Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the twelve distinguished inductees of the Omaha Central High School Hall of Fame. On October 9, 2025, the Central High School Alumni Association and Foundation honored alumni for their outstanding accomplishments in the realms of business, education, and public service. In honoring them I hope to inspire students across Omaha to excel in a similar way by building a legacy of excellence and community leadership.

I include in the Record, the names of the inductees who embody such dedication:

Hazel Hempel Abel, the first woman elected to the U.S.

Senate from Nebraska; Stuart Oberman, for technological

advancement as a computer engineer; Pete Festersen, the

longest-serving Omaha City Council member who has

demonstrated decades of dedication to public service; Joel

Rogers, a courageous veteran and international affairs

specialist who is a dedicated volunteer, continuously

supporting JROTC students and veterans; Donald Goldstein, who

has tirelessly promoted human rights and Holocaust education;

Quatesha Kern, who was recognized as Texas Teacher of the

Year and is a prominent advocate of inclusion and civic

engagement; Gary and Cheryl Marks Willis, who have shown

astounding commitment to Central High's alumni association

and advancing nonprofit organizations; the late Paul Semrad,

a distinguished educator at Central High for 32 years who

mentored students and led his teams to record setting

victories; Jeannene Rice Mason and Jeannette Rice Johnson who

worked to preserve Central High's history; and Patricia

Wright Brown, a renowned civil rights activist.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of this year's Hall of Fame class and thank the Central High School Foundation, faculty, and students who made these awards possible. I am excited to see howthese deserving Nebraskans can continue to make a positive impact on our wonderful community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and ranking member of this committee for their thoughtful leadership in navigating us toward passing this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

This NDAA emphasizes ensuring the lethality of the U.S. armed services by reforming the acquisition process to deliver innovative equipment to the warfighter at speed and scale. It does so by accelerating the requirements process to reduce decision timelines from 3 years to 3 months, by making other transaction authorities more easily available for prototyping, and by cutting red tape through eliminating duplicative cost reporting requirements.

As the chairman of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation, we have worked tirelessly to deliver the best and most cutting-edge technology to our servicemembers. To that end, this bill authorizes $142.6 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation to field essential technologies, like hypersonics, AI, and autonomous vehicles, to win the wars of tomorrow.

China has a cyber force that is 10 times that of the United States. China and Russia are attacking our networks every day. The threat in the cyberspace domain is real, and this legislation reflects that reality and takes essential steps to address it.

I thank the outstanding subcommittee staff that made this possible: Sarah Moxley, Caroline Kehrli, Andrew Smith, Brooke Alred, Mireya Jurado, Michael Hermann, and Wendell White.

Specifically, this NDAA helps small businesses by fast-tracking promising technologies, establishing a pilot program to test and procure technologies that bolster operational capabilities, incentivizing the consideration of commercial, off-the-shelf products prior to entering expensive contracts, and authorizing the Defense Innovation Unit to develop regional outreach centers.

The fiscal year 2026 NDAA is a strong bill that prioritizes our national security through commonsense acquisition reform and innovation at scale. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a journalist and a beloved anchorman who has made a significant impact in our district and the region, always striving to remain professional, balanced, unbiased, and compassionate. KETV's Rob McCartney is retiring from Nebraska's and Iowa's airwaves after 41 years.

Rob and I have many things in common in our backgrounds. He grew up as an Air Force brat, and I was in the Air Force.

Rob has a strong relationship with Offutt Air Force Base and the 55th Wing, having covered several stories there. I served at Offutt Air Force Base three times and served as the wing commander in the Fightin' 55th.

Finally, both Rob and I married the local girl and have enjoyed many years of marriage.

Before graduating with his B.A. in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rob spent his time spinning records at KXSS-FM. After graduation, he served as the farm director and assistant sports director for NTV, followed by nearly 7 years at KOLN and KGIN TV, where he worked as an anchor and reporter.

In 1992, Rob joined KETV, working in the Lincoln bureau before relocating to Omaha in 1995. He then joined the anchor desk in the evenings and led Omaha Crime Stoppers, where he helped to bring some of the area's most wanted fugitives to justice.

In his 33 years at KETV, he has reported on the Nebraska National Guard from Bosnia, interviewed multiple U.S. Presidents and other elected and public officials, and covered two of Nebraska's national championships in football.

Over the years, Rob was dedicated to election coverage, educating voters on issues and candidates to help them make informed decisions. As host of KETV's public affairs show ``Chronicle,'' he would dig deep into the issues that mattered most to voters.

Rob was always on board for breaking news, helping viewers navigate difficult times. He covered the role that Offutt Air Force Base played on 9/11 and, 10 years later, provided an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at President Bush's visit to STRATCOM on that fateful day.

In December 2007, Rob would once again provide a stable presence to the community when a lone gunman shot and killed eight people and injured five others at Von Maur. From the first day during the afternoon, straight through until 5 a.m. the next morning, and for several days to follow, Rob helped guide the community through that tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, 6 months later, Rob was on the air once again for more than 12 hours because a line of supercell thunderstorms that had formed in southeast Nebraska turned into dozens of tornadoes. One of those turned deadly, hitting a Boy Scout camp near Little Sioux, Iowa, where 4 boys were killed and 48 people were injured.

He also maintained that presence for the community during the 2019 floods, reporting on their impact on Offutt Air Force Base and across the region.

One of his most memorable, award-winning stories was Omaha Police Officer Keith Thompson's yearslong effort

to walk again after being paralyzed on the job.

Rob has been recognized for his community work and professional achievements, being one of the only actively working journalists to be inducted into the Omaha Press Club Hall of Fame.

Rob's most significant award was being named a wingman in 2023 by the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, in recognition for his passion for sharing Offutt's story.

Rob's professionalism and commitment to fair and balanced journalism will be missed. He is the Walter Cronkite of Omaha.

We wish him a happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lisa Yanney Roskens, a true leader whose vision, dedication, and compassion have touched the lives of tens of thousands of military families and veterans across our Nation.

As the chief executive officer of Burlington Capital, Lisa has spearheaded initiatives focused on affordable housing for veterans, contributing to programs designed to help individuals break the cycle of poverty and lead healthy, productive lives.

Lisa embodies what it means to lead with both intellect and heart. A proud graduate of Stanford University, where she earned her bachelor's degree and juris doctorate, Lisa brings not only deep business acumen but also a strong sense of service and purpose.

Lisa has guided Burlington Capital to become a national model for purpose-driven investment. This company demonstrates that you can achieve financial success while positively impacting communities and transforming lives.

Under Lisa's leadership, Burlington Capital has made an extraordinary commitment to those who serve the United States of America, both Active-Duty servicemembers and the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Lisa's belief has always been simple yet powerful: The people who defend our Nation deserve quality homes, supportive communities, and a true sense of belonging.

One of the most outstanding examples of this commitment is at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska. There, Burlington Capital partnered with the United States Air Force to redevelop and manage the base's military family housing community. Through a long-term public- private partnership, Lisa and her team delivered $240 million in redevelopment that transformed outdated housing into modern neighborhoods where military families can thrive.

The results speak for themselves. Nearly 2,000 obsolete units were replaced, and hundreds more were renovated. New homes were built to meet the needs of today's airmen and their families.

The community now known as Rising View was recognized for its strong partnership, its service to tens of thousands of families, and its unwavering commitment to quality of life for those in uniform.

Lisa's impact doesn't end there. She saw another pressing need in our community, the need to provide housing and stability for our Nation's veterans, especially those who have faced homelessness.

In 2013, Lisa and Burlington Capital partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to create Victory I Apartments, a community built on part of the former St. Joseph Hospital site. It provides 90 permanent, supportive housing units for formerly homeless veterans. This project was more than a renovation. It was the creation of a lifeline for men and women who once protected our Nation but returned home to uncertainty.

Building on that success, Lisa led the charge for Victory II Apartments, which opened in 2020. This second phase added 60 more apartment homes dedicated to veterans and their families who earn at or below 50 percent of this area's median income. These homes are designed with dignity in mind, paired with access to health, wellness, and job readiness services.

Together, Victory I and II provide 150 safe, stable homes for men and women who once wore our Nation's uniform. The apartments offer not only a safe place to live but also access to onsite supportive services from the VA and local agencies, helping veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Victory Apartments earned national recognition, receiving the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award for outstanding affordable housing that serves special needs populations. Just as importantly, it has become a model for how public, private, and nonprofit sectors can come together to change lives.

Lisa expanded that vision even further with the creation of Victory Park in Lincoln, Nebraska. On the VA campus, Burlington Capital developed 70 new apartments for veterans and partnered with the VA to deliver a new community-based outpatient clinic for Lincoln's veteran population. Victory Park combines housing, healthcare, and supportive services in one location, a community that restores independence, connection, and pride for those who once served our Nation.

Through efforts like these, Lisa Roskens has demonstrated what it means to not only be a successful business leader but also somebody who is deeply committed to making a difference in the communities where her organization operates.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Omaha, I would like to welcome their Spiritual Leader, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All Holiness Bartholomew, to the United States. He is visiting the United States next week to meet with the president and members of the House and Senate Leadership and to receive the revered Templeton Prize.

Known as the ``Green Patriarch,'' he is well known for his efforts to promote ecology and the protection of the environment. He has been at the forefront of religious freedom and bringing together others from many faiths to work towards better cooperation and understanding. Through dialogue and visitations, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has significantly advanced Orthodox relations with the Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, and others through visitations and open dialogues.

In addition, His All Holiness has visited several Orthodox Nations that were part of communist Eastern Europe to strengthen his contacts and relations with various Orthodox national churches there.

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has brought together Christians, Muslims, and Jews at international peace conferences and meetings to advance greater cooperation and mutual understanding. His efforts to promote mutual respect and religious tolerance included having theological conversations with Muslim and Jewish leaders.

His push for peace includes calling out both the Russian state and the Russian church for the invasion of Ukraine. In Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's opinion, he says, ``This is the theology that the sister Church of Russia began to teach, trying to justify an unjust, unholy, unprovoked, diabolical war against a sovereign and independent country--Ukraine.''

The Ecumenical Patriarch is a figure who has addressed the European Parliament and the U.S. Congress (in 1997 when he received the Congressional Gold Medal), and has met Heads of State in Great Britain, Canada, South America, Greece, Russia, Norway, Finland, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Ethiopia, Korea, and Cuba. As Ecumenical Patriarch (the only Christian Leader in the world who is considered equal to the Pope of Rome in honor), he has met with every Pontiff since John Paul II, including Leo XIV. He has also traveled to Libya, Syria, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Bahrain, and met with both political and religious figures in those Islamic countries, many of whom no other Christian hierarch of such stature has ever visited.

I welcome His All Holiness to the United States, and I congratulate him on his well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Suarez-Delgado family from my district for Hispanic Heritage Month. Their story is one of resilience, devotion, and the pursuit of opportunity, one that reminds us of the enduring promise of the American Dream.

Father Jaime Suarez-Reyes, born in Mexico, visited Disneyland as a child, and it lit a spark in his heart. He decided then and there that America would be his home. In 1981, he began raising a family with his wife, Patricia Delgado de Suarez, and set his dream in motion.

The path was anything but easy. The process of immigrating took 7 years of perseverance, paperwork, and determination. In 1990, Jaime was able to bring Patricia and their four children, Jaime Jr., Adrian, Lorena, and Paulina, to Omaha, Nebraska.

Life in America demanded courage and adjustment. The Suarez children entered school, learning English and embracing the culture of their new home. With the support of kind neighbors and welcoming friends, the family grew in confidence and faith in the promise of freedom and opportunity.

Jaime worked tirelessly to support his family. His early jobs included shifts in a meatpacking plant, cleaning offices, and selling cars at H&H Ford. As his English improved, new doors opened. He became a Realtor, an insurance agent, and a banker. Yet, his true calling was entrepreneurship.

Jaime ventured into the restaurant business and steadily expanded into other enterprises, building a foundation of a legacy that his children will carry forward.

Jaime's success was never about business. It was about service. Together with Patricia, he served Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, teaching pre-marriage classes. In 1995, they became ordained family life ministers.

Jaime volunteered in Millard Public Schools as a translator, mentor, and soccer coach. He helped Hispanic students attend national leadership conferences, ensuring that opportunity extended beyond his own family and to a broader community.

From Jaime's example of faith and sacrifice, the Suarez children forged remarkable paths of their own.

Son Jaime Jr., a Creighton Prep and UNO alumnus, stayed in Omaha to continue the family's entrepreneurial tradition. Today, he operates 13 restaurants and cofounded real estate development and construction companies with his brother Adrian. He serves on nonprofit boards, to include OneWorld Community Health. He has been appointed to the Nebraska Latino Commission and the Omaha Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission.

His brother Adrian also remained in Omaha. A graduate of Creighton Prep and Creighton University, Adrian currently runs the family business, managing more than 100 employees. He has served on the board of trustees of the Omaha Public Library.

Their sister Lorena, a graduate of Marian High School, the University of Rochester, and UNMC, became a surgeon specializing in oncology. Today, she serves as a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Finally, Paulina chose a career in nursing. Now a registered nurse in Warren, Ohio, she and her husband run

two gyms and manage an office building that supports nonprofits.

The story of the Suarez-Delgado family reflects the best of the American spirit. From humble beginnings to professional achievements, their legacy is one of faith, family, and community. It is proof that the American Dream is alive, that it endures, and that the American Dream can be fulfilled through generations to come through resilience, devotion, hard work, a love of family, and faith.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Suarez-Delgado family for pursuing their American Dream.

Mr. Chair, I 100 percent support the Baltic Security Initiative. All three countries are our best friends. They embrace freedom, democracy, free markets, and the rule of law, and no one has embraced our values like these Baltic States.

These countries are on the front lines with Russia. They see the treachery of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and know very well they could be next.

Why don't the political appointees in the Pentagon see this? It is clear to most that this is the case.

Every family in the Baltics knows someone shot by the Soviets or sent to Siberia to die. They have had this experience. The Baltic people know the harsh reality of living under the Russian thumb and know they could be next if Ukraine falls.

The Baltics lead the way on defense spending. They spend more on defense per GDP than the United States. They spend more on Ukraine per GDP than us.

This amendment is necessary because there are some appointees in the Pentagon who have embraced the foolish policy of decoupling from Europe and weakening our leadership in NATO. We have got to stand opposed to this. We need to use our Article I powers today and be counted for what we believe in.

What happens if we withdraw from the Baltics? No one will be more happy than Russia's Putin. Secondly, deterrence will be weakened, and war in Europe becomes more likely if we withdraw.

Strong support for the Baltic Security Initiative is a vote for deterrence. It is a vote to stand by our allies and to oppose a dictator who is invading his neighbors.

Mr. Chairman, I stand 100 percent opposed to this amendment. I am a Reagan and Eisenhower Republican and a post-World War II conservative. I believe in peace through strength, strong allies, and that we are the world's leader in defense of freedom; and we do not cower to bullies.

Russia invaded Ukraine because it wants what they call Little Russia to be their vassal state. Ukrainians have suffered for decades and centuries under Russia. Four million Ukrainians were killed alone in the 1930s purposefully.

A Ukrainian victory is in our national security interests. A thriving Ukraine that is a democracy with free markets is in our national security interests. If Ukraine falls, then you can assume that Moldova, Georgia, and others will also fall. Russia will also threaten the Baltic countries. Our military aid is necessary and cost effective. If we lose here, it will cost a lot more.

I remind us that the Russians are bombing cities every single day, kidnapping kids, and murdering POWs. We have to stand on the right side of this issue. We are on the side of freedom.

It is not conservative to appease Putin, nor is it conservative to have a lack of moral clarity of who is at fault in this war. It is not a conservative position to embrace isolationism.

Mr. Chairman, I stand with two-thirds of America, and I oppose this amendment.

Madam Chair, I thank the chairman and the ranking member of the committee for their thoughtful leadership in navigating us toward passing this bill.

Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3838, our National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. The 2026 NDAA emphasizes ensuring the lethality of the U.S. Armed Forces by reforming the acquisition process to deliver innovative equipment to the warfighter at speed and scale.

It does so by accelerating the requirements process to reduce decision timelines from 3 years to 3 months, by making other transaction authorities more easily available for prototyping, and by cutting red tape through eliminating duplicative reporting requirements.

As the chairman of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation, I have worked tirelessly to deliver the best and most cutting-edge technology to our servicemembers.

This bill authorizes $142.6 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation to field essential technologies, like hypersonics, AI, and autonomous vehicles, to win the wars of tomorrow.

China has a cyber force that is 10 times that of the United States. China and Russia are attacking our networks every single day. The threat in the cyberspace domain is real, and this legislation reflects that reality and takes essential steps to address it.

We could not have accomplished this without the tireless dedication and efforts of the subcommittee staff, Sarah Moxley, Caroline Kehrli, Andrew Smith, Brooke Alred, Mireya Jurado, Michael Hermann, and Wendell White.

I also thank our ranking member, Ro Khanna, for working in a bipartisan and friendly manner.

This NDAA helps small businesses by fast-tracking promising technologies, establishing a pilot program to test and procure technologies that bolster operational capabilities, and incentivizing the consideration of commercial off-the-shelf products prior to entering expensive contracts.

Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this NDAA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Bellevue-Papillion Rotary Club of Nebraska on the celebration of their 50th Anniversary.

Since its founding on January 15, 1975, the Bellevue-Papillion Rotary Club has exemplified the values of Rotary International by promoting peace, advancing education, and delivering vital services to the community. Over the past five decades this organization has remained a steadfast force for good in Eastern Sarpy County and beyond.

The club's service includes providing college scholarships to local students, honoring outstanding educators, and awarding community grants, their work has supported organizations such as the Bellevue food Pantry. Habitat for Humanity, and a local shelter for survivors of human trafficking. The club has also funded the installation of police dash cameras, contributed to holiday food programs, and invested in public amenities such as the gazebo at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home and benches at Papillion Landing.

In moments of crisis, the Bellevue-Papillion Rotary club has stepped up, including providing direct assistance to children affected by the 2019 floods. The club also supports global initiatives, including polio eradication and health assistance in Africa.

The rotary motto, ``Service Above Self'', is more than a guiding principle--it's a commitment the Bellevue-Papillion Rotary Club has lived every day for 50 years. Its members have made immeasurable contributions to the community and have set an example of civic responsibility and service.

I commend the Bellevue-Papillion Rotary Club for its remarkable legacy and congratulate its members on this milestone anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair and ranking member for this opportunity. This is a win for veterans from coast to coast, all 50 States, Puerto Rico, you name it. This is a win for veterans.

I rise today in support of H.R. 217, Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2025, or the CHIP IN for Veterans Act, a bipartisan bill that strengthens and expands a proven program to deliver modern healthcare facilities for our Nation's veterans more efficiently and at a lower cost to taxpayers.

H.R. 217 leverages the success of the CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2016. We have extended it twice, and it is going to expire in 2026 if we don't get this bill done today.

H.R. 217, as amended, would reauthorize the pilot program and clarify the original intent of the program to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept donations of real property from non-Federal partners for the construction, improvement, or renovation of VA medical facilities.

The bill changes current law to designate that eligible projects may include minor construction and nonrecurring maintenance, in addition to the major construction projects. These revisions are intended to expand participation in the CHIP IN program and accelerate the delivery of modernized VA infrastructure for veterans across the country.

I want to stress something that the chairman mentioned earlier in his comments. The first example of this use was completed in 2020. The VA programmed a total of $135 million to build a new ambulatory clinic in Omaha. We built that facility at the cost of $80 million at a higher specification and at better requirements, better across the board than what the VA would have done by itself, a $55 million savings. On top of that, we took $30 million in philanthropic money and offset that $85 million down to $55 million.

In all, we saved the taxpayers $80 million on this one project, and we are looking to do it again with the inpatient facility, where we think we can save a half-billion dollars for the VA and provide a better clinic for inpatient care for our veterans.

This trailblazing partnership delivered a 157,000-square-foot outpatient facility that serves hundreds of veterans each day using eight primary care clinics, a first-of-its-kind women's healthcare clinic, and one specialty care clinic, a surgical suite with five operating rooms, including pre- and post-op space, radiology, and an onsite lab. The facility offers a satellite pharmacy with retail services.

This has become a national model for how a non-Federal investment can supplement VA's investment while reducing the cost for the Federal Government. The success of this project inspired a second facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the ranking member said. The GAO has even recommended that the VA share lessons learned from the Omaha project to replicate its efficiency and innovation.

I cannot emphasize enough the critical role of public-private partnerships in expanding access to high-quality healthcare for our Nation's veterans. The Omaha facility is a testament to what is possible when the public and private sectors come together.

There are so many people in our country who have done well, and they want to invest in our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the CHIP IN for Veterans Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional career achievements of Ms. Christina L. Richards, a committed civil servant, decorated veteran, and a constituent of the 2nd Congressional District of our great state of Nebraska. Today she works as Executive Director of the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. In this role she is responsible for overseeing the Inspector General's staff which includes conducting Inspector General inquiries, analysis, investigations and inspections, as well as providing technical advice for the command.

She previously served in the U.S. Air Force for over 21 years, where her hard work and dedication enabled her to work her way to the top. Ms. Richards started her military service as an Air Force loadmaster where she worked on over twenty campaigns and operations. She then served as adjutant for a KC-135 training squadron and later as Chief of Protocol at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. As she advanced in rank and experience, Ms. Richards was given more authority and responsibility, ultimately becoming a Detachment Commander with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). In this position she performed critical work in Colorado, California, Hawaii, the Republic of Korea, and Qatar. As an AFOSI Detachment Commander she directed felony-level criminal investigations, counterterrorism operations, protection of the President, and defensive and offensive counterintelligence and counterespionage operations.

After retiring from the Air Force, Ms. Richards continued to serve her country. Among her many positions, she served for more than six years in United States Strategic Command's Missile Defense and Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Division, where she led the command's Missile Defense Issue Team, several Deputy Secretary of Defense-directed Strategic Portfolio Reviews, the Secretary of Defense Combatant Command Review 1.0 and 2.0 for missile defense matters, and the President of the United States-directed 2019 Missile Defense Review. She co-authored a proposal for transfer of the missile defense mission from USSTRATCOM that was ultimately accepted and included in the 2022 Unified Command Plan.

Ms. Richards' major awards include the Omaha-Lincoln Federal Executive Association Team of the Year and Supervisory Employee of the Year; DoD's Best Force Protection Program Team Award; the FBI Director's Award for Exceptional Service in the Public Trust; and multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal; the Air Medal; the Aerial Achievement Medal; the Meritorious Unit Award; the USAF Outstanding Unit Award; the Combat Readiness Medal; and other military medals and decorations.

Ms. Christina Richards' dedication, service, and leadership stands as a testament to the hard work and loyalty of the service men and women of our country and is an inspiration for future civil servants and members of the United States Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my great friends and two wonderful civic leaders of Omaha, Bruce and Pam Friedlander, during Jewish Heritage Month for their lifelong commitment to service, generosity, and helping others in our community.

Bruce and Pam grew up in Omaha, attending Omaha Central High School, but they didn't meet until they both attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln. They were married in July 1971, and each proudly say that the other is the best decision they have ever made.

Bruce tells people he started working at his grandfather's store, Louis' Market, at the age of 2 and jokes that he failed retirement five times.

In addition to running a successful business, Bruce's grandfather Louis, who is from Russia, was an avid baseball fan and would frequently take Bruce and the other grandchildren to baseball games.

Bruce said his grandfather would tear up during the national anthem at every game because he was free. Bruce says he is not trying to be his grandfather but credits him as being the best mentor he ever had.

After learning a strong work ethic from his grandfather and his father,

Bruce bought Food 4 Less at 84th and Harrison and attempted his first retirement in 1993. He then worked for Bakers, following the owner's motto: Find a way to say yes to your customers. That is something I have heard Bruce say many times. He then became director of operations for Cubby's, Incorporated, in 2005 and retired in 2015 once again.

Pam is an accomplished educator who devoted 32 years to Omaha Public Schools. She is passionate about going to the synagogue and reading the Torah. She believes people should listen to each other, be there for each other, and listen to God every day. That is great advice for everyone.

Their pride is their two children, Andee and Jimmy--I know both of them; they are wonderful--and their four grandchildren. Bruce credits Pam with their smarts. Enhancing the quality of life for others is their family's mission.

Bruce has continued his service as a member of the Jewish Federation, which oversees the Jewish Community Center, also known as the JCC, and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He served as president from 2017 to 2018.

Approximately 1,500 people visit the JCC every day, and a significant number are not Jewish. Bruce credits this to the theme of the Jewish Federation, which says: ``Everyone is welcome.'' The Friedlanders apply this to their work every day.

As the JCC gets ready to celebrate 100 years, Bruce is helping to lead a 100 Days of Giving campaign to expand the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and serve more people. He tells everyone that the home is our safety net.

The Friedlanders have volunteered at Beth El Synagogue. In addition, Bruce helped to revamp the Omaha Community Playhouse, serving as the president of the board. Bruce and Pam were the honorary chairs for the Omaha Community Playhouse's 100th anniversary.

Bruce was named Volunteer of the Year by the Jewish Federation in 2009, 2010, and again in 2015. He has added a new role of serving with the Boys Town Boosters, who help to raise funds to ensure that every child deserves a future.

Reflecting on his life, Bruce often says that he was ``blessed to be born into a wonderful family and a wonderful community.'' He tells others: ``My family were experts at helping people. During the time I have spent giving back, I have had three rules: first, take care of yourself and those you love; second, do your job; and, third, take someone with you.''

Bruce and Pam have passed down their wisdom to future generations, including their grandchildren. Their advice? It is not who gave the money but who made the difference; don't get your information from social media; and when you hear the jets fly overhead toward Offutt Air Force Base, realize that they are keeping us safe.''

As Bruce has said: ``When you save someone, God remembers your name.''

Thank you, Bruce and Pam. Surely, God does remember your names. ``Thank you so much''; ``Toda rabah.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Space Day, a moment to honor the extraordinary contributions of the aerospace community to our Nation and the world. Designating May 2, 2025, as National Space Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past, recognize the advancements of today, and inspire the possibilities of tomorrow.

Our Nation has long led the way in space exploration. From the Apollo missions that landed the first humans on the Moon to today's Artemis program, which will take us back to the Moon and beyond, the United States has shown what's possible when bold ideas meet determination. These milestones remind us of the pioneering spirit that defines America.

Today, we see that same spirit driving innovation in every corner of the space sector. NASA's groundbreaking missions, the Space Force's contributions to national security, and the work of private companies and universities are redefining what we can achieve in space. In Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, we're witnessing history made through initiatives like the Big Red Satellite team, where students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Aerospace eXperimental Payload team, along with middle and high school students from Lincoln, Omaha, and Aurora, built the state's first CubeSat satellite. This satellite, launched in 2024 on NASA's 30th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, represents the unlimited promise of our next generation.

Space exploration doesn't just inspire; it delivers real benefits to our daily lives. Our Nation's farmers utilize technologies like GPS, weather satellites, and internet connectivity, which has allowed our producers to increase efficiency and productivity in their operations. NASA's impact on Nebraska is significant, supporting 33 jobs and generating $7.4 million in economic output, along with $238,000 in state tax revenue. For every million dollars of economic output generated by NASA civil service employees, an additional $6.6 million is sustained throughout our state economy.

Nebraska's contributions to space exploration are significant and growing. Four Nebraska suppliers have contributed to NASA's Artemis program, including manufacturing supplies for Exploration Ground Systems at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. We're also proud of our state's space heritage through Clayton C. Anderson, Nebraska's first and only astronaut, who spent 152 days aboard the International Space Station and conducted three spacewalks totaling over 18 hours.

Perhaps most importantly, National Space Day reminds us to invest in the next generation. By investing in STEM education, we ensure that young people across Nebraska and the Nation have the tools they need to dream big and take on the challenges of tomorrow. Programs like the NASA Nebraska Space Grant Consortium at the University of Nebraska Omaha and our state's partnerships

with the International Space Station are lighting the way for future scientists, engineers, and astronauts.

As we celebrate National Space Day, we must also remain vigilant in protecting NASA's crucial programs and funding. Any significant cuts to NASA's science funding would not only impact our space economy and workforce but could threaten our national security and technological leadership position. We must maintain America's preeminence in space.

I encourage all Americans to reflect on how space exploration shapes our lives and futures. I'm proud of our district's contributions to this great endeavor, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate April 29 as #EndJewHatred

Day to address the alarming rise of antisemitism in our nation and express our unwavering support for Jewish communities everywhere.

Since October 7, we have witnessed an unprecedented 200 percent increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States and an even more disturbing 500 percent spike on our college campuses targeting Jewish students. This isn't just a series of statistics; these are real threats affecting the lives and safety of our fellow Americans. It's a matter that strikes at the very heart of our values as a nation.

The fight against antisemitism is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue--it is fundamentally an American endeavor that requires our collective perseverance. This deep-seated hatred by some goes against the core values that unite us as a people. As Americans, we have a moral obligation to confront this challenge head-on. When we say, ``never again,'' we must ensure those words resonate with sincerity and are supported by our actions, our unity, and our steadfast resolve.

From my father's daily devotions, I learned early on that those who bless Israel will be blessed. This wisdom was reinforced during my first visit to Jerusalem as a fifteen-year-old and later through my service as a Colonel helping establish missile defenses in Israel. Throughout these formative experiences, I witnessed both the resilience of the Jewish people and the importance of standing against prejudice in all its forms. These experiences have shown me firsthand why we must remain vigilant against hatred in all its forms.

The antisemitism we see today is repugnant and has no place in our society, and the right to practice one's faith without fear is fundamental to who we are as Americans. We must stand firm with our Jewish communities as they rise with courage, proudly practicing their heritage with the full support and strength of American society.

Today, as we commemorate #EndJewHatred Day, I stand with Nebraska's Second District and our entire Jewish community in their resilient fight against discrimination and bigotry. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to unite across party lines and ensure that the horrors of the past remain firmly in the past and that hatred finds no sanctuary in our American society. When it comes to antisemitism, I refuse to be a bystander.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 85th birthday of the 55th Wing, the ``Fightin' Fifty-Fifth'', headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. This Air Force organization is home to the thousands of men and women who dedicate their lives to providing global vigilance as a vital part of America's national defense. I am proud to count myself as a member of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, having served four tours of duty with the Wing and had the honor of serving as its commander from 2011 to 2012.

The 55th Wing traces its lineage back to the 55th Pursuit Group which was first constituted in November of 1940 and later activated at Hamilton Field, California, in January of 1941. The 55th deployed to England in 1943 flying P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft as part of the ``Mighty'' Eighth Air Force. While providing escort for allied bombing missions during World War II, the 55th Pursuit Group earned two Distinguished Unit Citations, produced 16 fighter aces, and was credited with 90 air-to-air victories.

After World War II, in 1946, the group was deactivated, only to be reactivated less than a year later as the 55th Reconnaissance Group under the Strategic Air Command. By 1950, it would be designated the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, and in 1952 it was assigned to Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, operating the RB-50 Stratofortress and later the RB-47E Stratojet. During the Cold War, Airmen of the 55th Wing routinely conducted high-risk and politically sensitive reconnaissance missions along the frontiers of the Soviet Union, with frequent and sometimes deadly interactions with Soviet fighter aircraft.

In August of 1966, the 55th Wing moved to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where it proudly resides to this day. During the height of the Cold War, the Wing took on nuclear command and control and 24/7 airborne alert missions flying the EC-135 Looking Glass and later, the E-4 National Emergency Airborne Command Post.

The Wing pivoted again after the fall of the Soviet Union, and in 1990 deployed its RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield. Within a year, they would pivot to Operation Desert Storm, followed by Operation Southern Watch and later the Global War on Terror, providing real-time information for tactical forces, theater commanders, and national decision makers in what is believed to be the longest continuous deployment for a unit in U.S. military history.

Today, the 55th Wing is the largest wing in Air Combat Command, comprised of 6 groups, 31 squadrons, and 3 detachments located worldwide. It operates 48 aircraft, including multiple variants of the RC-135 and the EC-130H and EA-37B Compass Call electronic attack aircraft. The sun truly never sets on the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth.

Over the last 85 years of war and peace, missions and aircraft have come and gone, and operating locations have changed as the needs of the nation have evolved. Throughout it all, the men and women of the 55th Wing have never wavered in their mission to fly, fight, and win. It is my great honor to recognize their achievements and salute their history today. Once again I say, happy birthday to the men and women of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth.