Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I thank Chair Rogers for the opportunity to speak.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act.

This year, under the leadership of Chairman Rogers, we have focused on three major components: enhancing U.S. deterrence, countering China's aggression, and improving the quality of life for our servicemembers.

I think if I had to concentrate on one, it is that quality-of-life issue. I have been fortunate enough to be on the Quality of Life Panel, led by General Don Bacon. We are boosting compensation, improving housing, ensuring access to medical care, enhancing support for military spouses, and increasing access to childcare.

Mr. Chair, we have a recruitment and retention problem in the military, and we are working to make things better to give our servicemembers and their families the respect they deserve and to try to increase our retention and recruitment.

China's aggression is the greatest national security threat to America today. To deter China and other adversaries, we are investing in key platforms like the B-21 stealth Raider, which will eventually be housed at Whiteman Air Force Base.

I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for the NDAA.

Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Art Competition began back in 1982, and since then more than 650,000 students have entered.

As we speak, the winning art from 435 districts is being displayed in the tunnel here that connects our office buildings. Our office wanted to do something different, Mr. Speaker, something that would instill patriotism back in America, especially for our young people, so our Fourth Congressional District of Missouri is starting the congressional speech competition. I hope it catches on with other Members here.

These are students from all over our district that have entered this contest. We had a big turnout for this. The assignment was: ``What America Means to Me.''

This week, I will be reading the top 10 speeches from these individuals.

Speech by Maddie Arnett

Mr. Speaker, this is from Maddie Arnett, 10th grade, Climax Springs High School in Camden County.

`` `America the Beautiful' is a Nation that deeply values the principles of freedom and equality. These values were earned through tireless efforts of its people, making it a place where individuals can pursue their dreams and aspirations, working towards building a better life for themselves and their families. The iconic `Star-Spangled Banner' asks, `O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?'

``The question is a powerful reminder of the country's ongoing commitment to these values.

``While the interpretations of what America means vary, one thing is certain: It continues to inspire hope and optimism for a bright future.''

Speech by Brooklyn Garrison

Mr. Speaker, next up in our speech contest is Brooklyn Garrison, 10th grade, Concordia High School in Lafayette County.

``America, to me, embodies the promise of opportunity and the pursuit of dreams. It's a land where diversity thrives, where people from all walks of life come together to build a better future.

``It's a beacon of freedom, where individuals have the right to speak their minds, worship as they please, and chase their ambitions without fear of persecution. America symbolizes resilience, overcoming challenges, and striving for progress.

``It's a place where innovation flourishes, where the impossible becomes possible, and where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives.

``America is not just a country; it's an idea, a belief in liberty, equality, and the endless possibilities of tomorrow.''

Speech by Jaxson Deckard

Mr. Speaker, our next winner in our speech contest is Jaxson Deckard, 11th grade, Warsaw High School in Benton County.

``Early on, I had an interest in serving my country to preserve our freedoms. I was raised in a patriotic, God-loving home, with family members serving before me.

``To me, America is a land of freedom. Citizens have the freedom to make their own decisions and opinions. This gives citizens pride and patriotism unlike any other country, pride and patriotism that gives citizens the drive to follow their dreams.

``My dream is to attend a military service academy to become a fighter pilot for our great Nation.

``Whatever your dreams are, I encourage you to chase them. In America, there are no limits to how far you can go.''

Speech by Jack Schroeder

Mr. Speaker, our last finalist winner for today is Jack Schroeder, 12th grade, Smithton High School in Pettis County.

``To me, the United States of America is a beacon, a beacon that shines its light across the world, showing the world what life can be like: a life where everyone can have the same opportunities.

``Parts of the world have been blocked off from the light, whether from their actions or ours, but regardless of what blocks the light, we simply shine brighter.

``We've shown our capabilities of bringing our message and ideals to some of the darkest corners of the world, whether they be domestic or abroad.

``Regardless of what we must sacrifice, we've always held our ideals close to our hearts and fought for the repressed and oppressed people to have the same rights and liberties that we do.

``To me, America is a beacon of liberation.''

Mr. Speaker, it is great to be able to get up here and speak the words of our young people.

Patriotism is still alive in America.

Later this week, Mr. Speaker, we will have the six remaining finalists for our speech contest. It is something I hope the rest of Congress picks up and runs with.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to thank Chairman Williams and Majority Leader Scalise for helping get H.R. 8014, the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, to this very House floor.

I am honored to serve on the Small Business Committee, especially having been a small business owner myself. The committee exists in Congress to champion Main Street and to make sure that the small businesses that employ about half of all Americans can continue to thrive.

Madam Speaker, our role is to help lower the barriers to creating small businesses and to support small businesses that already exist. It is quite simple, and I think this bill helps with that.

Major tools to help existing small businesses are government contracts specifically set aside for small businesses.

However, Federal agencies cancel contract solicitations often with no warning and no reason, leaving the small businesses that spent thousands or tens of thousands of dollars and a lot of time preparing these bids out in the cold. They have no idea why their deal did not go through.

This bill, the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, will help address the problem.

This legislation would require agencies to provide to the SBA a justification for canceled contract solicitations. Additionally, this would require the agency canceling the contract solicitation to disclose available information about plans to reissue similar solicitations.

Finally, Madam Speaker, if the agency does not plan on reissuing solicitations, the agency's director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization must assist the small business in identifying similar contracting opportunities.

I am proud to co-lead this legislation, along with Mr. Mfume of Maryland, and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and supporting Main Street America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Pennsylvania for yielding.

I rise today in favor of this Military Construction, Veterans Affairs appropriations bill.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to share my appreciation for Kelly Dixon, who is leaving the Rules Committee. She is one of the first persons we met as freshmen. Mr. Speaker, you remember us going to the Rules Committee office and Kelly running us through how things operate here on the House floor. I had no experience in politics, and it was all new to me. She made the rules clear, and decorum, as well, which is such an important part of this institution. We wish Kelly well.

I want to say a special thank-you to the Appropriations Committee, in particular, Chairman Cole and Defense Subcommittee Chair Calvert, for the $144 million in this bill, which is going to go to the advanced individual training barracks for prestigious Fort Leonard Wood in the southeastern part of the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri, which I represent.

Fort Leonard Wood is a wonderful center of excellence, training the men and women who are tasked with protecting our great Nation. I was down there last year to visit and saw the need for new barracks on this great facility. It was real, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank Secretary Wormuth of the Army for making this a priority in the President's budget because, together, we are working to increase our retention and recruitment for the armed services.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, we have issues with recruitment. Only 9 percent of Americans, young people, right now have any interest in joining the military. At Fort Leonard Wood and other areas where we are going to provide military construction through this appropriations process, we are not building the Taj Mahal, but we are building barracks and privatized housing that is going to make living and working on these facilities not necessarily a joy but someplace where they can rest their heads at night and feel comfortable and safe. I thank the chair and subcommittee chair for that addition to this package.

I want to talk now specifically about H.R. 8282, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule to provide consideration of this act.

To be honest, I am a little disappointed. I am a little bit disgusted that, once again, we are having to have these discussions about what we stand for as a nation, in particular in protecting the Nation of Israel. It is unfortunate, but it is something that we must do.

Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, and it is under attack. It has been since October 7. Israel was living in peace until they were attacked on October 7.

Mr. Speaker, this time, the attack is coming from the International Criminal Court, which went as far as seeking an arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu for the rightful act of defending his country against the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7.

Mr. Speaker, this is an unprecedented move, and even President Biden called the arrest warrants ``outrageous.'' The commonsense response to this outrageous action by the ICC is to pass H.R. 8282.

Today, Mr. Speaker, we will see just how much common sense our colleagues on the other side of the aisle actually have.

H.R. 8282 would impose sanctions against ICC officials who investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute a U.S. person or our allies, including Israel, giving Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli people the support they truly deserve.

Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, as some of my colleagues across the aisle seem to not understand this very simple concept: We must always stand with our ally Israel, and we must always stand against any terrorist organization like Hamas. We must support Israel in their efforts to eradicate Hamas, which could end this war today, Mr. Speaker, by releasing all the remaining hostages and surrendering.

Mr. Speaker, recently, we were in Israel visiting with President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the family of Hersh Goldberg, an American still held hostage by the Hamas butchers in Gaza. What they are dealing with is a frightening scene, Mr. Speaker.

Prime Minister Netanyahu says: We appreciate the help and support of the U.S., but let me make one thing clear--Mr. Speaker, this is what Prime Minister Netanyahu says--we will fight with our fingers if necessary to win this war.

Mr. Speaker, war is not pretty. We stand with Israel. We will always stand with Israel, and that is why I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we come together this National Police Week to honor the brave

men and women who answer the call to a life of service.

We owe a debt of thanks to our police and law enforcement officers who every day, from the moment they put on their badges, know that they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice and never come home. These are officers who give their all to protect our families, our communities, our freedoms, officers who choose to protect those who ridicule them, disrespect them, and undermine them.

I thank our law enforcement officers in Missouri's Fourth Congressional District and officers all over America. I thank them for their service. We stand with them. We support them. We will always have their backs.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an extraordinary individual, Sergeant Dennis Mills, as our Veteran of the Month.

Drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 20, Sergeant Mills exemplified bravery and dedication in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable during the Vietnam war. Assigned to the First Reconnaissance Battalion of the 1st Marine Division, he led approximately 40 reconnaissance patrols.

On a day that started as a beautiful morning on April 1, 1970, at Camp Reasoner, tragedy struck when a member of his patrol triggered a landmine.

Despite sustaining severe injuries, Sergeant Mills' courage never wavered. He was medically evacuated after suffering injuries to both legs, his left arm, and receiving shrapnel wounds to his back.

For his valor, Sergeant Mills was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'' and the Purple Heart.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Dennis Mills for his service and his sacrifice for our great Nation. He is a true hero.

Small Business of the Month, Energy Transport Solutions

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Fourth District of Missouri's May Small Business of the Month, Energy Transport Solutions.

ETS is a customer service-focused business. It is run by an industry- experienced family that is proud to have an excellent safety record while getting the job done in Missouri. Energy Transport Solutions has been owned and operated by a father and son duo,

Glen and Eric Kolkmeyer, in Bates City, Missouri, since 1955.

ETS specializes in transportation of refined fuels, propane, jet and aviation fuel, and anhydrous ammonia. ETS has been in the propane industry for over 68 years and has continued to be a reliable company to haul our community's products. By the way, they also haul the fuel for the B-2 Stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base.

We are so grateful for Energy Transport Solutions' support as we continue to support them. It is an honor to watch them go out of their way to hire and support veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Energy Transport Solutions on the well- deserved recognition of Small Business of the Month in the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri. Keep up the great work.

President Biden's Ultimatum to Israel

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern over the President's ultimatum to the State of Israel.

Having recently visited Israel on the border with Gaza, I fully grasp the gravity of the situation right now. I witnessed the resolve of the Jewish people. Never have I seen such determination from a country and its people as I have there in the State of Israel. Their resolve is strong. They are resilient and ready to finish the job, bring the hostages home, and eradicate Hamas.

The White House's decision to halt weapons shipments to Israel is wrong, Mr. Speaker. It is just plain wrong. When the going gets tough, you do not abandon friends and allies. They are our greatest ally in the Middle East.

It is unacceptable that Hamas still holds Americans and others hostage. This could be over today, Mr. Speaker, if Hamas would release the hostages and surrender. We must help Israel eradicate Hamas. We must remove them from that region by any force necessary.

I call on the President of the United States and Secretary of Defense Austin to immediately lift the blockade and resume shipments to Israel. The future of the region depends upon it.

There is no excuse for pausing the weapons. It is an attempt to strong-arm Israel. The Biden administration has crossed the line.

Mr. Speaker, I can say with certainty that while the Biden administration does not stand with Israel, the American people do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as my colleague Nick Langworthy did before me, to express my support for the State of Israel in its war for survival, basically, against the terrorist Hamas group.

We need to make one thing perfectly clear in this body: We stand with Israel, no matter what.

As Mr. Langworthy just said, 16 Congressmen and -women just returned from Israel. Many of their spouses went, as well. This was a trip to gain insight, to gain context and perspective, to be educated about the plight of Israel and what they are facing in this war with these brutal savages, the Hamas terrorists.

What we saw, Mr. Speaker, was horrible. We went to a kibbutz in the southern part of Israel. It was one of our first stops. This was a village. Basically, a kibbutz is a community or a gathering of people. It was a beautiful village at one time.

We went there, and it was frozen in time. Tricycles were left out on the sidewalk area. Clothes were pulled halfway out of the dryer. Food was still on the table of some of these homes. Other homes were almost burned to the ground. Glass was shattered. Lives were shattered, as well.

We saw that moment frozen in time, 6:32 on the morning of October 7. The folks who had woken up that morning thought it was just going to be another normal day in the kibbutz, a day to share with family, to go to school, to work in their crops. They were just within a stone's throw of Gaza. Little did they know that that day was going to be a day that lived in infamy for Israel because, you see, the Hamas terrorists broke down the fence and the gates into that kibbutz, kidnapped more than 40 people from that kibbutz, killed more than 200, brutally murdering women who were pregnant, ripping the babies out of their wombs, burning others alive. We were able to see firsthand the devastation and destruction left by these brutal terrorists.

Israel is a nation of resolve, and we saw that, as well. We saw that in kibbutzim further north up on the border with Lebanon, where 654 people, an entire kibbutz, had to be evacuated because they were not safe because of the rockets from Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is being funded by Iran. This is a proxy war by people who don't want Israel to exist, who want to wipe it off the face of the Earth.

The sanction money that this President has released, some $16 billion that has gone to Iran, has been used to buy rockets and missiles for Hezbollah.

Saturday morning, we left a hotel in that kibbutz area to make our way further north and to the west, near the Lebanese border. Mr. Speaker, 52 minutes after we left this hotel, Hezbollah fired 30 rockets on that hotel that we stayed in. The Iron Dome stopped 29 of those, but one of them hit near the hotel. It didn't do any damage, but 16 Members of Congress and their families were there just an hour prior to that.

It is very clear that this is not just a war between Islamic terrorists and Israel. This is a war between civilizations. This is a war, a battle between good and evil, and that is why it is imperative that we stand with Israel.

Imagine, Mr. Speaker, your home. Maybe you have lived there for a couple of decades. Imagine if you lived there 80 years, and the neighbor to your right, the neighbor to your left, the neighbor across the street, and the neighbor behind you never wanted you there. All they could think about is driving you out of that house. If it meant killing you and your family to do that, so be it. That is what the State of Israel is facing.

We met with the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and with the President of Israel, President Herzog. Let me assure you today, despite the media reports, Mr. Speaker, despite what others in this body may be saying, the will of Israel is strong to finish off the four battalions that remain in Rafah of these terrorist killers and, just as importantly, to bring home safely the 133 hostages, some of whom are Americans.

Unfortunately, just today, Mr. Speaker, a report was released that the Hamas terrorists may have delivered some 40 of these hostages to other terrorist nations or terrorist entities, and they may not even be in Gaza. Israel needs to know if these people are alive. They deserve to know proof of life.

A lot of people are calling for a cease-fire. Israel, the IDF, has Hamas on the ropes. It is time to finish the job. It is time to eradicate Hamas. It is time to bring the hostages home. It is time for peace in the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, I want to close with this, because this is nothing new to Israel, ever since they crossed the Jordan River. Some 2,600 years ago, a prominent Levite songwriter in King David's court penned these words. It still rings true today, Mr. Speaker.

O God, do not remain quiet;

Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still.

For, behold, Thine enemies make an uproar;

And those who hate Thee have exalted themselves.

They make shrewd plans against Thy people,

And conspire together against Thy treasured ones.

They have said, ``Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation.

That the name of Israel be remembered no more.''

For they have conspired together with one mind;

Against Thee do they make a covenant . . .

Who say, ``Let us possess for ourselves

The pastures of God.''

God, fill their faces with dishonor,

That they may seek Thy name, O Lord.

Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever;

And let them be humiliated and perish,

That they may know that Thou alone, whose name is the Lord,

Art the most high over all the Earth.

Today, it is Israel. Tomorrow, it could be America. The jihadists, the Islamic extremists, the terrorists call Israel the Little Satan. They call the United States of America the Great Satan.

We stand with Israel, and even if this administration is trying to pry open a crack in our relationship, this body should not let that stand and make it very clear that Israel is our friend, our ally, and we will stand behind them and beside them.

Mr. Speaker, I hope this is all over very soon because this could be over today if Hamas would release the hostages and simply surrender. When that does happen, we will rejoice with Israel, but, Mr. Speaker, until that does happen, we weep with Israel.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of our resolution celebrating the 175th anniversary of Laclede County and the city of Lebanon in the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri.

On February 24, 1849, the foundations of Laclede County and Lebanon were laid, marking the beginning of a journey that would see these communities grow, develop, and contribute significantly to the fabric of Missouri.

With more than 36,000 residents in Laclede County and more than 14,000 in Lebanon, these are vibrant communities that embody the spirit of Missouri and America's heartland.

Named after Pierre Laclede, St. Louis' founder, Laclede County symbolizes Missouri's rich heritage and community spirit. It is also a great place if you ever want to go trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park.

It is an honor to recognize Laclede County and Lebanon and the people who have shaped these areas into strong, thriving communities, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my support for the Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies Act of 2023, otherwise known as the USE IT Act.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for Federal employees to get back into the office. Use it or lose it.

The Government Accountability Office, GAO, found that, on average, 17 of the 24 CFO agency headquarters were at least 25 percent or less utilization in 2023.

There are two examples that I have direct oversight over through the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Agriculture. The Small Business Administration has 270,000 square feet. Only 9 percent of the people who work there show up for work. In the USDA's 2 million square feet of beautiful buildings just down the street here, only 11 percent of those buildings are occupied.

Are these agencies trying to hide the low numbers of workers actually showing up to work for the American people? The majority of workers aren't at their desks. They are not answering the phones. That is why our congressional offices are having to do their job.

Mr. Speaker, I don't mind helping our constituents. That is what we get paid to do. I have a card here. Most Members of Congress carry their schedules around in their pockets. We have 16 appointments today.

Mr. Speaker, you show up for work every day that you are supposed to be here. The ranking member shows up for work. He is not phoning it in. People in these agencies should not be phoning it in, either.

We need to look at our constituents as clients, the American taxpayer.

When I first came to D.C. 14 months ago, I wanted to visit the very agencies over which we had oversight, the Small Business Administration, the Pentagon, the USDA. We went to the Pentagon, but the other agencies would not let us in the door.

Why is that? A sitting Member of Congress could not get into the door of these agencies.

That is why we filed the Congressional Access to Bureaucratic Offices Act, which more or less complements this resolution. Sitting Members of Congress should be able to get into these agencies. They are not because they have been hiding the low numbers of people who are actually at their desks.

This bill would require the agencies to submit a report to Congress that includes the actual utilization rate.

Mr. Speaker, as a former news anchor for 35 years in America, I have breaking news for you. COVID is over. Get back to work for the American people. Start doing your job. Quit putting the pressure on constituents to have to call their Congress Member, their Congressman or Congresswoman, to get the job done that they should be doing in the first place.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Missouri, as our district's Small Business of the Month.

Chris and Kelly Gregory opened the school back in 1995 and have since been leaders in teaching the craft of horseshoeing and blacksmithing.

This school is more than just a business. It is a place where students from all over the world can learn a skill that has been very important for centuries.

The Gregorys' work is a reminder of how vital small business is to America. They are not just teaching a trade; they are keeping our heritage strong and helping our economy grow.

Their reach goes far beyond our district, Mr. Speaker. Their YouTube channel shares their knowledge with more than 220,000 subscribers.

Folks like the Gregorys show us what we can do when we achieve with hard work and passion the dreams that make us great in America.

Congratulations to Chris and Kelly Gregory. Their work is shaping the future of horseshoeing and showing the power of small businesses in America.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor our Veteran of the Month, Daniel Avegalio, a marine who served bravely in Operation Iraqi Freedom not once but three times. Daniel's dedication to our country is a testament to the spirit of American service.

From Pettis County, Daniel has not only served his country in uniform but continues to serve by guiding fellow veterans in their life after the military. His commitment shines through his work with the Sedalia Military Affairs Committee and his educational leadership as a George W. Bush Presidential Center Scholar.

Today, he furthers his impact with Western Governors University, helping military members transition to civilian life.

Daniel represents the best of us, the best of America. His sacrifice and ongoing commitment to his fellow servicemen and -women exemplify the enduring American values of loyalty, service, and community, for which I thank Daniel.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership of our Ranking Member Velazquez and our esteemed Chairman Williams. It is, indeed, a pleasure to be on this committee. There are many Members here today who are on the Small Business Committee and are making a difference for America in every piece of legislation we pass.

I rise today to speak on the Small Business Administration Rural Performance Report Act, a bill that we introduced to support our rural small businesses.

These businesses are essential to rural America, providing over 54 percent of employment in rural communities and counties. This bill would help us understand how the Small Business Administration is really helping them succeed.

The bill requires two reports. First, it would give us insight into the Office

of Rural Affairs, ensuring that they are providing the proper help to rural businesses.

We are all aware of the crucial role that these businesses play in our economy, yet the support that they offer is often unknown to small business owners. At a hearing just last summer, several small business owners, including Jennifer Cassaday, a constituent of mine who owns Byrd's Pecan Delights in Adrian, Missouri, came here to testify that she didn't even know that the Office of Rural Affairs existed.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would change that. It demands clear, detailed reports on the Office of Rural Affairs and its efforts to aid these businesses and people like Jennifer.

Are they providing the right assistance? Are the resources and information reaching those who need it the most?

It is time we had solid answers. This bill would provide them.

Mr. Speaker, the second part of this report requires a review of a memorandum of understanding between the SBA and the Department of Agriculture. This Trump-era MOU was a recognition that ag goes hand in hand with rural small businesses.

Supporting this bill means that we are committed to making sure that our rural entrepreneurs have the support they need in a timely fashion. We are standing up for the underrepresented, ensuring our rural small businesses are not left behind in America. We are promoting the accountability and oversight needed to support the backbone of our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote for transparency, responsibility, and the success of our rural small business owners.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Pennsylvania for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the rule and to address a pressing issue affecting each and every American--our energy security.

You see, Mr. Speaker, energy is not a luxury. It is the bedrock of our Nation's strength. It heats our homes, it cooks our food, and it fuels our travels.

Yet, our energy independence is threatened as domestic energy producers face unprecedented challenges. The pause on LNG export permits empowers countries like Russia and Iran and hurts our allies who depend on U.S. energy.

This is precisely why we need this legislation, Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. We have witnessed a regulatory assault that has stifled investment. It has spiked energy prices. It has hit families where it hurts the most, in their pocketbooks and purses.

Remember, American-produced LNG is cleaner with 41 percent lower life-cycle emissions than Russian gas, but now, because of a political stunt by the President of the United States, our Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at its lowest level since the 1980s.

This is just not an environmental issue. It is an economic and security crisis. The energy sector supports millions of American jobs and has been the engine of our economy, but the current policies risk these jobs and our growth.

This is not about politics. This is about our very survival as a Nation. We must act, and we must act now. We must support policies that bolster American energy, support our American allies, and ensure our American security. By doing so, we uphold the American legacy of resilience and ensure a prosperous future for all American citizens.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize Katelyn Wright, of Kearney, Missouri, and congratulate her for winning the ``Voice of Democracy'' scholarship competition for the State of Missouri hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Katelyn's submission for the Patriotic Audio Essay Competition on the voice of democracy, ``My Past, My Present, and My Future'' was extremely thought-provoking and discussed the importance of American veterans.

Ms. Wright has demonstrated her capability in multiple ways. She secured second place in last year's scholarship competition, serves as vice-president of the Clay-County Missouri 4-H Council, has earned multiple state 4-H public speaking championships, among many others. Beyond these academic achievements, Ms. Wright is notably involved in her community. She volunteers her time to serve food and deliver groceries with a local organization, serves as a part-time Sunday school teacher, and plays piano for her local church.

I stand here today to congratulate Ms. Katelyn Wright, wish her good luck in the upcoming national competition, extend my support as she continues her academic career, and recognize an extremely bright and talented young woman from the State of Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 2024 AFC champion, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs Kingdom was so proud to watch our team hoist the Lamar Hunt Trophy once again.

The haters and naysayers said the Chiefs couldn't win on the road. They

said that the Ravens defense would stifle Patrick Mahomes. They said we couldn't stop Lamar. They even said Travis Kelce would be too focused on Taylor and not on football.

Well, Mr. Speaker, shake it off. You see, Mr. Speaker, nothing can stop the Chiefs--not Tucker's helmet placement, not Flowers' taunting, and especially not Lamar's throwing into triple coverage.

As Mitch Holthus said: ``You can doubt the Chiefs. You can dislike the Chiefs. You can disrespect the Chiefs. You are going to have to deal with the Chiefs being the AFC champions for the fourth time in five seasons.''

Missouri is rooting for you. Go Chiefs.