Harold Rogers

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable Eugene Siler, Jr. and celebrate the designation of the federal courthouse annex in London, Kentucky as the ``Eugene E. Siler, Junior United States Courthouse Annex.'' My longtime friend and trusted adviser, the Honorable Eugene Siler, Jr. has served on the federal bench for nearly 50 years and was nominated by three U.S. Presidents. President Richard Nixon first nominated Siler as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky in 1970, followed by President Gerald Ford's appointment in 1975 as U.S. District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, and President George H.W. Bush's elevated appointment of Judge Siler to preside over the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 1991.

The Siler family legacy of public service is highly regarded in southern Kentucky. Eugene's father, and namesake, served as a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals before being elected as a Member of this House for the decade spanning 1955 to 1965. The senior Siler was known for being fiscally conservative, a man of great faith, and very generous, donating his expense allotment to build up scholarships at home in Kentucky. Likewise, his son has established a reputation as an acclaimed jurist, a compassionate community member, and a trusted source for legal advice at home and abroad. Both Silers joined the military before pursuing their law degrees, bravely serving and protecting this great Nation. Eugene Siler, Jr. was a U.S. Navy midshipman in 1957 and served as a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve from 1958 to 1983.

When I was first elected to represent the people of Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, Judge Siler swore me in during a ceremonial celebration in 1981 on the courthouse square in my hometown of Somerset, Kentucky. That moment will forever be one of my favorite memories, as I first stepped into this monumental responsibility of public service, surrounded by my mentors and closest friends. Fast forward to 2026, and I am proud to say that Judge Siler and I are still showing up for the people of this region every single day. He still carries a hefty caseload, five days a week, as a Senior Judge.

It was an honor to join U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell's efforts to advance this worthy courthouse designation from both chambers of Congress. Judge Siler's legacy gives us a great sense of pride in southeastern Kentucky, and it is only fitting for his home court of justice, where he has mentored aspiring legal minds, to bear his name. This designation for Judge Siler is a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as we applaud his continued valiant service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Special Agent Grant R. Blevins of Kentucky upon his retirement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation after more than two decades of distinguished service to our Nation.

Special Agent Blevins began his FBI career on June 11, 2006, when he was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office in Hawaii and served as a member of HIDTA-Hawaii and the FBI SWAT Team. His early assignments demonstrated a commitment to excellence, courage, and professionalism that would define an impressive career. From Hawaii, to New Jersey, West Virginia, and Kentucky, Special Agent Blevins has investigated a broad range of complex criminal matters and organized crime, become an FBI Firearms Instructor, and overseen highly sensitive operations, vital to the U.S. Department of Defense.

His service also extended overseas. In 2017, Special Agent Blevins served as an Assistant Legal Attache at the United States Embassy in Bucharest, where he worked on international corruption investigations and strengthened cooperation with foreign law enforcement partners.

In 2018, he was selected as the Senior Supervisory Special Resident Agent for London and Pikeville in southeastern Kentucky. He oversaw FBI operations across 23 counties and served as Commander of the Southeastern Kentucky FBI Drug Task Force under Appalachia-HIDTA, directing collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and violent crime. Throughout every assignment, he exemplified integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Before joining the FBI, Grant Blevins honorably served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer. He completed two combat deployments to Iraq, serving as a Recon Platoon Commander during the 2003 Ground Invasion and later with the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His military service laid the foundation for a career dedicated to protecting the American people and defending our Nation's interests.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Grant is a devoted husband to his wife, Gloria,

and a proud father of four daughters. Together, they have navigated the many moves and sacrifices that accompany a life of service.

On behalf of this great Nation, I salute Special Agent Blevins for his remarkable service to the United States Marine Corps, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the people of the United States. His career stands as a testament to duty, honor, and selfless service. I congratulate him on his retirement and wish him and his family continued happiness, health, and success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my chairman for the introduction. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the CJS Subcommittee, I rise in support of H.R. 6938.

From national security and law enforcement to American innovation and space exploration, the CJS bill before us puts the Nation on a path to greatness while reinforcing President Trump's bold agenda on trade and combating illicit drug trafficking.

To continue the fight against the drug cartels that are ravaging American communities, the Drug Enforcement Administration receives an increase of $63 million in this bill.

The bill also streamlines and enhances support for the National Weather Service to ensure Americans receive lifesaving information in times of need.

This bill is pro-law enforcement. It includes increased funding for State and local police through the Byrne Formula Grant Program and COPS hiring grants, while also making cuts to wasteful grant programs.

I thank Chairman Cole for his steady leadership. This has been a courageous effort on his part and our committee to restore regular order to the way we apportion taxpayer moneys that are entrusted to us. This legislation is a product of good faith, bipartisan negotiations.

I thank and recognize Ranking Member Meng and Ranking Member DeLauro for their partnership as well as staff for their hard work on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.