Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, today I rise in support of my amendment No. 10.

Amendment No. 10 is a very simple amendment. It would prohibit TRICARE from covering sex reassignment surgeries and hormone treatment for transgender individuals. The most recent numbers tell us that the Department of Defense has performed over 240 gender reassignment surgeries, costing taxpayers approximately $3.1 million.

Unfortunately, that is just a small part of the cost associated with this transaction. The Department has spent over $11.5 million on psychotherapy. That is it; psychotherapy for servicemembers with gender dysphoria.

The amount of funds paid out for this psychotherapy shows that the surgery alone cannot solve the root issue for these individuals. 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. The government has no business funding these procedures on the taxpayer's dime.

The question that must be asked is whether having trans individuals makes the United States a more lethal force and whether it helps recruit the best and most effective talent for the United States military. The answer to that 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 Thomas Spoehr, a former Army Lieutenant General put it, if those with gender dysphoria are at a much higher risk of suicide, crippling anxiety, or mental breakdowns, then 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.

Madam Chair, to summarize this, anything that does not contribute to making our fighting force the most effective fighting force on Earth is nothing more than a distraction, and I will not ask the people of Montana or the United States to pay for it.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, let me reiterate these numbers again. These individuals are eight times more likely to attempt suicide--eight times more likely to attempt suicide--and nine times more likely to have negative mental health episodes than other servicemembers.

United States military veterans are experiencing 21 suicides a day, and we are doing everything we can in the Veterans' Affairs Committee to reduce that number. Why in the world are we considering bringing individuals in that are going to increase that number?

If these individuals are that troubled on an ordinary day without the pressures of war, why would we risk our Nation's security on them in wartime? It just simply does not make sense.

Allowing this radical trans agenda to infiltrate our military will put our servicemembers and my constituents 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, as well as our country, and maybe save a lot of lives as well.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

The ACTING Chair. The gentleman from Montana has 1\1/4\ minutes remaining.

Madam Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time.

What this is, it just shows the extent to which the Biden administration has been pushing this agenda into our military, and it is weakening our military. It is not making it stronger.

We have drag shows taking place at Malmstrom Air Force Base. There are 150 ICBM missiles being controlled by that Air Force base and by these individuals. I don't want someone who doesn't know if they are a man or a woman with their hand on a missile button.

We have explicit library books on display for children at Malmstrom Air Force Base and the U.S. Navy's digital ambassador program featuring drag queens posting on TikTok.

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.

Again, let me tell you that anything that is not focused on making the United States military the most effective fighting force on Earth is nothing more than a distraction, and we should not be paying for it.

I won't ask the people of Montana to pay for it, and I will not ask the people across the United States to pay for it.

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

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor a great Montanan whose service to this country will never be forgotten and whose passing will be mourned by many across the Treasure State.

Frank Koncilya was born in Roundup, Montana, where he graduated high school in 1942. After graduation, Frank was drafted into the United States Army and was quickly shipped off to England in preparation for the invasion of Normandy.

Frank landed on Utah Beach nearly 2 hours before the main invasion on D-day and served with distinction on that fateful day. After the Allies secured northern France, Frank's platoon was deployed to Belgium, where he was one of only two survivors in a fierce battle.

Frank was awarded five Bronze Star Medals for his heroic service. After the war, Frank became a teacher and an active member of the American Legion in Lewistown, Montana.

Frank's service to his country and his commitment to education are a perfect example of Montana values. It was an honor to represent him in Congress, and it is a privilege to recognize his legacy in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the service of Pat Frisch, Program Director and Director of Content for Central Montana Radio Stations in Great Falls, Montana.

Pat has a broadcasting career that has lasted over 40 years and has taken him from Cary, Illinois to Great Falls, Montana with stops in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, Prescott, Arizona, Lake Tahoe, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pat holds a spot in the Nevada Broadcaster Hall of Fame.

Pat has announced his retirement from broadcasting due to health issues. He will be missed for his early morning humor and his ability to get to the bottom line of a story. Pat is a go to resource for breaking news for Great Falls and the many Agricultural communities that 560 KMON serves. Pat's passion for his family, friends, and especially his three dogs (Chica, Lucky, and Feefs) is evident when he shares his stories.

Community members and listeners have often said they appreciate the questions and interviews Pat does with the elected official representing the state of Montana. Regardless of their political affiliation, Pat is always open and welcoming to politicians and remains fair and balanced in his questioning during interviews. This type of reporting has become lost

in the United States, and Pat is truly one of a kind.

Pat Frisch's story is that of a man coming from a small community 50 miles north of Chicago and growing his brand and reputation through hard work to become a trusted public figure to thousands of listeners throughout all of the markets he has worked in. I'm proud to acknowledge Pat Frisch for his service, and it is a privilege to honor him in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize the centennial celebration of the town of Colstrip, Montana's energy capital. Colstrip is surrounded by beautiful open rangeland, farms, and ranches, but what has made this community truly remarkable is the Rosebud mine, which is responsible for much of the area's prosperity. This incredible facility serves as a crucial part of Montana's economy and energy sector. Since its establishment, the mine has not only powered Montana's economy but also provided reliable energy to the entire globe.

Colstrip was first founded by employees of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1924 to provide Americans with affordable and reliable coal to power their homes and businesses. During the Second World War, the mine was strategically important to America's war effort. Thanks to the work of the men and women of Colstrip, the Allies successfully defeated their enemies and defended freedom across the entire world.

I want to commend the people of Colstrip for their dedicated work to ensure the continuation of this vital part of Montana's economy and for contributing so much to our state's culture. Colstrip's tight-knit community has powered America for over 100 years, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this model community. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the entire Colstrip community for their commitment to America, and it is a privilege to celebrate the mine's anniversary in the U,S. House of Representatives

Madam Speaker, 1 year ago, record-breaking floods devastated much of southern Montana, shattering communities in and around Yellowstone National Park.

The destruction caused by these rushing waters was immense, washing away homes, businesses, and property that Montanans had spent generations building. But it did not wash away their hope.

I had the chance to survey the aftermath and speak with residents who had been impacted by this tragic natural disaster. Many understood that it would take months, maybe even years to recover.

What surprised me about my conversations with those who lost so much to these historic floods was not their desperation, but their courage.

The people of Montana have always been stronger than the challenges that they face. Local leaders in Park, Stillwater, and Carbon Counties did not let the disaster destroy their communities. Instead, they came together to support their friends and neighbors when they needed it the most.

Local leaders like Sherry Weamer were instrumental in directing the rebuilding of Red Lodge when floodwaters overwhelmed the area. These efforts were also led by dedicated public servants, like Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly.

Communities in southern Montana rely on tourist traffic from Yellowstone to survive. When floodwaters closed two entrances to the park, Superintendent Sholly sprang into action and accelerated the opening of the Old Gardiner Road, restoring access to Yellowstone just 4 months after the floods.

I spoke with countless Montanans whose lives were turned upside down by the Yellowstone floods, and I have made it my mission to ensure leaders in Washington support them.

Although our work to restore our gateway communities is far from over, I am proud of the work that we have done so far.

I thank Sherry Weamer, Superintendent Sholly, and the countless Montanans who stepped up to help their communities during this difficult time. Their work is an example of Montana, and it is a privilege to represent them in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the life and service of Second Lieutenant Gordon ``Tommy'' Thompson, a Montanan Marine fighter pilot with VMF-224 who failed to return from a combat mission over Guadalcanal on August 31, 1942.

Gordon was a skilled rancher and excellent student, graduating from Moccasin High School in 1937 as valedictorian. After attending Montana State College, ``Tommy'' decided to chase his dreams of flight and joined the U.S. Navy's flight training program in August 1941. A task made even more daunting when the attack on Pearl Harbor plunged the United States into World War II months later. Gordon never wavered in his commitment to his country. Despite knowing the dangers, he saw his training through and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and deployed to Guadalcanal.

The United States had yet to fully expel Japanese forces from Guadalcanal when Lt. Thompson arrived on the island. His first mission was to monitor enemy activity and prepare for a possible counterattack. Unfortunately, the oxygen system in his F4F Wildcat fighter malfunctioned, leaving him unable to pilot his craft.

After being declared ``missing in action,'' Lt. Thompson was awarded the Purple Heart, which was sent to the parents, Lachlan and Ita, back in Moccasin along with other medals for his bravery. After repeated inquiries into the search for their son, the Thompsons were unable to learn more about Gordon's death.

Although postwar searches for Lt. Thompson's remains were unsuccessful, in the summer of 2018, a local man recovered Gordon's Marine identification tag in his garden. After deploying researchers to the area, a team of Department of Defense specialists finally discovered Gordon and his missing aircraft. Lt.Thompson was officially listed as accounted for on July 13, 2022, to the relief of his family and friends. I'm happy to say that he will soon be laid to rest back home in Moccasin, Montana.

Lt. Gordon Thompson's story is that of courage in the face of immense danger. Like many others like him, Gordon carried out his duty and paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms we all enjoy. I want to thank Lt. Thompson for his bravely in World War II and thank his family for their resilience. I'm proud to acknowledge Lt. Gordon Eugene Thompson for his service, and it is a privilege to honor him and his family in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, each year, countless Montanans answer the call to service and join the ranks of our military. Nearly ten percent of Montanans are veterans, and the Treasure State has a long tradition of protecting our country.

Even in the small towns that dot Montana's Hi-Line, there is no shortage of servicemembers eager to defend our nation. Today I'm proud to announce that my good friend Jewel Wicks of Inverness, Montana is carrying on this tradition and has just been commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy.

Jewel graduated from North Star Highschool in neighboring Rudyard before attending the University of Montana in Missoula. After graduating Cum Laude with a major in Psychology and a double minor in International Relations and Global Public Health, Jewel began to consider a career in public service. Jewel's impressive background could launch her into plenty of interesting opportunities, and I'm pleased that she decided on an exciting career with the U.S. Navy and joined their Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.

Jewel made all of Montana proud this spring, graduating with honors and earning her first commission as an ensign. Jewel's impressive career is a testament to herself, her family, and the entire state of Montana. I will follow her naval career with great interest as she pursues this thrilling new chapter of her life. I want to thank Jewel for her service to this country and it is my privilege to recognize her amazing accomplishments in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Montana's brave men and women in uniform and honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. This National Police Week, I recognize a law enforcement officer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter has been an outspoken advocate for the safety of our students and teachers. Instead of being a bystander to the tragedies occurring at schools across the Nation, Sheriff Slaughter took action to prevent this in a community he swore to protect and serve.

Last year, he laid out a plan to hire and train special service officers to defend our schools and protect our children.

Sheriff Slaughter's plan may soon serve as a blueprint to secure schools across the country, and his leadership is absolutely a model for those in law enforcement.

As the brother-in-law of three former Baltimore City police officers, my family and I know the sacrifices that come with that job.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Sheriff Slaughter for his dedication, and I thank law enforcement officers across the country who put their lives on the line every day.

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

Mr. Chair, in its current state, H.R. 3091 allows Federal law enforcement to purchase retired handguns from their agency, allowing the agency to recover some of the original costs of those handguns. However, handguns are not the only weapons in our Federal officers' arsenal.

In recent years, about 30 percent of new firearm purchases by Federal agencies were rifles and shotguns. Current surpluses also show that there are similar numbers of pistols and rifles in agency stockpiles.

My amendment would allow for our law enforcement officers to purchase these weapons, as well, so long as the rifle or shotgun is allowed legally for civilian use.

The current practice of destroying retired firearms costs taxpayers money when they could be providing a service to their Federal law enforcement and creating some revenue in the process.

Many of our Nation's law enforcement are avid recreation and sports shooters in their free time, and they deserve the added benefit of being allowed to purchase high-quality firearms at a reduced cost.

Americans trust police to protect them with these very firearms every single day. Why should these well-trained officers not have the right to defend their own family with these same weapons.

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

Mr. Chair, I point to the amendment where it refers to section 921(a)(24) of the title, which is going to keep weapons that are currently not allowed in civilian hands out of civilian hands.

Our law enforcement officials are highly trained. Whether they are using an AR-15 or whether they are using a similar high-powered rifle with a high-intensity scope, they are trained to do such.

I have lots of friends and family who use these weapons on a daily basis for sport shooting and other purposes.

If our law enforcement officers, if they have served their time and are retiring from that duty of protecting the civilians across this Nation, want to purchase a weapon that they have been utilizing for who knows how much time, they should be able to do so.

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

Mr. Chair, again, I refuse to accept the premise that a grenade launcher is going to be purchased and allowed to be purchased by a former law enforcement official. That is just not realistic. It is not true, and it is very misleading to this body.

When we have people who have risked their lives to defend folks across this country in our communities, then they should be able to purchase these retired weapons.

We have heard them called retired weapons. Because the value has been dramatically reduced, they are going to be put into a stockpile. They are going to be salvaged. They are going to be destroyed.

Allow us to generate some revenue, and allow the people who have used them the longest and the safest to continue their use.

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

Mr. Chair, again, I refuse to accept the premise that you are going to have grenade launchers that are going to be purchased by Federal law enforcement. They are not utilizing those, and they are not going to be purchased by them.

We are talking about the handguns and the rifles that are currently allowed to be possessed by civilians. Those are the only ones that are going to be able to be purchased.

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

Mr. Speaker, after 3 years of government overreach, which was blamed on COVID-19, we can all agree that the pandemic is over. The fact is, this very body passed H.R. 382 to end the national public health emergency, the Senate agreed, and the President signed it into law.

The Biden administration is going so far as to allow title 42 to end at midnight tonight, removing the ability of our Border Patrol agents to turn immigrants away due to public health concerns.

Yet, every week, I receive calls from veterans who are being denied care at VA health clinics across Montana over mask mandates. Let me repeat that. The pandemic is over, yet veterans are being denied medical care over mask mandates.

Denying anyone, particularly a veteran, medical care over a personal decision is outrageous and violates the Hippocratic Oath.

In March, I had the opportunity to question the individuals from the VA and sent them multiple letters over their mask mandates. They responded by allowing each clinic to set its own guidelines.

Unfortunately, instead of eliminating masks, the Montana VA healthcare system doubled down and has dictated that every clinic in the State requires masks.

In Billings, Iraq war veteran Travis Norby has consistently been denied care every time he walks into the local VA clinic. Is this the respect that we show our veterans after they have put their life on the line to protect our freedoms?

First and foremost, we have a duty to ensure that our veterans have access to the medical care they need. It is not just a matter of obligation; it is a matter of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices that they have made. Denying veterans access to medical care over mask mandates is a betrayal of our Nation's core values.

If we can agree that the pandemic is over, to the extent that the Biden administration is allowing title 42 to expire, then we must stop turning our back on our Nation's heroes and stop mask mandates at the VA health clinics.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

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, Montana students have always been on the cutting edge of science and technology. Today, I rise to give special recognition to a group of students from Helena who may soon impact the way that we all travel.

Earlier this month, a robotics team from Helena introduced new equipment that the TSA hopes will reduce wait times at airport security. The team, known as Fusion 4133, is renowned for its technical expertise, winning the 2023 Montana regional championship and qualifying for an international competition.

What makes Fusion's design for TSA so remarkable is its simplicity. Using a 3D printer, the students designed a ramp that will allow bags to flow seamlessly through airport screening systems.

The bright group of inventors are living proof that no one is too young to pioneer new technologies. I am confident their work will expedite travel for millions worldwide. It is my privilege to recognize them on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary Montanan whose service to his country is a powerful reminder of the legacy we inherit from the Greatest Generation.

Jack Kindelman grew up in Roundup, Montana, during the dark days of the Great Depression in World War II. At the age of 17, Jack joined the United States Navy during the final months of the war and served with distinction despite his youth.

Unwilling to sit on the sidelines at the war's conclusion, Jack would answer the call to service in Korea, where he rescued dozens of refugees fleeing the conflict in a small fishing boat.

Since then, Jack has been a pillar of the community in Billings where he volunteers at St. Vincent Healthcare, having served over 10,000 hours to date.

Mr. Speaker, Jack Kindelman's dedicated service has touched countless lives in Montana and across the United States. It is an honor to represent him and thousands of veterans just like him in Congress, and it is my privilege to recognize Jack on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, in June 2022, massive floods washed over southern Montana, temporarily displacing thousands of residents in the town of Red Lodge and the surrounding community. The devastation was immense and left many families concerned about the future of their community.

But while natural disasters have ravaged Red Lodge and the wider Carbon County area, the people are infinitely stronger than the struggles they face.

On March 21, 2023, citizens of Red Lodge gathered for what was supposed to be a birthday celebration. Instead, attendees surprised Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sherry Weamer with a standing ovation and thanked her for leading the town's businesses during this challenging time.

Red Lodge lies at the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and the town's economy relies heavily on tourist traffic. The extensive flooding and subsequent closure of the park's entrance have left the economy reeling as business leaders struggle to secure new customers. But thanks to Sherry Weamer's dedicated leadership, the town has persevered.

Sherry led the Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce during one of the most difficult periods of the area's history. Her tireless work and unwavering dedication have helped rejuvenate the town's businesses and preserved its spirit.

Sherry stood firm through all these challenges and helped her neighbors find their footing. It's safe to say that nothing, not even a 500-year flood event, can stop Sherry Weamer. On behalf of all Montanans, I want to thank Sherry for her ceaseless work rebuilding the community, and it is my privilege to recognize her in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, Montana rodeo competitors are the best in the world. In March 2023, Montana's own Lisa Lockhart demonstrated our state's rodeo prowess in front of 42,000 spectators at The American Rodeo, capturing her third national barrel racing title in the process.

Lisa attended high school in northeast Montana just up the road from my ranch in Glendive and displayed a natural talent for rodeo at an early age. Before joining the professional circuit, she distinguished herself as a student-athlete on the Montana State University rodeo team and raced on the family ranch with her two sisters.

Lisa dominates competitions nationwide, winning barrel racing competitions at the National Finals Rodeo in 2014 and 2016. But it wasn't until the founding of The American Rodeo in 2014 that her career really hit its stride.

Lisa made all of Montana proud when she brought home the inaugural barrel racing title at The American Rodeo. A feat only matched by her second victory the following year. Lisa's third victory this year solidifies her position as a barrel racing icon and serves as a reminder that she is an unrivaled talent in her sport.

All of Montana is grateful to Lisa for reaffirming our state's dominance in rodeo. Lisa's determination and grit will undoubtedly encourage many young Montanans to enter the arena and follow in her footsteps. I'll continue to watch her impressive career as she continues to cast a long shadow over rodeo.

I encourage everyone to join me in congratulating Lisa Lockhart for her third victory at The American Rodeo, and it is my privilege to acknowledge her achievements in the U.S. House of Representatives.