Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9500, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act.

Right now, if a scammer steals your life savings through a romance scam, a fake investment scheme, or a business email fraud, the Federal tax code adds insult to injury. It is quite ridiculous.

Current law largely bars victims from deducting those losses unless they are tied to a Federal- or State-declared disaster.

That means every American who loses their retirement accounts to Ponzi schemes or cryptocurrency fraud gets absolutely no relief, while government still treats their stolen money as if it were untouched income.

Per the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report, cyber-enabled crimes defrauded Americans of nearly $21 billion in just 2025 alone, a 26- percent jump in losses from 2024, with seniors hit hardest, at $7.7 billion.

Our constituents are being victimized twice: once by the criminal and again by the tax code. H.R. 9500 fixes this. It restores the deduction for theft losses involving fraud and deceit. It extends the deadline for victims to claim refunds once fraud is discovered. It removes harsh penalties on retirement funds stolen by scammers.

I am proud to have introduced this commonsense legislation alongside my colleague Representative Suozzi.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 9500.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the treasured northeast Ohio tradition in Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, the Wayne County Fair.

It is the largest junior fair in the State, with more than 7,800 junior fair

entries. In a State with 88 counties, that ranking speaks for itself. In a county of just 116,000 residents, the fair welcomes over 150,000 visitors each year. This displays just how central agriculture truly is to our community in Ohio.

The first two lines of motto of the Future Farmers of America, also known as the FFA, are: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn.

I believe this perfectly captures the spirit of our 4-H and FFA youth here in Ohio. These students are up before sunrise, feeding their livestock before school. They communicate the importance of agriculture with pride. They act with integrity even when no one is watching. They consistently exemplify the grit, determination, and character that will make them the leaders of tomorrow.

Behind them stands a remarkable community. This year alone, the junior fair auction exceeded $2 million, a testament to the families, businesses, and neighbors who invest in these students and believe in their future.

The Wayne County Fair is more than an event. It is a tradition. It is a classroom, and it is a way of life for us in the Seventh District of Ohio. I couldn't be more honored to represent the students, families, volunteers, and community who make this fair what it is.

The Wayne County Fair reflects the very best of the American spirit: hard work, responsibility, community, and a commitment to the next generation.

When I see the young people of Wayne County carrying those values forward, I have great confidence in the future of American agriculture and the next generation of leaders who will carry it forward.

Joe, if you are watching: I don't have my cell phone or keys in my pockets, but I rise today to honor the life of Joe Wade Ellis.

Born in Mississippi and raised in Alabama, Joe was a mentor, a friend, a patriot, and he was one hell of a man.

Joe recently passed away after an accident that occurred while supporting the United States delegation to the G7 meeting in France.

Joe, as I sit here in the office you helped me create, mold, and shape, I can only say how grateful I am to you.

When you and I first met, you were brought on to be my mentor in 2017 during the first Trump administration. My boss at the time wanted to let me go, probably not to anyone's surprise, but you saw something in me. You then told the White House how impressed you were with me, and then somehow I became the director of that office just 2 years later.

I have lost many people in my life but very few who cared about me the way that you did. You were my mentor and closest friend. You were with me through all the ups and downs. You were my rock like you were for so many others. You had a contagious personality. Everyone wanted to be around you, even if you may not have wanted to be around them, which could be often.

When I asked you to come out of retirement to be my chief of staff, I truly did not believe you would accept it, but when I won my race, you were there and simply responded: I am in. Let's talk tomorrow.

I knew you didn't want to take this job, but you did it for me. I knew that then, and I know it now. You said you would only stay for a year, but you stayed for the full term to make sure I won reelection, got reelected to steering, and got on Ways and Means.

That was because of you, Joe Ellis.

When my daughter was born, I had never seen you so excited for me to be a dad. You gave me invaluable advice that I will pass on to her as she grows older, and she will know where it came from.

I will miss our foreign trips together during the admin where you taught me everything I know about Advance. I will miss our time together as colleagues but even more as friends. It hurts when I call you and you are not on the other line.

You passed away doing what you loved. I know you are in a better place and that God has a plan for all of us. I just don't think you realized the impact you had on so many people during your time here on this Earth. That time was cut way too short, and I know you are watching and you are probably, you know, laughing a little bit as I am crying, but know how much I love you. Know the impact you had on me and other people, and I miss our time more than you can imagine.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8872, the Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act led by my colleague from Ohio (Mr. Carey).

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, TANF, exists for one purpose, which is to help low-income families through difficult times and to support their path toward work, stability, and self- sufficiency. But for too long, TANF dollars have not been managed with the level of accountability that taxpayers and families deserve throughout our country.

The numbers are stark. From 2015 to 2024, unspent TANF balances more than doubled, from roughly $4 billion to $9.7 billion. States held approximately $8 billion in TANF funds rather than spending them on needy families.

In my home State of Ohio alone, more than $600 million was sitting unused. When billions of dollars sit idle year after year, those funds are not helping families find work, support children, or get through a crisis.

This is exactly why Congressman Carey and I introduced the Improve Transparency and Stability for Families and Children Act earlier this Congress. I am pleased those reforms are now incorporated into H.R. 8872.

This legislation fixes the problem directly. It ensures funds actually reach low-income families, sets clear spending deadlines so money doesn't sit idle, holds States accountable, strengthens program integrity by requiring measurement of improper payments, and prevents Federal TANF dollars from being used to replace State spending. I believe everyone can get on board with that.

If we are serious about helping families in need and if we believe in TANF's mission of moving families from welfare to work and towards independence,

then we must ensure that the money actually reaches them and it is not lost to waste, fraud, or even bureaucratic mismanagement. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 84, but like most of my colleagues, whether they will admit it or not, I am a little confused.

The United States, to my knowledge, doesn't have any troops in Lebanon. In fact, the last time American servicemembers were deployed in Lebanon was in 1984. Even though the gentlewoman from Michigan believes that the U.S. is the root of all evil, the United States is playing a vital role in advancing peace, security, and stability in Lebanon as we currently speak.

Just a couple of days ago, President Trump brokered a pause to further defensive Israeli military action in southern Lebanon, and the U.S. State Department has hosted several rounds of historic peace talks as we have currently been seeing.

Regardless of what the gentlewoman from Michigan will tell you, the greatest threat to Lebanon remains the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, not the United States and not Israel as that country has come out more of the gentlewoman's mouth than the United States, and I believe that is who she is seeking to remove from Lebanon.

But if my colleagues on the other side actually cared about the people of Lebanon, which it is clear they don't, they would cheer on the elimination of these bloodthirsty terrorists, not advancing meaningless resolutions to denigrate American foreign policy only to embolden them.

For decades, Iran has used Hezbollah to project power throughout the Middle East. In the process, Hezbollah has weakened the Lebanese state and repeatedly drawn Lebanon into conflicts that serve Tehran's interests.

While I can appreciate the passion from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I do not appreciate their lack of education and understanding of what is really going on there.

Let us be clear. * * * *

No nation can be fully sovereign when an armed group operates outside the authority of its elected--

Oh, I am sorry. Are we getting a little emotional?

The gentleman will suspend.

I certainly believe you advocate for them, yes. You advocate for terrorists on a daily basis.

You advocate for a terrorist regime every single day from the gentlewoman from Michigan.

You do associate yourself with them.

It was, yeah. You are terrible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7432, the Fostering the Future Act, a critical child welfare bill that will set foster youth up for success.

This legislation includes the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, which I introduced to codify First Lady Melania Trump's Fostering the Future for America Children and Families executive order.

Unfortunately, only 35 percent of foster youth secure full-time employment in adulthood. People would think that the severity of this crisis would mean that the Federal programming designed to support foster youth would actually give this group of individuals lots of pathways to success, but they would be wrong.

Under current law, the Chafee Education and Training Vouchers can only be used for 4-year degrees. I have heard from foster youths who want to pursue trade schools or certifications instead, and my bill expands the career options available to them under this program. This will open doors to in-demand, high-paying jobs and give foster youth the tools they need to become self-sufficient and build a stable future.

My bill expands the Chafee Education and Training Vouchers for short- term workforce training programs, as well as apprenticeships and remedial education activities needed to help foster youth earn a high school diploma or even a GED.

This bill also addresses the chronic underutilization of the Chafee program funds since 2007. Over the past few years, my home State of Ohio has returned more than $1.6 million in unused funds due to statutory barriers--funds that could have helped foster youth. The Fostering the Future Act will help States like Ohio use their full Chafee allotments to ensure foster youth receive the critical support that they need.

Importantly, this legislation has been endorsed by ACTION Ohio, the Public Children Services Association of Ohio, the Ohio Youth Advisory Board, and hundreds of current and former foster youths across the country.

For all of these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill that will deliver for our Nation's foster youth and set them up for a successful and a self-sufficient future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this resolution.

Directing President Trump to withdraw combat operations in Iran is not only foolish, but it is dangerous. Pulling back now will solidify the regime's brutal grip on the great people of Iran and put American troops in grave danger.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are claiming we must pass this resolution because President Trump acted without an imminent threat to U.S. forces in the region. Are we serious? No imminent threat?

Iran and its proxies have been soaking themselves in American blood for nearly 50 years. Are we to believe that, one, their ballistic missile program is not dangerous; two, their nuclear program is not anything; or, three, their vast proxy network of terrorists all over the world is not an imminent threat to U.S. forces?

Our veterans know the answer to that question. They, unlike most of us, have been fighting Iran well before the start of Operation Epic Fury. They have been under imminent threat for decades. Attack after attack, Iran and its proxies have seldom passed up an opportunity to kill Americans, and the other side of the aisle knows it.

The President is well within his Article II authorities to defend U.S. forces from needless bloodshed. To do so, Iran's offensive military capabilities must be destroyed.

This is not a war of choice. This is an intervention to prevent a future full-scale war in the Middle East that we must avoid.

President Trump knows this and so do my colleagues on the other side. The difference is that President Trump has the foresight to make this difficult but prudent decision.

As we debate in this Chamber, our military is quickly dismantling the Iranian threat. When this is all over soon, we will be much safer for it.

God bless and protect our Armed Forces, and our prayers are with the fallen and their families. We are able to stand here today because of generations of their sacrifice. Semper Fidelis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act.

Undersea cables are the backbone of our modern economy. These cables are no bigger than a garden hose but support over $10 trillion in international commerce on a daily basis.

Mr. Speaker, you would think that this clear significance would prompt us to make sure that it is easy to build these things, but no. The United States is one of the most difficult countries in the world to lay and operate undersea cables. This is a national security liability.

There is simply no reason to require a special use permit for an undersea cable because there is absolutely zero--and I say ``zero''-- environmental impact.

It is time for Congress to pay more attention to the critical infrastructure that surrounds us in this country. That is why I introduced the NEPTUNE Act, to make sure that the Navy maintains its undersea cable laying and repair capabilities. That is why I intend to vote for this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend Buddy Carter from the Committee on Natural Resources for leading this effort.

Mr. Speaker, Ohio families and small businesses continue to face unprecedented healthcare costs, making it increasingly difficult for my constituents to access affordable, high-quality care.

Since the enactment of the so-called Affordable Care Act in 2010, healthcare costs have risen dramatically, with premiums increasing by more than 25 percent over the last 5 years. This trend makes clear that our Nation's healthcare system needs reform to lower costs for patients and ensure stability for providers.

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act is a critical step forward in curbing rising premiums, expanding choice, and improving transparency. The legislation includes provisions to improve affordability, particularly for small businesses, along with cost- sharing reduction funding and PBM reforms.

As we move toward these goals, I urge the adoption of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act and remain committed to reforming a broken healthcare system, increasing choice and competition to lower healthcare costs for our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes as I was called back to the district to be with my daughter for a surgery. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 317; YEA on Roll Call No. 318; NAY on Roll Call No. 319; YEA on Roll Call No. 320; and NAY on Roll Call No. 321.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Independence Police Department for receiving the 2025 National Officer Safety and Wellness award in comprehensive wellness. This is the top award in the country, and Independence Police Department is the first in Ohio ever to win it.

The department focuses on fitness, mental wellness, financial wellness, and family programming to keep its officers supported and operating at the highest levels.

Physical wellness is supported by onsite gym access, organized challenges and workouts, and free wellness exams and cancer screenings. Its mental health support includes confidential counseling, peer and chaplain programs, and an annual screening with a licensed mental health clinician. Additionally, between 2023 and 2024, information gleaned from nutrition and financial wellness seminars contributed to a 50 percent reduction in sick time usage within the department, resulting in $125,000 in savings for the city.

Mr. Speaker, the Independence Police Department's comprehensive wellness program is truly unparalleled, and I congratulate them on this more than well-received award.

Celebrating Eileen Quine's 100th Birthday

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent Eileen Quine, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Halloween.

Eileen's children describe her as a loving wife to her husband, a master sergeant in the Marine Corps, with whom she shared 74 years of marriage before his passing.

She was heavily involved in the lives of her three children: Karen, Ronald, and Loree, always providing a welcoming home where their friends could gather.

She has five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and ten nieces and nephews who all call her weekly and some even daily to keep in touch. She is a social animal who loves being with people and is a wonderful friend, aunt, and, most of all, mother.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Eileen a very happy 100th birthday.

Honoring the Life of Bob Sekerak

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bob Sekerak, a proud Clevelander.

Born to John and Mary, and beloved husband to Linda, Bob's greatest joy was his son, Brian.

Drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war, Bob served honorably as a medic in Seattle.

After the war, he returned home to Hinckley, where he spent happy days swimming in the lake and enjoying barbecues with his family and friends. Bob built a distinguished career as a respiratory therapist at Metro Health Systems in Cleveland, working alongside his brother David until retirement. A gifted pianist, he brought joy to many with his favorite songs.

In later years, Bob found peace on a small farm in Medina, raising rescued horses and a spirited donkey, always accompanied by his loyal German shepherd. His favorite horse, Duke, reflected Bob's own gentle strength.

Today, we celebrate a life of service, music, and quiet devotion, a life that touched all who knew him.

Recognizing Chiefs of Police Robert Butler and Edward Kinney

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize two individuals: Independence, Ohio Chief of Police Robert Butler, and Medina, Ohio Chief of Police Ed Kinney.

Earlier this year, Chief Butler was sworn in as president of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and Chief Kinney was sworn in as first vice president of the Association.

The Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police was established almost 100 years ago to serve its members through a broad range of services, including professional, educational, and informational services.

The goal is to foster improvements in police practices, training, and education while increasing the public's understanding of the role police play in keeping all of us safe.

The association made a great decision to select two great chiefs that happened to be from my district for these leadership positions.

Chief Butler has been a police officer since 2008 and became the Independence Chief of Police in 2021. Meanwhile, Chief Kinney has served the city of Medina for over two decades, becoming chief of police in 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Chief Butler and Chief Kinney for their leadership in both Ohio's Seventh District and the whole State of Ohio. I thank them both so much for their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of saving lives from Prostate Cancer through awareness, education, and effective treatment for men's health in our Nation. Prostate Cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. As such, efforts that increase awareness of early detection, treatment, survival, and long- term health are vital.

As the second leading cause of cancer death in men, every 15 minutes a man dies from Prostate Cancer. More than 35,000 patients are projected to lose their lives to this disease in 2025 alone. However, early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

When detected in its early stages, Prostate Cancer is highly treatable, and patients have a wider range of options due to state-of- the-art innovations. The relative 5-year survival rate for Prostate Cancer diagnosed in its earliest stages is over 99 percent. Today, there are more than 3.3 million prostate cancer survivors.

However, Prostate Cancer incidence is increasing in the U.S.--after a period of decline, driven primarily by a rise in advanced-stage and distant-stage diagnoses--posing serious threats to the health of men in our Nation. The 5-year survival rate for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer drops to 37 percent--though early detection and treatment can prevent the cancer from spreading to other body organs, significantly improving long-term survival rates.

We must also recognize the dedicated healthcare professionals, as well as world-renowned expertise, seeking effective treatments of Prostate Cancer and other forms of Cancer, both in my congressional district in Northeast Ohio and throughout the Nation. Innovation in medical technology leads to better outcomes and a higher value of overall care. Broad advancements, including state-of-the-art non- invasive precision treatments, among others, have the capacity to revolutionize patient care and improve health outcomes.

It is sobering that one in eight men is diagnosed in their lifetime. Prostate Cancer impacts men from all walks of life, from urban centers to rural communities across America. While particularly affecting underserved populations, its reach touches even those in the highest profiles of public life, even those in this body.

Despite advancements in early detection and treatment, Prostate Cancer continues to exact a devastating toll on our nation, as a man is diagnosed with Prostate Cancer every two minutes in America. Therefore, the critical nature of saving lives from Prostate Cancer through awareness, education, and support is paramount.

I applaud H. Res. 675, recognizing September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, for which I am a cosponsor, and thank my colleagues for these efforts. More importantly, I commend those who have been touched by this devastating disease, including Tim Hecker in my home state of Ohio, as well as local cancer advocates, for their tireless commitment. Our Nation must lead the way in ending the devastating impacts of Prostate Cancer--with an urgent focus on breaking barriers for long-term health and survival for men in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize two exceptional young leaders, Angel and Sandra, our outstanding interns from Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School. These students have demonstrated maturity and a sincere desire to serve.

Throughout their time in our office, they brought a strong work ethic to everything that they did, from assisting with constituent outreach to supporting our office operations. They showed us that the next generation is not only ready to lead but also eager to contribute.

In a time when public service too often goes undervalued, these young interns remind us that civic engagement is alive and well. Their curiosity and commitment give me great hope for the future of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank Angel and Sandra for their hard work, their integrity, and their service. They have left a mark here. I have no doubt they will go on to do many great things.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith and the Ways and Means Committee for all the hard work they put into this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, strengthening our economy starts at home. I am proud to rise in support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which delivers much- needed tax relief to the American workers, farmers, and families.

This legislation builds on the foundation laid by the 2017 tax reforms, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money, empowering them to invest in their futures, support their children, and build brighter lives.

I am especially pleased that this bill includes making the increased standard deduction levels from 2017 permanent. Simplifying the tax code has been transformative, especially for working-class communities where most taxpayers claim the standard deduction. The guaranteed standard deduction has made tax season faster, easier, and far less stressful for millions of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, the facts are clear. Over 93 percent of my constituents claim the standard deduction. If we fail to act, millions of Americans will see a tax hike of nearly $2,000 per household.

Permanency gives working families the certainty they need to plan ahead, whether it is saving for college, investing at home, or simply trying to make ends meet with confidence and greater financial security.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Samantha ``Sammy'' Scherba. Sammy was just 28 when we lost her, a vibrant, artistic soul whose light touched every life that she encountered.

She had a massive heart, big enough to embrace the entire world. Whether it was people, animals, or even the tiniest of insects, Sammy believed that every living thing deserved love and compassion. She brought life back into withering plants and turned simple stones into stunning works of art.

In the end, she gave the ultimate gift: life to others through organ donation. At her honor walk at the Cleveland Clinic, more than 150 people lined the halls, a testament to her impact.

Sammy was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. She loved deeply, and she was loved deeply.

I honor her family who are here today, who flew in from my district, Ohio 7.

May God bless her memory.