Clay Fuller

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Wallace Meeks. Wallace Meeks lived a life centered around the people he loved most: his family and his community.

A proud Northwest Georgian, Wallace called LaFayette home. Above all else, he was a devoted family man. He and his wife, Judy, shared 58 years of marriage and built a family that became his greatest legacy. Together, they raised three sons, Wally, Stacey, and Anthony. Wallace was also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who was blessed to watch his family grow across generations.

The strength of a community comes from people who work hard, care for their neighbors, and put their families first. Wallace represented those values throughout his life, and his memory will live on through the many people who knew and loved him.

I am grateful for Wallace's life and the example he leaves behind. Mr. Speaker, please join me in keeping Judy, the entire Meeks family, and all those who loved Wallace in your prayers during this difficult time.

May God bless the Meeks family and bring them comfort in the days ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Ronnie Winters. Ronnie Winters lived a life of service to his country, his family, and the people of Chattooga County.

Ronnie proudly served our Nation as a Sergeant in the United States Army, serving in active combat in Vietnam with the 19th Brigade Combat Engineers from 1966 to 1968. His commitment to his fellow veterans continued long after he returned home through his involvement with VFW Post 6688 and American Legion Post 129.

At home, Ronnie was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hardworking small business owner who understood what it meant to build something of your own. He used that experience to mentor young entrepreneurs and help others get their start in business.

Ronnie also cared deeply about the future of Chattooga County. He worked to strengthen the local economy through his service with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority and gave back to local young people as a longtime member of the Summerville-Trion Optimist Club.

Ronnie Winters represented the very best of Northwest Georgia: faith, family, hard work, service, and love of country. His impact can be seen in the businesses he helped, the young people he encouraged, the veterans he stood beside, and the family he loved.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Ronnie's friendship and for his lifetime of service. His legacy will not be forgotten, and I ask that you join me in keeping the Winters family in your prayers.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule. This important legislation is required to allow Republicans in this House to advance important priorities for the American people, including funding legislation to keep our government operating.

Unfortunately, it has become clear, as the House has considered appropriations legislation on the floor and in Chairman Cole's committee, that Democrats are trying to hold our government hostage.

This legislation will make clear where Democrats stand. Will they vote against keeping the government working for the American people, or will they vote to keep us hostage?

Will they vote with me to fund important priorities, such as the programs that will allow communities in my district and many others to clean up and recover from years of PFAS contamination, or will they vote to hold hostage programs that will make Appalachia communities, like mine, healthier all to score political points?

I know where I stand. I know where leadership in this body stands. I promised my constituents that I would be a warrior for north Georgia, and I am proud to do that today.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule.