Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Honorable William D. Tate as he celebrates his Golden Jubilee of service to the City of Grapevine, Texas.

A native of Grapevine, Mayor Tate grew up along the city's historic Main Street and developed a deep appreciation for its heritage, character, and people. For more than fifty years, he has served his community with steadfast leadership. integrity, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the qualities that make Grapevine unique.

Throughout his distinguished tenure. Mayor Tate has played an instrumental role in protecting Grapevine's historic charm while thoughtfully guiding its growth into the vibrant and thriving community it is today. His leadership has encouraged economic development, strengthened civic pride, and helped establish Grapevine as a destination recognized throughout Texas and beyond.

In addition to his service as Mayor, William D. Tate is a respected attorney, historian, and storyteller whose knowledge and passion have enriched the cultural fabric of Grapevine. As one of the longest- serving mayors in the United States, his remarkable legacy reflects a rare and enduring dedication to public service.

Mayor Tate's Golden Jubilee represents far more than a milestone of years served. It is a celebration of a lifetime devoted to the citizens of Grapevine and of the profound impact his leadership has had on the identity and success of the city.

I congratulate Mayor Tate on his Golden Jubilee and thank him for his extraordinary service and enduring commitment to the Grapevine community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8873, the Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act, which I was proud to introduce with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), my bipartisan partner.

This commonsense legislation creates a Federal task force to work with States to recover unspent Federal pandemic unemployment funds that remain frozen in financial institutions and return those taxpayer dollars to the U.S. Treasury, but Congress must act quickly.

Last December, the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General issued two fraud alerts identifying nearly $1 billion in unspent Federal unemployment funds frozen by banks because of suspected fraud. Those funds are now sitting on millions of prepaid debit cards that States used to distribute supplemental unemployment benefits during the pandemic.

More than 6 years later, many of these accounts have simply been forgotten. They remain unreconciled by State workforce agencies and, in many cases, have even been transferred to State unclaimed property divisions, making recovery even that much more difficult. Without congressional action, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars could be lost permanently.

The Committee on Ways and Means has made combating pandemic unemployment fraud a top priority. Earlier this year, the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare held a hearing that examined the scope of this problem and the consequences of failing to act.

During that hearing, the Department of Labor Inspector General testified that the fraud alerts covered prepaid debit card accounts across 21 States and that more than $200 million in suspected fraudulent funds have already been transferred into State unclaimed property programs.

H.R. 8873 addresses this problem by establishing a Federal task force, led by a national recovery coordinator, to partner with States in identifying, recovering, and returning those Federal unemployment dollars to taxpayers.

The bill also extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting pandemic unemployment fraud from 5 years to 10 years. This provision mirrors H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, which passed the House last year with bipartisan support.

Federal investigators are still actively pursuing hundreds of pandemic fraud cases. Since October 2025 alone, the Department of Labor Inspector General has brought 59 criminal matters to prosecution, resulting in charges against 131 individuals and more than $16 million in recoveries. Extending the statute of limitations ensures prosecutors have the time they need to hold fraudsters accountable.

This legislation has earned bipartisan support from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and Strategic Services on Unemployment & Workers' Compensation.

Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar that cannot serve hardworking Americans or reduce our Nation's debt. It is not too late to recover these taxpayer funds, and it is not too late to hold criminals accountable. H.R. 8873 gives us the tools to do both.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Richard Weber of the Grapevine Police Department on the occasion of his retirement after more than 29 years of dedicated service in law enforcement. Throughout his distinguished career, Officer Weber has demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of North Texas.

Officer Weber began his law enforcement career in 1991 and joined the Grapevine Police Department in 1996. Much of his career was dedicated to the Criminal Investigations Unit, where he focused on Crimes Against Children, reflecting his deep commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community.

In addition to serving as a patrol officer and investigator, Officer Weber was a member of the Grapevine Emergency Response Team, serving as a Sniper/Marksman and later as Sniper Team Leader. He also specialized in computer forensics and cell phone investigations, earning certification as a Forensic Computer Examiner.

After obtaining his Master Peace Officer License in 2005, Officer Weber later transitioned into the role of School Resource Officer, where he continued serving and mentoring students and families in the Grapevine community. His dedication to youth earned him the Friend of the Children Award in 2024 and the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award in 2025.

Officer Richard Weber's commitment to public service has left a lasting impact on the Grapevine community. I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to him as he begins his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Corporal Marco Valladares for his outstanding service to the City of Euless as he retires after more than three decades in law enforcement and a lifetime dedicated to serving others.

Before joining the Euless Police Department, Corporal Valladares proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1982 to 1990 as a RADAR Technician on the F-4 Phantom Jet Fighter, earning an Honorable Discharge for his service to our Nation.

Throughout his distinguished career with the Euless Police Department, Corporal Valladares served in numerous roles, including Patrol Officer, Gang Officer, SWAT Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Criminal Investigator, and School Resource Officer. Promoted to Police Corporal in 1993, he served with professionalism and integrity for more than 30 years.

Among his many contributions, Corporal Valladares established the Euless Bicycle Patrol Program, strengthening relationships between officers and the community through neighborhood policing efforts. He also served on the Euless SWAT Team for more than a decade and later became a SWAT Hostage Negotiator and Criminal Investigator, bringing steady leadership to some of the department's most difficult situations.

Since 2012, Corporal Valladares has served as the School Resource Officer at Central Junior High School, where he became a trusted mentor and role model to countless students and families in the Euless community.

A dedicated public servant and lifelong learner, Corporal Valladares earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude, from Columbia College and obtained numerous advanced certifications throughout his career, including his Texas Master Peace Officer License.

I thank Police Corporal Marco Valladares for his leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and warmly welcome the 8th grade class of WiIIiam B. Travis Vanguard & Academy for the Talented and Gifted--known as Travis TAG--from Dallas, Texas, as they visit our Nation's Capital from May 1 through May 4, 2026.

This outstanding group of 83 students, accompanied by their dedicated teachers and chaperones, represents the very best of Dallas ISD. Travis TAG, located in Uptown Dallas and represented by the Timberwolf mascot, has once again been named the number one public middle school in Texas by U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Schools rankings. The school earned an A+ rating from Children at Risk and a 10 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools--a testament to the excellence, commitment, and talent of its students, educators, and families.

These students have demonstrated remarkable achievement both inside and outside the classroom. They excel in fine arts, athletics, debate, robotics, student government, and academic competitions across science, math, and beyond. Their presence here in Washington reflects not only their academic success, but also the strong support of their families and community, including partners like Uptown Dallas Inc. and Bread Winners Uptown, whose generosity helped make this trip possible.

As part of their 8th grade U.S. History curriculum, these students have spent the past year studying the foundations of our Nation--from the colonial era through Reconstruction. Their visit brings those lessons to life. During their time here, they will tour the United States Capitol, visit the National Archives Building to see the founding documents, and explore institutions such as the National Museum of American History. They will walk the grounds of Mount Vernon to learn about George Washington, and visit Fort McHenry, a defining site of the War of 1812.

They will also engage with the broader American story through visits to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and honor those who have served our country with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

This visit is especially meaningful as our Nation approaches its semiquincentennial. For many of these students, who have spent years learning and growing together, this trip marks both the culmination of their middle school experience and the beginning of their journey as engaged citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming the Travis TAG Class of 2026 to Washington, D.C. May their time here deepen their understanding of our Nation's history, inspire a lifelong commitment to civic engagement, and remind them that the future of this country rests in capable hands such as theirs.

It is an honor to have them here.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, and I thank my colleague Congressman Panetta from California for also helping to introduce this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 6903, the Ensuring Children Receive Support Act.

Nearly 2 weeks ago, families experienced one of the largest tax refund seasons on record, with an estimated $91 billion already issued as part of an expected $370 billion refund season. On average, families can look forward to nearly $4,000 back in their pockets compared to last year, and families with two children earning $73,000 will have no Federal income tax liability.

Supporting working families is more important than ever, especially now that the working families tax cuts have been signed into law. By claiming the standard deduction and the child tax credit, families keep more of their hard-earned money to be able to provide for their families by putting food on the table, covering rent, or keeping

up with everyday expenses, giving them immediate relief when it matters most.

However, ensuring children are taken care of should not be negotiable, particularly in joint custody households where both parents share responsibility. When child support obligations go unmet, that responsibility breaks down, leaving children without the consistent support they deserve.

In 2024 alone, there were over 8 million unpaid child support cases-- at the direct expense of our children. That is why stronger enforcement tools are necessary to hold delinquent parents accountable.

Mr. Speaker, just weeks after the Ways and Means Committee marked up my legislation, we have seen reports that the administration is moving to proactively revoke passports for individuals who owe significant child support. That reinforces exactly what this bill is about: making sure the tools we already have are used both effectively and consistently.

The passport denial program administered by the State Department currently allows for the denial or revocation of a passport when an individual owes more than $2,500 in past-due child support and seeks consular services.

My bill strengthens this program by requiring the State Department to revoke an individual's passport and notify them of the intent to take such action. If an individual is abroad when their passport is revoked, the State Department may make an emergency exception to allow that individual to return to the United States.

Since its implementation, this program has successfully collected over $600 million in past-due child support, including $30 million in 2024 alone. This legislation builds on that success by strengthening enforcement and ensuring accountability for those who deliberately evade their obligations as parents.

When parents meet their responsibilities, children have greater stability. Families are stronger, and taxpayers are not left picking up the tab.

Mr. Speaker, this is a commonsense, bipartisan step forward and a clear win for children and families. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize TRAC Global Group for its commitment to economic development, international partnership, and cultural exchange, and to commend its growing investment in North Texas. I include in the Record the following proclamation in recognition of it:

Whereas, TRAC Global Group is a global developer and

investor headquartered in South Korea with a strong record of

success in international real estate and infrastructure

development, and is expanding its presence in North Texas;

and

Whereas, under the leadership of Chairman Chong Mun, a

distinguished Korean American entrepreneur, TRAC Global Group

has demonstrated visionary leadership and has played a

meaningful role in strengthening economic and cultural ties

between the United States and South Korea; and

Whereas, the company has successfully collaborated with

global partners. financial institutions, and public entities

on major residential and commercial developments, showcasing

its ability to execute transformative, large-scale projects;

and

Whereas, TRAC Global Group has proposed the K-Wave Cluster

Project as a multi-phase development in the Dallas-Fort Worth

region, designed to serve as a hub for Korean lifestyle,

integrating food, beauty, entertainment, culture, and

technology into one destination; and

Whereas, this project is expected to generate significant

economic impact by creating jobs, supporting small

businesses, encouraging workforce development, and

contributing to long-term regional growth; and

Whereas, the project will further position North Texas as a

center for innovation, international collaboration, and

cultural exchange, strengthening the relationship between

local communities and global partners; and

Whereas, TRAC Global Group's commitment to innovation,

sustainability, and economic vitality reflects a shared

vision for continued growth and opportunity in the region;

and

Now, therefore, I recognize TRAC Global Group for its

contributions to economic development, cultural exchange, and

international partnership, and commend its leadership for its

investment in the North Texas community. I extend my best

wishes for continued success in its future endeavors and for

the positive impact it will bring to the region and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Officer Brad Mitchell of the Grapevine Police Department on the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service in law enforcement. Officer Mitchell's career has been defined by dedication, professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our North Texas communities.

Officer Mitchell began his law enforcement career in September 1993 with the Colleyville Police Department, where he served until April 1996. He then joined the Grapevine Police Department, where he dedicated the remainder of his career to protecting and serving the residents of Grapevine and the surrounding North Texas community.

Throughout his tenure with the Grapevine Police Department, Officer Mitchell served in numerous assignments, including Patrol, Traffic, the Mall Substation, and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). He also served as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and guiding new officers entering the profession. His work in Traffic as a DWI/DRE Traffic Investigator and in CID as a Traffic Investigator and Fraud Investigator reflects the breadth of his experience and his steadfast commitment to public safety.

His career exemplifies the very best of public service, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on the Grapevine Police Department and the community he has served for three decades. I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to him as he begins this well- deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Lieutenant Tim Gill for his distinguished 29-year career in law enforcement and his dedicated service to our North Texas community.

Lieutenant Gill began his career with the Grapevine Police Department on February 24, 1997, and was certified as a Texas Peace Officer on July 7, 2004. Over nearly three decades, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership, and professionalism in every role he has held. Lieutenant Gill holds a master's degree from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Bluefield College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Police Executive Research Forum, reflecting his continued commitment to professional development and excellence in law enforcement.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Gill has served in a wide range of impactful roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Instructor, and Explorer Advisor. He made significant contributions to community engagement and public safety through his work as a Crime Prevention Officer, Crime Prevention Inspector, and Homeowner's Insurance Inspector. He also served in both the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions before advancing to Lieutenant in Patrol and later serving as the Office of Professional Standards Lieutenant. In addition, Lieutenant Gill played a critical role as the Accreditation Manager for the Grapevine Police Department's first accreditation through the Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, helping to advance the department's professional standards and accountability.

Lieutenant Gill's career exemplifies integrity, leadership, and dedication to service. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the Grapevine Police Department and the community he has faithfully served. As he moves into this next chapter, I offer my best wishes for his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Arbor Creek Elementary School in Euless, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 50 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Berkner High School and STEM Academy in Richardson, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans Program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 20 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of RISD Academy in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 290 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Bedford Heights Elementary School in Bedford, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 30 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Moss Haven Elementary School in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program.

Through this initiative, students created more than 20 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office.

This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas.

The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3971) to extend the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which reauthorizes the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs through September 30, 2031.

The SBIR and the STTR programs are critical to American innovation and help ensure the United States remains a step ahead of foreign adversaries.

This reauthorization package is the culmination of countless hours of bicameral and bipartisan negotiations over several months.

I thank my colleagues in the House--Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez with the Committee on Small Business and Chairman Babin and Ranking Member Lofgren with the Committee on Science, Space & Technology--for their work to get these programs reauthorized.

I thank Chairman Ernst and Ranking Member Markey for advancing this bill through the Senate.

Today is the day we get these programs back online for small businesses across the country. The SBIR and the STTR programs have helped small businesses turn big ideas into real solutions by providing early-stage funding for more than 40 years. These investments have produced groundbreaking technologies that strengthen America's economy and our national defense.

Unfortunately, both these programs were shut down for the first time for the last 5 months due to the Senate's inability to pass a short- term clean reauthorization while negotiations continued.

This lapse created uncertainty for small businesses, delayed critical innovation, and risked allowing critical technology to fall into the hands of foreign adversaries.

This reauthorization package contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies.

This bill also aims to bridge the valley of death between research and commercialization by providing training for acquisition officials, improving data collection across participating agencies, and modernizing technical and business assistance for small businesses.

The chairman and ranking member have shown their commitment to ensuring these programs remain strong, operate efficiently, and support small business innovators, while advancing research and development.

From lifesaving medical advancements to next-generation defense capabilities, the SBIR and the STTR programs empower Main Street to deliver real solutions for both the government and the private sector.

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and their staff for working to find a bipartisan path forward to reauthorizing these critical programs. I look forward to seeing this bill enacted and the new innovative ideas that follow. I urge my colleagues to support this unanimous commonsense solution.

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

Mr. Speaker, we must pass S. 3971 to ensure that Federal investment yields results for our country.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 3971 to support small businesses across the country in advancing technology and innovation. It is time for small businesses to access SBIR and STTR programs again after 5 long months.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.