Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 4016, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

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

Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026.

I start by thanking Chairman Cole for his leadership in this process. I thank the Defense Subcommittee ranking member, Ms. McCollum, for her partnership and friendship. Finally, I thank the Defense Subcommittee staff for their tireless work on this year's bill.

Mr. Chair, H.R. 4016 provides $831.5 billion for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. While this is relatively flat discretionary funds enacted in fiscal year 2025, coupled with the recently enacted Reconciliation Act, it provides nearly $1 trillion to modernize and sustain our Armed Forces.

Today's threat environment continues to grow more complex. Russia remains an aggressive actor. China's values continue to clash with ours as they advance their military capability. Now more than ever, the United States requires strategic investments to defend and protect the American people. Preventing harmful actors' aggression amplifies the need to develop and field the capability that provides America the military advantage we need.

First, this bill champions America's military superiority in a variety of ways. It enhances investments in fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft, such as F-35s, F-47s, and F/A-XXs.

The bill prioritizes modernization of the nuclear triad through investments in the B-21 Raider, the Columbia-class submarine, and Sentinel.

This bill also provides approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs in support of the Golden Dome effort. Innovation in our Defense Industrial Base and workforce remain cornerstones to providing America a competitive edge. This bill builds on successful prior initiatives through combined funding of $1.3 billion spread across DIU, the Office of Strategic Capital, and APFIT.

Furthermore, $1.5 billion is provided to support the Maritime Industrial Base by investing in critical supply chain and workforce training.

Drug trafficking, including fentanyl, remains a very serious crisis across America and throughout the United States and poses a national security threat. This bill protects the homeland with this in mind.

It combats international actors who facilitate drug trafficking and manufacturing by investing $1.15 billion to counter drug programs, including increasing funding for the National Guard efforts.

Following the administration's lead, this bill leans forward on shaping a more efficient and effective Department of Defense by reducing $6.5 billion, almost 45,000 civilian employees.

Mr. Chair, altogether, this bill is a good bill. I encourage its passage, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms.

McCollum) for the purpose of a colloquy.

Would the ranking member like to enter into a colloquy?

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman to enter into a colloquy.

Yes, please.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks.

As the gentlewoman points out so powerfully, for over two decades, Afghan interpreters, translators, and contractors stood side by side with U.S. servicemembers in some of the most dangerous circumstances imaginable. They knew they were risking their lives and the lives of their loved ones to support the United States in our mission to bring justice to those who attempted to harm our way of life on September 11, 2001.

The Biden administration's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2021 was, quite simply, a failure. It is heartbreaking that we needlessly lost 13 servicemembers at the hands of terrorists during the chaotic evacuation of Kabul Airport.

Following the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, we promised not to leave those Afghans who supported us behind. Many left their home country to come to America under Special Immigrant Visas in order to escape the possibility of death as reprisal for their actions.

Some applications for Special Immigrant Visas are still waiting to be approved. Further, many fled repressive Taliban rule and have been afforded temporary protected status given the unstable situation that still exists in Afghanistan today.

We should be clear that the Special Immigrant Visa background check process is robust, but that diligent process can take time, which is why it is critical that those Afghans who still have Special Immigrant Visa applications pending should be given protection to remain in the United States until the applications are adjudicated.

As the chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I can tell you, Mr. Chair, that this is not just about keeping a promise, it is also a matter of national security.

Future partners and allies around the world are watching how we treat those who helped us in Afghanistan. For every Afghan ally left behind, there is a broken promise and a stain on our credibility.

I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to fulfill our duty and ensure that our Afghan partners receive the justice and safety they have earned.

Would the distinguished ranking member agree that we have a moral obligation to ensure that every qualified Special Immigrant Visa applicant receives the protection they deserve?

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chair, I have no speakers presently, so I would be prepared to yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 580, I offer amendments en bloc, as the designee of Chairman Cole, en bloc No. 1.

Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial messaging amendments and were supported by both sides. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford).

Mr. Chair, I have no additional speakers. I yield back the balance of my time on en bloc number 1.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 580, I offer amendments en bloc, as the designee of Chairman Cole.

Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial messaging amendments and are supported by both sides.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn).

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time on en bloc No. 2.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 580, I offer amendments en bloc, as the designee of Chairman Cole.

Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial messaging amendments and are supported by both sides.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey).

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time on en bloc No. 3.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 580, I offer amendments en bloc, as the designee to Chairman Cole.

Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial amendments and supported by both sides.

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

Mr. Chair, I support en bloc No. 4, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 580, as the designee of Mr. Cole, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial amendments that are supported by both sides.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert).

Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).

Mr. Chair, I encourage Members to support en bloc No. 5, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 580, as the designee of Mr. Cole, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial amendments supported by both sides.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harris).

Mr. Chair, I encourage Members to vote ``yes'' on en bloc No. 6, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 580, I offer amendments en bloc as the designee of Mr. Cole.

Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial amendments, and they are supported by both sides.

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

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

Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. today.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 3 minutes a.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until today, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Kiya Batmanglidj on the occasion of his retirement from Federal service. Over the past 21 years, Kiya has honorably served the United States in both military and civilian service.

Kiya started his career in public service as an Army noncommissioned officer, serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1986 to 1989. He was also voluntarily recalled to active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield.

For the last ten years, Kiya has served on the House Appropriations Committee. He started with the Surveys and Investigations (S&I) staff where he served as the branch chief for the defense portfolio. He then served briefly on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee working the VA portfolio before transitioning to the Defense Subcommittee in 2018.

On the Defense Subcommittee, while in the House Minority, Kiya managed the Army, Defense Wide, and Defense Health accounts. When the Republicans assumed the House Majority, Kiya oversaw the Military Personnel account and the international security cooperation accounts.

Kiya considers his greatest Committee accomplishment to be securing the funding for a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted personnel starting in 2025, the largest increase in over 40 years.

Kiya's contributions to America's warfighters will endure long after his tenure in the House of Representatives comes to a close, and I know he will continue to do great work to advance our national defense. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Kiya for his service to our country. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding me time.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the fiscal year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. It is fitting that the appropriations bill to come to the House floor this year is one that fulfills our highest priorities, honoring our commitments to those who have served and are currently serving in the United States military.

This bill delivers on our promises by fully funding veterans' healthcare programs and fully funding veterans' benefits and VA programs.

This bill addresses critical infrastructure needs for our men and women in uniform. To address deficiencies in military barracks identified by GAO and others, the bill includes a $75 million increase. There is also a $75 million increase for child development centers on military bases to improve the quality of life of many military families.

In closing, I thank my colleague Judge Carter for crafting a bill that keeps our promises to the veterans and our troops.

Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to approve my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 252, the Secure Our Ports Act.

This bill is designed to strengthen our national security by prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning and operating critical infrastructure in the United States.

China's influence and access to critical infrastructure around the world continues to grow. Some reports indicate China owns or operates ports and terminals at nearly 100 locations in over 50 countries.

Last year, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party issued a report highlighting its national security concerns over the influence of critical port infrastructure by Chinese-owned enterprise.

More recently, the Defense Department included a number of Chinese shipping firms to a list of companies it identifies as military in nature.

America's ports are essential gateways for trade and commerce which provide the foundation of our economy as well as our national security. Allowing foreign adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran to own and operate port infrastructure would threaten that very foundation and creates a serious liability. Congress must take action and protect this vital infrastructure by passing the Secure Our Ports Act.

In closing, I thank my California colleague, John Garamendi, for cosponsoring this bill and making the bipartisan effort as well as Carlos Gimenez of Florida.

I also thank the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, my friend Sam Graves, for steering this bill through the Committee.

America's ports are vital to our economic and national security, and I urge all my colleagues to approve this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Matthew Bower on the occasion of his retirement from Federal service. Over the past 22 years, Matt has honorably served the United States in both the executive and legislative branches. His service to our Nation culminates in an exemplary and dedicated fashion as a professional staff member for the United States House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense.

Matt's road to Federal service began with completion of his undergraduate degree at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York, where he majored in Economics with a minor in Finance. Matt worked for three years as a private sector accountant and financial analyst before joining the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 where, as a section chief and preparedness officer, Matt was charged with interpreting complex program policies and associated congressional language, identifying problem areas, and developing effective solutions. Little did Matt know that one day he would be on the other side of the coin, drafting impactful provisions and making recommendations that directly affect departmental policies. Matt would continue to rise through the ranks at the Department of Homeland Security, achieving the duties of branch chief of risk analysis and strategic initiatives, with impact on over $3 billion dollars in preparedness grant funding.

It was at this point, in 2015, that Matt's career would intersect with the Committee on Appropriations. As a well-respected analyst, Matt earned an opportunity to detail onto the staff of the Subcommittee for Homeland Security, chaired at the time by my good friend Judge Carter. Matt's accounts included the United States Secret Service, the United States Coast Guard, and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. These are some of the most critical agencies overseen by the Homeland Subcommittee, and it is no surprise that Matt stood out for his ability to perform expert oversight and provide the chairman and clerk with sage advice and recommendations.

Matt's abilities caught the eye of the Defense Subcommittee chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, and Matt's return to the Department of Homeland Security was short-lived. In 2016, Matt brought his discerning eye and unflappable demeanor to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, where he would stay until the end of his service to our Nation. In his decade of service to the Committee, Matt has personally overseen some of the most significant and complex parts of the defense appropriations bill, including: the Department of Defense's military personnel and operation and maintenance accounts, which alone comprised nearly half of the bill, or more during the Global War on Terror years; the Defense Health Program, which provides critical funds to care for servicemembers and their families; and several other accounts where funds are executed for everything from demilitarizing chemical weapons to addressing unexploded ordnance at current and former military sites.

However, Matt's last legacy on the Defense Subcommittee will be his years of oversight of the United States Army procurement and research, development, test and evaluations accounts. As the lead staffer on Army issues, Matt had a direct hand in the Army's transformation from a counterterrorism-focused force, to one fielding capabilities to support the Joint force in a new era of strategic competition with near peer adversaries. This included the development and procurement of systems such as the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, the Next Generation Squad Weapon, the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, and numerous upgrades to existing systems such as the Abrams tank system enhancement packages. I personally appreciated his recommendations on how the Subcommittee should proceed with the development and acquisition of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System or IVAS, an augmented reality headset. Matt's assessment ensured that the Congress retained its power of the purse and held the Army accountable for fielding a capable system.

Over the last 10 years, Matt has consistently proved to be a tremendous source of knowledge to the chairs of the Subcommittee on both sides of the aisle, the numerous defense clerks, and his staff colleagues alike. I am grateful for his counsel as the Subcommittee navigated a challenging period for the defense and security of our Nation. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Matt for his service to our country and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Jessica Millan Patterson, who is stepping down as the Chairwoman of the California Republican Party, after serving in that role since 2019. Jessica has been a true leader in the Golden State and served as an effective advocate for the Republican Party.

Prior to her election as Chairwoman, Jessica held staff positions with the California Republican Party, Republican National Committee, and statewide and national candidates for more than two decades, including leadership positions for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Senator John McCain. Jessica then co-founded and served as CEO of California Trailblazers, a candidate recruitment and training organization modeled after the national Young Guns program.

In 2019, Jessica was elected as Chairwoman of the California Republican Party. In that role Jessica made diverse community engagement a priority, recruiting and supporting candidates who reflect the districts they hoped to serve. She brought the Republican Party to communities, where it may have never been before to engage voters about the party's mission and learn about the issues that matter most to residents. After an historic 2020 election cycle in which Republicans picked up House seats in California, Jessica was re-elected for a second term in 2021 and a third and final term in the spring of 2023. Under her leadership, Republicans also picked up California seats in 2022, that helped secure a Republican House majority.

Jessica clearly possesses a passionate belief in shaping a brighter future for California and a dedication to the Republican Party she has served so faithfully. On behalf of the entire California Republican House Delegation, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and praise for Jessica's significant contributions. I wish Jessica and her family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Cole, who has done an excellent job of putting this continuing resolution together under difficult circumstances.

The appropriators tried to come to an accommodation, but we weren't able to get there. So the best alternative we have today is this continuing resolution which does good things for our country. It obviously keeps the government shutdown from happening to the American people and fully funds our core government services.

Something that I am interested in, and I think most Members are interested in, is our national security. This continues to fund our national security. It makes sure that the young men and women who serve our military, especially our enlisted soldiers, are going to get a historic pay raise, the highest pay raise they have had in 40 years. A lot of these E-1s who come in and make $11 an hour, their pay is going to be put up significantly. This is something that I think needs to happen, so I would hope my friends on the other side of the aisle would not vote to diminish these individuals' pay that they need very much.

This also supports important weapons systems: the Virginia-class submarine, the Columbia-class submarine, shipbuilding across the United States, our satellite construction, and rebuilding the ordnance for the United States that we need desperately.

A vote against the CR would stop all of this. So to me, Mr. Speaker, this is an extremely important vote for our national security. I would hope that everyone would vote for that, vote for continuing our government and to make sure that these weapons systems are delivered on time for the American public.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend, Navy veteran, and acclaimed political adviser, Stuart (Stu) Spencer, who passed away in Palm Desert on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Stu was an incredibly influential and accomplished political leader in addition to being a personal friend, and he will be deeply missed.

In 1927, Stu was born in Phoenix, Arizona. His family relocated to southern California just two years later. After high school, Stu enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a radar specialist onboard the USS Rocky Mount command ship. Following his discharge from the Navy, Stu earned a degree from California State University, Los Angeles. He worked as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Alhambra for many years before leaping into the world of politics. After volunteering on various campaigns, Stu was hired by the Los Angeles County GOP as an organizer. The following year, Stu joined together with his partner, Bill Roberts, to establish the Spencer- Roberts political consulting firm. Over the many years since its formation, the firm would go on to manage more than 400 campaigns.

In 1964, Stu managed the unsuccessful presidential primary campaign of Nelson Rockefeller, who ultimately lost to Barry Goldwater. His luck and life would change dramatically one year later when then-actor Ronald Reagan asked Stu to manage his longshot bid for governor in California. In a remarkable campaign guided by Stu, Reagan was elected governor in 1966 and then re-elected in 1970. In 1976, Stu had agreed to manage President Gerald Ford's election campaign before Reagan's decision to challenge Ford in a primary. Stu stayed loyal to Ford throughout that campaign but was asked by Reagan to manage his campaign for president in 1980. Throughout Reagan's eight years in the White House, Stu was a trusted aide close by his side. When he presented Stu with the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1989, Reagan said ``he prevented more than a few poor decisions and aided in more than a few very good decisions.'' In 1993, Spencer was inducted into the Association of American Political Consultants Hall of Fame.

Stu is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Barbara Spencer; two children from a previous marriage, Karen Spencer of Palm Desert and Steven Spencer of Dana Point; a stepdaughter, Debbie DeSilva of Carlsbad, and six grandchildren. I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Spencer family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Stu. Although he may be gone, Stu's many contributions to our Nation have left an enduring legacy.

Mr. Chair, the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act is desperately needed to better manage our forests in California and across the country.

Wildfires are an unfortunate part of our lives. We were just reminded of this horrific reality in the greater LA area. In the wake of these fires, there's been a lot of discussion about state policies that need to be examined to better protect our residents and I wholeheartedly support reform at the state level. There are also several federal policies that must be reformed, which is why we're here today.

On average, the Forest Service spends four years on paperwork before a fuel management project, like clearing dead or overgrown brush, can even start. That length of time increases by more than three years when a NEPA lawsuit is filed. Those delays can be deadly.

The bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act would simplify and expedite environmental reviews for forest management projects as well as enact other reforms to help prevent wildfires. As the recent California fires make clear, we can no longer neglect our duties to manage our forests in a responsible but expeditious way. The American people demand and deserve competence at every level of government. This bill is an important step in re-establishing faith that Congress will lead from the front and do what is necessary to mitigate the devastating impacts of wildfires.

I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill and protect Americans from wildfires.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Lesa Sobek, who is stepping down from the Menifee City Council after many years of serving in that role. Lesa has been a true leader in Menifee for decades and served as an effective advocate for her community.

Along with her husbadd, Jim, and three children, Lesa has been a resident of Menifee, California, for more than 30 years. Lesa spent many years working for the Menifee Union School District in various roles, where she helped develop a literacy program known as GREAT (Grandparents, Reading, Enriching, and Tutoring). Lesa successfully advocated for the establishment of the Menifee Military Banner Program, which honors the community's veterans and military service members from past to present.

After serving as on the Planning Commission, Lesa was elected to serve on the Menifee City Council in 2015. She was later re-elected to serve as the Council Member representing District 3 in 2016 and again in 2020. On the Council, Lesa worked with her colleagues and city staff to support residents and local businesses. She has championed youth programs, senior citizens, and increased awareness about domestic violence and backed many efforts for Menifee's local shelter.

Lesa clearly possesses a passionate belief in public service and a dedication to the community she has served so faithfully. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Lesa's significant contributions to Menifee. I wish Lesa and her family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate Riverside County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries for his 12 years of dedicated service to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Kevin will be stepping down from the Board of Supervisors this month, marking the end of a decades-long career in public service.

Kevin has been a resident of Riverside County since 1971 and was a successful small business owner. His first foray in public service came in 1977 as a Volunteer Fire Captain for the Riverside County Fire Department. Just a few years later, in 1980, Kevin was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of a local Park & Recreation District. Eager to improve local water infrastructure and protect residents from water and sewer rate increases, Kevin successfully ran for a seat on the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors in 1990, and on the Western Municipal Water District Board of Directors in 1998.

In 2006, Kevin was chosen by voters to represent Riverside County in the California State Assembly. In Sacramento, Kevin took on the challenging task of fighting to stop the regulatory and tax onslaught on California's small businesses. In 2012, Kevin was elected to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. As Supervisor, Kevin has made an effort to balance Riverside County's growth with investments in necessary infrastructure and public safety. Thanks to his advocacy, Riverside County continues to be a source of affordable housing, safe family-friendly communities, and economic opportunity, and is well- positioned for years to come.

On a personal note, I count Kevin as a close friend. I have appreciated his advice, humor, and support over the years and look forward to many more. I thank Kevin for his friendship, leadership, and his lasting impact in creating a better future for Riverside County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Bill Zimmerman, who is completing his term as mayor of the city of Menifee, California. Bill has been a true leader in Riverside County for decades and served as an effective advocate whose many tireless efforts to better our region will be missed.

Bill attended Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California from 1981 to 1984. In 1989, along with his wife Julie, Bill purchased a new home in the community of Menifee. After the town incorporated in 2008, Bill was appointed to serve on its first Planning Commission. He also served on the City's Parks, Recreation & Trails Commission. Bill was first elected to serve on the Menifee City Council in 2012 to represent District 3.

In 2020, Bill was elected to serve as Menifee's directly elected mayor. As mayor, Bill has worked tirelessly to support the infrastructure and recreational opportunities required from a growing residential community. My office and I have been proud to work hand-in- hand with Bill and city staff to support these efforts with federal resources. In addition to his role at city hall, Bill serves on the Board for Boys & Girls Club, Menifee Valley Historical Association, and is President of the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center Board.

Bill clearly possesses a passionate belief in public service and a dedication to the community he has served so faithfully. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Bill's significant contributions to Menifee. I wish Bill and his family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to join my colleagues to pay tribute to a true pioneer in the House of Representatives.

My good friend Kay Granger has been a trailblazer since she was elected in 1991 as the first female Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas. Just a few years later, in 1997 she was elected as the first Republican woman to represent Texas here in the House.

It's been a privilege to work beside Kay for more than a quarter century. Whether it was advancing American space exploration or enhancing our national security, Kay has always fought for our country and for Texas.

In 2017, Kay was named Chair of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. As the first woman to chair the subcommittee, Kay always put the needs of our warfighters first, advocating that our military must have the advanced capabilities necessary to deny our adversaries a fair fight.

In 2022, Kay was selected to be the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee--making her the first Republican woman to lead the Committee. As a member of the Committee and her successor on the Defense Subcommittee, I saw first-hand how effective she was at collaborating with fellow Appropriators, navigating an always contentious process to achieve our shared goals to the benefit of taxpayers and our Nation.

I will miss serving with Kay in the House as well as on the Appropriations Committee. I already miss her since she is no longer my neighbor here in Washington--but I know she is looking forward to being back home in Texas, and I wish her and her family the very best in the future.

I thank Kay, for making this institution and our country a better place.