Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a proud son of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Captain David Payne, for his 26 years of outstanding Active-Duty Naval service.

Captain Payne's distinguished career includes operational assignments as a division officer aboard the USS ALABAMA, as Engineering Officer aboard the USS PORTSMOUTH, as Executive Officer aboard the USS KEY WEST, and as the Commanding Officer of the USS CALIFORNIA.

Additionally, Captain Payne served in multiple staff assignments around the globe, most recently as the Deputy Director of Navy Programs and Undersea and Strategic Programs congressional liaison at the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. Captain Payne is privileged to have been a part of many outstanding teams, having earned two Battle Efficiency Awards, a Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation, a Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, and a Meritorious Unit Citation. However, he is most proud to be the dedicated husband of Mrs. Diane Payne, and the loving father of Michael and Megan Payne.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Captain David Payne for his exemplary dedication to our Nation as he retires from Naval service. Throughout his 26 years of service, Captain Payne has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the defense of our Nation and the safety of our service members. His profound patriotism, stellar leadership, and tireless work ethic leave an enduring legacy that has strengthened our National Defense.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Mr. Vincent ``Vince'' Gastgeb, a dedicated public servant and friend to Western Pennsylvania.

Vince's career has spanned both the public and private sectors, with a lasting commitment to our Commonwealth. Following Allegheny County's adoption of its Home Rule Charter in 1999, Vince was elected to represent District 5 on the County's first-ever Council. He was reelected to four consecutive terms and served on the County's Budget and Finance Committee. In 2012 and again in 2022, Vince was appointed to the Pennsylvania Banking and Securities Commission, where he helped advance financial literacy and education across Pennsylvania.

Most recently, Vince served as the Chief Corporate and Government Affairs Officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority, overseeing legislative and government affairs, grant funding, and corporate and airline sales. During his tenure, the Authority secured air service to three transatlantic destinations, funded its new Cargo 4 building, broke ground on two buildings at the Neighborhood 91 additive manufacturing campus, and strengthened partnerships across the region.

Vince was a vital part of building the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport, which opened in November 2025. This was the culmination of more than a decade of work to reimagine aviation in Western Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Vince Gastgeb on his retirement and thanking him for a career dedicated to serving Western Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognizing Captain Joshua Paul Nauman for his 27 years of outstanding active-duty Navy service, including this past year serving as the Director for Policy and Legislation in the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Executive Assistant for the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, the Commanding Officer of Region Legal Service Office Southwest, and Special Counsel to the Chief of Naval Operations.

A native of Nebraska who was commissioned through the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) Student Program, Captain Nauman began his active service in 2000 at Naval Legal Service Office Southwest in San Diego--a unit he would later command. His distinguished career includes assignments as a Trial Counsel in San Diego and as the Staff Judge Advocate in Keflavik, Iceland, before serving as the Deputy Fleet Judge Advocate for the U.S. Second Fleet. In 2008, he was assigned to the Pentagon, from where he deployed to Iraq with the II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His subsequent assignments include a deployment with Commander, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN to the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility; service as Executive Officer of Region Legal Service Office Japan; Special Assistant for Legal and Legislative Matters for the Secretary of the Navy; and Senior Legal Counsel for the Chief of Naval Personnel.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Captain Joshua Paul Nauman for his exemplary dedication to our Nation as he retires from the United States Navy. Throughout his 27 years of military service, Captain Nauman has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the defense of our Nation. His profound patriotism, stellar leadership, and tireless work ethic leave an enduring legacy that has strengthened our National Defense.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Corporal James Russell Evans, one of our last surviving World War II veterans, who turned 100 years old on August 9, 2026.

Corporal Evans was born on August 9, 1926, in Plummers Landing, Kentucky, to James Hurst and Lena Maude Evans. At just four years old, Corporal Evans began attending a one-room schoolhouse because he wanted to be with his older sister, Sarah, while helping make it easier for his mother to care for his baby sister, Lena May.

After graduating from high school at the age of sixteen, Corporal Evans hoped to enlist in the military and serve his country during World War II, but his parents would not yet consent. When he reached the age of eligibility, he enlisted in the United States Army and became part of the first Allied occupation forces in Japan, ultimately rising to the rank of Corporal. During his service, he traveled throughout Japan and witnessed firsthand the devastation left in the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, experiences he would remember throughout his life. After completing his Army service, Corporal Evans continued his commitment to our Nation by joining the Air Force Reserve.

Corporal Evans was the first member of his family to attend college, enrolling at the University of Kentucky on the GI Bill. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and went on to build a successful career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

On June 28, 1958, Corporal Evans married the love of his life, Irene Evans. This year, they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary, marking nearly seven decades of marriage and devotion. Together, they raised three children and have been blessed with ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A longtime member of the Freemasons and a devoted Christian, Corporal Evans has remained active in his church and community throughout his life. Together, Jim and Irene have built a lasting legacy rooted in love, faith, family, and service to God and country. At 100 years old, Corporal Evans's life is a testament to the dignity of a life well lived and the enduring impact one person can have through a lifetime of service, devotion, and faith.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I am pleased to wish Corporal James Russell Evans a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Donald P. ``Pete'' German, who passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 87. Donald was a true public servant, dedicating over 30 years of his career to teaching woodworking across Pennsylvania public high schools. Outside of work, Donald was an avid outdoorsman and football fan. Donald's service to future generations is sure to leave a lasting impact across our commonwealth.

Donald was born September 14, 1938, to Frank and Margret German in Wyano, Pennsylvania. He graduated from South Huntington High School in 1957 and continued his education at California University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in education. For the next 30 years, Donald worked as the industrial art teacher at West Newton and Yough High Schools, teaching generations of Pennsylvanians woodworking skills. Donald also made it a priority to teach the importance of hard work and responsibility. Former students continue to share stories of the influence Donald had on their lives long after their time in his classroom had ended.

Above all else, Donald will be remembered as a man who loved his family. Donald married his high school sweetheart, Gwendolyn Odelli German, and is survived by their two children, Lisa D. Nickles and Donald Hutch German. Additionally, Donald was a grandfather to four grandchildren, great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren, and loved by several extended family members who are sure to carry on his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, Donald P. ``Pete'' German was a man loved by many. From teaching important life skills to his students to his love and support for his family, Donald's impact will be felt for years to come. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his wife, Gwendolyn, his two children, Lisa and Donald; his grandchildren; and all his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of the Honorable Tim Murphy, who passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 73. Congressman Murphy dedicated his life to serving our Nation and commonwealth as a child psychologist, State Senator, U.S. Representative, and Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. His leadership and compassion left a lasting impact not only on me, but on our region and our country.

Before his service in government, Congressman Murphy earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh, Master of Arts from Cleveland State University, and Bachelor of Arts from Wheeling Jesuit University. He also served on the staff of Pittsburgh Children's and Mercy Hospitals and founded his own private practice.

Congressman Murphy represented the people of Pennsylvania for over twenty years, first representing Allegheny and Washington Counties in the Pennsylvania State Senate. In 2002, he was elected to represent Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District, which included Allegheny, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. In addition to serving his constituents in Pennsylvania, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps, where he rose to the rank of Commander.

He was a tireless advocate for his constituents, dedicating his career to fighting for veterans and seniors while working to fix our Nation's broken mental health care system. Congressman Murphy led the effort to save the local 911th Airlift Wing, preserving hundreds of jobs and a critical asset to our national defense. Through his strong commitment to constituent services, tens of thousands of individuals were able to secure Social Security, veterans, and other federal benefits,

A renowned child psychologist, Congressman Murphy also authored the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016, expanding access to care for families and individuals facing mental health challenges. This legislation was ultimately enacted as part of the 21st Century Cures Act. He further advanced the conversation around mental health through his writing, including The Christ Cure: Ten Biblical Ways to Heal from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD; The Angry Child: Regaining Control When Your Child is Out of Control; and Overcoming Passive Aggression: How to Stop Hidden Anger from Spoiling Your Relationships, Career, and Happiness.

Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Tim Murphy was a trusted mentor and friend to me for many years, and I hope that he rests peacefully. His dedication to advocating for those in need was unending. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nan, his daughter, Bevin, his grandchildren, and all his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Diversified Energy. Diversified Energy was founded by its current Chief Executive Officer, Rusty Hutson in 2001. Under Rusty's continued leadership, Diversified Energy has become an industry name in the management and production of low-decline natural gas and oil assets.

Diversified Energy's success can be attributed to its foundational business model of long-term growth. Its focus on low decline production has led to the extension of well life, reduced the need for new surface disruption, and maximized the value of their existing assets.

Additionally, Diversified Energy has distinguished itself in its reduction of methane emission. By implementing continuous monitoring, advanced leak detection, and proactive well retirement programs, the company has lowered its methane intensity across all operations. Diversified Energy's strategy and implementation of these standards demonstrate a discipled plan that prioritizes excellence and environmental care.

Above all else, safety will always remain the top priority of Diversified Energy. They have established a strong culture of safety through routine training, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through the implementation of rigorous operational standards, Diversified Energy ensures that its employees, contractors, and surrounding communities remain safe and protected.

Mr. Speaker, Diversified Energy's success can be attributed to its core values of safety,

long-term planning, and effort to reduce environmental impact. I commend Rusty for his success, and I celebrate their accomplishment of 25 years of service. I look forward to their continued efforts to strengthen American energy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the career of Mr. Donald ``Don'' German of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, who retired from his position as Plant Manager of the Irvin Finishing Plant and Fairless Galvanize of U.S. Steel on March 31, 2026.

Don was a first-generation steelworker and worked at U.S. Steel for 36 years. He began his career in May of 1990. Don worked as a Quality Assurance Management Associate, transitioned to operations and engineering, and finished his career as plant manager. During his time at U.S. Steel, Don managed the dayto-day operations of the plant and implemented numerous initiatives to create a strong business operation. He was instrumental in helping secure the U.S. Steel partnership with Nippon Steel last year by organizing local support with union members, employees, and the southwestern Pennsylvania community. This partnership will secure the economic future of the Mon Valley and the region for years to come.

Don always found a way to include patriotic symbols throughout the Irvin Plant. In 2021, Don started the ``U.S. Steel Eagle Cam'' at the Irvin plant after a bald eagle nest was found near the facility. He also rescued an eagle chick named ``Rosie'' after she fell from the nest and was injured in July of 2022.

Don continues to educate students throughout southwestern Pennsylvania on the history, importance, and beauty of our national bird through his ``Eagle Talks'' seminars. In retirement, Don plans to publish a children's book titled ``Wings of Steel'', a story about the rescue and release of Rosie.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Donald German's diligent service to U.S. Steel, domestic manufacturing, and southwestern Pennsylvania is evidence of a life well-lived and a retirement well-earned. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Thomas Ray Dix, a World War II veteran, who will turn 100 years old on December 26, 2024.

In 1943, Mr. Dix enlisted in the Navy and attained the rank of a Motor Machinist's Mate Second Class. He was sent to the Pacific Theater where he served aboard the USS Hemminger (DE 746). Mr. Dix participated in several missions, trained submarines for war patrols, and engaged in antisubmarine operations. In the Pacific Theater, the USS Hemminger (DE 746) supported the search for Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon and escorted supplies during the Battle of Okinawa.

Thereafter, Mr. Dix served on the USS Minivet (AM-371). In October 1945, he arrived in Japan to sweep sea lanes for mines leftover from the war. On December 29, 1945, the ship struck a mine and began sinking, but thankfully, Mr. Dix survived and returned home to his family.

Following his honorable military service, Mr. Dix returned to southwestern Pennsylvania to start his career and continue his public service. He stayed active in the Normalville Veterans of Foreign Wars club, where he often recalled heroic stories of his service in World War II. In 1963, Mr. Dix became the co-owner of Anchor Cement Block Works, where he ran the company with his brother, Edwin Dale Dix. He became a Deacon at the Indian Head Church of God and served on the Donegal School Board in Westmoreland County. Mr. Dix remains active in many community organizations, including the VFW, and lives in the home he built with his late wife, Valetta, 70 years ago. He is an important member of our community, and we thank him for his years of service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me in celebrating a true American hero, Mr. Thomas Ray Dix, on his 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Patrolman Troy Floyd, who was killed in the line of duty on August 8, 2024.

A lifelong resident of Lincoln County, Mississippi, Troy graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1993. He started his career as a law enforcement officer in 1996, dedicating his life to protecting and serving the southern Mississippi community.

Troy spent his years in law enforcement as a Lincoln County jailer and deputy. Additionally, he was a certified agent with the Mississippi Department of Corrections and former assistant police chief of Wesson, Mississippi. He spent his career working to improve the state's law enforcement agencies by training officers through many programs. He also taught children the dangers of drugs and alcohol through the DARE Program and mentored underprivileged youth at Camp Shelby.

Troy lived a faithful life and served his community and family every day. He was dearly loved by many because of his kindhearted nature, loyalty, selflessness, and dedication to helping others.

Troy is survived by his wife, Sage Floyd, three children, four siblings, and two grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, Mississippi Patrolman Troy Floyd's faith and service to his community is a shining example of what it means to be a public servant. I wish his family healing and strength during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the congregation of Normalville Church in Normalville, Pennsylvania, on their 175th anniversary.

The church was founded by German immigrants in the mid-19th century who were a part of the United Brethren denomination. Originally, the immigrants bought the land in 1847 for $25 and the church opened two years later in 1849. The church started out as the Evangelical United Brethren, transitioning to the United Methodist in 1968 before eventually becoming Normalville Church. The church is currently led by Pastor John Knoll, who will continue the storied legacy of those who came before him.

Throughout its history, the church has served as an important place for members to come together, worship, and serve their community. The congregation leads food banks, clothing drives, and donates to the local volunteer fire department and schools. Not only does the church work to serve the people of southwestern Pennsylvania, but they also have a donation drive, Operation Christmas Child, that provides shoes to children in need across the world.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate Normalville Church on their 175th anniversary and thank them for bringing the community together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Four Guys Firetrucks.

Four Guys Firetrucks started in October 1974, when four friends worked to repair stainless steel milk tankers in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. These individuals capitalized on the similarities between milk tankers and firetrucks, bought a small factory, and started Four Guys Firetrucks.

Four Guys has adapted and expanded over the last 50 years. The original factory went through multiple renovations but is still used by the company today. Over the past five decades, the company has made a significant impact on the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. They provide jobs to over 50 residents, fueling our local small business economy. Four Guys also serves the greater Pennsylvania area, fulfilling orders throughout the Commonwealth.

Today, Four Guys prides themselves on their top-quality products that offer a high degree of customization. They value personable service and believe that customer satisfaction is the key to success. These values are what sets this company apart from other firetruck manufacturers.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate Four Guys Firetrucks on their 50th anniversary and wish them all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1455 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Houchin) be allowed to manage the remainder of the time.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1376 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), my good friend, 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 yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation. The rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 1371, a resolution strongly condemning the Biden administration and its border czar, Harris, for their failure to secure the U.S. border under a closed rule with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security or their respective designees.

Mr. Speaker, since Biden-Harris took office, American leadership both at home and abroad has become weak and feckless, and that is just putting it mildly. On the global stage, we have seen the Houthis creating chaos in the Red Sea after the administration delisted them as a foreign terrorist organization. Then, just last week, they successfully launched a deadly suicide drone attack in Tel Aviv.

Iran has grown stronger and more dangerous than ever. Their proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah, are launching a two-front war against Israel and have attacked our servicemembers over 100 times since October 7. Now their nuclear program is 1 or 2 weeks away from the time needed to produce enough weapons-grade material for a nuclear weapon. Even Secretary Blinken stated: Where we are now is not a good place.

I can continue talking about the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, about Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine following the administration's decision to green-light Nord Stream 2 or I could talk about record-high inflation reaching over 20 percent under Biden-Harris, but the biggest failure is the crisis at the southern border.

Just 64 days into this administration, Biden named Harris his border czar. Now my friends from across the aisle are trying to cover up her failures as border czar and trying to argue that she was never even in charge, but to their chagrin, I brought receipts with me.

Let me read you a few headlines and quotes. Here is Axios on April 14, 2021: ``The number of unoccupied minors crossing the border has reached crisis levels. Harris, appointed by Biden as border czar, said she would be looking at the `root causes' that drive migration.'' That was Axios in 2021.

Here is another headline from the Associated Press on March 24, 2021: ``Biden taps VP Harris to lead response to border challenges.''

Here is another one from Axios, March 24, 2021: ``Biden puts Harris in charge of border crisis.''

Just wait for it, here is President Biden on that same day, March 24, 2021: `` . . . she is the most qualified person to do it--to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle and the countries that help--are going to need help in stemming the movement of so many folks, stemming the migration to our southern border.'' That was Joe Biden.

The President went on further: `` . . . it is not her full responsibility and job, but she is leading the effort because I think the best thing to do is put someone who, when he or she speaks, they don't have to wonder about is that where the President is. When she speaks, she speaks for me. Doesn't have to check with me.''

Now the debate has been settled. President Biden clearly put Vice President Harris in charge of the border. What did the border czar Harris do? The Biden-Harris administration issued 94 executive actions related to the border. They halted the construction of the border wall and ended remain in Mexico, and they established the catch and release program.

What were the results? In February 2021, the country witnessed a 174 percent increase in southwest border encounters compared to February of 2020. On her watch, there have been over 9.6 million illegal immigrant encounters nationwide. Experts estimate that the number of known got- aways--those are illegal immigrants who have evaded capture--exceed 2 million.

In May of 2021, CBP encountered over 180,000 individuals attempting to enter the country illegally along the southwest border. That was a staggering 675 percent increase from May of 2020. Since fiscal year 2021, 378 illegal aliens on the terrorist watch list have been apprehended at our southern border.

In June, NBC reported that over 400 illegal immigrants with ties to ISIS entered the U.S. under border czar Harris, and the whereabouts of 50 of these individuals are still unknown. In fiscal year 2024, there have been a record-breaking 31,000 Chinese nationals encountered at the southwest border.

Perhaps the worst stat of them all: We have lived through 39 months where the total encounters have been higher than even the highest month seen under President Trump. This is a really simple vote. If you are okay with those results, go ahead and vote ``no.'' If you think border czar Harris has failed the American people, vote ``yes.'' It is really that simple.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, if you want to talk about being ashamed, let's talk about who should be ashamed. It is Biden and Harris. They have been a complete disaster, especially with the southern border.

Excuse me for being so audacious as to bring facts and figures to a debate, but I guess I have to apologize for bringing more facts and figures to a debate. Let's go through a few of them.

The Biden-Harris administration has failed to remove 99.7 percent of illegal immigrants released in the United States. Here is another stat: In June, there were 130,419 illegal immigrant encounters at our southern border. This is roughly 4,300 daily encounters, which is--wait for this--four times more than the definition of a crisis that was set by Obama's own DHS Secretary Johnson, who said in 2019 that more than 1,000 encounters a day would overwhelm the system. That was President Obama's DHS Secretary.

Do you want to talk about more facts and figures? In May 2024, Committee on Homeland Security Republicans released documents showing the Biden administration--wait for this--secretly flew over 400,000 illegal immigrants into our country.

Harris still has visited our southern border only once since she became border czar. It took her a total of 93 days to make a token trip to El Paso, which is 800 miles from the sector experiencing the worst numbers.

Then, in an interview with NBC's Lester Holt, Harris was asked: Do you have any plans to visit the border?

She replied: At some point, we are going to the border. Then, she said: We have been to the border.

Lester Holt replied: You haven't been to the border.

Harris replied: And I haven't been to Europe.

You just can't make this stuff up.

Then, former Border Patrol Chief Ortiz stated: ``I have never had one conversation with the President or the Vice President, for that matter. I was the chief of the Border Patrol. I commanded 21,000 people. That is a problem.''

Current Border Chief Owens felt her absence, as well, reporting that the VP has not spoken with him since she was appointed in July 2023.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), the chairman of the Rules Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have seen gaslighting, but I have never seen gaslighting to

this extent. This is quite amazing. Before we get into gaslighting, let's talk about a quick history lesson.

The President that I recall throwing around the term ``czar'' was President Obama. He had a car czar with the cash for clunkers program. It is kind of funny when you think about it. This is the same President who allowed Russia to invade Crimea. This is the same President who went up to the then-President of Russia, I believe, Dmitry Medvedev, and said: I just need a little flexibility. Tell Vlad I just have to get through this election cycle, and then we can talk.

That President named a czar, and that became part of our lexicon, and now we are being attacked because we are calling Harris the border czar.

Axios, as I said before, April 14, 2021, ran an article referring to Harris as border czar. Again: ``The number of unaccompanied minors crossing the border has reached crisis levels. Harris, appointed by Biden as border czar''--it says that right here in the article--``said she would be looking at the `root causes' that drive migration.''

Now, you can say Axios retracted that. They retracted that 3 years after, when that became politically inconvenient.

The Democrats are now trying to say that Harris had nothing to do with the border. Unfortunately for the Democrats, we have a slew of other statements and articles that say that Biden put Harris in charge of the border.

Here is Axios again, March 24, 2021. The title of the article is: ``Biden puts Harris in charge of border crisis.'' It doesn't get more clear than that.

Here are remarks by the President when he was at the State Dining Room on March 24, 2021. This is Biden talking about Harris: ``She is the most qualified person to do it--to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle and the countries that help--are going to need help in stemming the movement of so many folks, stemming the migration to our southern border.''

Again, that is President Biden telling people at a state dinner that he is putting Harris in charge of the border.

Here is another AP article, titled: ``Biden taps VP Harris to lead response to border challenges.''

You can quibble about names, if she was called the border czar, which is popular in our lexicon, or if she was called whatever. The fact remains the President put the Vice President in charge of managing the border crisis, and it has been an abysmal failure.

The stats speak for themselves. I will get to more stats later on in the debate.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy), a fellow member of the Rules Committee.

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

To be clear about one thing: I am not afraid of Vice President Harris and neither are any of my colleagues. The people who should be most afraid of the Vice President are the American people.

In going back to talk about the southern border, every single day in this country, roughly 300 Americans die of fentanyl overdoses. That would be the equivalent of a commercial jetliner going down every single day, once a day, for the last 4 years. That should scare the American people.

Talking about more things, let's talk about crime under this administration. Americans continue to be the victims of violent crime under the Biden-Harris administration.

According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association's 2022 crime report for urban areas across the country, homicides were up 13 percent since 2020, rapes were up 23.56 percent since 2020, and aggravated assaults were up 33.89 percent since 2020.

In 2022, at least nine cities, seven of which are Democrat run, saw record homicides. 2021 was the deadliest year in two decades for our law enforcement officers.

Just listen to their party leaders, like Vice President Harris. She supports defunding the police. She believes it is ``wrongheaded'' and ``outdated'' to think police officers make our communities safe.

She wants to give voting rights to murderers, terrorists, rapists, and even inmates that are sitting on death row.

Harris wants to abolish ICE which protects our communities from illegal aliens and the crimes they commit. She believes cash bail should be eliminated.

The only time Vice President Harris has called for law enforcement to get involved was when Jussie Smollett said men with red MAGA hats were after him. Harris called it a modern-day lynching, and of course, this was an absolute hoax that was fabricated by the radical left with the help of no other than Vice President Harris.

Americans should be afraid of the policies of the Vice President.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me just get this straight. By the minority's logic, because Republicans are talking about Vice President Harris, we are somehow afraid of Vice President Harris. That is quite amazing because, for the last 8 years, they have been talking about President Trump. Let the American people decide who is afraid of who.

To the attack that we have done nothing about the southern border, I can give the Democrats some ideas of what to do. How about they can start requesting that the administration go back and repeal the 94 executive orders they issued when they took office which repealed President Trump's executive orders to secure the southern border. That would be a great start. You don't even need congressional action to undo those executive orders.

I have not heard one of my Democratic colleagues call for any of those executive orders to be reversed.

Here is another good idea: H.R. 2. This Chamber passed H.R. 2. It was the first border security bill that was passed in this Chamber, I believe, since the mid-nineties. That was a great bill. It ended catch and release. It reinstated remain in Mexico. It required that this administration finish the border wall. That would definitely halt illegal immigration.

That is sitting over in the Senate. Maybe my friends from across the aisle here could ask the other Chamber to run that bill. Just a few ideas.

I love it when I hear my colleagues talking about so-called bans. There are

a few bans that the Vice President is in favor of. Let's go through some of those.

Under President Biden and Vice President Harris, the administration has supported bans on the following: gas-powered vehicles, gas stoves, firearms, and LNG exports.

That is not enough for the Vice President. Harris wants to go even further than Biden. She supports bans on--this is a great list. It is like it is written by the Babylon Bee or something. She supports bans on red meat, plastic straws, private health insurance, fracking, and gas-powered schoolbuses.

Before you know it, the average American is going to have to show their grocery list to Czar Harris before they go to the grocery store.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, if you want to talk about division, I have got a whole list of divisive quotes from my friends across the aisle.

It starts at the very top. Just days before what happened in Pennsylvania, President Biden said that we need to put a bull's-eye on President Trump. That was President Biden.

Former Speaker Pelosi said: ``You have to be ready to take a punch. And therefore you have to be ready to throw a punch--for the children.''

Senator Jon Tester: ``I don't think, even States where Donald Trump won big, that it does you any good running away from Donald Trump. I think you need to go back and punch him in the face.''

That was a quote from Jon Tester.

Here is Joe Biden again: ``I said if I were in high school, I would take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him.''

Congresswoman Maxine Waters said this: ``And with this kind of inspiration, I will go and take out Trump tonight.''

For the Vice President, she too is engaged in some divisive rhetoric. When asked in April 2018: If you had to be stuck in an elevator with either President Trump, Mike Pence, or Jeff Sessions, who would it be?

Do you know how the Vice President responded?

She said: Does one of us have to come out alive?

Save me the rhetoric on divisiveness. I think the American people know where the divisive language is coming from.

Let's go back to the Vice President and her role as border czar, at least that is what the media was calling her up until about 3 days ago.

When Harris was tasked to be border czar, she promised to ``undo'' President Trump's border policies. Unfortunately for the American people, she made good on that promise.

The Biden-Harris administration has referred to the influx of illegals as newcomers. That was their word, ``newcomers,'' not illegal immigrants.

She has called for the decriminalization of illegal border crossings. Border czar Harris has even supported free healthcare and mass amnesty for illegal immigrants.

The question is: Who pays the price for this incompetence?

That answer is simple. That is the American people.

The border crisis has cost the United States approximately $150.7 billion every single year. That is over $1,100 per year per every American taxpayer.

In southwestern Pennsylvania, my congressional district, we are one of the epicenters of the opioid crisis. Since the passage of H.R. 2, over 17,000 pounds of fentanyl had been seized at the southern border. To get your head around how much that actually is, Mr. Speaker, that is enough fentanyl to kill over 3.8 billion people.

Nearly 15 Pennsylvanians die from drug overdoses every single day. As I said earlier in the debate, in the United States, roughly 300 Americans every single day die of a fentanyl overdose.

We have also heard horror stories like the murder of Laken Riley. Laken was a 22-year-old from Georgia who was killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela.

Another American, Rachel Morin of Maryland, was a mother of five. She was raped and brutally murdered by an illegal from El Salvador.

Her brother, Michael, stated after her death: ``Joe Biden and his designated border czar Kamala Harris opened our borders to him and others like him empowering them to victimize the innocent.'' Yet to this day, we have not heard from Joe Biden or Kamala Harris. They never apologized.

These brutal deaths are a direct result of border czar Harris' inaction and failed policies. That is why this week House Republicans will rightfully condemn the Biden-Harris administration for their epic failure at the southern border. House Democrats, well, they will stand over there and continue to support and stand by the border czar, Vice President Harris, since they are complicit partners in this manmade disaster at our southern border. This disaster has impacted every community in our Nation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Rhys Taylor Frost, president of the Donora Fire Company, who sadly passed away on June 24, 2024.

Rhys was born and raised in Donora, Pennsylvania. He had a passion for his local community and always wanted to be a first responder to help those in need.

At only 14 years old, Rhys became a volunteer firefighter at the Donora Fire Company and later became an emergency medical technician (EMT) in 2018. Through his determination and selfless work ethic, he became president of the company a year later in 2019. Rhys never stopped finding ways to serve southwestern Pennsylvania and always answered the call of duty.

It was his dream to simultaneously serve as a policeman, EMT, and firefighter, a testament to his desire to protect and defend his community. Those who knew Rhys best will never forget his infinite selflessness and his eternal love for Donora. As the community comes together to celebrate his life and legacy, I am grateful for his vast impact on our commonwealth and his fellow Pennsylvanians.

Mr. Speaker, Rhys Taylor Frost dedicated his life to the people of Donora. His legacy is an example of a selfless and inspiring life. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I wish his family healing during this difficult time.