Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the Biden border crisis threatens all American families at risk of murderous attacks.

Since Biden, there have been 16 million illegal alien crossings. In April alone, there were 180,000 illegal alien crossings.

This represents 38 consecutive months of higher illegal crossings than any month under President Donald Trump.

In the last 7 months, more than 27,000 Chinese communist nationals illegally crossed, breaking the total of all of last year.

The American people have exposed corrupt Judge Merchan, dismissing his unethical witch hunt with the achievement ultimately of electing President Donald Trump. Merchan will be warmly welcomed as my guest at the Trump inauguration.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce the existing border laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul responded the day after the bizarre Biden debate performance where Biden claimed no U.S. servicemembers died under his watch. Mr. McCaul correctly identified this claim as a lie as 13 were murdered in the Abbey Gate terrorist attack alone.

Sadly, this year, three Georgia Army reservists were killed on January 28 by Iran puppet Hezbollah at Tower 22 in Jordan. America will not forget Specialist Kennedy Sanders, Sergeant William Rivers, and Specialist Breonna Moffett.

The unintended reelection of Donald Trump by corrupt Judge Merchan is more evident every day. Polls for Trump overwhelmingly recognize judicial subversion with Merchan earning my invitation to be my guest for the Trump inauguration.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, I was grateful to participate in the Bipartisan Congressional Delegation for the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy invasion at the invitation of Speaker Mike Johnson and led by Majority Speaker Steve Scalise.

A highlight of the program were the following remarks of Charles K. Djou, Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission at the Normandy American Cemetery on Omaha Beach on June 6, 2024:

``President and First Lady Biden. President and First Lady

Macron.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the American Battle

Monuments Commission's Normandy American Cemetery.

Bonjour a tous et bievenue.

D-Day is the hinge of history. It is here that America

reflects the very best of its values.

When America is at its best. When America sends its young,

its brave, its best, to fight, America does not fight----

--for a king or a crown

--not for a sect or a denomination

--not for a motherland or a fatherland

And America most certainly does not fight for conquest, or

plunder, or enslavement of another people.

Rather, at its best, when America asks its young and brave

to serve, to sacrifice, and yes, sometimes make the ultimate

sacrifice, America fights for simple values.

The values of Freedom, Liberty and Democracy.

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

when America and her allies have taken down the tyrant and

stood up democracy of the people, America does something

utterly unique in the history of mankind--we go home.

All that America asks for in return for this sacrifice of

our young is a few small plots of land to bury our dead who

have made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

You are all seated here in one such small plot of land--the

Normandy American Cemetery.

That is why----

--this Date, June 6th

--this Place, Normandy

--this Ceremony, here is a reminder to us of the real cost

of war and the real price of liberty.

It is a price that we paid on D-Day 80 years ago. It is a

price we remind authoritarians today that, if necessary, we

will pay again to ensure the survival of freedom.

--France knows.

--The United States knows.

--We know.

--La France le connait

--Les Estas Unis les connaissent

--Nous connaissons

That the world's most powerful weapon system is

--not a T-72 manned by mercenaries

--not a Fujian aircraft carrier patrolling artificial

islands

--not a suicidal terrorist killing innocents

No, it was, it is, and it shall forever be a free people

willing to fight for freedom. This is what today is all

about.

Thank you for coming, here.

Thank you for remembering, here.

Thank you for renewing your faith in freedom, here.

Je voudrais dit, merci beaucoup.

May the good Lord, bless you, your family, France and the

United States of America.''

Mr. Speaker, I was having a medical procedure and was unable to be

Mr. Speaker, Collin Lee Teem, of Lexington, South Carolina, was Killed in Action in Ukraine on May 11, 2024. I am greatly saddened by his death and humbled by his sacrifice. Collin is a true American hero, who sacrificed his life fighting for freedom and democracy in the Global War on Terrorism and the War of Dictators Invading Democracies. As citizens throughout our community continue to cope with this tragic loss, my thoughts and prayers will remain with Collin's family, his friends and his fellow service members.

I include in the Record the following obituary for Collin Lee Teem:

Collin Lee Teem, age 23, was born March 30, 2001 in

Florida. His family moved to Lexington, South Carolina in

2002 where he lived and grew up the remainder of his

childhood. He graduated high school in June 2019 then

followed his dreams, and in July 2019, left for the United

States Marine Corp Boot Camp. Collin then spent the next 4

years as a machine gunner in infantry. During his Marine Corp

active duty time, he received Good Conduct medal, National

Defense Service medal, Global war on Terrorism Expeditionary

medal, Global war on Terrorism Service medal, Sea Service

Deployment ribbon (2), Sharpshooter Rifle Qualification

badge, and Expert Pistol Qualification badge. Collin also

completed Advanced Machine Gun training/course. Collin

received an honorable DD214 discharge middle of July 2023.

Teem then went on to volunteer his skills and military

services to join the fight in Ukraine in their time of need.

Collin left the United States in Sept 2023 and arrived in

Kyiv where he then joined forces with International Legion of

Defense. Collin served with Ukraine from September 2023 until

he was unfortunately Killed in Action on May 11, 2024. Collin

Teem's passions were evident in his life. He lived a life

passionate about his hobbies, fun experiences, military

service, and freedom. He lived life to the fullest and always

tried to lighten the load of others around him--physically

and mentally. He brought laughter to many. His enthusiasm and

smile were infectious. It's been said that All people die but

not All people live, Collin lived! He accomplished and packed

so much in his short 23 years. He did what he loved. He

touched countless lives by simply just being himself. Many

have said he marched to his own beat which lead to many

``Teem Shenanigans'' as his Marine Corp leadership once told

us. Collin leaves behind his mother, father, 3 brothers, 1

sister, 2 nephews, 2 nieces, as well as grandparents, aunts,

uncles, cousins, countless friends, and military brothers and

sisters. Collin Teem will always be remembered for his love

of fishing, hunting, military service aka guns, warm weather,

and a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. But most of

all, for his dedication, determination, selflessness,

heroism, and sacrifice for All mankind. He will be dearly

missed by so many, near and far.

Legend and Hero to all who knew him.

#Forever23YoullBe

His family will hold Memorial Services to Honor the Life of

Collin both in his home town on the East Coast on July 6,

2024, as well as in a place he fell in love with, grew, and

was stationed during his Marine Corp time--on the West

Coast--in California--date TBD.

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

Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to the State Department and Foreign Operations appropriations bill deeply rooted in our commitment to responsible governance and the ethical stewardship of the American taxpayer as evidenced by the great work of Congressman Diaz-Balart.

Amendment No. 75 seeks to prohibit American taxpayer humanitarian funding in Syria from indirectly supporting the murderous regime of Bashar al-Assad, a known war criminal.

Current appropriations law has established that taxpayer dollars do not go to the Assad regime. Sadly, however, it has been well-documented that taxpayer dollars have reached the Assad dictatorship.

In 2022, a study presented at the Middle East Institute in Washington revealed a disturbing reality. Nearly half of the United Nations' aid funds in Syria were funneled to companies directly related to the Syrian Government, entities associated with serious human rights abuses.

This raises profound concerns about systemic flaws in the United Nations' aid delivery process in Syria, including the questionable awarding of significant contracts to high-risk suppliers.

In their powerful op-ed published February 12, 2018, in The Hill titled: ``Assad's Syria plays dirty with U.S. humanitarian aid,'' esteemed former U.S. officials, former Ambassador to

Syria Robert Ford and Assistant Leader Mark Ward, both of the Obama administration, have recommended a cessation of funding to U.N. agencies responsible for delivering aid to Syria.

They note this aid has become a weapon in the hands of the Assad dictatorship. Their rationale is clear: Such a bold move would not only assert U.S. leadership but also strengthen the international leverage against the mass murdering Assad regime.

Furthermore, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in their October 2021 report outlined how the Assad regime systemically diverts international aid. By enforcing a distorted exchange rate, the regime siphons off nearly $0.51 of every aid dollar spent in 2020, bolstering its central bank, an entity sanctioned not only by the United States but also by the European Union and the United Kingdom.

It is well-documented that the Assad regime also diverted critical earthquake aid as his regime and war criminal Putin continued bombing areas hardest hit by the earthquake 130 times. Our well-intended financial support has not reached those in dire need.

Devastatingly, over half of the citizens of Syria, 14 million people, have forcibly been displaced from their homes, businesses, schools, religious institutions, and communities by the mass murderer Assad and war criminal Putin. Nearly a million have been brutally murdered as the U.N. stopped counting at half a million.

Since the outset of the conflict, the United States has contributed humanitarian assistance to Syria. This generous support, funded by the American taxpayer, demands stringent oversight to ensure it achieves its intended goals.

Therefore, the purpose of this amendment is clear: to ensure that every dollar spent is aligned with our national values and high standards of accountability that the American people rightfully expect.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to stand firm in our resolve to use American resources wisely and justly.

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier on being named the South Carolina Highway Patrol Statewide 2023 Trooper of the Year by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS).

This award is presented each year to a South Carolina law enforcement officer whose valorous acts go above and beyond the call of duty.

Last year, after a late-night traffic stop for a speeding ticket, Lance Corporal Frazier was wounded when the driver opened fire before driving off. However, even with his injuries, he was heroically able to get a detailed description of the vehicle, which helped the eventual apprehension of the suspect shortly after.

Upon receipt of his Trooper of the Year recognition, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol, Colonel Christopher Williamson said, ``Lance Corporal Frazier exemplifies the Highway Patrol's core values of selfless service, integrity, and responsibility, even in the moments after he was shot on duty. His resilience in his recovery and determination to return to duty after this incident reflects the true spirit of a dedicated public servant. We very much appreciate the SC Sheriff's Association for recognizing Frazier with this honor.''

Lance Corporal Frazier is a Navy veteran who has been with Highway Patrol Troop 7 since 2018. He currently serves in Post A, which covers Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, and Hampton counties.

Additionally, I would like to recognize Destany Hodgkins for being the Blythewood Telecommunications Center nominee for the 2023 Statewide Telecommunications Operator of the Year Award by the SCDPS.

I am grateful to Lance Corporal Frazier and all those in the South Carolina Highway Patrol for their service in protecting the families of the Second District and the Palmetto State.

Mr. Speaker, having the extraordinary opportunity to visit the people of Russia beginning in 1990 from St. Petersburg to Moscow to Novosibirsk to Chelyabinsk (which is the Sister City of my state capital, Columbia), I believe facts reveal that war criminal Putin's presidency is nonbinding and not a direct or legitimate representation of the Russian people.

The inspiring people of Russia deserve better than endless corruption and dictatorship. War criminal Putin has shown time and time again that he is willing to subvert the law and the will of the people by continuing to enrich himself and his cronies. The United States should make it clear that it will not recognize desperate attempts by Putin to cling to power and continue murderous activities, enriching oligarchs across the globe.

I have introduced bipartisan resolutions with Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen noting that the election irregularities that kept Putin in power made his continuation in office illegitimate. In March 2024, H. Res. 1087 stated that ``. . . any attempt by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to remain in office beyond May 7, 2024, shall warrant nonrecognition on the part of the United States.''

Author, professor, and journalist David Satter, a former Financial Times Moscow correspondent and former senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, has documented the basis of overwhelming evidence, the September 1999 apartment bombings which brought Putin to power were carried out by the Russian security services, and that the Putin regime has been illegitimate since the first day of his accession to power.

Satter's writings in National Review, August 17, 2016, and his book, The Less You Know, the Better You Sleep: Russia's Road to Terror and Dictatorship Under Yeltsin and Putin (Yale University Press), include the following analysis and perspectives:

``The bombings in the cities of Buynaksk, Moscow, and

Volgodonsk killed more than 300 persons and injured hundreds

of others. They were blamed without evidence on Chechen

terrorists and used as a pretext to start a new war against

the semi-independent Republic of Chechen. When Putin was put

in charge of the war his popularity soared, making it

possible for him to be elected as Russia's second post-Soviet

president in March 2000.

``It is clear, however, that what had taken place was the

greatest political provocation since the burning of the

Reichstag. In an almost unbelievable slipup, Gennady

Seleznev, the Speaker of the Duma and a close Putin

associate, announced in the Duma on September 13, 1999, that

a building in Volgodonsk had been blown up. The building that

had blown up on that day was in Moscow. A building in

Volgodonsk was blown up three days later, on September 16,

1999.

``On September 17, 1999, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, head of the

Liberal Democratic party at the time, demanded an explanation

from Seleznev on how he had known about the bombing in

advance. Zhirinovsky stood at the podium in the Duma and

shouted, ``Do you see what is happening in this country? You

say an apartment building was blown up on Monday and it

explodes on Thursday. This can be evaluated as a

provocation.'' Seleznev refused to give a response, and

Zhirinovsky's microphone was shut off while continuing to

insist on one.

``In March 2002, Noviye lnvestiya, a daily newspaper

published in Moscow, Russia, obtained the transcript of

Seleznev's words on September 13, 1999, Which were: ``Here is

a communication which they transmit. According to a report

from Rostov-on-Don today, this past night, an apartment house

was blown up in the city of Volgodonsk.'' When asked who

informed him of the bombing three days in advance, he

responded, ``Believe me, not [exiled oligarch Boris]

Berezovsky,'' who had accused Putin of orchestrating the

bombing. Seleznev then said that on September 13, 1999, he

was referring to an explosion in Volgodonsk on September 15,

1999, that was part of a war between criminal gangs and

caused no deaths. Even if Seleznev was referring to this

explosion on September 15, how was he aware of it two days in

advance, on September 13?

``On September 22, 1999, a fifth bomb was discovered and

quickly deactivated in the basement of a building in Ryazan.

The bomb was found to be planted not by Chechen terrorists

but by agents of the Russian FSB. On September 24, 1999, Head

of the FSB, Nikolai Patrushev, stated that the bomb was a

dummy, planted as part of a training exercise in Ryazan.

Although, the bomb tested positive for hexogen, the same

explosive used in the four successful apartment bombings in

Buynaksk, Moscow, and Volgodonsk. Not a single local

government agency in Rayzan, including the local branch of

the FSB, was informed in advance of the ``exercise,'' even

though Russian law on civil defense requires any exercise in

residential areas are planned and confirmed in advance with

local officials. For two days, local authorities in Ryazan

believed they were dealing with an attempted terrorist attack

while official Russian media continued to inform people that

an attempted terrorist attack had been averted and Russian

air force began the bombing of Grozny, the capital city of

the Chechen Republic.

``On February 2002, after three failed motions in the Duma

to investigate the Ryazan incident failed due to opposition

from the pro-Putin Unity party, a group of Duma deputies and

human-rights activists formed a public commission to discover

the truth on their own. Among these members were Sergei

Yushenkov, Yuri Shchekochikhin, Anna Politkovskaya, and

Alexander Litvinenko, who were all murdered by 2006. This

developed a fear in people to investigate or question the

September 1999 apartment bombings and how Putin came into

power.

``The terror regime in Russia began with the 1999 apartment

bombings, which served as a prelude for the attack on the

Beslan school with grenades and flamethrowers that killed

nearly 300 hostages, most of them children, in 2004, the

shooting down of the MH17 civilian airliner in 2014 and the

Russian war against Ukraine with its human wave attacks from

the Russian side and hundreds of thousands of casualties.

Speaking the full truth about the Putin regime is the first

step toward ending the carnage'';

Mr. Speaker, today I am grateful to honor the remarkable life of Major William Henry Luther, a highly decorated hero of the Vietnam War, who will be laid to rest at the Dallas-Fort Worth Veterans National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas on June 20th. Major Luther, the brother of Second District resident and Publisher of Linc, Inc. community newspapers, Kirk Luther, also leaves behind wife Jackie Mae, daughter Tracey, son Robert, five grandchildren, one great grandchild, and numerous extended family members and friends. I offer my sympathy to his family.

I include in the Record the following obituary for William Henry Luther:

William Henry Luther, a veteran of the war in Vietnam and

longtime resident of Edgecliff Village, Texas, passed away on

December 10, 2023 in his home. Bill, as he was known to most,

was born November 7, 1939 to Kirk Charles Luther and

Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Luther in Berwyn, Illinois. He

enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956. Bill was first deployed to

Korea where he served with a medical unit and was there when

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

After Korea, Bill was deployed to Vietnam for three combat

tours during the 60s. For

his heroic actions as a helicopter pilot fighting in some of

the bloodiest battles with the 1st Air Cavalry Division

including the TET Offensive and the City of Hue, Khe Sahn,

and the invasion of the A'Shau Valley, the U.S. Army

recognized Bill for his honorable service with a Silver Star

(one of the highest honors to be bestowed upon a combat

veteran) the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star (1st

OLC), the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, National Defense

Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/DVC 60, Vietnam Cross

of Gallantry w/PALM, Senior Army Aviation Badge, Army Aviator

Badge, Armed Forces Reservice Medal, Good Conduct Medal,

Vietnam Civil Actions Medal (Unit Citation), Valorous Unit

Citation and the Meritorious Service Medal. Bill was the true

definition of a warrior and retired from military service

with the rank of Major after 22 years, 5 months and 5 days

from Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Bill married Jackie Mae Riddle on July 22, 1967 at Fort

Rucker, Alabama, and together they raised two children,

Robert and Tracey.

After his retirement from military service Bill joined

Defender Industries in Columbia, SC and was promoted to the

Senior Operations Officer of the southwestern territory which

included Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. During that time he

moved his family to Ft. Worth and eventually Edgecliff

Village where he resided until his passing. Bill was an avid

golfer and served two terms as an Alderman on the Edgecliff

Village City Council.

Bill is survived by his wife Jackie Mae Luther of Fort

Worth, TX.; his daughter, Tracey Scancella and husband, Jimmy

Aguirre; his son, Robert S. Luther and wife, Debra M. Luther,

as well as five grandchildren, Jonathan Scancella, Joseph

Scancella, Bradley W. Luther, Kristina K. Luther, Kelli M.

Luther and one great grandchild, Theadore W. Luther; his

brother, Kirk F. Luther and wife Kathy A. Luther along with 2

nephews, Aaron K. Luther and Nicholas C. Luther and two great

nephews, Jonah Luther and Elijah Luther.

William will be laid to rest with full military honors at

Dallas Ft. Worth Veterans National Cemetery on June 20, 2024

at 11:00 am. Remembrances can be made by visiting Wounded

Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Preston and Alyssa Grisham, of West Columbia, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby daughter. Parker Hannah Grisham was born on June 6, 2024, at 11:44 a.m., weighing 7 pounds and 7 ounces at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia. She has been born into a loving home, where she will be raised by her parents who are devoted to her well- being and bright future. Parker is also blessed with three wonderful grandparents, Mattie Grisham, Cindy Greenberg, and Todd Douty. Her birth is a blessing. On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish Preston, Alyssa, and Parker all the best.

Mr. Speaker, according to a recent Labor Department report, since Biden, prices

have risen nearly 20 percent. This costs families $12,800 more annually to buy the basics compared to under President Donald Trump.

Gasoline is up 56 percent; eggs are up 44 percent; baby food and formula are up 30 percent; electricity is up 29 percent.

Corrupt Judge Merchan's unintended reelection of Donald Trump was confirmed today as I had breakfast with President Trump. Members of Congress from virtually every State and territory were enthusiastically united as we saw the judge earning my invitation to be attending the Trump inauguration.

President Trump explained today that the judge is indicting him to the White House.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We don't need new border laws; we need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Chair, continuing to support the courageous people of Ukraine is not only the morally right thing to do, but it is also best for American families.

War criminal Putin's invasion is a prelude to a conflict which is death to Ukraine, death to Israel, and death to America. We are in a conflict we didn't choose, with dictators and rule of gun opposing democracies with rule of law. The war began with war criminal Putin invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and Iranian puppets invading Israel on October 7, 2023.

We should always remember--and I was grateful to be at Normandy last week--that it was President Ronald Reagan in 1984 who stated: `` . . . isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent.'' We know that Putin has claimed that he wants to restore the Soviet Union. He already has invaded Georgia. He has invaded Moldova. He has Russian troops in Armenia. He has threatened Estonia and Poland. We know that he will not stop. We must be successful in Ukraine.

Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment. Prohibiting the transfer of cluster munitions, specifically in the context of Ukraine, would have disastrous impacts on the Ukrainian ability to push back war criminal Putin's barbaric invasion of Ukraine.

Russia is currently using every weapon in its arsenal, including cluster munitions, to murder civilians and hit civilian infrastructure. I have seen firsthand in Bucha, Ukraine, where families were forced from their homes, their hands tied behind their backs, and then the Putin troops shot members of the family in the head and buried them in the yard. We must fight back.

Additionally, in the Indo-Pacific, it has been reported by Admiral Harry Harris that this is a deterrent to the dictatorship of Kim Jong- un of North Korea, and we know that is the largest artillery complex in the world facing the people of Seoul, Korea.

We are in a conflict we did not choose with dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law, threatening civilians, and it has always been clear that Ukraine is the first invasion of this current conflict.

With further promises by Putin to restore the Soviet Union by invading Georgia and Moldova, threatening Armenia, Estonia, and Poland, we know that we must support Ukraine. It is existential for Ukraine, and it is existential for the United States.

We can see that today, as Putin has sent nuclear warships to Cuba, 90 miles away from our border. We must stand together with the people of Ukraine and provide them the best equipment to stop the war criminal Putin.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the remarkable life of Mr. Wayne Smith, who passed away on June 6, 2024, and offer my sympathy to his family. I am grateful for his service to our country as a distinguished maritime captain and an influential legislative figure, notably contributing to the U.S. House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. His dedication to community service, creative spirit, and transformative mentorship leaves behind an enduring legacy of compassion and leadership. I include in the Record the following obituary for Wayne Smith:

Wayne Smith was born on December 10, 1945, in Winchester,

Massachusetts, where he grew up alongside his beloved sister

Wendy, whom he adored.

Wayne graduated from Abingdon High School in 1963 and went

on to receive his bachelor's degree from the U.S. Merchant

Marine Academy in 1968. His maritime career was distinguished

by his service as a Captain, commanding U.S. Naval

Oceanographic vessels and traveling the world.

From 1975 to 1987, Wayne made significant contributions to

the U.S. House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. As

Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Oceanography and the

Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the

Environment, he played a pivotal role in shaping maritime and

environmental legislation. Concurrently, he served as Chief

of Staff to Congressman and Senator John Breaux of Louisiana,

where his leadership and expertise were invaluable.

In 1981, Wayne, joined forces with Senator John Breaux, who

was then serving as the captain of the Mystick Krewe of

Louisiana. Together, they conceived a grand and ambitious

idea: Louisiana Alive! They aimed to celebrate and showcase

the vibrant and diverse culture of Louisiana, extending

beyond the well-known charm of New Orleans to include the

rich traditions and unique flavors of all the state's

parishes. Their vision was to create an event that captured

the essence of Louisiana's music, cuisine, and heritage,

offering an immersive experience that highlighted the best

the state had to offer.

In recognition of Wayne's extraordinary creativity,

dedication, and inclusive spirit, Louisiana Alive! 2025 is

set to proceed as a tribute to his legacy. This event will

not only honor Wayne's contributions but also continue his

mission of celebrating Louisiana's unique cultural tapestry.

In 1987, Wayne founded ThePOTOMACGroup, where he served as

President and CEO. Under his visionary leadership, the firm

thrived, representing individuals, associations, and Fortune

500 companies with distinction.

Wayne's commitment to community and education was evident

in his service as Vice Chair of the Washington International

School and his longstanding board membership with the CASI

Foundation for Children, where he focused on adoption issues.

Wayne celebrated 37 years of sobriety, during which he

dedicated himself to helping others achieve the same,

transforming countless lives through his unwavering support

and mentorship. His crowning achievement came in 1999 when he

and Don adopted their son, Qwan. As a devoted and supportive

father, Wayne nurtured Qwan with boundless love and guidance,

playing a pivotal role in his development into the remarkable

gentleman he is today. Wayne's commitment to both his

sobriety and his family is a testament to his character,

illustrating the profound impact one person can have on the

lives of many. His legacy of compassion and resilience

continues to inspire all who knew him.

Wayne's legacy is one of empathy, wisdom, humor, and

stability. He will be remembered for his class, style,

elegance, and fierce compassion. His cultivated appreciation

for art and color enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Wayne is survived by his loving husband, Don Schimanski;

his cherished son, Qwan Smith; his nephews, David and Doug

Deker; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Wayne's life was a tapestry of compassion, leadership, and

unwavering commitment to those he loved and the causes he

championed. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who

were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to courageous Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the successful rescue of four hostages from Iranian puppets.

Despite biased, fake news, Netanyahu knows the Hamas Covenant of August 18, 1988, Article 7 which states, ``The Day of Judgement will not come about until Moslems fight the Jews (killing the Jews), when the Jew will hide behind stones and trees. The stones and trees will say O Moslems, O Abdulla, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him.''

A Netanyahu victory is essential, as we are in a war we did not choose of Dictators With Rule of Gun invading Democracies With Rule of Law, exemplified by war criminal Putin invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022 with mass murder.

I was grateful to be invited by Speaker Mike Johnson to attend the D- Day 80th Anniversary in Normandy, France, to be reminded of President Reagan's historic speech of 1984, ``. . . isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent.''

Every day we are reminded of corrupt, unethical Judge Merchan and his unintended achievement of re-electing Donald Trump with the judge earning my invitation for the Trump Inauguration. The unfairness of a Democrat prosecutor, Soros financed; a Democrat judge Biden contributor; and a Democrat jury in an old Democrat jurisdiction which should require a change of venue.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the Global War on Terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws; we need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, June 9, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic death of Army Specialist Thomas Day Caughman of Lexington, South Carolina. Assigned to the 391st Engineer Battalion, Army Reserve, Spartanburg, SC, Thomas was killed while bravely serving America during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As a 20-year-old graduate of Lexington High School, Thomas had a deep appreciation for America as he included in each of his letters home with the words, ``Freedom isn't free.''

In a touching tribute to the duty he felt in securing freedom for America, and expressed love for his family, he wrote the following letter in case of his death to parents, Jane and Hamp Caughman, and sister Lisa:

``Dad, Mom, Sis

I think sometimes why I did this and if it was worth it.

Then I realize how important people like me are, we all know

Freedom isn't never free and somebody must protect that, for

my family and everyone who enjoys freedom. Sometimes I get

angry because I realize that people take advantage of that.

But many respect that also, so its worth it, doing my job as

an American soldier I've done many things and seen many

things most will never experience. I know the sacrifice to

protect the U.S and more important my family and friends.

If ya'll are reading this. I guess it means that I have

lost my life on this world but started a new one in Heaven.

Don't cry or worry about me, because I have died for my

country and yall. We knew what may happen while I was here,

but I think it was meant to be. . .

. . . I really don't know how to end this but, carry on

with your lives and remember you live in a great place, where

men and women sacrifice so much for all of us. I love yall

so, so much.

Sincerely your son and brother, Thomas (PFC Caughman)''

As the grateful father of four sons who have served in Iraq, Egypt, or Afghanistan I especially appreciate the courage and extraordinary maturity of Thomas Caughman. He will always be cherished for his service which has for 20 years achieved protecting Americans from terrorist attacks in the continuing Global War on Terrorism.