Jake Ellzey

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a proud son of Texas and an exceptional leader, Rear Admiral Richard S. Lofgren, on his retirement from the United States Navy. For over three decades, he faithfully served our Nation, first as a surface warfare officer and eventually as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force.

Commitment to service runs deep in his family. A proud 1993 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Rear Admiral Lofgren earned his commission through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps and followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both Naval Aviators. His career can be characterized simply: he answers the call.

Rear Admiral Lofgren began his active-duty career assigned to the USS WASP (LHD-1), where he completed critical deployments in support of Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti and Operation Joint Resolve in the Balkans. These missions, undertaken far from home, reflect our Nation's commitment to safeguarding liberty wherever it is threatened.

On September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our Nation, he answered the call by affiliating with the Navy Reserve, embarking on a distinguished career of strategic leadership and operational excellence across the fleet. Like so many patriots moved by that tragic day, he chose service over comfort, and duty over ease, proving once again that America's strength lies in those willing to defend her.

Throughout his time in the Navy Reserve, he commanded at numerous levels, excelling in maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions. When asked to assume the immense responsibility of Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Rear Admiral Lofgren did so with characteristic selflessness. Once again, he answered the call.

Leaving behind his civilian career as a Managing Director in Assets and Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs with merely one day's notice, he moved from Dallas, Texas to the halls of the Pentagon.

Like many who don the cloth of the Nation, he never imagined he would still be serving thirty years after first joining the Navy. Each new tour was an opportunity to demonstrate servant leadership and continue upholding an oath to the Constitution. In reflecting on his final uniformed leadership role, he regarded the time as a humbling opportunity to shine a light on the incredible teammates who serve alongside him. His service reflects the enduring strength of the American spirit and the unwavering belief that our Nation's ideals are worth defending.

A successful career never occurs in a vacuum, absent of support and sacrifice. His rapid transition to Washington, D.C. combined with decades of continued service, stands as a profound testament to his wife, Jennifer. Her steadfast support, resilience, and dedication have been the foundation of his career, reminding us all that military service is a true family commitment.

That proud legacy of service now continues with the next generation-- a fourth generation of Navy service. Their son, Lieutenant Junior Grade Richard J. Lofgren, recently qualified in submarine warfare and is on active duty with the silent service, stewarding the most critical and survivable part of our nuclear arsenal, and demonstrating our Nation's commitment to peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, Rear Admiral Lofgren's career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, to the defense of the United States, and to freedom writ large. On behalf of a grateful Nation and my fellow Texans, I extend my deepest gratitude to Rear Admiral Richard S. Lofgren and his family for their unwavering dedication, leadership, and decades of sacrifice for the United States of America.

As they conclude this remarkable chapter of their lives, I wish him, Jennifer, and their entire family fair winds and following seas. May their legacy continue to inspire future generations to serve, protect, and cherish the ideals that make our Nation exceptional.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Patricia Ellen Malley, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith whose life was marked by kindness, compassion, and selfless devotion to her family.

Born in Crane, Texas, Patricia was raised with the values of faith, hard work, and love for others. She carried those principles throughout her life, touching the lives of all who knew her with her gentle spirit and quiet strength.

Patricia dedicated many years of faithful service to American Greetings, where she was admired for her dedication and warm personality. After retiring, she devoted herself to her greatest calling, which was her family. Whether preparing meals, traveling with loved ones, or simply opening her home to others, Patricia found joy in caring for those around her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Stephen H. Malley; her brother, Tom Hightower; her children, Billy Don Bratton, Kerry Aalbers, and Stephen S. Malley; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Mike, Richard, and Jack Hightower; her sister, Linda Pearce; and her granddaughter, Bailey Bratton.

Mr. Speaker, Patricia Malley lived a life centered on faith, family, and service. Her love, grace, and steadfast example will continue to inspire those who knew her. It is my honor to recognize her life and extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones as they celebrate the legacy she leaves behind.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of this bill and I join Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum in saluting the hard work of the Defense Subcommittee staff, and of course, Chairman Cole. I thank my colleagues on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for working with this body.

As of today, the Biden-era CRs, numbers, and policies will come to an end, and we will pass a bill that addresses the needs of now and the future for our adversaries around the world.

This fiscal year `26 bill invests in the Navy's sixth-generation fighter, an essential high-tech platform designed to succeed across the globe, projecting power from highly mobile airfields--the United States Navy's aircraft carriers.

It also accelerates the Army's investment in the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, a platform essential for the Army to meet the fight in the long distances between islands in the Pacific.

The Navy Reserve will finally get four more KC-130Js to provide aerial refueling, spare engines, and contested logistics in the Pacific Ocean.

Some of the most important provisions in this bill help the Pentagon fix many of its broken and antiquated processes. It gives Secretary Feinberg the ability to accelerate and find, test, and buy the tools that warfighters want and need, both hardware and software.

Remember, it was industrial innovations that won World War II, not a fledgling Pentagon.

Today, patriotic companies across the country are putting their own skin in the game to help our country deter, if possible, and defeat, if necessary, our 21st century adversaries, and we must help them succeed.

Vote for this bill.