William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “I include in the Record the following exchange of letters during consideration of H.R. 5515: House of Representatives…”

“I include in the Record the following exchange of letters during consideration of H.R. 5515: House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, May 14, 2018. Hon. William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry, Chairman, House Armed Services Committee, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I write to confirm our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which contains substantial matter that falls within the Rule X legislative jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs Committee. I appreciate the cooperation that allowed us to work out mutually agreeable text on numerous matters prior to your markup. Based on that cooperation and our associated understandings, the Foreign Affairs Committee will not seek a sequential referral or object to floor consideration of the bill text approved at your Committee markup. This decision in no way diminishes or alters the jurisdictional interests of the Foreign Affairs Committee in this bill, any subsequent amendments, or similar legislation. I request your support for the appointment of House Foreign Affairs conferees during any House-Senate conference on this legislation. Finally, I respectfully request that you include this letter and your response in your committee report on the bill and in the Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 5515 on the House floor. Sincerely, Edward R. Royce, Chairman.…”