George Whitesides

Mr. Speaker, we stand at an hour of profound peril, yet

this Chamber contemplates premature retreat. All of October is already reserved for recess. Now, majority leadership is weighing the addition of 2 or even 3 more recess weeks in September, turning an already extended 5 weeks of absence into as much as 8 weeks of abdication.

Calamity does not pause for campaigns. Abroad, the war in Iran burns hotter by the hour. At home, millions face canceled care, punishing tariffs add thousands to family bills, and our national debt mounts.

From the West's wildfires to flooding and a fall full of hurricanes, natural disasters demand not our departure but our duty.

Mr. Speaker, we were elected not to flee friction but to forge solutions. Let us reject retreat, remain at our posts for September, and do the work for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague in solemn remembrance today, standing here on behalf of the Edwards Air Force Base community and all those across the Nation who feel this loss so profoundly.

The eight crewmembers who lost their lives last week were heroes. They were performing work that was essential for the national security of our great country, work that is deeply woven into the fabric and history of the Antelope Valley.

Our prayers are with their families, friends, and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call for the reauthorization of the Community Oriented Policing Services Program, better known as the COPS Program, an effort I am proud to lead alongside my colleagues Representatives Harder and Rutherford.

During National Police Week, we recognize the officers who protect our communities every day. When we talk about law enforcement, we aren't just talking about a badge or a uniform. We are talking about our neighbors.

The COPS Program is vital because it helps ensure that local departments have the officers and the resources that they need. By providing funding for hiring, this program helps departments build stronger relationships and respond more effectively to local needs.

It also allows officers to build trust in the communities they serve and be a familiar presence in neighborhood meetings, schools, and local events.

Our local officers give their all because these are their homes too, and it is our duty to ensure they have the resources and the personnel they need to do their jobs effectively.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan reauthorization. Let's support the officers who work every day to keep us safe.