Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, you just heard right here on the floor that those mean Republicans are cutting Medicaid.

Let's set the record straight. As this graph shows, the Republican instructions don't cut Medicaid, they increase Medicaid by 25 percent over the next 10 years.

Even with common core math--I know it is popular on that side of the aisle--you can see that Medicaid expenditures of the Federal Government go up over the next 10 years with the Republican plan, even after eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse, which a clear majority of Americans agree we should eliminate across the Federal Government. We spend $656 billion in fiscal year 2025 and, again, it goes up by 25 percent over the next 10 years. It is not only that, but Medicaid payments in some States' providers could

be two to three times the payment for Medicare to healthy, able-bodied young adults. That should scare each and every senior that we are spending more for medical care for healthy, able-bodied young adults than for our seniors. If you repeat a lie long enough, it becomes a truth, but this is a fact.

Mr. Speaker, Republicans are protecting and preserving Medicaid for the truly needy.

Mr. Speaker, the United States has $36 trillion in Federal debt. Our debt-to-GDP ratio is greater than Greece and Italy when they had their debt crisis, and we are incurring a deficit of $2 trillion a year.

The most rapidly growing part of the Federal budget is Medicaid. You will have people come to the floor and they will talk about Medicaid cuts, but Mr. Speaker, only in Washington is a slight decrease in the increase in a program called a cut or slashing because that is not the way anybody's budget works at home, but that is the way it works in Washington.

The Medicaid budget has increased 40 percent over the last 5 years and is out of control. We have to control the growth in it to preserve it for the future. A little known fact is that in many States, providers are paid more to take care of a Medicaid patient than a Medicare patient. That ought to scare every senior in this country when Medicare is going to be crowded out by an out-of-control Medicaid budget.

Mr. Speaker, it was with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Russell E. Wroten of East New Market, Maryland.

Russell E. Wroten served as Chief of Police for the City of Cambridge from 1971 until he retired in 2001. His years of service were marked by bravery and dedication, and his accolades include the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal, Wounded Combat Medal, an Exceptional Service Award, and Governor's Citations. Russell was well respected for his unwavering commitment to his officers and community. In 2024, Mr. Wroten was honored with being the first recipient to be inducted into the Cambridge Police Department Hall of Fame.

Chief Wroten passed away at the age of 84 years old on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Easton, Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Regina Wroten of East New Market; their daughter, Christina (Chrissy) and son-in-law, Tom Thompson of Cambridge; granddaughter, Savana (Jon) Linthicum of

Rhodesdale; very special great-granddaughter, Arya; and several nephews and a niece. Besides his parents, Mr. Wroten is preceded in death by his brothers; Matthew and George Wroten.

The Eastern Shore is forever grateful for Chief Wroten's commitment to service and his dedication to Maryland.

Mr. Speaker, the average American already thinks that you actually have to be a U.S. citizen to vote in a Federal election. The fact of the matter is that our laws have loopholes. You don't actually have to be a U.S. citizen in some States or don't have to prove that you are a U.S. citizen to vote.

Now, the straw man is presented that if you get married, you change your name. I suggest that anyone who feels that just read the bill. It says an accommodation has to be made in every State for people whose name changed from an otherwise valid proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate.

The bottom line is that Americans expect that only American citizens, and not the 12 million illegal aliens who entered under the last administration, are going to be voting in Federal elections.

Americans expect it, and they expect Congress to do something about it. Mr. Speaker, I urge Congress to take action and pass the SAVE Act.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the Cambridge-South Dorchester Vikings Boys' Basketball Team on becoming the Maryland 1A State Champions for the 2024-2025 season.

On March 14, 2025, the Vikings secured a thrilling 36-33 overtime victory against The SEED School at the University of Maryland's Xfinity Center, marking their first state title since 1996.

The Vikings demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout their championship run, finishing the season with an impressive 26-2 overall record. Their path to the championship included hard-fought victories over Pocomoke, Snow Hill, and Fort Hill in the playoffs.

In the state final, senior guard Sterling Perkins made the game- winning shot with just 0.4 seconds left in overtime. Koby Ennals led the team with 16 points, while Perkins contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Head Coach Sean Tucker's leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to this historic achievement. His message to the team going into overtime: All you have to do is win by one, exemplifies the Vikings' grit and determination.

This championship is not just a victory for the team, but for the entire Cambridge-South Dorchester community. It serves as an inspiration to future generations of student-athletes and showcases the power of perseverance and teamwork.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the CSD Vikings Boys' Basketball Team for their outstanding accomplishment. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and resilience in capturing the Maryland 1A State Championship have brought pride to their school, their families, and the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland.

I thank them for making us proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Emergency Border Control Resolution to kick-start the resolution process.

As we stand here today, negotiations have stalled in the House. We all know this. We are at a crossroads in this reconciliation process, and it is time for the House and Senate to quickly pass a border funding bill with a debt ceiling increase so President Trump can deliver on his promises to the American people and reassure the financial markets.

The legislation I just introduced is a budget that contains $200 billion in new funding for President Trump to secure our southern border, fund immigration enforcement, and rebuild America's defenses.

This increased spending is paired with $486 billion in cuts to Biden's failed and wasteful spending. These cuts will result in a $286 billion real deficit reduction over 10 years.

The Emergency Border Control Resolution is the first step in the Freedom Caucus' 218 strategy to successfully implement the President's America First agenda.

Mr. Speaker, this past Friday I learned with great sadness about the passing of Senator Richard Colburn, a dedicated public servant and an Eastern Shore patriot who devoted his life to the service and betterment of the people of the State of Maryland.

Senator Colburn and I served together in the Maryland State Senate. He arrived to the Maryland General Assembly first as a State Delegate about sixteen years prior to my being elected to the Maryland Senate in 1999. By that time, Rich Colburn had already been serving as a State Senator for four years. He quickly became my mentor, dear colleague, and a trusted friend. For a period, Rich and I served on the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. As a devoted Eastern Shoreman and a son of a waterman, Senator Colburn knew how crucial it is for the government to be accountable, transparent, honest, and helpful to its citizens. As such, he made constituent casework and assisting his fellow Marylanders his top priroity.

As a ``Shore Senator,'' Rich fought on behalf of his constituents with fervor and purpose. During his time in the legislature, he introduced hundreds of bills, at times reaching across the aisle to promote projects and priorities he believed would benefit the Shore. One of his greatest accomplishments was the multi-decade battle led to his securing over $60 million to replace the Dover Bridge; a vital artery connecting Southern Caroline and Talbot Counties on the Eastern Shore. The bridge finally opened in 2018 with great fanfare. Among his many other accomplishments was his success in the preservation of the Easton hospital, widening U.S. Route 50, increasing benefits for veterans and law enforcement, and obtaining funding for restoration of the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population. He advocated for businesses and tourism on the Shore to lift and support the local economy by helping provide funding for the Choptank River Lighthouse and bringing in the Hyatt hotel to Cambridge, among others.

Richard Franklin Colburn was born on February 9, 1950 and grew up in Oxford, Maryland. After graduating from the Easton High School, Rich served in the United States Army Security Agency posted in Germany during the height of the Cold War. He left after three years with the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his return to Maryland, he worked in private practice. He was elected to the House of Delegates in 1983, where he served until 1991 before he ascended to the State Senate in 1995. Senator Colburn became the longest serving Republican Senator

in the Senate. After his service in elected office, he served as Special Assistant to Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder under Governor Larry Hogan. His district included the counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico.

Senator Richard Colburn passed away suddenly on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Easton at the age of 74 years old. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his loving wife Alma, daughter Johanna Hamilton (Bobby), granddaughter Saylor and sister Marie, as well as the entire extended Colburn family and friends. The Eastern Shore is forever grateful for Senator Colburn's commitment to service and his dedication to Maryland.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 479.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the order of the House of November 5, 2024, regarding H.R. 82 be vacated.

Mr. Speaker, I rose to vacate the order of the House of November 5 because, having reviewed the Speaker's announced policies, the decision in the Chair should have been to not entertain the motion to table on that day.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to recognize Chief Ross C. Buzzuro of the Ocean City Police Department as he retires after 40 years of outstanding public service.

Chief Buzzuro led the Ocean City Police Department for over 11 years with purpose and dedication. As Chief, he oversaw nearly 100 full-time officers, around 20 civilian employees and additional seasonal and part-time employees.

Throughout his nearly 40 years of law enforcement career, Chief Buzzuro served as a police cadet in Baltimore City in 1985 and eventually achieved the ranks of lieutenant, deputy major, major and finally being named lieutenant colonel in 2007. Chief Buzzuro is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy and the University of Maryland's Fire & Rescue Institute. He obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees in management from John Hopkins University.

I would like to thank Chief Buzzuro for his decades of service to the people of Maryland and for his work and dedication to the citizens and visitors of Ocean City. As he enters his well-deserved retirement and steps down from his position, I wish Chief Buzzuro a happy, healthy and exciting retirement spent around family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege and honor to recognize Mr. Giuseppe Anoia as he approaches his 90th birthday this November.

Born November 19, 1934, Mr. Anoia has been a constituent of Maryland's First Congressional District since he immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1961. He received a degree in civil engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1970 and worked for Baltimore City for 17 years until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Anoia has been happily married to Phillis, nee D'Adamo, for over 32 years.

It is a distinct privilege to recognize Mr. Anoia on his upcoming 90th birthday and celebrate this wonderful milestone. On behalf of Maryland's First Congressional District, I wish Mr. Anoia a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor and celebrate Mr. William Robertson Wainwright of Salisbury, Maryland as he approaches his 100th birthday on November 21st.

Born in 1924, Mr. Wainwright honorably served in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 until 1946.

It is a distinct privilege to recognize Mr. Wainwright on his upcoming 100th birthday and celebrate this wonderful milestone. On behalf of Maryland's First Congressional District, I wish Mr. Wainwright a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize all who contribute to Education in anticipation of National Education Week 2024.

American Education Week started as an effort to better generate public support for education as a joint effort between the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion. Concerned with as much as 25 percent of World War I draftees being illiterate, the two organizations sought to shine a national light on the need to increase support for education. 103 years later, educators around the country continue this advocacy which I am proud to support.

Maryland's First Congressional district has over 200 schools at all levels of our education system, all of which with a dedicated team of teachers and support staff committed to bringing out the best in our next generation. As we celebrate the upcoming 103rd National Education week between November 18th through November 22nd, let us all take a moment to express our gratitude for their service to our communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Deputy Charles Hugh Bean as he retires after 11 years of service with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Bean's career has been one of dedication, sacrifice and honor to his community and residents of Worcester County. As Deputy Bean embarks on this new chapter in his life. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for his service.

On behalf of the residents of Maryland's First Congressional District, I wish Deputy Bean a happy, healthy and exciting retirement spent around family and friends.