Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 573) to require the Council on Environmental Quality to publish an annual report on environmental reviews and causes of action based on alleged non-compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 573, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 573, which would consolidate prior NEPA data collection and reporting efforts into a single report published annually by the Council on Environmental Quality, or CEQ. This bill ensures that consistent, transparent permitting data is available and accessible to the public.

It is well known that our permitting system is mired with substantial delays. Many of these issues stem from burdensome and lengthy environmental documents and lawsuits instigated by special interest groups.

In past administrations, CEQ has published reports on NEPA litigation and environmental reviews. From 2001 to 2013, annual surveys recorded the defendant agency, plaintiff category, and case results, showing that special interest groups, not individual citizens or communities, were responsible for the most NEPA cases.

Although these CEQ studies provided useful data on the cumbersome review timelines and resource strains resulting from NEPA analysis, they have either been produced ad hoc or attention to their continued production has fallen by the wayside.

Similar to CEQ's annual litigation surveys conducted between 2001 and 2013, the reports required by this bill would include information related to any NEPA-related civil action brought against an agency and would identify the lead Federal agency, each plaintiff, and case outcome. This information will allow Congress to identify who is suing to block critical infrastructure projects and examine the end result of the litigation on the project itself.

This bill would also build off the first Trump administration's NEPA reports conducted in 2020 by directing CEQ to review the page length of environmental impact statements and the timelines to complete such EIS, with updates published annually. This information will give Congress better insight into whether agencies are respecting the NEPA deadlines and page limits created in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the lead sponsor of this legislation, Representative Yakym, for his hard work on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Yakym), the lead sponsor of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Studying NEPA's Impact on Projects Act will provide Congress with crucial information on NEPA litigation. It will also provide transparency to help ensure that agencies comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act's NEPA deadlines and page limits.

I thank Mr. Yakym and Mr. Panetta for their work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4503) to improve environmental reviews and authorizations through the use of interactive, digital, and cloud-based platforms, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 H.R. 4503, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act, which will establish a governmentwide technology strategy to improve Federal permitting processes and timelines. I thank my colleagues, Representatives Johnson and Peters, for their strong bipartisan work on this legislation.

Today's digital landscape for Federal permitting is out of date, consisting of diverse and isolated systems spread across different Federal agencies. Generally, these systems are not interoperable or sufficiently accessible for project sponsors or the general public.

To address these issues, the Trump administration issued a memorandum titled: ``Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century.'' The Council on Environmental Quality, or CEQ, subsequently issued a Permitting Technology Action Plan. The plan sets the foundation for the seamless exchange of information between agencies, simplified interactions for applicants, and greater transparency and predictability on environmental review and permitting schedules for project sponsors and stakeholders.

The ePermit Act would codify key aspects of CEQ's action plan and provide Federal agencies with direction on implementation of electronic permitting systems. It would also instruct CEQ to work with other agencies to establish a unified interagency data system for environmental permitting and integrate AI into agencies' permitting processes.

As the world increasingly adopts new technology solutions to boost productivity and improve project outcomes, the Federal Government must do the same or risk being left behind.

The ePermit Act takes a strong step in the right direction by modernizing Federal permitting technology in a project-agnostic manner.

Again, I thank my colleagues, Representatives Johnson and Peters, for this commonsense bipartisan bill. I ask my colleagues to join me in support.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, this is an important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5131) to extend military land withdrawals in Alaska, New Mexico, and California for a period of 25 years and to make technical corrections to descriptions for certain military land withdrawals, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 H.R. 5131, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5131, the Public Lands Military Readiness Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative Begich of Alaska.

This is an important bill that ensures our military continues to have access to the lands they need to train, test, and remain ready to deter and defeat our Nation's adversaries abroad.

H.R. 5131 extends critical land withdrawals for an additional 25 years at Fort Greely and Fort Wainwright in Alaska, Fort Irwin in California, and the McGregor Range at Fort Bliss in New Mexico. These lands provide unique training environments, restricted airspace, and infrastructure that cannot be replicated elsewhere. They are essential for Arctic operations, brigade-level exercises, missile defense testing, and joint training with our allied forces.

The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated. It is vital that we continue to allow the Army to use these unique areas. Fort Greely and Fort Wainwright in Alaska have the only Arctic training environments in this Nation. Fort Irwin, in California's Mojave Desert, houses the National Training Center, the Army's premier site for brigade-level, force-on-force training exercises. Finally, the McGregor Range in southern New Mexico supports Patriot missile live-fire exercises, aerial gunnery, and large-scale mobilization training. Without these vital training areas, we would risk losing our military's strategic advantage over hostile foreign nations.

I commend Representative Begich for his leadership on this effort. His bill provides long-term certainty to the U.S. Army so they can continue training and testing effectively as they prepare for the threats of tomorrow. By advancing this legislation, he is not only helping Alaska, but the entire Nation, by ensuring we have the most capable, prepared Armed Forces in the entire world.

I also thank the U.S. Army for their continued service to our Nation and for their collaboration on this effort. They strongly support this bill, and we were grateful to work alongside them to advance this legislation.

This is a good bill. It strengthens national security, provides certainty for our servicemembers, and ensures America remains prepared to deter aggression and protect our interests around the world. This legislation also directly reflects the priorities set forth in President Trump's executive order on prioritizing military excellence and readiness, which reaffirmed America's commitment to the military superiority necessary to counter new and emerging threats.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Begich for his hard work on this legislation which helps our military. I urge my colleagues to support his bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Armed Services,

Washington, DC, December 8, 2025.

Hon. Bruce Westerman,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Westerman: H.R. 5131, the ``Public Lands

Military Readiness Act of 2025'', was referred primarily to

the Committee on Natural Resources, with an additional

referral to the Committee on Armed Services.

H.R. 5131 contains provisions within the Committee on Armed

Services' Rule X jurisdiction. As a result of your having

consulted with the Committee and to expedite this bill for

floor consideration, the Committee on Armed Services will

forego action on the bill. This is being done based on our

mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or

alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services

with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any

future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters

contained in the bill or similar bills.

I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming

this understanding, and would request that you include a copy

of this letter and your response in the committee report or

in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of

this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Mike Rogers,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Begich), who is the lead sponsor on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank Representative Begich for his leadership on the Public Lands Military Readiness Act of 2025. This bill ensures that our military's capabilities and readiness will remain strong as we move into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5131, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the upcoming 70th annual tracking of Santa Claus by the North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Space Force Base in my district in Colorado Springs.

Originally tracked by the Continental Air Defense Command, which is now known as NORAD, the command tracks Santa on his sleigh, pulled by nine reindeer, including their leader, Rudolph, as he travels around the world to give gifts to all the children on Santa's nice list.

I encourage every family to track Santa on the NORAD Tracks Santa website this upcoming Christmas Eve and to keep a watchful eye on the skies for Santa as he passes overhead, bearing gifts for all those good kids.

Mr. Speaker, to all the children, even some who may serve in Congress, I would say it is an exciting time of the year. Look up in the sky on Christmas Eve and track Santa on the NORAD Tracks Santa website.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Ric Trimillos for his extraordinary dedication and service as Scoutmaster of Troop 66 in Colorado Springs.

For years, Ric has served as a mentor and a role model to the Scouts of Troop 66. His commitment to the principles of scouting has created a nurturing environment where Scouts are encouraged to grow into responsible, competent leaders.

Ric's ability to connect with youth, guide them through challenges, and celebrate their achievements is a testament to his deep compassion and unwavering dedication.

Under his guidance, Troop 66 has thrived. Ric has led countless campouts, service projects, and leadership training events, always with a focus on building resilience, teamwork, and respect.

His mentorship has helped many Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout and, more importantly, has instilled in them a lifelong commitment to service and integrity.

On behalf of all of those whose lives he has touched, I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce for hosting the chamber fly-in to Washington, D.C., this week.

Over 90 members of the Chamber, from the Aerospace and Defense, Energy, Housing, and Community Development sectors, among others, made the journey to our Nation's Capital.

I had the opportunity to meet with several of these business leaders individually. We discussed how we can work together to lower regulations, support businesses, and keep jobs in our community. Many of these business leaders are the reason why the Pikes Peak region is becoming one of the economic titans of the West.

Relationships are the most important part of the legislative process, and I look forward to continuing to work together with these and every business leader in the Fifth Congressional District to continue to grow our thriving community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Spiritual Head of the second largest Christian church in the world who is visiting our Nation's Capital this week. Back home in Colorado's 5th Congressional District, Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church is the home for many of my constituents of the Greek Orthodox faith. I welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, wish him well during his time in America, and thank him for his leadership for the Orthodox Christian faith around the world, numbering 300 million.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Pastor Stewart McWilliams and numerous churches in the Pikes Peak region in organizing and participating in the citywide prayer across Colorado Springs as part of the National Day of Prayer events earlier this year.

During these events, one moment stood out: when Pastor McWilliams of Fellowship of the Rockies Church offered a model of the Olympic torch to be passed from week to week and church to church as a picture of the growing unity in prayer in our community.

For Colorado Springs, which is known as Olympic City USA, this was a vivid and meaningful picture for the community and an homage to the powerful impact of prayer.

I also recognize and appreciate the united prayers of groups like: Boulder Street Church, Springs Community Church, The Navigators, Victory Life Church, New Life Midtown, Iglesia Nueva Vida, Heart of the Springs Church, Story Church, Youth With a Mission, and Decision Point, who participated in the National Day of Prayer events in Colorado Springs.

Celebrating National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Colorado Springs Catholic Diocese and the Sanctity of Life Apostolate led by Mrs. Julie Bailey as they celebrate the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children at St. Mary's Cathedral in downtown Colorado Springs.

The National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children is focused on helping to humanize our aborted brothers and sisters and deepening the commitment to ending the injustice of abortion and providing healing to those who have experienced an abortion.

I honor the Colorado Springs Diocese and other faith-based organizations in the Pikes Peak region such as: 40 Days for Life, Students for Life, the Bishop's Respect Life dinner, Rachel's Challenge, Mater Filius, Sidewalk Advocates for Life, the Knights of Columbus, and many other ministries to mothers, fathers, children, and those who are recovering from loss.

Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Springs Community Church

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Springs Community Church, located strategically on the major thoroughfare of Woodmen Road in Colorado Springs and symbolically placed on the top of a hill in our community.

Springs Community Church has been a light on a hill in the Pikes Peak region since their founding. Their ministry to children and families through the largest church-run preschool in our community, combined with their emphasis upon discipleship and depth of a believer's walk with the Lord, and their heart for international missions has shined like a light throughout the community.

I congratulate and celebrate this anniversary and thank Springs Community Church for their 40 years of shining God's light in the Fifth Congressional District.

10 Days of Prayer

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the efforts of 10 Days of Prayer. A united group of Christian churches in Colorado Springs are joining the international and ecumenical emphasis of prayer between the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These significant spiritual days are being recognized by daily prayers in a variety of churches and ministries in Colorado Springs.

I thank The Road Church, Gateway Prayer Garden, World Prayer Center, Awakening Church, Iglesia Venga tu Reino, Living Hope Church, Cross Fellowship Church, Revival Springs International, Dream Centers, Academy Christian Church, Zeal Church, COSILoveYou, and Springs First Church of the Nazarene for joining in hosting these 10 Days of Prayer as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight The Flying W Wranglers band, who are part of The Flying W Wranglers Original Western Stage Show at the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs. Flying W Ranch was opened in 1947 by the Wilson family, who hosted their first potluck in 1953. It has evolved into the entertaining and iconic dinner and show that it is today which hosts hundreds of people on a regular occurrence.

The Flying W Wranglers band, which was formally named in 1957, have performed at every show at the ranch since 1953 and are the second oldest Western performance band in the world. Mr. Speaker, I can personally attest to the Flying W Wranglers' skill and musical ability. They truly are talented and entertaining cowboys. I am proud to have such a historic and family-friendly Western show in my district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courageous, convictional, and influential leadership of Dr. James Dobson, who passed into eternity on August 21, 2025, at the age of 89. ``The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith,'' wrote Dr. Billy Graham. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Graham's friend and Focus on the Family founder, Dr. James Dobson, did just that.

As a trusted advocate for faith, family, and biblical values, Dr. Dobson's legacy is unmatched, and his life's work continues to shape our nation. We were honored that he chose Colorado Springs, Colorado as his home and base of operations for Focus on the Family.

Dr. James Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977 with the conviction that America's failing families needed to return to Biblical principles. A licensed marriage, family and child counselor in both California and Colorado, Dr. Dobson authored more than 30 books, including the popular best-sellers Dare to Discipline, Love Must Be Tough, and Bringing Up Boys. Although he eventually became associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine, Dr. Dobson's attention ultimately turned to addressing the breakdown of the traditional family unit. His concern led him to leave USC and in 1977 open a small, two-room office he called Focus on the Family. That small ministry grew to become a global multimedia nonprofit that reaches about 18 million people in more than 98 countries, thanks in part to its Radio Hall of Fame-winning flagship program, thirteen international offices and many radio, video, digital and print resources.

His wide reach through his numerous books and daily radio broadcast became the national voice of conservative, moral, and Biblical values in the public square. Dr. Dobson was a once-in-a-generation leader whose courage to speak truth shaped the course of American family life. He inspired and truly created a grass-roots movement to defend life, Biblical marriage, and religious freedom throughout America and around the world. Dr. Dobson not only built organizations like Focus on the Family and the Family Policy Alliance, but he also built-up people of faith to stand boldly for biblical values in a culture that increasingly opposes and demeans them.

With unwavering conviction, he championed the sanctity of marriage, the dignity of life, and the importance of parental rights, principles woven into the DNA of our movement. My friend and current Focus on the Family President Jim Daly may have summarized it best in saying, ``Millions of marriages were saved and strengthened, millions of parents were able to raise happier, healthier children, and millions of men and women were equipped and encouraged to stand boldly for their faith in the public square because Dr. Dobson answered God's call to create Focus on the Family.''

I am grateful for his decades of courage and leadership to the Pikes Peak region, the country and the world. His belief in the power of civic engagement and cultural renewal still inspires many. Dr. Dobson emphasized the responsibility of believers to be ``salt and light'' in society, and we must take that charge seriously. I know I speak on behalf of many of my colleagues in this chamber that Dr. Dobson continues to inspire us to and his legacy has entrusted us to: advancing biblical values through civic engagement, calling on believers to pray, vote, and engage for a nation where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Dobson's family, especially his college sweetheart and lifelong partner Shirley; his two adult children, Danae and Ryan; and his two grandchildren during this time of loss and the celebration of his life. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the Lord for his life and impact in our country and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the extraordinary impact that Parents Challenge has made in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Parents Challenge empowers low-income families to access the best schools for their children by providing critical financial support for tuition, tutoring, transportation, technology, and school supplies. School choice opportunities span the full spectrum of educational options, including traditional public schools, private schools, charter schools, and home schools.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Parents Challenge for its steadfast commitment to empowering parents with school choice.

Over the past 25 years, Parents Challenge has enriched the lives of more than 4,000 low-income students and their families.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 154th birthday of the city of Colorado Springs.

Founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, Colorado Springs is now home to hundreds of thousands of people nestled in the shadow of the majestic Pikes Peak which inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the great song, ``America the Beautiful.''

I have been proud to work for the people of Colorado Springs for over 30 years, and I have seen it grow from a thriving city to an emerging economic titan in Colorado and in the West.

Home to several military installations, Colorado Springs has always been a haven for Active-Duty servicemembers and our honorable veterans.

In 1870, General Palmer said this about Colorado Springs after seeing the area for the first time. He said: ``Could one live in constant view of these grand mountains without being elevated by them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?''

Madam Speaker, it is this thought and purpose that has driven Colorado Springs to be a world-leading city, and I look forward the city's continued growth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Dale Anderson for his service to the Fifth Congressional District of Colorado for over 18 years.

Dale served my predecessor, Congressman Doug Lamborn, in several roles, and he served as a senior adviser in my office.

Before working for Congress, Dale served our country in the Army for 9 years, and his keen strategic eye and leadership are evident in everything that he does.

Dale has served me in building relationships in the business community, the defense sector, and our district. His extensive knowledge of the district has proven invaluable to me and my team.

I am certain that these relationships and skills will serve him well as he continues to serve the Pikes Peak region in his new role at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce as the senior vice president.

I wish Dale and his wife, Jennie, the

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the United States military on their successful bombing of the three nuclear facilities in Iran over the weekend.

Imagine flying 37 hours in a B-2 bomber to defang a nuclear Iran. These successful strikes proved to the world yet again that the United States military is the best and most capable in the world.

I thank the men and women of U.S. Northern Command and Cheyenne Mountain in my district in Colorado Springs for detecting missile launches and helping pass on that intelligence.

I believe that under no circumstance should Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism, have nuclear weapons. The President's decision took courage, courage that other Presidents in the past just didn't have.

I am an unwavering supporter of the Nation of Israel and in bringing any Iranian nuclear weapons programs to a swift and decisive end.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the tremendous impact of Parents Challenge in El Paso County, Colorado.

Parents Challenge, founded by Steve and Joyce Schuck, provides low- income families financial support for tuition, tutoring, transportation, and school supplies to provide their children with the best education available for them, including private, charter, and homeschool options.

Parents Challenge provides free online holistic empowerment sessions for all parents. They also offer a summer STEM program for middle and high school students, and the Rising Seniors Leadership Experience for graduating high school seniors. Each of these programs directly benefits the families in my community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Parents Challenge for prioritizing educational excellence and opportunity in their service to El Paso County for over 200 families and over 400 individual children.