Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act has a great name, but the bill doesn't live up to its name.

Let me just read a little from the text because it is the text that matters.

On page 2, ``Prohibition of Energy Products'': This bill bans nothing until 45 days after enactment. Ukraine doesn't have 45 days.

Under section 2(a)(2), titled ``Authority to Allow Importation Under Contract'': Why are we even having this section when the idea was to ban Russian oil, not to allow importation?

It states: ``The President may allow certain products . . . to be imported into the United States . . . pursuant to a written contract . . . that was entered into before the date of enactment of this act.''

So the bold statement from paragraph 1, that all oil products from the Russian Federation shall be banned from importation, just got eviscerated and shot full of holes. It is leakier than a sieve because every barrel of oil coming into the United States is covered under a contract, so every barrel is exempted for the length of the contract.

No business makes millions of dollars of purchases without a contract. This bill is smoke and mirrors intent on deceiving the American people that the Democrat majority and the Biden administration are doing something bold when, in reality, it is a false start and a penalty on the field.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Johnson's leadership in this Special Order.

Last night, President Biden had an opportunity to pivot his failing administration by using the State of the Union to present a new plan that would actually help the American people and address the multitude of crises that he created by his policies.

Instead, President Biden wasted his State of the Union speech by doubling down on his failed agenda and flat-out lying to the American people.

When I heard his tough talk on sanctioning Russia and his vow to buy American, I had hope that maybe this would include energy, American oil and gas. But no, his administration continues to double down on Green New Deal priorities and promote the purchase of oil and gas from other countries.

Why would he do that? Why would he encourage the United States to continue to buy over 635,000 barrels a day from Russia alone? Just look at the spot price of oil, $114 per barrel today, which means we are sending Vladimir Putin over $72.5 million every day to fund his war machine against Ukraine. Every dollar we spend on foreign energy weakens domestic energy production.

When he spoke about inflation, Biden's only so-called solution to combat 40-year high prices and hyperinflation was to tell businesses to lower costs. That was it.

Despite promising that he will secure the southern border, Biden's severely misguided immigration policies have led to over 2.1 million illegal encounters at our border in his first year alone, not to mention record high levels of dangerous drugs like fentanyl flooding into our communities.

Just today, his own acting assistant secretary of Border Security and Immigration Policy at DHS admitted in our Homeland Security Committee meeting that they are actively working to fight against and overturn the lower-court-mandated remain in Mexico policy at the Supreme Court level.

Last night, the President conveniently claimed victory over COVID and urged Americans to stop looking at COVID as a partisan dividing line. But don't forget, Biden has routinely enforced medical tyranny and used the pandemic as a weapon to sow division. Throughout his Presidency, Biden has said that unvaccinated Americans are destroying our economy, killing our people, and are the root of our country's problems. No, Mr. President, that is simply not right.

But it was right to say last night that the answer is not to defund the police. So why the change in message? For years, Democrats have dangerously called for defunding our brave men and women in law enforcement. Even candidate Biden said funding should be redirected away from our police.

Meanwhile, there was no mention of the Biden administration's abysmal failure in Afghanistan that resulted in 13 fallen heroes, handed billions of dollars worth of military equipment to the Taliban, and abandoned Americans behind enemy lines.

After a year of his failed leadership, the American people know good and well that Biden's speech was nothing but lip service. Actions speak louder than words, Mr. President. Americans are desperately waiting for--and deserve--a leader who will act on their behalf to fix the crises facing our Nation. We are still waiting.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight one of the most forceful and significant pieces of leverage on the world stage that President Biden surrendered on his first day in office: America's energy independence.

Later today the President will brazenly attempt to rewrite history by hailing his so-called leadership amidst the horrific and heartbreaking war unfolding in Ukraine while ignoring the self-inflicted crises he has imposed on the American people. Yet no amount of spin, lies, or deflection can hide the damage that Biden has done to our great country--particularly through his failed, destructive, and reckless energy policies.

On day one he killed the Keystone XL pipeline destroying 11,000 American jobs and delivering a crushing blow to domestic energy production. Shortly after, President Biden infamously green-lit the Nord Stream 2 pipeline--handing Vladimir Putin a victory long before his Russian troops ever stepped foot into Ukraine.

Throughout the first year of Biden's Presidency, the current administration embarrassingly begged OPEC to produce more oil while stalling and even halting oil and gas permits here in the United States.

To further weaken our position on the world stage, President Biden withdrew U.S. support for beneficial energy projects around the world, increasing our dependence, as well as our allies' dependence, on foreign adversaries. President Biden removed U.S. support from the Eastern Mediterranean gas pipeline that would have connected Israel's offshore gas reserves to Europe.

In spite of lauding this project as a new opportunity and a geopolitical win-win back in 2014 when Biden was Vice President, now President Biden claims his priorities lie with moving away from fossil fuels in order to promote green energy and renewables. Some may believe President Biden simply had a change of heart, but this would be naive. Instead, he has dangerously appeased the far-left flank of his party by fully embracing Green New Deal garbage.

Enough is enough, Madam Speaker. It is abundantly clear that energy independence is national security. And through every solitary energy policy, the Biden administration has chipped away at our ability to independently fuel our Nation, thereby damaging our national security.

Due to President Trump's powerful efforts, the United States was recently energy independent just a year ago. Yet thanks to President Biden's utopian Green New Deal fantasies, we have lost our energy independence. So rather than strengthening domestic production by having every energy industry firing on all cylinders, we are left purchasing oil and gas from other countries, like Russia. Yes, Russia.

In fact, the United States buys over 635,000 barrels of oil every day at over $103 per barrel. That is over $65 million every solitary day that we are sending to Russia filling Putin's war coffers in the process. I stand with patriots boycotting Russian vodka, pouring it out all over the streets, supporting the Ukrainian people.

But why on Earth are we not boycotting Russian energy to put America first and really hit Russia where it hurts: in the pocketbook?

Mr. President, we must immediately cease purchasing Russian oil and fully unleash domestic energy production.

Ahead of his State of the Union Address tonight, I urge President Biden to rescind existing regulations and reverse harmful executive orders that undermine our energy independence. Restore oil and gas production by swiftly authorizing vital leases and permits, and abandoned radical climate rules and policies that obstruct our ability to have domestic energy production roaring at full throttle.

Unfortunately, based on the President's most recent record, I fully expect him to double down on his disastrous energy agenda. Just this weekend, Press Secretary Jen Psaki comically claimed that we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, on oil in general, and we need to look at other ways of having energy in our country and others.

As a military veteran, I can assure the White House that renewable resources are meaningless in fueling military equipment on the battlefield and winning a war.

To no one's surprise, recent reports claim President Biden will tout his energy policies tonight and request this body to deliver legislation to achieve so-called clean energy that promotes climate action. What a disappointment.

There is still time for the President to cease this capitulation to the far left, stop putting $65 million every day into Vladimir Putin's war chest, and put Americans first by fully empowering and unleashing domestic energy production.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Vice Chairman Johnson for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that President Biden's slew of crises are self-inflicted wounds that have devastated American workers, their families, and small businesses across this great Nation. The ongoing energy crisis is no exception.

President Biden's destructive energy agenda has created skyrocketing gas prices, forced burdensome home heating bills on Americans already struggling with record-high inflation, destroyed thousands of energy jobs, and canceled American energy independence.

The energy crisis has been fueled by the Biden Administration's failed policy decisions, starting with canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline, which eliminated over 11,000 American jobs.

Infamously, President Biden also greenlit Russian President Putin's Nord Stream II pipeline. He begged OPEC to produce more oil, and released three days' worth of oil from our own Strategic Petroleum Reserve ahead of last Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, the ramifications of President Biden's ill-advised policies extend far beyond the gas pump and now into matters of national security. President Biden surrendered American energy independence to benefit our adversaries, including Russia. By handing Russian President Vladimir Putin the Nord Stream II Pipeline, Biden abandoned vital leverage, leverage that could be used right now as tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine.

Yet, after conceding this opportunity many months ago, the President now claims he will bring an end to the Nord Stream II Pipeline if Russia actually invades Ukraine. Really? So do you think this new claim is going to make Russia tremble in their boots?

Following a year of embarrassing weakness on the world stage, this empty threat means nothing to Vladimir Putin. But energy independence means everything to Americans struggling to fill their gas tanks and to keep their families warm this winter, as they wonder why President Biden prioritized Russian energy above their own.

Mr. Speaker, we must always put Americans first, yet the Biden administration and their self-inflicted energy crisis have again failed America.

Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Cammack for yielding.

Madam Speaker, our great Nation is blessed with dedicated law enforcement officers who wake up every morning to maintain law and order, keep communities safe, and answer the call when criminals strike. Yet, their sacrifice has been met with radical calls from the left to defund the police, and also horrific attacks from those people who believe in defunding the police.

In 2021 alone, there were 346 officers shot in the line of duty, including 63 tragic deaths. Additionally, there was almost a 50 percent increase in police officer murders last year, totaling 73 deaths from violent criminals who have no respect for law and order.

These startling statistics represent the highest number of law enforcement officers who were murdered since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.

This violence isn't just sequestered to major cities either. It is happening all across the United States. Unfortunately, my home district, Georgia's Ninth, a district that is primarily rural, knows this harsh reality all too well.

Back in November of last year, Jackson County, my home county, lost both a mother and a heroic police officer, Deputy Lena Marshall. After responding to a domestic call that escalated to a violent shootout, Deputy Marshall's life was taken while serving to keep Georgians safe.

Any act of criminal violence is an assault on justice, which is why we must provide our brave men and women in blue with the community support, the resources, and especially the political backing needed to adequately respond to surging crime across our Nation.

Those in political office show both ignorance and cowardice when they side with criminals and, thereby, undermine those who serve and protect.

May God protect our courageous law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line each and every day, and God bless the fallen heroes, like Deputy Marshall, who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the communities they serve.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, since President Biden stepped foot in the White House, over 2 million illegal migrants have invaded our southern border, making the last 12 months an all-time record high. Even DHS Secretary Mayorkas recently admitted that the border is ``worse now than it, frankly, has been in at least 20 years, if not ever.'' Well, that ``if not ever'' part is certainly the truth. I couldn't agree with him more.

The difference is that my Republican colleagues and I actually want to bring an end to this nonsense, not gaslight the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents who are tirelessly working around the clock to keep Americans safe.

Unfortunately, the reach of Biden's self-inflicted border crisis extends far beyond our southern border. Illegal migrants, including those with criminal records, are being transported all across the country. I am sure you have seen the videos from this past week of illegals being released with GPS ankle bracelets. You don't put a GPS ankle bracelet on anyone but a criminal.

In fact, TSA is allowing illegal migrants to use arrest warrants as an alternative form of ID to board airplanes. This negligent policy defies logic by allowing criminals to fly across the country at a time when illegal migration is out of control and crime is surging throughout most major cities. We must stop this insanity.

Shame on the Biden administration for putting illegal migrants, human traffickers, drug smugglers, dangerous criminals, and terrorists above the American people. It is long past time that we put an end to this chaos and lawlessness.

Mr. President, what will it take to shut down the illegal border crossings? America is waiting for your answer, sir.

Madam Speaker, I just think that the Democrats just don't know how to govern this city. That is just a huge issue. We can see that with what is happening on the southern border.

President Biden's raging border crisis and the harm it inflicts on our great country, the dangerous catastrophes that I simply cannot ignore. We are talking about over 2 million illegal crossings in a single year, thousands of pounds of fentanyl seized, as we just talked about, and an unknown number of illegal migrants, some with criminal records, some on the terrorist watch list, released into hundreds of communities across the Nation.

Yet, out of cowardice or complacency, or both, the Democrats remain silent on record high levels of illegal migrant crossings and drug seizures at our southern border.

My Republican colleagues and I have responded to the left's inaction with letters demanding answers, with legislation, and with continuous coverage of what is really happening under Biden's watch.

Furthermore, my House Freedom Caucus colleagues, led by my good friend, Chairman Perry, held a hearing on the Biden administration's open border policies and inadequate border security just yesterday.

During this hearing we heard numerous witnesses describe the fire of chaos at the border and the policies that have fueled the flames.

Many Americans know about the ongoing border crisis and its root causes--Joe Biden and his crisis-ridden, failed administration, with a 33 percent approval rating. Yet, I don't believe the American people are aware of the United Nations' involvement that aids migrants on their expedition to our southern border.

According to one of the witnesses that participated in our hearing yesterday, Todd Bensman of the Center for Immigration Studies, UN agencies such as the International Office of Migration and the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees and their counterparts are providing assistance, including financial assistance to help migrants on their journey, where they

will eventually attempt to illegally cross the United States border.

This witness further explained that the United Nations' cash-based intervention program supplies reusable plastic cash cards worth hundreds of dollars each, and cash-filled envelopes, among additional resources to individuals on the migrant trail from South America to Texas. This is unbelievable, illogical, criminal, and just plain wrong.

The United Nations is actively subverting the security of our southern border. Just think about that statement for a moment. Just think about it. But guess again who is funding the bill. It is the American taxpayer.

The United States contributes billions of dollars to the United Nations every year, meaning our citizens are paying for fraudulent UN programs that contribute to the very border crisis that is threatening their lives and livelihoods.

It is also absolutely ludicrous that our country is funding programs and then the UN simultaneously derails our national security, sovereignty, and freedoms.

As our national debt just hit $30 trillion, this senseless spending isn't just fiscally irresponsible, it is also morally bankrupt, as it enables illegal migrants, human traffickers, drug smugglers, dangerous criminals, and terrorists to take advantage of the Biden administration's open border policies.

Well, enough is enough. We must defund all these UN programs, not defund the police, but defund the UN programs that encourage foreigners to violate our laws, breach our border, jeopardize our Nation, and put Americans last.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the left's widespread misinformation and hypocrisy surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

After repeatedly promising to shut down COVID-19 and vowing that all Americans would have access to regular, reliable, and free testing, the Biden administration has added a new crisis to its growing list of failures: the COVID crisis.

As our Nation faces a testing shortage, which began before the holiday season, I find it appropriate to quote President Biden himself from 2020: ``Where are the tests, Mr. President?''

Considering all the coronavirus funding that Congress has provided the administration, that is the multitrillion-dollar question that has only been answered with deflection and poor leadership.

Interestingly, now that the coronavirus death count is higher under President Biden than President Trump, the Centers for Disease Control, or the CDC, is apparently separating the data now to reveal how many Americans have died with COVID compared to how many have died from

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the sanctity of human life.

Later this week, on January 22, our Nation will mourn the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a treacherous decision that has led to the murder of more than 62 million innocent babies. That is more than 62 million dreams never achieved, talents never realized, and lives never lived. In the blink of an eye, their chance of a happy life and a promising future has vanished. May God have mercy on their unborn souls.

What an unspeakable tragedy that corrupts the morals and values that our great country was founded on over two centuries ago. I am proud to have cosponsored H. Res. 58, led by my good friend Jody Hice, to memorialize the anniversary of Roe v. Wade as the day of tears by lowering our flag to half-staff each year in honor of the unborn lives lost to the evils of abortion.

After being involved with the crisis pregnancy center in Athens, Georgia, for nearly two decades, I can confirm to you that the consequences of abortion go well beyond the murder of millions of precious lives. Despite being portrayed as a simple and quick solution, abortion ultimately alters at least three lives instead of one: a child that is lost forever, a mother that is scarred for life, and a father that is burdened with lifelong guilt.

We must never downplay the evils of abortion. As an unapologetic pro- life advocate, I am proud to defend the unborn and fight for the sanctity of life because every life is invaluable, worthy, and made in the perfect image of God.

Madam Speaker, tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of President Biden's inauguration. Many Americans have now endured 365 days of an absent administration, 52 weeks of policy failures, 12 months of utter turmoil, and a year of constant, crippling crises.

Earlier today a Rasmussen Poll revealed that 60 percent of the country considers the President's first year in office unsuccessful. Fifty percent said it was very unsuccessful, with one third of Democrats believing Biden's first year was a failure. All of this has contributed to his abysmal 33 percent rating, the lowest since Jimmy Carter.

Madam Speaker, in all sincerity, I didn't imagine this much damage could be done in just one year, but here we are, facing an economic crisis with hyperinflation, a supply chain crisis, a labor shortage crisis, a border crisis, a national security crisis, an energy crisis with incredible gas prices, an education crisis, a COVID crisis, a crime crisis, and an election integrity crisis with Democrats trying to push through election reforms that would federalize our election and eliminate voter ID. Ultimately, these all stem from a leadership crisis in the White House, a leadership crisis that has caused Americans unnecessary hardship.

Madam Speaker, as we enter the second year of the Biden administration's rule, the President has an important decision to make. Will he continue to sidestep from the crises he has created, destined to inflict more destruction? Or will he confront these crises head-on and implement successful solutions?

Mr. President, the American people demand successful solutions. They deserve successful solutions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere concern for the falsehoods Democrats are spreading across the country regarding Americans' ability to vote.

Over the last year, Democrats have repeatedly alleged that the 2020 election was the most secure election in American history, bludgeoning any dissent or legitimate election integrity concerns as ``the big lie.''

Yet in the same breath, the left has also spent the last year championing an election reform bill, the so-called For the People Act, that aims to federalize our elections processes, ban voter ID, and fund incumbent campaigns with Americans' hard-earned tax dollars--in the name of improving election security.

In fact, the Senate Democrats are attempting to destroy 200 years of precedent by removing the filibuster to solidify Democrat control of elections, thinly veiled as election reform.

But why is it necessary for the Federal Government to take over our elections process--a role specifically designated to the States by our Founding Fathers--if that process is working soundly and securely?

You see, Democrats are willing to put political gains above morality in order to quench their ever-longing thirst for power. This is a perfect example of ``the ends justify the means.'' And that is wrong.

It is really quite simple: Republicans want to make it easier to vote, but harder to cheat. We should all want that. But no, Democrats are tenaciously gearing up to destroy our Republic as we know it by making it easier to cheat.

Take my home State of Georgia. Today, the Vice President and the President will travel to Atlanta to spread more misinformation about voting rights as an attempt to pressure the Senate to eliminate the filibuster. Yet, Biden will conveniently leave several facts out of his remarks:

He will refuse to admit that before this year his home State of Delaware denied voters in-person early voting, and now only requires 10 days of early voting--less than Georgia's minimum of 17.

Why? Because this reality flies in the face of Biden's false narrative that our democracy is under attack by Republican efforts. This is more hypocrisy.

He will fail to mention that just last week, Georgia finally launched an investigation into alleged illegal ballot harvesting in the 2020 election.

Why? Because this truth does not support Biden's vilification of Republicans that raise concerns about the 2020 election.

He will ignore the fact that New York is attempting to grant more than 800,000 noncitizens the right to vote in municipal elections.

Why? Because Biden is willing to overlook illogical and dangerous solutions to obtain control over Americans' lives. Instead, he will comically claim that many Republican States, including Georgia, are attempting to disenfranchise Americans when in fact their State voting laws strengthen election integrity to ensure every solitary American has free, fair, and honest elections. One citizen, one vote.

I firmly reject Democrats' dangerous and deceptive ploy to centralize elections in Washington. It is wrong for Americans. It is wrong for election security. And it is wrong for the future of our Republic.

Congratulating University of Georgia's College Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2022 College Football Playoff National Champions, my alma mater, the University of Georgia.

During a thrilling game last night, the Bulldogs defeated the University of Alabama 33 to 18. This exciting win marks the first time the University of Georgia will bring home the College Football Playoff national championship trophy to Athens and our second national championship trophy in the history of Georgia Collegiate Football. What a triumphant ending to an exceptional season.

Congratulations to the talented young men that put their all into the game, and to head coach, Kirby Smart, and the coaching staff for leading the Dawgs to a monumental win. May God bless the great State of Georgia as we now hail two champions from the 2021 season--the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Go Dawgs. Soli Deo Gloria.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Carroll Daniel Construction Company in Gainesville, Georgia.

Since Carroll Daniel launched the company in 1946, the family-owned construction business has grown exponentially. Currently, Carroll Daniel Construction is led by a third-generation

Daniel, Mr. Brian Daniel, who prides the company's success on his family's decision to focus on people.

It is no wonder that his business in Hall County enjoys numerous accolades, such as one of the ``Best Places to Work'' award, in addition to other awards recognizing the company's remarkable projects, including being named one of the ``Top Contractors in the Southeast.''

While Carroll Daniel Construction has strong roots in Gainesville, the company has built some of the most impressive buildings across northeast and southeast Georgia. Some of its well-known projects include the observatory on Brasstown Bald and Lanier Technical College. Additionally, the Carroll Daniel Construction Company had the incredible privilege of pouring the concrete for the launching pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

I am truly honored to represent such an outstanding family-owned business that improved the communities in Georgia's Ninth District one project at a time.

Congratulations, Carroll Daniel, on 75 strong and successful years. May you have many more to come. Thank you. Soli Deo gloria.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an honorable public servant, Mr. Ralph Owens, of Lavonia, Georgia.

As a lifetime member of the Franklin County community, Ralph humbly answered the call to public service and played a critical role in the city of Lavonia's success. In 1987, Mr. Owens was first elected to the Lavonia City Council. Just two short years later, he became the mayor of Lavonia, where he dutifully served his local community for over three decades.

During his lifetime as a public official, Mayor Owens' leadership ushered in impressive industrial and economic growth to the city. From dramatically improving the city's police department, to bringing new businesses to the community, Ralph was a dedicated servant to the great people of Lavonia.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of such an accomplished individual that led with his servant's heart to truly make a positive difference in his community. Georgia's Ninth District will always remember Mayor Ralph Owens and his profound impact on the city of Lavonia and both Franklin and Hart Counties in northeast Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.