Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jody Singer, director of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on her upcoming retirement following 38 years of dedicated leadership to NASA.

Director Singer's leadership, expertise, and vision were vital to the success of the International Space Station, the James Webb Telescope, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer mission, the DART mission, the Space Launch System development, and the Artemis I mission. It is also with great pride that I commend her in leading over 110 space shuttle launches.

For over three decades, she has advocated for human spaceflight, science and technology development, and deep space exploration.

As an industrial engineer, she possesses the technical skills necessary to excel in advanced exploration projects, science flight mission programs, and technology demonstration missions. Through two NASA fellowships, she also gained expertise in business operations, project management, and executive leadership.

I congratulate Director Singer for her service to our community and dedication to the future of space exploration. I have no doubt that her successor will continue to advocate for Marshall. Together, we will continue to uphold the Rocket City's legacy of human systems development, scientific discovery, and technological advancements.

Mr. Chair, I also rise in opposition to the amendment.

Chair Rogers is exactly right. I want to emphasize one of the points that he made.

The language in the bill that this amendment is proposing to strike is effectively the same language Congress agreed to last year. As the chair said, this is a commonsense provision that extends a restriction Congress passed on a bipartisan basis last year.

The administration wants to retire a nuclear weapon, and we are saying to tell us how they are going to replace the capability before they retire it.

That is a responsible policy, and I strongly oppose the amendment striking this provision.

Mr. Chairman, the NDAA is laser-focused on one thing, national security. It shuts down woke programs and protects America's men and women in uniform.

Since 2021, the DOD has spent $47 million per year to store and secure unused southern border wall construction material. It is shameful to waste over $300 million just to prove a point.

This spring, I went to the border and saw miles worth of border wall material rusting on the ground.

During the NDAA markup, I championed a provision that directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan to use, transfer, or donate unused border wall material to border States.

My amendment, No. 1495, expedites the plan's due date and mandates its execution. This saves taxpayer funds and keeps the DOD on mission.

I am proud to have worked on this effort with SASC Ranking Member Roger Wicker, and I thank HASC Chairman Mike Rogers for his support. Together, we will make sure the DOD spends its money wisely and provides for its servicemembers and installations like Redstone Arsenal in north Alabama and Huntsville, Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because fentanyl is an epidemic in America. In counties and cities across America, families are being destroyed by fentanyl overdoses. Doctors and nurses in emergency departments throughout our country see it every day. Paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, and deputy sheriffs see it on the front line.

China provides precursors to Mexico, who, in turn, produces this deadly drug. We have seen what happens next. Every day mules illegally cross the U.S. border by the thousands, bringing fentanyl to communities across our country. It is killing 300 people every day.

The Secretary of Homeland Security has testified before Members of this body that we have operational control of the southern border. Americans know the truth. At this rate, fentanyl is on track to steal an entire generation from our country.

As a first responder, licensed emergency medical technician for more than 34 years, I have seen it up close. I have personally had to shoot Narcan up the noses of children in an effort to save their lives. That is something that no child should have to experience and no parent should have to witness.

According to the CDC, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. So far in fiscal year 2023, Customs and Border Patrol have seized over 17,000 pounds of fentanyl coming across the southern border. Again, in 2023, Customs and Border Patrol have seized 17,000 pounds of fentanyl coming across the southern border.

This year Madison County, Alabama, which I represent, is reporting 25 confirmed fentanyl overdoses through the coroner's office with 35 suspected overdose cases pending.

The devastation this drug is leaving as it infects the United States is something to be mourned. I can say this gruesome nature of fentanyl is destroying lives, families, and communities. It does not discriminate.

More and more often we see other dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and even marijuana, being laced with fentanyl without the knowledge of the user.

In the wake of surge in illegal immigration and drug smuggling at the southern border, we are at risk to witness unprecedented spikes in fentanyl overdoses. Fentanyl is already running rampant in our country, and we must take action. My concerns reflect those of my own constituents and countless others around the United States, especially those who live and have been forever changed by fentanyl.

To solve problems, you must first admit you have one. We have gotten here because of this administration's reckless border policies. I am proud of the legislation that we have come together to advance in the House this Congress. We must continue to look for ways to equip law enforcement with essential tools to stop the spread of fentanyl and give us the support we need on more research of this vicious drug.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congressman for his remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Moran).

Mr. Speaker, I thank those who have participated in this Special Order hour.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, I speak firsthand as an emergency medical technician for 34 years in town. We have seen so many things occur, so many families that have been affected.

I can tell you this, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and also the committees that have gone to the border, you start looking at what we saw firsthand and just trying to protect our country.

We were there at the southern border for about 5 minutes at a point of entry. In less than 5 minutes, here comes a vehicle. What would you imagine? Seventy pounds of cocaine right in front of 12 United States Congressmen.

We went again to McAllen, Texas, and had a full committee hearing--or what was supposed to have been a full committee hearing. It was only Republicans who showed up.

Mr. Speaker, the only way that we can solve problems is to admit that we have a problem and then work together to solve it. It is obvious that we have a problem with thousands of pounds coming across the southern border, and we have to act on it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 40 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of those in law enforcement who gave their all from the Fifth District of Alabama: William Street, Tim Anderson, James Foster, William Russell, W. L. Steele, William Baber, Lem Jones, Frank McKissack, Frank Bass, James Eubank, Carl Anderson, Ed Kirby, Burns Almon, James Drake, Hugh Craft, Thomas Wright, William Barr, Matthew Wann, William McMinn, Bedford Brackeen, Ewell Starr, Alan Logel, Kelly Vaught, Charles Drake, Wayne Boggus, Billy Daly, Preston Butler, William Gaskin, Benton McLemore, Leo Glover, Kenneth McDonald, Billy Clardy, Jr., Michael Twitty, David Temple, Simmie Jeffries, Charles Biles, Steven Ticer, Dewey Dorsey, Thomas Lewis, Billy Thrower, Willis Von Moore, Haskel McLane, Anthony Mims, Larry Russell, Daniel Golden, William Freeman, David Young, Keith Earle, Billy Clardy, III--and yes, you heard that right, Billy Clardy, Jr. and Billy Clardy, III, a father and son both lost in the line of duty some 50 years apart--Walter Johnson, Steve Finley, Garrett Crumby, who was ambushed just 52 days ago.

I stand before you today to honor these fallen officers of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. We will not forget the sacrifice they have made. I will not stop fighting for the brave men and women of our law enforcement until the day that I do not have a single name to read.

Furthermore, I take this moment to recognize retired Sheriff Joe W. Patterson, who served as Madison County, Alabama, sheriff for four terms. Sheriff Patterson inspired many at a young age to serve our community. To this day, he is a mentor to law enforcement officers across north Alabama.

In 1990, Sheriff Patterson offered me the opportunity to attend the police academy. While I did not take him up on that offer, he later swore me in anyway as a deputy sheriff, and later in life I served with the sheriff's department in the narcotics division. I am grateful for his continued leadership and years of service to our community and to the greater Madison County, Alabama, region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act.

This legislation is the culmination of months of hard work and collaboration of three House committees: Homeland Security, on which I serve as a member; Judiciary; and Foreign Affairs. It represents what is possible when we work together for the good of our Nation.

In my very first floor speech as a Member of Congress, I echoed the concerns and fears I have heard from the constituents that I represent and what I have seen firsthand at the southern border.

Americans are not safe, and our country is under attack at the southern border. Illegal immigrants, drug runners, and human smugglers continue to exploit this administration's open southern border policy as this administration looks the other way.

This last weekend, in just 72 hours, Border Patrol apprehended over 26,000 migrants, had approximately 7,500 got-aways, and seized 11 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill 2.5 million Americans. If this is what operational control looks like to this administration, it is no wonder why Americans are worried.

Title 42 is set to expire tomorrow, bringing not a surge but an invasion of illegal immigrants that our communities, hospitals, schools, and law enforcement officials simply can't handle. This debacle created by this administration has not seen its worst day.

Just this morning, the administration released a statement outlining how they plan to deal with this incoming invasion. The Department of Homeland Security press release says they have finalized a rule to incentivize the use of lawful immigration pathways. They are choosing to incentivize illegal immigrants to follow our laws when we should be punishing those who don't follow our laws. The fact is, President Trump's border policies worked for America.

Now more than ever, we must pass this legislation and move toward a lawful, safe, secure, and orderly border. We don't have time to waste.

Among many important provisions, this legislation would grant DHS authority to suspend entry and gain operational control of the border, similar to title 42. I am pleased to stand here today with my colleagues in support of this legislation that begins to address the massive failure of this administration.

H.R. 2 reflects Republicans' commitment to make America safer. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is up to us to stop this invasion of America at the southern border because no one else will.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

This historic partnership has been a critical driving force behind the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East.

It is a partnership based on shared values and strategic interests. As we take a moment to commemorate this milestone, I draw attention to the unique relationship between Israel and my home State of Alabama.

Alabama was one of the first States to recognize the state of Israel back in 1948 and, in 1997, presented a formal memorandum of intent to promote trade and technology transfer.

Today, Israel is Alabama's 23rd largest export market, with significant collaboration on a number of projects, including missile defense and cybersecurity.

More than half of the U.S. military's foreign weapon sales are managed through the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal. Redstone is also proud to lead four joint U.S.-Israeli programs at MDA, including David's Sling and the Iron Dome.

Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance and continue to work together to build a brighter future for both of our nations.

Madam Speaker, I rise because no American is safe.

The United States Secretary of Homeland Security says that the American border is secure. The American people know better.

It is for these reasons I traveled to our southern border with several of my colleagues from the Committee on Homeland Security. Two adults attempted to climb the U.S. border fence the day we got there. They fell and were critically injured. American taxpayers are paying the bill.

Hospitals are inundated with non-U.S. citizens. They are not paying a dime for care.

Schools and teachers are attempting to teach students that are here unlawfully. Many don't speak English, and they are delaying the education of those who do.

Illegal aliens attacked a Border Patrol agent while we were there. They are trying to kill American law enforcement agents. Under this administration, these agents in many cases are instructed to respond by firing pepper balls.

Some schools are placed on lockdown 4 to 10 times a week because Border Patrol agents are chasing drug dealers and human smugglers that have crossed the border and entered their elementary and middle school campuses.

Cartel members are recruiting 11- to 14-year-old children to drive vehicles to smuggle illegal aliens through multiple States and counties.

Practically everyone crossing illegally claims asylum. Think about it, they are coming from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti, Cuba, El Salvador, Iran, and, yes, they are coming from China, too. They are flying, in many cases, to the southern border to cross illegally.

Our meeting at the border port of entry had to be delayed because a mule tried to smuggle 70 pounds of cocaine right in front of 12 United States Congressmen.

The American people are being told by the Secretary of Homeland Security that our borders are secure. There is nothing further from the truth. While heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, and human smuggling are flowing into our country at alarming rates, America is under attack.

The same laws in effect today were in effect when Donald Trump was President of the United States of America. You can talk about him all you want, but tell the facts. He sent them back and protected America.

Two weeks ago, President Trump's Border Patrol chief, Rodney Scott, gave us a brief. He said the problem is not with the laws; the problem is with this administration because they are not enforcing the laws that are already on the books. It is time to return these that are invading our country at the southern border to the country of their origin immediately.

On average, 300 United States men, women, and children are dying every day by overdose. EMTs, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and emergency rooms see it every day. America is under attack.

On our visit to the border, we met with Texas National Guard, United States Homeland Security, Border Patrol, Customs and Immigration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas State Troopers.

Not one of these agencies or officials we met with could say that the U.S. border was secure. Not one.

Drug overdoses are a common occurrence in every county and city in America. This threat to America does not discriminate; rich, poor, Black, White. This is not a Democratic issue, nor is it a Republican issue. It is an American issue. Our country is under attack.

No American is safe, and the American people deserve better.

During our trip, I was reminded that on his first day in office, the President terminated the emergency declaration at the southern border and halted border wall construction.

Over the last 2 years, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have encountered over 4.7 million illegal immigrants trying to enter our country. That does not include the 1.2 million that have evaded Border Patrol. Yet, the administration tells the American people that the border is under control.

If our border is secure, then why over the last 2 years has the administration continued to send troops to our border? That alone signals to every American that we have a problem.

Why are they stopping border wall construction, which is an important first step in securing our border? I will introduce legislation to address this question.

My bill will resume border wall construction and ensure the President cannot withhold resources while sending our troops to the front line. Our country is under attack.

I am proud to introduce this legislation and other measures to ensure that if the administration expects our troops to defend our border, then we expect the administration to provide every tool, resource, and means of support to each of our brave men and women protecting our homeland security.

My fellow Americans, our country is under attack.