Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the hard work and legacy of Mr. Marty Lentz. His devoted service of 30 years as a county engineer has made a difference in the life of many Alabamians.

Mr. Lentz has served many of those years in my home of Coffee County, where I was born and raised and still live today. The citizens of Coffee County, including myself, are grateful for Mr. Lentz, as he has spent 28 of his 30 years of service enhancing our county.

Mr. Lentz has many accomplishments as a county engineer that have helped the community, including being an integral part in the implementation of the County's Rebuild Alabama program. Because of his hard work, roads in Coffee County were repaved to offer better transportation for drivers. These roads would not have been resurfaced without Mr. Lentz' help. Mr. Lentz has also served as a faithful volunteer of the Wiregrass Men of Valor ministry.

I would like to congratulate Mr. Marty Lentz on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize constituents of Alabama's Second Congressional District and their participation in the 2023 Farm and Land Exposition hosted in Mobile, Alabama on August 10-13, 2023 by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

My constituents, Daniel Free of Elmore County, Sarah Temple of Houston County,

Gracie Woodall of Houston County, and Caleb Connor of Montgomery County, participated in the discussion meet competition. Will Kirkland of Henry County and Nathan Parker of Houston County participated in the Excellence in Agriculture competition.

While remaining good stewards of their land, these folks have also been gracious neighbors by extending their knowledge and expertise to others. The evident dedication to agricultural production by these young producers and families makes me hopeful for the industry's future.

These young farmers have embodied exactly what it means to have a servant's heart while taking care of their land and their communities. 1 Peter 4:10 says, ``As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.'' The Second Congressional District of Alabama is fortunate to have outstanding individuals like them.

I would like to recognize these young producers for their participation in this year's young farmer competitions and their dedication to production agriculture in Alabama's Second Congressional District. The farmers and producers in Alabama's Second Congressional District have created a remarkable legacy of feeding and supporting citizens across the great state of Alabama and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, last weekend more than 20,000 illegal immigrants crossed the U.S. southern border. President Biden's only solution to historically massive border numbers is to warn migrants not to come and to claim our border is secure.

Meanwhile, the cities that migrants end up in are forced to figure out where to house them and how to care for them, and the American taxpayer is footing that bill.

So far this year, over $200 million of Chicago's $500 million budget deficit has gone to migrant care costs.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, recently warned citizens that the cost of migrant care could mean cuts to city services due to a financial tsunami.

The Governor of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency due to the onslaught.

Leaders in sanctuary cities might have asked for this crisis by offering themselves up, but the American people did not. The United States is nearly $33 trillion in debt. Bidenomics has caused a 17 percent inflation on the American people, and 70 percent of them are now saying they are feeling financially stressed, but Biden still seems to think that taxpayers have millions to spend.

Let me say this to the administration: You can either close our border or we will close the government.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the heroic action of Senior Trooper Christopher Carlton with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

On February 17, 2023, at approximately 4:38 P.M., Senior Trooper Carlton responded to a vehicle crash on Highway 84 in Houston County, Alabama. Senior Trooper Carlton rescued Jessica Joy Thrasher of Lynn Haven, FL and 4-year-old Simon Thrasher, from the scene.

Upon Trooper Carlton's arrival, a member of Wicksburg Rescue advised Carlton that another ambulance would be required for both patients since they needed immediate medical attention. Without hesitation, Carlton transported Simon to Flowers Hospital in his patrol vehicle to ensure rapid treatment and care.

Physicians, nurses, and hospital staff were able to stabilize Simon after the incident, and both Jessica and Simon are expected to make a full recovery.

I am confident Trooper Carlton's quick and selfless actions saved the lives of Jessica and Simon.

I would like to thank Senior Trooper Christopher Carlton for his service. He serves the State of Alabama with integrity and always answers the call of duty. I extend my gratitude for his hard work and diligence in public service. The Second Congressional District of Alabama is blessed to have such an outstanding citizen.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Ariton High School as the 2023 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 2A Baseball Series Champions. It is my honor to congratulate all the players and coaches on an outstanding season.

The Ariton High School Purple Cats won the second and final game 5-4 against Vincent High School during the state championship, bringing its first state baseball championship to the community. The Purple Cats ended their season 31-12-1.

Verse 1 Peter 4:10 says, ``And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.'' Coach Bob Pickett and the men of the Ariton High School Purple Cats have embodied what it means to work heartily and confidently to achieve this goal.

In addition to this outstanding achievement, Bob Pickett was named 2A State Coach of the Year, and Caden Collier, a junior shortstop/second baseman, was named 2A State Hitter of the Year.

The Second Congressional District of Alabama is blessed to have men with their dedication and determination. I extend my congratulations to them for achieving this accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Houston Academy as the 2023 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 3A Baseball Series Champions. It is my honor to congratulate all the players and coaches on a successful performance and season.

This team showed consistent dedication and determination during this challenging season, for which their efforts have now been rewarded. The Houston Academy Raiders won the third and final game against Gordo High School during the high-stakes championship. Their determination and persistence truly shined through their excellent performance.

Under the leadership of Coach Tony Kirkland, the Raiders' incredible program brought its third state baseball championship back to Houston Academy. Coach Kirkland was also named the Class 3A State Coach of the Year. He showcases a remarkable life rooted in service and humility. I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement and his remarkable legacy.

I also congratulate Wyatt Shelley, freshman third baseman, on his recognition of 3A State Hitter of the Year.

As valued men of God, it is inspiring to see their proven sacrifice and devotion during this season. Our community remains proud of these outstanding young men who have represented both their school, and our state well in this season.

1 Peter 4:10 says, ``As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.'' The Houston Academy Raiders have embodied exactly what it means to use your gifts for good throughout this season.

The Second Congressional District of Alabama is fortunate to have outstanding young men like them. Again, I thank the gentleman of Houston Academy's baseball team for all their hard work. Congratulations for achieving this impressive milestone once again.

Mr. Speaker, on May 31, at midnight, 29 million Americans became instant felons, thanks to Biden's weaponization of the

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 2494.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, as we celebrate National Police Week, it is only appropriate that we pass H.R. 2494, the POLICE Act of 2023.

H.R. 2494 makes an alien removable if they assault a police officer. 43,649--that is the staggering number of law enforcement officers who were assaulted by performing their duties in just 2021. That represents an 11.2 percent increase from 2020.

In both 2021 and 2022, at least 64 law enforcement officers were shot and killed in the line of duty. In my home State of Alabama, five law enforcement officers were shot and killed. That is a 21 percent increase over the number killed from 2010 to 2020.

To make matters worse, many of those incidents involve criminal aliens who take advantage of our immigration system and then turn around and assault the very people who protect us every day.

In a single 2-month operation in 2020, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested aliens with criminal histories with 1,500 convictions and charges for assault.

In 2019, ICE arrested aliens who accounted for 45,804 assault convictions and charges.

The reports speak for themselves. Just 2 months ago, an illegal alien violently assaulted a U.S. Border Patrol agent as she attempted to arrest him. In November 2022, two aliens were arrested for pushing, dragging, and punching a Border Patrol agent in another incident.

These acts of violence are not limited to just Border Patrol. Just last fall, a criminal alien was sentenced to 30 years in prison for stabbing a New York Police Department officer, taking his gun and then shooting at other officers.

In 2020, a criminal alien shot and killed a Houston police sergeant as he responded to a domestic violence call.

Despite these acts, the immigration statute does not explicitly make assaulting a law enforcement officer a deportable offense. H.R. 2494 changes that by creating grounds of removability specific to aliens who assault law enforcement officers.

Although many such offenders can be removed based on other grounds, such as an aggravated assault felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, H.R. 2494 ensures that criminal aliens cannot escape the immigration consequences of their actions through legal loopholes.

Determining whether an alien is removable from the country is not as straightforward as it should be. In a case from last year, a Federal judge observed that the process to determine whether an alien had been convicted of a crime that would make him removable presented ``a single legal question about a single conviction.''

Despite seemingly easy questions, the analysis ``has spawned, over 11 years and counting: four decisions by the [Board of Immigration Appeals], four decisions by three different immigration judges, approximately six rounds of briefing, and a split opinion by [a Federal] court.''

This bill would avoid those absurd results of that approach to make crystal clear that an alien who assaults a law enforcement officer can be removed from the United States.

Democrats have argued that this bill would encompass too much conduct due to State definitions of assault. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Listen to what the bill requires: first, either an admission or a conviction of an assault or an offense; the assault must have been against a law enforcement officer; and that assault must have been while the law enforcement officer was performing his or her duties, because of the performance of those duties, or because of his or her status as a law enforcement officer.

Democrats' far-fetched hypotheticals make light of assault against law enforcement officers and do not align with reality. If an alien admits to assaulting a law enforcement officer but a far-left prosecutor refuses to prosecute that crime, why should that alien escape immigration consequences?

Make no mistake, criminal aliens who assault dedicated men and women of law enforcement should find no safe harbor under our immigration laws.

H.R. 2494 gives adjudicators a tool to ensure that these criminal aliens can quickly be removed from this country. In doing so, we make America safer, not only for our citizens but also for the hardworking men and women of law enforcement who serve our community every day.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Garbarino).

Mr. Chairman, let me say this: I think this bill is very important and extremely timely. We know that we have had 5 million encounters on the U.S. southern border since Biden has been President, and in that situation with title 42 expiring, we expect more and more law enforcement is going to have to interact with aliens. Some we know are probably on some watch list somewhere, and they have a criminal history.

I think that it is timely. I think that our friends across the aisle need to join

us in supporting police officers this week and get on board to support this bill, as well.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I urge our colleagues to pass this bill into law and support our policemen and -women in uniform.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Correa is a good friend of mine, I think one of my closest friends across the aisle, so I am going to have a little debate on his amendment.

H.R. 2494 requires that an alien either be convicted of an offense involving assault of a law enforcement officer or admit to assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Contrary to the Democrats' talking points on the other side, not every ground of removability in the Immigration and Nationality Act requires a conviction.

In fact, here are some of the removable offenses that do not require conviction: smuggling, marriage fraud, drug abuse or drug addiction, trafficking, document fraud, terrorist activities, and participation in violations of religious freedom.

By requiring at least an admission of assault, this bill conforms to the pattern of other grounds of removability even exceeding many of those already listed.

The language of this bill also tracks closely with the language for certain grounds of inadmissibility as well, such as crimes involving moral turpitude and controlled substance offenses.

In a world of increasing threats against law enforcement officers-- whom we all support--it makes no sense to require a conviction. If an alien has admitted to assaulting a law enforcement officer, then why can't the alien's own admission be used to show that alien is deportable?

Listen to what the bill requires: an admission or a conviction of an assault offense; the assault must have been against a law enforcement officer; and that assault must have been while the law enforcement officer was performing his or her duties or because of his or her status as a law enforcement officer.

Even then, DHS would have to charge the alien as removable, the immigration judge would have to sustain that charge of removability, and then the alien would be allowed to appear for relief to remain in the United States.

This amendment would strike the reasonable provision that would allow criminal aliens to be removed if they admit to assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to make it clear that Biden's border policies are anything but compassionate.

Nearly 300 suspected terrorists have been caught trying to cross our border this year, and those are just the ones we caught. How many actually made it through?

As we speak, American border towns are being flooded with unvetted migrants that have nowhere to go. City streets are becoming homeless encampments. Farm land is being trampled.

Migrants from over 100 countries, including China and Russia, are paying up to $15,000 a piece to be smuggled across our border by criminal cartels. If they can't pay, migrants are forced to work off their debt. The administration is creating a program of either drug mules or indentured servants.

Many of these migrant children are brought here by false advertisements of free passage in their countries. The Biden administration has lost 85,000 children. This is unacceptable. These are the things that should keep Americans awake at night.

Our border is dangerous, not only for the American people whose communities are being pumped full of drugs and crime, but also those seeking to cross illegally who turn into slaves or drug mules.

The numbers are clear: 85,000 children have been lost; 1,000 migrant bodies found along the southern border; 120,000 fentanyl deaths in our country, and the numbers continue to rise. Where is the compassion in that?

President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas must answer for the fentanyl deaths, the illegal encounters, and the unaccompanied children we have lost.

A closed border is a compassionate border, and this week, Republicans have brought a real solution to the table by introducing H.R. 2. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to express my support for making tax day a thing of the past. Our current tax code is four times as long as the King James Bible but contains none of the good news.

Last Congress, Pelosi and the Democrats made it their mission to hire 87,000 new IRS agents. Furthermore, Biden's budget calls for the highest level of taxation in American history, with $4.7 trillion in new taxes.

A recent analysis by the Tax Foundation found that Biden's $4.7 trillion tax hike on workers, families, farmers, and small businesses would destroy over 300,000 American jobs, cut workers' wages by 1 percent, and reduce American economic growth by 1.3 percent.

President Biden and the Democrats want every day to be tax day, but today, I introduced legislation that would abolish the 16th Amendment. I am also a proud supporter of the FairTax Act.

The FairTax Act would eliminate all personal and corporate income taxes, abolish the death tax, eliminate gift and payroll taxes, repeal the tax code, replace it with a single national consumption tax, and, my favorite part, it would abolish the IRS.

This is the gold standard for tax law and would turn the convoluted, abusive, and biased system into a straightforward code that works for every American.

Instead of inflating our already-bloated bureaucracy and continuing to punish those who work hard to succeed, Americans deserve a system that works for them.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague Buddy Carter for his work on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Charles ``Chuck'' Poland, Jr., who sadly passed away on January 29, 2013, at the age of 66 while performing a heroic act while driving his school bus in Midland City, Alabama.

On January 29, 2013, Charles selflessly defended the lives of the young children on board of his Dale County school bus. What began as a normal winter day in southeastern Alabama for Charles' afternoon route, quickly turned into a senseless attack resulting in the hostage situation and release of a then 5-year-old boy.

Mr. Poland was born July 16, 1946, in Payette, Idaho. As a resident of Newton, Alabama, his courage touched and influenced the lives of many, not only in Alabama's Second Congressional District, but across our great Nation. He was a selfless man whose life exemplified the Lord he served and made the ultimate sacrifice by saving the lives of the children he loved. On the 10th anniversary of his passing, may his sacrifice be remembered as a brave hero who did not flinch in the face of adversity.

In 2013, the Charles ``Chuck'' Poland, Jr. Act was passed and signed into law. This important law gives appropriate consequences to unauthorized persons who trespass on an Alabama school bus and commit actions that compromise the safety of our Alabama students. Not only is his devotion and strength to our Nation remembered with his incredible service. He is known by protecting the lives of all Alabama students.

Charles dedicated his life to bringing joy to his friends, family, and everybody else around him. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary Janice Poland, 2 children, Lydia and Aaron, and extended members of family.

As we remember Charles, may we remember his kindness and selflessness. As he laid down his life to protect the children, may we recognize his sacrifice on the 10th anniversary and every moment forward.

Charles Poland was a joyous and loved resident of Alabama's Second Congressional District that has left lifelong impressions on many. He is deeply missed, but faithfully remembered by many friends, family members, and all those he made smile.

Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate to be able to represent a district full of patriotic veterans who have served this country honorably. Every American and, certainly, Congress, owes our veterans, all we have promised them, and more.

The issue we are discussing today has imposed significant hardships on veterans and their families who have long relied on trusted, local, and convenient healthcare professionals for their prescription medications.

Due to negotiations between Express Scripts on behalf of the Department of Defense and independently owned pharmacies, thousands of local pharmacies are unable to provide prescriptions for TRICARE patients.

This means that many retail pharmacies are unable to work with TRICARE customers, restricting pharmacy access for millions of people all over the country, including many in my district and primarily in rural Alabama.

I have heard numerous upsetting stories from my constituents who have been impacted. One tells me he can no longer use Express Scripts due to his medication prices more than doubling from his local pharmacy, which no longer accepts TRICARE. He recently waited over 4 hours for his prescriptions at his new pharmacy.

Another constituent, who recently had to stand in line at a pharmacy for over an hour with other upset patrons, explained to my office that multiple times Express Scripts has run low on his mental health medications and failed to deliver them to him on time, causing a dangerous interruption in his medication schedule.

Mr. Speaker, one of my constituents has used the same pharmacy for 54 years and thinks of them as a partner. They are in frequent communication regarding her health, and the professionals there often help her decide which medications will be most beneficial to her.

Unfortunately, Express Scripts has not met her needs. When visiting another pharmacy recommended to her by Express Scripts, she was informed that they are not a fully functional pharmacy and that they were also unable to help her.

She has told my office that our veteran population loves our country, but too often it seems our country does not love them back.

The treatment of our own veterans is unacceptable and, in the greatest country in the world, our government must do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of our veterans and their families, who have already sacrificed so much.

I appreciate my colleague, Buddy Carter, an experienced independent pharmacist, for hosting this Special Order and his leadership on this issue.

We have no greater responsibility than keeping our promises to our veterans, and I am committed to ensuring that families using TRICARE receive the utmost care from their trusted, local healthcare professionals.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Evelyn Holmes-Smith from Enterprise High School's wrestling team for winning the Alabama State Championship, making her a three-time State champion. Only a sophomore, Evelyn posted a 36-0 record on the season.

Evelyn's perfect season helped the Wildcat girl's wrestling team finish fourth out of 59 teams across the State of Alabama. She hopes to continue wrestling in college and represent the United States in the Olympic Games one day.

Evelyn is known for her quick takedowns on the mat. When she came to my office last year, she demonstrated a few of her signature wrestling moves, as you can see here in the photo.

On behalf of Alabama's Second District, I congratulate Evelyn Holmes- Smith and the Enterprise High School wrestling team on an impressive year.

Go Wildcats.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Harold Skelton, who sadly passed away on Friday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 80.

Mr. Skelton was born on February 18, 1942, in Evansville, Indiana. He served 22 years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam as a Chinook pilot, and retired as a CW4. Later, Harold served as an instructor pilot and ground simulator instructor at Fort Rucker. Mr. Skelton's remarkable work and involvement ranged from many organizations including the American Legion Post 73, VFW, DAV, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, VVA, Civitan, Mason's, and Shriner's. His devotion and sacrifice to our Nation will be remembered with his incredible service.

Harold Skelton dedicated his life to bringing joy to his friends, family, and everybody else around him. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Donna Skelton, two children, and five grandchildren.

Harold Skelton was a joyous and loved citizen of Alabama's Second Congressional District that left lifelong impressions on many people. He will be deeply missed by many friends, family members, and all those he made smile.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the hard work and legacy of Alabama State Senator Jimmy Holley. His devoted service of 44 years in the Alabama Legislature has changed my home state and made a difference in the life of many Alabamians.

Born and raised in Elba, Alabama, Mr. Holley lives a remarkable life rooted in service and humility in his community. He is an American patriot who served in the U.S. National Guard and graduated from East Tennessee State University, with his Bachelor's and Master's degree. In Tennessee he met his wife Mary, and they are parents to 2 sons, John, and Jason.

A devout man of faith and member of the College Avenue Church of Christ in Enterprise, Jimmy spreads love and joy to all those around. My friend, Mr. Holley is loved by many in his hometown of Elba and by those in his district. He shows appreciation to the people of Coffee, Covington, Dale, and Pike Counties and serves his community without bounds.

As a mentor to other legislators, he has consistently shared his valued wisdom with mentees and colleagues. Many lawmakers treasure the experience and intelligence he has provided by his extensive knowledge of policy and proceedings.

Mr. Holley provided incredible insight as a member of the Children, Youth, and Human Services, Finance and Taxation General Fund, Reapportionment, Senate Rules, Transportation, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committees, as well as his leadership on the Governmental Affairs Committee as Chair.

I would like to congratulate Senator Holley on his well-deserved retirement and extend deep gratitude for his diligence in public service. He is a joyous and loved citizen of Alabama's Second Congressional District that has created a remarkable legacy.