Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3965) to establish in U.S. Customs and Border Protection a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs, and for other purposes.

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. 3965.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3965, the Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act, or the PEARL Act.

As the men and women of the United States Customs and Border Protection work under incredibly stressful conditions to protect our borders, providing a mechanism to boost their well-being will improve the mental health of our frontline officers and agents.

This legislation would enhance CBP's Support Canine Program by creating a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to serve as therapy dogs for CBP officers and agents.

I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Tony Gonzales) for his leadership on this legislation, and 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 urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3965, the PEARL Act.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4070) to require a homeland security border threat assessment on Tren de Aragua and associated strategic plan, and for other purposes.

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. 4070.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4070, the Tren de Aragua Border Security Threat Assessment Act.

Tren de Aragua, a gang formed in a Venezuelan prison, has expanded its reach throughout the United States. Designated by the Trump administration as a foreign terrorist organization, Tren de Aragua members have been responsible for kidnapping and extorting businesses throughout the United States.

This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a border threat assessment on Tren de Aragua and develop a strategic plan to counter the threats identified in the assessment.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill, and I am grateful to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Knott) for bringing forth this important piece of legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Knott).

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4070. This legislation is an important first step in combating an FTO, foreign terrorist organization, that has embedded itself in our community. We see firsthand stories of the violent crimes that these organizations are associated with: robbery, kidnapping, assault, and murder.

I thank Mr. Knott for introducing this legislation. I wholeheartedly support this legislation. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to please support this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4071) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in foreign countries, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 4071.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025.

Mr. Speaker, United States Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations agents play a critical role in the homeland security mission. Every day AMO agents conduct border operations to detect and disrupt human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and to stop other dangerous and illicit contraband before it reaches our shore.

The impact of the incredible work of the men and women of CBP's Air and Marine Operations is undeniable.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of more than 500,000 pounds of illegal narcotics. I will say that again: One-half million pounds of potential deadly contraband were interdicted. That contraband will never make it into our communities or into the hands of our children.

However, as transnational criminal organizations continue to become more aggressive, they continue to try to extend their reach into the United States, and we must be prepared to meet this evolving threat. Strengthening international cooperation with our partners, such as those in the Western Hemisphere, is an essential first step to combating drug trafficking and human smuggling in addition to supporting other law enforcement missions.

This legislation authorizes AMO and other designated CBP personnel to continue and to expand these successful bilateral agreements by providing training, sharing information, and conducting joint operations that will increase interdictions and enhance regional security as it saves lives and it strengthens our defense and makes America safer.

By bolstering AMO's ability to work with our foreign partners, my bill will help stem the flow of illegal narcotics and ensure that criminals are intercepted before they reach our shores, and we will protect our homeland from those who seek to cause us harm.

I would like to thank Representative Pou for joining me on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation which will enhance CBP's Air and Marine Operations capability as they work to keep our Nation secure and the American people safe.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I am prepared to close after the gentleman from New York, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the great work that we saw the men and women of AMO perform this year, I would like to give this body some of the statistics from FY24.

In fiscal year '24, we see that AMO's actions resulted in the arrest of 1,009 individuals; that there were 48,609 apprehensions of illegal aliens, as well as the seizure or disruption of 244,781 pounds of cocaine, 2,235 pounds of fentanyl, 3,061 pounds of methamphetamine, the seizure of 1,499 weapons, and also the seizure of $12.5 million in United States currency.

Mr. Speaker, the previous legislation that we just debated and passed the House talked about violent gangs, FTOs as they are often called. The last legislation introduced by Mr. Knott talked about Tren de Aragua, and we see that Tren de Aragua has become embedded in our communities. They are involved in violent crimes like robbery, assault, and murder. They are involved in human trafficking, and they are involved in narcotics trafficking.

So, Mr. Speaker, I believe that this legislation goes hand in hand with the previous legislation that this body just took up and passed. It is an important step as we continue to remain vigilant and as we continue to do what the American people elected us to do.

They elected us to keep them safe. They elected us to make sure that the communities in which they live are great places to live, worship, and to raise a family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 4071, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4058) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance outreach for the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Grant Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 4058.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4058, the Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act, with the understanding that FEMA's preparedness grants for States, localities, urban areas, and Tribal and territorial governments are vital to strengthening the security of this great Nation.

This legislation will require FEMA to engage with and to support relevant stakeholders prior to, during, and after the awarding of such grants.

I support this effort to increase outreach, and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close after the gentleman from New York closes.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Goldman) for his work on this piece of legislation, and I also want to recognize the support of a former colleague and the former chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Mark Green.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 4058, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of small-town business owners and the impact they have on local communities and to honor the Bailey family and their locally-run Telephone business.

In 1945, newlyweds William D. ``Bill'' Bailey and Louise Robinson Bailey returned to Bill's hometown of Decatur and purchased the Decatur Telephone Company. For eighty years Decatur Telephone Company has served the East Mississippi community with connectivity. They have gone from the original 7 individual phones in 1945 to laying fiber-optic cable today for a fully digitalized system privately owned in rural Mississippi. The Baileys have made a massive impact on their local community through their active participation in local groups, their church, and their support for their employees, Mr. Bailey passed away in 2015, and Mrs. Bailey continued in daily assistance of the operation of the company until her passing in 2018.

Today, their daughter Dr. Esther Bailey Smith keeps the Decatur Telephone Company

tradition of service alive. Her dedication to the family legacy ensures continued service for many years to come. I am proud to represent Decatur Telephone Company in my Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Mr. Jimmy Alexander of Meridian, Mississippi. Jimmy and his wife, Ann, spent their life together investing in their family and the conununity of Meridian. As a member of Northcrest Baptist Church since 1986, Jimmy dedicated much of his life to service within the church and the community. He was a leader, mentor, and family man who spent his life serving others.

Jimmy will be most remembered for his contributions as a founding member of The Partnership, which later became the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, and service on boards of the Meridian Community College Foundation, the Associated Builders & Contractors, the State of Mississippi District Workforce Council, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and the State of Mississippi Job Training Coordinating Council.

Jimmy's contributions did not go unnoticed. He was honored with the Ernst and Young Entrepreneurial Award, the Hartley Peavey Award, and numerous other business accolades over the years. For Jimmy, however, the true measure of success was in the opportunities he created for others including his family, employees whom he considered his family, and the communities that grew stronger because of his vision.

Jimmy's legacy is best summarized in the business he poured his life and soul into. In 1974, alongside his business partner, Henry Burns, he founded A&B Electric Company Inc. It began as a small venture and grew into a remarkable legacy. Through Jimmy's tireless work ethic, steady leadership, and genuine relationships, A&B Electric became the catalyst for the creation of fifteen additional companies in the fields of manufacturing, mechanical, communications, and development. Over the decades, these businesses have collectively employed more than 1,200 people across the Southeast.

Jimmy was a man who believed in doing things the right way--by earning trust, keeping his word, and leading with humility. His legacy lives on in the companies he created, the countless lives he touched, and the family who will carry his memory forward with pride and love. I am honored to memorialize his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Mrs. Kathy Chester Luke of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Mrs. Luke spent most of her life living in Philadelphia with her husband, Bob Luke, and always considered it home. Kathy was a devoted teacher who poured patience, encouragement, and a belief that the children she encountered would help shape a better future for their families and communities into every student who entered the doors of her classroom. The love Kathy showed to her students was a small glimpse into the selfless matriarch her family remembers her to be. Nothing brought Kathy more joy than seeing all her family gathered in one room. She loved to decorate for the holidays, travel with her husband, and play mahjong weekly with her friends.

Kathy's time as an educator impacted countless lives as she served as a selfless pillar of strength to her students and coworkers. Her life and legacy are forever marked with generosity, wisdom, and a deep love for others. I am honored to remember her legacy here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of William E. ``Bill'' Ballou. Bill was dedicated to sharing the Gospel and will be remembered for his love of family and his service to his ``Heavenly Father.''

Bill was born April 8, 1939, in Sterling, Texas, and he later attended Baylor University where he met his wife, Avonnell Bolton. God blessed Bill and Avonnell with 52 years of marriage--a marriage that was focused on Christ and their family of two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Bill was a devoted Baylor alumni and sought to give back to the University that not only gave him an education but also brought Avonnell into his life. Bill served as a lifetime member of the Baylor Alumni Association, was a former member of the Baylor Development Council, and endowed a scholarship in a memory of Avonnell at the School of Education.

Bill will always be remembered for his dedication to sharing the message of salvation through Christ. Bill served Christ passionately with his lifetime of service in churches in Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia. Bill also served in leadership positions in multiple Baptist Associations and led revivals as far away as New Zealand.

One of Bill's favorite passages to use when sharing the gospel was John 14:6: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Bill left a strong, Godly heritage to those who will walk this Earth after him. I am honored to remember his lifetime of service, and I am thankful for the incredible family he leaves to carry on his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Phillip Douglas Morgan of Flora, Mississippi. Phillip Morgan was a Mississippian through and through who gave back to his community and loved his family. Meeting people was a passion of Phillip's, and he never met a stranger. Phillip grew up in rural Mississippi and was a graduate of Mississippi schools. He studied accounting at the University of Southern Mississippi and had a 10-year career as an accountant. Hired by Southern Ag Credit to work as their Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Phillip worked his way to CEO in 2020. He took his skills and passion of people and saw the Southern Ag Credit team as his extended family.

Phillip was a family man who spent time with his wife Christy and his two daughters at their hunting club, cheered his daughters on in horse shows and cheer camps, and also enjoyed vacationing with extended family.

With a passion for fostering rescue horses, Phillip worked closely with the MS Horse Rescue. His support for the Dixie National Rodeo, Ducks Unlimited, and Heart of the Horse were passion projects of his. Phillip will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Southern Ag Credit family. I was honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside him through the years. His dedication to the Ag industry will continue through his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Jody Mike Smith, the former Director of Human Resources for the Mississippi National Guard. Colonel Smith served as the primary staff advisor to the Adjutant General. He has also been recognized as a Bronze Star recipient, awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Smith was the Deputy Commander of the 66th Troop Command. Under his leadership, he led a team to respond to domestic emergencies within Mississippi and the Southeastern United States.

Colonel Smith also served as the Director of Military Support and State J3 for the Mississippi National Guard, coordinating the Guard's domestic response to natural disasters, civil disturbances, and pandemics. His military service began after commissioning through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Mississippi State University. He has held numerous command and staff positions across multiple unit levels, serving both in traditional and full-time National Guard status. He has been invaluable in his years of distinguished service.

During combat operations in Iraq from 2004 to 2006, Colonel Smith served with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, where he coordinated the training and equipping of Iraqi Security Forces in the brigade's area of operations.

I thank Colonel Smith for his dedication to Mississippi and for his years of service. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my former Policy Director, Elizabeth Joseph, for her service to the people of the Third Congressional District of Mississippi. Elizabeth joined my office with an impressive resume, having worked for Senator Thad Cochran and Congressman Gregg Harper. Elizabeth started with me when I was sworn into office in January 2019 and brought a wealth of knowledge that helped lay a solid foundation for my office.

A native of Clinton, Mississippi, Elizabeth earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi and was inducted into the Ole Miss Hall of Fame in 2010. Elizabeth also completed her Masters of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, researching the power of social media for members of Congress. Her impressive research was published through the Congressional Research Service.

Elizabeth helped build a legislative team in my office that makes Mississippi a priority every day. Elizabeth's knowledge of healthcare and defense issues, among others, has been recognized throughout her career. While serving on my team, Elizabeth was presented with the prestigious Patrick Henry Award from the National Guard Association of the United States. Elizabeth's dedication to our national defense has been instrumental to Mississippi and our Nation.

Elizabeth led sessions each year throughout the Third Congressional District with local leaders and elected officials. These sessions helped to build both relationships with the communities we serve and a greater understanding of the appropriations process, which has resulted in a high acceptance rate for community project funding requests submitted by my constituents.

I am honored to have had Elizabeth Joseph on my staff these last 6.5 years. My team and I will greatly miss her smile, expertise, and dedication to Mississippi. Elizabeth will continue her service to the United States Congress at the Senate Appropriations Committee's Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. This is a huge honor for her and for the state of Mississippi. I thank Elizabeth for her dedication to my team, for laying a great foundation, and for always supporting fellow Mississippians. I am thankful to have had so many great years with her on my team. I wish Elizabeth the best in her new role.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my former Legislative Aide, Isabelle Boyd, for her service to the people of the Third Congressional District of Mississippi. Isabelle joined my office in the summer of 2023, and was able to build out an impressive, communications program to keep my constituents abreast of important happenings in Washington, D.C., and across Mississippi. Isabelle ran our intern program which gave young people interested in government an opportunity to learn about the legislative process and gain valuable professional experience on Capitol Hill. Isabelle was also an integral part of our legislative team working on pro-life and pro-family policies, as well as religious liberty, arts and humanities, and disabilities.

I am honored to have had Isabelle Boyd in my office for the last two years. She has been an invaluable part of my team. I thank Isabelle for her service to the state of Mississippi. We wish her all the best in law school and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember one of Meridian's finest in the world of local news: John Johnson. John Johnson was one of the first African-American news directors in Mississippi and the Southeast. He served as the anchorman and news director at WTOK-TV for many years. His dedication to his community showed in how he built up the next generation of local news anchors across his 32 years of service. His impact on many careers can be seen in the life of the community and the growth of WTOK. John Johnson will be remembered throughout Meridian and Mississippi for his dedication to leadership and service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember one of Mississippi's longstanding members of the Mississippi State Board of Mental Health, Dr. Sampat Shivangi. As a pioneering Indian-American physician, community leader, and advocate, Dr. Shivangi exemplifies resilience, vision, and an enduring legacy of dedication to healthcare. Over the course of his career, he was defined by a commitment to medicine, public health, and Indo-U.S. relations. His career was defined by a commitment to both medicine and public service.

Born in Athani, Karnataka, India, Dr. Shivangi's humble beginnings gave him a unique voice to those in the medical world who sought his expertise. He earned his MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and later his MD and DGO from Karnataka Medical College, Hubli. In 1976, he immigrated to the United States. During his time in the United States, he established himself as a prominent physician and a leader within the Indian-American community rising to serve as an advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2005 to 2008, where he advocated for healthcare policies that benefited marginalized communities.

For his work across the world and my home state of Mississippi, Dr. Shivangi has been honored with various awards. He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Sanman Award, and was named the Indian American Republican Committee Person of the Year for his political and community leadership in 2017. Additionally, as the past president-elect of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, he helped shape the trajectory of Indian-American healthcare advocacy in the United States.

Dr. Shivangi was committed to serving the people around him and was instrumental in charitable giving to promote quality healthcare. He created the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Charitable Foundation to establish, promote, and provide the needy with opportunities to access quality education, promote mental health awareness, ensure healthcare equity, support tribal communities in their holistic development, empower women to break barriers, and leverage sports as a catalyst for positive change.

His philanthropic vision took concrete form with the inauguration of the Dr. Sampatkumar S. Shivangi Cancer Hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka. This hospital stands as a testament to Dr. Shivangi's unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved regions. Even in the final months of his life, Dr. Shivangi remained active in both India and the United States. On January 10, 2025, he participated in the naming ceremony of an English-medium school called Dr. Sampatkumar Sidramappa Shivangi--Athani Vidyavardhak Sounsthe, demonstrating his dedication to advancing education in his birthplace.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to know Dr. Shivangi and to have the opportunity to recognize his commitment to the medical profession, mental health in Mississippi, and the betterment of people across the United States and India. Dr. Shivangi will be missed, and his contributions will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1692, the Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act, which I am proud to have introduced along with Congressman Shri Thanedar.

The Department of Homeland Security has a constantly evolving mission. To meet those threats, the Department was previously granted the authority to enter into other transactional agreements, commonly known as OTAs.

These legally binding agreements allowed the Department to engage with nontraditional contractors that would not normally do business with the Federal Government. This includes small business innovators, public universities, and other cutting-edge technological incubators that help meet the research and development needs of the Department of Homeland Security.

These entities have produced technology that serves as a force multiplier to our Border Patrol agents and include technology that assists agents in cargo and vehicle screening that can detect illegal substances attempting to be smuggled into the United States.

The applicability and usefulness of this authority has been demonstrated recently in my home State of Mississippi, as the University of Southern Mississippi played a leading role in developing sensors for unmanned vehicles for use by both DHS and the United States Coast Guard. Unfortunately, this was allowed to expire on September 30, 2024.

My bill would reauthorize and extend the program's OTA authority by 3 years, to 2028, while also providing additional safeguards for the American taxpayer.

The bill would also require advanced notification to Congress should the authority be used in advancement of artificial intelligence technology. Given the rapid advancement in AI, it is critical that Congress remain informed and aware of how Federal agencies are utilizing AI to advance their mission.

To ensure greater transparency, the safeguards in this bill would require DHS to report on its website any contract in excess of $1 million, reducing the amount that was previously required to be reported from $4 million to $1 million.

As we look to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, this legislation has increased transparency requirements to ensure maximum accountability to the American people.

Again, I thank Mr. Thanedar for his work on this important legislation, and I appreciate Chairman Green and the committee staff for their work on this issue. I urge all Members to support H.R. 1692.