Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment that ends Federal funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, a program that Elon Musk, while leading DOGE, publicly said was a scam, that it was rife with corruption and an evil organization that should be dissolved. President Trump and his administration attempted to do that, and yet here we are trying to fund it.

This program was sold to the American people as a force for advancing freedom, but instead it has become a foreign slush fund.

Let me be clear: Americans should not be forced to finance political outcomes in countries where they have no voice, no vote, or no oversight. This is not America First but a scam under the disguise of foreign policy. Under no circumstances should Congress put foreign governments ahead of those that we were elected to serve.

The United States must lead by example. This means not managing the political affairs of the rest of the world on the backs of the American taxpayer.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding, and I thank him for his passion and leadership on this topic and many others.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to address one of the most urgent issues facing the American family today, which is healthcare affordability. Under the Biden administration, inflation surged to levels that we haven't seen in decades, in generations, and healthcare costs rose right along with it, driving premiums, deductibles.

Out-of-pocket expenses became higher and higher for families across this country. Whether you are in an employer-sponsored plan or an individual

market, it doesn't matter. The entire thing has been destroyed by the Democratic Party and their schemes.

For years, Washington has told the American people that if we just spend more, if we just mandate more, if we just regulate more, then healthcare will somehow become cheaper. It will become simpler and more humane. That promise clearly has failed in a spectacular way. We are watching it fail and go down in flames as we speak.

The Affordable Care Act was sold as a solution. It has locked families instead into a system where premiums keep rising and deductibles keep climbing, networks shrink, and patients are left with coverage that they can't even use and bills that they can't even predict. There is no transparency in the costs of the healthcare that they are receiving.

Let's be honest about where we are right now. Healthcare now consumes one-fifth of our entire economy. Hospital prices have risen three times faster than the awful inflation that we have been experiencing as a mean.

Insurance premiums have soared, yet patients still struggle to see their doctor. They still wait weeks, if not months, for an appointment. They still face surprise bills even when they follow all the rules.

This didn't happen by accident. Washington inflated the demand with subsidies and mandates while simultaneously choking off the supply through regulation, licensing barriers, and protection of entrenched interests. When government pours taxpayer dollars into a system that restricts competition, prices rise, efficiency collapses, and accountability disappears.

Through it all, the one group that was systematically excluded from decisionmaking is the patients themselves. That is the fundamental flaw of this current system. Americans are not allowed to control their own healthcare dollars. Instead, those dollars are routed through insurers, employers, and Federal agencies that never feel the pain of the cost and never face the consequences or have to deal with the time restraints.

Mr. Speaker, when you don't control the money, you don't control the choices. Contrary to the claim that, as my colleague from Texas has mentioned, we don't have any ideas, that is not at all the case. There have been multiple bills that have been sponsored year after year by thought leaders like the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), yet they haven't come to the floor for a vote. They haven't been given ample opportunity.

I am glad to see that now there is an appetite for this discussion because this House is already filled with serious, actionable reforms that give Americans real options beyond ObamaCare.

I recently cosigned a letter by Representative Biggs that highlighted 14 distinct healthcare reform bills that are out there, all of which present much better, more affordable solutions than the current disaster that we are facing with ObamaCare.

That is why I am promoting a new framework that is called MAHA, Make America Healthy Again, a patient-centered alternative that restores choice, transparency, and affordability without expanding government control or forcing anyone to give up their current coverage.

MAHA is built on two simple ideas.

First, MAHA accounts are modern, flexible, tax-free health accounts that put individuals and families back in charge of their healthcare spending. In essence, this is following through on the things that our President has truthed. Stop giving the money to the insurance companies. Give the money to the people.

These accounts allow for Americans to save and spend their own money on the care that they actually choose, the insurance premiums that they want to pay, the direct primary care, long-term care, and wellness expenses like healthy food and fitness. Imagine encouraging Americans to take their pretax dollars and go buy the healthy food that will sustain their families.

The unused funds roll over. Contributions will grow tax-free within these accounts. Families can even help a neighbor in need through direct, tax-advantaged charitable support.

This isn't about micromanagement from Washington. It is about restoring personal responsibility and real purchasing power.

The second part of MAHA is the insurance, which will be a new, affordable insurance option that is paired with these accounts that emphasize transparency, competition, and catastrophic protection, rather than all the bloated mandates.

These plans eliminate unnecessary requirements that have been proven to fail and drive up costs in ObamaCare. It will cap excessive provider pricing, expand access to telehealth and workforce reforms, and guarantee coverage without annual or lifetime limits.

Together, the MAHA accounts and MAHA insurance offer something that the Affordable Care Act never did: a real alternative.

Let's be clear: This does not force anyone to abandon their current coverage. If you like the crappy ACA ObamaCare plan that you currently have, you can keep it, but Americans deserve another option, one that treats them like an adult, not line items in a Federal spreadsheet.

Mr. Speaker, the American people are tired of being told that confusion is inevitable, that high costs are unavoidable, and that Washington knows better than they do. They are tired of a system that protects insurers, institutions, and lobbyists while families struggle to make ends meet.

Give the people control over their healthcare dollars. It is not a radical concept. It is how markets work. It is how innovation happens. It is how costs come down.

The choice is simple. We can continue doubling down on a failing system that promises coverage but little care, or we can offer Americans a new path, one grounded in freedom, responsibility, and trust in the people that we serve.

I want to make this very clear, Mr. Speaker: The American people don't want Republicans to do half measures or to tinker around the edges. They don't want excuses. They want leadership, and they want bold action. They want politicians to stop writing blank checks for a broken system and finally deliver the kind of transformative healthcare solutions that this country and these people deserve. Anything less borders on political malfeasance.

I thank my colleague from Texas for allowing me this time to speak.

Will the gentleman yield?

Right.

Absolutely. Any kind of reform that we are looking at,

if it doesn't include that as the core engine, we are not getting anywhere.

Absolutely. I mean, when you give the choice back to the people, suddenly the doctors are going to start paying attention, as well.

They are going to--when people ask, what does this cost? They are going to have to answer for it right then and there.

If they can't answer for it, guess what? When you have the choice, you can walk away. You can go to the next doctor. You can go down the street until people start providing the pricing. That will force transparency.

No.

Yes.

Correct. In fact, the swampy thing to do and what you would expect this town to normally do is to tinker with those things--

--and do what the conventional thought is before. Let's tinker with PBMs. Let's tinker with this account.

Right? The end result will be less choice for patients and higher costs. Even with PBMs, it will raise premiums.

No.

Absolutely.

Thank you for your leadership.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the PERMIT Act introduced by my good friend and chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, Congressman Mike Collins.

This bold legislation delivers a long-overdue blow to the radical environmental agenda that has weaponized the Clean Water Act, paving the way for critical infrastructure projects to move forward and be free from the regulatory shackles imposed by this Washington swamp.

For too long, the Federal Government and environmental activists have waged legal warfare on our farmers, small businesses, and job-creating projects, causing endless delays and litigation.

Mr. Trump's vision is clear: America is building again.

My Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act, which is included in this vital permitting reform package, establishes a strict 60-day window to challenge section 404 permits once the Army Corps of Engineers grants authorization.

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act exists to safeguard our waters, not empower radical environmentalists to harass hardworking Americans with legal hurdles years after permits are granted.

Let me be clear. The days of radical environmentalists holding our Nation's projects hostage with their antigrowth and antijob agenda are over.

The PERMIT Act slashes red tape, ends bureaucratic overreach, and restores the freedom to build an America that works for its people again.

Mr. Chair, I commend Chairman Graves and Subcommittee Chairman Collins for their leadership in advancing this pro-growth, America First legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Kathleen Atencio, a beloved wife and mother who passed away peacefully at her home after her courageous fight with brain cancer.

Born and raised in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Kathy lived a life defined by her service and dedication to her faith, family, and friends. Her family knew her as someone who was extraordinarily accomplished, humble, and intelligent. She lived her life by the quote often attributed to Maya Angelou: ``People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.''

Everybody who was part of Kathy's life--family and friends--was made a better person by her. Kathy had a gift for making others feel seen, supported, and loved. Whether offering a prayer, a home-cooked meal, or a steady voice of encouragement, she made people better simply by being in their lives.

A rich life and a storied legacy, Kathy leaves behind her husband, Joe, and her children, Audrey and August. May she rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the brave members of the U.S. Marine Corps as they celebrate their 250th birthday today.

The Marine Corps was born in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775, when two battalions of Continental Marines were established as a service branch of infantry troops capable of fighting both at sea and on shore. Two hundred fifty years later, it remains the maritime land force service branch of the United States Department of War.

Over the years, Marines have been called by many nicknames, including ``leathernecks'' due to the stiff leather collars worn in their 18th- and 19th-century uniforms, which protected against sword slashes and encouraged good posture; ``jarheads,'' which was initially due to the appearance of their high-collared dress uniforms that made their heads look like a mason jar in the early 1900's and has since evolved to also reference the popular ``high and tight'' haircut; and ``devil dogs'' from the German nickname given to them during the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I. The term originated from the German soldiers' perception of the Marines' tenacious and fierce fighting style.

However, I merely call them patriots and believe the words of the Marine Corps Anthem best describe their character and their mission and I hereby include them in the Record:

From the Halls of Montezuma To

the shores of Tripoli;

We will fight our country's battles

In the air, on land, and sea;

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title Of

United States Marine.

Our Marine Corps men and women--both our veterans and those in active service--deserve our eternal gratitude for the battles they have fought to keep Americans free. I would like to congratulate all the Marine Corps members serving across America, especially those in Detachment No. 993 in Missouri's 7th District, for their commitment to God and country, and to serve and protect us against our enemies. They serve a noble cause. May they ever carry the torch of liberty and continue to serve honorably for the next 250 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a dear family friend, Mike Vaini.

Mike was like an uncle to me. He was my father's best friend. He was the best man at my parents' wedding.

For nearly eight decades, Mike was the go-to man for our church, the Springfield First Church of the Nazarene.

In addition to his distinguished 35 years at Kraft Foods, he dedicated himself to his faith, family, and church.

Mike did everything. He served as a Sunday school teacher and a church board member. He even served as the bus driver and, yes, the lawn mower for our church. Mike was simply Mr. Reliable.

When the church needed someone to entertain, he would dress up as Mickey Mouse or Tiny Tim. While his voice probably didn't win any choir competitions, that never stopped him from singing just to light up the room.

Mike loved music. From southern gospel concerts to the great hits of the 1950s and 1960s, he knew all the bands and all the songs.

Mike was a huge sports fanatic. He was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Springfield Cardinals, and he loved playing golf and pinball and watching the Olympics.

I will never forget moments, like going to basketball games with Mike. He would always bring licorice for my brother and me.

Mike and his wife, Linda, were known for hosting parties and bringing people together. He lived 78 amazing years with faith, humor, and generosity. He poured himself into others, especially his family, including Linda.

So many of us thank God for his life. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lisa Rose, news anchor at Springfield, Missouri's KY3 television station, who is retiring after 42 years of broadcast excellence. KY3 covers 32 counties in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

Lisa's fascination with the news began as a 3rd grader who was devouring the daily newspaper and increased even more when she was 10 years old and witnessed televised reports about the Vietnam War. According to her, by the time she was in high school, she was truly addicted to learning as much as she could about what was going on in the world around her. So, it was no great surprise when she graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, with a Bachelors degree in TV News.

Shortly after graduation, Lisa started her career as a general assignment news reporter at KODE-TV in Joplin, Missouri. She spent four years at KODE and then moved to KY3 in 1984 as the evening news anchor. During her time at KY3, she saw TV news reporting change as advanced technology allowed for live field reporting for the first time. Portable backpacks and satellite trucks became the norm as KY3 stayed ahead of the curve in broadcast news. Now a single individual can do what used to take a satellite truck, an engineer, a photographer, and a reporter to deliver a live report. From technology to techniques in news gathering, the station has been a leader in television news and Lisa has been there every step of the way.

Lisa and her husband, Randy, have three children and three grandchildren. For more than four decades, she has been a trusted and familiar voice in our community where she's brought professionalism, warmth, and a little humor into homes all across the Ozarks. I'd like to congratulate Lisa on her retirement, and thank her for her service to the community. She will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my constituent, 12-year-old Brody Jakob Holt, a beloved son, loyal friend, and admired brother.

Brody's life was tragically cut short just weeks ago in an accident that has left his family and our community grieving. He was full of life, always smiling, telling jokes, and bringing joy to those around him. He loved sports, dirt bikes, learning new things, and had even dreamed of becoming President someday.

Most of all, though, Brody had a servant's heart. Just days before the accident, he told his mom that he wanted to be an organ donor, and in his final act of kindness, Brody gave his heart, literally, to save the life of an 8-year-old girl.

His parents raised an extraordinary young man. May his memory be a blessing and may they find comfort in knowing that Brody is watching over them from above.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a dear friend and true trailblazer, Robert S. Crampton, who passed away peacefully at the age of 95.

Robert was a man of wisdom, quiet strength, and action. He served in the U.S. Army, worked with the Austin Police Department, and spent his life building up the people and communities around him.

He helped construct satellite stations during the space race. He taught generations of students in Guam and here in the United States, as well.

Quite literally, he blazed trails across southwest Missouri. Through the nonprofit that he cofounded, Volunteers for Outdoor Missouri, Robert led volunteers in building and maintaining hiking trails that thousands now enjoy, including the nature trail at Lake Springfield.

He believed in community, hard work, and the power of education to change lives.

Robert lived his life by a simple but powerful truth: It is a choice to have a good day.

He made that choice every day, serving others with humility, humor, and heart.

To his wife, Ann, and the Crampton family, I thank them for sharing Robert with us. His legacy lives on in every step that we take down the paths that he forged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss, who is retiring this month after 23 years in this position.

Mr. Ziegenfuss is a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, but came to Missouri when he took his Army Infantry basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in central Missouri. During his 22-year Army career, he graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, and the Army's Command and General Staff College, where he graduated with honors. He held a series of command positions and earned numerous service awards and medals. He was discharged honorably as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Following his military service, Mr. Ziegenfuss started an environmental company, which he subsequently sold, was vice president of operations for Creative Printing and Design, was owner and president of Ameri Trade Corp., and then became the director of economic development for the City of Hollister before he was promoted to city administrator.

Mr. Ziegenfuss holds a Bachelor of Arts in personnel management from Mary Crest College in Davenport, Iowa. He has served on multiple boards in the Branson, Missouri, area and has been recognized with the Missouri Award, the Holllister Area Chamber of Commerce Heart of Hollister Award, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Pioneer and Community Spirit awards, and the True American Hero Award from the Branson Veteran's Task Force.

Mr. Ziegenfuss is married to the former Dana Woodall, and they have three daughters; Beth, Brooke, and Brittney; a stepdaughter, Jordan; a stepson, Logan; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

I'd like to congratulate Mr. Ziegenfuss on his outstanding career. Please join me in thanking him for his many years of service to others and wishing him well on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Donald ``Don'' Angell, a remarkable Missourian who was taken from us far too soon in a tragic accident on his beloved family farm, a place that reflected the hard work and the dedication that defined his life. Above all, Don was a devoted husband to Kristen and a loving father to his six children: Hunter, Hudson, Harper, Hope, Harlow, and Hattie.

A proud graduate of the University of Missouri, he built a distinguished 27-year career in financial service. He served his community with the Springfield Sertoma Club for over 20 years, raising funds for children's charities, and found joy in working the land on his farm.

A man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, and a sense of humor that could brighten any room, Don had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

My prayers are with the Angell family, and may Don's legacy continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and the legacy of Juliann MacDonald, a lifelong Missourian from Savannah who recently passed.

Juliann was a beloved mother and grandmother who touched the lives of many in our community.

Friends and family knew her as Mimi. She was someone who put service above herself, caring for her neighbors, her community, and especially her family.

She regularly volunteered at multiple organizations and schools. She was deeply involved in her local church, and she brought joy to her book club with friends that cherished her company.

Throughout a 42-year teaching career, her compassion, leadership, and dedication touched and inspired the lives of countless students who had the privilege of learning under her mentorship.

A rich life and a storied legacy, Juliann leaves behind her husband, Martin; her sons, Ryan and Scott; her daughters-in-law, Vicki and Laura; and her two grandchildren, McKenzie and Jameson.

My prayers are with her loved ones and with her family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Missouri citizen, Mr. Harland J. Taylor, on the remarkable occasion of his 101st birthday on February 11.

Harland bravely served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, earning his pilot wings to fly the P-51 Mustang. His military achievements stood as a testament to his courage and dedication.

In 1974, Harland returned to Aurora, Missouri, where he built a legacy in agriculture, buying 800 acres of farmland and doing regenerative farming, which was a rare practice and innovative at the time.

Harland's family is among his greatest achievements. His wife, Muriel, and their two daughters, Teri and Traci, helped run the farm until he retired at the age of 62.

Harland's journey didn't stop there. Even in his retirement, he drove an 18-wheeler, hauling goods across our Nation. As a pilot, Harland maintained his license into the 1980s, and he and Muriel enjoyed extensive travel across the United States.

Harland's daughter told me that people in town would remark how lucky Harland has been in his life, to which he would respond: Well, sometimes luck just looks a lot like hard work.

I wish Harland a happy birthday, and may his legacy continue to inspire our Missouri values.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of the late Judge John Charles Holstein of Springfield, Missouri, who passed away recently at the age of 79.

A native of Springfield, Judge Holstein was born on January 10, 1945, to the late Wanda

and Earl Holstein. He and his brother, Dr. David Holstein, were raised to value education and were both instilled with a strong sense of faith, justice and service.

Judge Holstein graduated from Parkview High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science from Southwest Missouri State University. He subsequently received his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Virginia.

Following a successful law career in private practice, Judge Holstein started his judicial career as a probate judge, moving on to be an associate circuit judge and then a circuit judge. He was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals by then Gov. John Ashcroft in 1987. In 1989, he was appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court where he served as chief justice from 1995 to 1997. He retired from the court and returned to private practice in 2002 where he focused on mediation and arbitration.

Judge Holstein's legal career and public service earned him many awards and accolades. In addition, he served his country on active duty with the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1997.

Judge Holstein is survived by Mary, his wife of 57 years, and their three daughters, Robin Comacho and her spouse Jesse, Katy Link and her spouse Paul, and Erin Cutler and her spouse Michael. He also was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren.

Judge Holstein's life was a testament to integrity, faith and service, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the community and the state. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2414) to require agencies with working dog programs to implement the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office relating to the health and welfare of working dogs, 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 on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2414, the Working Dog Health and Welfare Act of 2023.

As of February 2022, there are nearly 5,500 working dogs that have served in the Federal Government. They are tasked with many jobs, including the detection of explosives, narcotics, and missing persons.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Yakym).

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill to protect working dogs within the Federal Government, and I yield back the balance of my time.