Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Robert ``Bob'' West, a distinguished veteran, sports official, advocate, and community leader whose life and career exemplify a commitment to restoring the joy of sports through a renewal of good sportsmanship. His tireless efforts have impacted not only his hometown of Spokane Valley, Washington, but also the broader sports community across the Nation.

From the moment his eighth-grade teacher handed him a whistle, Bob West discovered a lifelong passion for officiating at sporting events. For more than thirty-five years, he officiated at national championships in the United States and abroad, earning respect for his fairness, professionalism, and trademark enthusiasm on the field. His animated calls and unwavering integrity became a hallmark of his officiating style, cherished by athletes and fans alike.

Tragically, Mr. West's officiating career was cut short in 1996 when he was assaulted by an athlete while officiating a high school wrestling match, an incident that underscored the growing issue of violence against sports officials. Despite enduring several surgeries and a long recovery, Mr. West transformed his pain into purpose. He became a relentless advocate for referee safety, launching legislative efforts to increase penalties for assaults on sports officials, which culminated in bipartisan support for bills aimed at creating safer environments for referees and athletes alike.

Mr. West also established the website UR-SAFE.org, a vital resource dedicated to educating the public about the importance of sportsmanship and advocating for the protection of sports officials. Through this platform, he has championed respect for those who ensure fair play, reminding us all of the critical role officials play in preserving the integrity of sports.

Beyond his contributions to sports, Mr. West is a proud veteran, having spent twenty years in the military, during which he officiated sports even while deployed overseas. Following his military service, he has continued to dedicate himself to public service in the Spokane area.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bob West for his extraordinary dedication to restoring the joy of sports and promoting good sportsmanship. His life's work reminds us of the power of respect and integrity, both on the field and in our communltles.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Keirsten Lyons, Director of the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, a woman whose life's mission exemplifies the enduring power of love and remembrance. Her dedication to her son's memory and to the families of our Nation's Fallen Heroes is a profound testament to the enduring sacrifices made in defense of our freedoms.

Keirsten's journey is one of love, resilience, and a mother's unyielding commitment to ensure her son's sacrifice is never forgotten. On January 1, 2014, her beloved son, Marine Sergeant Jacob Michael Hess, gave his life during a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Hess was a dedicated Marine, a cherished husband, son, brother, and friend who embodied the highest ideals of service and honor. Though her loss is unimaginable, Keirsten has transformed her grief into a powerful force for good, ensuring that the legacy of her son and so many others lives on.

As the Director of the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, Keirsten has committed herself to a sacred mission, to honor those who raised their hand to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice, to support the families who carry the weight of their loss, and to engage communities in never forgetting the price of freedom. Her work serves as a rallying call to all of us, reminding us that the freedoms we hold dear were secured through unimaginable sacrifices.

Under Keirsten's leadership, the Project has expanded its reach and impact. Events such as the March for the Fallen, Ruck, Run, or Walk have created spaces for families and communities to come together in shared remembrance. For Keirsten, these gatherings are deeply personal. By sharing their stories, families transform grief into connection, ensuring their loved ones remain alive in the hearts of those who learn their stories.

Through initiatives like the Illuminating Courage Memorial and the Heroes Garden, Keirsten has built a legacy of remembrance in the Eastern Washington community that will endure for generations. Her tireless efforts have provided comfort and healing to Gold Star families, creating a community where grief is shared, and the sacrifices of the Fallen are eternally honored. She reminds us that behind every Fallen Hero is a family who has borne the cost of freedom.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the citizens of Washington's Fifth Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Keirsten Lyons for her extraordinary devotion. May her work continue to remind us that the legacy of a hero does not end on the battlefield--it lives on in the stories we tell, the memories we preserve, and the gratitude we hold.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my trusted adviser and friend, Peter Kielty, who is retiring at the end of this year.

Peter has served the House Energy and Commerce Committee with distinction for 25 years, including currently as general counsel.

Former Chair Fred Upton said: Peter worked as hard as the day is long and is a part of the legacy of its success.

Former Chair Greg Walden said: In a town filled with attention seekers, Peter worked harder than anyone I know to put the committee and its members in the spotlight and never himself. The committee, the Congress, and the country are better off because of Peter Kielty.

I echo those sentiments, but to me, it is his charm, wit, and relentless kindness that will be his lasting legacy for the committee.

I thank Peter for his public service, and I wish him and his wife, Mary, nothing but the best in the next chapter of their lives.

May God bless Peter.

Mr. Speaker, as I rise here tonight, yes, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. To all my colleagues, I thank you. I thank you for your friendship and your support. What an amazing institution the United States House of Representatives is.

Part of my mission has been to restore trust and confidence in this institution because I believe it is so important in our Nation.

To my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee and beyond, it really is great to be with you tonight.

What an amazing journey for me, a farm kid, growing up and working alongside my brother and parents at our orchard and fruit stand in Kettle Falls, Washington, to walking the Halls of Congress, being elected the 200th woman ever to serve in this institution, and ultimately as the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

I have truly lived the American Dream.

To the people of eastern Washington, thank you. Thank you for putting your trust in me to be your voice in Congress for the past 20 years. Each person that I have met along the way influenced and inspired me in ways that I couldn't imagine. Serving you has been the honor of my life.

I also want to thank my family. I couldn't have done it without my amazing, loving, and supportive husband, Brian, who has been by my side the last 18 years, at least. He said carrying the load at home was harder than anything he ever did in the Navy in his 26 years there.

Thank you, Brian. You are the love of my life and the man of my dreams.

To our beloved, beautiful children, Cole McMorris Rodgers, now 17; Grace Blossom Rodgers, 14; and Brynn Catherine Rodgers, 11: You are the greatest blessings of my life. We are so proud, and I can't wait to be home with you.

I thank my mom, Corene McMorris, for being my fierce defender against all who dare accuse me of anything wrong; my stepdad, Vern White, for his embracing of this journey.

I thank my brother, Jeff McMorris, who managed my first campaign for Congress in 2004. It was there that he renewed his acquaintance with and fell in love with my sister-in-law, Sarah, an amazing woman who also dedicated much of her time and energy to helping me win.

I thank my nieces and nephew, Kate, Reagan, Conner, and Halle, who I adore for joining me on the campaign trail.

I thank my dad, Wayne McMorris, who impressed everyone as my sign chairman back in 2004, blanketing the Fifth Congressional District with red, white, and blue ``Cathy for Congress'' signs.

Brian's family also joined in the fun, as well as so many, many friends and supporters.

What an honor and privilege it has been for me to represent all of you.

To my team, words cannot express my gratitude for the hundreds of brilliant men and women who have served alongside me here in my congressional office and on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and back home in my district and campaign offices. While it was always my name on the door, it was your dedication that helped me succeed and deliver results.

Together, we have fun while we SERVE--Seek excellence, Everybody matters, Responsibly own it, Vigilant integrity, and Embrace change. It made all the difference.

Although I would like to give each one of you a shout-out by name, I thank the leadership, various chiefs of staff, and district directors beginning with Connie Partoyan, Jeremy Deutsch, David Condon, David Peluso, Jared Powell, Kyle VonEnde, Karli Plucker, Dick Leland, Chud Wendle, Traci Couture, Patrick Bell, Kristina Sabestinas, Dawn Sugasa, Nate Hodson, and Sarah Burke, who helped me navigate the mighty waters, the many highs and lows, and the disappointments and crowning achievements of my time in Congress.

Most of all, I am grateful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lovingly drew me closer to him over the past 20 years. He has spoken to me about his mercies that are new each morning, and he has poured out his grace on me and my family.

As I leave Congress, I urge all of us to look for ways to cultivate more grace, love, and forgiveness in this world and serve others. We hope for a time of healing.

Alexis de Tocqueville said it so well. He said: ``America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.''

I have served with so many good people and had the honor of representing the good people of eastern Washington. For that, I am grateful. I say thank you, may God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and celebrate the leadership and commitment of my good friend, Congresswoman Debbie Lesko from the great State of Arizona, for her 16 years of public service in the Arizona House of Representatives, the Arizona Senate, and now the United States House of Representatives.

As chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I have witnessed Congresswoman Debbie Lesko as a fierce advocate for her district and a real ally in advocating for American technological and energy leadership. She has also served as our Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee vice chair.

Her spirit and determination have made our committee and the House of Representatives as a whole a better place.

I look forward to seeing Congresswoman Lesko succeed in her new role, and I know she will bring that same

spirit and determination to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished leader in higher education, President Kirk H. Schulz of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, who will retire in June of 2025. President Schulz has dedicated his career to fostering academic excellence, advancing research, and building a campus environment that welcomes all students to succeed. Today, we recognize and celebrate his legacy and contributions to both the university and the broader community.

President Schulz's tenure at Washington State University is marked by extraordinary achievements. Under his leadership, Washington State University saw record-setting gains in philanthropy, notably raising $167.9 million in private gifts in fiscal year 2023. Washington State University received full accreditation for the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in 2021 and launched Eastern Washington's first pediatric residency program in 2023.

Throughout his tenure, Washington State University also expanded educational and research facilities across the WSU system, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new Plant Sciences Building, Schweitzer Engineering Hall, and a major health sciences remodel on the Spokane campus. He has been instrumental in overseeing the growth of WSU scholarships and research expenditures, enhancing the infrastructure supporting student

safety, improving the delivery of health care programs across the state, and rebuilding the renowned Pac-12 athletics conference.

Beyond these accomplishments, President Schulz has earned a reputation as a compassionate and dedicated leader, always prioritizing the well-being and success of students. He has consistently championed initiatives aimed at increasing access to education for all, making a lasting impact on countless lives. President Schulz's commitment to service extends far beyond the campus, as he has actively engaged with the community through partnerships, outreach programs, my office, and other efforts to uplift and support Washington State University.

As President Schulz embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we extend our deepest gratitude for his many years of service and dedication. His leadership has left an incredible mark on Washington State University, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come. We wish President Schulz all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his outstanding contributions to Washington State University and higher education.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of this House join the in honoring President Schulz for his remarkable career and recognizing the lasting impact of his service to Washington State University, the state of Washington, and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary individual who has dedicated his life to the principle of ``honoring the dead by caring for the living.'' Chaplain Wesley S. ``Wes'' Anderson of VFW Post 51 in Spokane, Washington, has committed decades of service to ensuring that veterans, both past and present, are remembered, respected, and supported in every way possible.

Chaplain Anderson began his journey of service as a Hospital Corpsman with the 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. Upon returning home, he joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars at Post 7480 in Davenport, Washington. Since then, he has dedicated more than five decades to supporting his fellow veterans through various roles including Post Commander, Post Chaplain, District Commander, and State Chaplain. Through his current roles as Chaplain, Service Officer, and Judge Advocate of VFW Post 51 in Spokane, he has continually demonstrated a profound commitment to veterans and their families.

Chaplain Anderson's dedication to honoring the dead is evident in his ongoing engagement in memorials that respect and commemorate veterans who have passed, providing solemn and respectful services that give peace to families and uphold the honor of those who have served. He serves as Chaplain on call at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington, and has participated in the Missing in America Program, which ensures that unclaimed veterans receive a proper and dignified burial.

At the same time, Chaplain Anderson has devoted himself to caring for the living, particularly in times of isolation and need. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic restricted visits at the Spokane Veterans Home, Chaplain Anderson launched the ``Valentines for Veterans'' initiative. Knowing how a simple card could brighten a lonely day, he worked with local organizations to bring heartfelt Valentine's Day messages to residents. The initiative quickly grew, sending a powerful message that these veterans remain valued and respected. For Chaplain Anderson, this program was driven by a commitment to let veterans know they are still cherished and valued members of the community.

Chaplain Anderson's service extends to his work with the Veterans Service Center in Spokane Valley, where he brings comfort and support to veterans transitioning back to civilian life. A certified drug and alcohol counselor and tireless advocate for the prevention of veteran suicide, he offers specialized assistance to veterans in need, meeting them with understanding and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, Chaplain Wes Anderson stands as a shining example of what it means to honor the dead by caring for the living. His compassion and dedication have touched the lives of countless veterans and families, ensuring that they know they are not forgotten. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chaplain Anderson's extraordinary service and legacy.

May his example inspire us all to continue the important work of supporting our veterans, caring for those in need, and honoring the memory of those who have served.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the four Lower Snake River dams and the value they provide to Eastern Washington.

The Columbia River System is the beating heart of the Pacific Northwest. This critical infrastructure helped transform our region from a dry, barren sage brush into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world.

It serves as a super-marine highway for farmers to ship their products all across America, while keeping thousands of trucks off the road every year. The dams along the Lower Snake River have strengthened our energy grid, lowered energy costs, and made us a leader in reducing carbon emissions.

They help prevent life-threatening blackouts during extreme weather, not just in Washington state, but in California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming. They also support a thriving tourism economy of small businesses and protect parts of our region from devastating floods.

To put it simply: the Columbia River System is critical to our entire way of life.

Thanks to historic investments by Congress through the years, the four Lower Snake River dams are nearly transparent to salmon. With some of the most effective fish passage systems in the nation, these dams have achieved an average survival rate for ocean-bound juvenile salmon of between 95 and 97 percent. For adults, that average is more than 98 percent.

The scientific evidence supports the reality that dams and salmon can--and do--co-exist. According to a 2018 evaluation conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 99.6 percent of juveniles and 97.3 percent of all yearling Chinook salmon safely bypassed the Lower Granite Darn--a survival rate that exceeds the NOAA Biological performance standard of 96 percent.

The same study found that steelhead salmon enjoyed a 100 percent juvenile survival rate and an overall dam passage rate of 99.4 percent. On top of that, available data suggests that 2023 was the highest count for adult sockeye salmon on record at Lower Granite Dam with 2,921 adults returning.

Despite the rhetoric surrounding the Lower Snake River dams and salmon, we continue to see improvements in the returns with 2024 currently on track to be the third straight year of exceeding the 10- year average sockeye return.

This is not a coincidence. The Lower Snake River dams utilize some of the most informative technology we have to help fish migrate the river, including fish slides and fish ladders to help salmon get over the dams safely, fish friendly turbines, spillways, and bypass facilities.

As a result, a recent study conducted by NOAA Fisheries concluded that survival rates along the Snake River system are approaching levels seen on rivers without dams. In fact, this study found that wild juvenile steelhead transported through the dams by barge return as an adult at an 80 percent higher rate than in-river migrating fish.

In 1938, before the dams were built, it is estimated that 1.67 million salmon and steelhead returned to the mouth of the Columbia River. In 2022, that estimate grew to 2.38 million. We do not have to choose between saving our dams and preserving our salmon populations. We can continue to protect endangered salmon without sacrificing our way of life.

The Lower Snake River dams are critical for strengthening our energy grid and providing our region with some of the lowest energy costs in the nation. They help give us our competitive edge. In the Pacific Northwest, roughly 60 percent of the power consumed comes from hydroelectricity; in Washington state alone, that figure is closer to 70 percent.

Lower Granite Dam alone has six hydroelectric generators that generate up to 135 megawatts (MW) of energy each. Together, they have the capacity to generate 810 megawatts, which is enough electricity to power a city the size of Portland, Oregon.

Ice Harbor Dam, another part of the Colulnbia-Snake River System, can generate enough electricity to power all of the homes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Wenatchee. Perhaps one of the most underappreciated aspects of the hydropower produced by these dams is that it can be dispatched at a moment's notice, helping families and businesses keep their lights on year-round.

The Columbia-Snake River System also serves as a super-marine highway for farmers to ship their products all across America and around the world, all while reducing carbon emissions and lowering shipping costs.

Each year, nearly 10 percent of all U.S. wheat exports are barged on the Snake River. Additionally, roughly 250,000 tons of wood chips are barged between locations on the Lower Columbia River and Lewiston, Idaho, where they are turned into pulp for paper production at mills across our region.

In 2020, approximately 4.2 million tons of cargo were transported through the Snake River dams. It would have taken more than 42,000 rail cars or 162,000 semi-trucks to transport that amount of cargo on land. If these dams were breached, it would lead to an increase in diesel fuel consumption by nearly 5 million gallons per year. It would also result in an increase in CO2 and other harmful emissions by more than 1.2 million tons per year.

The increased trucking activity would- also increase the cost of fuel, highway and terminal facility maintenance, driver time, and vehicle maintenance by more than $69 million per year, all of which would be passed on to consumers.

The bottom line is that tearing out the Lower Snake River dams would not only diminish grid reliability and make it harder for local farmers to feed the world, it would be counterproductive to achieving our carbon reduction goals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the enormous benefits the four Lower Snake River Dams provide for the people of Eastern Washington and for the entire Pacific Northwest.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brian Winkler for his 40 years of dedicated service to our community in Eastern Washington and to the United States of America. Following in the footsteps of his father, a decorated World War II veteran, Brian served as a U.S. Navy Seabee for 15 years and dedicated his life to upholding their motto of ``We Build, We Fight, Can Do.''

Brian's ``Can Do'' spirit and commitment to service did not stop there. For the past 25 years, he has tirelessly devoted himself to helping veterans, their families, and his community. Among his many remarkable achievements, Mr. Winkler spearheaded the construction and donation of a water park that has provided joy to generations of young children in our region. Moreover, he has generously shared his time, expertise, and resources with the Salvation Army, City Gate, and numerous other locaI charities.

To this day, Mr. Winkler maintains a ``Seabee'' float that he built which he showcases at

parades and veterans events across Eastern Washington. He has also used his business to create employment opportunities for more than 200 individuals in Washington's Fifth Congressional District. significantly improving the lives of families in his community.

In addition to his extensive community work, Mr. Winkler has been an unwavering advocate for veterans from every branch of the military. He has extended his support to organizations such as the Seabee Veterans of America, Spokane Veterans Home, Navy League of the United States, Honor Point Military Aerospace Museum, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Spokane chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the United States Marine Corps League, and many more.

Mr. Winkler is a selfless individual who represents everything that is good in the United States of America. His unyielding desire to give back to his community, as well as his enduring commitment to our country and veterans who selflessly served it, are a testament to his profound dedication to helping others. His continued contributions will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of so many, and I know I speak for everyone in Eastern Washington when I say our community is a better place due to his ``Can Do'' efforts to help others.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brian Winkler for his tremendous contributions to Eastern Washington and thanking him for his dedicated service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize retired Chief Master Sergeant Rudy Lopez for his distinguished military service and commitment to serving Washington's veterans and military families as the Director of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash.

Retired CMSgt. Rudy Lopez first entered the Air Force as a pharmacy technician in 1983 where he worked in a variety of settings--from small clinic pharmacies to 50-bed hospital pharmacies--at McClellan Air Force Base and Eglin Air Force Base. During this time in the field, he notably led an Air Force beta test on pharmacy automation that was successfully implemented throughout the Department of Defense within 3 years of proof of concept.

In 2001, Lopez was selected for promotion to Chief Master Sergeant and transitioned out of pharmacy to serve as a Medical Group Superintendent--a role in which he would later deploy with the 332 Expeditionary Medical Group to Balad Air Base in 2007. CMSgt. Lopez also spent five years serving in a dual capacity as the Air Force Pharmacy Career Field Manager, advising the Air Force Surgeon General on the training, utilization, and career progression for more than 1,300 pharmacy technicians around the world.

In 2013, CMSgt. Lopez ended his illustrious three-decades-long career in Washington's Fifth Congressional District after serving three years as the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant at Fairchild Air Force Base. Throughout his decorated career, Lopez earned the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with an oak leaf cluster, an Iraq Campaign Medal with one service star, and many others.

Shortly after retiring from the Air Force, Rudy joined the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs as Director of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and oversight of administrative and operational functions of the Washington State Veterans Cemeteries Program, which includes cemetery locations across the state. He and his team diligently serve the state's 554,000 veterans by providing more than 900 dignified and honorable interment services to our nation's heroes each year.

He and his team are responsible for playing an active role in the research and recovery of well over 800 unclaimed or abandoned veterans' remains, all of whom receive a long overdue and proper final resting place in recognition of their service to our Nation. As if that weren't enough, retired CMSgt. Lopez also serves as an advisor on veteran's burial benefits state-wide, provides much-needed outreach to communities across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, and serves on a number of civic non-profit advisory boards and committees.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for retired CMSgt. Rudy Lopez's continued commitment to serving his country and community here in Eastern Washington. His dedication to honoring our nation's heroes is second to none, so I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing him for his tremendous efforts and celebrating the lasting legacy they will have on the lives he has touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Lieutenant CoIonel John Philip Kowzan. A native of Spokane, Washington, Phil joined the United States Army in 1961 and selflessly served his Nation for 28 years. During his time in the military, he was called upon to serve in Vietnam where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, and the Army Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters.

During his decorated military service, retired LTC Kowzan developed a profound respect for his fellow servicemembers. He saw firsthand the personal sacrifices of life and limb that his brothers and sisters in arms were prepared to make, as well as the invisible scars they would each carry home with them. Phil's profound understanding of these struggles motivated him to dedicate the remainder of his life to honoring those who answered our nation's call to service.

In 2001, Phil was asked to perform Taps in conjunction with a military funeral honors service for a longtime friend and fellow veteran. A musician at heart who played in a number of community bands through the years, he humbly accepted the request as a way of fulfilling the obligation cited by President Abraham Lincoln to ``Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause.''

Thus began a 23-year long run as a bugler in Eastern Washington.

In 2010, the community's demand for Phil's services grew exponentially when the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs opened the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Without hesitation, Phil volunteered to assist with military funeral honors as one of the facility's three buglers. In the first year alone, he performed more than half of the 350 interments at the cemetery, which now performs more than 900 services annually. As the facility's primary bugler, Phil frequently makes the 46 mile round trip--as often as five times a week--to ensure every veteran receives the honor and recognition of a grateful nation they deserve.

Phil quickly earned a reputation amongst the region's funeral directors and soon began receiving calls to perform at community cemeteries, funeral homes, event halls, and public events across the state.

At 86 years young, Phil still carries the same burning desire he first felt 23 years ago to make sure no servicemember is ever left behind. In total, he has rendered honors for more than 3,000 military funerals in the Spokane area, making him an inspiration to every person he meets. Phil is a decorated veteran, committed public servant, and model citizen. He is simply the very best of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing retired LTC John Philip Kowzan for his more than 50 years of faithful, diligent service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my pastor, Pastor John Repsold from Spokane, Washington, for opening the House in prayer this morning.

Pastor John has had a lifetime heart for prayer, the call to humble ourselves and pray. He currently pastors Mosaic Fellowship in downtown Spokane, bringing the heart of God to the heart of our city. He also leads Spokane Prays, calling our community to unite in prayer.

I thank Pastor John and recognize his wife, Sandy, and their family, their beautiful children, grandchildren, and friends who have traveled across the country to be here this morning.

It is written in Micah 6:8: ``What does the Lord require of thee? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.''

Pastor John and Sandy Repsold have been faithful servants of the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, Albert Einstein once suggested that prayer is the most powerful force to be explored. Pastor John is helping us do that. I thank God and ask God to answer his prayer today in the people's House and for the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1455, I call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 136) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ``Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the legislation and insert extraneous material on H.J. Res. 136.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 136, led by Energy and Commerce Committee member Republican Representative John James.

Over and over again, the Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, has doubled down on its radical rush-to-green energy agenda.

The EPA's latest tailpipe emissions rule is not really about reducing air pollution. It is about forcing Americans to drive electric vehicles.

By the EPA's own estimation, the new rule will effectively require at least two-thirds of all new cars in the United States to be 100 percent electric by 2032, not hybrids, not plug-in hybrids, not hydrogen, not any other clean technology.

This unreasonable rule is just another example of how the Biden- Harris administration's rush-to-green agenda is handing China the keys to America's energy future, jeopardizing our auto industry, and forcing people to buy unaffordable electric vehicles they do not want.

Here are the facts: In May, the average fully electric model was $17,326 more expensive than the average gas-burning compact crossover.

At the beginning of this year, nearly 5,000 American car dealers sent a letter to the President demanding that he hit the brakes on the EPA's unrealistic agenda after EVs stacked up on their car lots.

Moreover, recently, J.D. Power cut its projected sales of EVs by 25 percent, citing increased competition in the market for gas-powered vehicle alternatives.

Despite all of this, the Biden-Harris EPA has continued its de facto EV mandates, undeterred by the reality of what Americans actually want.

Instead of forcing Americans to spend more money on vehicles that they don't want to buy, on vehicles that only advance a political agenda, let's get back to the work of making sure that people have access to affordable, reliable, and functional means of transportation.

To ensure Americans drive what vehicle best suits their needs, vote ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 136 to put an end to the EPA's unrealistic tailpipe emissions rule.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. James), the champion and prime sponsor of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Michigan.

Madam Speaker, just to clarify, all the incentives go away when the mandate takes full effect.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg), the auto capital of the world. We want to keep it that way and stop imposing China's agenda on us.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), chairman of the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Madam Speaker, the numbers that we are quoting are from the final rule. We are not making it up.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Obernolte), a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman), chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams), who knows a little bit about cars.

Madam Speaker, we can build one battery electric vehicle for the same raw

materials as six plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or 90 hybrid electric vehicles. For one of the cars that EPA is going to mandate that Americans buy, we could build six plug-in or 90 hybrid vehicles for the same raw materials. Yet, the EPA is mandating electric, battery electric vehicles. That is how many batteries you can make with the same amount of minerals. Ninety hybrid electric vehicles reduces 37 times as much carbon as one of these vehicles the EPA is mandating, the 100 percent battery electric.

Let's get back to reality. America is leading the world in technology and innovation that is bringing down carbon emissions. Let's do it the American way, not this China forced-mandate policy on America.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

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

EVs are fine technologies for those who can afford them and use them. However, they should not be forced on people against their will when their means, their circumstance, or their preference requires traditional gas, diesel, or a hybrid vehicle.

EVs come with serious negative impacts for consumers, American security, and the environment. Over its lifetime, an EV only has lower emissions than a gas-powered vehicle if it travels between 28,069 and 68,160 miles and remains in service for more than 10 years, circumstances that are not being realized today.

EVs are not for everyone. Just because some people like them doesn't mean that they are going to work.

EV batteries rely on five critical minerals: lithium, cobalt, magnesium, nickel, and graphite. Compared to the conventional internal combustion engine, an electric vehicle requires six times the mineral inputs.

Further, IEA estimates that the demand for lithium will increase 43 times by 2040. Critical minerals are critical for EVs and batteries, and China dominates much of the supply chains for EV batteries.

Additionally, raw ore needs to be processed into usable minerals. Again, China does 100 percent of the processing.

A rush to EVs will directly increase our reliance on China. China controls 90 percent of the EV supply chain. It also currently controls 78 percent of the global EV battery production, 90 percent of the global rare earth element refining capacity, 90 percent of refining, 70 percent of global cobalt refining capacity, 68 percent of global nickel refining capacity, and 50 percent of global lithium refining capacity.

What are we doing in the United States about that? Nothing. This administration is shutting down mining and processing. It takes, on average, 7 years just to permit anything in the United States of America.

This is a mandate from the EPA that is not in the best interest of America and not in the best interest of consumers. Let's vote ``yes'' today on this resolution. Let's unleash American energy and American innovation in the car sector.

We have led the world in the last 100 years in car manufacturing. Our goal is to make sure that America continues to lead the world in innovation and car manufacturing and do it in a way that is affordable and that can actually be implemented, not this unrealistic, expensive, unaffordable mandate by the EPA on Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. D'Esposito). All time for debate has expired.

Pursuant to House Resolution 1455, the previous question is ordered on the joint resolution.

The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the joint resolution.

The joint resolution was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8112) to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to further require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program, 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 insert extraneous material into the Record on the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8112 is simple. We should not let bad actors that the Medicaid program has determined should not see seniors continue to see Medicaid patients.

Medicare may remove providers for a number of reasons, including felonies that take place in the Medicare program or putting its beneficiaries at immediate risk, such as a malpractice suit that results in conviction for criminal neglect.

For example, a doctor who has been found guilty of running a pill mill can be removed from being able to be paid by Medicare and Medicaid. Doctors that have been terminated are listed in the Data EXchange, or the DEX, a Federal database that monitors doctors who have been terminated from Medicare and Medicaid program, but currently, States are not required to check the DEX.

If a doctor breaks the law in one State and is removed from that State's Medicaid program, the doctor will be entered into the Data EXchange. However, if my home State isn't checking that, the doctor may set up a practice across the State line and be paid by Medicaid.

This bill is straightforward and would require States to check every month to ensure that bad actors aren't in our systems. I hope we can all agree that keeping bad actors and bad doctors out of Medicaid is in everyone's best interests.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito).

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.