Various Measures

A quorum being present, the Committee on Foreign Affairs will come to order. I'd ask everybody everybody to rise. Join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Good morning everybody. The committee is meeting today for consideration of twenty separate measures. The chair announces that any requests for recorded votes may be rolled, and may recess the committee at any point, without objection, so ordered. Pursuant to House rules, I request that members have the opportunity to submit views for any committee report that may be produced on any of today's measures. Without objection, so ordered. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR seven six five four, the Advance Global Health Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.

H R seven six five four, to authorize the consolidation of reports required to be submitted by the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy of the Department of State, and for other purposes.

Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point and I recognize myself for a statement on this bill. I wanna thank my colleague, Representative Lawler, for leading this bill. Currently the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy is required to submit on an annual basis more than fifteen reports to Congress, each with varying timelines. As a result, the burden of creating these reports, often using historical data, has become increasingly time-consuming, bureaucratic, and resulted in delayed information. None of this added bureaucracy actually advances foreign policy. By allowing the department to consolidate these reports while keeping all necessary oversight information, more staff time will be freed up to actually implement the global health programming or tax dollars.

I support this bill to consolidate global health reporting to Congress, and I thank Representative Lawler and Jaya Paul for their work on it. Over the years we've passed multiple pieces of legislation that require progress uh, reports to Congress on topics such as combating HIV, AIDS, and malaria, our preparedness to fight global disease outbreaks, and programs to prevent and treat global malnutrition. There are multiple annual reports for PEP for our loan. This bill would consolidate those reports into one annual submission from the State Department without losing any of the content required by law. This will streamline congressional oversight and allow us to better process the information needed to inform our future policies. I yield back to Bouncey my time.

Is there any further discussion? Representative Lawler.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The State Department's global health programs are a priority. Our projects are not solely a testament to the leadership and generosity of the American people. They are programs that ensure America stays safe from health threats abroad. Because of the United States, we have made significant strides to end the HIV AIDS epidemic, develop malaria vaccines,

Mm-hmm.

deliver nutrition aid, including ready-to-use therapeutic food, and ensure expeditious and effective responses to international infectious disease outbreaks. Under President Trump's leadership, the rollout of the breakthrough HIV PrEP treatment has made drastic strides forward in ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV across the African continent. And beginning soon, we will see a similar rollout of a new spatial malaria prevention tool developed by an American company. Currently, and in support of all these programs, the Department of State's Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy is required to produce a variety of reports to Congress. While the key information needed to do this oversight will continue to be provided, the current structure means the department pulls the same data multiple times on varied timelines throughout the year, needlessly delaying information to Congress. This redundancy creates unnecessary administrative burden, slows down delivery, and makes it harder for Congress to fully evaluate the information in a timely way. And that's why I introduced the Advanced Global Health Act with my colleague Representative Jayapal. This bill consolidates these reporting requirements into one comprehensive searchable annual report. It preserves the intent of this reporting, but reduces the duplication we're seeing today. I wanna thank Chairman Mast for bringing this bill before the committee and thank Ranking Member Meeks for his support. I appreciate the chance to work with all of my colleagues to advance US global health programs, and I urge everyone to support this legislation. I yield the balance of my time.

Is there any further discussion? Representative Jaipal.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. I wanna thank my colleague, Representative Mike Lawler, for his partnership in introducing the bipartisan advanced global to streamline global health reporting requirements. The Advanced Global Health Act is straightforward, bipartisan policy. It consolidates multiple overlapping reports from the State Department's Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy into one comprehensive searchable annual report. Under current law, the department is required to produce a multitude of separate reports, meaning data can be duplicative, scattered across various documents, and submitted at different times. Inconsistent reporting deadlines based on when individual bills were enacted, means it's difficult to consistently track due dates for reports and to hold departments and agencies accountable for late or missing information. This bill would streamline recurring reports into one document that is delivered on a predictable time-line, and contains easily searchable information that can be compared year to year. This effort to streamline reporting requirements will help advance enhance Congress's ability to conduct oversight on the status and effectiveness of the global health projects we fund. The issue of global health is personal to me. Before coming to Congress, I worked for a Seattle-based global health and development organization for many years focusing on reproductive health. And through this work, I've seen firsthand how effective our foreign assistance dollars can be in improving health outcomes abroad. Our global health funding has saved millions of lives in the past decades, and importantly, protects the health of Americans here at home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were painfully reminded that diseases know no borders. An outbreak in one part of the world can easily reach our shores and overwhelm our health systems disrupt supply chains and take the lives of Americans. Investments in global health are more than just acts of charity. They are investments in Americans' safety, stability and leadership. When we talk about global health, we're talking about vaccination and monitoring campaigns that stop outbreaks, before they spread, maternal health services that protect mothers and infants, and funding to strengthen the health systems that allow communities to thrive, economically and socially. Many of us have raised long-term concerns about the long-term consequences of reductions on public health and our national security. And I'm grateful that congressional appropriators have kept much of our global health funding intact in the fiscal year twenty-six appropriations bills, plan to work with my colleagues to ensure that these funds are spent in line with congressional intent. But regardless of where any of us stood on the debates about the value of global health funding, we should all agree that when Congress allocates funds, they must be used effectively and transparently for the purposes that we authorized. We need to know where programs are operating and what outcomes are being achieved. And we need that information on a predictable basis, so we can legislate responsibly. This bipartisan bill preserves the intent of every existing reporting requirement, while reducing duplication and increasing efficiency. It ensures that Congress receives clear, consolidated and accessible information. I thank my colleague, Mister Lawler, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote yes on HR seventy-six fifty-four, the advanced global health act. I yield back.

Representative yields back. Before we move to further discussion, I want to welcome Representative Max Miller. Uh, to the committee. You are recognized for a five minute speech. Just kidding, you are not. You're not recognized for Yeah, we were You actually thought we were gonna give you a five minute speech to to welcome. No. But we are happy to have you. So, we're we're very glad to have you.

Yeah.

You're a fine addition. And uh So, yeah. If you wanna be recognized on the bill, you can give your five minute speech then. So OK. Got it. Is there any further discussion on the bill? Representative Miller? No? Going once? OK. All right. There being no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report H R seven six five four as amended to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, signify by saying no. Opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and the motion

Chairman, I request a roll call vote.

You may. The motion is agreed to, a recorded vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Thank you. Pursuant to notice, I now call up H R seven six four two, the guide act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.

H R seven six four two, to authorize the recruitment and retention of specialized disaster assistance professionals by the Department of State. Be it an act of

Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with, and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Kim amendment, in the nature of a substitute, circulated to members in advance, shall be considered as read and will be treated as the original text for purpose of the amendment. I now recognize myself for five minutes. I wanna thank my colleague, Representative Kim, for bringing the Generating Utility Through International Disaster Expertise Act or the Guide Act forward. When disaster strikes overseas, the United States needs needs more than just good intentions to assist. We need trained professionals who can operate in difficult environments and manage resources responsibly. If we're going to deliver American aid, we must have the right experts in place to move quickly and efficiently. The Guide Act authorizes the State Department to recruit, train, retain specialized disaster assistance professionals within the Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response. And this bill ensures before providing assistance, we know there are significant unmet needs, that the recipient country is willing to work with us, and that we can meaningfully alleviate mass suffering, and that the response advances US foreign policy interests. Assistance should be strategic, not automatic. When we act wisely, we save lives while strengthening American leadership. And I would urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks.

I support this bill, which strengthens the United States' ability to respond to natural disasters and other humanitarian crises overseas. For decades, the US Agency for International Development, known as USAID, housed a dedicated cohort of disaster assistance professionals, who saved tens of millions of lives around the world. President Trump fired these courageous Americans and disparaged their honorable service to this country. This bill could help rectify some of the damage caused by President Trump's actions, and I thank the majority for working with us to reach an agreement on it. It encourages the Department of State to fill critical staffing gaps that are impeding the US government from quickly deploying life-saving assistance to address famine. floods and other disasters. This is essential to saving lives, reducing human suffering, and promoting international peace and stability. I want to note that the State Department must take these staffing gaps seriously and work quickly to add much needed personnel capacity. To that end, the bill would be improved by a requirement that the State Department report to Congress on its progress in addressing staffing needs. Nevertheless, I expect the State Department to be in regular touch with this committee, to update us in the coming months uh on their progress. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ranking member yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? Representative Kim.

Thank you Chairman Mass and Ranking Member Mix for holding today's mark-up, and considering my bill, HR seven six four two, the Generating Utility through International Disaster Expertise, or Guide Act. This bipartisan ANS equips the State Department to lead American international disaster response with precision, speed, and strategic purpose. It does so by directing the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a dedicated program that recruits, trains, and retains specialized disaster assistance professionals. These professionals will possess expertise and technical skills in the fields, that matter most during complex crisis, public health, engineering, nutrition, protection, logistics, and finance. Through regular training, they will be ready for swift deployment, ensuring the United States can respond effectively when the next typhoon, earthquake, or humanitarian crisis strikes our allies and partners abroad. This is about doing American aid the right way. Lean, expert-driven, and aligned with our national interests. A small, highly skilled workforce will deliver faster relief and maximum impact per taxpayer dollar. No bloated overhead, just decisive action that creates US jobs and advances our leadership on the world stage. When disaster response is executed with clear priorities, it ensures that America is the partner of choice over adversaries and prevents instability that can trigger other problems, like mass migration. As the bill's name suggests, America, not China or Russia, can and should serve as the world's foremost guide for disaster relie response relief. This legislation will strengthen the State Department's capacity to lead strategically in humanitarian crisis. which builds goodwill with our allies and advances our interest without promoting dependency. I urge my colleagues to support the Guide Act, and I yield back.

Representative.

Representative yields back. Do any other members seek recognition? Seeing no further discussion of the bill, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report H R seven six four two as amended to the house with a favorable rec-

Chairman, may I ask for a recorded book?

In a moment you can. We have to vote on it uh by voice first,

Okay.

but in a moment you can, yeah. You and Max Miller, you're just, you're dying, so get out there and all right. I move that the committee report H R seven six four two as amended to the house with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye. All those opposed signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the motion is agreed to. You're up.

Now I ask for a v- a recorded vote. Chair.

A roll call vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR seven six four one, the transparency and foreign assistance act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.

H R seven six four one, to provide for a pilot program to require congressional

Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point and I recognize myself for five minutes. I wanna thank my colleague, Representative Lawler and Representative Jacobs for leading this bill to strengthen congressional oversight of foreign assistance. The current congressional notification process for foreign assistance programs has become cumbersome and inefficient. The bill provides direction to the State Department to effectively streamline information Congress needs to ensure appropriate oversight on behalf of the American people. This legislation does not add additional bureaucratic red tape, but clarifies how the department should share the information it is already providing. While this pilot program only applies to the Bureau of Counterterrorism and the Bureau of African Affairs, I would look forward to working with my colleagues to expand this process across the entire State Department in the future. I urge my colleagues to support this common sense bill and I now ask is there any further discussion? Ranking Member Meeks.

I too support this bill to create a pilot program to receive more detailed information and congressional notifications from the Department of State. It is important that we have a clear understanding of how the State Department plans to program funds appropriated by Congress. This legislation would apply to the Africa and counter-terrorism bureaus and require them to provide greater clarity and specific details on foreign assistance awards within their purviews. This information can contribute to stronger congressional oversight and I welcome a pilot program to explore how best to provide additional transparency to Congress' and how our foreign assistance dollars are being spent. And I yield back the balance of my time.

Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion? Representative Lawler.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Right now, when the State Department spends money appropriated by Congress, they are required to provide congressional notification. However, the way these notifications currently operate, the information doesn't show a full picture, lacking the detail necessary for effective oversight. That forces unnecessary back and forth, with Congress requesting clarification from State. This also delays implementation and makes it harder for Congress to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used strategically and responsibly. My bill fixes this standard. It creates a pilot program to require the State Department to share more information with Congress. This is data they already have and will be sent to Congress in a standardized and usable format. This improves transparency, reduces bureaucratic friction, and helps Congress make better, faster decisions about foreign assistance and security assistance programs. It has been great to work with my Democratic colleague, Congresswoman Jacobs, on this legislation. And I thank you, Chairman Mast, uh, for bringing this bill to the mark-up and the ranking member for supporting it. I urge all of my colleagues to support this, and I yield the remainder of my time.

Is there any further discussion? Representative Jacobs.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to co-lead this legislation with my friend, Congresswoman Mike Congressman Mike Lawler. This bill is simple. It requires more information and transparency around foreign assistance programs implemented by the African Affairs Bureau and the Counterterrorism Office so that Congress can do better oversight of our foreign assistance dollars. This will ensure that Congress understands the objectives of each program, how the department is consulting with our ambassadors, and how we plan to ensure success with our eight dollars. This is a common sense bipartisan bill that I urge my colleagues to support. Thank you.

All right. Is there any further discussion? Representative Kim.

Thank you, Chairman. I rise to offer this amendment to H R seven six four one, the Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act. The underlying bill requires a congressional notification for new and existing foreign assistance programs under the bureaus of African affairs and counterterrorism. The concept of the congressional notification is good, and the list of required elements of the CN is comprehensive. This amendment simply requires within the congressional notification, quote, a description of how meeting the program's intended objectives will protect the core national interests of the United States, end quote.

Mm-hmm.

These are the items. This addition aligns with the intent of Representative Lawler's bill and with President Trump's national security strategy, which states that the purpose of foreign policy is the protection of core national interest. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment And I yield back.

Don't speak

Is there any further discussion of the bill? There being no further discussion, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report H R seven six four one.

No, she's not gonna, she's not gonna. She just said it.

There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report H R seven six

Aye.

Aye.

I r- request a recorded vote. Nope, he can.

Huh? All right.

Nope.

A roll call vote has been requested. Pursued to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed. Pursuing to notice, I now call up, you have any more bills Lawler? We might not. See if, you have any more bills today? That's it?

One in three.

You, all right, you're done for the day?

One in three.

Very good. Saved you some trouble. Pursuing to notice, I now call up H R seven six three three, the American Assistance Visibility Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.

H R seven six three three, to require the United States flag to be displayed on United States foreign assistance.

Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Shrieve amendment, in the nature of a substitute, circulated in advance to members in advance, shall be considered as read and will be treated as the original text for purpose of the amendment. I recognize myself for five minutes. I wanna thank my colleague, Representative Shrieve. For introducing this important piece of legislation and for recognizing something simple but powerful. When the American people provide assistance overseas, it should be clear to the world that it comes from the United States. It's just common sense. The American Assistance Visibility Act ensures that the American flag is prominently displayed on all US foreign assistance. Too often we send billions of dollars abroad with little to no visible acknowledgement that it came from the United States, while our taxpayers foot the bill. The host country Communities sometimes never know it's paid for by the American taxpayer. At the end of the day, this is about accountability and transparency. When America shows up to help, the world should know it. And when taxpayers back home look at our foreign assistance, they should know that their country stands behind it. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank you, Representative Shreeve, for your work on it. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks.

Foreign assistance is one of our most important tools for addressing problems and projecting Americans soft power around the world. The branding we use, for example, on bags of food assistance, on schools we help build, on materials we distribute at U S funded training sessions, demonstrates America's generosity and makes clear that the United States shows up for our partners and those in need. This is a long-standing bipartisan measure we must continue to send now more than ever. This bill will help ensure we can communicate our American generosity and credibility by using the US flag as the primary brand for our foreign assistance. It allows for co-branding when appropriate for projects we support with other donors and provides for necessary exceptions when needed to ensure the safety of our implementing partners and beneficiaries. It is important that the United States continue to show up globally, and we can reinforce that message by branding our assistance in a clear and consistent manner. This is not about individual US officials or agencies getting credit. This is about promoting America's reputation and leadership around the world. And I look forward to supporting this bill. And I yield back the balance of my time.

Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion? Mr. Chairman. Representative Sharif.

I do seek recognition, thank you. Um, thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman and, uh, Ranking Member Meeks. Uh, the United States is a generous nation. Everyday American assistance reaches people around the globe. Our support, uh, strengthens our relationships with allies, our partnerships, and advances American interests. But we're operating in an ever more competitive world. China, Russia, and other adversaries are eager to exploit confusion and claim influence. They did not earn. That's why our foreign assistance must be tied to our national interest. It should promote stability, strengthen partners, and clearly reflect who provided it. My amendment and this bill do something simple and sensible. It requires tangible items provided through U. S. foreign assistance, equipment, vehicles, food, aid, medical supplies to clearly display the American flag. American assistance should never arrive anonymously. If American taxpayers paid for it, the American people should get the credit. Recipients should know this aid came from the United States, not from China, not from Russia, and not from anyone else, trying to expand their influence at our expense. The American flag stands for freedom, hope and opportunity. When American aid reaches those in need, that should be unmistakable. Let's make sure American leadership is visible, recognized, and never mistaken for someone else's. I urge support of this amendment and I yield back.

Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee report H R seven six three three as amended to the house, with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, signify by saying no. In opinion of the chair, the ayes have it and the motion is agreed to.

Would you like a recorded vote?

May I request a recorded vote on this?

Yes, you may. Representative Kim, a roll call vote has been requested pursuant to the chair's previous announcement. This vote will be postponed. Thank you.

Sorry.

Pursuant to notice, I now call up Hres nine seven one, condemning condemning the coercive actions of the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to statements regarding Taiwan and reaffirming the United States' commitment to its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The resolution was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the resolution.

H res nine seven one, condemning the coercive actions of the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to statements regarding Taiwan and reaffirming the United States' commitment to its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with and the resolution is considered read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, the Kim amendment, in the nature of a substitute circulated in advance to members, shall be considered as read and will be treated as original text for purpose of the amendment. Now I recognize myself for a statement. I want to thank my colleague, Chairwoman Kim, for leading this resolution ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to DC. This resolution condemns the Chinese Communist Party's campaign of economic coercion and diplomatic intimidation against Japan, a close ally and cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific. Japan's Prime Minister was simply stating the truth. that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait matters to the international community. China's response was to threaten, pressure, and punish. This is a pattern we have seen before and one we cannot allow to be normalized. When Beijing retaliates against allies for speaking plainly about Taiwan, it is testing the resolve of the entire alliance system the United States has built. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and send a clear signal to Beijing that the United States stands with Japan and stands with every nation in the region that refuses to be bullied into silence. Do any other members seek recognition? Ranking member Meeks.

I strongly support the United States-Japan alliance and stand with Japan in the face of Beijing's irresponsible and coercive actions. After the Japanese Prime Minister made remarks regarding Taiwan in November, Beijing engaged in a campaign economic, military, and diplomatic bullying against our ally. This included dangerous military maneuvers, diplomatic threats, and punitive economic measures meant to intimidate Japan into adhering to Beijing's wishes on Taiwan policy. I was deeply troubled that this administration was slow to come to Japanese defense far publicly. When one of our treaty allies is coerced in or threatened, we should not be taking a back seat. So I'm glad that through this resolution by Representative Young, Kim and Barak, Congress can demonstrate our bipartisan support for Japan and our unified rejection of Beijing's coercion. I'm also glad to say that Beijing's coercion has backfired. Instead of bending to Beijing's whim, Prime Minister Takeshi uh and the Japanese government have emerged with an even stronger mandate and plan to bolster Japan's defense. I'm satisfied with that, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Do any other members Do any other members seek recognition? Representative Kim.

Thank you, Chairman. I strongly support House Resolution nine seven one, which condemns the People's Republic of China's coercive actions against Japan, and reaffirms the United States' ironclad commitment to one of our most vital treaty allies. Since World War Two, the US-Japan alliance has been the cornerstone peace and stability in the in the Pacific. This partnership, which is forged in the treaty of mutual cooperation and security, has allowed Japan to flourish as a democratic nation and served as an anchor for the entire region. This relationship goes deeper than security. Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States and one of our top trading partners supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Our alliance is not just strategic, it is economic and it is essential. Today, that alliance is being tested. The Ch- Chinese Communist Party, through coercion, illegitimate territorial claims, and attempts to alter the status quo by force, is directly threatening Japan's sovereignty and security. Japan has responded, not with provocation, but with principled measured leadership. In November two thousand twenty five, Prime Minister Sanae Takahichi stated before the Japanese diet that a Chinese military action or blockade against Taiwan "could become a survivor threatening situation" for Japan. This is a civil assessment given Japan's geographic proximity, its dependence on open sea lanes, and its national in cross-strait stability. Rather than engage diplomatically, Beijing retaliated with alarming aggression. China escalated military provocations near the Senkaku Islands and in international airspace. It imposed rare earth export restrictions, enacted travel bans, and pursued cultural cancellations. Most shockingly, one Chinese consul general publicly threatened Prime Minister Takahichi's filter knack for her words. "This is not the behavior of a responsible power, it is intimidation." This resolution condemns these coercive measures in the strongest terms. It demands that China cease the military provocations, economic pressure, and diplomatic intimidation that is directed at Japan. It reaffirms the US-Japan alliance and supports Japan's sovereign right to speak freely about threats to its own national security. The an s to this bill clarifies that the contested waters of the

Come on.

Senkaku islands are administered by Japan which the United States has consistently acknowledged since nineteen seventy two. It also includes details on one of the latest course of actions by the PRC, which was to prohibit exports of dual use items to twenty Japanese companies. President Trump and Prime Minister Takeichi just held a successful summit at the White House last week which further solidified the US-Japan alliance. This resolution sends a very clear unified message from the United States Congress. We stand with Japan, we honor our alliance, and we will not allow coercion to silence our friends or destabilize the Indo-Pacific. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I err ear back.

Is there any further discussion? Yes. Uh, Representative Barra.

Thank you, Chairman and Ranking Member Meeks. Um, I'd like to speak in support of HRE's nine seven one, condemning the coercive actions of the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to statements regarding Taiwan and reaffirming the United States' commitment to its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. I'd also like to thank my colleague, Chairwoman Young Kim, for introducing this resolution with me, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan resolution. On November seventh, twenty twenty five, Prime Minister Takeichi made comments becau- before the Japanese diet, that if the PRC was to use battleships against Taiwan or engage in a naval blockade of Taiwan involving the use of force, The PRC? it could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan. According to Japan's Peace and Security Legislation, twenty fifteen, Japan can exercise collective self-defense if an armed attack on another country in a close relationship with Japan threatens Japan's survival. While the remarks made by Prime Minister Takeichi are entirely justified and reflect the sovereign right of nations to speak on regional concerns, the PRC has responded with both economic and military coercion. The PRC issued a travel advisory urging Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan citing alleged security concerns and major Chinese airlines offered full refunds and free changes for Japan-bound flights resulting in an estimated one point point two billion dollar loss to Japan's tourism sector. The PRC also escalated tensions by dispatching fighter aircraft and bombers into airspace near Okinawa and sent a Chinese Coast Guard fleet to conduct patrols in the contested waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands. China also imposed a complete ban on Japanese seafo- seafood imports, and in February announced it would prohibit the export of dual-use items to twenty Japanese firms. These actions are just the latest in clear and persistent pattern of Beijing, employing economic coercion and military tactics to suppress narratives it deems unfavorable. This resolution condemns the course of actions taken by the People's Republic of China against Japan in response to Prime Minister Takeichi's statements regarding Taiwan, reaffirms the ironclad commitment of the United States and its alliance with Japan, supports the sovereignty of the government of Japan to express views on matters of regional and international concern without fear of economic or military coercion, commends the government of Japan for its commitment to peace, and stability in the Taiwan Strait, calls upon the PRC to cease its coercive actions against Japan, and engage in constructive dialogue on matters of regional concern, and commits to strengthening US cooperation with Japan and other regional partners to deter aggression and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. HREZ nine seven one sends a strong signal to Japan and the PRC that the United States stands by our allies, in in the face of economic coercion. I encourage all my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back.

Is there any further discussion? There being no further discussion of the resolution, the committee will move to consideration of amendments. Does any member wish to offer an amendment? There being no further amendments, I move that the committee reports H res nine seven one as amended to the house, with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye. All those opposed, signify by saying no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and the motion is agreed to. A recorded vote has been requested. Pursuant to the chair's previous announcement, this vote will be postponed.

Thank you.

Pursuant to notice, I now call up H R one seven four four, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of twenty twenty five. The bill was circulated in advance and the clerk shall designate the bill.

H R one seven four four, to extend and authorize annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through fiscal year twenty twenty eight.

Without objection, the first reading is dispensed with, and the bill is considered read and open to amendment at any point. And I recognize myself for a few minutes to speak on this bill. I wanna thank Congressman Chris Smith for leading this bill as well as Congressman Sherman the minority co-lead. This bill reauthorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom or USERF, as many call it, for two years until September thirty, twenty twenty eight. It is in our DNA to stand for religious freedom and against religious persecution no matter where it occurs. And we should be proud of the work USERF does to protect religious freedom throughout the globe, but we still need to have oversight on its programs. Ever since USERF was created in nineteen ninety eight, regular

I support this bill to reauthorize the United States Commission the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom or USERF on International Religious Freedom or USERF through fiscal year twenty twenty eight. through fiscal year twenty twenty eight. Since its establishment twenty-eight years ago, USURP has served as an independent, bipartisan watchdog, monitoring conditions on the ground and providing policy recommendations to Congress and the administration. Its work reinforces the principles reflected in article eighteen of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and helps ensure that our advocacy for religious freedom is consistent, credible and universal. True religious liberty cannot mean protection for only a favored few. Selective advocacy undermines both the legitimacy and the effectiveness of our efforts. A consistent defense of freedom of thought, conscious, religion, and belief or non-belief strengthens our voice globally and advances global stability, security, and prosperity. When individuals are free to follow their conscience, they are better able to speak freely, assemble peacefully, and participate fully in civic life. When governments suppress religious belief, broader repression often follows. In many parts of the world, severe restrictions on religion are an early warning sign of authoritarian consolidation and instability. And it's for these reasons We need to reauthorize this commission so they can continue to do their good work. And I yield back the balance of my time.

Ranking member yields back. Is there any further discussion?

Chairman.

Representative Smith,

Thank you, and first of all,

and author.

uh, Mr. Chairman, thank you for bringing this bill to the committee and then to the floor. Thank you for your strong support for it, and I thank Mister Bix as well, the ranking member. Uh, this is one of those issues that we truly rally around. Uh, the commission itself is made up of nine members. uh, picked by the leadership of the House and Senate, both sides of the aisle, and the President. And it has proven to be an extraordinarily valuable tool. They put out a report every year, uh, country by country analysis on religious freedom or the lack thereof. And when they do it, um, the State Department Office of Religious Freedom listens. It provides them, uh, a guide. It helps us in a very, very real way to know what's happening. I always encourage members when they travel, uh, to any country, read the narrative on the country you're traveling to and get a really good insight as to what that country's leadership is doing uh either in on the repressive side or uh uh you know in terms of promoting uh the flourishing of religious freedom this is a two year reauthorization uh we do have an amendment that will add a couple of months to it for technical reasons and i think that will help uh the bill and uh i just would point out that i often and i've chaired more than fifty hearings on religious freedom, more way more than fifty over the years. Um we just had Joe Biden's top pick who is still on the on the um on the commission testify two weeks ago on a an issue with regards to the R twenty and hope they will have a religious freedom component to that when it's held in United States in follow up to what happened uh in Indonesia. It was a tremendous hearing, but he provided again some great insights. I am the author of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom act reauthorization uh and we added entities of particular concern and again not just countries but entities and again the the freedom report includes all of that uh and they just they take it to the next level they do it in a scholarly fashion um uh and it just it it makes all the difference in the world i wanna note out in the out there in uh the last uh uh uh tier of the of of of uh is doug anderson Doug Anderson was our general counsel and when we did the original, nineteen ninety eight international religious freedom. And it was a hard, hard bill to get passed. I held all the hearings on it. Frank Wolf was brilliant in promoting that tremendous bill. But Doug, thank you for your great work. Uh, it was just extraordinary. Uh, today we have as uh Vicki Hartzler, our former um uh colleague as the head of the commission. She's doing a stellar job, uh very smart, very effective, very informed. and knows how to get it done. So I just can't tell you how grateful I am for the work that USERF has done. Uh, the acronym of course for the religious freedom commissions. Uh, I do have an amendment, Mister Chairman, at the appropriate time that just adds adds those extra couple of months to it.

We'll let the discussion continue and then we'll get to the amendments uh in a moment. Are you yielding back?

I yield back.

Very good. Is there any further discussion? Uh, Representative Jackson.

Mister Chairman. I support this bill and I thank Representative Smith for his efforts regarding religious freedoms across the globe. That said, as we discuss USERF, an independent agency that monitors religious freedom worldwide and advises the government on policy actions to protect this fundamental right, I would be remiss if I did not mention the hypocrisy of my colleagues who perpetuate this type of vile degradation at home. If we have open and freedom of religion abroad, we should also be more tolerant at home. This administration holds itself up as a defender of religious freedom, yet openly embraces Christian nationalism. This administration, led by the president, has a long history of anti-Muslim rhetoric and more dangerously, anti-Muslim policies. He called for, and let me share with you on this board. He has called for total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States during his first presidential campaign. And a version of his quote unquote Muslim ban, close quote, remains in effect. He says, quote, " I think Islam hates us." Trump presides over a party remade in his image. His allies in this very Congress are embracing Islamophobia and trampling on our constitutional right to do a separation of church and states. Several members, several Republican politicians have made horrifying statements in recent months and they are going unchecked, unchallenged, and not corrected. Their moral depravity is on full display when they say things like, and I've spared our colleagues what I consider the personal embarrassment of putting their names beside these statements. The enemy is made inside the gates. This was said in New York, how many Americans have to get alu alu alu akbar before we get to realize Islam is a problem. Muslims do not belong in American society. Texans shouldn't go to the mall and feel like they're in Pakistan. Mass Islamic migration is killing the America as we know. We need more Islamophobia, not less. These are statements that our colleagues have said. They go unchecked. Sadly, I could go on and on. But I must say plainly, Americans who practice Islam are just as American as anyone else. The world needs leadership rooted in shared humanity, and I implore my colleagues to call out this hate for what it is and when they see it. All people of all faiths who make up the diverse tapestry of our nation deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. We must strongly condemn Islamophobia, anti-semitism, Christian nationalism, and all religious bigotry. Mister Chairman, I yield back.