Gerry Connolly

I represent Baltimore, and so, I am just 40 miles up the road.

We have learned so many lessons over the past few years, and we are able to offer flexibilities to attract the best and brightest workforce.

We need telework. We need telework for lots of reasons.

Not all of our colleagues do. And, by the way, it is bipartisan.

I want to thank the Chair, in his opening remarks, I thought you made a really thoughtful distinction that I want to reemphasize between universal remote working in a pandemic, and a structured telework program.

COVID is still around. We have Members that are out right now because they are sick with COVID.

What we need to do is focus in on the priorities, and the priorities are not culture wars.

President Biden has pursued this strategy, I think we believe appropriately.

The only logical alternative is smart diplomacy.

The Biden Administration, indeed any administration, has a choice: negotiate for the release of detained Americans or let them rot in jail.

I know some voices would like us to launch a destructive forever war with Iran, but our allies and partners should understand the American people are done sending our soldiers to fight and die in forever wars.

Donald Trump's reckless so-called maximum pressure strategy has failed and made us less safe today and less safe than ever.

The best way to guarantee Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon is through international negotiations, careful diplomacy, and a negotiated solution.

It is also crucial we ensure that the increase in ransom payments made by the U.S. Government does not incentivize hostile nations and groups, like Iran, to continue to kidnap American citizens.

This is not ransom. This is not appeasement.

I think it will send the wrong message to the American people about the seriousness that this Congress takes.

For example, I represent one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. We have addiction problems.

The use of consumption of illegal substances, like fentanyl, is primarily an immigrant problem.

The source of fentanyl in the United States comes through illegal border crossings in Mexico. Is that correct?

Surely, we are pressing China. Surely, for example, it is on every agenda when a senior U.S. official, like the Secretary of State goes to visit China.

I want to thank Ms. Mace for her collaboration and cooperation on this bill.

I also call on the Administration to ensure that human rights in North Korea remains at the forefront of our Indo-Pacific policy.

If you want to see the Kim regime fail in its illegal ventures, then we must ensure that we enhance our sanctions and law enforcement activities targeting North Korea's cybercrime.

We must help Colombia buildup civic participation and civilian services in the most rural areas.

Colombia is a democratic country with a democratically elected government and democratic institutions and process in place.