Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievement of the Davenport Assumption girls' soccer team, who have once again made Iowa history.

With a 2-0 victory over the number one ranked Denver Cyclones, the Knights captured their record-setting 12th Iowa State Championship. This win marks their first title since 2021 and is a testament to the perseverance, heart, and teamwork that defines Iowa athletes.

Led by senior Dru Dorsey and freshman Ruby Stevens, the Knights showed skill, leadership, and grit on the field. Dorsey scored one goal and assisted on the other, setting the tone and sealing the win. From defense to offense, the entire squad played with unity and determination.

This moment is more than a victory. It is a legacy, and it speaks to what young women in sports can accomplish when they believe in each other, never give up, and have a level playing field.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Elizabeth Maus, the players, and the entire Davenport Assumption community. They have made their sport, their school, and their State proud.

Recognizing Carla Eysink

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional Iowan, Carla Eysink, who retired after 29 years of service as the executive director of the Marion County Development Commission.

Carla was the very first to hold this role. For nearly three decades, she worked tirelessly to strengthen economic growth, support local businesses, and champion the people of Marion County. From launching the Business Retention and Expansion Program to the Best of Red Rock Awards and the Red Rock StartUP! pitch contest, Carla's leadership left a lasting mark.

What stands out most is her deep love for the people she worked with, the partners across Iowa, and the local citizens who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and believed in the future of their community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Marion County, Iowa, and the U.S. House of Representatives, I thank Carla for her extraordinary service. Her legacy will continue to shape Marion County for years to come.

Anti-Semitism Has No Place in America

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with urgency and determination to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitic violence that is sweeping across our Nation.

In recent weeks, two young Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum here in Washington, D.C., by a radical Hamas supporter shouting: ``Free Palestine.'' These two young people were soon to be engaged. Their future was stolen in an instant.

In Colorado, a man attacked a peaceful march supporting Israeli hostages with a makeshift flamethrower, injuring eight innocent people, some who are in critical condition.

Across our college campuses, anti-Semitic incidents have surged by over 80 percent, with students facing threats, vandalism, and violence simply because of their identity or their support for Israel.

Enough is enough. That is why I am introducing the commission to study acts of anti-Semitism in the United States Act, a bipartisan effort to investigate these hateful acts, uncover their root causes, and deliver concrete recommendations to Congress, local communities, and the President on how we can prevent further violence.

This is not a partisan issue. It is, however, a moral imperative. No American should live in fear for their faith or their safety.

We must stand united in saying that anti-Semitism has no place on our campuses, no place in our streets, and no place in the future of this country. I am committed to ensuring that we act, not just speak, because the time to confront rising hate is now.

Celebrating U.S. Army's 250th Birthday

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army.

As a 24-year Army veteran who is married to a 30-year Army veteran, this moment hits close to home. For 2\1/2\ centuries, the Army has answered the call--not for glory but for country.

It is not just the history books or the battlefields that define the Army. It is the people. It is the young men and women from small towns and big cities who raise their hands, lace up their boots, and swear an oath to protect this Nation and its values.

I have seen what that sacrifice looks like. I have worn the uniform. I have served beside heroes, and I know what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.

The Army isn't just celebrating a birthday. It is marking 250 years of grit, honor, service, and rolling along. Here is to those who came before us, those serving now, and those yet to wear the uniform.

Happy birthday to the United States Army.

Army Strong, always.

Celebrating Richard Miller on His Birthday

Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to a very special person, the eldest of eight children, my brother, Richard Miller.

Richard Miller served in the Army, served in the coal mines in Pennsylvania, joined the Secret Service, and guarded four Presidents during their Presidency and Ronald Reagan post-Presidency.

After retiring from the Secret Service, he then joined the Los Angeles Police Academy, completing rigorous police academy work and then serving in local law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Richard a very happy birthday. I am so proud that he is my brother.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of the Orphan Drug Act in driving rare disease therapy clinical research in my district at the University

of Iowa. As a physician, a legislator, and a member of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, I have seen firsthand the life-changing impact that medical innovation can have on patients battling rare diseases. Iowa's first congressional district is home to clinical trials for several rare diseases that lack a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved therapy, including Becker muscular dystrophy, Gaucher disease type 3, and limb girdle muscular dystrophy. For these patients, and the millions of Americans suffering from rare diseases, scientific advancements represent more than just medical progress--they offer hope where none previously existed.

That hope would not be possible without the Orphan Drug Act, which has served as the foundation for rare disease drug development for over four decades. The Orphan Drug Act's most critical incentive is orphan drug exclusivity, which is a seven-year period of market exclusivity. This incentive ensures that innovators willing to take the extraordinary risk of developing a first-in-class treatment for a complex condition affecting a small patient population are appropriately rewarded.

For many rare diseases, the first FDA-approved treatment is a lifeline. These therapies often require years of research, billions in investment, and considerable perseverance to bring these medicines to patients. Without a strong and reliable exclusivity framework, these treatments simply would not exist. Congress intended orphan exclusivity to serve as ``a marketplace-oriented solution that provide incentives for private enterprise to develop orphan drugs.'' FDA established regulations that aimed to protect this critical economic incentive while also encouraging continued innovation for a rare disease by allowing a follow-on product that is the same drug for the same use to break orphan exclusivity if it demonstrates greater efficacy, greater safety, or a ``major contribution to patient care'' relative to the original orphan drug. Congress codified these regulations in 2017.

Congress has long recognized that the ``major contribution care'' prong of the ``clinical superiority'' standard is meant to be a high bar. We did not intend for minor modifications such as changes in dosing frequency or formulation to erode the exclusivity protections of the first innovator drug unless such modifications result in a significant clinical benefit in treating the underlying conditions. If we allow marginal improvements rather than true clinical advancements to justify breaking orphan exclusivity, we undermine the very incentive that encourages companies to develop first-in-class therapies in the first place. The FDA has a clear precedent for maintaining a high bar for clinical superiority determinations. If we lower the bar for breaking orphan exclusivity, especially for ``major contribution to patient care,'' we will undermine the future of rare disease drug development.

Lowering the bar will deter investment in first-in-class therapies by reducing the certainty that companies will be able to benefit from the exclusivity protections Congress intended. Lowering the bar will create regulatory uncertainty, leading to litigation, market instability, and hesitation from investors who fund rare disease innovation. Lowering the bar will set a dangerous precedent for copycat products with few modifications, encouraging incremental changes rather than bold scientific advancements. Lowering the bar will hurt patients most of all, delaying or discouraging the development of a first-ever therapy for the nearly 10,000 rare diseases that still lack an FDA-approved treatment.

As a physician, I know that true medical breakthroughs require bold investment, sustained commitment, and regulatory certainty. As a legislator, I am committed to preserving the integrity of the Orphan Drug Act and ensuring that it continues to drive life-changing treatments for patients. FDA must apply the law a Congress intended and not allow minor modifications to erode exclusivity protections that serve as the foundation for rare disease innovation. Today, I am calling on my fellow members of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus to stand together to protect the value of the incentives established in the Orphan Drug Act.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1969, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act. As an Army veteran of 24 years, a physician, and a Member of Congress, I have seen the toll that service can take on our veterans, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I have heard from too many who feel forgotten once they have taken off the uniform.

While I respect my colleague's comments from the other side of the aisle, to ask for data for metrics and for outcomes but not to provide a tool for these grantees seems to be the wrong path to take.

Mr. Speaker, 17 veterans die by suicide every single day. That number should shake this Chamber. It is a national tragedy and a moral call to action. This bill reauthorizes and strengthens the VA's Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, one of the most effective tools we have to get local, trusted organizations the funding they need to help struggling veterans.

In Iowa, I have seen incredible work being done by people like Shane Sawyer, an Air Force special operations combat veteran who helps lead the Quad Cities Veterans Network. He brings veterans together, not just to socialize but to survive, to reconnect with the tribe they lost, to rediscover their identity, and to talk to people who understand what they have been through.

His work saves lives. It is that simple. This bill helps him and thousands like him do even more. It also includes my Veterans SPORT Act, which ensures veterans can access adaptive prosthetics for sports and physical activity.

Recovery isn't just about prescriptions. It is about purpose. Whether it is walking a golf course or playing a team sport, these activities can be the difference between isolation and hope.

Mr. Speaker, we made a promise to our veterans. This bill is about keeping it. It ensures no veteran falls through the cracks. No door should be the wrong door when a veteran is in crisis. No door should be the wrong door when it comes to making our veterans whole.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1969. Let's do the right thing by those who put everything on the line for us.

Mr. Speaker, I will respond that, once again, we hear myth after myth when we talk about reforms to Medicaid, which its greatest threat is $37 trillion in debt.

Yet, when we talk about reforms to a Medicaid program, it is to preserve Medicaid, and children, the disabled, and nursing homes would not be impacted.

Honoring Chief Keith Kimball on His Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Chief Keith Kimball, who served the people of Bettendorf and the State of Iowa with distinction for 35 years.

Chief Kimball started on third-shift patrol and worked his way through the ranks with grit, integrity, and a heart for service. From becoming Bettendorf's first-ever school resource officer to leading the Investigative Services Bureau and, finally, being named chief in 2018, he never lost sight of his mission: to serve and protect with honor.

He has been a mentor to many, a leader in his department, and a trusted figure in the community. Chief Kimball represents the very best of law enforcement: steadfast, compassionate, and committed to making a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Kimball for his dedication to the people of Bettendorf and for setting an example that will inspire future officers for years to come.

I congratulate Chief Kimball on his retirement. He has earned it.

Recognizing National Small Business Week

Mr. Speaker, this National Small Business Week, I rise to celebrate the small businesses that power Iowa and make our country strong.

As a former small business owner myself, I know the early mornings, the long nights, the lack of vacations, and the risks it takes to keep a business running. These men and women are the heart of Main Street America, and they deserve leaders who will fight for them.

In Iowa, small businesses represent 99 percent of all businesses in the State. In President Trump's first term, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, giving small businesses the relief that they needed to grow and hire.

I will also say that there are no Fortune 500 businesses without first starting as a small business, or a mom and pop.

If we don't act now, those tax cuts will expire, and Iowa's small businesses will be hit with a crushing 20 percent tax hike. We cannot let that happen.

Let's extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, protect small business owners and farmers, and keep the American Dream alive in Iowa and across the country.

In Memory of Jay Byers

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of President Jay Byers, a proud Iowan and dedicated public servant who has led Simpson College at Indianola until his untimely passing on April 17.

Jay spent his life working to make Iowa a better place, from his years as CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, where he championed economic growth across the metro, to his time as president of Simpson College, where he put his students first every single day. He brought energy, vision, and a heart to everything he did.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Katie, and their daughters, and my prayers are with them, the entire greater Des Moines area, and Indianola during this difficult time. Iowa has lost a leader, Simpson College has lost a champion, and many of us have lost a dear friend.

Mr. Speaker, may Jay rest in peace. Our prayers are with him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Nurses Day to thank the women and men across our country who care for the sick, comfort the hurting, and keep our healthcare system running.

I began my own medical career as a nurse. My sister was a nurse, and my husband was a nurse. I understand the long hours, emotional toll, and deep responsibility, commitment, and gratification that come with the job.

Today, we face a nationwide shortage of nurses, especially in rural areas like many in Iowa. This isn't just a workforce issue. It is a public health crisis.

We must do more to strengthen nursing by expanding training opportunities, reducing burnout, and investing in the future of care.

Nurses don't ask for recognition, but they sure deserve it. Mr. Speaker, on National Nurses Day and every day, I thank all nurses, and I promise to keep fighting for nurses in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of World War II hero Henry Langrehr of Clinton, Iowa.

Henry was the embodiment of the Greatest Generation: humble, courageous, and fiercely devoted to his country. On what should have been his high school graduation day, he instead jumped from a C-47 over France, crashing through a greenhouse during the D-day invasion.

Captured by the Germans and sent to a work camp, Henry's indomitable spirit led him to escape, finding his way back to American forces almost 1 year later, still wearing his tattered D-day uniform.

After the war, Henry returned home to build a business, raise a family, and serve his fellow veterans. He never stopped loving his country, once saying: ``Only America could do that.''

Henry Langrehr lived a life of service, sacrifice, and inspiration. We owe him and all like him a debt that can never be repaid.

I had the pleasure of meeting his grandniece this weekend at the University of Iowa ROTC Military Ball. What a special event.

May God bless his memory and comfort his family.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend birthday greetings to my younger sister, Mariette Stanson.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Bilirakis for yielding.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1721, the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act. This bipartisan legislation that I co-lead with Representative Schrier directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive study examining the feasibility of manufacturing critical infrastructure products here in the United States.

At a time when we have a President who is going to make good on the promise to onshore manufacturing and have a resurgence of manufacturing in the United States, there is nothing more important we can do than to reauthorize the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and pass H.R. 1721.

The challenges we face regarding our supply chains and manufacturing capabilities have been brought into sharp focus in recent years. We cannot continue to allow foreign competitors, particularly China and the Chinese Communist Party, to control our supply chains and create economic vulnerabilities.

Consider our infrastructure and emerging technologies. We have seen how foreign control of critical minerals needed for solar panels and battery production has created bottlenecks in our renewable energy transition and also in the manufacturing of vehicles.

Similarly, the components required for data centers that power our artificial intelligence, or augmented intelligence capabilities, are largely manufactured overseas, creating significant vulnerabilities in these strategically important sectors.

These examples demonstrate with painful clarity that our Nation's critical infrastructure, spanning 16 designated sectors including energy, communications, transportation, healthcare, military, and more, cannot be dependent on foreign supply chains.

This bill takes a measured, data-driven approach to addressing these vulnerabilities. Within one 1 year of enactment, the Secretary of Commerce would be required to identify high-demand critical infrastructure with manufacturing constraints, do a cost-benefit analysis of domestic production, and determine the feasibility of such production.

By supporting this bill, we are taking an important step toward rebuilding American manufacturing capability in strategic sectors. We are creating a roadmap for revitalizing rural communities that have been sidelined for far too long while critical infrastructure components are manufactured overseas.

This legislation not only shields America from global supply chain disruptions but also identifies which rural areas are well positioned to become manufacturing hubs.

The strength of our Nation is enhanced when the materials used in our critical infrastructure and the products Americans purchase are produced domestically and American made. When manufacturing happens on American soil, we retain the innovation, the intellectual property, the economic benefits, and the long-term prosperity that comes with it in rebuilding the middle class.

I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan measure to strengthen America's critical infrastructure, create opportunities for American workers, and enhance our economic security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commissioning of the USS Iowa, the Navy's newest Virginia-class, nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine.

I had the honor this weekend to attend the ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, alongside Governor Kim Reynolds, veterans, and the families of over 140 crew members.

It was a powerful moment marking the beginning of a new era. The USS Iowa is the third naval vessel to bear that name following a battleship that served with distinction in World War II, both in the Atlantic and the Pacific, in the Korean war and in the Gulf. That proud legacy now continues beneath the sea. The legacy of the Gray Ghost and the new USS Iowa nuclear-class submarine begins its mission.

A new legend for the USS Iowa began on Saturday. It is indefatigable. It is undeterred. It is undetected, and it is unstoppable.

To the crew, I thank them for their service and remember to be Iowa nice to one another. To all those who may cross her path and our adversaries, fear the Ghost.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my firstborn child, Jonathon, of whom I am an incredibly proud mom, a very happy birthday.

Happy birthday, Son.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my amazing nephew Joseph Martino a happy 18th birthday.

Happy birthday, Joseph.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my incredibly talented nephew Matthew Martino a wonderful 18th birthday.

Happy birthday, Matthew.

Mr. Speaker, I think that is enough birthdays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SAVE Act because American elections should only be decided by American citizens. That is not controversial. It is common sense.

Think about it. Democrats have no problem requiring ID to board a plane, buy a six-pack, drive a car, or even adopt a pet. Just a few years ago, they demanded proof of vaccination just to eat at a restaurant or pick up food.

When it comes to the most sacred act in our Republic, voting, they fight tooth and nail against requiring proof of citizenship. Why? It is blatant hypocrisy, and the American people see right through it.

The SAVE Act ensures that only American citizens can register to vote and vote in Federal elections. It protects the integrity of our system and restores faith in democracy. In fact, in Iowa, every single time we have passed election integrity laws, the percentage of people voting has increased.

With President Trump back in the White House, it is time to secure our elections and put American citizens first. Let's pass the SAVE Act now.

Supporting the Congressional Agricultural Trade Caucus

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to announce that I have officially joined the bipartisan Congressional Agricultural Trade Caucus.

The State of Iowa leads the Nation in corn, pork, and soybean production. Expanding access to international markets is essential for our rural communities to succeed.

In the past, bad trade deals and overregulations from Washington have held our producers back. By joining the Agricultural Trade Caucus, alongside Representatives Adrian Smith, Jim Costa, Dusty Johnson, and

Jimmy Panetta, I will continue to fight to remove unfair trade barriers, open new markets for Iowa products, and promote policies that keep our local family farms strong and competitive.

Yesterday, when Secretary Rollins was in our State of Iowa, she remarked upon our productive farmers and ranchers and added she will be going on six trade trips internationally over the next 6 months.

For Iowans, agriculture isn't just a way of life. It is the backbone of our economy, and I am deeply committed to supporting Iowa's hardworking farmers and producers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Alvin ``Al'' Van Zee, a devoted veteran and public servant from Pella, Iowa.

As the longest serving commissioner on the Marion County Commission of Veterans Affairs, Al dedicated more than 20 years to ensuring Iowa's veterans received care, support, and the recognition they deserved.

A proud veteran himself, Al's service didn't end when he left the military. Through his work on the commission and his involvement on the Van Veen-Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89, he was a tireless advocate for those who wore our Nation's uniform.

His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment left a lasting impact on his community. Al's legacy is one of service, honor, and deep devotion to both our country and to those who serve our country.

May his family and loved ones find comfort in knowing his impact will endure for generations. We are grateful for his life, his service, and his unwavering dedication. Rest in peace, Al.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today after 5 minutes of fiction to bring a little Iowa reality to Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Stephen Buchanan, who secured the 197-pound national wrestling title at the NCAA championships in Philadelphia. His victory was witnessed by President Donald Trump, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

Stephen's journey is one of transformation. Transferring to Iowa for his final season, he found not just a team but a family. Under the guidance of Coaches Tom and Terry Brands, Stephen's passion for wrestling was reignited, propelling him to become a four-time all- American and now a national champion.

Stephen's triumph not only adds to Iowa's storied wrestling legacy but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes nationwide.

Stephen Buchanan exemplifies the power of dedication, resilience, and a community support system.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Stephen on this well-deserved honor. His achievement made the Hawkeye Nation proud.

Honoring 100 Great Iowa Nurses

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 33 outstanding nurses from Iowa's First Congressional District who have been named among the 2025 100 Great Iowa Nurses.

These dedicated professionals are at the heart and soul of our healthcare system, showing up every day with compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to their patients.

As a former nurse, I understand the immense challenges they face and the dedication required to provide exceptional care.

I am incredibly proud to see so many from our district recognized for their hard work, sacrifice, and service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the nurses being honored today and all of those across Iowa for their tireless efforts to make our communities healthier, stronger, and better places for everyone. Their work truly makes a lasting difference.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Glen Keppy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a great Iowan, Glen Keppy.

A lifelong resident of Eldridge, Glen dedicated his life to family, farming, and his community. His passion for agriculture was unmatched. Whether raising award-winning livestock, advocating for Iowa pork producers, or mentoring the next generation of farmers, Glen's impact stretched far beyond the fields.

Glen served his neighbors through organizations like the North Scott Rotary, Farm Bureau, and 4-H, always leading with integrity and kindness.

I saw this firsthand at his visitation last Thursday when there were more people there than I have ever seen at a visitation in my lifetime.

Glen's leadership in agriculture took him all the way here to Washington, D.C., where he served as a political appointee in the George W. Bush administration, working on behalf of rural America. Yet, no matter how far his work took him, his heart remained in Iowa, where he welcomed thousands of students to his farm to share his story of agriculture.

Glen's legacy is one of hard work, service, and an unwavering love for his family.

Mr. Speaker, may his wife, Jean, and their children and grandchildren find comfort in knowing his spirit lives on in the land he nurtured and in the lives he touched. God bless Glen Kempy.

Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to my brother Fred. Happy birthday, Fred. I also wish my amazing daughter, Taylor, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Taylor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a dear friend and a former Iowa State Representative, James Fredrick Hahn.

James was a public servant who dedicated his life to bettering his community and the State of Iowa.

James was a true Iowan. He was a farmer in Muscatine County. He was hardworking, principled, honorable, and had impeccable integrity in the likes of John Wayne.

Throughout his time in the Iowa Legislature, James fought for the values that make our rural State great. He was a champion for rural communities, farmers, and agriculture, and supported policies that put Iowans first. His leadership and integrity left a lasting impression and impact on Iowans, and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Beyond his service in office, James was a family man and a friend to many. His kindness, wisdom, and dedication to serving Iowa will be remembered by all.

Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone mourning his passing. May we honor his memory by continuing to serve with the same commitment and passion that he did.

Recognizing Will Ryan

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young Iowan, Will Ryan, for his nomination for the Big Ten's prestigious Jackie Robinson Community Service and Impact Award.

Will is not only a standout junior on the University of Iowa's track and field and cross-country teams, but he is also a community leader. Will's commitment to giving back started early by volunteering to feed the homeless as a middle schooler. That spirit of service has not only grown but has continued. Today, when he is not setting records on the track, he is dedicating his time to the University of Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital.

His connection to Stead is personal. Having spent a week there in high school, he saw firsthand the incredible care and support that the hospital provides. This experience inspired him to give back, ensuring that other children received the same comfort and encouragement that he once did.

Will embodies what it truly means to be a Hawkeye. Will is determined, compassionate, and committed to making a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the leader he has become, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor. I congratulate Will on receiving this award.

Congratulating Fred Miller on His Birthday

Mr. Speaker, I wish my brother, Fred, a very happy birthday.

Happy birthday to Fred.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Donald Trump for the executive actions he has taken to secure our southern border. Thanks to his leadership, illegal crossings have dropped to the lowest level we have seen in decades. Our communities have suffered for too long under Joe Biden's failed open-border policies.

Crime has surged, fentanyl has poured in, and American jobs have been undermined. Biden's refusal to enforce our immigration laws created a national security crisis, but now with President Trump back in office, we are witnessing the power of real enforcement.

His executive actions are restoring order, protecting American families, and putting our country first. Biden let chaos reign while Trump is bringing security back to our borders.

We must never allow radical left policies to threaten our Nation's safety again. America deserves a leader who enforces the law, defends our borders, and stands up for its citizens, and that leader is Donald Trump.

Republicans Stand Up for Women and Girls

Mr. Speaker, I should be standing here today celebrating the Senate's passage of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a bill that simply ensures fairness and common sense in athletics. Instead, Senate Democrats made their priorities clear. Mr. Speaker, 45 Senate Democrats voted against protecting women's sports, 45 Senate Democrats voted against keeping women's spaces safe, and 45 Democrats voted against protecting women.

Despite the fact that 80 percent of Americans agree that men do not belong in women's sports, Senate Democrats still chose to ignore reality and put our daughters at risk.

This isn't about politics. This is about fairness, safety, and protecting the integrity of women's sports. This is about a level playing field. If it wasn't obvious before, now it is. Republicans are the party that stands for women. We are the party that defends their right to compete on a level playing field, and while Democrats try to erase the very definition of womanhood, we will never back down. They can slow us down, but they will not stop us. We will keep fighting until every woman and girl in this country has the protections they deserve.

America's daughters deserve better than what Senate Democrats did last night.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dave Heaton, a beloved Iowan, whose passing on February 12 at age 84 has left his wife Carmen; daughter, Mary Elizabeth; the city of Mount Pleasant; and Iowa in mourning.

Dave graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served with an engineering battalion in Washington, Iowa. He taught social studies and government at Van Buren High School, and he also was an assistant coach for the girls' basketball team and a defensive coach for the football team.

Before public service, Dave and his wife, Carmen, ran the Iris Restaurant for 42 years, and Dave's family in Sigourney, Iowa, ran restaurants as well. The Iris Restaurant was a community hub where he carved roast beef and listened to everyone who entered. Known as the best boss, he made it into southeast Iowa's finest dining spot.

For 24 years, Dave served in the Iowa House of Representatives, where his pragmatic compassion shaped mental health, human services, and education policy. As chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, he turned conviction into progress.

His reach extended to education, working with school boards, and inspiring leaders like Jesse Howard. Healthcare in general, but also mental health, were his focus, and later in life he served on the board of directors of the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

He was a giant of a man: mentor, friend and neighbor. Always humble and always selfless, Dave Heaton's legacy of dedication, kindness, and service defines what public life should be. Iowa stands stronger because of him.

Rest in peace, Dave. You will definitely be missed.