Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 19 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, and our hearts do go out to her grieving family today.

This bill is in remembrance of Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically murdered in my home community of Athens, Georgia, by an illegal alien who should never have even been in the United States. After illegally entering the country, Laken's murderer was arrested by the NYPD in September of 2023 for acting in a manner to injure a minor and for committing a motor vehicle license violation.

Also, according to an Athens-Clarke County police report, this illegal alien went on to shoplift in Georgia the following month. Clearly, this illegal alien had a pattern of criminal history, one that started when he accepted Joe Biden's invitation to illegally enter our country and do so under an abuse of the parole system.

He should never have been allowed to reside in the United States illegally, and ICE should have immediately issued a detainer after he committed these crimes because, ultimately, if ICE had issued a detainer, this illegal alien would never have been in the United States to commit the horrific murder of Laken Riley.

We must enact changes now to protect communities across the country from facing additional avoidable tragedies. H.R. 7511 provides a commonsense solution to do just that. This legislation requires ICE to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens who commit crimes like theft, burglary, and larceny.

Additionally, the local jurisdiction, the Clarke County Sheriff's Office, would also have to recognize and act upon the ICE detainer. When you have a sanctuary city like the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government ignoring these detainers, it makes them a magnet for criminal illegal aliens.

Therefore, I call right now on Athens-Clarke County to publicly reject their sanctuary city policy. If they did, it would be a strong step in the right direction toward preventing our citizens from becoming future victims of violent crimes committed by illegal aliens.

Additionally, the Laken Riley Act contains within it Representative Dan Bishop's own legislation that just passed out of the Judiciary Committee. It is called the Standing Up to the Executive branch for Immigration Enforcement Act. Hence, my friend, I want to recognize your part in making this legislation happen.

These important provisions that Representative Bishop authored give State attorneys general standing to bring suit against DHS Secretary Mayorkas, Secretary of State Blinken, and Attorney General Garland for violating certain immigration laws that harm the State or its respective citizens. Representative Bishop's legislation also allows for appropriate injunctive relief and expedites the disposition of such civil actions.

This important legislation is critical. As a cosponsor, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the Laken Riley Act. After all, one of the most formidable ways that Congress can deliver justice to the Laken Riley family is by passing this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable individual in Georgia's Ninth District, Dr. Eldred Causey.

On February 11, Dr. Causey, a distinguished World War II veteran and the oldest living veteran in Rabun County, will celebrate his 100th birthday.

Dr. Causey's life is nothing short of extraordinary. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, young Eldred knew he wanted to answer the call of duty. As a naval aviator, Lieutenant Junior Grade Causey courageously served our Nation, patrolling the Pacific Northwest throughout the war while stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

After his military service, Mr. Causey returned to the Peach State to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. He then opened his own veterinary practice in Athens and later returned to the university as a professor, leaving a remarkable impact on his students and the University of Georgia community.

Dr. Causey's life represents a century of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication. As the Rabun County community celebrates Dr. Causey's major milestone birthday next week, I know I speak for the Ninth District in thanking Eldred for his honorable service and wishing him a wonderful 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Georgia National Guard's Cherokee Company soldiers.

Over the weekend, I was honored to attend a send-off ceremony in Gainesville, Georgia, for Cherokee Company troops ahead of their deployment to Kuwait. The following day our Nation learned the tragic news that three U.S. soldiers were killed at Tower 22 in Jordan by a drone attack carried out by Iranian-backed terrorists.

During these times of global instability, we must honor, support, and thank our brave servicemembers who answer the call of duty to defend our country, preserve our peace, and protect our precious freedoms. I firmly believe that one of the best ways we can support both our troops deploying overseas and their families is through the power of prayer.

I urge Georgia's Ninth District and all others in our State to join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and protection for our soldiers as well, as for peace and comfort for their loved ones.

Father, may Your mighty right hand protect our Cherokee Company troops, as well as all of our Nation's warriors who serve so that we can live in freedom in the greatest country on Earth. May Psalm 91 be their banner. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong opposition to the Wyden-Smith tax bill that is set to come to the floor tonight.

From welfare expansion to inflationary deficits, this tax bill is a Trojan horse for bad policies disguised as tax relief.

The most egregious problem is that this tax bill fails to close a loophole that allows illegal aliens with U.S. born children--that would be anchor babies--to claim the Child Tax Credit.

After 3 years of Joe Biden's intentional illegal invasion, which is now being used by the uniparty as an excuse to pass a horrendous border bill that encourages more illegal immigration, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are set to expand the Child Tax Credit while subsequently allowing illegal aliens to cash in on those benefits.

There is no denying that these cash welfare payments reward and incentivize more illegal immigration. This tax bill advances policies that only worsen the chaos and fuel the border crisis.

It is a magnet for more illegal immigration, and I encourage all Members to vote against it. Americans simply deserve better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on this body to champion fiscal responsibility.

It is no secret that the U.S. is steamrolling its way to fiscal ruin, rapidly barreling toward economic collapse and unfairly burdening future generations, yet few here in Washington seem to notice this fiscal calamity, let alone care enough to fix it. Far too many have not only become numb to our ballooning national debt and out-of-control deficit, but completely addicted to spending money that we simply don't have.

The U.S. national debt climbs higher every second, swelling at such an alarming rate that hitting new trillion-dollar milestones has now become routine. In fact, in June, just 7 months ago, the national debt reached $32 trillion. This figure surged to $33 trillion 3 months later in September, and, just days ago, in just another 3.5 months, our national debt surpassed $34 trillion, amounting to roughly $100,000 for every American, for our constituents.

Racking up more than $2 trillion in national debt in just 7 months' time is not a historic milestone; it is a historic failure. At this rate, we are adding roughly a trillion dollars to our national debt every 90 days--think about that--a trillion dollars every 90 days, setting us up to hit, if not exceed, $37 trillion by the end of the fiscal year. Unsustainable is an understatement.

Every solitary Member should be enraged by this ill-fated trend, but despite all the warning signs, it is business as usual here in Washington, as evidenced by the recently announced agreement on the overall price tag for fiscal year 2024 appropriations.

Make no mistake, the bipartisan spending deal is a total sham. No amount of smoke and mirrors can hide the swamp's irresponsible, wasteful, and reckless spending agenda. While leaders from both parties claimed that the top-line spending level matches the $1.59 trillion statutory cap set last year by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the true total of programmatic spending is actually more than $68 billion higher at $1.658 trillion.

The statutory FRA cap, which, in my opinion, is already far too high, should have been the ceiling, not the floor, to hide or excuse this excessive spending. That is right: New year, same uniparty.

I vehemently oppose this sham bipartisan spending deal, and I am deeply disappointed that, yet again, at President Biden and Senate Leader Schumer's pleasure, critical leverage and key policy wins were abandoned.

My constituents didn't send me here to greenlight more of the swamp's spending as usual, exacerbate our national debt, or concede in conservative policy battles. They sent me here to change the course of Congress, to change the status quo.

I am fighting to do just that, but, if we are ever going to save our Nation, economy, and future generations from financial failure, we need more Republicans in both Chambers to join the fight. After all, we should be far more afraid of fiscal calamity than fighting the swamp.

Therefore, I urge my colleagues to take our rapidly approaching financial ruin seriously by rejecting this irresponsible deal. Let's champion fiscal responsibility and return fiscal sanity to Washington by cutting spending, not carrying on business as usual while our fiscal House falls into a sinkhole of skyrocketing debt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Brenau University's 10th president, Dr. Anne Skleder, who tragically passed after bravely battling cancer at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

Born in Pittsburgh, Anne studied psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and later earned her doctoral degree from Temple University. Dr. Skleder then incorporated her passion for people and learning into a successful career in academia--mentoring, teaching, and serving students for years.

Breaking glass ceilings, Anne went on to become the 10th and 1st woman president of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Yet it was not the title that she cherished, but rather the opportunity to improve the lives and futures of Brenau University students.

Her leadership extended beyond the campus, as she served on the executive committee of the Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education and was a board member for numerous organizations, including the Women's College Coalition, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.

Our sincere condolences are with Anne's family as they mourn her loss. While her leadership and impact on our community will surely be missed, we cherish Dr. Skleder's legacy and find comfort in knowing that she has found eternal peace with her beloved parents and brother in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Georgia's Ninth District will always remember the incredible impact that Dr. Skleder had on students at Brenau University and on our community as a whole.

Honoring Exceptional Businesses in Lumpkin County

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional businesses in Lumpkin County. The

Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual State of Economic Development meeting to recognize outstanding businesses in our community.

On behalf of the Ninth District, I would like to honor this year's winners.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Development Authority of Lumpkin County's Economic Investment Award recipient, DahloneGO, a successful transportation and tour company in north Georgia. This honor is well- deserved as DahloneGO continues to make incredible investments in the Lumpkin County community.

Additionally, I recognize this year's Corporate Responsibility Award recipient, R-Ranch in the Mountains, which creates a positive impact in Lumpkin County by offering northeast Georgians and tourists alike exceptional experiences through its more than 800 acres of campsites, trails, and lodging. Nestled in the beautiful north Georgia mountains, R-Ranch brings tremendous value to the community through its unique amenities and activities, cultivating economic growth and providing memorable adventures for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

I also congratulate Blue Coolers, the recipient of the Workforce Development award. In addition to manufacturing top-notch, durable coolers, this thriving company received this exciting honor for its impressive initiatives to train and equip individuals with skills and knowledge needed to maintain a strong workforce.

Next, I recognize Satellite Industries, a leading innovator in the portable sanitation industry, for receiving the Business of the Year Award.

For over 65 years, Satellite Industries has been advance engineering their products, such as portable restrooms and restroom trailers to be strong and user-friendly for customers across the country. I congratulate Satellite Industries on this outstanding achievement.

In addition, the city of Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority recognized several downtown businesses for their significant impact on the community this year.

These honors include Black Bear Mercantile as Emerging Business; Dahlonega Inn on Main for Downtown Investment; The Station, as the Local Favorite; and Connie's Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop for Downtown Business of the Year.

I congratulate the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce's 2023 State of Economic Development award winners.

Mr. Speaker, I thank each of the recognized businesses for positively impacting our community, strengthening the future workforce in north Georgia, and fostering economic prosperity in Lumpkin County.

Single Subject Rule

Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the former majority leader on the Democrat side, just reminded us of our single subject rule that our Speaker cosponsored back in 2015. That is the current rule of the House, and yet my Democrat colleague wants us to violate it by lumping in aid for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel together with border security in one bill. No.

We have already passed a bill to support Israel. We have already passed a border security bill, H.R. 2. Both are languishing in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Where was the call for the Senate to stay here and do their job? He should have called upon the Senate, as I do now. Pass the Israel bill, pass the Secure the Border Act, and give both countries a merrier Christmas.

Madam Speaker, I thank both of my friends from Texas. What an incredible job they have done so far in communicating that the swamp's compromise NDAA is, indeed, woke, weaponized, and wrong for America.

Why, you may ask.

It is because during backroom negotiations, virtually all of the conservative wins that the House Republicans fought for were removed. This is a disaster for both our military and the American people.

Now, due to the so-called compromise, this year's NDAA green-lights the Biden administration's horrendous policies of treating our military like a social experiment.

For a long time, I have firmly believed that our Nation's incredible military will never be defeated by an outside force before we rot from the inside first, and that is exactly what these woke policies are doing. It is the real reason that recruiting is at rock-bottom levels for our military.

For example, the NDAA fails to eliminate the Pentagon's chief diversity officer, it fails to ban mask mandates on military installations, and it fails to prevent the Department of Defense education activity from teaching radical gender and racial ideologies.

Not to mention, the NDAA allows Joe Biden's Department of Defense to waste taxpayer dollars on transgender surgeries, drag queen shows, and abortion travel. Abortion travel, imagine that. The radical left will stop at nothing to advance the evils of abortion, even if their vile efforts violate Federal law.

Additionally, a vote for this year's NDAA is a vote to reauthorize warrantless surveillance on the American people. That is right. To make matters worse, a clean reauthorization of FISA 702, which has been dangerously abused to illegally spy on Americans--literally, last year 278,000 times--was attached to this year's National Defense Authorization Act.

So let me be perfectly clear: the Fourth Amendment is not a suggestion, and I certainly will not be fearmongered by the intelligence community in order to allow this egregious and unconstitutional abuse to continue.

So either get a warrant or let FISA go dark, which means let FISA's authorization expire on 12/31.

Furthermore, FISA's reauthorization should never have been attached to the NDAA in the first place. An extension of FISA is not germane to the NDAA, meaning this legislation violates our January agreement of germane, single-subject bills.

Nevertheless, since leadership plans to pass the NDAA under suspension of the rules, Members will have no opportunity to raise the appropriate point of order against this nongermane matter.

Madam Speaker, this is not how Washington should operate. Members deserve the opportunity to debate legislation and vote on these matters separately. That is what we agreed to in January, and that is the standard we must now follow.

For all these reasons, I am a hard no on the fiscal year 2024 NDAA, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in taking a firm stand against this bad bill. As a 28-year Navy combat veteran, I am disgusted by the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to weaken our great military with woke and weaponized policies.

I am greatly disturbed by this body's blind acceptance of these nefarious efforts, so they can go home early for Christmas. Our military and our Nation deserve better.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act, or CARS Act, that I proudly co-led with Representative Walberg.

This important legislation would prohibit the Biden administration's EPA from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing its radical proposed rule that seeks to eliminate gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, the CARS Act would restrict the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to promulgate similar rules moving forward. Hallelujah.

In April, President Biden's EPA proposed this radical rule that would set emission standards so high for light- and medium-duty vehicles that auto manufacturers would be forced to produce a higher percentage of electric vehicles just to comply. This is a de facto electric vehicle mandate on the American people. With this rule's implementation, the EPA projects that EVs could account for as much as 67 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2032, as compared to electric vehicle sales of only 6 percent last year.

From assaulting the American people's Second Amendment liberties to the online censoring of free speech, the Biden administration is routinely abusing its power in order to further control Americans' everyday lives. With this new EPA rule, it is very clear that President Biden is now coming for our combustion engine car keys in his war against our personal freedoms.

Restricting consumer choice in the name of the left's Green New Deal garbage agenda represents an illegitimate power grab that hardworking Americans simply cannot afford.

One thing is clear. The American people already burdened by soaring energy prices and record-high inflation cannot be further burdened by this disastrous EV mandate.

I urge my colleagues to support the CARS Act, our commonsense legislation that would help save the American energy sector. It would protect both American consumers and auto manufacturers, and it would stop Biden's authoritarian government overreach in its tracks.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Ambrous Oliver Findley, Jr., affectionately known as ``Butch,'' who recently passed and is survived by his loving wife, Wanda, and his children, grandchildren, sister, nephews, and dear friends.

Butch's life was filled with tremendous acts of service. After obtaining a bachelor's in psychology from the University of South Florida, Butch's commitment to the well-being of others led him to the U.S. Navy where he selflessly served as a hospital corpsman. A man of diverse talents and interests, Butch then returned to the University of South Florida and obtained a bachelor's in biology and premed.

Butch's devotion to the medical profession later led him to attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and complete his residency at the General Hospital in Pinellas Park, Florida. After this pivotal chapter, Butch once again answered the call of duty, this time as a physician in the United States Army where he served at the rank of captain in Fort Stewart, Georgia.

For 42 years, Butch then dedicated himself to the well-being of Georgians in Rabun County, leaving an indelible mark on the northeast Georgia community that he served--first at Ridgecrest Hospital and later at MedLink Rabun. He was not merely a physician; he was a beacon of hope and healing, touching countless lives.

Beyond the stethoscope, Butch reveled in the simple joys of life. Whether exploring new adventures or finding solace in the comfort of home, he cherished precious moments with his family and friends.

Butch's kindness, compassion, and profound sense of duty will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. As we bid farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, we find peace knowing that he is now with our Heavenly Father.

Georgia's Ninth District will always remember and honor the incredible legacy that Dr. Butch Findley, Jr. left behind.

15th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hall County's top industries for 2023. Earlier this month, the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce held its 15th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville. On behalf of the Ninth District, I would like to recognize this year's winners.

First, congratulations to Mar-Jac Poultry for receiving the Top Large Employer award for 2023. Based in Gainesville, the poultry capital of the world, Mar-Jac Poultry plays a pivotal role in our community's economic prosperity.

With the help of its 1,400 dedicated employees, Mar-Jac Poultry processes 2.4 million birds per week with plans to expand capacity by 50 percent and create 100 new jobs. I am proud to recognize Mar-Jac Poultry for this exciting award, and I thank the company for investing in our community.

This year's top Medium Sized Employer award is Corporate Storage, a successful third-party logistics provider with 56 hardworking employees.

Over the years, Corporate Storage has evolved from the initial moving and storage company, Adams Transfer Company, which was founded in Athens back in 1903, into a thriving business that provides commercial warehousing, records management, and logistic services.

Corporate Storage recently completed a $15 million expansion to improve service for manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing customers throughout north Georgia. Congratulations, Corporate Storage, for this well-deserved recognition.

Last but not least, I would like to honor the Top Small Employer, pdblowers, Incorporated, which employs 28 Georgians at its headquarters in Gainesville.

Founded in 1990, pdblowers is a custom manufacturer of positive displacement blower systems, including fabrication, design, and systems integration. The business has built an outstanding reputation as a leading distributor in its field due to years of exceptional customer service, innovative solutions, and on-time delivery. Congratulations, pdblowers, Incorporated.

Additional companies honored by the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce include: Carroll Daniel Construction for workforce development, Performance Foodservice for workforce excellence, Marel for safety performance, ZF for corporate responsibility, and Harris Products Group for environmental responsibility.

Congratulations to Hall County's 2023 top industry winners. I thank each of the recognized companies for investing in our community, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth in Hall County.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of this amendment offered by my colleague from Texas, Representative Pfluger.

It will strengthen H.R. 5961 by unequivocally blocking sanctioned Iranian funds from potentially being unfrozen and keeping these dollars out of the hands of the world's leading state sponsor of terror.

This amendment will close troubling loopholes that allow President Biden to abuse waiver or license authorities to release billions in frozen Iranian assets.

Enough is enough. We cannot continue policies that enrich Iran, embolden terrorists like Hamas, and put American troops in harm's way.

Representative Pfluger's amendment also aligns with and reaffirms the goal of my bill, the Standing Against

Houthi Aggression Act, because the Houthis are also proxy terrorists for Iran.

His amendment prevents Iranian funds from being used against our national security interests and limits President Biden's ability to circumvent Congressional oversight.

Mr. Chair, I applaud Representative Pfluger for his work on this critical amendment, and as a cosponsor of it, I urge all Members to support it.

We must stand united in stopping Iran from financing terrorists and in protecting American troops and allies abroad.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to oppose Representative Jackson's amendment to add a 5-year sunset period. We cannot risk funds going to terrorism ever, certainly not now and certainly not in 5 years.

Additionally, the only thing standing in the way of $14.3 billion going to support Israel's eradication of Hamas is Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer. The House has done its job. The Senate and the President have so far done nothing but be a roadblock. Yes, we are witnessing a Biden- Schumer roadblock, a B-S roadblock, and it is totally unacceptable. It is a dangerous state of affairs, and Biden and Schumer are the problem.

How can we support our closest ally in the Middle East when the President and the Senate stand in the way?

The House has done its job. It is now time for the President and Mr. Schumer to clear their B-S roadblock.

Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), and I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chair, just a few weeks ago, the administration issued a proposed rule which imposes radical sexual orientation and gender identity policy on the child welfare system. I rise in strong support of my colleague Representative Brecheen from Oklahoma's amendment which prohibits funding for the finalization of this rule.

By requiring States to deem some foster care providers as safe and appropriate, the administration has created a policy which implies that faith-based providers who have traditional views of marriage and sexuality are incapable of providing a safe environment for children and adolescents.

I vehemently oppose such a notion and strongly believe that faith- based providers often fill gaps in a child welfare system and provide quality, loving care rooted in a deep calling and conviction to care for those in need.

The foster care system in the United States is in a deep crisis, with over 400,000 in the system and over a 100,000 awaiting adoption.

We must stand up and support faith-based providers across this country. We must object to the villainizing of these organizations, and we must defund the imposition of radical political policies in the child welfare system.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment by the gentleman from Oklahoma, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 639.

Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 638, I mistakenly voted Nay when I intended to vote Yea.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Nation's veterans.

This Veterans Day we recognize those who have selflessly served our Nation and as well we honor the sacrifices they have made so that we can live in freedom in the greatest country on Earth.

Our veterans, those living and those who have gone before us, represent our Nation's finest heroes. These men and women answered the call of duty to defend our country, preserve our peace, and protect our precious freedoms. Their valor, love of country, and unwavering commitment has ensured all Americans continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

On Veterans Day and every day may we recognize our Nation's champions of liberty and honor their service by safeguarding our freedoms.

President Ronald Reagan once said: ``Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they have suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us. That is our duty. They have never let America down. We will not let them down.''

Madam Speaker, this Veterans Day may God bless our veterans and their families, and may God bless the United States of America.