Eric Sorensen

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Amy S. Johannsen of Morrison, Illinois, to mark the conclusion of an exceptional 40-year career in the United States Air Force. As Commander of the 934th Maintenance Group. Minneapolis Joint Air Reserve Station in Minnesota, Colonel Johannsen has led 288 AGR, Reserve, and civilian personnel across 17 Air Force Specialty Codes, overseeing critical maintenance operations on eight C-130H aircraft on combat airlift missions.

Colonel Johannsen's service reflects the Air Force's ``Aim High. . . Fly-Fight-Win'' motto. She supported Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and multiple deployments throughout Southwest Asia, including operations in Qatar in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Freedom's Sentry, and Freedom's Sentinel. Her selection to the TFI AMC-led Tanker Task Force under Brigadier General Fountaine further underscores her exceptional expertise and trust within the service.

Colonel Johannsen's distinguished decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters.

Mr. Speaker, Colonel Amy Johannsen's career reflects the highest ideals of service, leadership, and commitment to our country. I join her family, colleagues, and grateful Nation in congratulating her on her well-earned retirement and thanking her for four decades of selfless service to the United States.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to the Grothman amendment.

I am proud to live in an Army town and represent the historic Rock Island Arsenal in the House of Representatives. Every single one of my neighbors works to support our troops and make sure that our readiness and logistics keep our country safe.

I find it outrageous that this Commander in Chief and his loyalists think it is okay to possibly kick these true Americans out of the civilian workforce, 200,000 patriots. These are combat veterans. These are experts.

Back home, the Rock Island Arsenal cannot deal with this. Mr. Chair, I will not remain silent when this amendment is dropped at the eleventh hour to decimate our institution. Mr. Chair, I also can't understand how anyone can call themselves America First when they offer plans to possibly throw men and women in uniform out just as casually as taking out the trash. These are patriots.

Mr. Chair, allowing this to move forward wouldn't just eliminate the jobs of 200,000 Americans, it would put our troops at risk, as well. I urge Republicans and Democrats to please honor them with a ``no'' vote on amendment No. 316.

Madam Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to Representative Boebert's amendment.

I am proud to live in an Army town, and I am the only LGBTQ person to serve on the House Committee on Armed Services.

I find it outrageous that this Commander in Chief and his loyalists want to kick true Americans out of the military for a reason that does not pertain to a person's capability as an effective soldier, sailor, airman, or marine--all because they think there is something inferior or less than if you are trans.

We know what happens in our country when we lose the most qualified members. We saw it during Don't Ask Don't Tell. LGBTQ servicemembers are critical and essential to our Armed Forces.

When any American is called to serve our country, there should be no requirements other than can you do the job and exceed the expectation.

I really don't understand how you can justify this. On one side, hiring should only be by merit, but then on the other side of your mouth, you only want harmful restrictions on those who are highly qualified for the work.

One of the greatest things about being American is being one of many.

In 250 years, we know the value of our country is marked by the service and the sacrifices of those who came before.

Playing politics isn't just cruel because it discriminates. It is cruel because it puts other servicemembers at risk.

I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment because all Americans who serve should be able to serve with dignity, respect, and our Nation's thanks.