Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fuzzy Zoeller, a legendary PGA golfer and a beloved figure in southern Indiana.

Born in New Albany, Fuzzy never forgot where he came from. He remained deeply connected to our community throughout his life, and southern Indiana was always home.

Fuzzy made history by winning the Masters Tournament in 1979, one of only a handful of golfers to capture this title in their first appearance. He went on to win the U.S. Open in 1984, cementing his place upon the greats, but Fuzzy's impact reached far beyond golf. He has been a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Through his generosity, his local businesses, and his support for community events and charities, he strengthened southern Indiana in countless ways. His willingness to invest in people, especially young athletes, reflected the kind of leader he was.

Fuzzy Zoeller showed that excellence and humility can go hand in hand. His legacy will continue through his children and grandchildren who loved him dearly.

Congratulating Trinity Lutheran Cougars

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Trinity Lutheran Cougars on defending their IHSAA Class 1A state volleyball championship.

After graduating five of six starters last season, these young women came back with heart and grit to win again. They defeated Faith Christian Eagles in four sets to secure their second straight title.

This win isn't just about a trophy. It is about resilience. It is about proving that dedication and belief can keep a championship legacy alive. Their work ethic, team spirit, and poise under pressure deserve recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I thank every Cougar on that court for showing us what it means to fight and to win together.

Congratulations to Trinity Lutheran.

Indiana Hoosiers are Big Ten Champions

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with tremendous pride to celebrate a historic achievement for my alma mater, Indiana University. For the first time in program history, the Indiana Hoosiers are Big Ten Champions.

This victory reflects more than a great season. It represents the discipline and heart of a team that refused to be counted out. Week after week, these young men demonstrated what it means to compete with character, to fight through adversity, and to rise to the moment when it mattered the most.

Hoosier Nation is built on tradition and excellence. This championship is a testament to the leadership of the coaching staff, the commitment of every student athlete, and the passion of fans across Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud graduate of Indiana University, I could not be more honored to recognize this extraordinary milestone. I congratulate the players, coaches, and the entire IU community. They have made history and have made Indiana proud.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 722 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, last night, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 722, providing for the House's consideration of two pieces of legislation.

First, the rule provides for H. Res. 719, Honoring the life and legacy of Charles ``Charlie'' James Kirk, to be considered under a closed rule. It provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Second, the rule provides for H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. H.R. 5371 would be considered under a closed rule, and it also provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their designees, and provides for one motion to recommit.

Finally, the rule tolls the day counts until January 31, 2026, regarding joint resolutions terminating the national emergencies declared by the President on February 1, 2025; April 2, 2025; and July 30, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation, beginning with H. Res. 719, honoring Charlie Kirk.

It is really quite unbelievable that we are here today honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, taken from us far too soon. This is the kind of tribute you would give after a lifetime of service, not usually at the young age of just 31, but Charlie Kirk made a lifetime's worth of impact in his short 31 years on this Earth, and we are grateful for it.

Charlie Kirk was a generational leader and a cultural icon. He was dedicated to engaging young people, defending our constitutional freedoms, and calling on Americans to live with courage and conviction.

Whether you agreed with him or not, he showed up, he listened, and he engaged in respectful dialogue. He never backed down from the belief that ideas should be debated in the open.

Charlie Kirk believed that freedom is worth defending, that faith has a rightful place in the public square, and the next generation deserves leaders who tell the truth and invite honest debate. He believed that every human life had value, even those who vehemently disagreed with him.

What happened last week was evil, but we can't fear it because if we do, then evil wins. Therefore, we will not back down, and we will not allow hatred to intimidate us or to silence our speech.

He leaves behind a loving wife and two children. He was a child of God, a son, a husband, a father, and a conservative leader who, even in death, still inspires millions around the world.

I hope the whole House will join me in praying for Erika and his precious children and the family and friends he leaves behind. May God surround them with love, comfort them with His presence, and provide a peace that surpasses our understanding.

We will never forget Charlie Kirk. Let us carry on his legacy and always defend the ideals he lived out.

I was proud last night to be a member of the Rules Committee, and I thank Ranking Member McGovern and the other Democratic members of the committee for recognizing that many of us on this side of the aisle knew Charlie personally. I also thank Representatives Debbie Dingell, Tom Suozzi, Don Davis, John Larson, Jimmy Panetta, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Chris Pappas, who joined our prayer vigil for Charlie earlier this week.

I was and am glad that we condemned political violence together and were able to share compassion for one another.

Moving on to H.R. 5371, this rule also provides for consideration of the continuing resolution. Passing a continuing resolution is never our first choice, but as Chairman Cole said last night, real progress is being made, and he is encouraged by this year's appropriations process.

The House has already approved 60 percent of government spending, and the Appropriations Committee has finished its work at the committee level. Chairman Cole and every member of the Appropriations Committee deserve credit for the long hours of work that have already been done and the progress that has been made.

Following this good example, under the leadership of Leader Thune and our Senate Republican colleagues, they have also advanced appropriations measures on the Senate floor, something Senate Democrats failed to do in the last appropriations cycle when they controlled the Chamber.

Though a CR, a continuing resolution, is not ideal, this year we are further ahead than we have been in a long time. We cannot allow a government shutdown to derail the important work of the Trump administration.

As Chairwoman Foxx said last night, this short-term CR gives our Appropriations colleagues the time they need to keep negotiating and work toward bipartisan funding bills that fulfill our priorities to the American people.

There has been plenty of debate about what is and isn't in the CR, but our priority must be keeping this process moving forward and avoiding the chaos that a government shutdown would create.

If our colleagues on the other side of the aisle really care about our military, about law enforcement, about our Federal workers, they will join us in keeping the government open.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the consideration of these important pieces of legislation, and I urge the passage of this rule. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. De La Cruz).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

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

Mr. Speaker, what is more hurtful to working families is unfair trade practices that have undermined the American worker for decades. The tariffs imparted by President Trump are proving necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce trade deficits by bringing other nations to the negotiating table.

Access to the American economy is a privilege. President Trump is taking decisive action to comprehensively renegotiate the tariff posture of the United States and the rest of the world for the first time since World War II.

His efforts are focused on achieving global free trade, decoupling developing countries from competitive nations like China, and for national security purposes.

From what we have seen, President Trump is winning.

According to an article from NPR on August 11, tariffs are adding tens of billions of new dollars to Federal revenue, with Treasury bringing in more than $29 billion in customs and excise taxes, a category that is overwhelmingly tariff revenue. Countries like India, China, and South Korea are among the newest nations across the world flocking to the negotiating table.

This comes on the heels of a successfully negotiated trade deal with President Trump like with the EU, Japan, the U.K., Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

President Trump is utilizing all available tools in his pressure campaign to make good on his promises to secure the border, protect our communities, and level the global playing field to ensure fair trade for American producers and the American worker.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, it is a little bit disingenuous to criticize the President on tariffs when every single Democrat voted for the largest tax increase in American history just recently.

In the Working Families Tax Cuts Act under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the typical family now, because of House Republicans, is going to get up to $10,900 in additional take-home pay. Workers will see increased wages up to $7,200. Households earning less than $100,000 a year will get a 12 percent tax cut compared to today.

Up to 7.2 million jobs have been protected and created, and 1 million new jobs annually will be created by small businesses. No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, car loan interest relief, and tax relief for seniors will put more money annually into Americans' pockets. Mr. Speaker, that is $1,300 per tipped worker specifically, and $1,400 for hourly workers. We lock in and further boost the double child tax credit to $2,200 for more than 40 million American families.

To put it quite simply, we are starting to build the financial future for this country after years of Democrat mismanagement.

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

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

What the American people know, what I hope they know, is that this is a lot of political theater going on today, and I am sorry about it. I really am.

Premiums are high because of ObamaCare. The un-affordable care act did nothing to lower healthcare costs and instead raised costs. Subsidizing the failed policies of the Democratic Party is not a solution. It is a Band-Aid at best, and it perpetuates the problem.

Republicans are focused on fixing healthcare, on reducing costs, on raising reimbursement rates, and reforming the system which Democrats broke in the first place. They are fighting for their constituents against a problem that they created. This is a crisis created by the ObamaCare plan in the first place, and we can't just keep throwing money at the problem. That can't be the only answer. We need to have conversations about how to make these programs work for the American people, and it is House Republicans that are leading that charge.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, this rule is pretty straightforward. With respect to the continuing resolution, it is simple. It is a clean, short-term continuing resolution to prevent disruptions to national security and programs that our constituents depend on. It is a bill that extends government funding until November 21.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are trying to argue and insist that a healthcare discussion is inserted into this, but that is not a debate for a September funding matter. They are really trying to insert unrelated matters into the middle of a clean government extension.

I don't think that is going to work because if the government shuts down because they are making this last stand, which is something that we will be addressing in the future, it will solely be blamed on Democrats if the government shuts down because we are not playing politics with this at all. We are just trying to keep the lights on.

What they are trying to do is insert a last-ditch effort to regain their footing because their party is reeling right now.

Mr. Speaker, this clean extension of government funding will ensure that the government remains open and working for the Nation. It shouldn't be partisan. If Democrats force a shutdown, it could cost the American taxpayer billions due to back-paid furloughed workers, increased costs from delayed starts, and constrained economic growth.

No matter how hard the Democrats try to characterize this CR as a partisan maneuver, always claiming that we are hurting every special interest group, it doesn't make it true.

Remember, virtually every single House Democrat for the last 4 years under the Biden administration voted ``yes'' on every continuing resolution. In fact, over the last several years, many Democrats, including Democratic leaders, have made comments about the harm a government shutdown would cause.

The minority leader says it is about the harm. Families will be hurt. Farmers will be hurt if the government shuts down. Others have said: Let's take a moment to see what is truly at the center of this story. It is about the servicemembers who will work without a paycheck.

Some House Democrats accused House Republicans of leading the country toward a reckless government shutdown that will take food off the table for mothers and children and force servicemembers to work without pay.

Make no mistake, if Democrats vote against this simple government funding bill that will extend funding to November 21, they are the very people who are hurting those whom they have claimed that Republicans have perpetually tried to hurt, unfairly and untruly.

Mr. Speaker, again, this rule is straightforward.

First and foremost, we are here to honor the life of a husband, father, and friend. Charlie Kirk was a proud American and a happy warrior for his faith and this country that he loved. Charlie was the kind of person who inspired millions to engage in our democracy. It is right that we take the time as a body to honor him and condemn political violence in all forms.

Finally and secondly, we must keep the government open and allow the appropriations process to continue. While CRs, continuing resolutions, are never ideal and, by definition, are not all-encompassing, if we are truly to address the many issues before this body as a country, we cannot do that under a government shutdown. We must let the appropriations process continue.

I look forward to moving these bills out of the House this week, and I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding, and I congratulate him for managing his first rule on the House floor. His constituents are lucky to have him representing them in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. This is an important week in the House as we take up legislation to fund our military and advance several key financial services bills, including efforts to establish a clear market structure for cryptocurrency and protect Americans' financial privacy by blocking a surveillance-style central bank digital currency.

Let me begin with the Defense appropriations bill. Chairman Calvert and his team have, once again, delivered a strong, thoughtful proposal that makes

strategic investments in American military superiority, strengthens our southern border, and, most importantly, takes care of our troops and their families.

I am especially proud that the rule makes in order several of my amendments, including those that highlight the importance of continued support for the advanced combat engine and innovative semiconductor production, two areas critical to our national security and future readiness.

On the financial services front, as a former member of the Financial Services Committee, I am encouraged to see Chairman Hill and Chairman Thompson leading the charge to ensure America remains a global leader in the fintech sector.

This package brings regulatory clarity to the digital asset ecosystem, promotes market innovation, and protects Americans' financial freedom and privacy by prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC without congressional approval.

These bills are the product of years of thoughtful, collaborative work, some of which I was proud to contribute to.

These bills ensure that we remain a leader in the digital asset ecosystem and will strengthen the U.S. dollar as a global currency.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this rule and all of these bills.

Finally, to our friends on the other side of the aisle regarding the amendment that was offered in our Rules Committee last night that several Republicans voted against, it is a stretch on germaneness, although it was ruled germane. I do find it incredibly interesting that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle suddenly want to force this issue because it is politically expedient, even though they did not release any of it when they were in charge.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 489 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation.

Last night, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 489, providing for the House's consideration of several pieces of legislation.

House Resolution 489 provides for closed rules for S. 331, H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, and H.R. 2096.

The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided by the chair and ranking member for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, or their respective designees, for consideration of S. 331.

Additionally, the rule provides for 1 hour of debate each for H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, and H.R. 2096, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform or their respective designees.

Mr. Speaker, starting with S. 331, the HALT Fentanyl Act, important legislation that the House considered back in February when 98 Democrats supported it, this bill would permanently classify all fentanyl-related substances as illegal and give our law enforcement officers more tools to combat the crisis. The bill also ensures that medical professionals can research fentanyl-related substances so that we can better understand their effects on human health.

In 2023, more than 100,000 people nationwide, including 2,190 from my home State of Indiana, died from a drug overdose. National numbers from the same year indicate that approximately 75,000 people died an overdose death related to synthetic opioids. Fentanyl deaths account for as much as 77 percent of adolescent overdose deaths, and it is the leading cause of death in the 18- to 49-year-old age bracket.

We cannot stand by and do nothing while this scourge exists. The bottom line is that this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill is necessary to assist our law enforcement officers in combating fentanyl.

Mr. Speaker, I will transition to the issue of free and fair elections and H.R. 884.

In 2022, Washington, D.C., enacted a dangerous law: the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act, D.C. Act 24-640, which allows noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, foreign agents, and diplomats, to vote in local elections.

We should not allow foreign entities who are hostile to the United States to vote in our elections, period. We should not allow illegal immigrants to vote in our elections. This is a direct assault on the value of American citizenship, and it undermines the voices of lawful voters.

Worse, it is part of a broader effort by the left to chip away at Congress' constitutional authority over our Nation's Capital. The Constitution is clear: Congress has the power to legislate in all cases whatsoever concerning Washington, D.C. Under the Home Rule Act, we have the duty to review and reject laws that threaten the integrity of our elections and our constitutional system.

Even Mayor Bowser withheld her signature from those actions, and I thank her for that.

Of all places, we must not let the Nation's Capital become a model for illegal voting.

Additionally, this rule provides for H.R. 2096, the Protecting Our Nation's Capital Emergency Act.

In 2023, the D.C. Council passed the so-called Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act, a bill that singles out the Metropolitan Police Department, making it the only union in the District stripped of its ability to collectively bargain on disciplinary matters.

H.R. 2096 puts an end to this antipolice policy and restores fairness to the bargaining process for D.C.'s law enforcement officers.

Finally, this rule includes H.R. 2056, the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act, which simply ensures that D.C. follows Federal immigration law. That is because no city, especially not our Capital, should get a free pass to ignore the laws of the land.

In 2019, D.C. Mayor Bowser approved the Sanctuary Values Amendment Act of 2019, which, according to the Mayor's Office, ``limits the District's cooperation with Federal immigration agencies, including by complying with detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (``ICE'') absent a judicial warrant or order issued by a Federal judge or by providing to Federal immigration agencies information about when or where someone will be released.''

This is ludicrous. In other words, D.C. will make it harder for ICE to detain dangerous criminals and otherwise impede their ability to do their jobs.

Mr. Speaker, you can't make this stuff up. While my colleagues continue to double down on their America-last policies, House Republicans are charging forward and standing up for hardworking families and vulnerable Americans.

The legislation before us is common sense, pro-law enforcement, and necessary.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the consideration of these important pieces of legislation. I urge the passage of this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have said this again and again. The rhetoric from our Democratic colleagues on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is just not true.

In fact, we are preserving benefits for those who need it most by preventing people who are illegal and ineligible from accessing Medicaid. We are also ensuring that able-bodied adults have a mandatory work requirement of just less than 20 hours per week. It includes the ability for participating in education, job search, and community engagement to all count toward that work requirement.

What we were trying to do in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is ensure that limited resources are protected for pregnant women, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. That is the truth.

With reference to the CBO, the CBO has been wrong again and again. It is on record as being wrong by more than $1 trillion. We cannot count on the CBO's score alone as a measure of how well or what savings this bill will have or not have.

In fact, the Democratic-led CBO has overestimated the cost of Trump's tax cuts, underestimated the cost of the Affordable Care Act, and overestimated the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act.

I will note something about this being political misdirection, as my colleague noted. He said that this is not an urgent crisis. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues may want to take a look at the lawlessness that is happening in California. That is not a crisis? I think it is, and it is certainly something that we don't want to see in our Nation's Capital, in Washington, D.C., which is exactly the type of thing that we are trying to prevent by passing this legislation.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, one of the things that my colleague mentioned was the people who are food insecure. I note something that we should be ashamed of is the inflationary policies of the Biden administration that drove up food costs leading to more people being food insecure.

I am glad to hear that my colleague on the other side of the aisle is interested in preserving healthcare for those who need it most. I hope that means he will vote for H.R. 1.

One of the things we heard just in the last few minutes is that children with cancer and the mother of a child with cancer will not be covered. That is just not true. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act protects benefits for those children.

Democrats are fighting to protect healthcare for 1.4 million illegal immigrants. They are fighting to protect billions of dollars in fraud, waste, and abuse.

The number that they keep referencing just keeps going up. It has been 13.7 million, 14 million, and now it is 16 million. That is just not true. Even The New York Times said that the numbers that the Democrats have been saying about people who will ``lose their healthcare'' is not true.

If you are illegal, if you are ineligible, if you are able-bodied and could work, those are the people that this bill will target.

Finally, I will say that, once again, taking it back to the issues at hand, we are here to do the important work of safeguarding our elections in the United States, supporting the police, and ensuring that local jurisdictions aren't obstructing immigration enforcement.

Similar bills on these topics have gained support from some Democrats. Instead of trying to belittle these issues or endlessly debate H.R. 1 at every possible turn, they can stop and reflect about their opposition to these commonsense bills, bills supported by the agenda that voters backed months ago.

Democrats just can't seem to help themselves. President Trump's multifaceted approach to immigration enforcement is working. Illegal border crossings are down 95 percent. Daily border encounters are down by 93 percent. Got-aways are down by 99 percent. Fentanyl flows are down 54 percent. Mr. Speaker, there were 2,000 ICE arrests every day recently. ICE is finally cleaning up the open-border policy of the Biden administration. Yes, they were open-border policies.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that our colleagues will support the underlying rule and the bills that we have considered before us today because we need to secure our elections and stand up for our police and the rule of law.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, fear-mongering is not a solution to the problems that we face today. If we are not going to find savings across all agencies by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, we are not going to safeguard these programs for the future.

Unfortunately, my colleagues are against rooting out even waste, fraud, and abuse. By doing so, they are not protecting the very programs they claim that they are fighting to protect.

Again, with the CBO, according to the White House press secretary, there hasn't been a single staffer in the entire Congressional Budget Office that has contributed to a Republican since the year 2000, but guess what? Many of the staffers within the CBO have contributed to Democratic candidates and politicians in every single cycle since.

Unfortunately, it is not an institution in our country that is bipartisan. It has become partisan and political, which is why conservatives and Republicans on our side are skeptical of the CBO and what they report.

My colleague referred to closed measures, so I just want to note that it is true, there have been 53 closed measures, but the number needs context. Twelve were in the rules package, which passed 2 weeks before the 119th Rules Committee even organized to begin meeting. An additional 21 measures were either CRAs or received no amendments, making them closed by definition, so only 17 measures have been closed by discretion of the committee.

Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to make the emphasis what it should be today, which is on safeguarding our elections, supporting local law enforcement, and trying to eliminate the deadly scourge of fentanyl across the United States.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, many of the entities that my colleague on the other side of the aisle mentioned do not account for growth. The growth measure is significant in reducing the deficit, and I believe that under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we will have record amounts of growth.

Our version of the bill only accounts for about 2.6 percent of growth. Some of these agencies are accounting for only 1.8 percent growth counting toward the calculations in this bill. If we are not accounting for robust growth, which I think we will get, then we will have an unclear picture, which is why I am leaning into OMB Director Russ Vought's assessment of the bill.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

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

I have got just a couple of things I would like to note in my closing, and this is reasons why the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is the best chance in a generation to pass critical reforms that the American people voted for:

It delivers tax relief, the largest tax cut in American history, meaning an extra $5,000 in Americans' pockets with double-digit percent decrease to their tax bills.

It makes the Trump tax cuts permanent, preventing the largest tax increase ever.

It raises Americans' take-home pay by as much as $13,300 and wages by as much as $11,600.

It reverses the spending curse plaguing Washington, D.C.

The bill delivers the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years, with $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings, the largest single reduction in mandatory spending in our country's history.

It delivers no tax on tips and no tax on overtime.

It provides historic tax relief for seniors.

It finishes President Trump's border wall. It boosts Border Patrol and ICE agents on the front line, with the largest border security investment in history.

It increases the child tax credit to $2,500 per family.

It protects Medicaid for Americans who truly need it.

It implements popular work requirements for able-bodied Americans receiving taxpayer-funded benefits.

It eliminates hundreds of billions of dollars in green new scam tax credits. It reverses electric vehicle mandates that let radical climate activists set the standards in American energy.

It ends Biden's war on American energy.

It streamlines onerous permitting processes so America can get building again.

It refills the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to safeguard America's energy security.

It repeals and rescinds every green corporate welfare subsidy.

It stops illegal immigrants from receiving tax credits and tax remittances sent to foreign countries.

It supports small businesses by increasing the section 199A deduction to 23 percent.

It incentivizes made in America.

It creates new Trump savings accounts for newborns. It expands access to childcare for hardworking families.

It provides historic increases in funding for the U.S. Coast Guard.

It supports building new factories to grow domestic business operations.

It helps American farmers, producers, and ranchers compete and sell products in foreign markets.

It holds woke elitist universities accountable by increasing the endowment tax on large universities.

It protects hardworking taxpayers by canceling Biden's illegal and unfair student loan bailouts.

It ends taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures.

It is a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize our Nation's defense capabilities and protect the homeland against new threats by funding President Trump's Golden Dome.

It enhances the capacity of America's naval fleet.

It modernizes air traffic control.

It strengthens SNAP benefits.

It implements critical program integrity and cost-containment provisions in Medicaid to strengthen it for future generations.

It safeguards the Second Amendment by removing tax and registration requirements for firearm silencers and eliminating silencers from the National Firearms Act.

It provides critical disaster recovery funding to farmers, producers, and ranchers.

It provides funding to rebuild America's military.

It expands health savings accounts to give Americans greater choice and flexibility in how to spend their money.

It gives $10,000 bonuses annually over the next 4 years to Border Patrol and ICE agents on the front lines.

It incentivizes scholarships that empower American families and students to choose the education that best fits their needs.

It repeals Democrats' insane attack on the gig economy.

It reforms and streamlines the Federal student loan program to drive down tuition costs and simplify repayment plans.

It strengthens accountability for students and taxpayers on Federal student loans and implements critical reforms to Pell grants to make sure they prioritize students who truly need financial assistance while promoting completion.

It increases timber sales on Federal lands.

It authorizes the sale of expanded spectrum megahertz to strengthen rural broadband and secure America's technological dominance in AI and other emerging technology.

It creates permanent fees that illegal immigrants must pay for their applications so American taxpayers aren't saddled with covering these costs.

It protects family farmers.

It ends abusive financing practices in Medicaid by freezing provider taxes and prohibiting new provider taxes.

It reins in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and it rolls back harmful Biden-era regulations that increase costs and administrative burdens with limited flexibility for States.

Mr. Speaker, we are not here today to talk about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. We are here today to talk about the many provisions that are important to the safety and security of the United States. We are talking about a rule that includes provisions to secure American elections, protect and support our police, and target the deadly scourge of fentanyl across the United States.

Despite what my colleagues on the left may say, that this is a distraction, we say it is necessary and that we can multitask by doing these things and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The American people understand the importance of immigration enforcement and the need to provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl. That is why 77 million Americans voted to end the Biden-Harris administration's reckless handling of the border and their disregard for the rule of law.

Today's measures crack down on fentanyl, safeguard our elections, and back the blue. It is about law, order, and protecting the American people.

I look forward to moving these bills out of the House this week, and I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 436 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I claim time in favor of consideration of the resolution.

The question before the House is: Should the House now consider House Resolution 436? The resolution before us waives all points of order against consideration of the bill.

The Committee on the Budget filed its report on May 21, 2025, which included the following statement from each instructed committee's reports: The committee print does not contain any congressional earmark, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits, as defined in clause 9 of House rule XXI.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith).

Mr. Speaker, this is just a dilatory tactic by my colleagues across the aisle. We must continue so the House can begin consideration of this historic legislation and deliver on President Trump's agenda.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to vote ``yes'' on the question, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I claim the time in opposition to this point of

order and in favor of consideration of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, the question before the House is: Should the House now consider House Resolution 436?

The gentleman on the other side of the aisle is certainly correct. The bill before us today does impose a number of intergovernmental mandates. However, let's look at what is considered in those. The bill requires States to have skin in the game on SNAP. The bill requires States to be more responsible about how Medicaid is funded. The bill provides needed tax relief for seniors.

These are good things that reduce the size and scope of Federal Government that is encroaching on the everyday lives of Americans, and it protects the American people from a Democratic Party that prioritizes illegal immigrants over vulnerable American families.

In order to allow the House to continue its scheduled business for the day, I urge Members to vote ``yes'' on the question of consideration of the resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Democrats claim that this is providing tax cuts for the wealthy. Let's just talk about that.

This bill includes no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and provides tax relief for seniors on Social Security. This will protect the largest tax cut for middle-class and working families in American history. Americans will see a double-digit percent decrease in their taxes.

If we want to talk about districts, Mr. Speaker, let's talk about the Second District of Massachusetts. It is home to 524,530 taxpayers.

The average taxpayer in Massachusetts' Second District would see a 20 percent tax hike if the Trump tax cuts expire, which is what my Democratic colleagues across the aisle are fighting for. They are fighting for taxes to go up.

A family of four, making $95,495 in the Massachusetts Second District, the median income, would see a $2,141 tax increase if the Trump tax cuts expire. That is about 10 weeks' worth of groceries for a typical family of four in that region.

Now, let's talk for a moment, too, Mr. Speaker, about SNAP benefits. Only Democrats would protect error rates in SNAP benefits, saying that integrity in the program is a cut, but this is ensuring that benefits are available to the people who are eligible for them and need them most. Anything else is fraud.

Republicans are ensuring that SNAP prioritizes benefits for American citizens and protects the program's long-term stability by closing loopholes and requiring cost sharing for States that have error rates that are unfeasible.

We are focusing on protecting tax cuts for the American people across the board. That is what we are trying to do here, Mr. Speaker. Anything else that we hear from the Democrats is a stall tactic.

We must continue so the House can begin our consideration of this historic legislation to deliver on President Trump's agenda.

Mr. Speaker, I urge our Members to vote ``yes'' on the question, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation.

This morning, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 436, providing for the House's consideration of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

This provides for a closed rule on the bill. The rule provides 1 hour of debate for the chair and ranking member of the Committee on the Budget or their respective designees, as well as an additional 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means or their respective designees. Additionally, the rule provides 1 motion to recommit.

Today, after months of hard work and hours of testimony in hearings, House Republicans are advancing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to deliver on President Trump's America First agenda.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard plenty of fear-mongering and flatout dishonesty from the Democrats and their liberal media allies about what this bill actually does.

Earlier this morning, Democrats challenged us to debate this bill in the light of day. Mr. Speaker, it may be the middle of the night. Yet, we are here, wide awake and ready to defend it because the truth doesn't sleep, and neither do we when it comes to fighting for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, let's talk about how this bill delivers for the American people.

It makes the very successful 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, protecting the average taxpayer from a 22 percent tax increase. It unleashes American energy production and allows us to drill, baby, drill.

It provides the largest border security investment in history and empowers ICE to deport the millions of illegal immigrants that were allowed in under President Joe Biden.

It also completes 700 miles of border wall and stops the flow of fentanyl into our communities.

It shuts down the blatant abuse that has allowed 1.4 million illegal immigrants to access taxpayer-funded Medicaid, draining resources meant for our most vulnerable citizens.

It establishes modest work requirements for able-bodied adults with no dependents who receive Medicaid.

It drives down costs for seniors by increasing the transparency of pharmacy benefit managers and expanding access to the medications seniors need by providing more choices.

It ends the reckless Biden student loan giveaways that favored liberal elites over working-class Americans at taxpayers' expense.

It provides nearly $150 billion in resources to our military to improve areas from servicemember quality of life to strengthening our shipbuilding capacity.

It also makes targeted reinvestments and improvements to foreign policy and other rural priorities that support our farmers and ranchers.

It includes no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, car loan interest deductibility for autos made in America, and provides tax relief for seniors.

The list of wins goes on and on and on in this one big, beautiful bill.

Our friends across the aisle will try to deflect from these real and tangible benefits. They want to deceive and scare the American people, and I am sorry for that. Don't believe them.

My Democratic colleagues seem to forget that 77 million Americans rejected their America-last policies last November. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are now trying to convince the American people that a bill that secures the border; invests in our military; extends tax relief to millions of hardworking Americans; and protects Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security for the people who need it most is somehow not in the best interests of the country.

Yet, the American people know better. The American people know Trump's tax cuts worked and need to be extended. The American people know that it is in the best interests of our national security to secure the border. They know the world needs American energy leadership. They know that the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces need additional resources to counter the growing threats and defend American interests across the globe.

We are putting Americans first by deporting illegal immigrants and protecting taxpayer-funded benefits for those who truly need them. Everything you will hear from the Democrats tonight is wrong. Again, don't believe them.

How many times do you have to get duped by their dishonesty before you stop listening? The sky is not falling.

Mr. Speaker, today, we are delivering on President Trump's agenda. I look forward to the consideration of this one big, beautiful bill, and I urge the passage of this rule.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), chairwoman of the Rules Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford), my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Utah (Ms. Maloy), my very good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Downing).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Moore).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McDowell.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Luna).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Dakota (Mrs. Fedorchak).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Edwards).

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank).

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

Mr. Speaker, Rome is burning, but not because of the leadership of Republicans and Donald Trump. After 4 years of failed leadership under President Biden, our country faces many challenges.

Yet, Republicans, along with President Trump, are ready to address them head on and get our country back on track. The one big, beautiful bill is here, and the American people are ready to see us deliver on our promises.

This is historic legislation that is a bill for working Americans. Here are three words I want my colleagues to remember: ``ineligible,'' ``illegal,'' and ``able.'' Those are the people who we don't believe should be taking Medicaid from pregnant women, children, the disabled, and the elderly.

We have heard a lot about 13.7 million people are going to lose their healthcare. That number was debunked by The New York Times. That is a newspaper that doesn't write a lot of things that are friendly to our side. It is not that way.

This is a bill that is going to support pregnant women, children, the disabled, and the elderly. It supports our veterans, our farmers, and our small business owners. It secures tax certainty, permitting reform, and our border.

Mr. Speaker, put quite simply, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is America First, and I am proud to support it. With this vote, we can unlock the golden age of America. I look forward to moving the One Big Beautiful Bill Act out of the House and delivering for the American people who voted for the golden age to return.

I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question, and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Small Business Week, a time to recognize the hardworking men and women who are the engines of our economy.

As a former small business owner myself, I know the long hours, risks, and deep sense of responsibility that come with signing both sides of a paycheck. Small businesses are more than storefronts. They are job creators, community anchors, and the heart of America.

In Indiana's Ninth District, small businesses like Lincks Clothing and Shoes, Brownstown Electric, and Lischkge Motors are strengthening our communities one investment, one hire, and one customer at a time.

That is why I am committed to cutting government red tape, lowering taxes, and fighting for progrowth policies that empower our entrepreneurs to thrive, not just survive.

Madam Speaker, I thank every small business owner out there for all they do. This week and every week, I am here for them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National PEO Week, which starts May 18 and ends May 24, 2025.

National PEO Week will celebrate the important contributions of the professional employer organization (PEO) industry, which provides payroll, employee benefits, compliance assistance and HR services to hundreds of thousands of small and mid-sized businesses that employ more than 4.5 million people.

PEOs help small businesses improve productivity and profitability, focus on their core mission and grow. Through a PEO, the employees of small businesses gain access to important employee benefits such as: 401(k) plans; health, dental, life and other insurance; dependent care; and other benefits they might not typically receive as employees of a small company.

PEOs also take over the back-office tasks that consume time, energy and resources, enabling small businesses working with a PEO to grow two times faster, have employee turnover that is 12 percent lower and a higher business survival rate.

I know the value that PEOs provide. Before coming to Congress, I worked for a PEO, and I saw firsthand the positive impact they had on small businesses in my home state of Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the PEO industry for all they do to help our nation's small businesses, and their employees prosper.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, Mr. Bilirakis, for his leadership on this important issue. I also thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for their support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of H.R. 2399, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, a bill that I am proud to sponsor.

Across Indiana and throughout rural America, families, farmers, students, and small business owners still struggle with slow or unreliable internet access. It is not just inconvenient, it is a barrier to opportunity, to education, to healthcare, and to economic growth.

When Congress invests in rural broadband, we must ensure those dollars are getting where they are intended and that providers that are receiving those funds are capable of getting the job done.

That is exactly what the Rural Broadband Protection Act does. It puts accountability and transparency in the grant review process by requiring the Federal Communications Commission to vet applicants for broadband funding based on experience, capability, and performance.

As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, this is a smart, bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation, and I know my constituents back home agree.

That is why today I will be voting ``yes'' on the Rural Broadband Protection Act, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 161 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation.

Last night, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 161, providing for the House's consideration of several pieces of legislation, including a closed rule for H. Con. Res. 14, the budget resolution.

The rule provides for 2 hours of debate for the Committee on the Budget or their respective designees to debate the congressional budget and an additional hour equally divided and controlled by Representative Schweikert of Arizona and Representative Beyer of Virginia or their respective designees to debate economic goals and policies.

The rule further permits the chair of the Committee on the Budget to offer amendments in the House to achieve mathematical consistency and provides that the concurrent resolution shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question at its adoption.

Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 20, a CRA relating to the DOE's water heater rule, under a closed rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees and provides for one motion to recommit.

Finally, the rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 35, a CRA relating to EPA's methane tax, under a closed rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees and provides for one motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, notable among the bills this rule provides for is the House budget resolution, H. Con. Res. 14. This budget resolution marks the first step for House Republicans to advance President Trump's America First agenda.

We have heard plenty of fear-mongering and flatout dishonesty from Democrats and their liberal media allies about what is included in this resolution. To be clear, this resolution unlocks the path forward to deliver on our promises to the American people.

Over the next hour, Members are going to hear all of the identity groups

the Democrats want my colleagues to believe this bill hurts. Members will hear them say that Republicans are abandoning the middle class and cutting benefits. None of that is true.

The truth is, there is not one single cut in this bill to any specific program or benefit. The truth is the Democratic Party abandoned the middle class for the liberal elite class a long time ago. The election last November should have been a wake-up call that the American people don't believe them anymore, nor should they.

The Democrats are desperate for attention and for power. Don't give it to them.

Let's set the record straight about what this budget resolution actually accomplishes.

It will provide funding for border security, provide for our national defense, and restore American energy independence. It will provide tax relief for working families.

On border security, Biden's open-border policies resulted in over 8.5 million encounters at the southern border since 2021, a 500 percent increase in illegal crossings, and over $115 billion in costs to State and local governments. Most tragically, Biden's border crisis allowed unprecedented amounts of deadly fentanyl into our communities, killing over 100,000 Americans.

Next, this bill enables us to permanently protect tax relief. President Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provided critical relief to middle-class families and small businesses. Americans are still experiencing high prices because we are still recovering from Bidenomics.

Prices are up 21 percent. Real wages have declined by more than 3 percent. Mortgage rates have skyrocketed. Credit card delinquencies have risen by over 50 percent. Bidenomics cost American families more than $11,000 every year for the last 4 years.

Next, this budget resolution prioritizes energy independence. Under President Trump's first administration, the United States was energy independent for the first time in 40 years. That stopped the day Joe Biden took office, and American families have been hurting ever since.

Under President Biden, the American energy production was severely restricted. Federal lands were blocked from responsible energy development, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve was drained.

Simply put, again, the budget resolution is a framework that will allow us to deliver on the demands of the American people to secure the border, eliminate wasteful spending, revitalize Biden's broken economy, and safeguard our economic prosperity by providing permanent tax relief for working families. I hope our Democratic colleagues will join us in those efforts.

This budget resolution kicks off the reconciliation process and allows our work to begin. Once adopted, our committees and the entire House will begin detailed work to achieve these important goals for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, this rule also provides for consideration of two Congressional Review Act measures: H.J. Res. 20 and H.J. Res. 35.

H.J. Res. 20 provides for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters.

The rule we seek to overturn with this legislation effectively bans certain natural gas water heaters from the market, placing unnecessary financial burdens on consumers, especially seniors and low-income households.

H.J. Res. 35 provides for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to natural gas facilities. The EPA's rule imposes a significant fee on methane emissions from oil and natural gas facilities. The fee is essentially a pass-through cost to consumers that will raise prices, harm domestic energy production, and increase our reliance on other countries to meet our own energy needs.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the consideration of these important pieces of legislation. I urge the passage of this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I commend the other side for finally saying that some of these things that they have been harping on for the last several hours and 24-

hour segments is not true. There is nothing in this budget resolution that presumes cuts to specific programs. Our Democratic colleagues admitted this much themselves last night.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation simply provides flexible spending targets for authorizing committees to best determine what is feasible within their jurisdiction.

I remind my Democratic colleagues that this resolution is the first step in a process to let reconciliation begin, when the real work will happen in the committees. If my colleagues have concerns about potential cuts being proposed once the authorizing committees begin their work, there will be ample opportunity to debate, provide amendment, and find opportunities in the reconciliation instructions for common ground.

Unlike my friends on the other side, we don't view the Rules Committee as the first stop in the legislative process, but, rather, the last. We should let the committees do their work and not prejudge the outcomes or make baseless accusations and presumptions.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman), my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), chairwoman of the Rules Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Jack).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madam Speaker, the ranking member has discussed a number of votes taken at the Rules Committee markup last night. Once again, the budget is the first step in the process, not the last. Many of these amendments will have the opportunity to be debated thoughtfully and ad nauseam, I have no doubt, in the authorizing committees.

The Democrats are speaking fear, not facts. Saying something that is false over and over again does not make it true. These amendments can be given consideration in the committees of jurisdiction. That is the process of regular order.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I will reiterate that saying something false over and over again doesn't make it true.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close.

Madam Speaker, despite what Democrats may claim, the American people know the Biden-Harris administration caused enormous damage to our economy, weakened our national security, allowed millions of illegal immigrants and deadly fentanyl to flood across our southern border, and crippled American energy independence. That is exactly why voters rejected their failed leadership in the last election.

Once again, this resolution does not cut a single specific program or benefit. The Democrats are speaking fear, not facts, and saying something over and over again that is false does not make it true. Democrats have told these lies before and were proven wrong.

The Democrats want to continue 4 more years of Bidenomics. We want to put us on a path to prosperity. These are the same people claiming that there is no waste, fraud, or abuse in Washington.

This resolution will begin a process that sets a fiscal framework to meet the agenda the American people demanded in November.

Let's talk about some of their claims, that this is a handout to billionaires. It is their party that abandoned the middle class by spending like crazy. Not extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts would be the ultimate betrayal of the middle class. The average taxpayer in my district, in the Ninth District of Indiana, would see a 26 percent tax hike if the tax cuts the Democrats oppose expire.

A family of four making $67,000, the median income in my district, would be a $1,289 tax increase. More than 6 million people were lifted out of poverty under Republican tax reform, dropping the poverty rate to 10.5 percent, the lowest in U.S. history.

They claim this budget slashes food assistance. This resolution makes no changes to current law, no cuts in benefits, zero.

They claim costs will go up. We will reverse Biden's spending spree and bend the curve on mandatory spending that is driving our debt.

Inflation skyrocketed 21 percent under the Biden administration. That is why 77 million Americans voted for President Trump, to fix the economy and rein in Washington's waste, fraud, abuse, and reckless spending.

Let's go with facts, not fear. This resolution doesn't say the words ``SNAP'' or ``Medicaid'' or ``school lunch'' once.

We are cutting waste, fraud, and abuse for people who are here legally. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped people get off SNAP, which is a good thing. A GAO report last year showed improper payments could be costing the Federal Government more than $500 billion annually.

I am not here to fight with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I am here to fight on behalf of the American people, and that is exactly what we are going to continue to do.

In the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, my friends want to scare the American people into thinking that this is a tax cut for billionaires to detract from the fact that the 2017 tax cuts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have been extremely successful.

Let's look at what has made it a success. By every conceivable measure, American workers and the economy were better off. Americans earned bigger paychecks, unemployment for every group was at a historic low, and poverty dropped to its lowest level in history.

The 2017 Trump tax cuts lowered tax rates for all Americans. In fact, the lowest earning individuals gained the most benefit. The bottom 20 percent of earners, those with incomes up to $26,000, saw their Federal tax rate fall to the lowest point in 40 years.

Earnings under $100,000 received an average cut of 16 percent, while the share of taxes paid by the top 1 percent increased. This is not simply a tax cut for the rich.

Finally, if these tax cuts expire, it will devastate our Nation's families, workers, and small business owners. The average taxpayer would see a 22 percent tax hike, meaning on average they will pay $1,695 more in taxes; 40 million families will see their child tax credit cut in half; and 26 million small businesses would be hit with a 43.4 percent top tax rate. This is over 20 points higher than what businesses pay in Communist China.

Because of House Republicans and President Trump, American workers enjoyed the fastest wage growth in a decade. This spread to Americans across the income distribution with lower-wage workers experiencing 50 percent higher wage growth than high-income workers. Higher wages led to a rapid growth in household income. Just 2 years after enactment of the tax cuts, real median household income rose by over $5,000.

In total, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's pro-growth policies helped contribute to 3 percent growth in 2018 and 2.6 percent growth in 2019, well above CBO's pre-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act projections of 2.2 percent and 1.7 percent respectively.

Meanwhile, we have seen what Bidenflation has cost American families.

Again, this budget resolution does not cut a single specific program or benefit. The budget resolution sets a framework. It is a first step toward delivering on the America First agenda and getting our country back on track.

We will secure our border. We will rebuild the American economy. We will unleash American energy and safeguard our financial future.

Madam Speaker, 77 million Americans voted for this agenda, and it is our job to deliver on those promises.

I look forward to moving these bills out of the House this week. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional leader, dedicated public servant, and my dear friend, Major General Dale Lyles, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard.

General Lyles' journey of service began when he enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard in 1986. Over the years, he has demonstrated dedication and leadership in every role.

His services included key positions, such as commander of the 219th Engineer Brigade and chief of staff for the Indiana National Guard where he oversaw operations and strategic initiatives.

In 2019, General Lyles was appointed adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard by our Governor, Eric Holcomb. Since then, he has led efforts to modernize the force, ensuring Indiana's National Guard is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Under his leadership, the Guard has excelled in responding to national disasters, deploying overseas in defense of our freedoms, and serving our communities in times of crisis. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of his soldiers and their families has had a lasting impact in Indiana and beyond.

As he retires from nearly 40 years of service to the United States, it is my honor to recognize Major General Dale Lyles for his outstanding service and dedication to a grateful State and Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf Indiana's Ninth District and a grateful country, I thank General Lyles for his years of sacrifice and dedication to America.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Republicans stood united to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, reaffirming a simple but critical truth: Men are men, and women are women. It is that simple.

As the mother of two daughters who are athletes, I have seen firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes for girls to compete in sports. Sadly, we have witnessed biological men entering women's competitions, robbing female athletes of fair opportunities and, in some cases, even causing injuries.

Under House Republican leadership, that ends now. This legislation, which I am proud to cosponsor, sends a clear message: Female athletes deserve fair competition, secure locker rooms, and a safe and level playing field.

Thanks to House Republicans, the days of biological men competing in women's sports are over. This legislation is about restoring common sense. It is about standing up for objective truth.

The American people have called for this national mandate supporting women and girls in their sports and spaces, and thanks to Republican leadership, we are delivering on that promise. I am proud to stand with Congressman Steube on the side of fairness, safety, integrity, and the protection of women's sports.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate my friend, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a dedicated leader whose two decades of service to Washington's Fifth Congressional District and our Nation have been truly exceptional.

If I only had one word to describe Cathy, it would be trailblazer, and many people have said that yet tonight. She has been a great example of how it is possible to balance a demanding career in public service, while also being committed to her family.

She was the 200th woman elected to Congress, the first female chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the first woman to have three children while serving in Congress. She embodies grace and resilience. She is kind and caring. She always desires to help others achieve success.

Quite frankly, Cathy McMorris Rodgers is one of the driving reasons I stand in this Chamber today. Thank you.

Those are not the only reasons or the only qualities that make her stand out. Her leadership as chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce has been transformative. She has led efforts to advance energy security, promote healthcare innovation, and build a stronger, more competitive economy.

We could go on and on tonight on her policy success. She has been a champion for rural communities, small businesses, and families. She has advocated for policies that reflect the values of the American people. Her legacy is one of tireless advocacy, principled leadership, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.

It has been an honor to serve alongside Cathy and witness the incredible impact she has made while serving in Congress. While it is bittersweet and the Conference will miss her, we are overjoyed that she will spend more time with her beloved family, with Brian, Cole, Grace, and Brynn.

Cathy, best wishes and congratulations. Thank you for your guidance and friendship. You have shown us all what true servant leadership looks like.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday, December 9, 2024, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my colleague and dear friend, Kelly Armstrong, for his dedication not only to the people of North Dakota but to the United States of America.

A true friend, reliable, prepared, selfless, wise, a mentor, witty, principled, and a distinguished leader, these are all the words that we have already heard this evening to describe Kelly Armstrong, and as a new Member of Congress this is something that I have witnessed. These are qualities that I have witnessed firsthand.

One that hasn't been mentioned, though, is sarcastic, of which Kelly Armstrong certainly is, and it is one of the qualities that I love most about him.

While serving in Congress, Kelly Armstrong has been a strong voice for rural America, always advocating for the values that make this Nation great: freedom, opportunity, and justice.

His commitment to conservative principles has been admirable and reflects the kind of lawmaker he is and his dedicated service.

His leadership on critical issues from energy independence to protecting our Second Amendment rights have been key in shaping policies that empower families, farmers, and businesses.

Beyond his policy achievements, Kelly has been a trusted partner and principled legislator who is truly a public servant. He understands that leadership is about listening, about collaborating, and about standing firm when it matters most.

Kelly Armstrong's work in Congress has made a lasting difference. It has been an honor to serve alongside him. I am grateful for his service, and I am looking forward to seeing all he will accomplish in his new role as the Governor of North Dakota.

It is bittersweet, as our conference will miss him, but let us wish him and his family nothing but success.

I am honored to be Kelly Armstrong's friend.