Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, a leader's strength is never his own. It is borrowed from the courage, the talent, and the integrity of those who walk with him. The last 8 years have proven that to me time and time again. I have had many blessings in life, but none quite like the people who I have worked with.

I will start with our brilliant casework team: Andrea Rose-Prehn, Reid Rasmussen, Danica Allmer, and Aimee Hoyle. They have each helped hundreds of South Dakotans get the treatment they deserve from our Federal Government. The work is complex. It is frustrating, and nobody does it better than they do. In 2023, they won the top award for outstanding constituent service in Congress.

Aimee, Danica, Reid, and Andrea have improved countless lives, and I cannot thank them enough.

Our D.C. team is extraordinary, too. In each of the last three Congresses, they were named the number one most effective office in one policy area or another. With 435 offices, being number one isn't that easy. Some offices specialize in social media hot takes or partisan attacks, but Sydney Powers, Mason Ohnstad, Kristen Blakely, Andrew Rasmussen, and Jon Sundet specialized in getting things done. They are brilliant, funny, and driven. They have helped govern in an era where governing is not easy.

It is not just our current team who has been excellent. We have remarkably little turnover in our office, but we have some great alums.

When I think back to those who gave more than 2 years to us--Jazmine Kemp, Alana Lomis, Hannah Hulehan, John Weber, Nathanael Monroe, and Chance Hunley--I am proud. They did incredible things with our team, and they have done incredible things since. Our experiences will always bind us together, and I am happy for that and how many experiences there have been. I look at our team today, and I am touched. Most of us have been here since day one, 8 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, 8 years is an eternity in this crazy time and in this crazy place. We have fought, worked, and laughed together. We have celebrated 8 weddings, 12 births, and 6 high school graduations. What a joy it has been to live life alongside these great people.

I will close by talking about our senior team: Andrew Christianson, Elizabeth Walters, Courtney Heitkamp, Chelsea Schull, and Katie Neff.

I cannot believe that leaders of their caliber have dedicated 8 years of their lives to our office and to working with me. I am so odd, so particular, and so demanding. How have they done it?

I have leaned on these leaders every single day, and they have never let me down--never. I have never had cause to question their heart, work ethic, loyalty, integrity, or patriotism. Andrew, Elizabeth, Courtney, Chelsea, and Katie are the finest humans who I have ever met.

Mr. Speaker, there is still much to be done in the 119th Congress, and I promise I will keep working hard for South Dakota until the very end, but when this chapter of my life closes in January, I will not miss the shutdowns, the political posturing, or the TV cameras. I will miss the people, the very best people.

Mr. Speaker, a leader's strength is never his own. It is borrowed from the courage, the talent, and the integrity of those who walk with him. The last 8 years have proven that to me time and time again. I have had many blessings in life, but none quite like the people who I have worked with.

I will start with our brilliant casework team: Andrea Rose-Prehn, Reid Rasmussen, Danica Allmer, and Aimee Hoyle. They have each helped hundreds of South Dakotans get the treatment they deserve from our Federal Government. The work is complex. It is frustrating, and nobody does it better than they do. In 2023, they won the top award for outstanding constituent service in Congress.

Aimee, Danica, Reid, and Andrea have improved countless lives, and I cannot thank them enough.

Our D.C. team is extraordinary, too. In each of the last three Congresses, they were named the number one most effective office in one policy area or another. With 435 offices, being number one isn't that easy. Some offices specialize in social media hot takes or partisan attacks, but Sydney Powers, Mason Ohnstad, Kristen Blakely, Andrew Rasmussen, and Jon Sundet specialized in getting things done. They are brilliant, funny, and driven. They have helped govern in an era where governing is not easy.

It is not just our current team who has been excellent. We have remarkably little turnover in our office, but we have some great alums.

When I think back to those who gave more than 2 years to us--Jazmine Kemp, Alana Lomis, Hannah Hulehan, John Weber, Nathanael Monroe, and Chance Hunley--I am proud. They did incredible things with our team, and they have done incredible things since. Our experiences will always bind us together, and I am happy for that and how many experiences there have been. I look at our team today, and I am touched. Most of us have been here since day one, 8 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, 8 years is an eternity in this crazy time and in this crazy place. We have fought, worked, and laughed together. We have celebrated 8 weddings, 12 births, and 6 high school graduations. What a joy it has been to live life alongside these great people.

I will close by talking about our senior team: Andrew Christianson, Elizabeth Walters, Courtney Heitkamp, Chelsea Schull, and Katie Neff.

I cannot believe that leaders of their caliber have dedicated 8 years of their lives to our office and to working with me. I am so odd, so particular, and so demanding. How have they done it?

I have leaned on these leaders every single day, and they have never let me down--never. I have never had cause to question their heart, work ethic, loyalty, integrity, or patriotism. Andrew, Elizabeth, Courtney, Chelsea, and Katie are the finest humans who I have ever met.

Mr. Speaker, there is still much to be done in the 119th Congress, and I promise I will keep working hard for South Dakota until the very end, but when this chapter of my life closes in January, I will not miss the shutdowns, the political posturing, or the TV cameras. I will miss the people, the very best people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today's debate has convinced me more than ever that we need to cap the number of Supreme Court Justices at nine.

Now, for the last 5 years, I have been a leader in this push to keep the nine, and I am thrilled we are taking this measure up today.

In Washington, we have a habit of weaponizing everything for political advantage. Seemingly no norm is safe, and indeed prominent leaders on the other side of the aisle have promised us that they will pack the Court with four more Supreme Court Justices when they regain power.

Now, the size of the Supreme Court should not be an arms race. It should not swell after an election to be able to grab some additional political power. That is the stuff of banana republics and authoritarian regimes.

By the way, I am not making that up. You can look across the globe in recent history and you can see Hungary increasing their court to 15. You can see Turkiye increasing their court to 17. You can see Venezuela increasing their court to an eye-watering 32 justices in the pursuit of political power.

This is not a theoretical threat. Let's look to history.

For 150 years, nine Supreme Court Justices have served us well. The gentleman from Maryland indicates that there is no possible reason that somebody could support nine as the right number. Actually, Supreme Court Justices support nine as the number. They think that is the right size of the Court to have a collaborative, deliberative, functional Court. That is the Goldilocks spot, and it is not just conservative Justices who say it. Retired liberal Justice Stephen Breyer said nine was the right number, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, before her death, said nine was the right number.

They are joined by thousands of legal minds across the political spectrum. That, the gentleman from Maryland should know, is the right reason to set nine.

Today, we have an opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to heed those bipartisan calls, to remove a weapon in the hands of partisans, to defend and to protect a longstanding judicial norm, and to place the number of Supreme Court Justices as nine in our Constitution.

Mr. Speaker, I support the measure before us today. Let's keep the nine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Laura Jean Pulscher, of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, a devoted wife, mother, accomplished musician, educator, woman of faith, and courageous advocate whose extraordinary life touched countless people across her community and beyond. My thoughts are with her family as they recognize the first anniversary of her passing.

Laura passed away on July 10, 2025, after a nine-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disease.

Laura met every challenge in her life with determination, grace, and unwavering faith. A gifted musician, writer, and leader, she dedicated her talents to serving others through ministry, education, and community engagement. Whether leading worship, mentoring young people, homeschooling her children, or encouraging others facing adversity, Laura consistently put the needs of others before her own.

Even as ALS progressively stole her ability to speak and move, it never diminished her determination to serve others. Laura continued to organize family activities, support her children's education, write and publish a book about her faith journey, maintain connections with friends and family, and offer encouragement to others facing hardship. Her resilience stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound difference one person can make in the lives of others.

Laura's life is a powerful reminder of both the extraordinary courage of people living with ALS and the urgent need to advance research and care for those affected by this devastating disease.

We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Toby; her children, Malcolm, Oliver, and Mercedes; her parents, Jay and Sharon Brosius; and all her family and friends who mourn her loss while celebrating a life exceptionally well lived.

May Laura Jean Pulscher's legacy of faith, service, courage, and love continue to inspire all who have the privilege of hearing her story, and may her memory forever be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greg Rislov for an exceptional 50 years of dedicated service to the people of South Dakota through his work at the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.

Since joining the Public Utilities Commission in 1976, Greg has played a vital role in ensuring reliable and affordable utility service for South Dakotans. Throughout his career as an analyst, division director, and advisor to the Commission, he has provided expertise on countless energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure matters.

Having served as a Public Utilities Commissioner, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand Greg's professionalism, institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to public service. For five decades, he has been a trusted resource to commissioners, staff, and stakeholders across South Dakota.

Greg's contributions have helped guide our state through significant changes in the utility industry while always keeping the interests of South Dakota consumers at the forefront. I thank Greg for his remarkable career and his lasting service to the people of South Dakota.

His dedication is worthy of recognition and appreciation from both the House of Representatives and the state he has faithfully served for 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Teddy Bear Den as they celebrate 30 years of service to mothers, babies, and families in Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities. Since opening its doors in June 1996, the Teddy Bear Den has helped more than 48,000 women by encouraging healthy pregnancies, regular prenatal care, and strong early childhood support for families facing financial hardship.

Led at the helm by Executive Director Sandy Lown, the Teddy Bear Den has grown from serving fewer than 200 women annually to nearly 1,900 women today. They provide education, transportation assistance, support, guidance, and essential baby incentive items to mothers who maintain healthy lifestyles and attend prenatal and baby appointments. Through partnership with hundreds of healthcare providers, schools, clinics, and social service agencies, the Teddy Bear Den has become a trusted resource for families.

The impact of the Teddy Bear Den would not be possible without its dedicated volunteers, donors, staff, and board members. Last year alone, volunteers contributed more than 6,100 hours of service, helping the organization continue its mission of supporting healthier moms and babies.

As the Teddy Bear Den marks this important milestone, I congratulate everyone who has contributed to its success over the past three decades. South Dakota is grateful for the compassion, dedication. and care this organization has shown to thousands of families. and I wish them continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, like most everybody here in the Chamber, I spend a lot of time at home in my district. I am there every single weekend, and what you really hear related to energy is you hear three things:

First off, of course, people want lower prices at the pump. That is a no-brainer.

Secondly, of course, they want American energy dominance. They don't want to be reliant on others.

Then number three, they don't understand the role of outdated regulations. They would like more freedom to make their own decisions.

Well, boy, do I have a deal for them, and do I have a deal for us. Year-round E15 addresses all of those concerns.

Let's go to affordability first. We know that E15 is 40 or 50 cents a gallon cheaper than standard gasoline, and that will have a big impact on American families.

Secondly, when it comes to American energy dominance, I think most South Dakotans would rather our energy future be driven by what is going on in South Dakota cornfields rather than in Iranian oilfields. This is an incredible opportunity to make sure that we are able to buy more homegrown American fuel.

Now, number three, when we get to the freedom and rolling back outdated regulations, let's be really clear what this does. This just gives people more options at the pump. Nobody will be required to buy E15 at the pump. Nobody will be required to sell E15 at the pump. This is going to be the market at work.

What we know is that a 1970s-era EPA rule just tells Americans that, no, you can't--even if somebody wants to sell you E15 in the summer months--you can't buy it. What we know for those people who are concerned about environmental impacts is that E15 has a lower Reid vapor pressure than E10, so any smog concerns are not applicable. E15 is better for the environment in that way.

So, Mr. Speaker, almost no matter how you come down, whether you are concerned about affordability, whether you are concerned about geopolitics, whether you are concerned about overregulation, E15 gives us the tools we need to move in the right direction.

I would close by saying this: I know the wheels of progress don't always turn quickly, but they are turning today, and when we vote off this House floor year-round E15, the winner will be the American people.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, S. 723, is identical to a bill that I had introduced here in the House, H.R. 2130. It made its way through the Natural Resources Committee and had a hearing, for which I am very thankful to the chair and ranking member of that committee. It passed out of that committee unanimously. This is a strong piece of commonsense legislation.

Mr. Speaker, what does it do? First off, we know that our country is facing a housing affordability crisis. In Indian Country, it is even worse.

This legislation addresses specific and solvable problems that contribute to this problem on Tribal land. Frankly, it is hard to understand what a big problem this is in Indian Country. People can't get their hands on the proper mortgage documents because, today, mortgages on Tribal trust land, whether they are residential or commercial, must be reviewed and approved by BIA before they can be finalized.

Mr. Speaker, the BIA has established timelines for that process, but those timelines are rarely met, and that contributes to serious delay.

As a result, Native Americans living on Tribal trust land face a reduced opportunity, a reduced access to homeownership, a piece of the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, off reservation, accessing documents like title records can be done in minutes, and insurance policies can often be issued in just a few weeks.

However, on Tribal trust land, that same process is not completed in a few weeks. It often takes a few months. In some instances, it has taken as long as 1 year. In 1 year, that sale can fall apart.

A family ready to buy a home should not have to wait months because of bureaucratic inefficiencies. When the BIA fails to do its work in a timely manner, it is families and lenders and the marketplace that pay the price.

The South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition told me of a scenario where they went to the BIA offices to try to find out how they could expedite these processes. As a part of that meeting, they discovered that 25 mortgage-related documents were stalled on the desk of the BIA agency superintendent.

Mr. Speaker, that is 25 families, businesses, and individuals whose futures were unnecessarily delayed because of bureaucratic inefficiency. What a profound and unnecessary harm.

This legislation does as the chairman said. It improves transparency and accountability. It establishes clear timelines. Importantly, it does not undermine Tribal sovereignty or in any way weaken the Federal trust responsibility. It simply makes sure that this process functions as intended.

Mr. Speaker, I have been proud to partner with Senator John Thune, who has expertly guided this through the Senate, and I am particularly grateful to the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition. They have done incredible work advocating for this solution.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a South Dakota football legend, Adam Vinatieri. Vinatieri, widely regarded as the greatest place kicker in the history of the National Football League, has been named a 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. This recognition honors a remarkable career and brings great pride to South Dakotans across the state.

Born in Yankton and raised in Rapid City, Vinatieri graduated from Rapid City Central High School, where he was a standout multi-sport athlete. He went on to play college football at South Dakota State University, carrying with him the work ethic, discipline, and resilience that define so many South Dakotans. As a Jackrabbit, Vinatieri finished his collegiate career as South Dakota State's all- time leading scorer with 185 career points and awarded first-team all- conference honors in each of his seasons.

Vinatieri's professional career spanned 24 NFL seasons, primarily with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. He retired as the league's all-time leader in field goals made and points scored, and he played a decisive role in four Super Bowl championships, including a game-winning kick in Super Bowl XXXVI.

With this induction, Adam Vinatieri becomes just the second South Dakotan to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Jim Langer of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins. South Dakota proudly celebrates with him and the excellence with which he represented our state on and off the field.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate South Dakota's own Grey Zabel and the Seattle Seahawks on their Super Bowl LX victory on February 8, 2026.

Grey Zabel was born and raised in Pierre, South Dakota. After graduating from T.F. Riggs High School and helping the Governors win three State Championships, he was recruited to play football at North Dakota State University.

At North Dakota State, Zabel helped lead the Bison to two NCAA Division I FCS National Championships in 2021 and 2024. In 2024, he earned First Team FCS All-American honors at left tackle, capping off an outstanding collegiate career.

After an impressive collegiate performance at North Dakota State, the Seattle Seahawks selected Zabel in the first round, 18th overall, in the 2025 NFL draft. As a rookie offensive lineman, he started at guard and tackle, playing in all 17 regular-season games and three postseason games during Seattle's Super Bowl LX championship run. He proved highly effective, allowing only two sacks over 580 pass-blocking snaps during the season and recording seven games without a single pressure allowed.

I am proud to recognize Grey Zabel's outstanding perseverance and his impact as a role model for athletes and individuals across the Nation. He is an inspiring reminder of the strength found in determination and hard work. I congratulate Grey Zabel and the Seattle Seahawks on their remarkable victory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize J.P. Skelly for forty years of exceptional service with KORN News Radio. For decades, J.P. has been a trusted voice for South Dakota, delivering the news with accuracy and integrity.

Since joining KORN News Radio in January of 1986, J.P. has spent much of his career as News Director, leading a newsroom that is consistently recognized for excellence. Under his leadership, KORN News Radio earned dozens of Eric Sevareid Awards of Merit from the Northwest Broadcast News Association (NBNA) in 2006 and is consistently honored by NBNA for their work.

J.P.'s work has included coverage of major trials, legislative affairs through ``Inside State Government,'' presidential visits, and moments of tragedy such as the Spencer tornado, ensuring South Dakotans were informed during both historic and difficult times.

Beyond his work at KORN News Radio, J.P. has been a distinguished leader in journalism, serving as president of the Northwest Broadcast News Association in 2006. His dedication to the profession has had a lasting impact on his community and the region. I congratulate him on this milestone and thank him for four decades of service to South Dakota.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nana Kwame Dwomoh of Brookings, South Dakota, for his achievement as the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for South Dakota.

Nana Kwame developed an innovative app called WorkWellness, designed to promote healthier routines in the workplace. The app runs timed workout and stretch sessions, provides notifications to encourage movement, and suggests targeted stretches. His app features an AI- powered wellness assistant that offers guidance on posture, healthy habits, and other wellness-related questions.

Nana Kwame's accomplishment reflects his talent, dedication, and initiative, as well as the growing strength of STEM education in South Dakota. His success highlights the importance of fostering innovation and providing young people with opportunities to explore technology and coding.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nana Kwame Dwomoh on this well-deserved honor and in wishing him continued success in his future academic and professional pursuits.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the unanimous passage of the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.

This legislation represents an important step toward preserving one of the most tragic and painful sites in our Nation's history, as we prepare to commemorate the 135th anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890. The land at Wounded Knee bears witness to the massacre of hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children on December 29, 1890. For generations, this ground has held deep spiritual and historical significance for the Lakota people, and it deserves to be protected and honored accordingly.

In 2023, I had the opportunity to visit the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, where I met with descendants of survivors and saw firsthand the remnants of that tragic day, including the bloodstained floorboards of St. John's Church where the wounded were treated. That experience underscores the responsibility we share as a Nation to acknowledge our past wrongdoings and ensure that such a tragedy is never forgotten.

This bill was developed in close partnership with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, whose leadership and guidance were essential in shaping legislation that respects tribal jurisdiction and the sacred nature of the land. I am grateful to President Frank Star Comes Out of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Chairman Ryman LeBeau of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe for their continued collaboration and advocacy to preserve the memory and legacy of their ancestors.

Mr. Speaker, on the 100th anniversary of the massacre, Congress issued a formal apology, expressing deep regret for the actions of the federal government and acknowledging the historical significance of this event. As descendants prepare to remember the lives lost on the 135th anniversary, the House and Senate have reaffirmed our commitment to reconciliation and remembrance by passing the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act unanimously, and I was honored to lead this legislation that preserves the sacred ground and respects the legacy of the Lakota people.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 216) to amend the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to improve the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation, to amend the Marine Debris Act to improve the administration of the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act continues important work that began last Congress, in the 118th Congress, to protect and preserve the quality of our oceans from marine debris.

This bill will enhance the capabilities of NOAA to address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the U.S. economy and navigational safety, but it will not impose any new mandates on industry or local government.

This bill also clarifies the proper functioning of the Marine Debris Foundation and requires it to establish its principal office here in Washington, D.C., or in a shoreline coastal community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Bonamici said it right. This legislation will enable NOAA to continue addressing the adverse impacts of marine debris on our country's maritime economy and will ensure safe navigation on America's waterways. Importantly, this legislation will promote clean water and the protection of our natural resources without imposing new mandates on industry or local governments.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4183) to authorize appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission for fiscal years 2026 through 2029, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material into the Record on this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Chinese Communist Party does not play fair. That is why this bill, the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025, is so important.

I suspect we all know that ocean-linked supply chains are critical to the economic competitiveness of the United States. Think about all the important materials we import into this country, and then think about all the important materials we export. Even just for relatively small South Dakota, Mr. Speaker, we export $7 billion of manufactured goods and agricultural goods to the rest of the world every single year. That is almost $8,000 a year for every single South Dakotan. Clearly, this maritime trade is important.

Because the Chinese Communist Party doesn't play fair, we need a focused and effective cop on the beat. We need someone who will be focused on the anticompetitive behavior from the Chinese Communist Party and others.

The five largest ocean carriers and their coalitions, Mr. Speaker, control 80 or 85 percent of the ocean carrier business. We want to make sure that anticompetitive behavior does not take place. This legislation has at least a couple of major thrusts that are going to make that so.

First, it authorizes the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 appropriations for the FMC at the levels that are necessary to maintain the integrity of the marketplace through monitoring, enforcement, and proper adjudication.

Secondly, it also provides the new authorities and direction that the FMC needs to be a vigilant protector for our American shippers so they can be a more informed regulator and a more effective guardian against the abuses by the Chinese Communist Party and their partners.

Of course, Mr. Speaker, this all makes sense. It is very commonsensical. It is all very policy focused. That is why I am happy to report that it was a strongly bipartisan piece of legislation throughout its journey through the committee. This is exactly what our country should be doing at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, whether they realize it or not, every single American benefits from having a competitive maritime marketplace. For that to be the case, you have to have a cop on the beat that understands the job, is focused on anticompetitive behavior, and is driven to make sure that the free market works in the maritime space.

Mr. Speaker, this bill pushes forward all of those goals. I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.