[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 29, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE TIMING OF SECRETARY RICK PERRY'S RESIGNATION

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to express deep concern about the 
timing of Secretary Rick Perry's resignation, and his simultaneous 
refusal to provide key information on his many trips to Ukraine, more 
than any other Cabinet member. He has played a central role in U.S.-
Ukraine relations throughout the Trump Presidency.
  Thus far, Secretary Perry has refused to cooperate with lawful 
subpoenas issued to him by the Intelligence Committee and other 
committees of this Congress. As chair of the Energy and Water 
Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Committee on 
Appropriations, while I have had a productive relationship with 
Secretary Perry in the past, from strengthening our National 
Laboratories, to supporting the growing range of energy solutions, I 
feel his recent behavior raises serious questions.
  Madam Speaker, American taxpayers have a right to know what Secretary 
Perry was doing on his frequent travel to Ukraine as a public servant 
beholden to the public trust. Americans have a right to know what he 
observed, who he was meeting with, and who was benefiting from the 
contacts and deals he was making.
  The Constitution entrusts the House of Representatives with holding 
the executive branch accountable. That is what we must do.
  As U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine has been sidelined in favor of 
President Trump's personal and political agenda and abuse of power, 
Secretary Perry should do what is right, and immediately comply with 
the House's investigation. America deserves nothing less.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to refrain from 
engaging in personalities toward the President.

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