Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for yielding.

I am pleased to be here to today to say a few things about my friend, and I will say the nice ones. I am teasing. They are all nice.

I do appreciate having that opportunity. I was listening to the gentleman's comments and was very moved because I think that people sometimes don't realize what Congressmen go through. We volunteered to do this job, so I know you are not complaining, and I am not complaining. The fact that you choked up a little bit when you started talking about your family, it meant a lot to me. I know it means a lot to you because we have had numerous conversations in your decade here. We have done a lot of things together, and you are always talking about your kids, what is going on and how they are doing.

I have even given you rides home or part of the way home. For those watching, I would drop him off at the McDonald's in Front Royal and someone would pick him up from West Virginia, but I would at least get him that far.

Our districts came close to touching, but we never actually did touch. It also gave me an opportunity on one occasion to travel with Alex throughout the district.

He said that he likes to stop in the barber shops and the little stores. We did that one day. Specifically I remember stopping in that little pizza shop. I still can't pronounce the name of the town. I think it is Ghent. I might have it wrong, but it is not spelled that way.

We did have a little bit a schedule, and he was wanting to talk to more and more people, and every now and again I would have to say: All right, Alex, we don't have time to talk to everybody.

That is just the way Alex is. He is a great individual.

You talked about, and I have to concur, having had numerous philosophical conversations with you, that you have been one of the strongest conservative voices during your time in the House.

I was talking with another Member, and Alex happened to be present, and we were talking about things. He made some point on what we needed to do to push the conservative cause forward to make America great and better as we move forward.

The other guy said: Yeah, it is what we are going to miss. We will miss that, Alex.

That is because we would be sitting trying to figure out how complicated it was and how you would maneuver this and that, and Alex would say: No. Here is what you do. You just go straightforward and tell people the facts.

That is what you have always done, and it has been greatly appreciated.

Last, but not least, through those 10 years we have developed a friendship, and that is a friendship that will be a lifetime friendship. We will continue to do things together, as I know that you have a servant's heart and will continue to want to serve the people of West Virginia. The people you represent in West Virginia are not that different from the people that I represent in southwest Virginia. It is not West Virginia, but southwest Virginia. Of course, as you know, I believe the two States should never have been cleaved apart because, particularly, in western portions of Virginia, we are very much culturally, spiritually, and politically aligned.

I appreciate you, and I look forward to working with you in whatever capacity you serve in next.

Are there others?

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this bill. It is an important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I represent the community of Fairlawn, Virginia. Fairlawn is in Pulaski County, but it has a Radford City ZIP Code.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues may say that is not such a big deal because, in most of the 50 States, the cities are within a county. In Virginia, the cities are completely independent.

All the tax money of the numerous businesses in Fairlawn often gets sent mistakenly to the city of Radford, which is completely independent of Pulaski County, thus denying Pulaski County or making it a hassle for them to track down the accurate amounts of money that they are supposed to receive on the local part of the Virginia sales tax.

Further, this confusion can create other problems. Recently, our area was hit with Hurricane Helene. Pulaski County got its designation early.

Mr. Speaker, when Hurricane Helene hit, the County of Pulaski was designated a couple of days before the city of Radford for FEMA assistance, and the people of Fairlawn were told that they were not in Pulaski but in Radford, so they couldn't get assistance.

Mr. Speaker, this is why we need the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the career and service of Major Harold Heatley, current chief deputy of the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office, who retires from his career in law enforcement this year.

Major Heatley's life of service started when he made the significant step of enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1981. Through the Navy, he exercised great discipline, respect for his peers and courage. His ascent in the U.S. Navy culminated in the ranking of chief petty officer.

His service to the military led him to stints in Alaska and the Philippines, where he served as a military police officer. His time spent on vessels such as the USS Tuscaloosa and USS Bristol County highlights his service to the country.

Following his military service, Major Heatley dedicated a career to a private security firm as a field supervisor and later as a vice president of operations.

By 2004, Major Heatley moved to Tazewell County, Virginia. He started work as a patrol officer with the Tazewell Police Department. Other duties he held with the department included night shift patrol sergeant.

Major Heatley served the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office starting in 2010. He worked as an undercover narcotics detective and chief deputy. He also contributed to substance abuse recovery efforts, helping nonviolent offenders seek treatment and raising awareness of such programs.

In 2015, Major Heatley starred on WVVA news and their `All Points Bulletin' (APB) features, taking over a segment that used to be headed by former Tazewell County Sheriff Harry Cundiff. His tenure with media also included features on APB Morning Edition and APB Extra.

As a result of the news program, WVVA credits Mr. Heatley with taking nearly 1,000 plus wanted suspects off the streets, in both Virginia and West Virginia.

WVVA anchors and producers appreciated Major Heatley's service to the community and outlined the warmth and kindness he brought to the newsroom. Following his 2023 departure from the network, numerous WVVA employees remarked their love and admiration for Major Heatley.

The illustrious service of Mr. Heatley is recognized by the local Tazewell County Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 9696. In January of 2024, the organization awarded him the Officer of the Year Award and thanked him for his tremendous service to law enforcement.

A Virginia House of Delegates Resolution filed in the summer of 2024, commends Major Heatley for his outstanding career in law enforcement and legacy of service to the residents of Tazewell County.

In my time working with the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office and Major Heatley, I greatly appreciated his advocacy for the safety of Tazewell and his support of local law enforcement and veterans. He served on my Veterans Advisory Council as well as my Service Academy Board.

I congratulate Major Heatley on his retirement. After such an accomplished and distinguished career in serving the United States military and the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office, he is more than deserving of a peaceful and restful retirement. As his colleagues and his community extol him for his accolades, I wish Major Heatley nothing but the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague from Arizona's Eighth District, Congresswoman Debbie Lesko.

I have had the distinct pleasure of serving alongside her, as she just told you, on the Energy and Commerce Committee and, more specifically, on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, which I chair. She served this Congress as the vice chair of that subcommittee.

We explored and investigated many important issues, some of which included COVID-19 origins. She did some more work on that. There were investigations into drug shortages and the potential exploitation of unaccompanied minors crossing our southern border. Her work with me related to world anti-doping in sports was outstanding. It was really very much appreciated.

Everyone here who has spoken already knows this. For those folks watching at home, this is one smart, tough lady. I have really, really enjoyed working with her on a number of issues over her terms here in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, her hard work and her strong conservative record is obviously appreciated back home. As you have heard others say, she just recently won election to a seat on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

I congratulate you, Debbie, on a fantastic career in the United States House, and I applaud your decision to continue public service a little bit closer to home as a member of the board of supervisors in Maricopa County.

Your work will be missed, and it is appreciated. It also will be missed when we reconvene and start trying to tackle some tough issues, whether it be healthcare or telecom or whatever Energy and Commerce has jurisdiction over.

I thank you for your service. I appreciate you.

You are very kind, thank you. You, likewise, are a great human being.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of Scruggs Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (VFD) Captain Jane Crawford. Captain Crawford has dedicated more than 50 years of service to one of the most active lifesaving crews in Franklin County and surrounding communities.

Jane Crawford is 85 years old and still serves as an active member of Scruggs Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. She has made it clear that she has no plans of stepping down anytime soon from her role as Captain--a further testament to her dedication to this team.

Captain Crawford and her husband, V.T. ``Slim'' Crawford, helped found the Scruggs VFD in 1974. Slim served as chief of the department for 41 years until stepping down in 2014. Slim unfortunately passed away in 2019 at the age of 77, and to this day is still recognized as a hero to the community.

Over the Scruggs VFD's many years in service, the department and its leadership have accomplished countless notable milestones--including the creation of a Rescue Division in 1981, the addition of a Dive Division in 1987, and the purchasing of a large assortment of modern vehicles and equipment, like the 2018 ladder truck and pumper. These additions have helped shape the Scruggs VFD into the successful department it is today, and Captain Jane Crawford has played a big part since the very start.

During the early years of service, the Department averaged around 20 calls for service per year. Since then, the number of calls has grown to average 400 calls each year, and yet the crew is still able to get each job done.

It is amazing to see the dedication of each crew member in the Department under the leadership of Captain Crawford. She has estimated that she has trained thousands of firefighters over her many years of service as a classroom instructor in the community. The Department truly would not be what it is today without her guidance and leadership.

To add to her resume, as a female firefighter, Captain Crawford has been a champion in a career field dominated by men. According to the U.S. Fire Department Profile, female firefighters amount to just 9 percent of firefighters in the country. To accomplish what Captain Crawford has is a feat in itself; adding that she has been one of the leaders of this department in a predominantly male field makes it all the more impressive.

Captain Crawford has made it known that her number one priority is the safety of Department members, as she has always led with that notion when assessing a scene. Her devotion to the safety of her squad shows that not just professionally, but on a human level, she is someone to be admired.

It is people like Captain Jane Crawford who elevate communities from being good to great. I am honored to have such a strong team as the Scruggs Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department serve the 9th District of Virginia, and even more honored to have witnessed Captain Crawford doing her work over the years. She is someone to admire, someone to honor, and someone to look up to, and I want to sincerely thank her for her service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Daniel Wooldridge, who passed away on August 20, 2024.

Born on June 5, 1934, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mr. Wooldridge grew up in the foster care system. He was ready to support and provide for his foster family from an early age. He sold hot dogs, ran a paper route and drove a school bus before he reached 16 years of age.

Interested in athletics, Mr. Wooldridge attended Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg) where he played basketball, soccer and baseball. He is a member of the school's athletics Hall of Fame.

At Lynchburg College, he met his wife Nancy, whom he was married to for 65 loving years before her passing in 2020.

After graduating from Lynchburg College in 1956 and later completing graduate coursework from the University of Virginia, Mr. Wooldridge pursued a 30-plus year career as a life insurance salesman.

As an athlete, Mr. Wooldridge played minor league baseball for the Salem Pirates and coached baseball and football at William Fleming High School in Roanoke. His heart and strong belief in fair play was displayed through his time as a referee, officiating college basketball games for 23 years, including 13 NCAA postseason tournaments.

In 1976, Mr. Wooldridge became the very first commissioner of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The athletic league consisted of small Division III schools, including his alma mater Lynchburg College. He served in this post for 21 years before his retirement.

Additionally, Mr. Wooldridge was one of two American basketball officials at the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games.

Mr. Wooldridge's service to the Roanoke Valley community cannot be overlooked. He served as president of the Salem Rotary Club and Roanoke Valley Sports Club, dedicated time as a member of the Roanoke City School Board, and contributed as a deacon at Oakland Baptist Church.

Him and Nancy also founded the Roanoke Valley Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1964. They took great pride in developing student-athletes and promoting the Christian faith.

Mr. Wooldridge is survived by his daughters, Rebecca (Wyatt) Ewell, Diane (Rob) Laing, and Sarah Wooldridge; his grandchildren, Rachel (Scott) Forrester, Tyler (Erin) Ewell, Alex Ewell, and Daniel Laing; his great-grandchildren, Clara, Thomas and Anna Ewell; his sister, Martha Smith; his sister-in-law, Katherine Cochran; his nephews, Preston (Tonja) Cochran and Neil Smith; his great-niece, Kalei Cochran; and cousin, Betty Bailey (Clyde Evely).

Faced with adversity from an early age, Mr. Wooldridge's story of perseverance and success is powerful and inspiring. The legacy he leaves behind will be remembered by the sports community and the larger Roanoke Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Annette Perkins, who passed away on July 26, 2024.

Raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Ms. Perkins determined her life's work should be focused on education. She worked as a teacher and administrator for Montgomery County Public Schools for many years.

At various points, Ms. Perkins was principal of Christiansburg Middle School, assistant principal of Christiansburg High School, and a history and government teacher at Christiansburg and Blacksburg High Schools.

Her interest in advancing the goals of Montgomery County Public Schools went beyond her service as a teacher.

Starting in 1991, Ms. Perkins was appointed to the Montgomery County School Board. As a member of the school board, she continued to monitor and assess the educational growth of children and teenagers in the county.

Following her tenure with the Montgomery County School Board, county residents elected Ms. Perkins to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors in 1997. She served in her supervisor role for nearly twenty years.

Important projects came together under Ms. Perkins' watch, including the construction of the new Auburn High School and Blacksburg High School. Montgomery County recognizes her instrumental role in having a 9.25-acre portion of undeveloped property donated to the Town of Blacksburg for a public park known as the Meadow.

During her service in both bodies, she served as chairwoman.

A woman of strong faith, Ms. Perkins contributed time as a Sunday school teacher to Blacksburg Christian Church, where she also served on various committees.

Ms. Perkins was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby H. Perkins.

Montgomery County parents placed enormous trust in Ms. Perkins to be a voice for their kids and their education.

I worked with Ms. Perkins during my years representing Montgomery County in the Virginia House of Delegates, and she was a fierce advocate for the programs that she believed in.

Ms. Perkins will be remembered by her colleagues and students as a dedicated educator who enhanced educational experiences and cared deeply for her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courageous service of Craig County Sheriff's Deputy Gregory May.

In September of 2024, Hurricane Helene ravaged much of Virginia's Ninth Congressional District. Craig County was one of many counties under severe distress from conditions created by Helene.

On September 27, Deputy May was called into action to respond to an emergency situation involving an injured person in the Sinking Creek area of Craig County. Despite facing heavy rains and high winds, Deputy May, along with Craig County Emergency Services and Fire Department personnel, attempted to execute a daring rescue mission.

While assisting in the rescue operation, Deputy May was struck by flying debris. This incident inflicted serious bodily injury, requiring him to receive immediate medical attention and care. He sustained a concussion, a broken jaw, and a severe laceration under his neck.

This emergency situation called for bravery and sacrifice. Deputy May answered that call in the face of this unprecedented hurricane, knowing full well that his life would be endangered.

Deputy May's outstanding service to the Craig County Sheriff's Office and the people of Craig County is commended by the Craig County Board of Supervisors, who value the ``indispensable role of all law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue squads, and medical responders'' to protect their community.

Craig County first responders have a dedicated serviceman among their ranks. Deputy May's story is a model of sacrifice and service that inspires his colleagues and community.

As a locality of roughly 5,000 people in a mountainous area of Virginia, Craig County residents can be assured that their security and well-being are considered essential, thanks to first responders like Deputy May.

Mr. Speaker, I was present on the House floor during this vote series, but I was focused on discussing policy with leadership staff and unfortunately missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 433 (H.R. 3724).

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Harry Haskins, Jr., who passed away on September 1, at the age of 87. Mr. Haskins dedicated his life to law enforcement and the well-being of Virginians.

Mr. Haskins was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia on October 8, 1936. He graduated from the old Clifton Forge High School. He later earned an Associate's degree from Virginia Western Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Roanoke College.

His service to law enforcement began in 1958 as a trooper with Virginia State Police, where he dedicated 16 years of his career.

In 1974, he became a Special Agent with the U.S. Forest Service, before accepting a position as Chief of Police for the City of Salem in 1975.

As Chief of Police, Mr. Haskins excelled at his job and became a fixture in the Salem community. His contributions to Salem's police force included establishing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

Mr. Haskins was a founding member of the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy, serving as Chairman of the Governing Council for 10 years. His experience on the Executive Committee of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, which included a stint as President, allowed him to advocate for law enforcement officials and improve department practices.

His outstanding service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and City of Salem would last two decades until his retirement at the end of 1995.

The City of Salem elected Mr. Haskins in 1996 to serve on City Council. I worked with Mr. Haskins during his time as Chief of Police and as a member of Salem City Council. He was a classic southern gentleman, and it was an honor to know him.

The recognition of Mr. Haskins' character and accomplishments is evident. He received in 1996 the Roanoke College Medal, the highest honor bestowed on Roanoke College alumni who best exemplify the ideals of leadership, integrity and citizenship that Maroons hold dear. He also received the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Barrett Haskins; daughters and husbands, Melanie and Scott Leweke of Blue Ridge, Virginia, and Kathryn and Kevin Glasgow of Georgia; and Nadine Kelley of Roanoke, mother of his children. Also surviving are stepchildren, Will Abernethy of Roanoke, Nathan and Julie Abernethy of Roanoke, Whitney Miller of Dillwyn, and Steve Wilson and Ken Wilson. Surviving grandchildren are Greg and Sam Glasgow, Emma and Mary Leweke, and step-grandchildren Kaylee and Rachel Goin, Elijah, Nora and Isaac Abernethy.

The City of Salem and the law enforcement community is forever grateful to Chief Haskins, the professionalism he embodied during his law enforcement career, and his dedication to the safety and well-being of the people of Salem.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Super Bowl Champion Carroll Dale. Mr. Dale dedicated his career to the sport of football, playing in the National Football League as a wide receiver for several seasons.

Born in Wise, Virginia on April 24, 1938, Mr. Dale attended Wise's very own J.J. Kelly High School.

As an athlete for Virginia Tech Football, Mr. Dale excelled at his preparation and game routine. He played 39 games between 1956 through 1959 for Virginia Tech, amassing 15 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards receiving, which was unusual in the 1950's. These statistics caught the eyes of NFL scouts. The university also retired his No. 84, being the first Virginia Tech athlete to receive such an honor.

Following his collegiate career, Mr. Dale entered the 1960 NFL Draft. In the 8th round, the Los Angeles Rams selected Mr. Dale with the 86th overall pick. In his NFL debut, Mr. Dale scored on a 57-yard touchdown pass.

After 5 NFL seasons with the Rams, Vince Lombardi came calling. Mr. Dale was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1965, where he became a receiver for one of the best pro football teams.

In his first season with the Packers, Mr. Dale provided a versatility to the team's passing attack. The Packers played the Cleveland Browns and Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown in the 1965 NFL Championship. Mr. Dale scored the first points of the game on a 47-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bart Starr in the first quarter, helping the Packers win the championship match 23-12. Mr. Dale was a world champion.

In 1966, the Packers returned to the NFL Championship game. Mr. Dale scored on a 51-yard passing touchdown. Lead by Hall of Famers such as his coach Vince Lombardi and quarterback Bart Starr, the Packers then advanced to Super Bowl I.

In Super Bowl I, Mr. Dale caught four passes for 59 yards. He also scored on a 64 yard touchdown pass in the 2nd quarter, but a motion penalty was called on Green Bay and negated the touchdown play. Despite the penalty call, the Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs and won the first ever Super Bowl.

The following season, the Packers played the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II. Mr. Dale caught four passes for 43 yards in the Packers victory and won a second Super Bowl ring.

Still catching throws from Bart Starr, Mr. Dale was selected to his first Pro Bowl appearance because of his 1968 season. This was the first of three consecutive Pro Bowl selections in as many seasons.

For the 1973 season, his last in the NFL, Mr. Dale played for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings advanced to the Super Bowl but lost to the AFC champion Miami Dolphins.

Overall, in 14 NFL seasons Mr. Dale put together 52 receiving touchdowns and 438 receptions for 8,277 receiving yards.

His No. 84 is one of only ten numbers retired by the Hokies football program. Since his retirement, he has served the UVA-Wise athletic program to play a role in its growth and development.

As impressive as his accolades are, Mr. Dale maintained devout spiritual beliefs throughout his life. When he signed with the Packers, he signed a 10 percent tithing provision so the money could go to Hunt United Methodist Church in Bristol. His appreciation for the Lord was always evident.

I wish Mr. Dale well and thank him for being a role model for kids and athletes that grow up in Southwest Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Emory & Henry College head football coach Curt Newsome, who stepped down from his position this summer. Coach Newsome dedicated his life to the sport of football, earning coaching positions at several academic institutions throughout his career.

Coach Newsome was born in Hampton, Virginia on October 29, 1958.

His pursuit and interest in a career in football was great. He decided to move to the opposite end of Virginia to play at the collegiate level at Emory & Henry College, now University. Coach Newsome played as a defensive tackle. Upon graduation, Mr. Newsome began a coaching career at Ervinton High School in Nora, Virginia.

During a 16-year time span, the high schools of Ervinton, Kecoughtan, and Heritage benefitted from Coach Newsome's leadership and drive. He received praise and recognition from fans, players and fellow coaches, resulting in his 1998 selection as the AP and VHSL Virginia State Coach of the Year.

The coaching journey did not end there. His hard work caught the attention of Virginia universities and their football programs. Coach Newsome landed a coaching opportunity at James Madison University in 1999.

In 2004, he helped JMU reach the FCS National Championship game, where they would defeat Montana 31-21. This victory became JMU's first NCAA Division I-AA championship.

From 2006 to 2012, Coach Newsome worked for Virginia Tech football as an offensive line coach under Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer before returning to JMU.

In 2014, Coach Newsome became head football coach for his alma mater, Emory & Henry. In his first season, Coach Newsome was named Old Dominion Athletic Conference Coach of the Year as he compiled an 8-2 record for the Wasps that season.

Coach Newsome compiled six winning seasons during his Emory & Henry tenure as head coach and oversaw the team's transition from NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II.

His lifelong commitment to Virginia football and the players he coached is well documented, serving various coaching roles at the high school and collegiate levels.

I wish my fraternity brother in Beta Lambda Zeta, Coach Newsome, well in his retirement. I thank him and Southwest Virginia thanks him for his contributions to the game of football in our region.

Mr. Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of People Incorporated of Virginia, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. People Incorporated has been a leading advocate for the care of rural Virginians, particularly in Southwest Virginia, since the organization's inception.

People Incorporated got its start in August 1964 in Washington County, providing education, day care and recreation for local residents. At the time, the group was referred to as the Hayter's Gap Community Club before it was changed to the Progressive Community Club.

Expansion of the agency ensued, with services extending to the Bristol area starting in 1974, when it became known as People Incorporated.

The services provided by People Incorporated today help many communities in the Commonwealth, including the people of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Washington Counties, as well as the City of Bristol. These services include community development projects, family and financial service counseling and employment training, among others.

A resolution from the Virginia House of Delegates commends People Incorporated, noting that the group has grown to such prominence that it ``is regarded as one of the most innovative and successful community action agencies'' in the country.

Given the struggles and challenges that rural Virginians face, the work of groups like People Incorporated makes a difference and improves the living conditions of many.

I look forward to the continued success of People Incorporated, and thank their leadership, their staff and all affiliates for their tireless commitment to the betterment of our region.

Mr. Speaker, the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia mourn the loss of Smyth County Sheriff's Deputy Hunter Reedy.

Deputy Reedy was called to respond to a traffic stop incident on Friday, August 9, 2024. The incident turned tragic, with the driver firing their weapon at Sheriff's deputies and Marion Police officers. As a result of the gunfire, Deputy Reedy was shot and killed.

A graduate of Chilhowie High School in 2014, Deputy Reedy pursued a career dedicated to law enforcement. He began by serving more than three years with the Chilhowie Police Department. In 2021, he then joined the Smyth County Sheriff's Office. His interest in the protection and care of his fellow citizens was profound.

Law enforcement and community members mourn the tragic loss of their beloved colleague and friend. Sheriff Shuler of Smyth County laments losing a brave hero in Deputy Reedy. Deputy Reedy's passing is a solemn reminder of the dangerous tasks law enforcement officials must endure.

Family was an important part of Deputy Reedy's life. He is survived by his wife, Bettina Quen Reedy, whom he had been married to since 2020, and his three kids, Brantley, Kaden, and Kaede Belle.

Deputy Reedy was twenty-seven years old. While his life was cut hastily short, his service to the Smyth County Sheriff's Office and the people of Smyth County had impacts that will last many years to come.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment is just plain and simple common sense. It addresses the importance of all types of research and development funding at the Department of Energy--specifically, the energy research conducted at the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.

In my ideal world, I would have virtual parity between renewable energy and fuels and research on ways to reduce the environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuels.

Any effective plan to counter climate change and handle increased energy demand must take into account our Nation's vast supply of natural resources and our talent for technological innovation.

China is projected to increase its emissions for the foreseeable future and reportedly began construction in 2023 on coal units equivalent to 70 gigawatts of power. This statistic doesn't take into account the large number of coal-fired plants China is financing in Africa and other countries with emerging economies.

Rural folks in India do not have access to reliable, baseload electricity in their homes. India has begun using renewables, but to lift the poorest citizens up, they will have to increase their use of fossil fuels, like the particularly low-grade coal mined in their country.

In the developing world, more energy means more hope and less poverty. More hope and less poverty is a good thing. We really take it for granted in this country when we cut the lights on that we will have lights that turn on. We take that comfort for granted.

I don't blame folks in developing countries for using fossil fuels. Leaders in those countries would have a difficult case to make to choose to condemn their people to poverty because of a lack of energy.

We know that much of the world will continue to use fossil fuels for decades to come, and that is why the United States needs to be a leader in finding new ways to control emissions with carbon capture and better ways to control pollutants.

That is why DOE funding for fossil and renewable research is so important. We need to produce and export better, cleaner, more efficient energy technology.

DOE plays an important role in this R&D, but it can do more for fossil energy. Over the years, this research has borne some fruit, including projects, some at Virginia Tech and some at a company called MOVA in Pulaski County in my district, where researchers have been able to create more advanced filtration systems to be used on smokestacks of all varieties to take out pollutants.

In the past few fiscal years, the spread between the renewable energy research account and the fossil energy office has really gotten off kilter. In the underlying bill, $1.966 billion is appropriated for energy and efficiency and renewable energy while $857 million is appropriated for fossil energy.

I applaud Congressman Fleischmann for really closing that spread from the last fiscal year and working toward an increased focus on the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.

I am advocating with this amendment that we shouldn't ignore our fossil fuel and carbon mitigation research. My amendment increases the fossil energy and carbon mitigation account by $8.75 million, or 1 percent, with an offset from the departmental expenses account.

I am not against renewable energy. I just believe we shouldn't put most of our eggs into one basket.

To meet expanding energy demand, a comprehensive, all-of-the-above energy policy must include robust funding for R&D at the Federal level. These funds will continue to shorten the timeline to really make clean energy and carbon mitigation technologies available for commercial use.

Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support an all-of-the-above energy policy and, more importantly, an all-of-the-above research policy at DOE, and I ask them to vote in favor of this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.