Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of Mr. John Lyle Keenan of Jasper County, Mississippi. Mr. Keenan was a respected law enforcement officer and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend whose service and character left a lasting mark on his community.

Born in Rose Hill, Mississippi, Mr. Keenan graduated from Heidelberg High School in 1964. He began his career at La-Z-Boy in Newton before entering public service as a deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff's Office. In 1977, he joined the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a Conservation Officer, where he served with distinction for more than three decades. He rose to the rank of Captain for District IV before retiring in 2010. Two years later, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors appointed him interim sheriff, and he concluded his law enforcement career as a bailiff for the Circuit Court.

Mr. Keenan's dedication to public service extended well beyond his official duties. He was deeply committed to the stewardship of Mississippi's natural resources and served as Jasper County Director of the Pat Harrison Waterway District. He also held leadership roles as president of the Jasper Farm Bureau, the Jasper County Soil and Water Commission, the Meridian Stockyard Board of Directors, the Mississippi Pork Producers, and the Heidelberg Academy Athletic Booster Club.

He remained active in numerous civic and agricultural organizations, including the Jasper County Forestry Association, the Jasper County Livestock Association, and the Bay Springs Lions Club, in his personal time, he worked in forestry management, raised swine and cattle, and maintained a garden, reflecting a lifelong connection to the land and the people who depend on it.

Mr. Keenan was widely regarded as a man of integrity, honor, loyalty, and wisdom. Many sought his counsel on both personal and professional matters, a testament to the trust he earned throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Wesley Independent Methodist Church, where he lived out the values that guided his service.

Mr. Keenan will be deeply missed not only by his family but by the entire Jasper County community. It is a privilege to recognize his life, his service, and his enduring commitment to the people of Mississippi, here in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable life of Mrs. Frances Kees of Magee, Mississippi, as she reaches the extraordinary milestone of her 100th birthday on April 6, 2026. Mrs. Kees has lived a life distinguished by faith, dedication to education, service to her community, and a steadfast commitment to sharing the Gospel. Her century of life reflects a legacy of leadership and faithful service that has touched generations in Simpson County and beyond.

A native of Mendenhall in Simpson County, Frances began her lifelong calling in education at the young age of nineteen. At the request of then-school superintendent Carlton Traylor, she moved to Magee to teach while completing her coursework as a history major during the summers. What began as a temporary opportunity soon became a lifelong home, as she quickly fell in love with the community and the people of Magee.

In 1948, she married Robert ``Bob'' Kees, a veteran of the United States Air Force who flew twenty-eight missions during World War II. Together they built a loving family and raised three children, Kay, Bobby, and Jane. Following the untimely passing of her husband, Frances demonstrated extraordinary strength and determination as she continued to guide and support her family.

Throughout her life, Frances has remained actively involved in the local community. During summers she worked at Stephens Department Store and later at Rose Ladies Apparel in Magee. Through these experiences, she developed a love of fashion and writing, eventually contributing articles for the local newspaper, the Magee Courier.

Perhaps the most enduring impact of Frances's life has been through her faith and ministry. For seventy years, she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Magee. Through her leadership of a ladies' Sunday School class, she helped guide generations of women in studying Scripture and growing in their faith. Her dedication to sharing the Gospel and encouraging others through the Word of God has left a lasting legacy within her church and community.

In addition to her ministry in the church, Frances also served the State of Mississippi as a docent at the historic Mississippi Governor's Mansion. Beginning during the administration of Ray Mabus, she welcomed visitors from across the state and Nation, sharing stories about Mississippi's history and heritage with warmth and enthusiasm. For more than two decades, she guided countless guests through the mansion, offering insight into the state's past while representing the hospitality and pride of the people of Mississippi.

Those who know Mrs. Kees often remark on her enduring optimism and her steadfast belief that life is a gift. Her faith has sustained her through both joys and hardships, and she has consistently encouraged others to approach life with hope and gratitude.

I am honored to celebrate Mrs. Frances Kees on her 100th birthday and thank her for a lifetime of faith, teaching, and service to the people of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1128, Expressing the Support of the House of Representatives For the Department of Homeland Security.

For 41 days, the Department of Homeland Security has been operating without the necessary funding to carry out its core mission. Tens of thousands of dedicated employees across the country are working without pay while our national security sits at an elevated threat level.

The men and women of the 22 Federal agencies whose funding is tied to DHS continue to show up every day, standing watch over our borders, protecting our transportation systems, and safeguarding the American people despite missing multiple paychecks. Their commitment to our Nation is unwavering, and we owe them more than our gratitude. We owe them action. We owe them a paycheck for their service.

Congress must fund DHS and bring this shutdown to an end so that our first responders and our Federal law enforcement officials can refocus on the very real public threats we face.

The American people deserve and the American people demand the Democrats end this political theater and that Democrats step up and join Republicans in fully funding the Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of First Baptist Church Mendenhall. Founded in 1901, First Baptist has been a beacon of light since the newly formed town of Mendenhall incorporated. Local churches across Mississippi have played a key role in the history of our state. Church is where people go to find peace, worship, and seek the Lord. I am thankful that the 3rd Congressional District of Mississippi is full of churches and runs right through the buckle of the Bible Belt.

I thank Pastor Joe Wiggins, who has faithfully led his congregation the last two years. I am honored for the opportunity to celebrate with the members of First Baptist Church Mendenhall, as they celebrate this momentous occasion and I wish them much success in ministry for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate some of the accomplishments of one of the most successful Mississippi student athletes of our time, Mr. Jordan Anthony of Tylertown, Mississippi. Jordan Anthony is a 2022 graduate of Tylertown High School. His collegiate accolades reached great heights while running at the University of Arkansas, where he was recognized as the top student athlete in American collegiate track and field and won the 2025 Bowerman Award, the highest national award for Track and Field. Some of Jordan's other accomplishments include: 2021 Outdoor Nike 100m National Champion; 2021 Adidas Boston Boost High School Games 100m National Champion; 2022 Indoor Nike National 60m and 200m Champion; 2022 Outdoor USA Track and Field under 20 200m Champion; and 2021 to 2022 Gatorade Mississippi Player of the Year. Jordan also holds collegiate records for the 60m (6.47s) and 100 (9.75s) dashes, making him the 9th fastest runner in the world.

After winning the 2025 national championship, Jordan announced that he was officially turning pro in track and field. He is considered a top contender for Team USA in the future Olympic games.

Jordan Anthony has exemplified the highest standards of excellence and earned the respect and admiration of his peers, colleagues, and the broader community. He has brought honor and distinction to Tylertown, Walthall County, and the entire State of Mississippi. I am honored to recognize his accomplishments and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of Girl Scout Camps and the impact they have on young women and to honor Camp Wahi, in my hometown of Brandon, Mississippi, for celebrating 75 years of sisterhood, tradition, and shared memories.

Camp Wahi in Brandon was originally funded and built from proceeds from local Girl Scout cookie sales. From its land purchase in 1949 until today, the local council has set aside funds to maintain 156 acres.

This milestone highlights the lasting impact that Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi and Camp Wahi have made on the girls and young women who have and will continue to spend time at this loved place. I commend the volunteers whose leadership and commitment to instilling skills, confidence, and resourcefulness in campers has created a positive environment for generations of young women. I am proud to represent Camp Wahi in the U.S. House of Representatives and wish it much success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the U.S. Small Business Administration Mississippi District's Director Janita R. Stewart. Janita is retiring after 51 years of federal government service and 41 years with the U.S. Small Business Administration. With years of knowledge, experience, positive leadership, and devotion to the small business community, Janita will be greatly missed across Mississippi and the Small Business Administration. She was primarily responsible for supervising the activities of team members in the Mississippi District and Gulfport Branch Offices. In addition, since March 2025, Janita has served as the Acting District Director for the SBA Alabama District Office, overseeing the activities of the team members

in Birmingham. Under her leadership, Janita led the SBA Mississippi District Office and the Gulfport Branch Office during disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Janita has a keen understanding of working with people and building relationships and her passion will be missed. I am proud to have an opportunity to honor Janita's service to the state of Mississippi and our country, and I wish her the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of my friend Doug LaMalfa, whom I would refer to as the gentle giant.

Doug was known by all for his love of agriculture and the great outdoors. As chairman of the Western Caucus and as a California Republican, he was a rare breed on Capitol Hill. His time will always be remembered for his love of this great Republic, a government that he believed in, the Founding Fathers, and the principles of government of the

people, by the people, and for the people.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that there is a Scripture in the Old Testament that captures the impact that Doug had on the lives of his friends and colleagues. It is Proverbs 27:17. It says: ``As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.''

Doug made all those who knew him better people, and his impact will live on long after his passing. I know he will be missed by all, and my prayers are with his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, the Christmas story as recorded in Luke Chapter 2.

``And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.''

``And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

``And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.''

``And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the King. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 2025 MAIS 4A Division III State Champions, the Lamar School Raiders. This is the school's first football championship win since 2018, and is a direct reflection of the leadership the team has within its players and coaches and the support provided from the community. In the championship game, the team played well on both sides of the ball by starting with a 14-0 lead and continuing with two pick-sixes throughout the game. The team persevered throughout the game resulting in a 34 to 17 win over Brookhaven Academy. I congratulate the Lamar Raiders, their coaches, and the school community. I am honored to have their volunteer coach, Charlie Ballou, on my staff. Go Raiders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Tommy Tomlinson, a proud resident of Starkville, Mississippi. Tommy graduated from Starkville High School in 1971. In the fall of 1971, he began his freshman year at East Mississippi Community College, where he played for the Lions' Baseball team. After graduating with his associate's degree in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Banking and Finance from Mississippi State University in 1975. Tommy would later complete programs of study at commercial lending schools at the University of Oklahoma and Vanderbilt University, as well as the Mississippi School of Banking at the University of Mississippi, and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Tommy began his banking career in Meridian, Mississippi, at the former Merchants and Farmers Bank. In 1983, he returned to the Golden Triangle area, where he began working at the National Bank of Commerce, now known as Cadence Bank. He worked there for 28 years, serving as regional president, before joining Renasant Bank. Tommy served in various roles at Renasant, most recently as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Executive Vice President.

Tommy has also been deeply engaged in the Starkville community, where he and his family are members of First Baptist Church. His service record includes serving as Chairman of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Past President of the Starkville Rotary Club, Executive Board Member of the Mississippi State University Bulldog Club, and Board Member of the Create Foundation, as well as many other local service organizations.

In 2014, Tommy was inducted into the Starkville High School Alumni Hall of Fame and recognized as the 2023 Alumnus of the Year by East Mississippi Community College. He and his wife, Melita, have three daughters. Their oldest daughter, Dr. Kristen Fyke, is married to Rob Fyke, and they have three children, Henry, Noelle, and Mack. Their middle daughter, Laura Armstrong, is married to Dr. Clay Armstrong, and they have two children, Luke and Caroline. Their youngest daughter, Heather Skaggs, is married to Rev. Trey Skaggs, and they have three children, Jones, Will, and Anna Joy. Tommy Tomlinson has been a trusted leader, mentor, and advisor to many generations throughout the Starkville and Golden Triangle community. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Tommy's service to Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District and the state of Mississippi as a whole, and I wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of fellow Mississippian Wade Hampton Creekmore, Jr. Mr. Creekmore was a telecommunications pioneer and co-founder of Cellular South, Inc., which now operates under the brand name C Spire.

Mr. Creekmore's leadership and career is considered one of the most admired and impactful in Mississippi. Starting with his father's purchase of a small independent telephone company in Calhoun County in the late 1940s, Mr. Creekmore expanded the family's telecommunications career into one that, this year alone, was awarded America's Most Admired Workplaces.

Mr. Creekmore was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and graduated from Central High School in 1952. After high school, Mr. Creekmore earned a business degree from the University of Mississippi in 1956. Mr. Creekmore then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he became an officer, serving on the Underwater Demolition Team, which is known today as the Navy SEALs. As a frogman, he was among the earliest combat divers in U.S. military history.

In 1960, Mr. Creekmore resigned his commission to work for the Franklin Telephone Company. He was a manager and an officer, serving in these roles until his passing. Wanting to further his education and prepare for the future, Mr. Creekmore enrolled in law school at the University of Mississippi and graduated in 1967. Upon his graduation, Mr. Creekmore, his wife Betsy, and their daughters moved to Meadville, where he started a law practice before moving permanently to Jackson.

After years of building out their telephone business across Mississippi, the Creekmores and other members of the family invested in wireless communications. After acquiring a wireless license in 1986, Cellular South was born in 1988. The Creekmores started with nine employees and three towers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The first call was made by none other than the legendary Archie Manning. Growing to the largest privately-owned wireless provider in the Nation with a headquarters in Ridgeland, Mississippi, the Creekmores were among the first to work with wireless communications in the United States. In 2011, that same innovative company was rebranded as C-Spire, reflecting the full-service telecommunications and technology provider the company has become.

While Mr. Creekmore's telephone company was a priority, he also had a deep commitment to his community. He founded the Southwest Mississippi Chess Foundation and the Franklin Chess Center, based in Meadville, Mississippi.

He also had a passion for sports, swimming across the Mississippi River, competing in road races, participating in the Senior Olympics, and taking part in triathlons.

In his later years, on family property in Warren County with nothing but a shovel and commitment, he single-handedly planted several thousand oak trees to make the world better and more beautiful for future generations.

He was a deeply loved and respected husband and a gentle, caring rock of a father who had a watchful, unwavering, abiding love for his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also a good friend to man's best friend.

While clearly a man among men throughout his life, Mr. Creekmore's selfless countenance displayed a steadfast expression of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to all who knew him well. Though humbly unaware, he produced a bounty of such fruit not for his name, but to exalt the precious name of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mr. Creekmore and his family have been dedicated members of Jackson's First Presbyterian Church for many years.

Mr. Creekmore will be greatly missed not just by his family but by his entire community. His impact will be felt for generations, and it is my honor to remember his life and commitment here in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1327) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a threat assessment of terrorist threats to the United States posed by individuals in Syria with an affiliation with a Foreign Terrorist Organization or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization, 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 H.R. 1327.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1327, the Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act.

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment of the threats posed to the United States by individuals in Syria affiliated with a foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated global terrorist group.

Syria suffered under the Assad regime for decades and Assad allowed Syria to be used as a hub of terrorist activity. While the Assad regime may no longer be in place, that does not mean that those terror networks have dispersed. This bill ensures that DHS and lawmakers are fully informed regarding terrorist threats to the United States that are still present in Syria.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Luttrell).

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

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1327, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1736) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct annual assessments on terrorism threats to the United States posed by terrorist organizations utilizing generative artificial intelligence applications, 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 to include extraneous material.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1736, the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act. The bill before us today requires DHS to conduct annual assessments on the use of generative AI by foreign terrorist organizations and expands information sharing to address AI- related threats.

We know that terrorist groups, including ISIS and al-Qaida, have already used generative AI in sophisticated ways, producing propaganda to spur online recruitment and radicalization efforts. This technology poses new and heightened risks to our homeland security.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger).

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

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1736, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2259) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the development of a national strategy to secure elementary and secondary schools against acts of terrorism, and ensure domestic preparedness for and the response to terrorism, 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 H.R. 2259.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2259, the National Strategy for School Security Act. Despite rising attacks against our Nation's schools, there is currently no comprehensive Federal strategy to protect schools from acts of terror.

This bill closes this dangerous gap, requiring DHS to produce a school security strategy that identifies and works to mitigate vulnerabilities. In doing so, our schools will no longer be soft targets.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bill and to protect our children. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Tony Gonzales).

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

Mr. Speaker, as a Representative of a school that was once subject to an act of violence, I fully support this legislation, and I thank Representative Gonzales for his introduction of H.R. 2259.

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