Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today to address the ongoing and deadly border disaster that every week continues to take the lives and livelihoods of American citizens all over our country.

Border czar Kamala Harris has failed in her assigned role to protect our country and to secure our borders. I submit that Harris never intended to have secure borders, and her primary focus has been to get rid of every successful border control measure that we had in place during President Trump's administration. From the beginning, Harris' goal was to flood our Nation with a tsunami of illegal immigrants so they could overwhelm our States and cities with populations that Harris ultimately hopes to turn into U.S. citizens whom she believes will create permanent Democrat control of the White House and Congress.

Due to the deliberate actions of the Biden-Harris administration, millions of illegal immigrants have been trafficked either by deadly Mexican cartels or by the illegal immigrant airlines and other transportation assistance run by this administration. This has led to horrific crimes being committed throughout America as daughters, sisters, and mothers are brutally attacked, raped, and murdered.

At the same time, Biden and Harris have lost over 320,000 illegal immigrant children. They are likely enslaved in sex trafficking or forced labor. It is not an exaggeration to say that Kamala Harris has brought about a massive new era of slavery that our country has never seen. She has inflicted a humanitarian disaster on our Nation. American citizens are losing their lives by the hundreds of thousands because of this disaster.

Every week, we learn about new atrocities that are committed by this administration against the American people. Just yesterday, a former Border Patrol sector chief testified how the Biden-Harris administration directed our Border Patrol to hide information from the American people about the explosion of illegal immigrants with possible ties to terrorism who are entering our country. This former border chief further testified that he was forced to release hundreds of illegal immigrants every day into communities that were not prepared to handle such an influx.

The actions of Biden and Harris have been lawless, dangerous, and are purposefully designed to destabilize our Nation. Truly, there has been no more destructive administration in my lifetime, and they should be condemned for these horrific acts against the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Euless Police Chief Mike Brown's 50-year career in law enforcement and congratulate him on his retirement. A native of Euless, Chief Brown obtained an associate's degree from Tarrant County Junior College and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from North Texas University.

Chief Brown started his career in law enforcement with the Richland Hills Police Department where he worked as a police dispatcher and officer before moving to the Euless Police Department in 1975. He has served in a variety of roles throughout his career, including as a Field Training Officer, Criminal Investigator, D.A.R.E. Office, Patrol Sergeant, Crime Prevention Sergeant, Community Service Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant for Internal Affairs, and Patrol Lieutenant. According to his colleagues, Chief Brown has always demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in performing his assignments and responsibilities.

In 2003, Chief Brown accepted a new role as the Chief of Police for the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center in Fort Worth. In February 2007, Brown began his service as Euless Police Chief. He has never failed to put our community first and has been recognized for his outstanding service throughout his career: in 1984, he was named Euless Police Department Officer of the Year and in 1996, he was named Texas Citizen Police Academy Officer of the Year. Brown was also honored as the Hurst Post Veterans of Foreign Wars Officer of the Year in 1980 and 1984.

As a Sergeant, Chief Brown developed the Euless Police Department's first ``Community Policing Plan,'' which continues to benefit our community today through initiatives such as the town's first Citizens' Police Academy, as well as Neighborhood Watch, Citizens on Patrol, Community Emergency Response Teams, Youth Engagement, and National Night Out. In addition to supporting law enforcement officers, these programs have greatly benefited North Texas families. Since the inception of the Citizens Police Academy, the department has successfully conducted 39 classes with over 500 citizens participating. This is just one of the many examples of how Chief Brown's leadership has fostered stronger connections between the police and the public.

Our community is safer thanks to Chief Mike Brown's decades of service. As he enters retirement, he leaves behind a profound legacy that will continue to benefit Euless for years to come. I'd like to thank Chief Brown for his dedication to protecting North Texans and I wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor a remarkable leader, Fire Chief Mike Starr, who has dedicated 27 years of his life to serving and protecting the citizens of Southlake, Texas. In 1997, Starr joined the Southlake Fire Department, working as a firefighter and paramedic. As a result of his unwavering dedication and commitment, he rose through the ranks, taking on the positions of driver, engineer, and captain of operations. Then, in 2008, Starr earned the title of Fire Chief, a role he has used to make a lasting impact in North Texas.

During his tenure as Fire Chief, Mike Starr led the department through a period of significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the department expanded its personnel from 45 to 74 members and oversaw the openings of Station 1 DPS Headquarters and the Station 3 North training facility. Chief Starr's vision and commitment to excellence have been the driving force behind these achievements, ensuring that the fire department not only meets but exceeds the needs of our growing community. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Starr has embodied what it means to be a true leader. His dedication and hard work have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Teamwork Award in 1998 and the Director's Award in 2006. In 2007, he was named Firefighter of the Year, a testament to his outstanding service.

Chief Starr has always focused on leading and developing a department that models best-in-class service delivery. In the Fire Department's 2023 annual report, Chief Starr highlighted the importance of continuous improvement through daily ``quick drills'' for line personnel, ensuring operational effectiveness and preparedness. His leadership has been invaluable, and as Southlake City Manager Alison Ortowski noted, his guidance has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of growing a fire department while maintaining the highest standards of service.

As Chief Starr prepares to retire at the end of August, it is both an honor and a privilege to recognize his 27 years of exemplary service. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for his contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Sandy Lauder. Over the last two decades, Sandy has spent thousands of hours volunteering in the Richardson community. He has been a dedicated volunteer with Richardson Police Department's Volunteers in Police Service program for nearly 17 years, along with completing Richardson Citizen Police Academy's Class 25. To this day, Sandy still serves on the board of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.

In 2015, Sandy joined the Richardson Community Band where he plays a dual role as trombonist and band president. As the president, Sandy collaborates with other bands in the area to perform jazz and big band classics for Richardson Senior Center, retirement homes, community fairs, and the Dallas VA Hospital. Sandy also teaches English and citizenship classes at Woodcreek Church in Richardson as part of the Building English Skills Together program. Previously, he served as president of his homeowner's association, and he currently coordinates his neighborhood's crime watch patrol.

Sandy's community involvement spans beyond Richardson city limits. For 20 years, he has volunteered as a DFW Airport Ambassador, greeting international guests and answering their questions. According to the DFW Airport Customer Programs Coordinator, Sandy ``has been a superhero coming to the aid of millions of travelers through his service. He is kind and helpful to all who work around him and he rarely misses a shift.'' At 91 years young, he credits his longevity to ``staying positive and volunteering.'' In his own words, ``It's never too late to enjoy life and serve your fellow man.''

I'd like to thank Sandy Lauder for going above and beyond to serve our North Texas community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Deputy Todd Tipton of the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. On Wednesday, August 7th, as Deputy Tipton tried to serve an arrest warrant to a man suspected of child sex crimes, he was shot multiple times. After receiving gunshot wounds in the arm and lower back, as well as a bullet graze to the neck, Deputy Tipton was rushed to JPS Hospital where, miraculously, he was able to be released the same day.

A highly decorated officer, Deputy Tipton has been an integral part of the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office for the last 13 years, including in his current role as a member of the SWAT team. Executing warrants to apprehend dangerous fugitives is one of Deputy Tipton's many duties that he performs daily to protect our community, putting his life on the line to keep North Texans safe. Despite being shot multiple times, Deputy Tipton is eager to return to duty as soon as he can.

I join the many North Texans praying for Deputy Tipton's swift and full recovery, and I thank him for his continued devotion to serving our community, even at great personal risk.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Lieutenant Colonel Asa Pearson from Bedford, who is retiring from the United States Army after 40 years of honorable service. LTC Pearson began his military career in October 1983, when he enlisted in the Army. He completed his basic training at airborne school and AIT, then he was assigned to the 1st Special Operations Command as a Psychological Operations Specialist. LTC Pearson has been a steadfast pillar in our community, dedicating his time, expertise, and compassion to helping the knowledge and well-being of those who need it most. During his 40 years of service in the Army, he advanced from Private E1 to Sergeant First Class and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management from the University of North Texas.

While working as a PSYOP subject matter expert at the John F. Kennedy School of Special Warfare, LTC Pearson was recommended for, and accepted, a Direct Commission. As a Commissioned Officer, he continued his professional development by attending the Bush School of Government to study International Affairs and by earning a master's degree from Texas Christian University. LTC Pearson has consistently sought opportunities to expand his knowledge, attending the Transportation Officer course, the Civil Affairs Officers Advanced Course, and the PSYOP Officers course. In addition, he has served in the following roles: PSYOP Team Sergeant in Desert Storm, Civil Affairs Joint Staff Officer in the Balkans, PSYOP Detachment Commander to Afghanistan, and Civil Affairs Company Commander in the Horn of Africa.

LTC Pearson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions in Desert Storm and has also received four Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, and the Russian Basic Airborne Badge.

Lieutenant Colonel Asa Pearson exemplifies the finest North Texas has to offer. As we honor him today, we do so not just with gratitude for his 40 years of service in the United States Army, but also with appreciation for his dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Nic Fink. This year, at 31 year old, Nic Fink made history as the oldest first-time Olympic swimming medalist in history, proving that age is no barrier. Growing up in New Jersey, Nic fell in love with swimming as a teenager in high school. He continued to purse his passion while completing an electrical engineering degree at the University of Georgia. In recent years, he's established himself as a top-tier competitor, taking home gold six times at the World Championships and placing fifth in the men's 200-meter breaststroke at the Tokyo games.

After his Olympic debut in Tokyo, he went on to receive his master's in electrical and

computes engineering at Georgia Tech. Nic juggles working a 9-to-5 Job at Quanta Utility Engineering Services while continuing his swim training at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he lives with his wife, Melanie, herself a gold medalist Olympian swimmer. Nic says that he likes to focus on the mental, physical, and emotional demands of performing at the elite level when naming so that ``when the race comes, you don't really have to think at all.''

Nic is an inspiration to North Texans and swimmers of all ages, and I'd like to congratulate him on earning an Olympic Silver Medal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Coppell High School student, Annabella Perk. At age four, Annabella Perk already had her sights set on becoming a chef. Last month, after winning district and regional titles, she competed against students from every county in the Lone Star State and secured the statewide title at the 4-H Food Show at Texas A&M.

Annabella took home the overall first place title for her main dish, seared duck breast with couscous, zucchini, and squash, and also helped her team, ``2 Cowgirls and a Cajun,'' win second place in the food challenge category. Despite facing learning disabilities, Annabella has demonstrated immense culinary talent, honing her skills over the years. Beyond her abilities as a masterful chef, she is a member of the National Honor Society and founded Coppell High School's first Culinary Club. In Annabella's own words, glass ceilings are there to be broken.

Congratulations to Annabella on becoming a state cooking champion.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this necessary rebuke of Vice President Kamala Harris' abject failure to do anything meaningful to secure the southern border and protect American citizens in her responsibility as border czar of the Biden-Harris administration.

Since Harris was given this critically important national security role, control of our southern border has been handed over to ruthless and deadly Mexican cartels that were aided by policies and spending from this administration to engage in the most massive government- sanctioned human-trafficking effort we have seen in American history.

Indeed, because of the Vice President's staggering negligence and outright contempt of actually protecting our Nation, we have seen the largest amount of human slavery in America since before the Civil War. Children are sold as sex slaves. Others are forced to work at gunpoint in illegal marijuana farms. Tens of thousands of other illegal immigrants have simply gone missing because, once Biden and Harris traffic them to destinations across the country, they are dropped with people who are part of cartel human-trafficking rings.

To make this worse, cartels operate gangs in virtually every part of America, which has led to increased domestic violence, rapes, murders, and more than 100,000 dead Americans because of fentanyl poisoning.

Young women and children have been slaughtered in every State as a direct result of Vice President Harris' dereliction of duty, but we should not at all be surprised that the end goal for Vice President Harris was to drive this invasion, regardless of the chaos, pain, and loss of life on American citizens. After all, then-Presidential candidate Harris plainly stated that she wanted to decriminalize illegal immigration. She wanted to give free taxpayer-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants. She serves in a party that has openly stated that they want vast illegal immigration to help them with Census data, populating congressional districts, and holding on to electoral college power for failing liberal States.

The long-term damage done and that is being done to America could be tracked directly back to Vice President Harris, and it is time that this House spoke clearly and definitively against her willful acts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Linda Braddy from the American Red Cross. Linda has extended North Texas' helping hands far beyond our district. Currently deployed in Houston, TX to assist with disaster response efforts against Hurricane Beryl, she has exemplified an unwavering commitment to humanitarian work. Linda serves as the CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas Region.

Her selfless service to those who are most in need has proven to be crucial as she helps uplift communities across our state. As a frontline responder, Linda has worked tirelessly on the ground, taking it upon herself to alleviate suffering and minimize the effects of damage on residents. Her efforts have provided immediate relief, hope, and reassurance to countless individuals affected by the hurricane.

Through her philanthropic endeavors, Linda has epitomized the bravery and selflessness of humanitarians who prioritize the needs of others in times of emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable victims and supporting their recovery.

I want to thank Linda for her extraordinary service. Her instrumental role in coordinating relief efforts is a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength and compassion of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Alexis Gonzalez from the American Red Cross. Alexis has extended North Texas' helping hands far beyond our district. Currently deployed in Houston, TX to assist with disaster response efforts against Hurricane Beryl, she has exemplified an unwavering commitment to humanitarian work. Alexis is a Red Cross volunteer who serves as the North Texas Regional Communications Manager.

Her selfless service to those who are most in need has proven to be crucial as she helps uplift communities across our state. As a frontline responder, Alexis has worked tirelessly on the ground, taking it upon herself to alleviate suffering and minimize the effects of damage on residents. Her efforts have provided immediate relief, hope, and reassurance to countless individuals affected by the hurricane.

Through her philanthropic endeavors, Alexis has epitomized the bravery and selflessness of humanitarians who prioritize the needs of others in times of emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable victims and supporting their recovery.

I want to thank Alexis for her incredible service. Her instrumental role in coordinating relief efforts is a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength and compassion of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Doug Barnes. As Grapevine's favorite custodian, Doug was recently bid a heartwarming farewell by Heritage Elementary School to celebrate his retirement. Affectionately known as Mr. Doug, students at Heritage Elementary have been influenced deeply by his positivity, long cherishing his daily tradition of greeting them with high fives.

Even on his days off, Doug can be found at the students' soccer games and other activities to show his support and cheer them on. Heritage Elementary organized a special surprise to mark the end of Doug's time with the school. In true `Mr. Doug' fashion, students and staff gathered for a celebration of high fives and hugs as they lined the parking lot to thank him with handmade signs and cards. The bittersweet goodbye brought Doug to tears as he reflected on his relationship with the students, saying there's no greater feeling than sowing seeds of kindness and watching them bloom.

Doug's role within the school community and in the hearts of these students is truly irreplaceable. He has gone above and beyond to show the value of kindness and the great impact that even the smallest of gestures can have.

I'd like to thank Doug for exemplifying compassion and setting a great example for young North Texans. His legacy of love and support will always be treasured by our community. Congratulations to Mr. Doug on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Elliott Wyche. A native of Hurst, Elliott has shown us the boundless nature of a child's magical imagination. Born with half a heart and having undergone three open heart surgeries, Elliott has battled immense challenges with remarkable courage and resilience.

Last month, Elliott not only inspired L.D. Bell High School's fine arts department through his creative vision, but he also played an integral role in their musical production. Elliott submitted his original story in the form of illustrations to the Sing Me a Story Foundation, which gave his drawings to Austin composer Mitch Gilly to transform into music.

The school's orchestra, choir, and theater students rehearsed all spring to bring Elliott's creativity to life. The story, titled ``Smashers Crashers,'' follows three superheroes who unite to defeat evil. Both his story and the school's heartwarming gesture are a testament to the broader sense of community and compassion that makes North Texas special.

Elliott has inspired North Texans to overcome adversity with grace, joy, and extraordinary spirit. I look forward to seeing his ambition grow from here.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, in 2022, President Biden issued new Department of Defense policy using taxpayer dollars to fund time off, lodging, and travel expenses for elective abortions. My amendment will stop this unlawful practice and return to the high protections codified in law.

In recent years, President Biden and many of my Democratic colleagues have embraced a radical, pro-abortion stance, going so far as to push to federally legalize abortion for any reason up until the moment of birth.

I am not sure why we have gone from wanting abortions to be safe, legal, and rare to encouraging taxpayer-funded abortion on demand, but here we are. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle can't define a single limitation that my colleagues would support on elective abortions.

Republicans are offering solutions that support women throughout their pregnancy while my colleagues on the other side are taking the antiwoman stance of incentivizing abortions.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to not only follow the law and enforce the law, but to do so while protecting the most vulnerable, the unborn.

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

Mr. Chair, the language in this bill is very straightforward. It would simply roll back Biden's illegal DOD abortion travel policy issued under the October 22 memorandum, returning DOD to the practice in place for decades, under which both Democratic and Republican administrations have agreed.

This amendment has absolutely nothing to do with preventing people from getting medical care. Abortion is not medical care for the baby. It is a brutal procedure that ends the lives of unborn children through suction, dismemberment, or chemical poisoning.

The Biden administration has made taxpayer funding available for abortion at any stage of pregnancy, even for late-term abortions that inflict excruciating pain and suffering on the child. This human rights abuse should not be paid for or encouraged by the U.S. Government.

Abortion is also not medical care for the mother. Abortion can lead to significant physical complications for women and has serious mental health risks. A recent study found that over 60 percent of women who have had abortions report high levels of pressure.

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

Mr. Chair, when we talk about wanting to be concerned about the safety of women, I would say that when we are looking at statistics, if you look at actually far more accurate studies and complete data on pregnancy outcomes, including abortion and childcare, study after study show that a woman is almost four times more likely to die from abortion than from childbirth.

What we are trying to do is actually support women who are pregnant and found themselves in a difficult situation. All we are simply doing in this is going back to the law. We are enforcing the law of not having taxpayer-funded abortions. This has nothing to do with limiting healthcare. This has everything to do with following the law.

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

Mr. Chair, this is about taxpayer-funded abortions, something that has been prevented for five decades. In fact, the Hyde amendment was upheld by the Supreme Court even under Roe v. Wade.

This is not a change in policy. This is continuing policies that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans.

I ask my kind colleagues to tell me, please, how supporting and paying out of DOD funds for a woman to travel across the country to get an abortion has anything to do with protecting our national security.

With already stretched DOD resources, to underwrite abortions through funding for flights and hotels, it is simply pandering to the abortion lobby and does nothing to increase our national security.

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

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

Mr. Chair, I would argue that this was an amendment that last year passed. It was taken out by the Senate.

It is necessary. All we are asking the Department to do is actually follow the law, which, under executive order currently, Biden is trying to have them surpass.

For years, this has been an adoptive practice by both Democrats and Republicans. What we are seeing is extreme measures taken by Democrats to show us exactly where their abortion stance is.

I was on the floor of this House last session when we voted for a bill that would allow taxpayer-funded dollars to be used for abortions up until the moment of birth. If that is not extreme, I don't know what is.

Republicans are supporting women who find themselves in these positions. This is a defense bill. It should not be used to kill innocent lives and put women's lives at unnecessary risk, especially those who are supporting and fighting for this country and our values.

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Maddox Olatunde. As quarterback for L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Maddox Olatunde helped lead the Blue Raiders to victory over their longtime rival, Euless Trinity, for the first time in 25 years. After completing 18 of 21 passes for 150 yards plus 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, Maddox was selected as the Dallas Morning News ``Inside High School Sports'' Player of the Week.

Beyond the football field, Maddox is the team captain of the Varsity Men's Soccer Team and the principal cellist of the L.D, Bell Philharmonic Orchestra. He recently received the 2024 HEB ISD Education Foundation Award of Excellence, which is given to 33 outstanding high school seniors who have worked hard, overcome adversity, found their passion, blossomed, and excelled above their cohorts.

I want to congratulate Maddox on his outstanding achievements, both on the field and off.