Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest threats we face today as a Nation is the threat of the Chinese Communist Party at home and abroad.

The fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes funding that protects the citizens of the United States from the imminent threat of the Chinese Communist Party. It requires the DOD to notify Congress of collaborative nuclear efforts between China and Russia and assess the cooperation between China and Iran on ICBM technology.

This year's NDAA counters aggression from the Chinese Communist Party on every front. It promotes processes for our small businesses to enter the market to work with the DOD in an effort to continue to grow the American small business economy and onshore manufacturing capacity to the United States.

Additionally, the NDAA recognizes the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party to Taiwan, reaffirming U.S. support of the defense of Taiwan to allow Taiwan to defend itself and fully funds military exercises with our allies and partners in the Pacific to counter China's growing military expansion.

Further, the NDAA protects us at home by building up our cybersecurity capabilities and developing new emerging technologies in AI to help our soldiers defend against threats against our Nation and the largest pay raise in over 20 years of 5.2 percent, barely keeping pace with inflation, to help our enlisted and lower-paid servicemembers.

Supporting the NDAA is essential in making sure our soldiers and interests abroad are supported and defended to the highest standard, while also making sure that all of us at home in the United States are protected from threats, as well.

Mr. Speaker, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is estimated that 6 out of 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Sadly, the incidence of PTSD is higher in veterans and Active Duty servicemembers.

As a doctor, former director of the Iowa Department of Health, and a 24-year U.S. Army veteran, the mental, emotional, and physical health of my constituents and fellow veterans is one of my top priorities in Congress. For too long, PTSD and other mental or physical ailments have had devastating effects, and far too often, they go untreated.

The new FDA guidance that presents considerations for designing clinical trials for psychedelic drugs will give patients and their doctors increased access to effective treatments rather than alternatives such as opioids.

That is why I introduced the Veterans CARE Act to allow the VA to research the effectiveness of using medical cannabis for chronic mental and physical pain and why we have held roundtables on emerging breakthrough therapies.

I hope others will join me in supporting these novel forms of research that will benefit our heroic veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the conservative priorities included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

In recent years, our military has struggled with a severe recruiting crisis that will have enormous implications for our strategic position in an increasingly unstable global stage. There are several factors exacerbated by the Biden administration that have made military service less compelling to young Americans, and I say this as a 24-year Army veteran.

For instance, discharging servicemembers who declined to take the COVID-19 vaccine, despite requesting an exemption, upended careers and negatively impacted many servicemembers and their hard-earned benefits.

This year's NDAA provides critical steps to gut the administration's political agenda that has no place in our

military. For instance, it provides a pathway back to the Armed Forces for servicemembers who declined to take the COVID vaccine. It also continues to prohibit the DOD from mandating that servicemembers take an emergency use vaccine.

Additionally, this legislation includes an extremely important provision of a 5.2 percent increase in servicemember pay. This is tremendously important for our enlisted ranks, and it is the largest pay raise in over 20 years.

I urge all my colleagues to support this important legislation that supports our military families and ensures our national security.

Congratulating the Quad City Strikers

Madam Speaker, I will use this time as a chance to congratulate the Quad City Strikers U15 Soccer Club who represented the State of Iowa in the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup, which took place in Wichita, Kansas, from July 6-11.

This is the third year in a row that they competed in the Midwest Regional, and this year, after a runner-up finish in the regional, they successfully clinched their place in the national tournament. They were one of eight teams who qualified for the tournament and the only one that represented the State of Iowa.

These boys worked hard all year long and were able to represent Iowa at the highest amateur level. I congratulate every player on the team and their coach, Juan Nuci.

We thank him for his dedication and for making Iowa, and especially the First District, proud.

Congratulating Caitlin Clark

Madam Speaker, today, I congratulate Ms. Caitlin Clark of Des Moines, Iowa, for winning the National Player of the Year award for her performance this past season for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball Team.

Caitlin is a junior at the University of Iowa and averaged almost 28 points a game, while leading the Hawkeyes to the NCAA Women's Basketball championship game. While averaging 28 points a game, she also averaged seven rebounds and almost nine assists through her historic season, where she swept the National Player of the Year award.

Caitlin Clark is a prime example of our constituents in Iowa, extremely talented and hardworking, while also remaining humble through all of their success. We congratulate Caitlin, and we thank her for making Iowa, the University of Iowa, and the Hawkeye nation proud.

Congratulating Judge William Kelly

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Judge William Kelly on his selection to be a magistrate judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. Judge Kelly is a member of the Iowa National Guard and will now serve our country in a different way.

Judge Kelly has an accomplished legal and judicial career. He obtained an undergraduate degree from Brown University. After graduation, he moved to Iowa to attend Drake University Law School in Des Moines. For 8 years he served as a State District Court Judge for District 5C in Iowa State courts, serving Polk County.

Becoming a magistrate judge happens after a rigorous selection process, and candidates are selected based on their merit by the district judges to help assist with the smooth and speedy legal process that we enjoy in the United States. Good judges in our U.S. court system are vital to keeping our constitutional republic together. I applaud Judge Kelly for taking the position, and I wish him luck in serving southeast Iowa.

Madam Speaker, I also extend a happy birthday to my sister, Mari- Eleanor Martino. Happy birthday Mari-Eleanor.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Chair Foxx, for yielding me time.

I rise today in support of my resolution, H. Res. 461, which bans the Biden administration from using schools to house illegal aliens.

As a mother and a physician, I do not see how my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can let this stand.

Using school facilities as shelter for illegal aliens, instead of as schools, as they were intended, creates a host of issues ranging from safety hazards for young children to a free fall of security issues as a result of not providing adequate accommodations or security screenings. At a minimum, it deprives students of their space for recess and physical education and imposes financial burdens on schools for cleaning and housing.

Municipalities such as New York City are using school gymnasiums as overflow housing for illegal aliens and setting troubling precedents for the future. It is easy to be a sanctuary city when you are not affected by the border until the Biden administration opens those borders.

Diverting educational resources to illegal aliens, or any demographic, and not in a natural disaster--and in most cases we have little or no background information upon these individuals--provides an avoidable and incredible security risk.

We must protect America's children and save our educational systems from being robbed of their purpose.

The Biden administration's open border policies have turned every State into a border State. And a broken immigration system, paired with the lack of responsibilities and execution of border security, is simply not good enough.

Speaking of the minority's comments on useless resolutions, last Congress, the Democrats introduced a total of 982 resolutions, of which only 176 passed.

H. Res. 461 sends the Biden administration a clear message that their open borders and broken immigration system will not stand, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Van Drew, for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3799, the CHOICE Arrangement Act, which we just voted on tonight.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, small businesses have ranked the cost of health insurance as their number one problem for 32 years straight. Even our largest employers rank the cost of health insurance and healthcare as a tremendous issue.

Offer rates from small employers with under 50 workers dropped from 39 to 31 percent from 2010 to 2021. This is both unfortunate and alarming because small business owners and employees who drive the American economy with their skills deserve better.

As a physician and a former small business owner myself and a supporter of small businesses, I understand the importance of quality healthcare. I am all for innovative solutions that bring down costs without expanding the power of the Federal Government.

The inaptly named Affordable Care Act doubled down on a broken individual health market that now costs taxpayers more than a trillion a year. The CHOICE Arrangement Act eliminates the need for small businesses to choose between expensive, unaffordable ACA-compliant coverage or no coverage at all.

Furthermore, any business size can offer this type of coverage and employers can offer coverage so that their employees can obtain health insurance. The benefit to employees is--let me say it in three words: portability, cost, and choice.

Of these three, the most important, especially as a physician delivering care, is for patients to have choice. We

know with the innovation that has come about through technology that patients want choice now more than ever.

Imagine having an arrangement where you can use your healthcare dollars to get devices that measure your blood sugar rather than having to prick your finger every day, or other things that are not covered necessarily by health insurance or Federal health insurance.

Furthermore, this Act codifies a rule created by President Trump that makes it easier for businesses and self-employed individuals to band together or pool together across State lines to purchase association health plans and expanded health reimbursements.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the CHOICE Arrangement Act, and I look forward to the Senate's swift consideration of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to President Biden's student loan bailout. As Iowans know, a loan taken out is a loan that must be repaid. Democrats and the

Biden administration are continuing to push to forgive student loans, which results in those costs being transferred to other hardworking taxpayers.

This decision is irresponsible, it is unfair, and it undercuts students who work to afford tuition and parents who, for years, sacrificed and saved for the opportunity of a college education. Student loans shouldn't be viewed any differently than a mortgage or a car loan. Money taken out must be paid back by those who benefit.

Moving forward, it is crucial that we ensure our students are equipped with the guidance needed to make an informed decision, and that they understand the process to pay these loans back.

If we can help our students understand the process and the ultimate cost of Federal student loans, they will use this information in making wiser decisions.

PTSD Awareness Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month.

PTSD affects tens of thousands of Americans who are diagnosed every year. Sadly, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD is more common among female veterans.

As a veteran, physician, and a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I know the realities of the battlefield and the importance of having adequate access and tools to mental health services that address the experiences our veterans face.

I was proud to work across the aisle with my colleagues to introduce the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023 that provides our veterans with increased treatment and rehabilitative services.

As Members of Congress, we have the ability to take action, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the mental health of our veterans and servicemembers through passing the Brandon Act.

Recognizing Keaton Winn

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Keaton Winn of Ollie, Iowa, for being promoted to the San Francisco Giants' major league roster. Keaton attended Pekin High School in my district where he was a standout baseball, basketball, and football player. He then took his talents to Iowa Western Community College where he earned first team all-conference honors as a freshman pitcher.

Keaton was drafted by the Giants in 2018 and spent his next years working through their minor league system. He had a breakout season in 2022 before finally getting the call to the major leagues on June 12 of this year. He made his first appearance 1 day later, throwing four innings and becoming the first Giants pitcher to earn a save in his major league debut.

Keaton's accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering dedication, perseverance, and exceptional skills on the baseball diamond. He serves as a shining example for young athletes across Iowa who aspire to play their sport at the highest level.

Every State is a Border State

Mr. Speaker, President Biden's and the extreme House Democrats' open border policies have incentivized a historic surge in illegal immigration at our southern and northern borders. Every State is now a border state.

Blue sanctuary cities and States are now using elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for these illegal immigrants. This deprives students of opportunities to learn, both physically and intellectually, as well as puts them physically at risk when background checks are not conducted.

This week, we will be voting on my resolution, H. Res. 461, which condemns the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for illegal aliens who are not admitted to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to wish my brother Richard a happy birthday. Happy birthday, Rick.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Teresa Shymansky of Solon, Iowa, for her incredible work with her nonprofit foundation, Something Beautiful.

Teresa operates a floral design and art studio in her home in Johnson

County with a mission to restore hope and dignity to women and children who have fallen victim to trafficking and sexual abuse.

With the proceeds raised, Teresa funds scholarships for victims of abuse and supports global initiatives such as Operation Underground Railroad. Operation Underground Railroad works to save children around the globe from sexual exploitation.

Teresa offers a space for healing and creativity for those who desperately need it, using the wonders of Iowa's landscape as a space for renewal and rebirth.

Mother Teresa once said: ``Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.''

Through her work, Teresa not only believes this statement to be true, but she also practices its teachings daily.

I commend Teresa on all her dedication and hard work in helping vulnerable members of our community while donating her time and resources to help turn traumatic experiences into something beautiful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life of former Bettendorf Mayor Ann Hutchinson, who passed away at age 74 this past week. She dedicated her life to the Bettendorf community, serving as mayor for 16 years, until 2003.

When Mayor Hutchinson took office, Bettendorf was struggling to survive financially. She got the city back on sound economic footing and accomplished a wide range of projects, including revitalizing downtown Bettendorf, building the Learning Campus with a library and the Family Museum, and started plans for the new I-74 bridge, which just opened last year.

After her time as mayor, Ann served the region in multiple leadership roles with the Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, and served as the president of the Iowa League of Cities.

Mayor Hutchinson played a major part in making the Quad Cities what they are today, and she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

I would also like to wish my brother, Richard, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Richard.

Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for yielding time.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of HALT Fentanyl Act introduced by my friends and colleagues, Morgan Griffith and Bob Latta.

The fentanyl crisis is ravaging our Nation, and there is no question this dangerous drug and its analogues should be scheduled. Fentanyl accounts for roughly 150 overdose deaths per day, and the number of deaths caused by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids is growing exponentially each year.

The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances and provide law enforcement with the tools needed to keep these lethal drugs off our streets.

Should the temporary classwide scheduling expire, drug traffickers would be empowered to ramp up their operations without fear or repercussions. At our border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection would lose the authority to seize these substances, and the amount of drugs coming into our country would skyrocket.

It is hard to imagine the border crisis becoming worse than it already is, but should this scheduling expire, I am afraid the crisis would escalate even further.

As a physician and the former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health under whose purview substance use disorder and drug addiction failed, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle neglect to acknowledge a vast majority of people affected by this are not drug addicts. One pill can kill.

Furthermore, news flash: This bill doesn't hamper any legal medical use of fentanyl. Fentanyl is not only more deadly than cocaine or morphine or heroin, it is significantly easier to produce and can be sold for 100 times more than it costs to make. Bad actors will always take advantage of bad situations, and this is no exception.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill to protect our most vulnerable populations and keep fentanyl and its analogues off the street.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Johnson for yielding me time.

I rise in strong support of S.J. Res. 11, which repeals EPA's rulemaking on heavy-duty engines and vehicle standards for trucks. The Senate passed this resolution at the end of April, sending a strong message of disapproval. It is time for this body to do the same.

Today's new trucks have reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 98 percent since 1988, and the EPA's recent rulemaking requires reductions that are 80 percent more stringent. The rule outpaces available technology and would worsen an already tight equipment market.

The EPA's nitrogen oxide rulemaking for heavy-duty trucks would dramatically increase the cost of new trucks. The EPA admits the rule would cost between $39 billion and $55 billion. On a per truck basis, the EPA noted the price of a class 2b truck will increase by $2,600 and a semitruck will increase by $8,300. As the costs of trucks increase, the cost of all goods transported by trucks will increase.

Let me give you a primer on health. If you can't afford food and you can't afford medicine, your health will worsen--that is for children, that is for families, and that is for senior citizens.

Additionally, the EPA's rulemaking potentially encourages trucking companies to retain older fleets with greater nitrogen oxide emissions, meaning the rulemaking may result in increased emissions from heavy- duty trucks. If trucking companies cannot afford the new trucks with compliant technology, they will keep older, higher-emitting trucks in operation.

Further, when we don't see the benefits of this rule, i.e., reduced asthma, reduced hospitalizations, or reduced premature deaths, they will again say the rules weren't stringent enough, didn't go far enough.

Mr. Speaker, small carriers and independent truckers simply cannot afford to overhaul their fleets, farmers cannot continue to produce crops with these standards, and American families can't afford higher prices for everyday goods, medicine, and food.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the CRA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize SSAB Steel for taking a big step toward a more sustainable future with SSAB Zero steel.

SSAB is the largest producer and supplier of steel plate in North America, and their facility in Muscatine, Iowa, in my district, is the first in the world to produce steel with zero emissions from the source without any credits or offsets.

SSAB Zero steel is made using recycled steel--almost all steel in America is almost 98 percent recycled--and it is produced with biogas and renewable electricity. The rollout of zero-emission steel will continue through 2023 with the goal of having a wide range of products available to meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives.

SSAB Zero is an important step in their efforts to lead the steel industry to a decarbonized future by creating an emission-free value chain for their customers.

We are proud to have such an innovative company pursuing climate- neutral solutions in Iowa and wish them the very best as they continue to lead the industry to a cleaner, healthier future.

PBMs Abusing Patient Assistance Programs

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the HELP Copays Act.

Too many patients are seeing large copays at the pharmacy counter because of pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM, accumulator programs. PBMs are the middlemen in the distribution chain between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and were originally designed to help negotiate with manufacturers to lower costs for patients.

Unfortunately, we are seeing patient assistance programs being abused by PBMs. Patients often receive drug coupons from manufacturers for high-cost medicines to reduce their out-of-pocket spending. However, PBMs, who are also the insurer in many cases, do not allow the coupon to apply toward the patient's deductible.

This is not the proper role of insurance. Health benefits should be serving the patients, not their shareholders at the expense of patients.

The HELP Copays Act would put an end to these abusive practices and improve patient access and affordability by requiring insurance plans to apply patient assistance toward their copay.

There simply can't be a discussion on lowering healthcare costs for patients without addressing the role of middlemen. Banning the use of copay accumulators is a readymade policy to do just that.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me time.

As a 24-year Army veteran, I understand the importance of improving services for veterans as they transition to civilian life. VET-TEC is a pilot program that started under President Trump and was led by Speaker McCarthy. Let me repeat that. VET-TEC is a

highly popular and successful program that was started under President Trump that allows eligible veterans to use GI Bill-style benefits to attend innovative job training programs to prepare them for future employment in the technology industry.

Through this program, veterans can get training in high-demand areas, including computer software, computer programming, data processing, information science, and media applications. In addition to this, employment may help prevent and treat homelessness. We have seen 62 percent employment and $65,000 per year average salaries.

I am grateful that my colleague, Representative Ciscomani, introduced this important piece of legislation, which will help grow our economy and get veterans back to work. As a physician, it is no small aside that the dignity of working and having a purpose in life may also help improve mental health, which may also help improve homelessness.

The VET-TEC Authorization Act proves our commitment not only to maintaining funding levels but increasing support for veterans.

Last Congress, I led legislation to extend this important program, and I am proud to support this legislation today. This program has been widely popular and successful, and this is exactly the type of taxpayer-funded program that we can all support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of prioritizing ethanol as we move toward a cleaner, more renewable energy future.

Today, I am introducing the Fuels Parity Act legislation that would allow ethanol from cornstarch to qualify as an advanced biofuel. Removing legal barriers that limit the use of corn-based ethanol will bolster American energy production and support our agriculture industry, all while lowering emissions.

The Biden administration continues to tout its focus on clean energy, yet routinely leaves ethanol and other biofuels out of the equation. Transitioning to 100 percent electric vehicles is simply not feasible at this point in time. Our energy demands as a Nation are increasing every single day, and our grid cannot support this transition.

Instead of naively pushing for a change without considering the potential side effects, the Biden administration should be promoting all kinds of renewable energy, whether wind and solar to support our power grid, or advanced biofuels to reduce carbon emissions without forcing the purchase of expensive EVs while not having the grid to support them.

My bill is proof that Republicans and Democrats from all different regions are supportive of a cleaner energy future. I am proud to be joined by Representatives Bice, Hunt, Sorensen, and Budzinski, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to prioritize American energy production.

National Police Week

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Police Week.

Our officers do their job because they are committed to serving and protecting their communities. It is a selfless profession filled with brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect others and keep order in society. They deserve recognition for their tireless efforts, yet are oftentimes met with hatred.

Maintaining public safety is the key to thriving communities and our Nation as a whole. In the last few years, our officers have been constantly attacked and defunded in many major American cities. Progressive district attorneys are contributing to the problem by refusing to prosecute crimes, leaving criminals on the street who are highly likely to re-offend. We have all

heard stories far too often about serious crimes committed by people who have been arrested countless times before being let back out on the streets. Unfortunately, this has become the norm in too many cities.

Our law enforcement officers have been left with policies that leave them feeling powerless to do the job they selflessly dedicate their lives to. Whether on the border or in major cities, we need serious bipartisan police reform that holds bad officers accountable and dedicates resources to help good officers do their jobs.

I am grateful for the men and women in law enforcement for their commitment to keeping us safe. I thank them for all they do.

Congratulating Thomas Gibson of Iowa City

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Thomas Gibson of Iowa City for winning a Congressional Bronze Medal. I had the pleasure of presenting the award to Thomas last week in front of his friends and family at Iowa City West High School. Thomas is an outstanding young man, deserving of the award given to him to recognize the dedication to service and achievement in our Nation's youth.

In order to earn a Congressional Bronze Medal, participants must set and achieve goals in public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. Thomas fulfilled his goals by restoring a native prairie to its original beauty, volunteering at a community garden that gave all of the food to people in need, and becoming a senior patrol leader for his Boy Scout troop, serving as a role model for younger Scouts and learning valuable lessons in leadership.

Thomas is also a member of Iowa City West's most advanced jazz band and spends his free time working at a local ice cream shop. His peers speak very highly of him and recognize him as a valuable member of the community.

Madam Speaker, I wish Thomas the very best of luck as he continues to be a leader and role model in the community. He represents the very best of Iowa and the rest of the country.

Congratulating Hailey Whitters of Shueyville, Iowa

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hailey Whitters of Shueyville, Iowa, for being named the Academy of Country Music Awards' New Female Artist of the Year.

Hailey had a farm-town upbringing before moving to Nashville to pursue a career in music. She spent the next 10 years honing her craft and finding her true voice before her breakout album ``The Dream'' caught national attention and The Washington Post called it 2020's ``deepest country album.''

Hailey's next album titled ``Raised'' drew inspiration from her upbringing in Iowa and focused on her childhood adventures in Shueyville. This album introduced the world to her own, unique brand of Iowa country music. Her song ``A Beautiful Noise'' was a 2022 Grammy nominee for Song of the Year, and she solidified her spot in the country music scene with her Academy of Country Music Awards' New Female Artist of the Year title earlier this month.

Hailey's success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. I wish her the best of luck as she goes on tour to showcase the new album. I know she will continue to make the people of Shueyville and Iowa proud.

World Beer Cup

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Backpocket Brewing Company from Coralville, Iowa, for winning first place for their Pumpkin Ale at the 2023 World Beer Cup. They have set the bar for excellent beers worldwide. They already had a gold coin. Now they have a gold medal.

When I first put together my draft remarks, I knew any praise I heaped on Backpocket would pale in comparison to their actual accomplishments. So I will let their beer speak for itself and simply say: congratulations.

I also encourage all the breweries who won silver or amber: Do not be sour. You were stout competitors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Backpocket Brewing Company from Coralville, Iowa, for winning first place for their Pumpkin Ale at the 2023 World Beer Cup, drowning out their competition.

They have set the bar for excellent brews worldwide. They already had a gold coin, and now they have a gold medal.

When I first put together my draft remarks, I knew any praise I heaped on Backpocket would pale in comparison to their actual accomplishments. So I will let their beer speak for itself and say simply: congratulations.

I would also encourage all the breweries who won silver or amber: Don't be sour. You were stout competitors. However, one thing is clear. We may not have much of a timber industry in Iowa, but we do have great lagers. I encourage all my colleagues to hop on the bandwagon and try Iowa beer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate General Stephen E. Osborne for being appointed by Governor Kim Reynolds as the 28th Adjunct General of the Iowa National Guard.

General Osborne is a native of Davenport, Iowa, and enlisted in the Army in 1984, actually 10 years after my own enlistment in the Army. He went on to commission as an infantry officer through the University of Alabama in 1990 before transferring to the Iowa National Guard in 1992.

General Osborne deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 1991 during the Persian Gulf war. He then deployed to Kosovo in 2004 in support of Operation Joint Guardian and Iraq in 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He has served as the Iowa National Guard's deputy adjunct general since 2018 and will now manage more than 2,000 full-time employees and nearly 9,000 part-time soldiers and airmen in his new role as adjunct general.

Iowans can trust the National Guard will be in great hands under the leadership of General Osborne. I wish him the very best as he transitions into this important role.

Celebrating Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, which was held yesterday, May 8, and to recognize our veterans' service to this great Nation. The commemorative ceremony is held annually to honor our 115,000 Iowan Vietnam veterans for their service and remember the 868 Iowans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. This year's ceremony was held at the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated to those who died in combat or after the war as a result of their service.

The Vietnam war was one of our country's most painful times, and our veterans were often not welcomed home. My brother was one of those. I take this chance to thank all of them for their bravery, sacrifice, and strength.

During last week's recess, I had the privilege of visiting with veterans across the First District. As an elected official and as chair of the Subcommittee on Health of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I felt it was my duty to reassure them that the Limit, Save, Grow Act would not cut veterans' benefits or resources. As long as I am in Congress, I will always fight to improve and protect our veterans' benefits.

It is important that we always take the time to recognize the patriotism, dedication, and willingness of our veterans to fight for our liberties and our way of life. Our servicemembers dedicate their lives to protecting our Nation, and it is our duty to honor those commitments both during and after their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aaron Warner, CEO of ProCircular Inc., in Coralville, Iowa, who was named Iowa's 2023 Small Business Person of the Year.

Mr. Warner founded ProCircular in 2016 with the goal of being a dedicated cybersecurity and compliance firm, offering analysis, testing, governance, risk management, and compliance services. In the company's first year, its revenue grew over 200 percent and has continued to grow steadily year over year. The company now has 69 full- time staff and 19 interns.

In addition to running a booming small business, Mr. Warner is also heavily involved in his community. He volunteers with a number of different organizations, including the Technology Association of Iowa, the Iowa City Area Development Group, Junior Achievement, Rotary International, and the March of Dimes. He and his wife also started a trust to provide scholarships to students in need.

Mr. Warner is truly a pillar of his community and very deserving of this honor. I look forward to seeing what the future holds as his business and activism in southeast Iowa continue to grow.

Recognizing Police Canine Kilo

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize police canine Kilo, of the Indianola Police Department, for assisting in a drug bust during his first week of being on patrol with his handler, Officer Treyton Nixon.

As the newest member of the Indianola Police Department, Kilo made an immediate impact by helping find over 7 grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.

A canine's keen sense of smell helps them to detect items that a human officer might miss, especially drugs and bombs. In a time when record levels of illicit narcotics are pouring in through our southern border and killing American citizens, poisoning them with synthetic fentanyl, it is increasingly important that police departments utilize every resource available to keep their communities safe.

I hope Kilo sets the example and proves the need for canine units across our police forces, including at the border. If one canine officer could handle this drug bust in Indianola, imagine what a full squad could accomplish at our ports of entry.

Thank you, Kilo, for your service to the city of Indianola. We wish him and the rest of the Indianola Police Department the very best in the future.

Monitoring Mississippi River Flooding

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss major flooding in seven counties in southeast Iowa along the Mississippi River.

I appreciate Governor Reynolds' efforts to protect these communities, and I encourage residents in these areas to stay cautious.

Each year, as snow north of Iowa melts, it floods the communities along the Mississippi River in Iowa. While these floods can be devastating, we are lucky to be able to predict the severity of floods each year.

In Davenport, crews have been working 24-hour shifts at pump stations for over a week to protect their 9 miles of the riverfront.

As we continue to monitor the flooding, I remain grateful for the close eye of the Governor's office, disaster resources, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers' efforts to ensure pumps are working flawlessly.

I also appreciate the University of Iowa Flood Center to be able to monitor and sense rising waters.

My office remains open as a resource if southeast Iowans are in need of assistance. Together, we can again power through this flooding season.

I want to take a moment to wish a very happy birthday to my sister, Mariette Stanson.

Happy birthday, Mariette.