Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Dr. Howard Riley of Greenville, Texas, who recently marked his 100th birthday on August 24, 2023.

Dr. Howard Riley is a true example of courage, sacrifice, and commitment. He served our Nation with honor as a Corporal in the Army Air Forces during World War II, from December 9, 1942, to February 18, 1946, where he worked diligently as a radio operator. His dedication to our Nation and its values extended far beyond his military service, as he continued to contribute to the betterment of our society in the post-war years.

Dr. Howard Riley serves as both an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a living reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation in the pursuit of freedom. For this, we extend our eternal gratitude.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of Mr. Rosendale's amendment to remove mask mandates from our Veterans Affairs facilities.

Last April, President Joe Biden signed the Pandemic Is Over Act into law to decisively end the COVID-19 national emergency. Accordingly, hospitals and clinics across the country have rescinded their policies requiring visitors and patients to wear a mask.

However, VA clinics continue to enforce the so-called sensitive areas policy where patients must wear a mask while sitting in a meeting room waiting on his or her doctor. There is no reason for the VA to continue with this frivolous charade. Enough of the drama.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a pillar of the Hunt County community. In a world filled with media pundits and talking heads, Brad Kellar was a journalist in every sense of the word. There is a void left by Brad's passing, and I honor his memory today while borrowing excerpts from Brad's colleague, Travis Hairgrove.

In the hearts and minds of people across Hunt County, the Herald- Banner newspaper and Brad Kellar were one and the same, and the two names were used interchangeably for the 30 years that he served his community as a tireless reporter of news stories, both big and small.

Even more important than his work ethic were the relationships Brad built and the trust he earned through the care he put into his reporting and through his kind, affable nature. Many Hunt County residents came to know him as a friend, and his readers enjoyed the collective giggles and groans brought on by Brad's predictably corny puns and self-deprecating jokes.

Brad's beloved wife, Vida, said: ``He was loved and he touched a lot of people. He loved his job, he loved writing, he loved the art of making a story, he loved the people of Greenville, and could find the good in just about anybody.''

With Brad being such a household name in Hunt County, many forget that he was originally from Illinois. This, however, didn't affect his devotion to his adopted community that was evidenced by his sacrifice and commitment to service.

Some of the award-winning things he wrote were picked up by the Associated Press, and it was around one of those times that he received an offer from The New York Times to join their staff. He actually considered moving to New York, but ultimately turned down the job because he and Vida wanted their children to grow up in a town where they knew everyone, and therefore, everyone would know what their kids were up to. Also, Brad loved what he did, and he genuinely cared for the community he lived in and wrote about.

Brad's dedication to service also made an impression on his eldest son, Nick, who went on to study journalism at Texas A&M University- Commerce and later worked in mass media for several years. Nick recently said: For me, he was a role model, and he showed me what it was to be a man.

Brad's love for his community wasn't limited to the way he did his job. It was accentuated by the way he poured himself into the lives of others, particularly with the kids at his wife's daycare, Stepping Stones Learning Academy.

Brad often visited the daycare center where he encouraged the children to be inquisitive, and he rarely missed the opportunity to let them know that they were special and that they were loved.

The extent to which Brad cherished people, especially children, was probably intensified by the complications his daughter, Jaylynn, went through when she was born prematurely 24 years ago. At one point they thought that they might lose her, but as soon as they knew she was going to be okay, Brad held Jaylynn in his arms, and Vida heard him say, ``Love is going to hold you because God has put His hand on you.''

While the example of love and devotion that Brad showed his family will continue to inspire them for the rest of their lives, the extent to which he touched the lives of so many has been reflected by the flood of condolences and memories that have been shared since his passing.

I conclude my remarks with a remembrance from our mutual friend, Greenville Mayor Jerry Ransom, who commented at a city council meeting that, ``Brad was a staple in our community with his steadfast reporting of Greenville and Hunt County news. More than anything, I think he was also a very proud father, husband, and friend.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions to western civilization by the Iron Lady of the U.K., Margaret Thatcher.

In an era characterized by rapid social and economic change, America finds itself at a crossroads. The principles that once made our Nation a beacon of freedom and prosperity are under attack on multiple fronts.

In the midst of these consequential times, our attention should turn to one of history's most influential leaders, Great Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Her unwavering commitment to fiscally responsible principles and resolute leadership skills provide invaluable lessons for an America pushing back against a growing tide of socialism.

Margaret Thatcher understood that the engine of a thriving economy lies in the power of free markets. Her resolute vision of limiting the size and scope of government, disassembling monopolies, and lowering taxes revitalized the British economy.

Similarly, America needs a decisive leader, steadfast and determined to thwart the death spiral of out-of-control spending and woke cultural influences that have migrated from academia to boardrooms, and now into public policy.

While President Ronald Reagan's policies helped subdue the threat of communism abroad, different qualities are needed to decapitate the snake emerging from within our current culture. Prime Minister Thatcher inherited a kingdom in decay, struggling with much of what ails America today. From her lonely perch at number 10 Downing Street, through what seemed to be sheer will and determination, from the ash heap of history, a United Kingdom rose on her shoulders.

Thatcher's unapologetic patriotism and emphasis on national sovereignty resonated with people from all walks of life all over the world. In an era of globalization, America must safeguard its financial interests, values, and identity. A leader cut from the same cloth as Margaret Thatcher would prioritize secure borders, promote American jobs, and ensure that our national interests are not compromised by supranational organizations.

By reaffirming our commitment to sovereignty, we can forge a future where America's interests are always at the forefront of our decisionmaking process.

Prime Minister Thatcher's vision of a free society extended beyond economics. She was a staunch defender of individual liberty, recognizing that government should serve as a protector, not as a nanny state. She understood the immorality of socialism. She trusted individuals to make their own choices, championed personal responsibility, and promoted self-reliance.

America needs a leader who upholds these timeless virtues, resists the encroachment of woke ideologies, and recognizes the pitfalls of out-of-control spending that bloats the bureaucracy that seems to dictate every aspect of our lives.

As socialism gains traction in America's political discourse, it is crucial to remember the destructive consequences of such policies in the past. Thatcher recognized the pitfalls of collectivism, firmly rejecting the notion of big government's corrosive effect on individual liberty and economic growth.

She recognized the critical aspect that socialism is not only economically inefficient, but is immoral. By advocating for free-market principles and resisting the deceptive allure of socialism, America can maintain its foundation as the land of opportunity and avoid the pitfalls that led to the demise of other republics such as the Greek and Roman Empires.

Margaret Thatcher's leadership provides an inspiring template for America to follow. Her legacy reminds us that the preservation of individual freedom and fiduciary trust are paramount for the survival of prosperous economies.

As our challenges mount, we need a leader who embraces the principles of economic freedom, national sovereignty, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. Thatcher's unwavering resolve, steadfast values, and commitment to commonsense policies serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact a leader can make.

America needs a bold leader whose focus is riveted on reviving our Nation's spirit, restoring our economy, and defending the principles that have made us exceptional. Adhering to Maggie Thatcher's legacy will guide us toward a brighter future that ensures America remains a shining example of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen of tomorrow, the service-bound academy students of the Third District of Texas. This district of Texas is home to some of the best and the brightest young people, and it is always an honor to recommend such fine students to our nation's service academies. I know they are ready to join the premier military force of the world. This year, Texas' Third District is going to send nine students to the United States Military Academy; seven students to the United States Naval Academy; nine students to the United States Air Force Academy; and one student to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The 26 appointees and their hometowns are as follows:

U.S. Military Academy

Ronald De Madet--Frisco. Brian Dyer--Plano, Jaden Fabiani--Plano, Christopher Newton--Richardson, Andrew Nguyen--Murphy, Andrew Smith-- Plano, Caleb Smith--Richardson, Prachet Upadrashta--Frisco, Brian Yun-- Plano

U.S. Naval Academy

Tanner Call--McKinney, Ajay Goluguri--McKinney, Daniel Gurevich-- Frisco, Chelan McNear--Frisco, Riley Perumal--Prosper, JeaShe Sherpell--Prosper, David Walker Jr.--McKinney

U.S. Air Force Academy

Samuel Adler--Allen, Kailey Blackmon--Plano, Alexander Baum--Murphy, Sophie Kent--Frisco. Kyle Kermes--Anna. Yumin Kim--Frisco, Kim Kyugmin--Plano, William Steen--Plano, Kai Tiede--Frisco

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Aidan Graham--Allen

God bless these 26 appointees. God bless America. I salute them.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Jeff Hurt, whose longtime service to Texas and the U.S. Service Academies is to be commended, Jeff exemplifies the time-honored qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership, which in turn have enabled him to assist in seeking out our next generation of servant leaders to lead our Nation as military officers in training. We commend Jeff for his dedication to our next generation of student military leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, because it does just that. It secures the border.

I find the comments from across the aisle rich from the very Members of the party who caused the situation that our citizens are seeing on the border today.

The year before the Biden administration took control of the border, CBP reported roughly 400,000 illegal border crossings. During President Biden's first year in office, that number skyrocketed to 1.7 million. Last year, it rose to 2.8 million. I am not sure whether that is arithmetic or logarithmic, but it is huge.

Unlike many in this Chamber, I have visited multiple locations across the Texas border with Mexico. I saw four unaccompanied boys 8 to 10 years old.

What was going to happen to them?

I saw rafts making multiple trips underneath the very vision of a Border Patrol location. People were helping the illegal immigrants out of the rafts and up the little cliff that we had there to include a 1- month-old baby who had been born in Mexico.

I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, from being on the ground in south Texas that there is no coordinated effort to stop the flow of illegal opioids like fentanyl that kills nearly 300 Americans every day. There is no coordinated effort to stop the flow of illegal immigrants, many of whom are being trafficked as sex slaves or cheap labor.

Human trafficking has now surpassed drug trafficking as the profit center for the cartels. We have indentured servanthood in this Nation today--slavery by any other name.

Earlier this year, I introduced the EL CHAPO Act which allows us to use the billions of dollars' worth of assets seized from cartel members like El Chapo to build the wall. Our southern border is an unmitigated disaster, and without this bill, the ensuing chaos is going to get worse.

Mr. Speaker, I implore Members to support H.R. 2.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor law enforcement during this upcoming National Police Week.

In 1962, as my colleague from North Carolina suggested, President John F. Kennedy formally proclaimed the recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day beginning in May of 1963. Kennedy acknowledged that ``from the beginning of this Nation, law enforcement officers have played an important role.''

In 1821, Stephen F. Austin, known as the father of Texas, established a group of roughly 50 men to provide for the safety of the first Texas settlements. He recognized this group as The Rangers in 1823, for their duties compelled them to range over the entire countryside, thus giving rise to the service known today as the Texas Rangers.

Today I pay special homage to the first responders who ran to the gunfire when shots rang out last Saturday, just 4 days ago, at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas.

The first responders include: the Allen Police Department, the Plano Police Department, the McKinney Police Department, the Frisco Police Department, the Prosper Police Department, the Wylie Police Department, the Fairview Police Department, the Collin County Sheriff's Office, the Collin County Constable Precinct 1, the Collin County Constable Precinct 3, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers.

I offer special recognition to the Allen police officer who, by the grace of God, was on the scene when the first shot was fired and responded swiftly.

He is a hero among a cast of heroes who continue piecing together the details of this horrible occurrence. That Allen police officer's actions epitomize the words of the legendary Texas Ranger, Captain W.J. McDonald, who said: ``No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that is in the right and keeps on a-comin'.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the victims who lost their lives during the Allen, Texas, shooting on Saturday: Christian LaCour; Aishwarya Thatikonda; Elio Cumana-Rivas; Daniela and Sofia Mendoza; and Kyu, Cindy, and James Cho.

I also commend first responders for their swift actions that undoubtedly saved countless lives.

Finally, we acknowledge the friends and families whose hearts are breaking this evening. The flag atop this building flies at Halfstaff tonight as a symbol of a nation that grieves with you.

Not far from here, in Arlington National Cemetery, is a quote inscribed on the memorial for Robert Kennedy: ``And even in our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.''

Let us pray that those impacted by this awful tragedy can receive comfort through God's grace.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to observe a moment of silence.

Mr. Chair, I rise to offer support for Representative Jackson's amendment.

In Texas, across America, and deep in the waters off of our coastline rests an abundance of untapped energy. Through American ingenuity and technical innovations, we now have the ability to explore these natural resources and return the United States to its status as a net exporter of oil and natural gas.

Frankly, Mr. Chair, there are so many excessive regulations, we may need to limit the number of pages in this report we are asking for. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of Representative Donalds' amendment.

The most logical path forward for a clean, reliable electrical supply is nuclear power.

The U.S. Navy operates 80 nuclear-powered vessels with more than 5,400 reactor-years of accident-free operation.

The face of nuclear power is changing to a generation of small modular reactors that deliver power with lower initial capital costs and more flexibility in placement.

Today, we import 95 percent of our high-assay low-enriched uranium from Russia. A startling quote in a Reuters article says that, without Moscow, the U.S. nuclear power industry could collapse in 1 to 1\1/2\ years.

Today, I speak for Mr. Donalds' amendment, which will help lead America back to total energy abundance by finding and evaluating American sources of uranium.

If you want a Green New Deal, this is it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize one of the drafters and signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Collin McKinney.

I was privileged to serve as the county judge in the County of Collin, in the county seat of McKinney, obviously named for this Texas hero.

Recently, we erected a larger-than-life statue of Collin McKinney in his hometown of Anna, Texas. I rise to recognize this larger-than-life hero in the State of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, Jesus said: ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.''

These words guided the life of the late Sam Johnson who served the great State of Texas 27 years in this House, 6 years in the Texas House, and nearly 7 years as a POW in the infamous Alcatraz annex of the Hanoi Hilton.

Mr. Speaker, if you had the honor to shake Sam's broken hand, then you felt the permanent damage that he endured for our Nation. Sam Johnson laid down his life for his friends throughout his life. It is an honor to serve in the House seat where he honorably served.

Those words of Jesus guided me through my military career and through my introduction to the 118th Congress that first week, and they will continue to guide me just as they did my friend Sam Johnson.

Our Nation is facing tremendous uncertainty. Misguided policies are causing inflation, incentivizing criminals, promoting out-of-control spending, and projecting America as weak on the world stage.

Now is the time for Congress to restore fiscal restraint, embrace family values, offer certainty to our citizens, and stand firm against tyranny that encroaches on freedom around the world.

There is a model for our Nation's leaders to follow. The Texas model provides a roadmap to guide this House in its effort to restore America's future.

The Texas economy ranked ninth of all nations by GDP, ahead of countries like Canada, Australia, and Russia. The Texas delegation in Congress has the most Republican Members because people are flocking to Texas for economic prosperity, improved quality of life, and greater opportunity. That description is the American Dream. But that dream should not be limited by geography.

Everything that is right about America can be found in Texas: from the feedlots in the panhandle where I grew up to ports along the Gulf Coast, from farms in the Rio Grande Valley to the piney woods of east Texas, and from the oil patch to military bases scattered across the State. Texas has agriculture, manufacturing, finance, defense, and tourism. Big cities and small towns--Texas has it all.

Unfortunately, we also feel the pain of what is wrong with America: a flood of illegal immigrants crossing our border along with drugs like fentanyl and victims of human trafficking. Texas families are hurting just like other families across this great land. Crime is rising, inflation is still out of control, and children are being exploited right before our eyes.

The day after the November election, pundits called the GOP weak. Two months later, they called us crazy for working to restore the House to the way it operated for over 200 years. We worked until we achieved the rules that govern a Congress that now operates efficiently. I believe that, standing shoulder to shoulder with Speaker McCarthy, this Congress with these rules will help lead America back to its place as a beacon to the free world.

The GOP has not yet gained the trust of many Americans. My belief is that if we hold the line on spending, commit to defending our borders, and resolve to embrace the values of our forefathers, then we will earn America's broad support.

We--all of us right here in this Chamber--wrestled over the rules a few weeks ago. We wrestled hard--just as Jim Jordan wrestled back in his day--and I am proud to say that this Congress is off to a pretty good start with bold leaders who are making a difference.

The days ahead are days of promise. They will be long days with hard decisions and tough votes, but if we endeavor to embrace the encouraging words of Jesus to sacrifice for our friends, then I believe that we will continue to be that shining example to the world.

Mr. Speaker, I submit to you that the struggle over ideals in this Chamber is appropriate, and it makes us stronger.

The question is: Will we hold the line, especially when attacked by those who oppose liberty?

The preamble of our Constitution speaks of securing the ``Blessings of Liberty.'' Let's commit to holding the line and to standing together to those opposing American exceptionalism. Let our example to the American people and the world be our commitment to preserving liberty.

Will we sacrifice?

Will we lay down our lives for liberty?

I pray we will.