Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time.

Madam Speaker, if there is one group of Americans who definitely shouldn't be receiving Federal payments, it is the dearly departed. There is a famous line in the movie ``The Sixth Sense'' where the star says: ``I see dead people.'' Our Treasury Department doesn't see dead people. They just write them checks.

Year after year, gaps in our data system allow improper payments to flow to individuals who are no longer living. It is wasteful, avoidable, and undermines trust in government-run programs.

As founder and co-chair of the DOGE Caucus, I am proud to support the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act. It is a commonsense, bipartisan effort to strengthen the accuracy of the Death Master File, improve data sharing across Federal agencies, and ensure that benefits programs have the timely, reliable information they need to verify eligibility, and a pulse, before payments go out the door.

The results, Madam Speaker, speak for themselves. The Treasury Department recently announced it recovered $31 million in fraud and improper payments in just the first 5 months of test driving and implementing these reforms. The legislation makes these temporary provisions permanent and stops payments to deceased individuals moving forward.

Madam Speaker, this bill is a big step toward accountability, and I urge my colleagues on all sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this vital antifraud, antiwaste, antiabuse legislation.

As the saying goes: You can't take it with you, so let's stop writing checks to dead people.

Mr. Speaker, some achievements don't just earn applause, they open the door for others. Today, we honor someone who has done just exactly that: Miley Meredith, the first female Eagle Scout in Nassau County, Florida.

From Troop 9152 of Scouting America in Yulee, Miley has shown outstanding dedication, creativity, and a genuine commitment to serving others, qualities that earned her the rank of Eagle Scout. The accomplishment, Mr. Speaker, as you know, is impressive for any Scout, but for Miley's achievement, it also marks an historic moment for our community--expanding what is possible for young women in northeast Florida.

As part of her service project, Miley devoted more than 155 hours installing a 25-foot flagpole and creating a 6-foot mural for the Yulee Lions Club, strengthening a valued community organization.

On behalf of Florida's Fourth Congressional District, I proudly congratulate Miley Meredith, an Eagle Scout whose achievements earn and deserve applause and whose example will continue opening doors for others.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, when your old roof keeps leaking, you can keep adding shingles to it, but eventually you must admit the structure underneath isn't built to weather the storm. Rather than double down on a problem that keeps getting more expensive, it is time sometimes to rethink the foundation. Such is the case with ObamaCare.

Mr. Speaker, we all remember those promises made when Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. It turns out that wasn't true. It is also not true the promise made that this ObamaCare will bend the cost curve for healthcare downward. That is not true at all. Premiums for the average ObamaCare plan have skyrocketed much higher than traditional inflation leaving patients with higher costs and fewer choices.

If Americans are just tuning in to C-SPAN, you might assume that Republicans are eliminating the Affordable Care Act or ObamaCare altogether. That is simply not the case.

The premium tax credits were developed during COVID to subsidize Americans making more than 400 percent of the Federal poverty level, including those making up to $600,000. People making up to $600,000 are getting subsidized by the American taxpayers. In northeast Florida, we call people making $600,000 rich, and that is who we are subsidizing with these premium tax credits.

I have also got a news flash for you, Mr. Speaker: COVID is over. We made these premium tax credits during COVID. COVID is over, and these subsidies should be over with it.

ObamaCare will continue for those who need it. Americans making up to 400 percent of the poverty level are still eligible for the tax credits. At this very moment that is still happening. That means a family of four can make up to $128,000 and still qualify for help.

To call this, and I have heard it said a couple of times already, a Republican healthcare crisis is fake news. There is new hope, Mr. Speaker. Instead of throwing more money away, we can have a new day for America to look at health savings accounts, to look at the Lower Healthcare Premiums for All Act that according to the CBO is going to lower premiums for everybody, all Americans across the Nation.

It is time to give more choice and more competition. Those are the only ingredients that are going to make costs lower. We can't keep patching the same roof. Everybody has sticker shock.

Mr. Speaker, I urge everybody, the right answer is to vote ``no'' on extending these horrible tax credits.

Madam Speaker, throughout history, Vikings were known as fearless explorers and warriors who never backed down from a challenge. That same spirit lives on in Jacksonville, Florida, where Raines High School Vikings have written their own chapter of triumph by capturing Florida's Class 3A State football championship in dramatic fashion.

In a thrilling 23-22 comeback victory over Miami Northwestern, the Vikings showed resilience, sealing the win--get this, Madam Speaker-- with a touchdown pass with just 10 seconds to spare.

This remarkable finish marks the fourth State title in the proud history of the Raines football program. This victory is a testament to the hard work and fighting spirit of these student athletes. Unlike the Vikings of old, they emerged triumphant through teamwork, preparation, and heart.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Raines High School. Jacksonville is very proud.

Madam Speaker, we all know the simple joy of a glass of sweet tea--refreshing, comforting, a lift to the spirit. Teneilia ``Sweet Tee'' Anderson of Fernandina Beach, Florida, brought that same sweetness into every room she entered.

This week, at the age of 86, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends and family, and today, I rise to honor her life of service.

Sweet Tee was a devoted wife and mother, a clown, a business owner, and a woman of deep faith. I would often see her at the hospital dressed as her alter ego, Lucianna the clown, with her husband, Don, as Hambone, visiting sick kids, reminding us that healing begins with kindness and connection. Even up until her death, she was working with my office to protect children.

My thoughts are with her husband, Don; daughter, Kim; granddaughters, Brook and Ashley; and her entire family.

Madam Speaker, Sweet Tee's life was like her name, a steady sweetness that brightened every day, and her legacy will continue to inspire. Sweet Tee will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate a milestone that truly brings a smile. This week, Dr. William Stewart Mitchell III of Fleming Island, Florida, marks his 100th birthday, a century defined by faith, family, and devoted service to our Nation.

Dr. Mitchell graduated valedictorian of Hamilton County High School before entering the Navy in 1943. Recognizing his talent, the Navy placed him in the B-12 program at Emory University, where he again graduated valedictorian from dental school. He went on to serve with the 1st Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, providing essential care as a naval officer in the Dental Corps. His distinguished career spanned sea service, Active Duty, Reserve Duty, and retiring as a lieutenant commander.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Mitchell has built a legacy of excellence and dedication to others. Today, I honor him as he celebrates 100 years on this planet, and I recognize a life that has given this Nation countless reasons to smile. It is a privilege to share his story with this Chamber.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Dr. Mitchell a happy birthday.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, ``If you build it, he will come.'' ``If you build it, he will come.'' Those are the words Kevin Costner's character famously heard, a mysterious voice encouraging him to construct the most famous baseball field in America, the ``Field of Dreams.''

Unfortunately, Mr. Chair, that only happens in the movies. Because for the last 2 years, if anyone in the free State of Florida tries to build anything, only the Washington bureaucracy will come. However, this wasn't always the case.

In 2020, Florida became the third State, joining Michigan and New Jersey, to implement and run a Clean Water Act section 404 Permitting program.

These State-run programs reduce duplicative requirements, reduce costs, and expedite permit approval times exactly as Congress intended.

Throughout the State-administered review process, Federal agencies maintained robust oversight to ensure Florida's 404 permitting program complied with all Federal requirements, while the EPA maintained strict control over Florida's decisions.

However, Florida's successful permitting program, along with Michigan and New Jersey, has been thrown into limbo by litigation stripping Florida of its ability to run its program. The court's decision, which is contrary to the position of both the Trump and Biden administrations, has shifted permitting authority back to the Federal Government, creating enormous disruptions to Florida's efforts to protect wetlands and water resources and is now blocking Florida's ability to issue necessary permits for development projects across the State, including: projects to restore Florida's Everglades; projects to build or improve sidewalks, bridges, utilities, roads, and highways; solar energy projects; and other projects that impact grid reliability.

The ability for States to take the lead in regulating their natural resources is vital, particularly in a State like Florida where growing our economy is contingent on protecting the environment.

Mr. Chair, that is why the Bean amendment seeks to codify the permitting program administered by the States of Florida, Michigan, and New Jersey, and to provide certainty to the other States lined up to do the same.

These States have been examples of cooperation between the State and Federal Government, and now Congress must provide clarity and confidence for any additional State interested in joining these three.

We need this amendment because protecting the environment in Florida is protecting our field of dreams.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I remind the gentlewoman from Michigan that Michigan is such a beautiful State. It has got one of the longest freshwater coastlines of any State. That may be a trivia fact, but no one is going to fight harder for Michigan's environment than the people of Michigan. This amendment gives them that authority back, and so I would ask her to reconsider her opposition.

Mr. Chair, I include in the Record two letters: One from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in support of the Bean amendment and, also, a letter from the National Association of Home Builders also detailing how passage of the Bean amendment and underlying bill will lead to the creation of more attainable housing.

Florida Department of

Environmental Protection,

Tallahassee, FL, August 7, 2025.

Hon. Aaron Bean,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Bean: On behalf of Florida's

environment and regulated communities, I would like to voice

my support for the Maintaining Cooperative Permitting Act of

2025 (H.R. 2030/S. 1014).

The Act is necessary to set right last year's ruling from a

federal district court in Washington, D.C., which vacated the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s approval of Florida's

Clean Water Act Section 404 Permitting Program. The Act will

also provide a clear and workable path for other states to

assume administration of this important program.

The D.C. court's decision, which is contrary to the

position of the Trump and Biden Administrations as it relates

to Florida's program, has shifted permitting authority back

to the federal government, creating enormous disruptions to

Florida's efforts to protect wetlands and water resources and

is now blocking Florida's ability to issue necessary permits

for development projects across the State.

State ``assumption'' of the Section 404 program is an

important part of the Clean Water Act's cooperative

federalism structure. Assumption can streamline permitting

processes, reduce duplication of effort and overall

expenditures by state and federal authorities, while

providing better protection of a state's environmental

resources by those who know their state best.

Beginning almost a decade ago, Florida began work to

establish a comprehensive Section 404 permitting program.

After receiving approval from EPA in 2020, Florida trained

over 300 certified wetlands evaluators and other staff and

received and processed thousands of permit applications for

Section 404 permits. Florida's program is consistent with

federal Clean Water Act requirements and all permit

applications are reviewed by both federal and state wildlife

agencies to ensure full protection of threatened or

endangered species and their habitats.

I urge you to support the Maintaining Cooperative

Permitting Act of 2025 to ensure Florida's Clean Water Act

404 permitting program is rightfully restored to the state.

Sincerely,

Alexis A. Lambert.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, this has been a model. This program works. The Reagan administration approved Michigan's program. The Clinton administration approved New Jersey's program. Then Florida's program was approved by the Trump administration and then defended by the Biden administration. This is something we should agree on, bipartisan support to help protect the environment.

Mr. Chair, it is Florida, Michigan, and New Jersey, but here are the States that are in line, that say we

want to protect our own environment, too: Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, and Virginia. They are all in line to fight for their own State and protect the environment in their own State.

As I wrap up, I thank Chairman Graves for his leadership, as well as Congressman Collins and Congressman Rouzer. They have all said we need to step up. Our environment is worth fighting for, and that is what the Bean amendment does. I ask for your support.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, when a community moves in true harmony, you can hear it before you ever see it. It is the sound of neighbors lifting one another up, volunteers sustaining the arts, and people creating something greater than the sum of its parts.

For 25 years, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival in northeast Florida has embodied that spirit. It has brought world-class performers to Florida's First Coast, inspired young people through music education and shown that a committed community can resonate as powerfully as any concert hall performance.

Mr. Speaker, a festival is more than just music. It reflects the heart of the place that sustains it. For a quarter century, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival has proven that when a community comes together, it always plays in perfect tune. Congratulations on 25 amazing years.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walberg for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, we have all heard the saying: There is no such thing as a free lunch. It turns out mom and dad were right. Everything comes at a price, and nothing is free.

Every dollar that flows into American classrooms from foreign countries comes with strings attached. This is particularly true for China, whose strategy is to gain a foothold in America's educational system to steal personal data and to manipulate the material children are being taught.

Millions of dollars of Chinese funds have flowed into America's K-12 classrooms where students are subject to Chinese Communist Party propaganda under the guise of Chinese language and culture programming.

In fact, a recent Parents Defending Education investigation found that 143 schools across 34 States hosted a Confucius classroom or otherwise had ties to the Chinese Communist Party. But wait, Mr. Speaker, there is more. Disturbingly, the same investigation found that the CCP specifically targets schools around 20 U.S. military bases.

China is not the only country making sizeable investments in K-12 classrooms across the country. The Qatar Foundation allocated $30.6 million to various schools around the Nation.

What did they get, Mr. Speaker?

What do you get for $30 million invested in our schools?

It is a clear act of anti-Semitism. Classroom maps where they funded omitted Israel and instead labeled it Palestine. Following a congressional hearing last year, New York Public Schools acknowledged receiving large donations from Italy and South Korea. These blatant attempts to inject foreign ideologies into our schools undermines the fundamental purpose of American education. It goes without saying that we should be teaching American values in American schools.

This is what happens when institutions of learning accept the Trojan horse of foreign funding. It shouldn't take an act of Congress or a congressional investigation hearing for parents to know who is funding their schools.

My bill, H.R. 1049, the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education Act, or let's just call it the TRACE Act, solidifies the rights of parents to know how foreign influence may be impacting their child's classroom and stops foreign nations from reaching America's youth.

Specifically, the TRACE Act requires that as a condition of receiving Federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, public schools would be required to provide each parent the right to review any curricular material provided or purchased with funds from a foreign government or foreign entity of concern.

The bill also guarantees parents the right to know how many personnel at their child's school are being compensated by foreign sources or any donation of foreign transactions between the school and a foreign entity.

The dangers of foreign influence in American K-12 schools cannot be overstated. They threaten our national security, compromise our geopolitical interests, and erode our academic freedom.

American schools are not for sale, and they are for education, not espionage. We cannot allow our students, the future of our great Nation, to be corrupted by foreign adversaries who are systematically and aggressively attempting to influence our Nation's K-12 schools.

Chairman Walberg has been a warrior on this issue to make sure that American schools remain American. I thank Congressman Mackenzie for his partnership on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 1049, the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education Act, and let's give parents the right to know just who is funding their kids' school.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the skyrocketing cost of healthcare. When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, he promised affordable coverage for all.

Mr. Speaker, 15 years and trillions of dollars later, all we have gotten is higher costs and less coverage.

Basic economics tells us that when government subsidizes the price, demand surges and prices soar. We have seen this movie before. Since Federal student loans began 50 years ago, college tuition has risen four and a half times faster than the rate of inflation.

When Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act and spent $1 trillion on subsidies, inflation hit a 40-year high. It is clear that pouring taxpayer money into our broken healthcare system will only drive prices higher.

As we debate healthcare costs, the solution is not spending more. It is time for real, market-driven reforms that allow for competition and consumer choice.

Madam Speaker, if you drive through Clay County in northeast Florida this time of year,

you might just catch the sweet scent of sugarcane drifting through the air. Follow that aroma, and you will likely find Gayward Hendry at the kettle, turning cane into syrup and neighbors into friends.

Today, Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Gayward Hendry for receiving the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Farm Bureau, the highest honor for a lifetime of leadership in Florida agriculture.

Gayward's service has been extraordinary as a proud marine, a county commissioner, and the longtime president of the Clay County Farm Bureau. In every role, he has led with integrity, grit, and a deep love for the land.

He has mentored young farmers through 4-H, supported students through the Katy Hendry Memorial Scholarship, and welcomed generations of future leaders to his family farm to experience firsthand the traditions of Florida agriculture.

Madam Speaker, whether he is grinding cane or guiding the next generation through the challenges ahead, Gayward shows what it means to serve with purpose and to keep a community growing together.

Madam Speaker, with Gayward Hendry around, life is truly sweeter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the skyrocketing costs of healthcare.

When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, he promised affordable coverage for all. Mr. Speaker, 15 years and billions of dollars later, all we have gotten are higher costs and less coverage.

Basic economics tells us that when government subsidizes the price consumers pay, demand surges, and prices soar.

We have seen this movie before. Since Federal student loans began, college tuition has risen four and a half times faster than inflation. When Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act and spent $1.8 trillion on subsidies for all kinds of things, inflation hit a 40-year high.

It is clear that pouring taxpayer money into a broken system will only

drive prices higher. As we debate healthcare costs, the solution is not spending more.

It is time for real market-driven reforms with choice and competition.

Mr. Speaker, I have always believed that a strong city is like a well-planted tree: deep roots give you staying power, sturdy branches let you grow, and a good neighborhood street, well, that's your main limb. So today, I'm pleased to recognize a man whose roots run deep and whose work on roots and limbs alike has brought new life to Green Cove Springs, Florida. I rise to honor the retirement of Steve Kennedy, longtime City Manager for the City of Green Cove Springs.

Steve joined the city as City Manager on October 1, 2018, following more than 38 years of exemplary municipal service in Georgia. During his nearly seven-year tenure here, he led with vision, steadiness, and a keen sense of public service, culminating in an impressive 48-year career in local government.

One of Steve's signature achievements for Green Cove Springs is the redevelopment of Walnut Street, where he oversaw the major redesign and reconstruction project that is now helping the city both preserve its historic charm and position itself for future growth. This project reflects Steve's commitment to the everyday quality of life for residents, business owners, and visitors alike.

Under his leadership, the city also advanced the Harbor Road Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant and established the city's first

Community Redevelopment Agency, major infrastructure and policy shifts that will benefit the community for decades to come.

On behalf of the people of Northeast Florida, I extend my sincere thanks to Steve Kennedy for his dedication to public service, his countless hours working behind the scenes to ensure this city's progress, and for planting the kind of roots that will support growth for generations. May his retirement be full of relaxation, quality time with family and the satisfaction of watching all he built continue to flourish.

Mr. Speaker, Veterans Day is a day when our Nation pauses to give thanks to the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America.

In Clay County, Florida, honoring our veterans isn't just something we do once a year, it is part of who we are. This county's history is woven with stories of service: from generations who trained at Camp Blanding, to those who served overseas in defense of freedom, and to the many veterans who continue to serve our community today as teachers, business owners, first responders, and volunteers.

Clay County's patriotism runs deep. You see it every day, in the flags flying over our neighborhoods, the quiet moments of respect at community events, and the countless ways our citizens care for those who've returned home from service. This is a county that not only thanks its veterans but walks beside them.

Today, as we reflect on their courage and sacrifice, we remember that our freedom was, and is, secured by ordinary Americans who answered an extraordinary call. We honor those who served, those who continue to serve, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

So, on behalf of a grateful Nation, We thank the veterans and military families of Clay County. They are the living heart of our freedom, and we are thankful every single day for all they have given. God bless our veterans, God bless Clay County, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, some of our