Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 34.

Mr. Speaker, let me start with this: The House is pursuing impeachment because there is no option left. Secretary Mayorkas has abandoned his job, and he has abandoned the American people.

As the charges describe, the Secretary has willfully and systemically refused to comply with the law, and he has put our communities and our country at risk by doing so.

This is not an action we take lightly. The last time a Cabinet Secretary was impeached was in 1876. This is a historic impeachment for someone with historic failures.

The time has run out for Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to be able to do his job. In order to secure our communities, protect our homeland, and keep Americans safe, Secretary Mayorkas has got to go.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cutter Papritz, a remarkable recipient of the Congressional Youth Award in our district.

The Congressional Youth Award, established by Congress in 1979, stands as the highest honor conferred upon young individuals by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

I was thrilled to honor Cutter for this award and the hard work that led to this recognition. Cutter has accumulated over 200 volunteer hours, including a noteworthy Eagle Scout project that involved constructing a brick plaza at Continental Elementary School.

Cutter has also invested significant time in training to become the kicker for Walden Grove High School, as well as organizing a 3-day trip to the Chiricahua National Monument.

Growing up, Cutter started operating drones at the age of 11 and volunteering as a junior member of the Mount Lemmon Ski Patrol, having spent time cross-country skiing in Washington State. As a young adult, Cutter now aspires to enter the medical field and pursue a career in anesthesiology.

I take immense pride in having outstanding individuals like Cutter and his family--who I got to spend a good amount of time with--in our district, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Arizona Sixth.

Remembering U.S. Air Force General Earl T. O'Loughlin

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember U.S. Air Force General Earl T. O'Loughlin, who passed away November 10, 2023, at the age of 93 years old.

General O'Loughlin was a distinguished four-star general, who commenced his military journey during the Cold War in 1951.

An exceptional pilot, he navigated various aircraft, ranging from the B-29 to the KC-135. Over the course of his career, he covered approximately 6,000 miles, including 224 combat hours.

Beyond his military achievements, Earl was a devoted husband to Thelma Bentley, a loving father, brother, grandfather, great- grandfather, uncle, and a cherished friend.

The general emphasized the mantra ``freedom isn't free'' throughout his entire life.

Among his numerous accolades are the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal adorned with four oakleaf clusters.

In the hearts of the Tucson community and the residents of District 6, General O'Loughlin remains a true hero. We extend our gratitude for his dedicated service, and I am eternally thankful for his contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Westerman, my good friend, for yielding me the time to speak in support of my bill, H.R. 2882, the Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2023.

The Udall Foundation is a nonpartisan agency established by Congress in 1992, committed to the values of civility, integrity, and consensus, which are emblematic of how Mo Udall approached his 30 years of public service in this House.

Since its creation, the Udall Foundation has done incredible work. They have awarded over 1,800 undergraduate scholarships to students pursuing careers in environmental public policy, Tribal public policy, or Native healthcare. They have placed over 300 Native American and Alaska Native students in summer internships on Capitol Hill and with Federal agencies. They have conducted over 800 environmental collaboration and conflict resolution assessments, and facilitated processes and trainings across all 50 States.

My bill, H.R. 2882, extends the Udall Foundation's authority for 5 additional fiscal years, through FY 2028. This reauthorization will allow the agency to promote public service through research, education, and service programs. Moreover, they will continue to foster leadership, education, collaboration, and conflict resolution in the areas of environment, public lands, Native Nations, and natural resources.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the importance of America's credit unions and the opportunities they provide for our communities.

Arizona is home to 35 credit unions with nearly 2 million members.

Credit unions fill a unique role in the financial services marketplace as they serve communities that do not have access to banks or larger financial institutions.

As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions exist to serve all their members without the involvement of shareholders or outside investors.

I remember that a credit union was my first account that I ever opened.

In stride, I want to recognize the new creation of America's Credit Unions. This organization unites the two existing national trade associations to create a single and strong voice promoting the ideals of credit unions across the country.

Moreover, I wish now, with this statement, America's Credit Unions the best as they advocate for credit unions as a crucial financial option for all Americans.

CDO Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Canyon Del Oro football team for securing their first State football championship since 2009.

Their victory took place at ASU's Mountain America Stadium in Tempe where they went up against Yuma Catholic and came out with the win with a score of 35-27. This marks CDO's return on the State football titles game after more than a decade.

The 29 graduating seniors proudly brought the championship trophy home in their final year, contributing to the team's flawless 14-0 record. It was their first perfect season since the last State championship in 2009. This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of the entire team.

As we celebrate their success, we eagerly anticipate the bright future that lies ahead for our student athletes and the CDO football program.

Honoring the Memory of Vern Pellman, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Vern Pellman, Jr., as an esteemed member of the Oro Valley community who passed away last fall at the age of 82.

Vern's life can be defined by faith, family, and service. He was a loving husband, devoted member of his church, and retired Air Force colonel. In 1963 Vern graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he was an active member of the ROTC.

Following graduation, he was stationed with the Air Force at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, a move that would kick-start a military career spanning nearly three decades. While he served for nearly 30 years as a command pilot, Vern would tell people he never worked a day in his life.

His assignments took him across the globe, flying in and out of destinations that many can only dream of. Upon retiring with the rank of colonel in 1992, Vern transitioned to civilian life taking on a new role at the Evergreen Airline and eventually going on to serve as a Lear instructor.

He is remembered for his love for his family and leaves behind his wife, Connie, who is a dear friend of mine, as well; five children, whom I have met and who speak highly of their dad; and even more grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Laura and I continue to hold Connie and the entire Pellman family close to our hearts.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. McClintock for yielding me the time. I am excited to see the House take up my bill, H.R. 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act.

This bill is simple. It makes evading law enforcement within 100 miles of the border a Federal crime. Mr. Chairman, how anybody can be against this commonsense legislation is beyond me. Calling it unnecessary is something that maybe those that are opposing this should address with the families of those that have perished due to incidents and these tragedies that we see

on the border and in my district on a weekly basis.

To me it is simple. It is common sense that this should be a Federal crime. Far too many lives have been jeopardized and tragically even taken at the hands of bad actors who engage in high-speed pursuits.

If you evade CBP or local law enforcement, you are clearly not a good actor. Unfortunately, the current law does not make this a crime in and of itself, and it leaves the burden of prosecuting these individuals to our local communities--as if they haven't already paid the price of this administration's failures on this issue.

Not only is this bill common sense, it is crucial, and in some cases, even lifesaving. To quote one of my constituents, At least once a week there is a high-speed chase through my town that includes a 15-mile-an- hour school zone. Do residents need to die to get the attention needed to correct this border problem?

I consistently hear about the detrimental impacts that high-speed chases have in southern Arizona--southeastern Arizona, to be more specific--and in Cochise County, which is in my district.

This criminal activity is not just reserved to drug cartels and smugglers themselves. Cartels now recruit Americans to drive down to the border and transport migrants north. We must change the calculus for those who endanger all of us when failing to yield to law enforcement. For far too long, the administration has allowed cartels to profit off the border crisis while facing almost no consequences.

Another constituent has said, We have multiple high-speed vehicle pursuits each week. The lack of Federal resources to deal with those has led the county sheriff to be the de facto law enforcement agency to interdict the human smugglers.

This bill is about supporting our local border communities who deal with the crisis daily and to stop the smuggling and trafficking. In calendar years 2022 and 2023, Cochise County reports booking 2,884 individuals for border-related crimes, costing over $9.4 million. This is in one county, in one State. I have seen the toll it takes firsthand in our communities. By letting this happen, this administration has absolutely failed Americans.

Our local law enforcement should not be taking on this burden. These migrants are evading detection, and the smugglers themselves are evading detection, or more likely, the cartels are telling them to do so. Yet again, our communities are being forced to do the job of the Federal Government.

At a time when it is arguably the easiest to cross our southern border and be granted entry by this administration, freely almost, we should be asking ourselves why these people are fleeing law enforcement. The answer is these are the really bad actors who the cartels want to evade arrest.

Finally, I want to highlight the hero this bill is named after, Agent Raul Gonzalez, who was killed in 2022 while pursuing illegal immigrants in Texas. His death underscored the tragic truth that our CBP officers risk their lives every day to protect our country. By passing this legislation, we are showing them that we have their backs. That is why this bill is supported by law enforcement groups like the National Border Patrol Council and seven law enforcement groups in Arizona alone.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my much-needed legislation. Let's send a message to our border communities and the authorities that we will always have their backs, and let's send a stronger message to the bad actors that we will pursue any actions that threaten American lives to the fullest extent of the law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of five exemplary individuals from Boy Scout Troop 211 who recently became Eagle Scouts: Patrick Harrigan, Ian Lochridge, Noah Brunet, Garner Abrams, Garrison Abrams. Each of their Eagle Scout projects were carefully crafted and will leave a lasting impact on our community.

Patrick Harrigan constructed raised gardens and beds for Tucson Village Farm. TVF is a working urban farm built by and for the youth of our community. It is a seed-to-table program designed to reconnect young people to a healthy food system, teach them how to grow and prepare fresh food and empower them to make healthy life choices.

Ian Lochridge and volunteers cleared half an acre of vegetation, leveled the land, pre-painted 200 inches of horse fencing, and built a fence into a coral. Ian did this for a local non-profit organization called the Brave Brays, which provides equine therapy to help preteen girls overcome their challenges.

Noah Brunet constructed a sensory path to support students with special needs and added a brick walkway to the outdoor classroom and garden at DeGrazia Elementary School.

Garner Abrams cleaned up and beautified the United States Flag grounds, the brick patio surrounding the flagpole, a lockbox for storing the U.S. flag, repainting the flagpole, and adding a bench for seating at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.

Lastly, Garrison Abrams removed trespassing items and illegal catchments in the area of Rice Peak, and the Santa Catalina Mountains. He communicated with both Arizona Game and Fish Department and the US Forest Service in returning our public lands back to its natural state.

The dedication and hard work exhibited by Patrick Harrigan, Ian Lochridge, Noah Brunet, Garner Abrams, and Garrison Abrams in these projects are commendable. Their commitment to Troop 211 and the community does not go unnoticed. We take pride in having these outstanding young individuals in our district and encourage them to continue their exceptional work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the legacy of Paul Kerchum. At the time of his death, Mr. Kerchum was one of the last survivors of the Bataan Death March.

Paul enlisted in the military in 1938, beginning a 29-year military career. In 1942, Paul was taken as a POW in the Philippines and forced to march for 65 miles in what is now known as the Bataan Death March.

Following his retirement in 1966, he and his wife, Gloria, made Arizona their home. For Paul, civilian life included hours of community service and impactful public speaking, sharing his story of bravery and courage.

Later this month, the Benson Municipal Airport will be renamed in Paul's honor.

Mr. Speaker, while we will never be able to fully express our gratitude for Paul's service, we hope this serves as a small token of appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charlette Davis, a seventh grader from Sonoran Science Academy East.

Charlette is the winner of the Congressional App Challenge from Arizona's Sixth Congressional District for the app titled, ``The Best Pets App.'' This app is used to assist people in selecting the most suitable pet for their preferences while providing insight into the most popular pets.

Charlette told me she designed this app with the intention of guiding people towards a pet that aligns with their personality and lifestyle. As a dog owner myself of Louie, our Corgi, I know that having a well- suited pet is undeniably beneficial, offering companionship that can bring great joy to the whole family.

The Congressional App Challenge was established in 2013 and involves middle and high school students from all over the country. Charlette and her fellow winners from other districts have been featured on the House of Representatives website. I am impressed every day by the students in my district and the potential of our young people across the State.

Once again, congratulations, Charlette.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding achievement of Luke Paun, an exemplary young man from Boy Scout Troop 747 who recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Becoming an Eagle Scout is no small feat; it requires undergoing a rigorous and comprehensive process that often takes up to a year. Luke's journey towards this rank has not only demonstrated his personal growth but also showcased strong characteristics of resilience, perseverance, and determination.

Luke's Eagle Scout project was aimed at further recognizing the sacrifices made by recipients of the Purple Heart. Luke did so by making improvements and additions to Tucson's Purple Heart Park. He installed 11 trail marker signs along the path, each containing a quote or information relating to the Armed Forces. The signs also serve as a visible marker for distance traveled throughout the park. In addition to placing the trail markers, Luke added in many plants and helped landscape the yard. He then went on to add new gravel to the entrance of the park.

Luke's dedication and hard work are commendable, and his commitment to Troop 747 and the community does not go unnoticed. We take pride in having this outstanding young individual in our district and encourage him to continue their exceptional work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address something that I keep hearing from my constituents, and quite frankly, is the top issue on people's minds all across the entire country: The situation at the border.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have several Members join me for this Special Order hour to speak about this issue.

Mr. Speaker, whatever angle you look at this, this is something that is considered a crisis.

Whether you are looking at the national security implications; whether you are looking at the lack of order at the actual border; whether you are looking at what our agents in our offices are going through; whether you look at the disrespect for the rule of law and the abuse in the asylum system; whether you look also at the humanitarian crisis and what women and children are going through as they are getting trafficked--as we all know, the report of missing children within the care of the State, over 85,000--there is no upside to this crisis. There doesn't seem to be a turnaround of this situation either.

Mr. Speaker, I will be addressing my colleagues in the House today quite extensively about this issue because it is, again, something that has been top of mind for us.

It is not a new subject. It is not a new issue. It is something that we have seen continue to get worse and worse as the months and the weeks, and actually the years, have gone by. This administration has lost complete control, if at any point they had any, of the border.

This wasn't the case just 2\1/2\, 3 years ago. So when we talk about the policies that can actually work, we are not talking about in theory. We are not imagining that this could work. We actually can point to successes that we had as a country in controlling the situation at the border.

Now, I will be talking about this in a little bit as well, but I am an immigrant myself. I have gone through the process, and I will be digging a little deeper on that. I can tell you, having gone through this process, I understand how broke the system is and how much improvement it needs in a lot of areas.

However, abusing the system the way it has been abused is not good for anyone. It is not good for our country, not good for the order of our country, and not good for the migrants themselves either.

It is also not good for those that have been waiting in line to have their turn at this shot of the American Dream that I have enjoyed. I want many others to do so as well, as they follow the system that we have put in place that--I will repeat--needs fixing and improving.

However, the numbers that we are seeing at the border, the data on the crime and the crossings, are unprecedented, as the chief of the Tucson sector, which is now the busiest sector in terms of encounters in the entire country, described it not too long ago.

He said: Before I called it unprecedented. Now I don't have an adjective to describe what the situation is now.

Mr. Speaker, just about 10 days ago when the week closed, it was reported that 17,500 encounters had happened in the Tucson sector alone. Before a couple thousand a week was an alarming number, and even borderline crisis, now we are looking at 3,000 or so a day on some days.

These are unsustainable numbers, and it is not trending in the right direction.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have some of my colleagues join me in addressing this topic on today's Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford), a former sheriff that has experience in battling crime and fighting for law and order.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my friend being here and speaking so passionately and also from experience on this, both personally and professionally, as we just heard.

This is exactly what the issue here is. It is the need for partnership and bipartisanship on this issue. This is not a

partisan issue. I think that we can all see that. Some have tried to make it a partisan issue, and it is really not.

What Mr. Rutherford just explained is exactly the nature of the problem. Both sides should be equally concerned about this issue, both sides of the aisle.

I know that is for sure the case at home. At home, you don't see partisan division around this issue. I hear from mayors that are Democrats and mayors that are Republicans. I hear from county supervisors that are Republicans and county supervisors that are Democrats. They are both equally concerned with the situation because we are dealing with it on the ground.

That is exactly why, in my district in Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, we get it. We know what the solutions are. That is an enforcement of the current laws, and as was described, the measures in H.R. 2 that need to be adopted.

These are the kind of policy changes that we need. It is not just all about resources. Resources are definitely a part of the solution, but resources without the proper policy changes and the proper policy enforcement will be an incomplete solution to the problem.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Valadao for his words.

Obviously, California is a border State as well, but we heard from Florida and Arizona. This is a top issue. As I was mentioning at the beginning of my remarks, this is the number one issue of our constituents and it should be. This is something that is impacting us every day, and it is something that has been getting worse and worse.

It is not just in my district. My district, the Sixth Congressional District, is a border district, and we know that is obviously impacted. There are other border areas, even outside of my district, where migrants are being released on a daily basis, up in the hundreds. This is something that alarms the community and is something that needs to be fixed.

Let's understand something. Arizona, like Texas and California, have clearly experienced living and breathing and existing and collaborating and prospering with our neighbors to the south. This is something that is part of our culture, part of who we are.

Although the border has never been perfect, and no one is claiming that it has been, it has never been as open as it is today and has never been described as a crisis at the level that it is now.

That is why it is concerning to all of us living there, because we have seen it deteriorate and get worse by the day. In the last 2 years, we have seen examples of records broken that we never thought would be broken in terms of apprehensions and also the amount of drugs coming in, specifically through our ports of entry.

When the Biden administration has gotten involved, like they did about 10 days ago, it was to close a port of entry. Well, the results of closing that port of entry have been nonpositive ones, given that the legal traffic has stopped while the illegal traffic continues to not only happen but increase while people are no longer able to cross for legal purposes. That is a problem, and that is another sign of the administration missing the mark on this.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs), my colleague and neighbor up north, someone who has been fighting for these issues longer than most, even in Arizona, in public office.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Biggs for his words and his work on this.

As we close today's session, I will reemphasize something that I said at the beginning. This crisis, as much as we talk about this, and it is absolutely true on the national security side, on the risk, and all the issues that I mentioned, I absolutely believe that the Biden administration has utterly failed. We square up the responsibility for failing at the border on the President and his team, for sure.

This is also something that is a humanitarian crisis. We have children who are being trafficked. In a lot of cases, as described, they are recycled through when they cross. They get sent back and then keep getting recycled through.

They are abusing the laws that protect adults and treat them differently when they are carrying with them children, minors, specifically tender age children, which would be 12 and under.

These issues are real. The New York Times published a story where they reported that there were over 85,000 minors missing in our country who had been smuggled into the United States. There was no way to track them. The Federal Government had lost track of them.

Mr. Speaker, I am a dad of six. I am an immigrant myself. When I look at that, it angers me. As a father, it angers me. As an immigrant, it angers me. There is no reason that our government should have lost track of these children. This crisis affects kids and women and everyone being trafficked, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I will take this opportunity to thank our Border Patrol agents who have continually put their lives on the line--the different organizations and, obviously, the rank and file, those men and women who are on the front line, the officers and everyone involved in this job. It is a thankless job.

They are seeing the worst impact ever with the least support that they have ever had. We need to make sure that we have their backs. I want them to know that we have their backs.

One of the last things that I want to say is that this is not going to be a complaining session. This is not a session where we highlight and add light to the failures of the administration and complain about that. That is something that we need to be stronger on and to voice.

I have been offering solutions. We have been offering solutions. We have been writing letters to the Secretary, demanding answers for the closure of the port of entry, working on a bipartisan basis, and calling the National Guard to the border so they can be activated by this administration. We have also offered different bills that would address the criminal aspect of what is happening at the border.

I believe we need to secure our border now. The time is now to do that. I also agree that immigration reform is needed. Asylum process updating is needed, as well. All this can be done and should be done. This should be the number one priority that we have.

Mr. Speaker, I am committed to making that happen in my time here in Congress. In my first year, this continues to be my issue.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for listening. I thank my colleagues for participating. I thank my colleagues for a partnership to protect the border, protect our communities, and make sure that everyone has a shot at the American Dream, the way that our system has been created for people to do so.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the work being done on behalf of our veterans, the work that my office has been working on.

Arizona's Sixth Congressional District is home to over 70,000 veterans. Our district has a historic legacy of service to our country from the servicemembers at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca to incredible veterans like Walter Ram, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

In my role as their Congressman, I have made it my mission to secure as much assistance as possible for those who risk their lives for our freedom. That is why I made it a priority to help our veterans, servicemembers, and their families as they navigate Federal agencies. This year alone, my team has been able to return $345,000 to veterans.

The responsibility to provide for them is not one I take lightly, and I am committed to ensuring they receive the care and support that they deserve.

This is something that extends to my time here in Washington. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have made a concerted effort to introduce commonsense bills to improve the lives of those who serve. My first bill ever introduced in Congress, H.R. 1378, the Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act, aims to address the lengthy waiting period our veterans face when trying to appeal a claim at the VA.

I also led an effort to ensure and expand access to our veterans in rural areas seeking disability claims with two pieces of legislation: H.R. 5470, the Veteran Medical Exams for Distant Areas Act, and H.R. 5938, the Veterans Exam Expansion Act. It is critical that we ensure our veterans receive the same care no matter their ZIP Code.

The same goes for the educational benefits they receive. That is why I spearheaded H.R. 5702, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act, legislation to ensure our student veterans taking classes virtually receive the same housing benefits as their counterparts taking classes in person. I learned about that need when I visited the veterans center over at the University of Arizona. This was highlighted, and we took immediate action.

We must ensure our veterans are equipped with the tools they need to successfully transition out of uniform and into civilian life. That includes a meaningful career, which is what led me to introducing H.R. 1669, the VET-TEC Authorization Act. The bill reauthorizes a popular VA program that covers the cost of veterans seeking job training in high- tech industries.

Each of these bills is a small effort to improve the lives of those who sacrifice so much.

On behalf of the people of Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible men and women who have served our country. While we will never be able to fully repay all of them who have served, we have a duty to fight for them as they fought for us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Campbell Stewart, a student from Pusch Ridge Christian Academy in Oro Valley who was named to the 2023 National Youth Orchestra.

Campbell's passion for the timpani, also known as the kettledrum, started when he was just in third grade. This program allowed Campbell to perform at Carnegie Hall with 89 talented students over the summer.

This is not his first prestigious recognition. Over the years, Campbell has earned numerous awards for his accomplishments with the timpani, including receiving gold medals from the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Tucson, and the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra.

Additionally, Campbell also had the privilege of participating in the 2021 Juilliard Percussion Seminar, the Hilton Head Jazz Camp in South Carolina, and the Brevard Music Center festival.

Once again, I congratulate Campbell Stewart for his achievement and for being part of the National Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. His unwavering dedication and commitment to the world of music does not go unnoticed.

Celebrating Lou-Ann Preble

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the remarkable life and achievements of Lou-Ann Preble. Born in 1929 in South Carolina, Lou-Ann's life has been nothing short of inspiring.

After completing her high school education, Lou-Ann went on to become a registered nurse, where she met William Preble, a young Air Force pilot stationed at the nearby Shaw Air Force Base.

As Bill's Air Force career took off, Lou-Ann raised their 11 children, creating a warm and loving home wherever they were stationed.

Upon retiring in Tucson, Arizona, Bill and Lou-Ann did not slow down. Instead, they immersed themselves in their community and church, embodying the spirit of service that defined their lives.

In 1992, Lou-Ann Preble was elected to the Arizona House, where she served until 2001. Her passion for healthcare and a commitment to the unique health challenges faced by those living in rural areas of Arizona set her apart from anyone else.

As the vice chair of the Arizona House Health Committee, Lou-Ann played a huge role in the creation of the Rural Health Committee.

Lou-Ann partnered with the University of Arizona Health Center and Dr. Ronald Weinstein to create two programs, the Arizona Telemedicine Program and the Rural Health Professions Program. The ATP connected remote and prison clinics with healthcare professionals at the UofA, revolutionizing healthcare access for those in underserved areas. The Rural Health Professions Program sought to address the shortage of physicians in smaller communities by establishing rotations for medical students throughout various Arizona locales.

Today, Lou-Ann Preble enjoys a well-deserved retirement in Tucson, surrounded by the love and warmth of her children.

I thank Lou-Ann Preble for her tireless service throughout her life. It has been an honor for me to know her and to be able to call her a friend and an inspiration, as well. God bless her.

Congratulating NAMI of Southern Arizona

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona as they mark four decades in operation.

NAMI of Southern Arizona was founded in 1983 to focus on bringing awareness to mental health while providing invaluable assistance to individuals struggling with their mental health. Their mission is to educate and support anyone affected by mental illness.

In February 2021, a staggering 40 percent of Arizonans reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, with 27 percent unable to access the help they needed. On a bigger scale, one in five people across the United States face challenges to their mental health.

NAMI provides an array of support groups in both English and Spanish that focus on almost every area of mental health, from postpartum depression to teen and adolescent concerns.

NAMI of Southern Arizona has been a beacon of hope, helping individuals in managing their mental health effectively. We need more nonprofit organizations like this in the world. The impact of NAMI's efforts over the past four decades is truly remarkable. I am honored to highlight all the good work they do to help our community thrive today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sabino High School football team, who recently won the Arizona's 3A Division State Championship defeating their opponent 68-46.

This win holds special significance in my district because this is the first time in 8 years that a Tucson-area high school clenched the football State title.

I also recognize Head Coach Ryan McBrayer and his staff. Coach McBrayer has a record of 57 wins and only 19 losses throughout his coaching career. This title is a testament to the dedication of the players and the coaches, an incredible accomplishment they won't soon forget.

I am confident that the lessons of determination, teamwork, and perseverance will stay with these young players for a lifetime.

Congratulations again to the Sabino Sabercats for their successful 2023 season. This victory is a true reflection that hard work does pay off.

Honoring Debi and Mark Hall for Advocating Against Alzheimer's Disease

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable efforts of Debi and Mark Hall for their activism and their fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of sitting down and speaking with the Halls, as well as participating in this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Debi, who spent 40 years as a nurse, was diagnosed with this devastating disease at the age of 65 in 2020. Her diagnosis spurred the couple's mission to raise money and support efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's.

Now, they are known as tireless advocates in the fight to raise awareness, find a cure, and support those who suffer from Alzheimer's and their loved ones.

I have to tell you, I have been around Debi and Mark a few times, and their love and support for each other is unmatchable. It is lovely to see the way they look at each other, support each other, and, yes, even dance with each other. It is something amazing to see.

Our community and the fight against Alzheimer's are stronger because of the work of the Halls in Southern Arizona.

As we conclude Alzheimer's Awareness Month, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for the dedication and compassion that they bring to Arizona's Sixth Congressional District.

Remembering and Honoring the Life of Freddy Ortiz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Freddy Ortiz, a devoted CBP agent who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

On November 13, Agent Ortiz was responding to reports of illegal border activity when he was involved in a fatal ATV crash in Douglas, Arizona.

Agent Ortiz dedicated his life to service to our country, serving in the U.S. Navy before spending the last 13 years in CBP.

The loss of Freddy Ortiz underscores a harsh reality: Our law enforcement and Border Patrol put their lives on the line every day when they wake up and put on their uniforms.

As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, I encourage you all to remember families like the Ortizes who will be missing a loved one at their table because he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Freddy's service, sacrifice, and legacy will never be forgotten. It will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alex Ramos, an 8th grade student at Legacy School in Arizona's 6th District.

Each year on Veterans Day, Alex places flags on headstones at the Holy Hope Cemetery, a tradition his brother started 7 years ago.

That year, his brother started with just 25 flags. This year, Alex placed 600 flags at graves across the cemetery.

My team had the pleasure of joining him in November, helping to place the flags and honoring those who served.

During the rest of the year, Alex goes door-to-door to collect donations for flags.

At only 13 years old, he and his brother have started a rich tradition in our community.

Our district is home to over 70,000 veterans. I am incredibly proud to know that because of kids like Alex, the next generation will keep their legacies alive.