Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6116) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14280 South Military Trail in Delray Beach, Florida, as the ``Benjamin Berell Ferencz Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which would rename a post office in Delray Beach, Florida, for Benjamin Berell Ferencz.

Benjamin Ferencz was an American lawyer and investigator of Nazi war crimes following World War II. He served as the chief prosecutor of the United States Army at the Einsatzgruppen Nuremberg trials. I encourage my colleagues to support the renaming of the post office after Benjamin Berell Ferencz.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7158) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 East Battles Road in Santa Maria, California, as the ``Larry Lavagnino Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which would rename a post office in Santa Maria, California, for Larry Lavagnino.

Larry is a longtime Santa Maria resident, as well as a Navy veteran. He served on the Santa Maria City Council as mayor.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7508) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1285 Emancipation Highway in Fredericksburg, Virginia, as the ``Gladys P. Todd Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which would rename a post office in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for Gladys P. Todd.

Gladys Todd was a revered schoolteacher and community organizer who was active in Fredericksburg's civil rights movement. She was known for her work as a voting rights advocate and contributed to Fredericksburg electing its first Black mayor.

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

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my House colleagues to support this bill honoring an influential advocate, Gladys P. Todd, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8868) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 609 Portsmouth Avenue in Greenland, New Hampshire, as the ``Chief Michael Maloney Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which would rename a post office located in Greenland, New Hampshire, to honor Chief Michael Maloney.

After high school, Michael joined the Army Reserve and later became the chief of the Greenland Police Department in 2000. Michael was tragically killed in the line of duty on April 12, 2012, only 8 days out from his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I support naming a post office in honor of Chief Michael Maloney. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support this bill honoring Chief Michael Maloney, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 10065) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 802 North Tancahua Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, as the ``Captain Robert E. `Bob' Batterson Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which would rename a post office located in Texas to honor Captain Robert E. Batterson.

Captain Batterson served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years and was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the 1941 attack.

In retirement, he spent 26 years as a volunteer at the Pearl Harbor exhibit in the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the naming of a post office in honor of Captain Batterson, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud).

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate and agree with hopefully the next ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, and there are two bills we are talking about, including the one for Mr. Mfume, that didn't meet those requirements.

Hopefully, that will not ever happen again in the future, but I will make that point again to the new speaker on the other side of the aisle.

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

Mr. Speaker, I might add they have nowhere to go but up in the ranking member category on that side of the aisle, and I appreciate my friend from New York City.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kenzie Willen from Cumberland County High School in Burkesville, Kentucky.

Kenzie was runner-up in the Kentucky High School Girls State Golf Tournament. This was a very competitive golf tournament. I knew several of the girls in the golf tournament from around the State, and Kenzie finished second overall. In Kentucky we don't have classes. Every school competes against every school--the big schools against the little schools.

Kenzie's achievement was the highest athletic achievement in the history of tiny Cumberland County High School.

Kenzie was also recently named the KHSAA Fourth Region Girls Athlete of the Year. Kenzie's parents, Lannie and Kristi Willen, are good friends of mine and are leaders in the great community of Burkesville, Kentucky.

Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate Miss Kenzie Willen from Cumberland County High School.

Thanking American Voters

Mr. Speaker, I thank the voters of America for overwhelmingly turning out to reelect a Republican majority in the United States House of Representatives.

I had the honor of serving this Congress as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, and I plan on serving my final 2 years as chairman in the next Congress.

The House Oversight Committee passed 23 good government bills through this House body, most of which received bipartisan majorities. The House Oversight Committee also led many successful investigations and probes, including our bipartisan PBM investigation--that is pharmacy benefit managers.

Our investigation revealed, along with our three bipartisan committee hearings, that the pharmacy benefit managers were actually doing the opposite of what they were created to do. They were created to help lower the price of prescription drugs when, in fact, in many instances they have actually increased the price of prescription drugs.

I believe our work on the House Oversight Committee will lead to significant reforms for the PBM industry in this next Congress.

We also had many other successful investigations, the most high profile of which was the Biden family influence peddling investigation, which revealed that the Biden family received tens of millions of dollars from our adversaries around the world, and according to the two IRS whistleblowers, never paid a penny of taxes on it. Despite the President of the United States saying he didn't know anything about it and never met with any of these people, he met with every single one of them.

We achieved many of our objectives with respect to providing the American people with the truth. We provided the American taxpayers with badly needed oversight, despite massive--and I repeat that, Mr. Speaker, massive--opposition from the Biden-Harris administration, as well as constant disruption and dishonesty from Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.

I hope that this next Congress on the House Oversight Committee we can work together to get the backs of the American taxpayers to provide the badly needed oversight that the American people deserve and that Congress is supposed to provide.

I am excited about the future because I am confident that the Trump administration will be more transparent than this current administration has and cooperate with us and do things like provide information when we request it.

We work for the American people. We work for the taxpayers. The taxpayers have taken it on the chin, Mr. Speaker. They expect Congress to provide oversight. They expect good government. They expect efficiency and transparency with their hard-earned tax dollars that they send here to Washington, D.C. They have not been getting that, Mr. Speaker.

I also look forward to working with Elon Musk and the new government efficiency task force. I think there are lots of opportunities there, Mr. Speaker, to save significant amounts of tax dollars. We cannot continue to operate in this body spending $1.5 to $2 trillion a year more than we take in. It is not sustainable, and it has led to excessive spending.

The American people spoke loud and clear. They want good government. They want efficiency and transparency. Mr. Speaker, I pledge that the House Oversight Committee will work together to see that the American people get the efficiency and transparency in the government that they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding.

Our foreign adversaries have been using information technology and telecommunications equipment to infiltrate and exploit the systems of Federal agencies.

Congress has worked to address this threat by passing numerous bills to prohibit Federal agencies from purchasing or using technology from sources of concern.

This includes legislation to prohibit Federal agencies from using telecommunications and video surveillance equipment provided by certain Chinese companies, legislation to prohibit Federal agencies from procuring electronic products or services that include semiconductors produced by certain Chinese companies, and legislation to prohibit Federal agencies from buying or using drones manufactured or assembled by certain Chinese companies.

In addition to these outright prohibitions, Congress has already previously established the Federal Acquisition Security Council, or the

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Chris Quire of Franklin County for being named Kentucky Sheriff's Association Sheriff of the Year in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service in law enforcement.

Sheriff Quire has risen through the ranks from parking citation officer to Captain before being elected Sheriff in 2018. His time as Sheriff has been defined by ensuring the safety of the people of Franklin County. Under his leadership, the Franklin County Sheriff's office was able to fully staff each school in the county with a School Resource Officer.

Sheriff Quire has earned the respect and support of Franklin County due to his ability to foster strong relationships and his commitment to the well-being of the community.

Sheriff Quire's many years of service to Franklin County make him the perfect choice for Kentucky's Sheriff of the Year. I am confident that Sheriff Quire will continue to serve as an exemplary role model for law enforcement officers across the 1st Congressional District and the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Debra Hembree Lambert on being elected to be the first female Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court. She has served as a judge for seventeen years, including six years on the Kentucky Supreme Court.

I have had the privilege of getting to know Justice Lambert over the years. I have always admired her commitment to ensuring every person in Kentucky receives the impartial justice they deserve.

During her time on Kentucky's Supreme Court, Justice Lambert has headed the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, which works to address Kentuckians' mental health needs, through improvements to the judicial system.

Justice Lambert serves many counties in the 1st Congressional District, and they are served well due to her hard work and dedication on our state's highest court.

I congratulate Justice Lambert on her election to this prestigious position. I am confident that Kentucky will continue to greatly benefit from her leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Chris Quire of Franklin County for being named the Kentucky Sheriffs' Association Sheriff of the Year in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service in law enforcement.

Sheriff Quire has risen through the ranks from parking citation officer to captain before being elected sheriff in 2018.

His time as sheriff has been defined by ensuring the safety of the people of Franklin County. Under his leadership, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office was able to fully staff each school in the county with a school resource officer.

Sheriff Quire has earned the respect and support of Franklin County due to his ability to foster strong relationships and his commitment to the well-being of the community. Sheriff Quire's many years of service to Franklin County make him the perfect choice for Kentucky's Sheriff of the Year.

I am confident that Sheriff Quire will continue to serve as an exemplary role model for law enforcement officers all across the First Congressional District and the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky.

National Bourbon Heritage Month

Mr. Speaker, this is National Bourbon Heritage Month. Kentucky-01 is home to the world's finest bourbon industry, including six distilleries, such as Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, Bulleit, Jefferson's, Yellowstone, and many more of the world's finest bourbons.

The Kentucky bourbon industry is a huge economic driver for my congressional district. In addition to hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue, it is a huge market for many of my farmers who grow corn and wheat.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is the State of Kentucky's single largest tourist destination.

Let's all celebrate the Kentucky Bourbon Heritage Month and remember the huge economic impact it has, not just on Kentucky's First Congressional District, but on the whole Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Congratulating Debra Hembree Lambert on Her Election to Kentucky

Supreme Court Chief Justice

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Debra Lambert on being elected the first female chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court.

She has served as a judge for 17 years, including 6 years on the Kentucky Supreme Court. I have had the privilege of getting to know Justice Lambert very well over the years. I have always admired her commitment to ensuring every person in Kentucky receives the impartial justice they deserve.

During her time on Kentucky's Supreme Court, Justice Lambert has headed the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, which works to address Kentuckians' mental health needs through improvements to the judicial system.

Justice Lambert serves many counties in the First Congressional District, and they are served well due to her hard work and dedication on our State's highest court.

I congratulate Justice Lambert on her election to this prestigious position. I am confident Kentucky will continue to greatly benefit from her leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8057) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9317 Bolsa Avenue in Westminster, California, as the ``Little Saigon Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Steel).

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

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my House colleagues to support this bill, remembering the sacrifices of Vietnamese Americans during the Vietnam war. I certainly thank the sponsor of the bill, Mrs. Steel from California, for her great work on getting this bill through the House.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bilby Family of Franklin County who has received the 2024 Angels in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Each year, CCAI selects individuals across the country who are committed to improving the lives of children in need of loving homes.

The Bilby Family started their journey in 2017 and immediately recognized the need for foster parents in Kentucky. In 2019, 2-year-old James came into the family's life. Since adopting James, the Bilby Family has grown closer, and James has become an integral part of their family. Their story can serve as a blueprint for others who seek to open their homes and hearts to children in need of a forever family.

The entire 1st Congressional District of Kentucky should be proud of the Bilby Family.

Their advocacy is inspiring and will have a lasting impact in Franklin County and beyond. I thank the Bilby family for supporting and advocating for Kentucky families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Joni Carrico of Graves County on being chosen as the 2024 Angel to Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Ms. Carrico has worked tirelessly with Hope That Binds, a nonprofit organization based out of Western Kentucky that aims to provide financial assistance for foster and adoptive families. Through Hope That Binds, a network of loving families is growing and expanding. To date, over 100 families have been assisted through the organization's fundraisers and grant program.

Throughout her time at Hope That Binds, Ms. Carrico has been a voice of advocacy in her church and community. Her service has provided much encouragement to the 1st Congressional District of Kentucky and our constituents. She remains an important voice for hopeful parents seeking to grow their home.

Ms. Carrico is an outstanding leader in Western Kentucky and her work impacts our communities daily. I thank Ms. Carrico for supporting, connecting and advocating for Kentucky families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Brenda Allen of Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Mrs. Allen served as the mayor of Campbellsville for three terms, dedicating her life to bettering her community and serving all who called Campbellsville home.

Mayor Allen was a lifelong resident of Campbellsville and spent years before her time in public office as an active community leader and volunteer. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors due to her many years of service to her community.

She served as city clerk for 4 years before being elected the first female mayor of Campbellsville. Over the years, I had the privilege of getting to know Mayor Allen very well. Her endless pride for Campbellsville and dedication to improving the lives of her city's citizens never wavered.

Campbellsville and Kentucky's First Congressional District have lost a great leader and public servant. Mayor Allen's life and her time in office were marked by numerous accomplishments, and her legacy will be felt for many years to come.

On behalf of the First Congressional District of Kentucky, I send my condolences to Mayor Allen's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Joni Carrico of Graves County, Kentucky, on being chosen as the 2024 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Ms. Carrico has worked tirelessly with the Hope That Binds, a nonprofit organization based out of western Kentucky that aims to provide financial assistance for foster and adopted families.

Through Hope That Binds, a network of loving families is growing and expanding. To date, over 100 families have been assisted through the organization's fundraisers and grant program.

Throughout her time at Hope That Binds, Ms. Carrico has been a voice of advocacy in her church and community. Her service has provided much encouragement to the First Congressional District of Kentucky and our constituents. She remains an important voice for hopeful parents seeking to grow their families.

Ms. Carrico is an outstanding leader in west Kentucky, and her work impacts our community daily. I thank Ms. Carrico for supporting, connecting, and advocating for Kentucky families.