Floor Statements

President Ronald Reagan once said, ``Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.''

The Bible has provided our Nation with wisdom and guidance over our history. Within this Chamber, Members of Congress have gathered to debate and ultimately address the most significant challenges to our country.

Since 1962, we have worked under those simple, yet powerful words, the words etched behind me, ``In God We Trust.''

Without God's direction, we would have faced these challenges alone. As we face the future, we must never forget that our Nation was founded on biblical principles, recognizing that we are blessed to live in a country that we can worship freely, and we must work to see that we always remain ``one nation under God.''

Proverbs 3:5-6: ``Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.''

My hope is that all Americans will continue to live by the truth and wisdom found in the word of God. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the life of former Mississippi Transportation Commissioner, Dick Hall. Commissioner Hall committed his life to the service of his fellow man through a long and distinguished career, and I rise today to recognize him as a dedicated leader whose example will continue to inspire many who wish to make the world around them a better place for their neighbors, friends, and family.

As a transportation commissioner for the State of Mississippi for over 20 years, Commissioner Hall was an outspoken advocate for providing additional revenue to improve Mississippi's infrastructure system. Before being elected to this post, Commissioner Hall served for three terms in the Mississippi Senate and three terms in the Mississippi House of Representatives, representing my home county of Rankin in the State Legislature throughout a noteworthy career. Commissioner Hall also served our country as a Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Commissioner Hall was fond of saying, ``We're not just building a transportation system. We're building an economy,'' which was a quip that was born out in the many projects he spearheaded. He oversaw the opening of the U.S. Highway 82 Mississippi River Bridge; the widening of Lakeland Drive in Jackson; the Highway 463 Single Point Urban Interchange project in Madison; two phases of the STACK interchange connecting Jackson, Pearl, and Brandon; projects throughout the Metro Jackson area from Canton to Crystal Springs; the Nissan Parkway; and countless rehabilitation projects throughout Mississippi's Central District. Commissioner Hall's tireless effort was vital in creating a modern infrastructure system and a strong Mississippi economy that has created better lives for those who call our state home.

For his numerous accomplishments and industrious spirit, Commissioner Hall received many accolades and awards, including the Hugh L. White Free Enterprise Award, the Friend of Education Award, Conservation Legislator of the Year, and Alumnus of the Year by the Mid-Mississippi Chapter of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association.

Commissioner Hall was an extraordinary person who will be remembered by those who had the pleasure of meeting him or working alongside him. His legacy of a deep respect and dedication to our state will endure.

It is my honor to recognize the life of Commissioner Dick Hall for the many contributions he made to our state and our Nation, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing his service and commitment to Mississippi and to the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Asa Hardison. Mr. Hardison served his community, state, and Nation and set an example for those who work to make the world around them a better place.

Mr. Hardison served the United States of America in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to the United States of America where he and his wife, Ruth Hardison, raised two daughters. As a civilian, Mr. Hardison served as Senior Vice President for Georgia Pacific and, in his free time, could often be found playing golf or tennis. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

It is my honor to recognize the life of Mr. Asa Hardison for his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100-year anniversary of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

The Mississippi Farm Bureau is the largest agriculture organization in the State and represents the social and economic interests of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Its statewide grassroots structure allows it to be an effective organization, representing and promoting 17 commodities in Mississippi.

The organization is a valuable resource on issues of importance to our farm families, and it works with Federal and State lawmakers to advocate for these priorities.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Mississippi Farm Bureau on important agriculture issues in the future.

May God bless our farmers, and may God continue to bless the Mississippi Farm Bureau.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the life of Coach Sammy Dantone Jr. He committed his life to the service of his fellow man through a long and distinguished career, and I rise today to recognize him as a dedicated American leader whose example will continue to inspire many who wish to make the world around them a better place for their neighbors, friends, and family.

Coach Dantone had a distinguished career, coaching at Greenwood High School, Pillow Academy, Brandon Academy, Jackson Academy, Madison County Schools, and Brandon High School.

As a football coach across the state of Mississippi, he helped many young people grow into leaders and meet their potential in life through his example. He inspired countless young men and women to give it their all, and he did it with consideration and compassion. Coach Dantone was a remarkable person who will be cherished by those who had the pleasure of playing for him or working alongside the legendary Mississippi coach.

It is my honor to recognize Coach Sammy Dantone Jr. on the floor of the House of Representatives for the many contributions he made to create a brighter future for our state and our nation, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Coach Dantone for his service and commitment to Mississippi and to the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate Mr. Bartley P. Durst for earning the Laboratory Director of the Year Award from the Federal Labs Consortium. Throughout a long and distinguished career, Mr. Durst has dedicated himself to the service of his fellow citizen. I rise today to recognize him as a community, state, and national leader whose example will continue to motivate and encourage individuals who share the same passion of making a better and safer place for their neighbors, statesmen, and countrymen.

In his five years as director of the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), Mr. Durst has led the way for the development of technologies that emphasize structural resilience. GSL continues to take on some of the greatest civil and military engineering challenges around the world, in which Mr. Durst has successfully integrated his decades of experience and personal knowledge.

The Modular Protective System, which employs technological advancements to safeguard American servicemembers overseas and citizens at home, is the clearest illustration of Mr. Durst's character and dedication. The MPS technology has led to a number of significant advancements that protect American troops and private citizens from weapons, projectiles, and explosions. These advancements have also been made possible by strong federal and private partnerships with the U.S. Department of State, often championed by Mr. Durst himself.

It is my honor to recognize Mr. Bartley P. Durst for the many contributions he has made to create a brighter future for our state and nation, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking Mr. Durst for his service and commitment to Mississippi and to the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the Northwest Rankin High School baseball team players and coaches for their outstanding championship season. The Northwest Rankin Cougars displayed admirable attributes including integrity, sportsmanship, and perseverance throughout a lengthy and successful season. I would like to honor this group of committed young men, coaches, and their families who worked diligently to bring the Mississippi 6A state championship to Rankin County, Mississippi.

At Trustmark Park in Pearl, the third and final game of the 6A state championship series featured the Northwest Rankin Cougars defeating Desoto Central by a score of 3-2. This is Northwest Rankin's second state baseball championship in program history. The Cougars won 34 games with only three losses this season.

The resilience and leadership displayed by the players are characteristics of Northwest Rankin's head coach, KK Aldridge, who was named the Priority One Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Coach of the Year last season.

It is my honor to recognize the Northwest Rankin High School baseball team for inspiring countless young men and citizens across our community, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Northwest Rankin Cougars for their dedication and commitment to excellence in our nation's past time, the great sport of baseball.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of Mr. Howard Miskelly of Mississippi. As a businessman, veteran, and local leader, Mr. Miskelly left a legacy that will be remembered by his family, peers, and community for many generations to come.

Drafted into World War II, Mr. Miskelly served his country honorably, earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was awarded two Bronze Stars. I am humbled by Mr. Miskelly's heroic actions to protect and serve our great nation, and our country is grateful for his service.

After his military service, Mr. Miskelly strived for greatness in his daily life as he attended Union University on a basketball scholarship. He later transferred to Mississippi State University (MSU) where he was Cadet Colonel of the MSU ROTC and president of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Following his education, Mr. Miskelly returned to Okolona, opened a furniture store, and started a family. Mr. Miskelly was a committed Christian and remarked that his greatest accomplishment in life was that his family all walked with the Lord. He loved his family, and his love for the Lord touched numerous lives. Mr. Miskelly also served on the Veterans Administration Board, on the board for the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind, and as president of the Mississippi Retail Association.

Mississippi is honored to call Mr. Howard Miskelly one of its own. Although his time on Earth is over, his legacy that he has left through his service, family, community, and faith will endure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Mr. Ken Spears of Neshoba County, Mississippi. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, ``let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.'' Ken Spears undoubtably was a man who embodied a servant's heart.

Mr. Spears dedicated his life to serving his community. He began his service as a law enforcement officer and continued in that role for 20 years. He cared for his community as a school bus driver for the Neshoba County School System. As a founding member of the Linwood Fire Department, he also served as a firefighter and board president.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, ``Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.'' Mr. Spears's life was an example of selflessly serving others and living a life of purpose that our Lord has called for us. He served his community wholeheartedly, was adored by many, and lived a life with compassion. I am inspired by Ken Spears's goodwill and selflessness, and I am grateful for his actions that touched numerous lives. The great State of Mississippi is proud to call Ken Spears one of its own.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Cadence Raine Nickey on being recognized as the 2022-2023 Choctaw Indian Princess. She has earned this distinction through her hard work and dedication to her family, her community, and her tribe. As her Congressman, I was happy to meet Cadence at the Neshoba County Fair recently, and I am proud of that she is representing the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in this special role.

Cadence is the daughter of Eric Nickey and Georgianna McMillan and is a graduate of Choctaw Central High School. Cadence will attend Mississippi State University in the fall, where she plans to major in forensic science.

I am thankful for the leadership of young people in our state like Cadence and know she will continue to make her tribe and her state proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this destructive piece of legislation.

Every day I hear from fellow Mississippians who struggle to buy gas and groceries because of inflation fueled by the left's reckless spending.

Now, instead of acknowledging the impact their out-of-control spending has had on Americans, my colleagues across the aisle are trying to pass legislation that will increase taxes on Americans, spend hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on far-left priorities, and pass legislation that will add an army of IRS agents.

It is time to acknowledge that the American people are suffering because of legislation exactly like this.

The American people are tired of this economic crisis, and they have been clear: Do not raise taxes, do not add to this recession with more wasteful spending, do not weaponize the IRS, and do not vote for this legislation.

This Congress must listen to the American people and vote against this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so that we may immediately consider H. Res. 1255.

This resolution expresses support for the United States Border Patrol agents and condemns the Biden administration for politicizing the measures taken by mounted Border Patrol agents to respond to an influx of Haitian refugees in Del Rio, Texas, in September of last year.

During the encounter, Border Patrol agents performed the job that they were trained to do. Afterward, photos were released that showed agents using long reins to control their horses. Those photos were then used by the Biden administration to manufacture an attack on law enforcement agents, a common political tactic that we have seen implemented by those on the far left in movements such as defund the police and abolish ICE.

Before any inquiry was made into the events, we saw President Biden and those in his administration attack these officers to pander to the progressives within their party. Before the investigation even began, President Biden made the promise to make those agents pay. Even after the allegations were debunked by CBP and the journalist who took the photographs, President Biden and those on the left who supported those false claims refused to retract their statements and refused to apologize to the agents they publicly attacked.

We were promised a swift investigation, but the investigation took months to complete. Once completed, the allegations of assault were dropped and replaced with punishments for using offensive language and other minor infractions.

National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd summed it up best when he said this: ``The moment he made those statements''-- referring to President Joe Biden--``the moment he said those agents would pay, the moment he convicted those agents without any evidence, without any investigation, there could be no doubt in anyone's mind that these investigators were going to come back with some sort of charges against the agents.''

Mr. Speaker, I have been to the border. I have spoken to law enforcement agents stationed there. They all say the same thing. They all say that this administration has abandoned them.

They feel that President Biden, Vice President Harris, and others in the Biden administration manufactured a political scandal by targeting the agents who are working every day to secure our border and protect our Nation. This is the last thing these hardworking agents deserve.

The morale of our Border Patrol agents remains low due to extreme pressure and long hours exacerbated by the President's border crisis. The last thing they need is for their elected officials to turn their back on them, or, in the case of Del Rio, publicly betray them.

They need to know that their elected officials stand with them, stand with them to secure our border and to end this crisis that is bringing drugs into our country and endangering the lives of law enforcement agents, American citizens, and the immigrants themselves.

That is why this legislation is so important. Congress must continue to express its support of our law enforcement agents and work with them, not against them, to secure our border. The law enforcement community needs to know that this Congress stands with them.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``no'' on ordering the previous question so that we can send a simple message to the men and women who are working overtime to secure our border and secure our Nation: We stand with them, and we will never abandon them.

Madam Speaker, the Lord calls us all for His purpose according to his plan. Some are called to heal, such as doctors and nurses; others are called to instruct, such as teachers and professors; and some are called by God to dedicate their lives to spread the Gospel to the world, such as ministers and missionaries. Each of us has a purpose in God's plan and that small role is monumentally important in our service to our Heavenly Father and our family in Christ.

When I met Paul Chinchen, I knew his role in God's plan was different. I met a man whose role was not simply as one who cared for others, as a missionary, or as a leader. His role in God's plan was bigger. God had chosen him to do all of these things and much more, and in our meeting I could see that the Lord worked through Paul to accomplish His mission. In working to expand the African Bible College to Malawi and Uganda, the Lord worked through Paul to develop a place for thousands to learn in order to better themselves and their communities. By developing the ABC Mission Hospital in Malawi, Paul built a facility where doctors and nurses could work to heal and comfort those who had fallen ill. As a missionary, Paul worked to spread the Word of God to Africa. I am inspired by Paul's words that exemplify his work so well. ``Do something you love, do something engaging, and do something now.''

1 Chronicles 16:24 calls us to ``declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.'' Paul's life was a testimony to people across the world of the greatness of our Heavenly Father. In the New Testament, John encourages the Church not to love with words or speech but with actions. Paul's life is an example to everyone who knew him of how to serve through our actions.

The great state of Mississippi is proud to call Paul one of its own. I am honored to have known Paul. Although his mission on this earth is complete, I have faith that the Lord will continue to use Paul's life and his example as a part of His divine plan. I will continue to be humbled by his incredible service to our Lord and grateful for his life. Paul's life is an example of how to serve others, boldly sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations, and of the great deeds that men can accomplish when the Lord works through those that He has chosen for His plan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the life of the unborn and in support of pro-life legislation like the Heartbeat Protection Act, a commonsense bill that would save an untold number of unborn children. I encourage my colleagues to look at the evidence that supports the pro-life movement.

I know that Scripture supports life. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us:

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you

were born, I set you apart.

We also know that science supports life. Science now proves that unborn children can feel pain starting at 15 weeks or earlier. With enhanced ultrasound technology we see children in the womb moving and kicking. With new technology, doctors can even detect the beating sound of a child's heart.

Our Court supports life with the recent decision by the Court to support Dobbs v. Jackson, which is a case that originated in the great State of Mississippi, my home State, we now have a legal system that has opened the door for a wave of pro-life support.

The American people also support life. Almost two out of every three Americans support restrictions on abortion. Twenty-one States have already implemented laws to protect the lives of unborn children. That will now grow even further with nine more States considering their own pro-life legislation in the coming months.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support Scripture, science, our legal systems, our States, the American people, and the lives of our unborn children by supporting the pro-life movement.

Madam Speaker, Scriptures tell us: ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.''

As Police Week comes to a close, it is important that we continue to thank our law enforcement officers that protect our communities and tackle the huge recruiting and retention issues that our police departments are seeing.

At a time when violent crime is at an all-time high, and our police departments are understaffed and overworked

because of the impact of the defund the police movement and antipolice rhetoric, it is more important than ever that we support our law enforcement officers.

Former President Ronald Reagan once said: ``There can be no more noble vocation than the protection of one's fellow citizens. . . . No single group is more fully committed to the well-being of their fellow Americans and to the faithful discharge of duty than our law enforcement.'' Law enforcement, we know, lives by creed. That creed is to serve and to protect.

Sheriff Rutherford's bill, H.R. 7809, would help law enforcement accomplish that mission. It would put law enforcement back into our communities and take criminals off the streets by allowing Federal grant dollars to offer a $5,000 hiring and retention bonus to law enforcement officers.

I am grateful for the men and women of law enforcement and for their service, and I will continue to work with these heroes to see that our communities are safe places to live, to worship, and to raise a family.