Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

This legislation equips our military with the tools and resources needed to protect our Nation from the growing threats abroad now and in the future.

It also prioritizes the military's number one resource: our servicemembers. It would provide junior enlisted servicemembers with a 19.5 percent pay raise.

This would help offset the crippling inflation of the last 3\1/2\ years and improve military recruitment. It would provide employment support for their spouses, and this bill calls for more funding for their housing, childcare, and healthcare.

Importantly, the NDAA will work to deter further aggression from the Chinese Communist Party by strengthening and modernizing our defenses. This NDAA also supports greater oversight, cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, and ultimately saving taxpayers billions of dollars.

Mr. Speaker, last week President Biden signed an executive order to limit the number of asylum seekers that are allowed to enter the United States each day.

The policy is far too little too late, but it highlights how House Republicans have consistently said that the President has the tools to close the border, and he has had those tools for 3\1/2\ years now.

Instead, the President has prioritized ending effective border and immigration policies over ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of the United States. Shortly after taking office, he ended border wall construction, remain in Mexico, and made many other shortsighted changes.

This resulted in more than 9 million illegal immigrant encounters at our Nation's borders, an easily expected outcome. Tennesseans rightfully concerned about this catastrophe see right through this election year campaign gimmick and hope for change come November.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Gordonsville High School Tigerettes for winning the 2024 ISSAA 1A Stale Championship in softball for the second year in a row.

Gordonsville, Tennessee, is known as a ``Title Town'' for having won 10 state championships in their history. This year, ``Title Town'' has another jewel in its crown thanks to the Gordonsville High School Tigerettes. This is the second consecutive state championship win for the team, who beat Eagleville by a score of 5 to 2 last year and by dominating Jo Byrns 11 to 1 this year.

Kailey Plumlee started the game with a home run and also struck out 12 batters in 6 innings as the starting pitcher. From there, the team continued to show up and show off, out-hitting their opponent 13-to-1. The Tigerettes wrapped up their run-rule victory with yet another home run from Callie Dillard.

Throughout the tournament, the girls outscored their opponents 47 to 2 and finished the year with 32 wins against only 5 losses. This great season is a result of hard work, dedication, bountiful talent, and a supportive community spirit. Legions of enthusiastic fans turned out for every game to cheer on their Gordonsville heroes, and on the way home the streets were lined with ``Title Town'' citizens celebrating the victory.

This is the second consecutive state championship win for the team, which beat Eagleville School by a score of 5-to-2 last year and Jo Byrns High School by a dominating 11-to-1 score this year. The Lady Tigers came to the field in the championship game with a can-do spirit and the goal of getting started early, and they sure did.

This is the third time the Tigerettes have made it to the state championship in recent years, with the first trip resulting in an agonizing 2 run loss. Afterward, Coach Jonathon Bush made it his mission to raise the expectations for the program and challenge the girls to reach new heights. The results speak for themselves--three state titles.

I would now like to recognize everyone who carried the team to victory. Players included: Callie Dillard, McKenzie Herron, Camri Johnson, Kelsey Haley, Bailey Stewart, Kailyn Roberts, Emma Crawford, Madison Askew, Lakin Roberts, Christina Ray, Abbi Brinkley, Kailey Plumlee, Addison Pope, Bailey Trusty, Kelcie Watts, Laura Thompson, and Adalyn Stafford. I'd also like to recognize Head Coach Jonathon Bush and Assistant Coaches Alton Fitts and Scott Pope for the win.

I am proud to represent Gordonsville, Tennessee, and take much pride in the success of the community, the families that live there, and its home team champion. Again, congratulations to the Gordonsville Tigerettes, the 2024 TSSAA State Softball Champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Gordonsville High School Tigerettes for winning the TSSAA, Division 1, Class 1A State championship in softball for the second year in a row.

Gordonsville, Tennessee, is known as a Title Town for having won 10 State championships in their history. This year, Title Town has another jewel in its crown thanks to the Gordonsville High School Tigerettes.

This is the second consecutive State championship win for this team, which beat Eagleville by a score of 5-2 last year and Jo Byrns High School by a dominating 11-1 score this year.

The Tigerettes came to the field in the championship game with a can- do spirit and the goal of getting started early, and they sure did.

This is the fourth time the Tigerettes have made it to the State championship game in recent years with the first trip resulting in an agonizing 2-run loss. Afterward, Coach Jonathan Bush made it his mission to raise the expectations for the program and challenge the girls to reach new heights. The results speak for themselves: three State titles.

I am proud to represent Gordonsville, Tennessee, and take much pride in the success of the community, the families that live there, and its home team champion.

Mr. Speaker, again, I congratulate the Gordonsville Tigerettes, the 2024 TSSAA 1A State softball champions.

President Biden's Executive Order on the Border Crisis is Weak

Mr. Speaker, last week, President Biden signed an executive order to limit the number of asylum seekers that are allowed to enter the United States in one day. The number is 2,500.

I have many concerns about the timing of this action and about the open-

border policies that created this mess, but I will first address that number. If that so-called limit was enforced each day for a full year, 912,500 immigrants would still likely be admitted into the United States, and that is before all of the loopholes and exceptions in his executive order are even considered, which will drive the number even higher.

The Biden administration would have you believe that this new policy will really crack down on the flow of illegal immigration into our country, but its effect will be marginal.

At best, the policy will slightly downgrade the unmitigated catastrophe at our southern border back to a mere full-blown crisis. The move confirms what House Republicans have been saying for 3 years. President Biden created this border catastrophe by using his executive powers to reverse the Trump border policies that were actually working, like construction of a border wall and the remain in Mexico policy. The President could use these same executive powers to reimplement those Trump border policies to again make the border much more secure, but unfortunately, this weak effort doesn't even come close.

President Biden's gross mismanagement of the border has sent a message to the entire world to just come on in. The result is more illegal immigrant encounters every month under this administration than the worst month under the previous administration.

Under President Biden, there have been more than 9.5 million illegal immigrant encounters at our borders. More than 7.8 million of them were reported at the southern border alone. We know at least 1.8 million people have managed to evade U.S. Border Patrol, and over 350 people who have tried to enter the country also were on the terrorist watch list.

The administration isn't done setting records. So far this fiscal year, there have been a record-breaking 27,583 Communist Chinese nationals encountered at the southern border. That is an increase of about 8,000 percent from just 3 years ago.

From the deadly fentanyl that is flowing across the border to the cartels making record profits from human trafficking, this has had a devastating impact on countless men, women, and children. There are many human costs resulting from the open border. There is also an actual monetary cost of more than $150 billion each year, costing each U.S. taxpayer an average of $1,156 each year.

The American people see this announcement for what it is: an election year public relations gimmick and a belated admission that there is, indeed, an unmitigated crisis at our southern border.

Fortunately, the American people will have their own chance to secure the border this November.

Mr. Speaker, affordable housing continues to be a problem for Tennesseans. Unfortunately, it is getting worse. The cost of owning a home continues to climb, putting the American Dream out of reach for millions of Americans.

The cost of a new home in February 2020 averaged $332,000. Now, 4 short years later, that average is $434,000. This is a direct result of the Biden administration's out-of-control deficit spending.

Inflation was at 1.9 percent prior to this administration. It has risen 20 percent since. In Tennessee, families are now paying $22,277 more a year, on average, for the very same goods they were buying in January 2021. This makes buying a home just that much more difficult.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for this administration to put the credit card down and enact policies aimed at restoring the American Dream.

Madam Speaker, prices continue to climb due to the economic

policies of the Biden administration. The latest Consumer Price Index report was up 3.4 percent from last year, keeping interest rates high and making it tough on all Americans to get by. That is Bidenomics.

Today, I rise in support of the hardworking families I represent, who are having to make hard choices to stay afloat. If they are having to tighten their belts, the Federal Government should do the same. We don't have a revenue problem in this country. We have a spending problem.

In fiscal year 2022, the Federal Government collected $850 billion more in tax revenue than just the year before, yet the Federal Government spent $1.4 trillion more than we brought in. In fiscal year 2023, the government spent $1.7 trillion more than it collected.

That is just one of the many reasons why I opposed the President's $7.3 trillion budget. We cannot continue spending money we don't have.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the terrible precedent set in our country 4 days ago.

Using the justice system to engage in a politically driven prosecution and now conviction of a major political party nominee running for President--especially on the charges brought against Donald Trump--should gravely concern every Member of this body, as well as every American across our country, whether they be Republican or Democrat, for Donald Trump, or against him.

Regardless of one's opinion of the current Republican nominee, we would be well-served to remember the long and cherished tradition we have in this country of settling our political differences at the ballot box. For nearly two-and-a-half centuries, our Nation's elected leaders have properly resisted the temptation to oppose their political rivals through the weaponization of our justice system.

Equal justice for all and an overall trust in our justice system is fundamental to who we are as Americans, and those who would destroy that hard-earned trust just to score cheap political points should be held accountable.

As an attorney, I can tell my colleagues that May 30 will be among the more infamous dates in American history. The facts behind these flimsy charges against President Trump were already examined by prosecutors nearly a decade ago, resulting in the conclusion that the facts did not support criminal charges. Last Friday's verdict was clearly the result of a prosecution in search of a crime.

The primary accusation in the entire case is that of falsifying business records, a misdemeanor crime in the State of New York, yet this district attorney questionably elevated these charges to felonies, dubiously creating what was essentially a first-of-its-kind prosecution.

For those not convinced Donald Trump's prosecution was driven by nefarious politics rather than the law, consider that the DA who brought these charges actually campaigned on ``getting'' President Trump.

Also consider that the entire basis for this verdict is the testimony of a convicted felon, found guilty of perjury, who also admittedly stole money from The Trump Organization. The same witness has since celebrated the verdict, even saying the verdict is ``exactly what America needs right now'' and ``I would like him to feel what I felt.''

Revenge seems to be the motive. We are hearing the quiet part out loud, Mr. Speaker. It is often said by my friends on the other side of the aisle that no one is above the law. I agree, but no one is below the law either.

I hear from countless Tennesseans who are outraged not only by the lack of merit in this case, but also the timing. We are 6 months away from an election. They sense we have devolved into a two-tiered justice system, and they want the madness to end.

We must restore normal discourse in our country. ``Impeachment'' is a word used far too often in this body. I feared this would happen when the Democratic majority decided to take the extreme step of impeaching our former President twice. Now, a remedy provided by our Founders and meant to be rare is becoming commonplace. We cannot allow the Department of Justice to be trivialized as well.

Our Founders envisioned the possibility that a President could be harassed by political opponents, which is why I continue to argue in favor of immunity for this type of prosecution. Impeachment is the tool the Congress has to hold our chief executives accountable. Elections are the tool for

them to be accountable to we the people.

I look forward to the appeal of President Trump's conviction, and I believe it will be successful. In the meantime, House Republicans will continue doing all we can to shine a light on the heavyhanded tactics of the Biden Department of Justice. We will continue to conduct our constitutionally required oversight duties. Ultimately, I believe the first step in restoring public trust will come this fall in the elections when the American people make the ultimate decision and, I believe, reelect President Donald Trump.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5403, the CBDC Anti- Surveillance State Act, a bill I was proud to cosponsor. I thank Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Chairman McHenry of the House Financial Services Committee for their work on this legislation to protect Americans' privacy and financial data.

A central bank digital currency, or CBDC, would have devastating consequences for the Fourth Amendment rights of all freedom-loving Americans. Just as we have seen the Federal Government weaponized against conservatives, whether it is the IRS, the DOJ, the FBI, or even the Fed, no three-letter government agency should be able to trample on our Constitution.

In 21st century America, the freedom to purchase goods and services necessary to care for and protect our families shouldn't be left up to the government. A CBDC is a slippery slope toward ceding that liberty.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 4763, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, or the FIT21.

As a member of the House Financial Services and Agriculture Committees, I am proud to support this bill. This product is a joint effort between both committees. I commend both Chairman McHenry and Chairman Thompson for working on this bipartisan legislation.

This bill confronts the litigation-heavy approach toward digital assets of the Securities and Exchange Commission led by rogue regulator Gary Gensler. Chair Gensler has blown past the SEC's statutory mandate and instead forced investors and companies to operate in the dark, thus risking the United States' standing as a world leader in digital innovation.

The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act will allow the U.S. to reclaim our place as a world leader in innovation and provides clear rules of the road for cryptocurrencies.

Mr. Chair, I urge Members to join me in voting ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 4128, the Payment Choice Act of 2023, a bill originally introduced by Representative Payne of New Jersey, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the incredible life of Rebecca Dawn Foster.

Rebecca was many things to many people: a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and, most recently, grandmother. Above all else, Rebecca was an amazing human being and devoted Christian who did everything to serve others and leave this world better than she found it.

Rebecca was my friend. Rebecca was born on September 30, 1968, to Wesley and Faye Neil. A native of Fentress County, Tennessee, she graduated from Clarkrange High School, where she competed on the 1983, 1984, and 1985 girls' basketball State championship teams. If she were here, she would tell you that they came that close to winning again in 1986. Memories of those wins sparked joy throughout her entire life.

Rebecca earned a bachelor of science in nursing and later a master of science in nursing informatics from Tennessee Technological University. She had a distinguished 29-year career in healthcare, most recently in the role of chief nursing officer for Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville. In 2019, she graciously agreed to take on a new occupation focused on constituent care rather than patient care as my district director for Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District.

Her dedication to service lives on through her family. Rebecca took enormous pride in her husband, Allen, who serves as mayor of Cumberland County, Tennessee; her daughter, Brooke, who followed in her footsteps in nursing; and her son, Shade, who is a sworn police officer for the city of Crossville. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Asa Wright, and boy let me tell you, Rebecca took such joy from being with Asa. She is also survived by parents, Wesley and Faye Neil; sister, Sharon Reagan; mother-in-law, Edna Foster; daughter-in-law, Haley Foster; and son-in-law, Trevor Wright.

Rebecca had a lifelong passion for singing. She served as music director at Oak Hill Baptist Church for nearly 15 years. In fact, the Sunday before her passing, Rebecca was on stage with her daughter, singing her heart out and worshipping the Lord with the help of the pulpit to keep her balance.

There are simply few among us as special as Rebecca Dawn Foster. She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023. During the difficult period that followed, many around her were fearful, but she chose to be faithful. Despite the intense treatments she underwent and sometimes- painful side effects that she endured, she continued to work as she was able and did so with a smile on her face. In fact, if you had talked to Rebecca anytime since last July, you were much more likely to find her smiling and showing pictures of her precious little granddaughter, Asa, than talking about her health battle. Her optimism lulled many of us into believing that there were many years ahead that we would get to enjoy our relationships with Rebecca.

The day before her passing, Rebecca shared a page from her prayer devotional on social media. It was titled ``Unafraid,'' and based on the book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 5 and 6, which reads in part: ``I will never leave you; I will always be by your side.'' Rebecca never questioned the presence of the Lord. She lived a life as a result. She knew God's plan for her was not to live in fear but to live in faith and to love others while she was here.

Rebecca knew each day and the good things in it are blessings from the Lord above. She kept cheerful faith throughout her painful health struggle. Last week, she went home to Heaven and received her eternal reward. Glory be to God for Rebecca Foster, who came into our lives, and with her talents and vivacious spirit left us forever changed for the better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the incredible life of Rebecca Neil Foster. Rebecca was many things to many people: a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and most recently, grandmother. Above all else, Rebecca was an amazing human being and devoted Christian, who did everything to serve others and leave this world better than she found it.

Rebecca was born on September 30, 1968 to Wesley and Faye Neil. A native of Fentress County, Tennessee, she graduated from Clarkrange High School where she competed on the 1983, 1984, and 1985 girls' basketball state championship teams. Memories of those wins sparked joy throughout her life.

Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and later a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics from Tennessee Technological University.

She had a distinguished 29-year career in healthcare, most recently in the role of Chief Nursing Officer for Cumberland Medical Center. In 2019, she graciously agreed to take on a new occupation focused on constituent care rather than patient care as my District Director for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District.

Her dedication to service lives on through her family. Rebecca took enormous pride in her husband, Allen, who serves as Mayor of Cumberland County; her daughter, Brooke, who followed in her footsteps in nursing; and her son, Shade, who is a sworn police officer for the City of Crossville. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Edna Foster, a daughter-in-law, Haley Foster, and a son-in-law, Trevor Wright.

Rebecca had a lifelong passion for singing. She served as Music Director at Oak Hill Baptist Church for nearly 15 years. In fact, just last Sunday Rebecca was on stage with her daughter singing her heart out and worshiping the Lord with the help of the pulpit to keep her balance.

There are simply very few among us as special as Rebecca Neil Foster.

She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023. During the difficult period that followed, many around her were fearful, but she chose to be faithful. Despite the intense treatments she underwent and the sometimes-painful side effects she endured, she continued to work as she was able, and did so with a smile on her face. In fact, if you've talked to Rebecca since last July, you were much more likely to find her smiling and showing pictures of her precious granddaughter, Asa, than talking about her health battle.

The day before her passing, Rebecca shared a page from her prayer devotional on social media. It was titled ``Unafraid,'' and based on the book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 5 and 6, which reads, in part, ``I will never leave you; I will always be by your side.'' Rebecca never questioned the presence of the Lord. She lived a full life as a result. She knew God's plan for her was not to live in fear--but to live in faith and to love others while she was here.

Rebecca knew each day and the good things in it are blessings from God. She kept cheerful faith throughout a painful health struggle. This week she went home to Heaven and received her eternal reward. Glory be to God for Rebecca Foster who came into our lives, and with her talents and vivacious spirit, left us forever changed for the better.

Mr. Speaker, for many of the folks I represent in the Upper Cumberland Region of Middle Tennessee, this year feels a lot like 1989.

That's the last time the Pickett County Lady Bobcats were named TSSAA girls basketball state champions. They reclaimed that title last month, when they defeated the Moore County Lady Raiders, 56-45, in the Class 1A final.

And this championship, Mr. Speaker, was a family affair. Lady Bobcats Guard Zoe Nicholas now joins her aunt and grandmother in having been members of a Pickett County state championship team. It doesn't stop there. Nicholas' cousin, Callie Reeder, is also on the winning team and was even named tournament MVP.

The coach that led the team to victory, Brent Smith, has a brother named Barry, who happened to coach the last winning team 35 years ago.

It's important to note that even though this is the first state championship in a while, the program does very well every season. It's also important to note that each time the Lady Bobcats have made it out of the quarterfinals and advanced to the state championship, they've won. I want to congratulate the current champions for keeping that now six-time winning streak alive.

I am proud to represent Pickett County, and many places like it, that take so much pride in their families, communities, and their home team.

I would now like to recognize everyone who carried the team to victory. Players included: Senior Allie Amonett, Senior Ella K. Keisling, Junior Emmy Lowe, Junior Callie Reeder, Junior Kaylee Tompkins, Sophomore Addison Lowe, Sophomore Zoey Nicholas, Sophomore Kylie Wood, and Freshman Emma Tompkins. Managers included: Senior Nikki Gunter, Junior Addie Keisling, and Junior Ava Keisling. I'd

also like to recognize Head Coach Brent Smith and Assistant Coach Rochelle Mason for the win.

Again, congratulations to the Pickett County Lady Bobcats, the 2024 TSSAA 1A Girls Basketball State Champions.

Madam Speaker, for many folks I represent in the Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee, this year feels a lot like 1989. That is the last time that Pickett County Lady Bobcats were named TSSAA girls' basketball State champions.

They reclaimed that title last month when they defeated the Moore County Lady Raiders 56-45 in the class 1A final. The championship, Madam Speaker, was a family affair. Lady Bobcats guard Zoe Nicholas now joins her aunt and grandmother in having been members of a Pickett County State championship team.

It doesn't stop there. Nicholas' cousin, Callie Reeder, is also on the winning team and was even named Tournament Most Valuable Player.

The coach that led the team to victory, Brent Smith, has a brother named Barry, who happened to coach the last winning team 35 years ago.

It is important to note that, even though this is the first State championship in a while, the program does very well every season. It is also important to note that, each time the Lady Bobcats have made it out of the quarterfinals and advanced to the State championship, they have won.

I congratulate the current champions for keeping that now six-time winning streak alive.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent Pickett County and many places like it that take so much pride in their families, communities, and their home team.

Again, I congratulate the Pickett County Lady Bobcats 2024 TSSAA Single A girls' basketball State champions.

In Recognition of the 2024-2025 Tennessee FFA State Officer Team

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the 2024-2025 Tennessee Future Farmers of America State Officer team.

I commend FFA for all it does to support our Nation's young people and the many ways it has helped produce some of our Nation's best and brightest.

For countless elected officials, including me, FFA is where it all started. It is where we began honing leadership skills, learning ways to meet challenges, big and small, and seeing the value of hard work.

The experiences FFA students are afforded in those few short years will continue to matter to them throughout their lives.

Serving in an officer role can be transformative. I know because I had the chance to be one myself. I was elected FFA president of my local chapter in Cookeville, Tennessee, in 1982. The following year, I was fortunate enough to be elected Middle Tennessee State vice president.

My time as an FFA State officer taught me tremendous lessons I am proud to hold on to until this very day. I still keep two of my FFA blue corduroy jackets in framed cases on my office wall as a reminder of the lessons learned from that experience.

I say all of this to send a message to FFA students everywhere: Living to serve isn't just part of the FFA motto; it is a lifestyle.

I congratulate the newly elected Tennessee FFA State officers: T. Wayne Williams, State president; Emily Whitehead, East Tennessee State vice president; Skylar Baird, Middle Tennessee State vice president; Sarah Ault, West Tennessee State vice president; Shelbi Wallace, State secretary; Eli Julian, treasurer; Paige Pardue, reporter; and Lexi Rush, sentinel.

FFA chapters across Tennessee are preparing student leaders for big things. In fact, it is those chapter officers and this slate of State officers that give me so much hope for the future of our State.

Madam Speaker and Members of Congress, please join me in recognizing the newly elected Tennessee FFA State officers. I congratulate each of them.

Mr. Speaker, prices for everyday goods continue to climb due to the economic policies of the Biden administration. The latest Consumer Price Index report was up 3.2 percent from last year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of hardworking families I represent in Tennessee who are making hard choices to stay afloat. If they are having to tighten their belts, the Federal Government should do the same.

President Biden's answer is to raise taxes even more, but we don't have a revenue problem, in Washington we have a spending problem.

In fiscal year 2022, the Federal Government collected $850 billion more in tax revenue than the year before. Yet, the Federal Government spent $1.4 trillion more than we brought in.

Last year, the Federal Government spent $1.7 trillion more than it collected. That is just one of many reasons why I am opposed to the President's $7.3 trillion budget.

We cannot continue spending more money that we don't have.