Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Tristan Krogius, father of our former House colleague, Mimi Walters.

Tris passed away peacefully on December 30, 2021. He was born in Tammerfors, Finland, and emigrated to New York with his family in 1939 as a refugee from the Russian invasion of Finland.

Tris attended the University of New Mexico on an NROTC scholarship and served as a marine officer from 1954 to 1960. In 1952, he and the love of his life, Barbara Brophy, eloped. After Tris left the Marine Corps, he began a business career in California.

Tris rose to become president of Hunt-Wesson, Frozen and Refrigerated Foods, and later president of Dalgety Limited's U.S. food division. In 1987, he retired as president and CEO of Tenneco West and, after retiring, Tris earned a law degree in 1990 and was admitted to the California bar.

Tris was an active member of his community. He was past board president and CEO of the South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach and was a director of many nonprofit organizations.

Tris is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara; their six children and their spouses; 19 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Tris will be remembered for the extraordinary example that he set for his life.

Madam Speaker, due to a transportation issue, I was unable to cast a vote on February 2, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted against Roll Call No. 17, H. Res. 900.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Glen and Kerry Fletcher, who are jointly being honored as the 2021 Citizen of the Year by the Corona Chamber of Commerce. Glen and Kerry have been true leaders in my hometown of Corona for more than three decades, and residents throughout our community deeply appreciate their many contributions.

Glen and Kerry first met in high school where Kerry was a song leader and Glen was president of the Future Farmers of America. After a few dates, Kerry was introduced to the family business, Pete's Road Service, which was run by Pete and Clara Fletcher. Soon after, Kerry would join Glen by working at the business and contributing to its success. Eventually they would marry, and after living for stretches in Fullerton and Norco, the Fletcher family moved to Corona in 1986. In addition to expanding Pete's Road Service, the Fletcher family grew with the additions of their children, Amanda, Melissa, and Nathan.

Over the past 30 years, the Fletchers have volunteered their time and resources into the Corona community in many ways. With children active in youth athletics, the Fletchers recognized a need for additional soccer development opportunities in the region. In 1992, they founded the Corona United Soccer Club, and Glen served as its President for 12 years. Not to be outdone, Kerry contributed in a variety of roles over the years, including as a coach, Board Treasurer, and Registrar. In 2005, Glen joined the Corona Rotary where he chaired the club's Lobsterfest fundraiser in 2011 and served as President in the 2011/2012 year. Glen and Kerry have also been members of the Navy League and a number of other local clubs and organizations benefitting our city.

Today, Glen and Kerry enjoy another treasured role--being grandparents. With their incredible record of service, the Fletchers are incredibly deserving of the Citizen of the Year award from the Corona Chamber of Commerce. I would like to thank Glen and Kerry for their dedication to our community and wish them the very best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 4394, a bill originally introduced by Representative Nunes of California, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in reluctant opposition to the continuing resolution.

But first, I want to recognize our good friend, Carrie Meek, from Florida. I share the gentlewoman's sadness over her passing. She was a good friend. She was a great Member, and we will miss her, and I extend my condolences to her family.

For months, my friends on the other side of the aisle spent their time crafting their big tax and spend social welfare bill. In the end, they passed a bill that will most likely fail in the Senate because it represents the most radical change to the American social contract in history, creating generations of dependency on the backs of the American middle class. While they went back and forth, going further left with each version, the clock on funding our government ran out.

The most basic responsibility of this Congress is to fund the government, to ensure seniors and veterans receive their earned benefits on time. Yet, the majority pushed aside that basic duty in the name of radical social change. The CR before us represents their failure to govern.

As the ranking Republican on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, our committee has heard firsthand about the threats that face our country and our allies.

Right now, at this very moment, the Russians have amassed forces along the Ukrainian border, weeks after they purposely demonstrated their ability to destroy a satellite in high orbit. It is unbelievable.

A record number of Chinese military airplanes have flown that Taiwan airspace, and their naval forces continue to threaten freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

President Biden's abject failure in Afghanistan, which freed an estimated 7,000 hardened terrorists, has created more uncertainty for both us and our allies. And threats such as North Korea, Iran, and other nonstate actors remain as well.

We cannot continue to cripple our national security apparatus with CRs year after year. It is not only wasteful--this CR is going to cost the Department of Defense about $1.7 billion per month for nothing--but it allows our adversaries to continue gaining while we remain stagnant.

Now more than ever, we must give them the funding and tools they need to counter threats to the United States.

It is time that the majority focus on their most basic task: Do the work the American people expect of our government.

Our U.S. servicemembers, veterans, seniors, and the most vulnerable among us deserve better. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

I just want to make a point. The Republicans on the Appropriations Committee want to increase our defense spending. We don't want to cut defense spending. Both the Republicans and the Democrats on the authorizing committee don't want to cut the defense spending. And both the Republicans and Democrats in the United States Senate don't want to cut defense spending.

We have a national defense strategy that was laid down by General Mattis, which I think we should follow, which asked for a net increase of a minimum of 3 to 5 percent net of inflation. That is just to maintain some credible deterrent against China and a resurgent Russia. Until we get to those numbers, we will continue to be operating on a continuing resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I think everybody knows, Madam Speaker, what the conditions are that have been pretty much publicized. National defense spending must go up and the balance of the appropriations has to come down; the legacy riders must come back in, and the poison pills have to go away. It is pretty simple, as far as I am concerned.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am kind of a little confused. Last I looked, the Democratic Party controls the House, they control the Senate, and they control the White House. If they want to pass an omnibus bill, pass it.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to remind my friends in the majority, we don't run the House, we don't run the White House, and God only knows who runs the Senate.

But I do know this, that the gentleman that the majority leader referred to, the ranking minority member in the United States Senate certainly wants an appropriation bill, but I think he has made it quite clear, and I think we have made it quite clear--the gentleman referred to Mr. Cole--I think he has made it quite clear that the legacy riders, which need to come back in, the poison pills have got to go out, the dollars, by the way, which we have not agreed to in defense spending because, as you know, the Committee on Appropriations did not agree to a number that passed in the United States House of Representatives. It did pass by the authorization committee at a higher number, and in the Senate by a higher number, both Republicans and Democrats.

So I think we recognize that defense number has to go up and something else has to come down. If those things happen, I think we can have a serious negotiation. Until then, I am afraid we are going to be continuing to operate on a continuing resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. Greene).

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

Madam Speaker, as I said before, the fiscal year 2022 bills were drafted with little input from Republicans. And since then, we have not been able to find a path forward.

In years past, we have had an agreement in place that allowed us to negotiate final bills quickly. I am concerned that we cannot have a meaningful discussion on full-year appropriations without a similar understanding going in.

Madam Speaker, that is why, in a few moments, I will offer a motion to recommit. My motion would simply send this bill back to committee so that we can come to agreement on a process for addressing full-year bills.

Madam Speaker, to return to our strong bipartisan traditions, I urge support for the motion, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Jim Pauly, who is stepping down from the Corona Rotary this month after 55 years of dedicated service. Jim has been a true leader in my hometown of Corona, California for decades, and residents throughout the community deeply appreciate his many contributions.

Jim has been a Corona resident since his parents moved to the then- small town in 1937 while he was in elementary school. While attending Corona High School, Jim answered our nation's call to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. He was just 17 when he enlisted and would miss his own high school graduation due to his service. Following his time in the Navy, Jim returned to Corona and shortly thereafter married his wife, Katherine. He also launched what would become a nearly 50-year career in the Corona retail business by working at Emerson's Men's Clothes. Years later, he would become a partner in the successful store, which would be renamed Emerson-Pauly Menswear.

While working and raising a family, Jim always found time to be an active member of the Corona community. Jim joined the Corona Chamber of Commerce in 1948 and served as ``Chairman of the Retail Division.'' He was also a member of the 20-30 Club, the Downtown Corona Redevelopment Project, and the Corona Parking Authority. Jim was also appointed the Corona-Norco Unified School District Board of Trustees in 1966. It has been my pleasure to join Jim as a longtime member of the Corona Rotary Club and give back to the city we love.

There's no question our region is a better place to live, work, and do business because of Jim's passionate efforts. On behalf of our community, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and wish Jim much happiness in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Master Sergeant Michael W. MacKay who will be retiring today from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of distinguished service. Mike was

raised in New York City and following the September 11th attacks he, like so many patriots, enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 2001.

Mike's operational assignments include Operations Chief and Senior Enlisted Leader for the Commander of the Special Operations Command and Control Element in Africa. He also deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan on numerous occasions between 2003 and 2017 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. As a Critical Skills Operator, or Marine Raider, Mike has been stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC; Camp Pendleton, CA; and Washington, D.C. and has traveled to over 30 countries. He served as the Chief instructor of an advanced technical operations course at the Marine Raider Training Center and is a graduate of the USMC Congressional Fellowship program; USMC Combatant Diver Course; USMC Amphibious Reconnaissance Course; USMC Scout Sniper Course; U.S. Army Airborne Course; U.S. Army Special Forces Military Freefall; and the U.S. Navy Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course.

Mike graduated Suma Cum Laude from Norwich University's Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis program. He earned a master's degree in Public Administration and Policy from American University and a graduate certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute in Washington, D.C. He also completed the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II and earned the Michael A. Monsoor Leadership Award from the Joint Special Operations Senior Enlisted Advisors Course. Mike's brave actions on the battlefield earned him a number of awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal (Combat), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 3 Combat Action Ribbons, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 7 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and 6 Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals.

With his robust, boots-on-the-ground experience serving our nation around the globe, I am honored now to have Mike as a member of my staff. Prior to serving as my national security advisor, Mike was the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of Special Operations and Combatting Terrorism and the Appropriations Liaison to the Assistant Secretary of Defense from Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict in the Department of Defense, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank Mike for his exemplary service in the United States Marine Corps.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Rogers, and the Members of the Committee for their leadership in crafting a Defense Authorization Bill that is in line with what Secretary Mattis said we needed in the 2018 National Defense Strategy: 3-5 percent real growth from FY22 to FY25.

This bill addresses the critical areas of emerging tech, research and development, Airpower and Sea power, shipbuilding, and Space among many others.

I would specifically like to thank the Chair and Ranking Member for the inclusion of critical innovation priorities that I requested, such as:

The designation of Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects, which will more effectively transition Small Business Innovation Research programs into the Services' budget process;

The Pilot Program to Facilitate the Agile Acquisition of Technologies for Warfighters and new line for Agile Procurement Transition Pilot programs in the amount of $100,000,000. This authorization will be critical as we seek to compete with China by leveraging the innovative power of our private sector;

And for the much needed report on flexible funding for transitioning science and technology.

The DoD should not be doing research and development for the sake of doing research. We should always have an eye on developing cutting edge capabilities for the warfighter. For far too long the DoD has struggled to transition and scale critical innovative technologies from development projects to acquisition programs in a time period that meets the needs of the warfighter and ensures technology providers are able to survive. This report will help Congress understand why so we can develop ways to solve the problem of ``the valley of death''.

Let me be clear, we are in a geopolitical competition with China, and experts on both sides of the aisle agree that the current budgeting and acquisition process is not adequate to compete and win.

As the Defense bills move through Congress, I look forward to Authorizing and Appropriating the funding, capabilities, and resources that our warfighters need to fight tonight and modernize for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a fallen marine from my congressional district. Our Nation relies upon young men and women voluntarily stepping forward to defend and protect the liberties we hold so dear. As a young man growing up in Norco, California, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui was inspired to answer that call.

When he joined the Marine Corps, Kareem was following in the footsteps of patriots. Like his fellow marines, he was not signing up for glory or reward but out of a sense of duty.

In his final days, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui was on the front lines of a mission to secure freedom for desperate people. Kareem and our other fallen heroes conducted themselves with bravery and compassion. In those dark days, they shined bright.

Our community in Riverside County, California, has stepped up to support and embrace the Nikoui family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. We should honor Kareem by carrying the torch of service, duty, and sacrifice he so proudly advanced until his final breath.

May God comfort the Nikoui family, and may God bless America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a hero and true American patriot, Norco resident and Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country on August 26, 2021, as the result of a terror attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Through his actions, Lance Corporal Nikoui has evoked pride in his community for many years. He was passionate about the martial art of jiu jitsu and won multiple medals at competitions throughout the region. As a student at Norco High School, Lance Corporal Nikoui joined the Air Force JROTC. He volunteered for Norco's Pearl Harbor anniversary as well as POW events. According to his fellow JROTC cadet Gabrielle Murray, ``He was a leader . . . he always tried to help out those in need.''

After graduating from high school in 2019, Lance Corporal Nikoui joined the Marine Corps, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines unit stationed at Camp Pendleton. When he was afforded leave, he often returned home to Norco. Eager to share a home-cooked meal and the comforts of home with his fellow Marines, Lance Corporal Nikoui invited many of them to tag along for the short trip to Norco where his parents happily hosted. His father said his son loved his Marine Corps family.

The compassion of Lance Corporal Nikoui once again shined bright during the final days of his life. Thrust into a chaotic and dangerous mission, he performed his duties with courage and empathy for people desperate for refuge and freedom. In addition to providing safe passage for Americans, our partners, and Afghans, Lance Corporal Nikoui sought to comfort children in distress by giving them candy. Through his deeds, he embodied the ``no better friend'' motto of the unit he served so faithfully until his last breath.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country, we realize that this history is comprised of men and women just like Lance Corporal Nikoui, who bravely fought for the ideals of liberty and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the Nikoui family learned of their son and brother's death was surely the hardest day they have ever faced, and our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to them. His sacrifice is forever etched in our nation's great history of freedom triumphing over oppression. Lance Corporal Nikoui's family has given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one, and we hope they know that the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to our esteemed former colleague, Jerry Lewis, the longest-serving California Republican in the history of the House, who on a personal level, was my good friend and mentor.

On July 15, Jerry passed from this life into the next. For the last 86 years, Jerry lived a full life. He made an extraordinary impact throughout the Inland Empire community he loved so dearly, leaving it in a far better position than when his decades of public service began.

When I was first elected to this body in November of 1992, Jerry was one of

the first people I turned to for guidance. As I embarked on this new path, it just so happened that this exciting time in my life coincided with a rare low point for Jerry, who just lost his leadership position as Conference chair following the election.

Well, Jerry's loss turned out to be my gain as I was able to hire a number of Republican Conference staff members. From that moment forward, our offices shared a very tight bond, both personally and professionally, that would endure for decades.

Personally, I couldn't have asked for a better person to learn from. Jerry possessed a deep understanding of the needs of his district, and he methodically found opportunities to align Federal resources that could help address them.

In order to achieve his goals, Jerry recognized the importance of working across the aisle and being bipartisan, the realization that was, no doubt, aided by Jerry's first 16 years in the House as a member of the minority party. Jerry worked with whoever he needed in order to deliver results for the people who sent him here.

He demonstrated that if you don't care how it gets done, or who gets credit for it, you can actually get a lot accomplished around here. Jerry's community benefited in countless ways because of his leadership. Thanks to his efforts, veterans and other residents have received better care at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and the Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Students have greater opportunities, thanks to his support for STEM education at the Apple Valley Science and Technology Center, which was later renamed the Lewis Center for Educational Research. The entire region is safer, protected from flooding, thanks to the construction of Seven Oaks Dam. I could go on and on.

Jerry may no longer be with us, but the tremendous size and scope of his life will endure and continue to make impacts for many years and many generations.

In 2005, Jerry became the first Californian to serve as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He was incredibly proud to fill this honored position.

Jerry understood his time in that role was finite. He was determined to use that precious time to make a difference for his country, State, and district.

In May 2007, I was fortunate enough to join Jerry as a member of the Appropriations Committee.

In addition to his affection for the district, the body, and the Appropriations Committee, Jerry had a deep appreciation for his staff. His office was like a family. Jerry had many longtime staff members, a clear sign of mutual admiration.

Jerry's greatest love, of course, was reserved for who he always affectionately referred to as ``his bride,'' Arlene. Along with their dog, Bruin, the couple was inseparable.

I will always treasure the time I spent together with Jerry and Arlene, especially Wednesday nights at the Capitol Hill Club for prime rib night and our regular get-together for Mexican food at La Lomita here on Capitol Hill.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Arlene, the Lewis family, and all the former Lewis office staff members. Like all of you, I simply cannot imagine our lives without Jerry and the incredible influence he had upon me.

I know he is looking down at all of us with that smile and chuckle, saying: ``Enough now, get back to work, Kenny.''

Godspeed, Jerry. We will take it from here.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the Democratic leader, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the Republican whip.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole).

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

Mr. McCarthy. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bid farewell to Congressman Jerry Lewis, who passed away last week at his home in Redlands, California. He was 86.

His impact on his district, his state, and his nation are enormous and will not be forgotten.

Jerry approached the responsibilities of public service seriously.

He was one of the longest-serving and most influential Californians in this chamber's history--serving a total of 34 years.

He was the chair of the Republican Conference, a cardinal, and the chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

Through it all, he was tireless and effective, delivering for the people he represented.

You can see it in his work:

Improving health care;

Building dams and the environment;

Funding education and scientific research; and

Strengthening our national defense and industrial base.

Yes, Jerry was a serious legislator. But as everyone who knew him will also tell you, he never took himself too seriously.

He was always smiling.

He loved his wife, Arlene.

He was an optimist--in politics, in his personal life, and about the future of our great nation.

That is his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, the great Italian writer Petrarch said that, ``love is the crowning grace of humanity, the golden link which binds us to duty and truth, the redeeming principles that reconciles the heart to life.''

I don't know if Jerry ever read those words, but he certainly lived them.

He was a statesman and a public servant who worked hard for his district, his state, and his country because he loved them.

We should always remember that.

God Bless Arlene and his entire family.

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

I want to say we are all going to miss Jerry. It was a privilege to serve with him, and Godspeed, Jerry.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my one of my very best friends, Donald Galleano, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Don was a true leader and a larger-than-life member of our community who will be deeply missed.

Don was born and raised in Mira Loma's Wineville area of Jurupa Valley, where his family has owned and operated the Galleano Winery since 1927. After earning an associate degree from Riverside Community College in 1972 and studying business administration at San Jose State University, Don would join the family business and eventually become president of the winery. Under Don's leadership, through his hard work, entrepreneurship and passion for winemaking, the winery experienced significant growth, success, and produced several award-winning wines. Thanks to his dedication to upholding the traditions of his family, the Galleano Winery is one of the last remaining bonded, Prohibition-era winery still owned and operated by its founding family at its original location in the region.

In 2004, Don was elected to represent the Eastvale, Jurupa Valley and Norco communities on the Western Municipal Water District's Board of Directors. He represented our region on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board and the Chino Basin Watermaster board. Don was previously a member of the Jurupa Community Services District board and served on the National Orange Show Foundation board and the Los Angeles County Fair Association board. He was also a past president of the Western Riverside County Businessman's Association and the Jurupa Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his wife, Charlene, Don is survived by his children Gina (Galleano) Spraggins and husband Scott Spraggins, Annamarie Galleano Metter and husband Cody Metter, and Domenic Galleano and wife Brittanee Galleano; as well as grandchildren Matthew Michael Spraggins, Ryan Scott Spraggins, Gracie Marie Spraggins, Baylee Marie Spraggins, Sophie Marie Metter, Sadie Marie Metter, and Lucca Domenico Galleano. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Galleano family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Don. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Don made to his community and family will have a lasting impact. Don was understandably proud of his family, his wine, and his community. I was proud to call him my friend.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 256.

Though a combat-tested security partner, Iraq continues to be a fragile state. The 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force allowed the United States to end Saddam Hussein's reign of terror. It also allowed us to return and assist the people of Iraq when decisions made by the Obama-Biden administration led to the formation of ISIS and enabled the terror group to establish a caliphate in northwestern Iraq in 2014.

Now, that same Authorization for Use of Military Force provides the United States with the legal authority for military operations in support of our Iraqi partners, if needed, and against terrorist threats in Iraq, including those from the Iran-backed militia groups.

This critical piece of legislation provided the authority for last year's strike on Iran's terror mastermind Soleimani, whose IEDs, I might remind people, killed more than 600 American soldiers and wounded thousands more.

The Authorization for Use of Military Force also provides authority to strike Iranian-backed Shia militia groups that have and are currently attacking Americans in Iraq.

This shortsighted and purely political effort to repeal the authority without a replacement sends the wrong message and will embolden the Islamic terror groups and the world's largest state sponsor of terror, Iran.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill until we have a viable replacement that addresses the threat of Iran and its proxies.

We have already turned our backs on Afghanistan. We should not repeat this error in Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Bruce Doyle Varner, who passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Bruce was a dedicated leader in the Inland Empire region of California, and he will be deeply missed.

Bruce was born in Los Angeles, California in 1936. His family would later move up the coast to San Luis Obispo, where he would spend the bulk of his youth. After high school, Bruce decided to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he would go on to be a star football and baseball player. Despite being recruited by a few professional football teams, Bruce was focused on a future legal career. Before entering law school, Bruce served briefly in the U.S. Army. At UC Hastings Law School, he became Editor in Chief of the Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif. After passing the California Bar Examination in 1962, Bruce moved to the Inland Empire and launched his legal career at a prominent law firm.

In 1975, Bruce married his wife, Nancy, at the Mission Inn Chapel in Riverside, California. He quickly became one of the region's top corporate and business transactional attorneys. Bruce was especially proud of his work in collaboration with former Stater Bros. Markets' President Jack Brown during the 1986 proxy battle over control of the company. Bruce and Jack were successful, and Stater Bros. would emerge as one of the leading supermarket chains in our region. In another landmark effort, Bruce was instrumental in the conversion of a portion of Norton Air Force Base into the Stater Bros. corporate headquarters, warehouse and distribution center after the base was closed. In addition to his legal practice, Bruce was nominated to serve on the University of California Board of Regents in 2006 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Bruce was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy, and survived by his brother Ron; sons Kevin, Sean, Brett, and daughter, Nicole; grandchildren Zoey, Peyton, Marcus, Devin, Ancel, Finley, Fiona and Bruce; daughters-in-law, Tracy and Kristin; and son-in-law Brian. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Varner family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Bruce. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Bruce made to his community and family will have a lasting impact.