Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Lamborn for bringing us all together tonight.

The Bible is a book that has endured for generations. Around the world, it is the number one bestseller. For 6,000 years of history, it is the Bible that has shaped who we are, how we govern, and our laws, morality, education, and family values.

The Bible has influenced the greatest philosophers, scholars, artists, musicians, and scientific work and discoveries.

The Bible answers questions like: Who am I? What makes me human? What is the purpose of life?

At a time when we are divided, angry, and fearful--the Surgeon General says we have a public health crisis of loneliness and isolation driving record suicides, deaths of despair, divorce, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety--perhaps more of us should read the Bible.

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed: ``We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.''

In 2023, have we forgotten God? How about doing something new in 2024? How about reading the Bible, all 435 Members of the House of Representatives? With our family and friends, it is only 15 minutes a day. We can read through the old book together for wisdom, like in Proverbs to ``trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.''

God is with us in everything that we do. May we discover the truth and freedom of His ways as revealed in the sacred Scripture.

Together, with His abundant grace, we can bring hope and healing to our land.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from today's vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 705.

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4468, the CARS Act.

President Biden's rush-to-green agenda is failing. Just last week, nearly 4,000 auto dealers all across this country sent a letter to President Biden urging him to stop his EV mandates. They said demand isn't there and the EVs are just sitting on their lots.

The administration has allocated billions for EV charging, yet not a single charger has come online as a result. All of this failed central planning is shipping our auto future and jobs to China. This is not the future Americans want or deserve.

For more than a century, affordable transportation has helped drive America's economic success. Our cars have allowed people all across this Nation and around the world to increase our mobility and raise our standard of living.

H.R. 4468 ensures that we can keep building on this legacy of American leadership and prosperity. Let's stop President Biden. He wants us all driving EVs, 100 percent battery electric, not plug-in, not hybrid, not plug-in hybrid. We don't agree. Vote for the bill.

Mr. Chair, I was absent from this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 624.

Amendment No. 15 Offered by Mrs. Harshbarger.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to recognize Washington State University and celebrate the success of their ASCENT program. This program is the primary university-based education and research vehicle for the FAA, and it is laser focused on developing new and exciting technology we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

By working with stakeholders and industry leaders, students and faculty at WSU are showing the world what is possible. Their research is revolutionizing the way we think about sustainable aviation fuel, and it is helping secure a cleaner future.

Today, we have the opportunity to ensure the work continues. We can fully fund the ASCENT program and make sure America continues to lead the way to usher in a new era of innovation and win the future.

Mr. Chairman, this program will help America keep its competitive edge, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I was absent from votes on the floor earlier today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 530, ``aye'' on rollcall No. 531, and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 532.

Amendment No. 16 Offered by Mr. Roy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David M. Baird for his selfless dedication and service to the veterans of Eastern Washington. On September 24, 2023, after 13 years of service as Director of the Spokane Veterans Center, David began a new journey as the Senior Social Worker at the Boise VA Medical Center in Idaho.

David is a Navy veteran and therapist with a distinguished record of service. In his role as director, he completely transformed the Spokane Veterans Center from a small, simple office to a much larger and more welcoming facility. As a result, the Vet Center--as it's known to those it serves in our community--is more equipped to keep the promise of supporting veterans than ever.

Under David's leadership, the Vet Center has become a model of best practices. It's home to top-notch social and psychological services, as well as readjustment counseling programs, all of which have received national recognition for the high level of compassion and care they provide. On average, the facility serves more than 15,000 veterans who walk through its doors each year.

These programs offered at the Vet Center have served as a lifeline for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They connect veterans with one another in open, non-judgemental settings, removing the stigma that is too often a barrier to seeking help. They have also been crucial for Gold Star families who rely on the Center for bereavement counseling as they cope with the heart-piercing grief of losing a family member on active duty.

Mr. Baird also established new therapeutic practices and facilities, including the ``Heroes Garden'' on the Spokane Vet Center campus, which offers a safe place for peaceful reflection to veterans and Gold Star family members. Additionally, he created a Native American sweat lodge experience for veterans and family members that takes place four times a year. David accomplished all this while successfully implementing a first-in-the-nation childcare program for veterans seeking readjustment counseling appointments at the facility.

David's dedication and tireless efforts have made him invaluable to our community. He has volunteered countless hours as a mental health professional for the Honor Flight Association, partnered with nonprofit agencies to provide stress-reduction wilderness retreats for veterans, and served as the Veteran Entry Coordinator for Spokane's annual Lilac Festival Torchlight Parade--the largest Armed Forces Day Parade in the Nation.

The number of lives David has changed is too many to count. I am deeply grateful to him for his dedication to our veterans, our community, and the United States of America through the years. Mr. Speaker, as David enters this new and exciting chapter, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his incredible contributions and wishing him all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sharon Ledbetter of Colfax, WA for her selfless service and the incredible impact she has had on the lives of veterans and their families in Eastern Washington.

In 2009, Sharon was instrumental in organizing the Lewis Clark Quilts of Valor, the Eastern Washington region's local branch of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Her goal was simple and honorable: Award servicemembers and veterans with hand-made quilts that recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our heroes, in the hopes of providing comfort and healing now that they have returned home.

As the wife of a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, Sharon understood these Quilts of Valor can be lifesaving for veterans. That's why, for the last 14 years, she has organized countless Sew Days, taught quilting classes, and raised financial support from local businesses and veterans' groups. Under her leadership, the group has grown to 60 members and honored more than 3,000 veterans with high-quality quilts to recognize their dedication and sacrifice to our country.

Each Quilt of Valor is dedicated to the veteran it was made for with their name, service branch, and era of service sewed on, making them an incredibly personal gift of recognition and honor. The quilts--many of which Sharon made herself--are then presented at beautiful ceremonies that have been known to move even the most stoic veterans to tears. Thanks to Sharon, these presentations are now conducted by volunteers and members across Eastern Washington and North Central Idaho.

Mr. Speaker, Sharon Ledbetter is a truly remarkable woman who deserves recognition. As she enters her retirement, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating her tremendous work and tireless dedication to the veterans in the greater Eastern Washington region. The profound impact she has had on our communities and the veterans in them will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend, Dixie Ferguson, for her outstanding work and life-long dedication to serving our men and women in uniform and the veterans of our Eastern Washington community.

Dixie began her service journey in 1966 when she joined the American Red Cross after graduating from the University of California, Davis. She joined the Clubmobile Service and provided support to our combat troops in Vietnam as a ``Donut Dolly.'' Dixie became well-known for her work at USO shows--singing, dancing, and serving food--to the young men fighting for our freedom who were missing home. After returning home in 1968, Dixie served as a social worker at Long Beach Naval Hospital in California, Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Colorado, and the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton where she supported those wounded in combat.

Fast forward more than 50 years later, and Dixie is still serving our active duty and retired service members through the American Red Cross Chapter in Walla Walla. In 2016, she earned the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Award for her work as an outreach and emergency communications caseworker.

Dixie has gone above and beyond volunteering her time through the years. Most recently, she has played an instrumental role in documenting the stories of those who served in World War II and Vietnam through the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project. To date, she has helped record nearly 200 veterans' stories. Additionally, Dixie has helped coordinate flights in the skies of Walla Walla for nearly 700 veterans as part of The Honour Project, while also proudly helping members of the Greatest Generation make their journey to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C. as a part of the Inland Northwest Honor Flight.

There is truly no task too big or too small for Dixie. Throughout the years, she served on a local committee responsible for bringing the second Gold Star Families Monument to Washington state. In 2021, she established Volunteers Love Serving Veterans, a local non-profit committed to service. Most recently, she organized and planned an annual POW/MIA ceremony event, where she welcomed a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient to be the guest speaker.

One thing is certain: There are very few in our country who have rolled out the red carpet for our veterans like Dixie Ferguson has. Her love of service and dedication to our veterans has brought endless joy to the Walla Walla military and veteran community that continues to grow each year.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding service of Dixie Ferguson to our men and women in uniform. Her work on their behalf is awe inspiring, and the profound impact she has had on our Nation's heroes will leave a legacy not soon to be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 681, I call up the bill (H.R. 1435) to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the legislation and to insert extraneous material on

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 1435 from my colleague and an Energy and Commerce Committee member, Dr. John Joyce.

For more than a century, the internal combustion engine has allowed people to increase their mobility and raise their standard of living. Restrictive government mandates aren't how we are going to lead the next 100 years, yet that is what EPA and California are trying to do by mandating that new vehicles sold in the State be electric. Seventeen other States are ready to follow suit if the EPA approves the recent waiver request from California.

The reality is that gas-powered cars are much less expensive than EVs and continue to outperform them in range, towing capacity, and their ability to operate in severe weather conditions. Studies have also warned that a rushed EV expansion could overwhelm our electric grid.

In California, Governor Newsom has resorted to asking people not to charge their EVs during blackouts. EVs currently make up just 4 percent of the vehicles in his State.

The decision to choose should apply across the board, whether that is for gas powered, EVs, or hybrid.

H.R. 1435 prevents EPA from granting California a waiver to limit the sale or use of new gas-powered cars. It is vital that we stop this effort to force an electricity transition on Americans, especially when you consider how China dominates the industry and supply chains and has even taken steps to build its own electric vehicle foothold in Mexico, specifically so it can access the U.S. market.

We need to focus on ensuring access to affordable, reliable transportation and ensuring our electric grid is dependable so people can keep their lights on, keep going to the store to get their groceries, stay warm, and live their lives.

Protecting people's way of life and their ability to provide for their families is the fundamental goal of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, just to clarify, States are not free under the Clean Air Act to regulate cars any way they want. Section 209 has conditions.

Also, the bill does not repeal or weaken any of the Clean Air Act levels. We have the strictest clean air regulations of any place in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson), a leader and subcommittee chairman on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, just noting for the record, in a 2017 midterm review, the California Air Resources Board confessed this law could lead to long-term job losses in industries tied to manufacturing, supplying, and servicing of conventional vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson), the gentleman who is all about winning the future.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan, the car capital of the world, (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Obernolte).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act that I am proud to lead with Ranking Member Pallone.

The SAT Streamlining Act is the first legislation in over two decades to update our laws governing how communications services using satellite technologies are licensed by the FCC.

Satellite communications systems play a pivotal role in closing the digital divide. Yet, the legal framework for licensing new and innovative satellite technologies has not kept pace with the 21st century.

Other adversaries, like China, seek to overtake our lead in developing these next-generation technologies. The SAT Streamlining Act would reform and improve the FCC's process to make the United States the destination of choice for licensing satellite communications systems without expanding the FCC's authority.

Our goal today is to ensure that the FCC does not become a space traffic cop and try to manage space traffic management functions or provide space situational awareness information. We added rules of construction to clarify the FCC does not have the authority to be the space traffic cop and affirm that nothing in H.R. 1338 would expand the existing authority of the FCC currently regarding orbital debris and space safety.

I will read the Rules of Construction. If you look at the Rules of Construction--this is section 3(A). ``Space Situational Awareness Services and Information. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), shall be construed to grant the Commission authority to carry out the functions provided under section 2274 of title 10, United States Code . . . ''

Then you go to section B: ``Space Safety and Orbital Debris. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), shall be construed to expand the authority of the Commission to establish requirements for or regulate space safety and orbital debris.''

Subsection C. ``Authority of Commission Under This Act. Nothing in subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commission with respect to space stations licensed under this Act.''

Those are the Rules of Construction.

This legislation today is to provide certainty to satellite operators by setting out clear performance objectives for satellite communications systems.

These changes will ensure that as satellite operators choose a venue for licensing their global systems, the United States' regulatory process is more appealing than other nations.

The SAT Act would establish an expedited review process for approving minor modifications to satellite communications systems, which will get new technologies into space sooner.

Second, the legislation would promote competition among satellite communications providers.

Spectrum access is a necessary component of global satellite communications networks.

Innovation takes place at a rapid speed, and the FCC should have clear guidance from Congress on how to evaluate whether a proposed satellite communications system can share spectrum with other systems to avoid harmful interference.

The SAT Act sets forth a framework that will ensure spectrum is used efficiently and promotes competition and innovation in the satellite communications marketplace.

China is currently working to launch and operate a national constellation similar to the American satellite communications systems.

Unlike our regulatory process, China can move swiftly to approve new technologies in their quest to dominate America and the world.

In order to ensure U.S. licensed systems stay ahead of our competitors, our regulatory environment must keep

pace with industry while continuing to ensure responsible spectrum use.

We began this effort to develop a new licensing framework for the modern era 2 years ago. We have worked with a wide array of stakeholders from the satellite industry. I am pleased we are moving forward today.

We must lead with more innovation, more competition, and better communications services for American homes and businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Pallone and all the stakeholders that worked with us over the last few years to create a framework that will promote competition, innovation, and predictability.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote in support of the legislation.

Mr. Chair, I was not present in the Chamber during part of the vote series today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 362 and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 363.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Dr. Robert Maudlin, PharmD, and celebrate the impact he has had on Graduate Medical Education in Eastern Washington--and across the country--throughout his illustrious career of nearly 50 years.

Dr. Maudlin, or Bob as he is known by his friends and colleagues, started his career in the United States Navy where he played baseball and served as a pharmacy technician. After completing his time in the service, he returned to the University of California at San Francisco to earn his PhD in Pharmacy, a degree that was relatively new at the time.

After graduating, Bob came on board as a member of the pharmacy department faculty at Washington State University. He later joined the Family Medicine Residency Spokane program as the Assistant Program Director, a position he put his full heart and soul into. Through hard work and fierce dedication, Bob developed the model for the first rural training program in the United States. He is a pioneer who, as his colleague Dr. Justin Frederick said, ``Saw the global vision of Graduate Medical Education for our communities.''

Dr. Maudlin is also characterized as a mentor, a stalwart champion for Graduate Medical Education, and a passionate advocate for creating residency programs to provide care in underserved communities. As Dr. Tanya Keeble, Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program recounts, ``The psychiatry program never would have gotten off the ground without Bob's ability to develop critical community relationships and create a sustainable residency funding structure. As a new program director, he was an enormous support to me.''

Dr. Maudlin never wavered in his commitment to the growth of Graduate Medical Education, and he viewed his role at the Spokane Teaching Health Center as the perfect way to advance that goal. He was tremendously helpful in writing the initial grant needed to increase the primary care residency programs for the first time since the late 1990s. He served as the Designated Institutional Official and helped guide the Executive Director and the Board of Directors during the startup phase of this new venture. As Traci Couture Richmond, Executive Director for the Spokane Teaching Health Center, said. ``Without Bob's deep knowledge of the grant requirements, the ability to get needed information from the partners, and his vision for what the STHC could be, we wouldn't be where we are today.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Dr. Maudlin on his exceptional career. Without his influence and passion for training residents, Spokane and the region at-large would not be able to successfully train 118 medical residents per year. As a result of Bob's commitment to Graduate Medical Education, our health care system is stronger, and our community is a better place. I am grateful for his friendship since I was first elected to Congress, and I know his tremendous achievements and legacy will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the great achievements and outstanding leadership of Rodney Smoldon, who will be retiring as Forest Supervisor for the Colville National Forest on June 30, 2023.

Rodney was born and raised in Eastern Washington. He graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1985 and has spent the last two decades managing the Colville National Forest, which covers 1.6 million acres and is known for its wild huckleberries, camping, hiking and horse trails, lakes, rivers, and some of the most exciting wildlife Mother Nature has to offer.

Throughout his career, Rodney served in a number of leadership roles in both California and Washington, including as a District Ranger on the Okanogan-Wenatchee, Plumas, and El Dorado National Forests. He returned to the Colville in 2008 as the Deputy Forest Supervisor and later became a Ranger. In 2015, he was named the Forest Supervisor for the entire Colville National Forest.

Rodney's tenure as Forest Supervisor was defined by leadership that made the Colville National Forest one of the most productive national forests in the country. He made it his mission to champion innovative conservation efforts and proactive forest management strategies in the hopes of unleashing economic opportunities for our rural communities and protecting the forest for generations to come.

And it worked. Rodney's innovative approach secured the A to Z Project, a public-private partnership where local communities, conservation groups, the recreational community, industry, and the forest service teamed up to proactively and collaboratively manage Colville National Forest. This project has been remarkably successful in mitigating wildfire risks in our community and serves as a national model for forest restoration that will improve our environment and the economy.

Rodney's passion for the land, the people, and the communities he serves is unmatched. His career of service is proof of that. He never stopped searching for new ways to increase the pace and scale of restoration, and he would always ask why or how we could do better. This results-driven mindset is what empowered our partnership to be so successful throughout the years.

Mr. Speaker, l will dearly miss working with my friend Rodney Smoldon when he retires at the end of the month, but l know the best is yet to come for him and his family. In honor of an illustrious career of dedicated service to the Colville National Forest and the entire Northeastern Washington community, l ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rodney Smoldon on his retirement. We wish him the best as he embarks on his next adventure.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1615. The Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act is led by my friend Congressman Kelly Armstrong from North Dakota. It has bipartisan support here in the House, and it is a companion to Senators Cruz' and Manchin's bipartisan legislation in the Senate.

It will stop efforts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that could result in an outright ban or substantial price increase in the cost of gas stoves while also allowing the Commission to

continue its important safety work for these appliances.

Commissioner Trumka suggested that the CPSC should consider a ban on gas stoves. He said, everything is on the table.

As FOX News reported last week, his efforts go back even further than previously reported and include the Biden administration coordinating last summer with an environmental activist on the legal rationale to ban stoves.

To justify a ban, Mr. Trumka has also cited a study by Rocky Mountain Institute, which has partnered with the Chinese Government and is pushing America away from reliable and affordable energy. We must stop this agenda and make sure people have access to affordable appliances like gas stoves.

We aren't alone in raising the alarm that this effort to ban stoves goes too far. In fact, in California, a celebrity chef was recently given an exemption by local Democrats so he wouldn't have to comply with Palo Alto's natural gas stove ban in his new restaurant.

Surely, we can all agree today to allow every hardworking person in this country, regardless of their income or celebrity status, to have the same freedom to decide for themselves what stove is in their kitchen.

Again, H.R. 1615 allows the CPSC to continue their important safety work, but it stops the administration from implementing a political agenda, completely divorced from reality, to ban an appliance that is preferred by 40 percent of American households.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman Armstrong for his leadership, and I urge strong bipartisan support on H.R. 1615.