Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Trey Cash, the economic development director for Greene and Lenoir Counties, whose leadership secured over 600 acres of prime land for industrial development, paving the way for job growth and investment opportunities in rural North Carolina.

The North Carolina Economic Development Association named Trey the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year, North Carolina's highest honor for a young economic developer.

Trey is the first recipient of this distinguished award from any county east of I-95. His leadership has enhanced public-private partnerships and advanced workforce readiness.

As a dedicated father, Trey works daily to ensure that his daughter, Celia, and all young people like her have the chance to live the American Dream in eastern North Carolina.

He is tireless in his commitment to keeping young professionals and the next generation in the east.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost and Representative Takano for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2625, the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025.

On behalf of the more than 56,000 veterans in North Carolina's First Congressional District, which I am proud to represent, and so many across our country, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this commonsense legislation.

I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani), who co-led the bill. I also thank the House Committee on Veterans' Affair for marking it up and moving it forward. Lastly, I thank the Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America for endorsing this legislation.

H.R. 2625 amends terminology in the Veteran Readiness and Employment program to replace the term ``employment handicap'' with ``employment barrier'' and the term ``serious employment handicap'' with ``serious employment barrier,'' while, most importantly, leaving the definitions unchanged.

The Veteran Readiness and Employment program helps former servicemembers find jobs and ensure their mental and financial well- being are intact. Updating the terminology will improve efficiency and encourage veterans to use the Veteran Readiness and Employment program.

No veteran should have any discomfort advocating for themselves and seeking help for their service-connected disabilities. We will continue to stay in this fight until every disabled veteran has what they need to get the assistance they have earned.

On behalf of a grateful nation, we can honor those who have given life and limb to serve by passing the VERY Act.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do exactly that, and I thank the chair and the ranking member for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pasquotank County Emergency Medical Services for earning their prestigious 2025 Best in Category Award for Health from the National Association of Counties.

Out of 157 entries, Pasquotank County EMS was recognized as one of the best health programs in the country and the only winner from North Carolina.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pasquotank County EMS, like many counties, faced a serious shortage of paramedics and emergency safety workers.

In response, they developed an innovative tiered response system allowing ambulances to quickly respond to emergencies while paramedics provided essential support when needed, improving their service, making it faster and more efficient.

Pasquotank County EMS is a shining example of hard work, innovation, and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate each and every one on this remarkable honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3633, known as the CLARITY Act.

I am honored to serve as a co-lead on this legislation, alongside Chairman Thompson, Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Craig, Subcommittee Chair Johnson, and so many others who came to the table in good faith to get this done.

Let me also take a moment to thank the staff, both the majority and the minority staff. They put in so many hours working on this. I know I was up late one night. It was probably midnight. I really commend the team. They helped work on a very complex issue here that is before us and to help shape a bipartisan product that reflects the seriousness of the moment.

This bill reflects compromise, collaboration, and months of work to craft the regulatory framework that meets the moment, because the truth is, we can't afford to fall behind.

Right now we are at a crossroad. The digital asset industry is growing, evolving, changing the way people around the world engage with financial markets and emerging technologies. Without a clear regulatory structure in place, we are seeing innovation move overseas not because our talent isn't here, but because the rules aren't here.

The CLARITY Act provides us with an opportunity then to change that, to lead, to establish thoughtful and balanced guardrails that support innovation, protect consumers, and foster confidence in our markets.

You see disclosures and reports dealing with so many provisions, antifraud, manipulation. You can't commingle funds.

But let me be clear: The bill isn't perfect. I have been vocal about that, too.

I remain concerned about the absence of meaningful conflict-of- interest provisions dealing with the executive branch. It doesn't matter who occupies the White House. The bottom line is,

whoever is in the White House, we need clear standards that ensure public trust is never compromised.

I also remain concerned about adequate resources for the CFTC. Yes, I acknowledge this bill provides more flexibility to deal with hiring, but we also need to see more resources because we are asking the CFTC to take on a major role here.

The Speaker pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.

In the 118th Congress, we passed FIT21 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The CLARITY Act builds on this work. Let's pass the CLARITY Act and send a strong message to the American people and the world that the United States will lead in building a forward-looking digital economy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following obituary of Charles P. Gaylor, III.

Charles P. Gaylor, III Obituary

Charles ``Charlie'' Parson Gaylor, III, a beloved husband,

father, grandfather, and dedicated servant to the Goldsboro

community, passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Charlie was

the son of the late Judge Charles P. Gaylor, Jr. and the late

Councilwoman Mildred Ellis Gaylor. A lifelong resident of the

city he so passionately served, Charlie's legacy is deeply

woven into the civic, legal, and cultural fabric of Wayne

County.

Charlie graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1967 before

earning a double Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and

Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel

Hill. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the

Delaware Law School of Widener University in Wilmington,

Delaware.

Charlie practiced law in Goldsboro from 1977 to 2008 and

went on to serve with distinction as a District Court Judge

from 2009 to 2022. Even in retirement, he continued to serve

as a recalled judge.

His professional and civic contributions were extensive and

impactful. He held leadership roles in numerous

organizations, including serving as Chair of the Wayne County

Chamber of Commerce and the Wayne County Economic Development

Commission. He also served as the inaugural Chair of the

Wayne County Development Alliance. Charlie was a dedicated

member of the Wayne County Bar Association, North Carolina

State Bar, and North Carolina Bar Association. He was also an

avid supporter and past board member of the Foundation of

Wayne Community College, the Arts Council of Wayne County,

the Wayne County Public Library Foundation, the Downtown

Goldsboro Development Corporation, the Wayne County Historic

Association, the Military Affairs Committee of the Wayne

County Chamber of Commerce, and the Goldsboro Civitan Club.

Charlie was passionate about historic preservation and

cultural enrichment, having served as President of the

Historic Preservation Society of North Carolina and as a tour

guide for the Goldsboro Union Station Project. His efforts

were pivotal in safeguarding the architectural and historical

heritage of the region.

He also dedicated his time and leadership to a broad array

of community initiatives--rom small business development and

civic education to passenger rail service advocacy and

military appreciation events. Notably, he co-chaired the 1976

Wayne County Bicentennial ``Town Forum'' series alongside his

wife, Rhonda.

Among his many accolades, Charlie was honored with the

Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, the Exchange Club Book

of Golden Deeds Award, the Gertrude S.

Carraway Award of Merit, and the prestigious Cannon Cup from

the North Carolina Division of Cultural Resources. He was

also the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the

Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation and was inducted

into the North Carolinian Society, an honor reserved for

individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the

state.

Charlie was a member of First Presbyterian Church of

Goldsboro, where he found spiritual grounding and community

fellowship.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Rhonda

McDonald Gaylor; his son, Charles P. Gaylor, IV and daughter-

in-law, Sarah Gaylor; and his cherished grandson, Charles

``Charlie'' Gaylor, V.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held Monday, July 7

at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro. The

family will receive friends following the service in the

church's activity center. A private burial for the family

will take place at Willow Dale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First

Presbyterian Church, 1101 E. Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530

or the charity of one's choice.

Charlie Gaylor's life was one of selfless devotion--to

justice, to heritage, to education, and to the people and

places he held dear. His legacy lives on in the institutions

he shaped, the community he strengthened, and the countless

lives he touched through a lifetime of committed service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an inspiring young leader from Gates County, North Carolina, Jonah Dickerson.

Jonah earned the Congressional Gold Medal award after dedicating over 400 hours of volunteer service, hosting soccer clinics for children and supporting students of Buckland Elementary School.

He is a proud East Carolina University Pirate and honors college student. Jonah studies geographic information sciences and applies his skills at Sound Rivers, protecting our precious waterways in the East.

Alongside his brother Cole, Jonah has coauthored two research papers, one on low-cost buoy systems for geographic education and another advancing UAV tracking accuracy.

Mr. Speaker, Jonah reminds us that our service can uplift and inspire an entire community. He truly represents the best of eastern North Carolina. We are so proud to honor him and look forward to what the future holds.

Mr. Speaker, I honor the remarkable life of Charles Parson Gaylor, III, a distinguished district court judge, lifelong Goldsboro resident, and devoted servant.

Charlie embodied compassion in his work, striking a balance between firmness and fairness. He enforced strict rules about cell phones in his courtroom. Yet, he approached the bench with such gentleness and care. His passion for life was evident in his deep love for his family, his genuine appreciation for history, and his fascination with old cars.

For more than 15 years, I was fortunate to call Charlie my friend. His memorial service was a testament to the lives he touched. Many friends, family, and colleagues gathered at his beloved First Presbyterian Church.

For 52 years, Charlie was a steadfast partner to his wife, Rhonda.

Mayor Gaylor, his son, should always remember: Get in, get out.

Sarah and Charlie brought him great joy. I send my deepest condolences to them both.

Mr. Speaker, over the past week, I had the opportunity to spend a day in Hertford County. During my visit, I connected with local leaders, business leaders, and workers at Alfiniti and Nucor. I also spoke with participants in a 4-H summer program as well as compassionate clergy and residents.

My visit to The Gathering Place, which operates a food pantry, was moving.

While in Hertford County, I engaged in meaningful conversation with the dedicated employees of the Hertford County Department of Social Services. They shared valuable insights about the potential impacts of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, on the hardworking families and the community they tirelessly serve.

I commend this remarkable and professional team for prioritizing the families in their care and encourage all Members to visit their local departments of social services.

It is vital that we prioritize the hardworking families in eastern North Carolina, especially those who count on programs like Medicaid and SNAP without abusing them.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand with the people of Hertford County and eastern North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize William Horne, affectionately known as ``Bus Dad.''

After an impressive 51 years behind the wheel of a schoolbus dedicated to transporting exceptional children within Wilson County Public Schools, Mr. Horne has recently entered a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Horne was more than just a schoolbus driver. He was devoted to his students and their families. He warmly welcomed each child onto his bus every morning, making sure they were ready for school. His bus was more than just a mode of transportation. It was a safe haven.

Mr. Horne's dedication exemplifies a great American story highlighting the essence of public service: impactful, consistent, and full of love and compassion.

I thank Mr. Horne for his extraordinary commitment to his students over the decades. His legacy will remain with those he has touched, and I wish him a wonderful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the voices of our local farmers.

During a tour of Brown Family Farms and Produce, we met with fourth- generation farmer Patrick Brown, former United States Representative Eva Clayton, a group of local farmers, agricultural leaders, and advocates to discuss the future of farming in eastern North Carolina.

Brown Family Farms was established in 1865 and is a family-run operation rooted in rich tradition and innovation.

During the tour, we discussed the challenges farmers are facing and the importance of passing the farm bill. Our farmers deserve to be heard. Their voices must guide us to meet the needs of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise and recognize five outstanding young leaders from eastern North Carolina who have earned appointments to our Nation's service academies.

Abel Dees and Parker Stokes are headed to the United States Military Academy.

Leo Fletcher-Fontana will attend the United States Air Force Academy.

Nicholas Santiago and Dylan Sawyer are bound for the United States Naval Academy.

These remarkable young leaders have achieved academic excellence. They reflect the best of our communities and are answering the call that goes way beyond themselves. Behind each of them is a community of supporters and families whose love is making it possible for them.

Mr. Speaker, to our appointees: Abel, Parker, Leo, Nicholas, and Dylan, eastern North Carolina believes in them and we are proud of them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the United

States Air Force, truly the greatest, as we have seen over and over and over again.

To ensure our status as the strongest and most effective Air Force in the world, it is imperative that we invest in a highly mission-capable fleet of frontline fighter jets.

That is why I have introduced H.R. 4027, the Frontline Fighter Force First Act. The legislation mandates that we prioritize combat-coded fighters, evaluating both the immediate and future needs of vital fighters like the F-15E Strike Eagle at places such as Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Next Generation Air Dominance.

Air power and superiority are must-have assets in modern warfare, which is why I call upon my colleagues in Congress to pass the Frontline Fighter Force First Act without delay.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Juneteenth and the communities across eastern North Carolina who celebrated with joy, unity, and meaningful reflection.

From Wilson to Columbia and Goldsboro to Rocky Mount, there was wonderful dancing with Boots on the Ground and plenty of delicious food and spirited singing. Residents came together as a community to celebrate freedom, an American value.

I thank every organizer and volunteer who helped make these events possible. I also thank all who participated and especially our youth.

Mr. Speaker, we were able to honor the past and renew our commitment to a more prosperous future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the historic 2025 graduating class of Martin County High School.

The proud Gators made history with their first graduation since the unification of South Creek High School and Riverside High School. The Gators had their first outdoor graduation ever in the swamp.

There were hugs, smiles, dancing, chest bumps, and even tears.

A touching moment was when Jaden Wiggins' parents accepted his diploma. Only weeks before he was due to graduate, he was tragically killed in a vehicle accident. Yet, his memory remains with his classmates.

The graduation exercise not only ended with the turning of the tassels but also an amazing fireworks demonstration. The spirit of unity was incredible.

I congratulate the parents, teachers, education support professionals, administrators, school board, community, and, above all, the students.

I congratulate the class of 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Richard Eakin, who dedicated 14 years of his life as Chancellor of East Carolina University.

Dr. Eakin was my mentor, my instructor, and my dear friend. He inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree in education, and I will always be grateful for that.

Dr. Eakin was one of the most compassionate and insightful leaders I have ever known.

He earned his B.A. in math from Geneva College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in math from Washington State University.

Before his time at East Carolina University, he held several administrative positions at Bowling Green State University.

He did all of this while always wearing an infectious smile. His gentle, yet impactful approach, left a mark on Pirate Nation and everyone who learned from him.

My heartfelt prayers are with his wonderful wife, Jo, and their family.