Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Richard ``Dick'' Oliphant, an American patriot who made incredible contributions to the Coachella Valley who passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026. Dick was a past mayor of the city of Indian Wells, a successful developer, and businessman who will be deeply missed.

Dick moved from Iowa to the Coachella Valley in 1962 to build and manage Palm City, the community later known as Palm Desert Country

Club. He launched his dedication to public service as the city of Indian Wells' first Fire Chief and one of the Coachella Valley's earliest paramedics. In 1984, Dick was elected to serve as Mayor of Indian Wells, which was a small bedroom community that was struggling to survive. Working through the City's newly formed Redevelopment Agency, Dick's financial ingenuity and leadership made possible the Indian Wells Golf Resort, which was the catalyst for the development of the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, the now Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa and the BNP Paribas Open's future home of the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens.

Dick believed development should create complete communities--not only homes and businesses, but also schools, public services, recreation and opportimities for the people who lived there. He helped shape the golfing landscape in the Coachella Valley--developing the Palm Desert Country Club and Classic Club. Dick was instrumental in creating the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also helped create the Palm Desert Campus of California State University, San Bernardino, by raising more than $30 million to bring higher education to the Coachella Valley. A full history of the many ways Dick influenced and shaped the future of the Valley is far too long to list, but it is safe to say few people have improved their communities in meaningful ways as much as Dick Oliphant did throughout his life.

Dick was preceded in death by his son, Richard Oliphant II. He is suivived by his wife of 73 years, Jan Oliphant; his children, Virginia Tinley, Deborah Dolan, Wes Oliphant and Mike Oliphant; 8 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Valletta Suepple and Carol Olinger, and his brothers-in-law, Steve McWilliams and King McWilliams. I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Oliphant family, his friends, colleagues, and everyone fortunate enough to know Dick. Although he may be gone, the many contributions he made to the Coachella Valley and our community will make a long lasting impact.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Gail Mahnke, who passed away on September 17, 2026, after sustaining a traumatic brain injury on September 12 in Gillette, Wyoming. Gail was doing what she truly loved--spending the day with her beloved daughter, Kady, and competing in the barrel races. True to the strength, courage, and determination with which she lived her life, Gail fought valiantly until the very end.

Gail was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, the beloved daughter of Don and Mary Lou Mahnke, both of whom were well-established and respected members of Casper's medical community. Her Wyoming upbringing helped shape the woman she would become. From an early age, Gail developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, often sharing cherished stories of hunting alongside her father. It was also during those formative years that her lifelong love of horses began, along with the extraordinary compassion she showed toward animals of every kind. Whether caring for a horse or tending to one of the many creatures and critters that crossed her path, Gail possessed a natural instinct to protect and nurture.

From an early age, Gail knew that she wanted to devote her life to helping animals. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wyoming before owning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Gail went on to found the Casper Animal Medical Center, where she built a highly successful veterinary practice and served the Casper community for more than 30 years. In the later years of her career, she sold the practice, allowing her to pursue the many other dreams and adventures that still called to her.

While successfully building and managing her veterinary practice, Gail raised her beloved daughter, Kady, and became a guardian to her three nephews, Nick, Josh, and Isaac. Hers was a busy and welcoming household, filled with children to raise, schools and activities to manage, countless animals to care for, and friends who were always made to feel at home. Even with the demands of her family and career, Gail remained deeply committed to animal welfare and charitable service. Whether through the rodeo community or by quietly helping friends, family members, and animals in need, she gave generously of her time, expertise, and resources.

Gail loved to travel and often found ways to combine her journeys with the pursuits she treasured most--horseback riding, scuba diving, Yoga and continuing her professional education through seminars around the world. One of the most special lumen of Gail's life after retirement was watching her daughter, Kady, marry Jarrett in her beloved Cora, Wyoming.

In 2021, she met Evan Matzner, beginning what would become an enduring relationship and business partnership. Together, they shared a passion for real estate, travel, adventure, and creating a life filled with meaningful experiences. They purchased a beautiful home in San Pedro, Belize, and made treasured memories in the places closest to their hearts, including Cora, Wyoming; Custer, South Dakota; Scottsdale, Arizona; Belize; and all the wonderful places in between. Evan will remain forever grateful for the life they shared and the precious time they were given together.

Gail leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and an enduring impression upon the countless lives she touched. Her strength, generosity, compassion, and love for her family, friends, and animals will not be forgotten. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by Evan, her family, her many lifelong friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the remarkable life of Gail Mahnke and in extending our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my dear friend Dan Hollingsworth who passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Dan was a leader in Riverside County's agriculture industry, a former staff member for Representative Victor Veysey, and a dedicated patriot who was involved in Republican Party politics for most of his life. He will be deeply missed.

Dan was born in Grand Junction, Colorado. At a young age, his family headed west and moved to Pomona, California. Dan graduated from Pomona College in Pomona High School in 1953 and attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Dairy Science. During college he also met Joan Clark, who he would marry on December 11, 1955. Just last year, Dan and Joan celebrated their 70th anniversary. Dan started working on a dairy farm near San Luis Obispo while he was in college, then worked at various dairies in the Central Valley and Chino before buying a small dairy in San Jacinto in 1960. ``Dan's Dairy'' was a cash `n' carry dairy where Dan milked fifty cows and Joan helped bottle the milk.

In 1969, Dan went to work for U.S. Representative Victor Veysey, the first of many roles he would fill in service to his conservative beliefs and the Republican Party. Dan served as Chairman of the Riverside County Central Committee twice and joined me as a founding director of the Lincoln Club of Riverside County. Dan volunteered in leadership roles in agriculture as well. He began serving on the Riverside County Farm Bureau Board of Directors in the mid-1960s, a position he filled until his passing. In 1978, Dan bought another dairy in San Jacinto, milking over 600 cows. In 1986, he left the dairy business again, and he and Joan bought land in Murrieta and started a wholesale tree nursery, which supplied large trees to the region for 39 years.

Dan is survived by his wife, Joan; his daughters, Tina Spurgin, Marcy Preston (Larry) and sons, Lennie (Heidi) and Dennis (Natalie) Hollingsworth. He is also survived by his brothers Bob and Charles Hollingsworth, seventeen grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and twenty-seven great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Dan made to our region and his family will have a lasting impact.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Harriett Shockey. Harriett Shockey was born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1936. When she was 17 years old, her parents gave her the wonderful gift of a baby sister, called Candy, whom she loved deeply. When Candy was still just a very small child, Harriett went off to college at the University of Iowa. She was the first woman in her family to attend college and the only girl in the engineering program in which she was enrolled.

Sadly, her college career was sidelined by a terrible case of scarlet fever, forcing Harriett to return home. While convalescing, she met her future husband, Gary Shockey, a dashing young Air Force officer stationed in Des Moines.

Harriett and Gary eloped and embarked upon their life together of service to the United States. They moved many times for the Air Force, living in Pennsylvania, Texas, South Carolina, Wiesbaden in Germany, Ohio, and finally in California, where Gary was stationed on separate tours at both the former Norton Air Force Base and March Air Force Base.

While Gary worked for the Air Force, including several tours in Vietnam, Harriett held down the fort at home and raised their three children, Greg, Cindy, and Jeff. Both Harriett and Gary were true Patriots who felt deeply honored to serve their country, and they raised their children to have the same spirit.

Harriett was a woman of fierce determination and strong intellect. When Jeff, the last of the three children, went off to college, Harriett decided it was high time to get her own college degree, and she enrolled at the University of Redlands to complete what she had started many years before. After graduation, she remained involved in several of the University campus activities. She chaired the Town and Gown and was a dedicated U of R supporter.

In addition to managing the household, Harriett was a contracting officer with the Department of Defense at March Air Force Base, where she put her no-nonsense thrift to good use for the taxpayer. She was also one of the first women to oversee funerals for our Nation's Veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery.

Harriett loved to cook. She loved to shop. She loved to dote on her grandchildren. Her family misses her deeply. Many other Americans also mourn her loss, for Harriett contributed to every community where she lived and her cheerful spirit touched many lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act, H.R. 8205, legislation that will reauthorize programs that support research and development of drugs and other therapies to address ALS.

It is hard to believe, but the original ACT for ALS Act was signed into law a little less than five years ago. As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan ALS Caucus, I saw first-hand the effort to get that landmark legislation across the finish line was the result of the passion and detepnination of the ALS advocacy community.

The passage of the ACT for ALS Act authorized key programs to expand access to new investigational drugs and grants for research of this terrible disease. Working with my Appropriations Committee colleagues, the ALS Caucus, and ALS advocates, we have been successful at making historic investments into these programs.

In Fiscal Year 2022, Congress invested nearly $30 million in ACT for ALS programs. That number increased nearly 200 percent in Fiscal Year 2025 to $86 million--nearly matching the $100 million authorization cap enshrined into law. Since the initial passge, the law has demonstrably sped infrastructure, access, and targeted progress.

By reauthorizing the ACT for ALS, the trajectory is hopeful due to better tools, data, and collaboration. ALS patients and families are relying on us not to lose momentum and to build upon hopeful progress and someday find a cure for this devastating illness.

I want to thank my ALS Caucus Members, including the bill's sponsor Representative Quigley, for their work. I want to give my heartfelt appreciation, once again, to the ALS advocacy community and the families who have been forever changed by ALS. I urge all of my colleagues to stand with these families, give them hope, and pass the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor a man whose career in service to our Nation spans nearly five decades--Dr. Christopher J. Scolese--an engineer, a leader, and a quiet patriot. Dr. Scolese is retiring as Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and it is entirely fitting that this body pause to recognize the extraordinary contributions he has made to our national security, our space enterprise, and our country.

Dr. Scolese's life in public service began in 1978, when he was commissioned as a United States Naval Officer, supporting nuclear propulsion programs for the Navy and the Department of Energy, under Admiral Hyman Rickover. It was the beginning of a career defined not by the pursuit of recognition, but by an unwavering commitment to mission. Over the decades that followed, he would serve in roles of increasing responsibility, always bringing to bear the technical rigor and steady character that would become his hallmarks.

In 1987, Dr. Scolese joined NASA, assigned to the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Over the next three decades, he rose through every level of the agency--from systems engineer, to NASA's Chief Engineer, to Associate Administrator in the Office of Space Science, to Acting NASA Administrator, to Director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. He oversaw some of NASA's most consequential missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope and the Earth Observing System among many others, and became one of the most respected figures in the American space community.

In August 2019, Dr. Scolese was sworn in as the 19th Director of the National Reconnaissance Office--the first NRO Director to be presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed. His tenure at the NRO was nothing short of transformational. He brought to the position a technologist's understanding of risk, but also an irrepressible enthusiasm for the work. He worked to broaden the NRO's engagement with commercial industry and accelerate the pace of satellite development to meet the demands of an increasingly contested space environment. Dr. Scolese led the NRO's transformation to develop and field proliferated satellite architectures, expand the resilience and capacity of ground processing systems, and rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, while continuing to emphasize critical investments in science and technology.

Dr. Scolese worked to strengthen and broaden partnerships across the intelligence and defense communities, industry, and academia and was instrumental in expanding relationships with allied nations and partners.

Throughout his career, Dr. Scolese emphasized the importance of people and teamwork and the extraordinary accomplishments that can be realized through meaningful collaboration. He led with quiet strength, kindness, and patience. That is the mark of a leader whose concern for the mission outlasts his tenure.

Dr. Scolese's career spans the Cold War and the space age, the rise of commercial space, and the dawn of artificial intelligence. He served under eight presidents. He helped build, launch, and operate systems that provided American warfighters, policymakers, and intelligence analysts with the information needed to defend this Nation and save lives--often in ways that the American people will never fully know,

On behalf of a grateful Congress and a grateful Nation, I wish to express our deepest thanks to Dr. Christopher J. Scolese for his decades of selfless service. We wish him and his family every happiness in the years ahead. He has more than earned it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Taylor Cole, an American patriot who made incredible contributions to our national defense, who was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident in the Cajon Pass on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Taylor served as the Chief Technology Officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division and will be deeply missed.

After earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Riverside, Taylor began his career at NSWC Corona in 2003 as a mechanical engineer. Taylor's work and creative approach to complex Navy challenges took him across the globe, including as a tactical mathematician working side-by-side with deployed service members. He developed an entirely novel method to predict the patterns of improvised explosive devices in response to attacks to servicemembers in Afghanistan and Iraq. His exceptional service earned him the Global War on Terrorism medal--a rare achievement for a civilian--and selection as a Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Fellow. A visionary leader and intellectual trailblazer, Taylor rose to become Chief Technology Officer in 2018. In this role, he fearlessly led the command's research and development programs, drove the command's culture of innovation, and mentored college students from his alma mater in solving naval problems.

In his personal life, Taylor lived life to the absolute fullest. He was a seven-time national skydiving champion and a member of the United States Parachute Team. Taylor was also considered one of the top BASE jumpers in the world, with more than seventeen years of active jumping and over a thousand jumps to his name. He jumped from the world's largest glass-bottom skywalk in Chongqing, China, 2,300 feet over the Yangtze River, as well as a speed-flying descent off Cucamonga Peak, launching from 8,800 feet.

Taylor is survived by his daughter, Tessa Cole; mother, Sherde Cole; sisters, Lori Pucci and husband, Steve, Stefani Cole Waters and husband, Patrick; niece and nephews, Cole Bertz, Katelyn and Andrew Pucci, Ozzy Waters, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Cole family, his friends, colleagues, and everyone fortunate enough to know Taylor. Although he may be gone, the many contributions he made to our national security and country will make a long lasting impact.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the California Republican delegation, I rise to welcome our newest Member of the body, the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallagher).

Today, the people of California's First District have chosen a champion, once again. James comes to this floor having devoted his entire career to what we affectionately call the North State: 6 years on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors, more than a decade in the California State Assembly, and years of service as his party's leader in Sacramento.

He fills the seat made vacant by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa, a tireless voice for rural California who is deeply missed in this Chamber.

I have no doubt that James will carry the same fighting spirit and love of country to this work ahead.

To James and his family, welcome. The First District couldn't ask for a finer Representative, and the delegation couldn't ask for a better friend.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be the first Member of the House of Representatives to yield to our new colleague, Representative James Gallagher.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Major Paul S. Deller, United States Marine Corps. For the past four years, Major Deller has served with honor and distinction as a Congressional Fellow and Appropriations Liaison Officer for the Department of the Navy Appropriations Matters Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), representing the needs of our Marine Corps before the United States Congress.

I had the distinct privilege of hosting Paul in my office during his time as a Congressional Fellow. During this time, he gained an immersive, behind the scenes understanding of the legislative process and critical work of funding our Nation's defense. His sharp intellect, dedication, and deep understanding of national security and budgetary policy were immediately apparent and proved to be an invaluable asset to my team.

Upon completion of his fellowship, Major Deller seamlessly transitioned to one of the most strategically consequential billets for the Marine Corps, serving as an Appropriations Liaison Officer. In this role, he conducted daily engagement with members and staff, ensuring that the Marine Corps' concepts, programs, and requirements were widely understood. His expert navigation of the congressional appropriations process and his steadfast advocacy ensured vital funding for our Marines across multiple fiscal years. His work was instrumental in supporting the largest budget in Marine Corps history, securing over $57 billion in annual resources. This funding was essential to advancing the Marine Corps Force Design initiatives, enhancing operational readiness, and ensuring our Marines have what they need to meet any challenge.

Furthermore, Major Deller played a central role in preparing Marine Corps senior leaders for congressional testimony, official visits, responded to hundreds of congressional inquiries, and coordinated and led over 15 congressional and staff delegations. These visits allowed my colleagues and me to see Marine Corps capabilities firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the resource requirements of the force.

Mr. Speaker, Major Deller's performance has been characterized by the upmost professionalism, strategic insight, and steadfast commitment to his duty. He has personally strengthened the Marine Corps' credibility on Capitol Hill and ensured the Corps' priorities were clearly communicated. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and commending Paul for his service to our country and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend and Navy veteran, Ward Beecher, who passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Ward lived a life grounded in love, service, family, and country, and he will be deeply missed.

Ward was a true patriot. His love for this country wasn't just spoken--it was lived. From 1956 to 1960, Ward proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the MSO-490 minesweeper. That service was a defining part of who he was, and he carried the values of duty, loyalty, and quiet strength with him for the rest of his life. Ward was married to his wife, Diane Beecher, for 69 beautiful years. Together, they built a family that became his greatest pride--his three daughters, Lori, Lynn, and Jann; six grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

At home, Ward was known for his warm sense of humor. He loved joking around with his grandkids, managed to give everyone in the family a nickname, and ended every visit by saying `toodles.' He found joy in life's simple pleasures: cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners, listening to 50s music, enjoying an In-N-Out burger, and reminiscing about his time growing up on the family farm in Oklahoma. Those stories were part of who he was, and he loved sharing them with anyone who would listen.

I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Beecher family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Ward. Although he may be gone, the many contributions he made to his family and country have left an enduring legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. John Forbes as he departs service to this body to assume the role of Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Over the course of his distinguished career spanning more than two decades, John has honorably served in the United States Air Force, the executive branch, and the legislative branch. As we mark the close of this chapter of John's service, I am pleased to honor his dedicated contributions as a professional staff member for the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense.

John began his career as an enlisted airman in the Air Force in August 2000, a formative experience that grounded him in the practical realities of the men and women our defense budgets are meant to serve. Over the following decade, John rose through the ranks and earned his commission as an officer, accumulating experience across multiple Air Force installations. He completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Troy University, and later earned a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University.

As his career progressed, John was selected as a Strategic Policy Fellow, serving at the Office of Management and Budget's National Security Division and the Defense Innovation Board in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He commanded the 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, during which time he established the first-ever Air Force Special Operations Command wing innovation cell, garnering Small Business Innovation Research contracts to accelerate the application of emerging technology to the wing's mission. For this and his broader service, he was recognized as both the United States Air Force Comptroller of the Year and the United States Special Operations Command Comptroller of the Year.

John also served as a Politico-Military Planner for the Joint Staff's J-5 Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate, where he was the principal strategist and advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for twelve European allies and partners. Among many consequential assignments, he developed and coordinated the Chairman's foreign engagement plan in response to the threat of Russian incursion into Ukraine and Chinese influence in the region.

In March 2022, John transitioned to Capitol Hill, where he served as a professional staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, where he oversaw Research, Development, Test and Evaluation for the Army; Shipbuilding and Conversion for the Navy; and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

John joined the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in January 2023, where

he had oversight responsibility of critical defense and intelligence community accounts, including Operation and Maintenance, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the United States Special Operations Command. John was essential in developing the first full-year continuing resolution for Defense in fiscal year 2025, as well as bringing the Subcommittee back to a resemblance of regular order in fiscal year 2026--both among the most challenging appropriations cycles in recent memory.

As John begins a new chapter in the Senate, I would be remiss if I did not reflect on the tremendous contribution he has made to the House Appropriations Committee and to our national security. John brings to every task an exceptional breadth of experience--the perspective of an enlisted airman, a commander, a strategist, a budget officer, and a legislative professional. His depth of knowledge, his professionalism, and his abiding commitment to the men and women of our armed forces have made him an invaluable member of the defense appropriations staff. I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending John Forbes for his extraordinary service to our country, and I wish him every success in his important new role.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4638, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act. This legislation was inspired by a member of Customs and Border Protection's Beagle Brigade named Freddie.

This is a picture of Freddie right here.

Freddie is a 5-year-old agricultural inspection beagle who works for Customs and Border Protection. His job, along with other members of the Beagle Brigade, is to prevent the importation of illegal agricultural products in the United States, imported foods and other products that pose a significant risk to both American farmers and the American food supply at large.

Last summer, during a routine inspection at Dulles International Airport, Freddie alerted his handler to suspicious luggage belonging to an Egyptian national at which point he was violently kicked and flung into the air by the man. Fortunately, Freddie has made, as was pointed out, a full recovery and is back on duty.

With increased attacks on law enforcement, it is vital that our working animals receive the protections that they deserve.

For that reason, I introduced the Federal Working Animal Protection Act. This legislation would make the assault of any Federal working animal by a non-U.S. citizen a deportable offense.

The Federal Government employs a wide range of working animals--a lot of people don't know that--not just dogs but including horses and even dolphins. All of these animals work to protect us from threats both at home

and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot let this heinous act go unanswered. If you are a foreign national in our country and you hurt a Federal working animal, under this new law, you will be immediately deported.

I thank the chairman, Chairman Jordan, my friend Chairman McClintock, and the House Judiciary Committee staff for helping to bring this legislation to the House floor. I urge all my colleagues to approve this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to approve my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 831, the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025. My bill is simple and straightforward: it would establish an interest-bearing account for the nonfederal contributions for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, a cooperative effort between federal and nonfederal entities in Arizona, California, and Nevada to recover endangered species.

At a time when Congress and the Administration are looking to streamline government processes and make the taxpayer dollar go further, this bill is a perfect example of this effort. Funds deposited in the account can be accessed as needed and provide expanded opportunities for longterm investments in critical habitat restoration projects. This is especially important because over time, the pace of funding has exceeded the work expenditures, and Reclamation has accumulated over $60 million in contributed funds for future costs.

There are multiple examples of funds established by congressional action in the U.S. Treasury that are directed to be invested or to earn interest, such as the Social Security Trust Fund. It's simply common sense that we provide this same mechanism to an oversubscribed program that can deliver more benefits, more quickly.

I want to thank the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, my friend Bruce Westerman, for steering this bill through his Committee.

I urge all of my colleagues to approve this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. William ``Bill'' Adkins as he departs service to this body to assume the role of Principal Deputy Director for the National Reconnaissance Office. Over the past 40 years, Bill has honorably served the United States in both the executive and legislative branches as well as in the private sector, As we ``snap the chalk line'' on this chapter of Bill's service, I am pleased to honor his dedicated service as a professional staff member for the United States House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense.

Bill's road to the House of Representatives began with completion of his undergraduate degree at The George Washington University here in Washington, D.C., where he majored in mechanical engineering. Bill worked for four years as a spacecraft systems engineer for the Naval Research Laboratory on various defense research space programs before joining the National Reconnaissance Office, for the first time, as a project manager and systems engineer in 1990. In these roles, Bill oversaw numerous classified research and development projects, matured technology across several intelligence methods or ``INTs'', including geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence, and measurement and signature intelligence. Perhaps as importantly, Bill learned firsthand that the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community are ``consistently inconsistent'' in the administration of policies and procedures, and that the legendary United States Navy Admiral Hyman Rickover may have been right when he testified that program managers, ``have only the shallowest knowledge of the theory of the techniques they much deal with and little experience with the practical problems involved.''

Bill culminated his initial tour at the National Reconnaissance Office with a fellowship in the United States Senate for Senator Spencer Abraham of Michigan. After overseeing defense and national security issues for the senator, in 2000 Bill joined the House of Representatives as the staff director for the Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. It is in this capacity that Bill's path first crossed my own. As my principal advisor on all matters of civil space, Bill was my eyes, ears, and voice on the annual budget request for the National Aeronautic and Space Administration-- better known as NASA--and other civil space agencies, which totaled over $16 billion at the time.

After six years of service to the Committee on Science, Bill ventured into the private sector and started a consulting business. For nearly a decade, he advised aerospace and defense chief executives on policy and legislative strategy, business development, and strategic planning.

In 2016, Bill again heeded the call to service in the House of Representatives. This time for the Committee on Appropriations, where our paths would again cross. Bill began his tenure on Surveys and Investigations, a unique bipartisan team charged to deeply review topics raised by both the chair and ranking member of an appropriations subcommittee. In this role, Bill investigated several Department of Defense programs and drafted reports, recommendations, and studies based on the results, After two years, Bill was hired onto the Subcommittee on Defense. Over his eight years with the subcommittee, Bill oversaw an expansive and critical portfolio that included the United States Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, National Security Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and United States Space Command. In total, these programs account for over $50 billion of the annual defense appropriations act.

As the committee's subject matter expert on space, Bill provided me, and the chairs before me, with sage counsel on the creation and development of the Space Force. ``The problem with space is on the ground,'' was Bill's refrain at many a meeting with members of the committee and senior department officials alike, And as pithy as it sounds, Bill is right. The Space Force, or any department or agency, cannot adequately provide for the Nation's defense if it hasn't invested in the critical infrastructure and foundational capabilities necessary to ensure exquisite technologies actually work for the warfighter.

As Bill begins his new role, I would be remiss if I did not note the tremendously positive impact he has had on me, other members of the committee, and the entire defense appropriations staff. Bill's positive attitude, infectious spirit, and deep knowledge have been critical to the committee over some of the most challenging appropriations cycles in recent memory. Bill has often said that there is nothing that cannot be accomplished in the Pentagon with the right memo over the right signature. I expect that Bill is now that ``right signature'' and I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish for the National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, and a grateful Nation. I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Bill for his service to our country and wish him the best in his new role.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Rebecca Delgadillo Evans, a remarkable public servant whose distinguished career reflects the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the administration of justice in the United States.

For more than sixteen years, Rebecca Evans served with distinction at the United States Attorney's Office in Riverside, California, where she became a cornerstone of the office's daily operations and long-term success. Her work as a Senior Legal Assistant and Grand Jury Coordinator exemplifies quiet excellence--service rendered not for recognition, but for the betterment of our institutions and the communities they serve.

Throughout her career, Rebecca earned the trust and respect of Assistant United States Attorneys, judges, law enforcement partners, and colleagues alike. She was known for her precision, discretion, and unwavering commitment to accuracy in the most demanding and high-stakes federal litigation matters. Her expertise in federal court filings, sealed pleadings, trial preparation, and discovery management ensured that justice was not only pursued, but pursued correctly.

Rebecca's role as Grand Jury Coordinator was especially vital. She oversaw all grand jury proceedings with professionalism and calm authority, maintaining complex schedules, coordinating witnesses and jurors, and ensuring that each proceeding was conducted efficiently and lawfully. Her ability to manage sensitive information with care and integrity made her indispensable to the administration of justice in the Central District of California.

Beyond her technical expertise, Rebecca was a leader. She mentored newly hired legal assistants, filled supervisory roles when needed, and consistently stepped forward to ensure continuity of operations during times of transition. Her steady presence brought confidence to those around her and stability to an office charged with weighty responsibility.

What sets Rebecca apart is not only what she did, but how she did it--with grace, humility, and a genuine commitment to public service. She understood that the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office is not merely procedural, but foundational to the rule of law and the protection of our democratic Institutions. Her career is a testament to the often-unseen professionals whose diligence ensures that our justice system functions honorably and effectively.

Outside of her professional duties, Rebecca has remained deeply committed to her community, volunteering with the City of Corona and exemplifying the spirit of service that has defined her life's work. She is a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she laid the academic foundation for a career marked by excellence and purpose.

Mr. Speaker, it has been my privilege to know Rebecca Evans not only as a public servant, but as a person of character, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Her legacy is one of service well rendered and standards faithfully upheld. As she concludes this chapter of her professional journey, our community, our courts, and our country are better because of her contributions.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Rebecca Delgadillo Evans for her extraordinary service to the United States and to the cause of justice.