Greg Landsman

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Old Glory Retirement Foundation, a veteran-founded nonprofit in Franklin, Ohio dedicated to ensuring that our Nation's flag, ''Old Glory,'' is treated with dignity and respect throughout its entire life of service, while also honoring the Veterans, first responders, and families who have sacrificed in service to our Nation and communities.

On July 4, 2026, as our Nation celebrated its 250th Anniversary, the Old Glory Retirement Foundation brought together Veterans, volunteers, civic leaders, and members of the community at Horsepower Farm in Middletown, Ohio, to conduct an extraordinary American flag retirement ceremony. During the ceremony, 17,169 unserviceable American flags were respectfully retired in a single event. The foundation believes this event to be the largest American flag retirement ceremony ever conducted. This remarkable community effort demonstrated the deep respect and patriotism that Americans continue to hold for our Nation's flag.

The foundation's mission extends beyond flag retirement. Through its ceremonies and educational programs, the Old Glory Retirement Foundation works to teach proper flag etiquette, preserve the stories of Veterans, recognize first responders, and inspire younger generations to understand the meaning behind the flag they proudly see every day.

It is also fitting to recognize September 12 as Old Glory Retirement Foundation Day. Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, September 12 became a powerful reminder of the unity, compassion, and patriotism demonstrated by Americans across the country. People from every background came together, setting aside their differences and standing united under one flag.

The City of Middletown has officially proclaimed September 12 as Old Glory Retirement Foundation Day, recognizing both this spirit of unity and the foundation's commitment to preserving the dignity of the American flag and honoring those who have served our Nation and communities.

I am proud to recognize Old Glory Retirement Foundation, its dedicated Veterans and volunteers, and the countless members of the Middletown community who came together to honor the American flag. Their commitment to service, patriotism, and community serves as an example of the enduring values that unite us as Americans.

Mr. Speaker, for personal reasons, I was unable to make one vote on July 22, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 276.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1181, which is in this Rules package. I want to talk about the bill because it is going to make it harder for us to fight gun violence in America.

The majority is bringing to the floor a bill that would prevent credit card companies from coding the sale of firearms, meaning that if you buy a firearm from a gun manufacturer, from a gun seller, this Congress is saying we don't want to track that, we don't want to code it. We code everything, but we are not going to code this.

It makes it even harder for us to fight gun violence in America.

Some headlines from home:

``18-year-old dies after shooting near Westwood store.''

``Cincinnati Police Department investigating after shooting in Avondale.''

``1 shot in East Price Hill, search underway for suspect.''

``No arrests made after 3 weekend shootings in Greater Cincinnati.''

These are all headlines from this weekend.

Mr. Speaker, the question then becomes: Why are they siding with gun manufacturers and not law enforcement? Why are they siding with the gun sellers and not our kids?

It is a terrible bill based on a flawed ideology that somehow if you sell a gun, you are more important than the people who get shot by one.