Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. Let me begin by stating a straightforward fact: The Federal Government spends excessively, and much of these funds are wasted. The Bonuses for Cost- Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act of 2026 offers a practical solution to ensure that taxpayers' hard-earned dollars are wisely managed and efficiently.

This legislation takes our existing Federal rewards program, a program that already rewards employees who identify fraud, waste, and mismanagement, and expands it. Under this legislation, any Federal employee who identifies wasteful operational expenses that an agency itself determines are not required for its stated purpose can bring that information forward. The agency will then be required to propose those funds for rescission. On top of that, we double the maximum cash award available to employees who identify wasteful spending.

Federal employees are often the first to recognize when funds are allocated to outdated programs or when bureaucratic practices prioritize institutional interests over those of taxpayers. For too long, there has been no incentive to speak up, and in some cases real disincentives have existed. This bill addresses that issue.

Tennessee's Third District, my district, is home to thousands of dedicated Federal employees at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and other Federal sites throughout our region.

These hard-working public servants take their responsibility to taxpayers seriously. H.R. 428 honors their commitment by giving them a meaningful role in eliminating waste and rewarding them for delivering results to the people who fund our government.

We are taking these steps at a critical moment. The American people have given us a clear mandate to rein in spending. This administration is actively working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the Federal Government.

The efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency reflect the same mandate, and H.R. 428 supports that mission by establishing a permanent statutory framework that will endure beyond any one administration.

It is also important to emphasize that this is not a partisan bill. Taxpayers in Tennessee, and across the Nation, regardless of party, do not want their money wasted. They expect a government that is accountable, efficient, and worthy of their trust.

I have worked on this legislation for years, and I am proud that the Oversight Committee has advanced it.

Mr. Speaker, I say to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, this is a commonsense, fiscally responsible, pro-taxpayer bill. I urge everyone to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the River City Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee on its 40th Anniversary.

River City Company is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic vitality and vibrancy of downtown Chattanooga. Since its founding in 1986, River City Company has worked alongside public, private, and philanthropic partners to attract investment, support local businesses, and create engaging public spaces that strengthen the heart of the Scenic City. Through strategic initiatives, regular event programming, and community-driven development, the organization plays a leading role in the neverending work of building a vibrant urban core that serves Chattanooga's citizens and visitors.

From the fulfillment of the initial recommendations of the Moccasin Bend Task Force for the development of the Tennessee Riverwalk, to the development of the Tennessee Aquarium, the redevelopment of the Kirkman High School site, fulfillment of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan, the Majestic Theater, The Block and Miller Park, River City Company has been most successful as a public purpose development company. River City Company also plays a major role in the future planning of Downtown Chattanooga along with strategic animation and programming of Downtown spaces.

River City works with the community to create opportunities for Chattanoogans that celebrate the vitality of the city. It helps promote the people, places and culture that make the Scenic City special, and in doing so attracts visitors and new residents. It also helps create the infrastructure that attracts and enables new businesses in Chattanooga's downtown and helps ensure that Chattanooga's renaissance will continue for generations to come.

As a business owner and now as a Member of Congress, I have witnessed the vital role that River City Company has filled over the past 40 years to revitalize Downtown Chattanooga. I congratulate them on their numerous successes and look forward to their next 40 years partnering with this community to make Chattanooga the gem of the Tennessee Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Dwight Murphy of Winfield, Tennessee. Dwight will officially retire on June 9, 2026, from his position as President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology--Oneida/Huntsville.

Dwight Murphy became President of TCAT--Onieda/Huntsville in January 2006. For the past 20 years he has focused on creating a workforce pipeline to fill local jobs and support local industries while allowing the next generation of residents of Scott County to remain in this community and raise their children there. He has grown the programs offered on campus from fewer than ten to 20 full-time programs. Under his tenure, the school has also created pathways to college with transferable credits that can be applied to degree programs. Also under his guidance, TCAT--Oneida/Huntsville students have a 96 percent licensure exam pass rate and 86 percent graduation rate.

Dwight has been a lifelong educator. Before becoming President of TCAT--Oneida/Huntsville, Dwight taught first at Winfield Elementary School, then at Scott High School, and spent time as an adjunct professor at Roane State Community College.

Dwight's commitment to this community is evidenced by his public service. He served two terms as a Scott County Commissioner before serving four terms as Scott County Mayor. Dwight is a founding member of the Boys & Girls Club of Scott County, serving on the Elgin Foundation, the Scott County Chamber of Commerce, the Industrial Board of Scott County and the Industrial Board of Winfield County, the East Tennessee Development Board, the East Tennessee Resource Board, and the Mountain People's Health Board. Dwight has also served as President of the TCAT Presidents Association and as President of the County Mayors Association. Dwight is a Decon in the Winfield Baptist Church, where he has been active in the children's ministry programs, served as a Sunday School teacher, as organist, as a church bus driver, Vacation Bible School Director, and within the church's food ministries programs.

Dwight and his loving wife, Terri Phillips Murphy, have been married for 48 years. Together they have been blessed with three children, Jordan, Blake, and Cole, and seven beloved grandchildren. His daughter, Jordan, summed up Dwight in this way, ``I can say that dad's life reflects a deep commitment to faith, family, education, and public service, with a lasting impact on Scott County and the surrounding region.''

Dwight is a friend who has helped me gain valuable insights into Scott County, Tennessee, and its people during my time as their Representative. He has truly made a difference in all that he has done for this region. I have enjoyed our conversations over the years and wish him the best in his retirement.