STOP IGNORING CRISIS IN IDLIB, SYRIA

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STOP IGNORING CRISIS IN IDLIB, SYRIA

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from

Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.

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

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

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

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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