Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today my community is hurting. They are mourning the loss of Tarver Mickel Braddock, a student athlete at Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, who left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

Tarver was known for his contagious positive attitude and his love of making people laugh. To know Tarver meant your life was made better just by being in his presence.

As I look up into the House gallery at the faces of his classmates who are

with us here today, Mr. Speaker, I see them. My heart aches with them, and our prayers will be with them as they face the coming days and weeks ahead. Please know that Tarver will never be forgotten, and today, we celebrate his legacy.

I pray his loved ones find comfort in knowing that Tarver's life will have a ripple effect for years to come.

As those who loved Tarver experience the pain of losing him, it is my prayer that the Lord will bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, be gracious unto you, turn His countenance towards you, and give you peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of a dear friend and respected member of the Ruston, Louisiana, community, the president of Louisiana Tech University, Dr. Les Guice.

President Guice has tirelessly served Louisiana Tech in multiple capacities over the course of 45 years and recently completed his 10th year as the university's president.

He graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1976 with a bachelor of arts in architecture, earning a master's degree in civil engineering in 1978, and served as an assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. He was promoted to associate professor in 1981. After obtaining his Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas A&M in 1988, he earned a full professorship and became the permanent department head of civil engineering.

President Guice impacted countless students in the classroom before serving as the dean of the College of Engineering and Science in the late 1990s. His extensive and impressive list of accomplishments at Louisiana Tech

speaks to President Guice's dedication to students and faculty, as well as his unwavering commitment to excellence and higher education.

His leadership facilitated ground- breaking faculty and student research, multiple national and global rankings, historic enrollments and graduations, notable philanthropic campaigns, and the innovative expansion of the school's campus.

President Guice kindled public and private partnerships, bridging the gap between government resources and private-sector efficiency. He truly understood the concept of ``town and gown'' by working diligently with Ruston local officials to make sure it always felt like that special college town where students could enjoy both the campus as well as the beautiful amenities the city of Ruston has to offer.

He consistently inspired both students and faculty to seize their potential, ultimately enabling the university to achieve higher goals year after year. He promoted diverse perspectives among his teams and encouraged each person around him to pursue their passions, and then he would give them the runway to fly.

I remember attending an event where President Guice was giving a campus update to the community. He asked all of his faculty and staff to stand up. He gave all the credit for every success that Louisiana had under his presidency to them. That is the kind of man President Guice is: always working behind the scenes, giving credit to others, and delighting in their successes.

There is a reason people call Louisiana Tech a family. You can't help but feel it when you are on their campus. That kind of culture comes from the top down.

Kristi Stake, a professor at Louisiana Tech, said it best when I asked her about him. She said that Dr. Guice never wanted the focus to be on him. He always put the spotlight on the people around him, especially the students. He accomplished a lot that people will probably never know.

President Guice continuously put students' success as his top priority as he created a thriving environment where students felt welcome. He supported the development of strong academic programs, a robust school culture, and a place where students could be successful.

We know that beside every strong man is often an equally strong woman. Kathy Guice has served selflessly by his side as the first lady of Louisiana Tech. They have opened their home to countless students, faculty, and staff, helping to cultivate that warm family environment.

Also not lost on me are the sacrifices a person makes when they are in public service, especially the toll it takes on your family life. Nevertheless, Kathy was always up for the challenge, making everyone feel welcome. She is the ultimate steel magnolia, and I thank her for her service.

Today, I echo thousands of Louisianians in celebrating President Guice's retirement from his influential career at Louisiana Tech University and his extensive legacy that will continue to grow and thrive because of programs, innovation, and partnerships that he helped to form during his tenure. He will be fondly remembered by friends, faculty, and students, and his work will continue to benefit the community. He may be retiring, but we know he will always be there cheering on the Bulldogs.

I thank Dr. Guice. He transformed an entire region, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Madam Speaker, in honor of Veterans Day, I would like to take the time to recognize one of our very own veterans from the Fifth District of Louisiana.

Mr. Gerald McClellan, a resident of Pineville, Louisiana, is a retired Master Sergeant E-8 of the United States Army. He joined the Army straight out of high school in 1973, went through vigorous training, and spent his deployment in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.

He distinguished himself with outstanding achievements, going on to receive the Meritorious Service Medal upon retirement for impeccable service to the military.

On Veterans Day, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of our Nation's veterans like Gerald. They are responsible for protecting and ensuring that our freedoms continue to last from generation to generation.

We must never forget that we are the land of the free because of the brave.

Today we give our most sincere gratitude to our veterans. Their duty and fidelity to the cause of freedom is something for which they will forever be honored. Today and every day we thank them for their service.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to amendment No. 26, which would slash funding for the Delta Regional Authority by $6.1 million.

This Federal-State partnership is a critical lifeline to my district and State by providing dedicated funding to address vital infrastructure, workforce, and healthcare needs for rural towns. These towns have little to no tax base to be able to raise the funds themselves to replace expensive and aging infrastructure systems.

Rural communities do not have the financial resources to hire grant writers to help them through a complex Federal grant process, and because of this, these towns miss out on national grant competitions.

DRA's funding supports a pilot program that would help these communities identify opportunities, provide assistance to write the applications, and help with implementation.

While cutting $6.1 million may not seem like a lot, I have seen firsthand what a simple $200,000 can do to help grow a rural town.

Finally, the DRA has had minimal increases over the last 5 years. A cut in funding this deep would be a step in the wrong direction.

On behalf of rural towns across the delta region, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the remarkable life of Hershell West who has left an extraordinary impact on our community and an outstanding legacy across the State of Louisiana.

Hershell is known as a role model across the State, most famously as one of Louisiana's great sports heroes, as a true legend in the world of college basketball.

Hershell was a respected community leader across the State of Louisiana, serving as a mentor and teacher to generations of young Americans. Hershell is most notably known for his selfless spirit and his unique ability to inspire others to action.

Throughout his career he displayed an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around him. He had outstanding accomplishments as an athlete and coach, including Louisiana State AA Championship in 1959, the NAIA Championship in 1961, and elected as one of the first 25 members of Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

We remember and celebrate his extraordinary life, his skill, his honor, and his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, today the House honors an outstanding Louisianan, Hershell West.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we passed H. Res. 363 that I proudly introduced with Representative Michael Guest memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I join 110 of my colleagues recognizing and commemorating the ultimate sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers.

Honoring our officers is not just an act of appreciation, it is a fundamental

responsibility of all citizens throughout this great Nation. Our police officers are the very sentinels who selflessly dedicate their lives in the pursuit of preserving the safety and security of the citizens they are committed to protecting. They stand as a brave shield between us and danger, strengthening the foundation of our communities and embodying the very best of our society.

Today, I will take a moment to honor five courageous heroes from my home State of Louisiana who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty:

Walter Soileau, Jr., with the Cameron Parish Sheriff's Department; Trey Copeland with the Cotton Valley Police Department; William Collins, Jr., with the Doyline Police Department; Nicholas Tullier with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office; and Louis Estay with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.

I ask everyone to join me in praying for these officers and their families who put their lives on the line each day for every American. As we pay our respects and honor these brave heroes for their ultimate sacrifice, let us all commit to supporting and uplifting the women and men who wear the badge each day.

Let us teach our children as well as future generations the critical mission that law enforcement personnel undertake in service to our beloved cities and our communities.

Today, let us respect, let us honor, and let us remember these fallen heroes.

Honoring State Representative Francis Thompson

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to honor an extraordinary individual who has dedicated over 50 years of his life to public service in the great State of Louisiana. That person is my good friend, State representative Francis Thompson, the longest serving State legislator in Louisiana history and one of the longest serving in our country.

Representative Thompson was born and raised in his hometown of Delhi, Louisiana, right in the heart of Richland Parish. Thompson was first elected to the Richland Parish School Board in 1968 before winning a special election for District 19 in the Louisiana House in 1975. Voters have re-elected Thompson 11 times since then, serving 12 years in the State senate and 37 years and counting in the statehouse.

His unwavering commitment to north Louisiana and our State is remarkable. From the halls of the State legislature, Representative Thompson has been a strong and unwavering voice for north Louisiana. Throughout his distinguished career, he has championed crucial issues such as education, economic development, healthcare, and infrastructure, always striving to improve the lives of those whom he serves.

Representative Thompson's leadership and experience have been invaluable in shaping legislation that addresses the unique challenges faced by Louisiana. His extensive knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of governance have earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Mr. Speaker, not only his legislative achievements make Representative Thompson a remarkable public servant, as a former educator, he possesses a rare quality: the ability to connect with people on that personal level. Throughout the years, Representative Thompson has been a true friend to those whom he serves. He is known for his accessibility, his willingness to listen, and his genuine care and empathy has touched the hearts of so many, creating lasting bonds that will extend far beyond politics.

As we reflect on Representative Thompson's lifelong commitment to public service, let us acknowledge his unwavering dedication to our great State of Louisiana. He is an exemplary leader, a tireless advocate, and a true champion for the people of north Louisiana.

It is with great respect and gratitude that we acknowledge his remarkable contributions to Louisiana.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to join my voice with millions of American parents as the House considers H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

H.R. 5 is about one simple and fundamental principle: Parents should always have a seat at the table when it comes to their child's education.

We believe that learning is a partnership between a family and their child's teachers. This bill is the vehicle by which we can put parents and educators together at the same table to have a productive dialogue.

This bill is not complex or complicated, nor should it be partisan or polarizing. Contrary to what you may hear from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, it is not an attack on our hardworking teachers, who will always be the heroes in my eyes. It is not an attempt to have Congress dictate the curriculum or determine the books in the library. Instead, this bill aims to bring more transparency and accountability to education, allowing parents to be informed and, when they have questions and concerns, to lawfully bring them to their local school boards.

Over the past 2 years, we have seen too many instances where rather than opening their doors to welcome parents in as partners, some schools instead slammed them shut and said that government bureaucrats know what is best for our children.

Parents across this country have overwhelmingly spoken out that they have had enough. They want a seat at the table because, at the end of the day, these are our children, not the government's.

Mr. Chair, I worked in education before I came to Congress, and I am also a mom. I have seen firsthand how when you educate a child, you give them a future.

We know that when parents are involved, it is the students who succeed. We also know that when a family is shut out of their child's education, it will lead to disastrous results.

Mr. Chair, let us give parents that voice in the learning process. Let schools open the doors and welcome them in as partners. Let us work together to build a brighter future for America's children.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 122.

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Charles MacDonald, an outstanding public servant who has left an incredible legacy across the State of Louisiana.

Dr. MacDonald dedicated his career to education--working as a high school teacher and principal before becoming an administrator at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

After working 17 years on ULM's campus, Dr. MacDonald won a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives. While serving in the legislature, he authored the bill that created the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS, a scholarship program which has enabled hundreds of thousands of Louisiana's best and brightest to obtain a college education. I was fortunate to be one of the first recipients of the program over 25 years ago.

To this day, Dr. MacDonald's work in higher education continues, as he currently serves on the Louisiana Board of Regents.

He has been a mentor and friend to so many, including myself, helping guide young educators on their career paths, and we are so thankful.

Mr. Speaker, today the House honors an outstanding Louisianian, Dr. Charles MacDonald.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Herschel Ryan, an incredible individual who is not just a close personal friend but a true American hero.

My personal experiences with Herschel Ryan started when I was a small child, but the most poignant moment that I ever had with him was when he chaperoned on our church mission trip in the seventh grade. It was there that he took a few minutes and shared with me his personal experiences from the Vietnam war.

Mr. Herschel was a talented pilot in the Army, achieving the rank of captain and recognition for his skills in flying helicopter missions.

It was while he was supporting a combat operation on February 9, 1968, that his flight encountered intense enemy fire, and he took a direct hit. His injuries were so severe that he would ultimately lose his left hand and eye, yet he still managed to direct his flight back to safety.

For his gallantry and bravery, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal with 25 oak leaf clusters.

Mr. Speaker, hearing Mr. Herschel's story was formational for me. It was the first time I had ever heard a personal perspective from a veteran. What a gift he gave to me that day.

In this Chamber, we often talk about the need to honor our veterans and the desire to celebrate our heroes. When I think of those who served and sacrificed, I think of Herschel Ryan, a glowing example of some of the finest men and women this country has ever produced.

He fought in a war that was unpopular and came home to a country that did not want to talk about heroism.

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But in spite of all that and the personal challenges he faced; he never lost his joy. I cannot think of a more genuine, warm, and kind man. He has an infectious laugh and spreads happiness to everyone who is around him.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Herschel just turned 80 years old and has retired from a successful career in business. He now travels with his wife, Debbie, and volunteers his free time working with veterans who suffer from PTSD, wanting to continue to serve others.

Mr. Speaker, today, here in the House of Representatives, we pause and pay tribute to a great man and true American hero, Mr. Herschel Ryan.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House to join me in recognizing the incredible life and tremendous legacy of Mayor Velma D. Hendrix of Melville, Louisiana. Tragically, we lost Mayor Hendrix last week, just hours before the polls closed in her campaign to win a second term in office.

Velma Hendrix was born and raised in Melville, always proud of her roots in this small town on the banks of the Atchafalaya River. She dedicated her life to serving others. Her first calling was as a teacher in St. Landry Parish's schools, impacting the lives of countless students in the classroom.

After a career in education, she stepped up to serve the people of Melville, serving as an Alderman before winning election as Mayor in 2018. She sought the office at age 80, wanting to help others at a time in life when most people are thinking about taking time off.

She ran on a platform of bringing honesty, integrity, and accountability to the municipal government, wanting to rebuild a town that had fallen on tough economic times. When asked by a reporter what her goals were in office, she said, ``I just want to see Melville come back.''

Madam Speaker, I cannot think of a greater example of dedication to service and commitment to others than Mayor Velma D. Hendrix. While we mourn her untimely passing, we also take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on in her community.

Madam Speaker, today I want to honor the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria and its 175 years of service to its congregation and the community.

The First United Methodist Church of Alexandria has an incredibly rich history. In 1847, they were known as the Methodist Church Episcopal South, then recognized as the Methodist Church Episcopal South, where they incorporated the introduction of Methodism in Central Louisiana by the intrepid Methodist Circuit Riders.

Initially, the congregation would come together among various venues for services. The first church building is thought to have been on Front Street, among additional locations, until most of Alexandria was burned by Union troops as they retreated down the Red River in 1864.

The church was rebuilt in 1907, with the new sanctuary located at 630 Jackson Street. In 1927, the construction of an education building followed. Both buildings stand proudly today, having served the Methodists of Alexandria and other congregations since 1968.

In 1968, the church relocated to its current location at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria's historic Garden District. The church has since been expanded and updated to better serve the Congregation and the growing needs of Alexandria and the CenLa region.

Among the church community are 69 pastors, many associate pastors, staffers, and lay leaders that have guided and supported the church as it serves the community through various organizations and initiatives such as sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop, an annual arts festival, Buddy Camp, and Fostering the Community Care Closet.

Today, I come before the House to honor the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria on its 175th anniversary and applaud the service they have shown to the people of Central Louisiana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express disappointment and frustration of thousands of my constituents after our effort to bring H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, to the floor for a vote, which was delayed this week.

The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset are unfair, bureaucratic deductions that cheat nearly 2 million Americans out of their earned Social Security benefits.

These rules impact our public servants--the teachers who educate our children, firefighters and police officers who keep our communities safe. At a time when we desperately need more men and women to enter these fields, knowing these penalties exist deter them from pursuing these occupations.

WEP and GPO have been in place since the 1980s and Congress has ignored this problem for decades. I want to be clear, we are not trying to create new entitlement programs or forgive debt. We are trying to ensure that retirees obtain the benefits that are rightly theirs.

Just last week, I received a letter from Carla Moreau, a teacher from Bunkie, Louisiana, who retired after spending 23 years in the classroom.

Carla recently lost her husband, Gerard, to cancer at age 60. However, due to WEP and GPO, she is ineligible to receive his Social Security survivor benefits simply because she was a teacher. If Carla had chosen any other profession outside of public service, she would automatically receive those benefits just like any other American would.

Mr. Speaker, Carla's story is just one of the many from across my district and around our country, and each one is heartbreaking and unjust. Not a single day goes by that I don't hear from a constituent who is impacted.

Since I took office over 1 year ago, almost 3,000 people have contacted my office to ask us to fix WEP and GPO--by far, the most calls concerning a single issue.

High inflation and record price hikes continue to plague our Nation, and now, by refusing to address WEP and GPO, this Congress is essentially telling hardworking Americans that they must either not retire, reenter the workforce, or find other means to make ends meet.

It is astounding to me that this administration and the Democratic majority spend trillions to forgive student loans, bail out private industry, and create new government programs, but the people impacted by WEP and GPO continue to be ignored.

My colleague from Illinois, Rodney Davis, brought forward H.R. 82 to repeal WEP and GPO. I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, along with nearly 300 other Members of this House.

Since the 117th Congress convened, we worked together as Democrats and Republicans to find a way to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. After nearly a year and a half of being denied, we worked to have it placed on the Consensus Calendar, a process that could force the bill to come to the House floor.

Only when we were on the cusp of forcing a floor vote and had 300 Members ready to support this measure did Democratic leadership take action to remove the legislation from the Consensus Calendar and essentially bog it down in a backlog.

Mr. Speaker, it is unconscionable to me that some would play procedural games and deny this body the opportunity to vote on a bill that fixes such an obvious wrong.

What am I supposed to say to the people like Carla Moreau? That despite the fact that we were sent here to solve problems, we will just kick the can down the road?

Is that really the answer that we are okay with relaying to her and the 2 million Americans who are adversely impacted?

Mr. Speaker, I was sent here to represent the people of the Fifth District of Louisiana, and today, I can say with grave sincerity that their voices, along with 2 million other Americans, continue to be silenced.

Instead of my standing behind this podium today, we should be doing the will of the people and bringing H.R. 82 to the floor for a vote.

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 6538.

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to pay tribute to the late Sherra Ann Everett Fertitta, a truly wonderful person and a dedicated mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, who was beloved by so many people across Ouachita Parish and northeast Louisiana.

Madam Speaker, I believe that the best way to describe the kind of person Sherra was is to use the words of her daughter, Tori Fertitta Mortensen. She said, ``Her happiness was in seeing the happiness and good works of others.''

Sherra was the kind of person who lifted you up every single time you saw her. On a personal level, she was always kind and encouraging, never forgetting to tell me that she was praying for me. It is her caring spirit and remarkable kindness that emerges as a common theme in the memories of her friends.

Sherra was a mom who was absolutely dedicated to her family. She was a teacher who believed that it is essential to pass along the love of learning to the next generation. She not only imparted her wisdom on others but also reminded them that ``education is the best investment.''

Sherra was a valued member of our community, who worked tirelessly to make it a better place. For instance, when she was working in the healthcare industry, she organized forums that would allow doctors and medical professionals to share information and connect with individuals who needed care and assistance.

She believed that being involved in the political process, helping elect good people to office, and being a strong advocate for your beliefs and values was essential to improving not just our community but our country.

She was a longtime leader for the Ouachita Parish Republican Women and served on the parish's Republican Executive Committee. She volunteered on numerous campaigns and even helped produce a local radio show.

Madam Speaker, I could go on and on about all that Sherra Fertitta did for our community in Ouachita Parish, that is the kind of person she was.

We know that her true legacy lives on through her family, her friends, and the countless people whose lives she touched here on Earth. We will miss her immeasurably and the joy that Sherra Fertitta brought to our lives will never be forgotten.