House of Representatives
Page H3833 · Official textThe House met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Guest).
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Vol. 172, No. 95 · 119th Congress, 2nd session
Designation of Speaker Pro Tempore
Page H3833 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Speaker:
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June 4, 2026.
I hereby appoint the Honorable Michael Guest to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day.
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Morning-Hour Debate
Page H3833 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the order of the House of January 6, 2026, the Chair will now recognize Members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning-hour debate.
The Chair will alternate recognition between the parties, with time equally allocated between the parties and each Member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited to 5 minutes, but in no event shall debate continue beyond 11:50 a.m.
Congratulating Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce on 4-Star Accreditation
Page H3833 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
The Chair recognizes the Member from Delaware (Representative McBride) for 5 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce on their recently being awarded a four-star distinction by the United States Chamber of Commerce. Earning this accreditation is no small feat and highlights the commitment to strong leadership, innovative programming, and meaningful contributions that drive economic growth and opportunity.
The Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce is just 5 years old, a testament to what is possible when we choose not to accept barriers but to break them down for the benefit of our communities.
Too often, Black entrepreneurs face higher hurdles to capital, contracts, and connections. This honor recognizes not only Delaware's refusal to accept that fact, but the DEBCC's ability to turn challenge into opportunity and opportunity into achievement.
This accreditation has been granted to fewer than 200 chambers of commerce nationwide, yet another example of the outsized impact of the smallest but greatest State in the Union.
Organizations like DEBCC are building ladders of opportunity and uplifting our neighbors in ways that positively shape our entire State, because when Black businesses thrive, Delaware thrives.
Mr. Speaker, the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding representation of the First State's commitment to excellence and empowerment. I am thrilled to congratulate them on this distinct honor. Here is to the decades of progress and remarkable impact still to come.
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, students at Cab Calloway School of the Arts, my alma mater, will walk across the stage, receive their diplomas, and take their first step into whatever comes next for them.
Across Delaware and around the country, thousands of students will do the same as they celebrate graduations of every kind, from high school, college, technical programs, and military training.
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate Delaware's graduates and reflect on the hope that comes with this season.
Every generation is saddled with challenges. Today's graduates will be asked to navigate rapid technical advancement, growing economic uncertainty, and corrosive polarization, but a generation isn't defined by the obstacles it inherits. It is defined by how it confronts those challenges and the future it builds.
In Delaware, I am consistently reminded of the drive and dedication that define the next generation. I see curiosity where others often see cynicism. I see creativity where others see obstacles. I see a generation that is eager to meet challenges with solutions, not just to inherit the future but to shape it.
Young people are the pilots of progress. They see our Nation and our world as the unfinished project that it is, and they strive to make it better.
To everyone graduating this year, dream big, stay curious, and never stop believing in the promise of our Nation. I am confident that you will continue the tradition of leaving our Nation fairer, freer, and more just than you found it.
Recognizing Deputy Brent Reimer
Pages H3833–H3834 · Official text(Mr. Wied of Wisconsin was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Brent Reimer of the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department for receiving the Wisconsin Professional Police Association's 2026 Certificate of Merit.
This honor recognizes Deputy Reimer's lifesaving actions on November 29, 2025, when he helped rescue a choking individual during a medical emergency.
Acting quickly alongside local first responders, Deputy Reimer used an airway suction device to clear the obstruction and help save the individual's life.
What makes this story even more extraordinary is that before this incident, it was Deputy Reimer who took the initiative to research the device and recommend it for use in the department. Because of that foresight, not only was he able to save this individual's life, but now patrol officers, schools, and nursing homes have access to this lifesaving tool.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deputy Reimer on this well-deserved award, and I thank him for his service to Kewaunee County and northeastern Wisconsin.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize local leaders across northeastern Wisconsin who have worked tirelessly to support communities impacted by recent flooding.
In April, communities throughout Wisconsin's Eighth District experienced record rainfall with severe weather over several days, causing rivers to overflow their banks, damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Since then, I have remained in close contact with local leaders and witnessed firsthand how people come together to support one another. Their resilience in the face of devastation has been truly inspiring.
I especially thank the leaders in Shiocton, New London, and Fremont, which were among the hardest hit, for their unwavering dedication to helping their communities recover.
From county executives and sheriffs to emergency management officials and first responders, we are lucky to have such dedicated leaders in northeastern Wisconsin.
Mr. Speaker, when times get tough, Wisconsinites come together. I commend our local officials for their leadership, and I want them to know that I will continue to stand with them every step of the way.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Kelin Charles of the Kewaunee Police Department who recently received an award for his lifesaving actions during a medical emergency in Kewaunee.
On November 12, 2025, Officer Charles responded to what appeared to be a routine call from a man who had passed out. Out of an abundance of caution, he brought Narcan with him in case the situation involved an overdose, a decision that proved critical when he found the man unresponsive.
Officer Charles immediately began lifesaving care. Working alongside other first responders, CPR was performed, an AED was used, and Narcan was administered. These actions gave the man a chance to breathe on his own again.
In a moment of crisis, Officer Charles' decisive actions gave this individual a second chance at life.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Officer Kelin Charles for his quick action, service, and dedication to the people of Kewaunee and northeastern Wisconsin.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a northeastern Wisconsin native, who recently finished his UW-La Crosse track career with a national title.
Luke Schroeder won the NCAA Division III national title in the 110-meter hurdles with a record-breaking time, finishing in a stunning 13.42 seconds.
This is not the first time Luke has gone out on top. During his high school athletic career at Ashwaubenon High School, he won the WIAA Division I State 300-meter hurdles title in his final race.
Schroeder had to overcome many odds to get to this championship victory, from a bulging disc in his back during his sophomore year to the COVID-19 pandemic in his junior year to running on a pulled quad during his senior year. His perseverance shows just how dedicated he is to this sport.
Mr. Speaker, as Luke's career comes to an end, I want to congratulate him on this record-breaking achievement and wish him the best of luck as he begins training for the 2028 Olympics and in all future endeavors that he may pursue.
Recognizing Mayor Beniamino Mazzulla
Page H3834 · Official text(Mr. Garcia of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate Mayor Beniamino Mazzulla, affectionately known as Benny, of Stone Park, Illinois, on his 25th anniversary as a servant mayor.
Born in Calabria, Italy, Mayor Mazzulla immigrated to the U.S. with his parents in 1976. His family settled in Stone Park, the community he would later dedicate himself to serving.
Mayor Mazzulla's commitment to public service began in 1995, when he served for 2 years as a police officer with the Memorial Park District.
Since taking office as mayor, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen his community by creating programs that support seniors, homeowners, and children; expanding family-oriented activities through a resident-led special events committee; and introducing bilingual village newsletters to ensure that all his constituents get the information they need.
Mayor Mazzulla takes great pride in both his community and his immigrant heritage as a beloved husband, father of three, grandfather, and fluent speaker of English, Italian, and Spanish.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mayor Mazzulla on this milestone. I thank him for his 25 years of dedicated leadership and enduring commitment to the residents of Stone Park.
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Celebrating 100th Anniversary of Banner Wholesale Grocers
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Banner Wholesale Grocers, a proud cornerstone of the Chicago business community.
Since its founding in 1926 by Ben Friedman, Banner Wholesale Grocers has served as a trusted partner to independent grocers throughout Chicagoland and across the Midwest.
With a selection of more than 6,000 American and Hispanic products, the company helps local retailers meet the diverse needs of their customers. Its knowledgeable and bilingual team provides the personalized service that has distinguished Banner for generations.
Through a century of hard work, family dedication, and commitment to convenience and quality, Banner Wholesale Grocers has built lasting relationships and earned the trust of countless businesses and families throughout our region.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Banner Wholesale Grocers on 100 years of success. I thank them for their enduring contributions to Chicago and the Midwest. I look forward to seeing many more decades of their success.
Passing Gun Safety Laws
Pages H3834–H3835 · Official text(Ms. Kelly of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today because there is a gun violence epidemic in America. I have spoken loudly and clearly on gun safety again and again, shooting after shooting.
Moments of silence have never been enough. Thoughts and prayers have never been enough. Americans need real action by Congress to end gun violence. They need us to make good trouble.
After Congress decided to do nothing in the aftermath of the horrific shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, I helped organize a sit-in with my late colleague and friend, John Lewis, and other Members. We sat on this very floor for about 24 hours.
If the people in charge refuse to pass gun safety legislation, I will always make sure that Americans know there are Members of Congress who actually represent their needs and demands.
I continue to echo their voices in this Chamber. We need to pass lifesaving gun safety laws. That means universal background checks, funding and support for community violence intervention organizations, safe storage laws to prevent unintentional shootings, an assault weapons ban, and standard marketing practices to hold the gun industry accountable.
We know those solutions to end gun violence, yet the Trump administration refuses to act. Instead, President Trump and Republicans reversed the progress we have made over the past few years. On day one in the Oval Office, President Trump shut the doors of the White House Gun Violence Prevention Office.
Since then, he continues to pour salt into injury after injury. The Department of Justice terminated over $66 million in grants that were already designated by Congress to community violence intervention programs.
CVI organizations are led by trusted community members who offer job training, mental health resources, de-escalation tactics, and more to keep our neighborhoods safe. CVI strategies are proven, evidence-based solutions to gun violence, yet this administration decided they are inefficient.
After a gunman stormed the White House Correspondents' Dinner, President Trump didn't want gun safety reform. He wanted a ballroom. He wanted to keep himself and his billionaire donors safe while over 120 Americans continue to die every day.
House Republicans are complicit in the Trump agenda to endanger public safety. They are trying to jam through bills that would allow people to mail guns through the United States Postal Service, eliminate background checks, and allow domestic abusers to buy guns.
Make no mistake: They are making our country less safe.
I was proud to play an essential role in passing the first Federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, but Americans cannot wait another 30 years for Congress to act.
We have lost daughters and sons, nephews and nieces, brothers and sisters, and mothers and fathers to gun violence.
One daughter's name was Hadiya Pendleton. Hadiya was a bright student, involved in marching band and volleyball. She was on top of the world when she led her marching band in President Obama's second inauguration. Just 1 week later, she was shot and killed in a park in Chicago.
Hadiya's friends and family started the Wear Orange movement to raise awareness of gun violence. Hunters wear orange to avoid being shot. Now, the color orange has become a beacon for action and advocacy against gun violence.
Today, I introduce the Wear Orange Resolution in honor of Hadiya and every victim of gun violence, just as I have since 2015.
I ran for office because I couldn't stand by and watch as Congress did nothing as children like Hadiya, those in Newtown--and I could go on and on and on--were killed, and also those that have been injured mentally and physically.
While gun violence became the leading cause of death for all children and teenagers in 2020, it has been the leading cause of death for Black children since 2006.
I swore my first oath of office a few months after Hadiya was shot in the Second District. Since then, I have never stopped fighting for victims and survivors of gun violence, and I never will. I will never give up this effort because this epidemic must end.
Garden Grove Hazmat Crisis
Page H3835 · Official text(Mr. Tran of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the first responders who have worked tirelessly to respond to the hazmat crisis at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove.
Over Memorial Day weekend, our firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel worked around the clock to keep our community safe.
They quickly evacuated over 50,000 residents and businesses who could have been injured by a major explosion.
At the beginning of the crisis, our emergency officials were told that there were only two options: a disastrous explosion or a catastrophic leak. But to our public safety heroes, that was unacceptable, and they accomplished what was initially thought impossible. They neutralized the tank and got our neighbors back in their homes without any dangerous chemicals leaking into our water or air.
I especially thank Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief and Incident Commander Craig Covey, Fire Chief TJ McGovern, Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra, and Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong.
Their leadership was instrumental in mitigating this crisis, and their communication to my office and my constituents was instrumental in keeping our community safe.
The evacuation was lifted last week, the incident has transitioned out of the emergency response phase, but we still need more.
While our community avoided catastrophic physical damage, 50,000 residents and 5,000 small businesses still face major hardship. Families had to spend their emergency funds on unplanned hotel stays, extra grocery runs, and extra supplies and medication.
Businesses lost multiple days of critical revenue over a holiday weekend. People who worked in the evacuation zone missed out on multiple days of wages because their workplace was forced to shut down.
We need to make them whole. I have called on the Small Business Administration to issue its own disaster declaration to open Federal resources for small businesses, and I am calling on GKN Aerospace to compensate the families and small businesses who have lost money because of their crisis.
GKN leadership informed me last night that they are establishing a $3 million fund through United Way to provide relief for those with the greatest financial need.
While this decision is a necessary acknowledgment that they have broken faith with our community, it is insufficient. Every family and small business that was displaced or shut down during this crisis deserves full compensation. I expressed that, and this is nonnegotiable.
It is not enough to just cut checks for the damage already done. We need to make sure that a crisis like this can never happen again. Today, I am advancing legislation to ensure that defense contractors notify the community they operate in of any hazardous chemicals that put residents at risk.
Beyond that, companies must submit to regular third-party audits of their safety practices. Industries must invest in the most advanced, safest technologies that mitigate the risks of a major accident.
Orange County was lucky. We had no deaths and no injuries, but the events in Longview, Washington, remind us of how devastating the worst-case scenario can be.
As my community was picking up the pieces of our hazmat disaster in Garden Grove, we heard the terrible news from the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company: 11 people perished in a chemical explosion.
My prayers are with the families, and I join their community in the cause for justice and accountability.
In Orange County, the worst is over for now, but our community is still reeling. We need answers. We need accountability. We need justice. I am not going to stop fighting until my community gets the recourse they deserve.
Recognizing Coach Barry Search
Pages H3835–H3836 · Official text(Mr. Mackenzie of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of my friend and a true Lehigh Valley legend, Coach Barry Search of Parkland High School.
For more than three decades, Coach Search helped shape the lives of countless student athletes. As the head softball coach, he led Parkland to seven conference championships, five district titles, and a Pennsylvania State championship in 2015. Along the way, he built a program known not only for its victories, but for instilling character, discipline, and teamwork in his players.
His service extends far beyond the softball field. Coach Search spent decades as a science teacher, assistant football coach, volunteer firefighter, and fire chief, dedicating his life to serving others.
As he retires, we thank Coach Search for his contributions to Parkland, South Whitehall Township, and our entire community.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary student in our region, Emmaus High School junior, Zining Fan.
Recently, Zining became the first student in Emmaus High School history to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, one of the world's most prestigious STEM competitions, bringing together more than 1,700 students from over 60 countries and territories.
After advancing through local and State competitions, Zining earned second place in the world in the mathematics division for his original research on knot projections, developing a new mathematical theorem that had never been established before.
His achievement reflects not only exceptional talent and dedication, but also the strength of STEM education in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Zining, his family, his teachers, and the entire Emmaus High School community on this remarkable accomplishment.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Percy H. Dougherty of Wescosville, who passed away on May 17 at the age of 83.
Dr. Dougherty dedicated his life to education, public service, and the advancement of the Lehigh Valley. As a professor and department chair at Kutztown University, he mentored generations of students and helped shape the field of geography.
As a Lehigh County Commissioner for 28 years and a member of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for nearly four decades, he played a leading role in guiding the growth and development of our region.
Dr. Dougherty will be remembered for his intellect, dedication, and commitment to improving the community he called home.
As a friend, I also recognize he had a great sense of humor, and I always enjoyed speaking with him when I saw him at local events.
Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Anne; his sons, Robert and Thomas; his grandchildren; and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Center Valley resident and World War II veteran Walter Rybarczik who recently celebrated his 105th birthday.
Walter served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator and gunner aboard B-24s in the Pacific theater. He flew dozens of dangerous missions in service to our Nation, demonstrating extraordinary courage and dedication.
As we recognize this remarkable milestone, we also honor a generation whose sacrifice, service, and patriotism helped secure the freedoms that we enjoy today.
As we recognize this remarkable milestone of Walter's 105th birthday, the people in the Lehigh Valley want to congratulate Walter and also thank him for his service to our country.
National Gun Violence Awareness Month
Page H3836 · Official text(Mrs. Sykes of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, this National Gun Violence Awareness Month, I rise today thinking about families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, families whose lives were changed forever by gun violence.
One of those families is still grieving the loss of LaTeris Cook, a 27-year-old father of four who was killed during a mass shooting at a neighborhood block party in Akron just 2 years ago. What should have been a joyful summer gathering turned into chaos and tragedy. Twenty-eight people were shot. An entire community was and remains traumatized.
Megan Keleman was a recent college graduate who was killed in a Taco Bell drive-through in Tallmadge, Ohio. Her killer, a man who was not allowed to have guns, not only killed her but killed himself in a tragic situation. Her family now mourns her death by advocating for gun safety programs.
Another Akron family continues to carry the pain of losing Cortez Davis, Sr., who was shot and killed in 2021 while picking up a child for a birthday celebration. His mother, Delonda Glover, now works with antiviolence organizations in Akron to help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak. She said something that captures the pain so many families carry after gun violence: "Losing a child is a different kind of hurt and pain." She is right.
Finally, my friend Ericka Weems was killed in 2020 in her home. The crime has gone unsolved, despite national attention. We lost a beloved friend, daughter, educator, and sister.
Because gun violence leaves permanent scars on families and communities long after the headlines fade, my heart goes out to the Cook family, the Glover family, the Keleman family, the Weems family, and every family in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and across the country who are trying to heal after losing loved ones to senseless and preventable violence.
While these tragedies occurred in my district, the truth is they could have happened anywhere in America: schools, grocery stores, movie theatres, workplaces, birthday parties, the United States Capitol. Too many Americans feel like a shooting can happen anywhere at any moment.
Already this year, our country has experienced more than 160 mass shootings. Last year alone, more than 24,000 Americans died by gun suicide.
Since 2020, firearms have been the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States.
In my district, Akron police have responded to 562 calls involving shootings or shots fired through the end of April of this year. That is a 21 percent increase compared to the same time last year.
These are not just statistics. These are children, parents, friends, neighbors, entire communities being forced to rebuild again and again.
But to the people of my district and to the people across America, this threat of living with gun violence every single day, I want to tell you this: It does not have to be this way. We can stop the cycle of violence.
Four years ago, Congress proved progress is possible when we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in decades, because Democrats and Republicans came together to expand background checks, close the dangerous boyfriend loophole, crack down on illegal gun trafficking, invest in mental health services, strengthen school safety, and fund community intervention programs that are saving lives now.
Yet, there is so much more work to be done. It also shows that when Congress chooses courage over politics, we can make our communities safer.
Yet, today, instead of building on that progress, this administration is moving us backward. Just weeks ago, the Trump administration announced efforts to roll back key gun safety protections, including weakening enhanced background checks established under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, rescinding restrictions on stabilizing braces, and repealing the bump stock ban that President Trump himself put into place after the deadly Las Vegas shooting in 2017.
There are now even proposals that could make it easier to mail handguns through the postal system, opening the door to more gun trafficking and more dangerous weapons flowing into our communities.
Mr. Speaker, if you talk to any law enforcement agency, they will tell you that guns continue to create a problem for the work that they do every day. They encourage us to be smarter on gun safety regulations and ensuring that not only are the communities safer but that those who are sworn to protect and serve us can be safe in their communities, as well.
These rollbacks are a choice, Mr. Speaker, and my constituents cannot wait any longer. Americans are demanding action. They want safer schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore10:30 a.m.
The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH)10:30 a.m.
They deserve leaders who are willing to put people over politics.
Mr. Speaker, this Gun Violence Awareness Month--
The SPEAKER pro tempore10:30 a.m.
The time of the gentlewoman has again expired.
Mrs. SYKES.--as we remember families like the Cooks--
The SPEAKER pro tempore10:30 a.m.
The gentlewoman is no longer recognized.
Honoring the Next Generation of Servicemembers
Pages H3836–H3837 · Official text(Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary event on Florida's Space Coast.
At the 2026 Space Coast Enlistment Ceremony, more than 230 young men and women took the next step in their commitment to serve our Nation by enlisting in the United States Armed Forces. This is a remarkable event and was the vision of Brevard Public Schools Board Chair Matt Susin, whose leadership helped create a meaningful opportunity to honor these young Americans as they begin a life of service.
As the father of a servicemember, I recognize that these individuals are choosing a path defined by duty, sacrifice, and love of their country. They will serve in the Air Force, Marine Corps, Army National Guard, Navy, and Coast Guard, carrying forward the legacy of those who have defended our freedoms in the past.
The ceremony also brought together 241 Junior ROTC cadets from across Brevard County, a reminder that the next generation is already preparing to lead.
On the Space Coast, we understand freedom is protected by those who are willing to step forward, and today we honor these enlistees, their families, and the leaders like Matt Susin and the members of the Brevard County Schools Board, who are helping to inspire the next generation of American service.
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Strengthening Port Canaveral and Florida's Space Coast Ceremony
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a major investment on Florida's Space Coast.
I was proud to join local leaders at Port Canaveral to announce a $20 million Federal grant that will support the construction of new cargo berths that will strengthen one of the Nation's most important ports.
Port Canaveral is far more than just a cruise destination. It is a critical economic engine for our region, supporting jobs, commerce, and supply chain necessary to keep Florida moving.
This investment will expand not only the cargo capacity but the overall infrastructure that is needed in challenging times. For the Space Coast, this means more opportunities, more jobs, and continued economic momentum for the families and businesses that call the Space Coast home. They will have the fuel necessary in all times of trouble.
This is exactly the kind of practical investment that we need to continue to make sure Florida continues to lead the Nation in growth.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Darcia Jones Francey, a true champion of Brevard County whose impact will be felt for generations.
A third-generation Brevardian, Darcia devoted her life to making her community and our community stronger. She was known as a connector of people, someone who brought together people in support of causes that mattered and endured. This effort is not unnoticed.
Darcia served on countless boards and different community groups, supporting organizations across the Space Coast, from the arts to healthcare and programs helping those truly in need. Her dedication as a volunteer and community work leader helped raise awareness, build partnerships, and strengthen the fabric of Brevard County.
Darcia also had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel valued and important, leaving a lasting impression on all of us who knew her.
Today, we remember Darcia not only for what she did but how she lived--with purpose, passion, and a deep love of our community.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding veteran, entrepreneur, and leader from Florida's Space Coast, Alec Hall.
Alec is the president of Alliance Cyber, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business based in Cocoa, Florida.
Through Alec's leadership, Alliance Cyber provides cybersecurity and IT solutions that protect government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses across our State and beyond.
Alec's impact goes far beyond business. Through the Alliance Cyber Gives Foundation, his team supports STEM education, workforce development, and career pathways for transitioning servicemembers, investing directly in the next generations.
It is because of these efforts that we recognize Alec Hall and the amazing work at Alliance Cyber.
Port Chester Seniors
Page H3837 · Official text(Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding programs provided by the Village of Port Chester that benefit the senior citizens of that community.
Under the able leadership of Maryann Nielsen in the Port Chester Senior Community Center in Village Hall, the Port Chester Seniors serves hundreds of seniors annually with a daily nutrition program at lunchtime 6 days a week, along with activities and programs to engage seniors of all ages, including on Saturday, which is unique among many other programs.
There are fitness classes from tai chi to chair yoga, mental fitness programs, a variety of board games--mah-jongg; bridge; along with the classic senior staple, bingo. Maryann and her talented crew host annual events, as well, for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and a host of celebrations. There are day trips planned to shopping locales and tourist sites, as well.
The programs are supported by the village board under the leadership of Mayor Luis Marino and Village Administrator Stu Rabin.
From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the work of the Port Chester Seniors, the active and energetic members that show that age is more a state of mind.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Pride Month.
As a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I rise to honor the achievements in the fight for equality but also refocus on the work that lies ahead.
Many of the champions in the fight for equality are organizations like the LOFT Center in White Plains, New York. This organization provides acceptance and access for the LGBTQIA+ community in the wake of the current administration's attacks on equality.
The LOFT Center offers services ranging from support services, educational seminars, health screenings, training series for allies and businessowners, silver connections for members over 55, and much more.
I commend them for being a champion in this fight, and I am proud to represent such a welcoming district, where people are judged by the content of their character. We will work to ensure that everyone has a place where they are accepted, even in the face of prejudice.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the intentional dismantling of affordable healthcare in our country.
Following the big, ugly bill last July, which failed to extend the premium tax credits critical to lowering the cost of healthcare for working families, Affordable Care Act enrollment for 2026 has fallen to about 23 million people, a decline of just over 1 million people.
Studies predict that this may climb to as many as 5 million people dropping out of the ACA market by the end of this year alone. This isn't surprising given that the last year represented the highest increase in deductibles ever.
Many Americans have shared their stories about how they cannot afford to take on the rising premiums, and my colleagues choose instead to prioritize nonsense legislation and policies that do nothing to address real problems.
Mr. Speaker, more people will die younger or put off preventative health visits if they do not have access to affordable healthcare. If we will not address America's healthcare situation head-on, then let those of us who are willing to address the situation take action.
National Gun Violence Awareness Month
Pages H3837–H3838 · Official text(Ms. Morrison of Minnesota was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of June as National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
As one Minnesotan wrote: "I am standing up for our children because we are adults. It is our responsibility to make them feel safe."
I have a stack of notes here from hundreds of Minnesotans who came together after the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, demanding action; calling for commonsense reforms; expressing their grief, anguish, and frustration; and begging for their elected leaders to do something--anything--to respond to the tragedy that left an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old dead, hundreds more forever traumatized, and a community reeling.
What are we doing if we are not listening to the American people and not protecting our children? We need to listen to the American people. We need to act to keep our children safe. We need to ban assault weapons, bump stocks, and high-capacity magazine sales, get weapons of war off of our streets, invest in addressing our Nation's mental health crisis, and the list goes on.
There won't be one policy alone that will end this public health crisis, but what we can't do is nothing. There are so many steps that we could take immediately. Gun violence is an epidemic that has stained our country, and we are going in the wrong direction.
As our country faces hundreds of mass shootings every year, more mass shootings than any country on the face of the planet, the Trump administration is taking an ax to our Nation's gun safety laws and doing the dirty work of the big gun lobby, rolling back dozens of Federal safety regulations, making it easier for criminals to buy and ship guns, cutting funding, and abandoning critical gun violence prevention programs that keep our communities safe. They are doubling down on the number one killer of children in the United States of America.
Gun violence is preventable. Our children deserve to be our priority. They deserve to feel safe. They deserve adults who will act.
Every day we are here in Congress, we are creating the world that our children will inherit. We should be creating a world where children feel safe at school, where they can be healthy and thrive, not where they live in fear and see adults refusing to protect them.
Mr. Speaker, I want to share some examples of what Minnesotans wrote:
"My students should not have to worry about being killed at school."
"I shouldn't have to worry about if my kids are safe at their school and daycare."
"My grandchildren go to school every day, and I worry they will be victims. I also am devastated they will live their school lives in fear."
This is tragic. This is heartbreaking, and this is preventable. It doesn't have to be this way. We don't have to live like this.
We could choose to take steps to make our children and our communities safer. We could create a world with far less gun violence, where people don't live in fear of it, if only Congress had the courage to act.
Honoring Lives Lost in Sandy, Oregon, Tragedy
Page H3838 · Official text(Ms. Dexter of Oregon was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the lives lost in a horrific, senseless act of violence that took place in Sandy, Oregon, on May 31, 2026.
This is an ongoing investigation. More information will continue to come out in the days and weeks to come, but what we do know is that the Sandy Police Department responded to a domestic violence call that escalated into a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of 37-year-old Jenna Mary Overson, 70-year-old Mary Beth Overson, and 16-year-old Kobyn McClure, and left the entire community fearing for their lives and sheltering in place.
This horrific tragedy has left family, friends, and our entire community grieving from an unimaginable loss and shaken from, once again, senseless violence.
What has stayed with me this week, as our community has begun to process this tragedy, is Kobyn McClure's courage, which deserves to be known far beyond Sandy.
Kobyn was a kind, respectful, and compassionate young man who stepped forward to protect young children in the face of unimaginable fear and danger. Loved ones and community members have shared that his actions during this tragedy helped save the lives of children caught in the middle of this violence.
Though only 16 years old, Kobyn demonstrated a level of bravery and selflessness that many aspire to throughout their entire lives. His actions reflected the very best of our shared values: courage, sacrifice, and a commitment to protecting others, a commitment that Congress would be well to follow.
Kobyn's family, friends, classmates, and neighbors remember him as a young man with a bright future, generous spirit, and heart for others. His legacy will endure through the lives touched and the example he has set for us all.
Jenna Mary Overson was a devoted mother remembered by her friends for her generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her children and loved ones. Her loss leaves an immeasurable, unimaginable void in the lives of those who knew her.
Mary Beth Overson was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, whose family and community now mourn a loss that cannot be measured.
Amid this tragedy, we are reminded of the extraordinary dedication of our law enforcement officers and first responders. Members of the Sandy Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, medical personnel, and assisting agencies responded swiftly to a dangerous and evolving situation. One Sandy police officer, Sergeant Garrett Thornton, was seriously wounded multiple times by gunshots while responding to protect others and confront the threat.
We are grateful for the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by every officer, deputy, firefighter, paramedic, and emergency responder who put themselves in harm's way to protect the people of Sandy.
The Sandy community has shown remarkable strength in the days since. Neighbors have come together to grieve, heal, and stand beside one another. Sandy is showing us and the whole country what it looks like to hold together through the unthinkable.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Jenna Mary Overson, Mary Beth Overson, and Kobyn McClure by recognizing Kobyn's extraordinary heroism, thanking the first responders who put themselves in harm's way, and keeping the entire Sandy community in our hearts as they continue to heal.
Recess
Page H3838 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until noon today.
Accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 48 minutes a.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H3838 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Evans of Colorado) at noon.
Prayer
Pages H3838–H3839 · Official textThe Chaplain, the Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben, offered the following prayer: Call us together, O God, into the embrace of Your everlasting arms. Whoever we are, whatever we bring with us, hold us near to You that You would, in Your mercy, forgive our shortcomings and, in Your all-sufficient grace, mend our imperfections. And even as You work within us individually, move among us as a body. As we come together, we bring with us a multitude of concerns, the best and the worst of intentions, and the full spectrum of desired outcomes. Take the breadth of our disparate perspectives and competing agendas and make us see that our mutual goal should always be for the building up of this body and the betterment of the Nation we serve. Move Your spirit over the waters of our discord. You, who are the author not of confusion, but of peace, bring us to order under the authority of Your divine will. Lord, hear our prayers, forgive our sin, establish the work of our hands, and heal our land. In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.
The Journal
Page H3839 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the Chamber the approval thereof.
Pursuant to clause 1 of rule I, the Journal stands approved.
Pledge of Allegiance
Page H3839 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Will the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Grijalva) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. GRIJALVA led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:
Text printed in the Record (174 characters)
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.
Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore
Page H3839 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
The Chair will entertain up to 15 requests for 1-minute speeches on each side of the aisle.
Honoring Sergeant Martin Lugo
Page H3839 · Official text(Mrs. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Martin Lugo, a 24-year-old veteran from Tucson, Arizona, who was killed after being wounded during a combat operation in Afghanistan.
Sergeant Lugo enlisted in the United States Army while still a student at Tucson High School. At the time of his death, he was serving on his sixth deployment, having previously completed three tours in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. He served our Nation with extraordinary courage, dedication, and a deep sense of duty.
But Martin was far more than his uniform. He was a son, a friend, and someone deeply loved by his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. Those who knew him remember his generosity, humor, intelligence, adventurous spirit, and his remarkable ability to bring people together. He embraced life fully and led with both strength and compassion.
I also thank Maria, his mother, for allowing me to share Martin's story today.
As we remember Sergeant Martin Lugo, we honor his life, his service, and the sacrifice carried every day by the families of those who serve.
In Maria's words: "The way we can honor their service is by doing the best we can for ourselves, for each other, and for our country."
Protect Trans Lives
Page H3839 · Official text(Mr. MENEFEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, June is Pride Month, a month celebrating the contributions of the LGBTQ community, but it also must be a month of speaking hard truths.
Texas has more anti-trans murders than any other State in the Nation. Over half of Texas victims are Black transgender women.
We cannot celebrate Marsha P. Johnson and not protect the women who look like her.
Last week, Persia Amarra Conway was killed in Houston. She was 33 years old. She was loved, and she is not alone. Jade Roberts, Diamond Brigman, Muhlaysia Booker, name after name after name, were all from Texas, all taken from this Earth, stripped from their loved ones and from their communities.
These killings are happening across our country, and silence is not an option. This Pride Month, I say clearly: We must stop the targeting and killing of members of the trans community in Houston, in Texas, and across our Nation.
Bobby Kennedy Assassination
Page H3839 · Official text(Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, 58 years ago this night, in Los Angeles, California, a violent murder occurred. That night, in the Ambassador Hotel, a major candidate for President, Robert F. Kennedy, Sr., was assassinated and denied the right to complete his campaign. No one knows what alternate history might have played out had Bobby lived.
I was 14 years old at the time when my father woke me to go with him to see the breaking news on TV in the middle of the night.
Two months before, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered much the same way.
If you are under the age of 60, you don't remember either night. It is a matter of historic reference, not lived experience.
After the King assassination, I remember hearing on the radio the voice of my United States Senator from New York say: "No one can be certain who next will suffer from some senseless act of bloodshed." In 60 days, we found out who was next.
Columbine, Parkland, Charlie Kirk, Sandy Hook, Islamic Temple of San Diego, Temple Israel in Detroit, time after time. When gun violence claims innocent lives, some Americans still assert their right to hold highly destructive weapons as necessary for their protection under the Second Amendment rights. They resist any and all gun control. Nothing protects them from the madman who gains access to the weapon.
We treat these deaths as unfortunate outcomes of our society's ideological unwillingness to rein in weapons of destruction.
Mr. Speaker, it is a sad tale told over six decades and counting.
HONORING COLMAN McCARTHY
Page H3839 · Official text(Mr. RASKIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary Colman McCarthy, an accomplished writer, philosopher of nonviolence, Catholic activist, educator, golfer, and runner, who cut a singular figure in Montgomery County, Maryland, and in the Washington, D.C., area.
Colman spent his life and his career challenging war, militarism, and what President Eisenhower called the military-industrial complex, writing every week a column that was beloved by thousands of people.
But Colman was not always a famed peace activist. He nearly became a PGA champion and also a Trappist monk before finding his life's work as an educator for peace.
Students who took his classes at BCC High School remember him coming to school on his Raleigh three-speed bicycle and the only homework assignment he ever gave his students: to tell someone that you love them that day.
I hope his memory remains an eternal blessing to our community and a source of joy and comfort to his three sons, John, James, and Edward; his six beloved grandchildren; and to all of his many students, friends, and admirers, among whom I count myself.
A link honoring the life and career of Colman McCarthy can be found at: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/09/business/media/colman-mccarthy-dead.html.
Honoring Davis "Yellowash" Washines
Pages H3839–H3840 · Official text(Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was given permission to address the House for one minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of the esteemed elder, Davis Washines, known to many as "Yellowash," of the Yakama Nation.
Washines was a Yakama citizen who took on many roles in his community. He served as police chief, was a fierce advocate for fishing rights and the environment, and was chairman of the Yakama Nation Council.
I had the honor of working with him throughout the years on issues, including Tribal rights and law enforcement, water resource management, and the protection of cultural and natural resources in Central Washington State.
He will be sorely missed by the entire Yakama community, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and all those who knew him.
My deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Recognizing National Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Page H3840 · Official text(Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, faith, service, and community came together in a truly powerful way at Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, where love was not just spoken; it was put into action.
Men on a mission traveled from across the country, answering the call to help build a new church home for the Walnut Grove church family. Volunteers set aside their time not for recognition but because they believe in the power of serving others through Jesus Christ. With skilled hands and servants' hearts, these volunteers are using their talents and Christian faith to make a lasting difference. When people come together with willing hearts, incredible things happen.
Thanks to Pastor Arrington and through faith and teamwork, Walnut Grove's next chapter is being built one act of service, one prayer, and one brick at a time.
Recognizing Ralph Lawrence Gardiner
Page H3840 · Official text(Mr. STAUBER of Minnesota asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with tremendous gratitude and pride to recognize Korean war veteran Ralph Lawrence Gardiner of Longville, Minnesota, as he celebrates his 96th birthday.
Ralph enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952, answering the call to serve during a critical moment in our Nation's history. He primarily served aboard the USS Bushnell, out of Key West, Florida, as a metalsmith, where he welded and fabricated ships and submarines. His ship played a vital role in transporting troops to and from Korea, supporting the brave Americans defending freedom overseas.
During his service, Ralph was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, reflecting his exemplary behavior, discipline, professionalism, and devotion to duty.
Even today, living on his own at 96 years old, Ralph continues to embody the strength and dependence and determination that had defined his life for decades.
As he reaches this remarkable milestone, we honor not only his longevity, but also his outstanding service to our Nation, his dedication to his family and community, and the legacy he leaves for future generations.
Recognizing Nordonia High School Girls Flag Football Team
Page H3840 · Official text(Mrs. SYKES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nordonia High School girls' flag football team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.
The Nordonia High School girls' flag football team is Ohio's first girls' flag football State champions.
Girls' flag football only became a sanctioned sport in Ohio last July, but even before that, these young women were working hard to bring the State championship home.
Nordonia was one of six high schools that attended the Cleveland Browns inaugural flag football jubilee event back in 2021 and have since been fighting for this sport to become sanctioned and recognized in Ohio.
I congratulate Head Coach Steve Holtz, quarterback Hayden Paul, and all of the players on their well-earned victory in bringing home the inaugural championship trophy. Their passion is laying the groundwork for generations of young women and girls in sports, and we are so proud of them.
I often call our district the birthplace of champions because of basketball greats like LeBron James and Steph Curry, and now this Nordonia girls' flag football team certainly proves that this legacy continues, no matter the sport or your gender.
Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes and commend them on being named champions of the week.
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027
Pages H3840–H3864 · Official textAGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2027
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 8646, and that I may include tabular material on the same.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Maryland?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to House Resolution 1333 and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 8646.
The Chair appoints the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Evans) to preside over the Committee of the Whole.
Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 8646) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, with Mr. Evans of Colorado in the chair.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The CHAIR12:15 p.m.
Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the first time.
General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations, or their respective designees.
The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris).
Andy Harris (R-MD)12:15 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Chair, I rise today to bring before the House H.R. 8646, the fiscal year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations bill.
I thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole for his leadership and quickly moving the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process forward.
I also recognize the ranking member of the full committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Bishop, for their work in getting us to this point.
I appreciate the conversations Mr. Bishop and I have had, and while we may not agree on everything in the bill, I know that we are much closer to agreement than some of today's debate and rhetoric may show.
For fiscal year 2027, the subcommittee's discretionary allocation is $26.27 billion, a $380 million, or 1.4 percent, decrease from fiscal year 2026 enacted levels.
In a setting of $2 trillion deficits, these modest spending reductions are necessary.
This legislation reflects a clear, necessary commitment to fiscal responsibility, while ensuring that America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities remain a top priority and that all Americans have access to a safe food and drug supply.
This legislation builds on the successful efforts of the Trump administration to root out fraud, waste, and abuse, shrink the Federal bureaucracy, and make USDA programs more farmer friendly.
It sets USDA on a responsible and sustainable spending path that will make both the Department and our Nation stronger.
Under President Trump's and Secretary Rollins' leadership, every taxpayer dollar will be spent in the pursuit of putting all American farmers and ranchers first.
I would like to highlight a few areas where the legislation supports the administration's efforts to refocus the Department on its core mission by prioritizing essential functions in a fiscally responsible manner.
The bill provides $1.16 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, to support the Department's efforts to protect our producers from highly pathogenic avian influenza, New World screwworm, and other foreign plant and animal diseases.
The legislation continues to invest in the delivery of farm programs, disaster assistance, and crop insurance to farmers by prioritizing funding for farmer-facing functions.
Following the budget request, the bill moves $50 million of Farm Service Agency IT funds from FSA to the Office of the Chief Information Officer to continue to invest in and implement USDA's One Farmer, One File Initiative.
After accounting for this transfer of funds, no matter what you will hear from the nay-sayers, the bill actually increases overall funding for FSA staff, including for county office staff.
The bill provides important investments in critical agricultural research that will keep our producers on the cutting edge of technology and production practices.
We maintain funding for USDA's flagship competitive grant program, the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and protect capacity funding for our land grant universities to ensure our farmers and ag workforce remain competitive with China.
This legislation continues to fund vital rural development programs, including critical infrastructure investments in water and wastewater systems and housing programs, as well as increasing the loan authority for the business and industry and rural electric programs due to increased demand.
For the Food and Drug Administration, the bill provides $3.36 billion in direct appropriations. With increased user fees, FDA has a total budget of $7.1 billion to enable the agency to keep food, drugs, and medical devices safe and effective, as well as advance the Make America Healthy Again initiatives highlighted in the President's budget.
Finally, let me discuss WIC. The bill provides full funding of $8 billion for WIC, which is about 3 percent lower than last year's enacted level, but USDA data clearly shows that WIC participation has been declining and is not projected to be as high as originally estimated for fiscal year 2027. USDA also expects to have sufficient carryover funds to meet all the program needs, if necessary.
With lower participation estimates and increased carryover funding, the $8 billion allocated will fully fund the program. Let me say it one more time. Despite what the naysayers will claim, WIC is fully funded for its needs. No women or their children will lose or be denied coverage.
I believe a credible evaluation of this legislation will conclude that it balances the funding needs of the USDA, FDA, and CFTC while being responsible stewards of our constituents' hard-earned tax dollars. As Mr. Bishop has said, this is a good faith effort to meet the moment, and there are critical things that warrant support.
I am pleased that the bill received bipartisan support out of committee, and we want to keep working with the minority as we move forward in this process.
In closing, I ask for Members' support of this legislation. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)12:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 8646. As ranking member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I am deeply disappointed by this bill because it fails every American who relies on us for safe food and medicines, resilient farmlands, and vital rural infrastructure.
The FY 2027 House Agriculture appropriations bill is 4 percent below the FY26 enacted levels, a cut of $1.1 billion. It makes substantial reductions across rural development, farm production and conservation, nutrition, and foreign aid programs.
Most notably, House Republicans are proposing to drastically reduce fruit and vegetable benefits for 5 million low-income women, infants, and children in the WIC program. With funding for WIC below 2026 and rising food costs, the National WIC Association says it is quite possible that State agencies will have to turn away eligible families for the first time in 30 years.
To my Republican colleagues and the American people, I ask, does this make sense? Do we not want fresh and healthy food for women, infants, and schoolchildren? Do we want to keep turning this country back instead of moving it forward?
While there is an unauthorized war in Iran, a single week's spending for the war could fully fund WIC for almost an entire year. What is worse, the Department of Defense admits that 25 percent of our servicemembers and military families do not have access to sufficient quality food to meet their basic needs.
The majority is willing to spend billions of dollars overseas but not willing to feed the American troops fighting the war?
This bill not only hurts those struggling to afford to put food on the table, but it also hurts our farmers. There were 46 percent more farm bankruptcies in 2025 than the year before, and the issue is getting worse. USDA's own economists expect farm income to decline by $4.1 billion from 2025 to 2026.
Just as our producers are getting hit with increased fuel and input costs from this unauthorized war and chaotic tariffs, this administration has gutted the experienced Federal workforce and shuttered offices when our producers and rural communities need them the most.
My colleagues and I across this country have gotten calls from farmers and ranchers who tell us that they are showing up to closed or understaffed Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices. The staff they have worked with for years are disappearing, and the cuts to staffing in this bill at those very agencies will only make it harder for them to get the support that they need.
House Republicans also cut funding for water and wastewater grants for poor rural communities, slashing the programs by nearly 50 percent. These are basic human needs, quality-of-life necessities, and essential drivers for local job creation. There are still communities in rural areas across this country that don't have acceptable drinking or wastewater services that need these grants desperately.
This bill slashes rural broadband investments by 20 percent, rural business development grants by nearly 30 percent, and rural energy programs by 50 percent.
We cannot shut the door on our rural communities at a time when we need to do the opposite: invest in research at our land-grant universities and in rural development, preserve our farmland and forests, and ensure the safety of our food, medicine, and medical devices.
This bill is really about everyone. Everyone eats the food we produce. Everyone needs safe medicine and clean water. Everyone relies on affordable fuel and utilities. Unfortunately, the bill before us does not meet our country's needs.
The bill cuts funding for both the Office of Inspector General and the Office of Ethics at USDA, which are responsible for rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse. It slashes funding for the Office of Civil Rights. It nearly does away with the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, which means less transparency and less accountability to USDA stakeholders.
I appreciate very much the hard work of the Appropriations Committee staff and their ability to work so quickly after the much-delayed Presidential budget request. On the minority side, I thank Martha Foley, Marie Gualtieri, and Alex Swann. For the majority, I thank Pam Miller, Elizabeth Dent, Judd Gardner, Nick Seelinger, and Sykes Connell.
I also appreciate my colleague, Dr. Harris, very much for agreeing to keep essential funding for rural housing, senior food aid, and the McGovern-Dole food assistance intact. It is simply unfortunate, though, that the bill does not extend the same benefits to nutrition assistance, food security initiatives, and USDA operations.
I am very appreciative of the conversations that we have been able to have with Chairman Harris and the hard work with Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro in trying to get to a point where we can do what we need to do for the American people through this funding bill.
At this time, I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill and look forward to working with both sides to craft a better bill for our constituents and the American people.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Andy Harris (R-MD)12:20 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, first, I want to reemphasize that WIC is fully funded. Given the decreased participation rate and fully funding the reserve, WIC is fully funded.
Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), the chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
Tom Cole (R-OK)12:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank my very good friend, Chairman Harris, for the time.
Today's fiscal year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act recognizes a simple truth: When American agriculture is strong, America is strong.
This measure puts that principle into action. The bill before us supports farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, and invests in research to keep the United States competitive. It invests in food safety through important inspection resources and protects American agriculture from foreign pests and diseases. It reinforces an America First approach by ensuring policies that favor products produced right here in the United States.
At every level, the health and well-being of Americans and our communities are prioritized. We strengthen rural development, implement broadband investments, and reinforce the integrity of critical food and medical supply chains. We also uphold access to nutrition resources by fully funding SNAP and WIC, as well as increasing resources for child school food programs.
Supporting American families also means protecting the Nation and the critical resources we depend upon every day.
It is why the bill further reinforces key national security priorities by tightening oversight of foreign purchases of agricultural land and strengthening FDA oversight of foreign drug manufacturing facilities.
Safeguarding assets and reducing vulnerabilities in these critical areas is significant to defending American resources and reducing strategic vulnerabilities.
And just as importantly, it restores focus and accountability by cutting wasteful programs, eliminating Biden-era regulations, and holding every dollar to a higher standard.
From the farm to the dinner table, this measure puts Americans first by strengthening agriculture, protecting public health, and supporting economic opportunity across the country.
I thank Chairman Harris for his leadership in crafting this bill, and I appreciate his working partnership with Ranking Member Bishop, as well as the hard work of the majority and minority staff.
Mr. Harris and Mr. Bishop may be in different places today, but I have watched them work through the process before and come to common ground, and I am quite confident that will happen again.
Frankly, the process in many ways is just as important as the policy. Having our second full-year appropriations measure on the House floor reflects the commitment to regular order, thoughtful oversight, and the Article I responsibility entrusted to Congress by the American people.
Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of the FY27 bill.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)12:30 p.m.
Madam Chair, the chairman has said that spending on WIC in 2026 was lower than in 2025. I point out that there was a government shutdown from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. In October, faced with running out of funds, States asked infant formula companies to send out rebates faster so they could keep running their programs. Using the formula rebates made the average per-person food cost in October 2026 $9 lower than in 2025. But if you discount that month, the average monthly food cost in 2026 was higher than in 2025, not lower. We will do what we always do, and we will get the most accurate estimate for conference from the USDA, and we will use that number.
I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the distinguished ranking member of the full Appropriations Committee.
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT)12:30 p.m.
Madam Chair, I thank the ranking member for yielding. I want to begin by commending Ranking Member Bishop for his leadership on the Agriculture Subcommittee and thank him for his efforts on the legislation. I want to acknowledge the hard work of Chairman Harris on the committee and also my friend Chairman Cole.
Let me also say a thank-you at the outset to the staff: Martha Foley, Alex Swann, and Marie Gualtieri on the minority side; and their counterparts on the majority side: Pam Miller, Elizabeth Dent, Judd Gardner, Nick Seelinger, and Sykes Connell, as well, for all of their work.
I rise in opposition to the bill before us today. It will raise costs for farmers, cut aid for families, and reduce crucial support for rural communities.
In 2025, nearly 7 million women, children, and infants received support through the WIC program. These are families who are struggling to put food on the table, who are doing all that they can to stay afloat while costs for everything from groceries to gasoline continues to go up.
WIC is not fully funded. That includes cuts to the fruit and the vegetable voucher program. Specifically, vouchers, again, for fruits and vegetables have been cut. Denying women, infants, and children full access to nutritious fruits and vegetables is hardly a way to Make America Healthy Again.
WIC works. Multiple studies have found that WIC participation reduces the risk of adverse birth outcomes like premature birth or low birth weight, that it lowers infant mortality, and that it leads to a healthier overall diet for young children.
But this bill does not allow participants to recertify or enroll in the program remotely by failing to extend this option beyond the September 30, 2026, deadline. This is just another cut in disguise.
This option has been invaluable in helping more eligible Americans access their benefits. It has allowed working people to be able to certify without having to travel long distances or take time off from their work.
Virtual recertification is a proven process. It eliminates barriers to access for so many people. It allows more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and making sure that people can feed their families while maintaining program integrity. The American people deserve programs that work to support them and do not impose unnecessary burdens.
This bill also cuts the Food for Peace program by $300 million. That is about 25 percent. This will take money out of the pockets of the American farmers who grow the food that sustains the program while taking food out of the mouths of hungry children around the world who rely on it for their next meal. This is a lose-lose proposition. It is both immoral and irresponsible.
More than 2.2 million Americans do not have access to basic plumbing and running water in their homes, and this problem is even worse in rural areas. Yet, this bill cuts funding for waste and water development programs in rural communities by $62 million. Instead of solving the problem, this bill makes it worse, leaving more Americans without access to basic necessities that we should all expect in the United States.
This bill cuts funding for ReConnect Broadband by 20 percent, a program that is designed to expand internet access in rural communities. Broadband access is not a luxury. It is necessary to participate in the 21st century economy.
As I mentioned a moment ago about hurting farmers and rural communities, the cuts to rural water and waste disposal grants are about 4 percent. Rural business development grants have been cut by 28 percent. The Rural Energy for America Program, or the REAP program, has been cut by 50 percent.
And I would just say to my colleagues that we have a document here that gives you a State-by-State impact of Republican cuts. So it is in black and white. We are not making up the numbers.
It drives growth, the programs that we are talking about. The internet program, it drives growth. It connects people to job prospects and career training. It improves access to medical care. It is crucial at a time when more and more rural hospitals are closing down thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It expands educational opportunities, helping to ensure that every child is equipped to succeed in the economy of the future.
This bill also eliminates protections for small meat and poultry producers. It is a gift to their larger corporate competitors, which the American Farm Bureau, I might add, is opposed to.
It brings back partisan culture war provisions that have been stripped out of previous Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA bills.
In its current form, this bill raises costs for American farmers. It takes food away from hungry families. It cuts off support for rural communities, and it loudly bangs the divisive culture war drums once more.
I want to encourage my colleagues to oppose this legislation and also encourage my Republican colleagues to work with the Democrats to fix the many serious problems that this piece of legislation contains.
Andy Harris (R-MD)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I will just remind the Chair that we actually provide an additional $250 million in business and industry loans for rural business and industry, and given that there are 100,000 fewer participants in WIC, we fully fund the program.
Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse).
Dan Newhouse (R-WA)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 2027 agricultural appropriations legislation as well as in support of farmers, ranchers, and producers across this Nation.
As a third-generation farmer myself in central Washington, I know firsthand the challenges facing farm country as they produce the food, the fuel, and the fiber for consumers both here and around the globe.
In this legislation we provide key support for international food aid, including the Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Progress programs, helping to lift developing nations out of poverty while providing export markets for our farmers right here at home.
We continue critical investments in agricultural research, promotional efforts, loan programs for rural communities, and assistance for specialty crop producers.
This legislation also ensures that the Secretary of Agriculture remain a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing our farmland, which is a matter of national security.
As we find ourselves nearly $40 trillion in debt, we must rein in spending. We must get our fiscal house in order, and we must ensure taxpayer dollars are spent as efficiently as possible.
Madam Chair, this bill does this. This is a good bill.
I thank Chairman Harris and Chairman Cole, as well as Mr. Bishop and Ms. DeLauro and the entire committee staff for their work on making this important piece of legislation as good as it gets.
Madam Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support it.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), who is the distinguished ranking member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee and a member of the Agriculture Subcommittee.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Madam Chair, I rise today to speak in strong opposition to this bill. I am a proud member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, but right now, our Nation's agricultural economy is in shambles.
Florida is known as a tourism mecca, but our number two economic driver is agriculture.
Our farmers, ranchers, and growers work tirelessly to put food on our table. They need real help, and they need it right now.
On the front end, this President's illegal tariffs body-slammed them, and then this administration's botched war sent fuel and fertilizer costs through the roof. Markets are now as volatile as the extreme storms and droughts they face every year, while this White House not only ignores the problem, they make it worse every day.
Clearly, we should be investing in our hardworking farmers, giving them the tools and resources they need to keep our country fed. Instead, this bill consciously chooses to make life even harder for them by cutting funding for the Department of Agriculture by more than $1.1 billion. It cuts staffing for the Farm Service Agency, which helps farmers access Federal financial help. It contains massive giveaways to the largest meat and poultry producers, yet fails to invest in ag research needed to grow more crops faster and more cheaply.
Madam Chair, do you know who pays for that?
It is our constituents at their local grocery store.
This legislation also directly harms nearly 7 million new mothers, babies, and children who count on the nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, with cuts of $200 million.
This bill also continues House Republicans' endless assault on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, slashing the most effective antihunger weapon the Federal Government has by $6 billion.
When grocery costs skyrocket, SNAP puts food on the table for working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children. Every dollar cut from SNAP doesn't just disappear from a budget. It shows up in a hungry belly.
Worse still, this bill still continues America's withdrawal from the global stage by decimating international hunger assistance programs, leaving a massive void that China will gladly fill. This bill also makes our food and drug supply less safe, cutting roughly $60 million in discretionary funding from the FDA and boosting the chance that you will bite into your favorite snack, Madam Chair, and find large traces of heavy metals.
For example, this bill blocks FDA's food traceability rule from going into effect until 2028, even though "Consumer Reports" recently found high levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury in baby food, infant formula, bubble tea, and dark chocolate.
No one should have to question whether the food they eat is safe, not in this country, but that is another anxiety Republicans want to heap onto our families.
This is a bad bill that does nothing to help our farmers, new moms, children, or any of our constituents who are struggling to make ends meet.
I didn't come to Congress to make life worse for hardworking Americans, so I have no choice but to oppose this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
Andy Harris (R-MD)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I remind the Chair that if you have over 100,000 fewer WIC recipients, why would you budget for them?
Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford).
Mark Alford (R-MO)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I thank Representative Harris for his leadership as the subcommittee chair of this great committee, and our ranking member, Mr. Bishop. They are two fine gentlemen who have shepherded this bill through. I know it is not perfect for everyone in the room, but I think it is a step in the right direction for the American people.
Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of our Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
This is a fiscally responsible bill that puts our farmers, our ranchers, our consumers, and rural communities first.
It strengthens agricultural research, it protects animal and plant health, it improves food safety, and it makes sure that taxpayer dollars, which we should be concerned about each and every day here, are put first.
For Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, which I have the honor of representing, this bill delivers real wins and real results for them. I was proud to secure more than $4 million in direct Federal investments in our communities.
These are reasonable, responsible, and rational programs and investments that will modernize the Cass County Sheriff's digital forensics unit. It will improve water systems in beautiful Lexington, Missouri. It will build a new public safety facility in El Dorado Springs. It will upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Higginsville, and it will modernize 911 services in Morgan County near beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.
This legislation also reinforces national security by addressing the rising crisis of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land while also strengthening oversight of critical supply chains.
Most importantly--most importantly--it supports American producers. It supports rural America, and it advances an America First agenda that works for all families in America.
Together, we are making American agriculture great again. I am proud to be a part of that, and I am proud to be on the Appropriations Committee.
Madam Chair, I urge all my colleagues to get behind this bill. Let's move it forward, and let's put another notch on our belt to get these appropriations bills off the House floor, once again, and over to the Senate.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, it is interesting, looking at the State of Missouri from which Mr. Alford resides, they will lose, in terms of wastewater, $5,567,000 under this bill as compared to last year. In the Fourth District of Missouri, he will lose $467,000.
Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Mrs. Fletcher).
Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX)12:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I thank Ranking Member Bishop for yielding.
Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this bill and to object that House Republicans on the Rules Committee failed to include the amendment that I offered to increase and decrease funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by $10 million to focus on the threat of New World screwworm.
Yesterday, we learned that the New World screwworm has been found in Texas.
This is something that Texans have been worrying about and have been warning Washington about for nearly 2 years. This flesh-eating parasite, previously eradicated from the United States, poses a huge threat to our cattle, and Texas is home to the largest cattle population in the country. There are more than 12 million cattle, and it is a nearly a $15-billion cattle industry.
We have not seen a screwworm outbreak since the 1970s. It cost the United States hundreds of millions of dollars and took years to eradicate and contain.
An outbreak today will be devastating to U.S. livestock producers and drive up already high costs for beef at the grocery stores that all Americans will see.
Now, for decades, our country has remained relatively pest-free thanks to the hard work of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is tasked with eradicating and keeping dangers like screwworm at bay.
Last March, though, the Trump administration fired more than 15,000 USDA employees, including more than 1,300 staff at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, leaving our farmers and ranchers vulnerable.
Plus, the DOGE team, in their infinite wisdom, eliminated a program to contain the screwworm in Central America. This is what happens when you do not listen to the experts and the people who know what they are doing.
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who represents south Texas, has warned people in Washington that USDA experts have told him we need to be producing 700 million sterile flies, but the administration hasn't listened.
The threat of New World screwworm is just one consequence of the Trump administration's reckless campaign to eliminate funding for government programs and research initiatives that our country invests in and that Americans rely on. Importantly, this Congress has utterly failed to do anything about it and failed to stop it.
Rebuilding our Federal Government's capacity to respond swiftly during crisis takes time, and as Texas farmers and ranchers can tell you, we are witnessing a crisis unfold before our eyes right now.
Madam Chair, for these reasons and the many others my colleagues have identified, I will be voting against this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
Andy Harris (R-MD)12:50 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Chair, just to keep the record straight, we actually increased funding for New World screwworm by $4.5 million this year. We count on timely amendments being submitted, but when you submit something just before the bill comes to the floor--we will work with the gentlewoman and we will work as we go through the process to address the threat. We have been addressing it, and we will continue to do it. But that is the reason why the amendment was not included.
With regards to the FDA, the comment was made that somehow we are decreasing funding to the FDA. Just so everyone understands, Madam Chair, there are two sources of funding for the FDA: discretionary funding and the funding based on user fees.
When the funding based on user fees goes way up, we can decrease the discretionary to keep the level adequate. Overall funding for the FDA is up $150 million this year. It has not decreased. Yes, the discretionary part has decreased. But we are making the companies who use the FDA pay the balance, and I think that is good for the American taxpayer.
However, just to resolve anyone's fears, our FDA funding goes up $150 million under this bill.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)12:50 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bynum).
Janelle S. Bynum (D-OR)12:50 p.m.
Madam Chair, I can't say that I am surprised that my Republican colleagues want to cut yet another resource to help women and children get food.
This bill reduces the fruit and vegetable benefit for mothers and young children under WIC, and this goes against actual science-based evidence that tells us what families need to stay healthy.
Cutting these benefits leaves 5.3 million moms and kids without reliable access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
But here is the real kicker: The administration's own Make America Healthy Again report praises WIC's success in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.
Now, right here on page 34, read along with me. It says: "WIC has a proven track record of improving children's health." It is right there, page 34.
Madam Chair, we know that these benefits work and these benefits help parents bring home apples instead of ultraprocessed snacks, carrots instead of empty calories, and healthier options across the board that set children up for success.
Now, we hear a lot of talk from the same people who are trying to cut these benefits about making America healthier. If they were serious about that goal, I wouldn't have to be standing here right now.
Madam Chair, we should be making it easier for families to afford healthy food, not harder.
For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered this motion with an important amendment to this bill.
My amendment would restore the cut this bill makes to the WIC fruit and vegetable benefits and adjusts them to keep up with inflation.
I will keep fighting to make sure that nothing, not inflation and not out-of-touch Republicans in D.C., get to take healthy food away from moms and kids.
I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit.
Madam Chair, I include in the Record the text of my amendment.
Text printed in the Record (547 characters)
Ms. Bynum moves to recommit the bill H.R. 8646 to the Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment:
Amend the second proviso under the heading "Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)" to read as follows: "Provided further, That the Secretary shall use funds made available under this heading to maintain the amount for the cash-value voucher for women and children participants at an amount recommended by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and adjusted for inflation:".
Andy Harris (R-MD)12:50 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Chair, let's address the nutrition programs as yet once again.
The SNAP participation rate year over year from February '25 to February '26, that is the last month we have data from, is down 7 percent.
Thank goodness 7 percent fewer Americans actually need the food, need SNAP assistance. So what did we do? We decreased the budget 6 percent. We actually didn't even decrease the budget as much as the participation rate went down. SNAP is fully funded.
Let's talk about WIC. February '25 to February '26--the last month we have available is February '26. Year over year, a decrease of 150,000 people on WIC. That is about 2.5 percent. That is exactly what we decreased the budget by. Why would we budget for people who don't exist?
In the setting of a $2 trillion deficit, why would we put that money in a bill? We have a reserve, $150 million reserve in WIC. God forbid that participation rate goes up because of economic principles or maybe more Americans have children, the money is there. WIC and SNAP are fully funded for the participation rate. Anything else you hear is scary rhetoric.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Chair, I am really deeply disappointed in the bill. I am just reflecting on the reductions in this bill for rural water and waste disposal grants, 44 percent over last year.
If you look at what is happening with the chairman's district over in Maryland, the State of Maryland will lose $2.203 million for rural water and waste disposal grants and in the First District, it is $1.340 million of that.
The losses for rural energy for America and the REAP program are being cut 50 percent. That is really not doing right by our people in rural America. Being able to lower their energy costs, being able to help our farmers reduce the costs of their production, particularly at this time with the tremendous challenges that our farm communities are facing with costs, it just doesn't make sense to me.
At a time when our farmers are struggling, our rural communities are being left behind, and our families all across America are facing rising costs, this bill moves us in the wrong direction. We should be strengthening the programs that support agriculture, nutrition, and rural America, and we shouldn't be weakening them.
Mr. Chair, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and to come together to work toward a measure that truly meets the needs of America's farmers, families, and our rural communities.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Andy Harris (R-MD)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chair, let's review some of the things we have heard and some of the facts about the bill.
I will start by saying that when Gallup polls the American public, the American public thinks that 43 cents out of every Federal dollar is wasted. That amounts to 43 percent of the Federal dollar wasted, in the minds of Americans. The President was elected to increase the efficiency of the Federal Government, realizing that Americans think 43 percent of the money is wasted.
Mr. Chair, this bill reduces the spending from the enacted level by 1.4 percent.
Now, Americans are probably going to be disappointed because they think that we are wasting 43 cents on a dollar, so why are you only cutting it by 1.4 percent? Because we carefully looked at the programs. We think that is the start we need to make to deliver the assistance that our farmers, ranchers, and rural populations need, given the context that we have to make the government work more efficiently. We think that is what this bill does.
Let's talk about the wastewater. Again, there are two buckets of what affect water and wastewater management in rural areas: a bucket of grants and a bucket of loans.
The grants have been decreased somewhat, but grants make up 10 percent, roughly, of the amount of money available for wastewater programs in rural areas.
We maintained a billion dollars of loan authority for those programs. It was maintained in the bill. We recognized that these rural communities need help, and we generously make loans available to the communities that could not otherwise find funding anywhere else.
We talked about the FDA. The FDA has a $150 million increase when you count on the fact that what we did is said if companies using the FDA for licensing and approval are paying a user fee, and those user fees are going up, the amount collected is going up, we can decrease the amount that the average American taxpayer has to throw into that kitty. That kind of makes sense.
I think that is what the American taxpayer would want. If those drug companies are making money on licensing those drugs, they should pay more of the cost of licensing the drugs. That is exactly what happens under this bill.
We talked about WIC and SNAP. I will just reemphasize that the participation rate in both programs goes down, so we lowered the amount that we allocate to those programs proportional to the decrease in participation rates. That is just good accounting for the American people.
Mr. Chair, this bill achieves a balance that is not easy with a $2 trillion deficit, a $40 trillion debt, and an American public that believes the Federal Government wastes 43 cents of every dollar. This achieves the balance we need to maintain funding to the programs that are necessary and to make sure that we deliver for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Again, we delivered to the nutrition programs while keeping in mind that we have to be very good stewards of the taxpayer dollars because there aren't enough of them to go around.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Loudermilk)1:00 p.m.
All time for general debate has expired.
Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the 5-minute rule. The bill shall be considered as read.
The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (7,080 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, namely:
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Secretary, $55,261,000 of which not to exceed $6,000,000 shall be available for the immediate Office of the Secretary, of which $500,000 shall be for the Office of Seafood; not to exceed $15,259,000 shall be available for the Office of Homeland Security; not to exceed $5,190,000 shall be available for the Office of Tribal Relations; not to exceed $2,000,000 shall be available for the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement; not to exceed $18,315,000 shall be available for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, of which $17,015,000 shall be available for Departmental Administration to provide for necessary expenses for management support services to offices of the Department and for general administration, security, repairs and alterations, and other miscellaneous supplies and expenses not otherwise provided for and necessary for the practical and efficient work of the Department: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Administration mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for
the Office; not to exceed $3,500,000 shall be available for the Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs to carry out the programs funded by this Act, including programs involving intergovernmental affairs and liaison within the executive branch; and not to exceed $4,997,000 shall be available for the Office of Communications: Provided further, That the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to transfer funds appropriated for any office of the Office of the Secretary to any other office of the Office of the Secretary: Provided further, That no appropriation for any office shall be increased or decreased by more than 5 percent: Provided further, That not to exceed $22,000 of the amount made available under this paragraph for the immediate Office of the Secretary shall be available for official reception and representation expenses, not otherwise provided for, as determined by the Secretary: Provided further, That the amount made available under this heading for Departmental Administration shall be reimbursed from applicable appropriations in this Act for travel expenses incident to the holding of hearings as required by 5 U.S.C. 551-558: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs shall be transferred to agencies of the Department of Agriculture funded by this Act to maintain personnel at the agency level:
Provided further, That no funds made available under this heading for the Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations may be obligated after 30 days from the date of enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary has notified the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the allocation of these funds by USDA agency: Provided further, That during any 30 day notification period referenced in section 716 of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall take no action to begin implementation of the action that is subject to section 716 of this Act or make any public announcement of such action in any form.
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Economist, $29,500,000, of which $10,000,000 shall be for grants or cooperative agreements for policy research under 7 U.S.C. 3155: Provided, That of the amounts made available under this heading, $500,000 shall be available to carry out section 224 of subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6924), as amended by section 12504 of Public Law 115-334.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Hearings and Appeals, $10,203,000.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Budget and Program Analysis, $13,967,000.
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Information Officer, $134,913,000, of which not less than $60,032,000 is for cybersecurity requirements of the department.
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, $5,813,000.
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, $1,309,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Civil Rights mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Civil Rights, $20,000,000.
For payment of space rental and related costs pursuant to Public Law 92-313, including authorities pursuant to the 1984 delegation of authority from the Administrator of General Services to the Department of Agriculture under 40 U.S.C. 121, for programs and activities of the Department which are included in this Act, and for alterations and other actions needed for the Department and its agencies to consolidate unneeded space into configurations suitable for release to the Administrator of General Services, and for the operation, maintenance, improvement, and repair of Agriculture buildings and facilities, and for related costs, $20,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses of the Department of Agriculture, to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), $1,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That appropriations and funds available herein to the Department for Hazardous Materials Management may be transferred to any agency of the Department for its use in meeting all requirements pursuant to the above Acts on Federal and non-Federal lands.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Safety, Security, and Protection, $19,100,000.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, including employment pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452; 5 U.S.C. App.), $99,975,000, including such sums as may be necessary for contracting and other arrangements with public agencies and private persons pursuant to section 6(a)(9) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452; 5 U.S.C. App.), and including not to exceed $125,000 for certain confidential operational expenses, including the payment of informants, to be expended under the direction of the Inspector General pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 1337 of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (Public Law 97-98).
For necessary expenses of the Office of the General Counsel, $46,500,000.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Ethics, $4,136,000.
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
Text printed in the Record (8,052 characters)
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, $1,500,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Research, Education, and Economics mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office: Provided further, That of the amounts made available under this heading, $500,000 shall be made available for the Office of the Chief Scientist.
For necessary expenses of the Economic Research Service, $90,612,000.
For necessary expenses of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, $187,500,000, of which up to $48,500,000 shall be available until expended for the Census of Agriculture: Provided, That amounts made available for the Census of Agriculture may be used to conduct Current Industrial Report surveys subject to 7 U.S.C. 2204g(d) and (f): Provided further, That the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress in writing at least 30 days prior to discontinuing data collection programs and reports.
For necessary expenses of the Agricultural Research Service and for acquisition of lands by donation, exchange, or purchase at a nominal cost not to exceed $100,000 and with prior notification and approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, and for land exchanges where the lands exchanged shall be of equal value or shall be equalized by a payment of money to the grantor which shall not exceed 25 percent of the total value of the land or interests transferred out of Federal ownership, $1,795,813,000, which shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified in the table titled "Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and Expenses" in the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That appropriations hereunder shall be available for the operation and maintenance of aircraft and the purchase of not to exceed one for replacement only: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2250 for the construction, alteration, and repair of buildings and improvements, but unless otherwise provided, the cost of constructing any one building shall not exceed $500,000, except for headhouses or greenhouses which shall each be limited to $1,800,000, except for 10 buildings to be constructed or improved at a cost not to exceed $1,100,000 each, and except for four buildings to be constructed at a cost not to exceed $5,000,000 each, and the cost of altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the building or $500,000, whichever is greater: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available for entering into lease agreements at any Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by the Agricultural Research Service and a condition of the lease shall be that any facility shall be owned, operated, and maintained by the non-Federal entity and shall be removed upon the expiration or termination of the lease agreement: Provided further, That the limitations on alterations contained in this Act shall not apply to modernization or replacement of existing facilities at Beltsville, Maryland: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available for granting easements at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center: Provided further, That the foregoing limitations shall not apply to replacement of buildings needed to carry out the Act of April 24, 1948 (21 U.S.C. 113a): Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available for granting easements at any Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by, and acceptable to, the Agricultural Research Service and a condition of the easements shall be that upon completion the facility shall be accepted by the Secretary, subject to the availability of funds herein, if the Secretary finds that acceptance of the facility is in the interest of the United States: Provided further, That funds may be received from any State, other
political subdivision, organization, or individual for the purpose of establishing or operating any research facility or research project of the Agricultural Research Service, as authorized by law: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available for the Experienced Services Program at the Agricultural Research Service (16 U.S.C. 3851).
For the acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities as necessary to carry out the agricultural research programs of the Department of Agriculture, where not otherwise provided, $18,003,000, to remain available until expended, for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in the table titled "Community Project Funding" in the report accompanying this Act.
For payments to agricultural experiment stations, for cooperative forestry and other research, for facilities, and for other expenses, $1,046,500,000, which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and for the periods of availability specified in the table titled "National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Research and Education Activities" in the report accompanying this Act, of which $537,500,000 shall remain available until expended and of which $7,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That each institution eligible to receive funds under the Evans-Allen program receives no less than $1,000,000: Provided further, That funds for education grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions be made available to individual eligible institutions or consortia of eligible institutions with funds awarded equally to each of the States of Alaska and Hawaii: Provided further, That funds for education grants for 1890 institutions shall be made available to institutions eligible to receive funds under 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222: Provided further, That not more than 5 percent of the amounts made available by this or any other Act to carry out the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative under 7 U.S.C. 3157 may be retained by the Secretary of Agriculture to pay administrative costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out that authority.
For the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund authorized by Public Law 103-382 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), $11,880,000, to remain available until expended.
For payments to States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Micronesia, the Northern Marianas, and American Samoa, $557,100,000 which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and for the periods of availability specified in the table titled "National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Extension Activities" in the report accompanying this Act, of which $33,500,000 shall remain available until expended: Provided, That institutions eligible to receive funds under 7 U.S.C. 3221 for cooperative extension receive no less than $1,000,000: Provided further, That funds for cooperative extension under sections 3(b) and (c) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c)) and section 208(c) of Public Law 93-471 shall be available for retirement and employees' compensation costs for extension agents.
For the integrated research, education, and extension grants programs, including necessary administrative expenses, $39,100,000, which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and for the periods of availability specified in the table titled "National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Activities" in the report accompanying this Act, of which $8,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, indirect costs shall not be charged against any Extension Implementation Program Area grant awarded under the Crop Protection/Pest Management Program (7 U.S.C. 7626).
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
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For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, $1,200,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
For necessary expenses of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, including up to $30,000 for representation allowances and for expenses pursuant to the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4085), $1,157,850,000 which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and for the periods of availability specified in the table titled "Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service" in the report accompanying this Act, of which $584,177,000 shall remain available until expended, and of which $8,500,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That no funds shall be used to formulate or administer a brucellosis eradication program for the current fiscal year that does not require minimum matching by the States of at least 40 percent: Provided further, That this appropriation shall be available for the purchase, replacement, operation, and maintenance of aircraft: Provided further, That in addition, in emergencies which threaten any segment of the agricultural production industry of the United States, the Secretary may transfer from other appropriations or funds available to the agencies or corporations of the Department such sums as may be deemed necessary, to be available only in such emergencies for the arrest and eradication of contagious or infectious disease or pests of animals, poultry, or plants, and for expenses in accordance with sections 10411 and 10417 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8310 and 8316) and sections 431 and 442 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7751 and 7772), and any unexpended balances of funds transferred for such emergency purposes in the preceding fiscal year shall be merged with such transferred amounts: Provided further, That the Secretary must notify the Committees on Appropriations about any transfer of funds in the preceding proviso within 15 days after such transfer being made: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available pursuant to law (7 U.S.C. 2250) for the repair and alteration of leased buildings and improvements, but unless otherwise provided the cost of altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the building.
In fiscal year 2027, the agency is authorized to collect fees to cover the total costs of providing technical assistance, goods, or services requested by States, other political subdivisions, domestic and international organizations, foreign governments, or individuals, provided that such fees are structured such that any entity's liability for such fees is reasonably based on the technical assistance, goods, or services provided to the entity by the agency, and such fees shall be reimbursed to this account, to remain available until expended, without further appropriation, for providing such assistance, goods, or services.
For plans, construction, repair, preventive maintenance, environmental support, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2250, and acquisition of land as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2268a, $500,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service, $204,551,000, of which $5,000,000 shall be available for the purposes of section 12306 of Public Law 113-79, and of which $1,000,000 shall be available for the purposes of section 779 of division A of Public Law 117-103: Provided, That of the amounts made available under this heading, $13,750,000, to remain available until expended, shall be to carry out section 12513 of Public Law 115-334, and the Secretary shall take measures to ensure an equal distribution of funds between the four regional innovation initiatives: Provided further, That this appropriation shall be available pursuant to law (7 U.S.C. 2250) for the alteration and repair of buildings and improvements, but the cost of altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the building.
Fees may be collected for the cost of standardization activities, as established by regulation pursuant to law (31 U.S.C. 9701), except for the cost of activities relating to the development or maintenance of grain standards under the United States Grain Standards Act, 7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.
Not to exceed $62,596,000 (from fees collected) shall be obligated during the current fiscal year for administrative expenses: Provided, That if crop size is understated and/or other uncontrollable events occur, the agency may exceed this limitation by up to 10 percent with notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply (section 32)
Funds available under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c), shall be used only for commodity program expenses as authorized therein, and other related operating expenses, except for: (1) transfers to the Department of Commerce as authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a et seq.); (2) transfers otherwise provided in this Act; and (3) not more than $24,464,000 for formulation and administration of marketing agreements and orders pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and the Agricultural Act of 1961 (Public Law 87-128).
For payments to departments of agriculture, bureaus and departments of markets, and similar agencies for marketing activities under section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1623(b)), $500,000.
limitation on inspection and weighing services expenses
Not to exceed $55,000,000 (from fees collected) shall be obligated during the current fiscal year for inspection and weighing services: Provided, That if grain export activities
require additional supervision and oversight, or other uncontrollable factors occur, this limitation may be exceeded by up to 10 percent with notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, $800,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Food Safety mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
For necessary expenses to carry out services authorized by the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act, including not to exceed $10,000 for representation allowances and for expenses pursuant to section 8 of the Act approved August 3, 1956 (7 U.S.C. 1766), $1,226,000,000; and in addition, $1,000,000 may be credited to this account from fees collected for the cost of laboratory accreditation as authorized by section 1327 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 138f): Provided, That funds provided for the Public Health Data Communication Infrastructure system shall remain available until expended: Provided further, That no fewer than 148 full-time equivalent positions shall be employed during fiscal year 2027 for purposes dedicated solely to inspections and enforcement related to the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.): Provided further, That this appropriation shall be available pursuant to law (7 U.S.C. 2250) for the alteration and repair of buildings and improvements, but the cost of altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the building.
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
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For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, $1,000,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Farm Production and Conservation mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
For necessary expenses of the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, $150,598,000: Provided, That $70,740,000 of amounts appropriated for the current fiscal year pursuant to section 1241(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) shall be transferred to and merged with this account.
For necessary expenses of the Farm Service Agency, $1,105,526,000, of which not less than $15,000,000 shall be for the hiring of new employees to fill vacancies and anticipated vacancies at Farm Service Agency county offices and farm loan officers and shall be available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That the agency shall submit a report by the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2027 to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress that identifies for each project/investment that is operational (a) current performance against key indicators of customer satisfaction, (b) current performance of service level agreements or other technical metrics, (c) current performance against a pre-established cost baseline, (d) a detailed breakdown of current and planned spending on operational enhancements or upgrades, and (e) an assessment of whether the investment continues to meet business needs as intended as well as alternatives to the investment: Provided further, That the Secretary is authorized to use the services, facilities, and authorities (but not the funds) of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make program payments for all programs administered by the Agency: Provided further, That other funds made available to the Agency for authorized activities may be advanced to and merged with this account: Provided further, That of the amount appropriated under this heading, $696,594,000 shall be made available to county offices, to remain available until expended: Provided further, That, notwithstanding the preceding proviso, any funds made available to county offices in the current fiscal year that the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency deems to exceed or not meet the amount needed for the county offices may be transferred to or from the Farm Service Agency for necessary expenses: Provided further, That none of the funds available for any department or agency in this or any other appropriations Acts, including prior year Acts, shall be used to close Farm Service Agency county offices: Provided further, That none of the funds available in this or any other Act, including prior year Acts, shall be used to permanently relocate county based employees that would result in an office with two or fewer employees without prior notification and approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
For grants pursuant to section 502(b) of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987, as amended (7 U.S.C. 5101-5106), $6,500,000: Provided, That the Secretary of Agriculture may determine that United States territories and Federally recognized Indian tribes are "States" for the purposes of Subtitle A of such Act.
For necessary expenses to carry out wellhead or groundwater protection activities under section 1240O of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2), $8,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses involved in making indemnity payments to dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products under a dairy indemnity program, such sums as may be necessary, to remain available until expended: Provided, That such program is carried out by the Secretary in the same manner as the dairy indemnity program described in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (Public Law 106-387, 114 Stat. 1549A-12).
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and guaranteed farm ownership (7 U.S.C. 1922 et seq.) and operating (7 U.S.C. 1941 et seq.) loans, emergency loans (7 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.), Indian tribe land acquisition loans (25 U.S.C. 5136), boll weevil loans (7 U.S.C. 1989), and guaranteed conservation loans (7 U.S.C. 1924 et seq.), to be available from funds in the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund, as follows: $4,663,756,000 for guaranteed farm ownership loans and $1,241,992,000 for farm ownership direct loans; $2,000,000,000 for unsubsidized guaranteed operating loans and $1,633,000,000 for direct operating loans; emergency loans, $14,388,000; Indian tribe land acquisition loans, $20,000,000; guaranteed conservation loans, $150,000,000; and for boll weevil eradication program loans, $60,000,000: Provided, That the Secretary shall deem the pink bollworm to be a boll weevil for the purpose of boll weevil eradication program loans.
For the cost of direct and guaranteed loans and grants, including the cost of modifying loans as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as follows: $1,062,000 for emergency loans, to remain available until expended; and $30,553,000 for farm ownership direct loans.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs, $326,053,000: Provided, That of this amount, $305,803,000 shall be paid to the appropriation for "Farm Service Agency, Salaries and Expenses".
Funds appropriated by this Act to the Agricultural Credit Insurance Program Account for farm ownership, operating, conservation, and emergency direct loans and loan guarantees may be transferred among these programs: Provided, That the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress are notified at least 15 days in advance of any transfer.
For necessary expenses of the Risk Management Agency, $60,345,000: Provided, That $1,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading in this Act shall be available for compliance and integrity activities required under section 516(b)(2)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1516(b)(2)(C)), and shall be in addition to amounts otherwise provided for such purpose: Provided further, That not to exceed $1,000 shall be available for official reception and representation expenses, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 1506(i).
For necessary expenses for carrying out the provisions of the Act of April 27, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a-f), including preparation of conservation plans and establishment of measures to conserve soil and water (including farm irrigation and land drainage and such special measures for soil and water management as may be necessary to prevent floods and the siltation of reservoirs and to control agricultural related pollutants); operation of conservation plant materials centers; classification and mapping of soil; dissemination of information; acquisition of lands, water, and interests therein for use in the plant materials program by donation, exchange, or purchase at a nominal cost not to exceed $100 pursuant to the Act of August 3, 1956 (7 U.S.C. 2268a); purchase and erection or alteration or improvement of permanent and temporary buildings; and operation and maintenance of aircraft, $800,000,000, which shall be for the purposes and in the amounts specified in the table titled "Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations" in the report accompanying this Act, to remain available until September 30, 2028, of which $49,005,500 shall for be for the purposes, and in the amounts specified for this account in the table titled "Community Project Funding" in the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That appropriations hereunder shall be available pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2250 for construction and improvement of buildings and public improvements at plant materials centers, except that the cost of alterations and improvements to other buildings
and other public improvements shall not exceed $250,000: Provided further, That when buildings or other structures are erected on non-Federal land, that the right to use such land is obtained as provided in 7 U.S.C. 2250a: Provided further, That of the total amount available under this heading, $2,000,000 shall be for necessary expenses to carry out the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Program under section 222 of subtitle A of title II of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923), as amended by section 12302 of Public Law 115-334: Provided further, That for grants provided through the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Program, grant recipients shall be subject to a fifty percent cost-share requirement.
For necessary expenses to carry out preventive measures, including but not limited to surveys and investigations, engineering operations, works of improvement, and changes in use of land, in accordance with the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001-1005 and 1007-1009) and in accordance with the provisions of laws relating to the activities of the Department, $35,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That for funds provided by this Act or any other prior Act, the limitation regarding the size of the watershed or subwatershed exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand acres in which such activities can be undertaken shall only apply for activities undertaken for the primary purpose of flood prevention (including structural and land treatment measures): Provided further, That of the amounts made available under this heading, $10,000,000 shall be allocated to projects in states that are actively engaged in corrugated metal pipe pilot projects with NRCS.
Under the authorities of section 14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, $3,000,000 is provided.
The following corporations and agencies are hereby authorized to make expenditures, within the limits of funds and borrowing authority available to each such corporation or agency and in accord with law, and to make contracts and commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations as provided by section 104 of the Government Corporation Control Act as may be necessary in carrying out the programs set forth in the budget for the current fiscal year for such corporation or agency, except as hereinafter provided.
For payments as authorized by section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1516), such sums as may be necessary, to remain available until expended.
For the current fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for net realized losses sustained, but not previously reimbursed, pursuant to section 2 of the Act of August 17, 1961 (15 U.S.C. 713a-11): Provided, That of the funds available to the Commodity Credit Corporation under section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C.
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714i) for the conduct of its business with the Foreign Agricultural Service, up to $5,000,000 may be transferred to and used by the Foreign Agricultural Service for information resource management activities of the Foreign Agricultural Service that are not related to Commodity Credit Corporation business: Provided further, That the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in writing 15 days prior to the obligation, commitment, or transfer of any emergency funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation or the transfer or cancellation of any previously obligated Commodity Credit Corporation funds: Provided further, That such written notification shall include a detailed spend plan for the anticipated uses of such funds and an expected timeline for program execution if such obligation, commitment, transfer, or cancellation exceeds $100,000,000.
For the current fiscal year, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall not expend more than $15,000,000 for site investigation and cleanup expenses, and operations and maintenance expenses to comply with the requirement of section 107(g) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9607(g)), and section 6001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6961).
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development, $1,000,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Rural Development mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
For necessary expenses for carrying out the administration and implementation of Rural Development programs, including activities with institutions concerning the development and operation of agricultural cooperatives; and for cooperative agreements; $270,000,000: Provided, That of the amount made available under this heading, no less than $75,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be used for information technology expenses: Provided further, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds appropriated under this heading may be used for advertising and promotional activities that support Rural Development programs: Provided further, That in addition to any other funds appropriated for purposes authorized by section 502(i) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(i)), any amounts collected under such section, as amended by this Act, will immediately be credited to this account and will remain available until expended for such purposes: Provided further, That of the amount made available under this heading, $2,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a pilot program that assists rural hospitals to improve long-term operations and financial health, by providing technical assistance through analysis of current hospital management practices.
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and guaranteed loans as authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949, to be available from funds in the rural housing insurance fund, as follows: $1,000,000,000 shall be for section 502 direct loans; $6,000,000 shall be for a Single Family Housing Relending demonstration program for Native American Tribes; and $25,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028, shall be for section 502 unsubsidized guaranteed loans; $25,000,000 for section 504 housing repair loans; $50,000,000 for section 515 rental housing; $400,000,000 for section 538 guaranteed multi-family housing loans; $10,000,000 for credit sales of single family housing acquired property; $5,000,000 for section 523 self-help housing land development loans; $5,000,000 for section 524 site development loans; and $15,000,000 for section 514 direct farm labor housing loans.
For the cost of direct loans, guaranteed loans, and grants, including the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as follows: section 502 direct loans, $132,900,000; Single Family Housing Relending demonstration program for Native American Tribes, $2,653,000; section 504 housing repair loans, $4,270,000; repair, rehabilitation, and new construction of section 515 rental housing, $16,640,000, to remain available until expended; section 523 self-help housing land development loans, $655,000; section 524 site development loans, $471,000; section 514 farm labor housing loans, $5,057,000, to remain available until expended; and farm labor housing grants, as authorized by section 516 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1484, 1486), $6,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That to support the loan program level for section 538 guaranteed loans made available under this heading the Secretary may charge or adjust any fees to cover the projected cost of such loan guarantees pursuant to the provisions of the Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), and the interest on such loans may not be subsidized: Provided further, That applicants in communities that have a current rural area waiver under section 541 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490q) shall be treated as living in a rural area for purposes of section 502 guaranteed loans provided under this heading: Provided further, That of the amounts available under this paragraph for section 502 direct loans, no less than $5,000,000 shall be available for direct loans for individuals whose homes will be built pursuant to a program funded with a mutual and self-help housing grant authorized by section 523 of the Housing Act of 1949 until June 1, 2027: Provided further, That the Secretary shall implement provisions to provide incentives to nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities to facilitate the acquisition of Rural Housing Service (RHS) multifamily housing properties by such nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities that commit to keep such properties in the RHS multifamily housing program for a period of time as determined by the Secretary, with such incentives to include, but not be limited to, the following: allow such nonprofit entities and public housing authorities to earn a Return on Investment on the owner's initial equity contributions, as defined by the Secretary, invested in the transaction; and allow reimbursement of organizational costs associated with owner's oversight of asset referred to as "Asset Management Fee" of up to $15,000 per property.
In addition, for the cost of direct loans and grants, including the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, $30,000,000, to remain available until expended, for a demonstration program for the preservation and revitalization of the sections 514, 515, and 516 multi-family rental housing properties to restructure existing USDA multi-family housing loans, as the Secretary deems appropriate, expressly for the purposes of ensuring the project has sufficient resources to preserve the project for the purpose of providing safe and affordable housing for low-income
residents and farm laborers including reducing or eliminating interest; deferring loan payments, subordinating, reducing or re-amortizing loan debt; and other financial assistance including advances, payments and incentives (including the ability of owners to obtain reasonable returns on investment) required by the Secretary: Provided, That the Secretary shall, as part of the preservation and revitalization agreement, obtain a restrictive use agreement consistent with the terms of the restructuring.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs, $412,254,000 shall be paid to the appropriation for "Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses".
For rental assistance agreements entered into or renewed pursuant to the authority under section 521(a)(2) of the Housing Act of 1949 or agreements entered into in lieu of debt forgiveness or payments for eligible households as authorized by section 502(c)(5)(D) of the Housing Act of 1949, $1,795,000,000, and in addition such sums as may be necessary, as authorized by section 521(c) of the Act, to liquidate debt incurred prior to fiscal year 1992 to carry out the rental assistance program under section 521(a)(2) of the Act: Provided, That amounts made available under this heading shall be available for renewal of rental assistance agreements for a maximum of 5,000 units where the Secretary determines that a maturing loan for a project cannot reasonably be restructured with another USDA loan or modification and the project was operating with rental assistance under section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949: Provided further, That the Secretary may enter into rental assistance contracts in maturing properties with existing rental assistance agreements notwithstanding any provision of section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949, for a term of at least 10 years but not more than 20 years: Provided further, That any agreement to enter into a rental assistance contract under section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949 for a maturing property shall obligate the owner to continue to maintain the project as decent, safe, and sanitary housing and to operate the development in accordance with the Housing Act of 1949, except that rents shall be based on current Fair Market Rents as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to 24 CFR 888 Subpart A, 42 U.S.C.
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1437f and 3535d, to determine the maximum initial rent and adjusted annually by the Operating Cost Adjustment Factor pursuant to 24 CFR 888 Subpart B, unless the Agency determines that the project's budget-based needs require a higher rent, in which case the Agency may approve a budget-based rent level: Provided further, That rental assistance agreements entered into or renewed during the current fiscal year shall be funded for a one year period: Provided further, That upon request by an owner under section 514 or 515 of the Act, the Secretary may renew the rental assistance agreement for a period of 20 years or until the term of such loan has expired, subject to annual appropriations: Provided further, That any unexpended balances remaining at the end of such one-year agreements may be transferred and used for purposes of any debt reduction, maintenance, repair, or rehabilitation of any existing projects; preservation; and rental assistance activities authorized under title V of the Act: Provided further, That rental assistance provided under agreements entered into prior to fiscal year 2027 for a farm labor multi-family housing project financed under section 514 or 516 of the Act may not be recaptured for use in another project until such assistance has remained unused for a period of twelve consecutive months, if such project has a waiting list of tenants seeking such assistance or the project has rental assistance eligible tenants who are not receiving such assistance: Provided further, That such recaptured rental assistance shall, to the extent practicable, be applied to another farm labor multi-family housing project financed under section 514 or 516 of the Act:
Provided further, That except as provided in the seventh proviso under this heading and notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, the Secretary may recapture rental assistance provided under agreements entered into prior to fiscal year 2027 for a project that the Secretary determines no longer needs rental assistance and use such recaptured funds for current needs.
For the rural housing voucher program as authorized under section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949, but notwithstanding subsection (b) of such section, $48,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That the funds made available under this heading shall be available for rural housing vouchers to any low-income household (including those not receiving rental assistance) residing in a property financed with a section 515 loan which has been prepaid or otherwise paid off after September 30, 2005, and is not receiving stand-alone section 521 rental assistance: Provided further, That the amount of such voucher shall be the difference between comparable market rent for the section 515 unit and the tenant paid rent for such unit: Provided further, That funds made available for such vouchers shall be subject to the availability of annual appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, administer such vouchers with current regulations and administrative guidance applicable to section 8 housing vouchers administered by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Provided further, That in addition to any other available funds, the Secretary may expend not more than $1,000,000 total, from the program funds made available under this heading, for administrative expenses for activities funded under this heading.
For grants and contracts pursuant to section 523(b)(1)(A) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490c), $25,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For grants for very low-income housing repair and rural housing preservation made by the Rural Housing Service, as authorized by 42 U.S.C. 1474, and 1490m, $26,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and guaranteed loans as authorized by section 306 and described in section 381E(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, $1,250,000,000 for direct loans and $650,000,000 for guaranteed loans.
For the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees and grants, including the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, for rural community facilities programs as authorized by section 306 and described in section 381E(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, $422,980,252 to remain available until expended, of which $398,527,252 shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in the table titled "Community Project Funding" in the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That $5,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be available for a Rural Community Development Initiative: Provided further, That such funds shall be used solely to develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities, and Federally Recognized Native American Tribes to undertake projects to improve housing, community facilities, community and economic development projects in rural areas: Provided further, That such funds shall be made available to qualified private, nonprofit and public intermediary organizations proposing to carry out a program of financial and technical assistance: Provided further, That such intermediary organizations shall provide matching funds from other sources, including Federal funds for related activities, in an amount not less than funds provided: Provided further, That any unobligated balances from prior year appropriations under this heading for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees and grants, including amounts deobligated or cancelled, may be made available to cover the subsidy costs for direct loans and or loan guarantees under this heading in this fiscal year: Provided further, That no amounts may be made available pursuant to the preceding proviso from amounts that were designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or that were specified in the tables titled "Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending" in the explanatory statements accompanying prior year Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts, as described in section 4 in the matter preceding division A of such Acts: Provided further, That no amounts may be made available pursuant to the fifth proviso without prior notification and approval of the Committees of Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided further, That $19,453,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be available for community facilities grants, as authorized by section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of which $8,000,000 shall be for grants to tribal colleges as authorized by section 306(a)(25) of such Act and of which $1,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a pilot program in coordination with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator that assists rural hospitals in modernizing aging facilities by giving preference to critical access hospitals receiving assistance from the Rural Health Transformation Program: Provided further, That sections 381E-H and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are not applicable to the funds made available under this heading: Provided further, That in addition to any other available funds, the Secretary may expend not more than $1,000,000 total, from the program funds made available under this heading, for administrative expenses for activities funded under this heading.
For gross obligations for the principal amount of guaranteed loans as authorized by section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)), $2,000,000,000.
For the cost of loan guarantees and grants, for the rural business development programs authorized by section 310B and described in subsections (a), (c), (f) and (g) of section 310B
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, $63,600,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That of the amount appropriated under this heading, $38,600,000 shall be for business and industry guaranteed loans: Provided further, That of the amount appropriated under this heading, $18,000,000 shall be for rural business development grants as authorized by section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: Provided further, That of the amount appropriated under this heading, $7,000,000 shall be for grants to the Delta Regional Authority (7 U.S.C. 2009aa et seq.), the Northern Border Regional Commission (40 U.S.C. 15101 et seq.), the Southwest Border Regional Commission (40 U.S.C. 15301 et seq.), and the Appalachian Regional Commission (40 U.S.C. 14101 et seq.) for any Rural Community Advancement Program purpose as described in section 381E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of which not more than 5 percent may be used for administrative expenses: Provided further, That $4,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be for business grants to benefit Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, including $250,000 for a grant to a qualified national organization to provide technical assistance for rural transportation in order to promote economic development: Provided further, That sections 381E-H and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are not applicable to funds made available under this heading.
For the principal amount of direct loans, as authorized by the Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account (7 U.S.C. 1936b), $9,000,000.
For the cost of direct loans, $2,631,000 as authorized by the Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account (7 U.S.C. 1936b), of which $263,000 shall be available through June 30, 2027, for Federally Recognized Native American Tribes; and of which $526,000 shall be available through June 30, 2027, for Mississippi Delta Region counties (as determined in accordance with Public Law 100-460): Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct loan programs, $4,468,000 shall be paid to the appropriation for "Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses".
For the principal amount of direct loans, as authorized under section 313B(a) of the Rural Electrification Act, for the purpose of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects, $50,000,000.
The cost of grants authorized under section 313B(a) of the Rural Electrification Act, for the purpose of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects shall not exceed $10,000,000.
For rural cooperative development grants authorized under section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
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1932), $17,600,000: Provided, That of the amount appropriated under this heading, $2,800,000 shall be for cooperative agreements for the appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program; $3,000,000 shall be for grants for cooperative development centers, individual cooperatives, or groups of cooperatives that serve socially disadvantaged groups and a majority of the boards of directors or governing boards of which are comprised of individuals who are members of socially disadvantaged groups; $6,500,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for value-added agricultural product market development grants, as authorized by section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; and $1,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for Agriculture Innovation Centers authorized pursuant to section 6402 of Public Law 107-171.
For the principal amount of direct loans as authorized by section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s), $15,000,000.
For the cost of loans and grants, $3,600,000 under the same terms and conditions as authorized by section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s).
For the principal amount of loan guarantees, under the same terms and conditions as authorized by section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107), $50,000,000.
For the cost of loans, $1,890,000 under the same terms and conditions as authorized by section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107).
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and guaranteed loans as authorized by section 306 and described in section 381E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as follows: $1,015,000,000 for direct loans; and $50,000,000 for guaranteed loans.
For the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees and grants, including the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, for rural water, waste water, waste disposal, and solid waste management programs authorized by sections 306, 306A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B and described in sections 306C(a)(2), 306D, 306E, and 381E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, $385,343,050 to remain available until expended: Provided, That $75,824,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be available for direct loans, of which no less than $4,224,000 shall be available for water and waste direct one percent loans for distressed communities as the Secretary deems appropriate: Provided further, That $1,000,000 shall be available for the rural utilities program described in section 306(a)(2)(B) of such Act: Provided further, That $5,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be available for the rural utilities program described in section 306E of such Act: Provided further, That $7,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be for grants authorized by section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act in addition to funding authorized by section 306A(i)(1) of such Act: Provided further, That $20,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be for loans and grants including water and waste disposal systems grants authorized by section 306C(a)(2)(B) and section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, and Federally Recognized Native American Tribes authorized by 306C(a)(1) of such Act, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (of the State of Hawaii): Provided further, That funding provided for section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may be provided to a consortium formed pursuant to section 325 of Public Law 105-83: Provided further, That not more than 2 percent of the funding provided for section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may be used by the State of Alaska for training and technical assistance programs and not more than 2 percent of the funding provided for section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may be used by a consortium formed pursuant to section 325 of Public Law 105-83 for training and technical assistance programs: Provided further, That $35,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be for technical assistance grants for rural water and waste systems pursuant to section 306(a)(14) of such Act, unless the Secretary makes a determination of extreme need, of which $11,000,000 shall be made available for a grant to a qualified nonprofit multi-State regional technical assistance organization, with experience in working with small communities on water and waste water problems, the principal purpose of such grant shall be to assist rural communities with populations of 3,300 or less, in improving the planning, financing, development, operation, and management of water and waste water systems, and of which not less than $800,000 shall be for a qualified national Native American organization to provide technical assistance for rural water systems for tribal communities: Provided further, That $24,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be for contracting with qualified national organizations for a circuit rider program to provide technical assistance for rural water systems: Provided further, That $4,000,000 of the amounts made available under this heading shall be for solid waste management grants: Provided further, That $213,519,050 of the amounts made available under this heading shall be for grants pursuant to section 306(a)(2)(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of which $135,519,050 shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in the table titled "Community Project Funding" in the report accompanying this Act: Provided further, That if any funds made available for the direct loan subsidy costs under this heading remain unobligated after July 31, 2027, such unobligated balances may be used for grant programs funded under this heading: Provided further, That any unobligated balances from prior year appropriations under this heading for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees and grants, including amounts deobligated or cancelled, may be made available to cover the subsidy costs for direct loans, loan guarantees and or grants under this heading in this fiscal year: Provided further, That no amounts may be made available pursuant to the two preceding provisos from amounts that were designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, or that are specified for this account in the table titled "Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending" in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act): Provided further, That sections 381E-H and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are not applicable to the funds made available under this heading.
rural electrification and telecommunications loans program account
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The principal amount of loans and loan guarantees as authorized by sections 4, 305, 306, 313A, and 317 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 904, 935, 936, 940c-1, and 940g) shall be made as follows: guaranteed rural electric loans made pursuant to section 306 of that Act, $2,867,000,000; cost of money
direct loans made pursuant to sections 4, notwithstanding the one-eighth of one percent in 4(c)(2), and 317, notwithstanding 317(c), of that Act, $4,533,000,000; guaranteed underwriting loans pursuant to section 313A of that Act, $910,000,000; for cost-of-money rural telecommunications loans made pursuant to section 305(d)(2) of that Act, $350,000,000; and for guaranteed rural telecommunications loans made pursuant to section 306 of that Act, $200,000,000.
For the cost of direct loans as authorized by section 305(d)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 935(d)(2)), including the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, cost of money rural telecommunications loans, $3,185,000.
In addition, $4,535,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107a): Provided, That the energy efficiency measures supported by the funding in this paragraph shall contribute in a demonstrable way to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs, $33,270,000, which shall be paid to the appropriation for "Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses".
For grants for telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq., $33,160,198, to remain available until expended, of which $3,160,198 shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in the table titled "Community Project Funding" in the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That $3,000,000 shall be made available for grants authorized by section 379G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: Provided further, That funding provided under this heading for grants under section 379G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may only be provided to entities that meet all of the eligibility criteria for a consortium as established by this section.
For the cost to continue a broadband loan and grant pilot program established by section 779 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141) under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), $40,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That the Secretary may award grants described in section 601(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 950bb(a)) for the purposes of carrying out such pilot program: Provided further, That the cost of direct loans shall be defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That at least 90 percent of the households to be served by a project receiving a loan or grant under the pilot program shall be in a rural area without sufficient access to broadband: Provided further, That for purposes of such pilot program, a rural area without sufficient access to broadband shall be defined as twenty-five megabits per second downstream and three megabits per second upstream: Provided further, That to the extent possible, projects receiving funds provided under the pilot program must build out service to at least one hundred megabits per second downstream, and twenty megabits per second upstream: Provided further, That an entity to which a loan or grant is made under the pilot program shall not use the loan or grant to overbuild or duplicate broadband service in a service area by any entity that has received a broadband loan from the Rural Utilities Service unless such service is not provided sufficient access to broadband at the minimum service threshold: Provided further, That not more than four percent of the funds made available in this paragraph can be used for administrative costs to carry out the pilot program and up to three percent of funds made available in this paragraph may be available for technical assistance and pre-development planning activities to support the most rural communities: Provided further, That the Rural Utilities Service is directed to expedite program delivery methods that would implement this paragraph: Provided further, That for purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall adhere to the notice, reporting and service area assessment requirements set forth in section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 950cc).
In addition, $15,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the Community Connect Grant Program authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950bb-3.
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer
Services
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, $800,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
For necessary expenses to carry out the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.), except section 21, and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), except sections 17 and 21; $37,900,930,000 to remain available through September 30, 2028, of which such sums as are made available under section 14222(b)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246), as amended by this Act, shall be merged with and available for the same time period and purposes as provided herein: Provided, That of the total amount available, $18,004,000 shall be available to carry out section 19 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.): Provided further, That of the total amount available, $22,378,000 shall be available to carry out studies and evaluations and shall remain available until expended: Provided further, That of the total amount available, $5,000,000 shall remain available until expended to carry out section 18(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769(g)): Provided further, That notwithstanding section 18(g)(3)(C) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769(g)(3)(c)), the total grant amount provided to a farm to school grant recipient in fiscal year 2027 shall not exceed $500,000: Provided further, That of the total amount available, $5,000,000 shall be available to provide competitive grants to State agencies for subgrants to local educational agencies and schools to purchase the equipment, with a value of greater than $1,000, needed to serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and to help support the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of the school breakfast program: Provided further, That of the total amount available, $4,470,000 shall be available for food safety education including activities that support sections 17 and 21 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786, 1790) and to support the safe distribution of USDA Foods, as defined in 7 CFR 250.2: Provided further, That section 26(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769g(d)) is amended in the first sentence by striking "2010 through 2027" and inserting "2010 through 2028": Provided further, That section 9(h)(3) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(h)(3)) is amended in the first sentence by striking "For fiscal year 2026" and inserting "For fiscal year 2027": Provided further, That section 9(h)(4) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(h)(4)) is amended in the first sentence by striking "For fiscal year 2026" and inserting "For fiscal year 2027".
special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (wic)
For necessary expenses to carry out the special supplemental nutrition program as authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), $8,000,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2028: Provided, That notwithstanding section 17(h)(10) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(h)(10)), not less than $90,000,000 shall be used for breastfeeding peer counselors and other related activities: Provided further, That the Secretary shall use funds made available under this heading to provide a cash-value voucher for women and children participants that is set at an amount equal to 267 percent of the amount provided for such voucher in fiscal year 2020 for children participants, and 428 percent of the amount provided for such voucher in such fiscal year for women participants: Provided further, That none of the funds provided in this account shall be available for the purchase of infant formula except in accordance with the cost containment and competitive bidding requirements specified in section 17 of such Act: Provided further, That the Secretary shall require State agencies to authorize fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruit and vegetables for Food Packages III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786): Provided further, That none of the funds provided shall be available for activities that are not fully reimbursed by other Federal Government departments or agencies unless authorized by section 17 of such Act: Provided further, That upon termination of a federally mandated vendor moratorium and subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary, the Secretary may waive the requirement at 7 CFR 246.12(g)(6) at the request of a State agency.
For necessary expenses to carry out the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), $101,241,955,000, of which $3,000,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2029, shall be placed in reserve for use only in such amounts and at such times as may become necessary to carry out program operations: Provided, That funds provided herein shall be expended in accordance with section 16 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, $998,000 may be used to provide nutrition education services to State agencies and Federally Recognized Tribes participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, $3,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028, shall be used to carry out section 4003(b) of Public Law 115-334 relating to demonstration projects for tribal organizations: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, $4,000,000 shall be used to carry out section 4208 of Public Law 115-334: Provided further, That this appropriation shall be subject to any work registration or workfare requirements
as may be required by law: Provided further, That funds made available for Employment and Training under this heading shall remain available through September 30, 2028: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading for section 4(b) and section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 shall remain available through September 30, 2028: Provided further, That none of the funds made available under this heading may be obligated or expended in contravention of section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
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1183A): Provided further, That funds made available under this heading may be used to enter into contracts and employ staff to conduct studies, evaluations, or to conduct activities related to program integrity provided that such activities are authorized by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
For necessary expenses to carry out disaster and commodity assistance, $546,070,000, to remain available through September 30, 2028, of which $460,000,000 shall be for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, as authorized by section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note), $75,000,000 shall be for the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, $1,070,000 shall be for assistance for the nuclear affected islands, as authorized by section 103(f)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-188), and $10,000,000 shall be for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, as authorized by section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966: Provided, That none of these funds shall be available to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for commodities donated to the program: Provided further, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective with funds made available in fiscal year 2027 to support the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, as authorized by section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, such funds shall remain available through September 30, 2028: Provided further, That of the funds made available under section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)), the Secretary may use up to 20 percent for costs associated with the distribution of commodities.
For necessary administrative expenses of the Food and Nutrition Service for carrying out any domestic nutrition assistance program, $135,234,000: Provided, That of the funds provided herein, $2,000,000 shall be used for the purposes of section 4404 of Public Law 107-171, as amended by section 4401 of Public Law 110-246.
Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
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For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, $614,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to any agency in the Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Codex Alimentarius, $4,922,000, including not to exceed $100,000 for official reception and representation expenses.
For necessary expenses of the Foreign Agricultural Service, including not to exceed $250,000 for representation allowances and for expenses pursuant to section 8 of the Act approved August 3, 1956 (7 U.S.C. 1766), $230,000,000, of which no more than 6 percent shall remain available until September 30, 2028, for overseas operations to include the payment of locally employed staff: Provided, That the Service may utilize advances of funds, or reimburse this appropriation for expenditures made on behalf of Federal agencies, public and private organizations and institutions under agreements executed pursuant to the agricultural food production assistance programs (7 U.S.C. 1737): Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, $5,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for the Cochran Fellowship Program, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 3293, $4,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for the Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship program, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 3319j, and up to $2,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for the purpose of offsetting fluctuations in international currency exchange rates, subject to documentation by the Foreign Agricultural Service.
For expenses during the current fiscal year, not otherwise recoverable, and unrecovered prior years' costs, including interest thereon, under the Food for Peace Act (Public Law 83-480), for commodities and expenses supplied in connection with dispositions abroad under title II of said Act, $900,000,000, to remain available until expended.
mcgovern-dole international food for education and child nutrition program grants
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For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1), $240,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That the Commodity Credit Corporation is authorized to provide the services, facilities, and authorities for the purpose of implementing such section, subject to reimbursement from amounts provided herein: Provided further, That of the amount made available under this heading, not more than 10 percent, but not less than $24,000,000, shall remain available until expended to purchase agricultural commodities as described in subsection 3107(a)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1(a)(2)).
commodity credit corporation export (loans) credit guarantee program account
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For administrative expenses to carry out the Commodity Credit Corporation's Export Guarantee Program, GSM 102 and GSM 103, $6,063,000, to cover common overhead expenses as permitted by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and in conformity with the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, which shall be paid to the appropriation for "Foreign Agricultural Service, Salaries and Expenses".
For necessary expenses of the Food and Drug Administration, including hire and purchase of passenger motor vehicles; for payment of space rental and related costs pursuant to Public Law 92-313 for programs and activities of the Food and Drug Administration which are included in this Act; for rental of special purpose space in the District of Columbia or elsewhere; for miscellaneous and emergency expenses of enforcement activities, authorized and approved by the Secretary and to be accounted for solely on the Secretary's certificate, not to exceed $25,000; and notwithstanding section 521 of Public Law 107-188; $7,109,336,000: Provided, That of the amount provided under this heading, $1,639,642,000 shall be derived from prescription drug user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379h, and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended; $560,251,000 shall be derived from medical device user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j, and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended; $704,432,000 shall be derived from human generic drug user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-42, and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended; $61,985,000 shall be derived from biosimilar biological product user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-52, and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended; $36,374,000 shall be derived from animal drug user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-12, and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended; $28,559,000 shall be derived from generic new animal drug user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-21, and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended; $712,000,000 shall be derived from tobacco product user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 387s, and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended: Provided further, That in addition to and notwithstanding any other provision under this heading, amounts collected for prescription drug user fees, medical device user fees, human generic drug user fees, biosimilar biological product user fees, animal drug user fees, and generic new animal drug user fees that exceed the respective fiscal year 2027 limitations are appropriated and shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended: Provided further, That fees derived from prescription drug, medical device, human generic drug, biosimilar biological product, animal drug, and generic new animal drug assessments for fiscal year 2027, including any such fees collected prior to fiscal year 2027 but credited for fiscal year 2027, shall be subject to the fiscal year 2027 limitations: Provided further, That the Secretary may accept payment during fiscal year 2027 of user fees specified under this heading and authorized for fiscal year 2028, prior to the due date for such fees, and that amounts of such fees assessed for fiscal year 2028 for which the Secretary accepts payment in fiscal year 2027 shall not be included in amounts under this heading: Provided further, That none of these funds shall be used to develop, establish, or operate any program of user fees authorized by 31 U.S.C. 9701: Provided further, That of the total amount appropriated: (1) $1,279,088,000 shall be for the Human Foods Program and for related field activities, including inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the Human Foods Program, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of the Chief Scientist, of which no less than $15,000,000 shall be used for inspections of foreign seafood manufacturers and field examinations of imported seafood; (2) $2,536,961,000 shall be for the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and for related field activities, including inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of the Chief Scientist, of which no less than $10,000,000 shall be for pilots to increase unannounced foreign inspections and shall remain available until expended;
(3) $576,096,000 shall be for the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and for related field activities, including inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of the Chief Scientist; (4) $268,032,000 shall be for the Center for Veterinary Medicine and for related field activities, including inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of the Chief Scientist; (5) $985,566,000 shall be for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health and for related field activities, including inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of the Chief Scientist; (6) $69,453,000 shall be for the National Center for Toxicological Research; (7) $687,120,000 shall be for the Center for Tobacco Products and for related field activities, including inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of the Chief Scientist; (8) $257,928,000 shall be for Rent and Related activities, of which $44,400,000 is for White Oak Consolidation, other than the amounts paid to the General Services Administration for rent; (9) $154,335,000 shall be for payments to the General Services Administration for rent; and (10) $294,757,000 shall be for other activities, including the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, and central services for these offices: Provided further, That not to exceed $25,000 of this amount shall be for official reception and representation expenses, not otherwise provided for, as determined by the Commissioner: Provided further, That any transfer of funds pursuant to, and for the administration of, section 770(n) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379dd(n)) shall only be from amounts made available under this heading for other activities and shall not exceed $2,000,000: Provided further, That of the amounts that are made available under this heading for "other activities", and that are not derived from user fees, $1,500,000 shall be transferred to and merged with the appropriation for "Department of Health and Human Services--Office of Inspector General" for oversight of the programs and operations of the Food and Drug Administration and shall be in addition to funds otherwise made available for oversight of the Food and Drug Administration: Provided further, That funds may be transferred from one specified activity to another with the prior approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
In addition, mammography user fees authorized by 42 U.S.C. 263b, export certification user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 381, priority review user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 360n and 360ff, food and feed recall fees, food reinspection fees, and voluntary qualified importer program fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-31, outsourcing facility fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-62, prescription drug wholesale distributor licensing and inspection fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 353(e)(3), third-party logistics provider licensing and inspection fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 360eee-3(c)(1), third-party auditor fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 384d(c)(8), medical countermeasure priority review voucher user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-4a, and fees relating to over-the-counter monograph drugs authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-72 shall be credited to this account, to remain available until expended.
For plans, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, demolition, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities of or used by the Food and Drug Administration, where not otherwise provided, $1,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), including the purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles, and the rental of space (to include multiple year leases), in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, $355,000,000, including not to exceed $3,000 for official reception and representation expenses, and not to exceed $25,000 for the expenses for consultations and meetings hosted by the Commission with foreign governmental and other regulatory officials, of which not less than $80,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2029, and of which not less than $5,773,000 shall be for expenses of the Office of the Inspector General:
Provided, That notwithstanding the limitations in 31 U.S.C. 1553, amounts provided under this heading are available for the liquidation of obligations equal to current year payments on leases entered into prior to the date of enactment of this Act: Provided further, That for the purpose of recording and liquidating any lease obligations that should have been recorded and liquidated against accounts closed pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1552, and consistent with the preceding proviso, such amounts shall be transferred to and recorded in a no-year account in the Treasury, which has been established for the sole purpose of recording adjustments for and liquidating such unpaid obligations.
Not to exceed $106,500,000 (from assessments collected from farm credit institutions, including the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation) shall be obligated during the current fiscal year for administrative expenses as authorized under 12 U.S.C. 2249: Provided, That this limitation shall not apply to expenses associated with receiverships: Provided further, That the agency may exceed this limitation by up to 10 percent with notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided further, That the purposes of section 3.7(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2128(b)(2)(A)(i)), the Farm Credit Administration may exempt, an amount in its sole discretion, from the application of the limitation provided in that clause of export loans described in the clause guaranteed or insured in a manner other than described in subclause (II) of the clause.
Sec. 701. The Secretary may use any appropriations made available to the Department of Agriculture in this Act to purchase new passenger motor vehicles, in addition to specific appropriations for this purpose, so long as the total number of vehicles purchased in fiscal year 2027 does not exceed the number of vehicles owned or leased in fiscal year 2018: Provided, That, prior to purchasing additional motor vehicles, the Secretary must determine that such vehicles are necessary for transportation safety, to reduce operational costs, and for the protection of life, property, and public safety: Provided further, That the Secretary may not increase the Department of Agriculture's fleet above the 2018 level unless the Secretary notifies in writing, and receives approval from, the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 30 days of the notification.
Sec. 702.
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Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may transfer unobligated balances of discretionary funds appropriated by this Act or any other available unobligated discretionary balances that are remaining available of the Department of Agriculture to the Working Capital Fund for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment and for the improvement, delivery, and implementation of Department financial, and administrative information technology services, and other support systems necessary for the delivery of financial, administrative, and information technology services, including cloud adoption and migration, of primary benefit to the agencies of the Department of Agriculture, such transferred funds to remain available until expended: Provided, That none of the funds made available by this Act or any other Act shall be transferred to the Working Capital Fund without the prior approval of the agency administrator: Provided further, That none of the funds transferred to the Working Capital Fund pursuant to this section shall be available for obligation without written notification to and the prior approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated by this Act or made available to the Department's Working Capital Fund shall be available for obligation or expenditure to make any changes to the Department's National Finance Center without written notification to and prior approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress as required by section 716 of this Act: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated by this Act or made available to the Department's Working Capital Fund shall be available for obligation or expenditure to initiate, plan, develop, implement, or make any changes to remove or relocate any systems, missions, personnel, or functions of the offices of the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Information Officer, co-located with or from the National Finance Center prior to written notification to and prior approval of the Committee on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress and in accordance with the requirements of section 716 of this Act: Provided further, That the National Finance Center Information Technology Services Division personnel and data center management responsibilities, and control of any functions, missions, and systems for current and future human resources management and integrated personnel and payroll systems (PPS) and functions provided by the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Information Officer shall remain in the National Finance Center and under the management responsibility and administrative control of the National Finance Center: Provided further, That the Secretary of Agriculture and the offices of the Chief Financial Officer shall actively market to existing and new Departments and other government agencies National Finance Center shared services including, but not limited to, payroll, financial management, and human capital shared services and allow the National Finance Center to perform technology upgrades: Provided further, That of annual income amounts in the Working Capital Fund of the Department of Agriculture allocated for the National Finance Center, the Secretary shall reserve not more than 4 percent for the replacement or acquisition of capital equipment, including equipment for the improvement, delivery, and implementation of financial, administrative, and information technology services, and other systems of the National Finance Center or to pay any unforeseen, extraordinary cost of the National Finance Center:
Provided further, That none of the amounts reserved shall be available for obligation unless the Secretary submits written notification of the obligation to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided further, That the limitations on the obligation of funds pending notification to Congressional Committees shall not apply to any obligation that, as determined by the Secretary, is necessary to respond to a declared state of emergency that significantly impacts the operations of the National Finance Center; or to evacuate employees of the National Finance Center to a safe haven to continue operations of the National Finance Center.
Sec. 703. No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.
Sec. 704. No funds appropriated by this Act may be used to pay negotiated indirect cost rates on cooperative agreements or similar arrangements between the United States Department of Agriculture and nonprofit institutions in excess of 10 percent of the total direct cost of the agreement when the purpose of such cooperative arrangements is to carry out programs of mutual interest between the two parties. This does not preclude appropriate payment of indirect costs on grants and contracts with such institutions when such indirect costs are computed on a similar basis for all agencies for which appropriations are provided in this Act.
Sec. 705. Appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans made available in the current fiscal year shall remain available until expended to disburse obligations made in the current fiscal year for the following accounts: The Rural Development Loan Fund program account, the Rural Electrification and Telecommunication Loans program account, and the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account.
Sec. 706. None of the funds made available to the Department of Agriculture by this Act may be used to acquire new information technology systems or significant upgrades, as determined by the Office of the Chief Information Officer, without the approval of the Chief Information Officer and the concurrence of the Executive Information Technology Investment Review Board: Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be transferred to the Office of the Chief Information Officer without written notification to and the prior approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided further, That notwithstanding section 11319 of title 40, United States Code, none of the funds available to the Department of Agriculture for information technology shall be obligated for projects, contracts, or other agreements over $25,000 prior to receipt of written approval by the Chief Information Officer: Provided further, That the Chief Information Officer may authorize an agency to obligate funds without written approval from the Chief Information Officer for projects, contracts, or other agreements up to $250,000 based upon the performance of an agency measured against the performance plan requirements described in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 113-235.
Sec. 707. Funds made available under section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)) in the current fiscal year shall remain available until expended to disburse obligations made in the current fiscal year.
Sec. 708. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any former Rural Utilities Service borrower that has repaid or prepaid an insured, direct or guaranteed loan under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, or any not-for-profit utility that is eligible to receive an insured or direct loan under such Act, shall be eligible for assistance under section 313B(a) of such Act in the same manner as a borrower under such Act.
Sec. 709. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, not more than $20,000,000 in unobligated balances from appropriations made available for salaries and expenses in this Act for the Farm Service Agency shall remain available through September 30, 2028, for information technology expenses.
Sec. 710. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for first-class travel by the employees of agencies funded by this Act in contravention of sections 301-10.122 through 301-10.124 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec. 711. In the case of each program established or amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) or by a successor to that Act, other than by title I or subtitle A of title III of such Act, or programs for which indefinite amounts were provided in that Act, that is authorized or required to be carried out using funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation--
(1) such funds shall be available for salaries and related administrative expenses, including technical assistance, associated with the implementation of the program, without regard to the limitation on the total amount of allotments and fund transfers contained in section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i); and
(2) the use of such funds for such purpose shall not be considered to be a fund transfer or allotment for purposes of applying the limitation on the total amount of allotments and fund transfers contained in such section.
Sec. 712. Of the funds made available by this Act, not more than $2,900,000 shall be used to cover necessary expenses of activities related to all advisory committees, panels, commissions, and task forces of the Department of Agriculture, except for panels used to comply with negotiated rule makings and panels used to evaluate competitively awarded grants.
Sec. 713. (a) None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds necessary for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law enforcement agency or any other entity carrying out criminal investigations, prosecution, or adjudication activities.
Sec. 714. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 14222 of Public Law 110-246 (7 U.S.C. 612c-6; in this section referred to as "section 14222"), none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act shall be used to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel to carry out a program under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c; in this section referred to as "section 32") in excess of $1,717,000,000 (exclusive of carryover appropriations from prior fiscal years), as follows: Child Nutrition Programs Entitlement Commodities--$485,000,000; State Option Contracts--$5,000,000; Removal of Defective Commodities--$2,500,000; Administration of section 32 Commodity Purchases--$41,862,000: Provided, That, of the total funds made available in the matter preceding this proviso that remain unobligated on October 1, 2027, such unobligated balances shall carryover into fiscal year 2028 and shall remain available until expended for any of the purposes of section 32, except that any such carryover funds used in accordance with clause (3) of section 32 may not exceed $350,000,000 and may not be obligated until the Secretary of Agriculture provides written notification of the expenditures to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least two weeks in advance: Provided further, That, with the exception of any available carryover funds authorized in any prior appropriations Act to be used for the purposes of clause (3) of section 32, none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act shall be used to pay the salaries or expenses of any employee of the Department of Agriculture to carry out clause (3) of section 32.
Sec. 715.
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None of the funds appropriated by this or any other Act shall be used to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel who prepare or submit appropriations language as part of the President's budget submission to the Congress for programs under the jurisdiction of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies that assumes revenues or reflects a reduction from the previous year due to user fees proposals that have not been enacted into law prior to the submission of the budget unless such budget submission identifies which additional spending reductions should occur in the event the user fees proposals are not enacted prior to the date of the convening of a committee of conference for the fiscal year 2027 appropriations Act.
Sec. 716. (a) None of the funds provided by this Act, or provided by previous appropriations Acts to the agencies funded by this Act that remain available for obligation or expenditure in the current fiscal year, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury derived by the collection of fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming, transfer of funds, or reimbursements as authorized by the Economy Act, or in the case of the Department of Agriculture, through use of the authority provided by section 702(b) of the Department of Agriculture Organic Act of 1944 (7 U.S.C. 2257) or section 8 of Public Law 89-106 (7 U.S.C. 2263), that--
(1) creates new programs;
(2) eliminates a program, project, or activity;
(3) increases funds or personnel by any means for any project or activity for which funds have been denied or restricted;
(4) relocates an office or employees;
(5) reorganizes offices, programs, or activities; or
(6) contracts out or privatizes any functions or activities presently performed by Federal employees; unless the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (as the case may be) notifies in writing and receives approval from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30 days in advance of the reprogramming of such funds or the use of such authority.
(b) None of the funds provided by this Act, or provided by previous Appropriations Acts to the agencies funded by this Act that remain available for obligation or expenditure in the current fiscal year, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury derived by the collection of fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available for obligation or expenditure for activities, programs, or projects through a reprogramming or use of the authorities referred to in subsection (a) involving funds in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, that--
(1) augments existing programs, projects, or activities;
(2) reduces by 10 percent funding for any existing program, project, or activity, or
numbers of personnel by 10 percent as approved by Congress; or
(3) results from any general savings from a reduction in personnel which would result in a change in existing programs, activities, or projects as approved by Congress; unless the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (as the case may be) notifies in writing and receives approval from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30 days in advance of the reprogramming or transfer of such funds or the use of such authority.
(c) The Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall notify in writing and receive approval from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress before implementing any program or activity not carried out during the previous fiscal year unless the program or activity is funded by this Act or specifically funded by any other Act.
(d) None of the funds provided by this Act, or provided by previous Appropriations Acts to the agencies funded by this Act that remain available for obligation or expenditure in the current fiscal year, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury derived by the collection of fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available for--
(1) modifying major capital investments funding levels, including information technology systems, that involves increasing or decreasing funds in the current fiscal year for the individual investment in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent of the total cost, whichever is less;
(2) realigning or reorganizing new, current, or vacant positions or agency activities or functions to establish a center, office, branch, or similar entity with five or more personnel; or
(3) carrying out activities or functions that were not described in the budget request; unless the agencies funded by this Act notify, in writing, the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30 days in advance of using the funds for these purposes.
(e) As described in this section, no funds may be used for any activities unless the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission receives from the Committee on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress written or electronic mail confirmation of receipt of the notification as required in this section.
Sec. 717. Notwithstanding section 310B(g)(5) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(5)), the Secretary may assess a one-time fee for any guaranteed business and industry loan in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
Sec. 718. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the Farm Credit Administration shall be used to transmit or otherwise make available reports, questions, or responses to questions that are a result of information requested for the appropriations hearing process to any non-Department of Agriculture, non-Department of Health and Human Services, non-Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or non-Farm Credit Administration employee.
Sec. 719. Unless otherwise authorized by existing law, none of the funds provided in this Act, may be used by an executive branch agency to produce any prepackaged news story intended for broadcast or distribution in the United States unless the story includes a clear notification within the text or audio of the prepackaged news story that the prepackaged news story was prepared or funded by that executive branch agency.
Sec. 720. No employee of the Department of Agriculture may be detailed or assigned from an agency or office funded by this Act or any other Act to any other agency or office of the Department for more than 60 days in a fiscal year unless the individual's employing agency or office is fully reimbursed by the receiving agency or office for the salary and expenses of the employee for the period of assignment.
Sec. 721. Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a detailed obligation plan delineated by program, project, and activity, as defined in the report accompanying this Act, for all amounts made available by this Act and prior appropriations Acts that remain available for obligation, including appropriated user fees and loan authorizations: Provided, That such obligation plan shall include breakdowns of estimated obligations for each such program, project, or activity by fiscal quarter, source appropriation, and the number of full-time equivalent positions supported: Provided further, That such obligation plan shall serve as the baseline for reprogramming notifications for the purposes of section 716 of this Act.
Sec. 722. The Secretary of Agriculture shall provide written notification to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no fewer than 3 business days in advance of termination of any grant, cooperative agreement, or contract award totaling $1,000,000 or more issued from funds made available in this Act or any previous Act: Provided, That such notification shall include the recipient of the award, the amount of the award, the fiscal year for which the funds for the award were appropriated, the account and program, project, or activity from which the funds are being drawn, the title of the award, and a detailed justification for the termination.
Sec. 723. For the purposes of determining eligibility or level of program assistance for Rural Housing Service programs the Secretary shall not include incarcerated prison populations.
Sec. 724. For loans and loan guarantees that do not require budget authority and for which the program level has been established in this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may increase the program level for such loans and loan guarantees by not more than 25 percent: Provided, That for loans and loan guarantees authorized by Sections 4 and 306 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 936) that do not require budget authority and for which the program level has been authorized under this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may increase the program level for such loans and loan guarantees by not more than 50 percent: Provided further, That prior to the Secretary implementing such an increase, the Secretary notifies, in writing, the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 15 days in advance.
Sec. 725. None of the credit card refunds or rebates transferred to the Working Capital Fund pursuant to section 729 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (7 U.S.C. 2235a; Public Law 107-76) shall be available for obligation without written notification to, and the prior approval of, the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided, That the refunds or rebates so transferred shall be available for obligation only for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, including equipment for the improvement, delivery, and implementation of Departmental financial management, information technology, and other support systems necessary for the delivery of financial, administrative, and information technology services, including cloud adoption and migration, of primary benefit to the agencies of the Department of Agriculture.
Sec. 726. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to implement, administer, or enforce the "variety" requirements of the final rule entitled "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)" published by the Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register on December 15, 2016 (81 Fed. Reg.
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90675) until the Secretary of Agriculture amends the definition of the term "variety" as defined in section 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, and "variety" as applied in the definition of the term "staple food" as defined in section 271.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, to increase the number of items that qualify as acceptable varieties in each staple food category so that the total number of such items in each staple food category exceeds the number of such items in each staple food category included in the final rule as published on December 15, 2016:
Provided, That until the Secretary promulgates such regulatory amendments, the Secretary shall apply the requirements regarding acceptable varieties and breadth of stock to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program retailers that were in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
Sec. 727. In carrying out subsection (h) of section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472), the Secretary of Agriculture shall have the same authority with respect to loans guaranteed under such section and eligible lenders for such loans as the Secretary has under subsections (h) and (j) of section 538 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1490p-2) with respect to loans guaranteed under such section 538 and eligible lenders for such loans.
Sec. 728. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act shall be available for the United States Department of Agriculture to propose, finalize or implement any regulation that would promulgate new user fees pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 9701 after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 729. Notwithstanding any provision of law that regulates the calculation and payment of overtime and holiday pay for FSIS inspectors, the Secretary may charge establishments subject to the inspection requirements of the Poultry Products Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq., the Federal Meat Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq., and the Egg Products Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq., for the cost of inspection services provided outside of an establishment's approved inspection shifts, and for inspection services provided on Federal holidays: Provided, That any sums charged pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed as overtime pay or holiday pay under section 1001(d) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2, 135 Stat. 242): Provided further, That sums received by the Secretary under this paragraph shall, in addition to other available funds, remain available until expended to the Secretary without further appropriation for the purpose of funding all costs associated with FSIS inspections.
Sec. 730. (a) The Secretary of Agriculture shall--
(1) conduct audits in a manner that evaluates the following factors in the country or region being audited, as applicable--
(A) veterinary control and oversight;
(B) disease history and vaccination practices;
(C) livestock demographics and traceability;
(D) epidemiological separation from potential sources of infection;
(E) surveillance practices;
(F) diagnostic laboratory capabilities; and
(G) emergency preparedness and response; and
(2) promptly make publicly available the final reports of any audits or reviews conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).
(b) This section shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under its international trade agreements.
Sec. 731. (a)(1) No Federal funds made available for this fiscal year for the rural water, waste water, waste disposal, and solid waste management programs authorized by sections 306, 306A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926 et seq.) shall be used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public water or wastewater system unless all of the iron and steel products used in the project are produced in the United States.
(2) In this section, the term "iron and steel products" means the following products made primarily of iron or steel: lined or unlined pipes and fittings, manhole covers and other municipal castings, hydrants, tanks, flanges, pipe clamps and restraints, valves, structural steel, reinforced precast concrete, and construction materials.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply in any case or category of cases in which the Secretary of Agriculture (in this section referred to as the "Secretary") or the designee of the Secretary finds that--
(1) applying subsection (a) would be inconsistent with the public interest;
(2) iron and steel products are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality; or
(3) inclusion of iron and steel products produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.
(c) If the Secretary or the designee receives a request for a waiver under this section, the Secretary or the designee shall make available to the public on an informal basis a copy of the request and information available to the Secretary or the designee concerning the request, and shall allow for informal public input on the request for at least 15 days prior to making a finding based on the request. The Secretary or the designee shall make the request and accompanying information available by electronic means, including on the official public Internet Web site of the Department.
(d) This section shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements.
(e) The Secretary may retain up to 0.25 percent of the funds appropriated in this Act for "Rural Utilities Service--Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account" for carrying out the provisions described in subsection (a)(1) for management and oversight of the requirements of this section.
(f) Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to a project for which the engineering plans and specifications include use of iron and steel products otherwise prohibited by such subsection if the plans and specifications have received required approvals from State agencies prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
(g) For purposes of this section, the terms "United States" and "State" shall include each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each Federally recognized Indian Tribe.
Sec. 732. None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used in any way, directly or indirectly, to influence congressional action on any legislation or appropriation matters pending before Congress, other than to communicate to Members of Congress as described in 18 U.S.C. 1913.
Sec. 733. Of the total amounts made available by this Act for direct loans and grants under the following headings: "Rural Housing Service--Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account"; "Rural Housing Service--Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants"; "Rural Housing Service--Rural Housing Assistance Grants"; "Rural Housing Service--Rural Community Facilities Program Account"; "Rural Business--Cooperative Service--Rural Business Program Account"; "Rural Business--Cooperative Service--Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account"; "Rural Business--Cooperative Service--Rural Cooperative Development Grants"; "Rural Business--Cooperative Service--Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program"; "Rural Utilities Service--Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account"; "Rural Utilities Service--Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account"; and "Rural Utilities Service--Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program", to the maximum extent feasible, at least 10 percent of the funds shall be allocated for assistance in persistent poverty counties under this section, including, notwithstanding any other provision regarding population limits, any county seat of such a persistent poverty county that has a population that does not exceed the authorized population limit by more than 10 percent: Provided, That for purposes of this section, the term "persistent poverty counties" means any county that has had 20 percent or more of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, and 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year average, or any territory or possession of the United States: Provided further, That with respect to specific activities for which program levels have been made available by this Act that are not supported by budget authority, the requirements of this section shall be applied to such program level.
Sec. 734. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to notify a sponsor or otherwise acknowledge receipt of a submission for an exemption for investigational use of a drug or biological product under section 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(i)) or section 351(a)(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262(a)(3)) in research in which a human embryo is intentionally created or modified to include a heritable genetic modification. Any such submission shall be deemed to have not been received by the Secretary, and the exemption may not go into effect.
Sec. 735. None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to enforce the final rule promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration entitled "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption", and published on November 27, 2015, and the proposed rule issued by the Food and Drug Administration pending at the Office of Management and Budget entitled "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding Produce for Human Consumption Related to Agricultural Water" (86 Fed. Reg. 69120 and 87 Fed. Reg. 42973), with respect to the regulation of entities that grow, harvest, pack, or hold wine grapes, hops, pulse crops, or almonds.
Sec. 736. For school years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, none of the funds made available by this Act may be used to restrict or limit the substitution of any vegetable subgroup for fruits under the school breakfast program established under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773).
Sec. 737. None of the funds made available by this Act or any other Act may be used--
(1) in contravention of section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940), subtitle G of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, or section 10114 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018; or
(2) to prohibit the transportation, processing, sale, or use of hemp, or seeds of such plant, that is grown or cultivated in accordance with section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 or subtitle G of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, within or outside the State in which the hemp is grown or cultivated.
Sec. 738. The Secretary of Agriculture may waive the matching funds requirement under section 412(g) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(g)).
Sec. 739. The Secretary of Agriculture shall be included as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) on a case by case basis pursuant to the authorities in section 721(k)(2)(J) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(k)(2)(J)) with respect to each covered transaction (as defined in section 721(a)(4) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(a)(4))) involving agricultural land, agriculture biotechnology, or the agriculture industry (including agricultural transportation, agricultural storage, and agricultural processing), as determined by the CFIUS Chairperson in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture.
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The Secretary of Agriculture shall, to the maximum extent practicable, notify CFIUS of any agricultural land transaction that the Secretary of Agriculture has reason to believe, based on information from or in cooperation with the Intelligence Community, is a covered transaction (A) that may pose a risk to the national security of the United States, with particular emphasis on covered transactions of an interest in agricultural land by foreign governments or entities of concern, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 19221(a), including the People's Republic of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran; and (B) with respect to which a person is required to submit a report to the Secretary of Agriculture under section 2(a) of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501(a)).
Sec. 740. Any remaining unobligated balances from amounts made available by section 743 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31) may be used, in addition to any funds otherwise made available for such purposes, for plans, construction, repair, preventive maintenance, environmental support, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2250, and acquisition of land as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2268a.
Sec. 741. Funds made available under title II of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) may only be used to provide assistance to recipient nations if adequate monitoring and controls, as determined by the Secretary, are in place to ensure that emergency food aid is received by the intended
beneficiaries in areas affected by food shortages and not diverted for unauthorized or inappropriate purposes.
Sec. 742. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to procure raw or processed poultry products or seafood imported into the United States from the People's Republic of China for use in the school lunch program under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.), the Child and Adult Care Food Program under section 17 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1766), the Summer Food Service Program for Children under section 13 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1761), or the school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.).
Sec. 743. For school year 2027-2028, only a school food authority that had a negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account as of June 30, 2026, shall be required to establish a price for paid lunches in accordance with section 12(p) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(p)).
Sec. 744. Any funds made available by this or any other Act that the Secretary withholds pursuant to section 1668(g)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5921(g)(2)), as amended, shall be available for grants for biotechnology risk assessment research: Provided, That the Secretary may transfer such funds among appropriations of the Department of Agriculture for purposes of making such grants.
Sec. 745. For fiscal year 2027, the maximum monthly allowances of fluid milk for the following food packages described in section 246.10(e) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, are:
(1) For Food Package IV, 16 quarts.
(2) For Food Package V, 22 quarts.
(3) For Food Package VI, 16 quarts.
(4) For Food Package VII, 24 quarts.
(5) For Food Package III, the maximum monthly allowances of fluid milk should conform to the changes made to food packages IV, V, VI, and VII in this section.
Sec. 746. The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, may use funds appropriated under this Act or any other Act for the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program and the Watershed Rehabilitation Program carried out pursuant to the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), and for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program carried out pursuant to section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) to provide technical services for such programs pursuant to section 1252(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851(a)(1)), notwithstanding subsection (c) of such section.
Sec. 747. In administering the pilot program established by section 779 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141), the Secretary of Agriculture may, for purposes of determining entities eligible to receive assistance, consider those communities which are "Areas Rural in Character": Provided, That not more than 10 percent of the funds made available under the heading "Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program" for the purposes of the pilot program established by section 779 of Public Law 115-141 may be used for this purpose.
Sec. 748. Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking "or otherwise be conveyed or transferred in whole or in part, for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2026" and inserting "beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act".
Sec. 749. A bank referenced in 12 U.S.C. 2128 may make and participate in loans and commitments and provide technical and other financial assistance to cooperatives and any other public or private entity (except for the Federal Government) for the purpose of installing, maintaining, expanding, improving, or operating facilities in a rural area as defined in 12 U.S.C. 2128(f) for the processing or disposal of waste from any source, provision of telecommunication services, and producing electricity from any source for use or sale by the borrower.
Sec. 750. Of the unobligated balances made available by section 22006 of Public Law 117- 169, $95,000,000 are hereby permanently cancelled: Provided, That no amounts shall be cancelled from amounts that were designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Sec. 751. There is hereby appropriated $2,000,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out section 758 of division B of Public Law 118-42, in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purpose.
Sec. 752. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue or promote any new guidelines or regulations applicable to food manufacturers of low risk ready-to-eat (RTE) foods for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) until the FDA considers the available new science in developing the Compliance Policy Guide (CPG), Guidance for FDA Staff, section 555.320 Listeria monocytogenes regarding Lm in low-risk foods, meaning foods that do not support the growth of Lm.
Sec. 753. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall--
(1) amend the covered Food Packages to require the inclusion of peanut-containing foods for the purposes of early introduction of potentially allergenic foods; and
(2) ensure that all such peanut-containing foods eligible are safe for consumption by infants.
(b) The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out subsection (a) in a manner consistent with the recommendations for early introduction of peanut-containing foods included in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341).
(c) In this section, the term "covered Food Packages" means Food Packages I and II under section 246.10 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, as amended by the rule entitled "Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions to the WIC Food Packages" published by the Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register on April 18, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 28488).
Sec. 754. Section 9(a)(2) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(a)(2)) is amended --
(1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking "Act--" and inserting "Act and breakfasts served by schools participating in the school breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)--";
(2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting "or the school breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)" after "Act"; and
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking "section 210.10" and inserting "sections 210.10 and 220.8".
Sec. 755. If services performed by APHIS employees are determined by the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to be in response to an animal disease or plant health emergency outbreak, any premium pay that is funded, either directly or through reimbursement, shall be exempted from the aggregate of basic pay and premium pay calculated under section 5547(b)(1) and (2) of title 5, United States Code, and any other provision of law limiting the aggregate amount of premium pay payable on a biweekly or calendar year basis.
Sec. 756. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay the salaries or expenses of personnel--
(1) to inspect horses under section 3 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 603);
(2) to inspect horses under section 903 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 1901 note; Public Law 104-127); or
(3) to implement or enforce section 352.19 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
Sec. 757. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration to fly or display a flag over a facility of the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the Farm Credit Administration other than the flag of the United States; the flag of a State, territory, the District of Columbia; the flag of an Indian Tribal Government; the official flag of a U.S. Department or agency; or the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action flag.
Sec. 758. None of the funds made available by this or any other Act thereafter may be used to write, prepare, or publish a proposed rule, final rule, or an interim final rule in furtherance of, or otherwise to implement or enforce the final rule entitled "Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments", published by the Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register on November 28, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 83210 et seq.), the final rule entitled "Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act", published by the Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register on March 6, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 16092 et seq.), the final rule entitled "Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems", published by the Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register on January 16, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 5146 et seq.), the proposed rule entitled "Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets", published by the Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register on June 28, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 53886 et seq.), or any subsequent substantially similar rulemaking effort, except that funds may be used to, and the Secretary of Agriculture shall, withdraw or rescind any such proposed rules, advanced notices of proposed rulemaking, and any such rules that may have been finalized, and discontinue and provide notice of closure to affected parties of any investigations or enforcement activities pending under said rules.
Sec. 759.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Department of Agriculture to implement or enforce the reduced maximum allowable loan limit of 60 percent established in Field Office Handbook-1-3550 for loans issued made on or after February 10, 2026 (PN655); Provided, That the maximum allowable loan limit of 80 percent established in prior Field Office Handbooks shall remain in effect unless the Department of Agriculture issues a proposed rule, with notice and comment, that establishes a reduced maximum allowable loan limit, and is subsequently finalized.
Sec. 760. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the acceptable market name of any engineered animal approved prior to the effective date of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (February 19, 2019) shall include the words "genetically engineered" prior to the existing acceptable market name.
Sec. 761. Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(20) Frost or cold weather insurance.--
"(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, regarding an index-based policy to insure crops (including table grapes, wine grapes, juice grapes, tomatoes, peppers, sugarcane, strawberries, melons, citrus, peaches, blueberries, and any other crop) on a nationally-available basis against losses due to a frost or cold weather event.
"(B) Research and development.--Research and development under subparagraph (A) shall--
"(i) evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools, such as the use of an index, with respect to low frequency and catastrophic loss weather events; and
"(ii) result in a policy that provides protection for at least 1 of the following:
"(I) Production loss. "(II) Revenue loss.
"(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes--
"(i) the results of the research and development carried out under this paragraph; and
"(ii) any recommendations with respect to those results.".
Sec. 762. No funds shall be made available for enforcement of section 118.4(e) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation with respect to surplus broiler hatching eggs that are intended to be sold to an egg breaker for purposes of processing such eggs as liquid egg products subject to regulation under the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.).
Sec. 763. The agencies and offices of the Department of Agriculture may reimburse the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), out of the funds provided in this Act, for costs incurred by OGC in providing services to such agencies or offices under time-limited agreements entered into with such agencies and offices: Provided, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by law.
Sec. 764. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 7 of title 1, United States Code, section 1738C of title 28, United States Code, or any other provision of law, none of the funds provided by this Act, or previous appropriations Acts, shall be used in whole or in part to take any discriminatory action against a person, wholly or partially, on the basis that such person speaks, or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and one woman.
(b) Discriminatory Action Defined.--As used in subsection (a), a discriminatory action means any action taken by the Federal Government to--
(1) alter in any way the Federal tax treatment of, or cause any tax, penalty, or payment to be assessed against, or deny, delay, or revoke an exemption from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 of, any person referred to in subsection (a);
(2) disallow a deduction for Federal tax purposes of any charitable contribution made to or by such person;
(3) withhold, reduce the amount or funding for, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, any Federal grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, guarantee, loan, scholarship, license, certification, accreditation, employment, or other similar position or status from or to such person;
(4) withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, any entitlement or benefit under a Federal benefit program, including admission to, equal treatment in, or eligibility for a degree from an educational program, from or to such person; or
(5) withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make unavailable or deny access or an entitlement to Federal property, facilities, educational institutions, speech fora (including traditional, limited, and nonpublic fora), or charitable fundraising campaigns from or to such person.
(c) Accreditation; Licensure; Certification.--The 10 Federal Government shall consider accredited, licensed, or 11 certified for purposes of Federal law any person that 12 would be accredited, licensed, or certified, respectively, for 13 such purposes but for a determination against such person 14 wholly or partially on the basis that the person speaks, 15 or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief 16 or moral conviction described in subsection (a).
Sec. 765. Of the unobligated balances from prior year appropriations made available under the heading "Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program" for the cost to continue a broadband loan and grant pilot program established by section 779 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141) under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), $40,000,000 are hereby rescinded: Provided, That no amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Sec. 766. (a) Of the amounts made available in this Act under the heading "Department of Health and Human Services--Food and Drug Administration--Salaries and Expenses" that are derived from tobacco product user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 387s, not less than $200,000,000 shall be used by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs for enforcement activities related to e-cigarettes, vapes, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (in this section referred to as "ENDS"), not limited to activities under section 801(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 381(a)): Provided, That not less than $20,000,000 of such amount shall be used to fund the activities of the Federal multi-agency ENDS Enforcement Task Force led by the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the FDA, including partner agency activities, to further work to bring all available criminal and civil tools to bear against the illegal manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other ENDS products from the Republic of China, other foreign countries, and domestic manufacturers conducting the "final assembly" of illegal products: Provided further, That the Commissioner is directed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security and other partner agencies to ensure that such task force is adequately resourced for (1) increased criminal and civil litigation and law enforcement activities by FDA, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, and (2) additional targeted inspections by FDA and Customs and Border Patrol at high-risk ports of entry into the United States.
(b) Not later than November 12, 2026, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall update the FDA document titled "Enforcement Priorities for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Other Deemed Products on the Market Without Premarket Authorization", published in January 2020 and updated in April 2020, to expand FDA's prioritized enforcement to flavored disposable ENDS products in addition to cartridge-based products and to define the term "disposable ENDS product."
(c) The Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall submit a detailed report on funding and activities planned for enforcement activities within 60 days of enactment of this Act, and shall continue to submit a semi-annual written report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the progress that the Center for Tobacco Products is making in preventing all mis-declared ENDS products from entering the U.S. (including those that are properly declared and those that are improperly mis-declared at ports of entry) and in removing all illegal ENDS products from the market inside the U.S., including information specific to refusals, seizures, and disposition of illicit products; state support for enforcement efforts, including standardized reporting and communication channels; and educating retailers on which products may be legally marketed in the U.S.
Sec. 767. (a) Section 260 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1636i) is amended by striking "2026" and inserting "2027".
(b) Section 942 of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (7 U.S.C. 1635 note; Public Law 106-78) is amended by striking "2026" and inserting "2027".
Sec. 768. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration to develop, issue, promote, or advance any new guidelines or regulations applicable to food manufacturers for population-wide sodium reduction actions until the publication of the 2025-26 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), What We Eat in America Survey, which will begin to reflect the impact on population intake of Phase I reduction.
Sec. 769. None of the funds made available for any department or agency in this or any other appropriations Acts, including prior year Acts, shall be used to close Natural Resources Conservation Service or Rural Development mission area field offices or to permanently relocate any field-based employees of those agencies that would result in an office with two or fewer employees without prior notification and approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 770. No funds appropriated by this Act may be used to administer or enforce the final rule on "Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods" published on November 21, 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 70910), or any other rule promulgated in accordance with section 204 of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (21 U.S.C. 2223), prior to July 20, 2028. Further, the U.S.
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Food and Drug Administration shall--
(1) continue identifying flexibilities for satisfying the rule's lot-level tracking requirement that leverage existing traceability systems, including allowing covered entities to maintain and transmit traceability records that reflect a reasonable
range of all possible traceability lot codes included in a shipment, when maintaining records for each individual traceability lot is not practicable such that complying would constitute a case-level tracking requirement, which is prohibited under section 204(d)(1)(L)(iii) of the Food Safety Modernization Act;
(2) clarify the circumstances under which activities conducted in warehouse and distribution environments constitute a transformation event under the rule;
(3) ensure each quarterly engagement with industry between enactment and July 20, 2028 be open to all covered entities outside of member-only organizations and include a hypothetical data intake exercise, the results of which should be made publicly available within 75 days; and
(4) establish a panel of experts to assess the agency's foodborne illness traceback investigation process, for both foreign and domestic food suppliers, and to provide feedback for the data intake exercise. This panel shall include diverse stakeholders, such as growers, distributors, retailers, state and local officials, and public health officials. The FDA shall publish the panel outcomes and recommendations no later than one year from the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 771. In addition to amounts otherwise made available, there is hereby appropriated $1,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program established pursuant to section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2) to award grants to processors of invasive, wild-caught catfish.
Sec. 772. (a) Chapter IV of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 425. ANIMAL FOOD.
"(a) DEFINITIONS.--In this section:
"(1) The term `animal food' means food for animals other than man and includes pet food, animal feed, and raw materials and ingredients. (reference 21 CFR 507.3).
"(2) The term `animal food ingredient submission' means an ingredient for submission to the Food and Drug Administration that is a petition under section 409 for any food additive, a petition under section 721 for a color additive, or a GRAS ingredient notification under subpart E of part 570 of subchapter E of chapter I of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
"(3) The term `commercial feed' means animal food manufactured and distributed for consumption by animals, other than companion animals.
"(4) The term `companion animal' means a domesticated canine or feline.
"(5) The terms `generally recognized as safe' and `GRAS' mean generally recognized as safe under section 201(s).
"(6) The term `pet food' means any animal food manufactured and distributed for consumption by companion animals, including treats, nutritional supplements, and pet food ingredients.
"(7) The term `specialty pet' means any animal normally maintained in a household, such as, but not limited to, rodents, ornamental birds, ornamental fish, reptiles, and amphibians, ferrets, hedgehogs, marsupials, and rabbits not raised for food or fur.
"(8) The term `specialty pet food' means any commercial feed prepared and distributed for consumption by specialty pets.
"(b) PREEMPTION.--
"(1) In general.--No State or a political subdivision of a State may directly or indirectly establish, maintain, implement, or enforce any law, regulation, or other requirement relating to the labels, labeling, or advertising of animal food that differs from or extends beyond those established by the Food and Drug Administration.
"(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in (b) (1) shall be construed to restrict, prevent, or otherwise prohibit State post-market food safety oversight activities, including but not limited to any such activities relating to implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (Public Law 111-353), outbreak investigations, surveillance sampling, the ability of states to regulate the names and definitions of commercial feed ingredients (excluding ingredients for use in pet food) not defined by the Food and Drug Administration, or investigations of consumer complaints.
"(c) SAFE FOOD ADDITIVES AND GRAS INGREDIENTS.--
"(1) Ingredients deemed safe food additives.--Ingredients that are intended for use in animal food and are not specifically authorized for such use by the Food and Drug Administration as a food additive, a color additive, or otherwise as of the date of enactment of the PURR Act of 2026, are deemed to be safe food additives and acceptable for use in animal food if--
"(A) such ingredients are included in the Official Common or Usual Names and Definitions of Feed Ingredients section of chapter 6 of the 2024 edition of the `AAFCO Official Publication' as accepted for use in specified species, or where species is not identified; and
"(B) there is no finding by the Food and Drug Administration that such ingredients are not safe food additives.
"(2) GRAS ingredients; voluntary notification.--An animal food manufacturer is not required to notify the Food and Drug Administration of GRAS ingredients used in animal food, but may voluntarily notify the Food and Drug Administration of such GRAS ingredients that have not previously been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as GRAS for use in animal food.
"(d) TIMELY REVIEW.--Not later than 180 days after receipt of an animal food ingredient submission, the Secretary shall review such submission and issue an action letter that--
"(1) approves such submission or, in the case of a GRAS ingredient notification, does not object to use; or
"(2) sets forth--
"(A) the specific deficiencies in such sub- mission; and
"(B) where appropriate, the actions necessary--
"(i) for such submission to be approved; or
"(ii) in the case of a GRAS ingredient notification, to resolve any concerns of the Secretary.
"(e) PET FOOD AND SPECIALTY PET INGREDIENTS SOMETIMES PRESENT.--
"(1) In general.--Pet food and specialty pet food shall not be treated as misbranded by reason of stating in the ingredient list on the product label that an ingredient of a type described in paragraph (2) is sometimes, but not always, present in the pet food or specialty pet food.
"(2) Types of ingredients.--Paragraph (1) applies with respect to the following types of ingredients:
"(A) Fat or oil ingredients.
"(B) Flavor ingredients.
"(C) Grain ingredients (including grain protein ingredients).
"(3) Language to be used.--For an ingredient in pet food or specialty pet food to be labeled as sometimes present for purposes of paragraph (1), such ingredient shall be identified by--
"(A) words such as `or', `and/or', or `contains one or more of the following:'; or
"(B) other words indicating that the ingredient may not be present.
"(f) ORDER OF INGREDIENT LISTING.--
"(1) In general.--Pet food and specialty pet food shall be treated as misbranded unless the ingredients required to be declared on the label are listed by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight.
"(2) Exception.--If an ingredient in pet food or specialty pet food is present in amounts of 2 percent or less by weight, then instead of identifying the ingredient in the order required by paragraph (1), the ingredient may be placed at the end of the ingredient list following an appropriate quantifying statement, such as `Contains _ percent or less of _'or `Less than _ percent of _', with the blank percentage filled in with a threshold level of 2 percent, or, if desired, 1.5 percent, 1.0 percent, or 0.5 percent, as applicable.
"(g) MARKETING CLAIMS.--Animal food shall not be treated as misbranded by reason of the following claims on labels and labeling and in advertising for animal food, without premarket approval of such claims by the Food and Drug Administration, if truthful, nonmisleading, and adequately substantiated with scientifically validated protocols endorsed by FDA guidance where available:
"(1) Pet food claims regarding hairball control.
"(2) Pet food claims regarding tartar control, plaque removal, and bad breath odor.
"(3) Claims regarding the ability of pet food to support general urinary tract health.
"(4) `Natural' claims for animal food if all of the following circumstances are met:
"(A) Subject to subparagraph (C), the term `natural' refers to a food or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sources--
"(i) in its unprocessed state; or
"(ii) having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis, or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices.
"(B) The term `natural' is only used to reference the product as a whole when all of the ingredients and components of ingredients meet the description in subparagraph (A).
"(C) If the food or ingredient contains chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or other trace nutrients used as ingredients in animal food, a disclaimer--
"(i) discloses the addition of such vitamins, minerals, and other trace nutrients by name or category;
"(ii) is juxtaposed with the term `natural'; and
"(iii) appears with the largest or most prominent use of the term `natural' on each panel of the label on which the term appears, in the same style and color print and at least one-half the size of the term natural.
"(D) A disclaimer under subparagraph (C) is not required when the term `natural' is used in reference to one ingredient and is not referring to the whole product.
"(h) GUIDANCE ON CERTAIN TOPICS.--
"(1) In general.--The Secretary shall issue guidance addressing each of the following topics:
"(A) Methods for substantiating nutritional adequacy of pet foods.
"(B) Pet food metabolizable energy protocols.
"(C) Affidavits for pet food testing protocol completion.
"(D) Data to support a calorie content claim for pet foods.
"(E) Analytical variations (AVs) for animal food.
"(F) Recommendations for use of menadione sodium bisulfite complex (MSBC) in animal feed.
"(2) Initial guidance.--
"(A) Timing.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the PURR Act of 2026, the Secretary shall issue initial guidance under this subsection.
"(B) Basis.--The initial guidance under subparagraph (A) shall be based on the guidance contained in the 2024 edition of `AAFCO Official Publication'.".
(b) Title X of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 391 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 1016.
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RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ANIMAL FOOD REGULATION.
"(a) DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY.--The Secretary shall delegate to the Director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine responsibility for carrying out section 425 and, as appropriate, other responsibilities and authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to animal food.
"(b) DUTIES.--The responsibilities of the Director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine shall include--
"(1) conducting and coordinating science-based reviews of animal food ingredient submissions;
"(2) submitting an annual report to the Congress on performance metrics, including performance on--
"(A) the review of submissions and issuance of action letters under section 425(d);
"(B) the issuance of initial guidance under section 425(h) and any subsequent revisions to such guidance; and
"(C) the proposal and finalization of initial regulations under subsection (c) and (d) of the PURR Act of 2026 and any subsequent revisions to such regulations;
"(3) educating pet owners, veterinarians, and the companion animal industry about pet food;
"(4) communicating and educating consumers on the safety of pet food; and
"(5) carrying out research to support and improve policies and regulatory decisions regarding animal food.
"(c) DEFINITIONS.--In this section, the terms `animal food', `companion animal', `pet food', `specialty pet' and `animal food ingredient submission', have the meanings given to those terms in section 425.".
(c) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall--
(1) not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, issue proposed regulations to implement the amendments made by this Act; and
(2) not later than three years after the date of enactment of this Act, finalize such regulations.
(d) Contents.--The initial regulations promulgated to implement the amendments made by this Act shall include:
(1) for commercial feed, Regulation 1 through Regulation 10 of the "Model Regulations Under the Model Bill" in chapter 4 of the 2024 edition of the "AAFCO Official Publication"; and
(2) PF 1 through PF 12 of the "Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food Under the Model Bill" in chapter 4 of the 2024 edition of the "AAFCO Official Publication".
Sec. 773. There is appropriated $1,500,000 for the emergency and transitional pet shelter and housing assistance grant program established under section 12502(b) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (34 U.S.C. 20127).
Sec. 774. (a) In General.--
(1) Liability of persons.--A person shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of an apparently fit pet-related product that the person donates in good faith to a State or unit of local government or a nonprofit organization for ultimate distribution to qualified animals.
(2) Liability of nonprofit organizations.--A nonprofit organization shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of an apparently fit pet-related product that the nonprofit organization received as a donation from a person in good faith for ultimate distribution to qualified animals.
(3) Liability of state and local governments.--A State or unit of local government shall not be subject to liability arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of an apparently fit pet-related product that the State or unit of local government received as a donation from a person in good faith for ultimate distribution to qualified animals.
(4) Waiver not applicable to gross negligence or intentional misconduct.--Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) shall not apply to an injury to, or death of, an ultimate user or recipient of the apparently fit pet-related product that results from an act or omission of the person, nonprofit organization, or State or unit of local government, as applicable, constituting gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
(b) Partial Compliance.--If a person donates in good faith pet food or pet supplies that do not meet all quality and labeling standards imposed by Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, such person shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability in accordance with this section if the State or unit of local government or nonprofit organization to which the food or supplies are donated--
(1) is informed by such person of the distressed or defective condition of the food or supplies;
(2) agrees to recondition such food or supplies to comply with such quality and labeling standards prior to distribution of such food or supplies; and
(3) is knowledgeable of such quality and labeling standards to properly recondition such food or supplies.
(c) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to--
(1) create any liability; or
(2) supersede State or local health regulations.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Apparently fit pet-related product.--The term "apparently fit pet-related product" means any pet food or pet supply that meets all quality and labeling standards imposed by Federal, State, and local laws and regulations even though the product may not be readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, size, surplus, or other conditions.
(2) Child nutrition act of 1966 terms.--The terms "donate", "gross negligence", "intentional misconduct", "nonprofit organization", and "person" have the meanings given such terms in section 22(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1791(b)).
(3) Emotional support animal.--The term "emotional support animal" means an animal that--
(A) is covered by the exclusion specified in section 5.303 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulation); and
(B) is not a service animal.
(4) Pet.--The term "pet" means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, or other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes.
(5) Pet food.--The term "pet food" means any raw, cooked, processed, or prepared edible substance, ice, beverage, or ingredient used or intended for use in whole or in part for consumption by a qualified animal.
(6) Pet supply.--The term "pet supply" means tangible personal property used for qualified animals, including pet carriers, crates, kennels, houses, cages, clothing, bedding, toys, collars, leashes, leads, tie-outs, feeders, bowls, dishes, pet gates, or pet doors.
(7) Qualified animal.--The term "qualified animal" means a pet, an emotional support animal, or a service animal.
(8) Service animal.--The term "service animal" has the meaning given the term in section 36.104 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulation).
Sec. 775. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to impose any cost sharing or matching requirements for any awards or subawards under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) for fiscal year 2027.
Sec. 776. None of the funds made available to the Department of Agriculture in this or any other Act may be used to close or consolidate the resources or locations of any existing Agricultural Research Service laboratories and facilities without prior notification, including cost analysis, how many research scientists will likely not be willing to relocate, and which research projects will be terminated or adversely impacted by the relocation, and approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 777. In addition to funds made available by this or any other Act, there is hereby appropriated $2,500,000 for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 3007(a).
Sec. 778. Section 3(1) of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) is amended by striking "dried fruits," and inserting "dried fruits, millet,".
Sec. 779. Public Law 87-590 (76 Stat. 389; 123 Stat. 1320) is amended--
(1) in the first section--
(A) in subsection (c), in the second sentence, by striking "or in the case of the Arkansas Valley Conduit, payment in an amount equal to 35 percent of the cost of the conduit that is comprised of revenue generated by payments pursuant to a repayment contract and revenue that may be derived from contracts for the use of Fryingpan-Arkansas project excess capacity or exchange contracts using Fryingpan-Arkansas project facilities,"; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
"(d) Arkansas Valley Conduit.--
"(1) Repayment contract.--To provide domestic water supplies to communities and households that do not have reliable access to domestic water supplies, the contract for the Arkansas Valley Conduit shall provide for payment in an amount equal to 35 percent of the cost of the conduit, notwithstanding the reclamation laws or any other provision of this Act. The contract payments shall consist of--
"(A) funding provided during construction from any entity other than the Secretary; and
"(B) based on a demonstration of financial hardship, as determined by the Secretary, repayment of the balance not covered under subparagraph (A) for a period of not more than 75 years with simple interest at a rate that is equal to 50 percent of the interest rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury under section 2(c), including revenue derived from contracts for the use of excess capacity or exchange contracts using Fryingpan-Arkansas project facilities.
"(2) Operations and maintenance.--The contract for the Arkansas Valley Conduit
shall provide for the assumption by the contracting parties of the care, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the conduit."; and
(2) in section 2(b)(3)(A), by striking "this section" and inserting "subsection (d) of the first section".
Sec. 780. $0.
This Act may be cited as the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027".
The Acting CHAIR1:00 p.m.
Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 or clause 5(a) of rule 21 are waived.
No amendment to the bill shall be in order except those printed in House Report 119-676, amendments en bloc described in section 3 of House Resolution 1333, and pro forma amendments described in section 4 of House Resolution 1333.
Each amendment printed in House Report 119-676 may be offered only in the order printed in the report, by the Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment except as provided by section 4 of House Resolution 1333, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. All points of order against such amendments are waived.
It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments printed in House Report 119-676 not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their respective designees, shall not be subject to amendment, except as provided by section 4 of House Resolution 1333, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.
During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their respective designees may offer up to 10 pro forma amendments each at any point for the purpose of debate.
Text printed in the Record (58 characters)
Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Mr. Harris of Maryland
Andy Harris (R-MD)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, pursuant to House Resolution 1333, I offer amendments en bloc as the designee of Chairman Cole.
The Acting CHAIR1:00 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
Amendments en bloc No. 1 consisting of amendment Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, printed in House Report number 119-676, offered by Mr. Harris of Maryland.
Text printed in the Record (4,656 characters)
Page 8, line 3, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000)".
Page 7, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 22, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000)".
Page 23, line 5, after the first dollar amount, insert "(increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 5, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000)".
Page 33, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 5, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000)".
Page 50, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 5, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000)".
Page 28, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 7, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000) (increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 75, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000) (increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 55, line 13, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)".
Page 5, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $500,000)".
Page 9, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $500,000)".
Page 5, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000)".
Page 15, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $2,000,000)".
Amendment No. 11 Offered Ms. Leger Fernandez of New Mexico
Page 9, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $1,000,000)(increased by $1,000,000)".
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following:
Sec. ___. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or Center for Devices and Radiological Health within the Food and Drug Administration to issue or finalize guidance recommending or requiring testing in dogs.
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following:
Sec. ___. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture to conduct or fund research involving a dog or cat (as such terms are defined in section 1.1 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations) that is classified in pain category D or E, as defined by the Department of Agriculture.
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following:
None of the funds made available by this Act may be used in contravention of section 506C(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 356c(g)) with respect to the review of an application or supplement, or the inspection or reinspection of an establishment, that could help mitigate or prevent a shortage of a sterile injectable drug used in cancer treatment and listed as being in shortage by the Food and Drug Administration.
Page 12, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $10,000,000)" "(reduced by $10,000,000)".
Page 23, line 5, after the first dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)".
Page 9, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000) (increased by $2,000,000)".
amendment no. 21 offered by mr. subramanyam of virginia
Page 48, line 17, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $10,000,000) (increased by $10,000,000)".
Page 69, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $1,000,000) (reduced by $1,000,000)".
Page 15, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $7,000,000) (increased by $7,000,000)".
Amendment No. 24 Offered by Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania
Page 8, line 3, after the first dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000)".
Page 13, line 14, after the first dollar amount, insert "(increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 12, line 9, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,000,000) (increased by $2,000,000)".
Page 5, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $2,500,000)".
Page 9, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert
"(increased by $2,500,000)".
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1333, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) each will control 10 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland.
Mr. HARRIS of Maryland. Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of this amendment. This is a bipartisan set of amendments en bloc, which includes priorities from Members on both sides of the aisle.
I appreciate Ranking Member Bishop working with us on these amendments and ask for your support.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendments. The amendments include bipartisan and noncontroversial proposals that have been agreed to by both sides. I support adoption of the amendments, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Andy Harris (R-MD)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis).
Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chair, as co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I rise in support of my amendments that are included in this en bloc.
My amendments build on the progress that Congress has already made to modernize Federal research practices, reduce unnecessary animal suffering, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.
The first provision would prohibit the FDA from using taxpayer funds to issue or finalize new guidance documents that recommend or require dog testing for human drugs or medical devices.
More than 3 years ago, Congress ended the FDA's century-old animal testing mandate. Yet, the agency continues to rely on outdated guidance and, in some cases, issues new guidance that pressures companies to unnecessarily conduct tests on dogs before products can be moved to human trials.
Modern, human-based technologies, including organs-on-chips and other advanced testing methods, are often faster, more accurate, and more predictive of human outcomes than traditional dog testing.
The second provision would prohibit USDA funding for significantly painful research on dogs and cats conducted through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Americans love their pets. They are members of our families. Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize painful experiments on dogs and cats when Congress and Federal agencies have already recognized that these practices should be restricted.
During President Trump's first administration, USDA closed its last remaining cat experiment lab. Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs have already acted to restrict painful dog and cat testing, and the Department of Defense has likewise ended funding for these practices. This week, we saw EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, our former colleague, announce the goal of eliminating all animal testing by his agency by 2035.
My amendments promote better science, greater accountability, and more humane treatment of animals. They reflect the growing bipartisan consensus that we can advance medical innovation while reducing animal suffering and using taxpayer dollars more responsibly.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendments.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson), my friend and fellow Blue Dog.
Mike Thompson (D-CA)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendments en bloc and specifically on the amendment introduced by me, Representative Valadao, and Representative Costa.
Across my district and in many wine-producing regions of our country, growers are facing a growing threat from a vector known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an invasive pest that spreads Pierce's disease amongst the grapevines and kills vineyards.
For many communities, wine grapes are not just a crop. They are the cornerstone of local economy, supporting farmers, small businesses, tourism, and thousands of jobs.
In California alone, the wine community generates sizeable tax revenues at the local, State, and Federal level.
In 2025, the wine economy generated nearly $85 billion in economic activity and paid nearly $6.5 billion in State and local taxes and almost $8 billion in Federal taxes.
If we fail to act, the consequences will be severe. Vineyards that have taken years to establish can be damaged or destroyed, threatening livelihoods and putting significant economic activity at risk.
This amendment recognizes that reality. While it does not provide the funding itself, it sends an important signal as the House and Senate--
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
The time of the gentleman has expired.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from California.
Mr. THOMPSON of California.--as the House and Senate move toward conference, that additional resources are needed to combat this invasive pest and protect American agriculture, communities, and our economy.
We can pay this now or we can pay a lot more and suffer the devastation if we delay.
Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support this.
Andy Harris (R-MD)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert).
Lauren Boebert (R-CO)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) for his leadership on the Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
Mr. Chair, I rise in favor of this en bloc package that includes five of my amendments.
In Colorado's Fourth Congressional District, agriculture is the lifeblood of our communities. I represent thousands of hardworking farmers and ranchers who are raising livestock, growing wheat, corn, millet, and other vital crops that feed our Nation and power their local economies.
My amendments do not increase spending by a single dollar. They redirect $10 million in existing funds from administrative offices and back-office bureaucracies to important programs in the USDA that will help our farmers, ranchers, landowners, and rural communities.
My amendments redirect additional resources for rural utility services and rural development programs in rural communities to help strengthen infrastructure and economic opportunity.
One of my amendments redirects funding to the Farm Service Agency, which works directly with producers to administer farm programs, disaster assistance, and conservation initiatives.
I am also redirecting funding to the Natural Resources Conservation Service operations.
Mr. Chair, I urge everyone to support these important amendments.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Sykes).
Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 22, which calls on the FDA to require infant formula and toddler food manufacturers to implement an environmental monitoring regime for deadly contaminants like botulism and salmonella.
A recent Consumer Reports study found potentially concerning levels of contaminants in more than half of the tested infant formula samples, and we have seen similar reports on heavy metals and contaminants in toddler food.
Parents shouldn't have to worry about whether the food they feed their children is unsafe, and we need to do better.
The report for this bill includes language I requested to strengthen the testing for heavy metals, but we must also monitor for environmental contaminants so we can prevent outbreaks before they happen, like the botulism outbreak from earlier this year.
I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc and to also support my INFANTS Act, which would empower the FDA to take the appropriate action to protect our precious babies.
Andy Harris (R-MD)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao).
David G. Valadao (R-CA)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment with Representative Thompson in favor of the urgent emergency funding to address the glassy-winged sharpshooter infestation recently discovered in California.
California is the Nation's leading wine-producing State, and our table and wine grape growers support thousands of jobs in the Central Valley and beyond.
Unfortunately, the industry is facing a serious threat from an emerging outbreak of the glassy-winged sharpshooter. The glassy-winged sharpshooter is an invasive pest that transmits a lethal bacterium that chokes and kills grapevines. There is no cure once the infection occurs, and the sharpshooter's high mobility and rapid reproduction allow it to spread quickly.
Last month, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner identified an infestation at a nursery that distributed infected grapes throughout the State. At least 23 counties have already received affected plants, and another 15 counties are expected to be impacted.
If this pest spreads across the State, our growers could face more than $100 million in annual costs to control the damage. At a time when specialty crop industries are already struggling with rising input costs, this is a burden they just can't afford to absorb.
Our growers have already stepped up and have done their part. Since 2001, the industry has invested more than $60 million of its own resources to combat the pest and protect California agriculture, but the scale of this outbreak requires a coordinated Federal response.
This amendment supports an additional $7 million for the APHIS Specialty Crop Pests account, helping ensure USDA has the resources necessary to work alongside growers and State officials to contain this threat before it is too late.
It is a reasonable investment that supports an industry already heavily invested in its own success and protects growers from circumstances beyond their control.
Mr. Chair, I thank Congressman Thompson for his leadership on the issue and look forward to working with him to elevate the need for immediate funding from the USDA, if needed, or to get this additional funding included in this bill.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez).
Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise to speak in favor of my amendment to conduct a comprehensive study on large-scale algae production for agricultural and livestock uses.
Algae doesn't sound exciting, but the reality is it could be cheaper feed for livestock, cause fewer methane emissions, and lead to a higher conversion rate of protein. Dairy cows fed algae produce higher milk yields.
Growing algae could also help the economies of Sun-drenched rural areas like New Mexico. Our bright, yellow Sun can help grow green for our cows and our ranchers' pocketbooks.
So let's make something that is cheaper, more nutritious, and better for our planet more accessible to our ranchers. But to get there, we need better research into this feed source. Commercial algae for agriculture is an emerging frontier, and it makes sense for USDA to conduct the studies we need to make it widely available.
Let's pass my amendment and make our ranchers, potential algae farmers, and cows happier.
I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc package and my amendment.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Andy Harris (R-MD)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
The question is on the amendments en bloc offered by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris).
The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
The Chair understands that amendment No. 15 will not be offered.
The Chair understands that amendment Nos. 19 and 20 will not be offered.
There being no further amendments under the rule, the Committee rises.
Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Baumgartner) having assumed the chair, Mr. Loudermilk, Acting Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 8646) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, and, pursuant to House Resolution 1333, he reported the bill, as amended by that resolution, back to the House with sundry amendments adopted in the Committee of the Whole.
The SPEAKER pro tempore1:20 p.m.
Under the rule, the previous question is ordered.
Is a separate vote demanded on any amendment reported from the Committee of the Whole? If not, the Chair will put them en gros.
The question is on the amendments.
The amendments were agreed to.
The SPEAKER pro tempore1:20 p.m.
The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore1:20 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further consideration of H.R. 8646 is postponed.
Recess
Page H3864 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 26 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H3864 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Tiffany) at 2 o'clock and 30 minutes p.m.
WAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
Pages H3864–H3867 · Official textWAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1336 and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (361 characters)
Resolved, That the requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII for a two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same day it is presented to the House is waived with respect to any resolution reported through the legislative day of June 5, 2026, relating to a measure providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The gentlewoman from North Carolina is recognized for 1 hour.
Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from North Carolina?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee met yesterday and produced a rule, H. Res. 1336, providing for same-day authority when the House considers the forthcoming reconciliation measure from the Senate.
Granting same-day authority will allow the House to advance this legislation to President Trump's desk for his prompt signature and fulfill our commitment to fully fund CBP and ICE so that they can continue their mission of defending the homeland.
Yesterday at the Rules Committee, we heard all sorts of chapter and verse that funding ICE and CBP isn't an emergency. We heard that we should focus on all sorts of other things besides funding law enforcement. It doesn't surprise me given the pitiful record on both backing the blue and securing the border.
As opposed to listening to the rhetoric on the other side, let's look at their record. During the Biden administration, CBP recorded more than 2 million got-aways. That is almost double what was tracked during the previous decade. That is 2 million people who were able to cross into our Nation without any record of who they are.
The Biden administration granted more than 1.3 million inadmissible aliens mass parole. Under the Biden administration, more than 150,000 children went missing, likely due to trafficking. Thankfully, it was the Trump administration that located more than 120,000 of these children.
The record of Republicans in standing for border security, national security, and the rule of law is crystal clear. Republicans understand the threats posed by our Nation's adversaries, and we are the ones leading the charge to confront those threats, protect the homeland, and protect the American people.
Following the joint military action against Iran and the subsequent regional attacks, there is significant increase of potential threats and retaliatory terror attacks on U.S. soil. We know terrorists are in our country. That isn't rhetoric. It isn't hyperbole. It is a fact, a fact made even more real when more than 380 individuals on the terrorist watch list crossed the open border under Joe Biden's watch.
As Americans face increased threats, it is as important now--more than ever before--to fund ICE and CBP so that the Nation remains safe. Funding these two agencies is a mandate on the part of Congress, not some sort of suggestion that we are to take lightly. Fund ICE. Fund CBP. Protect the homeland now.
That is what Republicans will do. That is the mandate that we will uphold.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for yielding me the customary time, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this bill, effectively, lets the majority bring a bill from the Rules Committee straight to the floor in the same day, which would not normally be in order.
Mr. Speaker, what could be such an emergency that Republicans need to pass a special rule to give themselves the authority to jam through at lightning speed? Could it be affordability? No, nothing on affordability.
Could it be lower gas prices or ending the war in Iran? No, nothing there.
Could it be a bill to bring down housing or healthcare costs? Nope. Guess again.
They are passing a special rule to help them jam through billions of dollars more for ICE and CBP, what amounts to yet another blank check for agencies that have violated court orders, terrorized communities, killed American citizens in cold blood, and operated with virtually no accountability.
These agencies already got a massive payday in Trump's big, ugly bill. In fact--and get this--they have more money than they know what to do with. They still have $100 billion--billion with a b--sitting in the bank that they haven't spent yet. These are lawless agencies already flush with cash. For some reason, now Republicans are rushing to give them even more?
I mean, around here, that is what has become an emergency. It is not the cost of groceries and not the cost of gas. No. The emergency is that Donald Trump's immigration policies might have to wait for another blank check.
I mean, give me a damned break. This majority moves at lightning speed when Trump wants something. They move at lightning speed when billionaires want another tax cut. They move at lightning speed when corporate donors want another giveaway. Yet, when regular people need help, suddenly everything is impossible. Can't do it.
When families needed affordable healthcare, Republicans went home. When people demanded that the Epstein files be released, Republicans stalled, they delayed, and they obstructed. That continues.
When working people asked Congress to do something about Trump's tariffs that are driving up prices, Republicans blocked the vote. When we tried to force a debate on Trump's illegal war, Republicans tried to shut that down, too.
That is the pattern, Mr. Speaker. That is the pattern. When Trump says jump, they ask how high. Yet, when the American people ask for affordability, this place grinds to a halt.
This is about priorities, Mr. Speaker. Republicans want to hand tens of billions of dollars to lawless agencies that already have tens of billions of dollars, but they cannot find the same urgency for a mom trying to afford groceries, for a senior rationing medication, or for a family trying to keep a roof over their heads. Isn't that something?
Well, I think this is a rotten, lousy, immoral thing to jam through with same-day authority. I urge a "no" vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague on the other side of the aisle is saying: What is the emergency? Why are we here today?
Dare I say I agree with my colleagues on the other side. We should not have to be here debating about providing funding for the agencies that secure the borders of the United States of America. Since their creation in 2003, neither ICE nor CBP has ever gone an entire fiscal year without congressional funding through the regular appropriations process.
We should not have to be here right now providing operation funding for two of the most critical agencies in securing our national security. So, what happened?
Congressional Democrats made this an emergency. The only reason we even need this reconciliation legislation is because of Democrats' reckless extremism in completely defunding our ability to secure our Nation's border.
Democrats broke the appropriations process because they want to reopen the southern border, defund Federal law enforcement, and leave American communities vulnerable to violent criminals, potential terrorists, illicit drugs, and deadly contraband.
By expediting the process to pass the Secure America Act, Republicans are proving our top priority is to provide for the public safety and security of American citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice).
Stephanie I. Bice (R-OK)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule to allow for consideration of the Senate's forthcoming reconciliation bill.
The legislation comes after Democrats backed out of a bipartisan Department of Homeland Security bill all the way back in February.
As a sitting member of the Appropriations Committee, it was shocking to me that we were able to get all of our appropriations bills across the finish line and to the President's desk, except for Homeland Security. In that moment, Democrats chose to play political games with the safety and security of this Nation.
Thankfully, President Trump used emergency measures to ensure that the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, TSA, and others received pay, but Democrats proved they were more than willing to hold more than 260,000 employees who work at DHS hostage.
While most of the agency was funded in May, additional resources for Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are still needed. This is why the legislation is so important. It fully funds these agencies for the remainder of the Trump administration.
The difference couldn't be more clear: Under the Biden administration, more than 10 million illegals crossed the southern border. This included drug smugglers, human traffickers, criminal organizations, and even terrorists on the FBI watch list.
This has all changed thanks to President Trump. During the last year, there have been zero releases at the border, and apprehensions in April were 94 percent lower than the monthly average under the previous administration.
Under my friend and fellow Oklahoman, Secretary Markwayne Mullin, I know the Department will continue to ensure our border is closed, ultimately protecting our homeland.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this rule.
James P. McGovern (D-MA)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
It is hard to take this debate seriously. As I said, and I will say it again, and my Republican colleagues know this, you gave them a whole bunch of money in the big, ugly bill that you all celebrate.
In fact, they still have $100 billion that they haven't spent, $100 billion, that is billion with a b. You just debated the Agriculture appropriations bill to cut WIC by $200 million. ICE and CBP still have $100 billion, and here we are with a bill to give them another $70 billion? I mean, there are countries in the world whose military budgets don't even equal what you have given ICE and CBP.
I mean, the priorities around this place are all screwed up. I mean, you talk about America First. Well, this is America last. This is America last. You are cutting programs that help feed pregnant mothers and their kids. You are cutting programs that make sure people don't go hungry and have enough to eat and enough access to nutrition. You are cutting programs that help working people. You are cutting programs that cut healthcare. Here we are, giving an additional $70 billion to agencies that already have $100 billion that they haven't spent.
The SPEAKER pro tempore2:40 p.m.
Members are reminded to direct their remarks to the Chair.
James P. McGovern (D-MA)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would just simply say, my Republican friends, when you talk about America First, you are putting America last.
Your constituents are hurting. They are suffering right now. Prices have never been higher. Gas is through the roof. The cost of groceries is through the roof. The cost of everything is through the roof.
Inflation is up, and you can blame Joe Biden. He hasn't been President for a year and a half. That is the usual bs excuse we hear all the time.
The bottom line is, you are intentionally doing this. You are taking money away from people in need in this country, and you are giving it to agencies that have violated the law, that have killed American citizens, and that have not been held accountable. This is outrageous.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Virginia Foxx (R-NC)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine).
Randy Fine (R-FL)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I will endeavor to do a better job of following the rules and addressing my comments to you than seems to happen by those who are supposed to know the rules.
I would say this: You hear in this debate that the concern is about affordability, the affordability of housing for Americans, the affordability of healthcare for Americans, the affordability of insurance for Americans, and the affordability of education for Americans.
Democrats say they care about these things, but they do not because the number one thing we can do to make America affordable again is to deport the tens of millions of people who should not be in our country.
Twenty million people living in houses they shouldn't be in drives up housing prices. Twenty million people going to emergency rooms that are being paid for by the taxpayer drives up healthcare costs. Twenty million people sending their kids to school, which costs $10,000 to $20,000 per student in Florida, drives up education costs.
Go look at your auto insurance bill. That line of uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance, that might as well be called illegal immigrant insurance.
When we do these things, we protect our border and make America affordable again, but we also make America safe again.
In my district alone, I want to tell you about three people who have been deported.
Rafael Hayas Salgado from Cuba committed the crimes of homicide, larceny, burglary, flight escape, and resisting an officer.
Alejandro Diaz Torriente from Cuba was arrested for stolen property, burglary, forced entry-residence, forgery of checks, and selling cocaine and marijuana.
Lioneleo Silva-Garcia from Mexico's crimes were lewd or lascivious acts with a minor and sexual assault.
When we don't fund these agencies, we don't find these people, and we don't send them home. Our objective here is not only to make America safe again, but it is to make America affordable again. Passing this rule to fund these agencies will do exactly that.
That is why I will be proud to support the rule and proud to support that reconciliation package when it comes to the floor later today.
James P. McGovern (D-MA)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
What we just heard is the same tired, old set of grievances and talking points that Republicans bring out here all the time because they don't have any solutions to any of the challenges.
It is the same old playbook: Prices are up, blame immigrants. Gas is up, blame immigrants. Trump starts an illegal war in Iran, blame immigrants. Greedy healthcare companies rip off people and overcharge people for their basic healthcare, let's blame immigrants. Grocery prices are up, blame immigrants.
This party has no solutions to any of the problems. It is just blame immigrants, blame Joe Biden, blame somebody else. They don't want to take any responsibility.
Here is the deal: The agencies that we are talking about have $100 billion that they have not spent--$100 billion. What could you do with $100 billion? You can help a lot of people in this country get through this lousy Trump economy, but, no, $100 billion is not enough. We have a bill to bring another $70 billion to these agencies--$170 billion.
I mean, this is crazy, Mr. Speaker. What the hell is wrong with these people, Mr. Speaker, that this is where their priorities are, putting more money into agencies that do not obey the law, that have killed American citizens, that have basically set up concentration camps in some of our States in which immigrants are being mistreated?
We have American citizens who are being picked up and detained by ICE. We all agree that if people commit crimes--I don't care whether they are an undocumented immigrant or a legal citizen. If you commit a crime, you ought to be held accountable. Nobody disagrees with that.
That is not what this is about. This is about pouring billions and billions of dollars into agencies that already have more than enough.
Where is the compassion? Where is the outrage when my friends bring an appropriations bill to the floor to cut $200 million from WIC? I mean, not a word, not a word. I mean, where is the concern about the fact that people cannot afford their groceries? Nothing. Or that people can't afford to fill up their cars with gas? Nothing. Nothing.
Blame immigrants, and then, for good measure, throw in Joe Biden. I mean, that is what we hear all the time.
Again, these agencies have $100 billion already, and we are cutting programs that help provide people with nutrition and housing. We are cutting programs to help communities rebuild their infrastructure. We are cutting moneys and programs that help people with protecting open-space land.
I should say, they are cutting, not we. We are opposing those cuts, Mr. Speaker, because we think they are immoral, and we think they are outrageous.
But here we are, moving Heaven and Earth, again, not to bring a bill to the floor to help lower costs for anybody, but bringing a bill to the floor beyond the normal process to give agencies that have $100 billion, $70 billion more. I mean, really? I mean, this is outrageous.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Virginia Foxx (R-NC)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
James P. McGovern (D-MA)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
If we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to bring up H.R. 8914, which prohibits the use of taxpayer money to create a slush fund to compensate January 6 rioters, MAGA sycophants, senior government officials, and members of the President or Vice President's family.
Mr. Speaker, following President Trump's settlement of his bogus lawsuit against his own IRS, he tried to commandeer nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds to bankroll a slush fund for January 6 insurrectionists and other aggrieved MAGA loyalists.
After the obvious outcry at this ludicrous use of taxpayer dollars, Acting Attorney General Blanche said yesterday they weren't moving forward with this fund. Then later, the same day, President Trump, when asked if the fund was dead or just on hold, said: "I don't know. I don't know."
I don't know? Really?
He also said: "I love it. I think it's so important."
So it is now clear that the only way to end this corrupt scheme--and it is a corrupt scheme--for good is for Congress to act.
And as the newly free-to-speak-his-mind Senate Whip Senator Cornyn said: "The way to ensure the Trump retribution fund is more than mostly dead would be for Congress to put a stake through it." That is Republican Senator John Cornyn.
That is exactly what I am offering every Member of this House today, a chance to vote on if they want to kill this slush fund for good or not.
Do my Republican colleagues want millions of dollars to go to the January 6 rioters? I mean, I was here that day. Many of my Republican colleagues were here that day. I was in the Speaker's chair that day. I was the last person off the House floor. I saw those maniacs beating up cops. I will never, ever forget it.
And the fact that they have been pardoned by this President is outrageous. But the idea that they would be financially rewarded? Oh, my God, what is wrong with this place?
So with the vote we are calling for here right now, we can end this slush fund once and for all. And maybe we could take that money and put it toward issues to deal with the affordability crisis, maybe to make law-abiding Americans' lives a little bit easier.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the Record, along with any extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
The SPEAKER pro tempore2:50 p.m.
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Massachusetts?
There was no objection.
James P. McGovern (D-MA)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, this debate boils down to priorities. Republicans have shown that they are willing to move mountains when they want to. They can move mountains for Donald Trump. They can move mountains for billionaires. They can move mountains for corporate donors. And today, they are moving mountains to spend $70 billion more on ICE and CBP.
But for regular people, they are doing nothing. They have done nothing, and they are doing nothing. Families are getting crushed by grocery prices. Workers can't afford rent. Parents are struggling to pay for childcare. Seniors are worried about healthcare. Kids are hungry. Republicans don't care. That is the story of this majority. They have all of the urgency in the world for the worst priorities and no urgency at all for people who actually need help.
They will rush to fund agencies that separate families, that violate rights and bow down to Donald Trump's illegal orders; but they refuse to lift a finger to ease the burdens on working people. It is everything and anything for those at the top, and to hell with everyone else.
So vote "no" on this rule. Vote "no" on this blank check. These agencies already have $100 billion--$100 billion, billion with a b. They don't need an additional $70 billion. I would urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote "no" on these rotten priorities. Let's get back to work and do the work that the people actually sent us here to do. Let's try to do things that actually improve people's lives, not screw them over.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Virginia Foxx (R-NC)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, the Biden-Harris administration abandoned our Border Patrol agents and refused to enforce our sovereign borders. This destroyed morale and increased attrition throughout the front lines of law enforcement who want to do what they signed up for: secure our borders.
It is crucial to our national security that ICE and CBP have the resources and pay they need to accomplish their critical and legal missions of preventing illegal aliens and other public safety threats, narcotics and other contraband from entering our communities, and removing criminal illegal aliens from within our country.
It is not sufficient to hope that we can use the funding from H.R. 1 to fully fund these agencies.
Our colleagues talk about money that Homeland Security has in its budget, but they are quite well aware that the money allocated in H.R. 1 provided supplemental funding to finish building the border wall that was abandoned under the Biden administration, provide funding for additional well-paid frontline personnel to accomplish their Homeland Security missions, and invest in advancements in technology to close exploitable gaps and enhance border interdictions to keep our communities safe. Yes, there is money, but it is mostly for the wall and for technology.
Right now, CBP does not have the personnel that it says it needs. That is why the reconciliation legislation provides supplemental investments in closing the personnel gap throughout CBP; bolstering recruiting, training, and education; and addressing attrition and the morale crisis by funding retention bonuses.
H.R. 1 funding is not sufficient for the everyday operations of securing our Nation's borders, and as our colleague from Oklahoma said, there was an agreement to do this in the Homeland Security bill, and at the last minute the Senate balked and refused to do it.
Mr. Speaker, providing expedited consideration of the forthcoming reconciliation measure will allow us to fund these two mission-critical agencies and the people who support them. Let's move forward, pass this rule, and advance the reconciliation measure that will soon come before us.
I support the rule, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I urge a "yes" vote on the previous question and a "yes" vote on the rule.
The text of the material previously referred to by Mr. McGovern is as follows: An Amendment To H. Res. 1336 Offered By Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts
Text printed in the Record (1,569 characters)
At the end of the resolution, add the following:
Sec. 2. Immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the
House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the
bill (H.R. 8914) to amend section 1304 of title 31, United
States Code to restrict payments for compromise settlements
or awards. All points of order against consideration of the
bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All
points of order against provisions in the bill are waived.
The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the
bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without
intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally
divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority
member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective
designees; and (2) one motion to recommit.
Sec. 3. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX and clause 8 of rule XX
shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 8914.
Sec. 4. The Clerk shall transmit to the Senate a message
that the House has passed H.R. 8914 no later than three
calendar days after passage.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on ordering the previous question.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed.
Recess
Page H3867 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Accordingly (at 3 p.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H3867 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Moran) at 4 p.m.
Communication from Chair of Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Pages H3867–H3874 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which was read and referred to the Committee on Appropriations:
Text printed in the Record (2,480 characters)
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, June 4, 2026. Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: 1On June 4, 2026, pursuant to section 3307 of Title 40, United States Code, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session, with a quorum being present, to consider one resolution included in the General Services Administration's Capital Investment and Leasing Programs.
I have enclosed a copy of the resolution adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 4, 2026.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation, and Infrastructure.
Enclosures.
ALTERATION--1800 F STREET FEDERAL BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC
Resolved by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the United States House of Representatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. 3307, appropriations are authorized for a repair and alteration project for the Federal Building located at 1800 F Street, NW in Washington, DC, for the final phase of the infrastructure modernization supporting the 0 and 3 wings and to provide for the opportunity to backfill and consolidate space for federal agencies to maximize space utilization at a design cost of $17,220,000, an estimated construction cost of $211,170,000, a management and inspection cost of $10,610,000 for a total estimated project cost of $239,000,000, a prospectus for which is attached to and included in this resolution.
Provided, that the U.S. General Services Administration shall not delegate to any agency the authority granted by this resolution.
Provided further, not later than 30 calendar days after the date on which a request from the Chairman or Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives is received by the Administrator of General Services, the Administrator shall provide such Member a response in writing that provides any information requested regarding the project.
Provided further, the project conforms with the requirements established pursuant to the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-272), including building utilization requirements and notification of milestones to the Committee.
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Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore
Page H3874 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings will resume on questions previously postponed.
Votes will be taken in the following order:
Adoption of H. Con. Res. 84;
Ordering the previous question on House Resolution 1336;
Adoption of House Resolution 1336, if ordered;
The motion to recommit H.R. 8646, if ordered;
Passage of H.R. 8646; and
Adoption of House Resolution 518.
The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, remaining electronic votes will be conducted as 5-minute votes.
DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(c) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION TO REMOVE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM LEBANON
Page H3874 · Official textDIRECTING THE PRESIDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(c) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION TO REMOVE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM LEBANON
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the vote on adoption of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 84) directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from Lebanon, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The question is on adoption of the concurrent resolution.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 92, nays 324, answered "present" 2, not voting 12, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,725 characters)
Adams Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beyer Bonamici Brown Carson Casar Castro (TX) Chu Crockett Davis (IL) DeGette DeLauro Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Foushee Friedman Frost Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gomez Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Hayes Himes Hoyle (OR) Jackson (IL) Jacobs Johnson (GA) Kamlager-Dove Kelly (IL) Khanna Larson (CT) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Lynch Magaziner Massie Matsui McBride McClain Delaney McGarvey McGovern McIver Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Min Moore (WI) Moulton Neal Ocasio-Cortez Omar Pallone Pingree Pocan Pou Quigley Ramirez Randall Rivas Ruiz Ryan Salinas Scanlon Schakowsky Simon Stansbury Subramanyam Takano Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Trahan Underwood Velazquez Waters Watson Coleman Williams (GA)
Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Beatty Begich Bell Bentz Bera Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Bishop Boebert Boyle (PA) Brecheen Bresnahan Brownley Buchanan Budzinski Burchett Burlison Bynum Calvert Cammack Carbajal Carey Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Case Casten Castor (FL) Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Cline Cloud Clyburn Clyde Cohen Cole Collins Comer Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davidson Davis (NC) De La Cruz Dean (PA) DelBene DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fields Figures Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foxx Frankel, Lois Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Garamendi Garbarino Gill (TX) Gillen Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Goldman (TX) Gonzalez, V. Gooden Goodlander Gosar Gottheimer Graves Gray Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Harder (CA) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Horsford Houchin Houlahan Hoyer Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Ivey Jack Jackson (TX) James Jeffries Johnson (LA) Johnson (TX) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kaptur Keating Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Krishnamoorthi Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Larsen (WA) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Lee (NV) Letlow Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Mackenzie Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mannion Mast McBath McCaul McClain McClellan McClintock McCormick McDonald Rivet McDowell McGuire Meeks Messmer Mfume Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moran Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Mrvan Mullin Murphy Nadler Neguse Nehls Newhouse Norcross Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Olszewski Onder Owens Palmer Panetta Pappas Patronis Pelosi Perez Perry Peters Pettersen Pfluger Raskin Reschenthaler Riley (NY) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Ross Rouzer Rulli Rutherford Salazar Sanchez Scalise Schmidt Schneider Scholten Schrier Schweikert Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Self Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Sorensen Soto Spartz Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Stevens Strickland Strong Stutzman Suozzi Sykes Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Titus Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Vargas Vasquez Veasey Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Whitesides Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
McCollum
Tran
Barr Bost Ciscomani Jayapal Johnson (SD) Kean Meuser Moore (WV) Norman Pressley Roy Van Orden
Ms. TENNEY, Messrs. BACON, CLYBURN, Ms. LOFGREN, Messrs. GIMENEZ, WALBERG, KRISHNAMOORTHI, SHREVE, EMMER, RASKIN, and MFUME changed their vote from "yea" to "nay." Mr. GARCIA of Illinois, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mses. WILLIAMS of Georgia, SALINAS, SCANLON, Messrs. NEAL, AMO, JACKSON of Illinois, Ms. UNDERWOOD, and Mrs. McCLAIN DELANEY changed their vote from "nay" to "yea." So the resolution was not agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Recognizing Hayden Haynes
Pages H3874–H3875 · Official text(Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. JOHNSON of LOUISIANA. I just want to take a brief point of personal privilege today to bid farewell to the most integral member of my staff and somebody who has been at my side for more than a decade here, my chief of staff, Hayden Haynes. All of us--we all do this--we deeply value our teams, and when you lose a leader, it is a big thing. Scripture says we give honor where honor is due, so I want to do that for just a moment here. I first met this guy, Hayden, in 2016. I was a member of the Louisiana Legislature, just got started. We crossed paths at a local political event. He was bright and ambitious and eager to talk more. You have all experienced that. You have got staff members like that, young people, kids that you meet along the way. I was impressed with him. He called me the next day to reach out to set up lunch, and I thought, okay, he is a young guy. I will invest the time. I had no idea what the purpose was for the lunch. I didn't know it was going to be a strategy session for the future of my career, but that is what happened. So this young fellow just came in--maybe you guys can relate to this. Maybe you had a meeting like this. A young, bright, ambitious guy comes in. He has a yellow pad. He sits down to lunch at a pizza joint, and it says at the top of the pad: "Path to Congress" in big, bold letters across the top. He spent the next hour mapping out what he saw to be a road to D.C. that ran through our little town of Shreveport, Louisiana. I thought it was amusing, but we didn't have an open congressional seat. I appreciated him for his time, and we left there with nothing but an agreement to keep in touch. As fate would have it, a couple of months later, the Fourth Congressional District seat did open up. My predecessor called and encouraged me to run, and others did as well. My wife, Kelly, and I prayed about it, and we felt like we should do it. The first thought I had was this young man who sat down with a yellow pad, so I called him up. He came on board, and he became my first campaign manager. Together, we worked nights and weekends. We had a dingy, little office above a local radio station. We had no funds, no name ID, no connections. I mean, it really was amazing. The one thing we had was Kelly and I had complete faith in what we felt like God had called us to do. We had total faith in this young kid because he was so ambitious and bright, and he had that yellow pad. Well, fast-forward, we won the race. It was in Louisiana. We have jungle primaries like they have in California and a couple of other States. It was an eight-way race. We won it, and it was the first of many victories that we would have together. We were on our way to Washington. In Louisiana, we have a late election cycle because it is a jungle primary, and the runoff is in December. So if you are elected as a freshman from Louisiana, you come in as the last member of your freshman class. I got the lowliest office draw. I got the worst office in Congress, as noted by The Washington Post. We really started at the bottom. But we navigated life as freshmen. Hayden got to work. He built out our office. He put a lot of time and attention into personnel because personnel, as we all know, is policy. The first thing he did--and this is a good trait I think for all of our leaders to have--is all of the staffers, he required everybody to go and visit the district that we represent, to get to know the people, to remember who sent them there and why. It was such an important way to kind of set the pace for how our office would be run. He also navigated my elections. I became chair of the Republican Study Committee in my second term and then became vice chair of the House Republican Conference the third and fourth term. But while he was doing all of that here, he was also running the campaigns back home every 2 years. We all know what a burden that is. It is a rare person who can do policy and politics, and he was also one of the youngest chiefs on the Hill. But we did all of that, and we got through it. Then the biggest challenge of our lives came next, and everybody, you know, remembers what happened about 2\1/2\ years ago now. I was nominated by my colleagues for this job in an unexpected race for Speaker, and Hayden was, in that operation, the chief. He was my whip. He was my right hand, all in one, all-hands-on-deck. My staff refers to that as building a plane as we are flying it. It was like launching a 747 with no wings or an engine. You know, we had to put it all together. There was no playbook for it. It is important to remember that nothing like that had ever happened in this institution, and it took a lot of fortitude to do it, and this guy was responsible for it. The average tenure before somebody is Speaker of the House is 16 years. We had only been here 6.8 years, and we had no playbook designed at all. So he set up an entire organization--the political, the legislative, the staffing infrastructure, all of that--in a matter of just a couple of weeks, and it was amazing. There was no shortage of intrigue surrounding this time in our lives, but what is not recognized enough--and this is true for all of us--is the dedication and the sacrifice of our teams, especially those at the top of your organization, and how much of their lives they give to this, stewarding and helping us to steward this sacred institution. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Hayden's lovely wife. She is here tonight. Jennifer is up in the balcony up here, and their little one--yes--Brody. There they are. Look, it is impossible--I will just say this on behalf of all of the families of all of the staff who serve us. We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to these folks. It is impossible to overstate their sacrifice--late nights, long hours, high stakes, and they give their all, and they don't get paid enough for that. We all know it. We couldn't run the operation without them, but we are grateful to their families, to Brody and Jen, for their selflessness and patience and sharing their dad and husband with us these many years. So I will close with this. I am going to say that this young man--this country boy from Minden, Louisiana; political whiz kid who envisioned my path before I did; loyal friend, who has been a constant throughout every season of our journey--there are only a handful of people in Washington--you all know--that you can really, really, truly trust completely, and Hayden has been one of those people for me. I pray that you have somebody just like that. I know you all do. I hope you treasure them. Even before the Speakership, before the Cannon office that was split in the middle by a women's restroom, before the apartment office campaign above the radio store, it was Hayden who built this ship from the ground up, and I will always be grateful for that. We are going to miss him. We are going to have a lot of tough fights. He has been with us for all those fights along the way, and he has earned some downtime. I am really grateful that he, Jen, and Brody are going to get that. I wish him the best. I thank the Members for indulging me. God bless you in your next chapter, my friend. God bless.
Waiving a Requirement of Clause 6(A) of Rule Xiii with Respect to Consideration of Certain Resolutions Reported from the Committee on Rules
Pages H3875–H3877 · Official textWAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(A) OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the vote on ordering the previous question on the resolution (H. Res. 1336), waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The question is on ordering the previous question.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 212, nays 210, not voting 8, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,724 characters)
Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Garbarino Gill (TX) Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota Langworthy Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Mackenzie Malliotakis Maloy Mann Massie Mast
McCaul McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Newhouse Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Perry Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Nadler Neal Neguse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL)
Ciscomani Jayapal Johnson (SD) Kean Norman Pressley Roy Van Orden
The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining. So the previous question was ordered. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ)5:08 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 201 and YEA on Roll Call No. 202.
The SPEAKER pro tempore5:08 p.m.
The question is on the resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
James P. McGovern (D-MA)5:08 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore5:08 p.m.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 213, noes 211, not voting 6, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,723 characters)
Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Garbarino Gill (TX) Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota Langworthy Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Mackenzie Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mast McCaul McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Newhouse Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Perry Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Massie Matsui McBath McBride McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Nadler Neal Neguse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL)
Jayapal Johnson (SD) Kean Norman Pressley Roy
The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining. So the resolution was agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027
Pages H3877–H3878 · Official textAGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2027
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, proceedings will resume on the bill (H.R. 8646) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The Clerk will report the motion to recommit.
The Clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (4,332 characters)
Ms. Bynum of Oregon moves to recommit the bill H.R. 8646 to
the Committee on Appropriations.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX, the previous question is ordered on the motion to recommit.
The question is on the motion to recommit.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the noes appeared to have it.
Ms. BYNUM. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 210, nays 212, not voting 8, as follows:
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Nadler Neal Neguse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL)
Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Garbarino Gill (TX) Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota Langworthy Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Mackenzie Malliotakis Maloy Mann Massie Mast McCaul McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Newhouse Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Perry Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Boebert Jayapal Johnson (SD) Kean Norman Pressley Roy Smith (NE)
The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining. So the motion to recommit was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore5:56 p.m.
The question is on the passage of the bill.
Pursuant to clause 10 of rule XX, the yeas and nays are ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore5:56 p.m.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 213, nays 210, not voting 7, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,724 characters)
Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson Davis (NC) De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Garbarino Gill (TX) Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gonzalez, V. Gooden Gosar Graves Gray Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota Langworthy Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Mackenzie Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mast McCaul McClain
McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Newhouse Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Perez Perry Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steil Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Bresnahan Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fitzpatrick Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Goldman (NY) Gomez Goodlander Gottheimer Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Massie Matsui McBath McBride McClain Delaney McClellan McClintock McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Nadler Neal Neguse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Steube Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL)
Golden (ME) Jayapal Johnson (SD) Kean Norman Pressley Roy
The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining. Ms. HOYLE of Oregon changed her vote from "yea" to "nay." So the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.r. 2913) to Authorize Support for Ukraine, and for Other Purposes
Pages H3878–H3879 · Official textPROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 2913) TO AUTHORIZE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the vote on adoption of the resolution (House Resolution 518) providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2913) to authorize support for Ukraine, and for other purposes, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The question is on the resolution.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 216, nays 204, not voting 10, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,723 characters)
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Bacon Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fitzpatrick Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Kiley (CA) Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lawler Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Miller (OH) Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Nadler Neal Neguse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC)
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Jayapal Johnson (SD) Joyce (OH) Kean Mace Norman Pressley Roy Titus Turner (OH)
So the resolution was agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Stated for:
Dina Titus (D-NV)6:15 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and missed Roll Call No. 206. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 206, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2913) to authorize support for Ukraine, and for other purposes.
Ukraine Support Act
Pages H3879–H3896 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson)
Pursuant to House Resolution 518, the House will proceed to the immediate consideration of the bill (H.R. 2913) to authorize support for Ukraine, and for other purposes, which the Clerk will report by title.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to House Resolution 518, the bill is considered read.
The text of the bill is as follows:
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the "Ukraine Support Act".
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 101. Affirming support for Ukraine. Sec. 102. Reaffirming the importance of NATO. Sec. 103. Condemning the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. Sec. 104. Support for Ukraine under title II of the BUILD Act of 2018. Sec. 105. Vessel war risk insurance. Sec. 106. Insurance for Ukraine Initiative. Sec. 107. Codification of a Special Coordinator for Ukrainian Reconstruction. Sec. 108. Support for Radio Free Europe. Sec. 109. Authorizing programs to counter and combat Russian disinformation activities. Sec. 110. Establishment of Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund. Sec. 111. United States-European Nuclear Energy Cooperation.
Sec. 201. Lend-lease authority. Sec. 202. Direct loans and foreign military financing. Sec. 203. Support for Baltic countries. Sec. 204. Extension of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Sec. 205. Report on allied and partner military contributions. Sec. 206. Report on United States-Ukraine intelligence support and cooperation.
Sec. 301. Sanctions trigger determination. Sec. 302. Imposition of sanctions with respect to Russian financial institutions. Sec. 303. Impositions of sanctions with respect to Russian oil and mining industry. Sec. 304. Imposition of sanctions on certain persons affiliated with or supporting the Government of the Russian Federation. Sec. 305. Crimea tunnel sanctions. Sec. 306. Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant sanctions. Sec. 307. Rosatom sanctions. Sec. 308. Imposition of price cap vessel sanctions. Sec. 309. SWIFT sanctions. Sec. 310. Russian sovereign debt sanctions. Sec. 311. Imposition of sanctions on Russia-North Korea cooperation. Sec. 312. Sanctions for kidnapping Ukrainian children. Sec. 313. Imposition of dual-use export controls. Sec. 314. Duties on the Russian Federation. Sec. 315. Ending Russian oil import loophole. Sec. 316. Taxing capital gains on Russian sovereign assets. Sec. 317. Sanctions described. Sec. 318. Implementation; regulations; penalties. Sec. 319. Exceptions; waiver. Sec. 320. Termination. Sec. 321. Congressional review of Russia sanctions. Sec. 322. Definitions.
SEC. 101. AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched an unprovoked and brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, subjecting the nation to acts of aggression that have threatened its independence and security.
(2) For three years, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, courage, and determination in the face of relentless attacks on their homes, communities, sovereignty, and fundamental freedoms.
(3) Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia has engaged in widespread and systematic war crimes, including--
(A) deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and evacuation corridors;
(B) the forced deportation and kidnapping of at least 19,000 Ukrainian children to Russian-controlled territories in an attempt to erase Ukrainian identity;
(C) the destruction of Ukraine's agricultural and energy infrastructure to create humanitarian crises and disrupt global food supply chains; and
(D) the use of torture, extrajudicial killings, and mass graves in occupied Ukrainian territories, as documented by the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and leading human rights organizations.
(4) Despite these atrocities, the people of Ukraine remain unyielding, demonstrating that their spirit and commitment to self-determination cannot be extinguished.
(5) The Russian Federation, despite its overwhelming use of force, has suffered catastrophic military losses, with estimates exceeding 800,000 casualties, illustrating that President Vladimir Putin's war of conquest has become both a strategic failure and a humanitarian disaster for Russia.
(6) Ukraine, despite facing an adversary with a far larger population, army, and military arsenal, continues to fight courageously for its sovereignty, demonstrating its resilience and determination.
(7) Russia's war has destabilized global security, undermining the principles of sovereignty and nonaggression and emboldening authoritarian regimes seeking to redraw international borders by force.
(8) The United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union, and allied nations have demonstrated historic unity in their support for Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to upholding international law, territorial integrity, and democratic values.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United States--
(1) recognizes that discussions surrounding the future of Ukraine must include Ukraine;
(2) condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation's ongoing war crimes, its targeted destruction of Ukrainian society, and its blatant violations of international law;
(3) reaffirms its commitment to the people of Ukraine and the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders;
(4) urges the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and the Donbas, and affirms that any negotiations must be based on Ukraine's sovereignty, not dictated by Russian ultimatums;
(5) demands international institutions take decisive action to ensure the safe return of at least 19,000 kidnapped Ukrainian children, recognizing that their forced deportation is a war crime and an act of genocide under international law;
(6) supports the continued prosecution of Vladimir Putin and Russian political and military leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, reinforcing that those who orchestrate such atrocities must be held accountable before the world; and
(7) stresses that any sustainable peace deal must be built with Ukraine and our European allies at the table.
SEC. 102. REAFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF NATO.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States and its democratic allies and partners face unprecedented international challenges and evolving threats to global security.
(2) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded on April 4, 1949, to counter Soviet expansion, prevent further world wars in Europe, and strengthen transatlantic security, and is built on the democratic principles of freedom, security, and national sovereignty.
(3) Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty underpins the principle of "collective defense" and has served as a guiding value of United States foreign policy for over 75 years.
(4) The United States commitment to Article 5 enhances deterrence against adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran that seek to spread their malign influence.
(5) The unity of NATO allies strengthens collective security and the stability of democratic states.
(6) NATO serves as a bulwark against the proliferation of malign influence, technologies, and destabilizing operations by adversaries.
(7) Authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea have increased collaboration in political, economic, and security sectors to undermine democratic principles.
(8) In the only invocation of Article 5, NATO allies provided military and intelligence support to the United States following the September 11, 2001, attacks, and many NATO allies incurred significant casualties in Afghanistan.
(9) NATO has remained steadfast in its support for Ukraine, with member countries providing military and non-security assistance, strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, and imposing costs on Russia for its illegal invasion.
(10) Finland and Sweden made the sovereign decision to accede to NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
(11) NATO continues to address systemic challenges posed by China to Euro-Atlantic interests and security.
(12) NATO member states have strengthened their defense and cyber capabilities, including through the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the United States reaffirms its full and unwavering commitment to NATO;
(2) NATO remains vital to United States national security interests and the United States remains fully committed to defending its allies under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty;
(3) NATO's open door policy is essential to European security, and every sovereign state has the right to determine its security arrangements, including Ukraine;
(4) the United States remembers and honors the thousands of NATO coalition soldiers who sacrificed their lives following the invocation of Article 5 after the September 11, 2001, attacks;
(5) all NATO allies should dedicate at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product to national defense or establish concrete plans to meet their 2 percent obligations by the Washington Summit; and
(6) NATO allies must continue cooperation in advanced defense technologies, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity programs to counter evolving threats from adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran.
SEC. 103. CONDEMNING THE KIDNAPPING OF UKRAINIAN CHILDREN.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) On January 12, 1951, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (commonly known as the "Genocide Convention") entered into force. The Russian Federation is a party to the Convention and is therefore bound by its obligations.
(2) On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation escalated its 8-year occupation of sovereign Ukrainian territory by launching a full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
(3) Russian armed forces have committed widespread and systematic atrocities against Ukrainian civilians, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and protected sites.
(4) On March 9, 2022, Russian forces attacked a maternity hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 5 individuals and injuries to 17 others, in violation of international humanitarian law.
(5) On March 22, 2022, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Russian military had illegally abducted and forcibly transferred 2,389 Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
(6) On June 2, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that an estimated 200,000 Ukrainian children had been forcibly transferred to Russia.
(7) Article II(e) of the Genocide Convention defines "forcibly transferring children of the group to another group" as an act of genocide.
(8) Maria Lvova-Belova, Children's Rights Commissioner for the President of Russia, publicly admitted to overseeing the abduction and forced transfer of Ukrainian children and their adoption by Russian families.
(9) Ukrainian authorities have stated that many abducted children have living family members in Ukraine but have been separated due to Russia's renewed invasion.
(10) On June 16, 2022, Russian authorities announced that children born in occupied Ukrainian territories after the February 24, 2022, invasion would automatically be deemed Russian citizens, contributing to the erasure of Ukrainian identity.
(11) On June 22, 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner verified that at least 320 children had been killed as a result of Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine.
(12) On July 11, 2022, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ordered an investigation into the deaths and injuries of Ukrainian children in the context of the conflict.
(13) On July 13, 2022, Secretary of State Antony J.
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Blinken called on the Russian Federation to "immediately halt its systemic filtration operations in Ukraine", which have resulted in the disappearance, detention, or forcible deportation of between 900,000 and 1,600,000 Ukrainians, including approximately 260,000 children.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the abduction and forcible transfer of children and facilitation of illegal adoptions of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation is contrary to Russia's obligations under the Genocide Convention and constitute acts of genocide;
(2) the Russian Federation is deliberately seeking to wipe out a generation of Ukrainian children, thereby crippling Ukraine's ability to nurture the next generation of Ukrainian citizens and leaders and to rebuild their country after Russia's unprovoked war, with the purpose of demolishing Ukraine's unique language, culture, history, and identity;
(3) the Russian Federation's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has significantly increased the risks of children being exposed to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, gender-based violence, hunger, injury, trauma, deprivation of education and shelter, and death; and
(4) the Government of the Russian Federation, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, bears full responsibility for the wrongful and illegal abduction and forcible transfer of children from Ukraine, and Congress condemns these actions in the strongest terms.
SEC. 104. SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE UNDER TITLE II OF THE BUILD ACT
OF 2018.
Section 1412(c) of the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (22 U.S.C. 9612(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting "in Ukraine and" after "the provision of support under title II"; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking "The Corporation" and inserting the following:
"(A) In general.--The Corporation";
(B) by striking "(A) the President" and inserting the following:
"(i) the President";
(C) by striking "(B) such support" and inserting the following:
"(ii) such support"; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
"(B) Non-applicability to ukraine.--The provisions of subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to Ukraine.".
SEC. 105. VESSEL WAR RISK INSURANCE.
(a) Eligibility.--Notwithstanding section 53902 of title 46, United States Code, for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, and ending 5 years after such date, a covered vessel shall be deemed to be eligible for insurance or reinsurance under chapter 539 of title 46, United States Code, if such vessel is engaged in transportation in waterborne commerce importing cargo to, or exporting cargo from, Ukraine.
(b) Expansion of Cargo.--Subparagraphs (B) through (D) of section 53903(a)(3) of title 46, United States Code, shall not apply to cargo imported or exported to or from Ukraine.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered vessel.--The term "covered vessel" means a vessel that is owned by a citizen of--
(A) a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization;
(B) Ukraine; or
(C) any other country the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, determines, in the interest of national security, shall be considered eligible for insurance or reinsurance under chapter 539 of title 46, United States Code.
(2) Owned by a citizen.--The term "owned by a citizen" means ownership by an entity that is considered to be a citizen of a country in the same manner as an entity is deemed to be a citizen of the United States under section 50501 of title 46, United States Code.
SEC. 106. INSURANCE FOR UKRAINE INITIATIVE.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department of State an entity to be known as the "Insurance for Ukraine Initiative".
(b) Objectives.--The objectives of the Insurance for Ukraine Initiative are the following:
(1) Bolster confidence in Ukraine's eventual economic recovery from Russia's full-scale invasion through the provision of war risk insurance.
(2) Encourage European allies and partners to finance and invest in Ukraine's economic recovery, including through the provision of war risk insurance.
(3) Promote closer economic integration between Ukraine and other countries in Europe as well as the United States and further Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
(4) Coordinate dialogue and fora for extensive outreach with private sector insurance companies relating to the provision of war risk insurance to Ukraine.
(5) Work with Ukraine, international organizations, and Middle Eastern and African allies and partners to ensure the bountiful and affordable shipment of grain and other food commodities from Ukraine.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the following 3 years, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes assessments of--
(1) progress towards the achievement of each of the objectives set forth in subsection (b); and
(2) legislative proposals that would further the objectives set forth in subsection (b).
(d) Diplomatic and Political Support.--The Secretary of State, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall seek to provide diplomatic and political support to countries that provide or provide support for war risk insurance for Ukraine, including by using the diplomatic and political influence and expertise of the Department of State to build the capacity of such countries.
(e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term
"appropriate congressional committees" means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
SEC. 107. CODIFICATION OF A SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINIAN
RECONSTRUCTION.
(a) In General.--There is established within the Department of State a Special Coordinator for Ukrainian Reconstruction.
(b) Selection.--The Special Coordinator shall be chosen by the Secretary of State and shall report directly to the Secretary.
(c) Qualifications.--The Special Coordinator shall be an individual with--
(1) private sector experience; and
(2) knowledge of Ukraine and foreign policy pertaining thereto.
(d) Duties.--The Special Coordinator shall assist in--
(1) harnessing the tools of different agencies of the United States Government to promote the reconstruction of Ukraine;
(2) coordinate cooperation amongst different agencies and bureaus of the United States Government to aid the recovery of Ukraine following its war to protect its sovereignty; and
(3) work with the United States Development Finance Corporation to mobilize private capital for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
SEC. 108. SUPPORT FOR RADIO FREE EUROPE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty shall be immediately restored to its full capacity and operational position prior to Executive order attempting to shutter the agency;
(2) Radio Free Europe provides reliable, uncensored, and accessible news and reporting in Ukraine and other countries where media freedom is restricted;
(3) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is one of the most critical sources of unrestricted, independent news and reporting for audiences on the periphery of the Russian Federation;
(4) the Government of the Russian Federation has engaged in systematic targeting of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporters inside the Russian Federation, which has negatively impacted the organization's ability to provide timely, reliable, and accurate news from inside the country; and
(5) despite pressure from the Government of the Russian Federation, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's audience continues to grow inside the Russian Federation and surrounding countries.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $250,000,000 for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty for fiscal year 2026.
(c) Authorization of New Bureaus.--Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty may explore opening new bureaus to help expand its ability to reach audiences on the periphery of the Russian Federation.
(d) Initiatives To Bolster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureaus Around Russian Federation's Periphery.--To help expand its reach to Russian-speaking audiences and increase its reach to audiences through digital media, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty should--
(1) evaluate where Russian disinformation is most deeply pervasive in the Eurasia region;
(2) develop strategies to better communicate with predominately Russian-speaking regions;
(3) build on efforts to increase capacity and programming to counter disinformation in real time;
(4) expand Russian language investigative journalism;
(5) improve the technical capacity of the Ukraine bureau; and
(6) continue efforts to increase digital news services.
(e) Report Required.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes--
(1) recommendations of locations to open new bureaus to help reach new audiences in the broader Eurasia region;
(2) an assessment of current staffing and anticipated staffing needs in order to effectively reach audiences in the broader Eurasia region; and
(3) an assessment of the impact of the Government of the Russian Federation closing down Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty within the Russian Federation.
(f) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
SEC. 109. AUTHORIZING PROGRAMS TO COUNTER AND COMBAT RUSSIAN
DISINFORMATION ACTIVITIES.
(a) Countering Russian Influence Fund.--The Secretary of State should use funds available for obligation in the Countering Russian Influence Fund--
(1) to prioritize assisting Ukraine to detect and combat disinformation from the Russian Federation and its proxies; and
(2) to assist the Government of Ukraine in developing new defense strategies and technologies.
(b) Strategy Required.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a plan for countering and combating disinformation by the Russian Federation and supporting free and independent media in Ukraine that includes--
(A) a plan to assist the Government of Ukraine in combating and responding to malign influence operations of the Russian Federation aimed at inflaming tensions and dividing Ukrainian society;
(B) an assessment of effective efforts and programs to improve media literacy in Ukraine and recommendations for how the United States can assist in supporting and expanding those programs;
(C) a plan to assist the Government of Ukraine improve efforts to detect and remove content originating from Russian troll farms, bots, and other sources aimed at sowing division and disseminating disinformation in Ukraine or targeting Ukrainian audiences;
(D) recommendations to increase support for independent media outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; and
(E) recommendations to increase support for independent media outlets catering to Russian-speaking populations residing in Russian-occupied Crimea, the Donbas region of Ukraine, and throughout Ukraine.
(2) Form.--The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex if necessary.
SEC. 110.
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ESTABLISHMENT OF UKRAINE RECONSTRUCTION TRUST FUND.
(a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
"SEC. 9512. UKRAINE RECONSTRUCTION TRUST FUND.
"(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund', consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated to such fund as provided in this section.
"(b) Transfers to Trust Fund.--There are hereby appropriated to the Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the net revenues received in the Treasury from the taxes imposed under section 892A.
"(c) Expenditures From Trust Fund.--Amounts in the Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund shall be available, as provided in appropriations Acts, only to the Secretary of State for purposes of--
"(1) reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Ukraine,
"(2) humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine,
"(3) fostering long-term economic growth and private sector development in Ukraine, and
"(4) bolstering transparent and accountable governance of the Ukrainian economy.
"(d) Trust Fund Not Interest-Bearing.--Section 9602(b) shall not apply to the Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund.
"(e) Requirements Under Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.--Any assistance made available from amounts in the Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund shall be subject to all applicable requirements for the provision of such assistance for the same or similar purpose authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.), including requirements under such Act relating to administrative authorities, congressional notifications, and reporting.".
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter A of chapter 98 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
"Sec. 9512. Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund.". (c) Report.--(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the use of any funds made available from the Ukrainian Reconstruction Trust Fund. (2) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this subsection, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means--(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
SEC. 111. UNITED STATES-EUROPEAN NUCLEAR ENERGY COOPERATION.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine which has severely threatened energy security in the United States, Europe, and around the world.
(2) The security of Ukraine's energy grid has been vital to Ukraine's success in its defense of its territory and ensuring the Ukrainian government can effectively provide goods and services to Ukrainian citizens.
(3) Ukraine has operated four nuclear power plants with 15 reactors, primarily Russian-designed water-water energetic reactor (VVER) reactors.
(4) Russia, in its war of aggression against Ukraine, has systematically targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure through heavy shelling and targeted attacks, particularly in the winter months when innocent Ukrainian civilians are most vulnerable.
(5) Since March 2022, Russian forces have illegally occupied the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and Russian forces have surrounded the station with landmines, further threatening regional security.
(6) Russian-designed VVER reactors have been built across Europe, including in Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
(7) Russia uses its nuclear power plant designs and fuel services to spread malign influence and threaten United States and European energy security.
(8) As of 2021, Russia owned about 20 percent of the total uranium conversion infrastructure worldwide and in 2020, had the largest uranium enrichment capacity at close to 46 percent.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) in countries seeking or developing a nuclear power industry, the Department of State should prioritize the utilization of products and services from the United States, and then prioritize products and services from Europe and other allied or partner countries, including Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea when not directly competing with the United States;
(2) the United States and its allies must focus on cooperation, including capacity building and early-stage project support, to expand the nuclear industry in Europe in a way that maintains nonproliferation, security, and safety standards and aligns with international obligations and treaties while combating Russian and Chinese malign influence; and
(3) the United States should continue to pursue the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program as a means of helping partner countries meet their clean energy needs with scalable, flexible, secure, and safe nuclear power programs.
(c) Strategy Required.--The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall develop a strategy to strengthen United States-European nuclear energy cooperation and combat Russian malign influence in the nuclear energy sector in Europe.
(d) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection (c) shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:
(1) An overview and assessment of the Secretary of State's efforts to broaden participation by United States nuclear industry entities in Europe and promote the accessibility and competitiveness of United States, European, and partner technologies and services against Russian and Chinese technologies in Europe.
(2) An overview of different nuclear reactor types that are currently deployed or under regulatory review in Europe, including large light-water reactors, small modular light-water reactors, and non-light-water reactors, and--
(A) what role, if any, each reactor type could have in reducing Russia's influence over European energy supply by 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045, and 2050;
(B) challenges that each reactor type may face with rapid deployment, including costs, market barriers to first-of-a-kind designs, supply chain constraints, and regulatory requirements;
(C) the impacts of each reactor type on maintaining strong nonproliferation standards, including the minimization of weapons-usable nuclear material; and
(D) opportunities for the use of United States, European, and partner technologies and services in the deployment or potential deployment of each reactor type.
(3) An overview of different fuel cycles that are currently deployed or under consideration in Europe, including use of low enriched uranium, including high assay low enriched uranium, and spent fuel reprocessing, along with an analysis of the implications of each fuel cycle on--
(A) reducing and eliminating Russia's market share in Europe for uranium, conversion, enrichment, and reactor fuel between now and 2030;
(B) achieving long-term energy security free of Russian influence; and
(C) maintaining strong nonproliferation standards, including the minimization of weapons-usable material as well as high nuclear safety and security standards.
(4) An overview of nuclear reactor designs and fuel cycle infrastructure that the United States Government is currently funding the development of, and--
(A) the potential, if any, that each of these technologies have to decrease or eliminate Russia's market share in the United States and Europe for nuclear power reactors, uranium mining and milling, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, deconversion, and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing in the short-, medium-, and long-term;
(B) the impact of these technologies on the minimization of weapons-usable nuclear material, including the use of highly enriched uranium or plutonium fuels; and
(C) an assessment of the use cases for each of these designs and fuel cycles.
(5) An overview of the United States Government's diplomatic engagements regarding the nuclear energy sector in Europe.
(6) A list of countries in Europe with active nuclear power programs, and--
(A) an analysis of each country's nuclear energy policy;
(B) an overview of existing areas of cooperation with regards to nuclear energy between each country and--
(i) the United States;
(ii) other European and friendly countries; and
(iii) adversarial countries including China and Russia;
(C) an overview of potential areas for future cooperation between each country and the United States with regards to nuclear energy; and
(D) a summary of fuel types used in each country's nuclear power programs.
(7) An overview of Russian and Chinese influence in the European nuclear energy sector.
(8) An overview of how the United States Government is working with allies and partners to counter Russian malign influence within the European energy sector to include steps taken to counter Russian influence in the mining and milling, conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication processes as well as in reactor construction.
(9) An overview of how the United States Government balances the urgent strategic need for collaboration with allies and partners on countering Russia's influence on nuclear energy in Europe, with commercial competitiveness issues that may arise between United States companies and companies in Europe, Canada, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
(10) An assessment of Rosatom's role in Russia's energy sector, to include an overview of strengths and vulnerabilities of the conglomerate.
(e) Submission.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the strategy required by subsection (c).
(f) Form.--The strategy required by subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex, so long as such annex is provided separately from the unclassified strategy.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support critically needed engagement in Europe consistent with the strategy required by subsection (c) on countering Russian malign influence and with a particular focus on responsible nuclear power program capacity building, early stage nuclear power project support, and countering Russian disinformation campaigns.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term "appropriate congressional committees" means--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;
(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of the Representatives; and
(D) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
(2) High assay low enriched uranium.--The term "high assay low enriched uranium" means uranium enriched so that the concentration of the fissile isotope uranium-235 (U-235) is between 5 percent and 20 percent of the mass of uranium.
(3) Low enriched uranium.--The term "low enriched uranium" means fuel in which the weight percent of U-235 in the uranium is less than 20 percent.
SEC. 201. LEND-LEASE AUTHORITY.
Section 2 of the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-118; 136 Stat.
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1184) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking "fiscal years 2022 and 2023" and inserting "fiscal years 2022 through 2028";
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
"(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after any use of the authority provided by subsection (a), the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to Congress a report that includes--
"(1) a description of the defense articles loaned or leased to the Government of Ukraine, or to the government of an Eastern European country impacted by the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine, under such authority; and
"(2) a strategy and timeline for recovery and return of such defense articles.".
SEC. 202. DIRECT LOANS AND FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING.
(a) Direct Loans.--
(1) In general.--Through fiscal year 2026, direct loans under section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act may be made available for Ukraine and North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies, notwithstanding section 23(c)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, gross obligations for the principal amounts of which shall not exceed $8,000,000,000.
(2) Other unobligated balances.--The unobligated balances of amounts made available by any Act making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, under the heading "International Security Assistance--Funds Appropriated to the President--Foreign Military Financing" shall also be made available for the cost of loans and loan guarantees as authorized by this section.
(b) Terms and Conditions.--The terms and conditions described in section 2606 of the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 (division N of Public Law 117-103) shall apply to amounts made available by this section in the same manner and to the same extent as amounts made available by such section except that subsection (b) of such section shall be applied by striking "$4,000,000,000" and inserting "$8,000,000,000".
(c) Emergency Designation.--Amounts repurposed pursuant to this section that were previously designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, are designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Provided, That such amounts shall be available only if the President designates such amounts as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i).
SEC. 203. SUPPORT FOR BALTIC COUNTRIES.
(a) Assistance Authorized.--The Secretary of State shall carry out programs, projects, and activities to build the capacity of the national militaries and border guard forces of Baltic countries, pursuant to the 2024 Bilateral Defense Cooperation Roadmaps for 2024-2028, which provide for the promotion of "defense cooperation in integrated air and missile defense, maritime domain awareness, cyber, irregular warfare, participation in international military operations and exercises, infrastructure development, and training".
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of State, for each of the fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028, in addition to amounts already authorized to be appropriated for such purposes to carry out the assistance described in subsection (a)--
(1) $30,000,000 for Foreign Military Financing grants authorized under section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2763) for each Baltic country; and
(2) $4,000,000 for Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related programs, including as authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) for each Baltic country.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives regarding--
(1) the most pressing security needs of Baltic countries;
(2) a plan for the disbursement of funds so obligated; and
(3) an analysis of European and other allied country support for Baltic countries.
SEC. 204. EXTENSION OF UKRAINE SECURITY ASSISTANCE
INITIATIVE.
Section 1250 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 1068) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:
"(11) For fiscal year 2026, $300,000,000.
"(12) For fiscal year 2027, $300,000,000."; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking "December 31, 2026" and inserting "December 31, 2027".
SEC. 205. REPORT ON ALLIED AND PARTNER MILITARY
CONTRIBUTIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report including--
(1) a detailed description of all military contributions made or planned by allied and partner countries, disaggregated by country, including details of types and quantities of platforms and systems provided;
(2) a description and analysis of military capabilities identified as current Ukrainian operational needs; and
(3) a description of United States efforts to meet identified Ukrainian operational needs through transfers of United States arms and military equipment or through support and facilitation of allied and partner transfer of arms and military equipment.
(b) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex that is submitted separately from the unclassified portion.
(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
SEC. 206. REPORT ON UNITED STATES-UKRAINE INTELLIGENCE
SUPPORT AND COOPERATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, a report including--
(1) a detailed description of current United States intelligence support and cooperation to and with Ukrainian military and intelligence services;
(2) a description and analysis of the consequences of ceasing such intelligence support and cooperation to Ukraine, including as related to targeting, battlefield effectiveness, early warning capabilities, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity; and
(3) a description of United States efforts and initiatives currently underway or planned to increase Ukrainian intelligence, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity capabilities.
(b) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in classified form.
(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
SEC. 301. SANCTIONS TRIGGER DETERMINATION.
Not later than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and at minimum every 90 days thereafter, the President shall make a determination as to whether the Russian Federation or any proxy thereof, is engaged in--
(1) conducting a war of aggression against Ukraine; or
(2) refusing to sincerely and actually negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine; or
(3) acting in violation of a negotiated peace agreement with Ukraine.
SEC. 302. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO RUSSIAN
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Imposition of Sanctions.--
(1) In general.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to 3 or more of the following financial institutions:
(A) Sberbank.
(B) VTB.
(C) Gazprombank.
(D) VEB.RF.
(E) The Russian Direct Investment Fund.
(F) Credit Bank of Moscow.
(G) Alfa Bank.
(H) Rosselkhozbank.
(I) FC Bank Otkritie.
(J) Promsvyazbank.
(K) Sovcombank.
(L) Transkapitalbank.
(M) The Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
(2) Subsidiaries and successor entities.--The President may impose the sanctions described in section 310(a)(1) with respect to any subsidiary of, or successor entity to, a financial institution specified in paragraph (1).
(b) Additional Russian Financial Institutions.--
(1) List required.--Not later than 30 days after making an affirmative determination under section 301, and every 90 days thereafter, the President shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a list of foreign persons that the President determines--
(A) are significant financial institutions owned or operated by the Government of the Russian Federation; and
(B) should be sanctioned in the interest of United States national security.
(2) Imposition of sanctions.--Upon the submission of each list required by paragraph (1), the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 310(a)(1) with respect to each foreign person identified on the list.
SEC. 303. IMPOSITIONS OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO RUSSIAN
OIL AND MINING INDUSTRY.
Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to all Russian companies operating primarily in any of the following sectors:
(1) Oil and gas extraction, refinement, or production.
(2) Coal extraction mining, refinement, or production.
(3) Mineral extraction and processing.
SEC. 304.
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IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS ON CERTAIN PERSONS
AFFILIATED WITH OR SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.
(a) In General.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to all individuals listed under subsection (b) or included in the additional lists under subsection (c).
(b) Officials Specified.--The officials specified in this subsection are the following:
(1) The President of the Russian Federation.
(2) The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
(3) The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation.
(4) The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation.
(5) The Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.
(6) The Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation.
(7) The Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation.
(8) The Minister of Energy and Trade of the Russian Federation.
(9) The Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation.
(10) The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation.
(11) The Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.
(12) The Deputy Energy Minister of the Russian Federation.
(13) The Deputy Finance Minister of the Russian Federation.
(14) The Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
(15) The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
(16) The Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation.
(17) The Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation.
(18) The Commander of the Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation.
(19) The Commander-in-Chief of the Navy of the Russian Federation.
(20) The Commander of the Strategic Rocket Forces of the Russian Federation.
(21) The Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Russian Federation.
(22) The Commander of Logistical Support of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
(c) Additional Officials.--
(1) List required.--Not later than 30 days after making an affirmative determination under section 301 and every 90 days thereafter, the President shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a list of foreign persons that the President determines--
(A) are--
(i) senior officials of any branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation leading any of the operations described in section 302; or
(ii) senior officials of the Government of the Russian Federation, including any intelligence agencies or security services of the Russian Federation, with significant roles in planning or implementing such operations; and
(B) with respect to which sanctions should be imposed in the interest of the national security of the United States.
(2) Imposition of sanctions.--Upon the submission of each list required by paragraph (1), the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 310 with respect to each foreign person on the list.
SEC. 305. CRIMEA TUNNEL SANCTIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) In February and March 2014, the Russian Federation invaded the Crimean peninsula and annexed Crimea, internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory.
(2) Following its annexation of Crimea, the Russian Federation constructed the Kerch Strait Bridge to connect the Russian mainland with the Crimean peninsula.
(3) On February 24, 2022, the Government of the Russian Federation, led by Vladimir Putin, launched an unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
(4) The Russian Federation has used Crimea as an integral part of its full scale invasion of Ukraine, including to house Russian troops, store ammunition and weapons, and host the Black Sea Fleet.
(5) In October 2023, it was publicly reported that Russian and Chinese business officials met and exchanged emails to discuss building a tunnel from the Russian mainland to illegally occupied Crimea.
(b) Imposition of Sanctions.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to all foreign persons that knowingly participate in the construction, maintenance, or repair of a tunnel or bridge that connects the Russian mainland with the Crimean peninsula.
SEC. 306. ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SANCTIONS.
(a) In General.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to all foreign persons that have endangered the integrity, safety, or undermined Ukrainian operational control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station located in southeastern Ukraine since the Russian Federation launched an unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
(b) Exception Related to Ukrainian Operational Control.--Sanctions under this section shall not apply to any foreign person seeking to reestablish Ukrainian operational control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station or the surrounding region.
SEC. 307. ROSATOM SANCTIONS.
(a) In General.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to--
(1) Rosatom;
(2) Rosatom subsidiaries; and
(3) a foreign person that knowingly directly or indirectly engages in any significant transaction for nuclear reactor construction and related services with Rosatom.
(b) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of sanctions for a transaction or transactions with a United States person, a foreign person, or a foreign financial institution (as the case may be) described under this section if--
(1) the President determines that the transaction relates to activities necessary to the production of medical isotopes or industrial isotopes; and
(2) the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that--
(A) domestic medical isotope or industrial isotope production is insufficient to meet United States patient and industry requirements; and
(B) the United States is taking measurable steps to establish medical isotope or industrial isotope supply chains that are not reliant on Rosatom or other Russian source material.
SEC. 308. IMPOSITION OF PRICE CAP VESSEL SANCTIONS.
(a) In General.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to any foreign vessel that knowingly transports Russian oil in contravention of the Russian oil price cap policy.
(b) Exception for Safety of Vessels and Crew.--Sanctions under this section shall not apply with respect to a person providing provisions to a vessel otherwise subject to sanctions under this section if such provisions are intended for the safety and care of the crew aboard the vessel, the protection of human life aboard the vessel, or the maintenance of the vessel to avoid any environmental or other significant damage.
(c) Strategy.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury shall jointly submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a strategy to enhance international compliance with the Russian oil price cap policy.
(d) Matters.--The strategy under subsection (a) shall include--
(1) an overview of general international compliance with the Russian oil price cap policy;
(2) a list of the countries known to have purchased significant quantities of Russian oil at prices above the price agreed to in the Russian oil price cap policy set forth by the Group of Seven ("G7") nations;
(3) any known methods used by such countries to avoid detection of their purchases of Russian oil at prices above the price agreed to in the Russian oil price cap policy;
(4) an assessment of possible incentives the United States could provide to countries listed pursuant to paragraph (2) to encourage compliance with the Russian oil price cap policy;
(5) an assessment of whether the imposition of additional sanctions, including possible secondary sanctions, would enhance international compliance with the Russian oil price cap policy;
(6) a description of the views of the government of each country participating in the Russian oil price cap policy regarding whether the price cap under such policy should be lowered or not; and
(7) a description of the United States diplomatic engagement with the government of each country participating in the Russian oil price cap policy regarding the appropriateness of the current cap, including any diplomatic engagement intended to encourage support for the lowering of the price cap.
SEC. 309. SWIFT SANCTIONS.
(a) In General.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to any global communication financial service that does not cease the provision of financial communication messaging services to any financial institution listed under section 302 of this Act.
(b) Enabling or Facilitation of Access to Specialized Financial Messaging Services Through Intermediary Financial Institutions.--For purposes of this section, enabling or facilitating direct or indirect access to specialized financial messaging services includes doing so by serving as an intermediary financial institution with access to such messaging services.
SEC. 310. RUSSIAN SOVEREIGN DEBT SANCTIONS.
Upon making an affirmative determination under section 302 and not later than 30 days following such a determination, the President shall prohibit all transactions by United States persons involving the sovereign debt of the Government of the Russian Federation issued on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, including governmental bonds.
SEC. 311.
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IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA-NORTH KOREA
COOPERATION.
(a) In General.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to the following:
(1) Any foreign person that is responsible for or facilitates the transfer or sale of arms
or material support from North Korea to be used in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
(2) Any foreign person that knowingly, directly or indirectly, imports, exports, or reexports to, into, or from North Korea any goods services or technology for weapons that may be used by Russian forces or their proxies in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
(3) Any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or provides significant financial services for a foreign person described in paragraph (1) or (2).
(4) Any foreign person that engages in a significant transaction related to the transfer or sale of arms or material support with a foreign person described in paragraph (1) or (2) or foreign financial institution described in paragraph (3).
(5) Any foreign person assisting in the logistical supply and movement of North Korean personnel, arms or material support to be used in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
(b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that describes significant activities by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to support the Russian Federation and its proxies in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
(c) Matters To Be Included.--The report required by this section shall include the following:
(1) The number of North Korean troops that have been sent to fight Ukraine, casualties inflicted on these troops, and the impact on the battlefield of having North Korean military personnel on the frontlines.
(2) The identity and nationality of foreign persons and foreign financial institutions that are subject to sanctions under section 317.
(3) A description of the conduct engaged in by such persons and institutions.
(4) An assessment of the extent to which a foreign government has provided material support to the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that government to conduct significant activities to materially support Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
(5) A United States strategy to counter North Korea's efforts to conduct significant activities to support Russia's war in Ukraine, that includes efforts to engage foreign governments to halt the capability of the Government of North Korea and persons acting for or on behalf of that government to conduct significant activities supporting Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
(d) Form.--The report required by this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
SEC. 312. SANCTIONS FOR KIDNAPPING UKRAINIAN CHILDREN.
Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301 and not later than 15 days following such a determination, the President shall impose the sanctions described in section 317 with respect to all foreign persons that have directed or in anyway participated in the kidnapping and wrongful patriation of Ukrainian children.
SEC. 313. IMPOSITION OF DUAL-USE EXPORT CONTROLS.
(a) In General.--Upon making an affirmative determination under section 301, a foreign-produced item shall be subject to the Export Administration Regulations (pursuant to the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.)) if the item--
(1) meets--
(A) the product scope requirements described in subsection (b); and
(B) the destination scope requirements described in subsection (c); and
(2) is exported, reexported, or in-country transferred to the Russia Federation from abroad or involves the Government of the Russian Federation.
(b) Product Scope Requirements.--A foreign-produced item meets the product scope requirements of this subsection if the item--
(1) is a direct product of United States-origin technology or software subject to the Export Administration Regulations that is specified in a covered Export Control Classification Number; or
(2) is produced by any plant or major component of a plant that is located outside the United States, if the plant or major component of a plant, whether made in the United States or a foreign country, itself is a direct product of United States-origin technology or software subject to the Export Administration Regulations that is specified in a covered Export Control Classification Number.
(c) Destination Scope Requirements.--A foreign-produced item meets the destination scope requirements of this subsection if there is knowledge that the foreign-produced item is destined to the Russian Federation or will be incorporated into or used in the production or development of any part, component, or equipment subject to the Export Administration Regulations and produced in or destined to the Russian Federation.
(d) Licensing Policy.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Commerce shall apply a presumption that an export, reexport, release, or in-country transfer of items meets the product scope requirements set forth in subsection (b) and the destination scope requirements set forth in subsection (c).
(e) Exceptions.--The license requirements set forth in this section shall not apply to--
(1) food, medicine, or medical devices that are--
(A) designated as EAR99; or
(B) not designated under or listed on the Commerce Control List; or
(2) services, software, or hardware (other than services, software, or hardware for end-users owned or controlled by the Government of Iran) that are--
(A) necessarily and ordinarily incident to communications; or
(B) designated as--
(i) EAR99; or
(ii) Export Control Classification Number 5A992.c or 5D992.c, and classified in accordance with section 740.17 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(C) subject to a general license issued by the Department of Commerce or Department of Treasury.
(f) Department of Commerce Strategy.--
(1) Strategy required.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce (in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of National Intelligence) shall develop a strategy to prevent the illegal export to Iran by United States persons regarding technologies used or that may be used in the design, development, production, or operational employment of unmanned aircraft systems by Iran, including the following microelectronics:
(A) Microcontrollers.
(B) Voltage regulators.
(C) Digital signal controllers.
(D) GPS modules.
(E) Microprocessors.
(2) Elements.--The strategy under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:
(A) A process for the Secretary of Commerce (in coordination with the Secretaries and heads specified in paragraph (1)) to proactively identify--
(i) current and emerging technologies used or that may be used by Iran in the design, development, production, or operational employment of unmanned aircraft systems (including critical components thereof);
(ii) United States manufacturers of such technologies; and
(iii) foreign manufacturers and proliferators of such technologies.
(B) A process for the Secretary of Commerce (in coordination with the Secretaries and heads specified in paragraph (1)) to proactively identify third-party distributors and resellers of the technologies specified in subparagraph (A)(i) that, through the use of intermediaries with no or nominal operations or assets, or through other mechanisms, contrive to circumvent export controls for such items with respect to Iran.
(C) A methodology for the Secretary of Commerce to proactively engage the United States manufacturers identified pursuant to the process under subparagraph (A)(ii), to provide such manufacturers with timely updates to the list of third-party distributors and resellers identified pursuant to the process under subparagraph (B).
(3) Submission.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the strategy under paragraph (1).
(4) Form.--The report required by subsection (a)(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but portions of the report described in paragraphs (1) and (2) may contain a classified annex, so long as such annex is provided separately from the unclassified report.
(g) Department of State Strategy.--
(1) Strategy required.--The Secretary of State (in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of National Intelligence) shall develop a strategy to prevent the export to Iran of technologies from the United States and allied and partner countries which are used, or may be used, by Iran in the design, development, production, or operational employment of unmanned aircraft systems (including the microelectronics listed in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of subsection (a)(1)).
(2) Elements.--The strategy under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:
(A) A process for the Secretary of State (in consultation with the relevant Secretaries and heads specified in paragraph (1)) to proactively identify foreign manufacturers of the technologies referred to in such paragraph.
(B) A process for the Secretary of State to engage with any ally or partner of the United States regarding technologies which have been incorporated into an unmanned aircraft system produced by Iran, for the purpose of synchronizing the export control regime of such ally or partner with the United States export controls developed by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to the strategy under subsection (a) with respect to such technology.
(3) Submission.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the strategy under paragraph (1).
(4) Form.--The report required by subsection (b)(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but portions of the report described in paragraphs (1) and (2) may contain a classified annex, so long as such annex is provided separately from the unclassified report.
(h) Requirement for Secretary of Defense To Develop Range of Options.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense (in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence) shall develop a range of options that may be employed by the Armed Forces of the United States to counter or otherwise deny Iran the ability to acquire technologies used, or that may be used, in the design, development, production, or operational employment of unmanned aircraft systems by Iran, including the following technologies:
(A) Microcontrollers.
(B) Voltage regulators.
(C) Digital signal controllers.
(D) GPS modules.
(E) Microprocessors.
(F) Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
(G) Computer numerical control machines.
(2) Briefing.--Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the options developed under paragraph (1).
SEC. 314.
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DUTIES ON THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 15 days after making an affirmative determination under section 301, the President shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, increase the rate of duty for all goods and services imported into the United States from the Russian Federation to a rate of not less 500 percent ad valorem.
(b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after making an affirmative determination under section 301, the President shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, a report indicating the impact of these ad valorem tariffs on exports to the United States.
SEC. 315. ENDING RUSSIAN OIL IMPORT LOOPHOLE.
(a) In General.--The Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act (Public Law 117-109; 136 Stat. 1154) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 3 as section 4; and
(2) by inserting after section 2 the following:
"SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON IMPORTATION OF ENERGY PRODUCTS
PRODUCED AT REFINERIES OUTSIDE THE RUSSIAN
FEDERATION.
"All products classified under chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule that were produced at any refinery that uses crude oil originating in the Russian Federation shall be banned from importation into the United States.".
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 4 of the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act (Public Law 117-109; 136 Stat. 1154), as redesignated by subsection (a)(1), is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting "or 3" after "section 2"; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting "or 3" after "section 2".
SEC. 316. TAXING CAPITAL GAINS ON RUSSIAN SOVEREIGN ASSETS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 15 days after making an affirmative determination under section 301, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is hereby imposed for each taxable year on the disqualified income of any specified foreign government a tax equal to 100 percent thereof.
(b) Withholding.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 203 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (or any other provision of law), any person having control, receipt, custody, disposal, or payment of disqualified income with respect to which tax is imposed under subsection (a) shall deduct and withhold from such income a tax equal to 100 percent thereof.
(2) Application of certain rules.--For purposes of subchapter B of chapter 3, section 33, and such other provisions as the Secretary may provide, paragraph (1) shall be treated as part of subchapter A of chapter 3.
(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Disqualified income.--The term "disqualified income" means any interest or dividends payable with respect to assets which are blocked using the authorities provided by section 203 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
(2) Specified foreign government.--The term "specified foreign government" means the foreign governments (within the meaning of section 892 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the regulations issued thereunder) of Russia and Belarus.
(d) Override of Treaty Obligations.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this section (and the amendments made by this section) shall apply without regard to any treaty obligation of the United States.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to interest and dividends received after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 317. SANCTIONS DESCRIBED.
The sanctions described in this section are the following:
(1) Property blocking.--The President shall exercise all of the powers granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in all property and interests in property of the foreign person if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a United States person.
(2) Aliens inadmissible for visas, admission, or parole.--
(A) Visas, admission, or parole.--In the case of an alien, the alien is--
(i) inadmissible to the United States;
(ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States; and
(iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the United States or to receive any other benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
(B) Current visas revoked.--
(i) In general.--The visa or other entry documentation of an alien described in subparagraph (A) shall be revoked, regardless of when such visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.
(ii) Immediate effect.--A revocation under clause (i) shall--
(I) take effect immediately; and
(II) automatically cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the alien's possession.
(3) Loans from international financial institutions.--The President shall direct the United States Executive Director of each international financial institution to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to oppose any loan, loan guarantee, or equity investment from the international financial institution that would directly or indirectly benefit the sanctioned foreign person.
SEC. 318. IMPLEMENTATION; REGULATIONS; PENALTIES.
(a) Implementation.--The President may exercise all authorities provided to the President under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this title.
(b) Regulations.--The President shall issue such regulations, licenses, and orders as are necessary to carry out this title.
(c) Penalties.--A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this Act or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out this title shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705(b) and 1705(c)).
SEC. 319. EXCEPTIONS; WAIVER.
(a) Exceptions.--
(1) Exception to comply with international obligations.--Sanctions described in section 317(2) shall not apply with respect to the admission of an alien if admitting or paroling the alien into the United States is necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations.
(2) Exception relating to the provision of humanitarian assistance.--Sanctions under this title may not be imposed with respect to transactions or the facilitation of transactions for--
(A) the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices; or
(B) the provision of humanitarian assistance; or
(C) financial transactions relating to humanitarian assistance;
(3) Exception for intelligence, law enforcement, and national security activities.--Sanctions under this title shall not apply to any authorized intelligence, law enforcement, or national security activities of the United States.
(b) National Security Waiver.--The President may waive the imposition of sanctions under this title with respect to a person if the President--
(1) determines that such a waiver is in the extraordinarily vital to the national security of the United States; and
(2) submits to the appropriate committees of Congress a notification of the waiver and the reasons for the waiver no less than 15 days before the use of the waiver.
SEC. 320. TERMINATION.
(a) In General.--The President may terminate the application of sanctions, export controls, duties, prohibitions, or penalties under this title if the President certifies to Congress that the Russian Federation has ceased conducting a war of aggression against Ukraine or act in violation of a negotiated peace agreement with Ukraine.
(b) Reimposition.--The President shall immediately reimpose all previous terminated sanctions, export controls, duties, prohibitions, and penalties imposed under this title should the Russian Federation restart a war of aggression against Ukraine or act in violation of a negotiated peace agreement with Ukraine.
SEC. 321. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF RUSSIA SANCTIONS.
(a) Submission to Congress of Proposed Action.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, before taking any action described in paragraph (2), the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report that describes the proposed action and the reasons for that action.
(2) Actions described.--
(A) In general.--An action described in this paragraph is--
(i) an action to terminate the application of any sanction, export control, duty, or prohibition described in subparagraph (B);
(ii) with respect to sanctions, export controls, duties, or prohibitions described in subparagraph (B) imposed by the President with respect to a person, an action to waive the application of those sanctions with respect to that person; or
(iii) a licensing action that significantly alters United States foreign policy with respect to Russia.
(B) Sanctions, export controls, duties, and prohibitions described.--The sanctions, export controls, duties, and prohibitions described in this subparagraph are sanctions, export controls, duties, and prohibitions with respect to Russia provided for under--
(i) this Act;
(ii) Executive Order 13849 (22 U.S.C. 9521 note; relating to authorizing the implementation of certain sanctions set forth in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (22 U.S.C. 9401 et seq.));
(iii) Executive Order 13883 (22 U.S.C. 5605 note; relating to administration of proliferation sanctions and amendment of Executive Order 12851 (22 U.S.C. 2797 note; relating to the administration of proliferation sanctions, Middle East arms control, and related congressional reporting responsibilities));
(iv) Executive Order 14024 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation);
(v) Executive Order 14039 (22 U.S.C. 9526 note; relating to blocking property with respect to certain Russian energy export pipelines);
(vi) Executive Order 14065 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property of certain persons and prohibiting certain transactions with respect to continued Russian efforts to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine);
(vii) Executive Order 14066 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to prohibiting certain imports and new investments with respect to continued Russian Federation efforts to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine);
(viii) Executive Order 14068 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to prohibiting certain imports, exports, and new investment with respect to continued Russian Federation aggression);
(ix) Executive Order 14071 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to prohibiting new investment in and certain services to the Russian Federation in response to continued Russian Federation aggression); and
(x) Executive Order 14114 (88 Fed. Reg.
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89271; relating to taking additional steps with respect to the Russian Federation's harmful activities).
(3) Description of type of action.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) with respect to an action described in paragraph (2) shall include a description of whether the action--
(A) is not intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia; or
(B) is intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia.
(4) Inclusion of additional matter.--
(A) In general.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) that relates to an action that is intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia shall include a description of--
(i) the significant alteration to United States foreign policy with respect to Russia;
(ii) the anticipated effect of the action on the national security interests of the United States; and
(iii) the policy objectives for which the sanctions affected by the action were initially imposed.
(B) Requests from banking and financial services committees.--The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives may request the submission to the Committee of the matter described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) with respect to a report submitted under paragraph (1) that relates to an action that is not intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia.
(5) Confidentiality of proprietary information.--Proprietary information that can be associated with a particular person with respect to an action described in paragraph (2) may be included in a report submitted under paragraph (1) only if the appropriate congressional committees and leadership provide assurances of confidentiality, unless that person otherwise consents in writing to such disclosure.
(6) Rule of construction.--Paragraph (2)(A)(iii) shall not be construed to require the submission of a report under paragraph (1) with respect to the routine issuance of a license that does not significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia.
(b) Period for Review by Congress.--
(1) In general.--During the period of 30 calendar days beginning on the date on which the President submits a report under subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in the case of a report that relates to an action that is not intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives should, as appropriate, hold hearings and briefings and otherwise obtain information in order to fully review the report; and
(B) in the case of a report that relates to an action that is intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives should, as appropriate, hold hearings and briefings and otherwise obtain information in order to fully review the report.
(2) Exception.--The period for congressional review under paragraph (1) of a report required to be submitted under subsection (a)(1) shall be 60 calendar days if the report is submitted on or after July 10 and on or before September 7 in any calendar year.
(3) Limitation on actions during initial congressional review period.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period for congressional review provided for under paragraph (1) of a report submitted under subsection (a)(1) proposing an action described in subsection (a)(2), including any additional period for such review as applicable under the exception provided in paragraph (2), the President may not take that action unless a joint resolution of approval with respect to that action is enacted in accordance with subsection (c).
(4) Limitation on actions during presidential consideration of a joint resolution of disapproval.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a joint resolution of disapproval relating to a report submitted under subsection (a)(1) proposing an action described in subsection (a)(2) passes both Houses of Congress in accordance with subsection (c), the President may not take that action for a period of 12 calendar days after the date of passage of the joint resolution of disapproval.
(5) Limitation on actions during congressional reconsideration of a joint resolution of disapproval.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a joint resolution of disapproval relating to a report submitted under subsection (a)(1) proposing an action described in subsection (a)(2) passes both Houses of Congress in accordance with subsection (c), and the President vetoes the joint resolution, the President may not take that action for a period of 10 calendar days after the date of the President's veto.
(6) Effect of enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a joint resolution of disapproval relating to a report submitted under subsection (a)(1) proposing an action described in subsection (a)(2) is enacted in accordance with subsection (c), the President may not take that action.
(c) Joint Resolutions of Disapproval or Approval.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Joint resolution of approval.--The term "joint resolution of approval" means only a joint resolution of either House of Congress--
(i) the title of which is as follows: "A joint resolution approving the President's proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to Russia."; and
(ii) the sole matter after the resolving clause of which is the following: "Congress approves of the action relating to the application of sanctions imposed with respect to Russia proposed by the President in the report submitted to Congress under this section of the Ukraine Support Act with the first blank space being filled with the appropriate date and the second blank space being filled with a short description of the proposed action.".
(B) Joint resolution of disapproval.--The term "joint resolution of disapproval" means only a joint resolution of either House of Congress--
(i) the title of which is as follows: "A joint resolution disapproving the President's proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to Russia."; and
(ii) the sole matter after the resolving clause of which is the following: "Congress disapproves of the action relating to the application of sanctions imposed with respect to Russia proposed by the President in the report submitted to Congress under this section of the Ukraine Support Act with the first blank space being filled with the appropriate date and the second blank space being filled with a short description of the proposed action.".
(2) Introduction.--During the period of 30 calendar days provided for under subsection (b)(1), including any additional period as applicable under the exception provided in subsection (b)(2), a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval may be introduced--
(A) in the House of Representatives, by the majority leader or the minority leader; and
(B) in the Senate, by the majority leader (or the majority leader's designee) or the minority leader (or the minority leader's designee).
(3) Floor consideration in house of representatives.--If a committee of the House of Representatives to which a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval has been referred has not reported the joint resolution within 10 calendar days after the date of referral, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution.
(4) Consideration in the senate.--
(A) Committee referral.--A joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval introduced in the Senate shall be--
(i) referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate if the joint resolution relates to a report under
subsection (a)(3)(A) that relates to an action that is not intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia; and
(ii) referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate if the joint resolution relates to a report under subsection (a)(3)(B) that relates to an action that is intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Russia.
(B) Reporting and discharge.--If the committee to which a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval was referred has not reported the joint resolution within 10 calendar days after the date of referral of the joint resolution, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution and the joint resolution shall be placed on the appropriate calendar.
(C) Proceeding to consideration.--Notwithstanding Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order at any time after the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs or the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, as the case may be, reports a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval to the Senate or has been discharged from consideration of such a joint resolution (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution, and all points of order against the joint resolution (and against consideration of the joint resolution) are waived. The motion to proceed is not debatable. The motion is not subject to a motion to postpone. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order.
(D) Rulings of the chair on procedure.--Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval shall be decided without debate.
(E) Consideration of veto messages.--Debate in the Senate of any veto message with respect to a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval, including all debatable motions and appeals in connection with the joint resolution, shall be limited to 10 hours, to be equally divided between, and controlled by, the majority leader and the minority leader or their designees.
(5) Rules relating to senate and house of representatives.--
(A) Treatment of senate joint resolution in house.--In the House of Representatives, the following procedures shall apply to a joint resolution of approval or a joint resolution of disapproval received from the Senate (unless the House has already passed a joint resolution relating to the same proposed action):
(i) The joint resolution shall be referred to the appropriate committees.
(ii) If a committee to which a joint resolution has been referred has not reported the joint resolution within 2 calendar days after the date of referral, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution.
(iii) Beginning on the third legislative day after each committee to which a joint resolution has been referred reports the joint resolution to the House or has been discharged from further consideration thereof, it shall be in order to move to proceed to consider the joint resolution in the House of Representatives. All points of order against the motion are waived. Such a motion shall not be in order after the House of Representatives has disposed of a motion to proceed on the joint resolution. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to its adoption without intervening motion. The motion shall not be debatable. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is disposed of shall not be in order.
(iv) The joint resolution shall be considered as read.
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All points of order against the joint resolution and against its consideration are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint resolution to final passage without intervening motion except 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the sponsor of the joint resolution (or a designee) and an opponent. A motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the joint resolution shall not be in order.
(B) Treatment of house joint resolution in senate.--
(i) Receipt before passage.--If, before the passage by the Senate of a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval, the Senate receives an identical joint resolution from the House of Representatives, the following procedures shall apply:
(I) That joint resolution shall not be referred to a committee.
(II) With respect to that joint resolution--
(aa) the procedure in the Senate shall be the same as if no joint resolution had been received from the House of Representatives; but
(bb) the vote on passage shall be on the joint resolution from the House of Representatives.
(ii) Receipt after passage.--If, following passage of a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval in the Senate, the Senate receives an identical joint resolution from the House of Representatives, that joint resolution shall be placed on the appropriate Senate calendar.
(iii) No companion measure.--If a joint resolution of approval or a joint resolution of disapproval is received from the House, and no companion joint resolution has been introduced in the Senate, the Senate procedures under this subsection shall apply to the House joint resolution.
(C) Application to revenue measures.--The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the House of Representatives to a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval that is a revenue measure.
(d) Tolling.--The requirements of this section may not be tolled by either the House of Representatives or the Senate.
SEC. 322. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Admission; admitted; alien.--The terms "admission", "admitted", and "alien" have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term "appropriate committees of Congress" means--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.
(3) Financial institution.--The term "financial institution" means a financial institution specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), (M), or (Y) of section 5312(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code.
(4) Foreign financial institution.--The term "foreign financial institution" has the meaning given that term in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(5) Foreign person.--The term "foreign person" means an individual or entity that is not a United States person.
(6) Knowingly.--The term "knowingly" with respect to conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person had actual knowledge, or should have known, of the conduct, the circumstance, or the result.
(7) United states person.--The term "United States person" means--
(A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or
(B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity.
(8) War of aggression.--The term "war of aggression" is implicated when any of the following have occurred in the 30 days prior to a sanctions trigger determination--
(A) a ground, amphibious, or airborne assault;
(B) any naval, aerial, or terrestrial blockade;
(C) any drone or missile attack; and
(D) any cyber attack that has any physical repercussion in the sovereign territory of Ukraine.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The bill shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or their respective designees.
The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast).
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, the question before this House is simple: Will we help Ukraine negotiate from a position of strength, or will we help Putin outlast American resolve?
The Ukrainian people, our NATO allies, and the United States national security cannot afford to wait any longer for this body to act against Russia's brutal war in Ukraine.
In the last 17 months, Russia has redoubled its efforts to break the Ukrainian spirit while waging its illegal war, and this body has failed to meet the moment.
Let me be clear: The administration could be doing more right now without waiting for Congress. President Trump promised to end the war on day one. Seventeen months later, this administration has stalled delivery of assistance that Congress has passed.
It has attacked Ukraine, the victim, while providing cover for Putin who continues to stall, delay, and outlast U.S. support.
We all want this war to end. The question is how? Will we abandon Ukraine and force it into a terrible deal? That is what Vladimir Putin is counting on.
Or will this body live up to the commitments we have made since the start of this war, that we will support the brave Ukrainians fighting for their future, deliver them the weapons that they need to defend themselves, impose costs on the Kremlin for this immoral conflict, and hold Russia accountable for its war crimes?
This war ends when Putin concludes that prolonged conflict will cost Russia more than ending it. That means proving through action, not words, that the United States and our allies will not walk away.
That is exactly what this bill aims to do. It supports Ukraine's reconstruction, fights Russian malign influence, shores up security assistance for our Baltic allies, and provides Ukraine urgently needed foreign military finance loans to purchase the weapons it needs to defend itself against and push back Russian aggression.
Let me remind my colleagues. Nearly every dollar we invest in Ukraine's security assistance is spent where? It is spent right here in these United States of America supporting American workers, supporting American manufacturers, and supporting American communities.
Mr. Speaker, this is not one of those conflicts where there is a gray area. Vladimir Putin is an authoritarian thug who ordered the invasion of Ukraine for his own imperialistic ambitions. He has ordered the kidnapping of Ukrainian children and the murder of innocent civilians. And as the United States' support has wavered, the carnage has only grown. Mr. Speaker, 2025 was the deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since the war began.
In the largest land war since World War II, we have seen over a million casualties that Putin chose. And if you believe his ambitions will end with Ukraine, you have not been paying attention at all.
History and Putin have told us otherwise. Some colleagues have raised parts of this bill that could be improved as justification for voting against it. Mr. Speaker, this bill should have gone through regular order, but unfortunately, my request to move Russia bills through regular order have been routinely rejected.
Republican leadership has opposed this bill and repeatedly blocked bipartisan efforts to hold Russia accountable. The Ukraine Support Act was introduced some 14 months ago, and we have forced it to the floor by discharge only because that was the only option left to us.
Now, before I finish, I just have some people that I really need to thank. For 14 months, our majority leader emeritus Steny Hoyer, he has been absolutely tremendous, working and getting this bill to this point today. He used to be the whip or so. He is no longer the whip, but he hasn't lost those whip skills on how to whip people and get them together. That is what he has done, and I have got to thank him and have to say and know that his commitment to the Ukrainian people and to our allies is unwavering and unshakeable. I thank Steny Hoyer.
Let me also thank Representatives Keating and Kaptur and so many other Democrats who have worked tirelessly and been instrumental in this process. Finally, I must thank Representatives Bacon, Fitzpatrick, and Kiley for courageously signing the discharge petition. This indeed has been a team effort and something that the Ukrainian people know that in a bipartisan way we support them in what we will do.
So, Mr. Speaker, it is time for us to do what is right: Support Ukraine. Hold Russia accountable. Show the world and show Putin that the United States does not fold to bullies. Putin's belief that bipartisan U.S. support will fade is as much a fantasy as he believes that he could take Kyiv in a week.
That is how we end this war, and I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) the chairman of the Financial Services Committee.
J. French Hill (R-AR)6:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle because there are not people on the floor of the House that support Putin. There are not people on the floor of the House tonight that support Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
I rise to speak, however, in opposition to H.R. 2913, the Ukraine Support Act, and explain, in my judgment, the flaws in this bill. I stand here concerned and somewhat sad that I am here because no one has been a more steadfast supporter of Ukraine than I have, in my judgment.
I thank my colleagues on the Democratic side of the aisle and the Republican side of the aisle who have been so passionate.
I have consistently advocated and voted in support of Ukraine. I have consistently advocated for increased sanctions on Russia. My record of supporting Ukraine is strong. I have made two trips to Kyiv and two other trips to the region, all to rally support in rejection of Putin's stand in Ukraine and call for his defeat.
I led the design and successful passage of the REPO Act in this House and in this Congress to convert billions of dollars of Russian foreign assets for use in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, today, we are confronted, as my good friend from New York noted, with a flawed measure.
First, this bill is 14 months old, and therefore, it doesn't recognize all the changes that have happened over the past year. It actually cuts $100 million in authorized funding for Ukraine annually. The funding cuts do not reflect what the House agreed to in our bipartisan NDAA.
It does not reflect the commitment that our NATO allies have made and only calls for a 2 percent pledge of their GDP in support of NATO when, in fact, President Trump has gotten our NATO allies to pledge 5 percent of their GDP in defense spending. We would be walking back from our own spending plans here, and we would be walking back from the commitment we have gotten from our European allies.
But the bill has other issues that I am concerned with. It lists "Iran provisions" in the document rather than refer to Russia.
The bill includes poorly written sanctions policy, including duplicative sanctions that are already in place.
It mandates certain sanctions without any link to a strategic goal of what those sanctions would achieve or meaningful behavioral change in Moscow.
It includes sanctions on financial messaging services like SWIFT, which I think are exaggerated, and in my judgment, could cause countries to move to a Chinese messaging system rather than a Western-based system.
So there are others, and that is why I have disappointment today that I am on this House floor in opposition to it.
I agree with my friend from New York, too, that this House should take up a bill that can pass and have bipartisan support to counter Putin and send a message from both Chambers in this Capitol that we reject Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the murderous regime that he leads.
My better alternative is the Financial Services bill passed almost unanimously by Zach Nunn called the PEACE Act. It would cut off Russian energy revenues, channel billions from Moscow's sovereign assets to Ukraine to defend itself, and it is past time for that bill to be on this House floor. I have urged House leadership to bring the PEACE Act to the floor. I again ask House leadership to bring the PEACE Act to the floor.
This is a well-crafted bill that will hold Putin accountable, hold Russia accountable, and will demonstrate that on a bipartisan, bicameral basis this Congress is for Putin leaving Ukraine, Ukraine having a sovereign nation, and this country having a great new friend on the Continent of Europe.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the esteemed gentleman from the State of Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), who is an original cosponsor on this important measure, the former whip, and the majority leader emeritus of the House.
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Mr. Meeks, who is ranking member of this committee. I thank all those who had the courage to stand up and sign this bill. I would say to my friend who just spoke, whom I have great respect for: Nothing in this bill contradicts the concerns that he raised. They are consistent with the concerns he raised, and, in fact, they present a forward movement on the concerns that he raised.
Mr. Speaker, to paraphrase General Eisenhower, the eyes of the world are upon us. Since Putin launched his perfidious invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the House has taken 12 votes to support the Ukrainians in defense of their freedom, of their sovereignty, and of international law.
Over all 12, an average of 80 percent of this House--80 percent of this House--has voted to hold firm to the principle that Ukraine must win this war and Putin and his war crimes must lose it, 12 bills, an average of 80 percent of the House of Representatives voting for it, and, in addition, that America has a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine.
The last time, however, that we voted on a Ukraine assistance package was April 2024. My friend said he was for Ukraine, but not today. I have heard so many times: I am for Ukraine, but not this bill; yes, I will be with you on Ukraine, but not now.
In 2025, American aid to Ukraine fell by 99 percent. Thankfully, international aid to Ukraine stayed close to 2024 levels because European allies stepped up and delivered a 67 percent surge--not a 2 percent, not a 4 percent, not a 5--67 percent surge in military assistance and a 59 percent rise in humanitarian aid.
Europe is carrying its weight in helping Ukraine.
The SPEAKER pro tempore6:30 p.m.
The time of the gentleman has expired.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland.
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)6:30 p.m.
In the 2 years since we last approved a package, Ukrainians have endured two bitter winters of war.
It is time for us to act. Russian drones have continued to rain terror on civilian neighborhoods. Driven, in part, by their extraordinary advances in drone technology, however, Ukraine is carrying the day.
A generation of young Russians have been sacrificed for Putin's pride. In this moment at the end of my tenure in Congress, I hear echoes from its beginnings when the Cold War was in terminal phase.
Ronald Reagan traveled to Berlin in 1987. Standing in front of the Berlin Wall, just 2 years before it fell, he told of how the Soviets tried to outlast the West during that decade's nuclear-arms surge.
The Soviets had dug their heels in, but Reagan declared the alliance held firm. This is about the alliance holding firm.
Today, we can declare to Vladimir Putin, just as President Reagan did, that our alliance holds firm and that America holds firm. President Reagan had said earlier in 1983 our adversaries "must be made to understand we will never . . . "
The SPEAKER pro tempore6:30 p.m.
The time of the gentleman has again expired.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland.
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)6:30 p.m.
President Reagan said in 1983 our adversaries "must be made to understand we will never compromise our principles and standards [nor] ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire."
He was talking about the Soviet Union and Russia today.
"To do so would mean abandoning the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil."
Mr. Speaker, this is a moment. This is a moment to choose between right and wrong and good and evil, not tomorrow, but today, tonight. This is a moment to stand with those who are fighting on the front lines for democracy, sovereignty, and international law.
This is a moment for all of us, together, Democrats and Republicans, Americans and our allies, to hold firm.
Let's hold firm and vote "yes" on this bill and send a message to the world and to the Ukrainians.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments from Mr. Hoyer, and I want to touch on them for a moment.
He made the point that military spending from Europe has surged 67 percent and aid from Europe has surged 59 percent. I am exceptionally glad to see that take place.
However, let's make sure that we give credit where credit is due. There is a reason that military spending in Europe didn't surge by 67 percent in 2024 or 2023. There is a reason that aid didn't surge 59 percent in 2022.
President Trump forced Europe to raise the spending. He said that the burden is going to be on you, Europe, to carry your weight.
In addition, he did something. He demanded something from Europe: that they defend their own backyard.
We should all be praising President Trump for getting them to carry the burden of the war going on in the European backyard. I am glad to see them spend it, and I hope they spend 10 times more, but let's give the credit where it is due.
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)6:30 p.m.
Will the gentleman yield?
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:30 p.m.
I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer). I think that is the pattern, 30 seconds.
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, it is his time, and I appreciate that.
I congratulate--I am not sure I like the way he did it--
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:30 p.m.
You are almost there.
Mr. HOYER.--but what he did was get the Europeans to understand they needed to carry their part of the load. I congratulate him for doing that.
However, why they have surged is because they see the proximate, immediate danger caused by Russians' avaricious appetite for more land and empire. That is why they surged, and we ought to stay with them because we also need to be concerned about a leader in Putin who wants to create another empire.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I was happy to yield to the gentleman a few moments, and I absolutely affirm what he said. I agree with what the gentleman said, and I think Secretary Rubio has affirmed this no less. Secretary Rubio said: We are not neutral, a neutral arbiter in the war between Russia and Ukraine. We believe in Ukraine. We want Ukraine to win. We are not neutral in this.
Absolutely, they see the threat. Europe sees the threat, and we are glad that they are now stepping up in a much more substantial way.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self), who is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe.
Keith Self (R-TX)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to return our attention to this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2319.
I am not sure we want the eyes of the world on this bill. I would, Mr. Speaker, like to ask my colleagues across the aisle who discharged this bill: Do you want to see an end to this war?
It is increasingly obvious that it will end, and when it ends, it will be through negotiations. If my friends support this bill, then clearly they are not interested in peace because the consequences would tie the hands of this President and could lead to future hostilities that would bleed over into Europe.
As the chairman of the Europe Subcommittee, I cannot tell you, Mr. Speaker, how much I believe that, but they offered no solutions. It went into the spectrum, they have not offered us an AUMF or a declaration of war. At the other end, they choose to support an unserious bill that would constrain the President's ability to negotiate that peace.
Or is this a simple messaging bill against President Trump?
The Ukraine Support Act is filled with mandatory sanctions provisions that would significantly constrain the President in his negotiations with Russia. This includes congressional review requirements, mechanisms that tie the hands of the President rather than afford him the leverage to pursue a settlement agreement.
My colleague across the aisle and the ranking member typically emphasize the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and development. Yet, by supporting this bill, they are going back on their words. Successful diplomacy requires flexibility, yet this bill provides the opposite.
The Ukraine Support Act is also riddled with problems that my colleague Mr. Hill has already mentioned, problems that call its credibility into question.
It contains provisions that are already addressed elsewhere in law, including redundancies with the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. It includes outdated provisions, cross-referencing errors, and language that does not reflect current policy. Iran? Really?
In one section, the bill extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative at $300 million per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, yet Congress has already authorized $400 million. The legislation would, therefore, authorize a lower amount than current law.
I ask my Democrat colleagues: Do you support cutting assistance to Ukraine in addition to tying the President's hands?
The bill also includes a sense of Congress encouraging NATO allies to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense. This has been a magnificent achievement to get to 5 percent, 3.5 percent on defense and 1.5 percent on infrastructure.
Is your intent to reduce the commitment of NATO member nations? They are watching this debate right now, and they are advocating for 2 percent. Regardless of what they say, the bill has 2 percent in it. Vladimir Putin would love you for that, especially after President Trump successfully worked with our allies to raise their commitment to 5 percent.
Mr. Speaker, for this reason and many others, I urge my colleagues to vote "no" on the Ukraine Support Act.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)6:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I remind the gentleman that I heard the President of the United States say that Ukraine should give up, basically, because they don't have the cards. He said to Vladimir Putin do what you will. These are words out of the President's office, not mine.
Mr. Speaker, in reference to the bill raised by Chairman Hill, I want the public to know that I fully supported that bill. In fact, I voted for it in committee. I am on the Financial Services Committee also, and the fact that it hasn't hit the floor a year after it was marked up in committee tells you everything that you need to know about Republican leadership's willingness to put bills on the floor that hold Putin accountable. Because if they would put bills on the floor that would hold him accountable, we would not have had to discharge this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating), the ranking member on the Europe Subcommittee and an original cosponsor of this important measure.
William R. Keating (D-MA)6:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize as we stand here today in the midst of a war with Iran, as the President is trying to secure an agreement that would require them not to pursue nuclear weapons, that the United States already has a commitment in an agreement with the then-third largest nuclear power, Ukraine.
In the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine agreed to relinquish all of their nuclear assets and move away from their nuclear ambition in exchange for an agreement with the United States that we would be there, be there to defend them in the case of aggression and actions by another country.
That day has come, and we are going to honor our future agreements. If we do that, we must certainly honor this agreement. We have to look at the agreements we are already committed to.
Russia's illegal aggression has been accompanied by mass killings, kidnapping and displacement of thousands of Ukrainian children, serial rapes by Russian soldiers, and the targeting of innocent civilians.
These are war crimes, and the war crimes alone command our full support for Ukraine's defense. At the same time, Russia's illegal aggression represents a direct threat to our NATO allies, particularly the Baltic States.
Before the full-scale invasion, Russia made their ambitions crystal clear that the Baltic States were a target and that NATO sovereignty was at stake, as well.
It is important to realize that, in Ukraine, we don't share that commitment alone. Europe as a whole has given $226 billion in assistance. That is 25 percent more than the $174 billion that the United States has appropriated.
European countries continue to increase support, while the Trump administration lessens American support. However, we know that the future cost of NATO conflicts is far greater in dollars and in lives, and we know we have to support Ukraine to make sure that we are not falling into that greater cost.
Our commitment to Ukraine remains our best defense economically and in terms of our national security as well as for our shared democratic values.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine).
Randy Fine (R-FL)6:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, let me start with a simple premise: What Russia did was terrible, and Vladimir Putin is a bad guy. Hopefully, there is no one in this room who disagrees with that, but I also think that when you file a piece of legislation, it comes with an obligation to draft it carefully because laws have meaning. This proposed piece of legislation is incredibly poorly drafted. It contains numerous critical drafting errors.
For example, in section 313, which is related to dual-use export controls for Russia, subsections (e)(2), (f), and (g), the bill starts to mention Iran rather than Russia. It is clear after re-reading it that someone just copied and pasted from another bill that didn't have anything to do with Ukraine or Russia. It was a bill relating to Iran. They just simply forgot to switch the countries.
We deserve better than that as we debate a bill. Some of the sections are outdated, and they would harm U.S. national security.
Section 102(b)(5) urges all NATO allies to dedicate at least 2 percent of their GDP to national defense. As has been said at the June 2025 Hague Summit, they agreed to 5 percent. Why would we pass a bill that says we want you to do 2 percent?
We have NATO allies that ain't so great anymore. I would focus on Spain, for example. Why would we in this room want to pass something where we as a body are saying: No, you don't have to do 5 percent. Two percent would be A-OK.
The worst thing about this bill is that it would actually hurt Ukraine. It wouldn't even help them. Section 204 extends the USAI at $300 million for each of fiscal years `26 and `27 and moves the program's sunset to December 31, 2027. Under current law, thanks to the FY 2026 NDAA, the $400 million for fiscal year 2026, and roughly $800 million across fiscal years 2026 and 2027, extends the program through December.
This bill is not about helping Ukraine. This is not about standing up to Vladimir Putin. This is about engaging in Trump derangement syndrome as President Trump tries to bring this in for a landing.
Mr. Speaker, this bill should be voted down, and frankly, given the drafting errors, we shouldn't even be spending the time talking about it.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)6:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus.
Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)6:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the fine ranking member from the State of New York, who has worked so very hard on this for the time this evening, and to all of our colleagues who support H.R. 2913, the Ukraine Support Act.
Mr. Speaker, it is not a partisan bill. Democrats voted for it. Republicans voted for it. Independents voted for it.
In 2014, without provocation, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin first invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Since 2022, he has been killing its people with his full-scale invasion.
Our free world must stand tall against tyrants, not mollycoddle them. Liberty is not negotiable. The war-torn people of Ukraine are not asking us for charity. They are asking for our partnership, along with our closest, time-tested allies in the European Union.
During the last century, in World Wars I and II, over 330,000 American soldiers' lives were sacrificed for liberty, for us. The greatest gift the 20th century bequeathed to us was their victory.
Liberty must not be squandered. It must be reaffirmed. For this Congress, that time is now.
We must not turn our backs on Ukraine's long-suffering people, especially over 20,000 children of Ukraine maliciously abducted by Russia and being inhumanely reprogrammed on Russian soil. That is a war crime.
Now, Iran, in cahoots with Putin's Russia, makes the drones killing American soldiers in the Middle East. It is Iranian-made suicide drones that Russia launches to murder thousands of Ukrainians in their homes and its soldiers at the front.
Ukraine has come to America's defense with its cutting-edge interceptor drones. Consider their noble commitment. Now, will we come to Ukraine's aid?
The people of Ukraine fully know their fate is intertwined with our own. A "yes" vote sanctions Putin's Russia, that dictatorship. A "yes" vote forestalls further Russian encroachment across the European Union, our time-tested allies. A "yes" vote aids Ukraine.
If we fail to secure liberty's front in Europe, the next strategic reality we will face is defending our interests against an emboldened, nuclear-armed, expansionist Russia at a much, much higher cost.
Mr. Speaker, voting "yes" for liberty is an imperative, first, last, and always.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Mackenzie).
Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Mast for yielding time to speak on our national security and this critically important issue of supporting our partners and allies and deterring our adversaries.
As a member of both the Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee, I have strong opinions on this topic. It is a fact that Russia and its actions continue to threaten American allies, innocent civilians, and the global economy.
This is an issue that demands serious conversations, bipartisan dialogue, and a sincere interest in advancing our Nation's foreign policy interests, including achieving peace in Ukraine.
What we are seeing, though, is that as we are working through this legislative process and trying to find ways where we can reject Russia's unprovoked aggressions and support Ukraine's right to freedom, peace, and self-determination, what we are doing is looking at legislation that is outdated and insufficient to achieve this goal.
Our Nation, since the beginning of this conflict, has supported Ukraine with over $137 billion in total security assistance. We have also won commitments from our European allies to finally step up their defense contributions.
The goal should now be to achieve a final end to this conflict and secure lasting, honorable peace for the Ukrainian people. This bill falls far short of that.
What we are seeing is that this legislation makes a number of mistakes. First, it cuts funding to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This bill states that it would extend security assistance at $300 million for fiscal years `26 and `27. However, Congress already passed funding in last year's NDAA that funds security assistance at a level of roughly $800 million across the same fiscal years.
Potentially worse still, the bill calls for NATO allies to dedicate at least 2 percent of their GDP to national defense. As I mentioned, under this administration, we have made the historic achievement of getting our NATO allies to commit to 5 percent. This bill literally moves us backward, and a decrease in NATO defense member spending would be the result.
Second, it also includes outdated and redundant provisions. Sections of this bill attempt to authorize programs like foreign military financing for allies and partners in the region. Again, Congress already passed similar provisions in the NDAA through the Baltic Security Initiative.
Finally, there are a number of drafting errors that are too numerous to state, but again, this outdated approach is not what is needed at this time.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage Members to do the right thing, to come together in a bipartisan way. We can work in an honest fashion and a serious way to get the achievements that we are actually looking for for America's interests and also for our partners and allies around the world.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).
Don Bacon (R-NE)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, today's vote, are we going to stand with good or are we going to stand with evil? That is what this is about tonight.
Ukraine is a democracy, a free market, and rule of law. It has been invaded by a dictator who throws its enemies off of roofs, poisons his adversaries, and attacked his neighbor, which is four times smaller than Russia.
What is the goal? To eliminate their independence, culture, and people because he wants to control those old borders of his that he has had. We have to stand for the good side tonight.
What does this bill do? It provides $1.3 billion in direct military aid, $8 billion in military sales, and tough sanctions on Russia. We should have done this a year ago. We could have done this in a bipartisan way a year ago, but we have not.
This decision is needed now. Russia is bombing Ukrainian cities every night with ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. We had better be there to help them, or in the history books, it is going to say the United States failed when it was most needed.
I know this: I want this House to stand on the right side. I want Republicans to stand where Ronald Reagan would be if he were here right now. Ronald Reagan would be voting "yes" tonight. He would be standing up for Ukraine and opposing Russia. This is our Churchill moment or our Chamberlain moment. By God, I am going to choose Churchill, and this House better choose Churchill tonight.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).
Glenn Grothman (R-WI)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I think a point has to be made on the vote that is going to take place in the next hour. I am a little bit afraid that people are going to look at that vote and view it as a statement of fact as to where this body stands on Ukraine.
I think something has to be pointed out that I think, unlike other votes--and the gentleman from Maryland has told us there is an average of over 300 people who voted similar to what he was trying to do in the past.
This vote comes before us on a discharge petition. There are flaws that have been pointed out in it. I think the flaws are going to receive greater attention from me because, for certain reasons, bills brought forth on discharge petitions are frowned upon in this institution.
I want everybody to understand that when this bill passes, probably passes with like 250, 260 votes, it doesn't mean that the commitment to Ukraine has dropped that much from the past votes last year to now. It is, I believe, because the bill came to the floor in a discharge petition.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), the co-chair of the Ukraine Caucus.
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA)6:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Ukraine Support Act.
This vote transcends politics. This vote is about freedom. Just days ago, Russia launched over 650 drones and 73 missiles at Ukrainian cities. Families were murdered in their homes, and children were forced into shelters.
Once again, Vladimir Putin showed the world that he has no interest in peace. He is only interested in terror.
Five years into this illegal war, the Ukrainian people are defending their country against Russia's brutal aggression. Against all odds, they have transformed and modernized their military into one of the strongest and most capable fighting forces in Europe. They have pioneered technologies that are changing warfare itself, from advanced drone operations to battlefield innovation that militaries around the world are now studying.
Mr. Speaker, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines during this conflict. I have heard the artillery fire. I have watched young men and women defend their country with extraordinary courage. They remind me of another generation of fighters: the Americans who defended democracy abroad during World War II, our Greatest Generation. They are fighting for their freedom. They are fighting for democracy. They are fighting for global peace and global security.
Mr. Speaker, the Ukrainian people are not asking for Americans to fight this war. They are asking for the tools to defend themselves and for the partnership of a nation that has always stood for liberty.
The Ukraine Support Act strengthens Ukraine's ability to protect civilians; extends lend-lease authority; provides critical military assistance; sanctions Russia's war machine, its shadow fleet, and those responsible for kidnapping innocent Ukrainian children by the tens of thousands; and makes clear that aggression on this planet has consequences.
We must send a clear message not only to Russia but to every dictator watching us tonight around the world: America will not stand by while free nations are attacked.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn).
Zachary Nunn (R-IA)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Members on both sides of the aisle.
I understand the passion behind this. As a still-serving combat veteran--and also for the Chairman's combat service--I think we are committed to making sure that aggressors are held accountable.
That is exactly why I authored the bipartisan PEACE Act--targeted sanctions that truly stop the Russian war machine. Peace through strength was mentioned tonight. Peace through the PEACE Act can be delivered. My bill passed the Committee on Financial Services 53-1, with great credit to Mr. Meeks. This is something we worked on together and both support.
Challengingly, I would offer that the bill before us tonight takes us on a different path. I would be remiss to not say this is a bill more about politics than policy, and I am concerned that it is a tactical error to move forward when it threatens real strategic deterrence of what this body can deliver.
I understand our mutual aim is to hold Russian aggression accountable, but, my friends, this is not the plan. We have a better option, and we have a clear plan before us.
The PEACE Act moved through committee. It earned bipartisan support, and it is ready for consideration now. And, yes, it has been months in the making, but we have held it every single time. Challengingly, the bill before us is now more than a year and a half outdated.
Our bill would cut off foreign financial assistance to Russia, and it includes Chairman Hill's REPO Act, money that would be seized back so that it can go back to help the Ukrainian people and pay for Russia's aggression. It stops the shadow fleet. It ends Russia's illicit oil sales, and it truly does what we want through targeted sanctions that have been approved.
My friends, if we truly want to stand together, let's stop Russia. Let's lead with a plan that truly restores peace to Europe. This is our greatest strength. Let's enforce the penalties, enact a timeline, incentivize a ceasefire, and let's make sure that peace can be achieved with the PEACE Act.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley).
Kevin Kiley (I-CA)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I provided the decisive signature for the Ukraine Support Act to bring it to the floor for a vote because the time to act is now.
We have all been inspired by the enduring courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, encouraged by their recent battlefield gains, and horrified by the latest Russian brutality.
Recent events make it all too clear this conflict will continue to cause death and devastation on a tragic scale if the dynamic does not change. We have the power to change the dynamic.
Today, we can provide potentially decisive leverage. We can make it clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide the material support necessary for their self-defense. We can make it equally clear that Russia will pay a severe price for its unprovoked aggression and ongoing violence.
This is what is required for constructive negotiations to end this conflict. This is what is required for peace. This is what is required to vindicate the international norm against wars of conflict, without which the world would revert to an era where bloodshed was a much more common theme in human affairs.
This legislation will protect America's national interests, will support our vital alliances, will uphold our highest values, and will reassert the role of Congress in advancing all of these goals.
I thank Mr. Meeks for offering this legislation, as well as the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon) for their leadership, their statesmanship in rallying support for it. I encourage all Members to vote "aye."
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), a woman of courage, who has traveled to Ukraine many times and stands for the Ukrainian people, the distinguished Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished once and future chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs for his steadfast leadership and determination for the people of Ukraine.
I rise today in strong support of the Ukraine Support Act and thank Leader Hoyer for his persistence and his determination to bring this legislation to the floor and, of course, Marcy, who has been our inspiration, Marcy Kaptur.
The Ukrainian people are not asking us to fight their war. That has been said. They are asking for tools to defend their sovereignty, their democracy, and their lives.
As President Zelenskyy wrote to Congress just days ago: "We value every human life, and that is exactly why we are seeking a real peace."
But supporting Ukraine is not only about Ukraine. It is about deterring aggression everywhere. It is about standing up to authoritarianism, and it is about reaffirming that the United States does not abandon those who fight for freedom.
Let us also not forget that well over 70 percent of U.S. funding allocated to Ukraine is spent in the United States, a direct investment in our economy, American workers and industries.
While some have been unwilling to stand up to Vladimir Putin, this Congress must. This bipartisan legislation sends a clear and unmistakable message: The American people stand with Ukraine, and we will stand against Russian aggression--Russian aggression which includes kidnapping of tens of thousands of little children, which includes raping of mothers in front of their children and in front of their parents. It is about killing families. Their assaults on civilians are sinful, in my view.
Let us pass this bill to strengthen Ukraine's hand to hasten a just and lasting peace, and to uphold the values that make America a beacon of hope to the world. "Glory to Ukraine"; "Slava Ukraini."
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes), the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
James A. Himes (D-CT)7:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Meeks for yielding me the time.
Five days ago, I was in Ukraine, and I saw what so many of us have seen: truly remarkable courage, absolute commitment to fighting for their freedom, innovation like you would not believe, and, interestingly, something I had not seen before in my previous trips to Ukraine, which was the optimism and joy in the face of missiles and destruction that the Ukrainians are winning.
They are winning because they are executing deep strikes into Russia, which have resulted in 30 percent of Russia's refining capacity being eliminated. They are winning because they are retaking territory, and they are winning because they are inflicting a staggering and horrible number of casualties, 30,000 a month, on the Russians.
The Russians are responding to the fact that they are losing by lashing out in desperate fashion, saying diplomats should leave Kyiv, attacking Romania with a drone, because they know they are losing. This is an inflection point.
We could debate for 6 months or 12 months. We have done that before, and the Ukrainians paid with their lives for that delay, or we could join the fight at the moment that it is being won.
The Ukrainians that I spoke to are the bravest people I have ever seen fighting for their freedom. They want to know one thing. They are wondering whether the people here, in the home of the free and the land of the brave, will be side by side with them. That is all they are wondering. They just want a little help. They don't want our people. They want our technology, and they want to know that we are there with them.
Look around this Chamber. This is the Chamber in which we made the sacrifices to defeat communism. This is the Chamber in which we made the decisions to defeat Nazism. Since 1857, when we have been meeting in this Chamber, we have stood for freedom and liberty. Those who opposed it with buts and conditions, history was not kind to their memory.
Let's do what we have always done and support the brave Ukrainians in their desire for freedom.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would just remind the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee that he said that we should give Ukraine--they just want a little bit of help. The United States of America, to this moment, is giving them far more than just a little bit of help, and that should not be ignored.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley), who is the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and who has traveled to that war zone over five times.
Mike Quigley (D-IL)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have some questions.
My first question is: If my friends across the aisle don't like this bill, why don't they draft their own? Why did this bill have to be forced on them? Why was it necessary to do a discharge petition? Where was their excitement about doing anything?
My second question is: Why hasn't the President of the United States said who he wants to win this war? He still has not said who he favors.
My next question is: When my friends talk about peace and they say that we need to be flexible, I want to know details. Does that mean we are going to give Putin a reward for raping and pillaging the Ukrainian people and that we are going to reward them with the land that they took in this aggressive nature?
This is the time to make those decisions.
We are now about to celebrate our 250th anniversary of independence, and we are reminded that our Nation was born in defiance of tyranny. Ukraine is fighting that same fight today, and this fight is the same reason we fought the Second World War.
Putin's goal stretches well beyond Ukraine. He seeks to erase a democracy, to replace freedom with fear, and to prove that brute force can triumph over the rule of law.
We cannot allow that to stand.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett), the original cosponsor on this important measure.
Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, for over a year, the House Republican leadership has yielded to Donald Trump's peculiar friendship with Vladimir Putin and blocked action on this measure.
Every day that Republicans look the other way, Ukrainians die. Over 55,000 of them have perished. Over 20,000 children have been kidnapped. The war that Trump promised to end in a single day is now in its fifth murderous year.
Trump has continued to send signals to Vladimir Putin that his brutal aggression is okay. He has reduced U.S. direct support for Ukraine by 99 percent. He has withheld even the modest funds that this Congress approved last year. He has removed American troops from Europe, diverted essential defensive weapons that would protect Ukrainians elsewhere, and remained silent while Putin destroyed American businesses in Ukraine and provided intelligence to Iran to target Americans. Most recently, he has indicated to NATO that when Putin creates a further crisis, the U.S. will offer less, if any, help.
As Putin tests the resolve of the civilized world, Trump has shown that he has no resolve. He is too weak to lead and too reckless to be followed.
With my own name on some of the first sanctions legislation that this Congress approved against Russia and with two of the measures that I have authored since then incorporated in this measure, I am glad to see that we finally get some action.
Since March, thanks to Trump's incredible lifting of sanctions, Vladimir Putin is getting about $200 million a day, including today, in revenue to oil his war machine.
Tonight, let's unite to resist the appeasers and seek a victory for everyone in this world who values self-determination, democracy, and freedom.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).
Steve Cohen (D-TN)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, much has been said which I agree with on the Democratic side. This is a fight for supporting a country that is standing up to aggression from Russia; lies from Russia that they weren't going to invade Ukraine when they did it; and people who have killed innocent children, women, and civilians on a regular basis with missile attacks and drone attacks.
We need to stand with democracy, with freedom, and with courage and against authoritarianism and against Putin. I support this resolution, am proud to do it, and thank the Ukrainian people for their sacrifices and their valor.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, the camera of history is rolling, and history will show where each Member stands at this time as Ukraine's war rages on. It will show who stood with Ukraine and with democracy and who stood with Vladimir Putin and his evil regime.
Putin believes he can outlast American resolve. I don't believe he can. Today, we have the chance to prove him wrong.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to stand with the people of Ukraine and pass this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Brian J. Mast (R-FL)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I am going to just begin with the final comments of the ranking member. He said that it is a chance to prove you stand with Ukraine.
We could do absolutely nothing in this Chamber today, and all of us would still be standing with Ukraine. We have been standing with Ukraine since the onset of this war, which began under President Joe Biden. We have been standing with Ukraine.
A vote for this bill doesn't prove that you are pro-Ukraine. I believe that analysis of this bill proves that you didn't take a look very well about how it does affect citizens of the United States of America.
As Secretary Rubio said and as I mentioned already, we are not a neutral arbiter in the war between Russia and Ukraine. We have sent tens of billions of dollars in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the war. We continue to share intelligence to this very moment. We continue to send arms. We have levied countless sanctions against Russia that are still in place today.
I could tell you that I personally cheer every single time Ukraine hits a Russian target.
This bill is not about helping Ukraine defeat Russia. This bill is about trying to stop President Trump and trying to tie his hands and limit his ability to negotiate.
President Trump has successfully ended longstanding conflicts around the globe. In just the last 18 months, he has ended the October 7 war between Israel and Hamas; the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which had been a 30-year-long conflict; between Egypt and Ethiopia, a longstanding diplomatic crisis that risked all-out war; between Pakistan and India, who were on the verge of all-out war, which could have turned nuclear if not stopped; war between the DRC and Rwanda; between Kosovo and Serbia; and between Cambodia and Thailand.
President Trump has been working on conflicts successfully across the globe. Those are just some of the successes that he has been able to accomplish in the last 18 months, despite Democrats really fighting him every step of the way.
I think the reality is that in order to end this war, we have to bring Russia to the table. I think we all know that.
I personally would much rather prefer that our coalition--and it is a strong coalition that includes the United States of America--bring Vladimir Putin to his knees, but as long as Vladimir Putin has nukes, the coalition is not going to do that.
Why? Let's explain it very clearly. The only reason that there is not more being done militarily in response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine is because they have nuclear weapons. The only reason that there is not a United States of America bunker buster through the ceiling of the Kremlin is because Russia has nukes. It is the only reason that Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia--take your pick--don't have heavy armor rolling all the way to Siberia: It is because Russia has nukes.
In fact, this is why Iran absolutely should not have a nuclear weapon. This is something that has been apparently forgotten by my colleagues. We do not want to have to negotiate with a terrorist state that proves to be an imminent threat to the United States of America every single day and have them be armed with a nuclear weapon.
That is why I find it so interesting that Democrats want to pull out all the stops against Russia while doing absolutely nothing to stop Iran, which, in the 30 months prior to Epic Fury beginning, attacked the United States of America over 350 times. That, to me, is amazing.
What this bill would do is tie the President's hands. I have mentioned that already. It would prevent him from negotiating an end to the war. The President has tried his best to get my colleagues to read between the lines about how they would be affecting the United States of America domestically by pushing this policy. He laid it out yesterday in his Statement of Administration Policy, which speaks very specifically about the far-reaching provisions, like the sanctions on SWIFT and the imposition of mandatory sanctions without the appropriate waivers for their limits.
To bring this back domestically and what that memo was about in part is this: Sanctions on this bill would be a kill switch on American nuclear power. Under President Trump, we are finally weaning off nuclear fuel, but that does take time. The truth is, Russia has a stronghold on global enriched uranium supplies, and Russian suppliers are intertwined in our nuclear energy supply chain as well as that of Europe's.
Recently, Russia accounted for nearly 30 percent of enriched uranium purchased by United States reactor operators, underscoring both the continued dependence on foreign-controlled enrichment capacity and the need for an orderly transition to secure domestic supply chains. That number is now lower than it was, thanks to President Trump, but the sanctions in this bill would strain an already vulnerable U.S. nuclear supply chain overnight.
These sanctions don't just impact us here at home, as I mentioned already. They would have devastating consequences to European energy. As Europe realized through oil and gas, they are highly dependent on Russia. They have been working to wean themselves off, which President Trump warned them about in his 45 administration, saying why is the United States of America paying all this time, troops, and treasure to protect Europe through NATO when they are so intertwined with Russia, and they are highly dependent in Europe on Russian enriched uranium.
In addition--this has been mentioned numerous times--the bill is filled with outdated measures and basic errors. To give a few of those examples that have already been mentioned, the bill includes funding for Ukraine security assistance that was already passed as a part of this year's NDAA. In fact, the bill would provide $100 million less per year than what was passed in the NDAA. That is a pretty important oversight.
It has been mentioned that the bill calls for 2 percent of GDP military spending from NATO. It was already congratulated by some of my colleagues that the President has worked to make sure that NATO spends 5 percent of their GDP in terms of military spending, and he has been wildly successful in making sure that that takes place.
This bill, in my opinion, is an unserious bill to attack President Trump that was crafted basically a year and a half ago, while he was actively engaged in the high-stakes negotiation to end this war since it started.
I do believe that people on both sides of this bill want to help Ukraine, but supporting this bill does not somehow say you are stepping away from Ukraine or that you all of a sudden stand beside them.
Again, we could do nothing here today, and the status quo that we have been supporting Ukraine since the onset of this war would continue. I believe that this is about a cudgel to fight against President Trump and tie his hands, as I have said already.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore7:20 p.m.
All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 518, the previous question is ordered on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore7:20 p.m.
The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore7:20 p.m.
The question is on passage of the bill.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the noes appeared to have it.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)7:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 226, nays 195, not voting 9, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,724 characters)
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Bacon Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Bresnahan Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carey Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fitzpatrick Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Hurd (CO) Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Joyce (OH) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Krishnamoorthi LaLota Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lawler Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Miller (OH) Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Murphy Nadler Neal Neguse Newhouse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thompson (CA) Thompson (PA) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC)
Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC)
Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Gill (TX) Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Jordan Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood Langworthy Latta Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mackenzie Malliotakis Maloy Mann Massie Mast McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Nehls Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Omar Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Perry Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Roy Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Tiffany Timmons Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Jayapal Johnson (SD) Kean Mace Miller (WV) Norman Pressley Thanedar Thompson (MS)
Messrs. WESTERMAN, WITTMAN, MOORE of North Carolina, MEUSER, and SMITH of Nebraska changed their vote from "yea" to "nay." Mr. CLEAVER changed his vote from "nay" to "yea." So the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Moment of Silence in Memory of the Victims of the Nippon Dynawave Paper Mill Industrial Tragedy
Page H3896 · Official text(Ms. PEREZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA)
Mr. Speaker, I rise in grief for the 11 men who lost their lives and in hope for those still recovering from injuries suffered at the Nippon Dynawave Paper Mill in Longview, Washington, in the worst industrial tragedy in Washington State history.
As we confront the loss of lives and horrific injuries, God forbid that we shirk from accountability for the current state of affairs or the responsibility You placed on us to improve them. Let us honor the skill and humanity of these men who were each created in Your image.
Forgive our willful ignorance to the hardship and danger that greed, self-interest, and neglect have brought on our brothers and sisters across the Nation. Forgive us for demanding others zealously preserve Your creation while we ourselves abuse it.
Guide the hands caring for the wounded. Grant discernment and wisdom to the investigators and all those seeking answers. Be a comfort and strength to the grieving and lost and those working to rebuild. Instill in us a fearless spirit in serving our people.
Amen.
I ask everyone in the Chamber to join me in a moment of silence.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Will all Members and guests please rise for a moment of silence.
Adjournment from Thursday, June 4, 2026, to Monday, June 8, 2026
Page H3896 · Official textMr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday next for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Nebraska?
There was no objection.
Honoring the Life of Kevin Haugh
Page H3896 · Official text(Mr. LAWLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Pearl River resident Kevin Haugh, a retired FDNY EMS captain, who bravely battled ALS and passed away last Friday.
Kevin dedicated 38 years to FDNY EMS, retiring as captain after a lifetime of service to the State of New York. He was a 9/11 first responder, a member of the National EMS Memorial Service, and a member of The Four Paul Foundation. Throughout his distinguished career, he was not only a hero in the field but a mentor for those who served alongside him.
Kevin was the founding member of the FDNY EMS Pipes and Drums, serving as the lead bass drummer and retiring as the drum major, in which he took great pride in service, tradition, and his Irish heritage.
He was also a Fourth Degree Sir Knight in the Knights of Columbus St. Dominic's Council 5343, a member of The American Legion, Pearl River Elks Lodge, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he served as their grand marshal in the 2023 Pearl River St. Patrick's Day parade.
Kevin will be deeply missed by his mother, Ann; his son, Michael; and all who knew him. He will be remembered for the life he built through service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving his community. His memory will always be a blessing.
Pennsylvania Farmers Disaster Declaration
Page H3896 · Official text(Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Agriculture is the largest industry in my Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Farmers are stewards of our land. For some, they carry generations of family work. For all, they fulfill our most basic need. Their crops feed us.
When an extreme, unexpected cold front hit at the end of April, it was devastating for many of our crops, especially the fruits, apples, peaches, and pears. Our Commonwealth's specialty crop industry could face staggering losses between $150 and $200 million. Losses of this magnitude, especially impossible to prepare for, would be insurmountable to our farmers, especially in our rural communities.
That is why my colleagues and I, alongside Governor Josh Shapiro, urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to declare a Secretarial Disaster Declaration, a truly bipartisan effort to bring much-needed relief to our crop growers.
I am grateful that last week, Secretary Rollins signed the declaration for 17 counties, allowing our farmers to secure necessary recovery loans. When our farmers thrive, we all do.
Honoring Centre County Judge David Grine
Pages H3896–H3897 · Official text(Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember retired Centre County Judge David Grine, who passed away in May at the age of 81.
From an early age, David dedicated his life to public service, enlisting in the Army following his graduation from State College Area High School, and he later served as a police officer.
A proud Penn State alumnus, David earned a bachelor's degree and later graduated from the Dickinson Law School.
In the late seventies, he served as Centre County District Attorney and was a judge of the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. From 2008 to 2012, he served as president judge and was appointed senior judge status in 2021.
In his final retention vote in 2011, more than 85 percent of Centre County voters said he deserved another 10-year term.
David is survived by Karen Grine, his wife of 55 years; his two children; and his four grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, David was a mentor to generations of aspiring attorneys and judges and leaves behind an enduring legacy of public service in Centre County. God bless David and his family.
Recognizing Jordan Braxton
Page H3897 · Official text(Mr. BELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate another St. Louis star and in honor of Pride Month. I would like to recognize Jordan Braxton, an incredible champion of our community.
After identifying internally as female her entire life, Jordan made the decision to socially transition in her fifties. Her story is an inspiration to members of the LGBTQ+ community in the St. Louis region.
Jordan has found a lifelong passion for advocacy work. Over the past four decades, she has educated and mobilized people to join the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Now, as the community empowerment manager for Vivent Health, she hosts educational programs and community engagement events for the St. Louis region and beyond.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Jordan for her advocacy and thank her for all the love she pours into her work.
I will keep fighting in Congress to protect the rights and freedoms of everyone, no matter how they identify.
CONGRATULATING REVEREND ROY McVEIGH
Page H3897 · Official text(Mr. ALLEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reflection and gratitude of Reverend Roy McVeigh for his years of guidance, encouragement, and stewardship at Trinity on the Hill Global Methodist Church in Augusta, Georgia.
For decades, Roy has been a pillar of leadership in youth ministry, faithfully investing in generations of young people. A devoted Christian, father, grandfather, and friend, Roy's influence extends far beyond the walls of our church.
I witnessed firsthand the profound influence he had on all four of my children and now my grandchildren. It was because of Roy that Robin and I were able to watch our four children grow in their relationship with our Lord and Savior, one of life's greatest blessings. In fact, it was that influence and their influence that changed my life.
As Roy and Kathy begin their next chapter in North Carolina, I am reminded of his favorite Bible verse, John 3:30, which tells us: "He must increase, but I must decrease." These profound words reflect the humility and faith that have defined his ministry for many years.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Roy on a well-earned retirement, and may God continue to bless him and Kathy and their entire family in the days ahead.
Funding of Women, Infants, and Children Program
Page H3897 · Official text(Mr. MAGAZINER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, today this Congress just voted to cut the WIC program that provides nutrition to pregnant women and children by over $200 million. Many of the same members who voted to cut funding for pregnant women and children to be able to afford food are also actively supporting giving $1 billion to the President for his ballroom, $1.8 billion, to reward cop-beaters and white-collar criminals as part of the President's slush funds, and $1 billion a day on an unnecessary war in the Middle East.
How corrupt and morally bankrupt could this Congress be, that we are taking food out of the mouths of children and pregnant women and using it to pay for vanity projects for the President of the United States? This Congress has failed the American people.
Recognizing Orange County First Responders
Page H3897 · Official text(Mr. CORREA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of our first responders in Orange County. Ten days ago, a call came in to the Orange County Fire Authority from a local industrial plant saying the facility was about to explode. Immediately, we evacuated 45,000 people from the blast radius.
The Red Cross set up shelters. The city of Anaheim set up beds and food. The city of Stanton mobilized responders to evacuate the residents, and Garden Grove established a secure perimeter.
There are heroes everywhere in our community. Many of the people who sprang into action are civil servants or volunteers who worked around the clock to make sure that everybody was safe on Memorial Day.
I am grateful to all our emergency responders and for our friends and neighbors who helped out to make sure that not one life was lost.
I thank our first responders, our volunteers, and our community members.
Iran War Powers
Page H3897 · Official text(Mr. TAKANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I proudly voted to pass an Iran War Powers Resolution to rein in this unraveling President. This was the fourth attempt by Democrats to assert our authority as a coequal branch of government and to say: No more to this war of choice.
Every Democrat in this House Chamber heard the cries of Americans saying no more to the billions spent on war instead of investing here at home.
Mr. Speaker, why did it take us this long? This war has gone on for more than 90 days. The price tag continues to rise by the billions every week, and every American feels the economic pain of this war at the gas pump.
Let me be clear: This is the first step toward stopping this war. Republicans in the Senate and the President still stand in the way of ending it. It is time for them to listen to the American people, just as Democrats did this week.
Recognizing Coach Jack Clark
Page H3897 · Official text(Mr. DeSAULNIER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Coach Jack Clark, the architect of one of the greatest college sports programs in the history of the United States and his induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.
A remarkable athlete from a young age, Jack played varsity football and rugby at the University of California before shifting his focus solely to rugby and playing for the U.S. national rugby team, where he was selected the first American to be amongst the best rugby players in the world.
Since 1984, Jack has served as the varsity rugby coach at Cal, leading the team to an astounding 31 national championships. He also coached the U.S. national rugby team to the 2003 World Cup. Jack's mentorship has touched the lives of countless young athletes in California and, indeed, from across the country.
Please join me in recognizing this remarkable leader and coach, Jack Clark, for his induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and for his legendary career as Cal's head rugby coach. Go Bears.
Honoring Spencer Leek, Jr.
Pages H3897–H3898 · Official text(Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, we pause today to honor the life of Spencer Leek, Jr., a son of Chicago, a steward of a sacred family legacy, and a servant of countless families in their moments of deepest sorrow.
The story of the Leek family is, in many ways, the story of Black perseverance in America. In 1933, Reverend Andrew Leek established a funeral home so that Black families, denied dignity in life by segregation, could at least be afforded dignity in death.
Spencer Leek, Jr., carried that mission forward with devotion, compassion, and grace. From answering phones at age 12 to becoming a licensed funeral director and vice president of Leek and Sons, he understood that his work was not merely a business, but it was a ministry. He comforted the grieving, uplifted the forgotten, and ensured that every family, regardless of means, was treated with respect and humanity.
For generations, Leek and Sons has stood as a trusted institution in Chicago and across this Nation in Chicago and America's Black communities. Spencer Leek, Jr., strengthened that institution by remaining deeply devoted to family, community, and service. He helped shepherd home-going celebrations for civil rights leaders, public servants, artists, and everyday citizens, whose lives mattered equally in his eyes.
His legacy reminds us that history is not only made by those who stand before huge crowds, but also by those who quietly serve others with fidelity and love.
Mr. Speaker, we honor Spencer Leek, Jr., by continuing his commitment to dignity, compassion, and community.
Fighting Back Against Dismantling of Voting Rights
Pages H3898–H3902 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Jackson of Illinois was recognized for half the time until 10 p.m. as the designee of the minority leader.)
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Downing)
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their presence.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the question: Which side of history are you standing on? Now, some of you are here because you want to be here. Some of you are here simply because you walked past this floor to get somewhere else.
Either way, God has a plan, and that plan today is that you are going to hear the truth because this is a Special Order hour, and the order I have been given not by the Speaker of this House but by God, who made us all equal in his eyes, through this Republic, has never fully agreed and understood by all Members of this body that we have the right to stand in this well on the floor of the people's House and ask every Member of this body a question that cannot be avoided. It cannot be postponed, and it cannot be answered with procedural language or partisan talking points.
The question is this: On the eve of America's 250th birthday, which side of history are you standing for?
Now, I want you to notice something. In a few weeks, this Nation is going to celebrate. There are going to be parades. There are going to be speeches. They are going to have fireworks that light up the skies from sea to shining sea. Politicians on both sides of this aisle are going to stand at podiums and invoke the Founding Fathers and speak about liberty and justice and the greatest democracy the world has ever seen.
I want to ask you, gently, at first: What democracy are you talking about because I know my history, and I was born in this country, and I have read the documents.
The democracy that we are celebrating this summer, the democracy of 1776, did not include me or my ancestors, did not include my grandmother or my great-grandparents, did not include my great-great-grandmother who was somebody's property under the law of this land. It did not include the millions and millions of women and children who built this country's wealth with their bodies and their blood and their genius and were given in return not citizenship but chains.
In 1776, it was not a democracy. In 1787, it was not a democracy. They counted us as three-fifths of a human being to give slaveholders more power in this very Congress.
In 1865, it was not a democracy. We got the 13th Amendment and got the Black codes in the same season. In 1868, it was not a democracy. The 14th Amendment was ratified while African Americans and elected officials were being murdered across the South.
In 1870, it was not a democracy. The 15th Amendment was passed, and within 10 years, the Supreme Court had gutted its enforcement, and the Redeemers had taken back the South at the point of a rifle.
In 1920, our country was not a democracy. Women got the right to vote, but most Black women in the South could not exercise it. America did not overcome.
By any honest definition, it was not a democracy in this country until August 6, 1965, the day that President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, the day that this Nation finally, after 189 years of claiming to believe in democracy, extended a meaningful, enforceable, protected right to vote to all of its citizens regardless of race, 189 years in the making.
Let that sink into your spirit: 189 years of fireworks, 189 years of founding myths. "We the people," it was said, and not one day of actual democracy for the people who look like me.
I am 60 years of age. I was born in 1966. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed. I am the first generation of Americans ever born with equal rights under the law of this land. My generation is the first in 250 years. We are the first, 60 years of age.
If that doesn't disturb you, if that doesn't shake something in your soul, if you can hear that and feel nothing, then I want to suggest respectfully that something has gone wrong, something has gone morally numb.
Now, the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, has gutted section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, has taken the spine out of the only serious legal protection that Blacks, Mexicans, women, and others have had since 1965. It has done, with legal language and constitutional reasoning, what the White Citizens' Council and the Ku Klux Klan used to do with economic pressure and shotguns. They have changed the method. They have not changed the mission.
Mr. Speaker, it is now my privilege and pleasure to yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Garcia), one of the leading outstanding voices for human rights and democracy in the United States of America and my colleague and friend.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be joined by the first Mexican American to serve in the United States House of Representatives from the entire Midwest. He has fought for the rights and well-being of his constituents and all Americans for decades. I am honored to yield to the gentleman, the first person of Mexican-American ancestry to serve in the House of Representatives from the State of Illinois, the Honorable Congressman Mr. Chuy Garcia.
Jesus G. "Chuy" Garcia (D-IL)8:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Jackson for leading this Special Order hour for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, shining a spotlight on the Voting Rights Act, progress that has been made, and, most importantly, efforts to dismantle it and disenfranchise millions of people across the land and undermine our democracy.
Let me share a personal story. I arrived in the United States in 1965, the same year the Voting Rights Act was passed. I was a little boy from Durango, Mexico. I didn't speak a word of English, let alone know about the Constitution or the Founding Fathers, but I understood one thing: My parents believed in this country and brought me to this country because they knew that we could do better and that we could pursue our dream of a better life in America.
Years later, I became a citizen.
The Voting Rights Act gave me the opportunity I never dreamed possible: running for office. It was not because power invited me in, but because people in my community organized. We built power and exercised our right to vote. That is the magic of the Voting Rights Act.
Yet, it is precisely why Republicans have been working for decades to weaken our voting rights. When our opponents recently broke Black neighborhoods in Memphis into pieces, they knew exactly what they were doing. In Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana, getting rid of majority Black districts isn't accidental, either.
Heading to Court to make section 2 of the Voting Rights Act weaker, it is deliberate, and when Republicans push a bill that prevents married women from voting over name changes and restricts some eligible voters, that is their plan.
This is not election integrity. It is Klan tactics in a business suit, the Jim Crow school of law. They do not say "literacy test" anymore. They say: Bring us new paperwork. They don't say "Whites only" anymore. They say: Race neutral.
To them, fair means our communities can contribute to society by working and paying taxes, but we are not worthy enough to elect our own Representatives. It also means that you can pack, slice, and scatter Black and Latino voters, as long as those calling the shots label it smart politics.
Chicago's Latino community waited decades for real representation in Congress. The Fourth Congressional District of Illinois became the first Latino-majority congressional district in the Midwest because the Voting Rights Act had teeth and because our communities refused to disappear.
The only thing that they wanted was a level playing field, to be represented. We organized and won the Fourth Congressional District. Thirty years later, there is still just one other Latino in Congress from the whole Midwest region. She is a Latina, and I am proud to serve with her.
Representation matters, and that is why our opponents are attacking our voting rights. Nobody spends years in court trying to weaken voters who do not matter. They do not redraw maps because we are weak. They redraw maps because we are powerful. They fear Black power. They fear Latino power. They fear Asian power. They fear working people standing together and saying: We will not bow to white supremacy.
Right now, it is Black districts, but Latino districts are next, mark my words. Right now, it is Black districts, but Latino districts will follow.
They are coming after our power because they are afraid of what happens when working people stand together. I learned that from Harold Washington. Before he became Chicago's first Black mayor, Harold Washington served in this House of Representatives from the First District of Illinois, Representative Jackson, and helped to strengthen the Voting Rights Act. When I served with him as a member of the Chicago City Council, I saw true multiracial democracy come alive because of the Voting Rights Act.
So let's call the attack on working rights on voting rights for what it is: It is about power and control.
Our neighbors did not cross rivers and bridges, march in the streets, organize in church basements, fight in courtrooms, and knock on doors to sit down now.
I came here the year the Voting Rights Act became law. Sixty years later, I am here to say: We are not sitting down. We are not turning back. We will continue to work today for voting rights and representation for all.
I thank Congressman Jackson for raising his voice and the awareness for all of our American people to know.
Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL)8:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Chuy Garcia for his remarks. I must say it is a pleasure and the privilege of a lifetime to serve in Congress with a childhood hero and friend of mine, my colleague, Congressman Chuy Garcia.
I would like to also note for the Record, Congressman Garcia was the chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus when President Barack Obama was a former State senator from the State of Illinois. Congressman Garcia has always affiliated himself with the working class. He has never forgotten his roots. I thank him for his service and his kind words and his steadfastness.
Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and indeed my pleasure to introduce, to share with my colleague Congressman Takano.
This is indeed LGBTQ month, Pride Month. Congressman Takano is the first person of the LGBTQ community and of color to openly serve in the House of Representatives. Congressman Garcia was the first Mexican American.
Mr. Takano is the first person of Japanese ancestry to serve in the United States House of Representatives. Many people of our community have just gotten to this great body that has contributed so much, but he is also the son and great-grandson of immigrants that were detained in U.S. concentration camps of Japanese ancestry. He bears the history and the lineage and the legacy of that tormented history, and he proudly serves. He has contributed so much for so many.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano), and I thank him for his service.
Mark Takano (D-CA)8:40 p.m.
I thank Congressman Jackson for yielding. I thank him for that wonderful introduction. I won't claim to be the first Japanese American in Congress. There were many that came before me, such as Senator Inouye, Senator Spark Matsunaga, and many others such as Bob Matsui in the House of Representatives. But all of what you said about my family having been interned or incarcerated during World War II, that is the burden of history that I do carry and it is something that I think is very important and relevant to today.
I want to focus on the Voting Rights Act, which is the topic of this Special Order presented by the Congressional Progressive Caucus tonight.
In 1965, when I was probably 4 years old, President Lyndon B. Johnson gave a historic address to the Congress in the wake of Bloody Sunday. Bloody Sunday, you will recall, is that moment in Selma when John Lewis, among others, crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge and were met with State troopers and the local police and they were bludgeoned and whipped and were charged by officers on horseback because they were marching to Montgomery to demand voting rights.
What America saw shocked their conscience, and what they saw was what shocked the conscience of America. It led President Johnson to address Congress, and he said these words before in this very Chamber to a joint session. He said: "The most basic right of all was the right to choose your own leaders." A few months after that speech, the Voting Rights Act was the law of the land. And that is our topic today.
The voting rights protections, the Voting Rights Act protections were historic and gave rise to what historians consider the second Reconstruction era because for the first time in history the government ensured that minority Americans, Americans of color, could elect their own preferred candidate. The practice of gerrymandering to dilute the ability for communities of interest, communities of color to be able to elect their preferred candidate was the norm.
So one of the people who benefited from that first redistricting after the 1965 Voting Rights Act was put into law was Barbara Jordan from Houston, Texas, the first Black woman to represent the South and a personal hero of mine.
She was elected to Congress in a newly drawn Houston, Texas, district in 1972. I remember watching Barbara Jordan on television as a 13- or 14-year-old. She was famously a member of the House Judiciary Committee that was considering Articles of Impeachment against then-President Richard Nixon.
She famously called herself on the dais an inquisitor, and she recounted how improbable it was that she was an inquisitor sitting on the House Judiciary Committee.
She was there in great part because of the Voting Rights Act. If you just learned the history about this remarkable Member of Congress, she said on the House Judiciary Committee: "My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total." That declaration made a huge impact on me. To see an African-American woman who talked about how improbable it would be for her to be a Member of Congress, it made me, a very young boy, believe that some day I could be a Member of this body.
Thanks to the Voting Rights Act, this Congress is the most diverse Congress in history. With 26 percent of its Members being people of color, our legislative body is the most reflective of the country's population than it ever has been.
The Supreme Court has taken a wrecking ball to that progress in its decision in Louisiana v. Callais. Now Republican Governors and State legislatures have canceled primaries to ram through maps, oftentimes in a matter of days, that suppress the voting power of Black and Hispanic Americans.
Mr. Speaker, instead of the Republican Party passing bills to lower the cost of living, they have seen fit to rig maps to try and keep the Republicans in power.
The Republicans would rather shred the single most transformative piece of legislation in the history of our democracy that has ever been, and they will do it if it means that the President can continue to build his ballroom, continue his insane war, and enrich himself and his family.
The President knows that if congressional maps were fair there would be enough of us here in Congress who would demand accountability for the grift he is running out of the White House. There would be enough voices demanding that he get the help he urgently needs as he continues to unravel in front of the world.
However, Mr. Speaker, my faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, and it is total. I know that while the Supreme Court may have dismantled the Voting Rights Act, Congress is not powerless, and the American people, in spite of the efforts to rig the maps and to draw districts to keep Republicans in power, we can and will prevail in the coming months. We will have the votes. If we have the votes, then we can put an end to gerrymandering and restore and strengthen protections against racial discrimination in voting so that every voice counts.
There is no question that this Supreme Court is facing a crisis of credibility. Americans are questioning the Court's legitimacy to make decisions based on the law and the history of this country.
Mr. Speaker, it is also time to put a check on the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court that has taken a wrecking ball to the Voting Rights Act.
Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL)8:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Takano. I thank him for honoring his family's history and legacy. I am thankful for his service. I thank him for his voice during this critical hour when America's democracy is being challenged.
Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor and my privilege to share this podium with an outstanding young man of Indian ancestry and of the Hindu faith. He is the first person of Asian and Hindu faith to grace this esteemed body under this dome, on this floor, and in this well.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the honorable gentleman from the great State of California (Mr. Khanna).
Ro Khanna (D-CA)8:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Jackson for his leadership and vision on this 250th anniversary year of our country. He spoke out when there was silence in this body, when our leadership was distracted, and when the country was consumed by Donald Trump's diversions.
The gentleman spoke out and said that there was a case in the Supreme Court that is gutting the Voting Rights Act and that will take away from Black Americans the right to freely choose their Representatives. We were all complacent while the gentleman was sounding the alarm.
My friend knew, as the son of the great Reverend Jackson and as someone who has spent his entire life fighting for civil rights, he knew the dangers when powerful people try to strip away civil rights and freedoms from Black Americans.
Unfortunately, Congressman Jackson was right. A Supreme Court decision has been the fastest rollback of Black freedom and Black political rights since Rutherford Hayes ended Reconstruction.
Now I read that they want to go after districts with representation of majority Black Americans, majority Asian Americans, I don't believe they should go after my district just because it happens to be a majority Asian-American district with people of all backgrounds having a community of interest. I don't think they should be splitting up Congressman Jackson's district just to give the Democrats a little bit more of a partisan advantage, to take away a community that has struggled for freedom and civil rights for decades and split that up and not allow them to freely choose who their Representative is. That is what is going on in this country, and it is wrong.
Tonight, as someone who is the grandson of a freedom fighter who spent 4 years in jail with Gandhi and as someone whose parents sacrificed everything they had so that I could have a chance, I stand in solidarity with my friend to say that we have come too far to roll back.
I stand both for my friend's voting rights amendment and affirmative amendment next week which he will be introducing and for his standing up for voting rights in majority-minority districts.
Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL)8:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Ro Khanna for his leadership and lending his voice. He is another first in the House of Representatives whom I am proud to call a Democrat, and I am proud to call a great American who is standing on the right side of history.
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce the next speaker who is the first in her family to graduate from college and went on to become a critical care physician and steadfast public servant. She answered the call to public service. She understands the urgent need to help ensure and help provide care for all Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the honorable gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Dexter).
Maxine Dexter (D-OR)8:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Jackson for convening this Special Order hour and for humbling me with such a kind introduction, but mostly for the gentleman's leadership and his steadfast commitment to protecting the Voting Rights Act.
When I was completing my medical residency in Colorado in the early 2000s, I distinctly remember standing in line for hours to vote with two small children in tow at the single polling location available to me. It was hours with toddlers in the glory of Colorado's most unpredictable weather.
That experience was a world away from voting in my home State of Oregon where, since 1996, our State has proudly chosen to vote entirely by mail. It is safe and secure. You can't hack paper. It is harder to intimidate a voter in their own home, and turnout is higher. In fact, in 2023, Oregon had the single highest voter turnout in the Nation.
That is how representative democracy is supposed to work. People should be able to easily exercise their voices and to use their power.
For generations, the Voting Rights Act helped move us closer to that promise. It stood as one of the most successful civil rights laws in our Nation's history, borne from those who marched, bled, and died for the right to have a say in their government.
Today, that promise is under assault. Over the last decade, a series decisions handed down by a radical Supreme Court has steadily weakened voting protections. Most recently, Trump's hand-picked Supreme Court Justices gutted section 2 of the Voting Right Act which allowed voters to challenge racially discriminatory maps.
This has unleashed a wave of racist gerrymandering across the South designed to dilute Black voting power, erase hard-won gains of the civil rights movement, and rig the political system for Republicans to stay in power.
In Alabama, the far-right Republican State legislature is now moving forward with a congressional map that all but erases one of two majority Black districts.
This is a map that judges in Alabama rejected, but that Trump's handpicked, radical Supreme Court is letting move forward.
It is a betrayal, and that betrayal and assault is why last month I traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, with Members of Congress from the Northeast to the West to stand in solidarity and to say: We are not going back.
Standing there, I felt the weight of history. The people, including the gentleman's father, courageously led this Nation in the fight against segregation and Jim Crow. They will not stand alone now.
We will fight back, and we have the playbook in front of us. This fight is won in courtrooms and at kitchen tables, at the ballot box and marching in the streets.
Our role here in Congress is clear: to serve as a check on a judiciary that is straying from its constitutional role and weakening the protections that ensure free and fair elections for all Americans. That is why I support term limits for Supreme Court Justices, a binding and enforceable code of ethics for the Court, and to ensure no court and no State legislature can ever again undermine the sacred right to vote.
Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore Federal protections against racial discrimination in voting. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Oregonians sent me here to protect it, and I will keep fighting to do just that.
Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL)8:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I am so appreciative of the Congresswoman Dexter's words and her leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to introduce our next speaker whose district was effectively disenfranchised last year during the longest delay in inducting a Member to the House of Representatives. She is also the first Latina ever elected to Congress in the entire history in the State of Arizona.
She is a woman who comes from a proud, progressive, and staunchly American legacy in the ancestry of her father, Raul Grijalva, who stood with us, who led us, and who taught us. He stood by his values. He has instilled those, and he poured those into his outstanding daughter who is now, I am proud to say, the Congresswoman from the great State of Arizona.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Grijalva).
Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ)9:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Jackson for his steadfast leadership in this fight to protect our democracy, and I thank the CPC for bringing us together for this Special Order hour.
Mr. Speaker, we often talk about the right to vote as if it is just another issue before Congress. It is not just another issue. It is foundational. The right to vote is how people make their voices heard. It is how communities hold their government accountable. It is the foundation upon which every other right rests.
This is why the Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais is so alarming. For generations, we have marched, organized, and sacrificed to secure protections enshrined in the Voting Rights Act. Those protections helped ensure that communities of color could fully participate in our democracy and elect Representatives who would fight for their interests.
Today, those hard-won protections are being chipped away piece by piece. We are already seeing the consequences across the South. Politicians are rushing to redraw maps and dilute the political power of communities of color. Instead of expanding participation in our democracy, they are looking for new ways to silence voters, undermine fair representation, and make it more difficult for people to get involved in our democracy.
As an Arizonan, this fight feels especially personal. The Voting Rights Act is not some abstract law to the people I represent. Southern Arizona is home to communities whose political representation has been protected by the Voting Rights Act for generations. Those protections helped ensure that Latino voters and other communities of color had meaningful opportunity to elect leaders who understood their experiences and would fight for them.
The truth is, without the Voting Rights Act, Arizona's political landscape would look very different. The Voting Rights Act helped make it possible for leaders like my dad, Congressman Raul Grijalva, to serve southern Arizona. It helped make it possible for me to stand here today as the first Latina ever elected from the State of Arizona to Congress.
That representation did not happen by accident. It happened because generations fought to ensure that every community, regardless of race, language, or ZIP Code, could have an equal voice in our democracy.
That is why what is happening today is so dangerous. When courts weaken the Voting Rights Act and politicians engage in racial gerrymandering, they are not just changing lines on a map. They are weakening the voices of entire communities, undermining the promise of equal representation, and silencing people, period.
Congress must act. We must restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. We must defend fair representation. We must strengthen our democracy so that every community has equal voice and equal opportunity to be heard.
Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL)9:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time, and I thank the honorable and great Congresswoman Grijalva for her remarks.
Mr. Speaker, the arch-segregationists have changed their method. They have not changed their mission. The mission has always been the same: control who votes, control who counts, control who can challenge the powerful, control the map, control the district, control the outcome, and control the future.
Crack the Black community across three districts, pack it into one so overwhelmingly it elects one Congressman where it should elect two. Dilute the vote until it is so thin it cannot quench the thirst for justice. Then stand before the cameras and say: We believe in color blindness. We believe in equal protection. I don't see race. I don't see color. We believe every vote counts the same.
A lie dressed up in the Constitution is still a lie.
Let me make the history plain to my colleagues who might have missed it or who might have arrived late to this speech or to this subject.
After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment was passed in 1870. It said the right to vote cannot be denied on account of race. Within a decade, follow me closely, the Supreme Court in Cruikshank, gone; the poll tax, gone; the literacy test, gone; the Grandfather Clause, gone; the White primary, gone. Gone meaning gone from the grasp of Black citizens. Gone meaning the right existed on paper and nowhere else.
It took Jimmie Lee Jackson being shot by a State trooper in February 1965; it took John Lewis and Hosea Williams and 600 people walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on a Sunday morning in Selma, Alabama--walking peacefully, walking prayerfully, walking legally toward a courthouse to register to vote--and getting beaten with clubs, trampled by horses, gassed in the open air on American soil--broadcast on American television for the world to see--that is what it cost to get the Voting Rights Act passed.
This was paid for in blood. It was not a speech, not a court brief, not a strongly worded letter, but blood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Mrs. Viola Liuzzo, a White mother from Detroit, shot dead in her car, called a Negro lover on the Alabama highway because she came to help register people to vote. She believed in America. Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner, two Jews and a Black man, buried in the Mississippi River. The four little girls--Addie Mae, Cynthia, Carole, and Denise--blown apart in their church on a Sunday morning in Birmingham. They all died so that America could vote and finally become a full democracy. They paid in full.
The question today is whether this Congress intends to honor their payment or to squander it.
I will talk to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, not at them but to them, because I believe we have something in common. Beneath the party, the discipline, and ideological positioning, there is a human being who understands that what is happening in this country now is fundamentally wrong.
I will ask them directly: What side of history do they want to be recorded on when they stood up at their town hall and talked about freedom? Were they telling the truth?
When they invoked the Founding Fathers and the Constitution, were they telling the truth? What side of history will they be on when they put their hand on their heart and they put their hand on the Bible and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, were they telling the truth?
What side of history do they want to be recorded on? Because the Constitution includes the 14th Amendment. The Constitution includes the 15th Amendment. The Constitution includes the mandate that Congress shall have the power to enforce these amendments by appropriate legislation. That legislation is the Voting Rights Act. To let it die, to stand here and do nothing while it is dismantled from across the street, is not constitutional conservatism. It is constitutional abandonment.
Let me say something about this word that keeps being propped up: "color blindness." They say the Constitution requires color blindness. They say that we must treat all citizens the same regardless of race. They say the Equal Protection Clause demands it, and I want to say yes, I agree. I have always agreed. Every sensible person agrees, but here is what they are leaving out.
Color blindness applied to the remedy while the disease is still active is not justice. It is called "malpractice."
You cannot break a man's legs for 200 years and then hand him a pair of crutches and say now we treat you equally before the law, no special treatment. The legs are still broken. Our democracy is still in its infancy. The crutches are the remedy and the remedy is not the problem. It is the solution.
That is why we need the Voting Rights Act and section 2 for protection.
Notice how the legislator in Tennessee right after this law was passed inaccurately went to the gravesite, went to the balcony of the Lorraine Motel where Reverend Martin Luther King was assassinated and attacked that one district, that African-American district.
When Louisiana drew two majority Black congressional districts to have equal representation, it was not creating racial inequality. The racial inequality was already there. This was the cure, written into 200 years of American history in slavery, a century of Jim Crow, separate but equal unequal laws, decades of deliberate under funding and exclusion and redlining and deliberate disenfranchisement.
The district was the answer to the inequality, not the cause of it. To call the remedy unconstitutional while the disease runs free, that is not law, Mr. Speaker. That is protection of power by people who benefit from this power and this disaster of a decision.
I will recognize my colleagues who have spoken up, but the silence is deafening. For 250 years, as we celebrate our great country, a country, indeed, in progress of equal justice for all, where just 60 years ago was the starting line of democracy, 60 years ago was my birth and my timeline, and already the forces of regression and those great-grandchildren and grandchildren of the segregationists are now tearing down the guardrails that got us to a more pluralistic America.
The question has not been completed, and it is not complicated. The question is not subtle. The question is not one reasonable people can be on different sides of.
You are either for voting rights or you are against them. You are either for democracy or you are against it. You are either standing on the side of Selma, or you are standing on the side of the men who swung the clubs on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
There is no middle ground. There is no procedural abstention. History does not grade on a curve.
Choose your side, colleagues. History will be watching. The future is listening. The people are watching. History will not forget.
Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett)9:10 p.m.
The gentleman has 2 minutes remaining.
Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL)9:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, as we discuss the dismantling of voting rights and how many of my colleagues and I will continue to stand up to defend our most sacred right, I am proud to be joined by my colleagues who have stood up for the right side of history.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say something about what I have heard and what I have not heard from the other side. My colleagues on the other side have had a great deal to say about constitutional principles, but I have not heard a plan to protect the votes for all Americans. I have not heard them say how these congressional maps will be fair for all people. I have heard a great deal about legal frameworks, but I have not heard a single proposal to replace the protection that Callais has taken away.
I have heard about process and procedure through the proper channels, but I have not heard anyone on the other side of the aisle stand up and say in plain language that Black voters deserve full and equal representation and that this Congress will make sure that they get it. Why not? It should not be a complicated sentence.
Let me talk about the history for a moment because one of the things I have heard today is the suggestion that we are living in the past. That is not true. We are relitigating things that have already been solved. It is time to move forward. We want to go forward to make America better and to keep America strong.
Unfortunately, there is an eerie silence. There is a duplicity and a complacency, and trying to rest upon the laurels. There is something to be said by God himself about trying to turn a blind eye toward injustice. It should haunt your conscience.
Your children are watching. The future will be taking note. History shall record us all. What side of history will you stand on? Will you say anything to stand up for justice?
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I thank you for your consideration.
Debt Clock Ticking
Pages H3902–H3907 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Schweikert of Arizona was recognized until 10 p.m. as the designee of the majority leader.)
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my friend.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deano's Italian on being named the Best Italian Restaurant in the State of Georgia.
Deano's is a beloved family-owned and -operated Italian restaurant in Dublin, Georgia. This great honor highlights how a small town eatery with a deep compassion for its community can compete with restaurants in larger cities across the State.
The restaurant was evaluated on multiple criteria, such as food quality, consistency, atmosphere, and its overall dining experience. Voters noted that what made Deano's stand out was its combination of authentic Italian cuisine and southern hospitality.
The city of Dublin also believes this achievement will bring business to nearby shops, cafes, and local attractions, creating a meaningful impact on their economy.
Deano's has proven just how far commitment to customers can take you. This level of service is a great example of Georgia's growing tourism industry.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Augusta "Gussie" Gammon's 100th birthday.
Gussie has dedicated much of her life to public service and an unwavering commitment to the Republican Party.
Born on June 25, 1926, in Philadelphia, Gussie moved to Georgia in 1983, becoming a strong force within Republican politics by founding four women's Republican clubs and serving as a delegate to three Republican Presidential conventions. She also served as Glynn County campaign manager for President George H.W. Bush and Congressman Jack Kingston.
Aside from her work in politics, she founded Johnson Insurance Agency in 1969 in the Florida Keys with her late husband. Together, they raised four daughters and were blessed with eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Gussie later married Don Gammon, with whom she continues her remarkable journey.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to wish Ms. Gammon a happy 100th birthday.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Paul Brooksher, who retired from the position of superintendent of Bryan County Schools this year.
Paul has faithfully worked in public education for 31 years, serving as superintendent for 14 of them. Bryan County is one of the fastest-growing school systems in Georgia, and Paul has worked tirelessly to lay the foundation necessary to support this growth through effective investment in teachers, facilities, and programs.
After he announced his retirement, his colleagues encouraged him to reconsider, a true testament to how well- liked and highly regarded he was in his role.
Paul said he was ready to step into a new chapter of his life, one where he could focus on spending time with the ones he loves the most.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Paul for his contribution to the education of young Georgians, and I wish him the very best.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Randy Kluender for his more than 40 years of experience and service in the field of dentistry.
Randy currently serves as the president and a board of trustees member of the Georgia School of Orthodontics. He has enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling career, including as administrator at the University of Colorado and leadership roles in the American College of Dentists and Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
Chosen for ADEA's Harry Bruce Legislative Fellowship in Washington, D.C., Randy brought a wealth of experience to legislative issues concerning dentistry. There, he worked to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Above all, Randy is a man of good character who has spoken with numerous prospective dental students, conveying his passion and the importance of upholding ethical standards in dentistry.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Randy.
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)9:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frederick Muller, who passed away on May 19, 2026.
Muller was a UPenn and Georgetown graduate, husband, Navy lieutenant, and successful investment manager.
During the Cuban missile crisis, Muller served to enforce the naval quarantine of Cuba.
After 2 years in the North Atlantic, he served an additional 2 years with the Navy intelligence unit in Washington.
In addition to his military service, Muller was also successful professionally. He founded, grew, and eventually sold his own institutional investment firm.
Outside of work, Muller continued to serve others in new ways. In Georgia, he was a trustee for the Savannah Country Day School, a member of the University of Georgia Library's Board of Visitors, a member of the Trust Committee of Saint John's Episcopal Church, and a trustee of the Mighty Eighth Foundation.
Frederick Muller leaves behind a legacy of family devotion, military service, American entrepreneurship and servant leadership.
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)9:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jere's Antiques in Savannah on their 50th anniversary.
Since 1796, Jere's Antiques has been a major source of supplies for antique auction houses, designers, and individuals.
Over the years, he has created a destination filled with history, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
From sourcing extraordinary pieces across England and Europe to welcoming generations of customers into his Savannah showroom, Jere's passion and dedication have never wavered.
Jere's success is not only measured in business achievement, but in the countless people he has inspired, helped, and connected with over the decades.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Jere for preserving the past, enriching Savannah's homes, and all of his hard work for the past 50 years.
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)9:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of James G. Minter, Jr. of Inman, Georgia, who passed away on May 27, 2026, at the age of 95.
Minter was a proud graduate of Fayette County High School and University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in journalism.
Following his education, he served his country as an infantry training officer during the Korean war before beginning a distinguished journalism career with The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution.
Over the course of decades, Minter became the executive editor of the combined Atlanta Journal-Constitution, helping shape one of Georgia's leading newspapers.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and lifelong member of the Methodist Church.
I extend my deepest condolences to his wife of 70 years, Anne; his family; and all who knew and loved him. We honor his service, his leadership, and his enduring impact on his community.
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)9:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor McHugh "Mac" Maurin, who will be turning 100 years old on June 4.
Mr. Maurin served our country as a Navy World War II veteran.
He was raised in Reserve, Louisiana, where he attended and graduated from LSU in 1951 following the war.
After graduating, he began to work as a civil engineer in the roofing manufacturing industry.
His successful career took him and his family to New Jersey, Texas, and finally Peachtree City, Georgia, in 1981.
He then retired to Concord, Georgia, before following his youngest daughter to St. Marys.
Mr. Maurin's accomplishments also extended to the home and family he created. He raised six children with his late wife, Peggy, who passed away earlier this year, after more than 72 years of marriage.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Maurin for his service and wish him a happy birthday.
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)9:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commander Nathaniel L. Robinson for his dedication to protecting the American people.
Commander Robinson is the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit, where he serves as Captain of the Port, officer in charge of marine inspections, Federal maritime security, and on-scene operations throughout coastal Georgia.
He is a graduate of the University of West Florida, Southern New Hampshire University, and the U.S. Air Force Command and Staff College.
For his esteemed work, Commander Robinson received a certificate in executive leadership from the University of Notre Dame.
Prior to the Coast Guard, he was the director of marketing for the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. He was granted his commission from the United States Coast Guard's Officer Candidate School in 2006.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Commander Robinson for his outstanding service.
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA)9:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to honor Mr. O.V. Lewis of Blairsville, Georgia, for his upcoming 95th birthday on June 16, 2026.
O.V. joined the Young Harris College faculty in 1952, after teaching high school for 2 years in Wayne and Appling Counties in south Georgia. During his time at Young Harris, he served as an accounting instructor for 48 years and as a registrar for 31 years.
He retired in 2011, with the longest tenure of any previous college employee, but his service in advancing Young Harris College's mission did not end there. Through generous philanthropy and planned giving, he established the O.V. Lewis Endowed Scholarship to advance the education of future generations.
In 2022, O.V. was honored with the Nancy Louise Haynes Stevens Sanderson Robertson Outstanding Friend Award.
O.V. will tell you his fondest memories center around his time with Young Harris College faculty and students. The feeling is reciprocal. Many former students, such as myself, still maintain close relationships with him and credit him with having a significant influence on their success in life and careers, all because of O.V.'s unparalleled commitment to his students in the classroom and beyond their graduations.
Mr. Speaker, I thank O.V. for his outstanding commitment to furthering the education of so many students, and I wish him a very happy 95th birthday.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
David Schweikert (R-AZ)9:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Georgia.
Mr. Speaker, we are going to actually try to do something that is a little complex, so I apologize. I apologize for those trying to keep track.
If I start speaking like a machine gun--once again, I have had a stunning amount of coffee--just wave at me, and I will slow down.
I am going to try to actually explain and walk through what we talk about constantly, and that is waste and fraud. I have got three silos here, and I am going to try to fight for some understanding:
What is real in its fiscal impact.
What is sort of commercial fraud. Hey, we screwed up in the way we wrote a piece of legislation. The administration, the bureaucrats actually have allowed leakage--some of the leakage being hundreds of billions of dollars.
And over here are bad actors, you know, the group from Nigeria that has actually been conning unemployment fraud like we went through during COVID.
I also need to actually try to explain debt and deficits when our borrowing is stunning. So I was going to just start with this article. It is something simple, but I am going to use it as a benchmark.
This convicted felon gets a million dollars a year to sell obsolete internet services. You paid for it. So we have a con artist that set up an internet company, got a government contract. He gets a million dollars a year. It is outrageous. We should actually have the technology, the discipline, the way we write legislation, the way we do our appropriations to stop it. But you have got to understand a million dollars is what we borrow about every 12 to 15 seconds.
I need to put this in perspective, because so often here we get our brothers and sisters, Members of Congress, come behind these microphones, and we talk about what we are going to save on something. They don't seem to understand the burn rate. I think yesterday, we hit $94,000 a second in borrowing. So often the debate here, more money has been borrowed in the debate than the actual piece of legislation is going to save.
So let's actually try to walk through this and walk through these sorts of silos and then understand the punch line. I am going to do this three or four times.
A number of the things you would consider fraud, I consider fraud. There are lobbyists outside in this hallway, it is their client's business model. That is what makes this so difficult.
When you get groups from even your home district coming and saying, "David, you don't want to reform this. That is our business model. We would have to change things," that is actually the real punch line when we use the term "waste and fraud."
Let's start with the board we often start with just so, once again, we have a benchmark of understanding. Your country is going to borrow about $2 trillion this year, and there is some noise in that number. It is actually--in some ways, we would score it as more in the Joint Economic Committee because we actually are crediting ourselves back some of the student loan money, but let's just stick with $2 trillion.
Do you see here in the blue? That is really what we vote on, nondefense, discretionary, and defense. Most of this red, almost all of it, is formulaic, but this is actually where much of the fraud is. Maybe that is the reason we don't touch it enough because the fraud is in Medicare, the fraud is in Medicaid, and the fraud is in other programs that are on autopilot. They are formulaic.
You reached a certain age. You get this benefit.
You have paid into the system. You get this benefit.
You fall under a certain income. You get this benefit, except within there, particularly in the Medicaid system--you have seen the analysis the Joint Economic Committee has done, or my joint economic Republicans have done over the last year on the number of ways States--States--are the driver of the fraud.
So let's actually walk through that.
If I came to you right now and told you that New York, the number of home healthcare aides--this is a Medicaid program where grandma is poor, she needs help, I have someone at home who needs help, and there is a program that came really out of COVID or was expanded out of COVID where I can actually hire my friends, my families, my nieces, my nephews.
What happens, for every 1,000 residents in New York over age 65 in 2024, which is when we have the data, for New York, I have 171 people. So think of that: 1,000 people over age 65, I have 171 people receiving a check for this program. I have shown some charts here in the past that this was the number one job creator, I think, in New York City over the last couple of years.
Is that fraud? I think it is, but it is leakage in the design of the system. We are being cheated by the State of New York, and then you start to take a look. Well, New York is 171, but California, for every 1,000 people over age 65, they have 139 people receiving these checks.
The fascinating thing is that when we first exposed this months ago--and we had Secretary Kennedy in front of us about a month ago and we actually talked about this in the hearing, and he said that it is one of the most outrageous things that he has ever come across in his time at HHS--the month before that, my office was full of people angry at me. There are people buying editorials.
That is one of the great scams right now is to set up AI, you put up an editorial, and there is almost anyone who will publish it because that is actually a lobbyist for this leakage, and this is billions and billions and billions and billions of dollars.
Remember, if New York had the same cost of its Medicaid system--not Medicare--Medicaid--this is healthcare for the poor--and they had the same average cost as the rest of the country, it is $50 billion a year. It is $50 billion a year.
So at one point, I showed you the article. It is outrageous. It is $1 million, about 15 seconds of borrowing. We are going to borrow about $7 billion today, so $50 billion starts making an impact. Starting to understand the scale of these numbers, and you start to realize that the top 15 producers by spending per claim, you start to actually look at some of the things.
California actually has some magic. They must have some magic with their Medicaid system because they are able to create their own codes.
Within those codes, we have one that is called Medi-Cal Personal Care Services Program, and this has been around since--2019 to 2024 is my data. On average, that code costs $876. Most of that money is paid for you by Federal taxpayers.
Is this waste and fraud? Well, it is unlike any other State. It is unlike any other code. This is an example, when you hear the politicians say "I am going to get rid of waste and fraud," and we make it sound like it is somebody snuck across the border and stole money or someone on the internet from the other side of the world stole money, all of those are true, but it is the design of the system that we have developed.
In the end of this stack, I am going to walk through a series of solutions, but understand that when we tried to just trim down some of the growth of Medicaid spending last summer and the left just attacked, attacked, attacked, and we would show, but what about this fraud, what about this fraud, what about this fraud, the discussion goes silent.
It is in the math. This stuff was being audited during the last Democratic nomination. We just never fixed it.
So you start to take a look at "Top 15 Producers by Medicare Claims," and you start to look back to the personal care. It turns out that there were 1,000,257 claims filed under this. The scale--to understand the scale of some of these frauds, this is in the billions, and we allow this.
Does this meet your definition of waste and fraud, because HHS--we are going to walk through a series of things that MedPAC has tried to identify for years that we can't seem to get enough votes here to even run a piece of legislation to try to fix it.
Look, a couple more of these boards, and then we are going to have some fun with some headlines, which is something I almost never do, but I am trying to find a way to explain most of the leakage in this government.
It isn't some dodgy person in a dark room. It is actually how we are administering our programs and how poorly we are doing our jobs.
All right. "Top 15 Producers by Medicaid Spending."
Personal care services. Think of this: $139 billion from 2019 to 2024. It is $139 billion. That starts to add up to be real money. Maybe instead of screwing around this place where we are trying to do rounding errors or covering seconds of borrowing--which even in some of the debates earlier today, that is what we were doing--how about we start going after the things that have b's in front of it. I am going to show you a couple where there are t's in front of it, trillions in front of it.
If we are going to actually try to convince the brothers and sisters, the taxpayers, the voters, and the American citizenry of what is going on--debt and deficits and demographics in this State--that in a little over 6 years, Medicare trust fund is empty, and hospitals, those that get their Medicare part A money, are going to take a 12 percent cut, and guess what is also happening around this same time. The Social Security trust fund is empty, and people on Social Security, under the current law, are going to take a 24 percent cut, and we are going to double poverty.
How are we going to turn to people and say that this is over $630 billion to fix it in just a single year, and the next year is more and the next year is more? How many people are going to look at us and say that you have not taken care of the waste and fraud problem. How am I going to trust you to actually make me take a cut or make me pay more taxes or redesign the systems or do other things? We have to build some trust, and you build the trust by stopping this insanity.
Let's actually have a little bit more fun here. The New York Post headline, "Notoriously Fraudulent New York Health Program Lost $1.2 Billion to Scammers and Middlemen." It was ten times--ten times--the money stolen in Minnesota.
Why haven't you heard about this? If scammers are bleeding our Medicaid systems around the State, why is it so hard to actually say--we hold hearings on this. We have discussions about it, and then we produce a piece of legislation, and it is almost impossible to get sponsors on it because the next moment, it turns out that some of these middlemen that you and I would consider fraudsters hire lobbyists or actually bring groups of people here saying "But that is our business model."
You start to look at other things.
You start to look at other things, City Journal, "Gavin Newsom's Empire of Fraud: California has lost at least $180 billion to fraud, according to officials and experts." It is program after program after program after program. $180 billion is real money.
Is the California delegation willing to help us fix this?
Here is your problem. You start to look at some of these things: unemployment fraud, $32.6 billion; Medicaid fraud, that one was only $178 million; homeless spending, let's see, billions and billions, doesn't actually give me a number.
You start to look at these things, and the waste and fraud are in the design of our programs. There is the fraud where somebody stole your Social Security number and did this, but the real money is how poorly we designed the programs that are meant to help our brothers and sisters, particularly those in poverty.
Let's have some more fun with this, if you call this fun. CalMatters, sham hospice scheme--remember, this is something my team--I chair the Oversight Subcommittee in the Ways and Means Committee. We have been now working on this for months and months and months. "Sham hospice schemes are bilking Medicare," and some Medicaid, "and harming California seniors."
We actually believe this scheme--if you have been reading the papers, L.A.
Times and I believe The Wall Street Journal have done stories on this. The amount of fraud, particularly in L.A. County, on hospice--these are some of the most frail in our society. These are supposed to be the brothers and sisters we are loving as they are near ending life, except there is an entire fraud network.
I am going to actually show you--let's just talk about it before I try to show you. Someone finally did a little bit of data and found there are hospices where there are half a dozen, a dozen, two dozen at the same P.O. Box, and it went on for years.
Are we really that moronic to not run a simple data system and say: Wait, does this make sense? I have multiple hospices billing from the same P.O. Box. Does this make any sense?
Let's take a look at some more headlines: HHS Office of Inspector General report highlights CMS potentially overpaid Medicare Advantage organizations $462 million based on current unreported--I want to explain this one. Let's get a little complicated.
This is what they call MedPAC. This is the group of experts and auditors that look mostly at Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is now 55 percent of all of our seniors who choose Medicare. They choose not part A, part B, but they go on what is called Medicare part C. That is Medicare Advantage.
In here, the latest report says, it comes in about 114 percent higher than fee-for-service. Medicare Advantage was supposed to come in at 95 percent of the cost. That difference, about $1.6 to $2 trillion over 10 years, it turns out it is real money.
How many Members of Congress have bothered to actually break this binder and read these MedPAC reports?
I introduced a piece of legislation a year ago to not cut services but to get rid of the risk scoring and the star rating, all the ways it was being defrauded, and that is what this board is about.
What happens when you have people in Medicare Advantage is that the insurer is going out and saying an acute stroke diagnosis code, except the data says it is a fake code. It is not something anyone has. That is how they are defrauding Medicare Advantage.
It is not a cut of services we are talking about. Yet, the number of lobbyists and the number of social media platforms that are somehow paid by those PR firms beat the crap out of those of us who have been trying to fix it.
Is this what you consider waste and fraud? Of course, it is. The difference is, those of us trying to fix it have to take on an army of people who make their money from it. That is actually, if you want to start to stabilize, even demonstrate to bond markets we are starting to take serious our leakage, our bleeding, our borrowing--remember, we are going to borrow $7 billion to $8 billion just today.
Where are my brothers and sisters here who will tell you how conservative they are, how tough they are, how truth-teller they are? How many of them are going to sponsor the legislation to help me fix this? So far, for almost 1 year, not a single sponsor other than myself.
Let's actually go through some more. Let's go through my home. Actually, no, let's do Minnesota first. Minnesota is always fun to go through. All right, 5 Eyewitness News: "Audits--Lack of security reviews left Minnesota's SNAP system vulnerable to breaches, fraud."
If you have read the story of nutrition support, we are trying to help the most vulnerable in our society, and it is full of fraudsters and fraudsters and fraudsters. How does someone not catch it when the same Social Security number is used over and over, when there is no Social Security number, when the same location has more people signed up for a benefit than there are people in that immediate area?
Keep that in mind because I am going to walk you through some of the solutions, but this stuff is absolutely outrageous, and then you start to take a look. Channel 7 Eyewitness News: " `Ghost students' can steal your identity, enroll you in school, and take loans out in your name."
We had people getting student loans who don't exist. Many of them had been buying your personal ID, your personal information, on the dark web, signing you up, putting you in debt. Then, you get to figure out how to unwind it as they are walking away with the money. This is another sense of the incompetent design in these programs.
All right, a little bit more, and this one, I happen to actually have had a fascinating experience with: "Arizona sober living crisis: 140 indicted in billion-dollar Medicaid scheme." We think it is $2.8 billion.
Let me walk you through this. We call this the sober living home scam in Arizona.
Two Christmases ago, this last Christmas--we have sort of a family tradition. We go up to the Navajo Nation. We will call it the Nation. My parents used to do some work up there more as part of a church group. We have actually been up there and installed Starlink satellite dishes so that some of what we call chapter houses actually could have broadband, so they could have telehealth. My little girl has actually helped to do sheep herding.
It is a fascinating place. It is monstrous. I have had friends on the Navajo Nation come up to me and say: David, you realize my uncle disappeared 7 years ago? A van showed up here in Kayenta. They were recruiting people who might have had a drinking problem. They put them in the van, and they disappeared.
It turns out, they were being driven down to Phoenix, being stuck in a sober living home, being billed to the Medicaid system, which we call AHCCCS, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. Then, when the benefit was over, they were thrown out and rolled to another sober living home.
I had multiple acquaintances, friends from the Navajo Nation, say they have family members they can't find. They have disappeared. This is beyond the fraud of stealing $2.8 billion. Most of it actually isn't State money. It is also Federal money because of the way the match works.
There are people who have died. People have lost their lives because of how criminal this was, and it went on for a decade.
Then, our model is, we are going to indict a bunch of people. We are never going to get the money back. Almost none of these people will ever really go to jail or prison.
Have we lost our minds? Yes, we have.
DOJ announces a record-breaking take down of healthcare fraud schemes--okay, let's actually walk through a couple. The Justice Department has cracked down on a Pakistani national who allegedly orchestrated a $650 million fraud scheme in Arizona's Medicaid system.
How does this happen? How many times have you actually heard the attorney general, the county attorneys, these things, get up and say: We finally busted a fraud scheme that has been going on for years and years, and there is this much money missing. Now, all the money got shipped overseas, so we are not going to get any of it back, but we are going to file indictments on people who are not in the country anymore or were never in the country.
Have we lost our minds?
So here are a couple more of these because I am under a clock here. "DOJ and CMS healthcare 2025 fraud crackdown." If you take a look at--and you have got to give the Trump administration, you have got to give Kennedy, you have got to give Dr. Oz credit because they are trying. Look at the chart. $1.3 billion and trying to crack down and stop some of the fraud.
But here is your problem: Just Medicare will spend $1.1 trillion this year.
So you have got to understand the scale. $1 billion is a stunning amount of money. A trillion is a thousand billion dollars. So start to look at these.
Now, this one I wanted to use as an example of how perverse Washington, D.C., and Congress have become. Let's look at this headline: "Duplication of radiology imaging studies . . ."
What is the cost? My economists last year, we did--and it is a rough estimate--we were coming up with $25 billion to $35 billion in duplicative scans. You bust up your knee. You are out snow skiing. You get an MRI on your knee. Then you go to your hometown, and what is the first thing that happens? They redo the scan. CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays. We have been proposing a simple idea. Take the scan when you get it. Attach it to your smartphone, and it travels with you. When you get to your doctor or your next appointment, they hit a button, and, boom, it is up on the big screen, and they can see, oh, yes, you have a fracture or you don't have a fracture.
Let's say at the top end my economist came up with $35 billion. I have already had multiple lobbyists in my office doing everything they can to stop that piece of legislation from ever getting a hearing because it turns out the duplicate scans are their business model.
So the point I am trying to sell here is: You and I, we go out on the stump, and we say we are going to go after waste and fraud, except the lobbyist in the back of the room is pissed at us because that fraud that you and I know does not make you healthier, does not make society better, does not provide an actual service is their business model. "South Florida man sentenced in $2.2 million Medicare fraud and money laundering scheme . . ." How many times have you picked up a newspaper publication or gone online and heard the stories about durable medical equipment fraud in South Florida. How is it possible it still goes on in a time with the technology we have. Let's see, what else do I have on this one. "Pasadena clinic receives $34 million in Medicare skin graft scam . . ." Oh, this one was fun. It turns out we spend about 4, 5 years here trying to stop this, and they lobbied. It was one of the craziest things ever. Companies that ended up getting indicted were here with their CEOs lobbying us not to reform the system. This is where they would grow skin--diabetic retinopathy, these things, you know, skin patches, and all the sudden the price skyrocketed because the way the codes and the billing worked. Eventually CMS had to come in and do Congress' job for them because Congress was so incompetent we couldn't actually do it. CMS came in and said we are just stopping it. We are going to allow this handful of companies to do it because at least they have some trusted history, and they were screaming at us. It turns out when we did the research on them, the number that were absolute fraudsters--billions and billions of dollars were stolen. Once again, the Medicare trust fund is gone in 6 years, and we are not fixing these things. Look, I am going to do a little skipping to the end because we are running out of time. Please, give CMS some love and support because working with my office we are finally starting to act like professionals and do things that the private sector has been doing for 20 years. Here is a simple example. How many of you have a credit card? How many of you have ever used your credit card in a spot you are not normally at? How many of you, the moment you start using the credit card you start getting text messages and phone calls saying: Hey, is this actually you? That is a data system from 20 years ago. You are telling me that as we start to protect consumers and strengthen the programs, as we are starting to actually build models to start to protect and stop some of the bad payments, we don't have the technology? Of course, we have the technology. It is off-the-shelf technology. We have a data person who has come to our office multiple times who is an expert in stopping fraud in healthcare. He said: Do you realize that there is a package that is $1,500 a month that would have stopped that sober living home fraud in Arizona? We would have seen that things don't match. The addresses don't match. The Social Security numbers don't match. There are multiple billings that roll and roll and roll. When you have $11.7 billion saved just by the Treasury Department building a system that is sort of a do not pay list--let me give you an example that is from 20-plus years ago. Twenty-plus years ago I was the Maricopa County treasurer. We did this thing called positive pay, and it wasn't new technology. Here are our payees, the people we are going to pay checks to, we owe, because as the county treasurer you are the guy issuing the checks to pay for things. And over here is the list. When they didn't match, we didn't pay. That is 20-plus-year-old technology. Treasury has started to do a version of that, and it has already saved over $11 billion stopping fraudulent checks going out the door. I want to make an argument in my last couple minutes before I hit the end of my time. What we do in government is insane. How many of you would build a business model where I am going to pay 6 percent, 7 percent of my payments are going to be fraud, but don't worry about that. Eventually we are going to hire a bunch of auditors. Then we will hire some lawyers. And then we will hire some law enforcement. And then we will try to go recover the money. Of course, we never actually recover the money. And most of the time we never get to put someone in prison, but we will get to do great press releases. The age of hiring buildings full of auditors and lawyers is over. We live in the time of technology where these checks should never, ever, ever--the fraudulent checks should never get out the door. If you read any of the data magazines or articles or talk to some of the experts we are starting to develop here, we can catch this and stop it. Mr. Speaker, the argument I am trying to make here, and if I haven't done it particularly elegantly, I am trying, is we need the public to believe we have finally woken up and become great stewards of their money. The reality of the waste and fraud is huge, but the scale of our borrowing, the scale of our debt, which is driven by our demographics--next year, we are going to have fewer under 18 than we had 20 years ago and double the number of 65 and up. In 28 months, over half of Federal spending will go to our brothers and sisters who are 65 and up. We are going to have to deal with the reality of our demographics and our math. Maybe the public will believe us when we can also say we stopped the scam artists. We stopped the missed design. We stopped the way we have screwed up the model on Medicare, Medicaid, and so many of the programs which were designed to help people and not enrich fraudsters. Mr. Speaker, I think we are up against time, so I yield back the balance of my time.
Adjournment
Page H3907 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until Monday, June 8, 2026, at noon for morning-hour debate.
Executive Communications, Etc.
Pages H3907–H3909 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XIV, executive communications were taken from the Speaker's table and referred as follows:
Text printed in the Record (11,858 characters)
EC-3697. A letter from the Director, Regulations Development Staff, Office of Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule --Removal of Standard of Identity for Canned "Tripe With Milk" [Docket No.: FSIS-2025-0016] (RIN: 0583-AE06) received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Agriculture.
EC-3698. A letter from the Associate Administrator, Specialty Crops Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's interim final rule -- Onions Grown in South Texas; Temporary Suspension of Continuance Referendum [Doc. No.: AMS-SC-25-0815] received May 27, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Agriculture.
EC-3699. A letter from the Counsel, Bank Advisory Group, Chief Counsel's Office, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the Treasury, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Rescission of OCC Guidelines Establishing Standards for Recovery Planning by Certain Large Insured National Banks, Insured Federal Savings Associations, and Insured Federal Branches [Docket ID: OCC-2025-0339] (RIN: 1557-AF40) received June 3, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial Services.
EC-3700. A letter from the Director, Office of Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, transmitting the Corporation's final rule -- Regulatory Capital Rule: Community Bank Leverage Ratio Framework (RIN: 3064-AG17) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial Services.
EC-3701. A letter from the Regulations Coordinator, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department's Major interim final rule -- Control of Communicable Diseases; Foreign Quarantine [Docket No.: CDC-2026-0991] (RIN: 0920-AA88) received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3702. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Clean Data Determination for the Cleveland, Ohio Area for the 2015 Ozone Standard [EPA-R05-OAR-2026-0562; FRL-13213-02-R5] received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3703. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of Delegation of Authority for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Washington; Northwest Clean Air Agency [EPA-R10-OAR-2026-0694; FRL-13223-01-R10] received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3704. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Oxirane, 2-phenyl-, polymer With oxirane, mono(hydrogen 2-sulfobutanedioate), octyl ether, sodium salt (1:2) in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-3360; FRL-13301-01-OCSPP] received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3705. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Indiana NOX Emissions Monitoring [EPA-R05-OAR-2021-0761; FRL-12258-02-R5] received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3706. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Air Plan Approval; Michigan; Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS; Michigan State Board Requirements [EPA-R05-OAR-2019-0215; FRL-13010-04-R5] received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3707. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Moderate Attainment Plan Elements for the Chicago and Metro East Areas for the 2015 Ozone Standard [EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0617; EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0618; FRL-13163-02-R5] received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3708. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program Revision; District of Columbia [EPA-R03-OAR-2025-1614; FRL-13044-02-R3] received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3709. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Revisions of the Nonattainment Designation for the 2008 and 2015 Ozone Standards and Clean Data Determinations for the 2008 and 2015 Ozone Standards: Cecil County, MD and New Castle County, DE [EPA-R03-OAR-2025-1872; FRL-12994-02-R3] received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3710. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Conditional Approval; Contingency Measure State Implementation Plan for the 2008 Ozone Standards; San Joaquin Valley, California [EPA-R09-OAR-2024-0338; FRL-12118-04-R9] received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3711. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review [EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0022; FRL-10654-02-OAR] (RIN: 2060-AV96) received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3712. A letter from the Supervisory, Program Analyst, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the Commission's final rule -- Amendment of Parts 1, 73, 74 and 76 of the Commission's Rules to Update Rules Applicable to Broadcast Stations [MB Docket No. 24-626]; Delete, Delete, Delete [GN Docket No. 25-133] received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3713. A letter from the Attorney for Regulatory Affairs, Regulatory Affairs Division, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, transmitting the Commission's direct final rule -- Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses [Docket No.: CPSC-2020-0023] received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3714. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 26-032, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3715. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 25-126, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3716. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 25-147, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3717. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 25-151, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3718. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 26-021, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3719. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 26-024, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3720. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 26-025, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3721. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 26-028, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3722. A letter from the Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Department Notification Number: DDTC 26-028, certification of proposed issuance of an export license pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
EC-3723. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-318, "2607 Connecticut Avenue NW and 4111 Kansas Avenue NW Timeline Extension and Tax Forgiveness Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3724. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-320, "Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Amendment Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3725. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-321, "Special Election in the Office of Delegate Amendment Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3726. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-322, "The Jewels Way Designation Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3727.
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A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-323, "Lenora Baker Way Designation Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3728. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-324, "Closing of a Portion of a Public Alley and Establishment of a Building Restriction Line in Square 2319, S.O. 22-02364, Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3729. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-325, "Transfer and Recordation Tax Appeals Amendment Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3730. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-326, "Roland "Fatty" Taylor Way Designation Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3731. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-327, "Library E-Book Licensing Fairness Amendment Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3732. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-328, "Charlie McCormick Way Designation Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3733. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-329, "Ralph J. Bunche Way Designation Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3734. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting DC Act 26-341, "One Front Door Amendment Act of 2026", pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 813); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3735. A letter from the Manager, Branch of Delisting and Foreign Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, transmitting the Department's final rule --Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Rough Popcornflower From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule [FWS-R1-ES-2024-0005; FXES1113090FEDR-267-FF09E22000] (RIN: 1018-BG68) received May 29, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Natural Resources.
EC-3736. A letter from the Acting Associate General Counsel for Legislation and Regulations, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Removal of Regulations for the Shelter Plus Care and the Supportive Housing Programs [Docket No.: FR-6583-F-01] received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial Services.
EC-3737. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Establishment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Ceiba, PR [Docket No.: FAA-2025-4674; Airspace Docket No.: 25-AWA-8] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-3738. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Establishment, Modification, and Revocation of Class E Airspace; Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, Palm Springs, CA [Docket No.: FAA-2025-2244; Airspace Docket No.: 24-AWP-113] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-3739. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Modification of Class D and Class E Airspace; Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, CA [Docket No.: FAA-2026-0027; Airspace Docket No.: 24-AWP-106] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-3740. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Requirement, New Aircraft Production; Correction Amendment [Docket No.: FAA-2023-2270; Amdt. Nos.: 91-382A, 125-77A, and 135-149A] (RIN: 2120-AL92) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-3741. A letter from the Manger, Legal Litigation and Support, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Modification of Class E Airspace; Nenana Municipal Airport, Nenana, AK [Docket No.: FAA-2026-1131; Airspace Docket No.: 25-AAL-163] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-3742. A letter from the Section Chief, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's revenue procedure -- Rev. Proc. 2026-21 received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Ways and Means.
EC-3743. A letter from the Section Chief, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's final regulations --Returns Relating to Sales or Exchanges of Certain Partnership Interests [TD 10048] (RIN: 1545-BR54)
received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Ways and Means.
EC-3744. A letter from the Regulations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Service, transmitting the Department's final rule --Medicare Program; Alternative Payment Model Updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model [CMS-5544-F] (RIN: 0938-AV65) received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); jointly to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means.
Public Bills and Resolutions
Pages H3909–H3910 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions of the following titles were introduced and severally referred, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (11,907 characters)
By Mr. BAUMGARTNER:
H.R. 9137. A bill to protect the name, image, and likeness rights of, and provide protections for, student athletes and to promote fair competition among intercollegiate athletics, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. BEGICH:
H.R. 9138. A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the Secretary of the Navy administrative jurisdiction of certain land located on Adak Island, Alaska, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mrs. CAMMACK (for herself, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr.
Buchanan, and Mr. Moran):
H.R. 9139. A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the intent of Congress with regards to Medicaid financing policies; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Ms. DEXTER (for herself and Mr. Hamadeh of Arizona):
H.R. 9140. A bill to require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to improve the transition of medics into the civilian workforce in certain health care occupations and to modify the assistance provided to separated members of the Armed Forces seeking employment with health care providers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services.
By Ms. FEDORCHAK (for herself and Ms. Lee of Florida):
H.R. 9141. A bill to establish a grant program to assist States in providing identification cards compliant with Federal standards at no cost to low-income individuals; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
By Mr. FITZGERALD (for himself, Mr. Moolenaar, and Mr.
Issa):
H.R. 9142. A bill to amend title 35, United State Code, to limit the ability of persons who pose a threat to national security to receive and enforce patents, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. FITZGERALD:
H.R. 9143. A bill to amend title 35, United State Code, to require the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to require disclosures in patent applications regarding ties to the People's Republic of China and other foreign adversaries, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. FOSTER (for himself, Ms. Bonamici, Mrs. Beatty,
Ms. Norton, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Lynch):
H.R. 9144. A bill to include reasonable costs for high-speed internet service in the utility allowances for families residing in public housing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services.
By Mr. FULCHER:
H.R. 9145. A bill to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for free annual passes to licensed foster families; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. FULLER (for himself, Mr. Babin, Mr. McCormick,
Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Collins, Mr. Self, and Mr.
Burchett):
H.R. 9146. A bill to increase penalties for the sexual exploitation of children; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas (for himself, Mrs. Wagner, Ms.
Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Wilson of South
Carolina, Mr. Carter of Georgia, Mr. Bacon, Mr.
Newhouse, Ms. Salazar, Mr. Yakym, Mr. Davis of North
Carolina, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. McDowell, Mr.
Gottheimer, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr.
Panetta, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Issa, Mr. Messmer, Mr.
Moskowitz, Mr. Van Orden, and Mr. Lawler):
H.R. 9147. A bill to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to modify the duties of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Normalization Agreements, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. HILL of Arkansas:
H.R. 9148. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Scipio A. Jones House in Little Rock, Arkansas; to the Committee on Natural Resources.
By Mr. JAMES:
H.R. 9149. A bill to establish the National Diabetes Project, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Mr. LaHOOD (for himself and Ms. Budzinski):
H.R. 9150. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide coverage for boxing-based exercise classes for veterans diagnosed with certain movement disorders, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
By Mr. LATTA (for himself and Mr. Carter of Louisiana):
H.R. 9151. A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, to develop a plan for how the United States will advance and advocate for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. LAWLER:
H.R. 9152. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to modernize digital identity proofing and authentication systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
By Mr. LUCAS:
H.R. 9153. A bill to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 to exempt certain military installations from guidance regarding the maintenance of the aggregate square footage of facilities of the Department of Defense; to the Committee on Armed Services.
By Ms. MACE (for herself, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr.
Carter of Louisiana, and Mr. Ezell):
H.R. 9154. A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to develop a methodology for identifying country of origin of shrimp, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. McCLELLAN (for herself and Mr. Moran):
H.R. 9155. A bill to establish a private right of action against a person who transmits unsolicited intimate visual depictions; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. OGLES (for himself, Mr. Cline, Mr. Tiffany, Mr.
Bilirakis, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Roy):
H.R. 9156. A bill to designate Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard in Washington, District of Columbia, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
By Mr. ROY (for himself and Mr. Crane):
H.R. 9157. A bill to reform the H-1B process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. SELF:
H.R. 9158. A bill to prohibit the differential treatment of Hong Kong with respect to China and to impose sanctions with respect to certain persons who undermine democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. SOTO (for himself and Mr. Patronis):
H.R. 9159. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to establish a program under which the Small Business Administration may make supplemental disaster loans to home owner associations to repair common areas damaged by disasters and implement disaster mitigation measures, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business.
By Mr. STEUBE (for himself, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Donalds,
Mr. Hunt, and Mr. Rose):
H.R. 9160. A bill to establish a new ground for inadmissibility for close relatives of foreign terrorists; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Ms. STEVENS:
H.R. 9161. A bill to require the United States International Trade Commission to investigate national security concerns regarding the exportation of aluminum scrap to countries of concern, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Ms. STEVENS:
H.R. 9162. A bill to prohibit the entry into the United States of connected vehicles associated with foreign adversaries; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi (for himself, Mr.
Horsford, Mr. Figures, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr.
Veasey, Mr. Fields, and Mrs. McIver):
H.R. 9163. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that facilities do not lose critical access hospital status as a result of a roadway or transportation infrastructure improvement; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania (for himself and Mr.
Courtney):
H.R. 9164. A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible entities to acquire and install milk storage-related equipment for use in elementary schools and secondary schools, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
By Ms. TITUS (for herself and Mr. Baumgartner):
H.R. 9165. A bill to establish the Diplomatic Reserve Corps Pilot Program; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. TURNER of Ohio (for himself, Mr. Norcross, Mr.
Fitzpatrick, and Mr. Doggett):
H.R. 9166. A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the refinancing of certain Federal student loans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
By Mr. VASQUEZ (for himself, Mr. Ciscomani, Mr. Neguse,
and Ms. Titus):
H.R. 9167. A bill to amend section 313 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to designate provisions resulting in the sale, disposal, or transfer of Federal lands as extraneous under the Byrd Rule; to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. WALKINSHAW:
H.R. 9168. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for qualified conservation contributions which include National Scenic Trails; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (for herself, Mrs. Miller of
West Virginia, Mr. Cleaver, and Mr. Bacon):
H.R. 9169. A bill to support polycystic kidney disease research, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Mr. ESTES (for himself, Ms. DelBene, Mr. LaHood, Mr.
Panetta, Mr. Moran, and Mr. Schneider):
H. Res. 1340. A resolution expressing strong opposition to the imposition of digital services taxes and other relevant similar measures by other countries that unfairly discriminate against United States companies; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. GARBARINO (for himself, Mr. Cohen, Mr.
Fitzpatrick, Ms. McBride, Mrs. Dingell, and Mr.
Lieu):
H. Res. 1341.
Text printed in the Record (1,805 characters)
A resolution expressing support for the recognition of June 7, 2026, as "Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day"; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
By Ms. KELLY of Illinois (for herself, Ms. Norton, Ms.
DelBene, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Thompson of
California, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Ms. Johnson of
Texas, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Ms. Brownley, Mr.
Lynch, Ms. McClellan, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mrs.
Beatty, Mr. Min, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Jackson
of Illinois, Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Wilson of
Florida, Ms. Simon, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Moulton, Ms.
Elfreth, Mr. Bell, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Williams
of Georgia, Mr. Morelle, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr.
Mannion, Mr. Menefee, Mr. Frost, Ms. Barragan, Mr.
Larson of Connecticut, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Dexter, Mr.
Carbajal, Ms. Titus, Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Espaillat,
Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Ms. Lee of
Pennsylvania, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Mr. Quigley, Mrs.
Hayes, Mr. Moskowitz, Ms. Craig, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Olszewski,
Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Horsford, Mrs. McIver, Ms. Sewell, Mr.
Carson, Ms. Salinas, Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Boyle of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Walkinshaw, Mr. Latimer, Mrs.
Foushee, Ms. Budzinski, Mr. Soto, Ms. Dean of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Sherman, Ms. Brown, Ms. Scanlon,
Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Ms. Chu, Mr.
Tonko, Ms. Ansari, Mr. Mrvan, Mr. Torres of New York,
Mr. Schneider, Mrs. McClain Delaney, Mr. Mullin, Ms.
Stansbury, Mr. Mfume, Mr. Neal, Mr. Peters, Ms. Meng,
Ms. Adams, Mr. Lieu, Mr. Vargas, Ms. Lofgren, Mr.
Ivey, and Mr. Crow):
H. Res. 1342. A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 5, 2026, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2026 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month"; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Constitutional Authority Statement
Page H3910 · Official textPursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted regarding the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the accompanying bill or joint resolution.
Additional Sponsors
Page H3911 · Official textUnder clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and resolutions, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (4,159 characters)
H.R. 349: Mr. Pocan.
H.R. 381: Mr. Carbajal and Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 428: Mr. DesJarlais.
H.R. 637: Mr. Olszewski.
H.R. 850: Mr. DesJarlais.
H.R. 987: Mr. Crank.
H.R. 1144: Mr. Mills.
H.R. 1189: Mr. LaLota.
H.R. 1227: Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina and Mrs. Hinson.
H.R. 1266: Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina.
H.R. 1502: Mrs. Houchin.
H.R. 1529: Ms. Omar and Ms. Goodlander.
H.R. 1548: Mrs. Beatty.
H.R. 1628: Mr. Onder, Mr. Langworthy, Mrs. Hinson, Mr. Kelly of Mississippi, Mr. Evans of Colorado, Mr. Fong, and Mr. Kiley of California.
H.R. 1772: Mr. Allen.
H.R. 1810: Ms. McCollum.
H.R. 1873: Mr. Bost.
H.R. 1918: Ms. Lofgren.
H.R. 2028: Mr. LaLota and Ms. Ansari.
H.R. 2048: Mr. Amo, Mr. Begich, Ms. Perez, Ms. Rivas, and Mr. Jackson of Illinois.
H.R. 2089: Mr. Ezell, Mr. Fleischmann, Mr. Kennedy of New York, and Ms. Davids of Kansas.
H.R. 2102: Mr. Cleaver.
H.R. 2531: Ms. Wilson of Florida.
H.R. 2536: Mr. Schneider.
H.R. 2555: Mr. Guest.
H.R. 2891: Mrs. Miller of West Virginia.
H.R. 2978: Mr. Amo.
H.R. 3049: Mr. Espaillat.
H.R. 3206: Mr. Stutzman.
H.R. 3219: Mr. Stutzman.
H.R. 3295: Mr. Langworthy.
H.R. 3447: Mr. Whitesides.
H.R. 3505: Mr. Whitesides, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. Soto.
H.R. 3508: Mr. Lynch.
H.R. 3512: Mr. Lawler and Mr. Flood.
H.R. 3538: Mrs. Foushee.
H.R. 3548: Mr. Joyce of Ohio.
H.R. 3565: Mrs. Hayes and Mrs. McIver.
H.R. 3921: Mr. Schweikert.
H.R. 3954: Ms. McBride.
H.R. 4382: Mr. Estes, Mr. Kelly of Mississippi, Ms. Chu, and Mr. Riley of New York.
H.R. 4763: Ms. Pingree and Ms. Kamlager-Dove.
H.R. 4840: Mr. Horsford.
H.R. 4966: Mrs. Hayes.
H.R. 5115: Mrs. Beatty.
H.R. 5152: Ms. Tlaib.
H.R. 5309: Mr. Edwards.
H.R. 5448: Ms. Ross.
H.R. 5452: Ms. Dexter.
H.R. 5509: Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 5526: Mr. Sorensen.
H.R. 5588: Mr. Espaillat.
H.R. 5641: Mr. Espaillat.
H.R. 5642: Mr. Espaillat.
H.R. 5941: Mr. Thanedar.
H.R. 6166: Ms. Stevens.
H.R. 6213: Mr. Stutzman.
H.R. 6324: Mr. Garcia of Illinois.
H.R. 6466: Mr. Langworthy.
H.R. 6488: Mr. Gooden.
H.R. 6529: Mr. DesJarlais.
H.R. 6685: Mr. Stauber.
H.R. 6687: Mr. Bell.
H.R. 6806: Ms. DeGette.
H.R. 7247: Ms. Barragan, Mrs. Ramirez, and Mr. Ruiz.
H.R. 7540: Ms. Titus.
H.R. 7622: Mr. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Bean of Florida, and Mr. Olszewski.
H.R. 7780: Mr. Perry.
H.R. 7815: Ms. Lofgren.
H.R. 7938: Mr. McGovern and Ms. Wasserman Schultz.
H.R. 7960: Mr. Casar.
H.R. 7977: Ms. Gillen.
H.R. 8007: Ms. Lee of Nevada.
H.R. 8010: Mr. Larson of Connecticut.
H.R. 8056: Ms. Barragan.
H.R. 8168: Ms. Pou.
H.R. 8170: Mr. Harrigan.
H.R. 8380: Mr. Fuller.
H.R. 8430: Ms. Pingree.
H.R. 8564: Mr. Mann.
H.R. 8571: Mr. Goldman of Texas, Mr. Schmidt, and Mr. Palmer.
H.R. 8596: Mr. Gosar.
H.R. 8600: Mr. Larson of Connecticut.
H.R. 8612: Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania and Ms. Jayapal.
H.R. 8672: Mr. Rouzer.
H.R. 8691: Ms. Elfreth and Mr. Kiley of California.
H.R. 8784: Mr. Davidson.
H.R. 8791: Mr. Moore of North Carolina and Mr. Doggett.
H.R. 8806: Ms. Lee of Nevada and Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 8826: Mr. Brecheen.
H.R. 8896: Ms. Pingree.
H.R. 8922: Mr. Fuller.
H.R. 8968: Mr. Krishnamoorthi.
H.R. 9003: Mrs. Hayes.
H.R. 9009: Mr. Van Orden.
H.R. 9017: Mr. Bilirakis.
H.R. 9021: Ms. Tlaib and Mrs. Grijalva.
H.R. 9048: Ms. Norton.
H.R. 9067: Ms. Letlow.
H.R. 9076: Ms. Stansbury and Mr. Garcia of California.
H.R. 9083: Mr. Finstad.
H.R. 9096: Mr. Fuller and Mr. Ogles.
H.R. 9099: Mr. Krishnamoorthi and Ms. Norton.
H.R. 9103: Mr. Self.
H.R. 9125: Mrs. Foushee.
H.R. 9126: Mr. Finstad.
H.R. 9131: Mr. Davidson and Mr. Donalds.
H.R. 9132: Mr. Davidson and Mr. Donalds.
H.J. Res. 28: Mr. Strong.
H.J. Res. 120: Ms. Craig.
H.J. Res. 144: Ms. Perez and Ms. Moore of Wisconsin.
H.J. Res. 192: Mr. Clyde, Mr. Biggs of Arizona, Mr. Crane, and Mr. Donalds.
H.J. Res. 193: Mr. Clyde, Mr. Biggs of Arizona, Mr. Crane, and Mr. Donalds.
H. Con. Res. 84: Mrs. Watson Coleman.
H. Res. 50: Mr. Massie.
H. Res. 297: Ms. Perez.
H. Res. 1025: Mrs. Grijalva.
H. Res. 1162: Mr. Gottheimer.
H. Res. 1310: Mr. Loudermilk.
H. Res. 1322: Mr. Goldman of New York.
H. Res. 1335: Mr. Crane.