Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of the National Defense Authorization Act that I proudly supported on the House floor just last week.

This bill will implement President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda by restoring our military's lethality and accountability. Components of the NDAA will bring an end to the dangerous, leftwing ideologies that have been incorporated into our military. For far too long, woke-ism has been prioritized in our military. This bill signals the change that once again puts our servicemembers first.

Additionally, the NDAA secures made-in-America military equipment to provide our troops with the best tools that are made by hardworking American hands, not by foreign companies. This bill tackles our Nation's weak supply chains and diminishing manufacturing by bringing American industries back to the table.

This legislation will save billions of taxpayer dollars by reducing inefficient and unnecessary funding for defense programs. The NDAA builds on efforts started in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to stimulate our economy and to bring jobs back home.

Addressing Misleading Advertising for Prescription Drugs

Madam Speaker, President Trump took executive actions last week to address misleading prescription drug advertisements.

This action will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that full and accurate information is available on the risks associated with prescription drugs. It works to prohibit pharmaceutical companies from promoting drug usage over lifestyle changes.

This will also eliminate the inappropriate intervention between a patient and the patient's doctor. Unregulated prescription drug advertising often misinforms the public about a drug's full risks and potential benefits.

This initiative by President Trump delivers on a promise to put Americans first by promoting a high degree of transparency. I strongly support President Trump's action to address this issue to ensure that patients can once again rebuild their trust in the American health system.

Honoring Centennial Anniversary of Fayette Volunteer Fire Company

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fayette Volunteer Fire Company of McAlisterville in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, for their 100 years of service.

The selfless spirit of the officers and members has characterized the company since it was founded in the summer of 1925. Whether responding to calls, participating in training, or sponsoring fundraising, these incredible volunteers engage at the highest level of commitment.

A faithful observance of duty has been the keystone of the Fayette Fire Company's mission. These initiatives will continue to positively influence current and future members.

On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the Fayette Fire Company of Juniata County on its 100th anniversary and express my personal thanks for their distinguished legacy of community service.

Recognizing 75th Anniversary of Williamsburg Public Library

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the milestone anniversary of the Williamsburg Public Library in Blair County, Pennsylvania, as they celebrate 75 years of service.

The methods that Blair County residents use to access information have changed since the library system was established in 1950. However, the mission of the library system remains the same: to provide materials and information services for lifelong learning, enrichment, and reading.

It has often been stated that libraries aren't about the books but about the people. Nowhere is that perspective more clearly evident, in form and function, than in the Williamsburg Public Library.

On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the residents of the borough of Williamsburg on this incredible milestone and express gratitude to the library team for their enduring commitment to promoting the joys of lifelong learning through reading.

Madam Speaker, last week I was proud to support the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act, legislation that will put sanctions on any individual, including senior members of the Chinese Communist Party, who are responsible for the production, the distribution, the sale, or the financing of synthetic opioids.

It is no secret that China is the leading producer of the base chemicals, the ingredients, that are needed to make fentanyl and that the Chinese Communist Party is more than willing to work directly with Mexican drug cartels to ensure that this poison continues to reach America.

Unfortunately, drug overdoses have become the leading cause of death for Americans who are ages 18 to 45, with fentanyl causing nearly 70 percent of those deaths. With strong leadership under President Trump back in the White House, our southern border is finally becoming secure.

We here in the House must take every action possible to stop the flow of the poison that fentanyl is before it ever reaches our border.

Strengthening Our Immigration Laws

Madam Speaker, this week, my colleagues and I will take up H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act. This legislation will strengthen our immigration laws and deter criminal illegal aliens from crossing our southern border.

For 4 long years, President Biden and his administration were asleep at the switch, allowing our borders to be flooded with illegal immigrants, most of whom were simply released into our communities.

This legislation gives Federal officials more tools in their tool belt to prosecute illegal immigrants by requiring significant imprisonment for illegals who commit crimes.

President Trump has worked tirelessly to make our southern borders secure again. Now it is our job here in Congress to ensure Federal law enforcement and prosecutors have the tools that they need to deter further illegal immigration.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to supporting this strong, commonsense piece of legislation on the House floor this week as we continue to work to make our Nation once again safe for all Americans.

Celebrating Century Farms

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the William and Richard Farabaugh and Joseph Burkhart farms in East Carroll Township of Cambria County for receiving the designation of Century Farm from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

A Century Farm is a farm that has been owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, has a family member who still lives on that farm, and has at least 10 acres of the original farmland.

William Farabaugh purchased the family farm in September 1918. He and his wife had 10 children: 8 daughters and 2 sons. The Farabaugh family introduced the use of silos in the area. Fifty-eight of the original acres and the barn are still in use today.

On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Farabaugh and Burkhart families and express gratitude for their enduring commitment to one of Pennsylvania's most vital industries, and that is agriculture.

Honoring Partsch Farm in Conemaugh Township

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Partsch Farm in Conemaugh Township of Cambria County for receiving the designation of a Century Farm from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Cecilia Partsch's grandfather, Frank, purchased the farm in April 1924. Frank Partsch was a dairy farmer who supplied milk for processing at Sani Dairy in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

The original barn and house are still in use today. Cecilia Partsch's father, Harold, took over the farm in 1972. Currently, the farm continues to produce both beef and hay.

On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Partsch family and express gratitude for the family's enduring commitment to agriculture, the number one industry in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, it is no secret that our Nation's most critical supply chains are almost fully reliant on foreign nations, and our pharmaceutical supply chain is no different.

Approximately 10 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients required for domestic prescription drug manufacturing comes from foreign supplies.

Simply stated, the prescription drugs that save the lives of millions of Americans every year are at severe risk. American patients cannot be reliant on countries like China for these lifesaving medications.

I am proud to see that President Trump is taking this seriously by issuing an executive order that ensures that our Nation has a 6-month supply of the critical active ingredients needed to make these lifesaving medicines.

Bringing production back to the U.S. is not enough to fix our supply chain. With this executive action, President Trump will also ensure that America has the ingredients needed to domestically manufacture these medicines.

American patients rely on these medicines each and every day, and I applaud President Trump for taking this significant action.

Creating a National Day of the Bible

Madam Speaker, last Friday, I was proud to join a joint resolution to make September 12 the national day of the Bible.

When the United States Congress met in Philadelphia in 1782, it approved a 1,400-page version of the Bible published by Robert Aitken. This Bible became known as the Bible of the Revolution.

This joint resolution will formally designate September 12 as the day of the Bible to honor the first complete English-language Bible that was produced in America. This is a historic moment.

This resolution also encourages our schools and other institutions to observe this day and focus on the Bible's significance to our Nation's history and our Nation's future.

Our Nation was founded on the ideals of freedom, including religious freedom. Those who founded this land were fleeing religious persecution. The Bible of the Revolution serves as a reminder of the resilience that set our Nation on a path toward freedom as one nation under God.

honoring west suburban softball team

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the West Suburban 12-under softball team of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for winning the Little League Softball World Series.

West Suburban compiled a record of 20-2 this summer and ended the season on a 15-game winning streak. In their five wins during the World Series, West Suburban outscored their opposition 15-1.

In the championship game, West Suburban defeated the central region champion, Floyds Knobs of Indiana, 1-0. More than 1 million people watched as West Suburban captured that victory. This makes the 2025 championship the most watched Little League Softball World Series game ever.

West Suburban's success is a tribute to the outstanding leadership of the coaches, the tremendous talents of the players, and the enduring support of family and community.

I congratulate Manager Lester Gaunt, Coach Rick Baxter, Coach Rick Bills, and players Mallory Bailor, Aubrey Baxter, Reagan Bills, Sadie Divido, Kennedy Fees, Camilla Gaunt, Adalyn Hines, Mara Keefe, Kendal Schilling, Leilah Schilling-Mansour, Haley Shepherd, and Nevaeh Worthington.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the players and coaches of West Suburban for an incredible achievement and offer my best wishes for continued success.

honoring the metz family

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Metz family of Perry County, Pennsylvania, for receiving the designation of bicentennial farm from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

A bicentennial farm is a farm that has been owned by the same family for at least 200 consecutive years, has a

family member who still lives on the farm, and has at least 10 acres of the original holding.

Richard Metz, Jr.'s newly designated bicentennial farm was founded in 1825 by Johann Metz, his third great-grandfather. After more than 150 years of family farm lineage, Richard Metz took ownership in 1996.

Today, the original 110 acres exist and grow soybeans, corn, and hay.

Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere congratulations to Richard Metz and his family for continuing this rich history of agriculture in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, throughout his campaign, President Trump promised to unleash American energy and to end the era of overregulation.

In just 7 months, President Trump has already taken those historic steps to boost domestic energy production, resulting in gas prices dropping by 50 cents over the past year.

In March, President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin undertook the largest day of deregulation in American history, releasing the shackles on our energy producers by President Biden's Green New Deal initiatives.

Now, my colleagues and I in the House will take up a strong deregulation package this week that will further streamline the permitting process for our energy producers throughout the U.S.

It is time that my colleagues and I codify President Trump's deregulation agenda so that our energy producers can unleash domestic production, lower costs for all American consumers, and further support our allies abroad on our pathway to energy dominance.

Honoring Our Brave Border Patrol and ICE Agents

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of our brave Border Patrol and ICE agents who tirelessly put their lives on the line each day to protect America.

With President Trump back in office, ICE agents can finally do their jobs and enforce the laws that are on the books. These brave officers are producing historic results at our border and in our communities.

In the first 6 months of President Trump's term in office, his administration has removed more than 70,000 convicted criminals, many of whom are convicted of assault, sexual crimes, kidnapping, and even homicide.

Yet, despite their historic work enforcing our Nation's laws, our ICE agents are facing a disgusting string of threats and violence against them and their families, resulting in an 830 percent increase in assaults against ICE agents. This string of threats is a result of months of violent rhetoric coming from the other side of the aisle. Whether in political office or in the media, calling for violence against law enforcement is simply unacceptable.

While a small group of people call for this violence, I know that the American people which overwhelmingly supported President Trump's reelection, are proud of our ICE agents as they work to remove dangerous and often violent criminals from our communities.

National Pennsylvania Day

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, July 20, we celebrated National Pennsylvania Day, honoring the Commonwealth's crucial role in the founding and continuing success of our great Nation.

From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall in Philadelphia to the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, Pennsylvania has always been at the center of American progress as we strive to form that more perfect Union.

Today, Pennsylvania remains at the center of our Nation's growth, especially as we enter a competitive race with China to dominate artificial intelligence.

Last week, President Trump and Senator Dave McCormick hosted an inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh to highlight how Pennsylvania will lead in the AI revolution. During the summit, President Trump announced more than $90 billion of investments into the Commonwealth's energy industry and data centers.

Now, with the unleashing of Pennsylvania's energy potential, each and every day will be Pennsylvania Day.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise today to speak in support of amendment No. 159, to provide funding for the purchase of heavy dump trucks, or HDTs, for the Active Army, the Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve.

While much of the focus in our FY26 Defense appropriations bill is on weapons and on other Defense materials, the tools that our military use to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support our servicemembers are just as critical to our Nation's success.

HDTs are necessary for the construction and the maintenance of supply routes, airfields, helipads, and logistical facilities in both combat and noncombat zones.

Currently, our military is forced to rely on an outdated and an unreliable fleet of trucks. Upgrading these vehicles will provide our servicemembers with up-to-date safety features such as blind spot detection, collision avoidance, and antilock brakes that are common in most modern vehicles.

Additionally, modernization of the fleet will also accommodate armored ballistic cabs, vitally critical for protecting our warfighters.

Not only will this amendment ensure that our servicemembers can utilize modern technology when building the infrastructure that our warfighters rely on, but it also puts millions of dollars into local economies throughout our country.

From my home State of Pennsylvania to Minnesota, communities across the United States play a vital role in supporting the HDT industrial base. This amendment will continue to support the hardworking Americans who build these trucks.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to ensure our servicemembers have the most up-to-date technology to support our warfighters.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Mackenzie).

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the importance of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump signed into law on July Fourth.

President Trump's America First policy is widely popular with the American public, and the big, beautiful bill took historic steps to enact this agenda into law. Unleashing American energy, further supporting our Border Patrol and ICE agents, and ensuring that working- class Americans keep more money in their pockets are commonsense policies that my constituents overwhelmingly support. I am proud to have helped deliver on this agenda.

Now, with this legislation finally signed into law by President Trump, Main Street businesses will be able to expand, and working-class Americans will take more money home in each paycheck. The golden age of America has arrived.

political violence is not the answer

Madam Speaker, this past weekend marked 1 year since the attempt on President Trump's life in Butler County, Pennsylvania. While we thank God that President Trump's life was not taken, we mourn the loss of an innocent father, firefighter, and proud Pennsylvanian, Corey Comperatore.

Political violence of any kind has absolutely no place in our society. Yet, the violent rhetoric coming from my colleagues across the aisle has not stopped. Now, a year after the assassination attempt on President Trump's life, they have turned their violent action toward our courageous ICE agents, who work every day to protect our communities.

The political violence that we are seeing in our society today will not stop unless the violent rhetoric stops. One life lost to political violence is one too many.

I ask my colleagues to remember that, regardless of our political beliefs, violence is never the answer to our Nation's problems.

recognizing pennsylvania energy and innovation summit

Madam Speaker, this week, President Trump will join Senator Dave McCormick in Pittsburgh for the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit.

As President Trump returns our Nation to energy dominance and forges ahead in the race to dominate artificial intelligence, Pennsylvania stands ready to meet the energy needs that AI creates. This summit is huge. It is huge for the Commonwealth, for Pennsylvania, and for America.

Under the Trump administration, we have already seen historic investments in the Pennsylvania economy, including the Nippon and U.S. Steel merger and Amazon's $20 billion investment in building data centers in the Commonwealth.

Now is the time to build on this momentum to ensure that Pennsylvania is the hub of AI development throughout this great land.

honoring ritchey's dairy

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a family-owned and operated dairy business in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, that has been a cornerstone of the dairy industry in Blair County for 85 years.

Ritchey's Dairy was founded by Oliver Ritchey in 1940 just outside of Martinsburg in Blair County. With the help of his son, Paul, and his grandson, Reid, Oliver expanded operations and delivery routes throughout the ensuing decades, offering all types of milk to the local community.

Ritchey's Dairy even made history when it became the first dairy in the area to transport milk purchased from other local farms in a tanker truck.

In 1986, Reid Ritchey oversaw an expansion of the facility, which accommodated a new ice cream production room, additional freezer space, and new offices. Now, as the fourth generation of Ritchey's takes over, Reid's son, Andrew, has continued to expand the operation.

On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Ritchey's Dairy on the 85th anniversary of its founding and its proud continuation of the dairy industry in Blair County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the pastor of the Faith Baptist Church of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and the president of the Way of Truth Ministries, Pastor Gary Dull.

Pastor Dull has been preaching the Gospel since he was 12 years old. By the time he was a senior at Washington Bible College, Pastor Dull was already preaching at Morningside Baptist Church in Suitland, Maryland, right outside of Washington, D.C.

Since then, Pastor Dull has had an incredible life. He has served at four churches in Pennsylvania and Florida and is currently in his 29th year as the pastor of the Faith Baptist Church of Altoona.

Pastor Dull also founded the Way of Truth Ministries, which has missionaries on three continents. Pastor Dull has evangelized by preaching the Gospel and serving those in need in 25 different countries.

Pastor Dull has devoted his life to spreading the Word of the Lord and serving those less fortunate. Whether in his community or throughout the world, he has embodied the selfless service of Jesus Christ, his Savior.

It is a privilege to welcome Pastor Gary Dull and his wife of 50 years, Nancy, to Washington to open the floor of the United States House of Representatives in prayer.

Mr. Speaker, today, I proudly rise to honor former Penn State football player and Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Jonathan Nabavi, as he takes his next steps in his professional career.

As the son of Rosemary Nabavi and Dr. Abbey Nabavi, Jonathan spent his childhood growing up in beautiful State College, Pennsylvania, watching Penn State football games and learning the game. He didn't have to travel too far as he went on to play for the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium and graduated from Penn State in 2004. He then attended the George Washington University Law School, where he earned his degree and later developed a career here on Capitol Hill.

Jonathan's passion for one of America's most popular sports carried into his professional life, supporting our largest sport, football in the NFL.

As Jonathan takes the next steps in his career, I wish him; his wife, Catherine; their two beautiful daughters, Layla and Eloise, the best of luck in the next chapter of his incredible career. We are Penn State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of the president and CEO of Johnstown Area Regional Industries, Linda Thomson.

Linda is retiring after 25 years in the senior leadership role at JARI and over 40 years in economic development. Among her many accomplishments, she is credited with helping to shape the identity of the Showcase for Commerce, which is a nationally renowned defense contracting trade show and exhibition that connects representatives of industry and government.

Linda has been so integral to the success of the Showcase that, for many people, she is synonymous with the event.

Any chief executive in Linda's profession would be proud to possess her legacy of engagement in significant job creation, economic diversification, and regional economic growth. Her skills and talents as a relationship builder, strategist, and innovator are widely heralded.

Under Linda's inspired leadership, JARI has achieved international recognition for its success in attracting investment and creating new opportunities for the region.

Quite simply, Linda has played an integral role in making life better for all who live and work in the greater Johnstown area. And she has done so with class, integrity, and humility.

On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Linda on the fulfillment of a vision distinguished by its enduring impact and offer best wishes for joy in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an Altoona native, Penn State graduate, and newest Captain of D.C. Fire and EMS, Jordan Wiley. Jordan studied Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh before receiving his Master of Public Administration from Penn State University.

In October of 2014, Jordan joined the D.C. Fire and EMS Department as a Firefighter and Paramedic. In nearly eleven years of service, Jordan was awarded the department's `Paramedic of the Year' award in 2019 and earned promotions to Sergeant in 2020, Lieutenant in 2022, and Captain in 2024. However, the most important milestone for Jordan was when he met his wife Catelyn and started a family with their two children, Russell and Madison.

Jordan has dedicated so much of his time, in and out of the firehouse, to serving his fellow community members. As a cancer survivor himself, Jordan is instrumental in efforts to promote cancer awareness and prevention within the department. Cancer-related deaths are rising among firefighters, and Jordan's advocacy will help save lives.

Jordan is also an advocate for the National Marrow Donor Program, working to save lives by connecting bone marrow donors with patients who have life-threatening blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell.

Jordan has faithfully served his community and fellow Americans for more than a decade, both as a paramedic and as an advocate for cancer patients, and I know his parents, Frank Wiley and Dr. Mary O'Leary Wiley, are incredibly proud of the man and father he has become.

Along with everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I want to congratulate Captain Wiley on his selection to lead the D.C. Fire and EMS Department and thank him for his continued dedication to our fellow Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate President Trump and our incredible servicemembers who planned and perfectly executed Operation Midnight Hammer to destroy the nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran.

President Trump has made it clear since he first ran for President in 2015 that Iran can never become a nuclear power. This weekend, that promise became a reality.

The Iranian regime has supported terrorist groups throughout the Middle East that all have one goal in common: to destroy the United States and our allies in the region.

A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to our servicemembers in the region and a threat to the entire Western world. President Trump's decisive action this weekend stomped out the threat of an unstable nuclear power. For that, the world is grateful for his leadership.

It is now time for the Iranian regime to negotiate in good faith, bring peace to the region, and end the conflict with Israel.

Promises Made, Promises Kept

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues in the U.S. Senate will vote this week on President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, moving President Trump's agenda one step closer to being signed into law.

This is critical legislation that will prevent the largest tax hike in history by extending President Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which ushered in historic economic growth for our country.

The legislation also provides rural Americans with much-needed tax relief by extending immediate expensing to help our Nation's farmers secure the most up-to-date technology and by delivering relief from the death tax to more than 2 million family-owned farms, which ensures that the next generation of American farmers can continue to feed this great Nation.

In November, the American people voted for a change in leadership and a return to the prosperity that our Nation enjoyed during President Trump's first term.

I now urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this legislation and deliver on the promises that we made to the American people.

Supporting Veterans

Mr. Speaker, the House will vote on our 2026 appropriations bill for the military construction and veterans affairs programs.

Our Active-Duty servicemembers and our veterans have given so much to our Nation to ensure that we remain safe and free. It is now our duty to support them.

This critical piece of legislation fully funds veterans' benefits, healthcare, and other VA programs that so many of our veterans need. This legislation also furthers President Trump's goals of removing waste and abuse from our government by codifying his executive orders to end funding for ridiculous DEI and pro-abortion VA policies.

Additionally, this legislation ensures that programs to fight veteran homelessness are fully funded. It also supports the Veterans Crisis Line and other VA suicide prevention programs.

This is critical legislation to ensure that our Nation's veterans have the support that they deserve.

Honoring Bette Slayton

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of the president and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, Bette Slayton.

Bette is retiring after 35 years as the senior executive of an organization that recruits new businesses to move into Bedford County and helps existing firms expand.

Recognized as the 2021 Economic Developer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, Bette played vital roles in the restoration of the beautiful Bedford Springs Resort, the recruitment of the Walmart and REI distribution centers, and the construction of new business parks and business centers.

Under Bette's leadership of the Bedford County Development Association, economic growth has facilitated job

creation, increased public revenues, and fostered collective hope for future prosperity throughout Bedford County.

On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Bette on her retirement and wish her the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the HALT Fentanyl Act, critical legislation to crack down on the criminals who produce, traffic, and sell fentanyl and fentanyl- related substances.

Earlier this year, we were able to hear powerful testimony from two of my constituents, Ray and Deb Cullen, who tragically lost their son, Zach, to fentanyl poisoning. Unfortunately, they are not alone in this pathway to pain. Last year, one Pennsylvanian died from an overdose every 2 hours, with the overwhelming majority of these resulting from fentanyl poisoning.

We owe it to our future generations to end this plague on our society by passing the HALT Fentanyl Act.

Our courageous Border Patrol and law enforcement officers will be more effective in removing fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances that come across our border, end up in our communities, and poison our children, friends, and neighbors.

Additionally, this legislation will also result in harsher penalties for the criminals and cartel members who are responsible for the spread of this poison. As a nation, we can no longer sit by while future generations of American workers, parents, and community leaders are taken away from us.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation today and to save the lives of so many throughout this great country. It is time to halt fentanyl.

Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will vote on the first DOGE rescissions package that will claw back nearly $10 billion in wasteful spending. The American public expects their government to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and to use their taxpayer dollars for programs that advance Americans.

However, for years, billions of dollars have been shelled out for ridiculous, wasteful programs like the $6 million to create net zero cities in Mexico, the $3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street, or even the $2 million for Green New Deal policies in Africa and Asia.

During a time when our Nation is trillions of dollars in debt, our government needs to be focused on serving the needs of American citizens. The American people voted to return our Nation to fiscal sanity with the election of President Trump in November. Now it is time that we fully deliver on President Trump's agenda.

Promises made, promises kept.

The Scourge of Deadly Fentanyl

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly support the HALT Fentanyl Act. This is critical legislation that will increase penalties for the criminals who produce, traffic, and sell this poison.

In 2023, one Pennsylvanian died every 2 hours from an overdose, with the overwhelming majority of these resulting from fentanyl poisoning. Our Nation has lost too many lives because of this deadly scourge on our communities.

It is no secret that the Mexican drug cartels recruit college chemistry majors to chemically alter fentanyl precursors to make the drug even more deadly, and the Chinese Communist Party happily supplies them with the chemicals that they need to achieve this goal.

This legislation will classify fentanyl analogs as a schedule I drug to allow our law enforcement and Border Patrol the ability to effectively seize these drugs. This will result in harsher penalties for the criminals who are responsible for this epidemic.

Our Nation cannot wait any longer as we lose thousands of Americans every day to this poison.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to supporting this legislation on the floor, and I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it as well.

National Dairy Month

Mr. Speaker, this month we celebrate National Dairy Month to highlight the dairy industry and the hardworking men and women who work tirelessly to produce the dairy products that we know and love.

My home State of Pennsylvania produces 9.8 billion pounds of milk annually from the nearly 465,000 dairy cows that reside in Pennsylvania. The 4,850 dairy farms located throughout Pennsylvania represent nearly 20 percent of our Nation's dairy farms. These farms provide 52,000 jobs across the Commonwealth and bring in more than $10 billion in annual revenue.

Pennsylvania's dairy industry is not just an important industry for the Commonwealth's economy, but it is also a way of life for the dairymen and -women who work hard to put food on our tables.

As we celebrate National Dairy Month, I want to thank the hardworking men and women throughout Pennsylvania and throughout our country who support the American dairy industry.

Honoring World War II Veteran Sam Worley on His 104th Birthday

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran and Franklin County resident Sam Worley as he celebrated his 104th birthday this past weekend.

In 1942, Sam was drafted into the U.S. Air Force and by 1943 was stationed in England as a member of the Eighth Air Force's First Bomb Group.

Sam was tasked with decoding incoming orders for American bombers and their fighter plane escorts, which is a critical role that allowed our planes to carry out devastating bombing runs over Europe.

After his discharge in 1945, Sam and his wife moved to Chambersburg where they raised their children, Bill and Elaine. However, Sam's service to his

country did not stop when he returned from World War II. Sam has been incredibly active in Franklin County, serving as a judge of elections, Franklin County commissioner, Chambersburg Council president, and mayor of Chambersburg.

Sam Worley's commitment has never slowed down. Sam is still a vibrant member of our community, bringing so much love and joy to everyone whom he meets.

On behalf of everyone throughout Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I want to personally wish Sam a happy 104th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present this citation to Lieutenant Colonel Dean Mathis, on the occasion of his retirement with twenty years of honorable service in the United States Army, from May 28, 2005, through May 31, 2025.

Born in 1983 at Andrews Air Force Base, Dean was raised in a family with a long history of military service to the country. Dean's great- grandfather, Corporal James T. Plummer, served a distinction in the U.S. Army field artillery during WWI. His grandfather, Commander Raymond J. Plummer, served 23 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1952 through 1975. Dean's mother, Julia Plummer, was commissioned at Penn State University by her father, Commander Plummer, in May 1979 and served 6 years active duty in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

In 2001, Dean graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and played varsity football. Dean's military career started in June 2001 when he was accepted as a cadet into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 2005.

On May 28, 2005, Dean's grandfather, Commander Raymond Plummer (USNR ret.), commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Dean A. Mathis into the U.S. Army Infantry. Dean served with distinction and courage through three combat tours in Iraq in 2006, 2008, and 2011, rising to the rank of Captain. On his third combat tour, Captain Mathis commanded Apache Troop, 6-9 CAV, 1 Cavalry Division. Captain Mathis was awarded the Bronze Star medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Global War on Terrorism medal, the Iraq campaign medal with four campaign stars, and the Overseas Service ribbon.

From 2012 through 2014, he earned a Master's Degree in Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University as part of his transition from the Infantry Branch to Functional Area 52, or the Army's nuclear counterproliferation branch. Following graduation, Major Mathis was assigned to teach Physics and Nuclear Engineering at West Point. From there, he served in both the Defense Intelligence and Defense Threat Reduction agencies from 2017 through 2025 with a focus on assessing and reducing the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to the United States.

In addition to the medals previously listed, Lieutenant Colonel Dean A. Mathis was awarded the following medals during his distinguished career: Defense Meritorious Service medal, the Army Commendation medal, Joint Service Achievement medal, the Army Achievement medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service medal, and the Army Service ribbon.

The United States of America and the 119th Congress of the United States thank him for his honorable and dedicated military service in the United States Army from 2005 through 2025.

On behalf of the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I commend Lieutenant Colonel Dean A. Mathis and thank him for his distinguished service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel merger brokered by President Trump to ensure that a critical American company remains right at home in Pennsylvania.

By ensuring that U.S. Steel retains an American CEO, an American- dominated board, and allows the U.S. Government to have veto power over critical business decisions, President Donald J. Trump has fully protected our national security.

This merger will be a huge benefit for the Pennsylvania economy and for our workers, as it not only includes a massive investment in U.S. Steel's operations already present in Pennsylvania but also includes up to $4 billion for a new steel mill, creating thousands of additional jobs.

President Trump stepped up to the plate to protect a critical American company. Mr. Speaker, because of his leadership, the Pennsylvania economy and our Nation that depends on steel production will once again see another example of the golden age of America developing right in front of our eyes.

Supporting Fentanyl Legislation

Mr. Speaker, already this Congress, the House of Representatives passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, legislation to crack down on the criminals who create, traffic, and sell the deadly fentanyl that takes the lives of so many Americans.

This week, we will be taking another step to further support our fellow Americans struggling with the deadly cycle of addiction by passing the SUPPORT Act. This legislation will ensure our brave first responders can access and administer Narcan to save the lives of those suffering from an overdose, as well as to continue the resources for comprehensive opioid recovery centers to further support recovery.

Too many of our Nation's citizens are stuck in the deadly cycle of addiction, and we must extend a helping hand so that they can return to a normal life and be integral members of their communities.

I look forward to supporting this legislation on the House floor this week to help ensure that our fellow Americans address this vicious cycle of addiction.

Supporting Whole Milk at School Lunches

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to permit schools to provide whole milk at school lunches.

School children throughout our country are unable to receive the health benefits and the nutrients that whole milk provides due to out- of-date regulations that limit the type of milk that students can drink at lunch.

As a doctor, I know how important a diet that includes whole milk is to ensure that our Nation's kids have the building blocks to build strong bones, strong muscles, and strong brains.

Even the CDC agrees that whole milk is the healthiest drink available for our children. Not only will this legislation result in healthier children, but it will be a critical boost to our Nation's dairy industry, an industry States like Pennsylvania rely on.

In Pennsylvania, we produce more than 10 billion pounds of milk annually from 470,000 dairy cows throughout our Commonwealth. Our dairy farmers work incredibly hard to provide healthy products for our families, and now it is our turn to support them and to support our children with this commonsense legislation.

Honoring Chief Robert Statler

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Johnstown Fire Department Chief Robert Statler who retired after 40 years of distinguished public service.

Chief Statler joined the Johnstown Fire Department 29 years ago as a firefighter. Throughout the years, he fulfilled the responsibilities of driver, captain, training officer, and assistant chief before he was promoted to chief in 2019.

Before joining the Johnstown Fire Department, Chief Statler began his impressive legacy of public service as a fourth-generation volunteer firefighter with the Windber Fire Department.

In addition to the leadership that he provided to Johnstown as fire department chief, he also served as co-city manager, emergency director, and liaison between the firefighters and city management. Throughout the Johnstown community, he is known as a faithful colleague and a consistent professional.

On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I express gratitude to Chief Statler for his devotion to public safety and offer best wishes for a life of enrichment through all of his future endeavors.