Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4028, the Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act.

Currently, far too many U.S.-based information and communications vendors rely on technology from foreign sources. The Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act will require the Department of Commerce to assess the dependence of information and communications vendors on foreign technologies and create a whole-of-government strategy that will bolster the economic competitiveness of U.S. information and communications vendors and reduce their reliance on foreign resources.

With all the supply chain disruptions we have seen this past year, it is important to know how our domestic production of this crucial equipment can be strengthened in the future.

If passed, this piece of legislation brings us one step closer to making sure our Nation's information technology supply chains are secure and free from dependence on foreign countries, such as China.

We need to continue to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that the whole-of-government strategy that is created through this legislation is properly implemented. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure this legislation becomes law.

I thank all of my friends across the aisle for helping us get to this point, and I look forward to getting this bill across the finish line.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of Betty Thomas Johnson.

Born on December 18, 1946, Betty was adopted by Richard and Rosalie Thomas in early 1947. After spending most of her life in Cook County, Illinois, Betty and her husband David Johnson moved to Springfield, Missouri. Once in Springfield, Betty began her advocacy work for the Alzheimer's Association chapter in Southwest Missouri. One of Betty's major focuses was organizing annual events. These events brought awareness of Alzheimer's to the public and raised money for the organization while highlighting people diagnosed with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Betty helped organize six of these annual events during her time with the organization.

On top of this, Betty also advocated on behalf of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's to her elected officials. Until her retirement in 2016, Betty met with me and my staff at least three times a year. During these meetings, Betty would keep my office updated on new and existing programs and sought our continued support in her efforts.

Madam Speaker, Betty Johnson has spent her career advocating for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She has organized events to raise awareness and met with elected officials in support of her work. I have been honored to work with Betty over the last several years and am honored to recognize her dedication and hard work here today.

Madam Speaker, the Ways and Means Committee went in last Saturday to mark up a $3.5 trillion spending bill, and when they got done, they had a $4.3 trillion spending bill.

I don't know exactly how that happened, but I might have a suggestion on how it could have possibly happened.

I am at a trillion. Now two, two trillion. Now three. Are you able to buy $3 trillion down here? Now 3\1/4\. What do you go for? 3\1/2\, 3\1/ 2\. Now 4. Oh, 3\1/2\, now 4. At last call, 3\1/2\. Oh, 4 trillion, 4- 1, 4-1, 4.1, now 2. You can afford 2. 4.2. Now 3. $4.2 trillion, and I have sold it for $4.3 trillion.

You know, Madam Speaker, Missourian Harry Truman said, when you get elected to Congress, you spend your first 6 months up here thinking, wow, how did I ever get here? And then you spend the whole rest of your career thinking, how did some of these other people get here?

If you have watched the boondoggle on the floor this week, you know exactly what I mean.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish Jack Hamlin, a lifetime resident of Springfield, MO, on his upcoming 100th Birthday.

Born October 15, 1921, Jack has seen his fair share of excitement. He was recruited to play minor league baseball for the New York Yankees when WWII broke out in Europe. As many young American men did, Jack enlisted in the military. At first attempting to join the Naval Air Corps, Jack was disqualified for having an enlarged heart, so he joined the Coast Guard. His service brought him to Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 as part of the D-Day invasion. Jack and his unit were tasked with rescuing survivors in the water during the invasion. Amid the German counter assault, Jack and his unit saved 70 men from the

water and brought them to a hospital ship. Jack also took part in the rescue of crewmembers from the SS Leopoldville on Christmas Eve 1944. On June 6, 1944 at Omaha Beach, Jack was the only one that shot down a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190. For his actions that day Jack was awarded the French Legion of Honor, their highest medal for Allied troops.

After the war, Jack returned to Springfield and enrolled at the University of Missouri. He went on to run a successful insurance business in Springfield, and even served one term in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1951 to 1952. He continued to play baseball for the Springfield Generals, which led to him meeting his wife of nearly 60 years. Throughout all of this, Jack has always supported and served his local community.

Madam Speaker, Jack Hamlin has lived a life of service to his community and his country, I wish him a happy 100th Birthday, and many more to come.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Ozark High School Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AJROTC), for receiving National Championships in four separate disciplines, Raider Competition, Air Rifle Three Position Competition, Armed Drill Competition, and Unarmed Drill Competition. This is the first time in the history of AJROTC that one school has accomplished such a feat.

First created in 1916, AJROTC programs have expanded to over 1,700 schools nationwide. The goal of these programs is to develop Cadets into young men and women of impeccable character. A major part of the program is the development of leadership skills. As the Cadets progress, they are given the opportunity to lead younger Cadets. The teaching of the skills molds these men and women into the leaders of tomorrow.

The AJROTC program would not succeed without the hard work of dedicated instructors. There are currently nearly 4,000 instructors nationwide. They come from a variety of backgrounds and are all retired from either active duty, reserve duty, or the National Guard. Among these dedicated individuals are 3 instructors from Ozark High School. Major Danny Cazier, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Allen, and 1st Sergeant William Crawford have more than 60 years of Army and Training experience. They have worked tirelessly to instill in their Cadets the values of citizenship, community and national service, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. It is thanks to their hard work that Ozark High School AJROTC accomplished so much this year.

The Cadets of Ozark High School AJROTC are incredibly hard-working individuals. They begin their practices at 5:00 am, and they frequently sacrifice their Saturdays to the competitions. Their Drill Team also provides Ceremonial Color Guard for a variety of community events. All of this is in addition to their schoolwork.

Madam Speaker, it is clear that our nation needs more young men and women who demonstrate a strong devotion to their community and country. The cadets of Ozark High School AJROTC live these values every day. I commend Major Cazier, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Allen, and 1st Sergeant Crawford, and all the Cadets of Ozark High School for their historic achievements this past year and wish them well in their future competitions.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and storied career of Branson West City Administrator Ken Smith.

Mr. Smith began his tenure in 1998, and since then, has worked tirelessly for the people of Branson West. As City Administrator, he has overseen numerous projects designed to improve and expand the city. Shortly after he took office, the new Sewer Treatment Plant Facility was completed. This facility was designed to meet the needs of the city well into the future and has remained in operation, ready for the city to continue prospering. He has also overseen the expansion of utility lines so that the city can provide essential services to more properties. In addition to these projects, in recent years, sidewalks and streetlights have been added along Business Highway 13, and a new water tower has been approved.

In October 2010, Branson West Municipal Airport was opened. The new airport includes a 5000-foot runway, and 10,000 square foot maintenance hangar connected to the terminal. There are 39 private T-hangars, all of which are occupied, and construction is about to begin on 4 larger square hangars. All of this allows for a general aviation facility, which serves the city and surrounding communities. In 2016, the city limits were expanded south on Highway 13 to Highway DD.

All these projects have allowed for community growth. New businesses have been drawn to the community, and there are more projects underway to encourage further business expansion. The city has also recently acquired land for future parks and recreation. Mr. Smith has overseen all these projects, and many more, during his 23-year tenure as City Administrator.

Madam Speaker, since taking office in 1998, Ken Smith has worked every day for the people of Branson West. He has led several projects and expansions of the city, all designed to improve the community he has so enthusiastically served. I wish him, and his family a happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic career of Evangel University's longtime Men's Basketball coach Steve Jenkins.

After graduating summa cum laude as a student athlete from Evangel in 1974, Coach Jenkins returned to the school in 1977 as an assistant basketball coach. From 1978 to 1983, he served as head coach for the University's baseball team, earning a record of 132-97-3. He also served as head coach of the golf team from 1998 to 2016, bringing the program its first conference championship, and winning Heart Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012. His role as head coach of the basketball team has been his longest, taking over in 1982 and serving in that position ever since. During his tenure, Coach Jenkins has posted a record of 692-542 (.561) and has won 7 Heart of America Conference Championships, while competing in the NAIA Tournament 13 times. His team won the National Title in 2002, with a record of 35-l. He has been named Heart Conference Coach of the Year 7 times and won NAIA Coach of the Year in 2002.

Coach Jenkins record goes beyond wins and losses. A total of 24 of his former players have been named first-team All-Heart Conference, with 6 earning the league's Player of the Year award, along with 2 Freshman of the Year nominees, 4 Newcomer of the Year winners, and one Defensive Player of the Year Recipient. He has also coached 33 NAIA All-American players. As coach of the baseball team, 5 players won All- District honors, including the first NAIA All-American and Academic All-American in program history. More than 30 of his former players and staff members have gone on to hold coaching positions across the nation. This is a testament to the true teacher and mentor that Coach Jenkins is.

In 2014, Coach Jenkins was inducted to the NAIA Hall of Fame, the second inductee from Evangel. This followed his induction to the Evangel Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006, the Millwood Golf and Racquet Club Hall of Fame and Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2016, he was inducted to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Madam Speaker, Coach Jenkins has proven his incredible leadership and coaching skills, and I wish him and his family a happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record an article honoring Sheldon Adelson, who was a truly great American. The following article, by Matt Brooks the Executive Director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, published in Newsweek on January 15, 2021, honors his incredible life and legacy.

Horatio Alger wrote rags-to-riches stories in the 1800s

about poor boys who became wealthy through pluck, luck and

good deeds. Sheldon Adelson did him one better, actually

living a rags-to-riches story rooted in hard work, vision,

courage--and good deeds. With Sheldon's passing, we have lost

not only a remarkably successful business leader and an

extraordinary philanthropist, but someone I was privileged to

call a dear mentor and friend.

It is well known that Sheldon came from humble beginnings,

as the child of immigrants living in Boston's Dorchester

neighborhood. More than 80 years later, he still

viewed the world through the eyes of a poor kid from

Dorchester. As one of the richest men in America, he could

afford the finest wines and any luxury foods he desired. But

those who knew him knew that the best time to meet with

Sheldon was on Friday over lunch in his office, because that

was his favorite day, when his staff would bring him hot dogs

and sliders for lunch and he was sure to be in a good mood.

He never lost his enjoyment for those kinds of simple things.

More than that, Sheldon never lost touch with people. Most

of those who achieve his level of success spend a lot of

money on staff to serve as buffers between them and other

people. Sheldon didn't do that. At Republican Jewish

Coalition events, people would be lined up 20- or 30-deep to

say hello and take pictures with him. He obliged them, even

in the middle of eating his dinner. He gave out his cell

phone number freely and enjoyed being with people, talking to

them and listening to them.

Sheldon was a serial entrepreneur who created dozens of

companies over the years. He was often called a visionary

leader, which is true, but he had more than just vision. Hard

work and courageous confidence (or outrageous confidence, to

your detractors) are required to achieve great things.

Sheldon had a vision of Las Vegas as more than just a

gambling town. He knew that bringing in trade shows and

business conventions and offering grand resorts with the

finest amenities and big, beautiful rooms would make Las

Vegas a top destination for millions of people. When he began

building The Venetian, he was mocked and called a fool. But

he never lost confidence in his vision of what Las Vegas

could be, and today everyone is copying his integrated resort

model.

The same was true in Asia, where Sheldon saw glittering

potential in Macau, then a seedy, prostitution-ridden city.

He turned it into Asia's own Las Vegas, on land reclaimed

from the sea. People called him crazy, but once again he had

the courage of his convictions and he was proven right. His

confidence in his own vision and his willingness to take

risks to bring that vision to fruition were the keys to his

success.

That success made it possible for him and his beloved wife,

Dr. Miriam Adelson, to engage in substantial and meaningful

philanthropy--in the Jewish community and beyond. The

Adelsons have been the largest funders of Taglit-Birthright

Israel and supported Yad Vashem, United Hatzalah and Friends

of the Israel Defense Forces, among other organizations in

Israel. They built a $65 million campus in Las Vegas for the

Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy and Adelson School, which

serves students from preschool through high school. In

addition, their Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical

Research Foundation funds collaborative, cutting-edge medical

research. Dr. Miriam Adelson has contributed enormously to

drug addiction research and therapy, and the Adelsons built

two major drug abuse treatment and research centers, in Las

Vegas and in Israel.

The Adelsons have also extended tremendous kindness to

friends and others in need. Sheldon showed the same

compassion to his employees that he showed to everyone else.

When COVID-19 hit, he refused to lay off his employees, and

he continued to provide them with full pay and benefits

throughout the pandemic.

Sheldon did what he thought was right, in business and in

every other part of his life. If you wanted to argue with

him, you had better know your stuff. Sheldon never got a

college degree, but he was one of the smartest people I've

ever known. He hated yes-men and respected people who were

not intimidated by him or his wealth--people who would give

him honest and sound counsel.

I have a very vivid memory of the first time I met Sheldon.

I traveled to Las Vegas to tell him about the Republican

Jewish Coalition (RJC) and try to get him involved in the

organization. We had a wide-ranging conversation and, at one

point, he asked me what I thought about something he'd said.

I said I disagreed with him. You could have heard a pin drop

in that room. Sheldon cocked his head and asked, ``Why?'' I

answered him honestly, sure that I had lost all chance of

getting him interested in the RJC, but he replied, ``Yeah, I

think you might be right.'' After that, Sheldon was very

involved in the RJC and gave generously not only his money,

but more importantly, his time and good counsel. Much of the

RJC's innovation and impact over the last few years were made

possible by his vision and leadership.

Sheldon was an American patriot, a dedicated defender of

Israel and a living example of the American dream. His

passing truly leaves an empty place where a vibrant,

courageous and caring man once stood. He will be sorely

missed.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 10, 2019, I was unable to vote on any legislative measures due to travel complications. Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

(Roll No. 242) H.R. 542--Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

(Roll No. 243) H.R. 2539--Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

(Roll No. 244) H.R. 2590--DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Richard Maxson, a professor at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, for winning the 8th Annual International Ukulele Contest in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Richard spent his youth performing in his hometown of Ventura, California, and working at Christian summer camps by providing the musical soundtracks to sing-alongs and services.

Little did he know where these experiences would take him.

In 2007, Richard was on a business trip in Hawaii when he came across a sign for free ukulele lessons. Curious to see if he had what it took, Richard signed up and learned his first song: Little Red Hibiscus. Inspired by this, Richard returned to Springfield, bought his first ukulele and became what he refers to as a recovering guitar player.

As much fun as Richard was having, he wanted others to join in on the fun. That's why in 2012 he formed a ukulele club at Drury University, called the DUkes. His goal was to attract Drury students by sitting in a coffee shop playing his ukulele. It worked. By 2013, 20 students joined the club and were drinking coffee and playing the ukulele with him.

Over the next few years, the DUkes, under the direction of Richard, performed at various events in Springfield. In August 2015, the DUkes traveled to Springfield's Sister City of lsesaki, Japan, to perform at the Isesaki Summer Festival. Richard also began performing with his wife, Karen, in a ukulele duo called Uke 66, performing in the United States, Mexico and Japan. On a whim, Richard entered the 8th Annual International Ukulele Contest in Honolulu in 2019. As the only contestant from the mainland United States, Richard was one of six finalists in his division of 19 and older. A few hundred people watched Richard on his way to victory as he performed an original piece, titled ``Hedgehog Cafe,'' which was inspired by a trip he took to Japan with his wife in 2017.

Madam Speaker, the world needs dedicated individuals who are eager to share their gifts with those around them, and that is exactly what Richard has done and continues to do. That is why it is my great honor to rise today congratulating Richard Maxson on his award-winning performance and original composition.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Gary Turner of Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Gary was in the first graduating class at Glendale High School where he excelled at both academics and sports. After high school, he attended the University of Missouri-Rolla until 1968 when he got drafted into the United States Army. During his time in the military, he served in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne, the 1st Infantry Division and finally, with the 25th Infantry Division.

After returning home, Gary continued his service to our country by co-founding a veterans' center in Springfield focused on men and women coming back from war and providing them with the resources they need to assimilate back into society. He has always said it's not what he gets, it's what he can give back.

To add to his already long list of accomplishments serving others, in 2011, Gary took over as head of the Community Foundation in Sarcoxie, which he has led ever since. Created in collaboration with a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to help with job creation and economic development in rural areas, the foundation is a way for residents to give to their community and see the fruits of their labor in real time, as the benefits all go directly into the community. Gary says that the foundation is a way for everyone to get involved in the community, and he hopes that the foundation will last forever. He has also been involved with Sarcoxie Board of Education and City Council and is chairman of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, providing grant assistance to four area counties.

Madam Speaker, as a Member of Congress it is my great pleasure to stand and recognize the lifetime of service that Gary Turner has given to his country and local communities. He has truly earned this great honor, and I ask all Americans to join me in thanking him.

Mr. Speaker, today I have the honor of introducing my friend, the Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney, along with his wife, Christine, and my wife, Barbara, in the gallery, and the Hargis family from Springfield, Missouri, members of the First and Calvary Church.

Reverend Chaney is a third-generation minister. Reverend Chaney serves as the senior minister at the historic First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, a church that is a very special place for my family. Reverend Chaney serves as an important spiritual voice for us and the Springfield community.

Congress has a longstanding tradition of beginning each day in prayer. I am privileged and honored to have the opportunity to welcome Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney to the people's House as he opened today's session in prayer.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the history, service and accomplishments of the National Society of Pershing Rifles, whose members and alumni will observe the organization's 125th Anniversary during its national convention, March 14 through 16 in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1891, Second Lieutenant John J. Pershing, then a military instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, selected a top-tier group of cadets to ``promote the highest ideals of the military profession,'' among other things, within the Nebraska cadet corps. In 1894, the group was named The Pershing Rifles, in honor of their founder and mentor. Lieutenant Pershing would go on to become Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I, and remains the only active duty American to be awarded the rank of General of the Armies of the United States.

Since its humble beginnings, the Pershing Rifles have vastly expanded, and now numbers more than 600 ROTC cadet and midshipman members spread across more than 60 campuses nationwide. Now in its 125th year, members remain steadfast in their determination to carry on the organization's original goal of promoting excellence in the military arts.

The mission of the National Society of Pershing Rifles is to aid in the development of successful officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force; foster camaraderie and esprit de corps among all three Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs; further the purposes, traditions, and concepts of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and give civilians an opportunity to be part of a military organization without formal commitment to the military.

Alumni of the Pershing Rifles have fought with valor and distinction as military and naval officers in every American conflict since the Spanish-American War. Distinguished alumni include former Secretary of State Colin Powell, among many other notable American military, political, professional, and cultural leaders.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise and recognize 125 years of service to the nation since the formation of the Pershing Rifles. Throughout their history, they have strived for excellence in all that they do and have clearly lived up to the vision of their founder. I can think of no tribute more fitting, to honor the living legacy of General of the Armies John J. Pershing and his vision for military and civic excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of New Covenant Academy, located in Springfield, Missouri.

New Covenant Academy was founded in 1979 by a group of parents and grandparents, who wanted to afford their children the right to a Christian education. This dedicated group could not have imagined that after 40 years in operation, the school would grow from 22 enrolled students during the first year, to 650 this academic year. It is fitting, that to celebrate their 40th Anniversary, New Covenant Academy will open a second campus, providing a new home to the 5th through 8th grade classes.

The mission statement of New Covenant Academy is simple, ``New Covenant Academy is a Christian college preparatory school committed to achieving Academic Excellence teaching Biblical Truth and developing Christ-like Character for students grades JRK through 12th grade in the greater Springfield area.'' This is what that small group of dedicated parents wanted and envisioned when they set out to open this school in 1979.

Mr. Speaker, New Covenant Academy has served the Springfield area for the past 40 years. Over that time, they have provided Christian education to many students, and making a lasting impact on the lives of all who walk through their doors. They have achieved their goal through hard work and faith. I am pleased to rise today, honoring a truly tremendous school.