Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Brooke Boyer Barnard for her exemplary dedication and service to our nation. Since 2007, Brooke has worked for the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, most recently as the Professional Staff Member overseeing significant funding for the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Brooke is a proud native of Fairfax Station, Virginia, and is the daughter of Gary and Cathy Boyer. She earned a bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Virginia and a master's degree in Public Policy from George Mason University.

Brooke started her career in 2003 as a Budget Analyst for the United States Army. In 2007, Brooke transitioned to begin her storied career with the House Appropriations Committee. Over the course of her time on the committee, Brooke has overseen a wide range of accounts for the Department of Defense. As one of the most seasoned and trusted staff members, Brooke has played a key role in some of the most important decisions relating to the Department of Defense over the past 15 years. Over the past six years, Brooke directly oversaw all procurement and research, development, testing, and evaluation accounts for the Departments of Navy and Marine Corps. With her insights and deep understanding of these programs, we, as a committee, were able to make informed decisions to keep our nation safe. Simply put, we are better off because of Brooke's tremendous service.

In January, Brooke accepted an exciting opportunity with a leading defense company. While I am disappointed that she will no longer be on our staff, I am looking forward to seeing the great impact she has in shaping how industry can successfully partner with the Department of Defense.

Over the years, I have come to know Brooke as an honest broker and a friend. My

colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee are extremely grateful for her contributions to our important work. I look forward to the day we can finally convince her to return to us.

On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Brooke for her service to our country, and we wish her all the best as she continues her service to the United States.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas O'Brien, an accomplished professional staff member of the House Appropriations Committee, who is retiring after more than 31 years of service in the Federal Government.

Tom began his career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1990. In 2004, during his tenure with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Tom was detailed to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, where he assisted with the fiscal year 2005 and fiscal year 2006 appropriations bills.

Following his detail, Tom became the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service and would soon become the Chief Financial Officer. In his role, Tom was responsible for managing fiscal policies and practices for over 10,000 employees and $1 billion.

Then, at the start of the 112th Congress, Tom rejoined the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture as professional staff, where he utilized his more than 20 years of Executive Branch experience. In 2014, Tom became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. In this role, Tom was responsible for a portfolio exceeding $23 billion.

Tom was an outstanding member of the Appropriations Committee staff for more than ten years, and he served on my staff for three of those years. Tom was tasked with working on some of the most complex issues in the agriculture sphere, and he performed exceptionally.

Tom dedicated much of his life to public service, and I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and three daughters. Tom will be dearly missed by his colleagues--I wish him the very best in his next chapter and thank him for his devoted service to the United States.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize United States Coast Guard Commander Adam Koziatek for his outstanding performance as part of my committee staff over the past two years.

Commander Koziatek graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2002. Following graduation, he was assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Morgenthau, where he supervised the engineering department and managed a $250,000 annual budget. After this assignment, Commander Koziatek was assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bertholf as an engineer officer. In this role, he established shipboard programs and conducted oversight of a $276 million contract.

Then, in 2006, Commander Koziatek enrolled in the U.S. Naval Joint Flight Training program. Following completion of this program, Commander Koziatek utilized his training to respond to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the humanitarian relief efforts following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he would later execute missions spanning the Coast Guard's largest area of operation.

In 2018, Commander Koziatek was assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard's Financial Analysis & Budget Execution Division, where he was responsible for a portfolio exceeding $6 billion. Then, in 2020 Commander Koziatek began as a fellow to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. He brought nearly 20 years of experience with the U.S. Coast Guard and became a trusted and valuable member of my staff.

I offer my deepest appreciation to Commander Koziatek, and I wish him the very best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Aaron Gadbois, who will be leaving my office after a year of distinguished service to the people of Texas Congressional District 12.

Aaron joined my office in January 2021 through the Department of Defense (DOD) Legislative Fellowship Program. This highly selective program assigns servicemembers to congressional offices for one year, allowing them the opportunity to gain valuable legislative experience and contribute to the work of Congress. Demand for DOD Fellows always outstrips supply, so offices must compete to be assigned one. I was lucky to be assigned a Fellow of Aaron's caliber.

Aaron has a tremendous record of service. At 17, he enlisted in the Air National Guard and was assigned to the 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota Air National Guard, before later joining the ``Capital Guardians'' of the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, where he earned his commission. In recent years, he served in missions to the Korean Peninsula, the Philippine Islands and Poland, and after completing his service in my office, Aaron will return to the 113th Wing, where he will continue his service to our Nation.

Aaron is one of six children of Barb and Larry Gadbois--in a family that epitomizes the Air National Guard's citizen service member ideal. Remarkably, all six Gadbois siblings served, or are currently serving, in the Air National Guard. A proud South Dakotan, Aaron loves the outdoors. His passion for hunting and fishing is clear to anyone who has taken a virtual meeting with him and noticed the trophies that adorn his home office.

With a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Southwest Minnesota State University, he has earned impressive civilian qualifications that have served him well from the private sector to his service as a full- time, active duty member of the Air National Guard.

The Appropriations Committee can be a daunting environment for a Fellow to enter, but Aaron took to his work methodically and enthusiastically, relishing the opportunity to expand his knowledge and contribute to the legislative process. Aaron had a leg up in his wife Stephanie, a veteran Committee staff member. I suspect she may be partially responsible for his quick learning curve in the intricacies of the appropriations process. Additionally, Texas's 12th District is home to numerous DOD priorities including the F-35 program, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, and thousands of Active, Guard, and Reserve servicemembers. Aaron quickly built a relationship with these entities, mastered their issues, and was essential in helping me fight for them.

Aaron made a great impact on his fellow staff members. He brought to my office a level head, hard-earned wisdom, and a genuine desire to mentor and learn from his coworkers. He integrated seamlessly into the team, joining us for our staff retreat and getting to know

not just his colleagues in my Washington office, but the district-based staff in Fort Worth as well. Aaron will be missed for his work, but even more for his presence as a colleague.

On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer Aaron a heartfelt thank you and best wishes for the future.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to speak on H.R. 6119, a short-term continuing resolution through February 18. I must admit that I am disappointed to be on the floor of the House today to speak about a continuing resolution rather than full-year appropriations bills. But earlier this year, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle crafted fiscal year 2022 bills with little input from Republicans, and we have not been able to find a path forward.

During markups this summer, our Members made it clear we would not support partisan bills that include irresponsible spending increases and extreme policies. Unfortunately, that is exactly where we find ourselves.

The House and Senate bills were drafted to top-line spending levels that do not reflect a bipartisan consensus. The majority party also focused funding on their own priorities with nondefense spending increasing at a much higher rate than defense spending. And last, but certainly not least, the policies in the bills are the most extreme that I have seen since I became a member of the Appropriations Committee.

During 2019 and 2020, there were also strong differences of opinions, but we had an agreement in place that allowed us to negotiate final bills quickly. The terms were rather simple. The party leaders and the White House reached early agreement on the spending framework. Everyone agreed to drop controversial language and restore longstanding provisions unless all sides agreed to changes. I am concerned that we cannot have meaningful discussions on full-year appropriations without a similar understanding before we start.

I wish we would have focused on funding the essential elements of government long before now. Instead, too much time has been spent focusing on extremely partisan and costly bills being sent to the President's desk, and there could be another bill on the way before the end of the year.

It is unrealistic for Republicans to negotiate on appropriations bills while this massive reconciliation package is still under discussion. Our constituents are demanding that we take a comprehensive look at all of the spending this year. With our debt skyrocketing and inflation at the highest levels in 30 years, we cannot afford to think about appropriations bills in isolation. However, I do hope that we can make progress getting our bills finalized once we move into the new year; otherwise, we will be having the same conversation in February about another continuing resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering. Established three decades ago, this multi-faceted event started at the Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Named after famed American Western musician and poet Russell ``Red'' Steagall, this three-day gathering brings together more than 30,000 people each year from across the globe. The first gathering began as a celebration of cowboy poetry, which grew from the tradition of cowboys telling stories over campfires.

The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering that exists today still honors the roots of cowboy poetry, but it has evolved into a much larger celebration of music, poetry, and more. To kick off the gathering, one of the last authentic wagon trains is formed by participants throughout the state, travelling to various ranches across Texas until they arrive at the Fort Worth Stockyards to kick-off the festivities. The Western Swing Festival & Dance features musical performances each night of the event by artists such as Bobby Flores, Jake Hooker, and Red Steagall himself.

Rodeo is also a major part of the heart and soul of this gathering, with multiple events featuring competing ranches that battle for bragging rights and the opportunity to showcase the skill and grit of the cowboys who work this lifestyle every day. One of the greatest accomplishments of the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering, however, is the scholarships provided to students interested in Western culinary arts, poetry, and swing music. To date, the gathering has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, with over $250,000 coming from the Youth Poetry Contest alone, to those students who are looking to keep these traditions alive for generations to come.

Our community owes a great deal to Red Steagall for hosting this gathering and helping shape the world-renowned event that it has become today. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering, and the executive producers, Mr. Red Steagall himself, Mr. Steve Murrin, Mr. Hub Baker and Mr. Jim Calhoun, Jr., along with the countless others who make this time-honored event possible, and all that this tremendous family event does to bring together Fort Worth and the entire state of Texas each year to share our mutual passion.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to speak about H.R. 5305, a bill that will prevent the Federal Government from shutting down and provide a helping hand to Americans who have faced loss and devastation due to storms, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

I should note that I opposed a similar package last week when it came to the floor. Since that time, the Senate has removed the debt ceiling from the bill.

Madam Speaker, let me reinforce an important point for those listening to us debate this bill. We did not have to be in this place just hours before shutdown. Republicans made it clear in August that tying a debt ceiling vote to the continuing resolution was not something we could support.

Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, the party that controls the House, the Senate, and the White House decided to do exactly what we asked them not to do. I hope we can soon move forward with the stopgap measure so that the critical function of government can continue and the Committee on Appropriations can finish the fiscal year 2022 bills. If we don't pass a CR today, we will be faced with an unnecessary and costly government shutdown, which would impact military readiness, border security, and so many important programs Americans rely on.

Before I close, I must admit that I am disappointed that an issue I raised repeatedly on the floor of the House last week is not yet resolved.

I firmly believe that we cannot wait any longer to replenish Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system that was so successful this past spring when Israel was under attack. The Iron Dome bill that passed the House last week had overwhelming support of 420 votes. The best solution would have been for the Senate to add back the Iron Dome funding to this CR. Since that did not happen, I hope my colleagues in the Senate will continue to work to get the Iron Dome bill passed as a standalone legislation as quickly as possible.

Israel deserves our strong support. It is essential that the terrorists who wish to do them harm know that the United States stands by our allies and friends. I also have concerns about some of the provisions related to Afghanistan. I hope the issues raised by Senator Cotton during consideration this morning can be addressed.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5323, which provides funding for Israel's Iron Dome system.

I have a long record of supporting Israel and am proud to support this bill today.

We originally secured funding for Iron Dome in the continuing resolution that was filed Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, that funding was then stripped out to address concerns on the Democrat side, and a new CR was introduced.

In addition, Republicans voted for my motion to recommit, which could have addressed this issue, but the majority party was united in voting against it.

Let me explain why this bill is important to pass as quickly as possible. Four months ago, Israel was under attack from terrorists. The rocket fire into Israel was unprecedented. Countless civilian lives were saved because of the Iron Dome system that the United States has supported year after year.

Due to the attacks this last spring, Iron Dome rocket interceptors need to be replenished. This funding is critical and time-sensitive. We must ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself in the face of real and growing threats.

Providing this funding sends an important message to Israel and those who wish them harm, that the United States stands with Israel and against terrorists. We must reassure our ally that America will never turn its back on the great State of Israel.

I urge passage and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack), the ranking member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann), and I ask unanimous consent that he control the remainder of the time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in reluctant opposition to H.R. 5305, a bill that contains many critical items, including a continuing resolution to fund the Federal Government until December 3.

Over the last month, Republican Members of the House and Senate have voiced concerns about tying a vote to suspend the debt ceiling with a vote to keep the government funded.

It is disappointing, but that is exactly what is happening here today.

Even if this bill passes the House, we know it is going to face strong resistance in the Senate.

With only a few days left in the fiscal year, this decision alone could force us into an unnecessary and costly government shutdown.

I do want to thank our committee chair, Ms. DeLauro, for working to develop a bill that includes priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle.

In addition to this bill allowing critical adjustments to be made in government programs over the next 2 months, we worked together on much needed supplemental funding to address hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and other impacts of natural disasters.

Unfortunately, the chair's good faith efforts have been undone by other political decisions.

Not only does this bill include language to suspend the debt ceiling, the funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system was removed from the bill after it was filed.

I do not understand why this decision was made because it was only 4 short months ago that Israel faced rocket attacks on a scale that had never been seen before. Israeli civilians would have suffered terrible casualties had it not been for Iron Dome.

Iron Dome rocket interceptors need to be restored, and that is why funding was included as part of the original package.

We should not be turning our backs on our steadfast ally at a time when they continue to face dangerous threats from terrorists. The decision to pull funding will leave Israel more vulnerable.

In addition to this funding being removed, there are some other items that deserve further review as we move forward with the fiscal year 2022 appropriations process.

For example, we must give the Department of Homeland Security the resources it needs to address the historically high number of migrants flooding our borders.

The situation on the border is the worst it has ever been, and we must get it under control.

Putting these issues aside, we all know the reality is that we must pass a bill to keep the government open.

There is no time for delay.

We should not pretend that by considering this bill on the floor of the House today that we will be any closer to sending a bill to the President's desk to prevent a government shutdown.

I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include the text of the amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, my amendment would provide $1 billion to replenish Israel's Iron Dome security system.

Four months ago, Israel was under attack from terrorists. The rocket fire into Israel was on a scale that had never been seen before. Countless civilian lives were saved because of the Iron Dome system that the United States has supported year after year.

Because of the attacks this spring, Iron Dome rocket interceptors need to be restored immediately. Members have expressed their support for this funding for months. So has the President of the United States, and so has the Secretary of Defense.

Now is the time to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself in the face of real and growing threats. This is a commonsense motion that would fund the Iron Dome system and reassure our ally that America will never turn its back on the great State of Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the motion, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, as I said before, we all know we must pass a CR to keep the government open. But this bill has too many fatal flaws, and passing it is simply a wasted opportunity. We are not any closer to sending a bill to the President's desk to prevent a government shutdown.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill to provide funding for the heroes in our National Guard and Capitol Police, as well as the brave people of Afghanistan who supported our troops overseas.

While I am disappointed it has taken this long to reach an agreement, the bill before us today is a strong package that deserves our support.

This bill reimburses the National Guard, the Capitol Police, and their law enforcement partners for the costs they incurred for their heroic efforts on January 6; and the bill addresses safety and security concerns by providing necessary improvements to the Capitol Complex.

The bill also provides much-needed assistance to our partners who supported our military during the war in Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4373, the fiscal year 2022 State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

This bill has many fatal flaws, in spite of Republican efforts to improve it. The concerns raised during markup were not addressed, and many of the amendments we offered at the Rules Committee have not been made in order on the floor today.

I will begin with our list of major complaints. To put it simply, the spending level is too high, and the policies are too controversial.

This bill alone includes a 12 percent increase over current levels, with $3 billion directed into climate change programs like the Green Climate Fund. For the sake of generations to come, we can't afford to spend like this.

In addition to these unrealistic spending levels, the majority has made policy decisions that will complicate any attempts to come to a bipartisan agreement.

Most concerning, this bill includes alarming changes to longstanding language to protect the unborn. Language that prohibits foreign aid from being used to pay for abortions was dropped entirely.

The bill also includes other controversial changes, such as a permanent repeal of the Mexico City policy, which prohibits organizations who receive foreign assistance from performing abortions.

As the former chair of this subcommittee, I am very disappointed to see lifesaving global health activities put in jeopardy because of partisan politics. We must develop top-line spending levels that both sides can support, and we must agree to drop controversial policy provisions.

If we want to avoid a long-term continuing resolution or, worse, a government shutdown, we must get serious and do the work our constituents sent us here to do. I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4346, the fiscal year 2022 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. I wish I could support this important piece of legislation, but unfortunately, it has too many flaws, and it does not reflect the type of bipartisan agreement that we must have to complete the appropriations process this year.

At a time of record-high deficits and debt, now is not the time to double down on increasing domestic spending. This bill alone includes a nearly 13 percent increase over current levels.

The bill also includes riders that are more appropriately addressed by authorizing committees specifically related to immigration policy.

In addition, the committee report is loaded with unnecessary partisan requirements for the Capitol Police that will make it more difficult for them to carry out their missions. The committee report also expands data collection efforts on individuals working in the Capitol and testifying before Congress, including sensitive payroll and financial information. That is not the way to do business if we want to enact full-year appropriations bills this year.

We must develop top-line spending levels that both sides can support, and we also must agree to drop controversial policy provisions. If we want to avoid a long-term continuing resolution or worse, a government shutdown, we must get serious and do the work our constituents sent us here to do.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume and rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4502, a package of seven fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills that will be considered this week.

I wish the circumstances were different and I could support this important piece of legislation that funds critical programs. Unfortunately, after months of committee hearings and markups, this year's bills have too many fatal flaws.

First, there is no agreement between Republicans and Democrats on the top-line spending level for appropriations.

Second, there is no bipartisan agreement on the funding level for each individual bill. To put it simply, nondefense spending is too high and defense spending is too low.

Third, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have included the most alarming policy changes I have ever seen.

While acknowledging the hard work of Chair DeLauro and her subcommittee chairs, this package does not reflect the type of bipartisan agreement that we must have to complete the appropriations process this year. Instead of crafting legislation both sides of the aisle can support, the bills included in the package were written to address the most extreme views in the majority party.

At a time of record-high deficits and debt, now is not the time to double down on increasing domestic spending.

Here are just a few examples of the excess spending included in this package: a 36 percent increase for the Labor-HHS bill; a 39 percent increase for the White House; and a 22 percent increase for the Vice President's office.

All of this comes at a time when we are seeing inflation rise at the fastest pace in 13 years. For the sake of generations to come, we can't afford to spend like this.

In addition to these unrealistic spending levels, the majority has made questionable policy decisions that will complicate any attempts to come to a bipartisan agreement. For example, their funding priorities will reverse the gains in energy independence that we have made over the past decade and will actually increase our dependence on China for critical minerals.

Another area that is particularly concerning is that this bill fails to include longstanding language prohibiting the transfer of detainees currently at Guantanamo Bay to the United States. These detainees are the worst of the worst, and we need assurance that they will not be moved to our soil.

Finally, the most startling position taken in this bill is the deliberate removal of the Hyde amendment and other longstanding bipartisan provisions to protect life. The bill also provides funds for the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the country, which performs thousands of abortions each year.

This is not the way to do business if we want to enact full-year appropriations bills this year. With the House only planning to be in session and voting for 12 more legislative days before the end of the fiscal year, we have a lot of work to do and little time to do it. We must develop top-line spending levels that both sides can support.

We have countless policy differences that will take time to resolve, and protecting the lives of unborn children must be the first step.

If we want to avoid a long-term continuing resolution--or worse, a government shutdown--we must get serious and do the work our constituents sent us here to do.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this package, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson), who is the ranking member of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack), who is the ranking member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), the vice ranking member of the full Committee on Appropriations, and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the ranking member of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry), the ranking member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce), the ranking member of the Interior and Environment Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline), who is a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the dean of the House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Alaska.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing.

Madam Speaker, the bills we are considering today have some fatal flaws I simply cannot support. Again, there is no agreement on top-line spending levels, and the bills include some of the most concerning policy changes I have ever seen in an appropriations bill.

The package before us includes excessive spending, jeopardizes our security, reverses the provisions that protect life, and adds burdensome regulations. Moving this package is simply a wasted opportunity.

This is a partisan measure. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Courtney Renken, who will be leaving my office after seven years of distinguished service to the people of Texas Congressional District 12.

Born and raised in North Texas, Courtney became involved in her community at an early age. From her association with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, to her membership in the Lake Worth chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, to her work with the Azle Lions Club, Courtney has pursued every opportunity to learn from and support those around her.

In 2014, while attending law school, Courtney joined my team. Balancing her schoolwork and a research job, she managed to take on some of the most detail-oriented duties in my office, the kind most people try to avoid. She gravitates not to the glamorous tasks, but to those that are essential for an organization to function smoothly.

I was finally able to hire Courtney full-time after she earned her law degree, from Fort Worth's own Texas A&M University School of

Law. She quickly became an irreplaceable part of my office, rising to the role of Deputy District Director. Courtney's responsibilities include day to day management of my district office and ensuring our local office staff stays in close touch with our Washington, D.C. staff, but her contributions have gone above and beyond those required of her position. She is always looking for ways to innovate. She led the transition of my district office to a digital-based, paperless operation, and she was the driving force behind practices that led to my office winning a Democracy Award for Innovation and Modernization in Constituent Service from the Congressional Management Foundation.

Courtney is known for her hospitality when welcoming people to Fort Worth. She has introduced countless visitors to the 12th District's charms, as well as its workout classes. She is always available to her colleagues and to constituents, many of whom she calls friends, whether it's to discuss a work issue or to try a new local restaurant. Courtney's work ethic shows even in her hobbies. She manages popular social media accounts for both her dog and herself. She is a fantastic cook and baker, a talent she balances with a dedication to fitness, including once completing 42 spin classes in 30 days. Courtney is a world traveler, has flown an airplane, and taken a ride in a race car going 180 miles per hour around the Texas Motor Speedway.

Courtney will be leaving my office to pursue a career in federal law enforcement. As much as we will miss her, we are proud of her commitment to public service and will continue to support her as she embarks on this new journey. On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer her congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dena Baron, a long-time member of the professional staff of the House Appropriations Committee, who is retiring after more than 25 years of service in the Federal Government.

Dena began her career at the Environmental Protection Agency in 1995. While a budget analyst at the Environmental Protection Agency, she was detailed to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development.

Following her detail, in 1999, Dena became professional staff for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development. In 2004, she moved to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury until the House Appropriations Committee reorganized in the 109th Congress. Following the reorganization, Dena became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and the District of Columbia.

When the House of Representatives switched control in 2007, and the House Appropriations Committee underwent another reorganization setting the subcommittees to their current form, Dena became Minority Clerk for the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee. Continuing her trend of versatility, Dena simultaneously worked on the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Financial Services and General Government subcommittees.

When the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in the 112th Congress, Dena became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and then in 2017, she became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

When the House of Representatives switched control in 2019, as only fitting, Dena ventured into uncharted territory and became Minority Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. This opportunity presented a range of new challenges, and she, once again, demonstrated her ability to handle any task put before her and performed remarkably.

Dena was an exceptional member of the Appropriations Committee staff for more than twenty years, and she served on my staff for three of those years. I asked Dena to work on some of the most divisive issues of the day, and she saw us through one of the longest government shutdowns in history two years ago by finding common ground with her colleagues.

Dena has spent many hours away from her loved ones over the course of her long Federal career, and I know she is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Jim Smith, her son, Andrew, and her daughter, Emily. Dena will be greatly missed, and I wish her the best in her next chapter and thank her for her dedicated service to the United States.