Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the fall of the dictator Assad of Damascus is equivalent to the fall of the Berlin Wall, liberating central and eastern Europe, now leading to liberating the Middle East and North Africa.

It is known that war criminal Putin and the regime in Tehran have lost a murderous puppet. War criminal Putin is trying to evacuate his bases. The Iranian regime is pivoting to support the Houthis in Yemen to attack American shipping. The terrorist regimes in Moscow and Iran are more vulnerable than ever.

President Donald Trump wants to achieve peace through strength, working with our allies, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we know that he will be restoring the Abraham Accords, which will bring security for Israel and stability for the people of Syria and Lebanon, including the legitimate Governments of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Donald Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, the FBI defines ``domestic terrorism'' as: ``Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/ or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences . . .''

America is experiencing an ongoing war, as witnessed in New Orleans, in Las Vegas, and a plot to kill in Florida.

The moral fabric of America has suffered with 4 years of Biden-Harris policies, including dangerous open borders, destroyed jobs, crushing inflation, campus anti-Semitism, woke mentality, the failure to lead globally, and more.

Unified Republican leadership will advance the conservative agenda to make America great again.

Corrupt Judge Merchan has shamefully revealed Trump derangement by scheduling sentencing. This confirms the lawfare backfiring, electing Donald Trump, with the corrupt judge receiving my invitation for the Trump inauguration, which he unintentionally promoted.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Madam Speaker, the murderous Assad regime in Syria, backed by war criminal Putin, and the Tehran terrorist regime and its Hezbollah puppet, caused the worst refugee crisis since World War II. With 12 million citizens, over one-half of Syria has been displaced. Now murderous Assad escapes to Moscow while one million citizens will be returning in the next 6 months.

Helping Syrians return home should be a priority. This can best promote reconstruction. American policies should reduce sanctions on Syria to help Syrians stay in their homes or return home. It would be positive to see the building of a new Trump Tower in Damascus.

Success for democracy in Moldova and Romania this month, with courageous Ukrainian resistance, and Syria expelling Putin, is an inspiration for patriots in Georgia defeating war criminal Putin puppets.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Wishing Chaplain Margaret Kibben a merry Christmas.

Mr. Speaker, inspiring remarks were presented by Major General Peter Andrysiak EUCOM Chief of Staff on December 14, 2024, for the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge at Luxembourg American Cemetery. Americans are grateful for the proven competence of the American military.

Good morning, Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess, King

Philippe, Queen Mathilde, Prime Minister Frieden, Speaker

Claude Wiseler, President Roberta Metsola of the European

Parliament, Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, Ambassador

Nelson, Secretary Djou, honorable Members of Congress,

Ambassador Thomas Barrett, Commissioner Matthew Jones,

distinguished guests, allies and partners, and most

importantly, to our honored veterans that are with us here

today, welcome today this sacred place we gather to honor the

legacy of those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. And

it's a privilege to stand here among you in this solemn 80th

anniversary, a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice

that secured freedom that we cherish today. 80 years ago, in

the depths of the Ardennes winter on the ground that we stand

on, bore witness to extraordinary courage and unimaginable

sacrifice. Young soldiers faced not only a relentless enemy

fire, but also the freezing temperatures and the snow-covered

terrain against the possible odds, they stood firm, not just

for their own countries, but for the liberty of millions.

Their fight was for something greater, a vision of a Free

Europe and a better future. And so today was we commemorate

their bravery, we reaffirm our gratitude for their sacrifice

and the unity that made victory possible. For me, this

commemoration is profoundly personal. My parents, like many

millions in Europe, endured unimaginable horrors of World War

Two. My father, orphaned by the Nazi tyranny when his mother

was put in prison, was liberated by the Allied Forces who

fought here in the Ardennes. His father, a man I never knew,

perished in a concentration camp. My mother and her family

were forced out of the Sudetenland and into forced labor

camps and eventually granted refugee status in Germany. But

the journey was a grueling one, and her father never survived

it. Another man that I never had the opportunity to know. So

these tragedies, like so many others, were the reality of

life under the oppression during the war, yet their

liberation and the liberation of millions came at the hands

of Allied soldiers that we honor here today. Their courage

gave my parents and countless others a second chance. They

made it possible for me to be standing here in front of you

today. Millions endured similar struggles, and millions owned

their liberation to the soldiers who fought here. Their

courage changed the course of history, not just for families

like mine, but for entire nations. The Battle of the Bulge

tested allied resolved under extreme conditions, and in

December of 1944 the German Army launched a massive surprise

offensive through the Ardennes, creating the infamous Bulge

of the Allied front lines. Nowhere was this more evident than

at Bastogne, where Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe in the

101st Division held the line against overwhelming odds,

encircled and under siege. McAuliffe and his men faced

relentless attacks under freezing conditions, and when the

Germans demanded surrender, everybody knows the story that

McAuliffe his famous statement ``Nuts!'' the Defiance became

a rallying cry for the beleaguered defenders and a symbol of

American and Allied determination and victory at Bastogne was

marked by a turning point in the battle. It was the end of

any German offensive, but it came at a high cost. Over 75,000

were killed, wounded or captured, but their sacrifice endured

that the march toward liberation would continue. The people

of Luxembourg endured the occupation, suffering and loss

during the war, yet they also witnessed liberation brought by

Allied forces who risked and gave their lives in these very

fields. Luxembourg has shown remarkable dedication to

honoring those who fell here and through the care of this

Cemetery and others like it, you remind us of the enduring

bond forged between the nations in the crucible of war. And

your commitment endures with your with you being your

presence here, as these sacrifices are never forgotten. I've

had the good opportunity and good fortune to be at a number

of the American Battle Monuments, cemeteries, and I'm always

in awe of their splendor? They're pristine. They're powerful,

you know. And as we stand here, as you look behind me, 5,076

headstones, both Latin Crosses and Stars of David, were

reminded of the extraordinary courage and the sacrifice of

those who rest here, farmers, factory workers, teachers,

students, fathers, brothers, sons and sisters and daughters,

and they came from all walks of life, all races, and united

for a common cause, the defense of freedom. Each marker is

perfectly aligned and oriented westward toward home, a

poignant remember of the enduring connection that these

heroes shared with the nation that they fought to protect,

even in eternal rest, they faced the families who awaited

their return but never got to see them again. The Wall of the

Missing on both sides of the tent consists of two walls

inscribed with the names of 371 service members whose remains

were never recovered. And these walls standing in solemn

symmetry symbolize the connection between those who fought

and those who remain to honor their sacrifice. And then,

though their bodies are absent, their memory endures as a

testament to the cost of liberty. And at the center, right,

or back here behind us stands the small chapel, a place for

reflection and reverence, and the description in their reads

their name liveth forevermore. These words serve as a solemn

promise that the sacrifices for those who rest here will

never be forgotten. This Cemetery and its pristine grounds

are solemn and solid markers telling their story. We spare no

expense to honor those who perished, providing them with a

final resting place fitting of their sacrifice, a place that

reflects the magnitude and courage the debt we owe to their

memory. And so this sacred place ensures that their

sacrifices will be remembered, not just by those that are

gathered here today, but by the generations to come. The

sacrifices of those who rest here are not relics of history.

They are the foundation for the present and the future. NATO

built on the unity and determination shown during these

battles like The Ardennes remains a cornerstone of peace and

security, and then today, NATO's commitment to collective

defense and shared values is a shining city on a hill to

deter aggression and to uphold freedom secured by these brave

men and women. The courage and resolve of these soldiers

inspire us all, and still, they challenge us to live up to

their legacy by protecting the values they fought for,

liberty, unity and dignity for all. I'll close with a quote

from President Roosevelt. The light of their sacrifice shall

not grow dim with the passing years, let us ensure that their

gift of liberty endures for generations. So let us honor

their legacy, not only with our words but our actions. Let us

strive to live lives worthy of their sacrifice by protecting

the freedoms they fought for, fostering unity amongst nations

and standing resolute against tyranny in all of its forms. So

May their bravery continue to inspire us, may their memory

forever guide us toward a better world, Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, hosted by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and U.S. Embassy Belgium, on December 13, 2024, at the Mardasson Memorial featured remarks by Senator Jerry Moran. Heartfelt observations by a fellow son of a Kansas, same as Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Ladies and gentlemen, and our veterans, those who served

here at the Battle of the Bulge and around the globe, who

served in World War Two and the wars that preceded that, and

those who serve today, it's an honor to be with you here in

Belgium to lead this Senate Delegation to the 80th

anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. And I want to

recognize my colleagues from the Senate who are here, Senator

Susan Collins, Senator John Barrasso, Senator Kristen

Gillibrand and Senator Maggie Hassan. I also recognize

Congressman and Chairman McCaul and his House members and

Administrator Bill Nelson in his representation of the

Administration of the United States of America. We thank all

of you who have traveled here today for this very important

and significant occasion. I represent the state of Kansas,

the home of Dwight D. Eisenhower in the United States Senate,

I am the ranking member and incoming Chairman of the Senate

Committee on Veterans Affairs. In marking this commemoration

in Belgium today and Luxembourg tomorrow, we are here to pay

tribute to and to honor the memory of the men who fought for

freedom on the European Continent and those who remain here,

still lying in internal rest in sites like Ardennes, the

American Cemetery to the north and Luxembourg American

Cemetery to the southeast. Together, they are the final

resting place for more than 10,000 Americans, and another 834

are memorialized on the wall of the missing places like these

and the monuments where we are today are reminders of the

price that were paid for the liberties that we each enjoy.

The Battle of the Bulge was the largest, as we've heard, the

most costly battle for the Americans during World War Two. On

the morning of December 16, 1944, under the cover of poor

weather, Nazi Germany launched a final offensive seeking to

divide allied forces and to force a negotiated end to the

hostilities on this Western Front. Despite being outnumbered,

out gunned short of supplies, it was here during the coldest

winter in decades, where the US Army's 101st Airborne

Division, The Screaming Eagles, held off the enemy's advances

and bought time for the allies to halt and counter the last

gasp the surprise attack of the enemy. This Band of Brothers

was made up of men from every corner of the United States,

such as Senator Collins, Father Don Collins, Senator

Barrasso, Father John and Senator Hassan's father, Robert

Wood and many more. Those of you here in attendance today who

have loved ones, who served, who answered the call and to

bear arms in this Battle of the Bulge. On December 22, 1944,

General Eisenhower, from that small town in Kansas called

Abilene, sent the following message to every member of the

Allied Expeditionary Force. General Eisenhower said, ``the

enemy is making his supreme effort. He is fighting savagely

to take back all that you have won, but already in this

battle, your gallantry has done much to foil his plans. In

the face of your proven bravery, your fortitude, he the enemy

will completely fail, but we cannot be content with just a

mere repulse by rushing out from his fixed defenses. The

enemy may have given us the chance to turn his great gamble

into his worst defeat.'' I call upon Eisenhower speaking

here. ``I call upon every man of the Allies to rise now to

new heights of courage, of resolution and of effort, united

in this determination and with this unshakable faith in the

cause for which we fight, we will, with God's help, go

forward to our greatest victory.'' With that message in the

soldiers minds and hearts, the fighting continued through

Christmas, the soldiers huddled in their foxholes and prayed

between shellings, echoing the prayers of their loved ones in

church pews and around the dinner tables back home, as the

calendar turned from 1944 to 1945 the Allied Army steadily

drove back the enemy in a unified push toward victory. One

year after the war ended on America's Independence Day, the

people of Belgium broke ground on this site to demonstrate

and to dedicate this patch of earth to the memory of the

heroes of the Battle of the Bulge in this center of this

monument, there is an inscription that, when translated into

English, reads the Belgium people remember their American

liberators, July 4, 1946, I thought of that as we drove

through this town and saw the Christmas ornaments, the trees,

the stars, the lights, what happened here 80 years ago makes

life possible here today and other places around our globe.

This Transatlantic partnership forged in war, remains a

pillar of strength for both of for both of our nations,

Belgium and the United States. And as Russia wages wages raw

war in Ukraine, the bonds of NATO must grow stronger and

continue to deter the aggression of our shared adversaries.

The General indicated what the Germans were trying to

accomplish, and I take his words to say, we too must

demonstrate the Alliance cannot be shattered. We will stand

together today, shoulder to shoulder, just as the soldiers

who liberated this continent did eight decades ago, 80 years

after the Battle of the Bulge, remember, we remember the cost

paid by those who died here and those who served here. Time

cannot time must not dim the glory of their deeds. We often

look for heroes, and we look in baseball parks and

amphitheaters and sports figures entertainers. We sometimes

look to politicians to be heroes, and sometimes they are. But

mostly we don't have to look very far for heroes. They are

among us, among us today in our hometowns across the United

States of America, they are the ones who served there's a

small memorial back home in Abilene, Kansas. It's a memorial

at the presidential library of Dwight D. Eisenhower that

bears this inscription. ``Let us be glad that such heroes

have lived and mourn those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Indeed, let us be glad for those, those heroes who have

lived, those heroes who show us away and let us strive to

live our lives in a manner worthy of their sacrifices.'' God

Bless you, veterans. Thank you for being our heroes and our

role models. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I was grateful to participate in CODEL McCaul for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. A highlight of the ceremonies at the Bastogne War Museum in Belgium was a speech by Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on December 13, 2024. As Chairman McCaul completes his impressive service as Committee Chairman, his sincere presentation will always be historically appreciated.

Thank you. It's truly an honor to be here today, but also

to be the presence of our veterans of Battle the Bulge.

You're truly heroes, and I thank you for being here today.

Today we gather to honor and remember the valor and sacrifice

of the men who fought the bitter cold of December 1944 and

changed the course of history, the freedoms that we enjoy

today were born out of this bloody battle, which Winston

Churchill described as undoubtedly the greatest American

battle of the war 80 years ago in the Ardennes Forest of

Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. The Battle of the Bulge

began a desperate and brutal offensive by Nazi forces that

tested the resolve of the Allied troops, while the U.S. and

allied forces faced tremendous challenges against a well-

equipped and well-trained enemy. The American troops did what

they do best. They stood up to the challenge and held the

line. This was also my father's war. I cannot stand here

today without thinking about him. James McCaul, the veteran

of the European theater. He served as a bombardier on a B 17,

known as a Flying Fortresses, participating in 32 bombing

missions on enemy targets, including this one right here

today, he was part of the largest bombing mission in U.S.

history, in support of the D Day invasion in Normandy, as

well as the skies above us during the Battle of the Bulge. He

was and is always my hero, as are you, and so too are all

those who bravely liberated a continent and defeated evil

their commitment to victory at all cost, exemplified the grit

and defiance of the American spirit. It was here in the

frozen forest that the world witnesses strength and unity and

resolve soldiers like the men of the 101st Airborne who held

the line in Bastogne, despite being surrounded and

outnumbered, they refused to surrender. They understood the

stakes that were happening right here, aside from the death

and carnage from the battle, American troops faced one of the

coldest winters in recorded history, with record breaking

temperatures sinking as low as negative 18 degrees

Fahrenheit, trench foot, frostbite, arctic conditions were

just as deadly as Hitler's army. Supply lines were stretched

thin. Troops were exhausted from constant combat as they

advanced across Europe, closing in on Berlin, the battle

spanned six weeks and had staggering costs, 80,000

casualties, nearly 20,000 killed Americans and 20,000 taken

prisoner, and the SS did not abide by the Geneva Convention,

all told; half a million Americans, along with over half a

million Allied troops, fought in this battle. It was the

bloodiest battle for U.S. forces during the entirety of World

War Two. The Allied Victory here broke the back of the Nazi

war machine and paved the way for liberation of Europe. The

memory of this battle should reinforce the moral clarity to

defend freedom at all costs. My father's generation, your

generation, fought to eradicate evil, and we must never

forget their sacrifices and continue the legacy of freedom

that they handed down to us, to my children and to our

grandchildren. As a Texan, I'm also proud that many heroes of

this battle went to Texas A&M University, which I represent,

including then Colonel James Earl Rudder. He was a

distinguished Texas A&M alumnus who was a commanding officer

of the Army's Second Ranger Battalion. He was one of the

amazing soldiers who landed at

Omaha Beach, and stormed Pointe du Hoc, scaling 100-foot

cliffs, neutralizing the German guns above. He continued his

mission across Europe, fighting in this very battle, the

Battle of the Bulge. And the relevance of this Battle is just

as important today as it was 80 years ago. History can repeat

itself once again. We are witnessing the largest land

invasion in Europe since 1939 with Russian aggression in

Ukraine and Eastern Europe. We are also witnessing the rise

of Chairman Xi in China and the Ayatollah in Iran is also

rearing his ugly head. We are witnessing a world on fire and

a battle again between good and evil. The significance of

this battle must serve as a reminder that Freedom is Never

Free. In that the democracies around the world must rally to

the cause of freedom when it is under attack. We do not

choose our enemies. They choose us. And just as we fought the

Nazis during World War Two, we will continue to fight for

freedom and democracy. It is our duty to take the lessons

learned from our fathers, grandfathers in history, to

preserve what these men fought for. In a time of great peril,

these men fought against tyranny and oppression, to preserve

freedom. History will always remember them as the greatest

generation, may God bless our veterans, the fallen heroes of

the Battle of the Bulge, the great people of Bastogne, and

the United States of America, and may He hold them in the

palm of his hand. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, World War II veteran, John Foy, provided extraordinary remarks on December 14, 2024, for the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge at Luxembourg American Cemetery. His humble insight and determination will forever be an inspiration for freedom and democracy as recognized by the late Army Pfc. Thomas Caughman of Lexington, South Carolina, that ``Freedom isn't Free.''

I'm a little short, Ladies and gentlemen, Your Majesties,

distinguished guests, and especially fellow veterans. 80

years ago, we stood in these frozen forests young men facing

an unrelenting enemy and the harshest of winters, it actually

get down to below zero at times. The Battle of the Bulge was

not just a test of strategy, but of spirit, determination and

sacrifice. I remember the bitter cold, the weight of my

machine gun and the faces of my brothers in arms, ordinary

men who displayed extraordinary courage. Together, we fought

for freedom, step by painful step through snow and enemy

fire. Some of these faces I still can see frozen in time,

they were sons, fathers, friends, who gave everything so that

others might live. The Ardennes offensive was a turning

point, not just in the time of war, but in our lives. It

taught us the value of resilience, unity, sacrifice. Today,

we honor those who did not return, whose lives ended here,

ensuring that turns that tyranny would not prevail. To my

fellow veterans, thank you for your service, to the families

of the fallen, their sacrifices not forgotten, and to those

who come after us, may you always remember that the freedoms

we cherish came at a terrible cost. Let us remember of this

Battle inspired us to work for a world where such sacrifices

are no longer needed. I'm a small man, but I was a tiger back

then, that I had a strong faith in God and in my Catholic

faith certainly helped, although much of what we did was

completely alien to those teachings, the killing was the

worst. Almost every day, one or more of us would be killed or

wounded, and every day, we would kill German soldiers. After

a while, we came almost numb to such a thing. Purple Hearts

were earned by the thousands. The bleeding wounds of 69,000

young Americans stained the snow and left that Red Badge of

Courage on that blood-soaked field of battle. The American

army had 90,000 casualties, about 19,000 of that were killed

in action, 20,000 taken prisoners and about 50,000 wounded.

My company was badly decimated, down to about 50 men left

from 200. My machine gun section of 12 men had five killed

and three badly wounded. They were my friends. This country

was truly blessed. The Ardennes Woods are silent now. The

battle smoke has fled. 80 years have passed. Now only

memories and the dead. Thank you. May God bless you. Thank

you.

Mr. Speaker, I was grateful to participate in CODEL McCaul for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. An inspiring speech was delivered by Brigadier General Andrew Saslav at the Bastogne War Museum, Belgium, on December 13, 2024, confirming the professionalism and dedication of the American military freedom and democracy.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, friends and

family, the brave men and women who fought here 80 years ago,

and most importantly, our veterans. It is my honor and my

privilege to be with you here today. It's 05:30. It's the

16th of December 1944, the ground in the air around the men

and women of the 12th US Army Group begins to shake. The air

begins to burn. It is the start of a 90-minute barrage by

1,600 artillery pieces. It's the start of the last offensive

the Germans would launch in the Second World War. Their

objective of this fight was to shatter the front lines to

separate forces. It was to reach the vital port of Antwerp

and ultimately to break the alliance that had landed here in

June. To this end, the Nazis had assembled three veteran

armies. They were led by their most proven and battle-

hardened commanders. They were offered the newest equipment

available and the most technologically advanced capabilities

the Nazis had. They were fighting their proven play. It had

taken them across what Europe lightning fast in 1940 and

standing in their way. Standing in their way were American

divisions that were actually brand new to the front or had

been pulled out of the brutal fighting in the herd and

forest. Each of those divisions covered an area that was over

twice the size we expected a division to be able to defend.

The numbers were simply in the Nazis favor. Any war game done

then, any war game done today, would have told you that they

had all the advantages. But what we must remember here today,

what this battle should always remind us of, what my 27 years

in uniform has taught me is that machines and tools of war

increase the brutality and the lethality of war, but that

training matters, Experience matters, heart and esprit de

corps are essential, and they will upend the results of any

war game ever done. The Battle of the Bulge had begun. The

Nazi army slammed into US lines, and while our men fought

hard under overwhelming force, those lines began to break.

Regiments were separated, regiments were surrounded, and the

allies were in trouble. At Eisenhower's headquarters, they

quickly realized what was happening and the gravity of the

consequences of this attack. First, they called for the 18th

Airborne Corps. It was down in bases in France after being

pulled off of a bitter fight in the Netherlands during

Operation Market Garden, the 82nd 101st Airborne were rushed

north. The 82nd would make its way north of here to a portion

of the fight where they would stop the lead elements of the

first SS Panzer Corps. This was not our fight alone. Field

monitor, Montgomery's, 21st Army Group was rushed from the

north, and Patton's Third Army would make a heroic and simply

amazing 48 hour drive to turn itself and move towards

Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge, our alliance was

focused and it was moving towards the fight. But ladies and

gentlemen, this is a human endeavor. It's the story of humans

that made the difference here 80 years ago in the North. The

furthest the Nazis would get was within five commit five

kilometers of the Meuse river. You see there. They

encountered the Third Royal Tank Regiment of 30th British

Corps, and they encountered Sergeant Frederick Prover

operating a lone Firefly Sherman tank. He engaged the lead

elements, destroying a mark four, a half track and a German

fuel truck. His actions would allow the allies in the north

three group and counterattack the next day, ceasing the

Movement West Patton's Army advanced to Bastogne in it

private. James Hendricks, only 17 years old at the time of

the fourth Armored Division came under attack from two Nazi

88 he got out of his vehicle, and he rushed shows with his

rifle, forcing both of the crews of those guns to surrender.

In the meantime, two of his fellow soldiers were wounded. He

fought off those attackers, and he recovered those two

wounded men. The column began to move again, and a fuel truck

exploded after being hit. He rushed forward and pulled the

driver to safety and put out the flames on that driver for

his actions that day, Private Hendrix would earn the Medal of

Honor. Sergeant Lester Courts, Private Ralph Ellis and

Sergeant George Carroll were all separated from their units

during the fight. They would survive the battle of the bulge.

They survived because the heroic actions of French, Belgian,

and Luxembourg citizens who came to the raid, Marician and

Elise Goble, Louis Stein, Martz and Mr. and Mrs. Jean,

Pereira, and Baltashier. They hid, they cared for, and

eventually returned these soldiers to friendly lines, all at

great personal risk. This fight was about people. It is

people that make up our alliances. It is the soldiers and the

citizens that we came here to liberate, that all came

together in the cause of freedom. But today, ladies and

gentlemen, we stand in Bastogne, the landing ground of the

troopers of the 100 and first airborne. They were offered the

simplest instructions for their mission, hold the vital

crossroads and don't let that stone be taken. They arrived

here not by not by parachute, as they'd arrived at every

battle before Europe. But they arrived here by truck. But

they arrived with the same determination that they had been

at Normandy, the same fighting spirit that had carried them

into the Netherlands in the face of overwhelming German

forces, they accomplished their mission. The siege of

Bastogne pitted these high these lightly armed paratroopers

against the armored might of the 47th Panzer Corps. But

war is a human endeavor, and while the Nazis had lots of

armor, the troopers of the 101st had a rendezvous with

destiny. Now most of history will tell you that that siege

was eventually broken on the 26th of December, at 1650 hours

as Cobra King, the lead tank of Patton's Third Army reached

Bastogne. I think the troopers of the 101st would tell you

that the only thing those tanks allowed him to do was

continue the attack. War is a human endeavor. It was then,

and it is now. What the world witnessed 80 years ago is what

happens when the cause of freedom is led by valiant action, a

coalition and Alliance built on freedom and liberty, not

conquest. In the words of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the

Battle of the Bulge was a great and glorious victory. But it

is also a reminder that freedom is not free, that the price

of freedom is paid in the blood and the sweat of those that

defend it. Today, we are joined here today by veterans of

that fight from 80 years ago. And gentlemen, it is my great

honor to be in your presence. Thank you. Your legacy is what

makes our Army great today. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, on December 13, 2024, during the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, hosted by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, inspiring remarks were presented by Belgian Foreign Minister, Bernard Quentin. The alliance of Belgium and the United States is unshakeable.

Dear Senator, Bill Nelson NASA Administrator and

Representative of His Excellency, the President of the United

States of America, Ambassador Michael Adler, and members of

the official U.S. delegation, including, of course, very

specially, the veterans and their families and carers. It is

a true honor to stand in front of you here in Bastogne,

ambassadors and other security distinguished guests present

tonight. Dear Mr. Benoit Lutgen, Mayor of Bastogne, ladies

and gentlemen, dear friends, the nuts that will be thrown

tomorrow in homage to General Anthony McAuliffe, the GIs

elements in which you might drink a delicious local beer in a

Bastogne Cafe later tonight, carefully the last resting place

of General George Patton just across the border. Not many

battles in history have generated emotions and symbols as

strong as those related to the Battle of the Bulge for many

generations, this Battle is synonymous with courage,

resilience and self-sacrifice. It is a powerful symbol of

unity and resistance of democratic countries against tyranny

and violence, it is also a potent reminder that peace and

freedom come at a price, as we honor the memory of so many

young soldiers from all over the U.S. and other allied

countries who fell for the freedom of Europe. How can we not

think of the Ukrainian soldiers who are today dying in the

snow, in the frozen mud to defend their country against an

unprovoked war of aggression? Tonight, ceremonies remind us

of the importance to stand side by side in the fight for the

rightful cause. It reminds us of our duty to support Ukraine

for as long as it takes, because, as we saw here in Bastogne,

the violence and brutality should never prevail, ladies and

gentlemen, not taking anything away from the tribute we owe

to the British and Canadian soldiers who also fought and died

in the larger theater operation, including your own Brigadier

men, nor the Free Poles, Free French, and also all those

coming from all over the world, including India and Africa.

Looking at the names on the graves, on the Ardennes Forest,

this is essentially an American history and a tragic and

glorious epitome of America's unflinching dedication to

preserving liberty, democracy and human rights in the world.

We are here, first and foremost, to honor freedom and do

tribute to troops from all corners of the U.S. who came here

to liberate our land, my land, from the yoke of Nazism

thousands of miles from their own cities and villages. We

celebrate them, those who are with us today, the others who

could enjoy and the children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren

and grand grandchildren of those who are not with us any

longer. We are also here to give a strong message of hope and

unity, both as a minister and as a historian. I know that the

United States of America and Belgium share a long history

during which they have consistently defended together the

values of humanity and freedoms that both our nations are

built upon. One moving story I remember was told in a great

documentary series in the battle that was broadcasted in on

Belgium television when I was still a child, already a long

time ago, the story of young servicemen from the Midwest who,

during the battle, were trying to communicate with local

villagers despite not speaking any French. Soon, they

discovered that the dialect they were speaking back in

Wisconsin or Minnesota was actually a Walloon, one perfectly

understandable to the Bastogne they were addressing. Like

them, hundreds of thousands of Americans claim Belgian

lineage today. Thousands of viewers and Belgian citizens live

in the other country, with hundreds of thousands more

employed by investors from the other country and countless

tourist researchers. And students, sports, people and artists

traveling each year across the Atlantic Ocean. These are deep

and enduring bonds. Allies yesterday are allies today, and it

is only by remaining trustful security partners that we will

be able to tackle the current global challenges, a nature of

safety and prosperity. Belgium's commitment to the

Transatlantic Partnership is a tenet of its foreign policy,

as is our result, to strive for peace in Europe, in Africa

and, of course, in East Asia and the Middle East. Allies were

also in many other combats with us. One example among many,

the fight against criminal activities, including narcotics

and the modern slavery of peoples of people smuggling,

increasingly cooperating, both at home and in third

countries. We need to enhance our common fight, because these

threats are numerous, challenging our freedom and our

democracies worldwide. Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, we

are those future generations for which the young GIs,

paratroopers, gunners and Rangers fought 80 years ago. Let us

show ourselves worthy of those who gave their lives for us,

and let us continue the strong tradition of mutual trust and

friendship that has existed for close to two centuries, and

even more so since World War Two and the Battle of the Bulge,

it is now our duty to preserve the freedom that has been

bestowed on us and to pass it on to today's fellow

generation. And if you allow me, dear veterans, when I saw

you, I had to remember a personal event late in the 90s. I

was sitting watching the news with my beloved late

grandmother, born before the First World War. It was a war in

Serbia, and she was crying, and I don't remember. I don't

want to remember the stupidity I told her, so why are you

crying? And she looked at me back, and she loved me a lot,

but there Her eyes were not happy, and she told me, I knew.

What do you know about war? Nothing, But you know and you

give to all of us. The best of you. Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, Americans are grateful for the service of American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) Secretary Charles K. Djou who provided welcome remarks of the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery on December 14, 2024. With his AMBC leadership, American cemeteries worldwide are a permanent recognition of affection for servicemembers recognizing Freedom Is Not Free. When Americans liberate nations from oppression, it is not for occupation as we request only to have sufficient acreage to bury valiant American patriots.

Good morning, Your Majesties, Prime Ministers,

Administrator Nelson, Ambassador Barrett, members of the

United States Senate and United States House of

Representatives. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the

Luxembourg American Cemetery. I'd like to start here this

morning by sharing with all of you a very quick story about

one soldier. His name is Alexis Sommaripa. Alexis was born in

Odessa, Ukraine. He went on to serve. He went on to graduate

from Harvard University, and when World War Two broke out, he

was 41 years old. But he nevertheless volunteered to serve in

the United States military, and because of his language

skills, speaking Russian, Ukrainian, German, and French. He

was put in the Intelligence Corps. He landed on Normandy

Beach and fought here at the Battle of the Bulge. He went on

and was assigned to the 37th Tank Battalion, Fourth Armored

Division, unfortunately, after the Battle of the Bulge, while

he was sitting at the top and commanding a tank, Alexis' tank

was strafed by German Messerschmidt. It wounded the driver,

flinging him from the tank, and the tank Raj fell over on

Alexis. He is buried here at the Luxembourg American

Cemetery. He is buried a Plot E, Row 15, Grave, 65. I raise

the story with all of you, because all of these crosses and

these Stars of David that rest behind me are not movie props.

They are not just figures. They are the lives of real

Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of

freedom, and each and every one have a story as compelling as

Alexis. And I raise this story because Alexi was a Ukrainian-

American, and the relevance today with the largest invasion

on the plains of Ukraine, unprovoked, is today steaming

across Europe. I know, ladies and gentlemen, that there are

many here in this world who question, who doubt, who wonder,

do places like this exist? Do ceremonies like this still have

relevance today? I'm here to respond to you, to all who

question, to all who wonder, to all who doubt. Come, come

here to Luxembourg. Come here to the Luxembourg American

Cemetery. Come see these crosses and these Stars of David.

Come and see what true sacrifice is about. Because you see,

ladies and gentlemen, when the United States of America

stands at its best, when we are at our finest America does

not send its young, its brave and its finest to fight for a

king or

a crown. We do not fight for a sect or denomination. We do

not even fight for a motherland or a fatherland, and

Americans most certainly never fight for conquest or plunder

or enslavement of another people. Instead, when America sends

its young, its brave and its finest to fight and yes,

sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice, America does it for

simple, humble values, the values of liberty and democracy

and when the job is done, when the mission is accomplished,

when America has taken down the dictator and stood up

democracy, Americans do something utterly unique in the

history of mankind. We go home all that America asks for in

return. In exchange for the sacrifice of our young, are a few

small plots of land to bury our dead. All of you are seated

here today in one of those small plots of land, and that is

why this place, this ceremony, is still so important. It

reminds us of American sacrifice, and it reminds all of the

autocrats and the dictators in this world, whether they be in

Moscow or Beijing, whether they be in Tehran or Pyongyang,

the autocracy may seem powerful. The dictatorship may seem

strong. But here this place at the Luxembourg American

Cemetery. We remind the world that there is nothing more

powerful in it than a free people willing to fight for

freedom. Ladies and gentlemen, May the good Lord bless each

and every one of you. Bless Luxembourg and the United States

of America. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, led by President-elect Donald Trump, House Republicans are looking forward to 2025 and the 119th Congress with great enthusiasm, advancing a conservative agenda.

With the new Republican majority in the Senate, we will work hard on behalf of American families to deliver solutions to drive down the crippling costs of inflation, eliminate regulations, lower energy prices, and provide for a reduction in Federal overreach in schools, and much more.

House Republicans are committed to securing the borders, promoting family values, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and backing our allies while establishing peace through strength.

House Republicans, led by the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson, will resume, making America great again.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, my deepest sympathy to the family of Senator Kay Patterson. We were both elected in the State Senate Class of 1984 and developed a friendship, despite ideological differences. I cherish our co-sponsoring of legislation to encourage UPS job creation at Columbia Airport, presented as the `Lion And The Lamb Bill.'

I include in the Record the obituary of Senator Kay Patterson.

``Former state Sen. Kay Patterson, known for his colorful

language and wit, died Friday after being sick, sources with

knowledge confirmed to The State. He was 93.

Described as a civil rights icon, the former Richland

County lawmaker served in the General Assembly for 32 years.

Patterson was a member of the state House from 1975 through

1985 representing District 73 and in the state Senate from

1985 through 2007 representing District 19.

``His unwavering commitment to the education, civil rights

and the well-being of all South Carolinians has left an

indelible mark our state. Sen. Patterson commanded everyone's

attention with his wit and wisdom.'' S.C. Democratic Party

Chairwoman Christale Spain said in a statement. ``His

leadership and dedication to our community inspired me and

many others.''

Patterson had a bachelor's degree from Allen University and

served two years in U.S. Marine Corps.

State Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine, D-Richland, who now holds

the seat previously held by Patterson, called him a towering

champion for ``justice, equality and education.''

``As a legislator, educator, and mentor, he consistently

fought to uplift the marginalized, amplify unheard voices,

and ensure a brighter future for all South Carolinians,''

Devine posted on X. ``His unwavering commitment to civil

rights and education reform has touched countless lives and

will continue to inspire generations to come.''

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-Santee, called Patterson a

``treasured friend'' and noted how he was a long-time

proponent of removing the Confederate flag from atop the

State House dome.

``He was a passionate voice for South Carolina's families,

serving over three decades in public service,'' Clyburn said

in a statement.

Former state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Richland, said

Patterson will be sorely missed and described Patterson as a

civil rights icon.

``He was an extraordinary public servant and an

extraordinary example for anyone in public service,''

Harpootlian said. ``He wasn't looking for a way to get

something for him. He was looking for a way to get something

for his community.''

During his career in public service, Patterson served as a

commissioner for the South Carolina Department of Highways

and Public Transportation, chairman of the South Carolina

Legislative Black Caucus, chairman of the Richland County

Legislative Delegation, and as a trustee on the University of

South Carolina Board.

He was the first Black person to serve on the USC Board

since Reconstruction.

Former state Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland, whose father,

Isadore, was friends with Patterson, said Patterson was an

inspirational and transformational leader.

``Sen. Patterson was a force for change. He was not afraid

to speak out against prejudice or injustice, both as an

educator and a public servant,'' Lourie said in a statement.

Patterson taught for 14 years at W.A. Perry Middle School,

C.A. Johnson High School and Benedict College and served for

16 years as a UniServ representative for the South Carolina

Education Association.

State Sen. Darren Jackson, D-Richland, said Patterson was a

politician who could keep the attention of young people.

Jackson said Patterson motivated him to go into politics.

``He spoke to us, not at us,'' Jackson said. ``He used

colorful language and kept us at the end of our seat.''

Patterson's oratory ability is what most remember him for

which included his ability to use wit to his advantage.

``He was not a giant of a man until he opened his mouth and

stood on his credentials,'' said House Minority Leader Todd

Rutherford, D-Richland.

``Everyone took note when he started to talk,'' Rutherford

added. ``He had an uncanny ability to take street talk and

turn it into intelligent talk and take intelligent talk and

turn it into street talk.''

Former Columbia Mayor Bob Coble said he was advised to

never speak after Patterson.

``He would always bring the house down,'' Coble said.

``He did it with a flair. He left you laughing, but while

you were laughing, you knew what his point was,'' said Senate

Minority Leader Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg.

Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers go to the family of former Congressman John Spratt. Representing South Carolina's Fifth District for nearly 30 years, Congressman Spratt was already the Dean of the South Carolina Delegation in the House when I assumed office. I had the privilege of serving with him on the Armed Services Committee, where he was a respected leader and very knowledgeable on a wide range of national security issues.

Include in the Record the obituary of former Congressman John Spratt.

John Spratt, a longtime member of the U.S. Congress from

South Carolina, died Saturday night, his daughter said.

``I am heartbroken to announce that my father passed away

last night,'' Catherine Spratt said on Facebook. He ``passed

away peacefully at home surrounded by family . . . due to

complications from Parkinson's disease.''

Spratt, 82, a Democrat who represented South Carolina's 5th

District from 1983-2011, was mourned by President Joe Biden,

former President Bill Clinton and Current U.S. Rep. Jim

Clyburn, D-Santee, among others.

``Guided by his wit, wisdom, decency, and grace, John

deeply understood the promise of America, and he fought

tirelessly to bring people together to help us live up to

that promise,'' Biden wrote in a condolence letter to the

family, according to Catherine.

The 5th District includes all of Cherokee, Chester,

Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Union and York counties,

in addition to parts of Newberry, Spartanburg and Sumter

counties.

``Today, the South Carolina Democratic Party joins

countless South Carolinians and Americans in mourning the

loss of a true statesman, former Congressman John Spratt. His

passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who

knew him, worked alongside him, and benefited from his

tireless advocacy for our state and nation,'' S.C. Democratic

Party Chair Christale Spain said Sunday. ``Congressman Spratt

represented South Carolina's 5th Congressional District with

unmatched dedication and grace for nearly three decades.''

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1942; Spratt grew up

in York, South Carolina, and graduated from both York High

School and Davidson College. He was awarded a Marshall

Scholarship to Oxford, where he studied economics, and earned

a Law degree from Yale.

Spratt also served in the U.S. Army from 1969-71, rising to

the rank of captain, and was awarded the Meritorious Service

Medal, his daughter said.

After being elected to Congress, Spratt was the second-

highest ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee. He

served as chairman of the House budget committee; among his

accomplishments was the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of

1997.

Although Spratt was known for his intellect and thoughtful

decisions, he was not averse to going to the ends of the

earth--literally--to seek to understand complicated areas of

the federal budget over which his committee assignments gave

him jurisdiction.

In 1991, for example, Spratt spent 18 hours aboard a

nuclear-powered submarine as it cruised beneath the North

Pole.

``It was a very valuable experience,'' said, Spratt,

chairman of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Panel at the time.

``I certainly have a new appreciation for the very capable

men and women who staff these subs and the incredibly

diffIcult task they perform.''

Camden Mayor Vincent Sheheen, a former state senator from

Kershaw County, said on Monday, ``I was a page in his office

in the summer of 1991, and he was so kind and inclusive to a

college student who didn't know anything. He was really a

teacher of all things to all people, from a lowly college

page to a corporate CEO, and he treated everyone the same.''

Clinton said Spratt ``was a skilled and deeply principled

lawmaker,'' his daughter said. Clinton continued, saying

Spratt ``was masterful in his knowledge of policy and was

willing to work with anyone to pass legislation that would

make a difference in people's lives. He had a unique ability

of knowing when to hold the line and when to compromise, and

it earned him the respect of all in Washington. I'll always

be grateful for the chance to work with him, especially on

the Balanced Budget of 1997 which he co-authored and helped

produce record surpluses. John was a true public servant and

a really good man.''

Closer to home in South Carolina, Spratt worked to settle

the Catawba Indian land claim that cleared the title to 225

square miles of land in York and Lancaster and paved the way

for development in the area to thrive, the Rock Hill Herald

previously reported. Spratt also was instrumental in securing

more than $120 million in building projects for Shaw Air

Force Base.

``Serving in Congress with John Spratt was one of the most

rewarding experiences of my life.'' Clyburn said on social

media. ``He was a friend and confidant, a colleague and

counselor, and a mentor and partner. His love of country and

respect for humanity were always on display. He was an

inconspicuous genius and the most ordinary, extraordinary

person I have ever known. I have been missing him for a long

time and will always remember his wise counsel.'' Spratt was

well respected by members of both sides of the aisle in

Congress.

``Above all else, John Spratt was an incredibly smart and

decent man. He dedicated his life to serving the people of

South Carolina,'' Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Seneca, said Monday.

``While we were on opposite sides of the aisle, I appreciated

how John was always trying to find common ground for the

greater good. In my view, his disposition and approach to the

job represented the best of public service.

John was a good friend, and he will be missed. May he rest

in peace.''

Spratt is survived by wife, Jane Stacy Spratt; daughters

Susan Elizabeth Spratt (David Tendler), Sarah Stacy Spratt

(Brian Brennan), and Catherine Bratton Spratt, among other

family members. No funeral arrangements have. been announced.

Mandy Powers Norell, Trav Robertson and Jaime Harrison were

among many involved in Palmetto State politics who shared

memorials about Spratt. ``Congressman John Spratt was my

friend, mentor, and one of the greatest statesmen in

Congress--and his passing breaks my heart. He was respected

by Democrats and Republicans alike in our beloved home state

of South Carolina as well as on Capitol Hill,'' Harrison

said.

``Congressman Spratt was a miracle worker. As chairman of

the House Budget Committee, he would find common ground to

get things done for the people--often engaging in shuttle

diplomacy to garner the support of a range of groups, from

Blue Dogs to Progressives. I often teased that Mr. Spratt had

probably forgotten more about the federal budget than the

majority of members had ever known.

``Congressman Spratt was brilliant, kind, and beloved by

many. I will miss him, but his work and his legacy will live

on with all of us.''

Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago, partnering with Speaker Mike Johnson and National Security Advisor designee Mike Waltz, we called for sanctions on corrupt Bidzina Ivanishvili, the puppet of Putin in Georgia, in the Republican Study Committee's National Security Strategy.

It is time to impose these sanctions as war criminal Putin tries to destroy Georgian democracy. War criminal Putin continues to threaten global stability, but he can be defeated, as evidenced by the fall of the Assad dictatorship in Syria, with the expelling of Putin's military from Syrian bases, as well as the rebuke of Russian intervention this week in Romania, with defeat last month in Moldova, as Putin still occupies territory in Georgia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has courageously offered wheat to Syria after war criminal Putin announced he would cease all grain exports.

Turkiye is appreciated for its leadership as a NATO ally for leading in Syria with its call for democratic elections and protection of Christians and minorities.

I agree with President Donald Trump, who said yesterday that: ``I think Turkiye is very smart'' and that Turkiye is key to what happens next in Syria.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators puts all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump will be reinstating laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, the world appreciates the courage of Georgian President, Salome Zourabichvili, standing strong for the people of Georgia, opposing the illegitimate Presidential election Saturday in Tbilisi.

For the first time, the President was not chosen in a national election, but by a vote of the fraudulently elected parliament. Lithuanian Parliamentarian Rasa Jukneviciene observed for the European Parliament that selecting puppet, Mikheil Kavelashvili, was a farce.

Former Georgian Ambassador Natalie Sabanadze condemned Kavelashvili as a puppet of war criminal Putin, who has cosponsored the Russian- devised foreign agent registration law, destroying democracy.

The people of Georgia will prevail over Putin as Putin has lost in Moldova, been rejected in Romania, and is being expelled from Syria.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators puts all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstate existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Best wishes for the continued success of Ric Grenell, selected by President Trump to be the presidential envoy for special missions.