Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am thinking about the fact that I have probably known Michael Burgess longer than anybody here because we both ran for office the same year.

He ran against one of the sons of the leadership, and I ran against the chairman of Energy and Commerce's son, so we had very similar races. We got the heck kicked out of us, but we won. We immediately had a connection and that connection has kept us close friends ever since.

When people came to me with a question about healthcare, I would say: I am an old trial judge. You want to talk about justice, about the law, I can probably give you a hand. If you are going to talk about healthcare, I am going to yield to Mike Burgess. Go talk to Mike Burgess, and he can talk to me and tell me whether whatever it is you are doing is the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do. Mike has never failed to give me the best advice.

He is a close friend, and he is very dear to me. We both made a pact that we would leave at the same time, and I tell you, I failed on this deal. He decided to leave, and I wasn't ready to leave.

Hold on, Burgess, I am coming one of these days.

I wish he would stick around a little longer. He is such a friend and such a solid, solid human being.

We are blessed to have people like Mike Burgess in here. We can call him Doc. We can call him whatever we want to call him. He is always quietly ready to lend a hand on literally anything you want to do, as we heard about the conversation about looking at the Pentagon. I didn't know that. That was news to me, but a good idea, a dang good idea.

Burgess, you and I know that we are friends. I am going to miss you, pal. I will miss you a lot. I may call you every once in a while just to make sure you are doing okay.

Please give my warmest sympathy to your wife during these trying times. You also have that sympathy.

You know that I consider you one of my very closest friends, and I am sorry to see you leave, but we will keep in touch, I promise. God bless you, buddy.

Yes, sir.

I think something like that, but I wouldn't guess.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize Williamson County EMS Director Mike Knipstein for his exemplary 30-year career of service to residents. A career of such longevity and impact is truly commendable and deserving of recognition. Throughout his tenure, Director Knipstein has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public safety and healthcare, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and compassionate service to the community.

Mike began his career as a paramedic in 1994 and has earned the Williamson County EMS Paramedic of the Year award twice for his exceptional care. Following his promotion to Lieutenant, he pioneered the creation of a medical continuing education program that remains instrumental in training medics and first responders today.

From 2003 to 2014, as a Commander, Mike shaped the department's future through professional development initiatives, infection control management, and strategic growth planning. As Division Commander of EMS Operations, he introduced budgetary tracking measures that improved overtime cost management.

In 2015, Mike became Deputy Director, leading Williamson County EMS to achieve and maintain accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, the EMS industry's ``gold standard.'' Since 2016, as Director, he has enhanced services by securing stable funding for the Community Health Paramedic Program, implementing innovative safety policies, and ensuring resource readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director Knipstein's leadership has profoundly elevated EMS services and improved countless lives in Williamson County. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude for his remarkable service and wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Sheriff Eddy Lange and congratulate him on an outstanding career spanning decades of dedicated community service. Sheriff Lange's passion for keeping the citizens of Central Texas safe is clearly demonstrated by a lifetime of unwavering commitment.

Sheriff Lange's political career began in 1992 when he was elected as the first Republican Justice of the Peace in his county. After serving in this role for 12 years, Sheriff Lange was elected to the County Commissioner's office. Soon after, he was elected Bell County Sheriff, a position he held for another 12 years. He will retire with an impressive record of 14-0 contested elections.

Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Lange implemented several initiatives to enhance public safety. This includes the installation of new technology, such as in-car video systems and body cams, and the creation of the Mental Health Unit of the Sheriff's Department, which assists in mental evaluations, provides guidance and resources, and works to provide daily support within the jail system. He also adeptly managed the rapid growth of the inmate population, which doubled during his tenure.

Sheriff Lange founded several high-impact programs that have left a lasting impression on Bell County. He established the School Resource Officer Program, which has since grown from one to seven officers across three different school districts. This program was designed to facilitate quick responses to emergencies on school campuses and to foster positive relations between officers and the community. Along with his wife, Amy, Sheriff Lange created the Crossroads Program, a rehabilitation initiative to teach life skills to inmates and pave the way for their success. Finally, Sheriff Lange is the founder of the Bell County Sheriff's Foundation, which supports families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. As well as providing scholarships to Bell County Peace Officers, the Foundation raises funds in the hopes of constructing a memorial to honor those who have given their lives in service to Bell County.

Please join me in commending Sheriff Lange's lifelong commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe. His legacy of achievement and service represents the very best of Central Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dr. Charles Breithaupt for a lifetime of service to Texas education and student athletics. His active leadership in advancing interscholastic opportunities for young people and his steadfast commitment to student safety exemplify the very best of Texas.

Dr. Breithaupt has dedicated over 16 years as the Vice President of the University of Texas at Austin and as the Executive Director of Texas' University Interscholastic League (UIL), supervising academic, athletic, and music competitions at thousands of schools across Texas. Throughout his tenure, he has made several pioneering achievements, including the implementation of a six-conference alignment, the establishment of the National High School Football Summit and the formation of the UIL Medical Advisory Committee. The Committee, under his leadership, has developed protocols mitigating health risks for students in high-impact sports.

Dr. Breithaupt's 50-year career exemplifies his passion for student success. Before working as Executive Director, Dr. Breithaupt served 17 years as a public-school teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal in Southeast Texas. He currently serves on the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation Board, which awards hundreds of scholarships annually to students attending Texas colleges and universities.

Dr. Breithaupt's numerous accolades include being named 1991 Texas State Coach of the Year, inductions into the Texas Basketball and Texas High School Football Halls of Fame, and two Lone Star Emmy Awards for his role as Fox Sports Southwest High School Spotlight Show Executive Producer,

I join Dr. Breithaupt's family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating his unwavering dedication and contributions. His efforts reflect his outstanding leadership and commitment to fostering a legacy of opportunity and achievement for Texas students.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the career of Ms. Laurie Hadley as she retires after nearly 14 years of service as the City Manager of Round Rock, Texas. With over 37 years working in local government, Ms. Hadley has been an integral part of Round Rock's transformation into one of the most dynamic and well- managed municipalities in Texas.

During her tenure, Round Rock grew to 140,000 residents and became a major hub for economic development, attracting international industries and serving as the world headquarters for Dell Technologies. Under her leadership, the city expanded its medical facilities, welcomed two university campuses, and bolstered its transportation infrastructure.

Notably, Ms. Hadley spearheaded the largest bond election in the city's history, securing $274 million to enhance public safety, parks, and infrastructure. Her focus on cementing Round Rock's reputation as a destination for business and tourism is further exemplified by her role in bringing Kalahari Resorts & Conventions to the city--one of her many achievements that will leave a lasting legacy.

Beyond infrastructure and economic development, Ms. Hadley's commitment to the people of Round Rock has fostered a stronger, more connected community. Ms. Hadley announced her plans to retire in December 2024, marking the end of a remarkable era of leadership. Her pride in Round Rock's transformation is evident, and her visionary leadership will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Hadley for her dedicated service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly salute Master Sergeant Kahlil ``KD'' Warner as he retires after 22 years of honorable service in the United States Army. Throughout his extraordinary military career, MSG Warner embodied the duty, honor, and loyalty that makes the U.S. Army the world's premier fighting force.

Kahlil served in various logistics positions during his unique and distinguished career. He held numerous tactical and organizational leadership roles within Brigade Combat Teams and served in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. In addition to leading our Nation's sons and daughters, Kahlil helped train the next generation of Soldiers as an Advanced Individual Training Instructor and advised leaders at the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Headquarters.

I had the privilege of meeting Kahlil when he was selected to participate in the prestigious Army Congressional Fellowship Program and became my Defense Fellow. After his tenure as my Defense Fellow, MSG Warner went on to serve as the Military Construction Legislative Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management

and Comptroller. In this role, he maintained a close relationship with my office and assisted other Members and staff in understanding the Army's policies, requirements, and actions.

Kahlil's accolades include the designation of ``Demonstrated Senior Logistician'' from the Society of Logistics Engineers, FY 2019 Office of the Secretary of Defense Enlisted Member of the Year and is a member of the U.S. Army Forces Command Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. With six combat deployments across Iraq and Afghanistan and receiving numerous awards and commendations, including a Purple Heart, MSG Warner has dedicated his life to serving our nation.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Master Sergeant Kahlil Warner for his 22 years of distinguished service. It is a privilege and an honor to recognize his selfless service to our Nation. I wish him, his wife Anna, and their five boys all the best in the years to come as he embarks on a well- earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the dedicated career of Mr. Grady Bourn as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement after 25 years of exemplary service in the United States House of Representatives. As my Legislative Director, Grady has been a cornerstone of legislative expertise, driven by an unwavering passion for improving the lives of everyday Americans during his many years in my office.

Grady began his journey on Capitol Hill a quarter of a century ago in the office of former House Appropriations Chairman Jerry Lewis. From there, his tireless dedication to integrity and even-keeled leadership brought him to my team, where he has been an indispensable asset. I have been blessed to call Grady a part of Team Carter, and his profound influence on my legislative agenda has been felt across a wide range of issues.

As Legislative Director, Grady has been instrumental in shaping our efforts to pass high-quality legislation that protects the homeland, stands up for America's veterans, and upholds the rule of law. His contributions have directly improved the lives of Americans from all walks of life. His commitment to ensuring the success of every policy detail has been nothing short of remarkable.

Beyond his legislative prowess, Grady's leadership and mentorship have left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to work with him. His steady guidance has not only influenced my staff but also touched staff members across the House, regardless of political affiliation. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of public servants will undoubtedly leave a legacy in the halls of Congress.

As Grady embarks on this new chapter in his life. I want to express my deepest gratitude for his immense contributions to Team Carter and to the United States House of Representatives. His service, leadership, and dedication to excellence will be remembered long after his departure.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Grady Bourn for his 25 years of distinguished service, and I wish him all the best as he enters a well-earned retirement. His dedication to public service will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of working alongside him.

Mr. Chair, I am honored to present the FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill to the House today.

This bill supports our troops, their families, and the Nation's veterans. The bill makes good on the Republican commitment to bring bills to the floor that comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act while honoring our commitment to our Nation's veterans and our troops.

To honor that commitment, the bill provides full funding for healthcare and benefits for veterans. They have earned these benefits, and we are making good on our promises to them.

To provide for those who wear the uniform now, the bill includes $412 million over the budget request to support crucial investments in barracks and family housing. We must keep our word to our servicemembers and their families.

In addition, we provide robust funding to build upon last year's work to enable the Department of Defense to meet the challenges in the Indo- Pacific.

We also have multiple provisions in our bill to protect Americans' core values; namely, freedom, equality, and justice, from being trampled on by unaccountable bureaucrats.

I thank Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz for her work on this bill. Though we have our policy differences, I am glad we are at this step in the process and hope we can continue to work together in support of our troops and our veterans.

This bill cares for our veterans, and it supports our troops and their families, and it stands up for American values.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8580, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner).

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

This is a good bill. I hear about all these cuts, but what I see is that we have done our duty to both our veterans and our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines around the world. We have gone out of our way to fund the area where we have our biggest fear of combat, which is the Indo-Pacific.

I traveled over there, as did Ms. Wasserman Schultz at a different time. We both saw that we have an awful lot of projects that have to be dealt with over there. We did our part to do that, and I am sure DOD will do their part to do that, too. We have to be ready in case and until the flag goes up, if it should, with the Chinese.

The issues on those islands is that the wind and dampness destroy buildings, so we are going to have lots of building projects that are going to go on over that way. We have provided the appropriate amount of funding as we had it available for those projects. We also had a bunch of barracks issues around the country, and we provided to fully fund a certain number of those barracks and to give guidance funding for the rest because we intend to fund them all.

In my opinion, we are always underfunded in military construction. I think Ms. Wasserman Schultz will agree with me on that. We have more than we can say grace over when it comes to funding projects relative to our military.

For that reason, I think that we have done the best we can for them. I don't see the cuts that are being talked about. I am curious about that, but then I am curious about a lot of things around here.

I am blessed to have a ranking member who I can work with. She is a kind person. We get along just great except

we don't agree on any policies, but other than that, we get along just great. I guess that is a blessing, that I can plan to keep going after this.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), who is the chairman of the full committee.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill. We are above the President's numbers both in MILCON and in veterans, and it just a matter of how you look at things as to whether the social things that we talk about have concern or don't have concern among our various people. We are speaking about the things that concern us that are causing people not to want to join the military because of the added on governmental interference in their lives by these various things that they have set out in regulations, and we are trying to correct that.

Whatever happens, every bill we have, somebody doesn't like something about it, but the reality is we worked hard. I thank my staff. I thank all the staffs for working together on this to come up with a good bill. It deserves a positive vote on the bill, and I hope all my colleagues will seriously consider voting for the bill.

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

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1269, I offer amendments en bloc.

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

Mr. Chair, I support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. Chair, the amendment has no budgetary effect, but highlights an important issue for our veterans. I support the efforts for the new treatment of PTSD so long as they are safe and approved for use by the FDA. I am willing to accept the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this study.

My brother-in-law Kurt Brown died of the brain cancer known as the ghost cancer, and he was both an Air Force pilot and a Delta pilot. I always thought that the exposure to the high levels and the exposure to the Sun had something to do with it. I personally support this and will vote for it.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to introduce my longtime friend, Pastor Mark Westerfield, who I have the honor of hosting as our guest chaplain in the House today.

Mark is the senior pastor at Central Baptist Church in my hometown of Round Rock, Texas, where he began his ministry nearly 40 years ago.

Under his leadership, Central Baptist has expanded to a house of worship services, a variety of ministries, Bible studies, and the prestigious Round Rock Christian Academy.

His impact has extended far beyond the walls of his church. He has been instrumental in organizing the annual Love the Rock volunteer event that marshals volunteers from 40 different churches to unite for a single day in service to help their neighbors in Round Rock.

Mark embodies what is great about the close-knit central Texas community where I live and how we come together to make our city a better place to live. I am grateful that Mark Westerfield is joining us as our guest chaplain.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor and celebrate Dell Technologies' 40 years of remarkable service. Founded on May 3, 1984, by Michael Dell in a dorm room at the University of Texas, the company has made a monumental and lasting impression toward making Central Texas a great place to call home. The impacts Dell Technologies has made not only on the region by also the state are impeccable and I am honored Dell Technologies calls Round Rock home.

Throughout their years of service, Dell Technologies has become a global leader in innovation and a critical economic engine for Central Texas. During their many years they have remained devoted to their mission of making technologies that drive human progress. While having their headquarters in Central Texas, Dell Technologies has been able to provide high paying jobs, make economic opportunities, and support our district's growth. Dell Technologies has made enormous contributions to the technology revolution that has defined our changing times, bringing growth and prosperity to Central Texas.

Dell Technologies has touched countless lives for the better and continues to make a positive impact on those it is dedicated to serve. I am proud to help celebrate 40 years of this incredible organization, and to join Central Texas in wishing this amazing company nothing but the best in the decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Jason Howard, U.S. Army, Retired, has always been there to lend a helping hand to his fellow citizens and his efforts to make his beloved community a better place has made lasting and positive impacts on the region. He is a dedicated soldier, devoted public servant, and a fitting recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

SGT Howard has extensive military experience including serving at Fort Cavazos and deployments in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He worked closely with our Kurdish allies and even met with future Iraqi President Jamal Talabani. His great work didn't go unnoticed as he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and among others.

After retiring from the Army, SGT Howard found his way back to Central Texas. Fueled by his passion for wanting to serve and lead others, SGT Howard serves as the Alderman for the Village of Salado while giving back to his community through numerous volunteer opportunities. He pours himself into making Salado a great place to work and call home, all while ensuring that the voices of residents are heard in the halls of government. His actions reflect the commitment of a devoted public servant. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

I commend SGT Howard's incredible contributions. This soldier-for- life's patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to excellence reflect the very best of Central Texas. I join his colleagues, family, and friends in honoring his career, commending his commitment to public service, and celebrating his outstanding achievements.

Mr. Speaker, as the proud Co-Chair of the Army Caucus, I extend my deepest gratitude for the service of Major David Mark Barreras II to the United States Congress.

As both my Defense Fellow and an Army Legislative Liaison, Major Barreras made innumerable contributions to the citizens of Central Texas and the Nation.

I extend my best wishes as he transitions to a new assignment and express profound thankfulness to him and his family for their service to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker. I am honored to present Major General William Streeter, U.S. Army, Retired, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His lifetime of dedication to his beloved Army and Nation speaks to his patriotism, moral character, and devotion to others.

His superb service to the Army and his nation exemplifies what it means to commit his life to his country. Former commander of Fort Cavazos' legendary 1st Cavalry Division--one of the most decorated combat divisions in the U.S. Army--MG Streeter ensured First Team maintained its storied reputation as one of the world's elite fighting forces. He was honored with numerous high-ranking awards like the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and two Bronze Stars, along with the admiration of his peers and those he led during his decades in the service.

Since his retirement from active duty in 1993, MG Streeter has continued his dedication to the betterment of our country and community through service, active involvement, and support of civic organizations. He devotes his energies toward several charities including the Kiwanis Club, Veterans and Homeowners' Associations, and his local church, never forgetting the importance of living a full life for others.

MG Streeter's life tells the story of a man unafraid to contribute both his time and energies to the defense of our nation as well as a multitude of organizations that rely on volunteerism and social engagement to make good communities great. He is a most deserving recipient of a Congressional Veterans Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to celebrate Temple, TX Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rod Henry as he embarks on his richly deserved retirement after decades of devoted public service. He leaves behind a rich legacy of accomplishment and will remain an example of excellence for all who follow.

With integrity, honesty, and transparency, Rod has served 10 years as the President and CEO of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the Chamber has enhanced the success of members, provided opportunities for business owners, leaders, and their employees to learn and grow, and has served as a thoughtful and effective voice for the business community.

With his infectious ``can do'' spirit, Rod lives his life in service to others. Over his 46-year career, he has devoted his talents and energies to numerous community and professional organizations that make the world a better place and make cities like Temple great places to call home.

While Rod isn't tired of the privilege of public service, he knows that everything has its season. But stepping away from the Chamber won't give him much idle time as looks forward to watching Temple's continued growth and spending time with his beloved wife Benita and their family.

Retirement marks not the end of a career, but the beginning of a great adventure. As Rod Henry embarks on this new chapter in life, I thank him for his exceptional work, remain grateful for our friendship, and wish him the very best.