Dale W. Strong

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. This amendment would compromise the intent of the program.

Congress created and strengthened the pilot program to incentivize the Department of Defense to contract with businesses that are wholly owned by their employees.

This wasn't a partisan idea. It was championed by Members from across the political spectrum because it works for the Department and for the workforce.

My district is home to companies that have flourished under full employee ownership, and their success underscores exactly why this program was designed the way it was.

Yes, this amendment would extend that benefit to partially owned firms where a single owner or a small group retains control. The benefit shifts away from the employees this program was designed to reward and undermines the very purpose of the pilot program.

For this reason, I respectfully oppose the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the SAFEGUARDS Act.

When Americans purchase an airline ticket, they pay a passenger security fee with an expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security.

That is what Congress intended when the fee was created, and that is exactly what this bill restores. For years, revenue from the passenger security fee has been directed away from its intended purpose. Meanwhile, our airports continue to face evolving threats and increasing demand on the systems and technologies that help keep travelers safe.

The SAFEGUARDS Act restores accountability by directing this revenue back toward critical aviation security priorities following the expiration of the current fee diversion.

This legislation invests $500 million annually in checked baggage screening technology and $250 million annually

in checkpoint technology upgrades. This will help modernize screening capability, strengthen security operations, and ensure our aviation system remains prepared to meet current and future threats.

Let me be clear. This is not a new fee that will be placed on flyers, and it does not raise taxes. The SAFEGUARDS Act simply ensures that the fees travelers currently pay are used for their original purpose and in line with the expectation of the traveling public.

Anytime a fee is collected from the American people, it should be carefully scrutinized. I take that responsibility seriously, which is why, when I examined the intent of this fee, I first asked whether the original purpose behind it remains important today. I believe it does.

The fee was established in the aftermath of September 11, one of the darkest days in our Nation's history. In the years that followed, Congress recognized that maintaining a safe and secure aviation system would require a long-term commitment to aviation security and continued investments in the technologies that help protect the traveling public.

The passenger security fee was created to support that mission, and travelers have paid it with the expectation that those dollars would be used to strengthen aviation security.

I am proud to reaffirm our commitment to the traveling public today with this bill. The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring trust, improving transparency and accountability, and ensuring the aviation security dollars are spent on aviation security.

I am proud that this legislation has earned bipartisan support and the backing of airports, airlines, and the travel organizations across the country.

I want to thank Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and support in advancing this legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Kennedy of New York for partnering with me on this effort, as well as my colleagues who have joined as cosponsors.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the SAFEGUARDS Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the United States of America's 250th anniversary.

There is nothing that exemplifies freedom more than the stars and stripes of the American flag. Have you noticed that businesses, restaurants, and even homes in your neighborhood may have a flagpole with no United States flag flying on it? This Fourth of July, let's change that.

If there is a restaurant, business, or home in your area with a bare flagpole, encourage them to return Old Glory to its rightful place.

If you don't have a United States flag proudly displayed, this Fourth of July is the perfect time for a family project to install one.

Let's fly the American flag as we celebrate 250 years of freedom this Fourth of July. May God bless the United States of America.