Stop Ignoring Crisis in Idlib, Syria

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today again to bring attention to the travesty happening in Idlib, Syria.

A week ago, Syrian dictator Assad, his protector Putin, and his Iranian coconspirators continued to bomb civilians in the town of Idlib.

The Wisdom House School, a school supported by my constituents in Arkansas, has had to close for the third time due to this bombing and the massive attacks.

I recently watched a video posted on Twitter of the airstrikes hitting a civilian home in the same town where Wisdom House School is located. Many of the children attending the Wisdom House School are now orphans. There are no military targets in this area, which has been repeatedly bombed by the Assad regime.

When we look back on this calamitous conflict, the United States and our allies in Europe will hang our heads in shame for ignoring red lines that gave a green light to Assad's slaughter of his own civilians by the hundreds of thousands. Fund NATO to Counter Russia

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, since its formation, NATO has served as the foundation for security between the United States and our allies in Europe.

Years ago, the now-29 members agreed to a goal of spending at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense. When President Trump took office, only three countries met that objective. Now, it is nine. President Trump has done a good job urging NATO to meet its obligations among members.

Russia, under Putin, is a threat to freedom that many in the post- Cold War world have fought and died for. For decades, Russia has engaged in propaganda and political meddling in the Western democracies. It has invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea and territories in Georgia.

NATO members need to meet their defense spending guidelines now more than ever. Actions speak louder than words, and NATO must continue to counter Russia and Russia's political and military actions around the world. Honoring Life and Legacy of Jerry McKinnis

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of one of Arkansas' great outdoorsmen, Mr. Jerry McKinnis, who recently passed away at the age of 82.

A longtime Little Rock, Arkansas, resident, Jerry was a pioneer in outdoor cable TV programming. He was best known for his television program ``The Fishin' Hole,'' which featured fishing trips with celebrity guests like Hall of Fame baseball player Ted Williams.

Jerry created the show after playing baseball professionally for a short time. ``The Fishin' Hole'' aired for 44 years and was the longest running show on ESPN short of ``SportsCenter.''

Jerry has been inducted into the International Game Fish Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame, the National Fishing Hall of Fame, and the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Jerry was an inspiration and friend to many across our State, and I extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his friends, family, and loved ones. Congratulating Rachelle Stewart

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Deputy Rachelle Stewart for receiving the Lifesaving Award from Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright.

Stewart responded to an unknown medical emergency to assist EMS personnel with a patient who was unconscious and not breathing. Chief Deputy Stewart quickly recognized the patient was experiencing an opioid overdose and administered Narcan to save the patient's life. Chief Deputy Stewart's action marked the fifth life saved by Saline County sheriff deputies successfully using Narcan in the field.

I extend my congratulations to Chief Deputy Rachelle Stewart and the Saline County Sheriff's Office for saving lives and continuing the hard work of protecting and serving central Arkansas.

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