Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th birthday of Mr. Franco Cupini.

Born in the heart of Rome, he was determined to make his mark on the world through his culinary talents. He learned the intricacies of Italian cuisine and earned himself a position at Villa Madama, of the Presidential palace, serving President Giovanni Leone and other distinguished government dignitaries.

He moved to the United States in 1968, bringing the flavors of Italy to the Midwest with his brother, Carlo. They owned several restaurants, and he solidified his place as a top-tier chef at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis.

In 2003, Franco and his son Eddie opened up a restaurant in Kansas City in Westport, Cupini's. We eat there often.

What began as a modest 1,500-square-foot deli quickly became a local treasure. Over the next 21 years, the restaurant grew in size, dedication, and quality. Franco was a repeat guest on our morning show on Fox4 News.

Franco's love for his homeland is a testament to his lifelong dedication and passion. His story is one of hard work, determination, and a love for good food.

I wish Franco Cupini a happy birthday, and I thank him for keeping the culinary spirit of Italy alive and well.

Ciao, bello.

Celebrating Erica Shadwell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding educator from Columbia, Missouri, Ms. Erica Shadwell, who participated and was selected as part of the prestigious Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Ms. Shadwell is a dedicated teacher at Ann Hawkins Gentry Middle School and really shared her expertise and passion for education with students in Ghana, fostering cross-cultural understanding and enriching the lives of countless students.

The Fulbright Program is a beacon of international exchange and cooperation, and Ms. Shadwell's selection reflects her exceptional dedication and commitment to education. Her work represents the excellence of Missouri's educators and the importance of building bridges between our communities and the entire world.

We are proud of Ms. Shadwell's achievements and her role as an ambassador of knowledge. Her efforts will inspire students, both in Missouri and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Erica Shadwell on this remarkable achievement and wishing her the very best in this exciting and impactful endeavor.

Honoring Corporal Gerald ``Jerry'' Newton Wilson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Corporal Gerald ``Jerry'' Newton Wilson, a true American hero from Macks Creek, Missouri, whose remains, after more than seven decades, have finally returned home.

Corporal Wilson was born on December 18, 1930, and enlisted in the Army in 1948, serving bravely in the Korean war with Fox Company. He was reported missing in action on July 25, 1950, following a fierce ambush by North Korean forces near Yongdong.

For decades, Mr. Speaker, his family endured the heartache of uncertainty with his remains resting unidentified in the U.N. Military Cemetery until the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed his identity in 2018.

On October 11, 2024, his remains were returned to Camdenton, accompanied by a tribute procession from across our State, an honor for a soldier who gave his life in the line of duty.

Corporal Wilson's sacrifice and unwavering faithfulness to his country

remind us of the true cost of freedom. May he rest in peace as we welcome him home.

Honoring Larry Dobson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Dobson, a remarkable leader and selfless servant in Missouri, for receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service Award.

Born on July 4, 1948, in Harrisonville, Missouri, Larry's dedication to education and community service shaped countless lives across our great State. From his impactful career as an educator and guidance counselor in the Raymore-Peculiar District and Blue Springs School District to his steadfast commitment to Peculiar United Methodist Church, Larry has embodied the spirit of service.

He has contributed more than 50 years to numerous community boards, including Caring Hearts of Peculiar and the Missouri Bluebird Society, where he has worked tirelessly to enrich his community and uplift others.

Larry's motto is: ``Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,'' the Golden Rule, a guiding principle that has certainly inspired a lot of us and him over the years.

Today, we celebrate Larry Dobson's legacy and his profound impact on the great State of Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Jones Boots of Vernon County, Missouri, as our Fourth Congressional District September Small Business of the Month.

From the humble beginnings of two employees and an inventory of just 500 pairs of boots, Jones Boots has expanded their selection over the years to more than 6,000 pairs. They have renovated their building, always focused on the customer.

Jones Boots has been in business since 1974, and they have operated in pretty much the same building they are in to this day.

Jones Boots has been in the Jones family for more than four generations and is now run by Kaleb and Kaden. We are proud to see their hard work, success, and dedication to quality customer service.

Congratulations, Jones Boots.

Honoring Sharla Howard

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor our September Veteran of the Month, Mrs. Sharla Howard of Dallas County.

Sharla served in the U.S. Army and sustained an injury during training that led to her eventually being medically discharged.

It bothered Sharla that she could not deploy with her platoon in the military, so she searched for other ways to serve her country and our Nation's veterans.

She paid for and completed college alone as a single mother and in 2016 was inspired by her late husband to become a Disabled American Veterans life member at the chapter in Butler, Missouri.

Sharla volunteers her time as a chapter service officer where she assists veterans with completing paperwork to file for VA benefits. She also serves as the treasurer and bingo chairman for her chapter. Sharla has logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours since August of 2023.

Congratulations to our September Veteran of the Month. I thank Sharla for her service in the Army and for her unwavering commitment to veterans.

Osceola Cheese Honored as October Small Business of the Month

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Osceola Cheese, our October Small Business of the Month in the great Fourth Congressional District of Missouri.

Established in 1944, Osceola has provided cheese, beef jerky, various meat selections--I know you are getting hungry, Mr. Speaker--and also specialty sauces and mixes to Missouri and to the United States.

With the business growing, they acquired a new building in 1946, including 15 trucks. They were collecting milk from 1,000 dairy farms across our great State. When Truman Lake began to develop, the business relocated to 13 Highway and officially changed from Riverview Cheese to Osceola Cheese in St. Claire County.

Osceola has continued to expand with facility redesigns, new flavors, and new snacks. They have more than 275 varieties of cheese, from mild cheddar to chocolate cheese. That is right, I said chocolate cheese.

Congratulations to Osceola Cheese for 79 years of success. Mr. Speaker, say along with me, 79 years of great cheese. Say cheese.

Ginny Fletcher Named October Veteran of the Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our October Veteran of the Month, Ginny Fletcher, of Webster County.

Ginny joined the Missouri Army National Guard in 2007 as a welder and deployed to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. She served with Missouri ADT IV Mission, an agribusiness development team that improved local agriculture and business infrastructure.

Ginny's fondest memories include her women's engagement team teaching Afghan children first aid and organizing activities. The team also empowered local women by teaching them to raise chickens, grow crops, and create sellable items.

After completing her service as an E-4 specialist in 2017, Ginny worked for

the State of Missouri. Right now she supervises benefit programs for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. I thank Ginny so much for her dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the most pressing national security threat to our Nation right now: the Chinese Communist Party.

The CCP is engaged in a full-scale influence and espionage operation right here in the United States of America.

From Confucius Institutes to TikTok, and from spy balloons to intellectual property theft, the CCP's mission is quite clear: to collect our data, to infiltrate our country from within, and to become the world's sole superpower.

Mr. Speaker, plain and simple, we need to make a change.

We must recognize the significant threat that Communist China poses. We must decouple ourselves from our dependence on China. We must restore strong American leadership around the globe. We must ban our adversaries like China from buying U.S. farmland. We must put an end to their data collection schemes.

Mr. Speaker, we must stand behind our ally Taiwan. The path forward is clear: peace through strength and a resolute leader in the White House.

Gold Star Ceremony

Mr. Speaker, I want to speak from my heart right now on a subject matter that we dealt with yesterday in the rotunda not too many feet from this House floor.

I was honored to be at the ceremony yesterday for the 13 Gold Star families, the 13 servicemembers who bravely gave their lives 3 years ago on the wall at Abbey Gate due to a decision made by a failed administration to get all American troops out of Afghanistan, to leave them there--our allies--clinging to the wheels of aircraft as they tried to escape the grip of the Taliban. It was a flawed decision.

This administration never apologized to those 13 families for that critical mistake in our world history. Yesterday, someone finally had the guts to apologize to those families: our Speaker, Mike Johnson. I applaud him for that.

The highest honor that Congress can bestow, the Congressional Gold Medal, was given posthumously to those 13 brave individuals, including Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz from Missouri.

I realize that that apology and that acknowledgment and those Congressional Gold Medals will never completely heal those families, but I do think it was a step in the right direction.

I was honored to have dinner with some of those families last night along with Darrell Issa, Ken Calvert, and Brian Mast, sitting down with those families and just hearing their stories and how much it meant to be in that rotunda yesterday, and for our Nation to finally acknowledge that it was a mistake. This administration has never done that, and I think they will have to live with that.

I am glad that our Speaker awarded those Gold Star medals, and I am glad we came together. It was bipartisan yesterday in that rotunda, make no mistake. I think we all felt the pain of those family members.

I just left the rotunda and came back over here. I love going to the rotunda every morning when I can and seeing people come in for the very first time. They look up, and they see the pictures painted by people, like Trumbull and others, who have painted representations of our heroes. To have those 13 heroes with their pictures in that rotunda yesterday was very fitting.

Mr. Speaker, I just want those families to know that we stand with them. We will never forget them. We have their backs. I hope someday we can regain their respect.

Life is precious, but those willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to our Nation deserve our complete respect. I thank the families and their servicemembers for giving it all for our great Nation.

A Day of Remembrance

Mr. Speaker, lastly, I want to reflect on today, 9/11, as a day of remembrance. This is now the 23rd anniversary of the fateful date in U.S. history when Islamic terrorists on planes loaded with people crashed into the World Trade Center.

Let's keep that memory alive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career and retirement of Dr. Douglas `Scott' Brown, a man whose contributions to agricultural economics, particularly in dairy policy, have left an indelible mark on Missouri and the Nation.

Dr. Scott Brown has dedicated over three decades to advancing our understanding of agricultural markets and policies. As an Associate Extension Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Interim Director of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the University of Missouri, Dr. Brown's expertise has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of American agriculture.

A native of northwest Missouri, Dr. Brown's roots run deep in the very fields he has devoted his life to studying. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Northwest Missouri State University, he pursued his Master's and PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Missouri. In 1989, he joined the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri, where his work began to influence federal dairy and livestock policies. His appointment to the university faculty in 1998 marked the beginning of a long and impactful academic career, during which he not only educated future leaders but also provided critical market insights and policy analysis that have guided farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers alike.

Dr. Brown's unparalleled expertise in interpreting market price movements and evaluating the impacts of federal and state policies on agriculture has made him a sought-after voice in both state and national agricultural discussions. His testimony before the U.S. Congress has helped shape policies that directly affect the livelihood of farmers and the agricultural economy. In Missouri, his work with the state legislature has been vital in assessing the economic effects of state policy options on Missouri agriculture, ensuring that our farmers have the information they need to thrive.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brown has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural policy and education. His accolades are numerous and well-deserved. On the national stage, he has been honored with awards such as the USDA-NIFA Partnership Award for his work with the Missouri Quality Beef Team, the National Farm and Ranch Financial Management Program Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and the Distinguished American Agricultural Economics Association Policy Contribution Award.

In Missouri, Dr. Brown has also been celebrated for his service to the agricultural community. He received the prestigious Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence from the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, the Meritorious Service Award from the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors, and the C. Brice Ratchford Memorial Fellowship from the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, among others.

As Dr. Brown enters retirement, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for his service to the agricultural community, not just in Missouri, but across the Nation. His work has made a profound impact on the agricultural policies that sustain our rural communities and ensure the prosperity of our nation's farmers. Dr. Brown's legacy will continue to influence agricultural economics and policy for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Douglas `Scott' Brown for his exemplary career and wishing him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Wexton) for her courage. We love her, and America thanks her.

Recognizing Patrick O'Hanlon

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our top 10 speechwriters for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional District Speech Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means to them, and we are so proud of the work they are doing in their schools to keep the American Dream and spirit alive.

Today, we are sharing several of these speeches, the first from Patrick O'Hanlon, from Pleasant Hill, Missouri, in Cass County.

Patrick writes: ``America is a special country. We have the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. America was built by people from around the world. Our Founding Fathers wrote an amazing Constitution and Bill of Rights that limits the government's powers and gives freedom to the people.

``When a B-2 cruised over my home on the Kansas City Royals opening day, it was such a magnificent reminder of our exceptional country. It was hard not to be overflowing with patriotism. After seeing that, I am glad they are on our side. These things are a big part of what America means to me.''

I thank Patrick for being such a shining light in the classroom and sharing what America means to him.

Recognizing Natalie Myers

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate another top 10 speechwriter, this one from Polk County, Natalie Myers, from Pleasant Hope Middle School.

``America, Where My Heart Calls Home.

``America is more than the home of the brave. It is where the heart finds home. Home is where the heart belongs. My heart is painted with the

strokes of red, white, and blue. Having the freedom of religion, speech, to be who I want to be. That is what America offers me, and I thank her in deep gratitude.

``America isn't perfect, but we strive for perfection. Let's not forget the ones who fought for our land that hold the red, white, and blue. America is always ready to provide peace and win battles. America is a mighty land that embraces diversity and love. America is my home.''

I congratulate Natalie on a great job and thank her for her work.

Recognizing The Cider House

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth Congressional District of Missouri's July Small Business of the Month, The Cider House, of Cass County.

Owned and operated by the Middaugh family, The Cider House was established in 2004, but the family business roots run much deeper than that. The Middaughs started their business adventure back on four corners of 7 Highway in 1978. What began as a seed company grew into a fruit market, an orchard, and a red barn that served lunch, pies, breads, jams, jellies, and much more. They began hosting home-cooked dinner buffets on the weekends, with a band playing upstairs while renting the facility.

In 2001, part of the family bought the farm, which was formerly an old horse stable, and began booking events again. With the addition of a pumpkin patch, selling seeds, and young children growing up, repurchasing the orchard seemed like just the right thing to do. For Jeanne and her husband, Chad, they did that.

Repurchasing the orchard was just what the Middaughs needed, allowing the family to rebrand the facility The Cider House and allowing them to offer farm-to-table dinners, as well as hosting events that partner with local farmers, wineries, and local artists.

Their story is an inspiring story. It reminds us all of just how hard work and family-driven spirits can pay off in Missouri's Fourth Congressional District.

Recognizing Captain Charles ``Ben'' Basye

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, honor, and remember the July Veteran of the Month, Mr. Charles ``Ben'' Basye, who sadly passed away this month in Columbia, Missouri.

He was born in rural Howard County and attended Union School, a one- room schoolhouse there. At the age of 15, he graduated from Fayette High School. He went on to serve his Nation for nearly 43 years in our Armed Forces, spending 11 years in the U.S. Navy and almost 32 in the Naval Reserves.

In World War II, he served aboard the USS Boxer, an Essex-class carrier, where he flew multiple fighters. In 1949, he was one of the first Navy pilots to land a jet on a carrier during the earliest stages of catapult takeoff and landing operations for the Grumman F9F.

On his 60th birthday, Mr. Basye retired from the Navy with the rank of captain. During his service to our Nation, Captain Basye attended six different universities, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering and a Ph.D. in engineering and mathematics. He taught 18 different engineering courses and served as a faculty adviser for 400 engineering students.

A proud father, he is survived by his four sons, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

He served his Nation, his State, and his family well.

We honor Captain Basye today on the House floor as July Veteran of the Month, and we will continue to honor his life and his legacy. I thank Captain Basye for his great service.

Recognizing Cackle Hatchery

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth Congressional District of Missouri's August Small Business of the Month, Cackle Hatchery, a longtime family-owned source of prime poultry.

Located in Lebanon, Missouri, Cackle Hatchery remains one of the last few hobby hatcheries in the United States. It preserves the genetics of over 200 varieties of poultry and distributes hundreds of thousands of chicks to families and farms each and every year in the United States.

As a family-owned and family-operated business since 1936, it is one of the few businesses in Lebanon that still has had the same owner, same location, and same business during that length of time.

While most hatcheries closed their doors in the mid-1960s, Cackle Hatchery continued to provide chicks through local feed stores and mail delivery.

The moniker of hobby hatchery is a representation of Cackle's customer base, not the scale of their current business itself.

I congratulate Cackle Hatchery for exceptionally producing poultry year after year. Keep up the great work.

Recognizing Harold King

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our August Veteran of the Month, Mr. Harold King.

Mr. King attended Leigh High School in Nebraska, Utah State University, U.S. Armor School, JFK Special Warfare Center and School, and Command and General Staff College.

Mr. King joined the Army as a military policeman in 1984 and held many jobs throughout his career. Among those are armor crewman, armor officer, company commander, operations officer, and information operations officer.

In 1990, he served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm with 4-37 Armor 1st Division as a legacy. His grandfather was in World War

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our top 10 speechwriters for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional District Speech Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means to them, and today, we are saluting Elizabeth Claxton of Holden High School in Johnson County, Missouri.

Elizabeth says: ``To me, America is more than just the land I grew up in. America is the persons who surround me and the companionships I share with them. America is small towns and big cities full of people and their lives and the bonds they form with each other. Fellowships of all kinds fill America and make up our Nation. We are all of different backgrounds, who have different futures but are deeply intertwined as members of our beautiful and intricate county. America is all of these people and cultures woven together to create our society. America isn't just a land or national entity but one diverse yet blended people.''

Mr. Speaker, we salute Elizabeth and thank her for her great work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our top 10 speech writers for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional Speech Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means to them. Today we are recognizing Cody Smith from Sturgeon High School in Boone County, Missouri.

America represents many different things to different

people, depending on their backgrounds, experiences, and

perspectives. For me, it embodies a variety of values such as

equality, opportunity, and above all, freedom.

America is a land of opportunity where simple hard work and

determination can lead to success. America represents a

melting pot of cultures, where anyone and everyone can come

together and thrive in harmony. It is a beacon of hope and

possibility where individuals can forge their own paths and

make meaningful contributions to their country.

There is no other country in the world that I would rather

call home than America.

I couldn't agree more with Cody.

Mr. Speaker, I was born in Texas but proudly represent Missouri.

I thank my friend from Minnesota for allowing me to speak.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this important appropriations bills package before us.

As China continues to build up its military and reportedly has more ICBM launchers than we do, H.R. 8997, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, will invest in America's nuclear deterrence to ensure that we can keep pace with the threat from Communist China.

This legislation will also strengthen our Nation's energy security by rejecting the Biden-Harris administration's damaging pause on new LNG exports and supporting energy production right here at home.

A key issue for our district, Mr. Speaker, this bill pushes back against the ridiculous Biden-Harris waters of the United States rule. It will mandate transparency. It will help ensure the progressive Democrats in the White House comply with the Supreme Court's decision of Sackett v. EPA.

H.R. 8998, the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, will rein in the administration's job-killing climate and environmental regulations, the green new scam, and it will slash the EPA's funding by 20 percent. The EPA needs to be operating on real science, not a flawed political ideology.

As the Biden-Harris administration continues to shove its EV pipe dream down the throats of America, this bill will promote critical mineral production right here at home and help ensure China does not continue to dominate the global market.

Mr. Speaker, these bills are vital for maintaining America's national security, protecting our agriculture producers, and keeping pace with the growing threat from Communist China.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and support these rules.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart today that I rise to honor the life and service of Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben, who lost his life in the line of duty this week during a high-water rescue.

Prior to joining the Boone County team this year, Matt spent 19 years with the Union Fire Department and was part of Missouri Task Force One for 12 years.

Today, we honor and remember Matt, especially his selfless dedication to others and his courage to always answer the call. He never turned down an opportunity to make a rescue or help his community.

Our sincere condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones. The Fourth District of Missouri will forever be grateful to Matt for his service and heroism.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for bringing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that we are here today.

Look, no one wanted to take it to this step. This has been forced upon us by the Attorney General of the United States of America. He has thumbed his nose at this very institution.

Mr. Speaker, if you look in the drawer right below you there, because I was up there 2 days ago, and you pull out the drawer, there is a book this thick, the ``Jefferson's Manual.'' On page 142 through 147, you will find delineated and described caseloads of inherent contempt, upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Now, I will grant you this: This tool in the toolbox of the U.S. House of Representatives has not been used in some time, but that does not mean it is ineffective and should not be used.

This body is precious. We need to protect this body, and when another branch of this government thumbs its nose at this body, we have to act to protect the reputation and prestige of this body, or we will lose it.

The Attorney General is not above the law. Merrick Garland, as a Federal judge, if someone had ignored his subpoena, he would have them in jail, locked up that night. Our option under ``Jefferson's Manual'' is to do that very thing: to have the Sergeant at Arms go and arrest the Attorney General.

We are choosing not to do this but instead issue a $10,000 fine until he turns over those tapes. At this point, this is not about what is on these tapes. This is about the principle of the United States House of Representatives protecting its reputation and bringing to justice, bringing to light the information on that tape and securing the liberties of the United States of America.

If we do not do this, our Republic will be lost. This is so important to our body and the future of what we must do here.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and service of Judge Jerry Rellihan, who passed away last month from a heart attack.

Jerry's career in law began as a prosecutor in Kansas City, Missouri. He later founded The Law Firm of Jerry Rellihan, P.C., serving the Kansas City metro area for many years. In 2015, he was elected as associate circuit judge for St. Clair County, based in Osceola, Missouri, in the Fourth Congressional District, where he served with fairness, compassion, and integrity.

Judge Rellihan's contributions to our community extended far beyond the courtroom, though. He was a mentor, leader, and friend to many. His wisdom and kindness touched the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Today, we remember Judge Rellihan not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his humanity and the positive impact he had on everyone he met.

Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn this great loss.

Celebrating Carla and Ben Ford's 60th Anniversary

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 60 years of marriage between Carla and Ben Ford. Carla and Ben are Missouri District Four constituents living in Johnson County who met on a blind date at the stockyards.

They are not only strong in their marriage but also in the family they have created and in upholding their American values. Their 60 years together have brought many things to be thankful for, the most important being their two children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

What started out as a blind date turned into six decades of love and the beginnings of future family lines. They say that trust, communication, and laughter have kept them together all these years.

I congratulate this Missouri District Four couple on the lovely marriage they have had and built. We wish Ben and Carla many, many more happy years.

Congratulating Megan Walker and Aly Prentzler

Mr. Speaker, we have started a contest much like the art contest where you can see the art displayed in the gallery just down the hallway here, but we started a speech contest. We wanted to rebuild patriotism in America, and we are starting with school-age children in the Fourth Congressional District. The topic: What does America mean to you?

We have two more winners today, Mr. Speaker, of this contest.

I begin with Megan Walker from Buffalo High School, Buffalo, Missouri, Dallas County. She says: ``America to me is a place where I can choose who I want to be and am given the opportunities and resources to do it. America is my home, where I can feel safe expressing who I am no matter what I believe. I am given every chance possible to achieve my goals and build relationships with people that I choose. Americans are encouraged to be creative individuals by our country's leaders. I am able to feel safe and protected by my country and the people in it. We are allowed freedoms that many others are not, and I will forever be grateful for America.''

Our next speech contest winner is Aly Prentzler from Glasgow High School in Glasgow, Missouri, Howard County. ``America to me means freedom, freedom that has been fought for by brave men and women who serve in the military. It means even more to me since I have family members who have been part of the military. My papa served in the Army to make sure I have the right to make my own choices. My oldest brother is currently serving to make sure I continue to have this right. I am proud of this freedom and those who have fought for this right.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank these students for being a shining example and a light in the classroom, sharing what America means to them.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Burgess for leading this rule debate.

Madam Speaker, as I travel the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri, I get one question repeated often, over and over: What are we going to do to secure our elections? We can pass a lot of laws in Congress, but if we don't secure our elections, we don't have a democracy. We don't have a Republic.

Voters in the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri want to make sure that only those who should be voting are voting--one vote, one person, one citizen of the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, that is why I rise today in support of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, H.R. 8281.

For years, progressive Democrats have falsely claimed that 2016 was stolen because of foreign election interference. Yet, today, they are ignoring the real threat of foreign interference: noncitizens registering and voting in U.S. elections.

The SAVE Act will address this threat head-on by requiring proof of citizenship in order to register to vote. It is pretty simple. It allows State officials to accept a wide variety of documents that will actually make it easier for citizens to register to vote. The bill also ensures that States can access the databases they need to clean up our voter registration rolls and remove noncitizens.

It is very simple, Madam Speaker. If you are not a citizen of the United States of America, you should not be voting in elections in the United States of America, but just like our progressive Democrat friends have defended on this very House floor Marxism, socialism, and open borders, they are opposing this very measure at this time in our Nation's history.

The dirty little secret is that progressive Democrats want to turn the some 12 million illegal aliens that have come into our precious sovereign Nation--because of this failed administration and their lack of ability to stop the illegal immigrants--they want to turn them into voters to secure more power, to make them dependent upon the U.S. Government.

Madam Speaker, we cannot let that happen. We will not let that happen. It is time to secure our border. It is time to secure our elections. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule for the SAVE Act and the act itself. The time is now. We may not have time again.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor our June Veteran of the Month for the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri, Ben Trout, a Vietnam war veteran.

Mr. Trout enlisted in the Marines and was a sergeant in the Fifth Marine Division in eastern Asia during the Vietnam war. He was also selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Educational Program leading to a Marine Corps regular officer commission.

Mr. Trout completed the electrical engineering program through ROTC at the University of Missouri before being commissioned to a second lieutenant and later designated an infantry officer.

During his first assignment, First Marine Division, First Regiment, he fought in the northern sector of south Vietnam. He received multiple wounds and upon release from the hospital, Lieutenant Trout limited his duty to stateside and later retired. Upon retiring, he moved to Columbia, Missouri, and added a new civil engineering degree, in addition to his previous electrical engineering degree.

He now owns and operates an engineering design company that he founded. They design, manufacture, program, install, and service computerized temperature controls. He has been in business for 44 years and is still the sole stockholder, lead director, and president of the company.

Madam Speaker, I thank Lieutenant Trout for all he does.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth District of Missouri's Small Business of the Month for June, Noble Concrete and Precast, a female-owned concrete business that sells top- of-the line products, built by experienced farmers who are committed to providing the best experience to all customers.

Located in Lamar, Missouri, Noble Concrete and Precast is a local go- to source for high-quality concrete cattle feeders, raised beds, stock tanks, retaining walls, and much more.

As a family-owned and operated business since 1990, their affiliations speak

to the amazing things they are accomplishing. They are affiliated with the Cattlemen's Association, FFA, 4H, Girl Scouts, Contractors Association of the Ozarks, and so many more amazing national and local affiliates.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Noble Precast on the well-deserved recognition of Small Business of the Month. Keep up the much- appreciated work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the importance of the appropriations bills before us.

H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025, funds a 19.5 percent pay raise for our troops. I was honored to be on the Quality of Life Panel under the direction of General Don Bacon. Look, our troops need this raise. It is long overdue. It ensures combat readiness. It modernizes our military to face future challenges.

Critically, for my district, which is home to Whiteman Air Force Base, this legislation ensures that we fully fund the B-2 mission, keeping it lethal and ready against China, and the B-21 program that is now being built out in Palmdale, California. It will also support the much-needed modernization of our nuclear triad, Mr. Speaker.

H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025, is crucial and critical for securing our southern border, enhancing national security, and countering threats from Communist China. It provides substantial funding for Border Patrol agents, border security technology, and physical barriers, all while rejecting wasteful spending and unnecessary programs.

Mr. Speaker, there seems to be some confusion on the other side about the Republicans' desire to secure the border. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, we made our voices known, the voices of our constituents, that we want a secure border. That is why, more than a year ago, we passed H.R. 2, the Secure Border Act of 2023.

It has been sitting across the hallway here on Chuck Schumer's desk since May of last year. They have done nothing with it.

It would restore remain in Mexico. It would end the catch and release program. It would finish the wall. It would keep out the rapists, the killers, the drug dealers, and the people who are terrorizing our very citizens all because of this administration throwing the doors wide open and welcoming people who do not belong in our Nation.

I am tired of the gaslighting, Mr. Speaker. I am tired of the lies to the American people, the deception, the obfuscation. Secure the border now.

These bills are vital for maintaining America's security and advancing our strategic interests.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support these appropriations bills.