Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the lead of this bill, the gentleman from California (Mr. Tran), for his work on this bill.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as co-lead on this legislation. The SBA's 504 program helps small businesses to grow, create jobs, and invest in their communities. Since this program uses taxpayer-backed loans, it is important that we properly review and manage risk.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 5788 makes a simple fix. It requires risk assessments for the 504 loan program, just like we already do with other major SBA loan programs. This helps to close the gap and improves oversight.

Transparency matters. When we clearly understand how a program is working, we can protect taxpayer dollars and make sure the program stays strong.

This bill helps us to ensure that we are responsible with taxpayer money while continuing to support small businesses.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5788.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Kimberly Day- Scanlon as the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. For several years, Ms. Day-Scanlon has served Kenwood Elementary School with talent, passion, and an unwavering commitment to a quality education. In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that the teaching profession is one of the most difficult yet rewarding professions in existence. Ms. Day- Scanlon has performed her teaching duties exceptionally, while also being an active and supportive member of her community.

Ms. Day-Scanlon's outreach extends far beyond the walls of her classroom through her active involvement in her school and community. Kimberly is currently a full-time teacher in Okaloosa County. She has taught students of all ages across various school settings for the last three decades. Kimberly also works with preservice teachers and as a mentor for new classroom teachers. She holds a BS in Special Education (College of Saint Rose) and a MS in Inclusive Education (Nazareth College). Kimberly is certified in Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education (K-12), and is endorsed in Gifted, ESOL, Reading, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. For all of her admirable contributions to our community, I'm truly proud to have Ms. Day-Scanlon as a constituent in Florida's 1st Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Kimberly Day-Scanlon for her many accomplishments, and her commitment to excellence, professionalism, innovation and collaboration in the Okaloosa County School District. I thank her for her service, and wish her all the best for her continued success.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend, Aaron Bean, for introducing this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, after working hard to obtain Federal approval in the first Trump administration, a weaponized court system pulled Florida's 404 permitting out from under us, even though our program was thoroughly vetted and approved in 2020.

Florida's DEP has become a national model for environmental protection, and Washington should be learning from us, not tying our hands.

The amendment makes it clear that once a State assumption program is approved, the EPA cannot withdraw it unless Congress explicitly says so--no more regulatory whiplash, no more political games.

For Florida, this is critical. It protects our section 404 program, and it ends the uncertainty caused by conflicting court rulings and shifting interpretations in Washington.

Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers got a gut punch with an overwhelming caseload while working hard to try to solve dozens of projects that an activist judge has placed on hold in our communities that they desperately need, like stormwater, schools, and even sewer treatment plants not under construction, protecting our most precious environments. But we can't unless the permits can be issued.

This is about predictability, federalism, and letting the States manage their own waterways. It is proinfrastructure, prodevelopment, but, most importantly, it is proenvironmental protection.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable man, Gus Butchikas, who passed away on September 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gus was a beloved member of our community, a devoted husband and father, and a cherished friend to many, including myself.

Born into the legacy of Angelo's Steak Pit, Gus dedicated himself to preserving and enhancing the family business, ensuring that it remained a cornerstone of Panama City Beach. His culinary talents were evident in the creation of signature recipes, including the renowned Greek dressing, which continues to be prepared exclusively by family members. Beyond his professional achievements, Gus was known for his deep faith, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community.

As a trusted confidant to governors, political leaders, and public servants, Gus played a pivotal role in guiding many of us in our public service journeys. His wisdom, encouragement, and genuine care for others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with Patti, Angelo, Brittany, Evey, and the entire Butchikas family. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Gus was called home to the Lord, where his spirit will continue to shine brightly.

May he rest in peace. His legacy lives on in all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Tomlin family of Crestview, Florida, who have been named the 2025 Okaloosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. This recognition is part of the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau's 75th Annual Membership Meeting, a gathering that celebrates the strength of our agricultural community.

Cory and Jennifer Tomlin, together with their children Harper, Hadley, and Haylyn, represent the very best of Florida agriculture. Their family has carried forward a proud legacy of fanning that began in 1982 when Jennifer's grandfather, Mr. Joe Bundrick, established their beekeeping operation. Today, with the guidance of Mr. Bundrick and the leadership of Jennifer's father, Ken, the Tomlins manage about 400 hives annually. Their farm produces honey, provides pollinator services, and serves the community through both wholesale and retail operations, including a storefront offering honey and beekeeping supplies.

The Tomlin family's dedication goes well beyond their farm. Jennifer serves as the Children's Ministry Leader at Dorcas Baptist Church, Harper is an active 4-H member, and every member of the family contributes to the success of their agricultural operation. Together, they exemplify the values of faith, family, and stewardship that sustain rural communities across America.

Four generations have worked this farm, and the Tomlins are committed to ensuring it continues for generations to come. Their story reflects not only the resilience of farm families in Northwest Florida but also the essential role of agriculture in our Nation's future.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I commend the Tomlin family for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and community life. They are most deserving of this year's recognition as the Okaloosa County Farm Family of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Greek Orthodox community in Florida and also across the United States to extend a heartfelt welcome to his All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who will visit Washington, D.C., from September 15 through September 17.

For many Greek Orthodox faithful in my district, His All-Holiness is more than a religious leader. He is their spiritual father. He is a voice of compassion, a symbol of faith that has been carried across generations of families who came to America in search of freedom of opportunity. His visit to our Nation's Capital is an occasion for pride for my constituents and all Orthodox Christians who call America home.

Patriarch Bartholomew is known worldwide as a bridge-builder, working tirelessly to promote peace, dialogue, and respect among all different faiths. He is also a champion for protecting our natural environment, earning him the title of the ``Green Patriarch.''

His leadership is a source of inspiration not only for the Greek Orthodox community but all those who care about human rights, religious liberty, and the stewardship of God's creation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming His All- Holiness to the United States and celebrating this historic visit with many Greek Orthodox Americans who are honored by his presence. This moment is a reminder of enduring contributions that faith, family, and the community make the strength of our Nation a great nation.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. Chair, on behalf of myself and Representative Moore of Alabama, I encourage all my colleagues to vote in strong support of my amendment, which eliminates the general ban on purchasing conventionally powered vehicles and repeals the statutory preference for EVs and hybrid nontactical vehicles within the Department of War.

I am grateful to Chairman Rogers for his leadership on this act. I also thank Congressman Moore for supporting this good amendment.

How in the world can the most powerful military in the whole world live up to that reputation while driving a bunch of weak EVs that require charging? My amendment builds on President Trump's executive order that we must put the mission at the core of what we do forward.

Under the Biden administration, the Air Force previously planned for acquisitions of all light-duty, nontactical vehicles to be electric by 2027, Mr. Chair. Now, what they forgot is in many of the defense facilities in my district, and also across the globe, that they are near saltwater.

We have all seen the horrible fires that occur when saltwater and batteries mix. They are horrific, runaway fires. In the Joe Biden Department of Defense, I can only imagine a scenario where a natural disaster causes critical installations, just like in my district, to be stuck with a large fleet of vehicles both burning and inoperable. Congress cannot allow this to happen to our troops.

Beyond the expense of the sudden increase in electric vehicles, this would bring further excessive spending on chargers. As such, we should repeal this costly, unwise policy. My amendment does just that. It eliminates the ban on purchasing conventionally powered, nontactical vehicles which would start in 2035. It also removes the statutory preference for electric and hybrid nontactical vehicles.

Congress must give the Department of War the proper authorities to protect this great country that we call home. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment that builds upon both what the President's executive order does and Secretary Hegseth's charge to restore the Department of War to greatness.

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

Mr. Chair, the good gentleman may be the only mechanic in the Chamber, but I am the one who was a State fire marshal who saw firsthand how our lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles are not ready for prime time.

If you look at what happened when Hurricane Ian devastated south Florida, there were over 25 runaway fires because of EVs that had gotten flooded with saltwater. Heavy metals bridge the batteries and short them out. You can do nothing but park them and watch them burn.

These devices are fantastic technology, but they are not battle- tested for our men and women, especially when they are putting themselves in harm's way. A lot of times, the encroachment of those areas that they may be dealing with is going to be in saltwater venues. Any type of flooding, and EVs do not work.

In the middle of America, they can have them all they want. Along our

coastal regions where our military has to count on reliable vehicles, combustion engines are the only things that are battle-tested that can do the job.

Mr. Chair, obviously, my colleagues are not familiar with northwest Florida and what we call the Gulf of America range. This is a place where we train our best and brightest who are defending our country around the globe.

Unfortunately, in order to have access to a range like that, you are going to have installations that are going to be on the Gulf of America as they train. As you have anywhere along the United States, coastal cities are going to exist. They are not going away. Unfortunately, electric and hybrid vehicles and saltwater do not mix.

I understand the point my colleagues want to make about tactical vehicles, but they are not seeing the big picture. These particular vehicles cannot sustain any type of saltwater flooding. They create a thermal runaway. Fortunately, they may not have experience with what a thermal runaway is where they live, but these are catastrophic events that ultimately affect not just that vehicle but everyone around that vehicle. It ties up precious resources babysitting a fire that does not need to exist in the first place if we ensure that these vehicles are never part of the military missions of the United States of America and the Department of War.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor a true statesman, a patriot, and a proud son of the State of Florida, Speaker John Thrasher.

Speaker Thrasher's story is a kind that people don't see anymore. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, a lawyer, a leader, and someone who never forgot where he came from. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential public servants the State of Florida has ever known.

As speaker of the Florida House, he got our State through challenging times with courage and principle. As a State senator, he fought for Florida's families, stood up for what was right, even when it wasn't easy. As president of Florida State University, he poured his heart into shaping the lives of young people, lifting up the next generation with the same integrity and drive that defined his own life.

To those who knew Speaker Thrasher, it was more than a resume. When he walked into a room, he had room presence. He was respected. He was loyal, tough as nails when he had to be, but always with a servant's heart.

I was proud to call him a friend, a mentor. I admired the way he led with grace under pressure and with an unshakeable love for Florida and our country.

This Congress and the State of Florida mourns with his wife, Jean; their children; their grandchildren; and we thank them for sharing their John with us.

He made our State stronger, and Florida will carry forward the values that he lived by.

Paying Tribute to the 250th Anniversary of DAR and SAR

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our Nation's 250th anniversary of two distinguished societies that are crucial to our many activities in Florida which celebrate our founding.

The national, State, and local members of both the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution are direct blood descendants of patriots who fought and aided our American Revolution or held political or civil positions in our very first government.

Back at home in the district, the Emerald Coast Chapter of the Sons of the

American Revolution and the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution have been busy gearing up to honor the great men and women who gave their all to establish our country.

I had the honor to join DAR Regent, Daquiri Champion, and SAR President, the Honorable Graham Fountain, at the Fort Walton Chamber of Commerce as they honored the chamber membership with the DAR America 250! Commendation and Medal for their campaign of remembrance of America's War of Independence.

Another upcoming event which highlights the women who served in the war is in the Okaloosa's Women Veterans Day ceremony which will be held at Women Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island.

One of the eight bronze statues in the park pays tribute to Mrs. Margaret Corbin, who fought alongside her husband, who was a Continental Army artillery officer. While assisting her husband in the Battle of Fort Washington, New York, she took over firing the cannon after he was killed by grapeshot fired by British cannon fire. She also received serious injuries of her own to her shoulder, chest, and jaw, but continued loading and firing the weapon.

On July 6, 1779, Congress awarded Margaret a lifelong pension for her Revolutionary War service.

This was also the first time America officially recognized a woman's military service.

I urge all Americans to join the DAR and SAR members in paying special tribute to this incredible woman whose courage, strength, and patriotism rivaled many of her male counterparts.

In April, a member of the SAR Emerald Coast organized a major workday at Old Stewart Cemetery in Laurel Hill, cleaning up the cemetery around the grave of Okaloosa's own Revolutionary War soldier, Private Horne, giving and paying tribute to Private Horne for his service in the founding of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, as I close, I extend a heartfelt thanks and admiration to those faithful patriots of our American Revolution who fought and died for our great Nation and to their descendants, the members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, who keep our American spirit alive and well today.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of National EMS Week, I rise today to thank the great men and women of the emergency medical services.

As the former CFO and State fire marshal for the State of Florida, I saw these men and women firsthand in action during major events, such as during the aftermath of Hurricanes Michael, Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton, and, of course, the tragic building collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside.

The mental and physical fortitude that these heroes display daily is inspiring. It is a testament to who they are as individuals.

The theme for National EMS Week is ``We Care for Everyone.''

God chooses special angels among us to serve, to heal, and to care for those who are sick or injured.

They rush into danger at a moment's notice without hesitation, giving hope to those who need it the most.

These heroes work 24/7 365 days a year, missing holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions to ensure our communities are safe.

On behalf of a grateful nation and myself, I thank EMS workers. I thank these Americans in the EMS field for all that they do.

As long as I have a voice in Washington, D.C., I will always support our EMS professionals and every first responder working to serve our local communities, the State of Florida, and our great country.

Recognition of Judge Remington

Mr. Speaker, I end on a solemn note as we honor the life of Honorable Circuit Judge Tom Remington, who passed away on May 7, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida.

Tom dedicated over 60 years of his life serving our Nation and our State, first as an artillery and infantry officer in Vietnam, where he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with Valor, and the Silver Star. His service was featured on the History Channel and in books like ``Hill 875'' and ``Dak To.''

After his military service, Tom graduated from Florida State University College of Law, joined the Florida bar in 1971, and gained courtroom experience as both a public defender and as assistant State's attorney.

In 1995, he became a partner in the renowned law firm of Smith, Anchors, and Remington, serving as general counsel to longtime Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Gilbert.

Tom was appointed to the circuit court by Governor Lawton Chiles and served over 20 years in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. He held numerous leadership roles, including chief judge and officer in various legal organizations. Known for his humble and principled approach to justice, Tom was deeply respected and affectionately called ``T.R.''

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of northwest Florida, my wife, Katie, and I offer condolences to his wife, Dinah; the Smith Remington firm; and children, Scott, Mary, and Sara.

I urge all in Florida's District One to join us in honoring Judge Remington's remarkable commitment to service.

Mr. Speaker, I wish a good morning to northwest Florida and rise to offer a special congratulations to the Northwest Florida State College women's basketball team.

On April 1, 2025--actually the same day that I was sworn into office--the Lady Raiders took on Alabama's Shelton State Buccaneers, and took home their third national championship in 5 years, with a final score of 62-53. Their overall record this season was 32-3, which is amazing, with a conference record of 10-2, and a proud 13-0 record at home.

It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the top. Having a heart for the game and for your fellow teammates goes a very long way. I am very excited about the victory of this team and how they brought it home to northwest Florida.

Congratulations to Coach Bart Walker and his coaching staff for all their hard work and leading the team to victory and instilling in them the heart of champions. I congratulate the Northwest Florida State College State championship basketball team on a job very well done. Their incredible win is inspiring. They have made their community and the State of Florida very, very proud. God bless. Go Raiders.

Remembering Captain Allen Colby Brady

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent more than 75,000 veterans that I represent in my district in northwest Florida. Florida serves as one of the most veteran-friendly States in the entire country.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow today that I acknowledge the passing and honor the memory of one of those great heroes, Captain Allen Colby Brady of Pensacola and his outstanding service to the United States.

Captain Brady lived as a resident of Pensacola off and on for nearly 50 years, becoming a permanent resident in 1994 after marrying his wife, Dianne, in 1994. Born in 1929 into a naval family, Captain Brady committed to attend the Naval Academy and become a pilot at just 8 years old. He fulfilled that vow after graduating from Annapolis in 1951 and earned his wings in Pensacola 2 years later.

He flew combat missions in Korea, survived nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, participated in Cold War operations during the Taiwan Strait crisis, and then played a secret role in the Bay of Pigs invasion. He flew defense of freedom throughout the world.

However, his most harrowing test came in January 1967, when he was shot down over North Korea. Allen was captured and spent more than 6 years--that is 2,237 days--as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, enduring brutal torture, unimaginable conditions, and profound isolation. He never broke. He returned with honor.

After his release in 1973, Allen didn't retire quietly. He returned to Active Duty, ultimately commanding a major Navy training wing. Upon retiring in 1979, after 32 years of service, he set sail, literally, cruising the Florida coast, living out the promise that he and his fellow POWs made to embrace life fully if they ever got home.

However, Allen's service didn't stop there. In 1980, he made a daring, unauthorized voyage to Communist Cuba to rescue refugees during the Mariel boatlift, an act of moral courage that risked his freedom once again.

In later years, Allen became a speaker, mentor, and educator. He published a book of POW stories for schools, and he made personal classroom appearances. He also authored a memoir, ``Witnessing the American Century,'' sharing insights from a life lived at the crossroads of world events.

Even in his nineties, Allen embraced new adventures as he continued to inspire students and veterans alike. Captain Brady exemplified the values of patriotism, courage, and honor.

In his words: ``We will always need people who are willing to serve their country . . . willing to give their lives defending her.'' Allen Brady was not just such a person, he embodied that call.

God bless Captain Brady and his incredible life of service and sacrifice. Katie and I, all Floridians, and this Nation offer our thoughts and prayers to

the Brady family as they celebrate his life. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, this morning, I rise with a heavy heart over the loss of one of Florida's finest.

On Wednesday, April 2, Walton County Sheriff's Deputy William May responded to a local disturbance where he was fired upon by an armed suspect. As Deputy May returned fire, he was wounded by the assailant and subsequently died.

Due to his bravery, Deputy May was able to end the potential threat to the community before succumbing to his injuries.

Deputy May served the Walton County Sheriff's Office for more than a decade, beginning his career as a communications officer in 2014 before taking the oath of office in 2019 as a deputy sheriff. During his time in law enforcement, Deputy May earned lifesaving awards and multiple letters of commendation.

Today, the Walton County Sheriff's Office mourns the loss of a fellow deputy. The State of Florida mourns the loss of this hero. A wife mourns the loss of her husband, and four beautiful children mourn the loss of their father.

Unfortunately, Deputy May's story is one of many first responders around our country sacrificing their personal lives working 24/7/365, missing birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions in order to keep our American neighborhoods safe.

It is an honor to represent parts of Walton County and share that responsibility with Congressman Neal Dunn, who joins me in this prayer for the members of our local law enforcement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to honor Walton County Deputy William May for the ultimate sacrifice he made for our communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here representing the men and women of Florida's First Congressional District.

As a lifelong native of the Florida panhandle, I am ready to get to work to support President Trump's agenda to make America first, to protect our southern border, to make groceries affordable, to strengthen our military, and to provide much-needed support to our veterans.

Without my family, I wouldn't be here today, so I give a special thank you to my beautiful wife, Katie; my boys, Johnny and Theo; and all of the great friends and supporters who made the trip to our Nation's Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, with a Republican majority here in Congress and President Trump in the White House, we have got an opportunity of a lifetime to fix this country so that our children grow up in a nation that is safe and full of opportunities. So I am ready to get our fiscal House in order.

As the former chief financial officer for the State of Florida, I oversaw the State's budget for nearly a decade. I know what it takes to make sure we have a growing economy with a stabilized budget.

I have always believed that people of America spend their money better than Washington, D.C. does. In fact, it is just a fact that we cannot achieve greatness when we are saddling our children with unbearable amounts of debt. The President's efforts to root out fraud, waste, and abuse is critical to restoring trust in our Nation's government.

For far too long, Americans have sent their hard-earned tax dollars to Washington without really feeling like they were getting anything from it. Frankly, Washington has been indifferent to the needs of families throughout the country, and we have got an opportunity to fix a lifetime of issues for the better.

As I have said, I am a workhorse; not a show horse. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and this country together to get this country out of the ditch and return it to greatness.

May God bless America.