Ongoing Protests in Iran

Floor Speech

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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the ongoing protests in Iran.

For decades, the Iranian people have faced human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and economic turmoil.

Protests have been going on for almost a month. The military is cracking down, and at least thousands have died. The Iranian people are not backing down, and they deserve the right to protest for changes. They deserve the right to decide whether they want a freer, secular future.

That is why I have joined my colleagues on the bipartisan FREEDOM Act to expand internet freedom in Iran. I also sent a letter to the administration urging immediate action to maximize resources to protect internet freedom.

I have also written directly to Secretary Rubio in support of the Iranian people, while highlighting the worsening human rights abuses, which are also affecting people back here who have Iranian family there.

We support the Iranian people and their efforts to determine their own futures, and we will continue to support them. Banning Immigrant Visa Processing

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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, the administration has decided that, starting tomorrow, January 21, they are going to implement an indefinite ban on immigrant visa processing for more than 75 countries.

This sweeping action has created a crisis for so many Virginia families who have followed the law to see or reunite with their loved ones. Some of these stories that my office has seen of people who have been affected are really heartbreaking. These are spouses still waiting to reunite, engaged couples who have had to pause or cancel their wedding plans, children waiting for parents, and parents waiting to care for their families.

We even had a couple reach out who were in the final stages of adopting a child from Thailand, which is on the list. Because of the pause on what is going on, the adoption is now frozen indefinitely.

It seems there are no exceptions to this ban. It is just a straight- up ban, and the reason seems kind of flimsy, to be honest. It is apparently because they are a drain on our social system. I will just say that the only drain on our social system has been Congress, with cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

In any case, I would love to see the math on how these particular countries were chosen and why this administration thinks banning visas from Fiji is going to help out social services or pay down the debt.

This blanket ban, with no exceptions, does nothing more than separate families and create hardship. Our constituents deserve better. Medicare Telehealth Coverage

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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, we have been talking a lot in this Chamber about rising healthcare costs.

One of the things that we are doing really well as a country to lower costs is telehealth, which allows people to see their providers faster and more often, and even see specialized providers from out of State. It saves time and money, and it is great for doctors, nurses, and seniors.

Unfortunately, we are heading toward a telehealth coverage cliff because, on January 30, Medicare telehealth coverage will end, and many patients will have to see their doctors in person only.

That is why I am urging my colleagues to pass the CONNECT for Health Act and make telehealth coverage permanent. This is common sense. It lowers costs, and it means less emergency room visits. Everyone wins.

We must save telehealth coverage and pass this bill before the end of the month.

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