuclear fuel market and is still the only true commercial exporter of the fuel needed for many advanced and uh rec uh reactors and Rosatam continues to export lifespan extensions
▶ 2:16:52and new uh reactors in Europe and beyond. In fact, the Kremlin's favorite puppet, Victor Orbine, began construction on his new Rosettom reactors in Hungary just last month. So, if the United States is to effectively lead in the nuclear energy space and curtail Russia's influence, this legislation will help ensure we approach that goal with an effective and comprehensive strategy. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 2:17:22Is there any further discussion? Seeing none and seeing no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR2504 as amended to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 2:17:36Those opposed? No. The in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 2:17:42Mr. Chairman, I request a roll call. A roll call has has been requested and it is further action is propos All right. Does any other member offer to an amendment? Pursuant to notice I now call up HR7649 humanitarian theft enforcement act. The bill was circated circulated in advance. The clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:18:13to ensure that persons found responsible for the
▶ 2:18:15unauorous the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Davidson amendment in the nature of a substitute circulated to the members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as the original text for the purposes of an
▶ 2:18:32Do you want to do this opening statement
▶ 2:18:36I'll defer to Mr. Davidson for an opening statement?
▶ 2:18:40Thank you, Chairman. I move to strike the last word and I rise to offer this amendment in the nature of a substitute to the humanitarian theft enforcement act. I'd like to thank Chairman Mast and the committee staff and our uh colleague uh Representative McCormack for his work on this legislation. This is a common sense piece of legislation that establishes clear financial liability for foreign actors who divert or destroy US funded humanitarian assistance.
▶ 2:19:07Too often, bad actors seize life-saving humanitarian aid paid for by American taxpayers that is intended to help those in need. Right now, we have no way to hold these people accountable, which is why this bill is so important. This legislation is aimed squarely at foreign actors who use humanitarian aid as a weapon of war. This ANS reflects extensive state TA and committee work to make this legislation the best it can be towards countering this problem and abusing America's resources.
▶ 2:19:39I applaud this administration for making sure that America's resources always advance America's interest. I think this legislation and this ANS do that. I'd encourage all of our colleagues to support this bill and I yield back.
▶ 2:19:52Is there any further discussion,
▶ 2:19:55Mr. Chairman? The representative from the great state of Indiana is recognized.
▶ 2:20:00Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I stand in support of HR7649, the humanitarian theft enforcement act across conflict ridden ridden uh regions. Malign actors in the Gaza Strip, Somalia, Sudan, and the Dominican Republic of Congo and various other countries have destroyed and diverted humanitarian aid for their political or financial gain.
▶ 2:20:24This legislation allows the Secretary of State to conduct asset forfeite and seizure abroad in tandem with law enforcement to recoup the financial value of destroyed or mishandled humanitarian assistance. America cannot tolerate interference with foreign asset objectives, especially in territory riddled with famine and conflict. Terror groups have for decades abused the vulnerabilities of foreign assistance delivery.
▶ 2:20:53Examples abound, such as Hamas commanding and commodering humanitarian convoys as soon as they enter the Gaza Strip, as well as both the RSF and SAF conducting strikes on humanitarian aid trucks, ending up with collateral damage. As the leader of the free world, the United States works to assist countries and populations in need.
▶ 2:21:14We need not let terrorists, criminal organizations, or rogue leaders dictate the terms in which malnourished civilians receive our assistance and vital care. This legislation identifies the necessary changes in the State Department's authorities to recollect funds. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I recommend my colleagues vote in favor of the Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act. I yield back. Chair now recognizes the ranking member, Mr. Meeks.
▶ 2:21:47I support this bill, which enables the Secretary of State to hold foreign individuals or entities financially liable for diverting or destroying life-saving assistance intended for people who need it. Unfortunately, situations continue to arise where, for example, armed groups attacked aid convoys and destroy humanitarian assistance headed toward communities in urgent need.
▶ 2:22:12These unacceptable actions endanger thousands of lives, and we must ensure those who carry them out face the appropriate consequences. This measure promotes greater transparency and accountability in overseas emergency relief efforts and ensures that bad actors can be held responsible for any damage they cause to our foreign aid.
▶ 2:22:36I look forward to passing this important piece of legislation and I yield back the balance of my time as the chairman has rearrived.
▶ 2:22:44Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Oh, I missed it.
▶ 2:22:52You missed it.
▶ 2:22:53Can you just do it again for me?
▶ 2:22:58I'll just give you give you another five
▶ 2:23:01So, so I don't feel like I missed
▶ 2:23:04All right. Is this where we're at? No further discussion or would you like to be recognized? Representative Davidson. Very good. Any further discussion? There being no further any further Seeing none, there being no further amendments, I move that the committee report H report HR7649 as amended to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 2:23:35Opinion of the chair. The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 2:23:41Roll call vote. Anybody?
▶ 2:23:44Very good. A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, the vote will be Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 7630, the Republic of Georgia Sovereignty Act. The bill was circulated in advance, and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:24:00HR 7630 to prohibit United States.
▶ 2:24:03Without objection, the first reading is dispensed within the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Perry 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 Would the author like to speak first? I would. Very good. You're up. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, offer HR 7630, the Republic of Georgia Sovereignty Act.
▶ 2:24:30As is always the case with me, this is a straightforward principled bill reaffirming a core American commitment. The United States does not and will not recognize any claims of sovereignty over South Asedia and Abcazia other than those of the sovereign Republic of Georgia itself. It prohibits any federal department or agency from taking actions or providing assistance that could imply otherwise.
▶ 2:24:56Russia's 2008 invasion and subsequent recognition of these breakaway regions as independent states was an illegal land grab that violated Georgia's territorial ter territorial integrity and international law.
▶ 2:25:11Nearly two decades later, these terrorist correction territories remain under Russian approximately 20% of Georgia's sovereign land used as leverage against a nation that seek closer ties with the West and the rules-based international order. While the bill's original drafting reflected the fresh wounds of that invasion and the broader context of Russian aggression at the time, its core truth endures.
▶ 2:25:38Borders cannot be redrawn by force, even though Russia continues to try it there and elsewhere. Allowing creeping recognition of these puppet regimes would set a dangerous precedent, not just for Georgia, but for every nation facing hybrid threats, separatism, or territorial ambition from authoritarian powers. This le leg legislation sends a clear message. America stands with Georgia's sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and its democratic aspirations.
▶ 2:26:09It costs nothing, yet reinforces our principles, deters further aggression, and keeps the door open for a peaceful negotiated resolution that respects Georgia's original borders. I urge my colleagues to support the swift markup and passage of the Republic of Georgia sovereignty act will allow us to reaffirm that the United States will never legitimize the fruits of illegitimate invasion. Eur support and I yield the balance.
▶ 2:26:38Any other members seek recognition? Rank member Meeks.
▶ 2:26:40It's good to hear my friend's voice in the committee, Mr. Perry. Uh we generally see much more of you, you know, but Good to see you, Mr. Perry. And on this one, Mr. Perry, I agree with you. I support this bill and thank the majority for working with us to ensure the bill is clear that the United States fully supports Georgia's sovereignty and territory integrity.
▶ 2:27:09Uh, as we've seen with Russia's horrific war of aggression against Ukraine, it is not hard to imagine a world where Russia might take its occupation of Georgian territory a step further and attempt to formally uh annex South Oidia and um I'm going to mess that one up.
▶ 2:27:29um abbecaza as part of Russia or state or stage illegitimate referenda to solidify such This means this measure makes clear that the United States will not recognize any claims of sovereignty over either of those territories than those of the government of the Republic of Georgia, whether by the separatist entities themselves, successor entities, or the Russian Federation.
▶ 2:27:59This is the right policy and we should leave no doubt that our government will uphold it. And with that, I yield back the balance of my
▶ 2:28:07Ranking member yields back. Chair Representative Smith. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Mr. Perry, for authoring this very important resolution. You know, um, for years we never recognized Lithuania, Latafia, and Estonia being part of the Soviet Union. We called them the captive nations.
▶ 2:28:27And I remember with great clarity when Ronald Reagan and I stood right next to him and a group of other members of our of our house when he declared and said we will never our maps didn't show that those uh countries were part of the of of Russia then the Soviet Union and and we stood firm on that and today those countries are free and flourishing.
▶ 2:28:49Uh I was in pardon me I was actually in uh Tlisi uh 11 days after the Russians uh invaded that country that is to say Georgia and uh I had a few of my constituents children who were in south of Sedia and one who was in abcazia and worked for a week there trying to get them out. We did get them out uh but the danger was overwhelming.
▶ 2:29:17Um, we worked with the French, we worked with the OCE because they were the chair in office for the EU that year. Uh, as well as with the Red Cross. Uh, and a number of others were behind these enemy and they were enemy lines. Um, South Asia and and Abcasia are part of Georgia. They're not part of Russia. And the invasion that was that was done by Putin uh was another example.
▶ 2:29:44Ukraine is perhaps the largest and most egregious example of his wars of aggression. Uh but this was another one. Uh and over time it cannot be allowed to stand. So I I thank Mr. Perry for uh bringing this resolution forward.
▶ 2:30:00uh someday south of city and abcazi will be free of the Russian a two years chairman after after um being there again while we were there for the week the Russians were playing this game where they would put their we were in Tlisi I was in Tlisi where they'd put their tanks on the road to Tlisi and then turn them away uh it was kind of like a psychological warfare or maybe he was coming our embassy was cleared out for all non-essential personnel uh we had a great ambassador John Teft uh who was just I thought he was one of
▶ 2:30:30the best ambassadors I've ever met. Uh but it's still we had again this terrible invasion, this terrible annexation of those two areas. Uh so this is a a great iteration reiteration of our concern that they are part that is to say south of city and abcazia they're part of Georgia. I yield back. Representative yields back. Any other members seek recognition? Recognize myself for a moment. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Perry, for leading this important bill.
▶ 2:31:00This bill is simple. It ensures US government recognizes the territory of Georgia as it is. South of are are unalienable parts of Georgia and Russian occupation forces and Russianbacked separatists cannot change that. That's what this is about. The Republic of Georgia has long been a partner of the United States.
▶ 2:31:21Despite questions about its current political leadership, it cuts across politics that Russia's invasion in 2008 started an unjust process of partitioning Georgia along fraudulent claims of sovereignty. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the straightforward common sense bill, making it clear the United States will not tolerate Russian aggression in the South Caucuses. Any other members seek recognition?
▶ 2:31:45Seeing none, there being no further discussion, 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 HR7630 as amended to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 2:32:12Mr. Chairman,
▶ 2:32:13I ask for record a vote. A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Pursuant to notice, I now call up the Securing Partner Supply Chains Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:32:31HR 7675 to require the secretary.
▶ 2:32:33Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I will recognize myself uh for a moment. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Castro, Representative Kim, for leading this important bill. With this bill, we are empowering Secretary Rubio to work with our allies to ensure their supply chains are clean from maligned foreign influence in a global economy, helping our allies protect our own industries and American jobs.
▶ 2:33:01For decades, China has used its investments through state-owned enterprises, proxies, and direct government funding to infiltrate critical supply chains. We have seen how Chinese control of the critical mineral supply chain has allowed them to exert political pressure on our allies like Japan and South Korea. We have seen how Chinese influence in the pharmaceutical supply chain allows the People's Republic of China to control upwards of 50% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients that the United States relies on.
▶ 2:33:28As we've heard from Under Secretary Hellberg last week, there is no frontier, no sector that China does not seek to dominate. Bottom line, economic security is national security. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Is there any further discussion? Ranking member I support this measure by Representative Castro and Kim. Foreign investment is intricral to our economic growth.
▶ 2:33:54Yet, it can also present risk on our to our nation's security if critical infrastructure, sensitive technology, or supply chains are compromised. This is why the United States has the committee on foreign investment in the United States CPHIUS. However, at a time when supply chains are global, we must work with our closest allies and partners to screen risky investments as well.
▶ 2:34:19Unfortunately, many US allied and partnered nations lack the robust regulatory frameworks needed to screen foreign investments in their own nations, which represents a vulnerability to their security and in turn ours. HR7675 requires the Secretary of State to initiate technical training and assistance to allied and partner nations on best practices for screening foreign investments so that they can assess and weed out risks.
▶ 2:34:49Ensuring the security of our supply chains, particularly as it relates to critical infrastructure and our defense industrial base, is crucial to our nation's security. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time. Is there any further discussion of the
▶ 2:35:05Representative Castro.
▶ 2:35:07Uh, thank you, Chairman. Uh, the bill we're considering is the Securing Partner Supply Chains Act legislation that I introduced along with Representative Young Kim of California. The bill would require the Department of State to establish an initiative on foreign investment screening to assist partner countries to establish investment screening mechanisms similar to the United States Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States through technical assistance, training, and advisory services to partners and allies. And the problem this bill addresses is straightforward.
▶ 2:35:36The United States has spent decades building robust tools to screen foreign investment for national security risks. When a foreign company or country wants to invest in a critical industry in the United States, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States reviews the investment before it's finalized. Most of our partners, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, do not have such laws or regulations. That gap is being exploited.
▶ 2:36:00In November 2024, Xi Jinping personally inaugurated the Port of Shanghai in Peru, a $ 1.3 billion Chinese stateowned facility, now the largest deep water port on South America's Pacific coast. The Pentagon has warned of its potential dual use for PRC naval operations.
▶ 2:36:20Chinese stateowned enterprises operate port facilities in many countries, and Chinese companies are attempting to secure contracts for critical minerals in countries like These challenges are not limited to just to the western hemisphere but occur in other parts of the world as well. The securing partner supply chains act addresses this directly.
▶ 2:36:40It directs the state department to establish a three-year initiative to provide technical assistance and training to partner governments on investment screening best practices, facilitate coordination among US agencies and partner countries, support the development of screening mechanisms through regulatory guidance and information sharing, and report annually to Congress on progress. This is a cost-effective force multiplying approach to a real world national security challenge. And it does so while supporting the sovereignty of our partners.
▶ 2:37:10I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back.
▶ 2:37:14Any further discussion of the bill? Seeing none, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 2:37:22Being no amendments, I move that the
▶ 2:37:25May I speak?
▶ 2:37:26Uh, yes. Would you like to speak?
▶ 2:37:32Representative is recognized.
▶ 2:37:34Thank you, chairman. I rise in support of HR7675, the securing partner supply chains act, and that I am co-leading with Representative Castro. For decades, the Chinese Communist Party has deliberately infiltrated global supply chains in critical sectors, not just for profit, but to create chokeolds that enable control and coercion of our allies. This is no accident.
▶ 2:38:00It is a calculated strategy to exploit market access and gain political leverage. This committee is all too familiar with China's dominance in critical mineral refinement, ship building, and active pharmaceutical ingredient supply chains. But the threat extends further. Beijing uses investments to exert economic pressure on our partners, holding them hostage to PRC demands.
▶ 2:38:26Just as President Trump is pushing to reshore and unshore many of our industries and diversify critical supply chains, we must encourage allies to do the same. In many cases, this means by strengthening laws and regulations to prevent malign foreign influence from penetrating markets through Chinese investment.
▶ 2:38:50directs the Secretary of State to launch a three-year pilot program, helping partners build foreign investment screening mechanisms that is modeled on the Committee on Foreign Investment or CPHAS. No new funding is authorized in this legislation. This bill also directs the under secretary for economic growth, energy, and the environment to implement and oversee this initiative.
▶ 2:39:16And as we heard from the under secretary during his testimony last week, no sector is immune to the CCP's drive for domination. This bill equips the department to push back and help allies assert their economic sovereignty. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure and I yield back.
▶ 2:39:38Now, is there any further discussion? All right. Being no further discussion, any amendments? There being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR7675 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 2:39:55Ask for a roll call vote.
▶ 2:39:56Opinion of the chairs. The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed.
▶ 2:40:06Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 7674, the Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:40:15HR 7674 to require the secretary of
▶ 2:40:18Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. I'm going to recognize myself for a statement on this piece of Thank you. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Moscowitz, for leading this bill, though Representative Moscowitz is not here to receive my thanks.
▶ 2:40:38The overwhelming success of operation of successful operation to bring Nicholas Maduro to justice has given the Venezuelan people a once- ina generation opportunity to take back their country after years of living under a brutal naroterrorist dictator. Secretary Rubio has laid out a clear three-phase plan for a democratic transition, stabilization, recovery, and transition. And we are seeing this plan unfold before our eyes.
▶ 2:41:03The administration is also actively supporting civil society inside Venezuela and has airlifted over 156,000 pounds of critical medical supplies to the Venezuelan people. The Trump administration is paving the way to a democratic Venezuela. This bill formalizes the administration's ongoing strategy uh by requiring it to be submitted to Congress alongside annual progress reports, ensuring transparency and accountability as we advance these efforts and highlight the administration's successes on each front.
▶ 2:41:32I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this piece of legislation. Is there any more further discussion on this bill? Ranking member Meeks,
▶ 2:41:41I want to thank Mr. Marowitz uh for championing this critical piece of legislation and helping to give a voice to the people of Venezuela here in Congress. No one on this committee, Mrs. Nicholas Maduro. He and Deli Rodriguez oversaw a brutal regime that repressed the Venezuelan people, committed crimes against humanity, and stole the 2024 election from Emando Gonzalez and the Democratic opposition.
▶ 2:42:12With this administration and Venezuela, I tell you though, I can't help but feel like uh we are living in the twilight zone. You know, if you had told me that a Democratic administration had chosen to formalize and recognize uh the autocrat Deli Rodriguez as the leader of Venezuela without any governance concessions, I would have grabbed
▶ 2:42:42a popcorn to hear some of my colleagues and their reply to that some time ago on this committee, Miss Salazar, and of course then Senator Rubio or any other Republicans who exterate them.
▶ 2:43:00If he had told me a year ago that Deli Rodriguez biggest backers weren't Raul Castro and Vladimir Putin, but rather they are Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would have entered into I think they would have had a cardiac arrest. So let's be clear.
▶ 2:43:24The Biden administration led a coalition of 50 countries to oppose Maduro and Deli's stolen 2024 elections. 14 months into this administration, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio have completely abandoned the Democratic opposition led by Maria Corina Machado. President Trump does not care about democracy in Venezuela. He cares about the oil in Venezuela.
▶ 2:43:52He claims to exercise incredible leverage over Venezuela, but has not used it to secure the release of 500 political prisoners whom longtime Venezuelan democracy advocate uh Pedro Berilli noted, quote, no longer are no longer Maduros. They are Trump's and Rubio's. And I hope they understand that. And that's why consideration of this legislation is so important. Mr.
▶ 2:44:20Makowitz's bill will require a strategy from the Department of State to support a democratic transition in Venezuela, which is in the Venezuelans and Americans best interest without US pressure in coordination with our allies in the region. The unsustainable status quo that collapsed Venezuela's economy and forced millions into exile will prevail.
▶ 2:44:45without structural reforms inside of Venezuela that open political space, reform the national electoral council, and end the repressive state security apparatus, any changes we are seeing on the ground will be purely cosmetic and temporary. So, I urge my colleagues to support this measure and stand with the people of Venezuela that they want a democracy in which they have a voice in. They want a vote.
▶ 2:45:16They believe in democracy. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 2:45:21Any other members seek recognition. Being no further discussion, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? Being no amendments, I move that the committee report HR 7674 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Anybody like a roll call vote? All right.
▶ 2:45:46Roll call. Ask for roll call.
▶ 2:45:48Roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be
▶ 2:45:54Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR7605, the African Development Foundation Termination Act of 2026. The bill was circulated in advance. The clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 2:46:05HR 7605 to abolish the United States African Development Foundation. Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point.
▶ 2:46:16And does anybody seek recognition?
▶ 2:46:18Mr. Chairman,
▶ 2:46:20I have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 2:46:21Uh, not quite there yet. would you like to be recognized?
▶ 2:46:32I apologize. I would I can't hear what you're saying. I'm can't hear out of my left ear. My wife says it's selective, but the doctor told me otherwise. So,
▶ 2:46:40Got it. So, is nothing to do with your left ear? There's no tie to politics or
▶ 2:46:46No, no, it's just uh I think riding with the window down, riding motorcycles, maybe shooting guns.
▶ 2:46:52What kind of What kind of bike do you
▶ 2:46:56Got a 47 Indian Chief. I got a 64 Bonavville, 68 Bonable.
▶ 2:47:01All right.
▶ 2:47:03Mustang. It's a It's a motorcycle. Um, se 1972 BSA. I can go on, but we I had over a hundred motorcycles when I got married.
▶ 2:47:14Okay. I got a little less.
▶ 2:47:16I married my wife. You got a what?
▶ 2:47:18I got extra garage space in Florida if you run out of room.
▶ 2:47:21All right. Well, I'll sell you a few.
▶ 2:47:23Got it.
▶ 2:47:25All right. Burchet, you're recognized.
▶ 2:47:27Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The United States African Development Foundation, the USADF, is an independent federal agency that provides financial assistance to small businesses and community groups and underserved populations in Africa. However, I have serious concerns about this agency's recent conduct. On January 30th, 2026, the director of financial management of the United States African Development Foundation was indicted by the Department of Justice and plead guilty to financial fraud.
▶ 2:47:55Additionally, the Government Accounting Office and the Office of Inspector General have highlighted several issues within the AY's operation for years. The bill is simple. It abolishes the United States African Development Foundation. And I'm committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in government systems and services, inefficient, and ineffective agencies that mismanage taxpayer dollars. They've got to be terminated. Terminated. Mr.
▶ 2:48:20Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support HR7605 and I have five horses that I would like to sell if anybody's interested.
▶ 2:48:31I don't have any stable space. I do have garage space. So,
▶ 2:48:36and I'd like to call for a vote on that. A voice vote.
▶ 2:48:39We'll get to that in a little bit here,
▶ 2:48:41I would yield to Jonathan Jackson today if that's all right. if I need to.
▶ 2:48:47You You want to give him 3 minutes and 40 seconds? Is that I mean, he can get
▶ 2:48:51Give him about 15 seconds because he's a constant thorn in my side.
▶ 2:48:5515 seconds. Got it. Make it count.
▶ 2:48:59Thank you so much, Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member. Um I have enormous respect for Congressman Burchett, but Mr. Chairman, I strongly disagree and this and oppose this bill. It reveals a retreat from, I believe, responsibility and an abandonment of those who have long looked to this nation not as a savior but as a partner in the difficult work of development.
▶ 2:49:22The US African Development Foundation is an independent US agency established by Congress in 1980 to invest directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs. It empowers local African-led solutions to reduce poverty, create jobs, and improve food security.
▶ 2:49:40The foundation targets marginalized populations and underserved communities, and in doing so, it partners with African governments, other US government agencies, and private corporations to achieve transformative results. The results are clear, and it's something that we can all be proud of.
▶ 2:49:57Between 2019 and 2023, it has awarded more than $141 million in grants to more than 1,50 communities, African enterprises directly affecting the lives of more than two 6.2 million people on the continent. Any issues of fraud, waste, and abuse within the foundations were addressed as a result of a USAD office of inspector general inquiry on March 25th, 2024 and concluded in August 2024.
▶ 2:50:28That issue has been resolved respectfully. It is unacceptable that a foundation that fosters grassroot economic growth in Africa by providing seed capital, technical support directly to underserved communities and small enterprises has become a victim of Elon Musk and his misinformed and immoral Doge ideology. Now that Doge is closing, we have found that it has cost the government more than it has saved.
▶ 2:50:55At a time when the challenges we face, war, pandemic, climate change, demand partnerships we cannot choose withdrawal, I remind my colleagues across the aisle that their capriccious cuts cost real lives, and I urge this committee to vote no on isolation and abandoning our commitment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 2:51:17Representative yields back.
▶ 2:51:19Any other members seek recognition?
▶ 2:51:22Representative Beeks. uh my good friend Mr. Burchett um who you know I think that he's maybe the funniest man in Congress and uh he has a you know dual careers I mean you can do a live uh reality TV uh if you want uh you could be on one of these nightly night shows uh uh I respect you and in that regards uh but I have to
▶ 2:51:52agree with Mr. Jackson on this and I strongly oppose this bill uh which would abolish an agency that has played an important role in supporting underserved communities across Africa. Uh since its founding in 1980, the US African Development Foundation has supported thousands of womenowned businesses, increased youth employment opportunities, and expanded energy access in impoverished communities across the continent.
▶ 2:52:23Although work and and all through work at grassroots level to empower our African partners, the USADF is not perfect. I don't know many things that are perfect, but many of the circumstances my colleagues are discussing today are situations that we have existing tools to address. The Department of Justice investigates and prosecutes individuals for criminal misconduct.
▶ 2:52:52And that's exactly what the DOJ has done in this case. The Office of the Inspector General responds to complaints and identifies instances of wrongdoing as part of its mission to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. And the Government Accountability Office conducts audits, helps to recover funding from improper payments, and identifies improper management of government resources.
▶ 2:53:17In short, we already have appropriate mechanisms to deal with the instances of wrongdoing and those mechanisms are working. You know where else those mechanisms are working? They're working at the Department of Defense. DOJ announced 633 million in forced claims act settlements and judgments against defense contractors in fiscal year 2025.
▶ 2:53:44That's a significant amount of fraud for a federal government department that has failed to pass an audit literally every year it's been legally required to. But I don't hear calls to abolish the Department of Defense. Instead, I hear my colleagues echoing President's Trump's call for a $1.5 trillion defense budget increase next year. That does not and looks hypocritical to me.
▶ 2:54:11So now, I am willing to consider reforms to promote greater transparency and accountability in the USDF's work, but this legislation does none of that. It merely cuts assistance to vulnerable communities already that have been devastated by President Trump's earlier assault on foreign aid. I cannot support such cruel and senseless action.
▶ 2:54:34Just two weeks ago, Elon Musk and Pete Morocco's plans to close USDF through Doge were officially defeated in the courts, paving the way for USADF's Korea staff to finally get back to work. So, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and I yield back the balance of my time. Any other members seek recognition? Representative, anybody over? Representative Jacobs.
▶ 2:55:02Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Well, first of all, Mr. Burchhead, I heard you were offering some horses for sale. So, um,
▶ 2:55:10that sounds fun.
▶ 2:55:18thank you. Um, Mr. Chair, I oppose this legislation. Uh while I strongly condemn the acts of waste, fraud, and abuse from former USADF employees, I do not think that we should be abolishing agencies when there are instances of fraud. I sit on the Armed Services Committee. There is no shortage of waste, fraud, and abuse at the Pentagon. They have never even passed an audit. But no one is talking about dismantling the Defense Department, just renaming it.
▶ 2:55:46At the department, USADF and elsewhere in our government, we have put mechanisms in place to find this fraud and prosecute it. As the Department of Justice recently did in the case of the former director of financial management at USADF, it is an absolute betrayal of taxpayers for any fraud to happen. And I'm thankful our oversight mechi mechanisms are in place so they can make sure these crimes are stopped, prosecuted, and prevented from happening again.
▶ 2:56:12That's what took place with Instead of abolishing this agency that was doing a lot of good on the African continent, I would implore my Republican colleagues to work with me to figure out how to reform this agency so that it meets the challenges of today and can fill the gap that the gutting of USAD left behind. So I cannot support this legislation and I urge my colleagues to
▶ 2:56:32Any other members seek recognition? I recognize myself rise in support of this legislation. I want to thank Representative Burchett for this legislation and I want to first talk about this comparison that's being made. Well, uh, we're not abolishing the Department of War or the Department of Defense. Why would we be abolishing this? Well, we did abolish very specific
▶ 2:56:55within the Department of Defense now Department of War that were wasteful, that were abusive, that were not accomplishing the mission. Uh, let's talk about the Chief Diversity Office. There'd be a chief one right there. Uh, but you're not recognized. It is my We're not proposing to abolish the Department of State. That would be an applesto apples comparison uh for the the members that are making this argument. You're not making an applesto apples comparison. We get rid of crappy bad programs that are wasting the American taxpayer dollars.
▶ 2:57:25So, let's go to what my colleagues want to defend as let's get back to business as usual. Here's one. These are specific things that we're getting rid of by getting rid of this this uh development program. This African Development Foundation Terminization Act, US African Development Foundation Act terminated uh 51 million in grants.
▶ 2:57:46I would give them a standing ovation for that because it was things like 229,000 for marketing 100% organic shea butter in Bkina Faso. Not the best use of taxpayer dollars. 84,000 for a business incubator for spa and spa and wellness entrepreneurs in Nigeria. There was 239,000 for marketing pineapple juice in Benin. There was uh couple hundred,000 for mango drying facilities in the Ivory Coast.
▶ 2:58:16Uh increased yogurt production in Uganda. Uh WhatsApp marketing in Kenya uh and to to drain far train farmers to grow dragon fruit in Sagal. There was 9.1 million left unsecured across 13 countries. US government funds remained in foreign bank accounts with undetermined access controls with about 55 million in open obligations.
▶ 2:58:41424,000 in unapproved invoices still still being dealt with at this point. finance director at this a at this at this uh department ran a $617,000 pass through scheme plead guilty to accepting illegal gratuitities and making false statements after steering uh that $617,000 through a Kenya based pass through company.
▶ 2:59:06In addition to that, they were wiping data in systems deliberately taking offline 21 separate servers, including in six unknown locations where they were not supposed to be all logging information then deleting information that that was not supposed to take place at all. I'm going to submit for the record a report US African Development Foundation operational in inventory report systemic patterns of fraud, waste, and abuse. without objection.
▶ 2:59:37So ordered. This doesn't mean that there is not work being done in Africa. This committee continues to support foreign assistance in US interests. 19 global health compacts, 10 MCC compacts active or in development. At least 300 active DFC awards exceeding 13 billion, making Africa the largest regional commitment. Where there's an opportunity to do good work, good work is done.
▶ 3:00:04But where whether in the Department of State or the Department of War or anywhere else, there have been these offices of waste, fraud, and abuse, they're gone. And I'm glad to see this office be gone. Uh and in that, do any other members seek recognition? Anybody want to argue about the waste, fraud, and abuse? Anybody want to say I'm lying?
▶ 3:00:33I can argue about what the waste fraud and abuse in this DoD that I don't hear anybody talking about. I can argue and say that if you want to that the Pentagon is only one of 24 federal agencies that has not passed an unmodified financial audit since the chief financial officer uh act of 1980.
▶ 3:00:52I can totally I can I can I can argue that on that according to the government watchdog open books the defense department is spending in September of 2035 reach levels not seen since 2008 a total of $93 billion. This included over $225 million on furniture alone, the highest amount since 2014, such as $12,000 on fruit basket stands and over $60,000 on designer chairs.
▶ 3:01:2098,23 $329 of Steinway uh son's grand pianos a $26,000 violin a $21,750 handmade Japanese flute were among $1.8 million spent on instruments the Pentagon also made $6.6 billion in purchases from foreign entities over 1 billion more than the previous record of 5.2 2 billion in September of 20 uh 23.
▶ 3:01:48Uh reporting this year indicates that over $1.7 million has been spent by the Air Force maintenance unit on luxury knives that have literally no maintenance purpose. So I could go on and on also about waste fraud and abuse as well as when you talk about DEI, you talk about how it was eliminated in the state in the state department. Well, guess where they want DE and in DoD. They did not eliminate deliberately in that program
▶ 3:02:15eliminated uh diversity, equity, inclusion officers uh being the the chief DEI officers in all of these agencies. One of the first things that was done couldn't be more proud of that taking as far as waste, fraud, and abuse goes anywhere. Let's get rid of it anywhere. Absolutely anywhere. But don't come in here and say that that this wasn't taking place in the State Department where it is our duty to go over these things. there was the proper examination to get rid of what was taking place there. You don't get rid of the whole agency.
▶ 3:02:46I submitted it for the record. You didn't disagree with me. You didn't object to me submitting it for the
▶ 3:02:49Get rid of the whole agency just like you don't get rid of DoD.
▶ 3:02:52Oh, we get
▶ 3:02:53you get rid of the You get the the people that committed the crimes are
▶ 3:02:57We get rid
▶ 3:02:58What is you? So, you fix it. You don't end it.
▶ 3:03:01We're fixing it by ending it. Now, I just made the point that there are still a number of programs ongoing from DFC to MCC, uh, other global compacts. I didn't hear you talking about those great things that are going on.
▶ 3:03:13It's like you're just interested in a brand. Oh, we just need this brand to go forward even though all these terrible things were going on. Let's just continue this brand.
▶ 3:03:21Mr. Armo has going to have an amendment again to remember that it was this brand was created by Congress and authorized by Congress. That's why we need to keep doing state authorization acts to get rid of these things by Congress.
▶ 3:03:40Well, you want to let's get rid of them. Want to get rid of those things in DoD. I don't hear the same uh uh advocacy for you about the mismanagement in DoD.
▶ 3:03:48I would encourage you to speak to your your steering committee and get placed on HS.
▶ 3:03:52No, placed on H.
▶ 3:03:55Yeah. House talking about
▶ 3:03:58that stands for House Armed Services Committee. You're talking about uh race, fraud, and abuse in one area where we're destroying ourselves over because some of that foreign right now 500,000 to a million people have because of Doge and the cuts that have have uh that have taken place in the State Department.
▶ 3:04:27Not one ounce of truth in that.
▶ 3:04:29Oh, there's a lot there's a whole lot of truth to it.
▶ 3:04:31The United States of America.
▶ 3:04:33Have you ever heard of PEPAR? Do you know how many people
▶ 3:04:35I know well about PEPAR and all of the waste, fraud, and abuse that was going
▶ 3:04:39You know how many lives it saved?
▶ 3:04:41Do you know that?
▶ 3:04:42Do you know how many lives that were still how many lives it saved
▶ 3:04:46that we're getting rid of the waste
▶ 3:04:48Do you know how many lives it
▶ 3:04:49You don't want to get rid of the waste, fraud, and abuse in it. You're just interested in I don't want to
▶ 3:04:52let's continue Pepart. Let's not get rid of the stuff in what I say is where there is problem.
▶ 3:04:59Mr. Chairman,
▶ 3:05:00where there is a problem, we fix it. We don't end it. The same thing in the state department at all. I'm consistent completely. I'm not just going one side and the other. I am consistent.
▶ 3:05:12Sometimes the rod is re beyond repair. The rod is re beyond repair there.
▶ 3:05:18Now, you're bringing up PEPAR. Did you want to tell the American people that there's there's nothing going on with PEPAR? Go ahead and tell that line.
▶ 3:05:24I'm telling you how many people uh
▶ 3:05:26But is PEP FAR going on or not?
▶ 3:05:28Not in the way that it managed it had.
▶ 3:05:29But is PE pepar going on?
▶ 3:05:30Not in the manner it had been.
▶ 3:05:32That's right. Because it was going on in a wasteful, fraudulent, abusive manner. That's why it's not going on in the way that it was.
▶ 3:05:39Are dying as a result. The lives that we owe a great explanation to the American
▶ 3:05:44The life that it saved, 500,000 to a million people have died as a result of these actions. We ended the waste, fraud, and abuse that was going on in PEPAR. That's why it's not going on in the way that it was. But is it still going on in part PEPAR?
▶ 3:05:57It's still going on in the state
▶ 3:05:59There you go. Still going on. So, it's not going on in the waste and fraudulent abusive way that it was,
▶ 3:06:07right? But you want to continue the status quo in PEPAR. You'd like to go back to what it was.
▶ 3:06:11Continue the humanitarian concern that we have about human beings all over the world. The aid, the human rights, not none of which is talked about.
▶ 3:06:19Humanitarian State Department that we had yesterday that one program they talk about that they didn't know anything about not doing their job at all was dealing with humanitarian aid.
▶ 3:06:30How can we lead when we don't care about anybody else but ourselves?
▶ 3:06:34The American people number one proudly.
▶ 3:06:36We don't we don't care if we don't care about anybody else but ourselves. We we are endangering the American people.
▶ 3:06:41Compare care about the Americans.
▶ 3:06:42And you're opening the door for China because every time we pull back, you talk about China, China moves in. No, that's not You like to make that argument, but not the case.
▶ 3:06:52It's a fact.
▶ 3:06:52The United States of America still does more than anybody out there
▶ 3:06:56because it has more money than anybody out there. We're the richest country in the world, and that gives us responsibility as a result of that.
▶ 3:07:03You know, ranking member Meek,
▶ 3:07:04we are the rich c richest country in the world. We should care about other people, especially those that are needed. If we want to have a world that we share,
▶ 3:07:12whenever I have uh high schools here, I always ask them the same question or middle middle schools, elementary schools, I always ask them the same question. How many government dollars are there? And they all sit there and they scratch their heads and they ponder and they throw out a billion or a hundred billion or a million or this and that. And I always tell them it's a trick question because the answer is none. It all belongs to we the people. It all comes out of the pockets of we the people. I see you huffing and puffing about saying that. Which is why
▶ 3:07:37the dollars of we the people keep huffing and puffing about which is why yesterday I talked about $200 billion dollars that the president is asking
▶ 3:07:43and we should then examine and know how that money is being spent. That's right.
▶ 3:07:46But you don't care about that.
▶ 3:07:47You've been given but you don't care about you care about that. I talked about transparate briefings that we need to give the American people so they know what their money is being spent on.
▶ 3:07:57Have you given healthare as we as gas prices continue to go up as food continues to go up? We don't care about that. The American people care about lack of attendance.
▶ 3:08:08The American people cares about food, cost, gas, and gas has gone up.
▶ 3:08:14Must not be listening when you go to the
▶ 3:08:16The gas has gone up. I listen. I listen when I go. There's three hearings. You can't hear if you're 45 minutes that we
▶ 3:08:22I don't know if you got some kind of secret microphone in here, but you can't hear if you're 45 minutes.
▶ 3:08:26And the people can't hear the truth if you don't call the hearings. If you don't call hearings to have transparency, the people of the United States will never know. Do you just want things in a classified session and the people never know what's going on?
▶ 3:08:39You had a hearing yesterday
▶ 3:08:40and I've been there
▶ 3:08:41two the the weekend session before that. another in the weekend session before the greatest thing the most disturbing and what's costing the American people right now is Trump's choice of war in Iran where gas prices have gone up over a dollar in less than a month where food prices were going are going up where the cost of health care is going this is what the American people are asking for do you recall
▶ 3:09:11voting to give the president the direction of What to do? You voted to quote you, "President, use any and all means necessary." That was your vote.
▶ 3:09:18I want That was your vote.
▶ 3:09:19No, my my my oath of office is to make sure that I oversee
▶ 3:09:27the executive branch of government. That's my oath.
▶ 3:09:31I know you like to argue, but you should do more and No, no. I want you to do your job as the chairman to have these
▶ 3:09:38We just did one yesterday. We kept doing them the week before. So then let's bring in as I asked yesterday. Let's
▶ 3:09:44start writing them on the wall up there so that you know the dates of what they subpoena let's subpoena let's subpoena Kushner and let's subpoena wick off because they and those last two who have nothing to do with the federal government. They not they've not been cleared through anything. They
▶ 3:10:02had Rubio at least three times.
▶ 3:10:04I said those two
▶ 3:10:05you've had Rubio at least three times. Secretary of War Seth
▶ 3:10:08not on the war. John Radcliffe, CIA.
▶ 3:10:10Not not in this committee.
▶ 3:10:12They had them in this committee. You had them in this committ.
▶ 3:10:14Classified briefings at all. Did you have them in this comm all of these classified briefings?
▶ 3:10:17I've been at all of those classified
▶ 3:10:19I just told you you've had them.
▶ 3:10:20I've been at all those three of them.
▶ 3:10:22Three of them.
▶ 3:10:23I just give you the encouragement.
▶ 3:10:25Two of them they have for members of
▶ 3:10:27I would encourage I'm going to take I've enjoyed the colloquy with you. I would just encourage you, you know, do your
▶ 3:10:34I would encourage you to do yours and have transparency on the comm. Mr. Chairman, can I call for your job and have transparency on on the committee? You don't tell me how to do my job. Have the committee. Have Rickoff here. I'll be here.
▶ 3:10:46Should I give you an engraved invitation? Will that get you here on
▶ 3:10:50Have Kersner here. I'd be here.
▶ 3:10:52Well, do you need an engraved
▶ 3:10:53You don't tell me. I You don't tell me when or what to do.
▶ 3:10:57I'm asking you. Will you have Kushner
▶ 3:10:59You going to show up on time?
▶ 3:11:00Yeah. Get Kushner here.
▶ 3:11:01We'll see if I can get you an engraved invitation. Get Kushner here and get Witoff here and get it in front of the American people
▶ 3:11:08pigeon. How do I
▶ 3:11:08You care about the American people
▶ 3:11:11Give them transparenc.
▶ 3:11:11I gave two legs and a finger for this.
▶ 3:11:13Give them transparity.
▶ 3:11:14So that's how much I care about.
▶ 3:11:15Give them transparity.
▶ 3:11:17I care about them. The people that's in state department care about them.
▶ 3:11:21Not the people that were wasting.
▶ 3:11:22No. The people in the state department gave up their lives. Many of them that don't work anymore. You may only respect some people. I respect all of them. I respect you for what you did in the military service. I respect those that was in the state department that gave their were giving up lives and making sure they making sacrifices all over.
▶ 3:11:39I don't respect the ones that steal from the American I respect those in the DoD what this bill is about.
▶ 3:11:44Do the same thing.
▶ 3:11:45I don't respect heard you talk about them either.
▶ 3:11:47Well, like I'm not happy.
▶ 3:11:49Let's have transparency.
▶ 3:11:49I was just talking about it with you.
▶ 3:11:51Let's have transparency.
▶ 3:11:53It's been a fun uh conversation. I'll make sure to get you that engraved
▶ 3:11:57So, all right. Where are we at on this?
▶ 3:12:02Any more discussion besides from you and
▶ 3:12:05I would like to call for a recorded
▶ 3:12:09And I'd also I need to get back to my office because
▶ 3:12:13I ordered tacos before I left and if I get soggy tacos, I'm coming back and rail on one particular chairman and one particular ranking member.
▶ 3:12:25Any amendments?
▶ 3:12:26Wait a minute. Does this young man have an amendment? I'm sorry.
▶ 3:12:28He has an amendment. I'm sorry. This this young man does have an amendment. shall distribute the amendment. Clerk shall report the amendment.
▶ 3:12:42Amendment in the nature of a substitute number 67 to HR 7605 offered by Mr. Amo of Rhode Island. Strike all after the
▶ 3:12:50without objection. Further reading of the amendment is dispensed with. Representative is recognized.
▶ 3:12:54Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And look, I think the ranking member said a lot of what I will say uh because frankly this is a reckless attempt to permanently shutter the US African Development Foundation. This is a key pathway for the US government to invest in small and locally led development projects on the African continent. All those things, Mr. Chairman, that that you read off, we're all businesses. They're all enterprises.
▶ 3:13:21Um, these are programs that are life-changing for the communities that they serve while also supporting US security and economic interests. The American people win and by directly investing in local African enter enterprises. The foundation creates jobs, empowers local workers, and reduces poverty. These programs foster safer and more stable communities that are less vulnerable to uh conflict and violent extremism. That makes us all safer.
▶ 3:13:49The foundation also creates opportunities for long-term US investment in developing markets. The program supported by the foundation build goodwill towards the US on the African continent uh a place that's growing uh and influence in the world and that strengthens our relationships and promotes our diplomatic goals. So look, I I agree with Mr. Burchett uh that reforms are important to ensure that the foundation has sufficient procedures to prevent fraud and ensure that funding is spent appropriately.
▶ 3:14:16But this is not a serious bill that does the work of reform. This is simply just another example of Republicans using claims of fraud and abuse to destroy our development programs, compromise our relationship with our allies, and abandon our leadership on the world's stage. If Republicans were serious about preventing waste, fraud, and abuse, they would start by cleaning up their own house rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The Government Accountability Office and the US A Office of Inspector General have already proposed solutions for the foundation.
▶ 3:14:47Solutions that the foundation has been unable to implement because of the Trump administration's illegal efforts to shut them down. So, my amendment would stop this dangerous plan laid out in the bill to terminate the US African Development Foundation. Instead, it would highlight the foundation's good work in supporting African development and promoting American national security and economic interests while emphasizing the need for reform, something we can all agree on.
▶ 3:15:12Let's implement the expert at recommendations from the Government Accountability Office and the US Aspector General, not light another fire. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and oppose the underlying bill and I yield back.
▶ 3:15:25Any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks. I support the vice ranking members amendment because it offers an important reminder. Congress authorized the US African Development Foundation for a very good reason to support locally development on the African continent and that mission remains very vital today.
▶ 3:15:52The amendment also makes clear that the USADF must address the management challenges identified in recent inspector general and GAO report GAO reports. We should support these important reforms and urge the USADF to adopt them quickly. This is a reasonable approach to replace what is otherwise an unreasonable bill to abolish the USADF.
▶ 3:16:18I cannot condone the further destruction of our foreign assistance institutions especially where Africa is concerned. Where we move out, China moves in. China now has more consulates on the continent of Africa than we do. And so I thank Mr. Amo for offering this amendment and I urge all of my colleagues to support his amendment. and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 3:16:48Any other members seek recognition? Recognize myself for a moment. Anybody tell me the Chinese PEP FAR program? Just because we end wasteful, fraudulent, abusive programs, it doesn't mean that China moves in. And even if they do move in on something, that doesn't mean that we continue wasteful, fraudulent, abusive programs. We don't do it.
▶ 3:17:14It's a slap in the face to the American people and the African Development Foundation has been a slap in the face to the American people. Been very beneficial to the African people in a number of ways. Been beneficial to the people that had pass through schemes. Certainly beneficial to the the entity that got 229,000 for 100% organic shea butter.
▶ 3:17:35I'm sure it was a huge consideration for people across the continent of Africa, but a slap in the face to the American Good work working to get rid of this. Representative Burchett, are there any further amendments? Seeing no further amendments, I move that the committee report.
▶ 3:18:01Oh, we're going to vote on the amendment first. Let's see here. There we go.
▶ 3:18:19Thank you.
▶ 3:18:23Would you like that one?
▶ 3:18:34All right. Being no further discussion, question now occurs on the amendment offered by Representative Almo. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 3:18:44All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 3:18:46No. In opinion of the chair, the nos have it. The amendment is not agreed to.
▶ 3:18:51I ask for a roll call vote.
▶ 3:18:52You absolutely may. A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Any further amendments? Seeing none in a moment.
▶ 3:19:20Further proceedings on this bill are
▶ 3:19:24and we'll move on to the next bill.
▶ 3:19:30Thank you. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR the Transatlantic Academic Security and Risk Mitigation Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 3:19:45HR 7616 to require the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to identify and mitigate relationships that pose a risk to the United States foreign
▶ 3:19:53Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Does any member seek recognition? Mr. Chairman, I do.
▶ 3:20:01Representative Jackson.
▶ 3:20:03Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, thank you for holding this very important markup today and for allowing consideration of my bill, the Transatlantic Academic Security and Risk Mitigation Act. The Chinese Communist Party continues to deepen its ties in every corner of the world, infiltrating economies, natural resources, critical infrastructure, and education and research centers. In Europe, Beijing's strategy involves penetrating institutions, prepositioning leverage through dependencies, and applying economic, cyber, and in informationational pressure to influence governments.
▶ 3:20:34You can see there's a chart here behind me that shows uh these institutions in Europe and the number of connections they have with Chinese institutions. On the other side here, you'll see there's a chart that basically uses the uh great uses this is uh France as an example here.
▶ 3:20:51uh and shows uh not only the uh the links that they have but the critical areas that these links involve uh national security related all um as you can see there are hundreds of joint European Chinese academic cooperation programs hosted at European research centers and institutions of higher education. The US participates in extensive intelligence sharing, military collaboration, and international cooperation activities with our European allies.
▶ 3:21:16And we cannot run the risk of our most sensitive technologies, data, and research being shared with, stolen, or influenced by malign Chinese actors. Cyber operations, data harvesting, Confucious Institutes, concerning university partnerships, supply chain exploitation, and subtle economic coercion are critical aspects of the CCP's comprehensive national security strategy aimed at shaping Europe's information environment, economic structures, and strategic outlook well before any overt conflict.
▶ 3:21:46The threat is real. For example, the Central European Institute of Asian Studies reported that between 2020 and 2023, University College London hosted at least 10 joint research partnerships with Chinese universities appearing on an export restriction inuser list maintained by the US, Canada, or Japan in areas such as quantum technology, bioscience and material science.
▶ 3:22:12Further, the Jamestown Foundation reports that over 20 agreements, partnerships, or newly published research articles have been announced between the PRC's quote seven sons of national defense, universities, and European entities between 2024 and 2025. These quote seven sons universities have a history of military collaboration and intellectual property theft.
▶ 3:22:35Yet, these partnerships were still advanced following PRC delegation trips to universities in France, Austria, and Spain. My bill, the Transatlantic Academic Security and Risk Mitigation Act, directs the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to identify and mitigate adverse national security effects of relationships between Chinese entities of concern, entities that are actively involved in China's military civilian fusion, Defense Industrial Base, and Security Intelligence Services, and those of European
▶ 3:23:05Institutes of Higher Education. It is critical for the State Department to evaluate the scope of the threats posed by the Chinese relationships with the European entities and develop a strategy to mitigate any potentially detrimental dangers these relationships pose to America's national security. I encourage every member of the committee to support my legislation, push back on malign Chinese influence, and send a clear message to our European partners that threats to the United States national security cannot and will not be tolerated. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 3:23:35Representative yields back. Any other members seek recognition? Ranking member
▶ 3:23:40I oppose this measure. The bill directs the under secretary of state for political affairs to develop and submit a strategy assessing and mitigating risks posed by relationship between European universities and research institutions and the PRC entities of concern. While a strategy to combat PRC malign influence in European universities would be useful, this bill does not do that.
▶ 3:24:08Instead of constraining malign activity by China, this bill constrains important institutions in Europe. The problem is that the criteria the bill uses is so over broad that most major PRC universities and research institutions would be deemed entities for of concern.
▶ 3:24:29For instance, Changha and Perk King universities, which partner with multiple major US universities, would likely be included instead of focusing on the types of activities that would be concerning or compromising for our European partners, like having Confucious institutes that disseminate the CCP's propaganda or cooperating on sensitive research with a military aligned lab.
▶ 3:24:57This bill would label any kind of relationship between a European university and the PRC university as Are student conferences on the humanities a national security concern? Are Chinese graduate students going to Europe to study economics a threat? If European students are headed to a Chinese university to conduct an agricultural research, is that a problem?
▶ 3:25:25We don't even treat academic ties with China this way. In the United States, both Georgetown and John Hopkins University, for instance, have ties with Chengua uh University on discrete Why would we say that European countries should not have ties with those universities when we do so ourselves?
▶ 3:25:51To effectively tackle the China challenge, we need to know China. To do that, we need Americans and Europeans to travel to, study in, and do research in China. Instead of vilifying American and European institutions that maintain linkages with China, we should be supporting and derisking our linkages. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 3:26:18Ranking member yields back. Any other members seek recognition? Representative Fine.
▶ 3:26:24Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Representative Jackson, for allowing me to speak in support of this critical legislation today. For years, the Chinese Communist Party has been allowed to worm its way into American and European education and research institutions under the guise of cooperation, all this happy, feelgood stuff we just heard from the previous speaker. But then they turned around and used these partnerships to undermine us and our allies. They've created Confucious Institutes to promote propaganda and harvest our data.
▶ 3:26:54They feed joint research directly into the People's Liberation Army. In fact, I was just in a hearing of the Education and Workforce Committee where we were talking about this exact issue and I talked about issues that have happened in Florida with Chinese concern. Lin Yang who was who was indicted in 2021 for concealing his ties to a Chinese company while working with the University of Florida.
▶ 3:27:18multiple at least four UF faculty members between 2019 and 2021 fired after they had undisclosed connections to Chinese institutions. A 2024 biochemical toxin shipping scheme at the University of Central Florida between 2019 and 2020, four faculty members there with ties to China were forced to resign amid potential theft of research. It's happened at the University of South Florida.
▶ 3:27:43And this is in the state of Florida where we have passed multiple bills to try to deal with this. So, we can live in the world of sunshine, rainbows, and pixie dust, or we can live in the world the way it actually is. These these relationships, these so-called partnerships have directly led to the CCP gaining access to sensitive research and technologies, which they can then use to turn around and attack Taiwan or worse, us.
▶ 3:28:08Thankfully in America, we've woken up, but our national security is still at risk if our European allies do not take similar steps. As you can see on the posters behind me, French universities have identified 483 identified ties to Chinese entities and British universities have 1,518 identified ties. And I got news for you. These ties aren't because they're looking out. China's looking out for what's good for France and Britain.
▶ 3:28:36It's because they're looking out for what is good for China, a country that is run by a totalitarian government that seeks to harm the United States. Of these Chinese entities, 32% of which work with the British and 72% which work with the French. They have direct links to the People's Liberation Army. That is hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of programs. I'd also like to note these universities aren't just cooperating on like harmless research like let's talk about Shakespeare and the humanities.
▶ 3:29:06They're cooperating on topics like semiconductors, aerospace engineering, and AI, a subject we've talked about extensively in this committee, areas that will be at the forefront of modern diplomacy and warfare. Representative Jackson's legislation is essential because it will require us to engage diplomatically with our European allies and help them close their gaps by identifying and mitigating these risks, ensuring our joint security is not compromised. China clearly has malign interests towards us.
▶ 3:29:36It only makes sense that we take responsible measures to defend ourselves. This bill does exactly that. I implore all my colleagues to see the danger in allowing the CCP to roam free in American and European institutions and to support this bill to ensure that we counter this real and present danger. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Do any other members seek Recognize myself for a couple of moments. I want to thank the author for this work.
▶ 3:30:05I would say it's a pretty narrow narrowly tailored piece of legislation. any entities of the people's republic of China that what do they do reading the legislation here are involved in the implementation of military civil fusion that's pretty specific participates in Chinese defense industrial base is affiliated with Chinese state administration for science technology and industry for national defense all very specific things I could go on and on very very specific
▶ 3:30:35very well tailored very well written I want to yield my time to uh Representative
▶ 3:30:42Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I agree with you on that. And you can uh the uh ranking members comments on the uh concern for the uh the definition. This bill's definition of quote entity of particular concern uh is consistent with legislation that we have already passed uh out of the house in HR881 DHS restrictions on confucious institutes and Chinese entities of concern act which passed with bipartisan support at the time.
▶ 3:31:09I I I think that we we have to be proactive in this. I I don't believe that our European allies uh some of them take the Chinese threat as seriously as we do. uh it will be our technology and our uh advances that end up being used against us on the battlefield someday.
▶ 3:31:25And I personally want to make sure that we're doing everything we possibly can to make sure that we are not enabling this and and uh helping the Chinese uh to uh to to meet those uh to meet those needs that they have uh to together and use our uh intellectual property and our advancements against us. Uh with that I yield back. Thank you sir.
▶ 3:31:45Very good. Any other members seek No further discussion. Uh, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? Being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR 7616 to the House with the favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying
▶ 3:32:11Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. Can I ask for a roll call vote, Mr. Chair? Roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be I believe this is the last bill we have up for consideration. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 6428 to require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exchange programs. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.
▶ 3:32:39HR 6428 to require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exch ex exchange programs.
▶ 3:32:47Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Bara amendment in the nature of a substitute circulating to members in advance shall be considered as read and will be treated as the original text for purpose of the amendment.
▶ 3:33:02Would the author like to speak?
▶ 3:33:04Yes, please.
▶ 3:33:04I'm sorry. Would the ranking member like to speak? Would the author first?
▶ 3:33:07Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Um, Ranking Member Meeks, um, and thank you for saving the best, um, legislation for the last. Um, I'd like to speak in support of HR 6428 to require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exchange programs and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan bill. I'm also sending well wishes to my colleague um, Representative Joe Wilson who introduced this bill with me and wishing him a speedy recovery.
▶ 3:33:36Um, educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for advancing US national security, strengthening diplomatic relations, and sustaining American global leadership. These initiatives build lasting relationships with emerging leaders who will shape the political, economic, and security landscape of their countries. Through programs like the Fulbright program and the Young Southeast Asian leaders initiative, the United States projects soft power, fosters goodwill, and promotes democratic values.
▶ 3:34:07The PRC is moving aggressively to expand its own educational and cultural exchange programs worldwide. When I speak with ambassadors from the East Asia and Pacific region, they often tell me that while young people would prefer to study in the US, the PRC provides significantly more scholarships and exchange programs. As a result, an increasing share of the next generation of leaders is being educated in China instead of the United States. This should concern uh be a concern to all of us.
▶ 3:34:36This creates long-term implications for US diplomatic standing, influence, and strategic positioning. bolsters America's global engagement by requiring the State Department to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on participation in US funded and comparable PRC sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs.
▶ 3:34:57The report will provide detailed um data on participation in these programs, participation by country, funding levels, participant demographics, long-term impact assessments of these programs on perceptions of the United States. The report will also include a comparative analysis of these programs on the diplomatic standing and strategic influence of the United States and the PRC.
▶ 3:35:23In closing, HR6428 gives Congress the tools we need to better evaluate, strengthen, and promote our educational and cultural exchanges, which advance American values, build enduring partnerships, and strengthen our leadership around the world. I encourage all my colleagues to support this legislation. Once again, I'd like to thank my colleague, Representative Joe Wilson, for working with me on this important legislation.
▶ 3:35:49And since Joe's not here, I also want to say on his behalf, I commit to holding war criminal Vladimir Putin accountable for his illegal actions in illegal invasion of Ukraine. Go Joe. Thank you and I yield
▶ 3:36:03That was a great impression of Representative Wilson. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member represents a smart, forward-looking investment in one of the United States most effective tools of global leadership, educational and cultural exchange. These programs are not simply academic opportunities.
▶ 3:36:27They are core instruments of American soft power that build lasting relationships, promote democratic values, and strengthen US influence in strategically important regions. At a time when competitors like China are actively expanding their own exchange efforts to shape global perceptions, this bill ensures the United States remains competitive by requiring the Department of State to systematically track, measure, and report on the effectiveness of these programs,
▶ 3:36:58including participation le funding, and measurable outcomes tied to attitudes toward the United states and democratic principles by mandate mandating standardized data collection, country bycountry reporting, and direct comparison with competitor programs. HR provides Congress with clear, actionable insight into what is working and where resources should be focused.
▶ 3:37:29This strengthens transparency and accountability and ensures taxpayer dollars are used effectively and enables more strategic decisionmaking about US engagement abroad. Ultimately, the bill reinforces exchange programs as a deliberate national security tool.
▶ 3:37:50One that builds long-term partnerships, counters foreign influence, and advances American leadership through ideas, relationships, and shared values. And I compliment Congressman Barra for sponsoring this bill and moving forward along with Mr. Wilson. and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 3:38:12Any further discussion? Recognize myself for a moment. This bill enhances congressional oversight of every dollar spent on educational and cultural exchange programs, provides insights into the Chinese Communist Party's soft power efforts, and it expresses support for using these programs to expand America's global Every dollar spent by the State Department must have the goal of making America safer, stronger, more prosperous.
▶ 3:38:41America, make America those things. That is what America first means. When done right, educational and cultural exchange programs advance US foreign policy interests by sharing a simple truth with the rest of the world. America is the greatest country on the face of this earth. greatest country in the history of the world.
▶ 3:39:02In my opinion, the path to prosperity and security for your country, it doesn't lie with Iran, doesn't lie with North Korea, doesn't lie with China, doesn't lie with Russia, lies with the United States of The American values of freedom and liberty and capitalism make America, not the Chinese Communist Party, the ideal
▶ 3:39:33partner of choice for your people, for your nation. It's the greatest pathway to prosperity greater than anything that has ever otherwise been conceived. And I want to thank Representative Barah, Representative Wilson for your leadership on this. And I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. In that, is there any further There being no further discussion, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment?
▶ 3:40:00There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report HR 6428 to the House with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 3:40:11I'm going to vote on it first and then you can request that. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. The clerk will notify members offices regarding timing of markup votes. The committee stands in Take care.
▶ 5:32:59There you go.
▶ 5:33:45thank you.
▶ 5:40:22Heat. Heat.
▶ 5:44:02Committee will come to order. Committee postponed further proceedings on HR7654 the advanced global health act favorably to the house on which the eyes prevailed by voice. 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. Recommend an I vote.
▶ 5:44:45Have all members voted?
▶ 5:44:47Hold on.
▶ 5:44:51You guys need new batteries or what? What are
▶ 5:45:00we missing?
▶ 5:45:08Warren, you got it.
▶ 5:45:10Is it on?
▶ 5:45:13All right. If all members voted, any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:45:20On this vote, the A's are 41, the nos are two.
▶ 5:45:24The eyes have it. 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. Committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR 7642, the guide act as amended favorably to the House on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. 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.
▶ 5:45:58Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:46:06On this vote, the yays are 39, the nos are five.
▶ 5:46:09The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and the staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. Committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR7641, the Transparency and Foreign Assistance Act, favorably to the House, on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. 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.
▶ 5:46:45Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their
▶ 5:46:52Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:46:55On this vote, the yays are 44. The nos are zero.
▶ 5:46:58Eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The staff is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. All right. Committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR 7633 the American Assistance Visibility Act as amended favorably to the House on which prevail 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.
▶ 5:47:36Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:47:42On this vote, the yays are 44. The nos are one.
▶ 5:47:45The eyes have it. The motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and the staff is make authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. Committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HRES 971 condemning the coercive actions of the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to statements regarding Taiwan and reaffirming the United States commitment to its allies in the Indopacific region as amended favorably to the House on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. Question now occurs on reporting the measure to the House with a favorable recommendation.
▶ 5:48:15Members will vote using the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote. All members voted. Any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:48:34On this vote, the eyes are 45, nos zero.
▶ 5:48:36The 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. Committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR1744 the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2025 as amended favorably to the House on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. 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.
▶ 5:49:14All members voted. Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:49:23On this vote, the Yaser 45 knows zero.
▶ 5:49:26The 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR 3447, the Chip security 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 and the clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:50:00If all members voted, does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:50:16On this vote, the Yaser 42 knows zero.
▶ 5:50:19The 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR7669, the rejecting the eraser of Afghan women and girls 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.
▶ 5:50:46Members will vote utilizing the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote. Have all members voted?
▶ 5:51:06Does any member wish to change their
▶ 5:51:10There you go.
▶ 5:51:11Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:51:16On this vote, the Yazer 44 knows two.
▶ 5:51:19The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table and the staff will is authorized to make any technical and conforming changes. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR7058, the Foreign Adversary AI risk assessment and diplomacy 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 utilizing the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:51:56of all members voted. Does any member wish to change their Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:52:09On this vote, the eyes are 45, nos zero.
▶ 5:52:12The 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. Committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR 7653, the Biod Defense Diplomacy Enhancement 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 utilizing the electronic voting system.
▶ 5:52:38The clerk will open the Have all members voted?
▶ 5:52:52Does any member wish to change their Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:52:57On this vote, the eyes are 46, nos zero.
▶ 5:53:00The 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR6196, the locally led development and humanitarian response 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 utilizing the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:53:38Have all members voted?
▶ 5:53:43Does any member wish to?
▶ 5:53:58Does any member wish to change their Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:54:04On this vote, the eyes are 36, nose 10.
▶ 5:54:08The 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 the roll call vote on the substitute for the amendment in the nature of a substitute number 119 offered by ranking member Meeks to HR7632 on which the nose had prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on agreeing to the amendment.
▶ 5:54:38Members will vote using the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote. I recommend a no vote. Have all members voted?
▶ 5:54:56Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:55:02On this vote, the eyes are 19, nos 27.
▶ 5:55:05The nos have it and the amendment is not agreed to. I move that the committee report HR 7632 as amended to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair. The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 5:55:30Chairman call for roll call.
▶ 5:55:31Roll call vote has been requested. Members will vote utilizing the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote. Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their
▶ 5:55:55Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:55:58On this vote, the eyes are 46, nos zero.
▶ 5:56:01The 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR2504, the US European Nuclear Energy Cooperation Act of 2025 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 utilizing the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:56:33Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:56:43On this vote, the eyes are 43, nos
▶ 5:56:46The eyes have it and 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. The committee could postpone further proceedings on reporting HR7649, the Humanitarian Theft Enforcement 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 utilizing the electronic voting system, and the clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:57:23Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally
▶ 5:57:29on this vote. The eyes are 45 nos one.
▶ 5:57:32The eyes have it and 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR 7630, the Republic of Georgia's Sovereignty Act, as amended favorably to the House, on which the eyes prevailed by voice vote. 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.
▶ 5:58:03Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:58:13On this vote, the eyes are 44, nose zero two present.
▶ 5:58:18The 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 HR 7675, the Securing Partner Supply Chains 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 utilizing the electronic voting system.
▶ 5:58:43The clerk will open the Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their vote? Clerk will close the vote and report the tally.
▶ 5:58:59On this vote, the eyes are 43 nos three.
▶ 5:59:02The 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR7674, the Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy 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 utilizing the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote.
▶ 5:59:36All members voted. Does any member wish to change their
▶ 5:59:43Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 5:59:46On this vote, the eyes are 41, nos five.
▶ 5:59:49The eyes have it and 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on the roll call vote on amendment in the nature of a substitute number 67 offered by representative AMO to HR7605 on which the nos had prevailed by voice vote. The question now occurs on agreeing to the amendment. Members will vote utilizing the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 6:00:18I recommend a no vote. Have all members voted. Does any member wish to change their Clerk will
▶ 6:00:41Jim, are you good? You got yours done. Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 6:00:47On this vote, the eyes are 20, nose 26. The nos have it and the amendment is not agreed to. I move that the committee report HR7605 to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those opposed signify by saying no.
▶ 6:01:10Opinion of the chair. The eyes have it and the motion is agreed to.
▶ 6:01:16Chairman, I call for a roll call.
▶ 6:01:17A roll call vote has been requested. Members will vote utilizing the electronic voting system and the clerk will open the vote. Recommend an I vote. Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their
▶ 6:01:40Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 6:01:43On this vote, the eyes are 26, nos 20.
▶ 6:01:45The 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. The committee postponed further proceedings on reporting HR 7616, the Transit Atlantic Academic Security and Risk Mitigation 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 utilizing the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 6:02:18Have all members voted. Does any member wish to change their
▶ 6:02:26Clerk will close the vote. Report the
▶ 6:02:29On this vote, the eyes are 27, nos 19.
▶ 6:02:32The 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 HR 6428 to require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exchange programs 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 utilizing the electronic voting system. The clerk will open the vote.
▶ 6:03:11Have all members voted?
▶ 6:03:13Does any member wish to change their
▶ 6:03:17Clerk will close the vote and report the
▶ 6:03:19On this vote, the eyes are 42 nos 31
▶ 6:03:24The 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 thank all the members for participating. There being no further business to transact. Committee stands adjourned.