Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Captain James Palmersheim, United States Army, of Colleyville, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Captain Palmersheim was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 1984 as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Marquette University's ROTC program. He served on active duty as an Army aviator and intelligence officer, flying both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including the OV-1D Mohawk and RU-21H. During his service with the 224th Military Intelligence Battalion, he demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership earning the Air Assault Badge, Senior Aviator Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Ribbon.

Following his military career, Captain Palmersheim has continued to exemplify selfless service through a lifetime of work supporting veterans, military families, and youth across the Nation. In 2003, he led a national effort to restore and fly a Huey helicopter across the country culminating in its historic landing on the National Mall, where it now stands as a centerpiece of the Smithsonian's Price of Freedom exhibit. As founder and longtime director of American Airlines' Veterans and Military Initiatives program, he helped develop groundbreaking partnerships that provided resources, recognition, and support for wounded warriors, Gold Star families, and military personnel worldwide.

Captain Palmersheim has also served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Air Power Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Snowball Express, which honors children of fallen service

members. He co-founded Independence Corps Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars in mobility equipment to veterans and first responders with disabilities. He currently sits on the board of the Tribute to Valor Foundation, an organization he helped establish to inspire students nationwide through the core values of the Medal of Honor and STEM education. His service has earned him multiple prestigious honors, including the Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award, the Order of Saint Michael from the Army Aviation Association of America, and honorary recognition from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the 457th Fighter Squadron.

Captain Palmersheim's unwavering dedication to veterans, their families, and the next generation reflects the highest traditions of the United States Army and brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Major General Kevin Pottinger, United States Air Force, of Keller, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Major General Pottinger served with distinction in the United States Air Force for nearly four decades, from 1976 to 2015. A command pilot with more than 3,500 flight hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, he held leadership positions at every level, culminating in his role as Commander of the 301st Fighter Wing and later as Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, Hawaii. Following his initial retirement, he selflessly returned to active duty after the September 11th terrorist attacks to fly combat missions in the War on Terror, exemplifying the Air Force core values of integrity, service, and excellence. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and service awards recognizing his combat readiness and humanitarian contributions.

Following his military career, Major General Pottinger has continued to serve his state and Nation through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for veterans. Appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as Presiding Officer of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, he works to strengthen Texas' military installations and ensure their continued role in national defense. As President of the Freedom Mobility Foundation, he leads efforts to provide adaptive vehicles and mobility equipment to severely injured veterans empowering them to regain independence and quality of life.

Major General Pottinger's exceptional record of military leadership, combined with his unwavering commitment to veterans and the community, reflects the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens

of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Major General James Leonard Williams, United States Marine Corps, of Dallas, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Major General Williams served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps for more than 38 years, including both active and reserve duty during multiple conflicts. Over the course of his career, he held numerous leadership and command positions within the 4th Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Combined Joint Task Force 180, and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, Special Operations Capable. His operational service included deployments supporting the War on Drugs and combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Secretary of Defense Service Badge, among numerous other honors.

Beyond his exemplary military career, Major General Williams has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service, education, and community leadership. He has served on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, InfraGard North Texas Alliance, North Texas Crime Commission, and the Veterans Advisory Board for the VA North Texas Health Care System. He is President of the Board for International Leadership of Texas, a public charter school district, and serves as an advisor to both the Tarleton State University School of Criminal Justice and the Tower Center for Political Science at Southern Methodist University.

Major General Williams also dedicates extensive time to helping veterans navigate the VA system, offering mentorship, guidance, and financial coaching to help fellow servicemembers and their families succeed in civilian life. His leadership, compassion, and devotion to service continue to strengthen North Texas communities and inspire future generations.

Major General Williams' extraordinary record of military and civic service reflects the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Staff Sergeant Kenneth A. Harrison, United States Air Force, of Keller, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Staff Sergeant Harrison served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970 during the Vietnam War, where he was assigned to the 12th Reconnaissance Intelligence Technical Squadron. In that role, he provided critical intelligence and reconnaissance support, contributing to the success of U.S. operations in Southeast Asia. His professionalism, dedication, and skill earned him the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and Air Force Medal 900 in recognition of his exemplary performance and commitment to duty.

Following his military service, Staff Sergeant Harrison devoted himself to improving education, civic engagement, and community development in Keller and Tarrant County, serving for twelve years on the Keller Independent School District Board of Trustees. Additionally, he is a founding member of the Keller ISD Education Foundation, which continues to provide grants and stipends to outstanding teachers and programs that enhance student learning opportunities.

In addition to his education leadership, he has held numerous community and civic roles, including Treasurer of the Keller Chamber of Commerce Board, Chair of the Boy Scouts' Friends of Scouting fundraising campaign, Foundation Chair and past President of the Golden Triangle Rotary Club, and member of the Fort Worth Symphony Board. Through these positions, Staff Sergeant Harrison has played an instrumental role in raising funds and building partnerships that strengthen schools, support youth development, and enrich the cultural life of North Texas.

Staff Sergeant Harrison's exemplary service to his Nation and his lifelong dedication to the Keller community reflect the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas.

The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Captain Todd Boeding, United States Marine Corps, of Dallas, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Captain Boeding served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps from 1989 to 2001. Beginning his service as an enlisted Marine administrative clerk and later commissioning as an infantry officer, he embodied the Marine Corps' core values of honor and commitment throughout his career. He served with the 1st Marine Regiment and was later selected for the elite Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., where he was a member of the famed Silent Drill Team representing the Marine Corps in ceremonies honoring presidents, foreign dignitaries, and fallen service members. His military decorations include the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Certificate of Commendation, and multiple letters and certificates of appreciation, along with Expert Rifle and Sharpshooter Pistol Badges.

After the September 11, 2001, attacks, Captain Boeding extended his service to continue supporting the Corps and his country. Since leaving active duty, he has remained deeply committed to service and leadership within his community. As a Board Member and Ambassador for Carry The Load, he has played a vital role in honoring and supporting veterans, first responders, and military families helping expand the organization's national impact and its mission of restoring the true meaning of Memorial Day. His mentorship and friendship have guided countless veterans in their transition to civilian life, continuing his lifelong legacy of servant leadership.

Captain Boeding also co-founded Tribe and Trust Leadership Academy, a program dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders by instilling the principles of teamwork, integrity, and service that defined his Marine Corps career. His tireless dedication to veterans, young leaders, and the broader North Texas community exemplifies the very best of American service and citizenship.

Captain Boeding's honorable military service and his enduring commitment to country and community reflect the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Griess, United States Air Force, of Grapevine, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Lieutenant Colonel Griess served with distinction in the United States Air Force from 1991 to 2015, holding command and leadership positions across the globe, including during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over his 24-year career, he demonstrated exceptional skill, courage, and integrity in both combat and peacetime operations. His leadership ensured mission success and the safety of his personnel, and his mentorship inspired countless Airmen to excel in service. For his outstanding contributions, he received numerous decorations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, among many others.

Following his military career, Lieutenant Colonel Griess has continued to exemplify service before self through his civic and volunteer leadership. He serves as Secretary of the Tarrant County College Foundation and as a member of the Fort Worth Air Power Council. He is active in numerous Grapevine community organizations, including the Grapevine Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Grapevine Building Board of Appeals. He has also served as a commissioner on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, a PTA board member, youth coach, and advocate for civic engagement across Tarrant County.

Lieutenant Colonel Griess' exemplary record of military and civic service reflects the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Sergeant Felix Jimenez Garcia, United States Army, of Fort Worth, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Sergeant Garcia served in the United States Army and the Texas Army National Guard for thirteen years, including a twelve-month combat deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a squad leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment, he led and completed more than one hundred combat missions in Iraq demonstrating courage, composure, and devotion to his fellow soldiers. For his valor and leadership in combat, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device, along with the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, and Combat Infantry Badge.

Following his military service, Sergeant Garcia has continued to exemplify service before self through his work in the North Texas community. He volunteers with Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce, and dedicates his time to helping fellow veterans navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits process. Recently certified as an Onward Ops Sponsor, he mentors transitioning service members as they adjust to civilian life offering guidance, encouragement, and support. A husband, father of four, and small business owner, Sergeant Garcia continues to live a life of purpose, leadership, and compassion, strengthening both the veteran community and his local neighborhood.

Sergeant Garcia's courage in combat and his lifelong commitment to serving others reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Jail Supervisor Alisha Johnson of the Euless Police Department, who is retiring after twenty-five years of dedicated service.

Alisha joined the City of Euless in November 1999 as a Public Service Officer, after previously serving as a Correctional Officer with Correctional Service Corporation in Fort Worth. Through her commitment to public service, she was promoted to Jail Supervisor in October 2023. She is an expert in the Live Scan fingerprinting system and has completed new supervisor school and other job-related training courses.

Alisha graduated from Kofa High School in Yuma, Arizona, pursued accounting and business at Arizona Western University, and earned an Associate Degree in General Studies from Tarrant County College. She is a member of the Euless Peace Officers Association and has received numerous awards, including the Blackie Sustaire Award, Employee of the Month in 2006, Civilian of the Year in 2013, the Distinguished Service Civilian Award in 2020, and a Unit Citation in 2022.

She enjoys traveling, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.

I would like to thank Jail Supervisor Johnson for her exemplary service to the Euless community and congratulate her on her well- deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to First Sergeant Robert Hazlewood, United States Marine Corps, of North Richland Hills, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

First Sergeant Hazlewood served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps for thirty years, including during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles across the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 14th Marine Regiment earning the respect of those he led through his steadfast commitment to the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, three Good Conduct Medals, three Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medals, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Following his retirement, First Sergeant Hazlewood has continued to serve his community with the same dedication that marked his military career. A lifelong mentor and educator, he operates a martial arts school where he teaches self-defense and discipline to young men and women, providing specialized training for college-bound students to enhance their personal safety. He also serves his church, Compass Church in Colleyville, by leading and training its volunteer security team, and has been twice recognized by the City of Colleyville for more than twenty years of service to local youth.

First Sergeant Hazlewood's contributions have also been recognized nationally and internationally. He has been honored by the Governor of Tennessee for his work with the Junior Achievement Program, received Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow recognition for promoting global understanding, and earned the Jandal Service Award for his support of high school speech and debate students. He continues to mentor youth through Rotary Interact, the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, and by coaching students toward successful appointments to the United States Air Force and Naval Academies.

First Sergeant Hazlewood's distinguished record of service to his Nation and his tireless commitment to the next generation reflect the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and bring great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Captain Mark Smits, United States Army, of Coppell, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Captain Smits was commissioned into the United States Army in 1979 and served as an engineer officer until 1983. During his military career, he demonstrated strong leadership and technical skill earning the Parachutist Badge, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. His dedication to excellence and teamwork exemplified the values of duty, integrity, and service to others that define the United States Army.

Following his military service, Captain Smits has continued a lifelong commitment to empowering others and supporting those who serve. As a Board Member and Mentor for Claymore Operations, he helps active-duty service members prepare for the transition to civilian life by providing personalized mentorship, career guidance, and leadership development. He also serves as Commander of the Military Order of the World Wars Dallas Chapter, where he promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, and leadership among veterans and students alike.

As Chairman of the Dallas MOWW's Youth Leadership initiatives, Captain Smits leads programs that bring together JROTC cadets and high school students from across Texas to build leadership skills and foster a deeper appreciation for service and citizenship. His tireless work ensures that both current and future generations understand the value of duty, honor, and commitment to country.

Captain Smits' service to his Nation and community is in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Sergeant Larry Kellogg, United States Army, of Coppell, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Sergeant Kellogg was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served with Company C, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. In February 1967, at age twenty-four, he deployed to Vietnam, where his courage and devotion to duty saved lives on the battlefield. In July of that year, while on patrol, his armored personnel carrier was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite his own severe injuries, Sergeant Kellogg immediately began tending to three wounded squad members, continuing to render aid until he lost consciousness from blood loss. His selfless actions saved the lives of those men and earned him the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. His additional decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksman Badge (Rifle M14), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation.

Following his military service, Sergeant Kellogg has remained steadfast in his commitment to veterans and his community. He served as a Director and honor guard member with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 920 in Denton for more than fifteen years, volunteered with the Coppell Police Department's Citizen Patrol, and continues to serve as a Eucharistic Minister at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, bringing the Eucharist to the homebound. He is also an active member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, representing his chapter at civic events and community ceremonies honoring America's veterans.

Sergeant Kellogg's lifelong devotion to service both in uniform and in the community reflects the highest traditions of the United States Army and brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Lieutenant Colonel Don Munson, United States Army, of Coppell, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Lieutenant Colonel Munson was commissioned as an officer upon graduating from Tulane University in 1960 as a Distinguished Military Graduate. Over the course of a 23-year Army career, he served in numerous leadership roles, including with the 82nd Airborne Division, Special Forces, and the 1st Cavalry Division. During the Vietnam War, he commanded C Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, and later served as Operations Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry. For his extraordinary gallantry, he earned the Silver Star for capturing three enemy combatants under fire and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in extracting stranded soldiers under intense enemy attack. Throughout his command, he was deeply respected for his courage, integrity, and care for those under his leadership--never losing a single soldier in combat.

Lieutenant Colonel Munson's decorations also include two Bronze Stars for Valor, eleven Air Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, and the Purple Heart, as well as the Master Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.

His dedication to service did not end with his military career. A longtime member and former commander of the Military Order of World Wars, he authored and published the Dallas Chapter's monthly newsletter for twenty years. As a result of his hard work and leadership, the Dallas Chapter was named ``Chapter of the Year'' for 15 of its first 19 years. He also served as Chairman of the Dallas Veterans Day Parade, helping elevate the event to one of national prominence. For nearly two decades he directed the Texas A&M Youth Leadership Conference, an initiative he founded to teach principles of patriotism, leadership, and service to the next generation.

Lieutenant Colonel Munson's service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Lieutenant David Richard Lockwood, United States Navy, of Grapevine, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community.

Lieutenant Lockwood began his military career in the Army National Guard in 2015 and later commissioned as a Chaplain in the United States Navy in 2021. Throughout his service, he has ministered to Sailors, Marines, and their families with compassion, courage, and excellence serving in Japan, Everett, and Bahrain. As Command Chaplain for Expeditionary Medical Facility Jacksonville, he created a training platform later adopted by the

Bureau of Navy Medicine to train more than 1,500 sailors worldwide. From 2023 to 2025, he served as Chaplain Program Officer for Navy Recruiting Command, leading a ten-person team across four states, mentoring nearly one thousand personnel, and facilitating the recruitment of ninety-two new Navy Chaplains from diverse faith backgrounds. His dedication to service and leadership is reflected in his numerous awards, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service.

Lieutenant Lockwood's service extends far beyond his military duties. Through his nonprofit work, he has supported and trained dozens of humanitarian and faith-based organizations across Latin America, strengthening leadership and outreach in Spanish-speaking communities. He has also served as a pastor, counselor, and seminary professor mentoring future faith and nonprofit leaders in Texas and abroad. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided critical pastoral care to patients and medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, offering hope and resilience in an unprecedented time of crisis.

Lieutenant Lockwood's unwavering devotion to others has brought healing, guidance, and inspiration to countless individuals and reflects the highest traditions of the United States Navy, bringing great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, every day, small business owners serve as their own accountants, legal counsel, and managers while still handling the day-to-day operations of their enterprises. That means they work extra hours or they hire extra assistance just to keep up with and bear the costly burden of complying with local, State, and federal regulations.

To say that we are not going to save money and we are not going to help small businesses save money by cutting resolutions is an absolute lie.

Working hard has always been the standard for small business owners, but when the Biden-Harris administration created $1.8 trillion in additional regulatory costs for businesses across the country in just 4 years, small business owners felt the brunt of that pain.

H.R. 2965, the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act of 2025, supports the Trump administration's deregulatory agenda by giving small businesses the relief they need to grow and succeed, no matter what industry they are in.

Put simply, this bill aims to ensure that any new rulemaking by the Small Business Administration is at no cost to small businesses--not $1.8 trillion, but no cost. The very agency that helps small businesses start, grow, and build cannot also be the one that increases their financial and regulatory burden.

In addition, H.R. 2965 requires the SBA Office of Advocacy to report to Congress on the total cost of all Federal regulations impacting small businesses. Unlike what we just heard from the other side of the aisle, to be clear, this bill does not prevent agencies from issuing new regulations, but rather, it requires them to eliminate those that are duplicative, outdated, or don't reflect the intent of the law.

The PPP was a program that was established by Congress. It was not a regulation established by the SBA. That is totally irrelevant.

In doing so, it creates a systemic culture of regulatory discipline where agencies will have to consistently review regulations with scrutiny.

Small businesses make up 99.9 percent of businesses in America, and they remain the key source of economic prosperity across all of our districts.

H.R. 2965 moves the needle toward empowering small businesses by reducing red tape. To say that that doesn't save money to small business, then obviously she has never been a small business owner.

If we want America to succeed, it starts on Main Street. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act of 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the remarkable career and life of Officer Richard ``RJ'' Hudson, who devoted thirty years to serving and protecting his community through his work in law enforcement.

Officer Hudson began his law enforcement career with the Bedford Police Department in March of 1995. On January 4, 2005, he joined the Grapevine Police Department, where he served with distinction for two decades. In 2007, he became a member of the Grapevine Motor Unit, where his skill and passion quickly made him a beloved figure within the Police Motor Officer Community. As a skilled accident reconstructionist, Officer Hudson led the multi-agency C.R.A.S.H. team, dedicating himself to ensuring the safety and well-being of his community. His leadership, knowledge, and mentorship were deeply valued by colleagues, and his reputation for excellence extended throughout the state of Texas.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Officer Hudson achieved the rank of Master Peace Officer, accumulating nearly 1,500 training hours and earning numerous certifications, awards, and commendations. Among his many recognitions was the prestigious Governor Abbott's Star of Texas Award in 2021 after a serious on-duty crash in 2017.

While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we celebrate the extraordinary service and unwavering commitment of Officer RJ Hudson. His legacy will live on through his family, the countless lives he touched, and the example he set as a public servant.