Barry Moore

Mr. Speaker, Will Roberts, who recently passed away due to stage 4 osteosarcoma, was a brave and inspiring young man from Alabama, and I'm honored to take a moment today to recognize his life.

After being hospitalized for osteosarcoma at just 15 years old, Will entered into the presence of his Savior on Wednesday, July 22nd, surrounded by his loved ones. While we celebrate that his battle is over, and has been won in Jesus Christ, our hearts go out to Will's family in this devastating time. Will's condition might have affected him physically, but it could not take away the contagious joy he brought into every room. According to his mother, Brittney Battles Roberts, Will was ``the funniest person in the room . . . (and) had a personality that could light up a hospital floor.'' This legacy of joy will not leave the hearts of the people who loved him or the community that he impacted so deeply.

Throughout his battle, Will actively fought for the children, teenagers, and young adults who are affected by the same disease, urging communities to help find a cure for his stage 4 cancer. Will's fight for a cure not just for himself, but also for others battling cancer, will remain a remarkable legacy that his family and friends can hold tight to in the times ahead.

No child should have to endure this kind of pain and no family this kind of loss. As Alabamians, we stand united in offering our prayers and condolences to the Roberts family and all other families who face a childhood cancer journey. Will shall forever be remembered as a light in his community, and his life is a testimony that will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, the American people work hard for every dollar they send to Washington, and they deserve to know how every one of those dollars is spent. That is the simple principle behind the Stop Secret Spending Act.

Federal agencies have been able to spend billions of taxpayer dollars through what are known as other transaction agreements, or OTAs, without fully reporting those expenditures on usaspending.gov.

These agreements may have legitimate uses, but the American people should not have to wonder whether Federal spending is being disclosed or not. When our national debt is approaching $40 trillion, transparency is not optional. It is a responsibility.

This bill closes a loophole that has allowed significant amounts of Federal spending to remain outside the public reporting system. It does not ban OTAs. It does not create unnecessary red tape. It simply requires the agencies to report these agreements so taxpayers can see where their money is going.

Every family in Alabama knows where their money is spent. Farmers know where they money is spent. Small business owners know where their money is spent. The Federal Government should be held to that same standard.

Sunlight is one of the best safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse. Transparency helps Congress do its job. It helps taxpayers hold Washington accountable, and it helps restore trust in government.

That is common sense. That is accountability. That is exactly what the American people expect from their government.

Madam Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the Stop Secret Spending Act.

Mr. Speaker, for 4 years the Biden administration opened the door to illegal immigration, drug trafficking, cartel activity, and violent crime. American families paid the price while Washington looked the other way.

President Trump changed that on day one. He restored the will to enforce the law and put law enforcement back in the fight. Now Congress has a simple choice: to fund the mission or stand in the way of those carrying it out.

A sovereign nation must be willing to enforce its own laws. Border security is not optional. It is a fundamental responsibility of government.

Alabama may not sit on the Rio Grande, but the consequences of an open border reach every corner of our State.

In my hometown of Enterprise, Angel and Jeremy Seay, a newlywed couple I knew personally, were killed when an illegal alien driving under the influence crashed into their motorcycle. Their lives were cut short by a tragedy that never should have happened.

We also have seen cartel-linked fentanyl trafficking reach Alabama communities. Families in Birmingham,

Mobile, Huntsville, Dothan, and across our State deserve a government that puts their safety first. Fentanyl does not stop at the border, and neither do the criminal networks bringing it into our country.

S. 2 backs ICE, Border Patrol, and local law enforcement officers who have been left to deal with the consequences of Washington's failures. These men and women do not need more speeches. They need the resources, technology, and support necessary to do their jobs. The cartels do not fear press releases. They fear consequences.

I choose law and order. I choose secure borders. I choose families in Alabama who are tired of being put last.

President Trump set the mission. S. 2 helps fund it. Vote ``yes'' on S. 2, back law enforcement, secure the border, and protect American families.