Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 283, the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, as amended.

This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop a standard methodology using chemical analysis to identify the country of origin of seafood.

Both commercial and recreational fishing contribute significantly to the Texas economy. Red snapper, in particular, is highly sought after by the recreational fishing sector. This effort is especially important in the Gulf of America, where red snapper is a valuable resource for American fishermen and coastal communities.

Illegally harvested seafood can make its way into U.S. markets, undercutting the fishermen and seafood producers who play by the rules.

NIST scientists have developed chemical methods to identify the geographic origin of foods like beef, honey, fruits, and rice. This bill would build on that expertise to give law enforcement another tool to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and seafood fraud.

Today's bill also incorporates edits made by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee during our bipartisan markup earlier this year as part of H.R. 3706, the Standards for Understanding Source and Habitat Identification Act, also known as the SUSHI Act, which I sponsored.

I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3029) to amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3029, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, introduced by Representative Salinas of Oregon, along with Representative McCormick of Georgia.

This bill is about protecting two things we all care about: American leadership in the life sciences and the security of the American people.

Today, an American company or university laboratory can legally order made-to-order DNA, the basic building blocks of biology, and have it delivered in a matter of days. This technology powers new medicines and vaccines, stronger crops, and advanced manufacturing. It is a real source of American strength.

However, the same technology that lets us build the biology of the future could, in the wrong hands, potentially be used to assemble the genetic material of a dangerous pathogen.

Responsible providers already guard against this. They screen incoming orders against sequences of concern and verify the identities of their customers. However, as this field continues to advance rapidly, the lack of common technical standards and best practices for screening presents an emerging biosecurity risk.

That is exactly the kind of work the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, was built to do. NIST is our Nation's measurement and standards laboratory. It does not regulate industry. It provides industry with the tools and benchmarks and the best practices needed to get this right.

H.R. 3029 directs NIST to carry out the measurement research needed to make this screening more accurate and reliable by improving screening tools, securing databases of concerning sequences, and developing ways for providers to demonstrate that their screening systems work as intended.

It also directs NIST to convene a consortium of the people who actually do this work, including industry, universities, and nonprofit organizations, to develop consensus best practices and a roadmap for the future.

This legislation does not create a new regulatory regime for American biotechnology. It strengthens our biosecurity while safeguarding the innovation that keeps us ahead of our competitors, and it passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on a bipartisan basis.

I thank Representatives Salinas and McCormick for their work on this bill, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 3029 is a practical, targeted bill. It directs NIST to develop the science-based standards and best practices needed to make the screening of synthetic DNA much more reliable, helping to ensure that the very technology driving American biotechnology cannot be turned against us.

That is why this bill earned bipartisan support in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and why it deserves the support of the full House today.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3029, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8790) to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise

and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 8790, the bill that is now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, sponsored by my colleagues, Representatives Harrigan and Salinas.

This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include novel geothermal approaches and directs the Department of Energy to support these baseload energy-producing technologies.

Thanks to breakthroughs in drilling methods pioneered by the oil-and- gas sector, we can now drill deeper and increase rock permeability.

As a result, regions of the United States that were once unable to support baseload geothermal electricity generation are now viable for power production.

This comes at an important time as we race to connect baseload energy to the grid to ensure that we have both reliable power and the grid stability needed to support continued economic growth and technological advancement.

The bill directs the Department of Energy to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior to facilitate the sharing of geothermal data and to improve understanding of the subsurface.

This legislation also provides a critical update to the Department of the Interior's drilling data repository by including additional data sources, periodic updates, and standardized data to enhance its overall functionality and usability.

Curating data from public lands gives the government, academia, and industry a better understanding of the subsurface and the resources beneath our feet.

This bill also builds upon the success of the Department of Energy's Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy, or FORGE, by requiring next-generation geothermal testing at one or more additional FORGE sites, if deemed necessary by the Department of Energy.

Research conducted at FORGE has provided clear evidence that, through innovative drilling, next-generation geothermal systems can be used to generate power.

The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act authorizes the Department of Energy to foster this emerging industry by awarding grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies that improve the performance of next-generation geothermal energy projects.

Madam Speaker, I will express my appreciation for the work of Representatives Harrigan and Salinas on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives

Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC, July 13, 2026.

Hon. Brian Babin,

Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Babin: I write concerning H.R. 8790, the

``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act'',

which the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ordered

reported on May 20, 2026.

There are certain provisions of H.R. 8790 that fall within

the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural

Resources. I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring

this legislation before the House of Representatives in an

expeditious manner, and accordingly agree that the Committee

on Natural Resources shall be discharged from further

consideration of the bill. However, this is conditional on

our mutual understanding that by the forgoing consideration

of H.R. 8790 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction

over the subject matter contained in this or similar

legislation that falls within the Committee on Natural

Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also request that the

Committee on Natural Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also

request that the Committee on Natural Resources be

appropriately consulted and involved on this or similar

legislation as it moves forward. Further, this does not

prejudice the Committee on Natural Resources with respect to

the appointment of conferees, and should a conference on the

bill be necessary, I appreciate your agreement to support my

request to have the Committee represented on the conference

committee.

Finally, I would ask that a copy of this letter and your

response acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the

Committee on Natural Resources in the bill be included in the

Committee Report and Congressional Record during

consideration of H.R. 8790 on the House floor.

Sincerely,

Bruce Westerman,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harrigan).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Madam Speaker, the need for the United States to increase reliable baseload energy is very clear.

To help meet this demand, the House has recently passed multiple bills to accelerate the development of geothermal energy. This legislation builds on those efforts and will help geothermal play an even greater role in meeting our Nation's energy needs.

H.R. 8790 authorizes and directs the Department of Energy to support the research and development of next-generation geothermal technologies, helping ensure that American leadership in this emerging industry remains number one.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Harrigan for his leadership on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this simple bipartisan measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of David H. Henderson, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, Marine, attorney, and faithful servant of God whose life was defined by service, integrity, humility, and love.

David Henderson dedicated his life to serving his country, his community, and his family. While many knew him for his distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps and the Department of Justice, those closest to him knew him as something even greater, a devoted husband and father, a trusted mentor, a man of deep faith, and someone who quietly made the lives of others better every day.

Born to David H. Henderson, Sr., a retired United States Air Force Major, and Florence Steciak Henderson, David grew up in Oklahoma, earning the rank of Eagle Scout before graduating from Del City High School. Even at a young age, he displayed the leadership that would define his life, serving as president of both his junior and senior classes and captain of the debate team.

David attended the University of Oklahoma on an ROTC scholarship, where he excelled both academically and in the military. Upon earning his bachelor's degree, he received the Marine Corps Sword as the top Marine graduate in his class. Following Officer Candidate School, the Marine Corps selected him to attend the University of Oklahoma College of Law. There, he graduated with honors and was inducted into the prestigious Order of the Coif, an honor reserved for the Nation's finest law students.

Over the course of a distinguished twenty-year career in the United States Marine Corps, David served as a military attorney, handling numerous nationally significant cases. Among the most notable was his representation of Sergeant Clayton Lonetree in the espionage case later chronicled in Rodney Barker's Dancing with the Devil. Barker described David as a laid-back Oklahoman who appeared more interested in hunting and fishing than courtroom battles, cautioning readers that ``it was a mistake to underestimate him.'' Beneath that easygoing demeanor was a brilliant legal mind, sound judgment, and quiet confidence that earned the admiration of colleagues and opponents alike.

David also successfully represented Douglas Beane, a Vietnam-era serviceman who returned after two decades away in hopes of seeing his dying father. Later, he represented a Marine captain at Guantanamo Bay in a case that would eventually inspire the film A few Good Men.

In 1989, David was selected to serve as the military escort for James Pierce, the brother of First Lady Barbara Bush, during the Presidential inaugural festivities. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1990 as a Major.

His commitment to justice did not end with military service. After retiring from the Marine Corps, David became the first Public Defender appointed to serve the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, along with the surrounding counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George. In 1992, he joined the Office of the United States Attorney under U.S. Attorney Bob Wortham and faithfully served for two decades as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.

Yet David would have been the first to say that his greatest accomplishments were never the titles he held or the cases he argued.

He believed deeply in hard work, personal responsibility, and treating every person with dignity and respect. He had little interest in accolades for their own sake. Instead, he measured success by the quality of one's work, the strength of one's character, and the impact one had on the lives of others. Those values guided every aspect of his life.

Whether building a family home with his own hands, tending a garden, caring for livestock, or mentoring his children, David believed that anything worthwhile required effort. He taught his family that no job was beneath them and that honest work, done well, was among life's greatest virtues.

At the center of David's life was his beloved wife, Lois. He often remarked that he was the luckiest man in the world and never quite understood how someone as wonderful as Lois had chosen him. Their marriage was marked by unwavering love, enduring friendship, steadfast faith, and complete devotion. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, compassion, and example, teaching their children and grandchildren what a faithful and loving marriage looks like.

David also had a lifelong love for his Brittany bird dogs. He spent countless hours

hunting, training, and caring for them. Though the dogs did not always share his enthusiasm for following instructions, they remained treasured family members and brought him immeasurable joy.

In retirement, David devoted himself to serving others in new ways. For eight years, he volunteered at the Gib Lewis Prison, counseling inmates battling addiction and helping them find hope, purpose, and redemption. He helped establish the Bridges to Life program under the direction of Father Frank Rossi and became deeply involved in restorative justice and prison ministry. In recognition of his extraordinary volunteer service, the State of Texas honored him in 2020.

A devoted Catholic, David was an active member of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Woodville, Texas. He faithfully served as a SCAP minister, cantor, Eucharistic minister, lector, choir member, and participated extensively in ACTS retreats and St. Maximilian Kolbe Prison Retreats. As a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, he found profound purpose in living out his faith through service.

Perhaps the simplest way to describe David Henderson is this: he spent his life helping people.

Whether serving on the school board of his daughters' school, defending a client, prosecuting a case, mentoring a child, comforting a prisoner, serving his church, supporting his family, or simply returning shopping carts in a parking lot because he thought it might make someone else's day a little easier, David consistently chose service over self.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David H. Henderson, Sr. and Florence Steciak Henderson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Badeaux Henderson; his daughters, Mary Henderson Grimes and her husband, Sean Grimes, of Kingwood, Texas, and Anne Henderson of Paris, France; his stepdaughter, Dr. Jessica Bergen and her husband, Dr. Edward Bergen, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; his stepson, Michael DeJohn, Jr. and his wife, Aubrey DeJohn, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, and Emma Bergen; Lola and Sully Grimes; and Adler DeJohn; his beloved sister, Jeanne Henderson; and countless extended family members, friends, colleagues, parishioners, and former clients whose lives were forever enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and guidance.

David Henderson leaves behind a legacy measured not simply by his impressive professional accomplishments but by the countless lives he touched through his example. He taught those around him to work hard, think independently, serve generously, love deeply, and walk humbly with God. His family takes comfort in knowing that the values he embodied continue to live on in the generations that follow.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation is stronger because of Americans like David H. Henderson, Jr.--men who quietly devoted their lives to faith, family, justice, and service. His legacy will endure through the countless people he mentored, the family he loved so deeply, and the example he set for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

It is my honor to recognize his extraordinary life and ask that his memory forever remain a source of inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a good friend and respected leader of Chambers County, Texas--County Judge Frank James ''Jimmy'' Sylvia, Jr. For three decades, Judge Sylvia has guided Chambers County through a remarkable period of growth and transformation. On December 31, 2026, Judge Sylvia will retire from public office as the longest-serving county judge in Texas, concluding a distinguished career.

Judge Sylvia was born on October 5, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, but moved to Texas as soon as he could. The Sylvia family has been a pillar of the Old River community in Chambers County for decades. Jimmy was a standout athlete on the 1971 Barbers Hill High School football team, which won the Class 1 A co-state championship. He graduated from Barbers Hill in 1974 and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2010. Judge Sylvia continued his football and academic pursuits at Sam Houston State University, where he graduated in 1979. Jimmy has often attributed the values he learned playing team sports to his success in serving the public. Anyone who has worked with him knows that to be true. Judge Sylvia's service to Chambers County began in 1993, when he was elected Commissioner for Precinct 3. Following the untimely passing of County Judge Oscar Nelson, he was appointed to serve as County Judge, assuming the responsibilities as the chief administrator and budget officer of Chambers County. He was later elected to the position in 1998 and concludes his seventh consecutive four-year term at the end of this year.

Over the last decade, Chambers County has been one of the fastest- growing counties in the nation and has become one of the most desirable places to live in the Greater Houston area. During his tenure in office, the county population has more than doubled, as has the number of county employees. Additionally, the county budget expanded from $8.5 million in 1993 to $75.7 million today. Judge Sylvia has balanced the needs of rural rice-farming communities, one of the largest and most critical petrochemical complexes in the world, and the development of once-rural communities as the Houston region migrates further east.

In addition to his administrative and judicial responsibilities, Judge Sylvia serves as the county's chief emergency management official. During his tenure, Jimmy has been a steady hand overseeing responses to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Humberto, Gustav, Ike, Harvey, Imelda, Laura, Beta, and Beryl, as well as the 2019 Atlas Air Crash, COVID-19, Winter Storm Uri, and many others. His expertise has been widely recognized across Texas, and he has frequently been invited to speak at training programs for county judges, offering guidance on disaster response and emergency operations. For 17 years, Judge Sylvia has hosted a Hurricane Workshop that brings together local, state, and federal organizations to prepare for hurricane season. In May of this year, he was awarded the Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award in recognition of his achievements that have demonstrated a positive and significant impact on emergency management programs or community resilience, a well-deserved honor for a public servant who leads with integrity and a servant's heart.

I have worked closely with Judge Sylvia on many projects, and the most significant was the de-obligation of $9 million of Hurricane Ike cleanup debt that FEMA erroneously charged to Chambers County. His diligence and advocacy were instrumental in resolving that issue. Mr. Speaker, on December 31, 2026, Judge Jimmy Sylvia will conclude three decades of distinguished public service. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my friend and offer my best wishes to his wife, Laura Lou, their children, and grandchildren as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. May God bless Chambers County, and may He continue to bless the Sylvia family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Private First Class Winnie Beatrice Richardson West, a proud Texan, World War II veteran, and member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the ``Six Triple Eight.''

Born on February 5, 1920, in Hankamer, Texas, Winnie Richardson enlisted in the Women's Army Corps on November 28, 1943, and honorably served her country until November 16, 1945. During her military service, she attained the rank of Private First Class, She was assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only predominantly African American Women's Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II.

In early 1945, the Six Triple Eight was sent to Europe to address an enormous backlog of millions of undelivered letters and packages intended for American servicemembers and their families. The task before them was daunting. Mountains of mail had accumulated in warehouses across England and France, leaving troops disconnected from loved ones during one of the most challenging periods in American history.

The women worked tirelessly under extreme conditions to restore morale to the men fighting for freedom, so far from their loved ones. The women of the 6888th achieved what many believed was impossible. Through resilience and sheer determination, they restored a vital connection between servicemembers and home. Their work strengthened morale among American troops and provided comfort and reassurance to countless families awaiting news from loved ones serving abroad.

PFC West carried out her duties with distinction despite serving in a segregated military at a time when African American women faced significant racial and gender barriers. Her service renected courage, resilience, professionalism, and a steadfast dedication to mission and country. Her example helped pave the way for future generations of women who dare to exceed the boundaries of what they thought possible.

For her honorable service, PFC West received the American Theater Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Women's Army Corps Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Bar.

Today, the story of the Six Triple Eight stands as a testament to perseverance, patriotism, and excellence. Their long-overdue recognition serves as a reminder that victory in war depends not only on those who fight on the front lines but also on those whose dedication behind the scenes sustains the strength and spirit of our armed forces.

By remembering the life and legacy of Winnie Beatrice Richardson West, we honor a member of the Greatest Generation whose service contributed to the Allied victory in World War II and whose example continues to inspire Americans today.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Private First Class Winnie Beatrice Richardson West for her faithful service and for the lasting legacy she leaves to her family, her community, the state of Texas, and the United States of America. May her life and service never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and service of Dr. Paulene Adrienne Lewis Hopkins, a distinguished educator, community leader, World War II veteran, and member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion--the legendary ``Six Triple Eight.'' Her life exemplified the highest ideals of patriotism, service, perseverance, and leadership.

Dr. Hopkins was born on December 13, 1919, in Chambers County, Texas. She was the daughter of Fannie Patterson Lewis and Elbert Lewis and the eldest of five children. Following her mother's death, she moved to Marshall, Texas, where she graduated from Central High School and then attended Wiley College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. She began her career as an educator in Double Bayou, Texas, where she invested in the lives of young Texans and demonstrated the dedication to public service that would define her life's work. She met and married Mack Henry Hopkins in Marshall before going to New York to attain her master's degree in educational administration from Columbia University.

On May 2, 1943, at a pivotal time in World War II, she joined the Women's Army Corps and honorably served until 1946, attaining the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. Most notably, Dr. Hopkins served as a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only predominantly African American Women's Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II. The women of the Six Triple Eight were assigned one of the most daunting logistical missions of the war: eliminating a backlog of millions of letters and packages destined for American servicemembers and their families.

At a time when troop morale was critical to the Allied war effort, these women worked around the clock in difficult conditions to restore communication between soldiers and loved ones. Guided by their famous motto, ``No Mail, Low Morale,'' the members of the 6888th accomplished what many believed impossible. Through efficiency, discipline, and determination, they cleared years of accumulated mail in a matter of months, reconnecting families and boosting the morale of American troops stationed abroad.

For her honorable military service, Dr. Hopkins received the American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Yet her greatest military legacy remains her contribution to the success of the Six Triple Eight and her role in a unit whose service has only recently received the national recognition it has long deserved.

After the war, Dr. Hopkins continued her pursuit of excellence through education. She went on to serve as a teacher, principal, educational administrator, literacy advocate, and community leader. She devoted decades to helping students achieve their potential and strengthening educational opportunities for others.

Upon her retirement, Dr. Hopkins returned to Marshall, Texas, where she remained active in civic and educational affairs. She served on the Wiley College Board of Trustees, the Marshall Independent School District Community Education Advisory Council, the Marshall Planning and Zoning Commission, and numerous community organizations. As Executive Director of the Truitt Ingram Literacy Center, she championed literacy and lifelong learning throughout East Texas.

Whether serving schoolchildren in Chambers County, educating future generations in California, or serving her country overseas with the historic Six Triple Eight, Dr. Hopkins consistently answered the call to serve others.

Mr. Speaker, the life of Dr. Paulene Adrienne Lewis Hopkins reflects the very best of America. Her service in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion helped sustain the morale of American troops during World War II, while her lifelong commitment to education transformed countless lives. May her life as a pioneering educator, a dedicated community servant, and a proud member of one of the most significant military units in American history continue to inspire generations of Americans for years to come.

The first thing I would like to say is I appreciate this Special Order for our good friend, sponsored by my good friend, Mike Haridopolos, who is representing that great district on the Florida Space Coast.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of our friend and former colleague, Congressman Bill Posey. For more than a decade in Congress, Bill faithfully served the people of Florida's Space Coast with integrity, humility, and a deep love of his country.

Before coming to Washington, he dedicated years to serving his community in local and State government, always guided by the belief that elected

officials should answer first and foremost to those that they represent.

Today, I remember Bill not only as a colleague but as a good friend. For eight years, my wife Roxanne and I were neighbors across the hall from Bill and his wife Katie. Bill and Katie were the kind of friends who were always there when you needed them. Roxanne and I used to joke that if you ever needed to borrow a cup of milk or an egg in Washington, we knew exactly where to go, and that was across the hall.

Bill represented one of the most fascinating districts in America: home to Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Over the years, I made many trips to Florida's Space Coast, and Bill was always very, very proud to show me around.

We attended launches and events together. We marveled at America's achievements in space exploration. We shared dinners, including Florida rock shrimp. As an east Texan, I wasn't sure what a rock shrimp was. Bill convinced me they were worth trying, and he was right.

Bill's enthusiasm for America's space program was contagious. He understood better than most the importance of innovation, exploration, and maintaining our Nation's leadership in space. He championed the men and the women whose work keeps America at the forefront of discovery and inspired future generations to reach for the stars.

Bill, as a young man, even worked on the Apollo program in the late sixties and early seventies, and he shared those experiences with me.

Many people may not know that Bill was also a race car driver. That adventurous spirit never left him. Whether he was racing down a track or advancing America's space program, Bill approached life with energy and determination. He was a fierce champion of keeping America's science, space, and technology secure from our adversaries' prying eyes as well.

Roxanne and Katie became the closest of friends over the years, and that friendship is something that our family will always cherish.

For those who served alongside Bill, they will remember not only his accomplishments but also his no-nonsense conservatism and his presence.

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and our prayers are with Katie, his family, his friends, former staff, and countless Floridians whose lives were touched by his long service. Bill Posey was a good man, a faithful public servant, a great friend, and he will be deeply missed. I am jealous of you being able to represent that great district.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Josh Brecheen, from Oklahoma for having this Special Order tonight.

As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of the greatest Nation in the history of the world--and by great, I think we can mean good--it is fitting that we pause to remember something that our Founders understood clearly. America's strength has never come from government. It has come from Almighty God, from faithful people, and from a nation willing to humble itself in prayer and Thanksgiving.

God loves mercy more than he loves sacrifice. He tells us in Micah 6:8: What does the Lord require of you, O man, but to seek justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

In 1776, as the Continental Congress fought for the survival of this young Nation, they established what they called a National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving.

I want you to think about that just a moment. In the middle of war, uncertainty, and sacrifice, our Founders did not place their hope in military might or political power alone. They turned first to the Almighty God.

John Adams once wrote: It is ``the duty of all men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God.''

George Washington repeatedly reminded the Nation that freedom itself depends on morality, faith, and virtue.

From the very beginning, America understood that liberty is not self- sustaining. Freedom requires a moral people, and a moral people must remain grounded in the truth.

Today, 250 years later, we gather not only to celebrate our history but to recommit ourselves to those timeless principles.

Our country has endured wars, economic hardship, division, and tragedy. Yet, generation after generation, Americans have continued to seek God's guidance through it all.

That spirit is woven into the very fabric of our Nation, and that is why ``In God We Trust'' remains our national motto right above your head, Mr. Speaker.

It is why our Presidents place their hands on the Bible when taking the oath of office. It is why Americans still bow their heads in prayer during moments of both triumph and of trial.

As a veteran, a father, a grandfather, and now chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have had the very great privilege of seeing the very best of America.

I represent Houston, Space City, the hardworking men and women of Johnson Space Center, who continue pushing the boundaries of human achievement, as we saw a couple weeks ago with Artemis II pushing four astronauts farther from Earth than anybody has ever gone before.

Even as we reach farther into the heavens, we are reminded of just how small we are compared to the greatness of God's creation.

As we celebrate America 250, may we never take for granted the freedoms that we have inherited from our forefathers, and may we always remain one nation under God for generations to come.

Madam Chair, on Roll Call No. 151, I mistakenly voted NO when I intended to vote Aye.

Amendment No. 49 Offered by Mrs. Spartz

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act.

S. 3971 reauthorizes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to unleash American innovation. SBIR and STTR provide federal Research & Development (R&D) funding to small technology companies. These programs are collectively called ``America's Seed Fund'' because they help startups develop their ideas and grow their businesses, bringing them to market.

This bill provides these companies with vital research and development grants from federal science agencies that support their work while also having robust research security provisions in place to safeguard from malicious actors.

I am happy that the Small Business Committee has successfully coordinated with the Science, Space, and Technology Committee--both majority and minority--on this legislation and that we all support it. These past few months have left this vital program unauthorized, leading to devastating real-world impacts for small businesses that desperately need funding and stability to thrive.

The entrepreneurial spirit is a quintessentially American tradition, and it has helped make our Nation great. Supporting small businesses is as American as it gets. It also keeps our economy competitive, which is critical for the United States to stay ahead of foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party that seek to dominate the global marketplace.

This bill will empower small businesses, support this age of American innovation, and help entrepreneurs continue developing the ideas of tomorrow. I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 3971.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend, Sergio Ramos, who went to be with our Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Sergio was born on March 26, 1943, to Job and Ofelia Ramos in Tampico, Mexico. He loved this Nation deeply and took great pride in becoming a United States citizen on April 30, 1970.

It is never easy to say goodbye, especially to someone who was a friend to everyone and such a pillar of the community. Throughout his life, Sergio positively impacted countless individuals through his faith, service, and generosity. He was also among the very first to welcome me to Tyler County and the first to invite me to his beloved First Baptist Church, a reflection of the warmth and kindness he extended to everyone he met. A man devoted to God and to others, Sergio led music in groups large and small in other local churches and on numerous mission trips. It was not uncommon for him to pick up his guitar and fill a room with song. He taught Spanish, coached tennis for decades, and dedicated himself to mentoring generations of students and athletes.

In recognition of his outstanding and lasting contributions, he was inducted into the Texas Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Woodville Letterman's Club, and was named Citizen of the Year of Tyler County.

Sergio Ramos leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and compassion that will long endure. I will deeply miss singing alongside him in our church choir and in our men's group, The Generations. Yet, all who knew him take much comfort in knowing that Sergio now sings in a greater, glorious and eternal choir.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 390) to utlitize the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations project of NASA to improve aerial responses to wildfires, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 390, the bill that is now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 390, the ACERO Act, sponsored by Representatives Fong and McClellan. This important, bipartisan legislation will enhance our ability to respond to wildfires and mitigate the destruction that they cause.

Each year, wildfires burn millions of acres, threatening lives, destroying homes, and causing billions of dollars in damage. Federal agencies are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to improve wildfire detection, response, and suppression efforts.

Aerial capabilities are critical tools in combating wildfires, enabling crews to monitor fire behavior and spread, conduct suppression activities, and support ground operations. As unmanned aircraft systems continue to mature, they present new opportunities to strengthen aerial operations. Drones can map fire perimeters, assist with suppression efforts, enhance communications across large or remote areas, and even deliver equipment. In the future, some missions currently carried out by piloted helicopters may be performed by unmanned aircraft, which reduces risk to human life.

At the same time, aerial wildfire operations face significant challenges. Heavy smoke can severely limit visibility, grounding aircraft and disrupting response efforts. Rapidly changing fire behavior can complicate navigation and real-time coordination among multiple aircraft operating simultaneously. These airspace management challenges can hinder operations at the very moment decisive action is required.

NASA's Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations, or ACERO, project seeks to improve airspace management and coordination during emergency response activities. Building on prior NASA research, ACERO aims to enhance information sharing, communications, and airspace coordination while developing interoperable tools to improve situational awareness. More timely and accurate information can support safer, more effective decisionmaking and better coordination among Federal, State, and local agencies during wildfire events.

This legislation directs NASA to leverage its unique research and development expertise in aeronautics, airspace systems, and advanced technologies to further the objectives of the ACERO project in support of wildfire response.

This is a practical, forward-looking application of American innovation to protect lives, including those of our first responders. These brave men and women who risk their safety to combat wildfires deserve every available tool to bolster response capabilities and enhance operational safety.

I thank Representatives Fong and McClellan for their work to address this pressing need.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, the ACERO Act promotes the development of advanced technologies to strengthen our wildfire response efforts. NASA should leverage its unique aeronautics expertise to improve the emergency operations involving aerial assets. ACERO seeks to enhance situational awareness, coordination, and information sharing among aerial platforms, both piloted and unmanned. This bill recognizes the important work already underway and encourages NASA to continue advancing these efforts.

Again, I thank Representatives Fong and McClellan for their bipartisan leadership.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2600) to require the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish a program to identify, evaluate, acquire, and disseminate commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery in order to satisfy the scientific, operational, and educational requirements of the Administration, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 H.R. 2600, the bill that is now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2600, the ASCEND Act, sponsored by Representatives Hurd and Bonamici.

Commercial remote sensing is an increasingly important part of the growing space economy. In recent years, technological advancements and lower launch costs have enabled American companies to expand their remote sensing capabilities and to deliver innovative, high-quality satellite data at competitive prices.

Recognizing this potential, NASA established a pilot program in 2017 to assess how the agency could leverage commercial satellite data to support mission objectives.

Through this effort, NASA gained valuable experience working directly with the commercial sector. The agency evaluated available satellite data, explored how it could advance scientific research and applications, and developed acquisition approaches that allowed for appropriate government use and dissemination.

The pilot program demonstrated that commercially provided datasets can effectively complement NASA's existing capabilities. The ASCEND Act builds on that success by authorizing the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition program within NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

This legislation ensures that NASA can continue to evaluate, access, and utilize cost-effective, cutting-edge commercial data to advance its scientific research and applications. At the same time, it supports the growth of the space economy and strengthens the United States leadership in space.

I thank Representatives Hurd and Bonamici for their bipartisan work to bring this bill to the House floor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the ASCEND Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hurd).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, over the past two decades, the United States commercial space sector has experienced significant growth and maturity.

The Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition pilot program that NASA launched in 2017 is one example of how the agency has embraced this evolution.

By enabling the continued acquisition of commercial satellite data, the ASCEND Act will complement NASA's scientific efforts and ensure that the agency has access to the innovative capabilities being developed by America's commercial space sector. The ability to procure this data will strengthen U.S. leadership in the global space industry.

Again, I thank Representatives Hurd, Kean, and Bonamici for their work on this important legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3679) to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop resources for small businesses in utilizing artificial intelligence, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 H.R. 3679, the bill that is now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here to support H.R. 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act, sponsored by my colleagues, Representatives Mike Collins and Haley Stevens.

American small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it is essential that they leverage cutting-edge innovations to keep the United States at the forefront of the global economy.

As chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have closely followed the accelerating growth of artificial intelligence, or AI, technologies and their wide-ranging applications across industries nationwide.

Major U.S. companies are rapidly developing their own AI technologies and investing in the resources needed to integrate AI into their operations. AI holds tremendous promise. Incorporating it into a business model is complex and requires significant expertise and capital.

As a result, many small businesses have not yet been able to fully unlock AI's potential. It is time to ensure small businesses can harness these capabilities as well, strengthening American entrepreneurship and competing with the Chinese Communist Party across every dimension of the AI race, including business innovation.

This legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, to develop and share practical resources to help small businesses better understand and adopt artificial intelligence technologies.

This bill is a bipartisan effort to ensure American businesses remain competitive in the AI race and to reinforce our economic leadership globally.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Collins and Stevens for their work on this very important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3679, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins).

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, the time to use artificial intelligence in business is now, and we must do everything we can to support small business efforts to harness the power of this technology. The National Institute of Standards and Technology can greatly help American small businesses understand and adopt AI to strengthen American businesses and our economy. H.R. 3679 will eliminate roadblocks to and increase implementation of AI.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.