Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the MILCON amendment.

This is actually something that we agree on, that most people would agree on. We have apartments that our airmen are staying in at Hill Air Force Base where literally they have to section off corners of the sidewalk because bricks are falling off the building.

This is not up to the standard of what we would like to provide for our men and women who are willing to go and serve in this capacity. This is something that we all agree on.

The reason I stand to oppose the amendment is because it just increases the costs for a MILCON budget that is already laden with a lot of work with very little money. This will require a sort of preference for local hiring, which is a good thing, but it also adds in a lot of bureaucracy with respect to licensing and making sure that every single military construction contractor has all the little prerequisites for each State. This is something that we have rejected in the past, and it ultimately just adds a lot of cost.

It is ironic that both the Trump and Biden administrations disagree with this. Chambers of commerce actually oppose this. A few others that are noteworthy are the defense industry of America, Association of General Contractors, and American Council of Engineering Companies. They all oppose this effort.

Again, this impacts the skilled workforce. Every single construction company that I talk to right now says they can't even hire in their local area. So to require companies to go to each area where there is a base and take away some of their skilled workforce to then go hire a workforce that is in that particular city, it adds an extra burden.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I oppose this amendment passionately as I jumped into a debate on this during general debate, because I am so excited to jump into it. I appreciate the opportunity to speak.

This to me is a classic case of we agree, we just are seeing a very different approach in how we want to go about doing this. I have enjoyed my time on the Armed Services Committee immensely these past 9 months, and for one reason alone, we can find areas of collaboration and areas that we can work on together.

Military construction that will go towards projects like providing housing for our men and women serving is a top priority across the board for Democrats and Republicans. I am going to highlight just some of the fundamental, key reasons why this amendment and many others, especially industry folks, with respect to the chamber of commerce, the National Defense Industry of America, the Associated General Contractors of America, and American Council of Engineering Companies, they oppose this effort.

In addition to the industry side, and I never thought that I would say this as I start my debate, President Biden

and his administration are also in opposition to this for a few key reasons.

One, this impacts skilled workforce. The local hiring preferences would significantly impact the military construction contractors' workforce by creating scenarios where long-term, highly skilled workers may have to be laid off in order to meet local hire mandates. Then, in order to comply with the requirements, employers would have to bring in unnecessary and unskilled workers to fill those now vacant positions, creating additional costs and safety concerns.

Local preference requirements falsely assumes that there is a local pool of qualified military contractors at the ready, and they are capable of performing the work. In the language you see, the language even uses ``when practical.'' And I always struggle with that, because how can we legislate on ``when practical''?

I believe we should let the individuals that are putting out bids and winning these contracts determine what they can best do for those areas.

Now, I am a huge supporter of local support. And you can go to Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah, to find out how we have been able to embrace the local community and enhanced use-lease projects. We are doing it better than anywhere else in the country, and I am firm on it, and I am actually willing to share the best practices, and I am pushing hard to change up some of these budget requirements or these labeling requirements so we can kind of blow through the issues that we have.

The MILCON budget is overloaded right now. We do not have the money to do a fraction of the projects that we have out there. Like I mentioned earlier, bricks are literally falling off the dormitories for our airmen.

Other reasons to oppose it. This is contrary to judicial precedence. Leslie Miller, Inc. versus Arkansas, the Supreme Court ruling held that the bid on Federal contracts cannot be required to first submit state licensing procedures. It undermines competition.

And lastly, but most importantly, it increases cost to contractors and government at a time where we don't have enough money in our MILCON budget to add additional costs.

So again, with the increased costs right now every construction company I talk to are bursting at the seams with potential projects and no labor to do it. If we add on additional requirements to hire specifically locally, even if the contract is sort of similar, if you do the base in Tinker and then you go to Air Force base, and you go to Wright-Patt, there is consistency there. There is opportunity to scale. This is a fundamental business concept where we have to be able to leverage and allow for business and industry to thrive and do this more cost effectively.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am just going to reiterate the concept of the enhanced use lease that is done better than anywhere else that I have discussed or heard or seen at our base in Utah.

I want to take this opportunity to highlight that that is embracing the local workforce, and it is doing it more cost-effectively on multiple different types of projects.

I am going to continue to push for us to embrace that concept more within all of our military bases because it has proven to be a really good model to do it more cost-effectively and with the right type of labor.

This adds an extra burden that is unnecessary to be able to accomplish what we want it to. I will again reiterate that increased costs to a MILCON budget that can't even do the work that it is trying to do right now is only going to exacerbate the issue. We need to let these companies that bid on these projects do this the appropriate way and without adding a whole bunch of extra burdens.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to simply tell my team thank you for the work that they have

been putting in in the last several weeks.

The individuals that work in our Washington, D.C. and our Ogden, Utah, district offices are truly the unsung heroes in our world.

I often get the credit by having my name on a bill or my name on an interview, but the work that they have been doing to help our American citizens in Afghanistan and our partners is unprecedented.

All summer we have been dealing with State Department backlogs to get their passports so they can go to Costa Rica or something like that, and they have been doing a very good job. It all turned very real as we have been working around the clock and taking an enormous amount of stress and anguish to do our part.

I hope that the First District of Utah knows that our team is working to do everything we can to help out those families who are directly affected by this.

Our thoughts and prayers are going to a better outcome as we come out of this.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas.

My bill this week was about 415-0, so I also know how to work in a bipartisan manner. I think that is probably what I appreciate the most about your leadership on the Committee on Natural Resources, the recognition of the long-term challenges that we have but being able to come up with real solutions for the short term.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to continue the conversation that many of my colleagues have highlighted from their own individual districts. Coming from Utah, we are experiencing the worst drought in our modern history.

Madam Speaker, 99.9 percent of Utah, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, is experiencing extreme drought. The entire State is under this.

The impact of this crisis cannot be overstated. The lack of water will reduce food and jobs and increase the frequency and size of wildfires. Unfortunately, our agriculture sector is bearing much of the brunt of this.

Farmers and ranchers in my State and district have had to reduce their water use by 70 to 75 percent compared to 2020 numbers. This will increase food prices for years to come, but it will also decimate rural economies, which hurt our State and our Nation.

The scope of this issue is magnified by the rapid population growth taking place in the West. In Utah, the population is expected to double by 2065. Increased water demand will strain our water infrastructure and could cripple economic expansion.

We must pursue creative water policies that allow us to respond to the crises of today while preparing for the challenges of the future.

I am proud of the great work being done by State leaders in Utah and in our Western States that are working toward this very goal. Here in Washington, we must carefully consider ways we can streamline, improve, and update laws and regulations that make it difficult for States to build the water infrastructure projects they need to meet our ever- increasing demands.

As this issue intensifies, it is incumbent upon us to give this crisis the attention that it deserves, to collaborate and to work toward a solution that can enable our communities to prosper in these difficult times.

Madam Speaker, we owe this to our constituents, our districts, and our States.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Police Corporal Troy C. Davis, a true servant of the community who passed away suddenly and tragically on July 12, 2021.

Born August 15, 1970, Troy lived a life defined by service to his community and his family. Corporal Davis served for over two decades as a member of the Vernal City Police Department with the utmost care. Through his actions, he demonstrated that our law enforcement truly cares for members of our communities.

Corporal Davis took on a unique role by serving the younger generation. The Vernal City Police Department partnered with the Uintah School District to establish a School Resource Officer position to keep local schools safe. As the School Resource Officer at both Vernal Middle School and Uintah Middle School, Corporal Davis's work ensured that the students of Vernal had a safe learning environment. All who knew Corporal Davis knew of his genuine care for the students he protected and served. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the community.

On July 16 and 17, Vernal came together to honor the life and service of Corporal Davis. With his police vehicle parked at the Uintah Conference Center for tribute, members of the community left signs, notes, cards, and flowers to honor his life and his decades of service. His funeral was held on Saturday, and it provided all those who knew him an opportunity to celebrate his life of selfless service.

Corporal Davis was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to his service as a member of the Vernal City Police Department, Corporal Davis served an LDS mission in Sydney, Australia. He was defined by his faithful service to his church and community.

Corporal Davis is survived by his wife, Mariel (Goodrich) Davis; his children, Hayden Troy (Erin) Davis, Aliya Madeline Rich, Breanna Marie (Caden) Nerdin, Ashlen Layne Davis, Randon Bryan Davis, and Taegan Troy Davis; and his grandchildren, Kayson Troy Davis and Noah Scott Davis. I join the Davis family and the entire community in mourning his loss

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Isaac Tate Berbert, a treasured member of the Berbert family and a friend who was taken from us far too soon on June 20, 2021.

Born January 22, 2003 in Layton, Utah, Isaac was full of life and adventure. After living in Beijing, London, Shenyang, Samoa, and Utah, Isaac developed a deep fascination and love for the world around him, leading him to memorize country flags and study the World Almanac.

After graduating from Davis High School just a few short weeks ago, Isaac planned to attend the University of Utah on an academic scholarship this Fall. He aspired to supplement his education by becoming a pilot so that he could continue his travels for years to come.

Isaac's passion for travel was matched by his love of the outdoors. He spent endless hours with friends in the wilderness staring at the stars in the sky.

More than anything else, Isaac will be remembered for his special relationship with his family. Whether fishing with his grandpa or swimming in the open waters of the Pacific with his older brother Lincoln, Isaac was a beautiful presence in the lives of his loved ones.

Isaac is survived by his father, Chad Jonathan; his mother, Anne Elizabeth; his sister, Mia Lucia Schramm (Taris); his brothers, Lincoln James, Eli Jenkins, and Jacob Christopher; and his many grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

My sincere hope is that, for years to come, Father's Day can be a special day to celebrate Isaac, his life, and what he meant to his family. I join the Berbert family and the entire community in mourning the loss of Isaac. He was tragically taken from us far too soon, but his memory will live on with those who loved him forever.

After graduating, Isaac's dream was to take over the world. Even now, I know he is accomplishing that special dream. We will miss Isaac.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.

For nearly half a century, Republicans and Democrats shared a bipartisan position that we should not use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. Unfortunately, Democrats have now changed their mind.

Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that we codify the Hyde amendment, which protects the conscience rights of all Americans. We must also continue working across the aisle on solutions for low-income mothers and children, including housing, childcare, and healthcare to ensure every child is given equal opportunities, no matter the circumstances of their conception or birth.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I am unable to vote today because I am attending the funeral of a close friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 186 (H.R. 2225), ``yea'' on rollcall No. 187 (H.R. 3593) and, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 188 (H.R. 391).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to the CRA before us.

Innovation in our financial industry lifts Americans across all levels of the socioeconomic spectrum. A great example of this has been the emergence of the fintech industry, which has helped more Americans access secure, affordable credit.

Unfortunately, government regulation has stymied innovation as regulatory uncertainties have imposed artificial barriers to our creativity. Recent court rulings have only exacerbated this uncertainty by creating confusion about who the true lender of a loan is when a bank works with a third party.

In 2020, the Office of the Comptroller sought to clarify this uncertainty by finalizing the true lender rule. This rule allowed our local community and regional banks to provide expanded access to banking services and lower the cost of banking to consumers across the Nation. It is that simple.

Commonsense reforms that help banks and the fintech industry do business, in turn, make life easier for families, individuals, and businesses. Unfortunately, my Democrat colleagues are seeking to roll this rule back.

Nullifying the rule will decrease credit accessibility for underserved communities, hurt community banks' ability to utilize new technologies, and dissuade innovation in the financial services sector.

Madam Speaker, I oppose S.J. Res. 15, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make a simple point in support of the women and men serving in uniform across America. We must reject the myopic narrative that the actions of a dishonorable very few should dominate how we view, appreciate, and honor our police force.

Prior to Congress, I worked as a consultant with professionals in many industries. I never met anyone in any field who wasn't interested in improving their performance, and our police force is no different. However, if we continue to criticize and demonize our officers as a whole, we may find ourselves in a position where good, honorable men and women, professionals like fallen Officer Nathan Lyday from Ogden, Utah, who was killed almost one year ago in the line of duty, are no longer willing to wear the badge.

I am so grateful for our Nation's police force. They need our backing now, more than ever, and it is our duty to support them as we learn and move forward from recent tragic events.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of these amendments. Utah ranks second in the country for percentage of land owned by the Federal Government, so we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with land designations.

Mr. Speaker, with Utah's interests in mind, I introduced a commonsense amendment that would require local land officials to approve wilderness designations, empowering the local communities to work with the Federal Government on major land decisions, and the previous comments actually emphasize the importance of that. And I appreciate that, and I respect that, the local input that the gentlewoman was mentioning.

Our system works best when there is close collaboration between all levels in government. Our State and local governments see firsthand obstacles to successfully managing their resources, and they are experts in their communities' unique needs and concerns. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to bring local officials to the table so that we can make the most informed land decisions possible.

Wilderness areas can be beautiful, but these designations bring many challenges. Our Federal lands will be best managed when we include our constituents' perspectives. Unfortunately, this process has denied my Republican colleagues and me the ability to do just that.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for these very sensible and reasonable amendments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of Lieutenant Commander Michael J. Hall to his community, country, and the fight against COVID-19.

Service to one's country is rarely convenient, particularly not for a father of four with a thriving orthopedic surgery practice. Yet, in September 2019, Dr. Hall overcame adversity to join the Navy Reserve at the age of 48.

Earlier that year, one of Mike's boys showed interest in joining the Navy. A concerned father, Dr. Hall wanted to speak directly to the recruiter. By the end of the call, he inquired about joining himself.

Just 6 months after his commissioning, Dr. Hall was given 36 hours' notice to voluntarily deploy to hard-hit New York City, wearing the only uniform he had without having even completed his basic officer training.

While many of us were scrambling to buy toilet paper, Dr. Hall fought an unknown virus in a makeshift ICU unit with dozens of intubated patients.

Now a seasoned veteran of this pandemic with a deployment under his belt, Dr. Hall is finally attending his basic officer training. No amount of instruction can teach the qualities that Mike Hall already personifies: honor, courage, and commitment, not when it was convenient, but when it mattered most.

Inspired by his father, Mike's son has now also joined the military, building on a new family vision formed in a makeshift ICU ward during a very dark spring in New York City.

Dr. Hall, I thank you for your service, and Mrs. Hall, I thank you even more for your service. You have made Ogden proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with this lands package.

I was elected just this past November, with many of my freshmen colleagues, and I am sincere in my commitment to work with my Democratic colleagues on the Committee on Natural Resources. However, the majority is pushing legislation with significant environmental and economic costs for the American people without a markup or hearing.

The work that was done in the 116th Congress or before is great. We are in the 117th Congress now, and I sincerely would like to have had that opportunity. I was excited to be able to put forth some amendments to this.

This package disregards input from local and State officials, puts our lands at greater risk for wildfires, and threatens livelihoods for those who work in extractive industries at a time when our country is financially hurting from the pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, this style of policymaking is unsustainable, and it has major ramifications for Utahns. The policies that result from H.R. 803 will impact jobs and recreation and restrict local input over our lands.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I oppose H.R. 803. But I stand here hopeful that we can come together and find common ground.

Madam Speaker, when the gentleman says perspective, the part I would like to highlight is that it is about balance. I am going to speak to that in a little bit, but before my comments get drowned out in some of the prepared statements, making sure there is balance benefits all, and it is something that I am really passionate about and Utahns are passionate about.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on the Biden administration to reverse its unilateral orders, including Executive Order 14008 pausing new oil and gas leases on Federal land; Secretarial Order 3395 suspending mineral leasing and permits; and Executive Order 13990 revoking the Keystone XL pipeline permit.

Utah, as the gentleman mentioned, has the second highest percentage of federally owned land at about 65 percent. Approximately 10,000 Utahns rely on the oil and gas industry for their employment and livelihoods. These orders will result in Utah families losing their jobs and will reduce crucial funding for conservation programs that protect the natural wonders of my home State and our great country.

They will make our country more reliant on imported energy from other countries with lower environmental standards than our own and weaken our national security foothold. Restricting extraction has real costs for our schools, our first responders, and public services. The Keystone pipeline's MOU with North America's Building Trades Unions will provide $10 million in renewable energy job training for union workers and invests a total of $1.7 billion in renewable energy infrastructure, proving that a productive balance of development and conservation can be achieved.

Rushed executive actions do not allow for collaboration with the people who are directly impacted by these decisions. Utahns will feel the negative effects of these orders.

I encourage the administration to reverse these actions and work with a bipartisan group of legislators on solutions that both protect and develop our cherished lands. I ran on a sincere desire to work with the administration to promote productivity over partisanship, and I stand by that commitment today.

Madam Speaker, last Wednesday, on my third day, I realized that I can make hard and seemingly unpopular decisions. Voting to strip electoral college votes from States is a dangerous precedent set by Democrats many years ago and perpetuated by my party as well. I heard nothing in those debates that justified such a high bar.

A rushed impeachment will set a similar precedent. Without a single hearing or investigation, I simply cannot reach the high bar of impeachment.

To my district, I commit to constantly being objective in all of my decision-making.

And, as I abandon the remainder of my remarks, as I listen to this debate, it is no wonder our Nation is divided. We are on an absolute race to the bottom. I was hoping that last week we could have hit rock bottom.

I commit to doing better, and I hope that we all can dig in and find a way.