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VARIOUS MEASURES

MARKUP

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS

FIRST SESSION

ON

H. Res. 147, H. Res. 402, H. Res. 404, H.R. 1992,

H.R. 3470 and H.R. 3509

NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Serial No. 113–97

Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

(

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.foreignaffairs.house.gov/ or

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/

(II)

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

EDWARD R. ROYCE, California, Chairman 

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey 

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida 

DANA ROHRABACHER, California 

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio 

JOE WILSON, South Carolina 

MICHAEL T. MCCAUL, Texas 

TED POE, Texas 

MATT SALMON, Arizona 

TOM MARINO, Pennsylvania 

JEFF DUNCAN, South Carolina 

ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois 

MO BROOKS, Alabama 

TOM COTTON, Arkansas 

PAUL COOK, California 

GEORGE HOLDING, North Carolina 

RANDY K. WEBER SR., Texas 

SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania 

STEVE STOCKMAN, Texas 

RON DESANTIS, Florida 

TREY RADEL, Florida 

DOUG COLLINS, Georgia 

MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina 

TED S. YOHO, Florida 

LUKE MESSER, Indiana 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York 

ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American 

Samoa 

BRAD SHERMAN, California 

GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York 

ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey 

GERALD E. CONNOLLY, Virginia 

THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida 

BRIAN HIGGINS, New York 

KAREN BASS, California 

WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts 

DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island 

ALAN GRAYSON, Florida 

JUAN VARGAS, California 

BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER, Illinois 

JOSEPH P. KENNEDY III, Massachusetts 

AMI BERA, California 

ALAN S. LOWENTHAL, California 

GRACE MENG, New York 

LOIS FRANKEL, Florida 

TULSI GABBARD, Hawaii 

JOAQUIN CASTRO, Texas

AMY PORTER, Chief of Staff THOMAS SHEEHY, Staff Director

JASON STEINBAUM, Democratic Staff Director 

(III)

C O N T E N T S 

Page

MARKUP OF 

H. Res. 147, Calling for the release of United States citizen Saeed Abedini 

and condemning the Government of Iran for its persecution of religious 

minorities .............................................................................................................. 2

Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. Res. 147 offered by the 

Honorable Christopher H. Smith, a Representative in Congress from 

the State of New Jersey ................................................................................... 5

H. Res. 402, Supporting the European aspirations of the peoples of the 

European Union’s Eastern Partnership countries, and for other purposes .... 9

Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. Res. 402 offered by the 

Honorable Eliot L. Engel, a Representative in Congress from the State 

of New York ...................................................................................................... 14

H. Res. 404, Expressing condolences and support for assistance to the victims 

of Typhoon Haiyan which made landfall in the Republic of the Philippines 

on November 8, 2013 ........................................................................................... 19

Amendment to H. Res. 404 offered by the Honorable Edward R. Royce, 

a Representative in Congress from the State of California, and chairman, 

Committee on Foreign Affairs ......................................................................... 23

H.R. 1992, Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act .......................... 25

Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1992 offered by the 

Honorable Doug Collins, a Representative in Congress from the State 

of Georgia .......................................................................................................... 28

H.R. 3470, The Naval Vessel Transfer and Arms Export Control Amendments 

Act of 2013 ............................................................................................................ 30

H.R. 3509, Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2013 ............................................. 46

Amendment to H.R. 3509 offered by the Honorable Edward R. Royce ........... 58

Amendment to H.R. 3509 offered by the Honorable Matt Salmon, a Representative in Congress from the State of Arizona ........................................ 60

APPENDIX 

Markup notice .......................................................................................................... 78

Markup minutes ...................................................................................................... 79

Markup summary .................................................................................................... 81

The Honorable Edward R. Royce: Statement on behalf of the co-chairs of 

the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus ................................................................. 82

The Honorable Christopher H. Smith, a Representative in Congress from 

the State of New Jersey: Prepared testimony of Naghmeh Abedini, wife 

of imprisoned American pastor in Iran .............................................................. 83

(1)

VARIOUS MEASURES 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS,

Washington, DC. 

The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m. in room 

2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Ed Royce (chairman of 

the committee) presiding. 

Chairman ROYCE. The committee hearing will come to order. I 

will ask all the members at this time if you could take your seats. 

Pursuant to notice, we meet today to mark up six bipartisan 

measures. As all members were notified previously to expedite our 

consideration of these items today we are going to take them up 

en bloc. The text previously provided to your offices by the way, 

you have here, and all members, if you don’t have those before you, 

please ask the staff. We will make sure you do. 

The first is House Resolution 147, calling for the release of the 

United States citizen Saeed Abedini from Iran, and Smith Amendment No. 40 in the nature of a substitute. Again, without objection, 

all of these items will be considered as read and will be considered 

en bloc. 

The next is House Resolution 402, supporting the European aspirations of E.U. Eastern Partnership countries and Engel Amendment No. 46 in the nature of a substitute. 

Next House Resolution 404 expressing condolences and support 

for the assistance to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Republic 

of the Philippines, and Royce Amendment No. 64 in that measure. 

Next is H.R. 1992, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act, and Collins Amendment No. 29 in the nature of a substitute. 

Then H.R. 3470 the Naval Vessel Transfer and Arms Export 

Control Amendments Act of 2013, and lastly, H.R. 3509, the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, along with Royce Amendment No. 63 

and Salmon Amendment No. 29 to that measure. 

Without objection, all members may have 5 days to submit statements for the record and extraneous materials on any of today’s 

measures. 

And after recognizing myself and the ranking member for brief 

opening remarks, I will be glad to recognize any committee members seeking recognition to speak on these measures. 

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Chairman ROYCE. Now first, I would like to recognize myself in 

support for House Resolution 404. This is the bipartisan resolution 

I authored that expresses condolences to the victims of the super 

typhoon that hit the Philippines. And 12 days ago, what was one 

of the worst, worst typhoons on record, unleashed a torrent of destruction on the central Philippines so complete that it is very difficult for us to comprehend. As of today, the death toll stands over 

4,000 with more than 4 million people displaced on the islands. 

Over 1⁄2 million homes have been destroyed in the hardest hit 

areas. 

This bipartisan resolution expresses our condolences. The United 

States is committed to helping the Philippines. To date, the U.S. 

Government has allocated over $37 million to this effort. The USS 

George Washington is stationed offshore and is conducting aroundthe-clock efforts to transport relief supplies and emergency workers 

to affected areas. In fact, more than 750,000 pounds of supplies 

have already been delivered. The municipal water pumping station 

in Tacloban is now operational again, thanks to the work of the 

U.S. Agency for International Development, and thanks to the efforts of the Department of Defense. 


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The resolution also recognizes the important role of the FilipinoAmerican community in the relief effort. Many in the community 

were directly affected by the typhoon with friends and family still 

unaccounted for. Indeed, the community has come together to raise 

funds and donated needed supplies. Some have even traveled to the 

Philippines to help there. Filipino-Americans are rightfully proud 

of their heritage, and they are committed to helping those affected 

by the typhoon recover and rebuild. 

The U.S. stands with the Philippines during its time of need. As 

the good people of the Philippines begin the difficult journey to recovery, the American people are here to lend our friendship and 

support. 

Second, we consider H.R. 3470, the Naval Vessel Transfer and 

Arms Export Control Amendments Act. This bill grants the Navy 

authority to transfer excess U.S. naval vessels to our East Asian 

partners, to Taiwan and Thailand, as well as to neighboring Mexico. By doing so, we help the Navy manage its inventory of decommissioned ships while strengthening the ties with U.S. security 

partners. 

Because the Navy will no longer have to store these vessels, the 

Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill will save taxpayers $40 million. 

In addition, the recipient countries will pay for the refurbishment 

and upkeep of those transferred frigates, which is expected to result in a $50 million economic benefit for American workers per 

frigate who will do the work. This bill also helps expedite routine 

U.S. arms sales to NATO and other defense partners while maintaining appropriate congressional oversight. 

Third, we also take up Mr. Collins’ bill. This is 1992, the Israel 

Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act. And I want to recognize Mr. Collins for his leadership on this important piece of legislation, a testament to the American people’s enduring commitment 

to Israel’s security. 

In 2008, Congress required the President to assess, on an ongoing basis, the extent to which Israel possesses a qualitative military edge over threats against it, which, as we know, are all too 

real. 

Currently, this assessment is done every 4 years and focuses on 

conventional military threats. This bill would require the Congress 

receive this assessment on a more timely basis, every 2 years, and 

would require the administration to specify in a separate, one-time 

report how it is integrating cyber and asymmetric threats to Israel 

into its overall security assistance framework. 

Next we have H.R. 3509, the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, 

which is a bipartisan product of thorough committee work. Last 

summer, the committee received a GAO report detailing the startling lack of progress on U.S.-funded post-earthquake reconstruction efforts on the island. The committee followed up by sending a 

bipartisan delegation of staff to investigate, and then held a hearing on Haiti reconstruction where members asked tough questions 

about USAID efforts. 

One recommendation we heard over and over was that Congress 

needs better and more frequent reporting to ensure that we are 

being kept up to date on reconstruction activities and so that ConVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:14 Feb 03, 2014 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Y:\WORK\_FULL\112013M\85641 HFA PsN: SHIRL
62

gress can provide tough oversight at a time when much of the 

funding for Haiti is yet to be spent. And this bill does just that. 

So I commend Representatives Barbara Lee, Ranking Member 

Engel, Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and Chairman Salmon for their 

focus on Haiti and for working in a bipartisan fashion to craft 

strong oversight legislation. 

Next, I would like to thank Ranking Member Engel for his work 

on House Resolution 402 to support the European aspirations of 

the Eastern Partnership countries. The EU’s upcoming Eastern 

Partnership summit, which will take place in Lithuania, represents 

an important step in the development of the three Eastern Partnership countries of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. 

The association agreement these countries plan to sign will deepen our diplomatic and economic ties with EU, representing not only 

a significant upgrade in their engagement with the West, but also 

a valuable opportunity for job creation, for economic growth as 

well. These agreements will encourage the countries to continue 

their democratic reform efforts, a foreign policy interest shared by 

the United States. 

And, lastly, I want to voice my support for House Resolution 147 

which presses for the release and safe return of Pastor Saeed 

Abedini to his wife and young children. 

While the administration negotiations are ongoing as we try to 

negotiate with Iran in what a number of us are concerned might 

be a bad nuclear deal in Geneva this week, Iran continues to suppress minorities and persecute U.S. citizens. The case of this pastor 

is a particularly egregious example. This Iranian-born American is 

wasting away in Iran’s prison system and is said to be suffering 

from beatings. We take it seriously because of the hundreds of executions that have been carried out over the last 100 or so days in 

Iran. And this critical resolution presses for his release and calls 

on the administration to impose sanctions on those responsible for 

his imprisonment and for the regime’s broader suppression of religious minorities. 

Many of you know the fate of the Baha’i there, the fate of the 

Christian community, the fate of some of the Jewish community 

and so forth and other minority sects in Iran. 

I will now recognize the ranking member, Mr. Engel, for his remarks. 

Mr. ENGEL. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 

Thank you for holding this markup and for advancing these important pieces of legislation. 

I concur with your remarks, and I, again, commend you for the 

bipartisan way that we are conducting this committee. 

Firstly, I strongly support H. Res. 147 which calls on Iran to release Saeed Abedini, an American citizen and Christian pastor. Mr. 

Abedini has been imprisoned in Iran since September 2012 because 

the paranoid regime in Tehran believes that his Christian faith 

poses a threat to national security. He has been abused and tortured by Iranian authorities and denied medical care. And I hope 

the State Department and our friends in the international community will continue to raise this case directly and publicly with Iran 

as we all work to return him home safely. 

63

Next, I strongly support H. Res. 402, a resolution I authored that 

supports the European aspiration of states in Eastern Europe and 

the Caucasus region that belong to the European Union’s Eastern 

Partnership program. 

Specifically, we support the right of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to exercise their sovereign right to deepen their economic and 

political ties with the European Union. Ukraine, Moldova and 

Georgia may conclude agreements with the EU at the end of the 

month—this month, which will strengthen democratic institutions, 

spur economic growth and bolster the rule of law, that is the three 

countries Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. As such, they will benefit 

the region and pose no threat to any other state. We urge all nations to respect the right of these states to enter into beneficial 

partnerships of their choosing. We urge all nations, especially Russia. 

At the same time, we urge Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to continue their laudable reform efforts to continue to adopt democratic 

norms and standards and to meet remaining essential conditions 

for closer relations with the European Union. 

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to have introduced with you H. Res. 

404, a resolution expressing deep sympathy and support to the 

Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. You and I both visited the 

Philippines together in January, and we know that people there 

are suffering and really rely on the United States for help. 

This resolution expresses the commitment of the United States 

to provide assistance to help the people of the Philippines recover 

from this disaster and support for relief and reconstruction assistance provided by the international community. The typhoon that 

struck earlier this month caused massive destruction and killed 

thousands of people. And our thoughts and prayers go out to the 

survivors and to the families who lost loved ones because of the 

storm. 

The Philippines is a close friend and treaty ally of the United 

States, and we will continue our efforts to assist the Government 

and the people of the Philippines in the recovery. 

When we were in the Philippines, Mr. Chairman, we had an excellent meeting with President Aquino of the Philippines who is, of 

course, struggling to make his people whole again. 

I also support H.R. 1992, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge 

Enhancement Act. I thank Mr. Collins and Mr. Schneider for their 

role in crafting this critical piece of legislation. Helping Israel to 

maintain its qualitative military edge is critical to ensure our closest ally in the region has the resources necessary to protect itself 

from countries such Iran and others committed to its destruction. 

Specifically, this bill improves upon legislation previously passed 

by this committee by strengthening reporting requirements which 

will give Congress greater oversight over QME efforts. In addition, 

the legislation clarifies that cyber threats must be included in our 

qualitative military edge assessment effort. 

Again, I would like to thank Congressman Schneider and Congressman Collins for their work on this bill and strongly urge my 

colleagues to support it. 

I also support H.R. 3470, another bipartisan bill that exercises 

and therefore preserves, the committee’s jurisdiction in two areas: 

64

Naval ship transfers and controls on military exports. The bill authorizes the transfer of six surplus U.S. Navy warships to three 

countries, two by grant to Mexico and Thailand, and four by sale 

to Taiwan. The bill also amends the Armed Export Control Act to 

update the dollar thresholds with congressional review of and proposed military transfers to other governments. 

In addition, the bill amends the AECA to preserve congressional 

oversight over military transfers that will be made under the administration’s export control reform initiative. 

And, finally, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3509, the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2013. This legislation should be understood as another step in the ongoing work of this committee to 

exercise oversight over U.S. assistance provided to Haiti in the 

aftermath of the devastating January 2010 earthquake. We commissioned a GAO report on that assistance which found, among 

other things, that the administration was not providing sufficient 

information to the Congress to fulfill its oversight role. We also 

sent a bipartisan staff delegation to look into the problems GAO 

found and held a full committee hearing on that matter. 

H.R. 3509 seeks to fill the information gap by requiring the State 

Department to report on various aspects of our assistance program. 

It also includes the statement of policy that articulates the direction we think that assistance program should take. I would like to 

thank Barbara Lee, the original author of the bill, for her vision 

and tenacity for keeping the Haiti issue in front of us as well as 

Chairman Royce for his work on this bill. And this comes 

piggybacked on to a very important PEPFAR bill we passed yesterday on the floor of the House, which will benefit Africa and benefit 

Haiti as well. 

Once again, I would like to thank Chairman Royce for holding 

this markup and for working in a bipartisan way on all of the 

measures before us today. And I yield back. 

Chairman ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Engel, and thank you for your 

important contribution to today’s legislation. 

We are going to go now to any member seeking recognition to 

speak on the en bloc items. And Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Florida, 

chairman of the Middle East Subcommittee. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you very much. And Mr. Chairman, 

I am pleased to support all of these bipartisan measures and briefly speak on a few. 

Last week, our subcommittee unanimously passed House Resolution 147 calling on the release of U.S. citizen Saeed Abedini and 

condemning Iran for its persecution of religious minorities. Pastor 

Saeed Abedini has been sentenced to 8 years in prison simply for 

being a Christian and practicing his faith in Iran. Earlier this 

month, Saeed was transferred to a notorious prison reserved for 

Iran’s most violent criminals. His life is in danger on a daily basis, 

and he is being denied the critical medical care that he needs. 

Passing this resolution will send a strong signal of support to 

Saeed and his family that we have not forgotten him and that we 

will continue to fight for his safe and immediate return and will 

also send a message to the regime in Tehran that its violations of 

human rights will not be ignored and it will be held to account. 

65

As the negotiations continue with Iran over its nuclear program, 

it is important to highlight just what kind of regime the administration is prepared to ease sanctions on in return for empty promises. 

Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, is a gross violator of human 

rights that systematically violates and persecutes religious minorities and cracks down on civil rights. 

I also support H.R. 1992, the Israel QME Enhancement Act authored by our colleague, Mr. Collins. It is essential that Congress 

send a strong signal to Israel and to the world that we remain committed to our relationship with our friend and strategic ally, the 

democratic Jewish State of Israel. 

With Iran still on the path to develop nuclear weapons and the 

administration putting more pressure on Congress to hold off on increasing sanctions on Iran, rather than verifying that Iran will halt 

all of its nuclear activity, Israel has every reason to be concerned 

over her safety. That is why it is crucial that Israel remain not just 

one step ahead of her enemies in the region, but light years ahead. 

There is no room for error here. Israel must maintain it qualitative 

military edge over its foes because her very survival depends on it. 

I would also like to commend Chairman Royce and Ranking 

Member Engel for bringing forward House Resolution 404 to express condolences and support for assistance to the victims of the 

typhoon in the Philippines. I joined a bipartisan congressional letter earlier this week asking the Department of Homeland Security 

to offer TPS (temporary protected status) to nationals of the Philippines. 

And as we continue to assist and provide assistance to the people 

of the Philippines, we must also learn from our mistakes from the 

past when it comes to providing assistance after natural disasters. 

Our reconstruction efforts after the Haiti earthquake from 2010 

are still ongoing, and it is our responsibility to advocate for greater 

transparency and accountability on the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars. So I join my colleagues Barbara Lee, Chairman Royce and 

Ranking Member Engel in introducing H.R. 3509, the Assessing 

Progress in Haiti Act. 

This important bill calls on the Department of State to submit 

a report on the status of post-earthquake recovery and development 

efforts in Haiti. The report will help ensure that our assistance dollars to the Haitian people are going to those who really need it, 

and not to waste, fraud and abuse. Elections in Haiti have been delayed for 2 years—over 2 years—and that is simply unacceptable. 

This bill reaffirms our commitment to the fundamental principles 

of holding free, fair, and transparent elections in accordance with 

the Haitian Constitution. 

Passing this legislation, therefore, Mr. Chairman, will send a 

clear message that we want elections to be scheduled very soon 

without any more delays in order to improve the political—the 

volatile political environment in Haiti, and help the lives of the 

Haitian people. Our south Florida community is blessed to have a 

vibrant Haitian-American community, and the diaspora keenly follows the developments in Haiti. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the time. 

66

Chairman ROYCE. Thank you. We are going to go to Mr. David 

Cicilline of Rhode Island, who is recognized now. 

Mr. CICILLINE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

First, I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Ranking Member 

Engel for your leadership and for the bipartisan manner in which 

we are marking up these bills. I appreciate the smooth and deliberate way in which the package of legislation is being handled and 

proudly support all the legislation contained in this en bloc package. 

In particular, I would like to thank the committee for moving forward on House Resolution 404 regarding the devastation left in the 

Philippines in the wake of this devastating typhoon. I have expressed my condolences and the sympathy of the First District of 

Rhode Island and will continue to do so as the death toll rises and 

damage reports increase. 

I want to reiterate that the resolution expresses solidarity with 

the people of the Philippines and affirms our commitment to provide essential assistance. 

Similarly, I have made resources available to my constituents 

who would like to help those suffering the loss of life and destruction of property in the Philippines. 

In addition, as we consider H. Res. 402, supporting the European 

aspirations of the people of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership, I want to stress the importance of the adoption of democratic 

social norms by these countries along with their economic integration. Over the past several years, we have seen some impressive 

improvements to the human rights of individuals in Moldova, 

Ukraine and Georgia. While the situation isn’t perfect, the trend is 

generally positive and deserves our ongoing support. 

I was pleased that the Moldovan Government took actions last 

year to reverse some locally passed laws which restricted the rights 

of all Moldovans who support the human rights of LGBT persons. 

These local ordinances were passed most all of them under pressure of the local Communist Party or the Eastern Orthodox 

Church, which is in close contact with the leadership of the Russia 

Orthodox Church in Moscow. 

The human rights of LGBT individuals were further strengthened in Moldova as part of the Eastern Partnership effort. In order 

to ease travel restrictions and simplify tourist visas for Moldovan 

citizens to EU countries, the Moldovan Parliament was asked and 

agreed to pass legislation to ensure that individuals cannot be fired 

from a job on the basis of his or her sexual orientation or gender 

identity. Indeed, I look forward to the day when similar legislation 

will pass here in the United States and in the House of Representatives as it did earlier this month in the Senate with broad bipartisan support. 

Improving relations with the European Union does not and 

should not harm the important relationships these countries have 

with their largest neighbor, Russia. Unfortunately, Russia has increased threats against Eastern Partnership countries unnecessarily threatening important trade and energy ties. Nevertheless, 

I am pleased to see several countries take steps to better protect 

and support religious minorities, LGBT individuals and other 

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ship countries that have overcome Russia’s efforts to dissuade them 

from social progress. 

In Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, the governments and peoples 

are quickly realizing that protecting the rights of the minority ensures the fundamental freedoms enjoyed by the majority. Certainly 

sexual orientation and gender identity remain controversial issues 

in Eastern Europe, as is the case in some parts of our own country. 

But we all know that the right to organize, to march, to display 

pride, is healthy for us as a country. These countries deserve our 

support and that of the EU. I commend the chairman and ranking 

member for moving this important piece of legislation and look forward to its passage. 

And finally I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1992 that will 

increase the frequency of review of Israel’s qualitative military 

edge and add to requirements that such reviews include cyber and 

asymmetric threats. This legislation will enhance our national security interests as we better understand Israel’s military capability 

and ensure that they have the necessary resources for their defense 

as our most important ally in a very volatile region of the world. 

I thank you, Madam Chairman, and yield back. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN [presiding]. Thank you, Mr. Cicilline. 

Chairman Smith of New Jersey is recognized. 

Mr. SMITH. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. 

Let me just say to my colleagues, H. Res. 147, introduced by our 

distinguished colleague, Dr. Cassidy, is an excellent resolution, but 

it was introduced in April, and what we are doing in the amendment in the nature of a substitute is expanding from 6 to 18 the 

whereas clauses and adding one line holding—trying to hold Iran 

to account—it is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil 

and Political Rights, so international agreements are important 

and when they sign something, they should be willing to live up 

to it. 

Last March, Congressman Chairman Frank Wolf chaired a hearing that was called the Worsening Plight of Religious Minorities in 

Iran. His key witness was Naghmeh Abedini, the wife of Saeed 

Abedini. And I would just like to quote—it is long and I would ask 

unanimous consent that her full statement be made a part of the 

record. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Without objection. 

Mr. SMITH. Just a couple of lines pulled from that testimony 

which underscores the awful plight of this great pastor who went 

back to Iran—he is an American—to establish an orphanage. He 

was given an assurance by the Government of Iran that he would 

not be, in any way, interfered with and certainly wouldn’t have 

been arrested. He was accused in the past of proselytizing his 

Christian faith, and for that he had been beaten, and he is now 

serving an 8-year sentence. He has been subjected to repeated 

beatings. He is now in a prison where we are all very fearful for 

his life. He has several people in his very cell who are convicted 

murderers. And one of the modus operandi of anyone who has ever 

worked on human rights know is that both the Communists and 

many of these dictatorial regimes often put political and religious 

prisoners, democracy activists, into a prison cell that has people in 

it who have committed heinous crimes and as a quid pro quo, 

68

‘‘Take care of our problem and you will get a lighter sentence.’’ It 

happens over and over again. So we are bringing additional attention to that very serious deterioration of Pastor Abedini’s case. 

Here is what Naghmeh said: ‘‘We have two kids, Rebekka Grace 

who is 6 years old and Jacob Cyrus who is 4 years old. A day does 

not go by that they do not ask for their daddy. A day does not go 

by that they do not long for him. Most nights, they cry themselves 

to sleep, wanting daddy home.’’ She goes on to say it is unfortunate 

that Christians are the number one persecuted people in the world, 

but not much attention and effort is being taken to protect their 

religious liberty. She points out how he went back to establish the 

orphanage and all of that is in her statement and I summarized 

it very briefly. She has said Saeed has endured beatings, internal 

bleeding, death threats, and continuous psychological torture, all 

because he will not deny his Christian faith. 

Naghmeh said, and this was very unfortunate, I must tell you, 

‘‘I am disappointed in my government. I am disappointed that our 

President and our State Department have not fully engaged this 

case—disappointed that this great country is not doing more to free 

my husband, a U.S. citizen.’’ She goes on, ‘‘Yes, we are both proud 

to be American citizens. And I expect more from our government.’’

As a direct result of that hearing and her testimony, I am happy 

to report that Secretary of State Kerry did make an intervention, 

as did the State Department, but this needs to be ongoing, consistent and persistent, and certainly sustained in order to effectuate his release. 

I do hope members will support the resolution, they already have 

because we are now on the debate portion. But this man needs to 

be freed, and his plight needs to be echoed throughout parliaments 

throughout the world in Europe and elsewhere on his behalf. 

And secondly, Madam Chair, I would just like to say I strongly 

endorse a resolution expressing our empathy and sympathy for all 

those have who suffered from the typhoon. Yes, there have been 

approximately 4,000 deaths, 10,000 people who have been now affected by this horrific storm. 

The United Nations has suggested, made a call for $301 million. 

The United States has come forward with $37 million. The Catholic 

Relief Services alone, one NGO, and they just had a massive collection in every Catholic church throughout the country to raise this 

money, has pledged $20 million. 

I would respectfully submit $37 million needs to be looked at as 

a down payment. The needs are overwhelming and my hope is that 

we will be more generous. The same thing happened during the 

tsunami in 2004 and I traveled to Banda Aceh, Phuket, and Sri 

Lanka, and many of us who came back were very concerned that 

our paltry commitment in 2004 in no way came near to what was 

needed. I see a de ́ja` vu occurring here, Madam Chair. We need to 

do more. There are assessment teams on the ground. My hope is 

that the Congress will robustly support the Filipino people. 

Two major problems, and I will be very brief in this. I am very 

concerned about the trafficking situation there and we have asked 

a number of questions about what is being done to mitigate any 

trafficking under the chaos of the storm. And, secondly, very often, 

and this happened in Haiti, the higher death count is attributed to 

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typhoid, cholera, and other diseases that manifest after the fact. I 

am not convinced we are doing enough to ensure that people are 

properly protected from the epidemics that could ensue in the days 

and weeks that follow. I yield back. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. 

Mr. Schneider of Illinois. 

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you, Madam Chairman. I want to thank 

Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for the bipartisan 

leadership they have shown and continue to show on this committee and the committee itself for its example of collaboration that 

should be a lesson for us all. 

I am pleased to support all of these bipartisan measures. I join 

with my colleagues in extending condolences to the people of the 

Philippines in the aftermath of the typhoon. 

Specifically, I wish to speak on the H.R. 1992, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act. I am most grateful for the 

collaboration of my friend, Mr. Collins. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for working diligently with my office 

and Representative Collins to bring this important legislation before the committee. 

Israel stands at a historic juncture. It is in an increasingly dangerous neighborhood at an increasingly dangerous time. Israel 

must have the capabilities to deal with a broad spectrum of potential threats. 

That is why we introduced this important and timely bill to help 

further safeguard the technological edge that Israel has and must 

always have in defending the country and safeguarding her citizens. This bill expands upon existing requirements that the United 

States aid Israel in developing defense systems capable of safeguarding our most important regional ally, Israel, against both conventional and asymmetrical threats. 

Significant examples of this cooperation include the highly successful, game-changing Iron Dome anti-missile system, as well as 

the ongoing development of the Arrow and David’s Sling. Israel 

now faces dramatically evolving threats of regional insecurity, including a virtual failed state on its border with Syria, tens of thousands of rockets and mortars being stockpiled by Hezbollah on the 

north, continued rocket fire from Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and increasing terrorist activity in the Sinai. But most importantly the 

existential threat of Iran and its nuclear program. The U.S. can 

and will continue to do more to aid Israel in addressing all these 

threats in a comprehensive way. 

The bill before us today would specifically encourage greater coordination between Israel and United States in developing new 

weapons, tactics and procedures to confront the growing threats of 

cyber warfare, asymmetrical military threats, and ongoing terrorist 

activity. Increased reporting and coordination will allow the United 

States and Israel to continue their mutually beneficial research 

and intelligence programs to save lives and create a more secure 

and prosperous region. 

I want to, again, thank the chair and ranking member for their 

support of this legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Collins for the 

hard work we have done to hone this bill over the last few months. 

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I ask that my colleagues join me in support of this bill and the others today and yield back the balance of my time. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you, sir. Mr. Marino of Pennsylvania 

is recognized. 

Mr. MARINO. Thank you, Chairwoman. I want to address House 

Resolution 402 supporting the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries. 

The bill would express Congress’ support for the expansion of the 

EU to include Georgia, Moldova and the Ukraine. Russia does not 

like this possibility. Russia wants to continue to control the former 

Soviet states, and Russia sees the European Union expansion as a 

threat to Russia’s power in the region. 

Russia is doing all it can to stop these former Soviet states from 

siding with Western countries, in part by cutting off natural gas to 

these countries or spiking the cost of natural gas and by pushing 

these countries to enter trade compacts with Russia if—if they 

promise not to enter into similar agreements with the EU. 

I support the efforts of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to enter 

into agreements with the European Union. I also hope the administration expresses similar support and takes the steps necessary to 

ensure it in a smooth and easy transition. 

I yield back my time. Thank you. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you sir. Mr. Connolly of Virginia. 

Mr. CONNOLLY. Thank you, Madam Chairman. 

I, of course, support all of the bills on our agenda. I particularly 

highlight the Haiti legislation. This is a country devastated by an 

earthquake, and its recovery has been slow and painful and uneven 

at best. There are issues about coordination among NGOs, there 

are issues about frankly the distribution of our own bilateral assistance, there are issues about the multilateral response to this tragedy. This is a country that is not far away. It is in our backyard. 

And if we can’t get coordinated assistance when we have had this 

kind of tragic development right in our own backyard, I think it 

calls into question the efficacy of our ability to deliver aid effectively anywhere. And so I think it is really important we focus on 

Haiti, and I am delighted to see this legislation on the agenda, and 

I would hope that the committee would continue to monitor this 

very carefully as we move forward. 

I yield back. Thank you, Madam Chairman. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you, sir. 

Mr. Collins of Georgia. 

Mr. COLLINS. Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate the willingness of the chairman and you, as well, in your willingness to work 

with me on this important bipartisan bill. I want to thank the committee, and really this committee is one of the few places I believe 

left in Congress where we do have bipartisanship as the norm and 

not the exception, and that is always a good thing to see. 

I would also like to thank my friend from Illinois, Mr. Schneider, 

and his staff for their work on this legislation. It is amazing when 

we work together and what your staff has done and the others who 

have come across on this bill has been really good to see along with 

the chairman and the ranking member who have been so good 

friends with this as well. So I want to thank you for all your hard 

work. 

71

The U.S. has stood with Israel from its inception 65 years ago, 

and our countries remain close allies for a good reason. America 

and Israel share many of the same goals. Both countries have 

strong expressed desire to protect their citizens from harm, to promote the principles of democracy, and to promote a stable and prosperous Middle East. The benefits of the Israeli-American relationship are undeniable. Our alliance has been vital for each nation’s 

intelligence gathering efforts resulting in many lives saved. 

I introduced H.R. 1992 because I believe that America’s support 

for Israel must be responsive to the changing threats facing our allies. This week the United States and other member nations are 

meeting to discuss Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s ambitions are no 

secret, and they currently possess the proper quantity and type of 

materials to make nuclear weapons. 

But Iran’s nuclear program is not the only threat to Israel. I am 

very concerned by the cyber threats attacks that have been 

launched against the country. Nations in the region are increasingly using cyber warfare as a means to cripple infrastructure and 

violently disrupt the security of this peace-loving nation. 

H.R. 1992 directs the President to report to Congress every 2 

years—current law requires for it every 4 years—regarding the assessment of Israel’s qualitative military edge over military threats 

to Israel and related weapons sales in the Middle East. 

Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to report on cyber 

and asymmetric threats in reference to Israel. I believe this legislation represents an effective way to promote U.S.-Israeli relationships in a bipartisan manner. Given recent developments in the region, there is no better time to ensure that Congress has the most 

complete and up-to-date information regarding Israel’s qualitative 

military edge. 

The very real threats of cyber attacks and asymmetrical warfare 

in Israel must be taken into account as our nations continue to 

fight against terrorism in the 21st century. 

This legislation ensures that the United States’ commitment to 

Israel’s qualitative military edge remains substantial and meaningful. It provides Congress the ability to continue its oversight of 

weapons sales to the Middle East at an increased regularity by reviewing arms sales from 4 to 2 years. 

I am very appreciative to the chairman for allowing this piece of 

legislation to come before the committee. Ranking Member Engel, 

your support brings increased probity to the bill. And Mr. Schneider, you have been, again, such a great partner on this relationship. You are such a dedicated advocate for U.S.-Israeli relationships as it stands, and I, like too many here, and also Ms. Gabbard, 

I also appreciate your early support of this legislation, as well. And 

I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you, sir. 

Mr. Lowenthal of California. 

Mr. LOWENTHAL. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I join with my 

colleagues in thanking Chairman Royce and Ranking Member 

Engel for conducting these—all the hearings on the Foreign Affairs 

Committee in such a bipartisan way. It really is a pleasure to come 

to this committee. And I also want to express, voice my support for 

all the bills. But I would really like to talk about one aspect of H.R. 

72

3470, which is the Naval Vessel Transfer and Arms Export Control 

Amendments, but that specific part of the H.R. 3470. And I want 

to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel and your 

staff for your working on this bill. 

The title 2 of H.R. 3470 contains important improvements in the 

licensing of U.S. exports under the Arms Export Control Act. These 

improvements that are included in this bill will streamline our congressional review of pending licenses by focusing our committee’s 

oversight on major defense transfers. This is accomplished by updating the dollar thresholds under the Arms Export Control Act for 

export cases that are subject to congressional scrutiny. 

This is the first updating in many years. When enacted, this will 

focus congressional attention on the truly important defense exports. Many of the U.S. companies that export defense articles are 

located in southern California especially in and near my congressional district. The California aerospace industry will definitely 

benefit from this bill. In addition, the Port of Long Beach, which 

I represent, will also definitely benefit by a more efficient export 

licensing procedure, speeding approvals and contributing to U.S. 

firms winning more export sales. 

While streamlining defense export licensing, this bill also adjusts 

the congressional review process to benefit with the reforms that 

the Obama administration is now beginning to implement under its 

Export Control Reform Initiative. 

In sum, this bill makes improvements for American defense exporters and focuses congressional oversight on the significant 

transfers that warrant close scrutiny. 

Madam Chair, I yield back my time. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you, sir. Mr. Meadows of North Carolina is recognized. 

Mr. MEADOWS. Thank you Madam Chair. 

And I just want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Collins from Georgia and Mr. Schneider, for working so diligently on H.R. 1992. 

Early on, they worked with the committee here who just have done 

an outstanding job in making sure not only this legislation is ready 

to be brought to the floor, but that it addresses the key concerns 

in terms of our allies. So I just want to thank the gentlemen, and 

obviously it has my support. 

I want to speak briefly, though, on Pastor Saeed Abedini. It is 

very troubling that here we are in the middle of negotiations with 

Iran, and a pastor is being held, quite frankly, in a very dangerous 

situation, a gesture of good will by that country that would transcend not only just one state to another, but much of our Nation 

and show that, indeed, that our two countries are ready for some 

type of bilateral talks on a foundation of mutual respect, you would 

think that releasing Pastor Saeed Abedini would be an easy lift. 

And yet here we are having to pass a resolution condemning that 

action. 

And, Madam Chair, you have been a strong voice for those who 

are held in foreign countries against the international norms that 

are there. I applaud you on your unrelenting voice. I join you and 

urge the Iranian people to look at this injustice and let Pastor 

Saeed Abedini go. 

I yield back. 

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Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you, sir. 

Mr. Keating of Massachusetts is recognized. 

Mr. KEATING. Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to voice my 

support for all the initiatives on today’s markup but I would like 

to thank, in particular, Chairman Royce and Ranking Member 

Engel for working with me on House Resolution 402. As an original 

cosponsor and as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Europe, 

Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, I believe it is important for the 

United States to show its support for the European aspirations of 

the six Eastern Partnership countries. 

Next week in Vilnius at the summit, three of these countries are 

poised to take truly historic steps forward. Twenty-five years ago, 

no one could have imagined that Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, 

then Soviet Republics, would be on the verge of signing or initialing 

association agreements with the European Union. Their laudable 

progress demonstrates each country’s resilience and the strengths 

of their citizenry’s desire for a transparent governance and a rule 

of law. 

In addition to the association agreements, which include a key 

free trade component, the EU recently launched the Eastern Partnership transport network to improve the roads, rails and ports of 

the Eastern Partnership countries and to link them with the EU’s 

own transportation system. 

I strongly believe the United States should support the Eastern 

Partnership transport network by working closely with the EU, 

international donors and hosts of countries to improve their infrastructure and regulatory mechanisms to facilitate more trade with 

the EU between Europe and Asia. This will also support the broader ‘‘New Silk Road’’ vision that is coming to connect Central and 

South Asia to larger markets and help transform the northern distribution network, also known as the NDN, into a viable, commercial corridor. 

Although these agreements and initiatives pose no threat to 

other countries, Russia has sought to undermine Ukraine, Moldova 

and Georgia and threaten to retaliate further if they move forward 

with association agreements with the EU. 

Madam Chairman, it is important for the United States to support Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine at this historic moment. It is 

equally important that we make clear that Russia’s behavior in 

this regard is unacceptable. 

With that, I yield back. 

Chairman ROYCE [presiding]. We thank the gentleman for yielding back. I think we have two remaining speakers, our Western 

Hemisphere chairman, Matt Salmon from Arizona, followed by Mr. 

Deutch from Florida. 

Mr. SALMON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

First of all, I want to commend you and the entire committee for 

all of this bipartisan legislation today, which I believe it has been 

said before that this is probably one of the last committees in all 

of Congress that does things in such a bipartisan way, and I think 

it is wonderful. It is a good example to set for the other committees, as well. 

I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for working with me and accepting my amendments strengthening some of the reporting reVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:14 Feb 03, 2014 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Y:\WORK\_FULL\112013M\85641 HFA PsN: SHIRL
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quirements for the H.R. 3509. The Haitian funding bill is incredibly 

important, but it is important, also, that we make sure that our 

taxpayers are actually getting what they expected and what they 

are paying for when it comes to getting money to a very, very badly 

needed place in the globe and in the hemisphere. 

This language that Mark Walker was able to strengthen and put 

together I believe makes it clear that the USAID and taxpayer 

funds must be spent wisely and in accordance with the policies that 

are outlined in this bill. 

In addition, I appreciate the opportunity to work the with committee staff on the other side of the aisle, as well. I know that 

Mark was able to lead a staff delegation over there not so long ago 

and found while there are still some troubling things, there are 

some very positive things. And we want to focus on both of those 

things. 

When the 2010 earthquake struck our neighbors in Haiti, the 

U.S. was swift with our response and promised to be a major part 

of the long-term recovery process. Our citizens have been generous 

in both the $3.6 billion in taxpayer funds dedicated to the recovery, 

but also billions in private funds have flown to assist Haitian recovery to help them rebuild. 

But it is our obligation here in Congress to make sure these 

funds are spent efficiently, effectively and transparently. After the 

GAO’s critical report, this bill will help to address the lack of transparency and accountability that our aid to Haiti has suffered to 

date. As we learned from our hearing in our subcommittee last 

month, Haiti has a long way to go in their recovery, and it is important that the Haitian Government work diligently to improve 

the investment climate in their country and move toward free and 

fair elections and make sure that a democratic process moves forward. 

I have been very, very disappointed in reports from the government that are harassing U.S. companies who are trying to do business in the country, and sadly reports like that are going to have 

a long-term impact on investment in Haiti. 

I believe that if they want to go forward in a very, very positive 

way, they have got to improve the rule of law there, make sure 

that they don’t shake down foreign business interests. And finally, 

as incorporated in this bill, I strongly urge the Government of Haiti 

to move forward with those elections as soon as possible. The people of Haiti deserve a voice in their government, and I think it is 

just plain fair and common sense, but thank you and I yield back 

the balance of my time. 

Chairman ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Salmon. I want to thank you 

for your excellent contribution to the focus on Haiti and also for 

promoting trade investment in this hemisphere. And we appreciate 

that very much. 

We are going to go turn now to recognize Ted Deutch of Florida. 

Mr. DEUTCH. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to lend my support to these good 

bills. I would like to thank Congressman Collins and Congressman 

Schneider for introducing the Israel QME Enhancement Act. This 

bipartisan legislation emphasizes Congress’ commitment to ensurVerDate 0ct 09 2002 14:14 Feb 03, 2014 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 Y:\WORK\_FULL\112013M\85641 HFA PsN: SHIRL
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ing Israel’s qualitative military edge, a central component of 

Israel’s security. 

We talk a lot about the importance of bipartisanship in Congress 

when it comes to Israel’s security, and it is thanks to members like 

Mr. Schneider and Mr. Collins that we can work across the aisle 

to further this kind of critical cooperation and I applaud their efforts. 

The United States has committed to ensuring Israel’s right and 

ability to defend herself against any threat, period. But in its violent neighborhood, Israel can face threats at each of her borders at 

any moment from the risk of spillover from the Syrian conflict, 

rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah, and the ever present existential threat from potentially nuclear-armed Iran. 

This legislation will provide Congress with greater oversight 

when it comes to Israel’s qualitative military edge. By the increasing reporting requirements on QME from every 4 years to every 2 

years, we can continue to ensure that our great ally, Israel, has the 

capabilities to counter any and all threats. 

In addition, it is the strategic cooperation with Israel that ensures greater interoperability with our own military to defend our 

security interests in the region. 

I also want to expresses my support for H. Res. 147 which condemns the Government of Iran for its persecution of religious minorities, including Saeed Abedini. The recent reports that Pastor 

Abedini was recently moved to a more dangerous facility outside of 

Tehran further demonstrates the U.S. must do everything in our 

power to end his continued and unjust imprisonment. However, 

this markup also provides an opportunity to highlight what is not 

being talked about in Geneva—Iran’s egregious human rights violations. 

While preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capabilities is our paramount objective, it should not impact our support 

for human rights in Iran. Iran’s vile mistreatment of its people is 

not new. But since taking office, President Rouhani has spoken 

about the need to repair Iran’s relationships with the world and ensure the rights of his people. 

Unfortunately, his rhetoric has not been matched with action. 

Hundreds of political prisoners remain in prison. This year alone, 

more than 500 Iranians have been executed double—double 

Ahmadinejad’s last year in office. 

In the past month, there has been a stunning wave of oppression 

targeting the media and civil society that included the banning of 

a prominent reformist daily and the arrest of a prominent and politically-minded actress. 

Iran is also suspected of having significant knowledge as to the 

whereabouts of my constituent, Robert Levinson. As many of you 

know, in March 2007, Robert Levinson was taken hostage while 

visiting Iran’s Kish Island. A retired FBI agent, husband, father to 

seven children, and grandfather of two, Mr. Levinson has missed 

6 years’ worth of birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other important milestones. Next Tuesday, Robert Levinson will have been 

held captive for 2,455 days making him the longest held American 

hostage in our Nation’s history. 

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Now as Iran continues to flagrantly violate basic human rights, 

we must continue to press Iran to treat their people with due process and with fairness, and we must act to ensure the release of all 

political prisoners, including Pastor Abedini, Amir Hekmati, and 

we must do everything we can to bring Robert Levinson home to 

his family. This markup is an important step. 

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you, the ranking 

member and Congresswoman Lee for introducing H.R. 3509, the 

Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2013. We are privileged to have 

a strong Haitian diaspora in south Florida, and I know how much 

they appreciate Congress’ commitment to reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Haiti. We must continue to provide strong oversight to ensure that our aid dollars are helping Haiti rebuild critical infrastructure, promote good governance and rule of law and 

provide much-needed access to health care and to education. 

Again, I thank all of the bill’s sponsors, and I look forward to the 

final passage of this good legislation. 

Chairman ROYCE. Well, thank you Mr. Deutch. 

Hearing no further requests for recognition, the question now occurs on agreeing to the items being considered en bloc: All those 

in favor, signify by saying aye. 

[Ayes.] 

Opposed, no. 

In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it and the items are 

considered en bloc and agreed to. And without objection the measures agreed to en bloc, House Resolution 147, as amended; 402, as 

amended; 404, as amended; 1992, as amended; 3470; and 3509, as 

amended, these measures are considered favorably reported to the 

House. 

Staff are directed to make technical and conforming changes. 

And just in closing, I want to thank our ranking member, Mr. 

Engel, and all of the committee members for their contributions 

and for their assistance in today’s markup. 

The committee stands adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 11 o’clock a.m., the committee was adjourned.] 

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