Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, we are nearing 1 week since the end of the needless, 43-day-long Democrat government shutdown. That shutdown was a monumental waste of time that hurt a lot of people across the country.

I am grateful that the families in eastern Washington can now breathe easier knowing their paychecks, benefits, and livelihoods are no longer being used as political bargaining chips.

The House passed three appropriations bills providing full-year funding for agriculture, the FDA, military construction, and the legislative branch.

I am especially proud that three priorities I fought for were included in the agriculture appropriations bill: $1 million for Washington State University's ARS building project, $2 million for NEW Health's Chewelah expansion and regional workforce center, and $1 million for TriState Health's Family Medicine Residency program.

These are meaningful wins for eastern Washington families and our rural economy.

Our budget also delivered more than $13 million for Fairchild Air Force Base, strengthening mission support and fueling operations to keep our Nation secure. Had the vote gone differently and the Democrats succeeded in pandering to their radical base, we might still be in a government shutdown and these critical victories for eastern Washington and the Nation might never have happened.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad we are getting back to what matters: delivering results for the people we serve.

Honoring Vietnam Veteran John Gilman

Mr. Speaker, few moments as a Member of Congress are more meaningful than helping a hero receive long-overdue recognition. Recently, my office had the privilege of assisting Vietnam veteran John Gilman in securing the Silver Star Medal he earned more than 50 years ago, an honor long delayed but deeply deserved.

On Veterans Day, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Gilman at the Heroes Awards night in Spokane. The event,

hosted by Heroes Homestead, was a remarkable celebration of service, honoring not only those who wore the uniform but those who continue to serve our communities today.

Surrounded by his family, friends, and fellow veterans, Mr. Gilman finally received the medal that reflected his courage and selflessness in Vietnam.

Mr. Gilman of Airway Heights served valiantly in the American Division during the 1969 Tet Offensive. Amid intense combat near Phuoc Hoa, South Vietnam, his company was ordered to relieve a friendly unit under fire. Though wounded in action, Mr. Gilman refused to fall back. He steadfastly manned his M60 machine gun and continued providing suppressive fire, even while receiving medical treatment. Thanks to his courage under fire, his unit closed with and ultimately destroyed the insurgent force. For these extraordinary acts, the Army approved Mr. Gilman for his Silver Star. Yet despite that honor, he was never officially presented the award.

Earlier this year, Mr. Gilman contacted my office. Through the persistent efforts of my staff working hand in hand with Army Personnel Command, we confirmed that his Silver Star had been authorized decades ago but never delivered.

Last Tuesday night, more than 50 years after his acts of valor, Brigadier General Paul Sellars, Commanding General of the Washington Army National Guard, had the honor of presenting the Silver Star to Mr. Gilman.

The Silver Star is the Army's third-highest award for gallantry in combat, given only to those who display extraordinary heroism under fire.

Mr. Gilman's story is a powerful reminder of the courage that defines our veterans and our Nation's sacred duty to ensure their service is never forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate John Gilman and thank him for his bravery, his sacrifice, and his continued example to us all. As we approach America's 250th birthday, let us honor veterans like John Gilman not only with medals but through our daily commitment to live up to the freedom they fought to defend.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an inspiring moment in our community, the Spokane Impact's first home match this past Saturday at the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake.

The Spokane Impact is one of the founding teams of the Inspire Soccer League, the first-ever national soccer league created specifically for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Launched by Project Inspire, this league is about more than just soccer. It is about bringing people together from all walks of life and making sure that everyone has a chance to experience the joy and connection of sports.

Too often, athletes with special needs are left without access to the kinds of opportunities so many take for granted, which is real teams, real competition, and real crowds cheering them on.

This is an exciting new effort. There is so much going on with soccer in Spokane and across the country with the launch of our USL team and the coming World Cup. I am so proud that this has taken place.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a special shout-out to the team's manager, Anna McCoy, who is doing a wonderful job in her new role.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the extraordinary success of Operation Rolling Thunder, a multiagency task force led by the U.S. Marshals Service in partnership with local, State, and Federal law enforcement.

In just one coordinated effort, 55 violent fugitives were taken off the streets of Spokane County in the city of Spokane Valley.

These individuals were wanted for crimes including: homicide, kidnapping, sexual abuse, assault, domestic violence, and much more. Thanks to this operation, our communities are safer immediately and measurably so.

Operation Rolling Thunder carried added significance as the first- ever Homeland Security Task Force operation conducted in the Eastern District of Washington.

By uniting Federal, State, and local resources, law enforcement was able to focus on our region's most violent and repeat offenders; strengthening public safety, national security, and our ability to respond to emerging threats.

This kind of success doesn't happen by accident. It takes planning, trust, and exceptional teamwork. I commend the U.S. Marshals, Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Valley Police, Washington State Patrol, the FBI, ATF, Homeland Security, Department of Corrections, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and many other local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies that stood shoulder to shoulder in this effort.

I also give a special shoutout to two leaders of this operation: Sheriff's Sergeant Patrick Bloomer and Acting Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Carson Taylor. Their leadership helped make this possible.

Mr. Speaker, this is what public safety and action looks like.

Honoring Roger Reed

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Roger Reed, a man whose legacy is defined not only by his distinguished legal career but his deep love of family, history, faith, and Cougar football.

Born in Portland in 1939 and raised in Wenatchee and Spokane, Roger was a lifelong learner with a passion for the law.

After graduating from Washington State University and earning his law degree from the University of Washington, he served as deputy Spokane prosecutor and later as chief of the

Eastern Washington Attorney General's office before cofounding the respected law firm, Reed & Giesa.

Roger was so much more than his resume. He was a history buff with a personal library focused on the Civil War. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved Elvis, Jackie Robinson, rhubarb, and reading the newspaper.

Roger Reed was a great man, a great friend, and we honor his legacy.

Commending Active4Youth

Mr. Speaker, as the father of five, with my youngest daughter attending her very first cross-country practice today, I rise to commend the remarkable work of Active4Youth, a community-supported nonprofit that is transforming lives in Spokane.

Mr. Speaker, we have too many fat kids in America, and we need to get more of them out running cross-country.

Founded 25 years ago by local teacher Heidi Bresson and her husband, Mike, Active4Youth brings free cross-country programs to as many as 6,000 elementary students each fall. In a city where many families face economic hardship, this may be the only chance some children have to wear a uniform, be part of a team, and to feel that sense of belonging.

This is not a school-funded program. It exists because individuals in our communities step up. It is working. Research from Washington State University shows Active4Youth participants have better attendance and significantly higher achievement in both math and language.

This is more than running. It is physical activity, academic support, community connection, and character development all in one.

Mr. Speaker, as we begin a new school year, let us recognize the power of programs like Active4Youth to change lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and service of Spokane County Sheriff's Sergeant Kenneth Salas, who

was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 9 while selflessly assisting with a traffic hazard on Interstate 90.

Sergeant Salas served the people of Spokane County for more than 34 years, first as a corrections officer, then as a patrol deputy, detective, and, ultimately, patrol sergeant.

Sergeant Salas was known not only for his dedication in uniform but also for his deep commitment to helping others in every aspect of life.

Kenneth Salas also served our country for over two decades in the United States Air Force, retiring as a technical sergeant with the Washington Air National Guard.

Sergeant Salas was a protector, mentor, and beloved member of both law enforcement and military communities.

Everyone in eastern Washington and I are keeping his wife, his family, and the entire Spokane County Sheriff's Office in our prayers. We are profoundly grateful for his life of service, and we will never forget his sacrifice.

May we all appreciate and remember the sacrifice of our first-line responders and the service that they provide every day for our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4215) to require the Secretary of State to promulgate expedited and fixed timelines for the decision-making process to license the export of certain defense articles and defense services, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I introduced the International Traffic in Arms Regulations Licensing Reform Act to improve licensing timelines and processes for direct commercial defense sales.

America's foreign defense sales program is notorious for its slow timelines and opaque process. This lack of clarity about how foreign partners are prioritized causes frustration and confusion among our most important partners and allies. This inefficiency and murkiness force our partners to consider turning to other countries to source their capabilities.

The U.S. is currently the partner of choice for foreign arms sales, but that status is in jeopardy due to internal delays and unnecessary bureaucratic red tape.

The direct commercial sales process presents a more efficient, expedient pathway for our allies and partners to purchase U.S. technology. Direct commercial sales are the future of American defense sales. Direct commercial sales skyrocketed last year and are quickly outpacing other forms of defense sales.

If our direct commercial sales program is going to continue to grow, more must be done to streamline direct commercial sales and incentivize even faster timelines.

This legislation would codify President Trump's April 9 executive order to establish a list of priority partners for certain defense sales and would create a timebound process for approving direct commercial sales cases.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support our defense industrial base and support this commonsense bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, we must do everything we can to improve our foreign defense sales process to ensure American competitiveness and equip our allies with the highest quality defense materials.

I am proud to sponsor this legislation to streamline the direct commercial sales process, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of it. This legislation makes America safer and our economy wealthier.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4216) to direct the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to carry out a review of the list of defense articles and services required to be transferred under the foreign military sales program as opposed to direct commercial sale (FMS-Only List), as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to improve the foreign military sales process.

When our partners and allies choose to procure U.S.-origin defense articles or services, they have a choice to purchase items via either the foreign military sales process or the direct commercial sales process.

While foreign military sales are often the path of choice due to the robust, total-package approach, direct commercial sales are preferable in many cases, as it is faster and a more nimble process than foreign military sales.

However, the State Department maintains an out-of-date list of defense articles that may only be purchased via foreign military sales. This list is meant to only include the most sensitive technologies that would pose a risk to U.S. competitiveness or national security if these technologies fell into the wrong hands.

However, its outdated nature ends up creating the very problem that it seeks to avoid. U.S. competitiveness is limited, as our partners choose to turn to other sources for technologies that are too slow to procure from the U.S.

President Trump's April 9 executive order mandated that the State Department review and update the foreign military sales-only list.

This legislation would codify that requirement and go one step further by requiring an annual review of the list. This legislation would also enhance congressional reporting requirements to ensure that Congress has oversight over any changes to the list.

This much-needed legislation is a key part of reforming our foreign defense sales process to ensure that the United States maintains its competitiveness and remains the global partner of choice for procurement of defense technology.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Foreign Arms Sales Task Force, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Mrs. Biggs), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, reforming America's foreign defense sales is a top priority of this administration. We must do our part to codify the improvements initiated by President Trump. I am proud to support this legislation to improve the foreign defense system, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 747) to impose sanctions with respect to Chinese producers of synthetic opioids and opioid precursors, to hold Chinese officials accountable for the spread of illicit fentanyl, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Representative Barr's Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025.

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. It is killing over 70,000 Americans a year, and it is flooding into our communities with deadly force.

We know where it is coming from. The vast majority of illegal fentanyl in the U.S. originates in China. Chinese labs manufacture the chemicals. Chinese traffickers supply the cartels, and American families pay the price in lives lost.

This bill holds the Chinese Communist Party accountable. It gives our government stronger tools to sanction Chinese entities involved in the fentanyl trade and puts pressure on the CCP to shut down the labs that fuel this crisis.

It is time to treat this for what it is: a national security threat.

The Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act sends a clear message: The United States will not sit back while foreign actors profit from American pain.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on the Judiciary,

Washington, DC, August 29, 2025.

Hon. Brian Mast,

Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Mast: I write regarding H.R. 747, the Stop

Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025. Provisions of this bill fall

within the Judiciary Committee's Rule X jurisdiction, and I

appreciate that you consulted with us on those provisions.

The Judiciary Committee agrees that it shall be discharged

from further consideration of the bill so that it may proceed

expeditiously to the House floor.

The Committee takes this action with the understanding that

forgoing further consideration of this measure does not in

any way alter the Committee's jurisdiction or waive any

future jurisdictional claim over these provisions or their

subject matter. We also reserve the right to seek appointment

of an appropriate number of conferees in the event of a

conference with the Senate involving this measure or similar

legislation.

I ask that you please insert this letter in the

Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 747 on the

House floor. I appreciate the cooperative manner in which our

committees have worked on this matter, and I look forward to

working collaboratively in the future on matters of shared

jurisdiction. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Jim Jordan,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr), the sponsor of this fine piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025 is not just about policy. It is about saving American lives. We must hold China accountable for its role in this deadly epidemic. Congress must take a stand against the poison devastating our communities.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2643) to require the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the ties between criminal gangs and political and economic elites in Haiti and impose sanctions on political and economic elites involved in such criminal activities, as amended.

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 this measure.

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

I support H.R. 2643, the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act, introduced by Ranking Member Meeks, because it advances a clear bipartisan goal: exposing and sanctioning the corrupt political and economic elites in Haiti who have fueled the country's ongoing gang crisis.

This is not just about Haiti. It is about protecting U.S. national security. The chaos in Port-au-Prince is creating regional instability. Haitians are fleeing the island, using criminal networks to traffic them and others to our southern border. These actors threaten the safety of the Haitian people and the interests of the United States.

To its credit, the Trump administration responded swiftly. Within days of taking office, it approved nearly $41 million to support the Haitian National Police and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission. It also issued a humanitarian waiver to keep emergency relief flowing.

This bill complements those efforts by requiring the State Department to identify and report on individual gangs tied to gang activity and to impose sanctions on those responsible. It targets the enablers of violence and provides Congress with the information needed to act decisively.

Meanwhile, the administration is prioritizing stronger oversight of U.S. foreign assistance to Haiti, an essential effort to ensure taxpayer funds are not misused. By identifying and sanctioning corrupt actors, this bill helps ensure that U.S. aid does not end up in the hands of those fueling the instability. It reinforces the broader objective of holding accountable the networks behind Haiti's collapse.

I appreciate the bipartisan leadership on this legislation and recognize its importance in confronting the crisis head-on.

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

House of Representatives,

Committee on the Judiciary,

Washington, DC, June 16, 2025.

Hon. Brian Mast,

Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Mast: I write regarding H.R. 2643, the Haiti

Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025. Provisions of

this bill fall within the Judiciary Committee's Rule X

jurisdiction, and I appreciate that you consulted with us on

those provisions. The Judiciary Committee agrees that it

shall be discharged from further consideration of the bill so

that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor.

The Committee takes this action with the understanding that

forgoing further consideration of this measure does not in

any way alter the Committee's jurisdiction or waive any

future jurisdictional claim over these provisions or their

subject matter. We also reserve the right to seek appointment

of an appropriate number of conferees in the event of a

conference with the Senate involving this measure or similar

legislation.

I ask that you please insert this letter in the

Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 2643 on the

House floor. I appreciate the cooperative manner in which our

committees have worked on this matter, and I look forward to

working collaboratively in the future on matters of shared

jurisdiction. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Jim Jordan,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers and will continue to reserve until the gentleman yields back his time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Meeks for this fine piece of legislation and appreciate his bipartisan spirit.

I urge my colleagues to pass the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act and make clear that the United States will expose and hold accountable those who fund, enable, and profit from gang violence in Haiti. It will shine a light on the criminal networks undermining regional stability and ensure there are consequences for those who collude with them.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2503) to require the development of a strategy to eliminate the availability to foreign adversaries of goods and technologies capable of supporting undersea cables, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Representative Kean's Undersea Cable Control Act.

Over 99 percent of the world's data that crosses the oceans travels through the fiber-optic cables that sit on the sea floor. This bill requires the U.S. to develop and execute a strategy to protect this critical infrastructure.

America's adversaries are working around the clock to control these communication chokepoints. Chinese companies like HMN Technologies, formerly known as Huawei Marine Networks, are estimated to be building or repairing about a quarter of the world's undersea cables. There have been documented instances of the Chinese manipulating and spying on these networks, with internet traffic being rerouted through China.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that we identify what the Chinese Communist Party needs to deploy undersea cables so that we can ensure only America and its allies lead in the development and maintenance of this technology.

I urge my colleagues to support Representative Kean's fine bill to begin this process of protecting this critical and vulnerable infrastructure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kean), the sponsor of this fine legislation.

Mr. Speaker, the Undersea Cable Control Act will ensure America, not the Chinese Communist Party, is connecting the globe with critical undersea cable infrastructure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4490) to amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to certain additional international and regional organizations, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the PARTNER Act, a forward-looking measure that strengthens America's ties with the international organizations shaping the global order at a moment when international competition is sharper than ever.

This legislation gives our Nation the ability to fully engage with influential regional and international bodies such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Caribbean Community, and the African Union by extending to them the same diplomatic privileges afforded under the International Organizations Immunities Act.

In doing so, we signal not only respect for their importance but also our determination to work alongside them as equal partners in tackling shared challenges.

From advancing security and prosperity to fostering innovation and confronting global health threats, these organizations are central to addressing pressing issues that do not stop at our borders.

If the United States is to lead effectively in this century, we cannot remain on the sidelines. We must be present in the rooms where decisions are being made, ready to cooperate and ready to lead. This bill ensures our diplomats and institutions are equipped to do exactly that.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the PARTNER Act and reaffirming America's commitment to principled and enduring international leadership.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).

I have no more speakers, Mr. Speaker, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time until the gentleman yields back his time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Representative Castro and Representative Kim, for introducing this important bill. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4233) to modify provisions relating to defense trade and cooperation among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to improve implementation of the AUKUS partnership.

The AUKUS partnership is a groundbreaking defense partnership between the United States, the U.K., and Australia, created with the intention of keeping a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening defense trade between the U.S. and our closest allies.

The AUKUS partnership presents a unique opportunity for the U.S. to strengthen our relationships with our AUKUS partners, ensure interoperability with our most important allies in any future conflict, and promote innovation in defense technology.

While Congress codified the AUKUS partnership last year, AUKUS has faced numerous challenges in its implementation due to bureaucratic red tape. Since its implementation, we have worked closely with our foreign partners and the Trump administration to discuss the challenges AUKUS Pillar II has faced.

This legislation addresses these challenges and will ensure that the AUKUS partnership is implemented according to the original intent of the partner countries, allowing the U.S. defense industry and our allies to take full advantage of the benefits of this agreement.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), who is the sponsor of this fine piece of legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, the AUKUS partnership is foundational to our global defense strategy. We must ensure it is implemented as it was intended.

I am proud to support this legislation to improve existing AUKUS law, and I urge my colleagues to join me.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2635) to support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

I rise today in strong support of Representative Young Kim's Uyghur Policy Act of 2025.

The Chinese Communist Party continues to commit genocide against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang. Over 1 million Uyghurs are held in mass detention camps, where they face torture, forced labor, constant surveillance, and forced sterilization. This is not just about abuse. It is a systematic campaign of genocide.

The Uyghur Policy Act of 2025 pushes back. It directs the Secretary of State to prioritize support for the Uyghurs and other persecuted groups and to work with allies to pressure China to close these camps.

It also urges U.S. leadership at the United Nations to ensure China's human rights abuses are not ignored or silenced.

America must lead with moral clarity. We must stand for human rights and against genocide.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing the Uyghur Policy Act of 2025 to increase awareness and advocacy for Uyghurs. We cannot be silent in the face of genocide.

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

Mr. Speaker, eastern Washington and Spokane are home to many heroes and champions, but I would like to speak today of one particularly exceptional young man, Brycen Phillips of Mt. Spokane High School.

Brycen was named a two-time U.S. Paralympics Track and Field High School All-American, and he is somebody who has overcome tremendous challenges.

After suffering a stroke at age 3, Brycen was left with paralysis on his right side, a condition called hemiplegia. Despite having to relearn how to walk, talk, and perform daily tasks, he never gave up.

Brycen found his competitive spirit on the track. Representing Mt. Spokane, he has won multiple State titles and competed on the national stage, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Brycen Phillips is a total stud, and the entire Congress and the entire Republic deserve to hear his story, and they now have.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sarah Doxey, a devoted wife, mother, and respected healthcare leader in Spokane, whose life was tragically taken last week while out for her morning jog.

Sarah served as chief operating officer of CHAS Health and spent her career lifting up others. From her work at Providence to CHAS and beyond, she led with vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community. She made a lasting impact on healthcare in eastern Washington.

Sarah is survived by her husband, Erick, and her two teenage children. Their loss is unimaginable. It is a loss felt deeply by the entire Spokane community. May her memory live on in the lives she touched.

Future Farmers of America Inspire the Next Generation of Agricultural

Leaders

Mr. Speaker, last week I had the privilege of meeting with a group of outstanding students from the Washington Future Farmers of America.

These young leaders come from diverse agricultural backgrounds: one from a grain farming family, one a dedicated cattle showman, and one an experienced horse rider. All are deeply rooted in rural Washington.

Our conversation highlighted how growing up in farming communities shapes their values. With hard work, responsibility, and a strong connection to the land, their experiences keep them grounded and committed to preserving the future of agriculture.

The Future Farmers of America plays a critical role in educating and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. It was inspiring to hear firsthand how these students are embracing that responsibility with humility, passion, and purpose.

I truly valued our conversation and look forward to strengthening this connection and championing the FAA's mission to inspire and empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Honoring Bryan Braman

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Bryan Braman, a true Spokane legend, whose life was as inspiring as it was beautiful. It was a long way from his tough upbringing in eastern Washington.

Bryan was born in Spokane's Hillyard neighborhood. Along with his sisters, he was raised alone by their mother, Tina Braman-Fields, after their father abandoned them.

His childhood in Hillyard, Cheney, and north Spokane was marked by instability and hardship including periods of homelessness. Despite these challenges, Bryan's deep Spokane roots and the strength of his family shaped a resilient young man determined to rise above adversity. That determination would go on to define his life and his career.

Bryan attended Shadle Park High School where he was an outstanding track and field athlete before deciding to join the football team. With exceptional athletic talent and unwavering resilience, he conquered every obstacle in his life, ultimately rising to prominence as an NFL linebacker and earning a Superbowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018.

Known for his relentless spirit and generosity, even in his final days, Bryan rallied family and friends for a joyful ice cream night during the final stages of his battle with cancer.

His spirit was and remains unbreakable. Bryan passed away last week, but his legacy lives on in his daughters, Blakely and Marlowe; his family; and all who were fortunate to know him.

Spokane is proud to call Bryan Braman one of its own, and his beautiful life will continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Larry Haskell, Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney, who recently announced his retirement after more than a decade of dedicated service.

Larry's career is a testament to true public service. Before serving as a prosecutor, he was a B-1 and B-52 pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a lieutenant colonel who answered the call to duty after 9/11, serving bravely in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

After retiring from the military in 2005, Larry returned to Spokane to continue his work in the prosecuting attorney's office, where he was elected in 2014 and has since dedicated himself to justice in our community.

Over the years, Larry has tackled some of the toughest cases--murder, assaults, gun crimes, gangs, witness intimidation--always with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service.

Larry once said that being elected to his office was one of the greatest honors of his life, and it is clear he poured his heart and soul into this work. He also showed wisdom and humility, knowing when it is time to pass the torch.

As Larry steps into retirement, I thank him for his courage, dedication, and service, both in uniform and in the courtroom. Spokane County and our entire region owe Larry Haskell a debt of gratitude.

I congratulate Larry on a job well done and wish him all the best in his next chapter.

Firefighters Run Toward Danger

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart not just to speak but to mourn, to honor, and to demand that we never grow numb to the unimaginable loss suffered by those who dedicate their lives to protecting ours.

Every day, nearly 1 million volunteer and career firefighters across our country suit up, knowing they may not return home. They run toward danger when many others run away.

They give up holidays, time with their children, and nights of sleep so we can live safely.

Today, I rise to honor three of them, three men from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue who answered the call of duty and paid the price for their courage in an act of senseless and evil violence.

Mr. Speaker, Battalion Chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood were not only respected leaders in the fire service, they were pillars of the Coeur d'Alene community. They were proud husbands, fathers, and friends. They were the kind of men who showed up before anyone asked, who did the work no one saw, and who led not with titles but with strength and humility.

Gabe Eckert, president of Local 710, recalled his last memory with John Morrison. They were just two men on the patio, quietly drinking beers and talking about their dads.

That is who these men were, constantly striving to serve the public and the people closest to them. We lost more than firefighters. We lost role models.

Engineer David Tysdal was also critically injured in the attack. He has now endured three major surgeries. By God's grace, he is steadily recovering. If he is listening today, we encourage David to stay strong. He carries the prayers of gratitude of a nation with him.

Mr. Speaker, this violence was not just a tragedy. It was an outrage. An attack on these men was an attack on the very fabric of our community. That anyone would target them with such brutality should chill us to the bone.

The deaths of John Morrison and Frank Harwood and the injury of David Tysdal are a devastating reminder of the cost of service.

To the loved ones mourning these brave men, no words will ever be enough. May they find comfort in knowing their courage echoes far beyond Coeur d'Alene.