Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 530, I call up the bill (H.R. 275) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to publish on a monthly basis the number of special interest aliens encountered attempting to unlawfully enter the United States, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 275.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 257, the Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025.

This legislation is a critical step toward enhancing transparency and ensuring the Department of Homeland Security provides accurate and timely reporting to the American people regarding encounters with special interest aliens attempting to illegally enter the United States.

As chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I fully support this effort to strengthen oversight and accountability within DHS and safeguard our national security.

Under the Biden-Harris administration's dangerous open-borders policies, droves of special interest aliens, nearly 2 million, and many of them leveraging illicit smuggling networks and irregular migration patterns, flocked to our borders and exploited catch and release policies to access the interior of our country.

The American people deserve to know not just how many entered our country and when, but where they came from.

Fundamentally, this bill simply requires DHS to publicly report on how many special interest aliens were encountered, their countries of origin, and their last country of residence before trying to enter the United States illegally.

The genius of this bill is that DHS can simply add it to the statistics it already reports on a monthly basis. This

avoids any burdensome or duplicative reporting requirements for the department.

Also, by simply reporting the number and nationality of SIA encounters at our borders, it has no impact on the integrity of ongoing anti-terrorism investigations and efforts of Federal law enforcement.

Moreover, access to accurate information is critical for Congress to effectively conduct proper oversight, promote national security measures, and protect our American communities from the threats that special interest aliens pose.

I simply cannot overstate the importance of passing this legislation, especially given the recent activity in the Middle East.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill, and I am grateful to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene) for bringing forth this important piece of legislation and for the support of the following cosponsors: Mr. Higgins, Mr. Guest, Mr. Pfluger, Mr. Crane, and Mr. Brecheen.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene), who is the author of this piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I will address some of the comments that I have heard from my colleagues and shine a little bit of light of truth on some of this.

My colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa), mentioned that this would serve as an incentive or intelligence to the bad guys. This reports where they are from and the country they came in from. There are no methodologies discussed on how we are apprehending people. We are not giving away national security information about how our agencies operate.

Reporting that an SIA is coming from a particular country or has a particular nation of origin that they started from is not an incentive to anyone. In fact, it is a disincentive to those individuals. For those governments to know that we have an eye on it is a good thing, not a bad thing.

As far as a playbook, it was mentioned earlier, I think, Mr. Speaker, that we were giving away our playbook. Again, not a single method is reported. Not a single process is reported. None of that information is out there. We are not talking about releasing how we do business. We are talking about whom we have apprehended.

It is ridiculous to suggest that this is somehow a threat to national security. I spent 24 years of my life as an infantry officer, a physician, and a special operations physician with our Nation's highest tier-one level assets. I can tell my colleagues that I now sit on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and have for years. I have served on HASC. No one cares more. I was prepared to give my life. My son currently serves defending this country.

This is not a threat to national security, and I suggest that people take the word of people like me over that of some activist.

This incredible mantra about starving people at detention facilities, well, I have been to these detention facilities. I have seen the stacks of snacks and crackers, the meals, and the healthcare that they get, and this after subjecting themselves willfully to, in many cases, an arduous trek, while wearing the same clothing, I will add. The travesty of that was pointed out earlier. Mr. Speaker, I can't tell you how many days I sat in the same set of BDUs downrange for the country.

Let's look at what is really happening at these ICE detention centers. It is absolutely a liberal, Democratic mantra to just throw that out there as somehow a reason not to support a piece of legislation like this. It is absurd.

Do you know what? The American people are waking up to this, and that is a beautiful thing. I agree with my colleague Mr. Higgins. I hope my Democratic colleagues do call for a vote.

I don't know how many times we can correct the record on this kidnapping of a mother and children with cancer. The mother elected on two occasions when offered the opportunity--she had a court order saying that she had to go. Yes, she had been here a while. The process is long. It takes a while to get the court to do it.

When the court decides, that is due process. Due process has occurred. The court has ordered her removal. They were offered: Do you want your child to have healthcare here, or do you want to take them? We will take them with.

It is false to suggest, in this image that is being painted by the left, that ICE burst down the door, grabbed a child with cancer, and deported them.

Again, the American people are a lot smarter; hence, the results of the last election.

I just wanted to make a few comments, Mr. Speaker, about the stuff I have heard today that just infuriates me and infuriates the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I will close with this. The American people deserve to know where the special interest aliens entering the United States are coming from and where CBP is encountering them.

This legislation proposes transparency that is vital to the public's awareness while maintaining the confidentiality of the individuals encountered and the strategies used by CBP.

My colleague mentioned the term ``real time.'' Wouldn't it have been nice to know in real time about the Iranians who are now in this country?

The administration has, I think, successfully removed well over 100 in just the past 7 days, 1 of whom turned out to be a sniper from the Iranian special guard, the Quds Force. Just open the door and let everybody in.

Wouldn't that have been great to know? That would have been nice to have some real-time information for the American people.

What is interesting is--it is almost laughable--I actually saw a Democratic pundit on television talking about how President Trump shouldn't bomb or shouldn't have bombed Iran because the terror cells that are here might get activated. Well, Democrats let them in.

Those are the same folks who say that Americans shouldn't have guns to defend themselves, but I digress.

This legislation is especially prevalent following the Biden administration's failure to secure the border and protect the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this effort to defend the American people and maintain transparency, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sang H. Yi for his distinguished service to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the United States Congress.

Sang is a proud alumnus of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the United States Naval War College, and the George

Washington University Law School. With an exceptional commitment to public service, Sang embarked on his professional career in the Intelligence Community. He then served as Professional Staff Member and Senior Policy Advisor on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee under the leadership of Chairman Darrell Issa and Chairman Jason Chaffetz. Subsequently, he joined the House Committee on Natural Resources, where he served as Senior Counsel, Subcommittee Staff Director, and Chief Investigative Counsel under the leadership of Chairman Rob Bishop and Chairman Bruce Westerman. In 2023, Sang joined the House Committee on Homeland Security as Director of Investigations and Subcommittee Staff Director. Sang also served as an elected member of the City Council for Fairfax, Virginia for two terms, and as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve for more than 22 years.

Having worked with Sang since the beginning of the 118th Congress, I have seen firsthand how he exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated public servant. He possesses a wealth of knowledge in congressional oversight and investigations and the challenges facing our Nation every day. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious and thorough investigator and has mentored many staff throughout his years in Congress. He has served 3 committees faithfully under the leadership of 5 different chairmen or ranking members across 9 Congresses. As Director of Investigations, Sang led my Committee's oversight efforts related to the crisis at our Southwest border, the increasing threat of cyberattacks and government censorship, transportation and maritime security, counterterrorism efforts, and federal emergency management responses. Thanks to his leadership, our Nation is safer.

Sang's wise counsel to the Committee helped ensure that the Department of Homeland Security was held accountable to the American people. I am deeply grateful for Sang's invaluable service to the Committee and our Nation. Sang is a true patriot, and I am confident he will continue to distinguish himself as he serves in his next role as the Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the House Committee on Homeland Security, I commend Sang for his diligent service and wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Laura Boyd, a dedicated public servant, on her retirement from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH). Laura was born in Sumner County, Tennessee and raised in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. In high school, Laura's softball team won the state championship, giving her the opportunity to attend Cumberland University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Laura first came to Fort Campbell in 1991 as a teachers' assistant and, shortly after joining the school system, took on the Public Relations role for the Assistant Superintendent until the summer of 2003. In August of 2003, Laura accepted the Public Affairs role at BACH. For over two decades, Laura has served in this role and has been an invaluable member of the Fort Campbell and Clarksville communities. In her role, Laura recreated the responsibilities for a position that had been vacant for over two years. In addition, Laura took on more challenges and opportunities for the department, including managing protocol responsibilities, community outreach, patient advocacy, patient and family-centered care, customer service, and many others.

In my former position as a State Senator and currently representing Fort Campbell in Congress. Laura has always been vigilant to inform my office of the most up-to-date information and advocate for BACH's needs. In addition to these positions, I had the honor of working with Laura when I served as the Chief of the BACH Emergency Center. It was inspiring to watch firsthand how she treated everyone who stepped into the hospital, from the Commanding General to a sick individual coming in for care, with dignity and respect. More than just a job title, Laura has been an institution at BACH and will be sorely missed.

In retirement, Laura plans to spend time with her husband, Bill, whom she will celebrate her 36th wedding anniversary with this fall, their son, Aaron, his wife Jordan, granddaughter Charlotte, and her daughter Hope. In addition, Laura plans to serve her church and community as well.

As Laura steps away from her position after many years of dedication, it is my great pleasure to honor her. We owe Laura our deepest thanks and respect. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to the families who rely on Blanchfield has impacted the lives of not only our servicemen and women, but everyone who is connected to our Fort Campbell community.

We wish Laura and her family the best in her retirement as she continues to serve her family, community, and church.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the life and service of Retired Brigadier General Eden Murrie. Throughout a distinguished twenty-nine-year career in the United States Air Force, Eden was awarded the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Aerial Achievement Medal, among many others. She also earned the title of ``master navigator'' after logging over 2,400 flying hours as well as serving as a flight instructor for three different aircraft. After achieving the rank of General Officer in 2009, Eden served as special assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff at the United States Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C., before transitioning to the Director of Legislative Affairs on the National Security Staff for the White House. From 2011 to 2013, she served as the Director of Air Force Services and Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters. Soon after retiring from military service. Eden became the Chief Operations Officer of Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN) in 2017 and became its Chief Executive Officer in 2020. OSDTN is the only comprehensive veteran-serving agency in Middle Tennessee, connecting veterans with careers, community, and crisis services.

Under her leadership, OSDTN has served thousands of veterans by delivering food boxes, providing financial assistance, helping veterans find housing, and assisting veterans in their transition from military to civilian life. In her final full year as CEO, Operation Stand Down Tennessee served 7,991 veterans while receiving over 16,000 visits to OSDTN centers. Her dedication to serving our nation and its veterans has left an indelible mark on our Armed Forces and Middle Tennessee.

Eden is also a prominent leader in my community. She has served on the boards for The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Tennessee State Veterans' Homes, Centerstone Military Services, and the Davidson County Veterans Court Foundation, as well as an adviser for the Nashville YWCA Dress for Success program.

As Eden steps down from her role as CEO of Operation Stand Down Tennessee. I want to wish her the best and thank her for her decades of public and private service. I know she will tackle her next chapter with the same passion and tenacity as her other outstanding achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Collin Miller for his exemplary work and dedication to the people of Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District.

Roughly four years ago, Collin joined my staff as a Military Legislative Assistant, where he handled armed services and worked in Congress to support our troops. Utilizing his experience from the Department of Defense, Collin helped me introduce and push forward key bills, including the General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Memorial Exchange Program For Polish-American Defense Cooperation Act, the Special Relationship Military Improvement Act to strengthen arms-sharing with the United Kingdom, and a congressional resolution and NDAA amendment to protect servicemembers from COVID vaccine mandates. Collin was a master of legislative strategy, adept at crafting impactful speeches and shepherding my bills through committee.

Within just a year, Collin's hard work and strategic expertise earned him a promotion to Legislative Director. He was instrumental in getting my Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act signed into law, a version of my SCREEN Act passed in the FY24 NDAA, and five of my bills included in the FY25 NDAA.

Collin's accomplishments will have lasting impacts on our Nation, and he did it all without asking for recognition. From his support for our farmers to his dedication to out nation's

veterans, Collin embodies the Volunteer Spirit. He even spearheaded my Congressional Resolution honoring the father of country music, Hank Williams, on his 100th birthday. Just like the ``Hillbilly Shakespeare,'' Collin dedicated himself to preserving the vibrant spirit of Music City.

Collin's influence extended far beyond state lines. During his time in my office, Collin championed tuneless principles, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of giants and understanding that conserving Western Civilization is a fight worth having. A steadfast patriot, he is a stalwart defender of liberty and out Constitutional principles.

Collin's hard work, his passion for Article I, and his eagerness to learn were only a portion of what made his impact in my office and the House of Representatives so robust. His deep understanding of history and insights into conservative giants like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher greatly benefited our team.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Collin Miller's admiration for the great J.R.R. Tolkien. Collin's shelves lined with Tolkien's books weren't just for decoration--they were a well-worn source of inspiration. As Tolkien wrote, ``It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set . . .'' I believe Collin is doing just that.

While Collin recently departed my office for an incredible opportunity, I know that he will continue to bring the same light and joy into the lives of others as he did to me and my staff. We will miss his steadiness on difficult days and his quick wit.

I want to leave Collin with this quote from one of his favorite historical figures, William Wilberforce:

Fix your eye on the glorious prize which is before you, and

when your strength begins to fail, and your spirits are well-

nigh exhausted, let the animating view rekindle your

resolution, and call forth in renewed vigour the fainting

energies of your soul.''

I wish Collin all the best in his future endeavors as he and his wife, Reiley, go out and conquer this next chapter in their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 495) to require annual reports on counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 495.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 495, the Subterranean Border Defense Act.

The collective failure of the last administration and its refusal to secure our borders allowed transnational criminal organizations to go unchecked in their efforts to infiltrate the United States.

Illicit tunnel pathways into our country have only made it easier for criminals to bring their illegal businesses into the homeland, from human trafficking to drug smuggling deadly fentanyl and other drugs that are being funneled from nations afar, including Communist China. Fortunately, President Trump, border czar Homan, and Secretary Noem have arrived to set the situation right.

H.R. 495 will require DHS to provide annual reports on its efforts to counter illicit tunnel operations at our borders.

I commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Crane) for his leadership on this effort, and I urge strong support for the measure.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Crane), the author of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.

I again thank both of my colleagues, Mr. Correa and Mr. Crane, for putting this together.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 495, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 706) to improve the biodetection functions of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 706.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 706, the DHS Biodetection Improvement Act.

Amidst the vast and evolving threat landscape we face today, our vigilance against biological weapons must remain strong. This bill will direct DHS to address the shortcomings it has faced in acquiring technologies for biodefense.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong) for his work on this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), the author of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I, again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 706, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 862) to reduce commuting burdens on Transportation Security Administration employees, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 862.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 862, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act.

TSA often struggles to adequately employ enough personnel. Given the high cost of housing near airports, travel time to and from work may be an inhibitor for current or future employees. This bill would require the TSA administrator to conduct a feasibility study to address this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kennedy) on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 862, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 708) to establish in the Department of Homeland Security a working group relating to countering terrorist, cybersecurity, border and port security, and transportation security threats posed to the United States by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 708.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 708, the SHIELD Against CCP Act.

The Chinese Communist Party continues to increasingly threaten the security of our homeland. We must begin to come up with serious solutions to this serious problem, and this bill is an important start.

This bill would require that DHS establish a working group to take the important step of appropriately addressing and countering these threats. I commend my colleague, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), for his important work on this measure and on this subject.

Mr. Speaker, we must alter our posture to appropriately address the threat posed by the CCP to our homeland. This is not optional.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), the author of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 901) to require the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a Department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information in research and development acquisitions, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 901.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act. The Science and Technology Directorate is the principal of research and development for DHS. In 2022, the DHS Office of Inspector General found that S&T failed to safeguard sensitive information in research and development projects.

This bill requires S&T to develop a proper standard for safeguarding sensitive information which has become especially critical given the heightened activity of our adversaries. This bill carried by former Representative Anthony D'Esposito passed the House last Congress, and I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong) for his attention to this issue this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 901, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 993) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan to identify, integrate, and deploy new, innovative, disruptive, or other emerging or advanced technologies to enhance, or address capability gaps in, border security operations, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 993.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 993, the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act.

As the tactics of the cartels evolve, we must ensure that our frontline Border Patrol personnel are equipped with the proper technologies to be prepared.

This bill would position Congress to better equip frontline personnel with the tools and resources necessary to aid President Trump in his mission to secure and protect the United States border.

I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa) for his work on this matter.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 993, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1166) to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from procuring certain foreign-made batteries, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1166.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1166, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act.

Our world continues to be incredibly reliant on battery technology. Currently, the People's Republic of China produces the vast majority of the world's batteries. Dependence on batteries that are largely manufactured in an adversarial nation presents a serious risk to national security.

H.R. 1166 will prohibit DHS from procuring battery technology from companies with known ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague from Florida, Mr. Gimenez, for his strong work to address this issue, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gimenez).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1166, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1692) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enable secure and trustworthy technology through other transaction contracting authority, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1692.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 1692, the PATHS Act.

DHS other transaction agreement, or OTA, authority is an incredibly important tool in the Department's limited arsenal of mechanisms to acquire new research and prototypes. This bill reauthorizes the Department's OTA authority and also includes some commonsense transparency reforms to DHS' use of OTAs.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Guest), for his work on this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Guest).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1692, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground

that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1374) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make improvements to the Securing the Cities program, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1374.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1374, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act.

Since the inception of DHS' Securing the Cities program, uncertainty about standards to qualify as a high-risk area and metrics necessary to remain in the program once admitted have been unclear. This bill will direct DHS to establish appropriate performance metrics and milestones.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Carter from Louisiana for his work on this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I am prepared to close after the gentleman from California closes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1374, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valued member of my team and a true American patriot, Mr. Stephen Siao.

Stephen has been my chief of staff since I first entered the House of Representatives in 2019. From day one, Stephen built and nurtured a high-functioning office dedicated to serving the people of Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District.

Over the course of three terms, Stephen consistently exceeded expectations and faithfully fulfilled his oath to the Constitution. Whether it meant staying up late to help a stranded constituent secure a passport or ensuring our servicemembers at Fort Campbell have the safest barracks, Stephen's dedication to public service was unwavering. Under his leadership, my office has helped over 7,100 constituents with casework, a testament to his tireless efforts.

Stephen is not only an exceptional leader but also a remarkable mentor. He has spent countless hours guiding and supporting junior staff, many of whom have gone on to achieve great things.

Stephen's generosity to others has been the hallmark of his time in the House of Representatives. He consistently encouraged his colleagues to do the right thing, even if it was the hard thing. He has a resolute commitment to faith, country, and those whom the Lord blesses him to lead and serve. His loyalty has meant the world to me and my team.

For me personally, I most admire Stephen's humility. I often describe him as having an ability-to-humility ratio of infinity.

At the beginning of the 118th Congress, my colleagues entrusted me with the chairmanship of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Among the most consequential decisions I made after taking the gavel was to bring Stephen on as the staff director. I knew Stephen's strong work ethic and unwavering integrity made him the ideal choice to lead the committee staff during a challenging time in America's history.

As staff director, he navigated the complex impeachment proceedings of a sitting Cabinet Secretary, a first in our Nation's history. Stephen also led the committee's efforts to write the border security portion of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. Additionally, Stephen spearheaded our efforts to modernize the Department of Homeland Security to address challenges of the 21st century. Thanks to his leadership, our Nation is safer.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Stephen will be dearly missed for the selfless love and unwavering support he has shown countless colleagues. While shunning the spotlight and any recognition, this dedicated public servant has always put others first. His mentorship and wisdom, often delivered with a touch of Tolkienian wit, will be deeply missed.

As he embarks on this new chapter, I wish him well, echoing the words of Gandalf the Grey: ``All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.'' Stephen has taken this advice to heart, always using his time in this body wisely and inspiring us all to do the same.

On behalf of the people of the Seventh District of Tennessee and the United States Congress, I wish him well as our Nation calls him further up and further in toward another post serving our country. I thank Stephen. May God bless him.