Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as Christmas approaches, I rise again to share the history behind one of the most beloved carols, ``Away in a Manger.''

People still call this delightful song ``Luther's Cradle Hymn'' and believe that Martin Luther sang his own children to sleep with it in the 15th century.

None other than the song's composer, James Murray, promoted this charming fable. We really don't know who wrote the words, only that they appeared anonymously in a Lutheran publication titled, ``Little Children's Book for School and Family'' in 1885.

When the music first appeared in a children's hymnal 2 years later, it was titled, ``Luther's Cradle Hymn.'' James Murray, the editor of the hymnal, wrote that the song was composed by Martin Luther for his children and still sung by German mothers to their little ones.

Murray, who was a student of Lowell Mason, composer of ``Joy to the World,'' then added his own initials at the end of the song, thereby ensuring over a century of confusion.

The words of the hymn are as follows:

Away in a manger

No crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus

Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the sky

Look down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus

Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing

The poor baby wakes

The little Lord Jesus

No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus

Look down from the sky

And stay by my side

'Til morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus

I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever

And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children

In Thy tender care

Take us to heaven

To live with Thee there.

Mr. Speaker, I hope we keep the history behind this beautiful song in mind as we celebrate the holiday season. On behalf of us in central Texas, I wish you a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and a delightful Christmas season.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to celebrate Salado, TX City Manager Don Ferguson as he embarks on his richly deserved retirement after decades of devoted public service. He leaves behind a noble legacy of accomplishment and will remain an example of excellence for all who follow.

City Managers are the unsung heroes of local government. Responsible for planning, directing, managing, and reviewing all activities and operations of towns large and small, they are committed to ensuring financial integrity as well as providing policy advice and administrative support to the Mayor and City Council. With his ``can do'' spirit, Don embraced these challenges and served Salado with integrity, honesty, and transparency.

During his tenure as the Salado Village Administrator, Don oversaw the creation of a centralized wastewater system, the Main Street beautification project that included sidewalks, decorative streetlights, landscape and drainage, and additional street and drainage improvements across the Village. He worked tirelessly to guide the village through rapid growth and other challenges such as COVID, wildfires, tornadoes, ice storms, hailstorms, and drought. Under his leadership, Salado saw steadily increasing sales tax revenues and property values, low crime rates, and managed growth. His work has been essential to making Salado a great place to work and call home.

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

Retirement marks not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. As Don Ferguson 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.

Mr. Speaker, as Christmastime approaches, I rise to share the history of one of the most beloved carols--and there are more to come.

``God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.''

The first line means, gentlemen, may God keep you in good spirits--a blessing.

Immensely popular throughout its history, this carol even merits a mention by Charles Dickens in his famous tale, ``A Christmas Carol.'' It is also a very old carol and was almost certainly sung by wandering groups of singers called waits. In Merrie Olde England, music was an important part of everyday life. Minstrels carried the news of the day from town to town and were often handsomely rewarded for their efforts.

In many towns, the waits played the role of town criers, singing the hours of the day and reporting local happenings. Christmastime kept them especially busy. As they strolled through the snowy streets, they told the story of the nativity in song, adding to the festive atmosphere. Townspeople would show their appreciation by giving the singers money or food.

These are the words of that famous carol:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen; let nothing you dismay.

Remember, Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day.

To save us all from Satan's power, when we were gone astray.

tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.

tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed babe was born,

And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn;

The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.

tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.

tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our Heavenly Father, a blessed angel came;

And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same;

How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.

tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.

tidings of comfort and joy.

I hope that you keep this history in mind of this beautiful song as you celebrate during the holiday season.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of central Texas, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday.

Mr. Speaker, due to a viral infection, and on my physician's advice and wanting to keep my colleagues healthy, I was unable to cast votes on final passage of the following bills. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on:

Final Passage of H.R. 5225, the Spending Reduction and Border Security Act (Roll Call No. 511); Final Passage of H.R. 4368, the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture Appropriations Act (Roll Call No. 507); Final Passage of H.R. 4367, the Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Act (Roll Call No. 505); Final Passage of H.R. 4365, the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act (Roll Call No. 502); and Final Passage of H.R. 4665, the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act (Roll Call No 500).

Had I been present, I would have voted NO on:

Final Passage of H.R. 5692, making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 (Roll Call No. 503), and Final Passage of H.R. 5860, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (Roll Call No. 513).

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate Temple, Texas music legend Joe DeLeon ``Little Joe'' Hernandez, an NEA National Heritage Fellowship honoree for 2023. The ``King of the Brown Sound,'' he helped pioneer Tejano music, a uniquely American synthesis of Mexican and European styles that reflects the resilient spirit of the people and the land in which they live.

Little Joe is a Texas-style success story Born in poverty to a family of cotton pickers, he took up the trade as a child before finding success as a musician. Joe built his reputation on his live performances in the neon-and-smoke wonderland of bailes grandes, the big public dances that are the essence of Chicano social life throughout the Southwest With many classic albums and beloved songs in his catalogue, he continues touring the world, trailblazing, looking forward to new challenges, breaking down cultural and musical barriers, and innovating his musical style.

Folk music is the song of the people, their struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. While he's won multiple Grammys and countless civic awards, Joe remains a humble and steadfast champion of equality and justice, using his artistry to bring audiences together for a more harmonious world His performances are crowd-pleasing showcases of his diverse influences, inspired songwriting, and stellar musicianship that transform into cultural and political celebrations.

Little Joe Hernandez is a most deserving recipient of an NEA National Heritage Fellowship, our Nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts He remains a vital part of our Nation's rich artistic tradition and has made indelible contributions to a music that speaks to a uniquely American experience. I proudly celebrate his life, career, and contributions and wish him nothing but the best for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to celebrate Betsy Bina as she embarks on her richly deserved retirement after decades of devoted public service. While we will miss her, she leaves the Legislative Branch with a noble legacy of accomplishment and will remain an example of excellence for all who follow.

Betsy and I worked closely together when she served as Clerk of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee during my tenure as both its Chairman and Ranking Member. The MilCon/VA bill speaks to our nation's most cherished values: supporting our nation's heroes when they serve when they join the ranks of veterans, and when they spend eternity in their final resting places. Betsy deeply understood this and brought her tremendous talents, outstanding work ethic, and commitment to superb work to every challenge she encountered.

Over the years, I relied on her sage advice and counsel as we navigated the often-choppy waters of supporting the many critical responsibilities shouldered by Congressional Appropriators. Betsy distinguished herself with her keen understanding of the nuances of intricate funding policies, the priorities of both the military and veteran communities, as well as the needs of member offices. She was a consensus builder extraordinaire who deftly managed a staff of committed professionals, bringing out their best as they worked tirelessly to craft legislation to support our warriors and veterans.

While Betsy isn't tired of the privilege of public service, she knows that everything has its season. But stepping away from work won't give her much idle time as she remains an active and committed world traveler, cherished friend, and mentor.

Retirement marks not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. As Betsy Bina embarks on this new chapter of her life, I thank her for her exceptional work, remain grateful for our friendship, and wish her the very best.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 4366, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering, cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. Chair, I am honored to present the fiscal year 2024 military construction, veterans affairs, and related agencies appropriations bill to the House today. This bill is special because it supports our troops and their families and the Nation's veterans.

The bill provides $17.5 billion for military construction and family housing projects. This is less than the FY23 enacted amount. However, it is nearly $800 million above the President's request.

We focus this investment in the Pacific to deter China's aggressive and coercive actions. We also provide significant funding for new barracks and child development centers.

The bill fully funds veterans programs at the level requested by the President. It keeps our promises to veterans, and we do more to help veterans in the Pacific. We also ensure taxpayer funds will be used appropriately and effectively by increasing oversight of several programs.

I thank my subcommittee ranking member. Although she disagrees with this bill, she has been a joy to work with, and our partnership has been good.

I thank all the people who have worked on this bill and all of their families and the families of the veterans.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4366.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).

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

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

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed.

Mr. Chair, I support the amendment, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, the NATO Security Investment Program is NATO's military construction program. The U.S. contribution supports projects needed by the alliance and also supports U.S. strategy in the region. It does not finance other countries' construction costs, and the cost share is favorable to the United States.

The increase included in the bill this year is needed to reinvest in infrastructure in the region to deter Russia's aggression. Literally, this program is a concrete investment in deterrence.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, my arguments are the same.

The NATO Security Investment Program is NATO's military construction program. The $73 million increase this year is needed to reinvest in infrastructure in the region to deter Russian aggression.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 614, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. Chairman, these are noncontroversial amendments and are supported by both sides.

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

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

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

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

Madam Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger).

Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Madam Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert).

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

Amendment No. 36 Offered by Mr. Mast

Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Madam Chair, I understand the intent and that some States permit the use of marijuana. However, the VA doctors are required to comply with Federal law. This amendment does not address that. I don't want to put them in legal jeopardy. I believe this should be handled by the authorizing committee.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Madam Chair, as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), I move to strike the last word.

Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro).

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

Amendment No. 38 Offered by Mr. Roy

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

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary work of Chancellor Jim Yeonopolus as he enters his richly deserved retirement. His decades of dedication to Central Texas College reflect the hard work and commitment of an admirable public servant.

Jim has made substantial contributions to CTC since he launched his career at the college 50 years ago. He began as a counselor for student services, and through hard work, tenacity, and business acumen, he advanced into leadership roles as dean, assistant deputy chancellor, deputy chancellor, and interim chancellor. As a proud veteran, he has been an integral part of the success of CTC's military education operations. His efforts have resulted in CTC being regarded as one of Texas' great institutions of higher learning.

Jim's commitment to community doesn't stop when his workday ends. He contributes his energies to trade and civic organizations that help make Central Texas a great place to call home. Whether it's the Boy Scouts, the United Way, or the Killeen Rodeo Association, Jim goes the extra mile to be of service to his fellow Texans.

While Jim isn't tired of the privilege of service, he knows that everything has its season, and the time has come to allow the next generation of leaders to take the stage. Stepping away from work won't give him much idle time as he remains a vital part of the Central Texas community and will spend more time with his beloved wife Nancy.

Retirement is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. It is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Jim Yeonopolus as he starts this new chapter of his life. On behalf of Central Texas, I thank him for his superb work and wish him the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the well- deserved retirement of Dr. Marc A. Nigliazzo, who has worked tirelessly to serve the communities of Central Texas through his time at Temple College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas. Nigliazzo's dedication to our home is truly unrivaled.

Throughout his career, Dr. Nigliazzo has touched the lives of all his students. From his time as president at Temple College to his tenure as the inaugural president at Texas A&M-Central Texas he always went the extra mile to insure a positive impact on his students and the community.

Dr. Nigliazzo has played a vital role in promoting accelerated learning as well as building safe and supportive school communities for our central Texas communities. His dedication to education and addressing the major challenges that Texas A&M University-Central Texas has faced has brought the school to where it is today.

His great work has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Nigliazzo was awarded the Leopard Pride for his work with the Temple College athletic program and the Temple College Board of Trustees named the administration building in his honor. These tributes speak to the justifiably high regard his peers hold him in.

Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but rather the beginning of a new adventure. I commend Dr. Marc A. Nigliazzo for his years of selfless service as well as his commitment to the betterment of higher education. He is an inspiration to our community, and I wish him only the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to celebrate Valerie Baldwin as she embarks on her richly deserved retirement. With a career spanning a variety of vital responsibilities across the federal government and the private sectors, Valerie's commitment to excellence represents the best values of public service and remains a standard for all to follow.

Throughout her career, she brought her tremendous talents, outstanding work ethic, and commitment to excellence to every challenge she encountered. Whether it was demanding work on Capitol Hill or ensuring tax dollars were wisely used by the Pentagon, Valerie never hesitated to go the extra mile to ensure the job was done and done right.

Val and I worked closely together when she served as Clerk of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee during my tenure

as its chairman. I relied closely on her wise advice and counsel as we navigated the often-choppy waters of supporting the many critical and challenging responsibilities shouldered by DHS. She was a consensus builder extraordinaire who deftly managed a staff of committed professionals, bringing out their best as they worked tirelessly to craft critical legislation.

While Valerie isn't tired of the privilege of service, she knows that everything has its season, and the time has come for the next generation of leaders to take the stage. But stepping away from work won't give her much idle time as she remains an active and committed godmother, cherished friend, and mentor.

Retirement is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. I am honored to recognize the selfless service of Valerie Baldwin as she starts this new chapter of her life. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank her for her superb work, remain grateful for our friendship, and wish her the very best.

Mr. Speaker, as the proud Co-Chair of the Army Caucus, I extend my deepest gratitude for the service of Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp to the United States Congress as the Army's Chief Legislative Liaison.

Under his stewardship, the Army maintained strong relationships with members of Congress, committees, and staff. His many accomplishments within the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison are a testament to his leadership, particularly in how his team persevered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congratulations to Major General Bredenkamp on his selection as the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington and Commander of the Joint Forces Headquarters-National Capital Region. His dedication and experience will undoubtedly result in a disciplined and prepared force, entrusted with securing our Nation's Capital.

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

Mr. Speaker, I commend the exceptional career of Williamson County Clerk Nancy Rister as she celebrates her 25th anniversary of outstanding public service to Central Texas. Her contributions have made the members of her community's lives better and have helped make Texas a great place to live and work.

Nancy's resume is one to be admired and respected. It tells the story of a woman unafraid to contribute both her time and energies to the highest levels of public service as well as to a multitude of organizations that rely on volunteerism and social engagement to make good communities great.

She has done what all public servants are honored to do: put the needs of the people first. Implementing physical records to an online forum that's available for all citizens, decreasing turnaround time for deeds, and improving the organization and professionalism of the County Clerk's office, are just a few examples of the accomplishments that Nancy has achieved in her esteemed career. Over her quarter century in office, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that Williamson County residents receive the world-class public service they deserve.

Nancy's anniversary is a testament to her admirable career and a milestone in a life of service. I join her colleagues, friends, family, and the citizens of Williamson County in celebrating and honoring her 25 years of hard work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the life of Donald L. Hale, who joined the angels in July of 1997. As a true and devoted patriot, he made valuable contributions to the safety of our Nation and to the preservation of freedom around the world.

As a member of ``Merrill's Marauders'' during WWII, Hale answered the call for the most dangerous missions and faced the most brutal conditions in the Japanese-occupied jungles of Myanmar (then known as Burma). Heroes like him represent both the best of our Army and of our Nation. They endured fierce combat, life-threatening illnesses, along with extreme exhaustion and heat, all in the toughest terrain one can face in battle. Their fearless efforts laid the foundation for the creation of the Army Ranger regiment.

The contributions of Hale and his fellow Marauders did not go unnoticed. They were recently honored with Congressional Gold Medals, ensuring that the U.S. will never forget their sacrifices. While he is sadly no longer with us, Hale's family proudly received his honor on his behalf.

As we mourn Donald Hale's passing, his presence was a blessing for all who knew him and his commitment to his Nation helped keep us free. The positive impacts he had on the lives of others will live on and remain forever in our hearts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act.

House Republicans are fulfilling the promises to restore safety and security at our borders, furthering the goals outlined in the House Republican Commitment to America.

Included in this border package is my bill, the Protection of Children Act. We know that human traffickers, cartels, and coyotes exploit children in order to line their pockets and then abandon them at the border. These children are then subject to a very slow-moving bureaucratic system, all the while being separated from their families.

My Protection of Children Act gives these children a choice and closes loopholes to end the exploitation of children.

By returning these children to their own country quickly and safely, we prevent these children from experiencing the further trauma of detention and being released to potential strangers and a long, drawn- out adjudication process.

I thank Representative Biggs and Representative Nehls for cosponsoring my Protection of Children Act. I thank the House Homeland Security, Judiciary, and Foreign Affairs Committees for what they have done on this legislation.

I would like to point out something. When I was the chairman of the Appropriations Committee's Homeland Security Subcommittee, I was in Laredo in 2014 at the bus station. There were 700 people waiting to go somewhere. They told me two people spoke Spanish or English. None of the children spoke Spanish or English. They were going to be released into this country once they left Laredo with no one to help them.

We should make this thing right and do the right thing. I asked about the kids, and they said to send them back where they came from. That is how this bill got started.