Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, every American who puts on the uniform deserves to be remembered with dignity and respect.

I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act to help ensure that hundreds of fallen American-Jewish servicemembers are buried under military grave markers that represent their true religion and heritage.

An estimated 600 American-Jewish servicemembers remain improperly buried under the Latin Cross, not the Star of David. Many brave servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice while defending freedom in World War I and World War II, but due to clerical errors or concerns for their safety during service, their religious identities were not properly recorded.

This bill is a meaningful step to correct those errors and to ensure that these heroes are laid to rest with the honor and dignity that they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, you do not need a traditional 4-year degree to become a millionaire. In Ohio's Seventh District, we have some of the best career centers in the Nation, placing students in high-paying jobs right out of high school.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Medina County Career Center in Medina, Ohio, right in our district. The center opened in 1974 as the Medina County Joint Vocational School before changing its name to what it is today. The career center is a partnership with six public school districts in northeast Ohio and offers advanced career and technical education for approximately 1,200 high school students and nearly 3,000 adult students.

Additionally, the center offers secondary career development resources and student internship opportunities, preparing students to enter or to reenter the workforce.

I commend the Medina County Career Center and express my gratitude for the center's role in producing future leaders from Ohio's Seventh Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 77.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1534, the Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act, or more simply known as the IMPACT Act, which is a lot easier to say.

I introduced this bill with my Science Committee colleague Mrs. Foushee because we understand that the production of cement, concrete, and asphalt play a fundamental role in supporting United States infrastructure, national defense, and economic security.

The cement and concrete industry contributes over $130 billion to the United States economy and employs over 577,000 people. In Ohio alone, this industry has an economic contribution of $4.6 billion to the State.

It is no secret that the processes behind these products are extremely difficult to decarbonize and that American cement and concrete manufacturers must compete in a market that increasingly values lower carbon products. The leading companies and associations of this industry have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and have made impressive progress thus far, reducing their carbon footprint by 21 percent since 2014.

However, more progress can be made. With projected demand for cement expected to increase 12 percent by 2050, utilizing the best scientific resources of the Federal Government will help manufacturers further reduce emissions of the products essential to our economy and civilization.

The IMPACT Act will support those resources while strengthening and enhancing the competitiveness of American manufacturing through advanced

technologies that can be exported around the globe.

We all want to see cement, concrete, and asphalt production continue to rise and help grow our country. That is critical to our economic well-being. We all want to see this growth go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, leaving our air and water just as pristine for the next generation.

The IMPACT Act builds on previous industrial decarbonization efforts by focusing specifically on cement, concrete, and asphalt. It enables industry and the Department of Energy to work collaboratively on fundamental research that will enhance existing production methods and unlock new, innovative techniques. This will ensure that the world- class tools and technologies at DOE are being used by the very taxpayers who funded them.

It also enables DOE, in consultation with other Federal agencies, to offer technical assistance to entities seeking to promote the commercial application of low-emission cement, concrete, and asphalt. This ensures that industry can continue their cutting-edge research unencumbered, but if they do hit a roadblock, there are subject matter experts available to assist them.

This bill is the perfect example of how the Federal Government can advance tangible environmental goals for construction material production without sacrificing material performance or, more importantly, economic growth that benefits every single citizen throughout our country.

I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Foushee) for cosponsoring this bill and working in a bipartisan fashion to get it here today. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Trump for his position that the United States Steel Corporation must remain an American company.

Steel is foundational to our Nation's economic and national security. We must maintain a strong domestic steel industry.

U.S. Steel was once the largest steel producer in the world, a symbol of our global competitiveness, but over decades, it was weakened by an onslaught of subsidized steel dumped from overseas.

Instead of auctioning off critical manufacturing assets to the highest foreign bidder, President Trump is focused on policies to ensure our American steel industry stays resilient.

This is not about being anti-Japan or any other nation but about being pro-America and protecting our economic future and national security.

We shouldn't sell out our workers or our future to foreign corporations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, the IRS' DeFi broker rule is a misguided and overreaching attempt to impose financial reporting requirements, which represents a fundamental misunderstanding of digital assets and its underlying technology.

DeFi protocols are not brokers. They don't facilitate transactions like traditional financial institutions, nor can they collect and report user information. DeFi protocols provide infrastructure.

Expecting them to track and report user activity is both impractical and misaligned with the core function of what they do. Yet, the IRS wants to force software developers, validators, and even everyday users into compliance with regulations that simply don't fit.

This is the equivalent of requiring the builders of our interstate highways to report the identity of every driver who uses them. It is unworkable, it is unfair, and it completely misses the mark.

This rule would drive U.S. blockchain innovation overseas, killing jobs and stifling economic growth, while doing little to increase tax compliance. Congress should lead in crafting clear, workable regulations that protect consumers, ensuring that innovation isn't stifled and compliance remains practical.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and do away with this unworkable rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Parma Heights Police Department Chief Tanya Czack, who is a very good friend of mine.

Chief Czack has dedicated her career to upholding the law, protecting her community, and leading with integrity. With over 35 years of service in law enforcement, Tanya has risen through the ranks, starting as a dispatcher and becoming the first female chief in her department's history.

A graduate of Northwestern University's prestigious staff and command program, Chief Czack has not only excelled in her role but has also committed herself to shaping the future of law enforcement.

For 17 years she has been an instructor at police academies, preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers to serve with honor, courage, and dedication to justice

Our community is made better by people like Chief Czack, and I thank her for her selfless service and wish her a very happy retirement. I will see her Friday.

Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that the gentleman from Massachusetts is well out of his depth when it comes to military warfare and how to conduct an operation. I will let that speak for itself.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation. In November of 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on baseless and reprehensible charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

These charges are not only morally indefensible, but a blatant bias of justice. Israel does not deliberately target civilians as terrorists harbor them in mosques, churches, in schools, hospitals, and so many more. The Israeli Government has taken unprecedented steps to minimize civilian harm during conflicts, a commitment that is unparalleled by any other nation facing terrorists.

The acquisition that Israel uses starvation as a weapon of war is a blatant lie, ignoring the immense humanitarian aid Israel has provided to Gaza despite ongoing attacks.

This illegitimate attack on Israel emboldens terrorist organizations like Hamas. Both President Biden and President Trump have rightly condemned these charges, recognizing their destructive implications. This critical legislation, which has previously passed this body with strong bipartisan support sends a clear and unequivocal message: The United States will not tolerate the ICC's abuse of power against our allies or our citizens.

Once again, the ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States of America or the people of Israel. They need to call this what it is: anti-Semitism. That is what this is. That is what the ICC is going after, and that is what you are condoning, from the gentleman from Massachusetts, and I see the support on the other side of the aisle with all your colleagues sitting next to you fighting right alongside.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cleveland Museum of Natural History ahead of their grand reopening.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been teaching people from all over America about the natural world for more than a century, and it has been a global leader in scientific research, science education, and conservation.

The museum serves over 300,000 people each year, including 30,000 students. The museum's collection encompasses approximately 5 million specimens, and its Natural Areas Program protects more than 12,000 acres of natural habitats in northeast Ohio.

This week's opening of the new 50,000-square-foot expansion of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will launch a new era for the museum which will share science and the wonders of discovery for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the museum on this momentous occasion, and I look forward to its next century of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kevin Boyle of Broadview Heights, Ohio.

Kevin came to America through adoption from El Salvador after his mom met him there while she did mission work there.

Kevin was very sick and had significant disabilities. The Boyles already had another child, Courtney, who herself had disabilities and significant medical needs. With great faith, they pursued adopting Kevin from a country that adopts out less than 10 kids per year.

After 4 years of waiting, in 2013, Kevin came home to Cleveland as an 18-pound 9-year-old. Yes, he was 18 pounds at 9 years old.

With great American medical care, he very quickly became chubby, silly, and full of life.

As an upstanding citizen of northeast Ohio, Kevin exercised his right to vote for the first time in the 2024 Presidential election.

Today, I celebrate Kevin for this milestone event. This is an incredible story to be shared around the country. What a victory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Stanley Klein, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and entrepreneur. Stanley leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and innovation.

Born on July 20, 1942, Stanley graduated from Allderdice High School in 1960 and joined the Army. After the Army, Stanley attended Youngstown State College in Ohio and thereafter met his late first wife, Terry.

Stanley and his father-in-law, Irving Stern, went into business together and founded Multi-Flow Dispensers of Ohio. Stanley grew Multi- Flow into the dominant soft drink and beverage dispensing business for bars, restaurants, and taverns throughout north and central Ohio.

Stanley was married to his wife, Laura, for more than 44 years. He cherished every moment spent with his

family, especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Mr. Klein will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Michael Kalinich, Sr., a pillar of Strongsville, Ohio.

Mr. Kalinich leaves behind a legacy of service and strength. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Michael carried on the family business with great pride, bringing it to Strongsville in 1956. This business thrived under his leadership and continues to operate in the city that he loved so deeply.

Michael proudly served his country during the Korean war. As a United States Army veteran, bravery and patriotism were hallmarks of his character in every aspect of life. Michael put the ``strong'' in Strongsville.

Michael's commitment to his community was without equal. He started the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Dance to benefit graduating high school students looking to pursue higher education. He was also a founding member of the Strongsville City Club and served as chairman of the Strongsville Homecoming. These selfless efforts brought joy and celebration to his neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Michael's life, let us remember the power of community, hard work, and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7685, the Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act, or more simply, the IMPACT Act.

I introduced this bill with my Committee on Science, Space, and Technology colleague, Mrs. Foushee, because we understand that the production of cement, concrete, and asphalt plays a fundamental role in supporting United States infrastructure, national defense, and economic security.

The cement and concrete industry contributes over $100 billion to the United States economy and employs over 600,000 people. In Ohio alone, this industry accounts for 18,000 cement and concrete industry-related employees with a payroll over $900 million.

It is no secret that the processes behind these products are extremely difficult to decarbonize and that American cement and concrete manufacturers must compete in a market that increasingly values lower-carbon products.

The leading companies and associations of this industry have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and have made impressive progress thus far, reducing its carbon footprint by 21 percent since 2014, but more progress can be made.

With projected demand for cement expected to increase 12 percent by 2050, utilizing the best scientific resources of the Federal Government will help manufacturers further reduce emissions of the products essential to our economy and civilization.

The IMPACT Act will support these resources while strengthening and enhancing the competitiveness of American manufacturing through advanced technologies that can be exported around the globe.

We all want to see cement, concrete, and asphalt production continue to rise and help grow our country. That is critical to our economic well-being. We all want to see this growth go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, leaving our air and water just as pristine for the next generation.

The IMPACT Act builds on previous industrial decarbonization efforts by focusing specifically on cement, concrete, and asphalt. It enables the industry and the Department of Energy to work collaboratively on fundamental

research that will enhance existing production methods and unlock new innovative techniques. This will ensure the world-class tools and technologies at DOE are being used by the very taxpayers who funded them.

It also enables DOE, in consultation with other Federal agencies, to offer technical assistance to entities seeking to promote the commercial application of low-emission cement, concrete, and asphalt. This ensures that industry can continue its cutting-edge research unencumbered, but if they do hit a roadblock, there are subject matter experts available to assist them.

This bill is the perfect example of how the Federal Government can advance tangible environmental goals for construction material production without sacrificing material performance or, more importantly, economic growth that benefits every citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from North Carolina (Mrs. Foushee) for cosponsoring this bill and working in a bipartisan fashion to get it here today, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in our district in Parma, Ohio.

St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral was established in 1924 to fulfill the spiritual and social needs of the newly-arrived Ukrainians. After an increase in membership from World War II refugees, a new temple and parish center were built in Parma in 1958.

Parishioners established educational opportunities on religion, Ukrainian language, dance, music, and art that have benefited the local community to this day.

I commend St. Vladimir Cathedral for its role in producing upstanding citizens of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, and I wish them a very happy anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a patriot and American hero, Bill DeCapite, a member of the Solon VFW who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

As a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, Mr. DeCapite was the seventh born of 11 children. He and his late wife, Rose, had two daughters and are proud grandparents of two adult grandchildren.

A Seabee in the Navy during World War II, Mr. DeCapite was stationed in the Pacific Islands for 3 years, where his duties included helping to repair U.S. ships and planes. He also helped to build the runway on Tinian Island, where the Enola Gay was launched.

Mr. DeCapite has always had a love for cars. When he returned from World War II, he went into the car repair business and continued that career into his sixties.

Today, Bill continues to volunteer at Cleveland Public Theater. When asked what his secret is to a long life, Mr. DeCapite says: I can't believe I am 100. Volunteering helped me. I just get up every day, and I live a good life.

I thank Mr. DeCapite for his selfless service to this country and wish him a very happy birthday. May God bless him.