Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for part of votes on January 12, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 15.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4495, the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act. I am the co-lead on this legislation, along with my friend, colleague, and fellow Air Force veteran, Representative Downing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 30 million small businesses were negatively impacted. The Federal Government took action to ensure that an unprecedented amount of money flowed into small businesses in the form of grants and loans in order to help them stay afloat.

Over the course of 18 months, the SBA administered four major programs, which delivered 22.1 million loans and $1.2 trillion in grants. Although these loans did provide much-needed relief to numerous small businesses throughout the United States, there were many who illegally obtained these loans.

The SBA issued a report titled: ``Protecting the Integrity of the Pandemic Relief Programs.'' It states that there are estimates that $36 billion of the $1.2 trillion in pandemic relief emergency funds were obtained illegally.

H.R. 4495 would extend the civil and criminal statute of limitations for violations of, or conspiracy to violate, fraud related to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

To ensure small businesses can receive the benefits they deserve, it is important that the SBA is properly funded and staffed. I am concerned that the cut in the SBA's workforce by 43 percent will impede the SBA's ability to recover the improper and illegally obtained payments.

Mr. Speaker, having said that, I urge all of my colleagues to support this very important legislation. I thank my colleague, Representative Downing, for allowing me to lead this important piece of legislation with him.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor one of my former interns, Ms. Haley Deng, who is taking the oath of citizenship and officially becoming a citizen of the United States.

Haley was born in China and moved at an early age to Marlboro, New Jersey, in my district, where she grew up. From a young age, she demonstrated a deep curiosity about the world around her and a strong commitment to serving others. Today, she is pursuing degrees in Biological Sciences and Government at Cornell University, with the goal of entering public service and helping to improve our healthcare system.

This past summer, Haley brought her talents to my congressional office as an intern. She displayed a remarkable ability to understand and clearly communicate complex healthcare policies--always with empathy, clarity, and respect. She spoke compassionately with constituents seeking assistance, supported our caseworkers in processing inquiries, and participated in policy meetings with professionalism and a consistently positive attitude. Haley never hesitated to share her perspective, drawing from her experience growing up in an immigrant family and the challenges and opportunities that shaped her.

For Haley, one of her greatest aspirations was to become an American citizen. She fell in love with our Nation's freedoms and with our democratic system, even while acknowledging its imperfections. Today, she has fulfilled that dream. I am proud to say our country is stronger because of it. For when we welcome a new citizen like Haley, we reaffirm the promise that America is not defined by blood or birth, but by the shared belief that freedom and opportunity belong to all who seek them.

As a citizen, Haley will continue to apply her education, experience, and New Jersey values to the work of building a brighter and more inclusive future for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Haley Deng on this milestone in her life and in welcoming her as one of our Nation's newest citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C.

Known as the ``Patriarch of Peace'' by the Eastern Orthodox Church, he guides millions of faithful around the world in their spiritual journey and relationship with God. He has long championed interfaith dialogue, global peace, and religious tolerance. His presence reflects the deep ties between the Orthodox Christian community and the United States. His work has uplifted Eastern Orthodox Christians around the world, including many in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District.

During this visit, Patriarch Bartholomew is being honored as the recipient of the Templeton Prize. This prestigious international a yard recognizes his scholarly contributions in exploring the intersection of faith and the natural world. Past recipients include Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.

In 1997, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his contributions to the United States. His efforts have fostered dialogue among Christians, Muslims, Jews, and people of all faiths. His visit reminds us that our Nation is strongest when we work together in mutual respect, despite our differences.

Throughout his ministry, His All-Holiness has exemplified how faith can contribute to a just and peaceful planet. He has unapologetically spoken out against violence, international terrorism, and the degradation of the environment. He once stated, ``Human conflict may be inevitable in our world; but war and violence are not. If our age will be remembered, it may be for those who dedicated themselves to the cause of peace.'' In a time of global Turbulence, his visit marks a moment of deep significance for Orthodox Christians in New Jersey and across the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on my amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act.

This administration has made their military plan clear: weaponize our troops against the people and use our military installations to advance their immigration agenda.

As plans to house undocumented immigrants on military bases continue, base leadership must be informed about everyone that is coming onto the base and if their treatment and detention meets well-established Federal standards.

My amendments would require the Department of Homeland Security to create a registry of all undocumented immigrants held at DOD facilities and require a joint DOD-DHS report to the Congress on the use of force and compliance with Federal detention standards, standards designed to ensure humane treatment.

Unfortunately, these amendments aren't just needed but necessary given the reports of DHS violating the rights of undocumented immigrants and those with legal status at detention facilities all across our country. We must have accountability, and if this administration plans to use our military installations as detention facilities, then DOD must play a role in curbing DHS' inhumane tactics.

I ask all my colleagues to support these amendments.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because we are witnessing a tragic breakup between a Nazi-saluting billionaire and the President of the United States.

Elon Musk has decided to call it quits after President Trump and congressional Republicans moved to eliminate a tax credit that would have benefited Musk under the so-called big, beautiful bill.

To be completely honest, I agree with both sides on this. I agree that Trump should start to question Elon's Federal contracts, and I agree with Musk that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is an abomination.

I am curious to see who my Republican colleagues will choose in this breakup because, unfortunately for them, they have pledged undying allegiance, either directly or indirectly, to both of these men.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle turned a blind eye as Musk was handed the keys to the government, enabling him to disable or, rather, dismantle--probably both--programs everyday Americans depend on. The majority stood by Trump through everything he has done, and now we will see if that support falters.

The American people deserve much better than the drama playing out between these two men, and it is time my Republican colleagues recognize this.

At long last, let's work together to focus on the real issues facing our beloved Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career and service of Colonel William G. Soto, United States Air Force as he prepares to retire after an extraordinary twenty-four years of dedication to our Nation. Colonel Soto's legacy of service, most recently as Deputy Commander, 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, New Jersey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the security of the United States.

Colonel Soto received his commission in the Air Force in May 2001 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He went on to complete undergraduate pilot training in 2002 and has served as an aircraft commander, instructor pilot and evaluator pilot in multiple airframes. Colonel Soto has commanded several garrison and deployed squadrons, to include the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and the 65th Operations Support Squadron at Lajes Field, Portugal He also served overseas in support of several combat, contingency, and support missions, and has combat experience in airlift, aerial refueling and operational support airlift.

Colonel Soto's staff appointments have spanned the operational, planning, policy, and diplomatic arenas. He previously served as Deputy Chief of the Iran, Iraq, and Syria Division within the Joint Staff J-5 where he developed policy options to inform U.S. government senior leaders, advance the President's policy priorities, and promote U.S. national security strategy interests. Other staff assignments included service as Deputy Chief of the Commander's Action Group for the Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, and Aide-de- Camp to the Director of the U.S. Embassy Military Liaison to U.S. Forces in Afghanistan.

Colonel Soto retires as a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours, including 913 combat hours, and qualifications in the KC-135R/T, C-130J, C-20H, C-37A and KC-46 aircraft. Over Colonel Soto's distinguished career, he has earned numerous Joint and Air Force decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, six Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Medals and an Aerial Achievement Medal.

Currently, as Deputy Commander, 305th Air Mobility Command, Colonel Soto is second in command of a strategic wing, comprised of nearly 2,700 joint personnel responsible for maintaining, supporting and operating a fleet of 24 KC-46 Pegasus and 14 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, providing rapid global mobility for national security objectives, combat operations, contingencies and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide, through aerial refueling and airlift capabilities. The wing is also responsible for controlling two airfields, some of the busiest airspace in the Nation, and two of Air Mobility Command's aerial ports, ensuring uninterrupted flow of forces and material in support of ongoing global operations.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Colonel William G. Soto's exemplary service to the United States. His selfless dedication, exceptional leadership, and many contributions have left a lasting impact on our Nation's security. I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation to his wife, Brittany, and their children, Amelie and Gavin, for their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout Colonel Soto's distinguished career. The Nation owes a debt of gratitude to our veterans, service members, and their families who give so much to defend our freedom and way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the SAVE Act. While everyday Americans are struggling from the fallout of Trump's disastrous tariff policies, Republicans are pushing through a bill that strips Americans' constitutional right to vote, a vote that was hard won and for which many died.

They claim the SAVE Act is intended to prevent undocumented immigrants from voting, but it is already illegal for them to vote, and it is extremely rare.

In reality, the SAVE Act makes it harder for Americans, especially women and people of color, to participate in our elections. We have seen these tactics before, creating barriers to the ballot box to suppress the vote, and yet Republicans continue to find ways to undermine democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take a hard look in the mirror and ask themselves: Do you want to stand on the side of voter suppression or do you want to stand on the side of democracy? I choose democracy and will vote ``no'' on this dangerous anti-American bill.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Roll Call No. 71, H.J. Res 25, during the Legislative Day of March 11, 2025. Had I been present for the Roll Call Vote on the Passage of H.J. Res. 25, I would have cast the following vote: Roll Call No. 71: YEA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act, otherwise known as the SERV Act. This bill would study the barriers that veterans face when starting or owning a small business.

Starting a small business is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each individual encounters unique challenges when striving to open their dream business. That is why it is essential that, as Members of Congress, we support legislative initiatives aimed at identifying and addressing the obstacles that small business owners and entrepreneurs face.

The SERV Act is one such initiative. It would enhance outreach and promotion of existing veteran-focused small business programs, ensuring that veterans can access all available services, resources, capital, and credit.

This bill would provide a report on the availability of veteran and reservist small business owners' access to credit. It would require the Small Business Administration's Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development to develop an action plan for outreach and promotion of the many programs available to veterans transitioning into the small business world. It will ensure that the task force reports annually to Congress on its outreach efforts for programs available to veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, and their spouses.

For many of our Nation's veterans, transitioning back to civilian life can be daunting, especially for those seeking to start their own small business.

As an Air Force veteran and vice ranking member on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I believe it is not only crucial but imperative that our government support our Nation's veterans in every possible way.

The SERV Act is a bill that will provide robust support for veterans' small business development and help veterans achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their support of this legislation and moving it forward. Certainly, I thank the lead sponsors, Representatives Alford and Davids, for their gracious support of me and for helping to sponsor this bill and move it forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today not just as a Member of Congress, but as a physician who has treated patients for 30 years. I express my strong opposition to the House Republican reproductive healthcare surveillance act.

Let me make one thing clear: Over my 30 years of practice, I have come to treat patients in the most difficult times of their lives, and I understand full well that no one but the doctor and the patient should be in that examination room.

Like any other issue, abortion care is medical care and needs to be treated by a physician trained to deal with that very difficult situation for women.

Unfortunately, the bill we are considering today undermines medical expertise and seeks to bully physicians into not providing the care that they have been trained to provide according to the best medical science.

This bill is just another attempt to strip women of their reproductive freedom by pushing misinformation that endangers not only the lives of women but the public health at large.

Like with any other medical issue, politicians are not equipped, generally not trained, to manage the healthcare of patients, but we hope they will address the important needs of public health.

Mr. Speaker, let the doctors and patients lead the way on healthcare, and let women make the decisions that are their right to make.