Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an invaluable leader of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Johnnie Kaberle, for 30 years of exemplary dedication and service to our Nation.

In 2020, Johnnie took over as the Minority Clerk of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. From the creation of the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies or ``APFIT'' program, which provides vital bridge funding to promising new defense companies, to the preservation of the USS Fort Worth from premature decommissioning, she successfully championed robust national security spending and Republican priorities in the enacted Fiscal Year 2020 through Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations acts.

After serving ably and dual-hatted as the House Appropriations Committee Deputy Staff Director and Defense Subcommittee Minority Clerk, Johnnie rightfully took on an even more challenging and impactful role as the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Majority Staff Director and Clerk when Republicans won the Majority in 2022. In this role, she led a staff of fourteen defense and intelligence experts in the drafting and passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act and House passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations bill. At over $800 billion per fiscal year, this bill is the largest and most complex appropriations bill for the Nation and in the world. Johnnie's innate ability to build coalitions across Members of Congress, senior administration officials, and industry executives, to achieve United States national security objectives is truly breathtaking to witness and invaluable to a Subcommittee Chairman.

Among her many accomplishments as Majority Clerk, Johnnie's will possibly be most remembered for spearheading my vision to accelerate the adoption of innovation across the Department of Defense. Because of her efforts, Congress allocated nearly $2.5 billion toward defense innovation, including rapid procurement and fielding of promising defense technologies through the Defense Innovation Unit, the creation and funding of APFIT, and the support of the Office of Strategic Capital. This will have a lasting impact on our national security and ensure continued American military supremacy.

On a personal note, Johnnie has been a trusted advisor and friend to the Members of the Subcommittee on both sides of the aisle. Her partnership with Chair Emeritus Kay Granger, Chairman Tom Cole, and myself has been instrumental to our efforts to make the Department of Defense a more agile and effective organization. Her contributions to America's warfighters will endure long after her tenure in the House of Representatives ends, and I know she 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 Johnnie for her service to our country. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of Stephen Joseph Tomanelli, a graduate of Operation Recognition Class of 2024. Operation Recognition is a program organized by the Riverside County Office of Education and Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services that presents diplomas to residents of Riverside County who were unable to complete high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or due to internment in World War II Japanese-American relocation camps. Operation Recognition provides a way to express our appreciation and gratitude for our veterans' significant contributions and sacrifices.

Stephen Joseph Tomanelli grew up in the Bronx, New York, and attended public schools in New York City. Economic challenges led him to leave Samuel Gompers Vocational High School after his sophomore year to support himself and his family. His technical skills and interests opened doors for employment in the emerging field of computers and technology. Facing the likelihood of being drafted during the Vietnam War, Stephen enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served from 1969 to 1973. His roles included serving as a ceremonial guardsman at Arlington National Cemetery and working as a fire control technician and ordnance mechanic aboard the USS Massey.

After his military service, Mr. Tomanelli earned his GED and pursued various professional opportunities, ultimately relocating to California. He utilized the GI Bill to develop his technical expertise in computers and to purchase a home in the Sunnymead area of Riverside County. His career in the technology sector has been marked by his contributions to providing early computer solutions to municipal and commercial clients in Riverside County. Since 1986, he has owned and operated a computer sales and service business. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Tomanelli has dedicated himself to public service. Since 2005, he joined the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as a Commissioner and has contributed to various non-profit organizations throughout the region. Mr. Tomanelli is a resident of the Poppet Flats area and remains active in his community, with one of his grandchildren attending public school in Riverside County.

On behalf of all Riverside County residents and a grateful Nation, I want to thank Mr. Tomanelli for his service to our country and congratulate him on being part of the Operation Recognition Class of 2024.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition, of William Daniels, a graduate of Operation Recognition Class of 2024. Operation Recognition is a program organized by the Riverside County Office of Education and the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services, that presents diplomas to residents of Riverside County who were unable to complete high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or due to internment in World War II Japanese-American relocation camps. Operation Recognition provides a way to express our appreciation and gratitude for the significant contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans.

William Daniels was born on September 18, 1935. Shortly after he was born, William Daniels' brother and mother passed away and he was raised by his grandmother in Long Island, New York. In 1952, at the age of 17, Mr. Daniels decided he would find a way to join the U.S. Army and follow in the footsteps of the father. His father, whom he never met, served during World War II as part of the first Black parachute infantry battalion, the historic ``Triple Nickel'' 555th Parachute Infantry Company of the United States Army. After Daniels joined the Army, he was deployed, to fight in the Korean War and jumped out of planes as part of the 187th Regimental Combat Team in the 11th Airborne Division. He served as a medic and surgical technician, among multiple roles that included the motor pool and multiple military occupational specialties. He received the Purple Heart for injuries received while in combat. After the war, Daniels earned his GED and continued his service to veterans in his role with Kaiser Permanente--which included providing home health care to veterans. As recently as 1998, he was still known to jump out of planes as a skydiver. Mr. Daniels is 89 years old and has been married to

his wife, Sylvia, for 31 years. They currently reside in the community of Lake Elsinore.

On behalf of all Riverside County residents and a grateful Nation, I want to thank Mr. Daniels for his service to our country and congratulate him on being part of the Operation Recognition Class of 2024.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as I include into the Congressional Record the Obituary for Benjamin Ramey. Ben's father, Dave Ramey, is a dear friend who worked for me for 24 years and was my Chief of Staff for most of that time. I remember when Ben was born and how incredibly proud both Dave and Jen were to have a son and sibling for their daughter, Maddie. Ben was well-liked, funny, kind, smart and a bit mischievous. He will be missed beyond measure.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, we will celebrate the life of Ben Ramey and remember the joy and goodness he brought to so many lives. We will also mourn the loss of such a bright young man and lend our shoulders to Dave, Jen and Maddie as they navigate a world without their dear son and brother. May the outpouring of love and support provide some measure of comfort to the broken hearts of the Ramey family.

Benjamin Gregg Ramey was born in Rockville, MD on May 14, 1997. In his beautiful 27 years of life, he touched many lives with love and light. He graduated from Rockville High School in 2015 and went on to study marketing and business analytics at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. He graduated in 2019 with his BA.

After a long and difficult struggle with various illnesses, our beloved Ben died by his own hand early in the afternoon on Saturday, October 12th.

He is survived by his parents, Jennifer and David Ramey, his sister, Maddie Ramey, eight aunts and uncles and eight cousins.

Ben was hilarious, Ben was so smart, Ben felt things deeply. Ben loved his friends and they loved him back. Ben was the cherished ``Bub'' of his family, the jokester, the sneaky and beloved baby of the family. Ben loved music, Ben taught kids how to play tennis. Ben loved sleeping late and Ben had a gigantic head that his cousin Will once said must contain two brains. It is, of course, impossible to summarize his life in this little box. His memory will live on in the stories we tell about him and in the moments that have not yet happened, but will happen, where we will wish more than anything that he was there, and he will not be.

He charged us not to remember him by his struggles but rather to Live . . . in Love and Light.

He lives now in Heaven, in peace . . . caressed by pure love and pure light.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate Randy A. Record for his 24 years of dedicated service to the Board of Directors of Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). EMWD is a water, wastewater, and recycled water agency representing a population of nearly one million people in western Riverside County.

Mr. Record represents Division 3 on EMWD's Board of Directors, which includes the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto, and surrounding unincorporated areas. During the nearly past quarter-century, he became one of California's leading water policy officials and helped create a more, reliable water supply for tens of millions of domestic and agricultural customers.

During his time on EMWD's Board, Mr. Record served as the President of the Association of California Water Agencies, the Monday Morning Group's Water Committee Chair, and the Chairman of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan). He was also a vocal advocate in support of EMWD's relationships with local Native American tribes and was instrumental in the Soboba Settlement Act that was enacted by Congress in 2008. In addition, he is widely credited with helping bridge the gap between urban and agricultural users during California's drought in the mid-2010s.

Mr. Record has been a leading advocate for state and federal investments in western water infrastructure and for the adoption of drought-tolerant landscaping in public spaces to reduce water waste.

Mr. Record was preceded on the Board of Directors at both EMWD and Metropolitan by his father, Clayton Record. His retirement from EMWD will allow Mr. Record more time to focus on advancing innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture.

On a personal note, I count Randy as one of my longest and closest friends. I have appreciated his advice, humor, and support over the years and look forward to many more.

I thank Mr. Record for his friendship, leadership, and his lasting impact in creating a better water supply future for the western United States.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6656, the Stuck On Hold Act, legislation I introduced to support American veterans.

This legislation is simple yet powerful in its potential to make government services more accessible to those who served our country.

In a time when technology has advanced significantly in the private sector, it is long overdue that we bring the same level of efficiency and user-friendly approach to our Federal agencies, like the VA.

Right now, when a veteran picks up the phone to call the VA, they often face long, uncertain wait times. They sit on hold, sometimes for hours, with no clear idea of when their call will be answered or how long they will have to wait.

The frustration this causes is immeasurable, and frankly, it is unacceptable.

That is why the Stuck On Hold Act is so crucial. The bill requires the VA to implement a system to inform callers of their estimated wait times and, when those times exceed 10 minutes, give them the option of receiving an automated callback when it is their turn.

Many of us are familiar with this kind of system from our interactions with private companies. It is not a new idea, and it is not revolutionary technology, but for millions of Americans who rely on the VA for benefits or medical treatment, it is a game changer. It shows respect for their time and acknowledges the importance of their needs.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress to set acceptable customer service standards for our Federal departments and agencies. The American people, especially those who have served our country, deserve a responsible and efficient government.

That is why the Stuck On Hold Act is supported by the veterans service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and others.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, as well as Chairman Van Orden and Ranking Member Levin of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and their respective staff for helping us bring this important legislation to the House floor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Walter Hearne on the occasion of his retirement from Federal service. For the last 22 years, Walter has served the United States House of Representatives, and more specifically the House Committee on Appropriations, in an exemplary and dedicated fashion as a professional staff member.

His long and impactful career began after completing study at James Madison University where Walter completed his undergraduate degree magna cum laude with distinction followed by a Master of Public Administration. It was clear from the beginning that Walter would excel in whatever he attempted.

Walter began his career on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant on the Senate Budget Committee, where he led several special research projects for the staff director, including on reform issues associated with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and the Vice President's budget proposals during the 2000 presidential campaign. He also had his first taste of the Federal budget process by assisting with the development and enactment of the fiscal year 2002 budget resolution.

I like to think that dabbling with a budget resolution piqued Walter's interest in the business of appropriations, but however it came to pass, in mid-2002, Walter joined the House Appropriations Committee as a professional staff member on the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Subcommittee and later on the Transportation and Treasury Subcommittee. One can tell Walter has served the Committee for a long time because neither of these subcommittees exist today in this composition.

After cutting his appropriations teeth by reviewing budget requests of organizations such as the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Federal Election Commission, and the Office of Personnel Management, Walter was asked to join the staff of the Military Construction and Veteran Affairs Subcommittee. For the next 7 years, Walter would shepherd the enactment of 14 appropriations bills, including supplemental bills for military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and national emergencies, as well as the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Further, Walter was instrumental in enabling the Chairman of the Subcommittee to successfully implement major military construction initiatives to provide billions of dollars in increased funding to improve quality of life for troops and their families, such as new child development centers, medical facilities, and unaccompanied housing, as well as additional funding for the National Guard and Reserves.

In 2011, Walter 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. Over the following 14 years, Walter would consistently prove to be a tremendous source of knowledge to the chairs of the Subcommittee, the numerous defense clerks, and his staff colleagues alike. Walter had a major role in the enactment of 15 appropriations bills, while serving as the lead staffer on Air Force issues during a critical period of modernization that included research, development, and procurement of systems such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, B-21 bomber, Sentinel, KC-46 tanker, and numerous classified programs. He later took on a larger role in the Subcommittee's oversight of the Intelligence Community. In addition to Walter's consistent and valuable informal leadership, the Committee tapped him to assume the Subcommittee staff director and clerk responsibilities under emergency circumstances. In this capacity, Walter successfully guided the Subcommittee through House floor debate and passage of the 2018 Defense Appropriations Act,

Throughout his storied career, Walter has been a trusted advisor to the Members of the Committee on both sides of the aisle. On a personal note, I am grateful for his counsel as the Subcommittee navigates 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 Walter for his service to our country and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I was present for the vote on Roll Call No. 224 and thought I had voted ``AYE'' using my member card. However, my vote was not counted. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 224.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition the amendment.

Mr. Chair, Ukraine is in a fight for its survival, and artillery has been a critical part in its defense. Cluster munitions are needed to fill a gap until production of 155-millimeter rounds can catch up. We have a shortage of those rounds.

The Russians have been using cluster munitions for over 2\1/2\ years, since the beginning of this conflict. We should not limit Ukraine's ability to respond in kind.

Moreover, the amendment goes beyond prohibiting the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine. It would tie our hands in future conflicts, prohibiting the option to use these munitions in contingencies where the only other option are larger munitions that cause even more casualties.

Additionally, it is not hard to imagine a situation where we might need to transfer these munitions to other allies and partners, such as Taiwan or South Korea. We should not impede our own defense or that of our allies and partners with a complete prohibition on cluster munitions.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford).

Mr. Chair, this is the final point I would make. The dud rate on the Russian cluster munitions exceeds 30 percent where the dud rate of the U.S. munition is extremely low.

It is a terrible weapon. War is a terrible thing. These weapons are necessary for us to have our allies win. I would ask that we defeat this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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. 8774, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

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

I rise today to offer H.R. 8774, the 2025 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. I want to start by thanking Chairman Cole for his leadership in this process. I also thank the Defense Subcommittee ranking member, Ms. McCollum, for her friendship and partnership through this. Finally, I thank the Defense Subcommittee staff for their tireless work on this year's bill.

H.R. 8774 provides $833 billion for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Consistent with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, this is 1 percent, or $8.5 billion, above fiscal year 2024 enacted levels.

While $833 billion is the discretionary cap, the subcommittee has little discretion over 62 percent of this bill. The funding goes toward must-pay bills, including troop and civilian pay; military benefits, medical care, and family services; sustainment of current weapons systems; fuel, utilities, IT, basic supplies; and training and education. This is to say nothing of necessary investments in major weapons systems to keep our military dominant in an intensifying threat environment.

These factors are why I believe the current defense top line is too low for today's needs.

Present and emerging threats mandate a robust U.S. military, which, as former Secretary of Defense James Mattis said, requires at least 3 to 5 percent real growth above inflation.

Finally, due to the decision to consolidate our defense industry over 30 years ago, America's defense industrial base is brittle and unable to mobilize without significant investment.

While the defense allocation under the FRA is too low to meet America's national security needs, it is the law of the land. This bill is written to be consistent with this law.

Today's threats mandate a resolute United States made credible with a capable, lethal, and ready military.

The Appropriations Defense Subcommittee scrutinized the fiscal year 2025 budget request line by line and conducted rigorous oversight. This resulted in $18 billion in cuts of requests that were unnecessary or unjustified. This bill provides no blank checks.

Instead, this bill builds on the priorities from fiscal year 2024. These include prioritizing the fight against China, promoting innovation and modernization, supporting our servicemembers and their families, optimizing the Pentagon's civilian workforce, increasing the Department's role in countering the flow of illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids, supporting America's close ally, Israel, and ensuring the Department focuses on its core mission of training and equipping our warfighters and not culture wars.

Time is not on our side. President Xi is planning to invade Taiwan potentially by 2027, if not sooner. The only way to prevent Chinese aggression is by fielding and operating capabilities that demonstrate America's military advantage.

To this end, the bill increases investments in fifth- and sixth- generation aircraft, procures deliverable capability including several INDOPACOM unfunded priorities. It prohibits the divestment of certain naval and air assets that are still combat-credible. It provides $200 million for Taiwan security cooperation programs while prioritizing defense articles and services to the threatened island.

The bill also continues investments in the reawakening and acceleration of American defense innovation. Our defense industrial base is fragile, and competition is stifled. Almost every major defense acquisition program is plagued by persistent inflation, an aging workforce, costly infrastructure, weak supply chains, overly optimistic schedules, unrealistic budgets, and ultimately overpromised results.

We can trace this back to then-Secretary of Defense Aspin's defense contractor version of the Last Supper back in 1993 when the defense industrial base consolidated from two dozen defense prime contractors to the five that we have today. The consequences of this decision mandate action, which must be achieved through an innovation intervention. America's legacy of innovation and entrepreneurs gives us an asymmetric advantage our competitors could never replicate.

This bill seeks to tap into that opportunity with over $1.3 billion for the Department of Defense Innovation Unit and related innovation efforts, including $400 million for the highly successful APFIT program.

Modern and innovative practices are needed in more than just our defense capability. The Pentagon workforce and business practices also need to enter into the 21st century. This bill cuts $916 million in unjustified civilian workforce requests and finds more efficient ways to do business.

Recognizing the national security threat posed by China's supply of fentanyl-based chemicals to Mexican drug cartels, this bill maintains high levels of funding for DOD's drug interdiction and counterdrug activities with $1.14 billion. This includes an increase for the National Guard Counterdrug Program and the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, empowering States to take a more active role in the defense of their communities from our number one foreign adversary.

This bill also transfers Mexico from NORTHCOM to SOUTHCOM for improved coordination and prioritization.

As I mentioned at the outset, this bill focuses the Department on its warfighting mission. The bill includes multiple general provisions from the House fiscal year 2024 bill that pivot the Pentagon away from divisive partisan policies and toward military readiness.

Finally, underpinning all of these priorities funded in the bill is the imperative to support our servicemembers and their families. The bill includes a 4.5 percent pay raise for all military personnel plus $2.5 billion toward an additional 15 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers. This will have a positive effect on recruitment and retention and will improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families serving with them.

I am proud of this year's Defense appropriations bill, which adheres to the fiscal year constraints while providing a strong military to defend America, our allies, and our partners.

This bill procures where we can, trains where we must, and invests in capability that will make our adversaries wake up every day and say: Today is not the day to provoke the United States of America.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey), a member of the Defense Subcommittee.

Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner) for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy.

This committee recognizes the importance and the role of the F-15EX. I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri for raising this issue, and I look forward to working with her as we move forward with this bill.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Mike Garcia), who is a member of the Defense Subcommittee.

Mr. Chair, this bill is a good bill. It moves the country in the right direction. I encourage all our Members to support the bill.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn).

Mr. Chair, I have no additional speakers.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1316, I offer amendments en bloc.

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

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

Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of the package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1316, I offer amendments en bloc.

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

Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of the package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1316, I offer amendments en bloc.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of the package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1316, I offer amendments en bloc.

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

Mr. Chair, I have no additional speakers. I urge the adoption of the package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1316, I offer amendments en bloc.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his comments. I urge adoption of the package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, the Secretary of Defense serves at the pleasure of the President of the United States. He implements the President's policies.

We have, in many ways, been addressing our serious differences with the Department and this administration. We have done so on multiple occasions, and we have done so within this bill.

Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

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

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, unfunded priority lists are an important tool to provide Congress with unfiltered information on what our military services and combatant commanders need. This has been the law of the land since FY 2017.

Unfunded priority lists give military services and the combatant commanders a direct channel to Congress, which allows Congress to make more informed decisions.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and 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 the gentleman from California, the Honorable Vince Fong, be permitted to take the oath of office today.

His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate our newest member of the California delegation, Vince Fong. While he may have just arrived, Vince is joining our delegation after serving in the California State Assembly since 2016. He is also armed with the knowledge and invaluable insights learned from his time serving as a staff member in Kern County with legends like Bill Thomas and Kevin McCarthy.

We have no doubt he will be just as successful as his mentors.

On behalf of the entire delegation, let me again congratulate Vince, his wife, Amanda, and the entire Fong family.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the newly minted Congressman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Fong).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. This bill reverses President Biden's misguided attempts to withhold vital security assistance to Israel as they fight to defend their citizens from terrorists.

Just last week, we observed Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the 6 million Jews who were murdered by Nazi Germany. The memory of those lives horrifically taken endures 80 years since the end of the Holocaust. A plaque at Auschwitz states: ``Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.''

Mr. Speaker, we can never forget.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a massive, unprovoked war on Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 240 hostages, including American citizens. It was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

The Israeli people are still reeling from the barbaric attacks on that day. They are unable to begin healing while still separated from their loved ones taken hostage, and they are determined to ensure no further innocent Israeli lives are taken by radical terrorists.

Over the past 6 months, Israel has been repeatedly attacked by Iran and its terrorist proxy groups: Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Each one of these groups has vowed repeatedly to destroy the State of Israel.

The only reason these attacks have been unsuccessful is because of Israel's robust military and because of their missile defense capability, honed by years of defending itself from attacks.

Hamas and others who seek the end of the Jewish state have not run out of weapons, resources, or willpower. In this unprovoked conflict they started, they are using none of these things to defend innocent civilians, preferring to use them instead as human shields.

Hamas has made a choice to continue the conflict by tormenting their hostages and hiding behind civilians. It is time to stop appeasing terrorists and provide Israel with the weapons and support necessary to end this war.

The United States affirmed our resolve to stand with Israel less than a month ago when we passed supplemental appropriations for Israel with strong bipartisan support. This message could not have been clearer.

Astoundingly, last week, The Washington Post reported that President Biden ordered a pause on weapons ready for delivery to Israel-- literally on the truck ready to be sent to the airport and flown out to Israel immediately. These are weapons that were previously approved by Congress and the administration. These include 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs that are intended to strike Hamas' extensive tunnel network.

It was also reported that the administration was reviewing planned transfers of 6,500 joint direct attack munition kits which would bring precision to the fight and help minimize civilian casualties.

The Biden administration is ignoring the fact that the State of Israel is surrounded by people who want to destroy them. Iran does not recognize Israel and has called for its elimination. Hamas is committed to the destruction of Israel, and Hezbollah's primary goal

is the elimination of Israel. Iran and its proxies are only deterred through strength, which is why the U.S. must continue to provide weapons to Israel.

Unable to deter Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, or any other nefarious actor seeking to attack the Jewish state, the Biden administration instead is suppressing a close ally.

Members on both sides of the aisle have called for President Biden to reverse his decision. The administration should not ignore the will of Congress as evident through overwhelming bipartisan legislative action.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration's decision made it necessary for me, along with Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart, and Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman David Joyce to introduce the Israel Security Assistance Support Act.

This bill prevents the Defense and State Departments from withholding the delivery of weapons to Israel; requires the administration to ensure prompt delivery of weapons to Israel; mandates that anything withheld from delivery to Israel be delivered within 15 days and withholds funds until they are delivered; requires all assistance to Israel be obligated within 30 days; requires the Inspectors General to report on actions taken by executive branch officials to withhold security assistance to Israel. It also includes comprehensive reporting on weapons deliveries to Israel to ensure congressional intent is met.

Mr. Speaker, it is appalling that this legislation is necessary. The reaction of the Biden administration proves that it is. A veto threat and a $1 billion unrelated aid package were announced almost simultaneously once it became clear that the House intended to take action on that this week.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I was present for the vote on the House floor and thought I had voted ``AYE'' for the bill using my member card but it did not properly count my vote. Had it been counted, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 186.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1160, I call up the bill (H.R. 8034) making emergency supplemental appropriations to respond to the situation in Israel and for related expenses for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024.

This bill provides $26.38 billion to fortify America's support of Israeli allies and defend our troops in the region.

It is part of a larger package of three security supplemental appropriations acts before us for Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo- Pacific. All three are essential to deter our adversaries.

There are moments when our actions are optional, a convenience but not a necessity, a choice. This is not one of those moments.

The world is in chaos. Americans have been killed, and our allies and partners are dying on the front lines every day.

Ukraine is entering its third year of a war to repel Russia's invasion while forced to conserve their munitions and choose which areas to defend. Israel is avenging its innocent civilians who were murdered, raped, brutalized, and taken hostage by Hamas while defending its country from a barrage of Iranian missiles. Indo-Pacific nations face China daily with strength and resolve, knowing they are likely next.

The United States is not on the sidelines in these conflicts. Our servicemembers are under daily attack in the Red Sea, standing watch along NATO's eastern flank and being routinely challenged in the Indo- Pacific. Mr. Speaker, five American flag-draped coffins have returned home in the past 6 months.

When we go to war, we go to war with what we have. There is no time to forge new alliances, no ability to reconstruct abandoned production lines, and no hidden reserve of fully trained and ready troops.

This is the situation our allies and partners in Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and other Indo-Pacific nations face today. It is a situation we ourselves may face sooner than we think.

Xi, Putin, Khamenei, and terrorist leaders will not back down unless met with a strong and resolute America, standing shoulder to shoulder with our constellation of allies and partners. These bills provide the funding necessary to defeat and deter our enemies.

While the bills carry the names of other countries, there is one Nation that I care about above all others. That is ours. These conflicts have exposed the fragility of our defense industrial base and the dire need to invest in factories, shipyards, and assembly lines that manufacture the instruments of our national defense.

In recognition of this fact, over $59 billion across these bills go into our defense industrial base, including $3.3 billion to supercharge our submarine industrial base; $29.5 billion to replenish our stocks of U.S. defense systems and services provided to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan; and $1.13 billion to expand procurement and development of artillery and critical munitions.

Each conflict has its unique needs addressed in these bills, including: $5.2 billion to replenish Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling and procure Iron Beam missile defense systems; $542 million for unfunded priorities expressly requested by the USINDOPACOM commander; and $13.8 billion directly to procure U.S. capabilities for Ukraine.

Our servicemen and servicewomen across the globe are being tasked to operate at a wartime tempo to track, respond, and engage emerging threats. These bills provide the resources necessary to support their operations with $11.3 billion for current U.S. operations in Europe and $2.4 billion for our forces in the Middle East who are under daily attack.

Mr. Speaker, we have been complacent far too long as our allies and partners and our own servicemembers have been under attack. This Congress has a solemn obligation to our military to provide them with the resources they need to deter and win our Nation's wars.

Douglas MacArthur once said: ``The history of the failure of war can almost be summed up in two words: too late.''

When conflict occurs, we will fight with what we have and who is with us.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on these bills to ensure our military readiness and reinvigorate the American defense industry.

I encourage them to vote ``yes'' to reinforce our Israeli, Ukrainian, Taiwanese, and Indo-Pacific allies and partners.

I encourage them to vote ``yes'' so that future generations may write of what we did here today: They weren't too late.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kean).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, this is a day we are going to act. I urge all my colleagues to support these critical national security bills. They provide the resources necessary to bolster our military, reassure our allies and partners, and commit to stand against tyranny.

The world is waiting, watching, and wanting America to lead. This is our moment.

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