Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished leader, Lieutenant General Sean A. Gainey, as he concludes a remarkable career of service to our Nation. For the past several years, it has been our state's distinct honor to host him at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, where he has served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.

Since his commission as an Air Defense Artillery officer in 1990, General Gainey has been a pillar of our Nation's defense. His career has taken him from a platoon leader in Germany to the highest echelons of military leadership. He has commanded the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Hawaii and the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bragg. He has also served with distinction in critical roles at the Pentagon, including as the first Director of the Joint Counter-UAS Office. Furthermore, his service in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Southern Watch are a testament to his unwavering commitment.

His strategic vision and deep expertise have been instrumental in shaping our Nation's air and missile defense posture for the modern era. His unwavering commitment to the mission and to his soldiers has left an indelible mark on the United States Army.

As General Gainey retires, we in Alabama are particularly proud of his most recent service as the Commanding General of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Redstone Arsenal. His leadership has been critical to our national security and a source of great pride for our state.

On behalf of a grateful Nation and the people of Alabama, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to General Gainey and his family, who have served alongside him with unwavering support and sacrifice. We wish him a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, the question is: Do we support President Trump with this authority? Absolutely, we do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026.

This legislation makes it clear: The United States will not stand for unlawful harassment campaigns against American companies and American workers.

For over 35 years, Vulcan Materials Company, based in Alabama, has lawfully owned and operated a limestone quarry in Mexico. Yet, since 2018, the Mexican Government has unlawfully restricted Vulcan's operations and wrongfully targeted them through coercion and intimidation.

In 2022, the Mexican President attempted to seize the property. When Vulcan refused to surrender, Mexico retaliated by issuing shutdown orders.

No American company should be pressured into accepting a fire-sale takeover or punished for standing up for its lawful rights. Vulcan followed the law, held up its end of the deal, and operated transparently. What they received in return was their property stolen and seized by the Mexican Government.

These actions have essentially left the only deepwater port on the Yucatan Peninsula--owned, constructed, and operated for years by Vulcan--and the surrounding land open for sale to our adversaries. This is unbelievable.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act gives the United States the tools to push back against foreign countries and trading partners when our companies are unlawfully targeted and harassed.

America owes Mexico nothing. This is about fairness and accountability. The United States will no longer sit by and allow foreign nations to profit from stolen American property.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7084. I thank Congressman Pfluger for his leadership in advancing this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, did I just hear the Member say ``fair, just, and humane''?

The Democrats allowed 15 million illegal aliens to enter into this country under the last administration, and now they don't want to fund Homeland Security. Connect the dots. They are begging for chaos.

As a member of both the Appropriations Committee and the Homeland Security Committee, I rise today in strong support of the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, to ensure that our frontline personnel are paid and that our Nation is secure.

While I stand here, the men and women who protect our borders, secure our airports, patrol our coastlines, and respond to disasters are being asked to do their jobs without certainty and stability. In many cases, they are being asked to do it without pay, all because Democrats want to block the deportation of violent criminals who are here illegally.

This is unacceptable. Our Nation faces growing and rapidly evolving threats. We are confronting increasingly aggressive adversaries who have built a global network of proxies, terrorist organizations, and illicit financing operations designed to target the United States and our allies.

On top of that, transnational criminal groups and emerging technologies are being exploited by bad actors to conduct surveillance, smuggle contraband, and enable criminal activity. These are not distant threats. They are real threats, and they demand a fully functional Department of Homeland Security to confront these threats.

America will soon host the World Cup, the Olympic Games, and our Nation's 250th anniversary, events that will bring millions of visitors and place unprecedented demands on our security infrastructure. Yet, right now, airports across the country are seeing a surge in TSO callouts.

Just yesterday, during a Homeland Security Committee hearing, the TSA Acting Administrator warned that newly hired screeners will not be trained in time for the 2026 World Cup because of staffing shortages. This alarms every single one of us because it means that we are knowingly walking toward a major international event without the staffing necessary to secure it.

Mr. Speaker, as vice chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I rise in strong support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, our Republic is alive and well. This bill refocuses Washington's spending. It cuts waste, restores accountability, and delivers on President Trump's agenda. It cracks down on fentanyl and foreign adversaries, defends American values and principles, and ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent on public safety and national security, not bloated bureaucracy.

It provides strong support for State and local law enforcement partnerships, and it defends the Second Amendment and America's right to bear arms.

Republicans are working to advance regular order and deliver results for the American people--reliable and affordable energy, strong national security, safe communities, and long-term fiscal responsibility. The appropriations process works for America.

I also highlight the provisions important to my community and, as a result, the security of our Nation. This bill ensures continued American dominance in space, making crucial investments that secure the future of the space launch system, human landing system, and nuclear thermal propulsion, for all of which Marshall Space Flight Center in north Alabama plays a central role.

These investments reinforce America's leadership in space through competition and innovation, while strengthening our national security, protecting taxpayers' dollars, and ensuring NASA remains focused on results.

This legislation returns the FBI to its core mission and ensures that our dedicated FBI agents are back in the field and out of the beltway. There is no better place to achieve this than the FBI Redstone in Huntsville, Alabama. We are making America safe and secure again.

This is a responsible bill that supports law enforcement, strengthens national security, and puts America first.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Chairman Rogers for their steady leadership throughout this process, and I thank the subcommittee staff for their hard work on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill. Our time is now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable citizen, Mr. David Cook of Huntsville, Alabama, on his well-deserved retirement from Torch Technologies. Dave Cook's distinguished career is a powerful testament to the American dream, and a lifetime dedicated to the service and protection of our Nation.

Dave began his service to our Nation by enlisting in the United States Army. His exceptional potential was quickly recognized, earning him an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, from which he graduated in 1984 with an Engineering degree. He further sharpened his expertise, earning an MBA from The Ohio State University and completing a Senior Service Fellowship at the University of Texas Institute for Advanced Technology.

His military career spanned critical roles in both combat arms leadership and defense acquisition. At the Pentagon, he served as Executive Officer to the Deputy for Systems Management and as Deputy Director of Executive Communications and Control for the Secretary of the Army. Most notably, as Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, he was instrumental in the urgent effort to field fifteen thousand Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, a lifesaving action that protected countless troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dave's contributions to our Nation's missile defense capability are equally extraordinary. As Product Manager for the Sentinel Radar System following the September 11th attacks, he rapidly deployed teams to support operations, achieving record readiness rates and earning him recognition as the top product manager among thirty-two Lieutenant Colonels. As Project Manager for the Ground Based Interceptor Program at the Missile Defense Agency, he achieved the first successful launch of a newly configured interceptor within five months and doubled the operational interceptors deployed. For this success, he was awarded both the Program Manager of the Year and the Missile Defense Pinnacle Leadership Awards. Following his military retirement, Dave brought his leadership to Torch Technologies, rising to the level of Senior Vice President and Business Group Lead.

Mr. Speaker, as Dave Cook begins this next chapter alongside his wife, Petra, and their two children, David, Jr. and Brandi, I ask my

colleagues to join me in extending our deepest thanks and congratulations to Mr. David Cook for his decades of extraordinary service to our Nation, our warfighters, and the Huntsville community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide an 11-month update to the American people.

While most media outlets struggle to be honest with the American people, under the administration of President Donald Trump, a Republican House, and a Republican Senate, America is back.

It is a fact that inflation is down from 5 percent to 2.5 percent. Gas prices have hit a 4-year low, averaging $2.95 a gallon. Advanced manufacturing and industry are returning to U.S. soil.

President Trump has secured over $8 trillion in investments that will fuel job growth and create opportunity. The stock market continues to set new all-time highs.

It is a fact that Republicans are committed to making sure hardworking Americans keep more of what they earn. The Working Families Tax Cut delivered the largest tax cut for middle- and working-class Americans in history, like no tax on tips and no tax on overtime.

It is a fact that the southern border is closed. Drug dealers, sexual predators, human traffickers, and those who illegally invaded our country during the Biden administration from over 160 countries are being returned to the country of their origin.

Under Biden, our emergency departments and local hospitals became the preferred free healthcare provider for illegal aliens, driving healthcare costs through the roof while the American taxpayers footed the bill.

We didn't need legislation to put America first. We needed a new President.

It is a fact that the spirit of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse is alive in Washington, D.C. Funds being sent to foreign countries that hate America have been cut off. Republicans cut $100,000 for climate resilience in Ghana; cut $360,000 for gender nonconforming, nonbinary, two-spirit farmers in New York; cut $24 billion to USAID; cut $22 billion from Health and Human Services to provide housing and cars for illegal aliens; cut $45 million for diversity, equity, and inclusion scholarships in Burma; cut $8 million to promote LGBTQ in Africa; cut $10 million for male circumcision in Mozambique; cut $20 million for the Arab ``Sesame Street'' in the Middle East; and we cut $600 million from National Public Radio. Free enterprise in America is alive and well.

President Donald Trump is the President of peace, ending eight wars in 8 months. Tell me who in history has ever done this.

The war between Israel and Hamas is over. The hostages were returned home. The Iranian nuclear program has been set back for decades, and the Middle East is more stable than it has been in years.

To gain peace through strength, we have invested in America's national defense. We have increased pay for our troops. We are making generational investments in our defense industrial base. We are filling our stockpiles. We are making our soldiers the most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen.

We will never apologize for keeping America safe. Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, the people of America are now seeing through Biden's 4 years of smoke and mirrors here in D.C.

It is a fact that the Clinton-Steele dossier was proven a hoax.

It is a fact that the Department of Justice was weaponized against President Trump.

It is a fact that the Democrats' so-called Inflation Reduction Act raised the United States debt to more than $38 trillion. It raised inflation to its highest level in 40 years.

It is a fact that Biden's Green New Deal was nothing more than another scam on the U.S. taxpayers, and ObamaCare, known as the Affordable Care Act, is not affordable to anyone in America.

It is a fact that Space Command is coming to Redstone Arsenal in north Alabama and the Golden Dome is on the horizon.

It is a fact that President Trump and our Republican majority is making America better for the people. America is back.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant General Robert A. Rasch, Jr., as he concludes 36 years of exceptional and faithful service to the United States of America.

Throughout his tenure, General Rasch has embodied the spirit of a soldier, inspiring those who have served with and under his leadership.

Born in Germany, where his father was stationed with Army Special Forces, General Rasch's connection to the military began early in life. He graduated from the University of Georgia and followed his father's footsteps, joining the Army as a second lieutenant in 1989.

His military journey also led him to his wife, Shawndell Mann, a fellow soldier he met while in Alaska. Together, they have two accomplished children: Darby, an emergency physician, and Michael, who continues the family legacy as an infantry captain. Their family continues to grow with the expected arrival of their first grandchild in October.

Throughout his career, General Rasch served in various capacities, including key roles within the acquisition and systems automation corps. He led as the project manager for the Army's Integrated Battle Command System and later as the military deputy to the commanding general of the Army Aviation and Missile Command.

In 2017, he earned his first star as a deputy program executive officer at PEO Missiles and Space. His second star came in 2019 when he took over the PEO role. He is credited as a primary driver for the modernization and integration of fires within the Army.

He earned his third and final star in 2022, becoming the director of the Army's Rapid Capability and Critical Technologies Office, more affectionately known as RCCTO.

In this role, he has overseen the rapid prototyping and fielding of several key

programs, including the mid-range capability program, Army directed energy systems, and the long-range hypersonic weapon as a first-of-its- kind capability.

General Rasch served in both Desert Storm and the global war on terrorism. Over his 36 years of service, he has earned numerous awards, including the Army's Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He is also a Ranger-qualified soldier, holding the prestigious Ranger Tab.

General Rasch's leadership and mentorship will be missed by many, especially those at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. Those who served with him describe him as exactly the kind of leader that soldiers trust and are willing to follow into battle. This Nation is grateful for his service and is better because of it. We salute General Robert A. Rasch, Jr.

U.S. Space Command Headquarters

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on an issue of historic importance for our Nation's security and for the people of north Alabama: the decision to base the United States Space Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

For more than 60 years, our community has been at the heart of the American space story. North Alabama has been at the forefront of innovation, from the rockets that carried our astronauts to the Moon, to the systems that now protect our homeland and our warfighters. We have earned the nickname ``The Rocket City'' because innovation and national defense are in our DNA.

Space Command is charged with ensuring America's superiority in the most demanding, contested domain of the future. To protect the United States, we need a headquarters located where talent, research, and mission readiness intersect. With the support of President Trump, it has been decided that Huntsville is that place.

Redstone Arsenal is a hub for missile defense, with unmatched infrastructure and mission synergy. Our workforce brings together military expertise, leading civilian aerospace professionals, and a pipeline of scientists and engineers. This is not just about geography. It is about capability, efficiency, and effectiveness.

This decision is not about partisan politics. It is about national security. It is about ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have every advantage. We must be the most lethal force this world has ever seen.

Huntsville offers facilities and partnerships needed for immediate mission success and long-term capability to grow and sustain the Command well into the future. North Alabama demonstrates that patriotism, technical excellence, and innovation exist together. North Alabama is ready. America will be stronger because of it. Our time is now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of an exceptional U.S. Army entity at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, the prototype integration facility, also known as the PIF.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention this facility is named after Dr. Larry O. Daniel, the beloved late grandfather of one of my district staffers.

Operating out of the DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center, the PIF has been the Army's premier provider of rapid prototyping and integrated hardware for aviation and missile programs since opening its doors in June 2002.

The PIF personifies fast and efficient contracting, benefiting from its unique government-owned, government-operated, and contractor- supported model.

I encourage the Army to keep this effort going and to apply this same contracting concept more broadly.

Lastly, I thank the PIF team and wish them a happy anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the life and sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff John Randall McCrary of Lauderdale County, Alabama.

Deputy McCrary dedicated over 15 years to law enforcement, serving with both the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office and the Rogersville Police Department, where he was promoted to investigator.

In 2016, Deputy McCrary was shot in the line of duty. Though he survived the attack, he endured years of medical complications until his untimely passing on February 28, 2024.

This week, his name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C., where his sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.

To the McCrary family in north Alabama, I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt condolences. As we remember Deputy McCrary, let us also honor all the brave men and women in law enforcement who sacrificed their lives for our safety.

This week serves as a great reminder of the daily courage it takes to wear the badge and of our responsibility to support those who protect and serve each of us.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Green for his support as well as my colleagues who joined me in introducing this legislation, H.R. 706, the DHS Biodetection Improvement Act.

The anthrax attacks of 2001 opened our eyes to a new dimension of national security risks, including the possibilities of bioterrorism. In response to this tragic event, the Department of Homeland Security launched the BioWatch program, a monitoring system that collects and tests air samples for biological agents likely to be used in a bioterrorism attack. This program has played an essential role in keeping us safe, providing valuable data on potential biological threats.

We must do everything we can to ensure that the tools we rely on remain as advanced and effective as possible, providing us with fast, accurate, and reliable data. Unfortunately, DHS has faced continuous challenges in acquiring capabilities to replace BioWatch.

While DHS has the authority to utilize the Department of Energy's national labs to identify and develop new technologies related to biodefense, they have yet to take advantage of this resource.

My legislation will advance America's bioweapon defense posture by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment of how, if at all, DHS has utilized this resource to address homeland security needs. It also directs DHS to submit a strategy for how the agency will coordinate with DOE to address biodetection research and development moving forward.

To ensure accountability, H.R. 706 requires DHS to report to Congress on the assessment and strategy no later than 1 year after the date of enactment.

As a first responder, I know there is more work to be done to harden our defenses against bioterrorism, and this legislation will ensure that DHS is utilizing all available resources and tools to do just that.

In the 118th Congress, I was proud to have the support of my colleagues in passing this legislation in the House. I urge my colleagues to join me once again in supporting this commonsense bill to ensure the security of our communities against biological threats.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 708, the SHIELD Against CCP Act.

I thank Chairman Green and each of the Members who have joined me in introducing this bill.

There is no question that the Chinese Communist Party poses a clear and present threat to both the security and democracy of the United States of America.

As detailed in DHS' 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, the Chinese Government poses a wide array of dangers to our Nation. These threats span across various sectors, including public safety, border and immigration, critical infrastructure, and economic security.

Threats of this nature undermine our global competitiveness and national security, and in some cases, impose a significant financial burden on our economy. It is absolutely essential that the Department of Homeland Security take decisive action to address these complex threats both at home and abroad.

This is why I have reintroduced H.R. 708, the SHIELD Against CCP Act. This legislation requires DHS to establish a dedicated working group focused on countering the threats posed by the CCP to our Homeland Security. Specifically, it requires them to examine, assess, and report on DHS' efforts to address these threats.

To ensure accountability, my bill also mandates that DHS provide an annual report to Congress, allowing us to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts.

As Members of Congress, it is our solemn duty to ensure the safety and well-being of our great Nation. We cannot afford to ignore the increased aggression and influence of China on the global stage.

In the 118th Congress, I was honored to have the backing of my colleagues in advancing this legislation through the House. I now urge all Members to join me once again in supporting the SHIELD Against CCP Act to protect our national security and safeguard our interests.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act.

I understand how important new technologies are in saving lives and protecting the American homeland as threats and challenges evolve.

Whether the Department of Homeland Security is working to prevent a terrorist act, inhibiting drug traffic at the southwest border, or responding to a life-threatening natural disaster, DHS relies heavily on research and development projects to enhance its operational effectiveness.

The critical role that R&D projects and new technologies play in helping protect our homeland cannot be understated. It is no secret that Federal R&D projects are a target for foreign theft, espionage, and influence.

It is our responsibility to safeguard them from malicious actors and prevent the unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, sensitive information.

This is why I reintroduced H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act. This legislation requires the Science and Technology Directorate to develop a process that safeguards sensitive information in R&D projects across all components of the Department.

Both the Trump and Biden administrations have made Federal research

security a priority by issuing executive orders and Federal research security guidance for government agencies like DHS to follow.

Despite this, S&T has not demonstrated how it will protect its $461 million worth of R&D projects from unauthorized access.

Every taxpayer dollar spent on R&D to improve our national security should be safeguarded from foreign and domestic bad actors who seek to do us harm.

This is why H.R. 901 also requires GAO to submit a report on how DHS has complied with existing Federal guidance to safeguard these R&D projects.

I thank Chairman Green and all the members who have supported this legislation.

By passing this commonsense bill and protecting sensitive R&D projects throughout the Department, we will improve the effectiveness of DHS' mission, the safety of our Nation's law enforcers, and, ultimately, our national security.

I urge all Members to join me in supporting this vital piece of legislation to better safeguard DHS and the American people.