Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Montana Grizzly defensive end Sloan McPherson from Glendive, Montana. While Sloan is a fantastic football player, I recognize him today for his lifesaving efforts off the gridiron.

Every spring, the Montana Griz football team walks the campus encouraging people to participate in the National Marrow Be the Match Program. Along with encouraging others to join the registry, many players selflessly add their own names to the list.

This past summer, Sloan got a call saying that his stem cells matched a patient with life-threatening leukemia and sickle cell anemia. Sloan made the decision to potentially pass up the opportunity to begin the season with his team and instead flew to Boise, Idaho, to donate his stem cells.

This selfless act resulted in a saved life. When Sloan is asked about his donation, he humbly says: When there is someone in need and you can help them, you have to do it. I have known Sloan since he was born. He lives next door to me. Like his parents, Craig and April, I am proud of the young man that he has grown to be.

The world can use more men like Sloan McPherson.

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 the topic of this Special Order.

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

Mr. Speaker, tonight we are going to speak about the border, the failed policies, and the false security that has been created under the Biden-Harris administration.

It is a target-rich environment, I will tell you. We have many examples of the problems that have been created and the policies that created those problems before us.

Keep in mind we have examples of what is also to do right, not theories, but we have hard examples of what to do to secure our border that were implemented under the Trump administration.

Yes, now we have examples of what not to do as we look at the current wide-open border and the massive problems that were created under the Biden-Harris administration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose) my distinguished colleague, to kick this off.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments.

Mr. Speaker, you can see there is a long list of problems, and we have many speakers here who want to speak to those problems this evening.

It is critically important for the American people to hear that not only do we identify what these problems are, but the Republicans have been bringing solutions forward to address these problems.

We have been bringing solutions that we know will work. They are not, again, theories. These are issues that have been addressed, and we know that the solutions that we are recommending have been utilized by the Trump administration and are extremely effective.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Edwards).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for participating tonight and helping us to shed some light on all the problems that have been caused by this wide-open border that has been created by the Biden-Harris administration.

I yield next to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman), my good friend, a fellow duck hunter, and chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for his remarks. I think that this reflects very clearly on the losses that our country is suffering. It is much, much more than monetary consideration. We are losing lives every single day. We also have to acknowledge the hundreds of thousands of lives that have been lost from fentanyl overdoses.

Mr. Speaker, we have many of our colleagues lined up here to speak. Right now I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett), my very good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his remarks. I certainly appreciate him being here this evening, again, shedding light on these massive, massive terrible problems that this open border has created. It is much more than monetary costs to the taxpayers across this Nation. There are lives that are lost and there are lives that are suffering as a direct result of it.

Next I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Arkansas (Mr. Hill), my good friend. They have a showing this evening.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for joining us this evening, helping us to shed some light on the problems associated with the wide-open border, and I think that we can see that the people of Arkansas are very fortunate to have him representing them. It sounds like he has a lot of very, very good neighbors to keep him here in office. We appreciate the work that he does.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. Speaker, this wide-open border is a national security threat. It is much more than a monetary problem that has been placed upon the taxpayers across the United States. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $150 billion to $500 billion a year is being taken out of the revenue that we should be spending on our veterans, that we should be spending on our own citizens, and it is being spent on illegal immigrants as they come into our country.

Everyone is always striving to find a better place. They want to have more opportunities for their family, for their children, for their grandchildren. We hear about the Dreamers. We hear about the Dreamers all the time. Guess what? American children and citizens have dreams, too.

My children have dreams of what they would like to accomplish in this country. My grandchildren have dreams of what they would like to accomplish and what they see that this country could be, and we are stripping away all of those dreams when we continue to leave this border wide open.

I have grave concerns about not only the millions of people who have come in here illegally that we have had encounters with but, as has been touched upon this evening, I have grave concerns about the several million people who have come in as got-aways and have not had any encounters with any law enforcement whatsoever.

What kind of problems can they cause to our infrastructure? What kind of problems can they cause to our rail systems, to our water systems, to our sewer systems, to our power grid?

Why is it that when it is so easy to sneak into our country, to walk in, to be greeted on the border of Texas, to be greeted on the border of California, and be given new clothes, be given a cell phone, be given transportation to virtually any place in this country that you want and some traveling money to go with it--what kind of criminal do you have to be to actually sneak into our country and what plans do you have to cause problems?

What strain is it causing to our school systems? How about the human trafficking, the human suffering that is taking place with the people who are forced into the sex trade day after day? We know that it is happening.

The hundreds of thousands of children that are completely unaccounted for, where have they been sold? Where have they been transported to? What kind of hell are they living in right now? How many of them will be just lost and end up taking their own lives because they cannot endure it any longer?

What about the introduction of diseases that we haven't seen for decades that are showing up on our streets and in our schools, coming directly from the illegal aliens who are coming into our country?

How about the suppression of wages and the problems that is causing for our labor community? We are keeping the wages down. People ask, why can't we just increase the minimum wage? Because the market is so flooded with people who are willing to hire illegal aliens that we cannot get those wages up.

Then, the suffering and the families that lose loved ones every single day--about 100,000 lives a year are lost in this country due to fentanyl overdoses that we know are coming directly from the southern border. This body, this body right here, is going to have to do something about it because the administration, the Biden-Harris administration, has demonstrated they will not do anything about it.

We have passed H.R. 2, and I am told that it is the most comprehensive border security and immigration legislation that has ever come through here. We passed that, and it is over in the Senate, waiting for Chuck Schumer to do something with it.

We passed the SAVE Act. We have heard so much about it for the last couple of weeks and how it is going to straighten out and make sure that we don't have illegals voting in our elections. We passed it in July, and it sits on Chuck Schumer's desk, waiting for some kind of action.

The only thing that remains for us, the only thing that is left for Congress to do, is to use the power of the purse strings that we were granted by the Constitution that we continually hear about.

Continuing resolutions prohibit us from doing our job. Our job is to pass appropriations bills and to transparently and properly fund government. Continuing resolutions simply continue funding at levels that most of us voted against and on policies that most of us voted against. It is not the way to run government.

It continues to fund the very agencies that cause problems in our Nation and that have been weaponized against our citizens. They are literally growing larger bureaucracies they are using to attack American citizens, all the alphabet agencies: the ATF, FBI, IRS.

We must reclaim our authority and utilize the appropriations process as called for in the Budget Act of 1974, and thereby fund government in a transparent and responsible fashion. If not, we will see a continuation of these disastrous policies and an accumulation of the ever-growing debt, which now exceeds $35 trillion.

Mr. Speaker, we must do this, and we can do this, but we have to stand up and declare that we are going to do this. They are tough decisions for very difficult problems, but that is what we signed up for, and I am here to make sure that it happens.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 38 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Blake Fuhriman, a man whose life exemplifies dedication to our country and fellow veterans. Blake's journey is a testament to his resilience, leadership, and enduring acts of service.

From an early age, Blake's love for our Nation inspired him to serve with distinction as an Army Ranger in the 3rd Ranger Battalion. During his time in the military, Blake was faced with the harsh realities of war by completing three deployments to Afghanistan. His admirable service in these dangerous and challenging environments forged a resilience that would inspire others as well.

Like many veterans, Blake first had difficulty adjusting to civilian life after serving in the military. But soon after, he found a new mission that would enable him to keep helping others. Blake became a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (S.E.R.E) instructor, where he taught critical survival tactics and knowledge to military members and organizations across the Nation. His work as a S.E.R.E instructor which allowed him to give back to the military community, ensuring that others would be prepared to face the challenges he had once encountered.

Blake's commitment to service extended well beyond our military. Later in his life, he took on the role of Senior Director of Clinical Operations Support at RiverStone Health, Yellowstone County, Montana's Community Health Center. In this capacity, Blake was responsible for regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and a wide array of direct and supportive services. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in enhancing the health and well-being of the community.

In 2019, Blake further demonstrated his commitment to his fellow veterans by founding the Veterans Navigation Network (VNN). This organization, which stemmed from Blake's passion for supporting veterans, aims to meet the transition needs of every Montana veteran. Through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, and a variety of other services, VNN has made a profound impact on the lives of Montana's veterans. Since its start, VNN has directly assisted over 850 veterans, connecting them with critical resources such as healthcare, behavioral health services, legal assistance, and much more.

Under Blake's leadership, VNN has also become the lead agency for the Eastern Montana Veteran Service Provider Network, a coalition of government agencies, non-profits, and faith-based organizations dedicated to assisting veterans and their families. His efforts have been recognized through his involvement in the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, the Montana Governor's Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and the Montana Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. Blake Fuhriman's contributions to our nation's heroes have not gone and will not go unnoticed.

Beyond his professional achievements, Blake is a devoted husband to his wife, Alissa, and a loving father to their three children. It is an honor to recognize Blake Fuhriman for his remarkable service to our Nation and his continued dedication to improving the lives of veterans and communities throughout the Treasure State. His leadership, compassion, and tireless efforts serve as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, my amendment No. 53 to the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, would prohibit funds from being used to transfer or delegate control or maintenance responsibility of the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel to any non-Federal entity.

The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project was established in 1902 and was designed solely to provide irrigation water to the farmers in eastern Montana and western North Dakota. The project specializes in water distribution, not managing fish bypass channels for endangered species like the pallid sturgeon. The fish bypass channel introduced in 2007, over 100 years after this project was built, was meant to address species conservation, and the Yellowstone River location was selected over the Lower Missouri River because of the huge cost savings.

Now, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are trying to shift costs and responsibilities to the irrigators even after its shotty construction, which has required additional work immediately following its completion and will continue to require expensive maintenance going forward. This is despite there being no formal agreement and the bypass channel having no operational connection to the project's irrigation duties.

Our farmers are already struggling with economic pressures and cannot afford this additional burden.

This amendment ensures that Federal agencies cannot offload their responsibilities onto local communities. It is time for the Federal Government to be accountable for its decisions and not unjustly and unilaterally transfer those costs to those who are unprepared and financially stretched.

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

Mr. Chair, the fish bypass channel is a complete separate structure that is not connected to the irrigation facilities that have been in place for over 100 years. This new facility was just constructed within the last 10 years, and the Army Corps of Engineers constructed it. They funded that construction, and they took care of that construction. The irrigation project is a Bureau of Reclamation project.

The only reason that the Army Corps of Engineers stepped in to do this work on the Yellowstone River was because they wanted to mitigate the pallid sturgeon because of the Endangered Species Act, and they found the cost much more reasonable to do that on the Yellowstone River, where the population is so much lower. Also, they could accomplish it easier than to go on the Lower Missouri, where they truly had the problem. They were mitigating this off-site.

Now, they are trying to transfer those costs to the local farmers and ranchers, to the 350 families available. It is just not right. It is just not fair to unilaterally make that decision.

Mr. Chair, I appreciate the support of my colleagues for this amendment. It is critically important for the folks in eastern Montana, and it sets a good precedent going across the Nation.

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, honor, and remember the extraordinary life of an American hero, Charlie Dowd, who truly embodied the Montana spirit of patriotism, courage, and hard work.

Heroes like Charlie Dowd are what make America a beacon of hope here and abroad.

Through his exemplary and selfless service to our great Nation during the attack on Pearl Harbor, at just 17 years of age, and his continued defense of our country in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea as a member of the United States Navy, Charlie undoubtedly faced the horrors of war and remained committed to defending our Nation despite uncertainty and life-threatening challenges.

Even after serving, Charlie was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association where he continued to provide care for his fellow veterans and was recognized as the last survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack living in Montana.

Charlie's legacy deserves to be honored, admired, and preserved. By establishing the new VA clinic in Butte to be named in his honor, we can ensure that future generations of Montanans will remember the Greatest Generation and Charlie's legacy.

Naming the facility that provides care for thousands of veterans across the Treasure State in Charlie's honor would be a worthy accolade for his bravery and service to our great Nation.

Charlie Dowd devoted his life to defending our freedoms, serving our veterans, and strengthening Montana communities. By passing this legislation today, the memory of him and his heroic acts of patriotism will be truly memorialized.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Ranking Member Takano's support for this legislation. I hope my colleagues will do the same.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, my amendment No. 53 would prohibit funds from being used to enforce Secretary Mayorkas' memo titled: ``Worksite Enforcement: The Strategy to Protect the American Labor Market, the Conditions of the American Worksite, and the Dignity of the Individual.''

With the stroke of a pen, Secretary Mayorkas eliminated an essential method of interior enforcement by requiring our Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to fight with one hand tied behind their backs.

The memo prohibits ICE from conducting worksite enforcement operations except in extremely limited circumstances.

There are currently at least 16.8 million illegal aliens in our country, and estimates suggest that upwards of 65 percent of the illegal aliens are employed.

Businessowners and ranchers in Montana work hard to ensure they follow Federal immigration law, and this memo punishes law-abiding businesses who refuse to hire illegal aliens.

This memo tells employers that they no longer need to follow the law and literally incentivizes the hiring of illegal aliens.

Additionally, Americans should not have to compete in the labor market with illegal aliens who are depressing wages and keeping good- paying jobs away from American citizens.

President Biden's and Secretary Mayorkas' refusal to allow ICE to do their job and enforce our Nation's laws is a clear dereliction of duty and presents a risk to our country's national security.

Simply put, my amendment would allow ICE agents to do their job enforcing immigration law with the most effective methods possible.

Under President Trump, worksite enforcement operations were a common practice, making it clear to illegal aliens and the employers that there would be consequences for breaking the law, putting all businesses on a level playing field.

While impeaching Secretary Mayorkas was a needed first step, we must use the appropriations process to fix the policies that he has enacted.

It is time we protect small businesses and owners and workers and force Secretary Mayorkas to let ICE do its job.

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

Mr. Chairman, unfortunately, much like the complete disregard for the time limit on the first vote of the day that takes place in this Chamber every single day, it is because there are no consequences. There is no downside. There is no hammer. That is what we have to have.

In Secretary Mayorkas' own memo, he says on the first page: ``In addition, unscrupulous employers harm each worker competing for a job. By exploiting undocumented workers and paying them substandard wages, the unscrupulous employers create an unfair labor market. They also unfairly drive down their costs and disadvantage their business competitors who abide by the law.''

Once again, they are not offering, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, anything about fixing this problem.

If we not direct but allow ICE to do their job, we can start identifying and deporting these illegal aliens who are hurting our labor market and American workers.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, President Joe Biden has tried to turn our United States military into a dangerous leftwing social experiment.

At the Malmstrom Air Force Base in my district there has been an inappropriate drag show and explicit library books on display for children.

The Department of Defense is paying for travel expenses and is offering up to 21 days of leave for soldiers and their dependents to get abortions.

This does nothing to help our troops continue to be the most effective fighting force on Earth and is nothing but a distraction and a waste of valuable taxpayer dollars.

My amendment No. 52 would prohibit TRICARE from covering gender reassignment surgeries and hormone treatment for individuals who identify as transgender.

The government has no business funding these procedures on the taxpayers' dime, and, quite frankly, if you don't know if you are a man or a woman, you shouldn't have your hand on the button that launches missiles.

The Department of Defense still spent millions of dollars on these surgeries, and they do nothing to help our servicemembers. The follow- up medications and counseling are even more costly.

The question that must be asked is whether having people who identify as trans in the military makes our military a more effective, lethal fighting force. The answer is a clear and resounding no.

A report commissioned by General Mattis found that servicemembers with claims of gender dysphoria are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than other servicemembers. It also found that these individuals are nine times more likely to have negative mental health episodes than other servicemembers.

As former Lieutenant General Thomas Spoehr aptly put it: ``If those with gender dysphoria are at a much higher risk of suicide, crippling anxiety, or other mental breakdowns than their peers, those serving next to them will be reluctant to rely on them. Permitting them to serve also violates the principle of not placing individuals at greater risk of injury in harm's way.''

Allowing this radical trans agenda to infiltrate our military will put our servicemembers in harm's way and will make our country more vulnerable than it has ever been in modern history.

My commonsense amendment would save the taxpayers millions of dollars and help protect our servicemembers and our country.

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

Mr. Chair, this is not rhetoric. These are simply the facts.

Again, a report commissioned by General Mattis found that servicemembers with claims of gender dysphoria are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than other servicemembers.

Mr. Chair, $8 million roughly was spent on transgender care, including about $5.8 million on psychotherapy, demonstrating that the vast majority of the investment associated with these gender surgeries is for psychotherapy thereafter.

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

Mr. Chair, the pressures of war are extreme, and if you are so troubled during peacetime that you don't know if you are a man or a woman, then I can't imagine what the pressures of war would do to you.

There were about 160 transgender surgeries that have taken place in the military, and they included 23,000 psychotherapy visits.

Again, Mr. Chair, if you don't understand if you are a man or a woman, then you should not have your hand on the button that is launching missiles.

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

Mr. Chairman, I am ready to close, as well.

Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. Chair, again, it is very simple.

First of all, the taxpayers should not be bound by paying the expenses that are associated with these transgender surgeries for the military.

The next thing is, and this is the larger question: Should these people who are so confused they don't understand whether they are a man or a woman even be allowed into the military?

This is putting lives at risk, this is putting their colleagues at risk, and this has been something that has been hurting the recruitment efforts for the military that we have seen be down since the Biden administration has taken over.

Quite frankly, taxpayers should not be bound by these obligations, and the people who are serving in the military shouldn't be exposed to this additional risk.

Mr. Chair, I request that my colleagues please support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor retired Marine Burton

Ray Gigoux for his selfless dedication to our country and his lifelong commitment to serving communities across Montana. On December 23, 2023, Burt, as his friends called him, went home to his Lord and Savior after a courageous battle with cancer. However, this extraordinary Montanan left a legacy that continues to inspire all of us today.

Since graduating High School, Burt has lived a life dedicated to public service, which led him to bravely answer the call of duty to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Following his courageous service in the Marine Corps, Burt married Anita, who became his lifelong partner in all his endeavors. After marrying, they both moved to Billings, Montana, where they had their son, David. Since moving to Billings, Burt, and Anita dedicated their time to serving veterans across the Treasure State. Burt's dream was to have a national veteran's cemetery in Yellowstone County, a land he found fitting as a final resting place for our Nation's finest men and women.

After persuading the county commissioners to join in his efforts, legislation was introduced in the Montana Legislature to establish the Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery, and it was approved. Burt's determination was enough to give the veterans of Yellowstone County a rightful resting place deserving of their accomplishments. However, Burt kept pushing to make it a national cemetery. After nearly a decade of convincing the VA, with all the odds stacked against him, his efforts were rewarded on Memorial Day in 2014, when the U.S. Undersecretary of the VA dedicated the Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery to national status. Thanks to Burt, Yellowstone National Cemetery is now the resting place of our Nation's finest heroes in Montana.

In addition, Burt proudly assisted 750 WWII veterans in visiting their national monument here in Washington, D.C. Through these actions and more, Burton Ray Gigoux left a lasting legacy and serves as an example to us all. May God bless the Gigoux family as they mourn the passing of this true hero.

It is a privilege to recognize his accomplishments and his lifelong service to our country in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the recent retirement of a remarkable Montanan, Mr. Milford Wearley, who served his community and dedicated years of his life to training and teaching future farmers and ranchers across Montana.

After graduating from Choteau High School in 1971, Mr. Wearley attended Montana State University in Bozeman, where he later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Science and a Master's degree in Agricultural Education.

Upon graduation, Mr. Wearley chose to pursue his career in training and educating students about Agriculture as he served as an FFA Advisor at Malta High School in 1981. Since then, Mr. Wearley's passion for teaching and training the next generation of farmers in Montana flourished. After three years in Malta, Mr. Wearley moved to Choteau to continue his career and passion for teaching, where he stayed until recently retiring.

Agriculture isn't just an industry in Montana, it's our way of life, and thanks to Mr. Wearley's lifelong dedication to training, teaching, and advising aspiring farmers, ranchers, and students, our state is stronger, and our agricultural industry is more resilient.

It is a privilege to recognize Mr. Wearley's 40 years of service and his impact while instructing the next generation of farmers and ranchers across the Treasure State.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman and Congressman Curtis for leading the charge on stopping this disastrous Biden administration rule.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the WEST Act. This legislation will prohibit the BLM's Conservation and Landscape Health rule from going into effect.

Our past speaker just described very well the difference between rule and law. The BLM-proposed rule will lock up large swaths of public land across the country for Federal conservation leases that would limit recreational activities, timber production, animal grazing, and important energy development on public land. The rule is unconstitutional, it is unpopular, and it will devastate rural communities.

Article I, Section 1, of the United States Constitution makes it clear that Congress writes the law, not the executive branch. In 1934 and 1976, Congress passed the Taylor Grazing Act and the Federal Land Policy Management Act. Both require a multiple use policy on public lands. This rule is unconstitutional because it circumvents both laws Congress passed to enforce an executive branch policy.

When collecting limited public input on this rule over a limited 75- day period, the BLM only allowed five public forums in exclusively urban city centers. This deliberate dodging of stakeholders whose land they are attempting to commandeer shows how little this administration cares about their scathing disapproval in rural America.

Lastly, this move will irreparably impede sustainable and productive grazing practices in Montana and devastate rural communities throughout the country by requiring ranchers to compete with coastal corporations for the limited number of available leases.

I am sick and tired of the American farmer, who creates food security, being trampled by radical environmentalists who think their soy burgers magically appear on grocery store shelves.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of both National and Montana Ag Weeks.

Food security is national security, and across the Treasure State and the country, farmers work tirelessly to keep food supplies safe and plentiful so we don't have to rely on foreign nations to sustain our population.

Agriculture isn't just an industry in Montana. It is our way of life. It contributes an average of $5.2 billion a year to the economy.

Producers' hard work, dedication, and resilience play an essential role in feeding our communities, sustaining our economy, and managing our land.

While ag production is a vital industry, it doesn't come without its challenges. Congress must first secure a strong crop insurance program that gives producers certainty and, secondly, pass my Land and National Defense Act, which would prohibit the Chinese Communist Party from buying farmland in our country.

Both initiatives can be included in this year's farm bill to show producers that folks here in Washington haven't forgotten about them and have their backs in times of need.

Ag producers deserve recognition for the work they do to take care of our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nathan Keane, a remarkable Montanan, who has dedicated his life to serving and advocating for grain growers throughout the Treasure State and across our country.

From farming with his father-in-law on their fourth generation family farm in Loma, Montana, to advocating for policies that benefit Montana farmers, Nathan has had the ability to truly represent and protect our way of life.

As past President of the Montana Grain Growers Association, Nathan has served as a board member, chair of the Domestic Policy Committee, and chair of the 2022 Annual Convention and Trade Show.

Nathan was elected to serve as secretary to the National Association of Wheat Growers, expanding his reach and amplifying his voice.

He proved himself to be an effective leader in shaping policy here on Capitol Hill and advocating for Montana grain growers.

I have had the unique opportunity to get to know Nathan and his passion for agriculture, and I have no doubt the National Association of Wheat Growers will thrive with Nathan as their new secretary.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate this week as Invest in Veterans Week as proclaimed by Montana Governor Gianforte.

Currently, nearly 9 percent of the Treasure State's population is made up of veterans. There are over 78,000 veterans in Montana, the fifth highest population of veterans per capita of any State.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent a State so deeply rooted in military history. Businesses owned by veterans employ over 5 million people and generate over $1 trillion in revenue annually.

Whether that be through starting their own farm, ranch, or small business, many of our Nation's heroes come home to their families and communities ready and eager to find ways they can continue to benefit and serve our communities.

By investing in our veterans, we are able to provide them with the resources that they need to continue to use their exceptional talents and skills that benefit all of us.

Investing in our veterans should not be limited to just this week, but it should be our mission all year round.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of Montana Highway Patrol Trooper, Mr. Lewis Johnson. Through his time serving the Treasure State, Trooper Johnson has demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience despite enduring life-threatening challenges.

Born in 1987, Trooper Johnson grew up in Chester, Montana. After graduating from The Montana Law Enforcement Academy in 2014, Trooper Johnson and his wife Kate chose to dedicate their lives to protecting and serving the people of Montana as State Troopers. Both stationed in Eureka, Montana, Trooper Johnson is known by his community as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a friend to many.

Unfortunately, on February 16, 2023, Trooper Johnson was severely injured in a tragic accident involving a fleeing suspect. Trooper Johnson experienced numerous injuries, including a punctured lung, damaged liver, head injury, broken ribs, broken arm, broken leg, and severe spinal trauma. Despite sustaining severe life-threatening injuries, Trooper Johnson's remarkable endurance and unwavering support from his family and loved ones has led him down the path to recovery. After many months in the hospital, countless hours of rehabilitation, and medical treatments, Montana celebrates his successful recovery and his reunification with his wife, children, and community.

Trooper Johnson has demonstrated unwavering courage and continues to embody Montana values as he encourages and inspires Montanans and Americans across the country through his story. It is a privilege to recognize and honor Trooper Johnson's selfless commitment to protecting the people of Montana and his remarkable journey toward recovery today.