Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Lee) be removed from H.R. 10193.

Mr. Speaker, I was still on committee-- detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 42.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 923, which honors the service and the sacrifice of two of our West Virginia National Guard members: United States Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.

These two courageous National Guardsmen were tragically shot in Washington, D.C., in a targeted assault against United States servicemembers on November 26 of this year.

Specialist Beckstrom was just 20 years old. She succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day. Sarah was a recent graduate of Webster High School. Her friends remember her as a true peacekeeper. She dreamed of becoming an FBI agent and held a deep and unwavering love for her country.

Her loss is deeply felt across West Virginia and by a grateful Nation that she served with honor. I urge my colleagues to join me in praying for her friends and her family as they continue to grieve from this tragic loss.

Staff Sergeant Wolfe is 24 years old and from Martinsburg, West Virginia. He graduated from Musselman High School and enlisted in the National Guard while he was still a student in high school. He was assigned to the Force Support Squadron, the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia National Guard.

Just yesterday, Staff Sergeant Wolfe was discharged from the hospital and is now recovering at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. By the grace of God and through his steadfast grit, he has made steady improvements since last month's attack. He was recently able to sit in a chair and enjoy time with friends and family visiting him.

His mother credits his miraculous improvement to the healing hand of God. I urge my colleagues to continue to pray for Staff Sergeant Wolfe's recovery, for the medical teams assisting him, and for his friends and family as they support him through this journey of healing.

Our servicemembers represent the very best in the United States. I am honored to join my fellow West Virginia Representative, Congressman Riley Moore, in introducing this resolution, recognizing these two incredible individuals and memorializing their selfless service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025.

As co-chair of the Energy Export Caucus, I understand that eliminating harmful barriers around American energy exports is essential to strengthening our economy and national security.

This legislation takes a crucial step, cutting through bureaucratic red tape, which has slowed or even stalled natural gas imports and exports for far too long.

Giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sole authority to approve or deny natural gas applications eliminates permitting bottlenecks and gives American energy producers a clear and reliable path to move forward with critical projects.

H.R. 1949 ends the harmful Biden-era delays on liquefied natural gas export approvals. Delays discourage investment, undermine our energy leadership, and threaten the security of our global partners who depend on the United States to break free from harmful foreign influence.

The United States is blessed with abundant natural gas resources, and our producers stand ready to meet rising global demand.

Our Nation must capitalize on what we have here at home and continue to make meaningful progress to stay competitive in the global energy arena. H.R. 1949 ensures that American energy remains affordable and accessible, keeping it unmatched on the world stage.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this month, Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day, commemorating its declaration of sovereignty on October 25, 1990. This pivotal moment paved the way for Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union and symbolizes the nation's enduring commitment to self-determination, prosperity, and peace.

Kazakhstan has pursued a forward-looking vision rooted in partnership, openness, and modernization. Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan has emerged as a thriving nation with a dynamic economy, an active international presence, and a strong and growing partnership with the United States.

The U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship is grounded in shared values and mutual respect. As we mark this important national holiday, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening cooperation between our two nations to meet global challenges and advance peace, security, and prosperity.

Kazakhstan has become a magnet for American business. U.S. companies remain the largest source of foreign direct investment, helping drive Kazakhstan's diversification and sustainable development. This alignment supports the country's broader goal of becoming a resilient, innovative economy and a hub for regional growth.

Kazakhstan continues to stand as a pillar of stability in Central Asia and a leader on the world stage in nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. Kazakhstan has remained a peaceful and stabilizing force in Central Asia--a reliable partner and a model of pragmatic, balanced diplomacy. Furthermore, Kazakhstan's active membership in the World Trade Organization reflects its ongoing commitment to international norms and open markets.

Recently, Kazakhstan took another decisive step in its economic modernization. The national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, signed a landmark $4.2 billion agreement with Wabtec Corporation--the largest locomotive order in recent history.

This transformative deal is more than an investment in Kazakhstan's infrastructure; it is a powerful endorsement of American innovation and manufacturing leadership. It will support thousands of good-paying U.S. jobs and strengthen America's manufacturing base, underscoring the mutual benefits of our growing economic partnership.

Kazakhstan is taking bold steps to position itself as a key Eurasian transit hub. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor), which begins in Kazakhstan and runs through Azerbaijan to global markets, is strengthening supply chain resilience for the U.S. and its partners.

Another vital area of expanding cooperation is rare earth minerals. The United States and Kazakhstan are working together to build a reliable and diversified supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials essential to major U.S. industries, including aerospace, defense, clean energy, and semiconductors.

Rare-earth minerals from Kazakhstan can help power the next generation of U.S. innovation, driving the transformation of the American economy built around Artificial Intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear energy.

Energy collaboration also remains a cornerstone of our partnership. Earlier this year, Chevron's $48 billion Future Growth Project at Kazakhstan's Tengiz field began production, underscoring the scale and depth of U.S. investment in the country's energy future. The Tengizchevroil venture operated by Chevron represents Central Asia's largest oil development, ensuring reliable supply and creating thousands of high-skilled jobs. These projects embody the long-term, mutually beneficial nature of U.S.-Kazakhstan energy cooperation.

It is time for the United States to take the next logical step-- granting Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) by repealing the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Doing so would send a powerful signal of strategic seriousness, eliminate lingering legal ambiguity for U.S. investors, and unlock the full potential of our bilateral trade and industrial cooperation.

At home, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is undertaking an ambitious program of national renewal aimed at building a ``Just and Fair State.'' Over the past three years, the country has implemented far- reaching political and economic reforms.

Kazakhstan's efforts align with President Trump's focus on law and order, emphasizing that governance grounded in common sense and the rule of law is essential to maintain public order and protect citizens' rights.

Our nations also share a strong commitment to interfaith harmony and global dialogue. Kazakhstan--ethnically rich and religiously diverse-- has long championed peace and tolerance. Earlier this year, Astana hosted the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, welcoming over 100 delegations from 60 countries under the theme ``Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.'' This same spirit of openness and engagement also guides Kazakhstan's approach to the global economy.

As we look ahead, the upcoming C5+1 Summit on November 6 represents a critical opportunity to reaffirm U.S. leadership and engagement in Central Asia. Marking the 10th anniversary of this important diplomatic forum, the summit will deliver tangible results--demonstrating that the United States values long-term partnership and strengthening our ties with all Central Asian nations.

We urge the Administration to seize this moment, build on the foundation of trust and shared interests, and work with Congress to achieve outcomes that advance stability, prosperity, and lasting friendship across our nations.

Mr. Speaker, as Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day, we honor the enduring friendship between our two countries and look forward to the continued growth of a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared progress, and a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Tim Armstead.

Tim was born to James and Myrtle Armstead on February 26, 1965, and passed away on Tuesday, August 26 of this year.

His life was one of dedicated service to our State of West Virginia. Beginning as an intern in the Governor's office after graduating from West Virginia College of Law, he rose to work as an executive assistant to the Governor's chief of staff and served on the Governor's Cabinet for Children and Families.

Tim's passion for public service led him to be elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1998, later serve as the minority leader, and rise to become speaker of the house of delegates in 2015.

He was appointed and later elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in 2018 and would retain his position until his passing.

Tim's life was guided by his Christian faith and dedicated to our State and its people, especially children suffering from neglect and abuse. He worked tirelessly to defend those children on the court of appeals and worked to retain and recruit attorneys to provide services for these children's cases.

West Virginia is a better place thanks to the life of Tim Armstead, and the lives that he touched will miss his positive influence. I was proud to call him a dear friend and cherish the special time we spent together.

I send my sincerest condolences and love to Anna, Katie, Aaron, Benedum, and Ann.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this big, beautiful bill.

In 2017, President Trump signed the largest tax cut in history into law.

Today, thanks to the hard work of the Ways and Means Republicans, we will make those tax cuts permanent and prevent an end-of-the-year tax hike.

This bill gives the average working family a $1,300 tax cut and makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to keep our economy humming. This is a big win for our West Virginia businesses.

It provides relief to gig workers by ending the Democrats' absurd $600 1099-K reporting threshold and reverts back to the time-tested standard of $20,000 and 200 transactions. It will provide economic relief, secure our borders, and ensure American energy dominance.

This legislation will make the life of the average American better, and I support getting it to President Trump's desk.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorothy Draper & Company on 100 years of business.

Founded in 1925, it is the oldest continually operating interior design firm in America. Its founder and namesake, Dorothy Draper, was a trailblazer, starting her company at a time when most women did not seek employment. Her vision, love of color, chintz, and tendency towards the dramatic solidified her iconic style dubbed ``the Draper Touch''. Her protege, Carleton Varney, championed her work throughout his career, and the company flourished under his leadership, the creative genius and driving force who led the firm for 60 years. Mr. Varney went on to decorate the West Virginia Governor's mansion in the 1980s, further solidifying ``the Draper Touch'' into the state's culture and history.

The Dorothy Draper Company's work is especially important to my home state of West Virginia, where their most famous design is showcased, The Greenbrier Resort, affectionately called ``America's Resort.'' Located in White Sulphur Springs, the Greenbrier's legacy took a unique turn when it was converted into a military hospital to meet the demands brought about during WWII. It was then returned to a hotel and transformed into the unique and bold getaway we recognize today.

The Greenbrier has hosted presidents, royalty, celebrities, and countless West Virginians and Americans since 1778. Dorothy's use of color and pattern was so distinctly `her' that her legacy lives on in her company and through those that she inspired.

I am so delighted and proud to recognize co-owner Sebastian Varney and Design Director Rudy Saunders, and their company. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on a century of success and wish them many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorothy Draper & Company for 100 years of business.

Founded in 1925, it is the oldest continually operating interior design firm in America. Its founder and namesake, Dorothy Draper, was a trailblazer. Her vision, love of color, chintz, and the tendency toward the dramatic solidified her iconic style dubbed the Draper Touch.

Her protege, Carleton Varney, championed her work throughout his career, and the company flourished under his leadership. His creative genius led the firm for 60 years. Mr. Varney decorated the West Virginia Governor's mansion in the 1980s, further solidifying the Draper Touch into our State's history.

Dorothy Draper & Company's work is especially important to my home State of West Virginia where their most famous design is showcased at The Greenbrier Resort, affectionately called America's Resort.

Located in White Sulphur Springs, The Greenbrier is a unique and bold getaway nestled in the hills. The Greenbrier has hosted Presidents, royalty, celebrities, and countless West Virginians in America since 1778.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize Sebastian Varney and design director Rudy Saunders, and I am delighted they were able to be with us today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Ways and Means Committee Republicans have worked tirelessly for 2 years, traveling across America, and hearing from real people about the impacts that the 2017 Trump tax cuts had on them. Working families got more money back in their paychecks from a simplified tax code. Main Street America was able to utilize the small business deduction to weather the storm of high inflation during the Biden years, and larger businesses were able to invest more of their money domestically because of a globally competitive corporate rate.

This one big, beautiful bill builds on all of that successful tax policy and then some.

This bill gives the average working family a $1,300 tax cut. It delivers on President Trump's promises of no tax on tips and no tax on overtime pay.

It makes the 199A small business deduction permanent to keep our economy humming. It provides relief to gig workers by ending the Democrats' ridiculous $600 1099(k) reporting threshold and reverting back to the time-tested standard of $20,000 and 200 transactions. This legislation will undoubtedly make the life of the average American better.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 33. Taiwan and the United States have a long and productive relationship. Last fall, I had the opportunity to visit Taipei and learn about the robust investments Taiwan is making right there in semiconductor manufacturing. Taiwanese companies are also making large investments right here in the United States.

Ending double taxation between our two countries will be beneficial to both the American businesses in Taiwan and the Taiwanese businesses investing in the United States. I deeply value our continued partnership with our ally Taiwan, and I know that this bill will go a long way to secure our economic relationship for years to come.

As a member of the Trade Subcommittee, ensuring mutually beneficial relationships with our allies is very important to me. Of course, being a West Virginian, I always welcome our friends from Taiwan to come visit our beautiful State.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize one of West Virginia's most impressive reporters and a good friend of mine, Mark Curtis.

For four decades now, Mark has devoted his career to broadcast political journalism. From local government races to Presidential elections, Mark has consistently delivered fair and thorough reporting.

Despite his line of work taking him across the country, Mark chose to stay and finish his career in West Virginia, and his love of our State and its people shine through his reporting.

I am grateful for our friendship, and I have always enjoyed coming on his show to discuss the important issues that are happening in our State and around the country.

I remember as if it was yesterday when I sang happy birthday to him on the House floor in the West Virginia House.

Mr. Speaker, time certainly does fly by. I thank Mark so much for his years of service to our wild and wonderful State. I wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

During the time I have known Cathy, I have admired her hard work and the devotion that she has toward her constituents and upholding her conservative values. Mostly, I admire her love of God. She is a light to all who meet her.

I have always looked forward to her leadership along with my other wonderful colleagues during our weekly morning prayers with Speaker Mike Johnson in his office.

Cathy has achieved so much throughout her political career. She served in the Washington House of Representatives before coming to Congress. She has introduced key pieces of legislation, built bipartisan relationships, and ensured that the interests of her constituents and the American people are all looked out for.

Cathy will be sorely missed, but I also know that she will continue to go on and do amazing things for others. Good luck to her, and God bless her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend and colleague, Debbie Lesko, whom I have known for the past 6-plus years.

Debbie is such a hard worker. She has done so much incredible work serving her constituents in Arizona. She has done wonderful things for her State. For years, she served on the community committee for the Peoria Unified School District and later ran for school board.

From 2008 to 2018, she served in the Arizona legislature for 9 years, both in the house and the senate, where she received special recognition such as Champion of the Taxpayer, Guardian of Small Business, and Senator of the Year from various organizations, due to her outstanding work.

Debbie has served on several subcommittees within the Committee on Energy and Commerce during her time in the House of Representatives. She has served on several caucuses and founded the wonderful Protect Kids Caucus. In the 118th Congress, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer appointed her as a member of the whip team.

Some of Debbie's bills, including the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act and the United States Ports of Entry Threat and Operational Review Act have either successfully passed in the House or become law.

She led a delegation to Taiwan where we had many discussions about the importance of ensuring their independence from China. We also had a lot of fun!

Debbie has achieved many great things over the years and has made a positive impact while partaking in politics. I can attest to this firsthand as we sat next to each other for nearly every vote and would often discuss policy on the House floor.

She has accomplished so much in her work, and I am sure that she would say her greatest achievements in life are being a mother to her children and a

grandmother to her beautiful grandchildren. As a mother and grandmother, myself, I know how much of a blessing family is.

I wish there could be more opportunities for us to work together Debbie, but I know you will do a fantastic job as you enter your next chapter of life serving as Maricopa County Supervisor.

Thank you for your commitment to helping make Arizona a better place to live, for helping our nation, and for upholding conservative values.

We will all miss you!

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Kim McMillion, who serves as my deputy district director for my Beckley office in West Virginia. Kim recently celebrated her 25th year working for a Member of the House of Representatives.

Throughout her career, spanning three different Members, Kim has served the people of West Virginia with a grateful heart, always working to find solutions when issues arise between Federal agencies and our constituents.

She is well known throughout the district for her work in assisting with identifying Federal grant opportunities, acquiring medals and Purple Hearts for veterans in the community, and her expertise in handling complex issues of immigration and Social Security affecting our constituents. She is truly a wealth of knowledge and an invaluable member of my staff.

Outside of her work, Kim's greatest joy is her family. She is a wonderful wife to her husband, Frankie, mother to Tyler and her late son Derrick, and grandmother to Jonathan, Charlee, and Abigail.

I am delighted to commend her here on the House floor and even more delighted that Kim and her family could be here today to celebrate her 25 years of service to the United States Congress.

I invite my colleagues to join me and her family in congratulating her on this achievement.