Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and colleague from the great State of Kentucky for yielding me time.

I rise in strong support of this rule which would provide for consideration of my bill, the REINS Act of 2023.

The REINS Act would address regulatory actions by requiring every new major rule or regulation that is $100 million or more to an industry, proposed by Federal agencies, to be approved by Congress before going into effect. Specifically, the House and Senate would be required to pass a joint resolution in order for a major rule to be approved by Congress.

During his first 2 years in office, the President added more than $400 billion in new regulatory costs to our economy. The American Action Forum found that the new rules in his first 2 years required 193 million hours of compliance paperwork. That is 193 million hours to comply with new regulations from nameless, faceless bureaucrats who are accountable to no one.

According to the Foundation for Government Accountability, regulations cost Americans $2 trillion a year in compliance costs, economic losses, and other expenses, Mr. Speaker. These costs are due to the ever-increasing regulatory actions that lack proper accountability by Congress. It is beyond time for Congress to reassert its role by placing new checks on regulatory actions that negatively impact Americans from all walks of life.

The core question that we have to ask ourselves is this: Where is the lawmaking authority vested within our Nation? Further, what is the primary principle that our system requires to function?

I can give you a hint, but I am sure you know the answer, Mr. Speaker. It is here.

The argument that I hear from my colleagues on the left is that this bill would eliminate the expertise that these nameless, faceless bureaucrats bring. However, I have spoken to thousands of businessowners, industry experts, who are continually having to navigate the regulatory regime at the hands of bureaucrats who have never once worked a day in the private sector, never once having worked a day on any of their operations.

This bill does nothing to eliminate expertise within the executive branch. What it does do is give proper oversight

authority to Congress, specifically through the regulatory process. Those who argue against this bill are quite literally arguing against their own self-interests, against their role as Representatives of we, the people.

James Madison stated in Federalist 51 that ``Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.'' Right now, the ambitions of the executive branch have trumped those of the legislative branch. This has gone on for nearly 100 years, regardless of who is in charge of the White House.

What a poor and pathetic condition we are in if we as Members of the people's House, the House of Representatives, cannot even stand up for the institution in which we serve, that we swore an oath to serve.

Quite frankly, I don't care what party holds the Presidency. I will come down to this floor every single Congress and fight for this bill and fight for we, the people, because this bill, at the end of the day, is about empowering the people, protecting the people from the real swamp, the nameless, faceless bureaucrats who dwell in basements all over Washington, D.C.

We, in Congress, must do what the Founders of this Nation and the Framers of our Constitution expected of us to do, which is to provide a proper, real, equal check to the executive and judicial branches.

I know my friends on the other side of the aisle feel the same as me. I hope that one day politics will allow all of us in Congress to make our Founders proud and jealously guard our legislative authority with all the might that we can muster.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to support the REINS Act and support your folks back home. Let's reassert our Article I authority and support this rule.

Mr. Chairman, today, I rise in strong support of H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act. To drive home why this bill is so important, I want to emphasize that currently there is no permanent scheduling of fentanyl, only a temporary emergency scheduling order.

That means when, not if, but when this temporary order on fentanyl expires, fentanyl-related substances will become street legal.

Think about this: Over 300 people a day will die today from fentanyl poisoning, 300 people died yesterday, and 300 people will die tomorrow of fentanyl poisoning.

If an airliner carrying 300 people crashed every single day, within the span of a week we would have declared a national emergency and would have begun the work on solutions, but we haven't done that here.

If we don't pass this bill, when the emergency class-wide scheduling order expires, law enforcement will no longer have the authority to seize these extremely lethal drugs. Yes, you heard me right, they will no longer have the authority.

As so many of my colleagues have said today, fentanyl is the leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 18 and 49, surpassing COVID, cancer, heart disease, and even car accidents. In fact, the DEA, Biden's DEA, you-all's DEA, says this is their number one priority.

Every single one of us knows someone who has been affected by fentanyl. Every single one of us in this Chamber knows who is responsible for the fentanyl pouring into our country, and it is every single one of our jobs to act and pass the HALT Fentanyl Act. Let's put the politics aside, come together as Americans for our communities, for this country.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

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

Mr. Speaker, as National Police Week gets underway and we prepare for the coming days of solemn tributes and remembrances of our brave men and women in blue and green here in our Nation's Capital and across the country, it is more important than ever that we stand here united as House Republicans and share our appreciation for all that our heroes do every single day to keep us safe.

National Police Week is a time to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and security and to express our gratitude and support to those who continue to serve and protect our communities across the country.

As the proud Representative of Florida's Third Congressional District and the wife of a first responder, I have witnessed firsthand the courage and dedication of our local law enforcement officers.

They are the ones who respond to emergencies, prevent crimes, and uphold the laws in our communities. They are the ones who face danger and uncertainty every time they put on their uniform. They are the ones who leave their families behind not knowing if they will return home safely.

Like so many spouses, when my husband puts on his SWAT medic vest for a callout, I feel that twinge of uncertainty, and I hug him just a little tighter.

It is a unique feeling to us--the people who love those who serve-- and, of course, we all pray that our loved ones return home safely.

Before my colleagues take the floor and share their appreciation for our men and women in blue and green, I briefly want to share with you, Mr. Speaker, some of the stories of the fallen heroes from my district in Florida who have touched our lives and our hearts with their service.

In Alachua County, we remember Deputy Sheriff Kenterrous Taylor who was killed in a single-vehicle crash while responding to a domestic violence call on March 12, 2020. He was only 27 years old and had served with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office for less than 1 year. He is survived by his fiancee, his son, his parents, and his siblings.

In Gilchrist County we remember Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey of the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Department who were brazenly attacked and killed while on a lunch break in Trenton, Florida, on April 19, 2018. Sergeant Ramirez had served with Gilchrist County for 7 years and is survived by his wife and two children. Deputy Lindsey, who was only 25, is survived by his parents and his grandparents.

In Bradford County, we remember Sergeant David Lashon Goodson who died from complications of COVID-19 on August 18, 2020. He was 48 years old and had served with the Bradford County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. He is survived by his wife, his daughter, his son, his mother, and his brother.

In Marion County, we remember Deputy Sheriff Craig Heeder Riley II who died from complications of COVID-19 on December 16, 2020. He was 53 and had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, his two daughters, his son-in-law, his grandson, his parents, and his sister.

Finally, just this year, we lost Deputy Nick Tilliman. He was 30 years old and had served our Nation in both the Army and the Navy. He was a friend to all and known as a goofball who could keep a smile on your face. Tragically, the smile that he so frequently donned couldn't hide the pain that he felt, and on February 15 of this year, he took his own life.

It is not popular nor is it very easy to talk about the mental strain on our first responders, but it must be said both here on the floor of the United States House of Representatives and in the departments around this country that mental health matters.

Our men and women in blue and green are responding to the most violent, disturbing, and tragic scenes that not only stay with them for the rest of their lives but force them to compartmentalize their work for the rest of their time on the force and beyond.

No man or woman should have to bear that burden alone or in silence. It is well past time we prioritize mental health training and treatment for our LEOs and all of our first responders.

Again, I am proud not just as a wife to a SWAT medic but as a Representative of some of Florida's finest.

We are here to honor those who have served our communities with distinction as well as those who continue to do so. Today, Mr. Speaker, you will hear the stories of many who have served.

I am especially honored to lead this Special Order along with my good friend, Sheriff John Rutherford, and giving thanks for recognizing their service. These are just some of the names of the fallen heroes from our districts. There are many more who have given their lives in other counties and cities across our State and Nation.

Each one of them has a story to tell. Each one of them has a family to mourn. Each one of them has a legacy it is our duty to honor. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay, but we can do our best to support their families and colleagues who are left behind. We can do our best to ensure that they have the resources and equipment they need to do their job safely and effectively. We can do our best and will do our best to respect and appreciate their work and sacrifice.

We can and we will stand up for our men and women in uniform in the face of attacks from those who wish to vilify our hard working LEOs.

As we mark National Police Week 2023 and welcome the thousands of law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital--their Nation's Capital-- for days of ceremonies, tributes, and important conversations, let us remember and honor the fallen heroes of law enforcement. Let us pray for their families and friends who miss them dearly and let us thank our brothers and sisters in blue and green who carry on the mission today.

We will never forget that they gave their lives for us, and we will never forget their names--all 246 who were lost in the line of duty last year.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Florida (Mr. Rutherford).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), another great colleague and friend.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from the great State of Texas for his unwavering support for our men and women in blue and green.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins), my friend. Go Gators; I had to throw that in there.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from the great State of Georgia for his comments.

I now yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Edwards).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford), who will join me in reading the names of our fallen from last year.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague for helping name the first 120 of those that we lost in the line of duty last year.

At this time, I would like to continue reading the list of names:

Officer Trainee Cody Alan Olafson, Lieutenant Mark Allen Pike, Supervising Fire Marshal John Joseph ``Jack'' McCauley, Police Officer Houston Ryan Tipping, Deportation Officer Brian Wayne Turner, Special Agent Peter Christopher Egan, Officer Adrian Lopez Sr., Deputy Sheriff Thomas E. Baker III, Police Officer Christopher Nicholas Fariello, Senior Investigator Kyle Lee Patterson, Officer Kennis Winston Croom, Detective Justin Michael Terry, Deputy First Class Glenn R. Hilliard, Sergeant Michael Domingo Paredes, Officer Joseph Anthony Santana, Sergeant Sean Free, Deputy Sheriff Austin W. ``Melvin'' Richardson, Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel, Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge, Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story, Deputy Sheriff Jeff L. Hermanson, Sergeant Richard Lopez, Reserve Officer Jeffrey Michael David Richardson, Deputy Sheriff Bradley Steven Henry Johnson, Captain Ralph Harlow Frasure, Deputy Sheriff William Edward Petry, Police Officer Jacob Russell Chaffins, Sergeant John K. Williams, Police Officer Loren Michael Courts, Parole Supervisor Ronald D. Spangler Jr., Officer Brian D. Olliff, Undersheriff Lawrence George Koren, Lieutenant Fred Douglas Beers III, Deputy Sheriff Michael Adam Levison, Patrolman Vincent Anthony Parks, Police Officer Frederick G. Maley, Police Officer Daniel Francisco Vasquez, Sergeant Christopher James Nelson, Police Officer Anthony Patrick Mazurkiewicz, Supervisory Deportation Officer Rachel Elizabeth Vielmas, Deputy Sheriff Matthew Eugene Yates, Sergeant Jean-Harold Louis Astree, Mounted Deputy Nichole Shuff-Balint, Deputy Sheriff Lorenzo Bustos, Deputy Sheriff II Jamie Lynn Reynolds, Police Officer Noah Jacob Shahnavaz, Deputy Sheriff Dallas Ryan Edeburn, Sergeant Matthew Ryan Fishman, Special Police Officer Maurica Manyan, Conservation Officer Lawrence E. Cabana, Deputy Sheriff Andrew Peery, Corporal Chad M. Beattie, Deputy Sheriff Ned P. Byrd, Police Officer Cesar Echaverry, Captain William Riley Hargraves, Special Agent Jose Antonio Perez, Police Officer Ivan Mauricio Lopez, Sergeant Robert Blaine Swartz, Sergeant F. Brent Chomyszak, Sergeant Harold Lee Russell II, Detective Matthew Walker Blansett, Constable Deborah Martinez- Garibay, Correctional Officer III Kaitlyn Breanne Ritnour, Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Randall Koleski, Deputy Sheriff Marshall Samuel Ervin Jr., Trooper Cadet Patrick Donelle Dupree, Police Officer Dillon Micheal Vakoff, Captain Janelle Sanders, Police Officer Lloyd ``Mike'' Todd, Police Officer Seara Burton, Deputy Sheriff Michael Hartwick, Senior Patrol Officer Anthony Martin, Master Police Officer Tyrell Owens-Riley, Detention Corporal Gregory Thomas Horne Sr., Sergeant Meagan Burke, Major Terry Randall Arnold, Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane, Deputy Sheriff Sidnee Carter, Investigator Myiesha Breanna Stewart, Lieutenant Dustin Demonte, Sergeant Alex Hamzy, Police Officer Truong Thai, Police Officer Steven R. Nothem II, Officer Jorge Arias, Sergeant Ivan M. Morales, Police Officer Logan K. Medlock, Sergeant Daniel Alan Kammerzell, Lieutenant Kristina Zell, Criminal Investigator Steven A. Carnes, Police Officer Brandon Tsai, Marine Interdiction Agent Michel O. Maceda, Police Officer Jordan Jackson, Deputy Sheriff Christopher Taylor, Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino, Deputy Sheriff Jose Angel DeLeon, Border Patrol Agent Raul Humberto Gonzalez Jr., Reserve Deputy Brad Miller, Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland, Senior Corrections Officer Scott Ozburn Riner, Police Officer Branden Paul Estorffe, Sergeant Steven Robin, Sergeant Donald Scoby, Deputy Sheriff Daniel J. Kin, Deputy Sheriff Oscar Yovani Bolanos-Anavisca Jr., Chief of Police Joe Carey, Detective Paul Daniel Newell, Deputy Sheriff Corey D. McElroy, Corporal Ray Charles Hamilton, Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero.

K9 Beni, K9 Jedi, K9 Nitro II, K9 Maya, K9 Ciro, K9 Dash, K9 Major, K9 Jinx, K9 Mina, K9 Bluz, K9 Drago, K9 Exo, K9 Odin, K9 Cannon, K9 Drago, K9 Frankie, K9 Max, K9 Blue, K9 Hannes, K9 Axel, K9 Lux, K9 Rocket, K9 Figo, K9 Pepper, K9 Jack.

Mr. Speaker, that is 246 officers that gave their lives in the line of duty.

I thank my colleagues for joining me for tonight's Special Order. You know, it is pretty hard to read those names.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and colleague from the great State of Utah, Mr. Burgess Owens, who also happens to be a Floridian by birth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my name to the many of my colleagues who are here today to stand in support of our friend, Enes Kanter Freedom.

Enes has sacrificed his career and put his life on the line to pursue the noble and often dangerous path of fighting for human rights around the world.

In a time when it is easy to go with the flow, often at the expense of those in lands far away, he has made the decision to stand up and speak out.

As a result of his vocal opposition to the various human rights abuses happening around the world today, including the Chinese genocide of Muslim Uyghurs or the oppressive and often brutal regime in his homeland of Turkiye, he, as a human rights advocate, has had a bounty placed on his head of half a million dollars to anyone who will end his life to silence him from highlighting the atrocities that few dare to expose.

Inspired by the United States' example of liberty and justice for all, Enes became an American citizen--he even changed his last name to ``Freedom''--and chose to stand up for what is right even at the expense that cost him so much.

Enes embodies the American Dream and has repeatedly displayed the courage, grit, and work ethic necessary to change the world. He has become a friend not just to me but to several of my friends here in the House of Representatives on both sides of the political aisle. However, despite his best efforts here in the House of Representatives, his calls to meet with White House officials and, more pointedly, President Biden have fallen on deaf ears.

Mr. Speaker, you have to ask yourself: Why? Why would the White House refuse to meet with an individual as high profile as Enes Kanter Freedom? There is simply no good excuse--at least not one that we can discuss here today.

I thank my colleague from Utah for hosting this Special Order and encouraging this administration to step up and meet with Enes to discuss the horrific atrocities happening around the world--moreover, the atrocities that are occurring against Americans who speak out against those who commit these horrific acts.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage those who are watching here today: You can be a force for good. You can speak up. You can speak out.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, I'm proud to recognize the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System for its service on behalf of our nation's veterans through the dedication of the Gainesville Veteran Affairs Mental Health Facility, which began providing care to veterans in 2022.

The clinic, located in Gainesville, Florida, is a state-of-the-art, 39,932 square-foot facility that offers mental health intensive care management, a psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery center, a substance abuse clinic, a compensated work therapy clinic, a post- traumatic stress disorder clinic, community care, and suicide prevention services. The construction of this facility began in 2017 when it was approved by the U.S. Congress as part of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017.

Our men and women in uniform make the ultimate sacrifice while fighting to protect our nation, and it is our duty as Americans to ensure that they have exceptional health care following their service to the Stars and Stripes.

The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System has demonstrated a deep commitment to the needs of veterans and their families by constantly striving to expand and improve the quality of care available to our nation's heroes. The dedication of the Gainesville Veteran Affairs Primary Care Facility, since its opening in 2022, has played a vital role in ensuring that our veterans in Florida's Third Congressional District are provided for through the accessibility of experienced health care providers and critical mental health resources.

I'd like to extend a special thank you to the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System for all it has done to serve our community in Florida's Third Congressional District, and I'm excited to see how the Gainesville VA Mental Health Facility will continue to provide for our veterans.

Madam Chair, I thank my friend and colleague for yielding.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 1. This administration, the Biden administration, has stonewalled American energy production, quite literally, from day one.

The permit for the Keystone XL pipeline was revoked just hours after Biden's inauguration, and permitting for new oil and gas leases were halted soon thereafter.

The results were predictable. Americans endured historically high gas prices, with Floridians paying, on average, $4.80 per gallon last summer. Government restriction and regulation fanned the flames of inflation already burdening Floridians and Americans at gas pumps and grocery stores.

We, as Republicans, have a responsibility to uphold our Commitment to America. H.R. 1 will be the cornerstone of fulfilling that commitment to our friends and neighbors in Florida's Third District.

We will start by overhauling our permitting regulations. This administration has effectively frozen all new oil and gas exploration permits, severely handicapping our ability to fulfill the energy demands of Americans.

We can choose to rely on energy imports from hostile nations and fair-weather friends, or we can utilize the vast potential of our energy sector to meet our needs more efficiently and cleanly.

Our energy requirements extend to nearly all of our most vital industries, arguably none more important than our agricultural sector, because a nation that cannot feed itself cannot be safe. Essential inputs, from fertilizer to gasoline for tractors, are directly reliant on the price of energy. Unleashing the power of our energy will keep the costs of businesses low for our producers and prices low at the grocery store, benefiting all Americans.

Repealing export restrictions on LNG, liquefied natural gas, will exponentially grow our share of global gas markets. The largest LNG bunker barge, the Clean Canaveral, just completed its inaugural bunkering in Jacksonville, Florida, making the Sunshine State a new hub for natural gas. Floridians stand to benefit greatly in jobs and economic growth from the reduction of regulations and LNG exports.

Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 1.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1123, the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act.

H.R. 1123 would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, in partnership with relevant agencies and other stakeholders, to study the current state of U.S. mobile communications networks and to report to Congress on its findings.

This report is developed by compiling government and nongovernmental research and would assess the cybersecurity of these networks and vulnerabilities in the networks or mobile devices for cyberattacks and surveillance conducted by our adversaries.

Americans rely on their phones and mobile networks more than ever to communicate with family and friends and to conduct business all across the country.

At the same time, cybersecurity threats to these essential U.S. communications networks have never been higher.

Accordingly, Congress must be informed of these threats and any successful tools or methods used to counter or mitigate existing cyber threats. This bill would do just that by simply providing Congress an overview of the status of mobile network cybersecurity, which would include the degree to which cyber vulnerabilities have been addressed, are being addressed, or will be addressed.

The report required by this bill takes an important first step in tackling network security by informing Congress, stakeholders, and most important, the American people of the security or lack thereof of these vital mobile networks.

I am so proud to lead this bill along with my colleague, Ms. Eshoo, and I thank my good friend, our chairman of the subcommittee, for his leadership on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in support of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia, and Brittany Bowe, the three speed skaters from Ocala, Florida, who represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics and brought home gold and bronze.

It is not every day that you see a winter sport like speed skating coming out of the Sunshine State, so it really is a particular honor to be able to stand here and recognize the Olympians from my very own district.

To Erin, a gold medalist, and Joey and Brittany, both bronze medalists, you have made Florida's Third Congressional District and the United States so proud during the Olympics. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to the American values of independence and self- determination are certainly worthy of celebration. We cannot wait to see what you will continue to accomplish in the future.

To the Ocala community and the coaches and parents who have helped these amazing athletes get to the top of their game, thank you. Of course, not only to Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia, and Brittany Bowe but to the entire Team USA, thank you for proudly representing the United States on the world stage and demonstrating to countries all over the world what it means to be an American.

Go Team USA.

Honoring the Life of Kevin Morse

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor the life of a dear friend, Kevin Morse.

As a husband, father to three sons, and friend to many, Kevin was a man loved by all. Whether you needed a mechanic, engineer, plumber, electrician, therapist, priest, or even a hug, Kevin would be there in an instant. He lived to help others.

Kevin was a family man through and through, and he loved his wife and kids more than anything in the world. As he watched his three boys grow up into young men, he supported them all in their endeavors, attending every basketball game and cheering them on from the bleachers as loud as he could.

Now, when I say cheer them on, I mean he would beat the hell out of the banisters and railings with his cane. At the time, I was cheering for Metro State and could hear his endless banging up in the stands even while down on the floor. By the end of the game, there were more dents and scratches on the cane and the entire area around him. It was kind of his signature.

He was a role model for his boys, and he raised them to be kind, smart, and selfless. He served as the spiritual leader for his family and his community, exemplifying what it means to be a man of faith. He was gentle, patient, faithful, and forgiving, all the qualities of a man who you would want in a friend.

I have known Kevin for many years, and the impact that he had on my life is something that cannot be explained in words.

To his family, friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to have known Kevin, I extend my sincerest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

I am honored to recognize Kevin Morse and his incredible legacy here on the House floor.

Honoring the Service of Logan Catalanotto

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a student from my district, Logan Catalanotto.

I hope I got that right, Logan. If I butchered it, I am so sorry. But thank you, Logan, for your meaningful contribution to our community.

At just 17 years old, and a senior at Forest High School in Ocala, Logan decided to make his Eagle Scouts project an upgrade to the State Flag Commons area of the Ocala-Marion Veterans Memorial Park.

His troop, Scout Troop 72 of Ocala, has held events at the park over the last 2 years, and Logan decided to give back to the community by beautifying the memorial park.

The project, being an estimated $32,000 worth of upgrades, is one that you typically don't get to see from someone as young as Logan, a project that he initiated.

His service to the veteran community has not gone unnoticed by the citizens of Ocala, as many have expressed great gratitude toward Logan for his dedication to the project.

It is acts of benevolence like these that truly restore faith in America's young people to spread kindness and do the right thing.

I could not be prouder of Logan for being a driver of positive change, generosity, and patriotism.

Thank you, Logan, for your service to the veteran community and to Florida's Third Congressional District.

Honoring the Lives and Service of Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy

Sheriff Taylor Lindsey

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate, remember,

and honor the lives of two heroes from North Florida, Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey of Gilchrist County.

It was on April 19, 2018, that these young men lost their lives as they were attacked and fatally shot while on a lunch break in Trenton, Florida. Beloved by their family, friends, law enforcement, and members of the local community, the legacy that these public heroes leave behind will not soon be forgotten by either myself or those whose lives were impacted by their incredible kindness.

As we approach the fifth anniversary of their tragic deaths, we will forever honor their memories by saying their names.

As the wife of a first responder myself, what happened to these two men is something to which our law enforcement officers are no strangers. I remember the day we lost these heroes and recall the heartbreak when we learned the news.

On April 18, and on countless other days when we mark the deaths of our law enforcement officers, my resolve to support our men and women in blue grows stronger. Each year during National Police Week, I visit Noel and Taylor's names at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., and will continue to remember them and their sacrifices, as well as their families, to remember all that they have given to Gilchrist County and our surrounding areas.

Please join me in honoring their families and friends, as well as our heroes in uniform across the Sunshine State and the Nation.

Congratulating Reggie Brown

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate a constituent of mine, Reggie Brown, for his induction into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Born and raised on a family farm in Alachua County, Reggie's expertise and work in the industry is undoubtedly worthy of this prestigious honor.

He has held numerous roles during his career, including those at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, better known as IFAS, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, and the Florida Tomato Exchange, where he served as the executive vice president.

Reggie has become a prominent leader within the Florida tomato industry for his efforts to combat unfair trade practices and work toward improved food safety and fresh produce worldwide.

He is a champion for the horticulture industry, leading on numerous fronts to protect domestic producers, family farms. Now, his achievements have become the benchmark for the development of national product safety guidance.

I am so honored to be recognizing Mr. Reggie Brown before this Congress. I thank him for all that he has done for Florida's farmers, ranchers, and producers.

Congratulations, Reggie.

Honoring Tom Howard

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a constituent of mine, Mr. Tom Howard, who recently was honored with the We Honor Veterans Volunteer Service Award for his extraordinary commitment to the local community.

A veteran himself, Tom joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 and currently serves as a veteran volunteer with Hospice of Marion County in Ocala. He has faithfully volunteered nearly 2,000 hours of service since joining the organization in 2010 and is known for his dependability, his selflessness, and his commitment to his fellow men and women in uniform.

Over the past 12 years as a volunteer, Tom has served as a skillful teacher and leader of 50-plus veteran volunteers and has attended and participated in nearly 300 veteran recognition services.

Additionally, during COVID-19, Tom performed recognition ceremonies by phone, standing in driveways, garages, and by open windows, to ensure that every veteran received their honor despite not being able to meet in person.

For these acts of service and so much more, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization honored Tom this year with the We Honor Veterans Volunteer Service Award.

Tom, through his military service and volunteer efforts with Hospice of Marion County truly represents what it means to act as a proponent of benevolence and kindness and embodies the American spirit of giving back to one's country and community.

Thank you, Tom, for all that you have done for your veterans from Florida's Third Congressional District. It is an honor to be able to recognize you here on the House floor before this Congress.

Remembering Allen Singleton

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of a firefighter/paramedic from my district, Mr. Allen Singleton, who sadly passed away in late January of this year.

Allen was a 6-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of Marion County Fire Rescue on September 12, 2016, where he was a proud member of the Rolling Greens Station number 28 and he was a member of the local SWAT Medic team, just like my husband. Our community was truly fortunate and blessed to have experienced his service, but more importantly his heart, for others.

As the wife of a firefighter and first responder, I understand the courage and sacrifice that it takes every day to do this job and know the challenges that our heroes face while serving our community. Allen will forever be remembered by his colleagues and the fire family for the unforgettable difference that he made and the lives he touched during his many years of service in Marion County.

To Allen's family, know that the entirety of Florida's Third Congressional District stands with you and behind you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and the entire Marion County Fire Rescue team as our community mourns this great loss.

Honoring the Life of Tripp Wooten

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest condolences and to honor the life of a firefighter paramedic from my district, Mr. Tripp Wooten, who tragically passed away in early January of this year.

Tripp was a 14-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of Marion County Fire Rescue on December 15, 2006. Prior to his hiring, Tripp was a member of the 2006 Marion County Fire Rescue Career Academy class.

He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to everyone he crossed paths with. He possessed a sense of humor that brightened the days of all who came into contact with him.

As the wife of a firefighter and first responder, I understand the courage and sacrifice it takes every day to do this job, and I know the challenges that you face in serving our community. I am certain that the positive impact that Tripp made on the Marion County community at large will never be forgotten.

On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Marion County Fire Rescue family as we mourn his loss. Tripp will forever be remembered by his colleagues and the fire station family for the unforgettable difference he made and the lives he touched during his 16-plus years of service.

Honoring the Life of Nickolas Tilliman

Madam Speaker, I solemnly rise today to honor the life of Mr. Nickolas Tilliman, a member of the Alachua County Sheriff's Department, who tragically passed away last month.

Nick was a loyal servant and protector of our community, serving Florida's Third Congressional District as a deputy in Alachua County and our Nation through his military service. After completing high school, Nick joined the United States Navy as a gunner's mate. Following his Naval service, he joined the United States Army Reserves. He joined the Alachua County Sheriff's office in 2018, and he was then deployed to Afghanistan. It is safe to say, he had a heart for service.

Upon returning from deployment, he returned to his service with the sheriff's office where colleagues will remember the memes that he was known for, as he would brighten someone's day, or when he would share with a smile and a laugh, not callous, his ``#thoughtsfromthethrone.''

We will miss Nick.

Our heroes in uniform display the utmost courage and selflessness, risking their lives every day in pursuit of protecting and keeping our communities safe. Nick is one of these heroes. On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and the ASO as our community mourns his loss.

Honoring Ansil Lewis as the 2022 Veteran of the Year

Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District to honor Mr. Ansil Lewis as our 2022 Veteran of the Year. Each year, our office gives this award to a veteran who has exemplified the utmost courage, sacrifice, and benevolence throughout our local communities.

Mr. Lewis served as a sergeant major in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 2017. While serving, he received the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. That is impressive.

After years of military service, Mr. Lewis has continued to show his dedication to our community as the past commandant of the Roy S. Geiger Marine Corps League Detachment 1047, a proud member of the board for Operation Barnabas, and the president of the Veterans Council of Clay County.

From his distinguished military service to his organization of dozens of events for our Nation's heroes, I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor. It is a privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Ansil Lewis before this body for his honorable service to our Nation and our community, and I hope his volunteer spirit will continue for many years to come as well as inspire those who follow.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire of the time remaining?

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jim Painter, who passed away following an unforeseen complication during his yearlong battle with cancer.

Jim was a third-generation brick mason who devoted his life to the masonry industry in Gainesville, Florida. The first of many jobs the Painter family would work on at the University of Florida, one of Jim's family's first projects was working on Williamson Hall on the UF campus.

Over the course of 40 years with Painter Masonry, Jim worked alongside his father, Abe, and his brother, Jerry, to set the standard for quality masonry for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings at the University of Florida and across north central Florida.

From 1990 to 1996, Jim served as a city commissioner in Gainesville and as the mayor from 1993 to 1996. While he was mayor, Gainesville earned the title of America's Most Livable City award. He gave his time and talents to many organizations, including the Alachua-Bradford County Workforce Development Board, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Gainesville Elks Lodge, the Builders Association of North Central Florida, the Florida Home Builders Association, and the Girls Club of Alachua County.

A stranger to none, Jim was a public servant, a friend, and a confidant to many. I know that I will miss Jim, and so many will miss him, as well.

Congratulating the Hawthorne Girls Basketball Team

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the hard work of the Hawthorne High School girls varsity basketball team, this year's 1A State champions.

Former Florida Gator Cornelius Ingram led the Hawthorne Hornets to the championship win over Wildwood this past Friday night. The game was down to the wire, all the way until the final buzzer in the fourth quarter. With a final score of 42-38, the Hornets were victorious.

This is not the first victory for Coach Ingram, who also led the Hawthorne Hornets varsity football team to a State championship this past fall. A former tight end for the Florida Gators, Ingram has had tremendous success encouraging his teams and leading them to victory, and we could not be more proud of their outstanding accomplishments on the field and on the court.

Congratulations to the Hawthorne Hornets on the new trophy that they will add to the growing trophy case that they continue to expand in north central Florida.

Go Hornets.

Congratulations to Senator Ben Sasse

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senator Ben Sasse for becoming the new president of the University of Florida.

Florida's flagship university came from humble beginnings. Being one of the original two State universities, UF was created through the Land Grant Act of 1862 and the Florida State legislature, combining four existing institutions in Lake City, Gainesville, Bartow, and St. Pete to establish the University of the State of Florida.

Now, UF is the gem in the crown that is our State's university system and the fifth-ranked public university in the Nation.

Ben Sasse himself also comes from humble beginnings. He is the son of a teacher and football coach who grew up in Plainview, Nebraska. He worked hard in his youth, earning degrees from Harvard, St. John's College, and Yale. Ben led a successful private sector career, then went on to become one of the youngest college presidents at Midland University back in his hometown, saving that institution from insolvency. Answering the call for public service, Ben ran and won a seat in the United States Senate, serving his State and country for 7 years.

Now, it is my pleasure to welcome him to the Gator Nation, a tight- knit community with worldwide reach.

Ben, we look forward to yours and the university's continued success. As always, it is great to be a Florida Gator.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire of the time remaining?

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Don Quincey, an advocate for the industry and role model for future generations. Don Quincey has an undeniable passion and dedication to the agricultural industry, leading by his actions in business and in service.

Born in Gainesville, Don is a fifth-generation Florida cattleman. Upon graduation from Cleveland High School, he felt called to serve in law enforcement. But after 2 years of service, his unquestionable love for the land and raising cattle brought him back to the family's feed store and cow-calf operation. He was actively engaged in ownership and operations from 1977 to 2003, when the store was eventually sold.

While supporting the family business, Don founded Quincey Cattle Company in 1992, a diversified cattle feeding operation in Chiefland, Florida. The operation has grown in size and scope to meet fellow cattle producers' needs and goals, providing services to improve marketability and options for Florida cattle. His commitment to innovation has led to improved sustainability for the industry, with approximately 80 percent of his commodity needs coming from within 20 miles of his ranch. That is pretty significant. For folks in agriculture who know how difficult that is, that is a big deal.

His record of service and leadership is well-documented and tremendous. Don is a lifelong supporter of FFA, Future Farmers of America, and a founding member of the Florida Cattle Ranchers. He has held all elected officer positions with the Florida Cattlemen's Association and served on the board of directors for Drummond Community Bank, Florida Beef Council, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and CattleFax.

He also has been recognized by the University of Florida's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences with an award of distinction and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association with the leadership award.

Don has been an advocate for mutually beneficial environmental and agricultural policy--seeking to bridge the gaps between production and regulation--as well as a member of the Suwannee River Water Management District board for many years. He served

as chair for 9 of his 12 years at the district. During his tenure, he initiated the district's cost-share program and was instrumental in developing a water-use monitoring program to assist agricultural producers with reporting actual water use instead of estimated data.

With lifelong roots in Florida's agriculture, carving out a niche in the Florida cattle industry was not for Don's personal gain, but to set the foundation for future generations to provide a safe, wholesome, local Florida beef supply.

We are so glad to know Don and his family. We are proud and grateful for all that he has done in service to north central Florida and our farmers, ranchers, and producers.

Gators Gymnastics SEC Champions

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Florida Gators' women's gymnastics team, this year's regular season SEC champion. Florida's Super Seniors, including Leah Clapper, Savannah Schoenherr, Halley Taylor, and Trinity Thomas now have a handful of rings, claiming their fifth consecutive SEC title on Friday with a win over number 12 Kentucky.

This is UF's 15th SEC gymnastic title and 5th consecutive title. The gymnastics team joins volleyball and men's and women's swimming and diving as regular season champions during this academic year.

During the SEC championship meet, Florida led on vault with season bests by Leanne Wong and Sloane Blakely. Kayla DiCello led the Gators on the balance beam, while DiCello, Trinity Thomas, and Wong boosted the Gators' overall score on the uneven bars--a whole heck of a lot more than most of us in this Chamber can do.

It is with tremendous pride that we say congratulations to the Gators Gymnastics team, Coach Rowland, and the Super Seniors on a great regular season. We look forward to cheering them on at the collegiate NCAA championship that is soon to come. Go Gators.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), my good friend and colleague.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde) for hosting this Special Order on an important topic.

My speech is well beyond the time I am allotted, so I am just going to dispense with the notes, really, and talk about how absolutely insane, ridiculous, and unconstitutional this new rule is.

Not only has it been completely blown out of proportion what the brace is, a brace that was originally designed for disabled veterans, increases stability, and since 2015, had been ruled as an accessory by the ATF which, under their own regulations, under their own guidance, they said that they didn't have jurisdiction over accessories.

So I thought that was very interesting that now we have an unelected swamp creature, a bureaucrat who thinks that they can now make felons-- law-abiding citizens, felons by now instituting this 120-day rule.

A lot of people have talked about this, but few have talked about the

economic impact this will have. Based on the NICS data that we have, this is going to be a $1.9 billion hit to the firearms industry; $1.9 billion to law-abiding citizens.

Believe me, this rule has nothing to do with gun safety. This has nothing to do with making communities safer. This is just a backroom attempt, a backdoor attempt to get at the firearm industry. That is all this is and nothing more.

This is why, Mr. Speaker, we have to pass the SHORT Act. This is why we have to pass the REINS Act, because the REINS Act would prohibit any regulation that has a $100 million or more impact to an industry to come back to Congress for an up or down vote.

You can fire your Congress-critter, but you cannot fire these unelected bureaucrats. We need to pass the REINS Act. We need to absolutely stop this regulation in its tracks. It is time to, once and for all, let those swamp creatures know that the Second Amendment shall not be infringed.

Mr. Speaker, thank you to the gentleman from Georgia and my friend, Mr. Clyde, for hosting this special order on such an important topic. Most of you have likely heard about the new rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, that targets stabilizing braces for pistols. The rule wrongly reclassifies these braces as ``short rifles,'' which are heavily regulated under that National Firearms Act. The final rule, published yesterday, January 31st started a 120-day clock for law-abiding gunowners to destroy, forfeit, or register their braces with the ATF. Otherwise, the new regulation will consider any unregistered stabilizing pistol brace as a short-barreled rifle and will subject the owner to penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

This is insane and it's an infringement on Americans' Second Amendment rights through bureaucratic rulemaking.

For those who aren't familiar with stabilizing braces, these devices were originally designed with disabled veterans in mind and have been on the market for over a decade. Until last year, the ATF repeatedly stated that stabilizing braces did not convert the handguns into short- barreled rifles. In fact, they claimed going back to 2015 that braces were an accessory and therefore not subject to jurisdiction of the ATF. But Now, bureaucrats at the ATF are changing course. By changing this definition, the ATF is effectively making criminals out of millions of law-abiding Americans when they do not register by a certain date. The ATF is reversing over a decade of agency guidance and rulings on which the firearm industry and law-abiding gun owners have relied for years. The ATF estimates around three million stabilizing braces have been sold, however, a report from the Congressional Research Service puts that number much higher--between 10 million and 40 million.

If you look at just the cost--the cost of this new regulation--a rule put in place by unelected bureaucrats, this one rule will cost the firearm industry and gun owners a whopping $1.9 billion! This number was calculated by using data in NICS and industry data on the average cost of pistol braced firearms. Make no mistake. This new rule is not about gun safety. This is not about gun violence. This is a back door attempt to take down the firearm industry and make millions of law abiding citizens--felons. We must stop this unconstitutional overreach by the ATF and we will.

The Second Amendment is straightforward--the right to bears arms shall not be infringed. We cannot allow the federal government to make it harder--or impossible--for small business owners, homeowners, and law-abiding citizens to defend themselves. That is why we must pass the Joint Resolution of Disapproval for this rule, which prevents it from going into effect and prohibits the ATF from implementing a similar rule in the future. In addition, we must pass the SHORT Act, which would remove the unconstitutional taxation, registration, and regulation in the National Firearms Act of Short Barreled Rifles, Short Barreled Shotguns, and those classified as Any Other Weapons.

Finally, this is just another in a very long line of examples of why we must pass the REINS Act. The REINS Act would prohibit these swamp creatures--the unelected bureaucratic class from legislating from the agency rather than through Congress. The bill is simple. Any major rule or regulation would be required to come back to Congress for an up or down vote. Why? Because you can fire Your Congress-critter. But the big, government establishment has made it virtually impossible to fire these bureaucrats. Once passed, this rule would have never been allowed to go into effect. It's time to pass the Reins act. Time to pass the short act and protect our constitutional rights.

I am proud to join Representative Clyde in introducing these bills, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak on the issue here tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 382, the Pandemic is Over Act. I thank my friend and colleague from Kentucky, Mr. Brett Guthrie, for leading this important effort.

This action is long overdue. This week we are voting on several bills designed to do what we all in America have known for some time, that the emergency declaration should go away. Constituents have been asking--heck, demanding--that we end this perpetual state of COVID emergencies in the Federal Government and get back to normal.

More than 4 months ago, President Biden declared that the COVID-19 pandemic was over, yet interestingly the Federal emergency declaration is still in place. It makes you wonder, why would the President declare that the pandemic is over but not officially rescind the emergency declaration?

In fact, many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle seem more concerned with keeping the public health emergency in place rather than addressing the problems we are now being faced with: Things like investigating the estimated $163 billion with a b in COVID unemployment fraud and recovering those funds that were stolen from the American taxpayers; or the approximately $150 billion in unobligated funds that is just sitting there for COVID. That is a pretty easy way to start reducing spending. Or how about the approximately half a trillion dollars that has been obligated but hasn't been pushed out the door yet?

Ask yourselves, who benefits from the emergency declaration remaining in place?

It is a fact that the continuation of the public health emergency is costing taxpayers billions of dollars and worsening already-crippling inflation, inflation which is costing Florida families in my district an estimated $10,000 extra a year in basic goods and services. I don't know anyone who can afford an extra 10 grand a year.

The Federal mandates, like this, have increased private health insurance costs and grossly exacerbated the ever-increasing national debt that will be passed on to my generation, our children, and grandchildren.

It is time to get our kids back to school, folks back to work, and life back to normal. It is time for us to turn the page and end the COVID-19 public health emergency powers. Let's get back to commonsense fixes to our healthcare system. Let's get back to work on lowering energy costs. Let's get back to work, and let's get back to work in person.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 497, the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act. This bill would repeal the Federal CMS mandate imposed on healthcare workers nationwide.

On December 4, 2020, then-President-elect Joe Biden was asked pointblank if he would mandate COVID-19 vaccines for Americans. His answer? ``No, I don't think it should be mandatory. I wouldn't demand it be mandatory.''

Well, as we came to find out and have since learned, you can't take him at his word. By September 2021, the President's tone and position on vaccine mandates did a complete 180. He said that he was getting impatient and ``frustrated'' with unvaccinated Americans. He went so far as to call it ``a pandemic of the unvaccinated.''

Mr. President, I hate to break it to you, but the American people do not exist to please you or any President for that matter. We don't simply comply because you are ``frustrated.'' Yet, it was his impatience that led to this vaccine mandate.

I don't know about you, but I am not sure where in the Constitution the government's powers over one's personal health decisions can be found, but apparently, those signs that we see so often, particularly outside the Supreme Court Chamber in bold letters screaming, ``My Body, My Choice,'' are only applicable when it is a certain political agenda.

What we do know is that the Biden administration's authoritarian COVID-19 vaccine mandate on our dedicated medical professionals is an absolute abuse of power. It is an attack on the personal freedoms of our frontline workers, and it has certainly unnecessarily exacerbated the healthcare workforce shortage.

This bears repeating: We are not anti-vaccine. We are anti-mandate. If you want the vaccine, great. Take it. If you don't, then don't. It shouldn't be mandated.

As many of you in this Chamber know, my husband serves our local community as a firefighter paramedic. At the height of COVID, as he was showing up--not staying home--and continually responding to 911 calls of folks who were getting sick, not once did a patient ask if he was vaccinated. Not once did they demand that the firefighters who showed up be vaccinated.

When they did answer the call, they went with honor and diligence, and they continued to do their job. Not once did they ask if that patient was vaccinated. Not once did fellow firefighters ask my husband if he was vaccinated.

Likewise, as the hospitals filled up, doctors, nurses, medics, and EMTs were working double and triple overtime, taking care of the sick, comforting people who had been left to take their last breath alone as families were left outside. They never once demanded a vaccinated doctor, never once asked for a vaccinated nurse. They were doing their jobs taking care of them because that is what they do. These are the frontline workers, and it is time we stand up for them.

Today, in every congressional district in America, hospitals are struggling with staffing shortages. We can address these shortages by looking to the thousands of healthcare workers who were fired or left their job because of this mandate.

Let's stand up to the Big Government, one-size-fits-all power grab. It is wrong. It ends today.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, I'm proud to honor Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich for her service to the City of Ocala and her efforts to support the construction of the brand new community center at Reed Place.

Mary Sue Rich dedicated 24 years in service to her community as a councilwoman, working to improve the quality of life for Ocala's citizens. Among her many other accomplishments as a councilwoman, Ms. Rich recently led the charge to develop the community center for purposes of enhancing the quality of life for Ocala residents. Councilwoman Rich recognized the need for Ocala residents to have ready access to health and wellness and social opportunities at a high- quality facility, and her vision to create a multi-purpose center, serving the entire family unit, across multiple generations and all walks of life, is now a reality.

Ocala's new community center will be named the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in honor of her dedication and service to the City of Ocala and its citizens. I'd like to thank Ms. Rich for her service and commitment to Ocala and look forward to seeing the community center's growth.

Also, on behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, I'm proud to honor Mrs. Ruth Reed, a long-time resident of Ocala.

For years, Mrs. Reed has worked side-by-side with the City of Ocala to help create a new vision for the site of the new community center as a member of the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee, and the City's 2035 Vision Leadership Group, the steering committee for the West Ocala Community Plan.

In honor of her dedication and service to the City of Ocala, the new property on which the Mary Sue Rich Community Center sits has been renamed Reed Place after Mrs. Ruth E. Reed, a long-time resident of the surrounding neighborhood. We look forward to seeing how Reed Place continues to grow and serve the residents of Ocala.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 26, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This bill does exactly what the title says, which in this town is a novel concept.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Ann Wagner, for her tireless efforts. I thank our majority leader, Steve Scalise, for his efforts on this issue. And, of course, I thank Chairman Jim Jordan of the Judiciary Committee for being such an advocate for the pro-life community.

Today, we are not talking about abortion. We are talking about children. We are talking about children who have been born and are fighting to survive despite an abortion attempt. In some cases when a woman receives a late-term abortion, the baby can be born alive following the procedure.

Federal law currently recognizes these babies as persons but fails to outline any requirements of care after the infant is born alive. H.R. 26 would rectify this by requiring healthcare practitioners to treat any child born alive after an abortion as they would any infant and requires that the infant be immediately treated with lifesaving care and transported to a hospital. I honestly do not understand what is so controversial about that.

Madam Speaker, this bill establishes criminal penalties for any healthcare practitioner or abortion clinic employee who fails to comply with the requirements established by this bill, because let's face it, no one can deny that

a child who survives an abortion attempt, who is outside the womb, breathing, and struggling for life, despite all attempts to end it, doesn't deserve equal protection under the law. Under our law, murder is illegal. That shouldn't be a controversial position.

Eight babies in Florida alone, just last year, eight babies were reported to have been born alive during an abortion attempt. The stories are horrific. One that sticks out in particular was an NBC report in 2006. They told the story of a 23-week-old baby boy that was born alive at an abortion clinic in Hialeah, Florida. When he began breathing and moving, the abortion clinic owner, Belkis Gonzalez, reportedly cut the umbilical cord and zipped him into a biohazard bag where he then died. It is hard to read those words.

But as has been stated here on this floor in this Chamber, this isn't about pro-life versus pro-choice. This is about protecting those most vulnerable. It is about who we are as a society, who we are as a people, and who we are as Americans.

I hope that both sides of this Chamber can agree that accountability is a good thing. Protecting these children is a good thing. It is time to put the party politics aside and the talking points aside and give these children, wanted or unwanted, a fighting chance, a chance that they all deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 5, adopting the rules for the 118th Congress.

First, this rules package is an incredible win not just for conservatives but for all Americans.

Americans deserve a House of Representatives that serves the people, not a political or a personal agenda. For decades we have heard a series of questions, things like: Why can't we simply pass bills that address a single issue?

Why do we have to Christmas tree these bills?

Why isn't there enough time to read the bills?

Heck, why don't Members have to show up to work to get paid?

I hear that all the time.

That, among other things, is what we have addressed in this rules package.

To be sure folks back home understand, this rules package is the document that dictates how we, as Members, conduct business up here, and that is why it is so important to get this right.

This is the most conservative and transparent rules package in recent history, and the thanks go to the Republican Conference at large for working on this and approving this and debating these proposals on three separate occasions since November.

Here is a sampling of just what is in this commonsense package:

First, every single Member of this body will have at least 72 hours to review each bill.

Second, Members will now be forced to vote in person rather than via proxy. Personally, I have never voted proxy, and for me it is pretty simple. If you collect a paycheck, you should show up. After nearly 3 years of abusing this historic voting change, we are finally putting an end to proxy voting.

If my husband as a first responder along with thousands of other first responders across this country showed up every single shift at the height of COVID without complaint, then Members of Congress should be able to do the same.

Now, on November 29 I testified before the Rules Committee that single-issue bills are one of the single most important things we can do to restore trust in this institution. I am proud to report that this package includes this new requirement, and that is for all Members to certify that bills introduced in the House address a single issue.

A huge thanks goes to my friend and colleague from Virginia, Representative Morgan Griffith, for his work on this issue.

Additionally, this rules package establishes a brand new select committee that will be tasked to investigate the weaponization of the Federal Government. No longer will the Department of Justice be allowed to target parents who show up for their kids. No longer will the FBI be able to collude with social media companies to censor Americans.

Finally, in the ultimate move to drain the swamp and one that I am particularly proud of, this rules package reinstates the Holman rule which allows Members of this body to offer amendments to appropriations bills to reduce the salary or to fire certain employees or cut Federal programs. These unelected bureaucrats--the true, real swamp creatures here in Washington, D.C.--have run roughshod over the American people without consequence, and today marks our first, but certainly not our last, move to hold them accountable.

Mr. Speaker, this package is a product that brings transparency and trust to a broken process. I thank all of my colleagues from the Republican Conference for their grit and grace in working to put this package together, and I urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, we recognize the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard.

We thank them for their hard work in commemorating the lives of fallen veterans in North Central Florida. Funeral services for our fallen servicemembers deserve the utmost respect and care, and we are grateful that the Honor Guard provides such memorable honors ceremonies for veterans and their families. With many in our district having served, it is a comfort knowing the Honor Guard bestows such a great appreciation for our servicemembers.

We thank each of the 20 members of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard: Captain Stephen Peter Foster, U.S. Air Force, Retired; Captain Stephen Petty, U.S. Army, Retired; 1st Lieutenant Peter Peno, U.S. Army, Retired; CWO Bill Dorsey, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired; ATCS(AW) Donald S, Kennedy, U.S. Navy, Retired; MSG James Lynch, U.S. Air Force, Retired; MSG Sharon Cooley, U.S. Air Force, Retired; ASMC Ron Roberts, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired; SGT Tommy Carter, U.S. Army; RM2 Thomas Dewey, U.S. Navy; EON2 John ``Moses'' Morris, U.S. Navy; Cpl Joe Dewey, U.S. Army; Cpl. Lewis Alston, U.S. Marine Corps; Cpl. Lew Wolfe, U.S. Marine Corps; Cpl. Jack Kiner, U.S. Marine Corps; EM3 Marshal Searles, U.S. Navy: LCpl Larry Barnes, U.S. Marine Corps; PVT Bruce Hutchinson, U.S. Army; Mr. John Earl, Bagpiper; and Roberta Foster.