[House Hearing, 116 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                      MARKUP OF H.R. 6986, 7990, 7673, 
                    8409, 4507, 8428, 8405, 8259, 4636, 
                    4326, 7954, 8438, H.Res. 1012, 697, 
                    1100, 751, 1077, 672, 17, 823, 996, 
                    958, 825, 1121, 1115, 768, 1150, 1145

=======================================================================

                                HEARING

                               BEFORE THE

                      COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                     ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

                             SECOND SESSION

                               ----------                              

                            OCTOBER 1, 2020

                               ----------                              

                           Serial No. 116-110

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        Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
        
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       Available:  http://www.foreignaffairs.house.gov/, http://
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                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE                    
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                     COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
		     
	         ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York, Chairman

BRAD SHERMAN, California             MICHAEL T. McCAUL, Texas, Ranking 
GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York               Member
ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey		     CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey     
GERALD E. CONNOLLY, Virginia         STEVE CHABOT, Ohio
THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida	     JOE WILSON, South Carolina
KAREN BASS, California		     SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts	     TED S. YOHO, Florida
DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island	     ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
AMI BERA, California		     LEE ZELDIN, New York
JOAQUIN CASTRO, Texas		     JIM SENSENBRENNER, Wisconsin
DINA TITUS, Nevada		     ANN WAGNER, Missouri
ADRIANO ESPAILLAT, New York          BRIAN MAST, Florida
TED LIEU, California		     FRANCIS ROONEY, Florida
SUSAN WILD, Pennsylvania	     BRIAN FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania
DEAN PHILLPS, Minnesota	             JOHN CURTIS, Utah
ILHAN OMAR, Minnesota		     KEN BUCK, Colorado
COLIN ALLRED, Texas		     RON WRIGHT, Texas
ANDY LEVIN, Michigan		     GUY RESCHENTHALER, Pennsylvania
ABIGAIL SPANBERGER, Virginia	     TIM BURCHETT, Tennessee
CHRISSY HOULAHAN, Pennsylvania       GREG PENCE, Indiana
TOM MALINOWSKI, New Jersey	     STEVE WATKINS, Kansas
DAVID TRONE, Maryland		     MIKE GUEST, Mississippi
JIM COSTA, California
JUAN VARGAS, California
VICENTE GONZALEZ, Texas                              

		 Jason Steinbaum, Staff Director
	    Brendan Shields, Republican Staff Director
			     
			     ------                                
                           
                          C O N T E N T S

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                                                                   Page

                  Bills and Amendments offered en bloc

H.R. 6986, Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act...........     4
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 6986 offered by 
  Mrs. Wagner....................................................    23
H.R. 7990, FENTANYL Results Act..................................    37
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 7990 offered by 
  Mr. Trone......................................................    47
H. Res. 1012, Recognizing the 70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of 
  the Korean War and the Transformation of the United States-
  Korea Alliance into a Mutually Beneficial, Global Partnership..    57
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 1012 offered 
  by Mr. Bera....................................................    62
Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. 
  Res. 1012 offered by Mr. Bera..................................    67
H. Res. 697, Recognizing the Significance of a Genuine Autonomy 
  of Tibet and the Tibetan People and the Work His Holiness the 
  14th Dalai Lama has Done to Promote Global Peace, Harmony, and 
  Understanding..................................................    68
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 697 offered by 
  Mr. Yoho.......................................................    71
H. Res. 1100, Reaffirming the Strategic Relationship Between the 
  United States and Mongolia and Observing the 30th Anniversary 
  of Democracy in Mongolia.......................................    77
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 1100 offered 
  by Ms. Titus...................................................    84
H. Res. 751, Reaffirming the Partnership Between the United 
  States and the African Union and Recognizing the Importance of 
  Diplomatic, Security, and Trade Relations......................    92
H. Res. 1077, Expressing the Sense of the House of 
  Representatives on the Continued Importance of the United 
  States-Lebanon Relationship....................................    96
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 1077 offered 
  by Mr. Deutch..................................................   101
H.R. 8409, Department of State Student Internship Program Act....   107
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 8409 offered by 
  Mr. Castro...................................................108, 120
H.Res.672, Expressing Support of the Three Seas Initiative in its 
  Efforts to Increase Energy Independence and Infrastructure 
  Connectivity Thereby Strengthening the United States and 
  European National Security.....................................   127
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 672 offered by 
  Mr. Kinzinger..................................................   131
H.Res.17, Expressing Concern Over the Detention of Austin Tice, 
  and for Other Purposes.........................................   136
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 17 offered by 
  Mr. McCaul.....................................................   140
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 17 offered by 
  Mr. Wilson.....................................................   145
H.Res.823, Condemning the Government of Iran's State-sponsored 
  Persecution of its Baha'i Minority and its Continued Violation 
  of the International Covenants on Human Rights.................   146
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 823 offered by 
  Mr. Deutch.....................................................   152
H.Res.996, Expressing the Sense of Congress That the Activities 
  of Russian National Yevgeniy Prigozhin and his Affiliated 
  Entities Pose a Threat to the National Interests and Security 
  of the United States and of its Allies and Partners............   159
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 996 offered by 
  Mr. Engel......................................................   165
H.Res.958, Condemning the Practice of Politically Motivated 
  Imprisonment and Calling for the Immediate Release of Political 
  Prisoners in the Russian Federation and Urging Action by the 
  U.S. Government to Impose Sanctions With Respect to Persons 
  Responsible for That Form of Human Rights Abuse................   171
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 958 offered by 
  Mr. Engel......................................................   177
Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. 
  Res. 958 offered by Mr. Engel..................................   183
H.R. 8428, Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020.....   184
H. R. , To Divert the Department of State to Ensure Persons 
  Representing the United States in International Athletic 
  Competitions in Certain Countries are Appropriately Informed, 
  and for Other Purposes.........................................   207
H.R. 8405, American Values and Security in International 
  Athletics Act..................................................   207
H.R. 8259, To Prohibit Russian Participation in the G7, and for 
  Other Purposes.................................................   214
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 8259 offered by 
  Mr. Meeks......................................................   219
H.Res.825, Recognizing the Importance of Entry Into Force of the 
  Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT.........   224
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 825 offered by 
  Mr. Sherman....................................................   230
H.R. 4636, Partnering and Leveraging Assistance to Stop Trash for 
  International Cleaner Seas Act.................................   235
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. R. 4636 offered by 
  Mr. McCaul.....................................................   244
Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 
  4636 offered by Mr. Reschenthaler..............................   252
H. Res.1121, Urging the Government of Burma to Hold Free, Fair, 
  Inclusive, Transparent, Participatory, and Credible Elections 
  on November 8th, 2020..........................................   253
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 1121 offered 
  by Mr. Levin...................................................   261
H.Res. 1115, Calling for the Immediate Release of Trevor Reed, a 
  United States Citizen who was Unjustly Sentenced to 9 years in 
  a Russian Prison...............................................   262
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 1115 offered 
  by Mr. McCaul..................................................   267
H.Res.768, Calling on African Governments to Protect and Promote 
  Human Rights Through Internet Freedom and Digital Integration 
  for all Citizens Across the Continent of Africa................   271
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 768 offered by 
  Ms. Bass.......................................................   277
H.Res. 1150, Urging the Government of Cote d'Ivoire, Opposition 
  Leaders, and all Citizens to Tespect Democratic Principles, 
  Refrain From Violence, and Hold Free, Fair, Transparent, and 
  Peaceful Elections in October 2020.............................   282
H.Res. 1145, Condemning the Poisoning of Russian Opposition 
  Leader Alexei Navalny and Calling for a Robust United States 
  and International Response.....................................   287
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. Res. 1145 offered 
  by Mr. Malinowski..............................................   293
H.R. 4236, Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act..................   300
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4326 offered by 
  Mrs. Wagner....................................................   305
H.R. 7954, Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation 
  Reauthorization Act of 2020....................................   309
H.R. 8438, to Reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004......   311
H. R. 4507, to Protect Saudi Dissidents in the United States, and 
  for Other Purposes.............................................   337
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. R. 4507 offered by 
  Mr. Connolly...................................................   348
Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute toH. R. 
  4507 offered by Mr. Connolly...................................   358
Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H. R. 
  4507 offered by Mr. McCaul.....................................   359
H.R. 7673, to Ensure the United States Diplomatic Workforce at 
  all Levels Reflects the Diverse Composition of the United 
  States.........................................................   402
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 7673 offered by 
  Ms. Bass.......................................................   414
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 7673 offered by 
  Mr. Zeldin.....................................................   434

                                APPENDIX

Hearing Notice...................................................   542
Hearing Minutes..................................................   545
Hearing Attendance...............................................   546

                       STATEMENTS FOR THE RECORD

Statements for the record........................................   547

                       INFORMATION FOR THE RECORD

Information for the record.......................................   554

                                SUMMARY

Markup summary...................................................   556

 
 MARKUP OF H.R. 6986, 7990, 7673, 8409, 4507, 8428, 8405, 8259, 4636, 
4326, 7954, 8438, H.Res. 1012, 697, 1100, 751, 1077, 672, 17, 823, 996, 
                 958, 825, 1121, 1115, 768, 1150, 1145

                       Thursday, October 1, 2020

                           House of Representatives
                       Committee on Foreign Affairs
                                                    Washington, DC,

    The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:20 a.m., in 
room 2172 Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Eliot Engel 
(chairman of the committee) presiding.
    Mr. Engel. The Committee on Foreign Affairs will come to 
order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare a 
recess of the committee at any point. Pursuant to Committee 
Rule 4, the chair may postpone further proceedings on approving 
any measure or matter or adopting an amendment.
    Without objection, all members will have 5 days to submit 
statements or extraneous material subject to the length 
limitations in the rules on today's business. To insert 
something into the record, please have your staff email the 
previously mentioned address, or contact full committee staff.
    As a reminder, the members, staff, and all others 
physically present in this room, per guidance from the Office 
of Attending Physician, masks must be worn at all times during 
today's markup except when a member is speaking at a 
microphone. Please also sanitize your seating area. The chair 
views these measures as a safety issue and, therefore, an 
important matter of order and decorum for this proceeding.
    As a reminder to members joining remotely, please keep your 
video function on at all times even when you are not recognized 
by the chair. Members are responsible for muting and unmuting 
themselves, and please remember to mute yourself after you 
finish speaking. Consistent with H.Res. 965 and the 
accompanying regulations, staff will only mute members, as 
appropriate, when they are not under recognition, to eliminate 
background noise.
    I see that we have a quorum. As members were notified 
yesterday, we intend to first consider 26 measures and their 
amendments en bloc, then we will move on to consider the 
remaining measures and their amendments. Any roll call votes 
will be rolled to the end of the markup.
    Pursuant to the notice, for purposes of markup, I now call 
up the measures and their amendments that were previously 
circulated to member offices, which, without objection, will be 
considered en bloc and each measure is considered as read, and 
the amendments to each are considered as read and are agreed 
to.
    Without objection, after remarks, the committee will vote 
to order the measures favorably reported en bloc, as amended, 
if amended, and each amendment on to each bill shall be 
reported as a single amendment in the nature of a substitute.
    The measures in the en bloc package are: H.R. 6986, 
Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act; H.R. 7990, 
FENTANYL Results Act; H.Res.1012, Recognizing the 70th 
anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and the 
transformation of the United States-Korea Alliance into a 
mutually beneficial, global partnership.
    H.Res.697, Recognizing the significance of a genuine 
autonomy of Tibet and the Tibetan people and the work His 
Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has done to promote global peace, 
harmony, and understanding; H.Res.1100, Reaffirming the 
strategic relationship between the United States and Mongolia 
and observing the 30th anniversary of democracy in Mongolia; 
H.Res.751, Reaffirming the partnership between the United 
States and the African Union and recognizing the importance of 
diplomatic, security, and trade relations.
    H.Res.1077, Expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives on the continued importance of the United 
States-Lebanon relationship; H.R. 8409, Department of State 
Student Internship Program Act; H.Res.672, Expressing support 
of the Three Seas Initiative in its efforts to increase energy 
independence and infrastructure connectivity thereby 
strengthening the United States and European national security.
    H.Res.17, Expressing concern over the detention of Austin 
Tice, and for other purposes; H.Res.823, Condemning the 
Government of Iran's State-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i 
minority and its continued violation of the International 
Covenants on Human Rights; H.Res.996, Expressing the sense of 
Congress that the activities of Russian national Yevgeniy 
Prigozhin and his affiliated entities pose a threat to the 
national interests and security of the United States and of its 
allies and partners.
    H.Res.958, Condemning the practice of politically motivated 
imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political 
prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the 
U.S. Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons 
responsible for that form of human rights abuse; H.R. 8428, 
Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020; H.R. 8405, 
American Values and Security in International Athletics Act.
    H.R. 8259, To prohibit Russian participation in the G7, and 
for other purposes; H.Res.825, Recognizing the importance of 
entry into force of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of 
Nuclear Weapons, NPT; H.R. 4636, Partnering and Leveraging 
Assistance to Stop Trash for International Cleaner Seas Act; 
H.Res.1121, Urging the Government of Burma to hold free, fair, 
inclusive, transparent, participatory, and credible elections 
on November 8th, 2020.
    H.Res.1115, Calling for the immediate release of Trevor 
Reed, a United States citizen who was unjustly sentenced to 9 
years in a Russian prison; H.Res.768, Calling on African 
governments to protect and promote human rights through 
internet freedom and digital integration for all citizens 
across the continent of Africa; H.Res.1150, Urging the 
Government of Cote d'Ivoire, opposition leaders, and all 
citizens to respect democratic principles, refrain from 
violence, and hold free, fair, transparent, and peaceful 
elections in October 2020.
    H.Res.1145, Condemning the poisoning of Russian opposition 
leader Alexei Navalny and calling for a robust United States 
and international response; H.R. 4236, Sex Trafficking Demand 
Reduction Act; H.R. 7954, Tropical Forest and Coral Reef 
Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2020; H.R. 8438, to 
reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004.
    [The Bills and Amendments offered en bloc follow:]

                              bill en bloc
[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

    Mr. Engel. I recognize myself now to speak on the en bloc 
package. I support all these bipartisan measures and am 
grateful to all our members on both sides of the aisle for 
their hard work. The legislation we are considering covers a 
massive range of global concerns from Iran's persecution of 
religious minorities to the challenge posed by fentanyl and 
other synthetic drugs to cleaning up our oceans. I will mention 
a few in particular.
    Let me start with a bill introduced by Mr. Meeks, Mr. 
Kinzinger, and others that would set a red line about our 
expectations of Russian behavior. More than 6 years after 
Russia was kicked out of the G8 for invading Ukraine, it has 
only grown bolder and more aggressive. This bill would prohibit 
any funding for Russian participation in the G7 or a 
reconstituted G8 unless Russia, among other things, stops its 
efforts to meddle in our elections--that is the U.S. 
elections--and ends its occupations of sovereign Ukrainian and 
Georgian territory. I strongly support this measure and hope 
all my colleagues will do the same.
    Next, I will turn to the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, 
and Sovereignty Act from Mr. Smith who has worked on these 
issues for years and years. This timely bill updates existing 
law to account for the most recent fraudulent elections and 
violent crackdowns by the Lukashenko regime. This bill would 
reauthorize assistance efforts, target offenders in the August 
Presidential election with sanctions, and help ensure we have a 
unified approach to Belarus with our partners and allies.
    I am also proud to support these resolutions relating to 
Russia's aggressive and abusive behavior inside Russia and 
around the world. These condemn the poisoning of Russian 
opposition leader Alexai Navalny, underscore the absolutely 
rampant political imprisonments in Russia, and put the House on 
record saying that Yevgeniy Prigozhin and his affiliates, 
individuals all closely linked to election interference 
efforts, pose a threat to the United States and allied security 
and interests. I am glad that we have so many bipartisan 
measures today dealing with the serious challenge that Russia 
poses.
    We also have a resolution from Mr. LaHood and Ms. Shalala 
recognizing the importance of the friendship between the United 
States and Lebanon. And I am glad Mr. Deutch offered an 
amendment that recognizes the tragic explosion in Beirut that 
has left Lebanon in shambles. In the wake of this tragedy, the 
Lebanese people are demanding greater accountability from their 
government. I stand with them and I urge support for this 
measure.
    Next, Mr. Green's resolution calls attention to the 
continued detention of American journalist Austin Tice and 
American doctor Majd Kamalmaz. They have been gone from their 
families for too long. Let me be clear, this resolution in no 
way seeks to legitimize the brutal Assad regime in Syria or 
their tactics of using American hostages as leverage. In fact, 
it is the opposite. Any regime that holds innocent civilians 
hostage for political purposes lacks any legitimacy whatsoever.
    Let me thank Mr. Malinowski for this bill that would 
provide Hongkongers fleeing oppression from the Chinese 
Government the opportunity to participate in American society. 
With China's passage of a national security law to undermine 
Hong Kong's autonomy and put many Hongkongers in jeopardy, it 
is vital that we not close our doors to those who may seek 
refuge in our country.
    I was glad to join as an original co-sponsor of Mr. Levin's 
resolution urging the Government of Burma to ensure a free, 
fair, inclusive, and credible election on November 8th. This is 
another chance for Burma to move toward a democratic society in 
which all citizens are equally protected and enfranchised. This 
resolution calls on social media companies to make sure their 
platforms are not used to spread disinformation or 
misinformation or hate speech, and that is happening in Burma, 
here in the United States, and everywhere else.
    I am also glad to support Mr. Phillips' measure calling for 
a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election in Cote 
d'Ivoire. There has been a history of violence surrounding 
political transitions in Cote d'Ivoire. This measure reaffirms 
the ties between our countries and underscores our support for 
the Ivoirian people if they stand up for peace and democracy.
    We also have a resolution from Chairwoman Bass and Mr. 
Smith calling on African governments to promote human rights 
through internet freedom. Too often, we have seen governments 
use internet shutdowns as a way to stifle dissent, oftentimes 
of unrest or around elections. In Africa, this problem has 
gotten worse in recent years. This measure emphasizes the 
importance of open and secure internet access as a way to 
promote human rights and free speech.
    I strongly support all the measures we are considering 
today and I urge all members to do the same. And I will now 
recognize our ranking member, my friend Mr. McCaul of Texas, 
for his remarks.
    Mr. McCaul. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for having this 
markup. Today--over the last 21 months I have been proud to 
work with you on countless measures including those we will 
consider here today. I know this will not be my last 
opportunity, but I want to say thank you, Chairman Engel, for 
advancing so many important bipartisan measures and for your 
personal friendship.
    And I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that 
you will be missed. I just hope the next Congress can work as 
bipartisan as this one has, because if we do not, we do not get 
anything done. That is the one thing I have learned in eight 
terms of Congress, if you do not work across the aisle 
effectively, it is really hard to get good things done for the 
American people and that is what the American people really 
want. And you have been a shining example of that, sir, and it 
has been an honor to serve with you.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you.
    [Applause.]
    Mr. Engel. Thank you.
    Mr. McCaul. I would like to start by discussing an issue 
very close to my heart, an issue close to the heart of many 
Texans and Americans. Today, we are considering a resolution 
introduced by Mr. Conaway and myself, calling for the release 
of Trevor Reed, a Texan and former U.S. Marine, who is being 
held as a political prisoner in Russia.
    Earlier this month, I was joined by Trevor's mother, Paula, 
when we introduced the resolution. She told me about her son, 
an Eagle Scout and former U.S. Marine who had served his 
country with distinction. She told me how he was pursuing the 
American dream and that the Putin regime had taken that away 
from him when he sentenced Trevor to 9 years in a Russian labor 
camp on baseless charges.
    Passing this resolution will show that we in the Congress 
are committing to standing with Trevor, Paula, and his entire 
family every day until we can finally bring Trevor home and 
give him back his future. This resolution will also send a 
strong message to the Putin regime that America will not stand 
idly by as Putin and his cronies hold U.S. citizens as 
political pawns.
    I will also be offering an amendment today on a resolution 
calling for the release of Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz, two 
Texans who have been wrongfully detained in Syria for many, 
many years. I have met with Austin Tice's parents many times 
and have seen the pain in their eyes as they describe the 8 
years they have spent trying to bring their son home while he 
sits in a Syrian prison in the worst conditions.
    I want to thank the administration for doing everything 
they have done to bring home Trevor, Austin, Majd, and all the 
Americans detained abroad. Congress will not rest and I will 
not rest until they have been safely reunited with their 
families.
    Today, we will be considering 28 measures, total. And while 
we, unfortunately, could not agree on all of them, even the 
bills where we disagree on the details, we agree on the 
problems we face. And while I cannot highlight all the good 
bills we will be considering, I want to thank some of my 
Republican colleagues for working on several bills for the 
markup. Specifically, Ms. Wagner for her work on the Sex 
Trafficking Demand Reduction Act; Mr. Chabot for his work on 
the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation and 
Reauthorization Act; and Mr. Smith for his work on 
reauthorizing the Belarus Democracy Act.
    I am also pleased that we will be considering two bills I 
introduced with Chairman Engel, the PLASTICS Act and the 
American Values and Security in International Athletics Act. 
The Partnering and Leveraging Assistance to Stop Trash for 
International Cleaner Seas or PLASTICS Act would authorize the 
State Department and USAID to prioritize efforts to improve 
waste management systems and prevent and reduce plastic waste 
in developing countries.
    Every year, eight million metric tons of plastic enter the 
oceans through the rivers. China contributes the largest share 
of this mismanaged waste, followed by other developing 
countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and 
Vietnam. This bill prioritizes U.S. leadership and supports 
partnerships with the private sector in order to support 
market-based solutions and leverage private capital. Our work 
to combat plastic waste is an investment in future generations 
and the health of our oceans and communities.
    The American Values and Securities in International 
Athletics Act would direct the State Department to establish a 
briefing program for American athletic delegations on human 
rights and privacy concerns in certain countries. The Chinese 
Communist Party used the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics to 
whitewash its image and now is set to host the 2022 Winter 
Olympics. Ensuring Team USA is appropriately informed about 
human rights issues and intrusive surveillance will help 
prevent the CCP from using the Olympics to generate undeserved 
positive publicity.
    The Chinese Communist Party is the greatest long-term 
national security threat to the interests of the United States 
of America. The American people have woken up to their malign 
influence, and yesterday Republicans released our policy 
blueprint to address their harmful behavior, two-thirds of 
which, Mr. Chairman, are bipartisan bills. And I look forward 
to working with my friends across the aisle to help address 
this generational challenge.
    So with that, Chairman Engel, I again want to thank you for 
holding this markup and for your leadership and also your 
friendship. I ask unanimous consent, also, to enter into the 
record a statement by Mr. Conaway on the Trevor Reed 
resolution.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you, Mr. McCaul.
    Because of the hybrid, virtual format of this markup, I 
will recognize members by committee seniority, alternating 
between Democrats and Republicans for the purpose of speaking 
on the en bloc package. If you miss your turn to speak on the 
en bloc, please let our staff know and we will circle back to 
you. If you seek recognition, you must unmute your microphone 
and address the chair verbally.
    Does anyone wish to speak on the en bloc?
    Mr. Sherman.
    Mr. Sherman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you 
for bringing forward an impressive group of bipartisan measures 
for the committee to consider, for working behind the scenes to 
make sure that those measures were bipartisan and that the 
committee will do a tremendous amount of work today. But I 
especially want to join the ranking member in praising you for 
your decades of service to this House and for your last 2 years 
of leadership of this committee.
    I support all the measures that we are considering today. I 
have co-sponsored most of them. I particularly want to thank 
the chairman for bringing forward so many of my bills this 
Congress, and in particular H.Res.825 urging the United States 
to continue to be a leader on the Nonproliferation Treaty and 
the entire global nonproliferation regime.
    This is the 50th anniversary of the Nuclear 
Nonproliferation Treaty, the NPT, going into effect. Certainly, 
in the years after World War II, most political scientists and 
theorists would have thought we would have fought several 
nuclear wars by now. But, in fact, I believe the NPT has been 
the most important diplomatic accomplishment in our lifetimes. 
And while there are nine nuclear countries, without the NPT 
there would be scores of nuclear countries.
    There are a number of pressing nonproliferation challenges 
today and U.S. leadership will continue to be indispensable. 
This resolution calls for the U.S. to continue leading on 
issues of nonproliferation, including encouraging full 
compliance, promoting universal adoption of the additional 
protocol, discouraging the unlawful spread of uranium 
enrichment and reprocessing technologies, preventing a 
withdrawal of additional States, maintaining global moratoria 
on nuclear explosive testing, and building toward a 2021 NPT 
Review Conference.
    I have enjoyed working with Mr. Chabot and joining with him 
on the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation 
Reauthorization Act. This debt-for-nature program has been a 
critical tool to protect tropical rainforests and coral reefs. 
This will extend the program through 2025. Our climate crisis 
is real and this is part of a response to that crisis.
    A number of us have thought that the full committee should 
focus more on Africa and we begin to do that today by 
considering four pieces of legislation, three from the chair of 
the African Subcommittee, and I commend Karen Bass for the 
three bills that she has brought forward today.
    I also want to thank Dean Phillips for his important 
resolution addressing the upcoming election in Cote d'Ivoire, 
H.Res.1150. It is important for the government there to 
publicly commit itself to free, fair, peaceful, and transparent 
elections, elections which upon the conclusion will lead to the 
winner assuming peacefully the reins of government. I believe 
it is outside the jurisdiction of this committee to pass a 
resolution saying the same thing about the United States, but 
let me take this opportunity to say that fair, free, peaceful 
elections and peaceful transfers of power are to be admired 
everywhere in the world.
    I want to commend Dina Titus for her work on H.Res.1100, 
affirming the strategic partnership with Mongolia, and Tom 
Malinowski for his important bill, the Hong Kong People's 
Freedom and Choice Act. And we have heard from activists Nathan 
Law and Brian Leung testify about the crackdown in China's new 
security law. I believe this important measure along with my 
Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which was signed into law last month, 
is an appropriate response to China's violation of its 
commitments under the ``one country, two systems`` agreement.
    Finally, I want to thank Andy Levin for H.Res.1121 urging 
the Government of Burma to hold fair, free, inclusive, 
transparent, participatory, and credible elections, and I would 
point out that this could be done only--it would fully be met 
only if the Rohingya people, whether they be in Burma/Myanmar 
or whether they be in refugee camps, be given a chance to 
participate.
    So I thank the chairman for not only bringing these 
bipartisan bills forward, but for your work behind the scenes 
in designing a package of bills that have such universal 
support. I thank you for your service to this committee. I 
yield back.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you very much, Mr. Sherman. Mrs. Wagner.
    Mrs. Wagner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership, 
for your service to this committee and to this Congress. We are 
grateful to you. I want to thank the ranking member too for all 
the work that he has done on all of our behalf to advance this 
bipartisan piece of legislation, so many of them at this 
markup, including my Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act and 
the Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act, which I am 
proud to co-lead with Representative McGovern.
    I introduced H.R. 4326, the Sex Trafficking Demand 
Reduction Act to improve U.S. efforts to end demand for 
trafficked persons worldwide, a key element in preventing human 
trafficking. The international community, NGO's, international 
organizations, and human trafficking experts agree that ending 
the scourge of modern-day slavery requires countries to 
prioritize reducing the demand for trafficked persons.
    The United Nations and the European Union have established 
protocols and directives expressly addressing the need to 
prevent human trafficking by reducing demand that fosters 
exploitation. These protocols are founded in a body of research 
demonstrating the correlation between the adoption of policies 
that reduce or prohibit demand for commercial sex acts and 
advancements in the fight to end trafficking.
    The United States is also committed to reducing the demand 
for victims of trafficking, and I have been proud to work with 
the State Department's Trafficking in Persons Office to ensure 
the annual TIP reports address a country's laws and policies 
around demand. The TIP reports have the power to encourage 
foreign countries to bolster their anti-trafficking measures 
and coordinate international work to end trafficking.
    My bill requires the TIP Office to consider a country's 
work to reduce demand for commercial sex acts, discourage 
participation in sex tourism, and educate people on the 
exploitation involved in sex trafficking in its annual report 
and country tier rankings. I am gratified by the strong 
bipartisan support for this bill, and I thank in particular my 
co-lead, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, for his work to end 
demand for victims of trafficking. I also thank fantastic 
advocates like Exodus Cry, Shared Hope, Coalition Against 
Trafficking in Women, Rights4Girls, and the National Center on 
Sexual Exploitation for their efforts in advancing my bill and 
legislation.
    I also urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6986, the 
Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act, which will improve 
the United States' ability to prevent human rights violations 
connected to the pandemic and improve its response to the 
future of public health catastrophes. As countries around the 
world have sought to contain the virus and protect their 
citizens, some bad actors are using coronavirus response 
efforts as a pretext to chip away at the rights of their 
citizens, stifle protests, and limit the freedom of speech and 
of the press.
    We must hold accountable the authoritarians who see COVID-
19 as an opportunity to suppress dissent. The Protecting Human 
Rights During Pandemic Act directs the United States to use a 
robust toolkit including reporting foreign assistance 
programming and guidance to protect basic human rights during 
this time of uncertainty. I urge this committee to pass the Sex 
Trafficking Demand Reduction Act and the Protecting Human 
Rights During Pandemic Act, and I again thank the chairman and 
ranking member for including these important bills in today's 
markup. I yield back.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you very much, Ms. Wagner. Mr. Meeks.
    Mr. Meeks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And let me first join 
with what Ranking Member McCaul and Congressman Sherman said 
about your leadership and your service. You are a great New 
Yorker, and your service to our country has been magnificent. 
You are indeed a true patriot and an individual that 
understands the significance of the Foreign Affairs Committee. 
And your presence here and your--will be missed, but I will not 
allow our friendship to be missed because we will stay close, 
and I look forward to that. But thank you for your years of 
service.
    Let me first say thank you to Rep. Kinzinger and Rep. 
McCaul for your cooperation in supporting the passing of H.R. 
8259. Here, again, is where we put aside differences to work 
together. H.R. 8259 prohibits the use of Federal funds to bring 
Russia back into the G7 before they end their occupations of 
Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and stop interfering in elections 
here and across Europe, none of which will happen during the 
U.S. presidency of the G7 which ends on January 2021.
    The G7 is organized on shared values, and unfortunately we 
do not share the same approach to freedom, rule of law, and 
democracy as Russia. Congress should not--Congress should be on 
the record on this position, which is identical to the position 
of our allies in the G7. The U.K., for example, said that 
unless Russia ceases its aggressive and destabilizing activity, 
U.K. ``would not support the country's readmission to the 
group.`` The bill calls for reporting from the DNI on what the 
Administration knows about Russia incentivizing the harm and 
killing of American soldiers by the Taliban, and I am proud 
that we came together on this because we are one America.
    I also want to strongly support H.Res.751 by Rep. Bass 
which reaffirms the partnership between the United States and 
the African Union. I commend her on her work which reaffirms 
that partnership, and we should all encourage Africa 
cooperation to address the largest socioeconomic and local 
problems of the continent. Whether it be climate change, water 
management, peace and security, or sustainable development, a 
multilateral approach will be needed to come up with lasting 
solutions.
    Also I would like to voice my support for two pieces of 
legislation designed to make sure the State Department doubles 
down on its commitment to diversity and hiring in the 
workplace. So thank you again to Rep. Bass and Rep. Castro for 
those efforts on H.R. 7673 and 8409 which address entry in mid-
level positions. A diplomatic corps that reflects the diversity 
of this country is better placed to represent and espouse our 
values abroad. These are piecemeal but important steps in 
addressing forms of discrimination in hiring practices and at 
the workplace at State. I look forward to continuing our work 
on these issues.
    Resolution 1145 which condemns the poisoning of Alexai 
Nevalny, who only recently was able to leave the hospital bed 
in Germany, the poisoning of one of Putin's fearless critics 
using a powerful nerve agent is more than deeply concerning as 
was said by Secretary Pompeo. It underscores the reason why we 
cannot welcome today's Russian leadership into the G7 grouping.
    And last, H.R. 8438, I speak up, which was Rep. Smith and 
Kaptur, and I want to speak up in support of the 
reauthorization of the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. With a 
deep commitment to preserving and strengthening liberty and 
democracy and human rights in Europe, the international 
community has condemned Belarus' August 9th Presidential 
election as illegitimate. In response, the Belarusian people 
took to the streets demanding dignity and an election that 
reflects the will of the people.
    More to come, and I look forward to continuing to shine a 
light on the brave people in the streets of Belarus and 
compliment Congressmen Smith and Kaptur. With that I yield back 
the balance of my time.
    Mr. Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you, Mr. Meeks. 
Mr. Smith.
    Mr. Smith. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Let me first 
of all join my colleague Michael McCaul and others in thanking 
you for your extraordinary leadership as chairman. You and I 
have worked on so many issues from Northern Ireland to Kosovo, 
so many places in the world that have been hard-pressed with 
human rights abuses, and I just want to thank you for that 
friendship, your bipartisanship. You have been a class act, and 
we will miss you deeply. So thank you, Chairman Engel, for your 
leadership.
    Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you as well for 
bringing the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty 
Act of 2020, and thank you to Ranking Member McCaul for his 
leadership on this, and Chairman Keating and Mr. Kinzinger for 
their leadership as well, and Marcy Kaptur who is also one of 
the co-sponsors, originals, of this bill.
    Belarus is perhaps the Nation most mired in its Soviet 
past, with an inefficient economy and a strongman autocrat in 
charge for over two and a half decades. Yet the irrepressible 
spirit of freedom stirred among the people of Belarus and when 
a patently false election result was announced on August 9th 
declaring Alexander Lukashenko the winner, the people took to 
the streets. Now the world continues to recognize what the 
people of Belarus have been saying loud and clear for over two 
and a half decades, but especially since August 9th with their 
massive rallies that the recent election was so fraudulent and 
lacked no credibility with anybody except Lukashenko and 
perhaps Russia.
    I was reading over a hearing last night that I had chaired 
10 years ago after another fraudulent election with Alexander 
Lukashenko, and he resorted to the same tactics but on a 
smaller scale. There weren't as many people out in the streets, 
but he just busted heads, tortured people, threw them in 
prison, and his bullies had their way with women and sexually 
abused them. Horrible stuff. The problem then was that the 
international community was strong at first, and then that 
fervor began to dissipate and business as usual began to 
reemerge.
    We are now approaching almost 2 months since the fraudulent 
poll, and the people of Belarus, despite the brutal crackdown, 
are still organizing rallies of 100,000 people or more 
demanding that Lukashenko leave power and leave Belarus to the 
people to whom it belongs. I would note to my colleagues that 
according to the U.N. Special Rapporteur, more than 10,000 
peaceful protestors have been detained as of September 18th, 
and they need our help. Recent reports indicate that the police 
are using now, today, increasingly violent tactics against 
these peaceful demonstrators.
    We do have a window of opportunity, and we need to seize it 
with everything that we have. As my colleagues know, the 
leading opposition Presidential candidate, Sviatlana 
Tsikhanouskaya, who won the election by most accounts--of 
course, there is not access to the ballots, but it seems clear 
that she won the election--formed the Coordination Council. 
Sviatlana is an incredibly brave woman. She ran a brilliant 
campaign, but today she is in exile in Lithuania where she 
continues to rally the Belarusian people and the world.
    I want to thank Mr. Keating for putting together that Webex 
of a few weeks ago with her and some of the coordination 
leaders from the Council. We all saw anew and afresh just how 
important it is that we stand behind her and behind all of the 
people of Belarus who have aspirations for free and fair 
elections and for democracy.
    This bill today updates the Belarus Democracy Acts of 2004, 
2006, and 2011 that I authored and renews the personal economic 
sanctions on an expanded list of bad actors in the Belarusian 
Government and--this is new--Russian individuals complicit in 
the crackdown. It calls for new elections. It recognizes the 
Coordination Council as a legitimate institution to participate 
in a dialog on a peaceful transition of power.
    It calls for the release of all political prisoners. It 
supports the aspirations of the people of Belarus to exercise 
their religious freedom. It authorizes assistance to promote 
democracy and civil society in Belarus. It unequivocally states 
that it is the policy of the United States ``not to recognize 
any incorporation of Belarus into a union State with Russia.`` 
It requires a U.S. strategy to promote broadcasting, internet 
freedom, and access to information.
    It requires a report on the personal assets of Alexander 
Lukashenko. We know he has acquired wealth. We need to know how 
much it is, and the people of his country who have been 
repressed by him for so long need to know what a kleptocrat he 
has been. In addition, it also gives much-needed support to the 
Belarusian media and the IT sector.
    So I just want to thank my colleagues. It is a totally 
bipartisan bill. I want to thank Katie Earle for her work on 
the bill. I want to thank Jackie Ramos, Pierre Totsi, Patrick 
to Doug Anderson. There are just many who have worked together 
fast, quickly, and effectively, and members, to put together 
this bipartisan legislation. We need to stand in solidarity 
with the great people of Belarus.
    And I yield back and I thank my good friend for 
recognizing.
    Mr. Engel. Well thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Smith, 
and thank you for those kind words. And of course, I thank 
everyone for those kind words, people who spoke before.
    Mr. Sires.
    Mr. Sires. Hello, Mr. Chairman. I want to say kind words 
about you also. I want to thank you for your friendship. I want 
to thank you for always being there for me, working with me, 
letting me be part of the committee and always being very 
helpful to me on issues that are important to me. So I thank 
you, and I wish you nothing but the best.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you.
    Mr. Sires. I want to speak briefly about H.R. 8259 which 
would prohibit Russian participation in the G7. I would also 
like to thank my colleague, Congressman Meeks, for introducing 
this important legislation. Last year, this committee and the 
House of Representatives passed the bipartisan resolution I 
sponsored that would disapprove Russia's future inclusion in G7 
summits until it respects the territorial integrity of its 
neighbors and adheres to the standards of democratic societies.
    In the months since my resolution was passed, Russia has 
not stopped its aggressive behavior and continues to undermine 
democratic institutions around the world. This legislation 
builds on the House's disapproval of Russian inclusion in the 
G7, and it makes it clear that the United States does not 
accept Russia's blatant effort to influence elections.
    Protecting the integrity of our electoral system should be 
a bipartisan priority, and we must show that there are 
consequences for foreign interferences. I urge my colleagues to 
support this legislation, and I yield back.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you, Mr. Sires. Mr. Chabot.
    Mr. Chabot. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And before I get into 
the bills, I too would like to say some nice things about you 
and they are very heartfelt. I have been on this committee for 
24 years now. You have been here a little longer than that, but 
you have been an inspiration to a lot of us. We do not agree on 
everything obviously, we are different parties, but you have 
always treated us with the utmost respect in the majority as 
you are now and when you were in the minority as well.
    You were able to accomplish great things because of the 
person you are. You literally are one of the nicest people in 
this institution on either side, and that goes a long way I 
think. You know, you are just a very kind and decent person, 
and it matters to a lot of us and it lets us get things done. 
And you have accomplished great things, you really have.
    You could probably move to Albania and become the leader of 
that nation. So and there may be other countries around the 
globe where that is the case. Kosovo, absolutely. So I would 
encourage you perhaps to consider that, but you deserve a rest 
after what you have been put through over the years, especially 
over the last year. But thank you so much for that. Thank you 
for working with us, both in the majority and the minority.
    That is one of the great things about this committee. We 
tend to work together. I am the ranking member of the Small 
Business Committee. That is another committee we actually have 
a very good working--Nydia Velazquez and I work together 
closely. You know, some committees it is better than others, 
but just thanks for everything you have done for our country 
and the world really, you know, thanks for being who you are.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you, Mr. Chabot. I appreciate it very 
much. Thank you.
    Mr. Chabot. I do not know if I have any time to talk about 
the bills now, but I am going to try. We have quite a few good 
bills in the en bloc package, 26 might be a record.
    First, I would like to focus on my bill, quickly, here, the 
H.R. 7954, the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation 
Reauthorization Act of 2020. It is bipartisan legislation that 
I introduced along with my friend, Mr. Sherman, who is a really 
nice guy too. Not as nice as Mr. Engel, but pretty damn--pretty 
nice.
    And earlier this summer, we introduced, it is a companion 
bill to legislation led by Senator Portman in the Senate. Some 
of the most endangered and biologically diverse tropical 
forests and coral reefs are in developing countries, and it is 
in the interests of the whole world to protect and responsibly 
manage these resources so that they are there for our children 
and our grandchildren.
    Today's legislation simply extends the act that set up a 
debt forgiveness program under which developing nations can 
have debt they owe the United States forgiven in exchange--and 
I want to emphasize ``in exchange``--for investing in local 
conservation work to sustain their critical ecosystems. 
Agreements under this program not only support conservation, 
but also strengthen local economies and responsibly use these 
resources as well as civil society groups and partner nations 
that conduct conservation work.
    Essentially the program follows the old adage of teaching a 
man to fish by helping developing countries learn how to better 
manage their natural resources. Further, many developing 
countries are no doubt considering Chinese investment. This 
program gives the State Department one more tool as it tries to 
counter Chinese investment and its often nefarious 
consequences.
    I would next like to briefly turn to three resolutions 
quickly that I am also co-sponsoring. H.Res.1121 calls for 
free, fair, and inclusive elections in Burma. And I want to 
thank Mr. Levin for asking me to be the lead Republican on this 
measure. Due to its civil war and ethnic divisions, Burma has a 
long way to go to consolidate its fledgling democracy. Holding 
a credible election that includes all ethnic groups as well as 
those like the Rohingya who have fled the country is a critical 
step toward that goal.
    Second, we have H.Res.1077 which reaffirms our support for 
the U.S.-Lebanon relationship. Lebanon is suffering right now 
after the horrific explosion in Beirut this summer and under 
terrible economic conditions brought on by the chronic 
mismanagement of the country by leadership that is beholden to 
Hezbollah. We need to continue to support the Lebanese people 
and help to see them through these tough times.
    And finally H.Res.823 which condemns the Iranian 
Government's persecution of the Baha'i minority. The Baha'i 
faith espouses the virtues of peace and unity, cooperation, 
service and education, and an end to prejudice. The Iranian 
people therefore have nothing to fear from the Baha'i, and the 
Iranian Government's hatred of the Baha'i shows their true 
colors. I am pleased to support this legislation.
    So with these considerations in mind, I would urge my 
colleagues to support the en bloc package, and I yield back.
    Mr. Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you, Mr. 
Chabot, and thank you again for those kind words. They are very 
much appreciated. Mr. Connolly.
    Mr. Connolly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And, of course, you 
are not leaving us yet, but thank you for such a long and 
distinguished career and for the spirit in which you have 
managed this committee both as the ranking member and as now 
the chairman, in empowering members and seeing that their 
substantive work comes to fruition. And that is not an easy 
job. I look around this room and I see the portraits of past 
chairs and I have known every one of them going back to Clem 
Zablocki who is over there. And I hope it makes your heart full 
to be in that distinguished company. And as somebody once said, 
losing, like winning, is a passing phenomenon in politics, so 
be comforted. Thank you.
    Mr. Chairman, I am going to be brief. Thank you for 
bringing all of these, you and Mr. McCaul, for bringing the en 
bloc bills before us. We cover a lot of waterfront. I 
particularly want to commend the H.R. 1012, Ami Bera's bill, on 
recognizing the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean 
War. We had one colleague left who served in the Korean War, 
Charlie Rangel, and, you know, this relationship has come a 
long way and Korea has gone from being an absolutely bottom of 
the pile poor country to being a star among Asian tigers and a 
lot of that has to do with this alliance and this relationship.
    I also want to commend Mr. Yoho for H.Res.697 on Tibet. I 
led the first congressional staff delegation to Tibet in 1986 
and saw firsthand some of the ravages of the Cultural 
Revolution and other depredations inflicted on the Tibetan 
culture and people, especially in the exercise of their worship 
in Tibet, at the hands of the Chinese. I also had the privilege 
of meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, 
India, where he is living, last year, and was really struck 
with the spirit of peaceful reconciliation with which he still 
tries to approach his Chinese adversaries, and it is very 
admirable.
    I also want to thank you for bringing up H.R. 8489, the 
Department of State's Student Internship Program, because 
internships in the Federal Government are spotty. They are not 
systematic and they are not well-used for recruitment of new 
employees like the private sector. So I think this bill helps 
move at least the State Department in that direction and I know 
that my assignment in my other committee, we are going to 
continue to pursue that.
    Finally, I want to thank Mr. Meeks for his leadership on 
making sure that Russia is not invited to any G7 meeting until 
we see Russia's behavior significantly improve and that they, 
as Mr. Chabot and I have said year in and year out, and until 
they leave Crimea. That is an illegal annexation and we are not 
going to recognize it.
    So I thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank all of my colleagues 
for a set of really very useful bills that are going to move 
forward our foreign policy agenda and I wish you well. With 
that I yield back.
    Mr. Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you, Mr. 
Connolly.
    Now my traveling partner to North Korea, Mr. Wilson.
    Mr. Wilson. Thank you very much, Chairman Eliot Engel and 
lead Republican Michael McCaul, for calling this markup today. 
There are many measures before us today due to the dedicated 
bipartisan leadership of Chairman Eliot Engel who my family, 
particularly led by my wife Roxanne, knows as a Statesman. And, 
indeed, I appreciate you raising that, that you and I are the 
only two Members of Congress who have been to Pyongyang, the 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
    And that is why the first resolution I mention is so 
significant, the 70th anniversary, and to see the contrast of 
North Korea to South Korea. There could not be a greater 
contrast of the difference between freedom and democracy and 
totalitarian existence in the Korean Peninsula. So again, 
congratulations on your success.
    First, I would like to thank the committee for bringing 
House Resolution 1012 recognizing the 70th anniversary of the 
outbreak of the Korean War and the transformation of the United 
States-Korea alliance into a mutually beneficial global 
partnership. Based on our mutual sacrifices, the United States 
and South Korea have laid a foundation of freedom, democracy, 
and extraordinary economic prosperity. I am grateful to serve 
as co-chair of the congressional Korea Caucus and encourage my 
colleagues to support this important measure.
    I am also grateful for Chairman Engel's leadership on the 
two resolutions dealing with Putin, House Resolution 958 and 
House Resolution 996. By making these two resolutions today, 
the committee is shedding much needed light on the growing 
crisis with political prisoners in Putin's Russia as well as 
the malign proxy wars in Syria, Libya, Ukraine, and beyond.
    I would also like to commend the chairman of the Middle 
East Subcommittee, Ted Deutch, for his leadership on human 
rights in Iran with House Resolution 823 condemning Iran's 
State-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority. I was 
grateful to serve as the Republican lead for this resolution 
and I hope today's meeting will highlight Iran's long history 
of violations to the international covenants on human rights. 
We in Congress will never cease to advocate for the liberty of 
the freedom-loving and deserving people of Iran who have been 
hijacked and oppressed by the terrorist regime in Tehran.
    Last, I would like to comment on House Resolution 17 
regarding the illegally detained Austin Tice. We as the U.S. 
Congress always will support efforts to free Americans held 
abroad by terrorist groups and rogue regimes. But I am 
concerned that this approach here today of publicly endorsing 
engagement with Assad, a mass murderer and war criminal, is 
misguided. Assad has presided over the genocide of his own 
people by gassing his people, and he has butchered innocent 
Syrians and holding thousands as we speak today. We should 
never take a public stance of legitimizing such a regime.
    Now this bill is just a resolution, but I want to make it 
clear to the Assad regime today that the U.S. Congress will 
never legitimize you. We will never give you diplomatic 
recognition. And we will always call for you to be held 
accountable for the atrocities committed and continue to commit 
against humanity and your citizens.
    Chairman Engel, in your landmark Caesar Syrian Civilian 
Protection Act, you have made clear that sanctions relief for 
the Syrian regime should not be on the table until all 
political prisoners in Syria are free. I wholeheartedly agree 
with that sentiment. I hope that all members of this committee 
will stand to ensure that it is indeed what happens.
    My amendment today reiterates the Caesar bill's call to the 
criminal Assad regime to release all political prisoners and 
allow international human rights organizations access to the 
prisons. Thank you, Chairman and Republican leader, for 
including the amendment today. With that I yield back the 
balance of my time.
    Mr. Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you, Mr. 
Wilson, for those kind words.
    Ms. Bass.
    Ms. Bass. Thank you, Chairman Engel and Ranking Member 
McCaul, for bringing these important bills to the committee 
today. And you know, of course, Mr. Chairman, I have to join in 
with all of my other colleagues in thanking you for your 
service. And I know this is not our last meeting, but I look 
forward to celebrating your leadership in future meetings. I 
know that there is still a few more months for you to serve, 
but I have really enjoyed your friendship, your openness and 
your leadership, and your bipartisan way that you have run this 
committee.
    I would like to speak in favor of H.Res.751, 768, 7673, 
1150, and 8409. I will begin with our need to reaffirm our 
support to the African Union as proposed in H.R. 751 that I am 
doing in conjunction with Ranking Member Chris Smith. This bill 
recognizes the important role of the African Union and 
expresses bipartisan support for the AU so that this 
institution can take the lead in diplomacy, security, health, 
and trade across Africa. I also look forward to, in the future, 
looking to other ways that we can strengthen the African Union 
and our relationship with the AU.
    I now turn to H.Res.768, which I am also doing with Ranking 
Member Smith, which calls on African governments to protect and 
promote human rights through internet freedom and digital 
integration for all citizens across the continent of Africa. 
Some African governments suppress internet freedoms and digital 
integration by blocking internet sites, censorship of content, 
onerous licensing requirements, and illicit monitoring and 
surveillance.
    Information and freedom of expression are pillars of an 
open, free, and democratic society, and this bill encourages 
governments to actively pursue laws and policies that protect 
and promote human rights online and offline. The bill also 
highlights how China and Russia's digital activity across 
Africa exposes individuals to greater monitoring, surveillance 
and disinformation, and encourages countries and technology 
companies to resist contracts with authoritarian States like 
China and work closely with technology companies and social 
media services to prevent or take down disinformation by Russia 
and other actors.
    Additionally, I encourage you to support Mr. Phillips' 
bill, H.Res.1150, to encourage the Government of Cote d'Ivoire, 
the opposition, and its citizens to respect democratic 
principles and hold free, fair, transparent, and peaceful 
elections.
    I also urge you to support H.R. 8409, the Department of 
State Student Internship Program. The State Department 
currently offers paid and unpaid internships through the 
academic year and over the summer. Unpaid internships, however, 
limit the pool of candidates to those who have the financial 
means to participate. The bill authorizes the Department to pay 
all participants in its Student Internship Program as well as 
provide housing and travel assistance under certain 
circumstances.
    The bill makes it possible for students from all parts of 
the country, all socioeconomic levels, and all backgrounds to 
participate in internship programs, thereby diversifying our 
Foreign Service and national security work force. I urge you to 
support this bill and all the other bills en bloc. And I yield 
back the balance of my time.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Bass.
    Mr. Yoho.
    Mr. Yoho. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I too stand with 
everybody else and ditto what everybody else says. You have 
been a great friend and New York is going to lose a great 
representative.
    Today, I rise in support of H.Res.697, a bill I introduced 
1 year ago to recognize the work of the Dalai Lama who has done 
much to promote peace and understanding and to further 
strengthen U.S.-Tibet relationships. As many of you know, the 
people of Tibet have faced harsh and oppressive treatment at 
the hands of the Chinese Communist Party in the Tibet 
Autonomous Region since 1959 when the Dalai Lama had to flee 
for his life. Most recently, reports have emerged that the CCP, 
the Chinese Communist Party, is also building forced labor 
camps and reeducation centers in Tibet, similar to the ones 
found across Xinjiang where the Uyghurs and other ethnic 
populations like the East Turkestans, are subject to 
brainwashing, slave labor, torture, rape, and even death.
    And if you think about brainwashing, basically, it is 
renouncing one's beliefs through intimidation. It is changing 
the way people look at their politics and forces them to change 
their personal attire or how they dress, how they talk. It 
changes how you educate your children and one's personal 
religious beliefs, a right in this country our Founding Fathers 
felt so strongly about they put it in our First Amendment.
    We must not let the fate of the Tibetan people mirror that 
of the people of Xinjiang. Congress stands united here today in 
support of the Tibet struggle for autonomy, freedom, and 
religious freedom while the Chinese Communist Party works to 
destroy over an estimated two-thirds of its people's temples 
and mosques to cancel or erase their existence.
    Although I do not wholly support all the pieces of 
legislation in this en bloc amendment process and the markup, I 
am reminded of the great British philosopher, Sir Mick Jagger, 
who says you cannot always get what you want, but if you try 
real hard you get what you need. And so I support this and am 
proud to do that. Thank you and I yield back.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you, Mr. Yoho.
    Mr. Keating.
    Mr. Keating. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank for 
holding this markup today. I want to thank you personally on 
our work we have done together, sometimes abroad, having fun 
exchanging good humor and good work around the world, and I 
want to thank you for your decades of leadership and commitment 
here in Congress where you have worked so hard to preserve 
democracy here at home and advance it significantly throughout 
the world. You have definitely made your mark.
    Now I wanted to take up a number of measures that we are 
dealing with today that affect the region that we have 
addressed in our Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and 
the Environment including improving sustainability of energy 
diversification, Russian malign activities, and upholding 
democracy. Most of the bills I have co-sponsored. Many of them 
I have been an original sponsor of including the PLASTICS Act. 
I represent what is considered the largest coastal district in 
the House and my constituents know that the ocean health is 
vital to our community and our interconnected ecosystems, and 
marine debris must be addressed both at home and abroad. Also 
included is H.Res.672 which supports energy independence and 
the Three Seas Initiative for which the U.S. support is 
critical.
    Several bills today also focus on those imprisoned, 
poisoned, or killed supporting democracy and speaking out 
against authoritarianism. One condemns political prisoners in 
Russia. One condemns the recent poisoning of Russian opposition 
leader Alexai Navalny. And still another stands alongside 
political dissidents like the murdered Jamal Khashoggi.
    We also have under consideration today, resolutions 
expressing our concern for ongoing detention of Austin Tice and 
Trevor Reed. Also included is Paul Whelan, who is the brother 
of one of my constituents, and a recent 16-year prison sentence 
he received is just one example of the harsh punishment given 
to those unjustly imprisoned in Russia.
    And I also am an original co-sponsor of additional efforts 
to stand up against Putin and authoritarian leaders in the 
region. H.R. 8259 prohibits Russia's participation in the G7 
until it ends its illegal occupation of its neighbors and 
financing murder abroad, including American troops. And 
H.Res.996 condemns the malign activities of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, 
including attempts to sow discourse in the U.S. and allied 
countries. And we have addressed these critical issues in 
multiple hearings in my subcommittee and it is important we 
take up these measures today.
    I want to thank Representative Smith for his work, the 
committee chair, the ranking member, and my ranking member 
Representative Kinzinger as well as Congressman Kaptur, whose 
work on the committee even though she is not a member is always 
present. That bill reauthorizes the Belarus Democracy Act of 
2004, and in light of the illegitimate August 19th elections 
and the brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators across 
Belarus is extremely important.
    We recently had a briefing, an international briefing, with 
opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and we also held a 
hearing on the situation there and on further erosion of 
democratic norms in the region during this pandemic, which is 
why I am so glad to join colleagues as a co-sponsor of 6986, 
the Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act, because 
democratic backsliding is occurring around the world related to 
this pandemic and it is important that we stand up for 
democratic ideals and institutions here and abroad.
    There are many important issues under consideration 
including the work I joined with Representative Trone on with 
the FENTANYL Results Act. That is a scourge that is killing too 
many Americans today and this is an effort to deal with that on 
an international basis. So I want to congratulate the chair 
again, continue looking forward to working with you the rest of 
this year, and hopefully as friends beyond that. And with that 
I yield back.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you very much, Mr. Keating.
    Mr. Kinzinger.
    Mr. Kinzinger. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And at the 
behest of reiterating reiterations, I want to say to you how 
much I have enjoyed our friendship and working with you. I have 
often tried to jealously guard the, you know, water's edge 
theory when it comes to foreign policy, and I know you have 
too. And your service to this country, to this committee will 
never be forgotten and I know you are going to continue to do 
great things. So I just want to say thank you for that, Mr. 
Chairman, and thank you for the markup today.
    I support many of the bills before us and I would like to 
take some time to focus on four of my bipartisan measures. I 
introduced H.Res.672 with Representative Kaptur to express 
Congress's support for the Three Seas Initiative. This 
important collaboration between Eastern European countries will 
help to strengthen their regional interconnectivity with the 
hopes of pushing back on Russia's use of energy as a weapon.
    Representative Kaptur and I introduced this legislation 
last year to show our allies that we stand with them in their 
push to diversify and protect their energy sources. That is why 
I am proud to see this ambitious project has received 
bipartisan support, transatlantic support, and overwhelming 
support from the administration and the secretary, Secretary 
Pompeo.
    Earlier this year, Secretary Pompeo announced that the 
United States was providing one billion in financing for the 
Three Seas Initiative, which further demonstrates our 
commitment to the transatlantic partnership. I commend the 
Three Seas partner States, the State Department, and Congress 
for their support. I also want to thank my chairman on the 
committee, Chairman Keating, for that.
    Next, I would like to talk about H.R. 8259, legislation I 
introduced with Representative Meeks to bar Russia from joining 
the G7 until the Kremlin changes their ways. We have seen 
Vladimir Putin invade allies, interfere in democratic 
elections, support genocide in Syria, and attempt to 
destabilize the Middle East.
    It is clear that Vladimir Putin believes these actions make 
him look strong. In reality, all they have led to is crippling 
sanctions from the United States and the EU, a drop in his 
popularity among Russian voters, and an economy that could 
contract by almost 10 percent this year. Until our diplomatic 
and intelligence community can ensure us that the Kremlin is no 
longer working to undermine and stifle freedom around the 
world, they should not have a seat at the grownup table. 
Vladimir Putin is the reason his country is being held back; 
the Russian people deserve better.
    And, quickly, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 
the Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act. It became clear 
as the peaceful protests unraveled in Hong Kong that the 
Chinese Communist Party would stop at nothing to maintain their 
grip on power. This bipartisan legislation which I introduced 
with Representative Malinowski would provide those Hongkongers 
most in need of protection safe passage to the United States.
    And, finally, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8438 
which would reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. 
Following the fraudulent elections in Belarus, I had hoped the 
Lukashenko would hear the calls from his people and resign 
peacefully. Unfortunately, he doubled down and with the backing 
from Vladimir Putin was sworn in as President during a secret 
ceremony last week.
    While there remains hope that Lukashenko will step down, we 
must act to protect the freedoms of the Belarusian people. By 
reauthorizing the Belarus Democracy Act we will be providing 
much needed assistance to the Belarusian people to counter 
internet censorship while sanctioning those responsible for the 
fraudulent election and ensuing crackdown.
    I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation and I 
thank the committee for their hard work. So with that, Mr. 
Chairman, I yield back.
    Mr. Engel. Thank you, Mr. Kinzinger. Appreciate the words. 
The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Cicilline.
    Mr. Cicilline. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I, too, would 
like to begin by thanking you for your extraordinary leadership 
of this committee, your wonderful friendship, and your decades 
of ensuring that American foreign policy reflect our values, 
and for that I am in your debt, as the entire nation is. So 
thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    And I want to thank you and the ranking member for holding 
this markup today as we consider important legislation that 
will protect human rights as we battle COVID, hold Russia 
accountable for its nefarious behavior on the world stage, and 
support Belarusian fighting hard for democracy.
    I am proud to support and co-sponsor each of these bills 
and would like to speak about three in particular.
    We are seeing the impact of Russia's malign behavior 
everywhere. They have meddled in the 2016 Presidential election 
and U.S. intelligence agencies report that they are actively 
engaged in promoting chaos as we go into the 2020 Presidential 
elections.
    Around the world Vladimir Putin is continuing his long 
history of sowing discord, wreaking havoc, and turning citizens 
against each other to increase his power and destabilize the 
Western world.
    The United States has an important role in promoting 
democracy around the world and standing firm and unwavering in 
our support of international law and against foreign 
aggression.
    H.R. 8259, to prohibit Russian participation in the G-7, 
offered by our colleague, Gregory Meeks, is this House's 
response to Russia's continued flouting of international law in 
their attempt to create chaos across the globe.
    Their attempted annexation of Crimea, occupation of South 
Ossetia, and denying citizens of these regions the same rights 
and freedoms that other people enjoy cannot be ignored.
    As if invading other countries was not enough, Russia has 
had the audacity to pay Taliban--linked militants to attack 
U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Russian bounties on U.S. soldiers 
are an absolute outrage.
    At every turn, sadly, this administration has fawned over 
the President Putin. On the campaign trail repeatedly 
complimenting him, in 2016 denying that Russia meddled in the 
election, in 2017 when Bill O'Reilly said Putin is a killer, 
the president responded, ``There are a lot of killers. Do you 
think our country is so innocent?''
    And in 2018 at the Helsinki Summit, the president, 
incredibly, sided with Putin over his own intelligence 
community about Russian interference with the election.
    The time of the United States allowing Russia to run 
roughshod over international law and undermining the national 
security interests of the United States must end. We must stop 
their effort to confuse, terrorize, and oppress American voters 
and people in their own region.
    I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8259.
    I would also like to express my support for Congressman 
Smith's bill, H.R. 8438 to reauthorize the Belarus Democracy 
Act of 2004.
    Progress toward democracy comes with the efforts of 
citizens willing to fight for it over time, sometimes over 
generations. The people of Belarus are well aware of that fact 
and have been advocating for and fighting for democracy for 
years.
    They have been risking their lives to advance the cause of 
freedom and democracy, recently facing Lukashenko government's 
violent crackdown after the fraudulent election in August.
    This bill would address that crackdown by reauthorizing 
previous assistance measures to counter internet censorship and 
surveillance and support the work of those advocating for 
democracy and human rights.
    When leaders break the law to preserve their own power and 
lash out and violently attack their own citizens, we must act. 
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8438 to reauthorize the 
Belarus Democracy Act of 2004.
    Finally, I would like to thank Chairman McGovern for 
introducing H.R. 6986, the Protecting Human Rights During 
Pandemic Act. Authoritarian leaders are using the COVID-19 
pandemic as an excuse for greater crackdowns, more 
surveillance, and the targeting of opposition.
    Democratic institutions that were already weak or under 
threat are facing even greater stress and significant decline. 
We need to devote more resources and consistent programming 
designed to preserve democratic institutions, civil society, 
privacy, and the free press.
    This bill would serve as a critical backstop to human 
rights at a time when authoritarian governments are using every 
tool at their disposal, including this terrible pandemic, to 
harm their opposition and weaken civil society.
    I urge support of all of these measures including the en 
bloc package this morning and, with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield 
back.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you very much.
    Mr. Zeldin.
    Mr. Zeldin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the 
committee's consideration of these measures in the en bloc 
package today. I would like to express my support for the 
Department of State Student Internship Program Act.
    The vast majority of Federal Government internships are 
unpaid. One of the best ways to increase diversity at the State 
Department is to provide economic opportunities for lower and 
middle income Americans from beyond the Washington, DC. beltway 
to participate in these internships.
    This bill would provide paid internships at the State 
Department with no additional funding needed. Instead, it is a 
program to be phased in and paid through existing unobligated 
balances to cover the cost.
    Any student in a higher education institution program who 
can hold a security clearance and has an interest in foreign 
affairs will be eligible. The program will be advertised widely 
and outreach targeted universities including minority-serving 
institutions.
    We all remember our first internship or entry level job and 
the impact that opportunity, or lack thereof, can have on our 
future aspirations. To represent the United States to the 
world, the State Department should have a work force that 
reflects the diversity of our country.
    By providing paid internships, more students from across 
the country will be able to afford the opportunity to pursue 
their interest in foreign affairs and, hopefully, return to 
serve.
    I am proud to have worked with Chairman Castro on this 
bill, which is a result of bipartisan efforts on the Oversight 
Investigation Subcommittee to improve diversity at the State 
Department.
    I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Bera.
    Mr. Bera. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I also too want to 
associate myself with the comments on both sides of the aisle 
for your leadership and your friendship.
    And I do not want this to be like a eulogy because I hope 
you are not leaving the scene and you will continue to be a 
resource for all of us and continue your strong advocacy for 
U.S. global leadership.
    I would like to, you know, take a moment and commend both 
Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for this markup on 
many bipartisan measures.
    In particular, I would like to speak to my measure, H. Res. 
1012, which honors the U.S.-Republic of Korea Alliance. I would 
also like to thank my ranking member on the Asia Subcommittee, 
Mr. Yoho, for introducing this important resolution with me.
    As co-chair of the Korea Caucus and as co-chair of the 
congressional Study Group on Korea, I do travel to Korea fairly 
frequently and meet with their parliamentarians and so forth.
    The friendship on the people-to-people relationship or 
legislator-to-legislator relationship is one of our finest 
alliances and, as Mr. Connolly mentioned earlier, the Korean 
Miracle, you know, 40 years ago was one of the most 
impoverished countries in the world, and when you look at them 
today it is one of the most advanced economies and, you know, 
is doing remarkable things.
    And, in fact, I want to thank our friends in the Republic 
of Korea during this pandemic for helping our State in 
California with resources, PPE, testing ability, et cetera.
    So this is a very important friendship.
    I also want to speak to H. Res. 1121. I applaud Mr. Levin 
for his resolution urging the government of Burma to hold free, 
fair, and inclusive elections in November.
    Now, earlier my subcommittee had a hearing on what is 
happening with the Rohingya, et cetera, and, you know, it is 
quite devastating, and, you know, it is up to us as the leaders 
of the free world to continue to push Burma to recognize its 
democratic principles, to understand that the Rohingya are part 
of Burma.
    And, again, I applaud Mr. Levin for that resolution.
    I would also like to speak to H. Res. 825, recognizing the 
importance of the entry into force, or the NPT. I really want 
to recognize my good friend from California, Mr. Sherman, for 
his long work on advancing nonproliferation and trying to make 
the world a safer place.
    I also want to recognize our nonproliferation fellow, 
Shervin Taheran, who was working on this bill for Mr. Sherman 
and, you know, I understand there has been a lot of work into 
this bill.
    So this is incredibly important. Mr. Deutch and I had a 
joint hearing earlier this year, recognizing the importance of 
the NPT and understanding the 75 years that have passed since 
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
    Working together, we have been able to make the world a 
safer place but we still have work to do. So, again, I applaud 
Mr. Sherman.
    And, last, I would like to speak to H.R. 7673, the 
Represent America Abroad Act, by Ms. Bass. I recognize that we 
are not considering the facts in the en bloc but would like to 
touch briefly on Ms. Bass's bill.
    Diversity is incredibly important to the State Department 
and this bill offers an important pathway for minorities to 
join the State Department.
    We know our strength is--you know, making sure that our 
agencies in the State Department look like the United States 
because the United States looks like the rest of the world.
    So, again, I appreciate Ms. Bass's leadership on this, and 
with that, I yield back the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Curtis.
    Mr. Curtis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I am only hopeful 
that somebody who is not paying close attention might think 
that they are watching your funeral today, and I, with my 
colleagues, want to thank you for friendship but, particularly, 
to me and my wife. We have traveled together. I certainly 
understand your kindness and goodness.
    I wish to speak in support of the Hong Kong People's 
Freedom and Choice Act. The unified text includes portions of 
my bill, the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act.
    Similar to the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, this bill would 
designate Hongkongers as refugees, streamlining the refugee 
admission process and instructs the Secretary of State to work 
with like-minded allied countries to accept refugees from Hong 
Kong.
    From the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, it gives emphasis to 
supporting those who had a significant role in the Hong Kong 
protest including those who had an organizational role, acted 
as first responders, covered the protests as journalists, 
provided legal services to individuals arrested, and those who 
were formally charged, detained, or convicted for his or her 
participation in these protests.
    Since the passage of the national security law, we have had 
and seen arbitrary and intimidating detentions of activists and 
crackdowns on the free press. This bill addresses the 
humanitarian crisis and shows Hongkongers that the United 
States has their backs in the struggle for basic freedoms and 
dignity.
    I commend my colleague, Representative Malinowski, for 
working with all sides so hard. I know, personally, how hard he 
has worked to get this bill and its unified support, and I urge 
my colleagues to support this bill.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you, Mr. 
Curtis.
    Ms. Titus.
    Ms. Titus. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for all 
that you have done to lead this committee with intelligence, 
compassion, and grace. We, certainly, must learn from your 
example.
    I support all of the measures before us and I am a co-
sponsor of several of them, but I want to speak specifically on 
the resolution concerning Mongolia.
    I appreciate the committee including my resolution, which 
reaffirms the strategic partnership between the United States 
and Mongolia and as part of this en bloc package.
    I am proud to serve as the co-chair of the Mongolian Caucus 
and as a member of House Democracy partnership, which has given 
me an opportunity to visit Mongolia and meet parliamentarians 
and young leaders committed to advancing democratic principles 
in their country.
    This year marks the 30-year anniversary since Mongolia 
declared an end to one-party authoritarian political system and 
adopted democratic and free market reforms. Now Mongolia boasts 
one of the highest Freedom House scores for political rights 
and civil liberties in all of Asia.
    At a time when countries are struggling with how to safety 
manage the coronavirus pandemic and at the same time hold fair 
and free elections, Mongolia sets a good example. They were 
able to successfully organize parliamentary elections this June 
with a record turnout of 73 percent, and they have not had a 
single death from COVID-19.
    It is an important and strategic democratic partner in a 
challenging neighborhood. Mongolia shares land that borders 
only with Russia and China, both countries eagerly working to 
spread their influence beyond their borders and into Mongolia.
    Mongolia considers the United States, though, its third 
neighbor and has shown its commitment to this relationship by 
sending troops to support U.S. operations in both Iraq and 
Afghanistan, and has a strong record of troop contributions to 
international peacekeeping missions.
    But, unfortunately, the country continues to face real 
pressures from those neighbors I mentioned that threaten its 
sovereignty through economic measures, political influence, and 
even attempts to promote corruption in the country to undermine 
democracy.
    This resolution before you today is an opportunity to show 
Mongolia that we are committed to further cooperation, building 
off the strategic partnership that was announced between the 
United States and Mongolia in July 2019.
    Especially in a time when we are witnessing democratic 
backsliding around the world exacerbated by the pandemic, it is 
crucial that we bolster collaboration with countries that have 
committed to safeguarding and promoting democratic values and 
human rights, including the freedoms of religion, expression, 
assembly, and association, anti-corruption and fiscal 
transparency, and doing all this they are encouraging youth and 
emerging leadership development, as Mongolia has declared in 
that partnership--strategic partnership statement declaration 
signed with us last year.
    The resolution also further supports economic development 
in Mongolia by urging the U.S. Government to help Mongolia 
through trade programs and urging the Development Finance 
Corporation to expand activities there to help diversify its 
economy and support women-owned, small, and medium sized 
enterprises like in textiles.
    As the State Department has announced, Secretary Pompeo 
will be traveling to Mongolia next week. So committee passage 
of this resolution would signify United Support for the U.S.-
Mongolia Strategic Partnership from both Congress and the 
administration. So it comes at a perfect time.
    I urge your vote in favor of this resolution to recognize 
and strengthen our ties with an important ally in a dangerous 
neighborhood and send that strong messages to Mongolia.
    Thank you, and I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentlewoman yields back. Thank you, Ms. 
Titus.
    Ms. Wild.
    Ms. Wild. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the 
last word. But, first, I have to join in my colleagues in 
thanking you for your service and, even more so, thanking you 
for allowing me and asking me, as a freshman Member of 
Congress, to serve on this committee.
    I consider it to be one of my great privileges that I came 
to Congress in time to serve with you, and thank you so much.
    I also would like to thank the committee for convening this 
markup and Chairwoman Bass for her leadership on the Africa 
Subcommittee of which I am proud to serve as vice chair.
    I would also like to thank Representative Bass and the 
committee for introducing two important resolutions, H. Res. 
751, which reaffirms the importance of the U.S.-African Union 
Partnership, and H. Res. 768, which urges African governments 
to protect internet freedom on the continent.
    In 2006, the United States became the first non-African 
country to dedicate a diplomatic mission to the African Union.
    We recognized early on that there existed a shared benefit 
in peace, security, economic growth, trade, and investment. I 
am glad we will be passing a resolution applauding those 
efforts and urging greater collaboration in the future.
    I thank Chairwoman Bass for taking the gavel and reframing 
how we look at U.S. relationships in the continent. 
Humanitarian assistance where needed is certainly important. 
But it is equally important to consider our partnership with 
the AU as dealings between equals.
    Failure to make additional business and trade investments 
with the African Union and the continent as a whole is 
misguided and it creates a vacuum through which our adversaries 
can attempt to exploit the continent, its people, and its 
riches.
    I urge a yes vote on H. Res. 751 because the AU deserves to 
know that the House of Representatives and this committee have 
prioritized this relationship and that we hold it in high 
regard.
    As part of that ongoing relationship, I also support H. 
Res. 768 and urge a yes vote because telecommunication 
providers and businesses operating in Africa should facilitate 
open and secure internet access on the continent.
    In an increasingly interconnected world, our relationship 
cannot reach its full potential if there are regular, partial, 
or total internet shut downs, shut downs that have, 
unfortunately, become more common since 2016, and certainly 
politically motivated internet shut downs that are aimed at 
stifling dissent frustrate the shared purpose that the U.S. is 
trying to cultivate on the continent, and it hurts people both 
living in African countries and living here in the United 
States.
    I hope that others will see this markup as important 
relationship maintenance that will benefit African countries, 
the United States, and the world.
    Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentlewoman yields back. Thank you, Ms. 
Wild.
    Mr. Deutch.
    Mr. Deutch. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Engel, I will add my voice to the list of 
colleagues of yours who are so proud of the work that you have 
done and so thrilled to have had the opportunity to serve. But 
I look forward to a future opportunity when we can extol you 
greatly.
    Thanks also to the ranking member for holding this markup 
and I am glad that we have such a full agenda, and I am 
appreciative that we are advancing so many important bills this 
morning, soon to be this afternoon.
    H. Res 823, a resolution that I introduced, condemns the 
Iranian government's persecution of the Baha'i. Since the 
Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Iranian government has executed 
hundreds of Baha'i leaders and dismissed thousands from jobs.
    The systematic oppression of the Baha'i is continuing and 
it is accelerating, and this resolution puts Congress for the 
twentieth time since 1982 on record deploring the persecution 
of Iran's Baha'i community and other religious minorities, and 
holding the Iranian government responsible for upholding the 
rights of all Iranians including members of the Baha'i faith.
    I would also like to express my support for two other 
resolutions related to the Middle East. The first, H. Res. 1077 
emphasizes the continued importance of the U.S.-Lebanon 
relationship. Lebanon is facing terrible changes from economic 
meltdowns from COVID-19 to the horrific August 4th blast at the 
port of Beirut that left over 200 dead.
    The United States stands with the people of Lebanon as they 
rebuild following the explosion and U.S. officials must 
continue to engage the Lebanese government, reject Hezbollah, 
and encourage much needed reforms that will benefit Lebanese 
stability, the economy, and public.
    The second is H. Res. 17, which expresses concern over the 
detention of Austin Tice. It has been more than 8 years since 
Austin, a Marine officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, 
was detained at a checkpoint in Syria where he was working as a 
journalist.
    Austin represents the best of our country and this 
resolution reiterates that Congress remains committed to 
bringing him home and bringing all other Americans unjustly 
detained abroad home as well.
    And I am glad that we are considering H.R. 4507, the 
Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act, and I thank Mr. Connolly 
for his tireless advocacy for justice for Jamal Khashoggi.
    As we all know, it has been nearly 2 years since Jamal's 
horrific murder. His death sparked bipartisan outrage in the 
United States and led many to reassess our relationship with 
Saudi Arabia.
    We must lead with our values, not only because of the 
inhumanity of his killing but also because of everything he 
worked for and everything that he continues to represent: 
accountability, freedom of speech, and other fundamental human 
rights. All of them are particularly important to us as 
Americans.
    Similarly, today we will advance H. Res. 1145, which 
condemns the poisoning of Russian opposition leader, Alexei 
Navalny. His poisoning, unfortunately, is the latest in a long 
line of similar Kremlin efforts that have targeted political 
opponents, dissidents and others who challenge the power of 
Vladimir Putin.
    America has historically been the global leader and the 
moral authority on basic freedoms and human rights, and we cede 
that leadership every day when we fail to denounce abuses 
abroad, whether the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the poisoning 
of Alexei Navalny, or any other atrocities that we do not speak 
out against.
    And as a member of this committee, I am committed to honor 
Jamal and Alexei and other activists who have been imprisoned, 
poisoned or killed, and advocating for accountability, the rule 
of law, and human rights abroad.
    I am proud to support all the measures that will advance 
today. I thank my colleagues for their work and, again, I thank 
the chairman and the ranking member and their staffs for their 
tireless efforts.
    And I yield back the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Castro.
    Mr. Castro. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and also thank you to 
the ranking member, Mr. McCaul, for bringing these measures 
before us today and for your leadership on this committee.
    I want to congratulate all the members whose bills are 
being considered here today. We have a significant number of 
bills and resolutions today, a testament to the hard work of 
the members of this committee and also the members of their 
staff.
    While these are all important measures, there are a few 
that I would like to mention in particular. Around the world, 
we see democracy in retreat as authoritarians crack down on 
civil liberties and human rights.
    The situation in Hong Kong today is one of the most 
pernicious examples, where the Chinese government passed a 
draconian national security law that restricts freedoms in Hong 
Kong in violation of their own commitments to the international 
community.
    This committee held an important hearing on this subject 
and one product of that hearing is Representative Malinowski's 
Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020, which I 
support.
    I was proud to work with Representative Curtis on similar 
legislation earlier this year and am proud to support 
Representative Malinowski's bipartisan bill.
    I also speak in support of the two resolutions introduced 
by my colleagues from Texas, Representative Conaway and 
Representative Green, that highlight the detention of Texan 
Marine Trevor Reed in Russia and the abduction of Texan 
journalist Austin Tice in Syria.
    Mr. Reed faces an extraordinarily long sentence of 9 years 
in prison in Russia under allegations of a crime that fall far 
short of that sentence. His trial has been a farce and, 
clearly, politically motivated.
    Congress must speak up to secure his release so he can be 
reunited with his family.
    Mr. Tice, a Houston native and a journalist who was 
covering the Syrian civil war, has been missing for years after 
being kidnapped. This resolution is an important show of 
support from this committee to his family that we have not 
forgotten him and we are working to bring him home.
    I also want to thank the members of the committee for 
considering my bill, the State Department Student Internship 
Act, and Representative Lee Zeldin, my counterpart on the 
Oversight Subcommittee.
    Representative Zeldin has worked with me on a number of 
hearings and meetings on the issue of representation at the 
State Department and also has worked with me on this 
legislation.
    These programs are an important way for students interested 
in public service or foreign policy to learn more about what 
such a career would look like.
    But for too long they have been inaccessible to many who 
cannot afford to work for months without pay. As we all know, 
that is also a problem and has been a problem in the 
legislative branch.
    This bill would ensure that the department provides 
compensation and assistance for travel and housing so that 
students of all backgrounds and means can start on their path 
to public service and advancing our Nation's foreign policy.
    I urge you to support these measures, all of these measures 
considered today, and I yield back, Chairman.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Phillips.
    Mr. Phillips. Thank you, Chairman Engel and Ranking Member 
McCaul, for bringing this slate of overwhelmingly bipartisan 
measures up for consideration by our entire committee today.
    And as Representative Chabot so eloquently expressed 
earlier in this hearing, the leadership of our chairman and 
ranking member, and the unique spirit of cooperation by members 
of our committee is, surely, a model to our entire Congress.
    And while each of the measures being considered today is of 
great importance, I wish to focus my time on H. Res. 1150 
urging the government of Cote D'Ivoire, its opposition leaders, 
its citizens, and all to respect democratic principles, refrain 
from violence, and hold free, fair, transparent, and peaceful 
elections next month.
    Cote d'Ivoire is at a consequential crossroads. It can 
continue to enjoy a relative peace or regress to the ethnic 
violence that is a stain on its recent past.
    Every political transition in the country's history has 
been accompanied by violence against civilians, most recently 
during the 2010 elections, and although such atrocities are not 
yet occurring in Cote d'Ivoire, the early warning signs surely 
are.
    Despite a constitutional limit of two terms, President 
Ouattara's decision to run for a third term has led to violence 
protests resulting in deaths, injuries, and countless arrests.
    It is imperative that we call attention to this dangerous 
situation and urge action to prevent violence and save lives.
    My resolution, H. Res. 1150, does just that. By reaffirming 
the relationship between the United States and Cote D'Ivoire 
while raising concerns about the likelihood of instability 
stemming from the upcoming election.
    The resolution calls on the Ivoirian government and all 
political parties to commit to free, fair, and peaceful 
elections, protect and support citizens and their access to 
valid information, and to combat disinformation, hate speech, 
and violence.
    Finally, the resolution States that the United States will 
stand with the Ivoirian people in support of peace, democracy, 
religious and ethnic tolerance and stability.
    I urge my colleagues to support this very time sensitive 
and important resolution, and the entire en bloc package.
    And with that, I yield the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you, Mr. 
Phillips.
    Mr. Levin.
    Mr. Levin. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. I want to start 
by adding voice to the avalanche of appreciation for you. We 
will have other opportunities to do that at greater length.
    But I--from the first day I courted you to join the 
committee it has just been such a pleasure working with you. I 
have learned so much from you and you have been so kind to me, 
and I just deeply appreciate your leadership.
    And, you know, I appreciate this markup and the incredible 
work of you and Mr. McCaul working together and so many of my 
colleagues, from Mr. Phillips with Cote d'Ivoire to Hong Kong 
to Tibet, all around this world the members of this committee 
are standing up for human rights and democracy, and I am proud 
to play a part in it.
    And I really want to thank you specifically for considering 
Mr. Chabot's and my resolution urging the Burmese government to 
allow for free, fair, inclusive, transparent, participatory, 
and credible elections in Burma next month, this November.
    When we pass this resolution today we will send a strong 
signal to the Burmese people that we are with you as you 
continue the often dangerous but absolutely essential work of 
democratizing Burma and achieving sustainable peace and human 
rights for all there.
    The past few years have been marred by terrible tragedy, 
none more devastating than the genocide of the Rohingya people.
    At the same time, the government has oppressed other 
religious and ethnic minorities, restricted civil society and 
freedom of the press, silenced government critics, cutoff 
internet services. The list goes on and on.
    These elections can be a chance to start turning the tide 
in Burma. Today, with one voice, we make clear that this body 
is united in its commitment and our commitment to seeing that 
tide turn.
    I hope the administration will join us in supporting the 
Burmese people and work hard to see that these upcoming 
elections are free, fair, inclusive, transparent, 
participatory, and really credible.
    We have to support the right to vote for communities that 
have been disenfranchised. We have to see to it that conflict 
is not used as an excuse to deny people the right to vote and 
we have to make sure U.S.-based social media companies do not 
allow their platforms--sound familiar? To be used as vehicles 
for spreading misinformation or advocating violence or voter 
intimidation.
    Finally, Mr. Chairman, I want to note that 1 year ago today 
I was on my way to Bangladesh where I visited Rohingya refugees 
in Cox's Bazar.
    I have talked about this before, and let me just say it is 
so important that Burma create conditions for the voluntary 
return of the Rohingya people. That means freedom of movement, 
provision of civil documentation, and a transparent pathway to 
the restoration of full citizenship.
    I heard one thing over and over again from the people I met 
last year, that they want to go home. For their sake, for all 
the Burmese people, I hope the elections in November are a step 
forward on the path of true democracy and real human rights for 
all.
    I thank Mr. Chabot again for partnering with me on this, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you very 
much, Mr. Levin.
    Ms. Omar.
    [No response.]
    Chairman Engel. Okay. We will move on to Mr. Malinowski.
    Mr. Malinowski. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member McCaul, first, I just want 
to join all of my colleagues in thanking you for the 
cooperation and hard work that has enabled us to come together 
again and again in a bipartisan way to speak for America to the 
world, and we are doing that today in a number of respects, 
particularly on the issue of promoting human rights around the 
world.
    There are several bills that I am particularly happy to see 
moving, the first of which has been mentioned by a number of my 
colleagues, the Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 
2020.
    We have discussed this before in committee and since then 
our worst predictions about the implications of Hong Kong's new 
national security legislation has started to come true.
    Pro-democracy candidates have been banned from running for 
office. Protestors are being locked up, journalists imprisoned. 
Even today, thousands of police have been stopping and 
searching people en masse as demonstrators took to the streets 
on China's national day.
    What this bill does is to simply take up the mantle of 
leadership that the United States has long held as a refuge for 
people fleeing some of the most repressive regimes of our time, 
from Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union to Cuba to the Arab 
dictatorships to Assad's Syria, and many more.
    It says that those being persecuted in Hong Kong can have 
expedited access to the United States as refugees. Those 
already in the United States, Hongkongers who fear going back, 
will have protection here.
    This is a good thing. It is a first step. I hope we 
continue to take further steps in this direction, including by 
opening our doors to a much wider range of people in Hong Kong 
who may want to make their lives in the United States and 
contribute their talents to us.
    The message to Beijing is very, very simple, that if you 
continue your efforts to crush the people of Hong Kong you are 
going to lose the wealth and talent and energy of this 
extraordinary place to the United States and your loss will be 
very much America's gain.
    Turning to Russia, I am also happy to offer the amendment 
in the nature of a substitute today for the McGovern resolution 
decrying Putin's attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny.
    This is not the first attempt at poisoning by Putin. It is 
a preferred method of his, allowing him some plausible 
deniability for his actions while at the same time striking 
fear into the hearts of his opponent.
    There have been numerous such attempts, some successful, 
some not. Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, Boris Berezovsky in 
2013, Vladimir Kara-Murza 2015, and again in 2017 several 
others.
    When you do not stand up to this kind of stuff it 
encourages even more or worse, and our resolution says enough. 
We are going to work with our allies to seek accountability for 
Putin's actions.
    There are a lot of other really great bills. I want to 
particularly thank some of the folks we have worked with on the 
Hong Kong bill, which has been fully bipartisan--Mr. Curtis, 
Mr. Kinzinger, Mr. Castro--for their leadership on this issue.
    I also want to thank some of the staff who have been deeply 
involved--Jen Hendrickson White on Mr. Engel's staff, Ami Shah 
on the Judiciary Committee, Troy Dougal with Mr. Curtis's 
office, Sid Ravishankar in Mr. Castro's office--for the long 
hours they spent developing the best possible legislative 
solutions for dealing with the crisis in Hong Kong.
    And, of course, all the members who have joined on the 
Navalny resolution, the resolution that Mrs. Wagner offered as 
well--really, really important, expressing our interest in 
protecting human rights in countries that are taking advantage 
of the pandemic to crack down on their people.
    All in all, I think we are sending some extraordinarily 
important messages today and I am very, very happy to work with 
you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member McCaul, to move these 
forward.
    Thank you, and I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. 
Malinowski.
    Ms. Omar.
    Ms. Omar. Thank you, Chairman.
    First, I would like to speak to House Resolution 1012, 
recognizing the importance of our alliance with South Korea. I 
support this resolution, but I also feel that we, as a 
committee, have missed a real opportunity today.
    The best way to truly demonstrate our commitment to our 
partnership with South Korea and with the Korean people is to 
call for a formal end to war, a war that even today keeps 
Korean families separated.
    I hope this committee will take action soon.
    I would also like to speak a little about sanctions. By my 
account, today's markup includes seven different pieces of 
legislation that authorize, encourage, and otherwise refer to 
sanctions.
    And this is not unusual. I think in almost every markup we 
have held we have included some sanction legislation. But we 
have not taken a moment to consider the use of sanctions in a 
thoughtful way.
    It is easy to justify each individual sanction. Yes, there 
must be consequences for election interference, for human 
rights violations, and for subverting democracy, though we need 
to ask ourselves are sanctions always the correct answer.
    I am afraid that Congress has become too reliant on 
sanctions. We reach for them as the easiest solution to 
whatever problem we face.
    But they are often not a solution at all. They are often 
deeply painful for the populations of the countries we 
sanction, the very people we are trying to help. They drive bad 
actors into the black market by cutting them off from 
international financial institutions.
    They are extremely easy to implement but extremely 
difficult to remove. They put extra burdens on human rights 
organizations, peace building organizations, and people trying 
to do good and productive work in violent and repressive 
places.
    We can say it is different when they are targeted. But I am 
not sure it is true. Above all, we do not even know if they 
work. I doubt they do in most cases.
    If sanctions on a country would help lead them to democracy 
and human rights, North Korea would have been a thriving 
democracy in the 1960's. We all share the goal of 
accountability and justice. I just do not believe sanctions 
help us toward that goal most of the time.
    I encourage this committee to think more deeply about what 
tools are available to us and to think more about the long-term 
consequences of our actions.
    Thank you, and I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. Mr. Trone.
    Mr. Trone. Thank you, Chairman Engel, for your leadership 
of this committee and for scheduling today's markup.
    The last 2 years it has been a real honor and a pleasure 
working with you and your team. So thank you so much.
    We are considering a number of important pieces of 
legislation today and I am proud to co-sponsor many of them, 
like the Represent America Abroad Act introduced by Chairwoman 
Karen Bass.
    But I would like to primarily speak about a bill I 
introduced with Ranking Member Michael McCaul, H.R. 7990, the 
FENTANYL Results Act. Right now, millions of Americans are 
suffering from addiction.
    I know this pain all too well. I watched and tried to help 
as my nephew battled addiction for 5 years before losing his 
life to Fentanyl overdose in 2016.
    Unfortunately, this story is an all too common reality in 
America. Since his passing, we have seen dramatic and alarming 
increase in Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids across our 
country. This threat has only increased in connection with the 
COVID-19 pandemic.
    In parts of my district in Maryland, opioid overdose are up 
50-plus percent this time over last year. To put it even more 
starkly, this year Fentanyl has been involved in 93 percent of 
all opioid-related deaths in Maryland.
    We need to tackle this opioid crisis from every angle and 
that includes working with our international partners to curb 
drug trafficking.
    That is why I introduced the Fighting Emerging Narcotics 
Through Additional Nations to Yield Lasting Results, or the 
FENTANYL Results Act, with Ranking Member McCaul. This bill 
will authorize two programs through the State Department to 
build foreign law enforcement capacity to detect synthetic 
drugs.
    The FENTANYL Results Act is a serious step in the fight 
against global synthetic drug trade. I would like to thank 
Ranking Member McCaul for partnering with me on this important 
legislation and Chairman Engel for helping us get this bill 
where it is today.
    It has been a privilege to be appointed by the speaker to 
the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking. 
There, I will work with my fellow commissioners to continue to 
develop bipartisan solutions to stop the flow of illicit 
opioids into America.
    To put it simply, we have got to get it done. Lives are at 
stake. Thank you, and I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Are any other members seeking recognition?
    [No response.]
    Chairman Engel. Hearing no further requests for 
recognition, the committee will proceed.
    [Pause.]
    Chairman Engel. Okay. I am told there is a technical issue. 
So we are going to wait a couple of minutes to resolve it.
    [Pause.]
    Chairman Engel. Okay. We are going to take a brief recess 
for a few minutes until we get this straightened out. So the 
committee is now in recess.
    [Brief recess.]
    Chairman Engel. We now call the committee back in order. I 
understand our difficulties--technical difficulties--have been 
taken care of.
    So hearing no further requests for recognition, are there 
any further requests for recognition?
    [No response.]
    Chairman Engel. Okay. Having no further requests, the 
committee will proceed to consider the noticed items en bloc.
    Pursuant to the previous order, the question occurs on the 
measures en bloc as amended if amended. We will take a vote by 
voice. All members please unmute your microphones.
    All right. All those in favor say aye.
    All those opposed, say no.
    In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
    The measures considered en bloc are agreed to, and pursuant 
to the previous order of the committee, each members is ordered 
favorably reported as amended if amended, and each amendment to 
each bill shall be reported as a single amendment in the nature 
of a substitute.
    Without objection, staff is authorized to make any 
technical and conforming changes.
    Now on to the next item of business, consideration of H.R. 
7673. Pursuant to notice for purposes of markup, I now call up 
H.R. 7673, the Represent America Abroad Act.
    The clerk will report the bill.
    Ms. Alexander. H.R. 7673, to ensure the United States 
diplomatic work force at all levels reflects the diverse 
composition of the United States. Be it enacted by the Senate 
and the House of Representatives of the United States of 
America and Congress assembled.
    Chairman Engel. Without objection, the first reading of the 
bill is dispensed with. Without objection, the bill shall be 
considered as read and open to amendment at any point.
    [The Bill H.R. 7673 follows:]

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    Chairman Engel. I now offer the Bass amendment in the 
nature of a substitute that was noticed as base text. The clerk 
will please report the amendment.
    Ms. Alexander. Bass Amendment 106. Amendment in the nature 
of a substitute to H.R. 7673. Strike all after the enacting 
clause and insert the following: Section 1 short title. This 
act may be cited as the Represent America Abroad Act of 2020. 
Section 2----
    Chairman Engel. Without objection, the reading of the 
amendment will be dispensed with. Without objection, the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute will be considered 
original text for purposes of further amendment.
    [The Amendment offered by Ms. Bass follows:]

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    Chairman Engel. At this time, I recognize Ms. Bass to speak 
on the measure.
    Ms. Bass. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
    H.R. 7673, Represent America Abroad Act, is a partnership 
with my friend and colleague, Representative Chabot. We have 
worked together on bipartisan issues for many years.
    H.R. 7673 addresses foreign policy areas that U.S. 
diplomats work on daily. However, that work cannot be realized 
without those who implement our goals abroad are Foreign 
Service Officers.
    These diplomats are America's face to the world and, as 
such, its work force must represent the full spectrum of 
American society in order to effectively advance American 
values, including diversity and inclusion.
    Earlier this year, the GAO office released two reports that 
found barriers to a diverse and inclusive work force within the 
Foreign Service, particularly at mid-career and senior levels.
    But those findings are not new. A 1989 GAO report found 
that minorities and women were under represented at the mid and 
senior level, and the State Department has not addressed the 
issue nor did they have a plan to do so.
    They also had no plan for addressing possible barriers to 
hiring or promoting under represented groups. Unfortunately, we 
find ourselves in the same place 30 years later. To highlight 
the point, according to the American Academy of Diplomacy, out 
of 189 Ambassadors serving overseas today, only three are 
African American. Just four are Hispanic.
    In 2018, Asian career diplomats were represented at the 
senior levels at just 3 percent, and Native Hawaiian, Pacific 
Islander, American Indian, Alaska Natives were represented at 
less than 2 percent.
    These are unacceptable statistics which undermine our 
foreign policy objectives and must be overcome.
    Think about it. All of us travel overseas. All of us go to 
embassies. All of us meet with the company teams. What type of 
diversity do you see when you travel?
    I share the sentiments of former Ambassadors, Williams 
Burns, who served as deputy secretary of State, and Linda 
Thomas-Greenfield, who served as director general of the 
Foreign Service, essentially the chief human resource officers.
    In a recent article in Foreign Affairs, they argue the lack 
of diversity in the diplomatic corps should be treated as a 
national security crisis. It not only undermines the powers of 
the U.S. example, it also suffocates the potential of the 
country's diplomacy.
    They argue that State will have to incorporate ideas that 
in the past seemed unacceptable to the department and its 
career staff, but that today are inescapable. They call for the 
creation of mid-career pathways into the Foreign Service, 
including for Americans with unique skills and experience.
    Additionally, in a letter to the secretary of State dated 
July 13th, 2020, AAD expressed support for efforts to make the 
Foreign Service more representative of the American people.
    In response, H.R. 7673 proposes to assist the State 
Department to diversify the Foreign Service in critical skill 
sets at the mid-level career in H. Res. 7673, the Represent 
America Abroad Act.
    This diversification and inclusion program would target 
educated--educated--and experienced Americans who represent the 
full spectrum of American society. We believe these efforts 
would boost recruitment, retention, and promotion of a diverse 
education Foreign Service that represents the full composition 
of America.
    For those who are concerned that this sounds like an 
affirmative action program, I assure you that it is not. There 
are no number requirements, no quotas. There are no differing 
standards for entry.
    This is a recruitment program like the highly--regarded 
Rangel and Pickering Fellowships that are widely praised and 
highlighted by the State Department.
    The State Department has known about the lack of diversity 
and barriers to promotion for more than 30 years. There is a 
lot of evidence that African American, Latino, Asian, Pacific 
Islander diplomats who have the same experience, the same 
education, are not promoted in the same level, which is why the 
State Department also experiences numerous lawsuits.
    Diplomats of color who represent and serve their countries 
abroad have had a glass ceiling over their heads. I know that 
we can do better. This is the time to do better.
    Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to enter in the record 
an article about the State Department being sued on bias 
charges. This article was written 33 years ago. But, yet, the 
situation is the same.
    I look forward to your support----
    Chairman Engel. Without--excuse me, Ms. Bass. Without 
objection, so ordered.
    [The information referred to follows:]

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    Ms. Bass. Thank you. We look forward to your support and I 
yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentlewoman yields back.
    Mr. McCaul, do you seek recognition?
    Mr. McCaul. Yes, Mr. Chairman.
    Thank you. I think everyone here supports the goal of 
increasing diversity at the Department of State and that is why 
I supported our robust diversity and inclusion title in the 
State authorization bill and why I am an original co-sponsor 
for Mr. Castro's internship bill that we are marking up today.
    And I agree with Ms. Bass that we need to do better job at 
recruitment, collecting viewpoints from under represented 
groups and analyzing data so that the Foreign Service looks 
more like the face of America.
    However, I think an immediate, permanent, and mandatory 
expansion of the Foreign Service into the mid ranks tries to 
solve a problem without first understanding the cause.
    It will also have a tremendous downstream effect on morale, 
placement, hiring, promotion, and budget, which is why the 
Foreign Service Association has voiced both its concern and 
opposition to this bill as currently written.
    I know Ms. Bass cares deeply about this issue and I have 
tremendous respect for her, and I share her desire to make the 
department a more diverse and inclusive place.
    Given the Foreign Service Association's opposition, though, 
I do think that the approach would be better as offered by Mr. 
Zeldin. It would be a more effective tool in the long run and 
address the acute issue in the short term.
    And for that reason, Mr. Chairman, I plan to support the 
Zeldin amendment as the appropriate way forward on this issue. 
I want to thank you, and I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you, Mr. McCaul.
    I now recognize myself.
    In this committee, we spend a lot of time talking about the 
importance of diplomacy as a foreign policy tool. Our diplomats 
build bridges of friendship with governments and peoples. They 
represent our country's character and compassion in our conduct 
of foreign policy.
    They are, in many ways, America's face to the world. That 
representation should reflect what our country actually looks 
like.
    But despite a focus on this issue in recent years, there 
remains a troubling lack of diversity in the mid and senior 
levels of the Foreign Service.
    In January, the Government Accountability Office produced a 
report that I requested, along with other colleagues, and made 
it clear that there exists serious barriers to diversity in the 
State Department.
    GAO found that racial or ethnic minorities were less likely 
to be promoted than their white co-workers with similar 
education, occupation, or years of Federal service.
    There was another GAO report that--there was another GAO 
report that dealt with this issue. It was titled ``State 
Department Minorities and Women are Underrepresented in the 
Foreign Service'' and it was published in 1989. It is really 
disheartening--my first year in Congress, by the way--it is 
really disheartening that over three decades we have made so 
little progress grappling with this challenge.
    We need to do better, and Chairwoman Bass's bill is a step 
in the right direction. It would direct those in charge of the 
Foreign Service to establish a lateral entry program for people 
who belong to traditionally under represented groups in order 
to attract more members of minority groups into the Foreign 
Service and address the under representation at the mid and 
senior levels.
    This is a good bill. I want to thank Ms. Bass for her hard 
work. More than a quarter of House members have signed on as 
co-sponsors.
    I look--let us see. These are real problems and ignoring 
them will not make them go away. We can do our part by trying 
to build a more diverse inclusive work force among those who 
serve our country and represent us overseas.
    I am glad to support this measure and I urge all members to 
do the same.
    I realize members wish to speak on the bill and that some 
members have amendments to offer. I will now recognize any 
other members by committee seniority, alternating between 
Democrats and Republicans for the purpose of speaking on the 
bill first.
    If you miss your turn, please let our staff know and we 
will circle back to you. If you seek recognition, you must 
unmute your microphone and address the chair verbally. Then we 
will move on to amendments.
    Do any other members wish to speak on the bill?
    Mr. Meeks. Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Engel. Mr. Meeks.
    Mr. Meeks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I want to thank Chairwoman Bass for this amendment. This is 
really important, and I heard Mr. McCaul's statement. But it is 
time--the studies really have been done already. Mr. Zeldin's 
bill is primarily talking about doing another study.
    We have seen the studies. GAO has come out with a study. In 
fact, for most of us that are on this committee and who have 
traveled, all you got to do is travel and go look at the State 
Department and who represents us, who is in the Foreign 
Services. Just travel. The numbers are there.
    So what this bill just says that we have seen the studies. 
We know that there is a problem. Now let us address the 
problem. It is not just good for the State Department. It is 
good for America.
    We need to have this addressed. So when I think about how 
we fixed and addressed some issues before, say, like, in the 
armed services, there is actual recruitment from the armed 
services that go into Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. They go 
into the local schools. They go into colleges. They go to other 
institutions, trying to make sure that they get them to enlist 
in the military.
    And that is a good thing. That is not a bad thing. But we 
should do the same thing in the State Department, because we 
know that diplomacy is just as important as the armed services.
    And we need to go out and recruit folks because too often--
I know in communities like mine--now, I got a good--what I 
think is a great public education.
    I saw individuals coming into my schools to recruit for the 
armed services. But I had no idea at the time about the State 
Department and diplomacy and opportunities that were therein.
    So all that Ms. Bass is saying is we need to go out. There 
is talent there. And make sure the State Department looks like 
America. So when we are out there our diplomats look like 
America, and that gives us greater credibility to lead, to 
show.
    I mean, I often say that what makes our country the 
greatest country that this planet has ever seen is our 
diversity, people from all different parts of the world and 
people of different colors. But you got to open those doors. 
You cannot keep the doors closed and say we need another study.
    The doors have been closed because we have not recruited, 
and the people say, oh, we cannot find anybody or we do not 
know anybody, when we never looked for anybody. We never 
trained anybody, and then we never made sure that within a 
culture that they could grow and elevate within that 
organization.
    We should be doing it in the State Department and leading 
everybody else, and proud of what we are doing because that is 
what makes us America. We have overcome a lot.
    We have got a lot more to overcome, and the State 
Department and the ever closing world where we have got to be 
more interconnected than ever should be representative of our 
country and diversity, and having people of color therein.
    I wish I knew then--maybe that is why I love this committee 
so much because I love foreign affairs. Maybe I would not be in 
Congress now. Maybe I'd be in the State Department had those 
doors been open or had I knew such existed in my community at 
the time that I was growing up.
    So let us be active. Let us support 7673. Let us be 
proactive and not just talk about another study. Let us resolve 
the problem and the issue, and I think that this bill takes us 
in the right direction and I ask all of us to support H.R. 
7873.
    And, again, I compliment Congresswoman Bass for this great 
fantastic bill that takes us to make the State Department 
representative of our great country.
    And I yield back the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you very much, Mr. Meeks. The 
gentleman yields back his time.
    Mr. Sires.
    Mr. Sires. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am running out of 
juice here on my iPad, but I think we have enough. Thank you 
very much.
    I want to thank my colleague from California, Congresswoman 
Karen Bass, for introducing an important bill to ensure that 
our diplomats reflect the diversity of our country. I am proud 
to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 7673, the Represent America 
Abroad Act of 2020.
    As an immigrant who came here at the age of 11 and has made 
this country my home, I believe diversity is one of America's 
greatest strengths. I have also observed through my work on 
this committee and my trips abroad that our diplomats do 
essentially work to advance the interest of the United States. 
I think it is fair to say that many citizens and government 
officials in other countries draw conclusions about who we are 
as a country based on the people who represent us at our 
embassies around the globe.
    This bill is about ensuring that we put our best foot 
forward. What message are we sending the world by having a 
State Department that is far more white and far more male than 
our country's actual population? More importantly, how many 
times are diplomats, or future diplomats, being passed over or 
denied the opportunity to promote our interests abroad due to 
the structural barriers that persist in our State Department?
    It is time that those who represent us abroad fully reflect 
our commitment to inclusion and diversity. This bill takes a 
big step in that direction by making it easier for people of 
color to join the Foreign Service as mid-level officers. It 
also provides a necessary nudge to ensure that the State 
Department takes tangible steps to recruit and retain talented 
candidates of color. The lack of adequate progress over the 
last two decades shows that we must be purposeful in our 
efforts to recruit a more diverse Foreign Service work force.
    I thank Congresswoman Bass for her leadership, and I urge 
my colleagues to support this measure. And I yield back. Thank 
you.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Connolly.
    Mr. Connolly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I support this bill because it is needed. One of the sort 
of dirty little secrets in the Nation's capital is how little 
diversity there actually has been historically in our Foreign 
Service ranks. Qualified, competent, good men and women, but it 
doesn't always reflect, and certainly usually hasn't, the face 
of America, the diversity of America. And in fact, we are 
experiencing right now a depletion in the ranks of minority 
personnel in the Foreign Service. There has to be an aggressive 
recruitment. There has be an aggressive commitment to making 
the Foreign Service so that it looks like America. That is good 
for American diplomacy, but it is, more importantly, a clear 
and clarion statement about who we are and who we want to be. 
And so, promoting diversity is very important.
    There are two studies underway, Mr. Chairman, one by the 
Council on Foreign Relations, the other by Harvard University 
Kennedy School, both looking at this subject and coming up with 
recommendations, which I am sure this committee will want to 
look at and hold hearings about probably next year. But this 
needed now.
    And I fully support Ms. Bass' efforts in this bill and hope 
our colleagues will as well. I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Cicilline.
    Mr. Cicilline. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    And I want to thank my colleague and friend, Congresswoman 
Karen Bass, for introducing H.R. 7673, the Represent America 
Abroad Act.
    Americans around the country are protesting or standing 
with protestors who demand an end to systemic racism keeping 
black and brown Americans from equality. At the same time, our 
State Department faces deep challenges in hiring and retaining 
people of color and women in the Foreign Service. And there was 
a recent hearing that was chaired by Chairman Castro that 
really underscored the urgency of this work and how serious 
this challenge is. We must work together to do what the Foreign 
Service Act set out to do, to create a work force at the State 
Department that is representative of America.
    In order to reach that goal, H.R. 7673 takes the advice of 
many very senior current and former members of the Foreign 
Service and Civil Service and authorizes immediate career entry 
into the Foreign Service for candidates of color. I and many of 
my colleagues have been in discussions with senior and retired 
members of the Foreign Service, Ambassadors and storied civil 
servants who have lamented the lack of diversity at the State 
Department and particularly note how little progress has been 
made outside the Pickering and Rangel Fellowships, important 
programs to increase the number of outstanding young people of 
color entering the Foreign Service. They note that, above and 
beyond getting new recruits of color and retaining the 
professionals that we already have in the Foreign Service, much 
more work will need to be done to make the State Department's 
culture welcoming to all.
    This is work that the committee must commit to. This 
committee has provided oversight to the State Department's 
diversity since at least 1973. We have made too little progress 
and we have to commit to working together to make much more 
progress.
    As Americans around the country bravely and fiercely stand 
up for racial justice in their communities, let us stand up for 
a Foreign Service that harnesses the rich experiences of all 
Americans and represents the brilliant and beautiful diversity 
of our great country.
    I urge my colleagues to support the Represent America 
Abroad Act and thank my colleague, Congressman Bass, for its 
introduction. I am proud to be an original cosponsor and urge 
all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.
    And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you, Cicilline.
    Mr. Lieu.
    Mr. Lieu. Thank you, Chairman Engel.
    Let me first start off by joining the other members of this 
committee in praising you for your many decades of service and 
for your leadership on this committee. It is an honor to serve 
with you on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
    I rise in support of this important legislation by 
Representative Bass. And let me tell you a story. First of all, 
this issue of the lack of diversity is a bipartisan issue. It 
has occurred in both Democratic and Republican administrations. 
And in my first term in Congress, I was on a CODEL with Nancy 
Pelosi and other Members and we were going to China. And we had 
a briefing by multiple agencies prior to our trip. We visited 
different places and met with very high-ranking officials in 
China. At the briefings that we had here in the U.S. prior to 
the trip, there were about a dozen people in the room from 
these different agencies. Not a single one of them was Asian-
American. And it occurred to me halfway through the meeting 
that this is probably not good when you have the top-level 
people in our Federal Government working on the issue of China 
and everybody looks exactly the same. I think there might be 
some expertise that does not occur when that happens that the 
U.S. loses on.
    And so, I wholeheartedly support Representative Bass' 
diversify by the State Department. After this bill becomes law, 
I think we also need to simply change the culture at the State 
Department and change some other rules and regulations. There 
was an important hearing done last week where we had two State 
Department officials. This was a hearing that Representative 
Castro chaired and Representative Cicilline mentioned. And what 
we do know is, from surveys done by, for example, the Asian-
American group at the State Department, assignment restrictions 
hamper our Foreign Service Officers. And so, some of them, for 
example, simply will not be assigned to different countries or 
high-profile countries just because of who they are.
    And so, I asked a very simple question of these two State 
Department officials. I said, ``If you are Russian-American, 
does that mean you are not allowed to work in Russia or work on 
Russian issues? Or if you are Chinese-American, are you barred 
from working on issues related to China?'' They could not 
answer that question.
    First of all, it is illegal. You cannot do that. You cannot 
discriminate against any Federal employee based purely on their 
ethnicity. So, the State Department has to stop doing that. And 
if there are assignment restrictions based on factors that may 
cause, for example, a national security risk, they have got to 
be valid.
    So, I think there needs to be a wholesale change to the 
State Department. This has been going on for far too long in 
both Democrat and Republican administrations.
    I, for example, am no less American than Chairman Engel. I 
am also no more American than Chairman Engel. We are all 
Americans. And the State Department needs to treat its Foreign 
Service exactly the same way. We are all Americans and should 
be treated that way. I wholeheartedly support Representative 
Bass' comments.
    And I just have to end tonight saying how last night's 
comments by the President of the United States were utterly 
disgraceful when he somehow said an immigrant Member of 
Congress, how she was running our country. Well, guess what? We 
are all Americans. We are all trying to run our country the 
best that we can.
    I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Ms. Titus.
    Ms. Titus. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I am a cosponsor of this bill, and I strongly support it 
and thank our colleague, Ms. Bass, for bringing it forward.
    I know that this particular bill has to do with racial and 
ethnic representation in the State Department, and I know it is 
certainly needed to make us look more like the face of America. 
But I would just like to put on the record that, as we turn to 
the State Department to diversify its ranks, let's not forget 
about those with disabilities. I am sure if you pulled up 
statistics of how many people working in the State Department 
were in a wheelchair or had some other kind of disability, it 
would be far less even than those with racial or ethnic 
identifications. For the record, as we move in this direction, 
let's keep that in mind and see if we cannot make some 
improvements in that area as well.
    Thank you, and I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you, Ms. Titus.
    Do any other members wish to speak on the bill?
    Hearing no further requests, we will move on to amendments.
    For what purpose does Mr. Zeldin seek recognition?
    Mr. Zeldin. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk 
and I ask for its consideration at this time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman is recognized for that 
purpose.
    The clerk shall distribute the amendment. It has been done, 
I am told. For members currently in the hearing room, a member 
of the staff will bring a copy to you. Let's pause briefly to 
give all members enough time to review the amendment.
    Has everyone received a copy of the amendment? Okay. They 
have.
    The clerk will please report the amendment.
    Ms. Stiles. ``Zeldin Amendment No. 1. An amendment in the 
nature of a substitute to H.R. 7673.
    Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:
    Section 1, Short Title. This Act may be cited as the 
Represent America Abroad Act of 2020.''
    Chairman Engel. Without objection, the further reading of 
the amendment will be dispensed with.
    [The amendment offered by Mr. Zeldin follows:]

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    Chairman Engel. A point of order is reserved.
    The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes in support his 
the amendment.
    Mr. Zeldin. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
    My amendment would strengthen and revamp a lateral entry 
program into the Foreign Service that has been law since 
December 2016, but has not yet been implemented. This gives us 
a unique opportunity to refocus our objectives. The lateral 
entry program would require outreach and inclusion of 
minorities and mandate recruitment and reporting of progress to 
Congress. This amendment recognizes the importance of diversity 
and the need to do more in the mid-level and senior ranks of 
the Foreign Service without harming the structure of the 
Foreign Service.
    Ms. Bass' bill would disrupt the multi-step process of the 
Foreign Service by artificially elevating candidates who enter 
into a lateral entry program into mid-level status. The 
American Foreign Service Association, which represents over 
28,000 active and retired Foreign Service employees, opposes 
that bill. I would request unanimous consent to enter a letter 
into the record from the American Foreign Service Association 
regarding the Bass bill.
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    Mr. Zeldin. The American Foreign Service Association 
offered to work with the majority to improve the language 
because they are rightfully concerned that the way the language 
is currently drafted would be unfair to those Foreign Service 
Officers who have worked for many years to reach mid-level 
status.
    The Foreign Service is similar to the Army in that you 
gradually rise through the ranks. You do not just skip steps. 
The original bill would permit participants of the lateral 
entry program to bypass years of service. These years of 
service are necessary to provide expertise on managing 
embassies abroad. That bill was drafted without input from the 
State Department and without working with the minority on 
changes.
    I helped lead the effort on another bill in the en bloc 
package that was drafted with bipartisan input to create a paid 
internship program at State without drastically changing the 
structure of the Foreign Service, but organically increasing 
diversity. And I appreciate Chairman Castro's work on that 
bill.
    Diversity and inclusion should play a central role in 
improving recruitment, retention, and career development 
efforts. However, we must be responsible about creating 
programs that unfairly impact current Foreign Service Officers 
who have spent years rising through the ranks.
    To summarize, my amendment identifies the importance of 
attracting and maintaining a diverse Foreign Service through 
the mid and senior ranks. This amendment would revamp a 
preexisting mandated lateral entry pilot program project by 
adding additional requirements for minority outreach and 
inclusion and require the State Department to report to 
Congress on those efforts.
    I want to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Bass for her 
passion and leadership on this issue. She genuinely is working 
hard on this cause, and I appreciate that.
    I want to respond to one comment one of my colleagues made 
a little while ago. Mr. Meeks said that the amendment was just 
a study, and it is important to note that there is actually 
nothing at all in the bill that references a study. It does 
have a mandate for a new recruitment guideline, and it is also 
not just some reporting requirement, but certainly nothing in 
the text with regards to a study.
    I also want to take this opportunity to echo the praise and 
gratitude of my colleagues, as we have done throughout this 
day, for Chairman Engel. I have got to say, personally, even 
though I am on the other side of the aisle, I was saddened to 
learn the news that he is going to be moving on to other 
pursuits. Chairman Engel has worked hard throughout his career 
on many incredibly important issues related to strengthening 
U.S. foreign policy in our country, strengthening relationships 
with our allies like Israel, and is someone who will definitely 
be greatly missed in this chamber. So, I thank Chairman Engel 
for his friendship, his years of service, his chairmanship here 
on the committee, and I wish him the best of luck and fortune 
in everything that is still ahead in his life.
    I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. I thank the gentleman for his kind words. 
Thank you very much.
    Ms. Bass.
    Ms. Bass. Thank you. Thank you very much.
    While we appreciate the amendment offered that seeks to 
amend the lateral entry program into the Foreign Service that 
was passed into law in 2017, I must let you know that it does 
not tackle the issue head-on. The use of the words, quote, 
``should be an avenue for the Foreign Service to diversify'' is 
no different from current recruitment into Foreign Service.
    What we have learned is that traditional recruitment has 
been unsuccessful in recruiting historically underrepresented 
groups into the Foreign Service. And while my colleagues are 
concerned about the fact that this is skipping steps, and 
people who have been in the ranks for a while move up, the 
problem is that people in the Foreign Service who represent 
underrepresented groups who have the same qualifications, the 
same years of service, are not promoted. So, there is a problem 
within the Foreign Service.
    I think that it is sad when we think about people being 
demoralized when we are talking about diversity, because the 
fact of the matter is, even when there are people of color in 
the Foreign Service, they do not stay long. They are not 
retained because of the glass ceiling. So, when we are 
concerned about the moral challenges at the State Department, 
we need to be concerned about the fact that people who face a 
glass ceiling in a building that is supposed to be a 
meritocracy do not receive the same treatment.
    The more the national security work force reflects America, 
the more effectively it can advance American values on a global 
stage. Diversity and inclusion is a priority for all of us. It 
makes us safer as a country and it is the right thing to do.
    The legislation that was passed in 2017, you are talking 
about the Foreign Service Association, they actually opposed 
that as well. And so, I think that there are not many times in 
history when we talk about diversion, I mean when we talk about 
diversity and inclusion, whether it is a trade union or other 
professional associations, when they have not opposed it. They 
oppose it, and then, they oppose it because they feel as 
though, when you say word ``diversity,'' that somebody is going 
to lose; people who are already in power are going to lose some 
of that power.
    And so, there is a knee-jerk reaction to oppose it, as 
opposed to viewing that there is enough room for everyone, 
especially in the State Department right now. Because the fact 
of the matter is over the last few years the State Department 
has lost many, many people, and it is going to be a need to 
recruit people in the future. And so, there needs to be 
attention, a specific attention, to diversity when we are 
talking about that.
    I also understand that there are concerns about potential 
litigation, but new legislation often faces these concerns. The 
legislation risk I am worried about is the committee's failing 
to act, to not address the lack of diversity at the mid and 
senior ranks.
    When the GAO--the GAO--finds that racial and ethnic 
minorities are promoted at lower levels than their white 
counterparts, when you control for language and education and 
other things, this strikes me as a potential vulnerability to 
the State Department. So, the risk I am worried about is what 
happens if we do nothing.
    And as I mentioned before, all of us travel the world. All 
of us go to embassies. Who do you see when you go to embassies? 
I travel a lot in Africa and it is a rare occasion that I see 
an African-American or a person of color in those embassies. 
And when they do see me, they rush over to spend time with me 
to talk to me, and privately will tell me about what it is 
like, the discrimination that they face, the way they have a 
glass ceiling and they are not able to move up. And frankly, I 
have talked to many Foreign Service Officers that I had to 
convince to stay in the Foreign Service because they were so 
demoralized. So, just having programs that encourage and do not 
do anything specific is not a way to resolve this problem.
    I yield back my time.
    Chairman Engel. The gentlewoman yields back.
    Is there further debate on the amendment?
    Hearing no further requests to speak, the question is on 
the amendment. We are going to take a vote by voice. All 
Members, please unmute your microphones.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All those opposed, no.
    In the opinion of the chair, the noes have it and the 
amendment is not agreed to.
    Do any other member seek recognition?
    Hearing no further requests for recognition, the question 
is to report H.R. 7673, the Represent America Abroad Act, to 
the House with the recommendation that the bill do pass.
    We are going to take a vote by voice. All Members, please 
unmute your microphones.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All opposed, no.
    In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The measure 
is ordered favorably reported.
    Without objection, staff is authorized to make technical 
and conforming changes.
    OK. Pursuant to notice, for purposes of markup, I now call 
up H.R. 4507, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act. The clerk 
will report the bill.
    Ms. Stiles. ``H.R. 4507, to protect Saudi dissidents in the 
United States, and for other purposes.''
    Chairman Engel. Without objection, the first reading of the 
bill is dispensed with. Without objection, the bill shall be 
considered as read and open to amendment at any point.
    [The Bill H.R. 4507 follows:]

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    Chairman Engel. I now offer the Connolly amendment in the 
nature of the substitute that was noticed as base text. The 
clerk will please report the amendment.
    Ms. Stiles. ``Connolly Amendment No. 86. Amendment in the 
nature of a substitute to H.R. 4507.
    Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:
    Section 1, Short Title. This Act may be cited as the 
Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2020.
    Section 2''----
    Chairman Engel. Without objection, the reading of the 
amendment will be dispensed with. Without objection, the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute will be considered 
original text for purposes of further amendment.
    [The amendment offered by Mr. Connolly follows:]

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    Chairman Engel. And at this time, I recognize Mr. Connolly 
to speak on the measure.
    Mr. Connolly. I thank the chair.
    I want to remind my colleagues that tomorrow is the second 
anniversary of the brutal murder and dismemberment of my 
constituent, Jamal Khashoggi. And to this day, the Saudi 
government that preplanned in a calculated and bloody way Mr. 
Khashoggi's death has yet to be held to account. This bill 
seeks to focus on that accountability.
    The Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act bans the sale of 
U.S. weapons to Saudi intelligence, law enforcement, or 
internal security until and unless the Secretary of State can 
certify that these agencies are not involved in forced 
repatriation, silencing, or the killing of Saudi dissidents in 
other countries, including our own.
    It enhances congressional oversight whether the government 
of Saudi Arabia was engaged in a consistent pattern of acts of 
intimidation or harassment directed against Jamal Khashoggi or 
any individual in the United States, and whether any U.S.-
origin defense articles were used in those activities.
    It requires the President to close at least one Saudi 
diplomatic facility in the U.S. if--if--Saudi diplomats are 
using diplomatic credentials, visas, or diplomatic facilities, 
as they did in Istanbul, to facilitate monitoring, tracking, 
surveillance, harassment, or harm to other nationals of Saudi 
Arabia living here in the United States.
    And finally, it improves congressional oversight of the 
intelligence community regarding the extent to which the 
intelligence community fulfilled its duty to warn Jamal 
Khashoggi of threats to his life and liberty.
    The bill, Mr. Chairman, has the support of numerous, well 
over a dozen, prestigious outside groups that care about human 
rights and advocate for them, including the Committee to 
Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, PEN America, 
the Project on Middle East Democracy, Freedom House, Freedom 
Initiative, Human Rights First, Freedom Forward, the Friends 
Committee on National Legislation, the Saudi American Justice 
Project, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom Now, among a number.
    And I would ask unanimous consent that statements and 
letters of support from those organizations be entered into the 
record.
    Chairman Engel. Without objection.
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    Mr. Connolly. I thank the chair.
    Now the facts of the case. Two years ago tomorrow, my 
constituent and lawful U.S. resident, a journalist, mild critic 
of the Saudi regime--he wanted to see reform, not revolution--
Jamal Khashoggi, was lured into a Saudi consulate in Istanbul, 
Turkey, because he needed paperwork to remarry. He was lured 
into that consulate under false assurances of his own personal 
security, where he was murdered in cold blood and dismembered 
by agents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reportedly, by our 
own intelligence community and Turkey's intelligence community, 
at the direction of the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman 
himself. And with, as I said, false assurances of safety given 
to him by the Saudi Ambassador here in the United States at 
that time.
    The U.S. intelligence community assessed that the Crown 
Prince ordered Mr. Khashoggi's murder. The U.N. Special 
Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Killings 
concluded that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a 
deliberate premeditated execution and extrajudicial killing for 
which the State of Saudi Arabia is responsible. That was the 
finding of the United Nations Special Investigator on this 
case.
    And we know Jamal Khashoggi was neither the lone nor last 
victim of Saudi Arabia's international campaign of 
intimidation, disappearances, and assassinations. Dr. Saad 
Aljabri and Loujain al-Hathloul, these are too all-familiar 
names on the long list of dissidents persecuted while overseas.
    I would also ask at this point, Mr. Chairman, to enter into 
the record a series of articles, including New York Times 
article ``Saudi Official Hid Abroad, His Family Became a Target 
at Home'' by way of retaliation; a May 2019 New York Times 
article, ``It wasn't just Khashoggi: A Saudi Prince's Brutal 
Drive to Crush Dissent;'' a January 2019 New York article, 
``The Saudi Government's Global Campaign to Silence Its 
Critics;'' an October 2018 New York Times article, ``Our Hands 
Can Reach You: Khashoggi Case Shakes Saudi Dissidents Abroad,'' 
and a June 2019 report on Jamal Khashoggi's killing by the U.N. 
Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary 
Killings, at this point in the record.
    Chairman Engel. Without objection.
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    Mr. Connolly. I thank the chair.
    It is important to note that this amendment in the nature 
of a substitute represents a sincere effort on my part to meet 
the request of the minority. So, the AINS reflects Republican-
recommended changes.
    We illuminated findings perceived by them as unduly 
critical of the Trump administration. We narrowed the purview 
of the bill to focus on the Saudi intimidation campaign abroad. 
We amended the immediate ban on arms sales to accommodate a 
120-day period of oversight, review, and engagement with Saudi 
Arabia, in the hopes concerns can be addressed. That is 4 
months. We included--reluctantly, but we included--a national 
security waiver in Section 3 dealing with arms sales 
limitations. And by the way, this bill does not address 
military sales to the Saudi military. That is not encompassed 
in this bill.
    We had hoped to have support on the other side of the aisle 
with those changes, and I still hope we could. But the support 
of the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act would serve as a very 
strong and clear statement by this committee, representing the 
Congress of the United States, that the United States opposes 
the forced repatriation, intimidation, or killing of Saudi 
dissidents and critics abroad.
    It would also reaffirm and ensure that the United States is 
in no way enabling human rights violations. Silence can be 
consent. We cannot afford to be silent, nor can we ever allow 
this kind of gross human rights violation to be seen as 
something in which we are complicit by our silence.
    I think it is important, 2 years to the day tomorrow, that 
we honor a brave dissident who simply wanted reform in his home 
country, for which he was brutally murdered and dismembered. 
And it is time that we let the Saudi government know there is 
no place for that, as we look at international diplomacy within 
our purview.
    I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Does Mr. McCaul seek recognition to speak on the underlying 
bill before we turn to other members and amendments?
    Mr. McCaul. Yes, Mr. Chairman, I do.
    Let me just first say at the outset that the killing of 
Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist, was an 
outrageous and gruesome crime, as Mr. Connolly pointed out. And 
I am in complete agreement with him on that. And tomorrow is 
the 2-year anniversary of his killing. He should have lived 
these past 2 years and many more. We will continue to pursue 
justice for him. Intimidation and violence by any government 
against peaceful dissent must be strongly condemned by 
responsible nations. And if we do not respond forcefully, we 
invite future abuses.
    And that is why I supported and worked with Mr. Malinowski 
on his Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act, to 
ensure that those responsible for the savage killing of Mr. 
Khashoggi are held accountable. That balanced bill vindicated 
our strong support for human rights, as well as our critical 
national security interests.
    I am concerned that today's bill, while well-intentioned, 
strikes a different balance. It proposes the solution is to ban 
arms sales outright. We have spent many hours in this committee 
and on the floor relitigating the issue of arms sales to Saudi 
Arabia. My concern for Saudi Arabia's human rights record is 
well-known, but our relationship with the Saudis covers many 
strategic interests as well, including the very real and deadly 
threat of Iran. Limiting arms sales to Saudi Arabia hurts our 
shared capacity to counter Iran, the world's leading State 
sponsor of terrorism.
    Early this year, Iran attacked our embassy in Baghdad. Just 
over a year ago, Iran launched a major attack on Saudi oil 
facilities. Importantly, Congress already has this authority. 
We have the oversight over arms sales to Saudi Arabia on a 
case-by-case basis. Mr. Engel and I sign off on all foreign 
weapons sales or we deny them. If we have concerns about a 
sale, we hold that sale and voice our concerns to the 
administration. So, my point is there is already a process in 
place for this.
    But I think a legislative ban outright does not give us the 
ability or flexibility to respond to this evolving lethal 
threat from the largest State sponsor of terror, and I would 
also be remiss if I did not mention at a time when we are 
having great success with peace talks with the Arab Gulf States 
on the Arabian Peninsula.
    I appreciate the concessions Mr. Connolly has made. 
However, there are several that were declined, and I have 
proposals for elevating the issue of harassment of dissidents 
by Saudi Arabia while continuing to balance our strategic 
interest. And I think that is the right responsible approach, 
as we look at both human rights and our national security 
interests. Nothing is simple in the Middle East, and certainly 
this issue is not a simple one, either. But I think the 
committee, through the chairman and myself, have this authority 
on a case-by-case basis to review the sale of weapons, which 
gives us the flexibility without an outright ban being passed 
by this committee.
    And so, while I agree with the well-intentioned sentiment 
of the gentleman from Virginia, and I think we agree on the 
problems, maybe just not the best tools to fix them. And I 
believe that is why I am offering this amendment in the nature 
of a substitute. I think it does strike the right balance here.
    But we must be mindful on the 2-year anniversary that 
America will not sit by idly when American journalists are 
tortured and dismembered in such a grotesque fashion as was 
done to Mr. Khashoggi. My thoughts and prayers are with him and 
his family, and all the journalists out there who were close to 
him, many friends of mine, like Larry Wright from Austin, 
Texas. He knew Mr. Khashoggi very well. They were very good 
friends, and I know every day he wakes up and thinks about this 
brutal killing.
    And so, it goes with a heavy heart as we have this debate. 
We will never forget what happened. We want those accountable 
to be held accountable. So, I think we share the same goal, 
just a different way to do.
    And so, Mr. Chairman, with that, I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields.
    Mr. Connolly. Mr. Chairman?
    Chairman Engel. For what purpose does the gentleman seek 
recognition?
    Mr. Connolly. Just a clarification, and I know my friend 
from Texas would not mean to distort the intent of my bill. 
When he said ``a ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia,'' he means, 
I hope, what the bill addresses. After 120 days of opportunity 
to try to fix cooperation, the ban on military sales would be 
to the intelligence and national security systems. I explicitly 
made it clear it would not affect military sales military-to-
military. And I just want to make sure that Mr. McCaul meant 
what I meant. I thank my friend.
    Mr. McCaul. Mr. Chairman?
    Chairman Engel. I now recognize myself.
    We are considering this measure as we approach the second 
anniversary, as was mentioned before, of the murder of Jamal 
Khashoggi. Unfortunately, we have not held Saudi Arabia 
accountable for this horrendous crime, and that sends a 
message. It sends a message to the Saudis and to other 
governments around the world that they can act with impunity, 
that the United States will not stand up for justice.
    And since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, we have learned 
that the killing was no anomaly. It was part of a larger plan 
to silence dissent abroad. Sadly, it is apparent that the 
Saudis will not abandon that plan if they know they won't face 
any consequences.
    So, this legislation that Mr. Connolly is offering seeks to 
change that. This bill says that, if Saudi internal security 
forces want to continue using U.S.-made weapons, they need to 
stop attacking dissidents. It says that, if Saudi officials use 
diplomatic cover or diplomatic facilities in the United States 
to kidnap or assassinate dissidents, the United States is 
required to put a stop to it.
    Look, Saudi Arabia is an important partner in the region, 
and we work with them on a host of counterterrorism issues and 
humanitarian challenges in the region. They have made recent 
important steps toward Israel that I want to recognize, but 
these matters dealing with human rights and the persecution of 
Saudi dissidents is separate and apart, and we cannot simply 
ignore them while we continue to engage the Saudis on other 
matters.
    I thank Mr. Connolly for his leadership and tenacity on 
behalf of his late constituent Jamal Khashoggi, and I urge 
passage of this legislation. I realize some other members may 
wish to speak on the bill and that some members may have 
amendments to offer.
    I will now recognize members by committee seniority, 
alternating between Democrats and Republicans, for the purpose 
of speaking on the bill first. If you miss your turn, please 
let our staff know and we will circle back to you. If you seek 
recognition, you must unmute your microphone and address the 
chair verbally. Then, we will move on to amendments.
    Do any other members wish to speak on this legislation.
    Mr. Chabot.
    Mr. Meeks. Mr. Chairman?
    Mr. Chabot. Mr. Chairman?
    Chairman Engel. Mr. Chabot?
    Mr. Chabot. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    As co-chair of the Freedom of the Press Caucus, along with 
my Democratic colleague Adam Schiff, we have worked together in 
a bipartisan manner on a slew of media freedom issues over the 
years. Journalists speak truth to power. And unfortunately, too 
often those in power rely on force, instead of argument or 
reform, to shut down that criticism. Some like Jamal Khashoggi 
pay for their truth-telling and their opinions with their very 
lives.
    So, I want to thank my good friend, Mr. Connolly, the 
gentleman from Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia. And Mr. 
Connolly and I have worked on a whole range of issues over the 
years, from Crimea to Turkey to the Global Health Security Act, 
and a whole lot of other things. So, I want to thank him for 
keeping the issue of Jamal Khashoggi on the front burner.
    Saudi Arabia, and by extension the whole world, needs to 
know that America is willing to back up our rhetoric about 
First Amendment rights with consequences. As they say, however, 
the devil is in the details, which is why I am supportive of 
Mr. McCaul's substitute amendment.
    Targeted sanction seems to me to be the right tool rather 
than a cessation of arms sales to hold human rights abusers 
accountable. The Middle East is a tough neighborhood, and most 
of our partners there have human rights issues. We have to be 
able to fight for our values without jeopardizing other 
priorities, which is why I do not think I can support this 
legislation today.
    I am disappointed that we were unable to come to a 
bipartisan agreement on text. It is always better that we do. 
But I appreciate Mr. Connolly's effort on this and I know it is 
heartfelt.
    And I was on the floor on a previous bill that we took up 
that just passed. The PPP Extension Act is my bill, and we have 
been trying to work by the discharge petition method to 
actually get a vote on this to save even more small businesses 
across the country who really need it. So, I wasn't here to 
comment on Ms. Bass' legislation.
    So, I am going to very briefly just mention that, as a 
cosponsor of the Represent America Abroad Act, I would like to 
voice my support for that legislation which was introduced by 
my good friend, Karen Bass. We may not see eye to eye on a 
range of issues, but we are often able to work together, as I 
am with Mr. Connolly, like this bill. I appreciate her 
collegiality and her hard work and bipartisanship. That is why 
she gets so many things on this committee near done, just as 
Mr. Connolly does.
    The Represent America Abroad Act seeks to fix a long-
running problem at the State Department of low minority 
representation at the mid and upper echelons of the 
organization. That bill sets up a program similar to the highly 
regarded Rangel and Pickering Fellowships, but for mid-level 
positions. In doing so, it builds on the good work that we have 
done elsewhere, specifically that done by the Ranking Member, 
Mr. McCaul, and Chairman Engel in the diversity title in the 
State Department reauthorization bill that we passed earlier 
this year.
    The United States was founded on the principle of the 
equality of every citizen. This idea has been practiced 
imperfectly over time, but it, nevertheless, defines Americans' 
views of themselves and serves as a basis for our engagement 
with the rest of the world and the values we advocate through 
that engagement.
    We can all agree that the State Department should reflect 
that principle. The men and women of the State Department who 
are responsible for representing U.S. interests abroad serve as 
America's face to the world. That Department should be able to 
show the world that, as a diverse country, which we certainly 
are, our representatives overseas reflect the entire country. 
That legislation that already passed here just a little while 
ago helps make that a reality. And so, I appreciate its 
passage.
    And with that, I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back. Thank you, Mr. 
Chabot.
    Mr. Sherman.
    Mr. Sherman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    And I want to thank Mr. Connolly for bringing forth this 
legislation. As he points out, 2 years ago, Jamal Khashoggi, a 
U.S. resident, a journalist for The Washington Post, was 
brutally murdered in the Istanbul consulate. And so far, our 
response has been virtually nothing.
    We have identified 17 thugs engaged who were actually 
hands-on in this brutal crime. And we have told them they 
cannot visit the United States. They will never see Disneyland. 
That is not sufficient. Mr. Khashoggi will not be forgotten, 
not only because of your efforts, but because of the brutal 
crime that Prince bin Salman commissioned.
    I introduced legislation, also inspired by Mr. Khashoggi's 
brutal murder, to require that any nuclear cooperation 
agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia must meet 
the gold standard which Saudi Arabia is trying to avoid; must 
provide for international inspections by the IAEA, which Saudi 
Arabia is trying to avoid. And you can guess why. And that 
provision is now in the NDAA which is pending in conference.
    I am going to say something a little bit gruesome, but it 
is not my language that is gruesome; it is the action of the 
Saudi government. If you cannot trust a regime with a bone saw, 
you should not trust them with nuclear weapons. And we should 
have no illusions. The reason that Saudi Arabia wants a nuclear 
program is not to lower the price of energy in Saudi Arabia. It 
is to give themselves the option to develop nuclear weapons.
    This bill is an important step. One part of it requires 
reports on the efforts of Saudi diplomats to spy on and to 
intimidate Saudi citizens and Saudi-Americans here in the 
United States.
    A second part, and the more controversial part, deals with 
the sale of certain military and lethal materials to certain 
Saudi agencies. The ranking member says, well, we already have 
a process to involve Congress in the sale of military items to 
Saudi Arabia. That is the very process that failed. That is the 
process that the Inspector General identified was violated 
criminally by the State Department through a phony declaration. 
So, certainly, it would behoove us to have better control.
    But, second, as the gentleman from Virginia points out, his 
bill does not prohibit the sale of arms to the Saudi defense 
ministry. It deals only with selling military items to 
intelligence and police officials. I am not thrilled to see 
military items and tanks, and whatever, entrusted to American 
law enforcement authorities. That is a separate controversy. 
But, having seen the actions of the intel and law enforcement 
authorities of Saudi Arabia, I see no reason for them to have 
items that we identify as appropriate for the military.
    So, Mr. Khashoggi is not forgotten. This bill is an 
appropriate remembrance of him roughly 2 years after his death. 
And certainly, the intelligence agencies of Saudi Arabia should 
not be getting military items from the United States.
    And even with that, I would point out that the gentleman 
has added a waiver position to his bill, further undercutting 
the argument that it constitutes an undue restriction on sales 
of certain items to certain Saudi agencies.
    I urge a yes vote, and I yield back.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman yields back.
    Mr. Meeks.
    Mr. Meeks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    And I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia, 
Representative Connolly, for his tireless work on this issue, 
especially since it has been 2 years since Jamal Khashoggi's 
murder at the hands of the Saudi government. And as he 
indicated, this bill is about honoring his death and ensuring 
U.S. weapons do not get into the hands of those responsible for 
such brutal suppression.
    I am often reminded, and I was reminded by a former 
colleague and a mentor of mine, former Member of this House 
Charles B. Rangel. He told me of the story when he was 
traveling abroad and there were individuals and families that 
were killed because they disagreed with the government of that 
country. And he said that, as he engaged one of those members 
of someone's family, he says, ``We are here. I am here, my 
friend, and we want to help you.'' He says the individual then 
took him over to a pile of spent munitions and said, ``Let me 
show you something, Mr. Rangel.'' And he showed him a sign that 
said, ``Made in the USofA.'' And then, he asked Mr. Rangel, 
``You're my friend, but are you made in the USofA?''
    One of the things that Mr. Connolly is doing in this bill 
is trying to make sure that there is a message to the 
dissidents in Saudi Arabia, the dissidents in other countries 
around this world, that we are not going to go and allow folks 
to utilize lethal weapons against them. And Mr. Connolly has 
put in provisions to try to make sure that its focus, as he 
said, is not a broad military ban, but it is trying to make 
sure that our standards, our morals, our concerns are taken 
care of and are produced, and we lead in that regard.
    To this day, 2 years later, it still hurts me when I think 
of the hurt that the Khashoggi family and what his murder 
symbolizes. Therefore, it is important for Congress, a separate 
branch of government, to act where the administration has 
refused to. I think it is important for the others to know 
where the legislative branch of government stands.
    And we have a duty to do this as an equal branch of 
government. We must demonstrate commitment to the dissidents 
around the world who want to look to America as they bravely 
seek democratic progress at home. It is a message of who we are 
and what we stand for to the dissidents of the world, as well 
as to the governments who commit these egregious crimes in 
killing individuals like a reporter who happens to be a citizen 
of the United States, and the devastation to the Khashoggi 
family that has occurred.
    So, I urge all of my colleagues, this is something we 
should stand together on. We all, from what I have listened to 
thus far, know how wrong the death was of Mr. Khashoggi. We 
know because of our intelligence who authorized the murder. 
Street language would say ``the hit'' on Mr. Khashoggi.
    We cannot stand idly by, and Mr. Connolly has come up with 
a well-thought-out bill to prevent that from happening in the 
future. And I think all of us need to think about what that end 
is and support this bill. And I ask that we do just that.
    I yield back the balance of my time.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you, Mr. Meeks. The gentleman yields 
back.
    Mr. Connolly. Mr. Chairman, I have a unanimous consent 
request.
    Chairman Engel. Yes, you are recognized.
    Mr. Connolly. Thank you.
    I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a 
statement in favor of the bill by Mr. Cicilline.
    Chairman Engel. Without objection, so ordered.
    [The information referred to follows:]

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    Mr. Connolly. And I also have letters from other Saudi 
families in the West, primarily here in the United States, who 
have been subject to harassment, surveillance, and death 
threats, including Saudi teams that have transited through the 
United States itself. And I ask now that those statements be 
entered into the record.
    Chairman Engel. Without objection, so ordered.
    [The information referred to follows:]

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    Mr. Connolly. I thank the chair.
    Chairman Engel. I thank the gentleman.
    Ms. Omar.
    Ms. Omar. Thank you, Chairman.
    It is quite strange to me that we talk about Saudi Arabia 
as a partner in peace and stability in the Middle East. Here is 
a country that exports its dictatorship and uses its diplomatic 
facilities to harass, intimidate, kidnap, disappear, and murder 
its nationals abroad.
    Jamal Khashoggi is the most egregious example, but far from 
the only one. As we recognize the second anniversary of his 
murder at the Saudi diplomatic facility in Istanbul, I think 
Mr. Connolly's bill is an extremely appropriate response from 
this
    [audio interference] as a consequence of Jamal's murder, 
but to prevent ourselves from being complicit in the next one.
    A country that dismembers journalists because it doesn't 
like what they write is not a country that should see a single 
dime of American taxpayer money. If an embassy or a consulate 
is used as a base of operation for forced disappearances and 
murder of its own nationals, it loses its status as an embassy 
or a consulate.
    I should also mention that the Saudi Ambassador has refused 
to meet with myself and several other Members of Congress, 
including members of this committee, Mr. Trone, Mr. Levin, and 
the chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Mr. Schiff. So, it 
seems that the Saudi embassy is not even being used for 
diplomacy if that means having difficult conversations with its 
critics.
    But we will not stop our criticism. We must stand in 
absolute solidarity with the Saudi dissidents who are being 
terrorized by the Saudi government and who can cross no border 
to finally reach safety.
    I strongly recommend Mr. Connolly's bill for us to support, 
and I am grateful to have the opportunity to help move it 
through committee. I am looking forward to voting for it on the 
floor.
    Thank you.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you.
    Do any other members wish to speak on the legislation?
    Hearing no further requests, let's move on to amendments.
    For what purpose does the ranking member seek recognition?
    Mr. McCaul. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have an amendment at 
the desk.
    Chairman Engel. The gentleman is recognized for that 
purpose. The clerk shall distribute the amendment to staff 
virtually.
    For members currently in the hearing room, a member of the 
staff will bring a copy to you.
    Let's pause briefly to give all members enough time to 
review the amendment.
    [Pause.]
    Chairman Engel. Has everyone received a copy of the 
amendment? Anyone who has not received one?
    Okay. The clerk will please report the amendment.
    Ms. Stiles. McCaul Amendment No. 79. Amendment to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4507. Strike 
all after the enacting clause and insert the following:
    Section 1. Short Title.
    This Act may be cited as the Protection of Saudi Dissidents 
Act of 2020.
    Section 2. Findings.
    Congress finds the following:
    1. Jamal Khashoggi, a United States resident, Saudi 
journalist, and Washington Post columnist was killed and 
dismembered in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on 
October 2, 2019----
    [The Amendment of Mr. McCaul follows:]

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    Chairman Engel. Without objection, further reading of the 
amendment will be dispensed with. A point of order is reserved.
    The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes to explain his 
amendment.
    Mr. McCaul. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    You know, all of us agree that the intimidation and 
harassment of dissidents anywhere is a grave offense. As 
discussed earlier, I have been adamant in seeking 
accountability for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
    I supported Mr. Malinowski's bill to impose sanctions on 
those who are guilty of his heinous murder.
    My amendment to today's bill speaks directly to the heart 
of the matter. It would impose sanctions on the Saudi 
government officials responsible for abuses against dissidents 
like Jamal Khashoggi. The United States must take significant 
steps to ensure that no other dissident of any nationality is a 
victim of such brutality.
    This committee has shown the ability to address difficult 
challenges, even when they come from our partners. And we must 
remember that Saudi Arabia is an important partner when it 
comes to countering Iran. Just this week Saudi's internal 
security services broke up an IRG cell in Saudi Arabia.
    Today's bill would also force the closure of diplomatic 
facilities if there is harassment of dissidents in the United 
States. Any actions against dissidents in the United States is 
unacceptable and must be punished.
    Closing diplomatic facilities may be an appropriate 
punishment, but I have serious concerns that mandating it could 
be harmful to Americans and U.S. interests overseas. Instead, 
my amendment calls for the President to take appropriate action 
in response to these offenses. We need to give the executive 
branch some discretion in the handling of these troubling and 
yet delicate situations.
    So, I urge my colleagues to support the strategic and 
diplomatic approach to addressing this serious human rights 
issue without at the same impairing our national security 
interests.
    And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
    Mr. Connolly. Would my friend just yield.
    Mr. McCaul. I yield back.
    Mr. Connolly. Mr. McCaul, would you----
    Mr. McCaul. I just yielded back.
    Chairman Engel. Mr. Connolly.
    Mr. Connolly. All right. I am recognized?
    Chairman Engel. Yes.
    Mr. Connolly. All right. I just wanted to say I appreciate 
what Mr. McCaul had to say. But what led to this bill was a 
lack of action by the Administration.
    You know, Mr. McCaul talked about how this committee has 
purview and review of arms sales. But the fact of the matter 
is, the Administration overrode that purview and review by 
declaring an emergency to justify arms sales going forward to 
Saudi Arabia without interruption.
    The fact of the matter is, the Administration refused to 
invoke the Magnitsky Act to hold Saudi individuals accountable.
    The fact of the matter is, Secretary Pompeo, despite giving 
this committee assurances that this would be the highest 
priority and that we would hold Saudis to account for the 
murder of Mr. Khashoggi, no matter how high it went--and that 
was in direct response to my question to Secretary Pompeo--
nothing has happened.
    And as Mr. Sherman colorfully said, the worst that has 
happened is apparently some individuals involved or alleged to 
have been involved in the murder and the scheming of the murder 
have been banned from Walt Disney.
    I just think that is--we have waited 2 years. And the death 
of this Saudi patriot and U.S. resident is not just distasteful 
or unpleasant, it is murder. And people cannot be allowed to 
use that kind of tragic incident, tactic, to further their 
diplomacy by silencing critics in the most extreme way 
possible.
    And at some point, I would ask rhetorically, when does 
Congress assert itself? When do we say, that goes so far we are 
not going to put up with it; you will pay a heavy price?
    As I said, I tried to respond to Republican concerns to 
tailor and refine the bill so that there was flexibility, it is 
not an absolute ban but it has some teeth in it. And I think, 
frankly, after 2 years some teeth are required.
    I yield back. Thank you.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Engel. Thank you, Mr. Connolly.
    I recognize myself to make a point of order that the 
amendment is not germane. The chair--is there any debate?
    Hearing none, the chair is prepared to rule.
    And I find, again, that the amendment is not germane on a 
number of grounds.
    Hearing no further requests for recognition, the question 
is to report H.R. 4507, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act, 
to the House with an amendment and a recommendation that the 
bill be passed.
    We are going to take a vote by voice. All members please 
unmute your microphones.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All opposed, no.
    In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
    The question is to report H.R. 4507, the Protection of 
Saudi Dissidents Act, to the House, with the recommendation 
that the bill do pass.
    All members, please turn on your video so you are visible 
to the chair, and wait to unmute your microphone until your 
name is called.
    It passed by voice. The ayes have it. We do not have to do 
it again. So, so disregard what you heard me say.
    OK. And now, Mr. McCaul, guess what, this concludes our 
business today.
    Mr. McCaul. Fantastic.
    Chairman Engel. I thank Ranking Member McCaul, as usual, 
and all of the committee members for their contributions and 
assistance at today's markup.
    Where is the gavel? Right here.
    OK, let's make it official. Thank you very much, those who 
have stayed throughout the entire proceedings. Thank you very 
much.
    [Whereupon, at 1:49 p.m., the committee was adjourned.]

                                APPENDIX
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                       STATEMENTS FOR THE RECORD
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                       INFORMATION FOR THE RECORD
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                                 POMPEO
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                                SUMMARY
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