Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay a heartfelt tribute to Commander George O. Fulenwider, III of the United States Coast Guard, to honor his long and illustrious career. Commander Fulenwider began serving in the Coast Guard in January of 1984, when he enlisted as an E1. Upon graduating from basic training in Cape May, New Jersey, Commander Fulenwider was stationed on the Coast Guard Cutter UTE based out of Key West, Florida and has been serving our great nation with dedication and honor ever since. His retirement after many years of service to the United States Coast Guard is extraordinary and is a testament to his love for our country.

During his very successful career, Commander Fulenwider spent 15 years on 8 different cutters with positions including Engineering Petty Officer (EPO), Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) and Engineering Officer (EO). During his service, Commander Fulenwider supported various Coast Guard missions including: Port and Waterway Security, Drug Interdiction, Aids to Navigation, Search and Rescue, Living Marine Resources, Marine Safety, Defense Readiness, Migrant Interdiction, Marine Environmental Protection, Ice Operations and Law Enforcement.

Throughout his career, Commander Fulenwider was either directly involved in or supported nearly every mission and operation the Coast Guard was involved in during his tenure. This includes Operation Just Cause in Panama (December 1989 to January 1990), Operation Desert Shield (August 1990 to January 1991), the Gulf War (August 1990 to February 1991), Operation Enduring Freedom/Global War on Terrorism resulting from the September 11th attacks on America's World Trade Centers (October 2001 to December 2014). In addition, Commander Fulenwider responded to the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti that killed 250,000 people and displaced thousands of survivors.

During his dedicated time of service, Commander Fulenwider quickly rose through the ranks of Seaman Recruit-Fireman (E1-E3), Machinery Technician Third Class (MK3, E4), MK2 (E5), MK1 (E6), MKC (E7), Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2), Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3), Lieutenant (LT, O3E), Lieutenant Commander (LCDR, O4), and finally Commander (O5). Furthermore, the U.S. Coast Guard afforded him the opportunity to obtain his Associate of Science in Naval Engineering from Trident Technical College located in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Commander Fulenwider has received countless awards and achievements during his illustrious career. These include the Meritorious Service Medal, numerous Coast Guard Commendation Medals, numerous Coast Guard Achievement medals and Commandants Letter of Commendation, The Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Coast Guard and Navy Unit Commendation amongst many more.

Currently, Commander Fulenwider is a Program Support Manager & Executive Officer at Project Resident Office Gulf Coast, assisting with the acquisition and construction of the Legend-Class National Security Cutters (NSC) at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The NSCs are the most technologically advanced ship in the Coast Guard's fleet, with capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement and national security missions. The NSCs are the largest cutters in the Coast Guard fleet at 418 feet long and have a maximum speed of 28 knots with a range of 12,000 nautical miles; these cutters are equipped to carry a crew of 148 and can be out at sea for 3-6 months, projecting a U.S. presence around the globe, from the straits of Taiwan to the Black Sea.

Commander George O. Fulenwider, III will retire in Hubert, North Carolina with his high school sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Nancy Fulenwider, who has supported his selfless career from the very beginning. The sacrifices they both have made to make this distinguishing career possible is simply admirable.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the retirement of this incredible and noble patriot and wishing Commander George O. Fulenwider, III, a happy retirement from his life of outstanding service to our country.

Madam Speaker, over the last year, our law enforcement officers have been faced with targeted attacks, skyrocketing crime rates, and decimated budgets.

Madam Speaker, despite these challenges, our law enforcement officers continue to protect and serve our communities with unwavering bravery, sacrifice, and selflessness.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent so many incredible law enforcement officers in eastern North Carolina, all of whom put themselves at risk each day so that the rest of us can live in safe, secure communities.

Madam Speaker, Deputy Zachary Bellingham, a former U.S. Marine and deputy for the Craven County Sheriff's Office, in my district, is no exception.

On October 21, 2021, Deputy Bellingham sustained life-threatening injuries while performing a wellness check in New Bern, North Carolina, when he was shot in the line of duty. Following his injuries, he was taken to Carolina East Medical Center, airlifted to Greenville, and received emergency surgery. He was then transferred to Shepherd's Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta, where he has shown strong perseverance in his rehabilitation.

The conduct and actions of Deputy Bellingham embody the values of a true American hero. Madam Speaker, his brave actions on that fateful day highlight the very best of our law enforcement and all they do to protect our communities. I am so relieved to know that Deputy Bellingham is in good care and continuing his road to recovery.

After his injury, members of our community quickly rallied around Deputy Bellingham, offering him well-wishes in support of his recovery.

His service, Madam Speaker, is one we all honor and appreciate, and I am grateful to represent such a compassionate and caring community in eastern North Carolina.

Madam Speaker, please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude to not only this deputy but all law enforcement officers for their commitment to keeping us and our families safe each and every day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Dr. Donald H. Tucker of Greenville, North Carolina.

An altruistic and humble husband, father, and friend, Dr. Tucker was considered by many to be the gateway to healthcare in eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Tucker completed his undergraduate and medical studies at Duke University, and following completion of his residency in internal medicine at Cornell, he then returned to Duke for a cardiology fellowship.

Dr. Tucker then would serve as the director of the cardiopulmonary catheterization lab at the Portsmouth, Virginia, naval hospital, earning the rank of lieutenant commander.

Dr. Tucker then returned home to Greenville and eventually opened up a multispecialty physician clinic called Quadrangle Physicians, which eventually turned into Physicians East, the largest multispecialty private group in eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Tucker was a pillar of our community, a leader in his church and multiple charitable organizations, and a leader who helped bring a medical school to rural eastern North Carolina. Dr. Tucker advocated for all those around him and unfailingly strived to advance the well- being of our State and community.

Madam Speaker, I was honored to know Dr. Tucker as a friend and physician colleague. I ask that everyone today please join me in honoring the incredible life of Dr. Donald Tucker.

Madam Speaker, this so-called competition bill proves just how feckless Democrats are about confronting our biggest adversary, the Chinese Communist Party. Why is this President so afraid to call out China? They are our greatest generational threat to democracy, human rights, and the American way of life. China will stop at nothing until they have world domination.

Confronting Communist China should be a clear bipartisan priority. As Secretary Pompeo recently said, the Chinese have infiltrated our schools, businesses, and politics, and will stop at nothing until they have world domination.

We should be coming together on a strong consensus framework that holds China accountable and strengthens our national security. Instead, Speaker Pelosi offers more poison pills that will be dead on arrival in the Senate. Let us stop the nonsensical leftist Progressive messaging and be serious about our jobs.

Democrats have steamrolled Congress with yet another multi-billion dollar package, thousands of pages long, without proper analysis. Our Nation now hits a $30 trillion debt mark this week.

Madam Speaker, I refuse to support another package that sends hard- earned taxpayer dollars to the Chinese Communist Party. Please, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the America concedes to China act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in great sorrow. On January 19, 2022, Lance Corporal (LCpl.) Jonathan E. Gierke, from Lawrenceville, Georgia, tragically passed away as a result of a tactical vehicular rollover in Onslow County, North Carolina. LCpl. Gierke was stationed in my Congressional district at Camp Lejeune and was a Landing Support Specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

LCpl. Gierke was the son of a Navy veteran and a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) at Collins Hill High School, Georgia. He began his active duty in March of 2021. Since then, LCpl. Gierke's assignments include being stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina; School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

LCpl. Gierke's service to our country can best be shown by his attainment of the National Defense and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals. His duty and commitment to our country will never be forgotten and I am forever grateful for all that he accomplished and for his service to our beloved country.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in remembering this patriot and recognizing all the sacrifices that he made for our beloved country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in great sorrow. On January 19, 2022, Private First Class (PFC) Zachary W. Riffle, from Kingwood, West Virginia, tragically passed away as a result of a tactical vehicular rollover in Onslow County, North Carolina. PFC Riffle was stationed in my Congressional district at Camp Lejeune and was a Landing Support Specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

PFC Riffle began his active duty in March of 2021. Since then, PFC Riftle's assignments include being stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina; School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools.

PFC Riffle graduated from Preston High School, West Virginia where he played football and wrestled. His service to our country can best be shown by his decision to forgo his senior wrestling season to graduate early and become a Marine as soon as possible. In addition, PFC Riffle's selfless commitment to our nation can be shown by his attainment of the National Defense and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals. His duty and commitment to our country will never be forgotten and I am forever grateful for all that he accomplished and for his service to our beloved country.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in remembering this patriot and recognizing all the sacrifices that he made for our beloved country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the valiant and brave actions of Deputy Zachary Bellingham of the Craven County Sheriff's Office.

On October 1, 2021, Deputy Bellingham sustained life-threatening injuries while serving in the line of duty. Following his injuries, Deputy Bellingham was taken to Carolina East Medical Center and then airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville to receive emergency surgery. Deputy Bellingham has continued his rehabilitation at Shepherd Medical Center in Atlanta, where he has shown strong perseverance in his recovery. I am hopeful that as a man of deep valor and courage he will quickly recover.

The conduct and actions of Deputy Bellingham embodies the values of a true American hero. His brave actions on that fateful day highlight the very best of our law enforcement and all that they do to protect their communities. I am also grateful for the immense support offered by those in the community as Deputy Bellingham continues with his recovery.

Madam Speaker, please join me in expressing my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Deputy Bellingham for his commitment to protecting those in his community and wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a devoted public servant in our community who will retire at the end of this year, Mayor Wilson ``Eddie'' Barber of Emerald Isle, North Carolina. A selfless and dedicated minister and town Mayor, Mr. Barber has been in the service of others for the past 40 years.

Beginning in 1969, Mayor Barber commenced his service as a minister performing services throughout eastern North Carolina until 2015. Nearing the end of his ministerial years, Mayor Barber soon devoted his career to public service, where he served as a member on the Emerald Isle Land Use Steering Committee and Emerald Isle Planning Board from 2004 until 2013. Concurrently, from 2009 until 2013, he served as Vice- Chair of the Planning Board. During this time, Mayor Barber was a tenured and established public servant with many accomplishments under his belt and a name recognized by everyone in Emerald Isle.

After years of civil service on municipal boards and committees, Mayor Barber was elected Mayor of Emerald Isle in 2013 and re-elected in 2017. Currently, Mayor Barber is a member of the Carteret County Tourism Development Authority, and was the past Chair of the Down East RPO, and past Chair Person of the Crystal Coast Mayors Association. He has also been involved with the Emerald Isle Business Association, Hope for the Warriors, and served on the Board of Directors of Methodist University. As a tenured mayor, Mayor Barber was able to allocate $37 Million towards beach re-nourishment initiatives at no expense to tax payers. He and the board also made sure to work closely and diligently to keep Emerald Isle's reputation as a welcoming and family friendly beach town. This was all accomplished through several hardships that struck the community such as Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Dorian, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the retirement of this incredible and noble man and wishing Mayor Eddie Barber a happy retirement from his life of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a heartfelt tribute to Pastor James D. Corbett of Greenville, North Carolina, to honor his long and illustrious service to God and to his country.

In his younger years, Pastor Corbett served this great Nation of ours in the United States Army. He then left military service to begin his ministry.

In 1984, Pastor Corbett and the late Pastor Delores Corbett founded Greenville Community Christian Church. God gave him a vision to minister to the whole man: spirit, soul and body.

Pastor Corbett also currently serves as the Eastern Regional Director and Trustee for the International Convention of Faith Ministries. Their vision includes reaching communities with the Gospel and taking the message of Jesus Christ around the whole world.

Lives are saved, healed, and delivered by the power of God through his ministry. I have personally been blessed by his wonderful services and sermons for many years now.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the accomplishments of a wonderful man, a caring father, grandfather, and leader of his flock, Pastor James D. Corbett, and recognizing all that he has done for his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay a heartfelt tribute to Pastor James D. Corbett of Greenville, North Carolina, to honor his long and illustrious life in service to his God and country.

In 1977, Pastor James D. Corbett became a born-again believer and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit while serving in the United States Army. After eight years of active duty in the military, God called Pastor Corbett into the ministry. He returned to Greenville, NC, where he attended Pitt Community College. Pastor Corbett later received a BSA degree in Accounting from East Carolina University where he was a two-time honor graduate. Pastor Corbett went on to earn his Doctoral degree in Biblical Studies and Divinity from the World Christian College Council in Fresno, California in December 1994. He also received an Honorary Degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Pastor Corbett currently serves as the Eastern Regional Director and Trustee for the International Convention of Faith Ministries.

In 1984, Pastor Corbett and the late Pastor Delores Corbett founded Greenville Community Christian Church. God gave him a vision to minister to the whole man: spirit, soul and body. The vision includes reaching communities with the gospel and taking the message of Jesus Christ around the world. It includes mass media presentation, training sessions, schools for ministry, programs for the disadvantaged and a Christian K-12 school.

His practical teaching is done through individualized group fellowships, seminars, crusades, the Word in Season devotional, CDs, books, radio, internet and television broadcasts. His messages are widely distributed throughout the world. Lives are being saved, healed and delivered by the power of God through his ministry. He is also an author of three books: Men of Honor, Tithing the Tithe and Honoring Your Husband-Honoring Your Wife.

Pastor James D. Corbett and Lady Sarah were united in marriage in February 2013. They have five children, fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Together, they help meet the needs of people by reaching the lost for Christ.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the accomplishments of Pastor James D. Corbett and recognizing all that he has done for his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay a heartfelt tribute to a distinguished Marine, Master Sergeant (MSgt) Fernando Schiefelbein of the United States Marine Corps, to honor his long and illustrious career in public service on active duty and as a civil servant. MSgt. Schiefelbein started his service in 1980 as a private nominated to attend Sea School and has been serving our great Nation with dedication and honor ever since. His retirement after 38 plus years of commitment to the United States Marine Corps and to the United States is extraordinary.

In May 2001, Master Sergeant Schiefelbein retired from active duty after 21 plus years of outstanding service. Master Sergeant Schiefelbein's personal awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation (4th Award), Navy ``E'' Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal (3rd Award), Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8th Award), Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Marine Corps Recruiting Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).

Fernando Schiefelbein now serves as an Operations Specialist for Marine Corps Installations East and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He has served in this capacity since October 2005.

During this period, Mr. Schiefelbein has successfully assisted in the planning and management of numerous VIP visits including U.S. Presidential and First Lady, U.S. Congressional Members and staff, U.S. Pentagon officials and staff, state and local politicians, foreign political dignitaries. military general officers and staff from all branches of service, veterans, and their families.

Mr. Schiefelbein serves also as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operator. An active participant and statistician reporter during this current COVID-19 Pandemic, he helps ensure officers are apprised of needed information for troop readiness. His responsibilities include assisting in plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies and preparing the cumulative reports for all installations included under the Marine Corps Installations East umbrella.

Mr. Schiefelbein is a member of the Beirut Memorial Advisory Board being appointed by the Mayor of Jacksonville, North Carolina. In 2010 Mr. Schiefelbein was appointed Administrator to the Lejeune Memorial Gardens Steering Committee, presiding over these quarterly meetings to the Base's Chief of Staff as well as the City of Jacksonville City Manager's Office. As Administrator he proudly supports requests to fly United States or Branch of Service flags at any of the memorials.

He also schedules reservations for ceremonial use at any of the memorials including professional military education classes, retirements and reenlistments, graduations, funerals, weddings, and formal ceremonies such as the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony, POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony, and the Montfort Point Marine Day Ceremony, and the 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony. He enjoys acting as docent at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens to visiting dignitaries, veteran reunion groups and public/private school groups as they learn about veteran appreciation and community service.

Mr. Schiefelbein serves as the Camp Lejeune Base's liaison to the annual Jacksonville/Onslow County Veteran's Day Parade Committee and Jacksonville/Onslow County Christmas Parade Committee. Mr. Schiefelbein works with veteran organizations in the community both in his work capacity and as a concerned veteran himself. He is a member and past chairman of the MCB Camp Lejeune Military Retiree Council as well as the MCB Camp Lejeune liaison for the Onslow County Council of Veteran Organizations. He holds memberships in Non-Commissioned Officer Association, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Madam Speaker, and all congressional members of the 117th U.S. Congress, please join me in honoring the retirement of this incredible and noble Marine and wishing Master Sergeant Fernando Schiefelbein and his devoted wife Betty, a happy retirement from his life of outstanding public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 4233, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act.

The issue to which I will speak is exceedingly personal to me and my district, as I represent close to 90,000 veterans, most of whom are or will be receiving benefits via the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.

The transition from Active Duty to civilian life can be challenging for some of our servicemembers. It can be tremendously difficult for many of our servicemembers to return to education after sacrificing so much for our Nation abroad. This is especially true for older and nontraditional student veterans.

A few months ago, alongside Ranking Member Bost, I had the privilege of introducing the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act. It passed out of the Veterans' Affairs Committee with a unanimous vote.

Our Nation's veterans represent the very best among us here in the United States, but many serve at great personal cost. A recent RAND study reported that 20 percent of veterans on the GI Bill experience feelings of depression or PTSD. That 20 percent amounts to over 170,000 veterans, which is almost double the number I mentioned previously of the veterans I represent in my district.

As one can imagine, serving as a member of our Armed Forces can be extremely stressful. Too often, we see the tragedy of our veterans losing their battle with mental health issues when returning from service. A very tragic and somber fact is that the VA currently estimates 18 veterans a day commit suicide. In fact, 46 percent of our military students report suicidal thoughts compared to only 6 percent of their nonmilitary peers.

If we can provide mental health services to assist just a single veteran who is struggling, then I believe it is our sworn duty to do so. We have the opportunity now with the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act.

Education poses one of the most beneficial yet stressful areas of transition for our veterans. The intention of this bill is to aid more of our veterans who are readjusting to civilian lives while providing overdue access to vital mental health resources.

Helping veterans succeed in their education and civilian lives is one of the most important ways we can thank them for their service.

I have spoken with some of these student veterans. I have heard their stories. These student veterans have had to wait weeks to even months for a mental health appointment if their mental health crisis was not deemed urgent. Unfortunately, many of our veterans do not have the luxury of weeks or months to wait to see a mental health provider.

Furthermore, private mental health can be inaccessible for those not utilizing the benefits of the GI Bill. An average therapy session could cost between $60 to $120, with the higher end reaching over $250 per session. Even with health insurance, premiums often can be $50 per session.

The Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act would provide expanded counseling and mental health services to those student veterans through the VA's Readjustment Counseling Centers, known as vet centers.

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely honored and proud to sponsor this bill, and I am grateful to Ranking Member Bost for his support as an original cosponsor and to all of my Republican and Democratic colleagues who have come together to support this very critical bipartisan legislation.

I am also thankful to the Student Veterans of America for their support.

I ask all Members for bipartisan support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on an urgent matter confronting our country.

The American people are experiencing the worst series of self- inflicted crises in a generation.

Inflation is at a 40-year high. Gas is up 42 percent. Utilities are up 20 percent.

Either President Biden doesn't care or is being insulated from reality.

We saw the worst jobs report of the Presidency this last month. Self- induced labor shortages are plaguing businesses. Shelves are bare. Container ships are stacking up.

We have the worst Biden-created border crisis in 30 years, yet the President has time to go to Delaware every weekend but not the border?

Hundreds of Americans are still in Afghanistan, meanwhile President Biden and Democrats are trying to ram through trillions in new tax hikes.

So what is the administration working on? What are their priorities? A national gender strategy. Are you kidding me? This administration cares more about which pronoun you use than countering the Chinese threat or the threat at our southern border.

Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve better than this. My constituents deserve better than this. Our Nation deserves better than this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of American families and small businesses in North Carolina who are having to confront not only the pandemic but President Biden's truly disastrous and shortsighted economic policies.

Inflation is at a 30-year high. Gas prices are up 42 percent. Hell, even the cost of bacon has gone through the roof.

We are hurtling backwards under liberal control, and the fact that Democrats are trying to sell a free $5.5 trillion package as the solution is an embarrassment and a snake oil lie to the American people.

Let's be clear. Most liberal elites and progressives in Washington have never run a business. They have never signed both sides of a paycheck, and they have never had to make the heartbreaking decision between feeding their families and keeping their businesses open.

At a small business roundtable, one local bakery owner said that crippling inflation, the self-induced labor shortage, and supply chain disruptions have created such a fragile environment that he is one worker away from bankruptcy.

This bakery owner even raised his own employee pay by $4 an hour and took a second job to make ends meet, and he still cannot fill job vacancies.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be physicially present for the following vote series that took place on October 12, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 315.