Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Brandan Holliday.

Brandan recently returned home from deployment, serving with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in southwest Asia. While on deployment, Master Sergeant Holliday served as a night-shift flight chief, leading over 56 security forces members for U.S. Central Command.

Master Sergeant Holliday's home unit is the 121st Security Forces Squadron based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. He also serves his community as a law enforcement officer, as an emergency management specialist for the Kettering Police Department, and as a part-time sergeant and deputy sheriff for the Aberdeen Police Department and Adams County Sheriff's Office, respectively.

In total, Master Sergeant Holliday has 12 years of experience in the Armed Forces and over 15 years of law enforcement experience. Upon returning home from his recent deployment, Master Sergeant Holliday was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his outstanding leadership.

What makes America exceptional are men and women like Brandan Holliday, the quiet heroes who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms. This country is forever indebted to our servicemembers and their families, who sacrifice so much to preserve our experiment in self-government.

All of America thanks Master Sergeant Holliday.

Recognizing University of Cincinnati Clermont Women's Volleyball Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Cincinnati Clermont women's volleyball team. The Cougars defeated Kent State Tuscarawas to win the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II championship. This is UC Clermont volleyball team's second title in its history. What makes this title even sweeter is that Kent State knocked the Cougars out of the playoff tournament last year.

UC Clermont dominated the playoffs, thanks to their tireless work ethic and family culture. Ending the season 23-4, the Cougars secured the top tournament seed and rode the momentum to the national championship.

Multiple Cougars were named to the all-tournament team, showcasing the amazing work the coaches and support staff do to develop these young women into star players. Winning titles is truly a joint effort between players, coaches, and parents. It takes teamwork to achieve great things, and that is something I hope the girls carry with them for the rest of their lives.

All of southern Ohio is proud of the Cougar volleyball team. I look forward to their continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Stewart.

Ken is a proud resident of Ohio's Second Congressional District and a former firefighter with the Batavia Fire Department. Ken spent over four decades with the department, working his way up from lieutenant to chief.

This past summer, at the age of 85, Ken participated in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, an Olympic competition specifically for first responders that draws competitors from around the world. Ken excelled in javelin throwing, high jump, and many other track events, ultimately contributing 9 medals to the total of 1,362 brought home by Team USA. Of his nine medals, three were gold and six were silver.

Not only is Ken an accomplished athlete and public servant, but he was my science teacher at Amelia Middle School. I loved having him as a teacher. It is wonderful to see him continue to achieve greatly and inspire others around him.

Ken worked tirelessly to prepare for the games by exercising at his local YMCA every day and allowing the thrill of competition to drive his desire to win. Ken reminds us all how important it is to keep moving and take care of ourselves so we can make the most of life at any age.

Ken has centered his life around athletics, having been a high school track and field official for 47 years and track coach for 60 years in Clermont County. Ken even had the amazing opportunity to officiate the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. His dedication to improving the lives of young people is admirable.

Mr. Speaker, coaches and officials play a key role in shaping the attitudes and beliefs of our Nation's youth, and my district is lucky to have many people like Ken to look out for our athletes.

Madam Speaker, after a long and successful career, Ken plans to retire from athletic events. To celebrate his achievements and his dedication to his community, the Village of Batavia is naming July 14 ``Ken Stewart Day.'' I look forward to being in Batavia next year to celebrate. We congratulate Ken. All of southern Ohio is very proud of him.

Recognizing Billy Ray ``Daddy-O'' Midkiff

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Billy Ray ``Daddy-O'' Midkiff and his extraordinary service to southern Ohio. Ray began serving as a volunteer firefighter in 1977 with the Wilkesville Volunteer Fire Department, and he became a charter member of the Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department. He has over 50 years of service including several years as fire chief for Salem Township.

Ray's roots in the community run deep, as he has also worked as a dairy farmer and coal miner for the Southern Ohio Coal Company. Ray has received numerous awards such as the National Grange Volunteer Firefighter of the Year and was deemed a Hometown Hero by Modern Woodmen. To this day he is an active fire chief and continues to give back to southern Ohio.

Madam Speaker, America is forever grateful for people like him and the millions of other first responders who put their lives on the line for us every day. All of southern Ohio thanks Ray for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3427) to require the Comptroller General of the United States to review all clean water-related technical assistance authorities of the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 3427.

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

Mr. Speaker, my bill, H.R. 3427, the Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act, would instruct the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, to conduct a study reviewing the EPA's technical assistance programs.

Access to clean and safe water should not be determined by where you live, Mr. Speaker. During my time in Congress, I have heard from elected officials across southern Ohio about the difficulties they face navigating the Federal grant process due to budgetary constraints, insufficient time, and lack of technical expertise. This bill would change that by helping Appalachian regions get connected to resources they need to join the modern economy.

The EPA established technical assistance programs to connect rural communities like those in my district and across the United States with experts to help them navigate the Federal funding process to obtain water infrastructure.

Unfortunately, some of these technical assistance programs have failed to provide adequate assistance, hindering communities from obtaining critical water infrastructure funding.

My bill would direct the GAO to conduct a comprehensive study reviewing how the EPA identifies, selects, and partners with technical assistance providers, and provide recommendations on how the EPA can improve these technical assistance programs.

Once concluded, the EPA must submit a plan to Congress on how it intends to reform its technical assistance programs, helping connect communities with necessary resources to build and repair critical water infrastructure.

I am proud to lead legislation that helps alleviate the struggles that rural communities face in obtaining the infrastructure needed to survive. When water infrastructure ages well past its intended lifespan, Congress should support and advocate for programs that help rural communities, not leave them behind.

I thank my friend and colleague, Representative Figures, for joining me in this effort, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation to help communities across the United States receive the assistance they need to obtain water infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3427, the Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act, is a good government bill that would help ensure that the EPA technical assistance programs effectively connect rural communities with experts to help them access water infrastructure funding. It is a step toward equal opportunity for areas that have long been denied it.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support from all of my colleagues on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3426) to amend title 40, United States Code, to limit the construction of new courthouses under certain circumstances, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 3426, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3426, the CASE Act, limits the size of courthouses, by directing the General Services Administration, or GSA, to only build new courthouses that accommodate courtroom sharing.

Specifically, the CASE Act codifies the judiciary's current courtroom sharing policies for magistrate, senior, and bankruptcy judges.

For large courthouses, the legislation also directs there can only be two courtrooms for every three district court judges.

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, on a bipartisan basis, has conducted oversight of the Federal courthouse construction program across multiple administrations.

Historically, courthouses have been significantly overbuilt, costing the American taxpayers billions of dollars to build, operate, and maintain. In 2010, the GAO, Government Accountability Office, found that courthouses built from 2000 to 2010 were overbuilt by 3.56 million square feet, costing an additional $800 million in addition to $51 million annually to operate and maintain.

Despite oversight, and even at one point a moratorium on authorizing new courthouses, the courts issued an updated courthouse design guide in 2021 that did just the opposite of consolidating the judiciary's space.

A GAO review of the updated design guide revealed the changes in the design guide actually increase space in courthouses by 6 percent and will cost the taxpayer 12 percent more. The Government Accountability Office found one of the key driving forces in the overbuilding of courthouses to be the overprojection of future judges.

Proposals for new courthouses are driven not by building condition, security, or even the need for more space for current judges, but by the court's projection of future judges. The court's own methodology for prioritizing the need for a new courthouse, for example,

relegated security concerns to just 10 percent of a weighted formula, but in contrast courtrooms and chambers account for 50 percent.

In reality, the courts' projections have been shown to be wrong. As a result, the taxpayer pays for space that sits vacant.

The CASE Act directs GSA, which builds and owns Federal courthouses, to only design and build courthouses that strictly comply with courtroom sharing requirements.

The committee has reported out similar language in the past and a hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management earlier this year on courthouses reinforced the need for this legislation.

H.R. 3426, as amended, also incorporates reasonable revisions recommended by the courts.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Shreve) for his leadership on this legislation and the gentlewoman from D.C. (Ms. Norton) for working on this bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Shreve).

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, H.R. 3426 as amended, will rightsize Federal courthouses, reducing unneeded space and potentially saving the taxpayer billions of dollars.

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed reforms to begin the process of rightsizing the Federal Government's real estate portfolio last Congress. This legislation continues that work of ensuring a more efficient use of taxpayer resources.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 3426, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two of southern Ohio's outstanding young women who have proudly made the Second Congressional District home to both Miss Ohio and Miss Ohio's Teen: Olivia Fosson and Allison Payton.

Allison, a Chillicothe native and rising senior at Zane Trace High School, was crowned Miss Ohio's 2025 Outstanding Teen this past June.

A newcomer to the pageant world, Allison was encouraged to get involved last year by a friend from her dance studio. She has been a competitive dancer for 15 years, with tap being her favorite, which she performed during the competition.

Allison's service initiative focuses on one-to-one mentoring relationships, a meaningful way to empower and uplift youth in our communities. Examples like hers inspire students to work hard, serve those around them, and find ways to give back to their communities.

Just this past weekend, Allison went on to represent Ohio in the 2025 Miss

America's Teen competition, finishing as a semifinalist. Southern Ohio is so proud of her and will continue cheering her on in her future endeavors.

Olivia Fosson earned the title of Miss Ohio 2025 in June of this year. She grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Kitts Hill and made history as the first Miss Ohio from Lawrence County.

Olivia is proud of her rural and Appalachian roots and hopes to be a role model for other small-town girls. She is a musical theater graduate of Oklahoma City University and is currently pursuing a law degree at The Ohio State University.

Olivia's community service initiative focuses on the importance of fueling your body and recognizing when you need rest. It is her mission to share her story so that those struggling with body image issues know they aren't alone. She hopes to promote sustainable habits and a positive self-image for the next generation.

Olivia represented our Buckeye State in the Miss America competition this past weekend, showcasing the best Ohio has to offer and making her hometown proud.

These programs are a part of the Miss America scholarship organization, the largest scholarship provider to young women in the world.

As a father of three girls, I am happy to see young women like Allison and Olivia setting a great example for girls around them of confidence, a solid work ethic, and a drive to serve others.

This program is more than just a pageant. It promotes healthy living, creative expression, and academic achievement, while offering scholarship opportunities that help young women achieve their educational dreams. It fosters personal growth, professional development, and a powerful network of female leaders who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to prepare great women for the world and the world for great women.

Southern Ohio is proud of Allison's and Olivia's accomplishments and the ways they have given back to our Buckeye State communities. We are cheering them on and can't wait to see what they will achieve in the years ahead.

Remembering Matthew Juniper

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Matthew Juniper, a former member of the Wellston Police Department, who tragically passed away on August 30, 2025, due to an off-duty accident.

Throughout his life, Matthew demonstrated a deep commitment to his community, serving as a police officer, a former deputy sheriff, and a volunteer firefighter.

Matthew consistently put his community first and was a beloved member of the police department. His colleagues described him as a joy to be around and everything you would want in a police officer.

Beyond his role as a first responder, Matthew was a loving father, son, and brother who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.

Matthew will be fondly remembered by his friends and family, who will carry him with them in everything they do.

It is people like Matthew who put service above self that make this country exceptional.

My thoughts and prayers are with Matthew's family. He will never be forgotten.

Please join me in a moment of silence to recognize Matthew and pray for his family.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which would require the Appalachian Regional Commission to conduct the study on the inclusion of low Earth orbit satellites to be used for economic development.

The United States should be encouraging and embracing new technological advances that help bridge the broadband gap across rural regions, ensuring all Americans are connected to the modern economy.

Many towns and communities within my district in southern Ohio still lack access to broadband, which, frankly, is unacceptable. Without reliable internet access, students face challenges in completing homework, patients can't receive telehealth services, businesses are less incentivized to invest in their communities, and people can't work from home.

My amendment, which is included in this en bloc, will help show that low Earth orbit satellites have the capabilities to provide adequate broadband access to communities and create economic development within the Appalachian region.

As a co-chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus, I am committed to connecting folks as quickly as possible whether that be through fiber, wireless service, or satellites.

Congress should be implementing a technologically neutral broadband approach and the inclusion of this new technology will provide additional avenues to provide broadband to people in my district and across the Appalachian region and finally give them access to the modern economy.

Madam Speaker, during the month of August, I spent time in Ohio's Second Congressional District, talking with countless Ohioans about their priorities, touring family-owned businesses, and hearing from local farmers, manufacturers, and defense companies about the issues most important to them.

The thing I heard from constituents is how grateful they are that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will help them stay in business, keep money in their pockets, and reinvigorate our local economies.

Small business owners operating shops on our Main Streets told me how the 199A tax credit will help them afford to stay in business so they can maintain their presence in our communities.

When I went to eat lunch at a local family restaurant, I talked with the waitresses about how much money they will be able to take home now that they are not being taxed on their tips.

When I talked with farmers, they expressed how the expanded funding for agriculture trade programs and investment in crop insurance will give them peace of mind about staying in business for years to come.

For Will Minshall, a young farmer in Pickaway County, Ohio, whose family farm is hitting 200 years in operation next year, the increased death tax exemption means it will be easier for his family to pass the farm on to him and future generations. With family farms making up 96 percent of all farms in my district, this is huge news for countless farming families in southern Ohio.

Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, President Trump and Republicans are investing in American manufacturing and American jobs. I see the direct impact of this through Anduril's up-and-coming manufacturing facility in southern Ohio, which will provide thousands of well-paying jobs to Ohioans while keeping America a leader in aerospace, innovation, and defense manufacturing.

Finally, when touring Valero Energy, I heard excitement about the future now that President Trump is unleashing the American energy sector.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is paving the way for economic prosperity, and Ohio families are reaping the benefits. I was proud to support it and will continue advocating for the needs of Buckeye families in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kenley Juillerat. Kenley is a member of the Premier Showmen 4-H Club in Hillsboro, Ohio.

For her 4-H project, Kenley gave back to veterans by thanking them for their service with stars, stripes, and smiles buckets. With help from her community, she assembled goodie buckets to disperse to veterans in her area.

Included were cards that thanked them for their service. Freedom has never been free, and our brave servicemen and -women and their families sacrifice so much to keep us safe. It is great to see heroes being recognized, and it is my honor to advocate on their behalf in Congress.

Outstanding operations like 4-H teach our young people the values of patriotism and hard work. Programs just like this one represent the best America has to offer, and it is great to see them focusing their efforts on honoring our Nation's heroes.

I and all of southern Ohio are proud of Kenley.

I congratulate Kenley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hillsboro High School Lady Indians softball team.

The Lady Indians had a historic season this year that saw them achieve over 20 wins and secure the Division 4 regional championship for the first time in 23 years, finishing the year as State runner-up.

Teamwork propelled them to great achievements as the Lady Indians consistently had great performances on the mound and in the batter's box.

Along the way, the Lady Indians were supported by a dedicated fan base of parents and alumni that fueled their desire for victory. Without the fan support and the support of their coaches, none of this would have been possible.

I will always be grateful for the parents and coaches that pour so much of themselves into our student athletes. The great achievements of the Lady Indians belong to them as much as they belong to the players.

Mr. Speaker, all of southern Ohio is proud of our Lady Indians' accomplishments, and I look forward to another great season next year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Madison Wasmer.

Madison is a junior at Jackson High School and has recently earned the Eagle Scout Award, becoming the first female in Jackson County to earn this distinction. To achieve this, Madison obtained 21 merit badges, showcasing fundamental skills she learned as a Scout and commitment to her community.

Madison is a true leader who has served on her school's student council, engaged in local cleanup initiatives, and assisted special needs students.

A member of Troop 7056, Madison embodied the spirit of the Scouts, which is to make ethical and moral choices that contribute to the well- being of society, ultimately fostering civic engagement and love of community.

Southern Ohio is proud of Madison's accomplishments, and we are happy to call her one of our own. I look forward to seeing how she continues to create positive change in Ohio's Second Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I also recognize Madison's grandmother and her Scoutmaster, Ryan Pelliter, for their role in this process. Without them, this achievement would not have been possible. I congratulate Madison.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of Marcy Mae Pairan.

Marcy was a lifelong resident of Ohio's Second Congressional District and a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Marcy passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 82.

Marcy always put service above herself. She served as a cook at the Brooks-Yates School. Those who knew her well say Marcy never met a stranger and had a wonderful sense of humor that put everyone around her at ease.

Beyond her love of family and kindness to others, Marcy will be remembered as the queen of pee wee football. She served as a founding member and treasurer of the Pickaway County Pee Wee Football Board, working to ensure that every child who wanted to participate could do so.

Throughout her more than 50 years of involvement in pee wee football, Marcy earned the love and affection of the youth in her community. Many called her mom and knew they could always count on her to be there for them.

The greatness of America lies in ordinary citizens like Marcy who became part of something bigger than themselves. Let's all work to follow her example by being kind to one another and leading service- oriented lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary man, a devoted public servant, and a pillar of southwest Ohio, Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson.

Larry Henderson, Jr., lived a life of truly outstanding service that was brought to an end all too suddenly on May 2, 2025. Having retired from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in December of 2024, Larry stepped up to volunteer to direct traffic for the University of Cincinnati's graduation ceremony when he was tragically struck by a vehicle.

This heinous act was committed intentionally by an individual whose son had been fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer the day before.

This unbelievable tragedy sent shock waves throughout the Hamilton County community and beyond, as Larry had spent his entire life in service to his family, his friends, and the area in various official capacities.

Larry was someone who consistently stepped up to the plate to meet the needs of his community. His life ended the same way that he lived it, in selfless service to his community, a community that would not be the same great place it is today without Larry's courage and dedication.

Having previously served in the United States Marine Corps, Deputy

Henderson was a member of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for 33 years. Larry had a talent for teaching others and helping them develop skills to improve their craft. He was an academy instructor, dive team member, SWAT team member, FBI task force officer, and bomb technician. As a member of the dive team, he performed water rescues and searches to be prepared to assist in case of emergencies.

Even after retiring, Larry served as a special deputy, picking up traffic details like the one at the University of Cincinnati. If something needed to get done, no matter what it was, Larry was the one who stepped up to the plate.

Larry came from a strong family that created a lasting legacy of public service in southern Ohio, with multiple uncles and cousins serving as police officers in the Cincinnati area.

In his free time, Larry enjoyed fishing in the area and being at home with his family. He was a man who always had his priorities straight, and his wife and children were at the very top of the list.

Larry was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandparent, and friend to everyone around him. Larry leaves behind his loving wife, Lori; five grown children; and extended family whose lives were enriched by the strong leader and protector that he was.

My heart and prayers go out to his loved ones who are now learning how to live without their hero.

Every man and woman who becomes a law enforcement officer puts their life on the line every day to protect their community from harm. When they put on their uniform in the morning to leave for work, they expect to walk back through their door at the end of the day to come back home to their loving families. Tragically, some never do. These men and women are true American heroes.

Deputy Larry Henderson's lifetime of service, selflessness, unwavering commitment to others, and true heroism will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his loved ones, and the ultimate sacrifice he made will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katie Ankrom.

Katie is a junior at Portsmouth City Schools and a member of the Lady Trojans softball team and recently recorded her 300th career strikeout.

In the 2024-2025 season, Katie pitched over 136 innings and recorded 145 strikeouts. In addition to her success on the mound, Katie has been effective at the plate over the course of her career. She boasts a .332 on-base percentage and has driven in over 40 runs.

Beyond her success on the softball field, Katie is also a member of the Lady Trojans volleyball team. In 2024, she was named first team all-conference as she logged 42 kills. Katie's athletic achievement reflects her God-given talents and all the hard work she has put into improving her craft.

Youth sports have played an important role in the history of our Nation. They teach young people how to be hardworking, detail-oriented, and resilient. Katie's experience as a team leader has prepared her to be a leader in life, and I am excited to see what she accomplishes beyond high school.

All of southern Ohio is proud of Katie's accomplishments. If she has any tips for me before I play in the upcoming Congressional Baseball Game, I will gladly take them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the big, beautiful bill which will cut rampant waste, fraud, and abuse in critical government programs so they are protected for vulnerable Americans who need them most for generations to come.

With this bill, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are defending Medicaid, protecting SNAP, and eliminating fraud so taxpayers' dollars are spent on Americans in need, not stolen by illegal immigrants or other fraudsters.

This critical legislation will also make Trump tax cuts, which benefit all American taxpayers, permanent. It will cut taxes for hardworking families, while Democrats try to drive them up.

The bill will also allocate $60 billion toward farm bill programs to support our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and producers who so desperately need support.

Remember this. Republicans are the ones protecting these critical government programs. When Democrats refuse to support this bill, they are choosing to hike up taxes on American families, allow fraud to run rampant in benefit programs, and cut off aid to our farmers who put food on our tables.

Mr. Speaker, passing this bill that puts America first is vital to our Nation's future in both the long and short term.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to shine light on a critical subject that impacts each one of us, as well as the ones we love: mental health.

Established by Congress in 1949, May was designated as Mental Health Awareness Month to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness.

Mental health is about more than just illness. It is about well- being, resilience, and the ability to cope with various challenges we experience day to day. These challenges don't discriminate. They impact people of every age, background, and community. Many suffer in silence out of fear of being judged or misunderstood.

For many years, this topic was highly stigmatized, but this is, fortunately, changing. This month, I am honored to bring attention to it. Mental Health Awareness Month is part of that

change and a reminder to prioritize rest, connection, and the things that contribute to our overall wellness.

In our great Buckeye State, we are grateful to have multiple resources available to help Ohioans in times of need. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction provides resources and readily available services with their Ohio CareLine available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to offer emotional support. By simply dialing 988, anyone in our Nation can access the national mental health hotline, which offers free and confidential support from trained counselors around the clock.

I thank our local mental health providers, support workers, and first responders for the critical work they do to intervene in times of need. Without their timely response and attentive care, our region could not be the healthy and supportive place it is today.

I recognize our local police officers, who are often the first ones on the scene of an emergency and the first wave of assistance for someone experiencing a mental health emergency. They are heroes, lifesavers, and an irreplaceable cornerstone in our communities who help Ohioans live their lives to the fullest.

With agriculture being the backbone of southern Ohio, our region is home to countless farmers, ranchers, and producers who work hard to secure our Nation's food supply and put food on our families' tables. They work long hours out in the fields, often on their own, trying to turn a crop and a profit in a challenging farming economy.

Being isolated from the resources that are available in more urban areas, farmers and farming families are facing a significant mental health challenge. With 96 percent of farms in Ohio's Second Congressional District being family farms, this demonstrates how close to home this issue hits my district.

With the devastatingly high rate of mental health challenges and substance abuse issues across our country, where a person lives shouldn't dictate their ability to access critical healthcare services.

Tragically, Ohio's Second Congressional District has the highest rate of unintentional drug overdoses in our entire State, which is often linked to mental health challenges. That is why I was proud to introduce the Rural Wellness Act in March of this year, which will reauthorize the prioritization of grants for telemedicine projects addressing behavioral and mental health, including substance abuse. These grants are part of the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. It will make mental health care services more accessible to those who need them.

Congress should pass this bill to deliver critical care to farmers and rural families who so desperately need it. However, in order to access telehealthcare services, Congress must also prioritize broadband expansion for our Nation's rural areas.

Rural families desperately need telehealthcare services. These are only accessible if families have internet access. Large swaths of my district lack access to high-speed internet, which means rural families are isolated from critical healthcare options, as well as business and education opportunities that could support families and alleviate some of the stress that providers are feeling.

Congress must tackle this problem holistically. In this case, getting broadband to our rural families could make the difference between life and death. All in all, expanded broadband access would lead to significant mental health benefits in our rural communities.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, may each of us take a moment to prioritize wellness and reach out to those around us who might need a helping hand.

I thank each friend, family member, teacher, community leader, or public servant who has lent their support to someone experiencing mental health challenges for their service. It is because of people like them that communities are safer, healthier, and more supportive places to live.