Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Jimmy Lee Duncan, a resident of Salisbury, North Carolina, whose life has been defined by service to our Nation and to the people of Rowan County.

Dr. Duncan began his distinguished career of service in the United States Army, where he served for more than two decades, including during the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division, before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel His devotion to serving others didn't end with his military retirement.

Dr. Duncan continued that legacy at home through decades of leadership in his community. Alongside his wife, Linda, and daughter, Susan, he founded Project Light, Rowan County's first full-time anti- human trafficking agency. Through their vision, courage, and compassion, Project Light has grown into a regional force to accelerate the fight against human trafficking.

On behalf of North Carolina's 6th District, I thank Dr. Duncan and his family for a lifetime of service and an enduring legacy that will continue to strengthen our community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, on September 3, 2026, I was unable to be present in D.C. for the morning vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 295.

Mr. Speaker, on September 2, 2026, I was unable to be present in D.C. for the afternoon vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 293, and YEA on Roll Call No. 294.

Mr. Speaker, the so-called Democrat Socialists want you to believe three things: one, that their ideas are somehow new and innovative; two, that everyone gets a participation trophy; and, three, that we can pay for all their false promises by simply taxing other people.

Folks back home in my district know that this is absurd, and it is the antithesis of the principles that our country was founded on. The socialist wing is gaining steam in the Democratic Party. It is important that we defeat this ideology before it is too late.

What I find ironic, Mr. Speaker, is that many of the leading voices for socialism happen to be quite wealthy. I find this ironic because they advocate for policies that will prevent others from attaining the same financial position that they are in. They want to pull up the ladder of opportunity. These socialists want to take more of your hard- earned money, gut the private sector, and bring permanent malaise.

Socialists talk like they are champions of the people, but they live like country club members. They demand control over your work, family, and future while they lock the gates and leave you outside.

We are better than this, Mr. Speaker. This resolution before us today simply condemns socialism. This is just a small step for my colleagues on the other side to join us in clearly rejecting this anti-American project.

Let's be a country that continues to embrace hard work, self- determination, innovation, and liberty and rejects a culture of dependence and total government control.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

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

Mr. Chair, today I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 8800. My amendment would authorize the Secretary of War to establish a school choice pilot program for members of the Armed Forces.

Over the past 5 years the number of States that have chosen to prioritize education freedom for parents has skyrocketed. On this issue, Americans

have spoken. Parents must have a bigger say in their children's education.

Despite overwhelming support, many military families are barred from participating in school choice initiatives because they are either stationed in States without school choice or they are located in one State but domiciled in another.

This amendment would authorize the War Secretary to establish a school choice pilot program for full-time Active-Duty military members.

Mr. Chair, there is no reason why parents who are dedicating their lives in service to our country should not have the same rights as other parents to decide where their kids go to school. This honors a provision in the Department's budget request.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, all this bill does is establish a pilot program so that parents serving in our military have the same rights as other parents to decide where their children go to school.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rowan County Rescue Squad as we celebrate its 75th anniversary of protecting and serving the community.

Since 1951, the rescue squad has answered the call for more than 140,000 residents who call Rowan County their home. While at its core the rescue squad is made up of brave volunteers, they also are joined by staff to help provide enhanced services of the highest quality to everyone in Rowan County.

Over its first 75 years, they have always been there in times of emergency ready to protect and respond. No matter where, whether on our waterways or in our neighborhoods, they stand ready 24 hours a day.

Their dedication reflects the very best of North Carolina and the spirit of service that strengthens our communities. North Carolina's Sixth District is better because of their dedication.

We thank the Rowan County Rescue Squad, and congratulate them on 75 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Carolina Hurricanes on bringing the Stanley Cup back home to North Carolina.

On June 14, there was a storm surge for the ages. After 20 years, our guys once again showed the hockey world what hard work, pure grit, and teamwork are able to accomplish.

Led by Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour, who captained the Hurricanes' first championship team in 2006, this group of guys put together one of the most dominant playoff runs in recent memory.

From Jordan Staal and Sebastian Aho to every player, coach, trainer, and member of the organization, this championship belongs to all of them.

But it also belongs to the Caniacs. To the fans who packed the Lenovo Center, who waved their towels, and who stood behind this team through all the highs and the lows: This victory is yours, too.

Mr. Speaker, the Hurricanes represent more than just a hockey team. Through their support of children and families of our servicemembers and first responders, they have become part of the communities across North Carolina.

Congratulations to the 2026 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes. To the Caniacs everywhere, let us sound the sirens and celebrate hoisting the cup.

Go Canes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Kyle Busch, a fierce competitor, a legendary race car driver, and, most importantly, a great man.

Kyle was a husband to Samantha and a father to two beautiful children. He was a brother, a son, a businessman, a driver, an entertainer, and one of the greatest competitors to ever get behind the wheel racing cars.

If I sat here and listed every checkered flag that Kyle Busch ever won, my time would expire before I could finish.

Kyle Busch was a winner. Kyle won 234 races across the top 3 series in NASCAR, including 63 wins at the cup level, making him the ninth all-time winner on the cup series.

Kyle was a fierce competitor. It was like he hated losing more than he loved winning. We all got an inside look at that through listening to his team radio on race days. Kyle had an expectation that if he was behind the wheel of a car, he should win. He had every right to believe that because he was that good.

We all remember the Michael Jordan flu game during the 1997 NBA finals. Imagine Michael Jordan playing every game after the All-Star break with the flu and still winning MVP because that is what Kyle Busch did.

In February of 2015, Kyle wrecked hard at Daytona and compound fractured his right leg and broke his left foot. After multiple surgeries, by early May, Kyle was back racing in the All-Star race. By November, Kyle Busch was a NASCAR champion.

Behind the wheel, Kyle Busch was fast. Truth be told, sometimes he was too fast. Even NASCAR couldn't contain him, and he was regularly penalized for speeding off of pit row. This would infuriate Kyle. But he was so fast that by making him go to the back of the pack, that didn't mean he wouldn't still win.

Mr. Speaker, Kyle Busch's story was that of race legends racing with incredible teams. He started in the truck series for Jack Roush and Roush Racing. He spent time with Hendrick Motorsports racing for Rick Hendrick. From 2007 to 2023, Kyle drove the number 18 for Coach Joe Gibbs at Joe Gibbs Racing. Then, in 2023, he joined Richard Childress Racing and welcomed North Carolina, racing in the number 8 car proudly representing my hometown.

He also drove for two of the best team presidents in NASCAR with Dave Alpern at Joe Gibbs Racing and Mike Verlander at Richard Childress Racing. Both call the Sixth District of North Carolina their home.

Kyle's impact across the NASCAR family was massive. He inspired a generation of drivers who are working their way through the ranks right now. That impact alone is an incredibly strong legacy to leave.

But the track is only part of Kyle Busch's story. Alongside his wife, Samantha, they started the Bundle of Joy Fund to advance access to fertility treatments through care and coverage, building awareness and providing support for the many who have struggled to bring children into the world.

Because of his efforts on the track, he was able to make an impact on countless families and couples' lives by providing support and to let them know that they were not alone.

Most importantly, Kyle was a devoted husband and a loving father. It was obvious that above all of his racing success, all of the trophies that he won, nothing mattered more to him than his precious family.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to shower the Busch family with prayer and as we grieve this loss alongside Kyle's wife, Samantha; his children, Brexton and Lennix; and his entire family, let us remember that Kyle Busch will forever be a legend.

There are heroes, and there are legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Kyle Busch was a legend behind the wheel. In that sense, he is immortal.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that we point out that as our Democratic colleagues across the aisle are pointing a finger at us, there are three fingers pointing back at them.

What we need to look at is exactly what they have done. For the last 4 years of Joe Biden, they let all of these people into our country. We are trying to get rid of them. There was a mandate by the American people for us to do that. That is what we are trying to do.

We are also trying to do one of our very basic functions as Congress, which is to pass appropriations bills. While they want to blame us, I will remind them that each time that has come up, it has passed out of this Chamber with bipartisan support, and then it has gone to the Senate where it has died.

The President, the Senate, our leadership, they have tried to come to an agreement. They will not let us. That is exactly what is happening.

Mr. Speaker, this is day 74, 74 days, that is exactly how long the Department of Homeland Security has been shut down, 74 days, Mr. Speaker.

Let's be clear about one thing: Democrats have forced this shutdown to defund law enforcement and gamble with the safety of our country. They are pushing an agenda that leads to lawlessness in our communities. They are willing to let dangerous, illegal aliens, murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers walk our streets and destroy our communities. They are even willing to force Americans to stand in long TSA lines simply as leverage to force their agenda.

Maybe they were fine with the millions of illegal aliens who were released into our communities under the Biden administration, and maybe they were fine with the massive flow of drugs that poured across our southern border, but my constituents were not, Mr. Speaker. The American people were not. House Republicans will keep the promises that we made. We will do what it takes to keep Americans safe and secure.

Despite the Democratic resistance, we will stand on principles and deliver for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote to get us back on track to fully reopening the Department of Homeland Security.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible public servant from my district.

After more than three decades of service to the city of Kannapolis, Mr. Mike Legg is beginning his well-earned retirement.

Mike began working for Kannapolis in 1995, earning the community's respect and trust. In 2004, he was appointed city manager, a post which he has stewarded for more than two decades, growing the city, bringing life to the community, and carrying the torch on the downtown revitalization and continued development of the North Carolina Research Campus.

Madam Speaker, Mike's hard work has helped make Kannapolis home for the city's more than 50,000 residents. I thank him for his many contributions to our community. I know he won't be far from the action, but I wish him a long and joyous retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I keep hearing about the need for bipartisanship, but I would just remind my colleagues across the aisle that just yesterday we voted for the fourth time to open the Department of Homeland Security. That was a bipartisan vote where some of their colleagues decided to join us. This is the second government shutdown that these Democrats have caused on the American people, this one for 42 days. That is how long the Democrats have dragged out their second government shutdown.

They have done this while refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Once again, they are showing the American people that their loyalties lie with criminal, illegal aliens and not hardworking Americans.

Democrats are gambling with the safety of our country, all to appease their woke, radical base.

The American people were loud and clear, Mr. Speaker. They wanted secure borders. They wanted to deport criminal, illegal aliens, and they wanted a government that prioritized their safety.

Democrats are telling us exactly what they will do if they ever get the chance. They will reopen our borders. They will reopen the pipeline of deadly fentanyl at our southern border.

Mr. Speaker, they will endanger every American with their reckless policies. People will die.

Tonight, we are voting to do our jobs and to keep Americans safe despite our colleagues across the aisle continuing to do the opposite.

Pay our TSA workers. Fund our immigration enforcement. It is not hard, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Christopher Meriwether Demm as he prepares to retire later this month.

A true legend of his craft, morning talk radio will never be the same.

Chris Demm of the ``2 Guys Named Chris'' show has been a fixture on radios across my district for the better part of three decades.

To the loyal P1s who listened to him every day, he is more than just a morning show host. He is a trusted source for a solid deep cut. He is a reliable bet for a laugh. He is the Michael Jordan of rock-and-roll trivia and the king of thoughtful interview questions.

Every morning thousands of people across North Carolina start their day listening to Chris Demm: people on job sites, folks on their morning commute to the office, or kids who got their start, like me, listening with my dad in the car on the way to school.

Mr. Speaker, while we prepare for our mornings to sound a little different, I speak on behalf of thousands of listeners in saying thank you to Chris for 27 years. We all enjoyed it. I extend congratulations to Chris on his retirement. His poor back has earned it by carrying Chris Kelly for all of these years.

Mr. Speaker, from the massive fraud uncovered in Minnesota to schemes across this country, criminal networks are targeting American programs and treating taxpayers like an ATM.

These are hard-earned American tax dollars. These are the earned benefits of our seniors. These are young families' grocery budgets.

My colleague across the aisle has said that we don't have money for these programs. We don't have money for these programs because you let fraudsters take all of it.

Yet, we are watching criminal aliens exploit our neighbors and the programs meant to help our communities, draining billions from the American people.

Every dollar stolen by a foreign fraudster is a dollar that is taken from an American family who actually needs these programs and their hard-earned money where it belongs, with them.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act puts the American taxpayer back in the driver's seat. This bill makes non-U.S. citizens who steal from Federal programs deportable. It is crazy that that wasn't already the case. It makes sure that far-left prosecutors do not sidestep Federal law by dragging out a case to avoid a conviction.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is really just common sense. If you come here to scam the American people, you will be held accountable, and you will go home.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of two commonsense, profamily bills before the House today.

This week, as thousands gather in Washington for the March for Life, we are reminded that being pro-life means standing with mothers, children, and families.

The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act allows States to better partner with pregnancy centers who are providing real help to new mothers who are taking the journey of parenthood. These centers are a pillar for nearly 2 million families every year, making it easier to provide and foster a loving bond throughout communities just like mine in North Carolina.

No longer will political discrimination keep compassion at the doorway. No longer will bureaucrats in Washington prevent pregnant mothers from accessing services and assistance from faith-based pregnancy centers, which help their families grow and thrive.

Mr. Speaker, we need to be a country that affirms life.

In tandem, the Pregnant Students' Rights Act communicates a simple truth to young women: The birth of your child is not an ultimatum of choosing to grow your family or continuing your education. If you are a young woman who gets pregnant and is getting your education, this bill strengthens Title IX protections to make sure that your school clearly informs you of your rights and ensures accountability if those rights are violated.

For too long, young women have felt isolated, pressured, and unsupported. That is unacceptable, and it needs to stop.

Mr. Speaker, these bills reflect what the pro-life movement has always stood for: dignity, opportunity, and hope. I urge my colleagues to support the rule, support these families, and stand on the side of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary young North Carolinian, Mehri Navab, who has been awarded the National Medal of Honor Lifesaving Award from the Girl Scouts, one of their highest recognitions for courage and quick action.

On what should have been a normal afternoon at swim practice, Mehri saw her brother, Tristan, at the bottom of the pool. Something didn't look right, and instead of hesitating, she acted. She swam down, pulled him from a lane divider, got him to the surface, and called for help. Lifeguards began CPR, and she refused to leave her brother's side until he began breathing again. Because of her courage, her quick response, and her presence of mind, Tristan is alive today.

The Girl Scouts teach service, skill, and leadership. Mehri embodied all of it in a moment when most people, even adults, would freeze. She is a hero, and her community is proud of her.

I thank Mehri for going above and beyond to make a difference in our community. I congratulate her on receiving this well-deserved honor.