Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, America is in a race for the future, and that future is artificial intelligence.

We need to build data centers that will power American AI. We need to create jobs, grow our economy, and make sure that the next generation of technology is built right here in the United States.

But there is one principle that we should never compromise: American families should not be forced to pay for someone else's data center. That is exactly what the Ratepayer Protection Act addresses.

If a massive data center wants to come in and consume hundreds of megawatts of electricity, it should pay the full incremental costs of providing that power, not the families struggling to pay their electric bills and not the small businesses trying to keep their doors open. The companies creating the demand should pay for the demand.

This is not antibusiness. It is not anti-AI. It is certainly not antigrowth. It is common sense.

In fact, when we get this right, the data centers can actually strengthen communities. Georgia Power was able to freeze residential rates for 3 years as large-load growth expanded.

In Virginia, data centers took on a dramatically larger share of transmission costs while residential customers saw their share decline. In Loudoun County alone, data centers have generated $1.1 billion in tax revenue.

Madam Speaker, let's build. Let's compete. Let's win the AI race. Let's also protect the people who keep this country running. The Ratepayer Protection Act gives States a practical tool to make sure that massive new electricity users pay their fair share while preserving State authority over their energy markets.

America can lead the world in AI without making American families foot the bill. That is not a radical idea. That is responsible leadership, and I applaud my colleague from Colorado (Mr. Evans) for leading on this issue.

Madam Speaker, America is in a race for the future, and that future is artificial intelligence.

We need to build data centers that will power American AI. We need to create jobs, grow our economy, and make sure that the next generation of technology is built right here in the United States.

But there is one principle that we should never compromise: American families should not be forced to pay for someone else's data center. That is exactly what the Ratepayer Protection Act addresses.

If a massive data center wants to come in and consume hundreds of megawatts of electricity, it should pay the full incremental costs of providing that power, not the families struggling to pay their electric bills and not the small businesses trying to keep their doors open. The companies creating the demand should pay for the demand.

This is not antibusiness. It is not anti-AI. It is certainly not antigrowth. It is common sense.

In fact, when we get this right, the data centers can actually strengthen communities. Georgia Power was able to freeze residential rates for 3 years as large-load growth expanded.

In Virginia, data centers took on a dramatically larger share of transmission costs while residential customers saw their share decline. In Loudoun County alone, data centers have generated $1.1 billion in tax revenue.

Madam Speaker, let's build. Let's compete. Let's win the AI race. Let's also protect the people who keep this country running. The Ratepayer Protection Act gives States a practical tool to make sure that massive new electricity users pay their fair share while preserving State authority over their energy markets.

America can lead the world in AI without making American families foot the bill. That is not a radical idea. That is responsible leadership, and I applaud my colleague from Colorado (Mr. Evans) for leading on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs) for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in defense of the judicial branch of the United States Government.

The Supreme Court of the United States is not a partisan prize to be captured. It is an independent branch of our government, and it must remain impartial.

My colleague's amendment to limit the Supreme Court to nine Justices preserves judicial fairness, ensures unbiased decisionmaking, and upholds the constitutional duties of our Nation's highest court.

Some on the left have advocated for expanding the Court to 13 Justices, paving the way for the majority of leftwing ideologues to sit on the Supreme Court under future Presidential administrations.

We cannot simply change the rules because one side thinks that they are not getting their way enough. That is not how a constitutional republic works, Mr. Speaker. This is what happens in the Third World, and it cannot happen here in America.

Democratic Socialists, kind of an oxymoron, are on the rise, and they want to pack the Court so they can impose an agenda the American people never voted for.

Look at what happened yesterday. Democrats could not even vote against socialism because their own party is overrun by self-proclaimed socialists. We already saw what the far left did under Joe Biden by opening our borders. Just imagine what they would do with a court packed with DSA judges.

The proposed expansion of the Supreme Court is not about faithfully interpreting the laws of the United States and the Constitution. Rather, the expansion would support a radical leftist agenda, repugnant to the ideas in equality, liberty, and impartial justice under the law of our Founding Fathers.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a previously planned familial obligation on July 16, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 248 and NAY on Roll Call No. 249.

Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of amendment No. 1. This amendment strikes section 1213 of the bill, which would delay the deadline for the Afghanistan War Commission's final report. Instead, it maintains the reporting deadline already established in current law.

The American people, our veterans, Gold Star families, and all who served in Afghanistan deserve timely answers. Congress created this commission to examine two decades of war, learn from our successes and failures, and ensure those lessons are not forgotten.

Delaying that work only postpones the accountability and transparency that the commission was created to provide. This amendment does not change the commission's mission. It does not alter its responsibilities. It simply ensures that the work Congress has already directed is completed on the timeline we originally required.

We owe it to those who served, those who sacrificed, and the American people to keep this important effort on track.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support amendment No. 1, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, as was stated, this war was two decades. I don't believe the commission needs two decades to complete its work.

Mr. Chairman, I urge support of my colleagues for this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer amendment No. 2 as the designee for Mr. Roy.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of amendment No. 2.

America's military service academies have a clear and important mission: to educate, train, and prepare the next generation of officers who will lead our Armed Forces.

Admission to these institutions is highly competitive, and every available appointment represents a significant investment by the American taxpayer. This amendment ensures that those limited opportunities are reserved for American citizens who are preparing to serve our country in uniform.

Our first responsibility must be to young Americans who are willing to swear an oath to the Constitution and commit themselves to the defense of this Nation. Our service academies should remain focused on producing American military leaders for the American Armed Forces.

I urge my colleagues to support amendment No. 2. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chairman, this is an example of what the American people are frustrated with right now. We have a majority here. The American people gave Republicans a trifecta, and every time that Republicans step up to put America first, to make our industries, our military, our economy stronger, we side with Democrats to limit those capabilities.

I have talked with Americans from coast to coast. From our southern border to our northern border, from the heartland of America to the Rocky Mountains, people want us to do the right thing and put Americans first.

This is a commonsense amendment that reserves these special, limited opportunities for American citizens. Our service academies, again, should remain focused on producing American military leaders for the American Armed Forces.

When we see this kind of behavior of crossing the aisle to limit these possibilities for Americans, it is exactly why people back home watch us here on the House floor and get frustrated. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, again, I urge my colleagues to support Chip Roy's amendment No. 2, and put American cadets first. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer amendment No. 3 as the designee for Mr. Roy.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of amendment No. 1300.

Our Nation's military service academies exist to develop officers for the United States Armed Forces.

Every cadet and midshipman receives a world-class education funded by the American taxpayer in exchange for a commitment to serve our country.

This amendment restores a longstanding cap on the number of cadets who may be released early to pursue professional athletics. Exceptional athletic talent is something we certainly should celebrate, but the primary mission of our service academies is military service, not professional sports.

This amendment helps ensure that early releases remain the exception, not the rule. It preserves the longstanding balance our service academies have maintained for years. Our military academies should remain focused on preparing leaders of character for our military, as Congress intended.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support amendment No. 1300 offered by Chip Roy of Texas, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my colleague Chip Roy's amendment No. 1301.

This amendment strikes the pilot program that would authorize voice analysis technology as a substitute for additional drug testing.

Our Armed Forces rely on proven standards to ensure military readiness, maintain good order and discipline, and uphold public confidence. Traditional drug testing has long served as a reliable and established tool in meeting these objectives. Before replacing a proven system with a new and untested technology, Congress should be confident that the alternative has demonstrated the same level of reliability and effectiveness.

This amendment takes a straightforward approach. It maintains the current standard rather than authorizing a pilot program to substitute for traditional drug testing. Our military deserves policies built on proven methods, not unnecessary experimentation.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support amendment No. 1301, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of America's brave men and women in uniform to ensure America's warriors have the tools and environment they need to defend our Nation.

Shortly after taking his second oath of office, President Trump acted to protect our servicemembers. He signed an executive order prioritizing military excellence and readiness to prevent radical transgenders from serving in the United States military.

My amendment codifies this executive order, ensuring the integrity of America's great Armed Forces is not jeopardized.

Gender dysphoria was considered a mental disorder by psychologists for decades until 2019. Even the leftist World Health Organization listed it as a mental illness in the international classification of diseases.

According to the Williams Institute, 81 percent of transgender adults have seriously contemplated suicide. That is 15 times higher than the general population. Forty-two percent of transgender adults have attempted suicide, and 56 percent have harmed themselves. People with gender dysphoria are a danger to themselves and others.

The United States military possesses the most powerful weapons known to man. We are the largest Air Force and Navy in the world, with nuclear weapons, artillery, and a host of other weapons with immense destructive capacity.

Every day we trust our brave men and women in uniform to protect us and to use these weapons that we possess responsibly for the defense of America.

We the people have placed our faith and trust in our Armed Forces, and they have placed their faith in this Congress to make responsible policy.

The United States of America cannot allow mentally ill individuals to possess and operate these weapons, and this Congress cannot allow transgenders to jeopardize the safety and readiness of our Armed Forces.

My amendment protects America's servicemembers, ensures force readiness, and prevents dangerous individuals from accessing destructive weapons. No other severely mentally ill person would ever be allowed in the Armed Forces, and this Congress should not make any exception for gender dysphoria. The risk to the American people and our Armed Forces is simply too great.

Secretary Hegseth has often highlighted the need to restore the warrior ethos in the Department of War. After the Armed Forces endured 4 years of waste, fraud, and abuse under the Biden administration, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have restored the United States military to greatness.

Keeping weapons out of the hands of dangerous, mentally ill individuals is a critical step in maintaining this warrior ethos.

I am proud to support the President in ensuring the United States Armed Forces remains the finest military in the world.

My amendment to codify the President's executive order ensures servicemembers are of sound mind, body, and discipline, and no future administration can rescind these protections for America's heroes.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, since a member of this committee did not reserve the time, I reserve my right to close at this time.

I would just say if gender dysphoria isn't a mental illness, then why do 42 percent of those who identify as transgender attempt suicide?

We don't hand nuclear weapons and fighter jets to people in that kind of crisis. We shouldn't start now. We should be helping these people in real ways rather than handing them weapons of destruction.

This is a very serious issue that we should address right now. No other severe mental disorder gets a waiver into the United States military. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, they are all disqualifying. Gender dysphoria is no different, except politicians changed the label.

My amendment treats it exactly the same. Madam Chair, I urge adoption of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

No. I closed.

The Acting Chair. The gentlewoman's time has expired.

That was not a member who claimed time from this committee. He was not able to claim the time in opposition.

And he doesn't get any time to close.

He has no time remaining, Madam Chair.

He is not a member of the committee, and he claimed time in opposition. You didn't, sir.

My time, my right to close, and I closed.

There are no further arguments on this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of fiscal responsibility and protecting Americans from foreign adversaries.

President Trump's domestic policy is defined by his commitment to rid the Federal Government of waste, fraud, and abuse. It is time that Congress followed through on the President's promise.

Last year, the Fulbright Program cost the American taxpayers nearly $300 million, set to be repeated in next year's State Department budget. My amendment returns these funds to the pockets of hardworking American taxpayers.

The President's FY27 budget proposed an 80-percent cut to the Fulbright Program and for good reason. For years, the Fulbright Program acted as a taxpayer-funded handout for trans fanatic, Green New Deal activists and agents of foreign powers seeking to undermine the United States of America.

While the President confronted Fulbright's board of directors about this injustice of their leftist bias, they resigned rather than face the truth.

Every year, nearly 5,000 foreign applicants receive a Fulbright Scholarship. These recipients include citizens of countries with very close ties to adversaries, such as Russia, China, and North Korea, a known pathway for agents of foreign powers to enter the United States and spy on us.

This is an unacceptable risk to the American people and our national security. The Fulbright Program is a bad deal for the American people, and my amendment restores fiscal responsibility and keeps our great Nation safe.

For the good of our country and responsibility to every American taxpayer, we must act to end this harmful and wasteful program.

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

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 232, I mistakenly voted Yea when I intended to vote Nay.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8312, the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act.

The American people expect their government to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, yet every year, the Federal Government loses hundreds of billions of dollars to fraud, waste, and abuse of our hard-earned money.

While the Federal Government provides families, workers, and businesses with the support they need, several COVID-era spending programs exposed serious weaknesses in our ability to prevent fraud. Once those dollars were lost, it has proven to be nearly impossible to recover them.

This bill shifts the Federal Government from a reactive stance to a proactive one. Instead of focusing primarily on recovering funds after they have been stolen, it prioritizes preventing fraud before taxpayer dollars are ever stolen.

Through better coordination, stronger oversight, and improved safeguards, this bill helps ensure Federal programs are protected from abuse. At a time when our Nation is almost $40 trillion in debt, every dollar matters.

The American people work far too hard, sacrifice far too much, and wait far too long for their paychecks to watch them be sacrificed to bureaucratic incompetence.

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

Madam Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 8464, the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act.

This legislation is a commonsense, taxpayer-first bill that finally puts an end to the reckless pay-and-chase scam that has drained billions from hardworking American families.

For too long, the Washington bureaucracy has operated like an open checkbook for fraudsters. They cut the checks first, ask the questions later while American taxpayers foot the bill for waste, abuse, and outright theft.

We have seen it in State administered social services where millions vanished into pockets of criminals. Enough is enough.

H.R. 8464 empowers Federal agencies and the Department of the Treasury to pause, condition, or segment suspicious payments before the money flies out the door. It uses objective fraud risk indicators from the Do Not Pay system and requires any action to be narrow, temporary, and focused solely on verifying eligibility. No more blank checks and no more playing defense after fraud has already happened.

I believe in fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and protecting every hard-earned dollar from the American people. This bill delivers exactly that.

It shifts the focus from recovery to prevention, saving billions and ensuring benefits go to eligible Americans, not scammers and fraud rings.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with taxpayers, stand against waste and fraud, and vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8464.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) for his leadership on the Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Mr. Chair, I rise in favor of this en bloc package that includes five of my amendments.

In Colorado's Fourth Congressional District, agriculture is the lifeblood of our communities. I represent thousands of hardworking farmers and ranchers who are raising livestock, growing wheat, corn, millet, and other vital crops that feed our Nation and power their local economies.

My amendments do not increase spending by a single dollar. They redirect $10 million in existing funds from administrative offices and back-office bureaucracies to important programs in the USDA that will help our farmers, ranchers, landowners, and rural communities.

My amendments redirect additional resources for rural utility services and rural development programs in rural communities to help strengthen infrastructure and economic opportunity.

One of my amendments redirects funding to the Farm Service Agency, which works directly with producers to administer farm programs, disaster assistance, and conservation initiatives.

I am also redirecting funding to the Natural Resources Conservation Service operations.

Mr. Chair, I urge everyone to support these important amendments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act.

Our veterans answered the call when this Nation needed them most. They fought to defend the very Constitution that guarantees every American the right to keep and bear arms. I thank every veteran for their sacrifice. We see them. We honor them, and we have got their backs.

How do we repay our Nation's heroes? Right now, bureaucratic overreach allows the VA to strip away a veteran's constitutional right just because they ask for help managing their benefits. If you use a fiduciary, the system flags you. It is wrong, and it ends now.

Chairman Bost's commonsense bill stops the VA from automatically feeding veterans' names into the background check system. It protects the Second Amendment rights of the men and women who fought for ours. The radical left loves to say they support the troops until it is time to actually protect their constitutional rights.

The Second Amendment is not optional, and our veterans have the right to exercise it fully. No more treating men and women who defended this country like second-class citizens. We will restore and protect the constitutional freedoms of our veterans and every American.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1041. Honor our warriors by restoring their rights. God bless our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 40th anniversary of the Hughes amendment which is a stark reminder of how Congress has repeatedly infringed upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

Today, I introduced the Freedom From Taxes Act. This important legislation fully repeals the remaining excise taxes on machine guns and destructive devices under the National Firearms Act and eliminates the special occupational tax on Federal firearms licenses.

Building on the strong progress we achieved in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, this legislation completely zeros out the final NFA taxes, reducing the annual burden from $1,000 to $0 for importers and manufacturers, and from $500 to $0 for dealers.

It also ends the burdensome special occupational tax that has been weighing down small businesses and manufacturers across America's firearms industries for far too long.

I want to thank the Gun Owners of America and the National Rifle Association for supporting this bill and defending our always under- siege Second Amendment.

The government has no business penalizing law-abiding citizens who are simply exercising their God-given Second Amendment rights. By removing these unfair taxes, we are providing meaningful relief to hardworking gun owners, hardworking manufacturers, and small businesses that form this industry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and extraordinary legacy of Arthur Eugene Griffith, a proud Coloradan, devoted man of faith, accomplished engineer, champion swimmer, loving husband and father, and one of the most respected public servants in Douglas County history.

Art passed away peacefully at his home in Aurora, Colorado, on May 1, 2026, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Through every challenge he faced, he demonstrated remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and a servant's heart that inspired everyone around him.

Born in Boulder, Colorado, on January 10, 1959, Art dedicated his life to his family, his faith, and serving others. He was a steadfast follower of Jesus Christ who sought not simply to speak about his faith, but to live it out every day through compassion, humility, kindness, and love for others. Those who knew Art understood that his life reflected the values he cherished most deeply.

Above all else, Art loved his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Laurie for 42 wonderful years, a proud father to Kristin, John, Samuel, and David, and an adoring ``Papa'' to his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy throughout his life. Family gatherings, church fellowship, and time spent with loved ones were at the center of Art's world.

Art also left an extraordinary and lasting mark on Colorado through nearly 30 years of distinguished public service as Douglas County's Transportation Capital Improvement Program Manager. Throughout his career, he led many of the county's most significant transportation infrastructure initiatives from early planning and design through construction completion, helping transform mobility and strengthen communities across the south Denver region.

Art exemplified public service through his tireless advocacy, collaborative leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Douglas County and the State of Colorado. He advanced major regional transportation projects that millions of Coloradans rely on today, including the I-25 Gap Project from Castle Rock to Monument Hill, the C-470 expansion through Highlands Ranch, improvements along U.S. Highway 85 in northwest Douglas County, and the I-25 and Crystal Valley Parkway interchange in Castle Rock.

In addition to these major regional projects, Art helped construct and improve countless

roadways of countywide importance, including County Line Road, Chambers Road, Hilltop Road, and RidgeGate Parkway. He also championed bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, including the grade- separated trail overpasses along the C-470 Trail in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, improving both safety and quality of life for families throughout the region.

Art was widely respected as a trusted advisor, consensus builder, skilled communicator, advocate for transportation funding, and mentor to many both personally and professionally. His work will continue benefiting Colorado families and communities for generations to come.

In recognition of his enduring contributions and legacy of service, a portion of U.S. Highway 85 from Mile Marker 198 through Mile Marker 201 is being dedicated as the ``Art Griffith Memorial Highway.'' This designation serves as a lasting tribute not only to Art's contributions to transportation infrastructure and public service, but also as a reminder of the profound difference one dedicated public servant can make in the lives of countless others.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Art was also an extraordinary athlete. He earned numerous national swimming titles, competed as a member of the USA National Team, and was inducted into the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame for his achievements in the pool. Yet despite these remarkable accomplishments, those closest to him will remember him most for his humility, gentle spirit, dry sense of humor, integrity, and the genuine care he showed toward everyone he met.

Art Griffith lived a life grounded in faith, family, service, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of treasured relationships and an example of quiet strength and grace that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

My prayers are with Laurie, his children and grandchildren, and all of Art's family and friends during this difficult time. Colorado is stronger, safer, and better because Art Griffith called it home, and his legacy will endure for generations.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Protective Service and its brave law enforcement officers for their essential role in protecting Federal facilities and the homeland.

FPS law enforcement officers are on the front lines, defending Federal properties and the people who work in and visit them.

I appreciate the sacrifices our FPS law enforcement officers make every day to protect Federal facilities and ensure the safety of Federal employees and visitors.

Their dedication and commitment to safeguarding our Nation's critical infrastructure often go unnoticed, and their professionalism, courage, and selflessness are crucial to our homeland security.

In my home State of Colorado, the fentanyl epidemic has devastated communities and stolen thousands of lives. FPS officers serve as a critical shield that is essential to intercepting fentanyl trafficking networks and stopping this weapon of mass destruction from reaching our families and neighborhoods.

During National Police Week especially I am proud to introduce this resolution to honor the FPS, to recognize their service, to promote greater awareness for their important work, and to show our unwavering support for their vital mission.

This resolution recognizes and appreciates the dedication of FPS law enforcement officers and extends gratitude to them and their families for their sacrifice and service, honors the memories of those who have fallen in the line of duty, and encourages continued collaboration.