Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, due to sickness, I missed an important vote on H.R. 6644 and S. 629. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 223, and YEA on Roll Call No. 224.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 300th anniversary of Columbia Borough in Pennsylvania. Columbia, located in western Lancaster County along the Susquehanna River, was founded in 1726 by Quaker settler and entrepreneur John Wright near a Shawnee village. Originally known as Wright's Ferry, the community was formally laid out by John Wright's son, Samuel Wright, who renamed it Columbia in 1788. As a nod to Christopher Columbus, Samuel hoped to persuade Congress to make it the capital of the United States. That ambition fell short by a formal 10-9 vote, only broken by the vice president, in 1790. Renowned at the time for its railroads and bridges, Columbia became an important transportation hub in the decades that followed and served as a beacon of light along the Underground Railroad. In the summer of 1863, as Confederate forces invaded Pennsylvania in an attempt to force Union capitulation, the residents of Columbia burned their mile-long bridge across the Susquehanna River and halted the advancing Confederate troops. This courageous act helped protect communities east of the river and remains one of the borough's most significant contributions during the Civil War.

By the late nineteenth century, Columbia had emerged as major industrial center, manufacturing products ranging from silk to machinery. While its economy has shifted away from manufacturing, the borough is now known for its museums, antique shops, and recreational opportunities along the Susquehanna River. Columbia, a small borough of 10,000 people, has a rich history intertwined with that of Lancaster County and our Nation as a whole. It is an honor to represent Columbia Borough and its residents, and I wish them heartfelt congratulations for 300 years of incredible contributions to our community and our country. I look forward to witnessing the next chapter in the proud history of this mighty river town.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate 175 years of Mount Joy Borough, Pennsylvania, a community whose remarkable history and enduring character have helped shaped Lancaster County for generations.

Located in the northwestern corner of Lancaster County, Mount Joy was incorporated as a borough in 1851 through the consolidation of the villages of Mount Joy and Richland, as well as smaller hamlets. Its present boundaries were completed when Florin joined the borough in 1963.

The history of Mount Joy stretches beyond the formal date of 1851. In 1689, the supply ship Mountjoy broke the blockade on the Scotch-Irish stronghold of Londonderry, ending a 105-day siege that resulted in thousands of deaths from starvation. As Scotch-Irish settlers moved into northwestern Lancaster County in the 18th century, they named their new home after the ship that saved their people decades prior.

Today, Mount Joy Borough is a vibrant, walkable town with centuries- old family businesses ranging from popcorn processors and underground breweries to insurance agencies and specialty shops. The borough is also home to the oldest Memorial Day parade in Lancaster County and its own weather-prognosticating groundhog, Mount Joy Minnie.

It is an honor to recognize Mount Joy Borough as it celebrates its 175th anniversary, and I am proud to count its residents among my constituents. I thank the public officials and community members, past and present, whose dedication has made this borough strong, and I look forward to the next chapter in its rich history.

Mr. Speaker, it is like the Democrats have developed amnesia. They talk about high prices, but inflation went to 9 percent, triple what it is today, during the Biden years. It averaged more than double what it is today.

Speaking about working-class Americans, by voting against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, they voted for what would have been the largest tax increase on working families in history, had Republicans not voted to pass that bill.

The Democrats then held hostage $14 million in wages from working Americans by shutting down the government, and it cost the American economy $11 billion. Despite their efforts, though, to undermine the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, we are still seeing strong job numbers and a resilient economy as a result of Republican policies.

But let's talk about the border for just a second. Maybe it is not amnesia. Maybe they want the thousands of people pouring across the border.

Maybe they want the thousands of people, the caravans that came across the border during the Biden years. President Trump was right. It just takes a President to make that change and to secure the border.

The American people deserve a secure border. They want a secure border. They deserve a functioning immigration system, and they deserve a government that is focused on them, not these partisan games.

Today, by passing this bill, we stand ready to finish the job of funding border security, restoring immigration enforcement, and putting the safety and interests of American citizens first.

I urge support for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ella Bahn on her outstanding high school track and field career.

Ella, a senior at Spring Grove Area High School in York County, Pennsylvania, capped off an extraordinary high school career with her set of victories in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles at the 2026 PIAA State Track and Field Championships on May 23, 2026.

Over the past 4 years, Ella has achieved remarkable success in numerous events, most notably, hurdles. She finished her high school career with seven individual PIAA State Championship gold medals and ten District 3 gold medals.

Ella's specialty and favorite event is hurdles. She swept the 300- meter hurdles, winning the state championship each of her four years and won back-to-back golds in the 100-meter hurdles in 2025 and 2026. In addition to her success in hurdles, Ella won the gold medal in high jump in 2024 and helped the Spring Grove Rockets to a state title that same year.

Ella will continue her academic and athletic career at Princeton University. At Princeton, she plans to continue running hurdles and potentially use her talents for the high jump.

I commend Ella for the dedication and hard work that made these remarkable achievements possible. She serves as an example for young athletes across our community who strive to compete with excellence and advance their education.

I congratulate Ella on these amazing achievements. I wish her the best in her future academic and athletic endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and recognize superintendent Dr. Ella Musser on her retirement from Cocalico School District.

Dr. Ella Musser began her career with Cocalico School District, which is based in the northern corner of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1991. Dr. Musser worked across three of the district's elementary schools as a teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach. After being promoted to Director of Reading and then Curriculum Director, she became Assistant to the Superintendent in 2012. Four years later, in 2016, Dr. Musser was named as the Superintendent of Cocalico School District. As superintendent, Dr. Musser's tenure overlapped with significant facility renovations, exceptional academic progress, greater integration with STEM and computer technology, as well as statewide and national recognition.

Beyond her role as superintendent, Dr. Musser currently serves as a trustee for the Cocalico Education Foundation, as a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators Professional Development Committee, and as an advisory board member for Lancaster County STEM Alliance. Dr. Musser also holds a Master of Education from Kutztown University, a Doctorate in Education from Immaculata University, and certifications from Millersville University and Immaculata University.

Dr. Ella Musser leaves Cocalico School District after three decades of positive impact. As we celebrate her well-earned retirement, I thank Dr. Musser for all the work she has done in making both Cocalico and Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District a great place to live and raise a family. I wish her the best wherever her future takes her.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to respond to some of the comments of my friend, the ranking member of the Budget Committee, who is also from Pennsylvania, just to say that in regards to the tax bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, individuals, families, and wage earners in my district are feeling the impact of that bill when they are filing their taxes.

They like the no tax on tips that so many in my district have taken advantage of and the no tax on overtime that so many have taken advantage of. I have had many seniors come to me and say that they had a lot more in their pockets after they filed their taxes this year.

I will put up our economic record in the last year, the impact on people in

our districts, against that of the Biden administration anytime. We have an economy that is growing quickly. We have inflation at a manageable spot, and people are feeling it in their pocketbooks.

I was happy to hear the ranking member say that he supports a secure border, because, Mr. Speaker, you certainly wouldn't have known that during the past administration when Democrats were in control and we had thousands of people pouring across this border every single day, including individuals who were criminals, who were members of gangs, including drugs flowing across the border, and Democrats did nothing to stop that.

I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, in my district, when I talk to people of all political stripes, Democrats and Republicans alike, they support removing people from this country who are criminals and who are here illegally. They support the work of ICE in doing that. Democrats obviously do not. A shutdown should never be used.

Mr. Speaker, we should never use a government shutdown to achieve any policy benefits. We have seen Democrats do that time and time again. We certainly shouldn't be using it to not fund those who are keeping Americans safe and who are removing criminals from our country.

That is what this bill is about today. We shouldn't be funding this in this way. It should be done through a regular appropriations bill, but we were not able to do that because we did not have Democrat support.

I don't like necessarily the way we are doing this, but there have to be grownups in the room, and those are Republicans right now who are going to ensure that those people who are working hard to keep Americans safe every day are going to be able to count on a paycheck at the end of the week.

This is an important bill. It is very unfortunate that Democrats continue to shut down the government over this issue, but Republicans are going to stand for the safety and security of the American people.

It is the number one thing that every one of us as elected officials should be doing. We should be ensuring that American individuals, American citizens, are safe and secure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Darrell Fisher, Chief of the New Holland EMS, for being named the recipient of the 2026 Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Outstanding Contributions to EMS Award.

Chief Fisher has been an EMT since 2001 and has served as Chief of New Holland EMS, based in eastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, since 2006. Beginning in 2016, Chief Fisher has also served as president of the Lancaster County EMS Council. In these roles, Chief Fisher has been instrumental in the development and support of pilot projects and education initiatives, as well as the implementation of innovative technology, both in Lancaster County and the region.

During his tenure, New Holland EMS has seen tremendous growth. In 2024, he oversaw the creation of a mental health symposium and support program for EMS providers and their family members. In 2019, New Holland EMS merged with Leola Ambulance, was upgraded to an Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) Agency in 2025, and became the fourth paramedic level agency in the state to be able to carry and administer whole blood.

The Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Outstanding Contributions to EMS Award is named after Dr. George Moerkirk, the past president of the Pennsylvania EMS Council, who was a pioneer of emergency medical services in the state. For the innovation and dedication that he provides to the field, whether in New Holland, Lancaster County, or the state, Chief Fisher is more than a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. I congratulate Darrell Fisher and the New Holland EMS on their statewide recognition, and thank them for all they do to keep our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor and congratulate the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County for reaching 60 years in operation.

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County was founded in 1966 to preserve Lancaster County's historic sites and architecture. The Trust carries out its mission through an array of educational programs, including tours, events, presentations, and outreach on the benefits of preservation. It also collaborates with property owners, businesses, and community members, and undertakes direct action through historic preservation easements and plaques.

Over the past 60 years, the Historic Preservation Trust has directly helped in the protection of more than three dozen sites across Lancaster County. Notable preservation efforts include the Sehner- Ellicott-Von Hess House, headquarters, the Lancaster Central Market, and the Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Houses.

Supported by volunteers, community partners, and a hardworking staff, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County has helped to retain the county's rich and vibrant past. I thank the organization for its positive impact, and I wish them many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for the time and also for bringing this bill up to the Ways and Means Committee.

I thank Ms. Moore for working with me cosponsoring and introducing this bill, and I thank the members of the Ways and Means Committee who supported this on a unanimous basis because they realize the injustice that is occurring today in the way the IRS is applying the current tax code.

I think the chairman and Ms. Moore both have described it really well. The core problem here, first of all, we believe our current law already says that any victim of physical abuse and any victim of sexual abuse who receives a settlement does not owe tax on that settlement, which makes complete sense. If you think of the trauma that these individuals have gone through, Mr. Speaker, if you think of the work they are doing to rebuild their lives, the last thing we should be doing is taking a portion of that settlement that they so desperately need to rebuild their lives for tax purposes. The law already says that settlement is not taxed.

However, the way the IRS has applied this, they require a proof of observable physical harm like bruises, cuts, or some other apparent evidence of damages to qualify that settlement as tax-free.

As you can imagine, Mr. Speaker, sexual violence doesn't always leave visible scars.

As a result, survivors who have already endured unimaginable trauma can face a second injustice under the current law or the way that the IRS is applying the law, and that is by being taxed on their compensation simply because their suffering doesn't meet some arbitrary standard.

Our bill fixes that problem. It fixes that injustice, and it helps these victims. It does it in a targeted way. It clarifies that payments related to sexual assault automatically are treated as tax exempt. This ensures that survivors are treated fairly and they are treated consistently under the law.

H.R. 2347 is about dignity. It is about clarity, and it is about making sure that survivors receive justice, not a tax bill, from the

Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to hear some of the falsehoods that Democrats are saying about this bill and some of the contradictions they are making.

I just heard the Democrat leader say that Republicans are running from this bill, but then, in the next sentence, he said we are on the floor celebrating the bill. Which is it? Are we celebrating the bill, or are we running from it?

You hear a lot of talk about the name of the bill. Naming is a funny thing here. I get it. The American people don't care what it is named. They want to know what it does for them.

What I have to tell you is that my constituents, my taxpayers, those who have filed taxes in my district, think it is a beautiful bill, and they know it is a Working Families Tax Cut Act because they have experienced it. They have more money back in their pockets after filing their taxes this year. Families are averaging $3,500 in tax cuts. Refunds are up nearly 11 percent.

One of the other things we heard from the Democrats today was talking about specific provisions in the bill. No tax on tips, they have railed against that. Yet, we had a Democrat Member just come to the floor and say he wants to make that permanent. So which is it: do you like it, or don't you like it? In fact, we could have made it permanent had we had any Democrat support when we passed this bill in the first place. Instead, every Democrat voted against no tax on tips, which is very important to people in the hospitality industry in my district and other industries, as well.

Every Democrat speaking today voted against this bill, which prevented what would have been the largest tax increase for working families all across my district and all across the State.

Every Democrat voted against no tax on overtime, which 20 million Americans have taken advantage of.

Mr. Speaker, in the few seconds I have left, I want to address one additional thing we have heard from the Democrat side, that this is regressive. Untrue. Look at the facts.

We already, of all developed nations around the world, have the most progressive taxation system, which means the wealthy pay more than they do in other countries, and it becomes even more progressive after this bill is passed. This year, the wealthy are paying a higher percentage of total taxes than they were in the previous year due to this bill.

Mr. Speaker, this is a great bill for the American people. People in my district know that. I don't understand what the Democrats are saying, but certainly, people believe this is a great bill for them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Wrightsville Elementary School for being designated as a Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania designates exemplary public schools Blue Ribbon status to honor their commitment to advancing public education. This year, Wrightsville Elementary was proudly named an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School for their work at reducing educational disparities and barriers for their students.

Wrightsville Elementary is a K-5 public school serving approximately 350 students in the Eastern York School District in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. The school emphasizes personalized, student-centered learning that recognizes each student's unique learning needs. As the nature of education and our world evolves, Wrightsville Elementary saw the need for students to develop and meet these challenges head on.

A key feature of this personalized learning model is Wrightsville's ``Mastery Badging'' system, which tracks progress based on a student's skills rather than time spent, promoting engagement and ownership during their learning. Systems like ``Mastery Badge'' are an example of the innovate approach to ensure that all students are given every chance to succeed, not only in the classroom, but in life as well.

I commend the teachers, administration, and students of Wrightsville Elementary for being given this distinction. I am sure they will continue to foster a learning-friendly environment that will help prepare our young people for the world ahead. Eastern York's commitment to the next generation is clear, and I am proud to have such a place for students in my district.

I congratulate Wrightsville Elementary School and Eastern York School District on this momentous achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the SPCA of York County, as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.

Since its creation a century ago, the SPCA of York County has been committed to the safety and dignity of the county's animals. The SPCA serves the animal welfare needs of the county while also providing a crucial public safety service in the community.

The SPCA of York County is the county's only animal shelter, responsible for all animal welfare such as medical care, adoption, and public education. Despite being the sole shelter in York County, the SPCA is regarded as one of the best in the Nation. In 2025, its low- cost, high-volume spay and neuter clinic was the most efficient in the country, performing more than thirteen thousand surgeries.

In 2022, the SPCA of York County was officially recognized as a no- kill shelter. For a shelter to reach no-kill status, at least 90 percent of animals admitted to the shelter must have a live outcome. This high threshold ensures that animals in the care of the shelter are given every possible chance for adoption through medical care and rehabilitation. Since 2022, not only has the York SPCA maintained their status as a no-kill shelter, but they have maintained a save rate of at least 93 percent each year.

I commend the staff, volunteers, and everyone serving the SPCA's mission for their continued work to ensure that York County's animals are treated with dignity. Their advocacy and commitment to animal wellbeing gives a voice to those without one.

I congratulate the SPCA of York County on this historic milestone. I wish them the best in all their future endeavors as they continue to build on their century long legacy of care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity for their 40 years of positive Impact.

Habitat for Humanity is an inclusive Christian ministry and nonprofit organization that builds, repairs, renovates, and revitalizes affordable homes alongside people in need of a decent place to live. Originally established as the Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity in 1986, the organization merged with its Lebanon affiliate 30 years later in 2016.

Over the past 40 years, Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity has strengthened and renewed the counties it serves. Notable projects include the development of a community of 70 affordable homes known as Emerald Valley in Lancaster City and the transformation of the Wooden Nickel Tavern into their first office space. Current and upcoming projects include the five-home Linden Street Build in Columbia and the eight Lancaster City-based Wheatland Build, which will utilize federal funds from the HOME program. Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity also operates the ReStore, a home improvement donation store that helps fund their construction efforts.

Through sweat, grit, and thousands of work hours contributed by both prospective homeowners and volunteers, Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity has made homeownership a reality for over 300 families. I thank the organization for its positive impact on our community, and I wish them another 40 years of success. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish next.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize Mrs. Sherri Stull on her retirement after 19 years with Cocalico School District.

Mrs. Sherri Stull acted as Business Manager for Cocalico School District, which serves almost 3,000 students in northern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Her tenure from 2007 to 2026 overlapped with many changes to the school district, including renovations to the middle school and elementary schools, the installation of state-of-the-art sports fields, and various other projects that improved the district.

In addition to her role as Business Manager, Mrs. Stull served as a Pennsylvania Certified School Business Official, a Pennsylvania Association of School Officials member, a Primary Board Representative for the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau, a Tax Appeal Board Alternate Board Member, a trustee for the Cocalico Education Foundation, and the secretary for the Cocalico Board of School.

Mrs. Stull has left an enormous impact on Cocalico School District. I congratulate Mrs. Sherri Stull on her well-deserved retirement, and I wish her the best wherever her future takes her.