Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of my bill, H.R. 8278.

Across the country, banks and credit unions are using innovative technology to deliver better products and services for their customers.

For example, banks in Northeast Indiana are using tools like artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics to spot fraud faster, better manage risk, and enhance the banking experience for Hoosiers. But too often, the regulators charged with overseeing and supervising these institutions still rely on outdated IT infrastructure from a predigital era.

This gap poses significant risks not just for our financial markets but for the entire economy.

As our banks and credit unions continue to innovate at a record pace, our regulators must have the tools to keep up.

That is where the FUTURES Act comes in.

My bill requires Federal bank and credit union regulators to assess the technology systems they use for supervision, evaluate their procurement practices, and report to Congress on where they are struggling and how they can improve.

Put simply, we can't help our regulators modernize their technology for the digital age if we don't know the challenges that they face. Whether it is talent gaps, procurement barriers, or technological blind spots, Congress needs to understand the red tape that is keeping government in the past while the financial system races into the future.

In fact, we already require this kind of information from the institutions our regulators supervise. Banks and credit unions must undergo quarterly technology reviews, internal testing, and rigorous due diligence on every vendor that they use. It is only fair that we hold their regulators to the same standard.

The FUTURES Act is a straightforward, commonsense, and bipartisan step to address the critical technology challenges facing our regulators.

This legislation was advanced unanimously by the House Committee on Financial Services, sending a clear message that both Republicans and Democrats recognize that supervision must keep pace with innovation.

I am grateful to my colleague across the aisle, Bill Foster, for co- leading this legislation with me. I also thank Chairman Hill and Chairman Steil for their continued support of this measure, as well as thanking the full committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Slovak Caucus, I rise today to recognize Slovakia's Constitution Day, marking 33 years as a sovereign state.

The U.S.-Slovakia relationship rests on shared democratic values and security interests.

Today, Slovakia is a vital U.S. partner and NATO ally, but this friendship began more than a century ago.

During World War I, the United States stood with Slovak's democratic aspirations and later welcomed the creation of an independent Slovakia in 1993.

Today, nearly 1 million Americans proudly claim Slovak ancestry, including many in my district in northeast Indiana. Our relationship carries renewed momentum today in energy security, economic cooperation, and defense partnerships, including the partnership between the Slovak Armed Forces and the Indiana National Guard.

Mr. Speaker, I wish the people of Slovakia a happy Constitution Day, and may the United States and Slovakia continue to stand together for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Cary Grant for his remarkable testimony of faith and unwavering determination.

This past Sunday, Cary preached his first sermon in American Sign Language at Deaf Michiana Mission Church in South Bend, Indiana, nearly 8 years after losing his ability to speak because of a neurological disease.

After delivering his final verbal sermon on July 2, 2018, many thought his opportunity to preach had come to an end.

Instead, through faith, perseverance, and learning American Sign Language, Cary found a new way to continue sharing the gospel.

A regular attendee of Grace Bible Church where his son, Kyle Grant, pastors, Cary has inspired his community through his resilience and steadfast trust in the Lord. His journey reminds us that challenges can become opportunities to glorify God and serve others.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Cary on this incredible milestone. He has been such an inspiration in his return to preaching God's Holy Word. I wish him God's continued blessings as he continues sharing his message.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the Budget Committee for this strong resolution.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the House budget resolution. This framework is an important step of protecting our elections as well as supporting our troops. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to the American people to safeguard the electoral process. Yet, the Senate has been unable to do so.

Over 80 percent of Americans agree that you must show proof of citizenship and ID to vote, and this budget framework moves us closer to enacting these reforms.

In addition to protecting our elections at home, U.S. servicemembers are working day and night to be sure that Americans are safe from a nuclear bomb in Iran and to advance peace in the Middle East. Our military is the most lethal fighting force known to man, and they are depending on us to help them finish the job. We must be courageous to support these men and women by supplying the resources they need.

We owe Americans secure elections along with a strong national defense to preserve our great Nation. Therefore, I

urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, the summer of soccer is alive and well in northeast Indiana.

Fort Wayne Football Club's new state-of-the-art stadium recently celebrated its grand opening. Privately funded, Ruoff Mortgage Stadium seats over 7,000 fans and has already become a hub for soccer fans across Indiana.

I had the pleasure of attending a game this past weekend and was honored to present the match ball for the Fort Wayne Football Club's USL Cup match against Detroit City. The passion of the fans and the quality of the players were a reminder of how far soccer has come in our community.

With the incredibly exciting World Cup wrapping up in just a few days, I encourage all Americans and all Hoosiers to make their way to a match close to them and especially those in northeast Indiana to cheer on our local club for a great family night out.

Fort Wayne is proving that soccer's future in the United States is bright. I look forward to attending more matches in the years to come to watch some exciting soccer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late former Kendallville mayor and friend, SuzAnne Handshoe.

Mayor Handshoe serves as an example for all of us to follow for her dedication to her community and her country. Her military career is beyond admirable, as she served 24 years as a U.S. marine and was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

After retiring from the military, her service to her community did not stop. In 2004, Mayor Handshoe became Kendallville's first woman mayor and worked every day to improve the town of Kendallville for its residents.

She had an unstoppable determination to push Kendallville forward, and she tackled every issue with energy and enthusiasm.

Sadly, she passed away this week after losing a battle with cancer at the age of 66. She will truly be missed by all of us, but her legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to others will not be forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, Randy, and her community. We will miss her dearly.

May she rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SAVE America Act introduced by Representative Roy and Senator Lee.

In a few weeks, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. One thing that has sustained American democracy since its founding is elections. Our Founders created a government by the people and for the people, and it is imperative that our elections continue to represent the views of American citizens only.

The SAVE America Act will do exactly that: ensure that our country's elections are decided only by American citizens and not foreign nationals.

Indiana first enacted voter ID laws in 2005, and it is time the rest of the country did the same. Over 80 percent of Americans support voter ID and showing proof of citizenship to vote.

Mr. Speaker, the Senate cannot keep stalling on this commonsense election reform. Senate colleagues must restore the talking filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act as soon as possible. Our country's future depends on it.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 224.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1335 to condemn the waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.

According to the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Government loses between $233 and $521 billion annually to fraud. Think of that, $233 billion to $521 billion annually to fraud.

That is up to $3,250 lost to fraud per taxpayer each year. That is insulting to the American people. Americans work hard for their money, and wasting Americans' paychecks to fraud is just unacceptable.

I strongly support Vice President Vance's work leading the task force to eliminate fraud. The task force has already identified and halted billions of dollars of waste to fraudulent healthcare services and government contracts.

As a Member of Congress, we are entrusted to be stewards of taxpayer dollars. I look forward to finding ways to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse on behalf of the American taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his hard work. This is an important issue that we must figure out in order to eliminate this waste that the American taxpayers expect us to find, so we make sure every dollar is being used wisely at the Federal Government level.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Secure America Act to fund ICE and CBP.

ICE and CBP agents risk their lives daily to keep bad actors out and protect our Nation's citizens. With the strong leadership of Secretary Mullin, CBP reached a milestone by seizing more than 100 million lethal doses of fentanyl along the southwest border since October.

ICE agents also have made progress toward making American cities safe again, with over 1,400 arrests of known or suspected terrorists.

These Federal agents don't just protect our borders. They defend and protect American families across the country, especially as the U.S. hosts the World Cup starting this week.

I stand in strong opposition to the Democrats who wish to put American lives at risk by refusing to fund these two agencies. Start supporting the American citizens and not illegals.

I encourage all my colleagues to support the funding for the vital work of ICE and CBP.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday next for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the third annual AI Maritime Maneuvering Challenge, held by Trine University this past weekend in my district.

Trine hosted students from universities across Indiana at Pokagon State Park to test their autonomous, low-profile sea vessels. Students competed against one another through a variety of mission sets, including navigating obstacles, evading detection, and retrieving items.

While competing in the event is an accomplishment on its own, these students are simultaneously helping to secure our homeland. The challenge operates in conjunction with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, with the goal to develop the talent needed to support the Department of War.

This project is a shining example of how student ingenuity and Hoosier collaboration can lead to real results that benefit our Nation and a great experience for our students.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all the participating students on their accomplishments, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of the AI Maritime Maneuvering program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the Nehemiah Alliance for launching the National 52-Day Rebuild Initiative, calling the people of the United States to an extended time of unified prayer, fasting, and repentance for the purpose of rebuilding the spiritual walls of blessing and protection around our fifty states and our Nation.

From its founding, the United States of America has been shaped by enduring Judeo-Christian principles of faith, liberty, and justice, and has long understood itself to be One Nation under God. Throughout history, Americans have turned to these principles in moments of challenge to seek renewal, unity, and moral clarity.

From the earliest days of the Republic, our leaders have issued calls to prayer and humility, reflecting a longstanding historical precedent of seeking divine guidance during significant moments in the life of our Nation. The founding ideals of the United States affirm principles of faith, liberty, justice, accountability, and the dignity of the human person, values that continue to inspire citizens across generations.

This initiative emphasizes personal responsibility, civic virtue, reconciliation, and service, encouraging individuals to strengthen their homes, neighbors, and communities through prayerful engagement. The Nehemiah Alliance draws inspiration from the biblical account of Nehemiah, who rebuilt the broken walls of Jerusalem in fifty-two days, and in that same spirit, during America's two hundred fiftieth Anniversary, this Initiative calls Americans to recognize that the moral, cultural, and spiritual foundations of our society require our attention and action.

Indiana, known as The Crossroads of America, has long stood at the intersection of commerce, community, and faith, and throughout its history Hoosiers have valued prayer, personal responsibility, and service to neighbors as essential foundations for a flourishing society. Citizens of Indiana have historically participated in national seasons of prayer and reflection, recognizing that the strength of a Nation is rooted not only in its institutions but also in the character, humility, and faith of its people.

Beginning at sundown on September 10, 2026, and concluding at sundown on All Saints' Sunday, November 1, 2026, this Initiative invites people across our Nation to humble themselves before Almighty God through prayer, repentance, and periods of fasting as each person is individually led.

The purpose is to rebuild our walls, restore our homes, revive our hearts, and renew liberty and justice for all, reunifying us as One Nation under God. The mission of the Nehemiah Alliance is grounded in the call of Scripture, including the promise recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that as His people pray and repent, He will hear from Heaven and heal our land.

Participants are encouraged to serve as modern-day gatekeepers, interceding for their families, neighbors, schools, churches, businesses, and leaders in authority. During the fifty-two days, focused prayers will be made for spheres of culture, the fifty states and territories, the Nation's Capital, Congress, the Supreme Court, the President, and the consequential midterm elections.

On October 31, 2026, and All Saints' Sunday, November 1, 2026, people of faith will gather online and in person, including in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall, in sacred assembly to pray and stand.

I commend the Nehemiah Alliance for its leadership in advancing the National 52-Day Rebuild Initiative and I encourage the citizens of the State of Indiana to participate in this national call to prayer, fasting, repentance, and spiritual renewal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome today's guest chaplain, my friend Roger Reece.

Roger is a faith-driven leader, an Army veteran, and a longtime nonprofit executive.

Roger has faithfully served as executive director of the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County for over 16 years. He has guided the organization through significant growth and expanded its impact across our community. He is equipped with a strong theological foundation from both Purdue University and the Methodist Theological School of Ohio.

Roger has served in a variety of roles, including parish pastor, city manager, and Army chaplain, with distinguished service in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Through his leadership, Roger has fostered collaboration across congregations, nonprofits, and civic institutions to better serve the most vulnerable in northeast Indiana.

I thank Roger for today's opening prayer and wish him continued blessings in his work serving others across the Hoosier State.

May God bless him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, and further, when the House adjourns on that day, it adjourn to meet at noon on Tuesday next for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.