Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Larry David Hamby, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and community leader whose life was defined by hard work, integrity, faith, and service.

Born in Austin, Texas, Larry was raised in humble circumstances that taught him the value of perseverance and determination. After leaving school to help support his family, he earned his Master's Plumbing License and built Hambone Plumbing and Hambone Sewer & Septic into respected businesses known throughout Central Texas for honest work and dependable service.

Larry believed that success was measured by how you treated people. I had the pleasure of knowing him through his involvement with the Rotary Club and through countless acts of generosity, he gave back to his community and earned a reputation as someone who never met a stranger. Whether helping a neighbor, mentoring a young tradesman, or sharing a story with someone he had just met, Larry made people feel welcome and valued.

Above all, Larry loved his family. Together with his wife, Barbara, he built a home centered on faith, love, and hard work. He taught his children and grandchildren to care for others and always be there for the people they love. A faithful member of St. Richard's Episcopal Church, Larry lived those values every day through his kindness and service to others.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his twelve children; his brother, Jimmy Hamby; 36 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren: and many other family members and friends.

Mr. Speaker, Larry David Hamby, Sr. lived a life that left his family, his community, and Central Texas better than he found them. It is my honor to recognize his life and extend my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Joshua Baer, a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose contributions transformed Central Texas into a global center for innovation. His passing is a tremendous loss for his family, the technology community, and our Nation.

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Joshua earned degrees in Computer Science and Information and Decision Systems from Carnegie Mellon University, where he first demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his career by co-authoring the technical standard that allows millions of people to unsubscribe from email lists with a single click. After moving to Austin in 1996, Joshua became a driving force behind the city's emergence as a global technology hub. In 2009, he founded Capital Factory, which grew into Texas' leading startup accelerator and the state's most active venture investor, supporting more than 1,000 companies, later opening a second site in Washington, D.C.--Station DC. He recognized the vital connection between innovation and national security, playing an instrumental role in bringing Army Futures Command to Austin and strengthening the partnership between the military and the technology community.

I had the privilege of knowing Joshua and witnessing firsthand his passion for advancing innovation in Texas. On his many trips to Washington, he often visited my Capitol Hill office, where he proudly delivered one of Capital Factory's iconic robots for my collection, showcasing the remarkable technology companies that call Texas home. I am grateful to have called Joshua a friend and to have borne witness to his genius. He tirelessly championed priorities I shared, above all, the advancement of technology for our Nation's defense. Those advancements safeguard us

today, and his children and my grandchildren will reap their benefits for generations to come. I will always remember his enthusiasm, his generosity, and his unwavering commitment to strengthening both our innovation economy and our national security.

Joshua is survived by his wife, Amy, and their children, Mikaela, Noah, and Sascha. Joshua Baer's legacy will live on through the entrepreneurs he inspired, the companies he helped build, and the innovation ecosystem he cultivated across Texas. On behalf of a grateful Central Texas, Mrs. Carter and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and to all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Specialist Fourth Class Albert Fountain King, Jr., a United States Army veteran who served his Nation with honor and who was laid to rest on July 1, 2026, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. He will be buried with full military honors, as every veteran deserves.

Albert Fountain King, Jr. answered the call to serve, enlisting in the United States Army on May 12, 1961. He served as a Field Communication Crewman, a role essential to the coordination and command that holds our military together. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and qualified as a Marksman with the M-14 rifle, He was honorably discharged on April 27, 1964, having faithfully fulfilled his commitment to this Nation.

We do not know all the chapters of Albert's life. But we know the most important one: when his country called, he serVed. He wore the uniform, he earned his discharge honorably, and he deserves to be remembered.

Today, his name stands as testimony that Albert Fountain King, Jr., was not forgotten. No veteran should ever be. On behalf of the people of Texas's 31st Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude and respect to a soldier who gave his service to this country.

May he rest in peace, and may he finally receive the honors he has long been owed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Daniel Jin-Su Sprouse for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service to the United States Army and our Nation.

A native of Fishers, Indiana, Major Sprouse currently serves as a Congressional Budget Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller. In this role, he represents the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, helping synchronize the Army's congressional engagement strategy and advancing Military Construction initiatives that improve quality of life for Soldiers and their families.

Commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2014, Major Sprouse has served in leadership roles with the 10th Mountain Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 7th Infantry Division, and the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade. His operational experience includes deployments and missions in Afghanistan, Norway, and Indonesia, where he strengthened military partnerships and supported U.S. strategic interests abroad. He also served as a Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advising on key national security engagements.

Major Sprouse earned a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University as a General Omar Bradley Fellow and has completed Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault Schools. His awards include the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat Device, and the Combat and Expert Infantry Badges.

But beyond his military accomplishments, Major Sprouse is a devoted husband to his wife, Alexandria, and a proud father to their sons, Truett and George. His commitment to service, family, and community reflects the values that define the very best of our Armed Forces.

I commend Major Daniel Jin-Su Sprouse for his extraordinary service to the United States Army and to our Nation. His leadership and sacrifice embody the highest ideals of military service, and I join my colleagues today in expressing our gratitude for his continued dedication to the American people.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. President Trump's budget request included funding for the account in fiscal year 2027. These funds supported our operational readiness and warfighting capabilities, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 8469 and that it may include tabular material on the same.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present the fiscal year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill to the House today. This bill supports our troops, their families, and our Nation's veterans.

I thank the Committee on Appropriations chairman (Mr. Cole) for his leadership in advancing this bill through the committee, and I recognize and

thank the ranking member for the full committee (Ms. DeLauro) and the ranking member for the subcommittee (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) for their partnership in bringing us to this point. I especially value my working relationship with Ms. Wasserman Schultz. We have worked together on this bill for some time. While we may not agree on everything, we certainly agree on the importance of caring for those who sacrifice so much for our country.

This bill is not perfect, and compromises were made on both sides. Even so, the legislation before us today received unanimous support in the committee. I greatly appreciate the bipartisan effort of everyone involved. Those efforts demonstrate that bipartisanship is not only possible, it can lead to meaningful legislative success.

No matter our ideological differences, we can all agree that the importance of supporting our troops, their families, and the Nation's veterans is very important.

For fiscal year 2027, the Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies bill provides a discretionary allocation of $157 billion.

I will briefly highlight several key priorities included in the legislation.

It fully funds veterans' healthcare.

It provides an advanced appropriation for the Toxic Exposures Fund.

It includes $900 million for medical and prosthetic research.

It prioritizes mental health, suicide prevention, and homelessness programs.

It includes more than $19 billion for military construction.

It invests in barracks improvements, strengthens investment in the Department of Defense laboratories, supports the demolition of obsolete infrastructure, and provides nearly $2 billion for military housing.

In closing, this bill honors those who sacrifice for our country and reaffirms our commitment to the well-being of both servicemembers and veterans. It supports our troops and cares for veterans and their families and upholds the promises we made to those of our Nation.

I hope this bill will receive the same strong bipartisan support on the House floor that it received in committee because it is what our veterans deserve.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8469, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Womack).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scott Franklin).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), the chairman of the Appropriations Committee for the House of Representatives.

Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Oklahoma.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford).

Mr. Chairman, I am ready to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

In closing, I ask my colleagues to support the fiscal year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

This legislation provides critical funding for military bases, improves housing for our troops and their families, and makes investments aimed at improving the quality of life for our servicemembers.

It also upholds our pledge to our veterans. This bill fully funds healthcare for veterans and benefits for those who have honorably served. This bill was drafted on a bipartisan basis with a shared priority of taking care of those who cared for us.

Today, I ask my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1275, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. Chair, I rise in favor of these amendments en bloc. It includes bipartisan amendments that both sides have agreed to. These are noncontroversial and raise awareness to a variety of issues.

I appreciate the ranking member, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, working with us on these amendments, and I ask for your support and urge its adoption.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Penelope ``Penny'' Ann Briggs Brown of Conroe, Texas, who passed away on February 14, 2026. Penny was born on August 13, 1941, in Washington, D.C. A woman of deep faith, kindness, and creativity, she touched countless lives through her generosity, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Penny graduated from Northwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Maryland. During a summer internship as a Technical Illustrator at Vitro Corporation, she met Richard ``Dick'' Brown, who later became her husband. Together they raised their children, Derek Michael Brown, Barrington Lee Brown, and Teri Lynn, and welcomed cherished grandchildren Leighton, Gipson, Ashley, and Austin.

Although Penny was talented in many areas, her greatest gifts were evident in the way she mothered her children. She poured her heart into supporting their school activities, sewing costumes, volunteering at events, and cheering them on in marching band, drill team, and football. She created a family life grounded in love and faith, and she carried that same devotion into her relationships with her grandchildren.

Professionally, Penny worked as a CAD CAM operator for E Systems. She also shared her gifts through quilting, jewelry making, and crochet. A faithful servant of her community, she was an active member of The Woodlands Methodist Church, where she contributed to the Crafts Circle and the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Penny Brown's life was defined by love, creativity, service, and a deep commitment to those around her. She offered encouragement with sincerity and left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion and faith will continue to guide and inspire her family and community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Temple, Texas, an institution whose century-long service has strengthened not only the spiritual lives of its congregation, but also the character and community of Central Texas.

Founded in 1926, Immanuel Lutheran Church has been a steadfast presence in Temple for generations by providing worship, fellowship, education, and charitable outreach that reflects the very best of our faith communities. Over the past century, this church has grown from a small gathering of devoted families into a vibrant congregation that continues to serve as a source of stability, compassion, and hope.

From its earliest years, Immanuel Lutheran Church has been a place where faith is lived out through service. Supporting local schools, offering outreach to families in need, and standing as a pillar of fellowship and unity. The congregation's dedication reflects the enduring values that have shaped Central Texas for generations.

As the church looks toward the next century of ministry, its members remain committed to their mission of serving God, uplifting their neighbors, and strengthening the bonds of community. Their legacy is a testament to what can be achieved when faith, family, and service are at the heart of daily life.

I am honored to congratulate Immanuel Lutheran Church of Temple, Texas, on its 100th Anniversary, and I extend my deepest appreciation for its century of service to the people of the 31st District of Texas. May God continue to bless this congregation and guide its ministry for the next hundred years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and legacy of Dell Ingram-Walker, an extraordinary healthcare leader and dedicated public servant, whose impact on pediatric healthcare and her community will not be forgotten.

Dell Ingram-Walker served with distinction as the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and President of McLane Children's Medical Center in Temple, Texas. A pioneering leader, she made history as the first Black Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the institution, breaking barriers and setting a powerful example for future generations. Throughout her career, Dell led with both excellence and compassion. Her organizational style was defined not only by operational success, but by her deep commitment to people. She actively engaged with staff at every level, fostering a culture where every voice was valued and every team member felt empowered. Through initiatives focused on connection and mentorship, she worked tirelessly to uplift those around her and ensure the highest standard of care for patients and families.

A proud alumna of the University of Alabama, Dell carried her passion for leadership and grace into every role she held. She was known for encouraging professional growth, inspiring others to pursue their goals, and creating opportunities for advancement within the healthcare field. Her influence extended far beyond the hospital walls, touching the lives of colleagues, patients, and the broader community.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dell will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she encountered. She built meaningful relationships and left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dell Ingram-Walker represents the very best of guidance in healthcare. She was truly compassionate for others and deeply committed to service. On behalf of a grateful community, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues, and I honor her remarkable life and enduring legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 25 years of service by Annunciation Maternity Home, an extraordinary ministry dedicated to affirming the dignity of every human life by caring for both mother and child during and after pregnancies.

Since opening in Georgetown in 2001, Annunciation Maternity Home has become a vital pillar of support in the community, providing stability, compassion, and opportunities to mothers and babies in need. Through its comprehensive services, the organization offers safe housing and basic needs assistance for up to two years following the birth of a child, tailoring care to each mother's unique circumstances. Rooted in a deep commitment to the sanctity of life, the organization provides not only a safe home, but also the spiritual, emotional, and material support necessary for mothers to choose life and flourish alongside their children.

Through a faith-driven, holistic approach, Annunciation walks with mothers every step of the way, offering housing, access to prenatal and postnatal care, counseling, life skills training, and opportunities for education and employment. Their work reflects a profound belief that caring for a child begins with caring for the mother, equipping women with the stability and confidence needed to build strong, loving families. As it marks this remarkable milestone, Annunciation Maternity Home continues to broaden its reach through the addition of new residential homes, a community center, and expanded childcare services, extending hope and opportunity to even more families in Central Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their extraordinary contributions and steadfast commitment to uplifting mothers and children, strengthening families, and enriching the entire community with compassion and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and legacy of Richard A. ``Dick'' Brown of Conroe, Texas, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and journalist whose dedication to family, service, and community will be long remembered.

Born on December 21, 1937, in Spencer, North Carolina, Dick was the son of Carney Ray and Elizabeth Williams Brown. He grew up in a close family and was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Billy Ray Brown and Robert Carol Brown.

Dick met his wife, Penelope ``Penny'' Briggs, while working at Vitro Corporation in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she served as a summer intern. They married and soon welcomed their children Derek Michael, Barrington Lee, and Teri Lynn. Dick proudly served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and later built a long career at E Systems, earning his bachelor's degree in journalism from East Texas A&M University in Commerce before retiring from Raytheon. His leadership extended into the community through his involvement in the Raytheon Management Club and the Hunt County Republican Men's Club.

Following retirement, Dick returned to his love of writing, working as a reporter for the Commerce Journal and the Greenville Herald Banner. His weekly column, The Bottom Line, and later his contributions to the Bay City Tribune, reflected his deep interest in people, public service, and the stories that shape communities. Above all. Dick treasured his family and took enormous pride in his children and grandchildren, remaining an active and loving presence in their lives.

Richard A. ``Dick'' Brown embodied integrity, dedication, and a spirit of service to others. His life leaves a lasting imprint on his family, his community, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable achievement by one of the finest companies in the great state of Texas, Firefly Aerospace of Cedar Park, on the one-year anniversary of their historic Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar landing.

One year ago, on March 2, 2025, Firefly Aerospace made history when their Blue Ghost lunar lander touched down in Mare Crisium on the near side of the Moon. With that landing, Firefly became the first commercial company to achieve a fully successful soft landing on the Moon--a milestone in the modern era of American space exploration.

This was not merely a corporate achievement; it was an American achievement. Blue Ghost launched on January 15, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, carrying ten scientific instruments for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and the Artemis campaign to return humans to the Moon. Blue Ghost operates from Firefly's Mission Control Center in Cedar Park, Texas, in the heart of the 31st Congressional District, which I am proud to serve.

Firefly's success stands as a testament to American ingenuity and private enterprise. Where NASA's Apollo 17 last touched the

Moon in 1972, Firefly's team has opened a new chapter of commercial lunar access that will strengthen our national security and scientific leadership. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I am proud to support the federal investments that helped make this success possible.

I commend the entire Firefly team, from the engineers at their Cedar Park headquarters to the technicians at the Texas Rocket Ranch in Briggs and their more than 500-person workforce. The 31st District of Texas is home to warriors, farmers, and now, Moon landers. I congratulate Firefly Aerospace on one year since they reached the Moon and showed the world what American commercial space can do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life, service, and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Elijah Monroe Garretson, a devoted public servant whose courage and commitment left a lasting legacy on the Copperas Cove community and Central Texas.

Officer Garretson lived a life defined by service. He first answered the call to protect others through honorable service in the United States Army, serving from 2017 to 2024 and attaining the rank of Sergeant. His military career reflected discipline, leadership, and an unwavering sense of duty that guided him both in and out of uniform.

Following his military service, Officer Garretson continued his commitment to public service by joining the Copperas Cove Police Department in January 2025. The department sponsored him through the Central Texas College Basic Peace Officer Academy, where he distinguished himself as a top student, graduating with the highest GPA in his class in 2025. He was sworn in as a police officer on June 27, 2025, successfully completed field training, and served on Gold Team Nights with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.

On January 10, 2026, Officer Garretson made the ultimate sacrifice, losing his life in the line of duty while protecting the community he served with honor. Beyond the uniform, Elijah Garretson was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. He married his wife, Alexis, in July 2025 and was a loving father to his five-year-daughter, Elliana. He was also pursuing college studies in social work, driven by a deep passion for mental health and helping others.

Though his time with the department was far too brief, Officer Garretson's legacy of service, courage, and compassion will endure. We honor his life, grieve his loss, and remain forever grateful for his sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nancy Patterson, a U.S. Army veteran and accomplished leader in public education, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration. With more than two decades of experience, Ms. Patterson has focused on advancing College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) for students across Texas and the Nation.

She has held executive leadership roles in a public school system that serves over 40,000 students, leading systemwide improvements that enhanced accountability outcomes and student readiness. She is recognized for supervising and coaching school leaders,

strengthening leadership pipelines, and aligning people, processes, and performance during times of organizational transition.

Ms. Patterson's work bridges education, workforce, military, and higher education systems to align pathways with labor market needs, expand postsecondary opportunities, and improve long-term economic mobility for students and communities. She has served in advisory and leadership roles for the Texas Education Agency, testified before the Texas House Committee on Public Education, and contributed to boards supporting military-connected students and workforce development. She also served on the Texas State Advisory Council for Educational Opportunities for Military-Connected Children.

Nationally, Ms. Patterson participated in the 2023 National Security Seminar at the United States Army War College and was appointed advisor to the Women's Leadership Program at Texas A&M University--Texarkana in 2024. In 2025, she was named one of the Top 10 School Executive Directors by Education Insider. She holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, completed post-master's coursework in educational administration, and holds Texas principal certification.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nancy Patterson for her dedicated service to strengthening education, workforce readiness, and opportunities for military-connected students and families.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly salute Major Matthew N. Topitzer for his outstanding service to the United States Army and for the remarkable professionalism he has demonstrated throughout his military career. Major Topitzer has consistently embodied the dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence that define the finest officers in our Armed Forces.

Major Topitzer's military journey reflects broad operational experience and steadfast leadership. He began his service as a Signal Platoon Leader in the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and later led paratroopers in the 112th Signal Battalion at Fort Bragg. His expertise in communications and network operations took him to Special Operations Command--Europe in Stuttgart, Germany, and to Fort Belvoir, where he served as a technical project's leader for the 1st Capabilities Integration Group. In 2020, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, serving as Deputy CJ6 for NATO Special Operations Joint Task Force--Afghanistan.

I had the privilege of working closely with Major Topitzer when he served as my Defense Fellow through the Army Congressional Fellowship Program. His thoughtful counsel, analytical rigor, and deep understanding of defense policy were invaluable to my office. Following his fellowship, he continued his exemplary service as a Congressional Budget Liaison to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller, presenting key research, development, and intelligence portfolios before Congress.

Major Topitzer's achievements also include earning a Master of Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and completing advanced military education, including SERE High-Risk, Airborne School, and the Interagency Communications Course. He further demonstrates his commitment to service through his role as a White House Military Social Aide.

It is an honor to commend Major Topitzer for his distinguished service to the Army and the Nation. I extend my warmest congratulations to Matthew and his wife Ana as they continue this journey of service together.