Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Bob Naerebout has committed his life's work to the dairy industry. In fact, there is no job in dairy that Bob has not had the opportunity to perform, which makes his worth to Idaho and its agriculture sector irreplaceable. That is why it is bittersweet to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the Idaho Dairymen's Association.

When Bob came to Twin Falls with his family in the early 2000's, Idaho had a strong dairy industry. Fast forward more than twenty years and Idaho is a leader in the dairy industry, consistently ranking in the top three states for milk production. I will take that a step further and confidently say that the congressional district I represent is the number one dairy producing district in the country. Bob just so happens to be a constituent.

If you know Bob, you know that his passion in life is helping lift up others in his community and beyond. This is where his professional and personal life have intersected to help advance common sense immigration reform. Bob has brought together agriculture, law enforcement, faith- based organizations, non-profits, and more to create serious momentum around farm labor reforms on a national level. Without Bob Naerebout, none of the progress our Nation has made on this issue would be possible.

I know this great work will continue because like any good retiring dairy farmer, Bob created a succession plan and leaves the organization in the capable hands of his son Rick.

I am honored to recognize Bob and wish him the best in his retirement. I know that I will see him and his wife Doris in their RV as they traverse the country visiting all the friends they have made over the years. I wish safe travels to my friend. It has been an honor to work with him.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2001, the Action for Dental Health Act.

This bill reauthorizes grants to State and local organizations to address dental workforce needs and improve access to care for patients.

Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA, these grants play a vital role in supporting programs that provide oral healthcare to vulnerable and underserved populations, especially children, seniors, and those living in rural areas.

Since it was first implemented, the Action for Dental Health Act has delivered meaningful results. It has enhanced dental services for hardworking American families, strengthened the dental safety net, and brought disease prevention and education programs directly into communities that have been overlooked for far too long.

It has also increased awareness of the importance of oral health to overall health. This is why this reauthorization is so critical.

Congress still has a lot more work to do, especially with dental workforce shortages and the alarming number of adults and children suffering from untreated dental diseases.

According to the American Dental Association, 9 out of 10 dentists report difficulties in recruiting dental hygienists and assistants, a challenge that is particularly difficult in rural areas. As a result, many dental practices are overwhelmed by trying to see their patients in a timely manner.

As a former dentist in my hometown of Blackfoot, Idaho, I have seen firsthand the value of good oral health and the consequences of neglect. For people who don't have access to dental care, oral health disease is almost 100 percent inevitable. In fact, it is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the United States.

The more dentists can provide patients with an early diagnosis, the better off these patients and our healthcare system will be.

As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am in a fortunate position to have the ability to impact the oral health initiatives that deserve to be prioritized.

That is why I thank my colleague from Illinois, Congresswoman Kelly, for her continued leadership on this issue. I was proud to partner with her in 2018 when the Action for Dental Health Act was first passed, and I am pleased to see the House of Representatives working again in a bipartisan fashion to consider this reauthorization.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to getting this important bill across the finish line and sent to the President's desk, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Jim Risch, to recognize the 125th anniversary of Idaho State University, an institution that embodies the best of the American promise: that through hard work, discipline, and opportunity, individuals can improve their lives and strengthen their communities. For 125 years, Idaho State University (ISU), has educated generations of Idahoans, meeting the needs of a growing state and preparing students for lives of purpose, responsibility and contribution.

From its home in Pocatello, Idaho State University operates as a statewide institution, with a meaningful presence in Idaho Falls, Meridian, Twin Falls, Lewiston, and Coeur d'Alene. ISU meets students where they are and opens doors for those willing to work for something better. It serves first-generation students, working adults, and those balancing family, school, and career. It delivers an education that is practical, rigorous and tied directly to opportunity. It reflects a clear mission, steady leadership and a culture on delivering results.

Idaho State University is a partnership institution. It works closely with community colleges, with its sister universities, and with employers across Idaho to build pathways that lead to real outcomes. In health care, ISU helped bring Idaho's first medical school to its campus, and it continues to grow medical education through a strong public-private partnership with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. At the same time, the university expands medical residency programs and clinical training opportunities that help ensure physicians train in Idaho and choose to stay in Idaho. ISU educates nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants and other essential providers who serve communities across our state, especially in rural and underserved areas.

That same focus on service and outcomes drives the rest of the university. Idaho State University advances energy research and workforce development that supports Idaho's role in the Nation's secure energy future. It prepares teachers who educate Idaho's upcoming generation. It invests in the arts and humanities because strong communities require civic and cultural depth as well as economic strength. Across disciplines, ISU aligns its programs with the needs of Idaho and adapts with purpose to meet them.

Please join us in recognizing Idaho State University for 125 years of impact and in celebrating the work it continues to do on behalf of the people of Idaho and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend of over 40 years, Dirk Kempthorne, who passed away this weekend.

Dirk's public service stands as a model of dedication and integrity. From Mayor of Boise, to U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and the 49th Secretary of the Interior, he led with principle, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to Western values.

To me, he was never just ``Mr. Mayor,'' ``Senator Kempthorne,'' ``Governor,'' or ``Mr. Secretary.'' He was simply Dirk--a friend and someone who always put Idaho first. His wise counsel helped shape the principled conservative I strive to be, always reminding me that public service is about people, not politics. Together, we worked to deliver results for Idahoans on water rights, public lands, and smart conservation.

One effort especially close to our hearts was the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Dirk was a champion for species recovery. Even in his final battle with cancer, Dirk showed the same courage that defined his life of service.

I thank his wife, Patricia, and their children, Jeff and Heather, for sharing him with Idaho and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker. Dirk will be so missed, and I am very grateful for the years of friendship. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great Idahoan.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to begin consideration of H.R. 6938 today, which includes the fiscal year 2026 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

First, I commend Chairman Cole for his leadership over the Appropriations Committee and his continued support of the Interior bill. A lot of people don't realize how hard it is to get all these bills done. We had them all marked up through the committee by the end of September, on time. That is an amazing task by the chairman of this committee, and I thank him for his continued work on this.

I also thank Ranking Member Pingree for her partnership, as well as

Ranking Member DeLauro and the subcommittee members for their work on this bill.

The fiscal year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill provides $38.6 billion in total nondefense discretionary funding, reducing spending from fiscal year 2025 by $1.9 billion.

This legislation prioritizes critical needs and addresses specific concerns brought to my attention through more than 8,000 Member requests.

The bill invests $1.74 billion in 1,277 Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending projects. These projects will improve clean and drinking water infrastructure throughout this country.

This bill also fully funds all of our, what I call, must-pays, such as PILT payments--payments in lieu of taxes--to States and territories and payments to Tribes through Contract Support Costs and section 105(l) leases.

This bill eliminates waste and restores fiscal responsibility, prioritizes unleashing American energy, and protects public lands and access to those lands. It bolsters national security and public safety by reducing our reliance on foreign countries for energy and mineral resources and by increasing law enforcement funding for our land management agencies and for our Tribes.

It protects our communities, fully funding firefighter pay to support wildland firefighters and prevent catastrophic wildfires.

The bill prioritizes upholding our trust and treaty responsibilities with Tribal nations. I continue to say that I refuse to balance this budget on the backs of our Tribes, and I am proud that this bill does not do that. The bill increases support for public safety and justice through Indian Country and provides over $8 billion to the Indian Health Service for key healthcare programs, prioritizing Federal investment where it is needed.

We need to pass this bill that efficiently invests in our priorities, supports the programs our communities care about, and reduces the bureaucratic overreach of the prior administration. This bill does just that, and it makes sensible cuts across 28 bureaus and agencies and closing one agency that has completed its mission.

Thoughtful cuts were made to the Department of the Interior, resulting in a nearly 2 percent reduction in the top line. EPA is cut by nearly 4 percent.

Mr. Speaker, renewable energy is cut by $34 million, while providing targeted increases that preserve our Nation's natural heritage and ensure a sustainable and fiscally responsible future.

Passage of these bills will send a strong message that Congress is determined to return to regular order and deliver results for our districts.

Mr. Speaker, this bill works to ensure our priority programs receive funding without any poison pills. We had to make some tough decisions, but I am proud that this is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that both parties and Chambers see as a benefit to the American people. I urge its adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025.

This bill would reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Self- Determination Program (SRS) through Fiscal Year 2026 and provide lapsed payments for 2024 and 2025.

Administered by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management, SRS funding goes to counties to help maintain schools, infrastructure, and other essential community services for many rural counties that contain federal lands exempt from federal property taxes. The SRS program is certainly a critical program for my home state of Idaho. Nearly two-thirds of Idaho is public land, which means a vast majority of rural counties throughout the state depend on this funding. In fact, Idaho ranks third nationally in SRS funding, behind only Oregon and California.

I want to thank my colleagues, especially Representative LaMalfa from California and Representative Fulcher from Idaho, for working diligently to get this bill across the finish line. I am also grateful to Speaker Johnson, House Leadership, and my colleagues for supporting this bill.

As a long-time supporter of the SRS program, and a cosponsor of the House bill, I look forward to seeing this lifeline benefit local communities throughout Idaho.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of one of Idaho's most distinguished public servants, my dear friend of over 40 years, Dirk Kempthorne.

Dirk's career has been a testament to selfless dedication, from the halls of local government to the highest echelons of national service. Born in San Diego, California, in 1951, Dirk graduated from the University of Idaho in 1975 with a degree in political science, where he served as Student Body President, a fitting prelude to a lifetime of leadership. He began his public service as Mayor of Boise from 1985 to 1993, guiding our capital city through a period of remarkable growth and economic vitality. From there, he ascended to the United States Senate, representing Idaho from 1993 to 1999 with a steady hand and unyielding commitment to Western values. Elected Governor in 1998 and reelected in 2002, Dirk served until 2006, championing fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Capping his tenure in elective office, he was confirmed as the 49th Secretary of the Interior under President George W. Bush, where he balanced conservation with economic opportunity across our vast public lands.

But to me, Mr. Speaker, Dirk has never been just ``Mr. Mayor,'' ``Senator Kempthorne,'' ``Governor,'' or ``Mr. Secretary.'' He is simply Dirk--a loyal confidant, a steadfast ally, and a friend I was lucky to meet in the arena of Idaho politics more than four decades ago. We met in the mid-1980's, as I began my service in the Idaho State Legislature and Dirk launched his mayoral campaign. From those early days, our friendship deepened through shared battles and bipartisan collaborations on behalf of Idahoans. Dirk's endorsement and unwavering support were instrumental in my own 1998 campaign for this House seat, a debt of gratitude I carry to this day. He didn't just help get me elected; he helped shape the principled conservative I strive to be, always reminding me that public service is about people, not politics.

Mr. Speaker, our professional paths intertwined time and again, yielding results that strengthened Idaho and the West. As Mayor, Dirk and I worked together to tackle local challenges. When Dirk became Governor, I had the honor of being elected to represent Idaho's 2nd Congressional District. Together with the Idaho Delegation, we built a productive relationship with the State of Idaho, delivering federal results for Idahoans across the state.

I appreciated the priorities Dirk established while serving as Secretary of the Interior, and when I was Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment. Although Republicans did not have the majority in the House, I had the honor of working with Dirk to advance priorities vital to Idaho. From working on the Endangered Species Act to protect property rights while safeguarding habitats, addressing water rights and tribal sovereignty, and promoting multiple-use policies for our public lands, Dirk's leadership ensured that federal policies respected the unique needs of the West.

Among these efforts, one stands out that holds a place closer to our hearts--that is, the Peregrine Fund and its World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Dirk has been its tireless advocate for this Center, just as he was during his time in public service. The Peregrine Fund has pioneered species recovery efforts, including the delisting of the peregrine falcon from the endangered list. I was proud to secure federal funding for the Center's vital work, and even prouder to do so alongside a friend who supported these efforts.

Through it all, Dirk has remained one of Idaho's fiercest champions. Even now, as he faces a personal battle with cancer with the same determination that defined his public life, Dirk continues to inspire us all. His story reminds us that true leadership endures beyond the ballot box, rooted in faith, family, and dedication.

I am grateful for Dirk's decades of service to our state and Nation, as well as his friendship all these years. I extend my deepest admiration and gratitude to Patricia, his wife, as she has also sacrificed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and honoring Dirk Kempthorne for his decades of service, loyalty, and the lasting impact he has had on Idaho and America. May Dirk's legacy soar as high as the raptors he has so nobly protected.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my longtime employee, Amy Sorensen, as she prepares to retire at the end of August.

I have often said that a really good staff makes a decent Member of Congress--and throughout my time in office, I've been fortunate to have outstanding individuals like Amy by my side.

Amy began working in my Idaho Falls office on the very first day we opened our doors. From that day forward, she has been a steady, dedicated presence--not only for me and my team but for the people of Idaho.

Many people do not recognize what congressional offices can do for them, but with Amy's presence in Idaho, she worked tirelessly to help Idahoans where she could and serve their needs. One of the things I'm most proud of during my time in Congress is the high level of service we've provided to Idahoans--and Amy played a key role in making that happen.

Federal government agencies are often difficult and complex to navigate. However, Amy's ability to cut through the red tape made her an invaluable resource and help to many throughout the state.

Amy was also a great team builder. She created the Simpson Staff Spotlight. It is a fun survey that highlights a staff member or intern, so we all get to know each other better--something everyone on the team enjoys receiving.

From helping tens of thousands of Idahoans navigate complex federal issues to personally attending meetings and events across the district to supporting veterans, Amy has been far more than an asset--she has been family.

Mr. Speaker, I am excited for Amy as she enters the next chapter in her life and am extremely grateful to her husband, and former staff member, Josh, for sharing Amy with us for all these years. I also want to recognize Josh and Amy's incredible children; Sam, Sydney, Jane, Henry, and Lucy. They were all born while Amy worked for me, and it has been a great joy to watch them grow up.

I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and honoring Amy Sorensen for her decades of outstanding public service to the people of Idaho and this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my longtime employee, Julie Tensen.

I have often said that a really good staff makes a decent Member of Congress look great--and I have the best staff. I've been fortunate to have outstanding individuals like Julie by my side.

Julie started working for me early in my career. She's had many roles since the beginning, including Education Outreach Coordinator, where she teamed up with the Lee Pesky Learning Center to create a program aimed at helping new mothers read to their babies and create healthy habits that we know are so important in today's tech world. I can honestly say that Julie was ahead of her time and got me involved in this important initiative back in 2002.

A Congressman's schedule is crazy at best. You have your Washington schedule full of hearings, votes, and thousands of meetings, and then you have the district schedule that consists of tours, site visits, office meetings, and so much more. Meeting with your constituents in their environment and the logistics that go with it are even more complicated. I could always count on Julie to dot every `i' and cross every `t'.

People may also be unaware that every member of Congress receives an MRA, or a Member's Representational Allowance. This is your budget for running all of your offices. This includes staff salaries, rent, office supplies, computer equipment, subscriptions, travel expenses, and all other items that are purchased to run a congressional office. Julie was my Budget Director, overseeing the entire budget--a huge responsibility that she handled for me. Like everything that Julie did, she did well, and I never had to worry about a thing.

From helping tens of thousands of Idahoans navigate complex federal issues to managing my entire state schedule, to personally attending meetings and events representing me, Julie has been far more than an asset--she has been family.

As she enters retirement, Julie will enjoy some well-deserved time with her husband, and their children, Kris and Cole Anderson, Brad Tensen, Hannah Purdy, and their grandchildren, Max, Jacq, and Maggie.

I will miss Julie, the rest of my staff will miss Julie, and so will the Idahoans that she so faithfully served for the last two decades.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere gratitude to Julie's husband, John, for sharing his amazing wife with Team Simpson for all these years. And I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and honoring Julie Tensen for her decades of outstanding public service to the people of Idaho and this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize my long-time employee, Linda Culver, as she prepares to retire at the end of June.

I've often said that a really good staff makes a decent Member of Congress--and throughout my time in office, I've been fortunate to have outstanding individuals like Linda by my side.

Linda began working in my Twin Falls office on the very first day we opened our doors. From that day forward, she has been a steady, dedicated presence--not only for me and my team but for the people of Idaho.

Many people do not recognize what congressional offices can do for them, but with Linda's presence in Idaho, she worked tirelessly to help Idahoans where she could and serve their needs. Linda trained under one of the best caseworkers in Idaho and not only carried on that legacy but enhanced it. She

never cut corners when it came to constituent service.

As my Casework Director, she instilled the same standard across my team. One of the things I'm most proud of during my time in Congress is the high level of service we've provided to Idahoans--and Linda played a key role in making that happen. Federal government agencies are often difficult and complex to navigate. However, Linda's ability to cut through the red tape made her an invaluable resource and help to many.

Linda's public service did not stop at casework. She created mobile district office hours so Idahoans--especially those living in small, rural areas--could meet with my staff, ask questions, and find out how we can help when problems arise.

She also created an event known as the ``Funders Fair,'' a one-stop shop where federal agencies and organizations came together to help Idahoans learn about and apply for available grants.

Additionally, Linda has remained actively involved with Idaho's military and veterans. She took it upon herself to create Service Academy Days for the entire Idaho Delegation--an event for Idaho's high school students to learn about our Nation's military academies. This tradition has lasted for nearly 30 years. She also put together the Veterans History Project, a Library of Congress project that collects, preserves and makes accessible firsthand the recollections of veterans who served during World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

From helping tens of thousands of Idahoans navigate complex federal issues to personally attending meetings and events across the district to supporting veterans, Linda has been far more than an asset--she has been family. As she enters retirement, Linda will enjoy some well- deserved time with her husband, their dogs Koda and Tessa, and their children and grandchildren.

I will miss Linda, the rest of my staff will miss Linda, and so will the Idahoans that she so faithfully served for the last two decades.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere gratitude to Linda's husband, Brent, for sharing his amazing wife with Team Simpson for all these years. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and honoring Linda Culver for her decades of outstanding public service to the people of Idaho and this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Military Appreciation Month. Throughout the month of May, Americans nationwide acknowledge and honor the dedication of the brave men and women who have served this Nation.

Idaho is home to over 115,000 veterans and 8,700 service members. I am deeply grateful for the heroes who protect our freedom and am proud to support our military families and veterans in our great state.

Military Appreciation Month can be honored in various ways, such as through parades, tributes, flying the American flag, or simply expressing gratitude to veterans for their sacrifices. Regardless of how Americans choose to observe this important month, we stand united in our deep appreciation for our servicemembers, veterans, and their families for their sacrifices.

Chobani, an American food company that has its main manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, is honoring our military servicemembers through facilitating connections between Blue Star Families, Mountain Home Airforce Base, and Chobani military employees.

The collaborative efforts among these groups have strengthened military families, created new relationships, and better supported those who serve us.

Throughout the years, Chobani has done incredible work to support families in the Magic Valley and throughout our country. This month, Chobani has taken the initiative to empower military families in Idaho and nationwide, an effort that shows pride and support for our Nation.

America would not be what it is today without those who risked their lives for the greater good. Our service members and their families have sacrificed so much for our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, as we take time this month to recognize those who have served and continue to serve this great country, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chobani's military appreciation efforts. God bless our Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an important birthday being celebrated in Boise, Idaho. Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Mortensen turns 108 years of age on April 21, 2025.

Margaret was born in Deer Lodge, Montana on April 21, 1917. Her parents were John Matthew Briggeman and Gerena Wolfe Briggeman. Their family moved with the Wolfe family to Lemhi, Idaho about 1920.

Margaret attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Lemhi. She then attended Idaho State College in Pocatello, Idaho, first as a business major, then as a pharmacy major. Margaret graduated in 1938 as a pharmacist. She worked in Homedale, Idaho where she met Art Mortensen. She married Art Mortensen on June 25, 1941, in Nampa, Idaho. While still working as a pharmacist and wanting to help Art with his aircraft flying business, Margaret began taking courses to become certified as an aviation ground school instructor during WWII. Margaret taught aviation ground school to student pilots in Idaho and Oregon in 1942 and 1943, one of very few women in the Northwest to do so.

Margaret and Art had three children: Robert, Ann, and Perry. After the war, they owned and operated a drug store in Nampa, Idaho. Since the drug store was open six days a week, there was no vacation time. After three years they sold the drug store, and took a vacation for six months in Corpus Christi, Texas. The family lived in a 16 ft travel trailer on the beach. Margaret and Art returned to Idaho and bought a drug store in Parma. They operated that store for four years before selling it, and took the family to Fairbanks, Alaska in the 16 ft travel trailer for the summer of 1959. Next, they moved to San Jacinto, California and stayed for two years. Upon moving back to Idaho, they bought and operated a drug store in Meridian, in 1961. They sold that drug store and moved back to Parma. In 1968 Margaret and Art started the A-BAR-M Mobile Home Park which provided affordable housing for families living and working in the area. While still managing the Mobile Home Park, they moved to the San Juan Islands in the state of Washington, where Margaret worked as the pharmacist in Friday Harbor.

After retirement, Margaret and Art bought a small motorhome and traveled the United States from Washington to Florida. Art Mortensen passed away in 1987, in Bellingham, Washington. Margaret now lives with her son Robert and his wife Connie, in Boise. Idaho. She is celebrating her 108th birthday on April 21, 2025, with family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Mortensen as she, her family, and friends, celebrate her 108th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. First, let me say I appreciate the work the chairman has done over the last several months trying to get our regular appropriations bills done and then trying to get this CR finished when it became apparent we weren't going to be able to negotiate a top line yet, something that we will continue to work on.

There have been a lot of things said on this floor that I have to say just aren't true. It is not a different interpretation of the facts. They are just not true. There is nothing in here that cuts Social Security. There is nothing in here that cuts Medicare. There is nothing in here that cuts Medicaid. Yet, I keep hearing that.

These are the talking points that were created before this bill was actually written. It is difficult to write a year-long CR. This is the first time I can remember it being done. It is almost harder writing that than it is writing the regular appropriation bills because we have to put anomalies in it, things that have to be done as we move on with the regular funding.

The reason I have been able to support this CR and will vote for it is because of the work that our chairman, Mr. Cole, has done with some of these anomalies that were absolutely necessary.

In the Interior arena there were four anomalies that really needed to be addressed to get this CR done. One is it fully funds PILT payments, which is an estimated level of $600 million, which is $85 million above what was the current level. In Indian Country, the CR increases funding for Indian Health Services to expand availability and direct healthcare services funding the Bureau of Indian Affairs. BIA and BIE programs are held at 2024 enacted levels. The CR removes the 2024 earmarks with BIA and HIS, but the overall net effect on Tribal programs is still a $25 million increase.

In addition to the program increases, the CR also provides $999 million in increases for Tribal contracts, court costs, and an additional $256 million for section 105(1) leases in an effort to continue our commitment to upholding our trust and treaty responsibilities.

It also increases, on a permanent basis, the wildfire fighting pay. That costs $147 million. It actually saves us $27 million rather than just extending the 1-year extension of the wildfire pay. I think when we have seen those great jobs that wildfire firefighters do for us, it is incredible what they do. We don't pay them enough now. If you can make more flipping burgers in California than you can fighting wildfires, something is wrong. This permanently fixes that for us.

It is a very important bill. Shutting down government is never good policy. It is never good politics. Why anyone, Republican or Democrat, would vote against this, I have no idea.

This is a good bill. I hope we all vote for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Angie Giancarlo, who recently retired from an exemplary career in public service. I had the privilege of getting to know Angie during her time working on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, on which I serve as a longtime member and former Chair.

Angie began her career in the Senate, including 12 years on the Environment and Public Works Committee, before coming to her senses and joining the House Appropriations Committee in 2011. Angie began as professional staff on the Energy and Water Subcommittee covering the ``water'' portion of that bill. As my colleagues know, Army Corps projects are prevalent in congressional districts throughout the country, and when they face issues, they are some of the most complicated things to tackle. Angie demonstrated

her mastery at solving these problems time and time again. For whatever success the Corps can claim, a good chunk of it is due to the work Angie conducted on the Appropriations Committee.

Angie became my Majority Clerk in 2018 and served as my Clerk until the beginning of this Congress, when I moved to chair the Interior Subcommittee. Clerk is a tough job. Balancing the schedule while leading a staff through budget review, hearing prep, markup, floor action, and conference negotiations often involves late-night, weekend, and holiday work. It takes dedication and a strong commitment to serving the public. Every year, Angie proved what an invaluable asset she has been to the Committee, to Congress, and to the country.

We will miss her knowledge, sage advice, and humor. I know we will all miss her observance of Punctuation Day--including home-baked punctuation cupcakes--and I will personally miss her uncanny ability to provide a miniature candy bar at just the right time. I thank Angie for everything. I am proud of the work we accomplished together, and I know she will have a great time whenever she travels to Idaho, and I wish her the very best.

Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, I rise to recognize the leadership of Ty Blackford within his roles as President and Program Manager at the Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC).

During his time as President and Program Manager at IEC, Ty Blackford led his team to advance the cleanup mission at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Idaho National Laboratory Site (INL). Under his leadership, in 2022, IEC completed the exhumation of legacy waste at the Site's Subsurface Disposal Area 18 months ahead of schedule. Following the demolition of two ancillary structures at the Naval Reactors Facility, his team began demolition of the Submarine 1st Generation Westinghouse reactor prototype and recycled more than 420 tons of non-radiological metals. In 2023, Ty's team completed the transfer of spent nuclear fuel from wet to dry storage nine months ahead of schedule.

In 2024, Ty led the IEC team to complete the Accelerated Retrieval Project, one of the largest demolition projects completed in the history of DOE's environmental cleanup program. The project was completed three months ahead of schedule and under budget. In all, workers demolished more than 520,000 square feet of building space, which is equivalent to three times the footprint of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Under Ty's leadership, operations began at the Integrated Waste Treatment Unit in 2023 as well. To date, the project has processed over 100,000 gallons of sodium-bearing waste. These most recent accomplishments have paved the way for DOE to meet two significant milestones outlined in the Idaho Settlement Agreement for the State of Idaho.

Each of these accomplishments speak to Ty's 30-plus years of experience leading and managing large and complex projects for DOE's cleanup and nuclear operations programs at sites across the Nation, including the Idaho Cleanup Project, Savannah River, Hanford and Oak Ridge. He has set the bar high for future leaders and has established a baseline for success, of which Idaho can be proud.

We thank Ty Blackford for his diligence in his role as President and Program Manager at IEC and for his accomplishments in the cleanup mission at INL.