Floor Statements

Mr Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ste. Genevieve Industries, Inc. on its 50th anniversary.

SGI was established to provide a place for individuals with disabilities to experience the value of dignified work. Over the years, this non-profit has offered opportunities for people to share their skills and talents, including two who have worked there since the very day SGI opened its doors. Katherine Blechle and Linda Wolk went to work at SGI on September 20, 1976, and they are still on their jobs today.

SGI began by having its employees make custom pallets. In the decades since, they've added contract work--delivering bagged ice, shredding documents and operating the Ste. Genevieve County Recycling Center. They host electronic waste disposal events where residents can bring old computers, printers and other devices for safe disposal.

SGI employs 28 adults with disabilities and 20 staff members at its location at 10929 Industrial Drive. Josh Adams is the director, and the Board of Directors is led by President Bob Hoog. Board members Clement Donze and Mary Ann Roth are also celebrating a half century of service to SGI.

Ste. Genevieve Industries, Incorporated is a treasure in the Ste. Genevieve community, and it is my great pleasure to recognize SGI today on its 50th anniversary before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 9496) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to postpone tax deadlines and reimburse paid late fees for United States nationals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9496, the End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, introduced by Representative Tenney.

It seems impossible to imagine that any American who has been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad and is safely returned home could then face a penalty from the IRS for failure to pay taxes while in captivity. Yet, under current law, those Americans and their families could owe thousands of dollars in tax penalties and fines.

As of 2025, an estimated 74 Americans were being held abroad against their will. Right now, the IRS has no authority to provide extended relief to these taxpayers or to lessen or eliminate interest payments on tax liabilities. This is not just unfair, it is absurd.

That is why this legislation received unanimous support in the Ways and Means Committee earlier this summer, and a previous version of Representative Tenney's bill was also approved by the House of Representatives last Congress.

This gap in our tax code deserves to be closed once and for all. I appreciate Representative Tenney's continued leadership on this issue and her commitment to American families who have endured unspeakable hardship and tragedy. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

When we welcome home Americans who have been held hostage abroad, they should receive a handshake or a warm hug, not a tax bill.

I appreciate Representatives Tenney bringing this bill back to the Ways and Means Committee this Congress so that we can once again pass it here in the House and send it to the Senate. We should not punish Americans for being held hostage.

Preventing the IRS from penalizing our fellow citizens and their families who have suffered at the hands of hostage-takers or hostile foreign governments is the right and decent thing to do.

I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 9498) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate to appear as amicus curiae in Federal tax cases, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9498, the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act, introduced by Representative Steube.

As the title suggests, the National Taxpayer Advocate exists to champion the interests of American taxpayers and act as their voice to ensure fair treatment. There is currently one place where the advocate is forbidden from expressing those views directly: a court of law. That is because current law generally only allows Department of Justice personnel to represent the interests of the United States and its citizens in cases before the courts.

This means that when the interests of American taxpayers are being litigated and the outcome could impact the rights of taxpayers, the individual whose job it is to advocate on behalf of those taxpayers is not allowed to do so.

Representative Steube has made it his mission to advance the interests of American taxpayers. It is fitting that he is leading the charge to give the National Taxpayer Advocate another tool to support taxpayers: the ability to file amicus briefs in court.

To be clear, this authority is specifically tailored to ensure the advocate can take such action only in cases where the issue being litigated would broadly affect taxpayer rights.

This bill received unanimous support in the Ways and Means Committee, and I look forward to advancing it through the House.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Steube).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

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

Mr. Speaker, Congress has a responsibility to make sure that American taxpayers have a voice when their rights and interests are at stake. The Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act is a targeted approach to do just that, giving the taxpayer advocate another tool to advocate for taxpayers in cases where the outcome could affect their rights. As the National Taxpayer Advocate has said, this authority is expected to be used sparingly.

A similar authority already exists at the Small Business Administration where the chief counsel for advocacy can champion the rights of small businesses before a court of law. The American taxpayer deserves the same.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 9499) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to apply tax return preparation penalties to improperly altered returns, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9499, the Protecting Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Act, introduced by Representative Malliotakis.

Shady businesses and criminal enterprises commit all types of tax fraud, including exploiting the system by filing returns on behalf of individuals while making it appear that the taxpayers prepared and submitted those returns themselves.

The actions of these so-called ghost preparers can leave an innocent taxpayer facing the blame and potential IRS penalties for a crime that they did not commit. This legislation provides much-needed clarity within our tax code and ensures Americans do not face an indefinite future of IRS assessments or penalties because of the misdeeds of others. It reflects the longstanding commitment of Representative Malliotakis to protecting the rights of taxpayers, particularly those within her own district who have been the victims of tax fraud.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud her leadership on the issue and her work to put forward legislation that received unanimous approval from the House Ways and Means Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis).

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

We need an IRS that is relentless in combatting fraud and pursuing criminals who break our tax laws. We have to make sure the agency's actions target the criminal and not the victim.

This legislation will help protect taxpayers by fixing a flaw in our current IRS fraud prevention efforts, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support its passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 9500) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the limitation on deductions for personal casualty losses and to provide for increased taxpayer relief with respect to theft losses involving fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9500, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act, introduced by Representative Miller of Ohio.

Many of our fellow Americans have been the victims of fraud and suffered tremendous losses, both financial and otherwise. The hardship these victims endure in rebuilding their finances or recovering from identity theft is made all the worse by the fact that under current law they are also required to pay taxes on their scam-related losses.

This legislation provides much-needed relief for victims of fraud by allowing taxpayers to deduct the losses related to the fraud scheme that stole from them. Moreover, it recognizes that not all crimes are discovered at the time that they occur. The bill gives taxpayers more time to amend previous tax returns in order to receive credits and refunds on their losses.

I appreciate Representative Miller's tireless efforts to not only combat fraud and punish the bad actors who scam taxpayers but to go the extra mile and find solutions for the victims of such fraud so that they are not penalized by the IRS.

Lastly, I must mention the valuable input that our Ways and Means colleagues, Representatives Steube and Panetta, had in crafting this legislation. During its markup, we agreed to work together to improve the underlying policy to allow for retroactive deductibility of fraud- related losses. I am pleased that this bill reflects that additional bipartisan approach.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Miller).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

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

Mr. Speaker, we know that bad actors and fraudsters prey on Americans every day by stealing money, identities, and harming livelihoods. The relief included in this legislation will ensure the IRS is not adding insult to injury.

It is another strong, bipartisan effort by the Ways and Means Committee and this Congress to do right by American taxpayers. That is why the bill received unanimous approval by the Ways and Means Committee. I urge all my colleagues to do the same and support this legislation.

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 Republic of Uzbekistan as it marks the 35th anniversary of its independence. On August 31, 1991, Uzbekistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Each year on September 1, the Uzbek people celebrate that moment with pride. This year's milestone is a testament to how far the country has come in a single generation.

Just last week, I had the honor of leading a congressional delegation to Tashkent as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. We met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Chairwoman of the Senate Tanzila Narbayeva, and other senior officials. During our meetings with senior officials and business leaders, we saw a nation that has chosen reform, opened its economy to the world, and welcomed American partnership. The hospitality of the Uzbek people left a lasting impression on every member of our delegation.

Thirty-five years ago, the people of Uzbekistan chose freedom. I congratulate President

Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on this historic anniversary, and I look forward to the next 35 years of friendship between our two nations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Cole for the opportunity to speak.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which not only prevents another government shutdown but also includes legislation passed by the Ways and Means Committee and the House to reauthorize trade policies that are vital to our Nation's economy and national security.

For over two decades, the African Growth and Opportunity Act has been the foundation of America's trade partnership with the nations of sub- Saharan Africa. AGOA promotes greater economic stability and opportunity across Africa while advancing America's strategic and national security interests, including access to critical minerals and more secure supply chains that are not beholden to Communist China.

Africa is home to approximately 30 percent of the world's critical mineral resources. Strengthening our trade relationship with Africa ensures that we do not surrender those critical minerals to China.

China has invested $8 billion to $10 billion in Africa and is seeking to monopolize that entire market to control future technological innovation and achieve military dominance. We cannot let that happen.

This bill also reauthorizes the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act, known as HOPE and HELP. These programs provide trade preferences for textile and apparel products from Haiti and encourage greater stability in a nation less than 600 miles away from the Florida coast that has long suffered political and economic upheaval.

Greater stability in Haiti means fewer regional security concerns for the United States. Earlier this year, we reauthorized both of these vital agreements for an additional 1 year. Today's legislation ensures that both AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP will be in effect through the end of 2028, which will give our committee and stakeholders interested in these vital programs time to consider reforms and update them to ensure that they continue to advance U.S. interests.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise The United Way of St. Francois County for working to help its neighbors in need for 30 years.

Established in 1995 as the ``Farmington United Fund,'' the group expanded its reach in 1996 and changed its name. Since then, The United Way of St. Francois County has brought hope and help by funding local agencies that meet basic needs. From food pantries and senior centers to homeless shelters and backpack programs, the United Way has met the most basic human needs of food, shelter, health, education and social welfare services.

The United Way raises money through local fundraisers like Derby Day and Dine Out for United Way. The annual bell-ringing campaign brings the community together for more than 900 hours to ring bells at wishing wells throughout the county, drawing attention to the organization's mission and taking donations during the holiday season. This year, The United Way of St. Francois County provided more than $98,000 in grants to 24 local nonprofit groups.

Since its founding, the United Way has been governed by a board of community leaders, which now includes its president, Leigh Ragsdale, and Executive Director, Ken Curfman.

It is my privilege to congratulate The United Way of St. Francois County as it celebrates 30 years of serving the needs of its neighbors and reflecting the best in community spirit today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly extraordinary achievement by one of Missouri's most dedicated employers--Briggs & Stratton--and to recognize the men and women of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, whose skill, dedication, and hard work have made this moment possible.

This past June, the Briggs & Stratton facility in Poplar Bluff achieved a milestone that few manufacturers in American history can claim: the production of its 100 millionth engine. These are the very engines that power lawnmowers and outdoor equipment that families and workers across our nation rely on every single day.

Briggs & Stratton is a pillar of the Poplar Bluff community. For nearly four decades, through economic cycles, industry disruptions, and moments of national uncertainty, Briggs & Stratton chose to stay in Poplar Bluff to invest in this community, to employ its residents, and to build something lasting here in the heart of Missouri.

The workers of this facility are the true authors of this milestone, with many of them giving decades of their lives to this plant. Look no further than brothers Jerry and Billy Young, who have both dedicated over 30 years of service to this facility. They, alongside so many others who have followed in the footsteps of a parent or relative on these same lines, are the definition of the American worker: skilled, loyal, and proud. The economic impact of this facility on Poplar Bluff and Butler County has been profound. For 37 years, Briggs & Stratton has provided family-sustaining wages, supported local suppliers and businesses, contributed to the tax base that funds schools and infrastructure, and invested in the community that has been its home. This is what a company that believes in the American worker and the American community looks like.

American manufacturing is alive, strong, and flourishing in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Briggs & Stratton, its leadership, and above all the dedicated workforce of the Poplar Bluff facility on this remarkable achievement.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1438, I call up the bill (H.R. 8884) to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8884, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, introduced by our colleague from Georgia, Representative Austin Scott.

Many Americans that are living with disabilities want to enter the workforce and seek gainful employment. In fact, an estimated 60 percent of Americans who receive benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program have stated a desire to return to work. Yet less than 1 percent leave the disability insurance program each year for a job. That is a gigantic gap between the number of disabled Americans who want to work and the number who successfully return to work.

The Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act seeks to shrink that gap by simply restoring the Social Security Administration's authority to test drive solutions that can empower more of our fellow Americans to get back to work.

Up until 2022, the SSA had such authority to run demonstration projects on improving work outcomes. With that authority expired and with so many disabled Americans still unable to successfully navigate the current program, we have to find a better way forward.

In fact, some of the challenges cited for why so few SSDI beneficiaries successfully return to the workforce are confusing rules of the road for eligibility, that and a fear of overpayments and benefit cliffs.

Just so we do not forget why we should be focused on this issue, at a hearing of the Ways and Means Social Security and Work and Welfare Subcommittees in September, we heard from a witness, a former beneficiary, about how the work he found helped give his life real purpose and a different outlook. He was talking about the dignity of work, and that is what this bill will help deliver.

Representative Scott has been a long-time--and I would say long-time, tireless champion for Purple Heart veterans. Many of them wish to return to work but cannot afford the severe restrictions placed on their work status. I commend Mr. Scott for expanding his bill to allow the SSA's demonstration authority for so many impacted individuals, including blind Americans. He has identified a commonsense solution and is fighting to see it come to pass, just as it did through the Ways and Means Committee with bipartisan support.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers and am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, we have heard some amazing arguments on the floor just now, but one thing that has been crystal clear by the arguments that we have heard in opposition to this bill which helps veterans is simply that the Democratic Party is focused on legislative items that allow them to control Americans.

They want to have 100 percent control over the benefits of Americans. They don't even want to give them the opportunity to have the dignity of work. They said it on the floor today.

I can't believe that they would possibly want to say that they know better for your livelihood than what you do, but that is what the speakers are

saying, and that is why they are opposing this bill. That is a shame.

Mr. Speaker, you hear individuals say that it is a risk. The only risk of this bill is simply that my Democratic colleagues can't have 100 percent control over the benefits of veterans who are disabled. This bill allows them to give the opportunity to have the dignity of work and not lose their benefits but to still be able to thrive.

We are focused on the success of the individual, not the fact that the government can control your livelihood.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage this body to support this great piece of legislation that Mr. Austin Scott has worked on for some time to deliver relief for real Americans, for veterans, and not to the Democratic Party, who wants to control their benefits.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Matthew Gibson Austin of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, an exemplar of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community service whose work has earned recognition at the local, state, and national levels.

With a perfect ACT score and an outstanding academic record, he has been admitted to Northwestern University to continue his studies. Active in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the National Honor Society, Mr. Austin made a lasting contribution to his school and community. He is also a proud Eagle Scout.

Matthew's athletic achievements include being named Boys Tennis Athlete of the Year in Southeast Missouri and receiving the 2025 Bank of Missouri Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Through his exceptional leadership and individual performance, he earned the role of captain of the Notre Dame Regional tennis team.

Through the French Honor Society, Matthew helped raise funds to sponsor a child's education in Haiti. He received the Notre Dame Regional Christian Service Award and the Congressional Award Program Gold Medal after volunteering more than 400 hours with local organizations. Mr. Austin's commitment to service reflects a rare combination of compassion and humility.

On behalf of the 8th Congressional District of Missouri, I commend Matthew Gibson Austin for his pursuit of excellence, his breadth of achievement, and his dedication to others, which together set a powerful example for students across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charlie Dickinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Vietnam War veteran.

Mr. Dickinson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1950, but at age thirteen, he moved to his family's dairy farm in Hartville. Shortly after he graduated high school in 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Lebanon where he worked at Lowe Boats until his retirement.

Mr. Dickinson was a pillar in the Hartville community where he served as a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, an avid supporter of Hartville High School sports and academic programs, and an active member of numerous local organizations. He was also a proud third baseman for the community softball team which he joined in the 1970s.

Outside of his local community, Mr. Dickinson also dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow veterans through his involvement in organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He consistently advocated for veterans, helped them obtain their service benefits, and would often be found placing flags on hundreds of graves each year to honor the legacy of his fellow soldiers. He was a champion for veterans' rights in not only Jefferson City, but also in Washington, D.C., for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the VFW.

It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Dickinson, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and service to our state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Faune Riggin, one of Southeast Missouri's most beloved voices and a fixture in Cape Girardeau for 25 years.

Hosting ``Real Talk with Riggin'' on KZIM KSIM from downtown Cape Girardeau, Ms. Riggin has spoken on issues affecting our community, state, and the entire Nation for the last quarter century, inspiring listeners from the heart of downtown St. Louis down to the Arkansas border.

Ms. Riggin's 25-year career on the airwaves has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Missouri Broadcasters Association awards for Best News Feature, Best News Series, and Best Newscast--a testament to the quality and integrity she brought to every broadcast.

Her impact, however, extended well beyond the broadcast studio. She was named Media Person of the Year by Special Olympics Missouri, recognizing her long-standing role as the local voice for Special Olympics Southeast Missouri, a cause she championed with heart and dedication year after year. She also received the prestigious Mary Phelan Chiefs of Police Award for her steadfast support of law enforcement, a reflection of the trust and respect she earned from those who protect our communities. As she steps away from the microphone, she leaves behind a legacy of commitment to her community, and I have no doubt that she will continue her advocacy for local heroes, even off the air.

Ms. Riggin's last broadcast on June 26, 2026, is the capstone of her inspirational career, one of steadfast character and unflinching honesty. Ms. Riggin is a conservative fighter and an exemplary reflection of the values of Southeast Missouri--much like legendary talk show host Rush Limbaugh--proving that Cape Girardeau has a way of producing voices that will leave a mark long after the mic turns off.

It is my privilege to recognize Ms. Faune Riggin for her wonderful career, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Riggin on a remarkable career spent speaking directly to the issues Missourians care about most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Bill Feeler of Rolla, Missouri, as he approaches his 100th birthday this August after a lifetime of service to his community and our Nation.

Shortly after turning 18, Mr. Feeler was drafted into the Army during the final days of World War II. Following basic training at Fort Knox, he served as a corporal in the Liberation of the Philippines. After the war's end, he was stationed in Japan, where he worked as a driver for an aide to General Douglas MacArthur. For his service, he received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, Mr. Feeler returned home to Rolla and resumed work on his family farm, exemplifying humility, dedication, and a deep commitment to hard work. In 1953, he married Ms. Geneva Giesler of Vienna, Missouri, and together they have built a strong family, including children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.

Today, he remains active in his community--making birdhouses, tending his garden, supporting Cardinals baseball, and volunteering through his church to deliver meals during the holidays. His advice to others is simple: ``Love your country and be more patriotic.''

It is my privilege to recognize Mr. Feeler's extraordinary life of service, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his example as we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Army National Guard Colonel and Chief of Intelligence and Security, Mark C. Turner, on his retirement after a remarkable 30-year career in service to his country.

A native of Rolla, Missouri, Colonel Turner graduated from Missouri State University in 1996 with a B.S. in Communications. Immediately after graduation, Colonel Turner accepted his first commission as an officer in the United States Army National Guard. Colonel Turner's educational aspirations didn't stop after his commission, and he would go on to earn an MBA from William Woods University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

Colonel Turner's first deployment came in December of 2002, when he deployed with the 35th Infantry Division to Bosnia & Herzegovina where he served as the Analysis and Control Element Battle Captain. Colonel Turner had two further deployments in Iraq, where he served as a Tactical Intelligence Officer and as an Intelligence Trainer.

Throughout his military career, Colonel Turner held various leadership positions including Company Commander, Brigade Intelligence Officer, Intelligence Systems Branch Chief, Force Integration Chief, Intelligence Programs Division, Battalion Commander, ISR Division Chief and Senior Army National Guard Advisor to HQDA. Finally, since achieving the rank of Colonel in 2021, he has held the position of Chief of Intelligence and Security for the Army National Guard in Arlington, Virginia.

Throughout this long and illustrious career, Colonel Turner admirably served his Nation and proudly upheld the core American ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. In recognition of his heroic service, Colonel Turner received numerous commendations including a Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. He also received the distinguished 2022 Knowlton Award from the Military Intelligence Corps Association, recognizing him for his incredible integrity, moral character, professional competence, and leadership.

Colonel Turner's career is exemplary of the kind of service all Americans should aspire to. It is my honor and privilege to recognize this great Missourian's sacrifice and heroism. I also recognize and thank Colonel Turner's wife, Carrie, and his daughters, Lauren and Sydney, for their bravery and sacrifice. The price of freedom is high, and no one knows this better than the families of our brave soldiers.

I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colonel Turner on an exemplary and distinguished career and to wish him and his family the best in a very well-deserved retirement.