Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the Hyde amendment is an essential protection for the conscience rights of Americans and has saved over 2 million innocent lives.

The prohibition on the use of taxpayer funds for abortion has been enacted annually on a bipartisan basis despite our country's divisions on the question of abortion itself. Yet, despite President Biden's decades of support for the Hyde amendment, his budget request bows to the radical left and fails to include these longstanding protections.

As ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to protecting all existing pro-life protections and advancing the pro-life cause whenever possible.

I will strongly oppose the elimination of the Hyde amendment from annual appropriations bills. But to strengthen the Hyde amendment, we must make it permanent law. That is why I support H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator Zackary Miller, a highly decorated Navy SEAL, who was taken far too early by cancer at the age of 39. He died on June 4, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia with his family, closest loved ones, and teammates by his side. He was an American hero who dedicated his life in service of our country.

Zack grew up in Columbus, Georgia and Mobile, Alabama. In 2000, he graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School where he played baseball, basketball, and was captain of the football team. Zack received a scholarship to play football at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi before transferring to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He graduated in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in political science.

Zack's athletic prowess and leadership aptitude drove him to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 2004. He first served as an Aviation Ordnanceman onboard the USS Nimitz before realizing his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. During his 16 years in the Navy, he became a highly decorated combat veteran with seven deployments and numerous awards for valor including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, and three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Valor, each for distinct heroic actions during combat operations worldwide.

Zack was a devoted son, partner, friend, and teammate. He was known for his unparalleled work ethic that was only matched by his endlessly positive attitude, sense of humor, and charm. Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join Zack's family, friends, and teammates in celebrating a life well lived, recognizing the sacrifices he made for all of us, and extending our deepest gratitude for his service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Josefa ``Josie'' Flores who is celebrating 14 years of service to the people of Texas Congressional District 12 on June 22, 2021.

Josie was born a first generation American in Grand Prairie, Texas. She has a servant's heart and a strong commitment to her faith and family. She is never flustered and has been a beacon of hope in my office and my district for the last 14 years.

At 17, Josie joined the United States Army. Her 11 years of military service included a tour of duty in Bosnia, which she describes as one of her fondest memories. Upon returning to her husband, Jose, and firstborn son, Dee, Josie continued serving members of the armed forces in the fleet and family support center. Shortly after her second son, Leo, was born, Josie came to my office as a bilingual caseworker where she has been assisting constituents ever since.

Josie is not just good at her job; she is the best at her job. People from all over the world contact my office in hopes of having Josie pick up their case because they know that if there is a way to do it, Josie will get the job done. Josie often says her job is to help people and helping people is what she loves to do. No matter the stresses involved, she does all in her power to help every individual or family that reaches out. Her passion for others has carried her on to be a successful caseworker with a wealth of knowledge that few, if any, can match. In addition to helping constituents, Josie is a resource for others in the congressional casework community. She mentors' caseworkers from all over the nation, sharing her experience and passion. The respect she has earned is a direct reflection of the work and dedication she has demonstrated to my office for the last 14 years, and during her entire 25 years of public service.

Josie will always provide an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on. She is a sounding board for my staff and a lighthouse for my constituents. I have been beyond blessed to work with this incredible woman during my time in Congress, and I am forever grateful for her service to our nation. May her light never extinguish.

On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer my congratulations and best wishes on this special occasion.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3237, a bill to provide funding for Capitol security and other purposes.

Unfortunately, after several weeks of discussion, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have chosen a path of partisanship instead of working together. I want to explain how we ended up in this situation.

In January, the Speaker of the House directed a retired lieutenant general and his team to review security needs on the House side of the Capitol following the events of January 6. This review was directed without even consulting House Republicans or the Senate.

Even though the review by General Honore began as a partisan effort, members of the Appropriations Committee hoped things could get back on track and we could negotiate a funding agreement that could be supported by both parties in both Chambers.

That is why it is so disappointing that we are now left with the bill before us. This is a one-sided solution that does not even have buy-in from Democrats in the Senate.

The bill we are considering today implements permanent recommendations before ongoing security assessments are complete; it creates a multi-million-dollar fund for future expenses at the Capitol prior to knowing what is really needed; and it delays much-needed reimbursements for agencies that have protected the Capitol since January 6, such as the National Guard and the Capitol Police.

It also provides $200 million to establish a force within the D.C. National Guard to respond to incidents at the Capitol, raising serious concerns about the role of our military on American soil.

Some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have also raised concerns about using the National Guard in this way.

The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Leahy, has said that it is important for the Capitol to remain open and accessible to the public and not feel like a militarized zone. I agree with him.

Matters of such importance like this should be handled in the proper way, marked up in the Appropriations Committee and authorizing committees so that Members' positions can be fully considered.

At the very least, amendments to this bill should have been allowed on the House floor today. Unfortunately, Members on both sides of the aisle have been shut out.

Madam Speaker, the events of January 6 were tragic and exposed serious security vulnerabilities around the Capitol complex, as well as an inability to properly respond and act when intelligence is provided.

Congress must prevent anything like this from ever happening again, but the bill before us today is not the solution.

There is no reason why we cannot continue discussing in good faith and reach a bipartisan compromise.

For this reason, I must urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this package. I hope we can get back to the negotiating table soon.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Washington.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Daniel Naske of the U.S. Air Force, upon his departure from the Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Legislative Liaison. As Executive Officer, Major Naske serves as the critical bridge between key senior leaders within the Department of Defense, to include the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Chief of Space Operations and Members of Congress and the White House. His responsibilities include leading a 6-member team in executing senior leader communication and resource support responding to 535 Members of Congress. His role as the principal advisor to the Director of Legislative Liaison's ensures the Department's strategic communication and vision is synchronized and thoughtfully executed across 6 divisions and 85 members in the planning of over 200 Member engagements on Department programs, policies and weapon systems.

Major Naske is a native of upstate New York and is a Distinguished Graduate from Clarkson University ROTC with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Arts in Military History from American Military University, and is a 2019 graduated Defense Legislative Fellow.

Major Naske began his flying career in 2009, and was first assigned as a pilot of the MC-12W reconnaissance aircraft. In 2011, Major Naske became qualified on the C-17A Globemaster Ill and became an Instructor Pilot in 2013. Additionally, he is a graduate of the esteemed U.S. Air Force Weapons School. Major Naske's exemplary U.S. Air Force career spans more than 2,741 hours in airlift and reconnaissance aircraft, and of that, 1,002 are in combat.

Major Naske and his wife, Caitlin, have two beautiful daughters, Ava and Mara and his family continues to support him and his service to our nation.

We wish Major Naske the best of luck in his new role leading an operational C-17 unit as the Director of Operations. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Major Daniel Naske for his dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force, and to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Nancy Dolan, a key member of the Senior Executive Service of the Department of the Air Force, upon her promotion and departure as the Deputy Director of the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison. As Deputy Director, Nancy is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and resourcing the Legislative Liaison Directorate. She develops and executes the Department of the Air Force's legislative program and ensures the Department of the Air Force provides a consistent and cohesive message through congressional engagements, inquiries, and correspondence. She works with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and senior Department of the Air Force leaders on legislative issues that affect Department programs, policies, and weapon systems. She will be deeply missed by all after three and a half years of exceptional service.

Nancy is a native of New York and is a graduate from Cornell University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Engineering. Prior to her current assignment, Ms. Dolan served as the Deputy Director, Strategy, Concepts and Assessments, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements. Ms. Dolan was responsible for developing and synchronizing Air Force strategy and strategic planning efforts and assessing alignment of planning products with strategic guidance. She supported the Chief of Staff of the Air Force with U.S. and Allied Strategic Studies Group, led Air Force transformation by developing, exploring, and advocating joint and combined force employment concepts, and executed the CSAF's Title 10 Futures Capabilities and unified engagement wargames.

Nancy also previously served as the Staff Director in the U.S. Congress for the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, where she was responsible for the operations of four subcommittees. She coordinated the work of the Full Committee minority to provide and update the legislative and fiscal authorizations for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, we wish Ms. Dolan the best of luck in her new role as the Deputy Director of Staff, Secretary of the Air Force. I extend our deepest appreciation to Ms. Nancy Dolan for her dedicated service to the Department of the Air Force, the U.S. Congress, and to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 18.

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 9.

Madam Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 4.

Motion to Refer

Madam Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 5.

Madam Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call No. 6, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 7, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 8.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Major Timothy W. Trimailo for his outstanding service as Executive Officer, Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Legislative Liaison.

Major Trimailo has been a diligent, valued member of the Office of Legislative Liaison. He has been integral in ensuring Congress receives the information it needs from the U.S. Air Force. During his tenure, Major Trimailo was able to significantly increase the U.S. Air Force responsiveness to Congress. His insight, intellect and ability to clearly communicate complex issues were invaluable assets during his tenure.

Major Trimailo also assisted with the development of the Space Force engagement strategy. His role is very important as Space Force is vital to the future security of the United States.

Major Trimailo has served the Air Force with distinction and honor since receiving his commission in 2005 from the United States Air Force Academy. He completed basic space operations training and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III qualification training at Vandenberg AFB, California, in May 2006.

I also want to recognize his wife Lori and his children Kellen and Bailey for their service, support and sacrifices.

Major Trimailo's presence in the Office of Legislative Affairs will be missed by his Leadership and his coworkers. Please join me in thanking Major Trimailo for his service, and in wishing him well in his new endeavor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a Texas legend, an American original, and a historic icon, H. Ross Perot. There is not enough time in the day and not enough words in the world to describe the remarkable life of this remarkable man.

Born and raised in Texarkana, Texas, Perot, as a boy, delivered newspapers on horseback before dawn. And that same entrepreneurial spirit led him in the 1960s to start Electronic Data Systems, a company that would revolutionize the business world and make him a household name.

It would be enough if Perot's life had been devoted to his business. But as a believer, he knew from scripture that to whom much is given, much is expected. So, his life became about much more than making money, it became about making a difference, and what a difference he made.

He spent his life, and much of his fortune, on other people. He gave to philanthropic causes, supported countless people in need, and even purchased the Magna Carta, which, in true Perot fashion, he gave to the National Archives so all Americans could see it.

He also worked tirelessly to help, support, and honor American prisoners of war in Vietnam. And when some of his own EDS employees got caught in the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, he organized and supervised a rescue mission to get them out.

What made Perot so unique, so successful, so enduring? Having known him, I can answer that question. It was his relentless devotion to transforming a dream into reality.

Whether it is freeing prisoners in Iran or building one of the greatest companies in history, Ross Perot would not be denied. This relentlessness was the lighthouse that guided him through the stiff winds and stormy seas of 89 years.

When his long-time friend and lawyer, Tom Luce, was working for him, Perot once asked him to call a competitor about a business deal. The next day, Perot asked Luce if he had talked to the man. ``I left him a message,'' was Luce's unfortunate response.

``You are going to go broke leaving messages,'' Perot responded in rebuke. It was a message Luce never forgot and it is an example of the relentless drive that made Perot so successful for so long.

For me, I am grateful to have known Mr. Perot. As a friend, he could be loyal and loving. He gave advice when he was asked for it, and sometimes when he wasn't asked for it, but it always came from his experience and his heart. If you were his friend, he was on your side and wanted you to succeed.

Of course, Perot's greatest accomplishment was his family. He was married for more than 60 years to his wife, Margo, and he was the proud father of 5 and proud grandfather of 16. Each of them will continue in their own ways to carry on the great legacy of a great man. America has lost an amazing hero, and those who knew him lost an amazing friend.

Ross Perot will be missed, but he will never be forgotten.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

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

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

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

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

I rise in very strong support of H.R. 3401, as amended by the Senate.

Hundreds of thousands of people have arrived at our border this year. More than 100,000 have crossed each of the last 3 months, with 144,000 in May alone. Some of these people are coming through points of entry, but the overwhelming majority are walking through the desert or swimming the Rio Grande.

Men and women across agencies and departments have been working together night and day trying to respond to the overwhelming surge, and they desperately need resources to cover the growing costs. This is a real crisis, and this bill provides funds for all those who are representing us and working without adequate pay.

As I said just yesterday, we are out of time. Some of our agencies are spending money they don't have because they have must-pay bills for contracts for food, for shelter, for transportation, and for medical care.

People are waiting in terrible conditions in the desert, and summer in Texas is here. Children are sleeping on the ground and need to be moved to shelters or homes. We need doctors and pediatricians and caregivers.

This bill gives the agencies the funds to care for these children, to reduce the overcrowding at border facilities, to repay the States, and to add immigration judge teams.

The Senate has already passed this bill on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis. Now we should do the same and send this bill to the President for his signature.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Graves for yielding. I appreciate the work that he and Chairman Quigley have done to craft a Financial Services and General Government bill for fiscal year 2020.

The bill includes many priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle, such as support for small businesses,

drug control programs, and the Treasury Department's counterterrorism and financial intelligence efforts.

However, I am concerned that there are several controversial items in the bill regarding immigration policy, the border wall, collective bargaining, and many other provisions that will tie this administration's hands.

Regarding the District of Columbia, this bill fails to provide appropriate oversight. It is disappointing that the bill does not include a longstanding pro-life provision regarding the use of D.C. local funds.

I am also troubled that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle rejected an amendment offered in committee by Dr. Harris that would prevent the District of Columbia from legalizing solicitation of prostitution or profiting from the sex work of others.

The possibility of the bill pending before the D.C. Council becoming law is appalling, and Congress must make it clear that this is unacceptable. Congress should not allow prostitution to be legalized in our Nation's capital.

Additionally, the bill includes an 8 percent increase in spending above the current year. This level of spending is excessive, and as I have said before, this bill is written using an unrealistic top line funding level.

In order for our work to be meaningful and produce bills that can be signed into law, leaders from both parties and the administration must come together and develop a mutually agreeable funding framework. Then we can turn to drafting appropriations bills with bipartisan support that can be signed into law.

In closing, I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey, Chairman Quigley, Mr. Graves, as well as all of the subcommittee members and the staff for their hard work on this bill.

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

Almost 2 months ago, the administration sounded the alarm about the crisis at our southwest border and told the Congress additional funds were badly needed. Now, 2 months later, we are here. We have this border supplemental appropriations bill, H.R. 3401, that falls terribly short and will only further delay addressing the problem.

I oppose this bill in its current form.

Hundreds of thousands of people have arrived at the border this year. Some are coming through points of entry, and many are crossing through the desert or the Rio Grande.

Men and women across agencies and departments have been working together to try to respond to the overwhelming surge of people coming to the border illegally for the past 3 months, totaling over 100,000 people per month. Last month topped that: 144,000 men, women, and children from 51 countries.

Our agents and officers, our volunteers, our nongovernmental organizations are dealing with nearly 20,000 people in a space designed for a fraction of that. They are dealing with the increasing summer heat, and they are dealing with migrants with grave medical conditions.

This is a real crisis, and we need a bill that provides for all the agencies that are involved in responding. It is long overdue.

The bill before us does not provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Defense, or the immigration courts with the funds they need.

In addition, the bill includes provisions tying the administration's hands, including restrictions on foreign aid to Central American countries and stopping HHS from changing policies that could protect unaccompanied children.

We are out of time. Some of our agencies are spending money they don't have because they have must-pay bills for contracts for food and shelter and transportation and medical care.

I want everyone to be very aware of what they are dealing with: People are waiting in terrible conditions in the desert, and summer is here; children are sleeping on the ground and need to be moved to shelters or homes. We need doctors and pediatricians. We need caregivers.

We need immigration courts to rule in a timely manner. We should not force those who have submitted claims for asylum and other forms of release to wait any longer. The more time we spend on partisan measures, the longer it will be before help arrives to those who desperately need it.

We need to act now on a bipartisan solution, and I urge my colleagues to reject this bill. It is partisan and dangerous.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann).

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford).

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

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy).

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins).

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

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers).

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Hice).

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).

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

We must reject this bill today and develop a bipartisan solution to address the crisis at our border. Workers, and children, and caretakers, and Border Patrol have been waiting almost 2 months for the resources they need to do their jobs and receive our care.

This bill turns our backs on these people and ties the President's hands. I implore Members to stop this and vote ``no'' on this measure.

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