Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1530 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are here to debate the rule that provides for consideration of five measures: H.J. Res. 210, the CRA relating to California State nonroad engine pollution control standards and ocean- going vessels at-berth; H.J. Res. 213, the CRA relating to California State nonroad engine pollution control standards and commercial harbor craft regulations; H.R. 9576, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026; H.R. 10326, the PROOF Act; and a motion that the House concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

The rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 210 and H.J. Res. 213 under closed rules, with 1 hour of debate each, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee or their designees, and provides each one motion to recommit.

Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 9576 and H.R. 10326 under closed rules, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairs and ranking members of the Judiciary Committee or their designees and provides each one motion to recommit.

The rule also makes in order a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs that the House concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 5334. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate on the motion, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee or their designees.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule, which accomplishes two vital needs: Protecting American economic integrity and stopping domestic fraud. By passing sanctions legislation, we strengthen our national security posturing against foreign aggression, and by passing H.J. Res. 210 and H.J. Res. 213, we are stopping California's radical maritime mandates from interrupting supply chains at our ports and

driving up the cost of everyday goods for consumers.

However, keeping America safe and prosperous also means addressing a domestic threat: the scale of fraud in our country. For 4 years under the previous administration, weak leadership, poor oversight, and open border policies turned public programs into piggy banks for bad actors, cartels, and organized criminal rings.

Nowhere has this rot been more devastating than in my home State of Minnesota, where fraud is now estimated at a staggering $9 billion. We saw the tip of the iceberg with the infamous Feeding our Future scam, the largest pandemic-era fraud in the Nation, where 70 individuals and counting have been charged for stealing $250 million intended to feed hungry children and help vulnerable families.

However, the rot did not stop there. Those same circles of corruption have infected other State-run, federally funded programs. Federal prosecutors recently unveiled the Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown, charging 15 individuals in connection with over $90 million in loss across childcare, Medicare, and autism care programs.

In one of the scams involving autism care, bad actors paid illegal kickbacks to parents, gave false diagnoses, and billed over $46 million for services that were never actually provided, robbing the actual children with autism of the care that they needed.

In another program meant to help adults with brain injuries live independently in their own homes, bad actors bought housing assets, stole Medicaid beneficiary information, and collected millions in unrendered services. In one tragic case, a Medicaid recipient was found deceased a day after scammers submitted claims for 24-hour care he never received.

This is the brutal reality of unchecked fraud. When scammers rob Federal programs, vulnerable people suffer, and in the worst case, lives are lost. Yet, when Federal authorities attempt to uncover this rot, State bureaucracies resist. They withhold critical data and protect bad actors instead of defending the public trust.

When Federal agencies asked Minnesota State leadership for attendance records and program data to investigate suspected childcare and SNAP fraud, State officials repeatedly refused to cooperate. If you refuse to look at the evidence and hand it over to Federal investigators, you are either grossly incompetent or knowingly complicit.

That is why the legislation before us today ends this culture of obstruction and gives Federal law enforcement the tools to find, prosecute, and eradicate fraud.

The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act codifies the Department of Justice's special fraud division. This legislation gives Federal law enforcement a permanent, dedicated mandate to target, investigate, and dismantle complex international and domestic fraud networks.

The PROOF Act directly addresses the State-level stonewalling we have witnessed in Minnesota and across the country. It standardizes Federal access to State program data, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, childcare, and emergency relief funds during legitimate fraud investigations. The States will no longer be allowed to hide or conceal records while billions of dollars are funneled away from families.

Importantly, the bill includes strict privacy protections to ensure law-abiding citizens' personal information remains safe during these investigations.

The American people are sick and tired of watching criminals steal their hard-earned tax dollars. The fraud ends now. We have a duty to secure these programs, protect vulnerable families, and restore public trust.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate the other side does not recognize the cost of fraud. It costs us taxpayer dollars, hard- earned tax dollars. Stopping fraud helps everyone. It

helps the American people save tax dollars and then potentially we will not have to tax them as much.

It also helps those children and those people counting on those programs that are being robbed blind by fraudsters. Stopping it is critical, and it is important to every American citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, when fraud is exposed, there are several ways people respond. They can attack it and cover it up, minimize it, or like we have seen today, just simply talk about something else over and over.

For years, State officials tasked with managing Federal funds minimized fraud, looked the other way, and allowed Federal taxpayers' dollars to be stolen. I do hear about the fraud and the theft every single day from people.

As this fraud has come to light, House Republicans have led the charge to root out waste, fraud, and abuse from our Federal programs. We passed the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, the Stop Child Care Scams Act, the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, and we passed the Stop Fraudulent Payments Act.

I have personally fought this fight on the House Oversight Committee, waiving on to get answers from State officials about how billion-dollar fraud networks were allowed to operate unchecked in Minnesota. I have introduced legislation to protect whistleblowers who expose corruption from retaliation and legislation to stop benefit dollars meant to help vulnerable families at home from being sent overseas.

While executive branch actions and temporary task forces provide important support, they are not enough on their own. Congress must step up and deliver permanent solutions that ensure future State and Federal administrations properly oversee Federal funds.

That is why the bills before us today under this rule are so critical. By passing the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act, we codify a permanent, dedicated division with the Department of Justice to ensure investigating and prosecuting fraud remains a long-term priority. Through the PROOF Act, we fix the bottleneck in these investigations by removing State-level resistance and mandating data sharing so Federal agents can clean up Federal programs.

We have shown we will not allow State officials to ignore basic enforcement checks. Every single dollar stolen by fraudsters is a dollar taken away from vulnerable families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1530 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are here to debate the rule that provides for consideration of five measures: H.J. Res. 210, the CRA relating to California State nonroad engine pollution control standards and ocean- going vessels at-berth; H.J. Res. 213, the CRA relating to California State nonroad engine pollution control standards and commercial harbor craft regulations; H.R. 9576, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026; H.R. 10326, the PROOF Act; and a motion that the House concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

The rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 210 and H.J. Res. 213 under closed rules, with 1 hour of debate each, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee or their designees, and provides each one motion to recommit.

Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 9576 and H.R. 10326 under closed rules, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairs and ranking members of the Judiciary Committee or their designees and provides each one motion to recommit.

The rule also makes in order a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs that the House concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 5334. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate on the motion, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee or their designees.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule, which accomplishes two vital needs: Protecting American economic integrity and stopping domestic fraud. By passing sanctions legislation, we strengthen our national security posturing against foreign aggression, and by passing H.J. Res. 210 and H.J. Res. 213, we are stopping California's radical maritime mandates from interrupting supply chains at our ports and driving up the cost of everyday goods for consumers.

However, keeping America safe and prosperous also means addressing a domestic threat: the scale of fraud in our country. For 4 years under the previous administration, weak leadership, poor oversight, and open border policies turned public programs into piggy banks for bad actors, cartels, and organized criminal rings.

Nowhere has this rot been more devastating than in my home State of Minnesota, where fraud is now estimated at a staggering $9 billion. We saw the tip of the iceberg with the infamous Feeding our Future scam, the largest pandemic-era fraud in the Nation, where 70 individuals and counting have been charged for stealing $250 million intended to feed hungry children and help vulnerable families.

However, the rot did not stop there. Those same circles of corruption have infected other State-run, federally funded programs. Federal prosecutors recently unveiled the Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown, charging 15 individuals in connection with over $90 million in loss across childcare, Medicare, and autism care programs.

In one of the scams involving autism care, bad actors paid illegal kickbacks to parents, gave false diagnoses, and billed over $46 million for services that were never actually provided, robbing the actual children with autism of the care that they needed.

In another program meant to help adults with brain injuries live independently in their own homes, bad actors bought housing assets, stole Medicaid beneficiary information, and collected millions in unrendered services. In one tragic case, a Medicaid recipient was found deceased a day after scammers submitted claims for 24-hour care he never received.

This is the brutal reality of unchecked fraud. When scammers rob Federal programs, vulnerable people suffer, and in the worst case, lives are lost. Yet, when Federal authorities attempt to uncover this rot, State bureaucracies resist. They withhold critical data and protect bad actors instead of defending the public trust.

When Federal agencies asked Minnesota State leadership for attendance records and program data to investigate suspected childcare and SNAP fraud, State officials repeatedly refused to cooperate. If you refuse to look at the evidence and hand it over to Federal investigators, you are either grossly incompetent or knowingly complicit.

That is why the legislation before us today ends this culture of obstruction and gives Federal law enforcement the tools to find, prosecute, and eradicate fraud.

The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act codifies the Department of Justice's special fraud division. This legislation gives Federal law enforcement a permanent, dedicated mandate to target, investigate, and dismantle complex international and domestic fraud networks.

The PROOF Act directly addresses the State-level stonewalling we have witnessed in Minnesota and across the country. It standardizes Federal access to State program data, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, childcare, and emergency relief funds during legitimate fraud investigations. The States will no longer be allowed to hide or conceal records while billions of dollars are funneled away from families.

Importantly, the bill includes strict privacy protections to ensure law-abiding citizens' personal information remains safe during these investigations.

The American people are sick and tired of watching criminals steal their hard-earned tax dollars. The fraud ends now. We have a duty to secure these programs, protect vulnerable families, and restore public trust.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate the other side does not recognize the cost of fraud. It costs us taxpayer dollars, hard- earned tax dollars. Stopping fraud helps everyone. It helps the American people save tax dollars and then potentially we will not have to tax them as much.

It also helps those children and those people counting on those programs that are being robbed blind by fraudsters. Stopping it is critical, and it is important to every American citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, when fraud is exposed, there are several ways people respond. They can attack it and cover it up, minimize it, or like we have seen today, just simply talk about something else over and over.

For years, State officials tasked with managing Federal funds minimized fraud, looked the other way, and allowed Federal taxpayers' dollars to be stolen. I do hear about the fraud and the theft every single day from people.

As this fraud has come to light, House Republicans have led the charge to root out waste, fraud, and abuse from our Federal programs. We passed the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, the Stop Child Care Scams Act, the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, and we passed the Stop Fraudulent Payments Act.

I have personally fought this fight on the House Oversight Committee, waiving on to get answers from State officials about how billion-dollar fraud networks were allowed to operate unchecked in Minnesota. I have introduced legislation to protect whistleblowers who expose corruption from retaliation and legislation to stop benefit dollars meant to help vulnerable families at home from being sent overseas.

While executive branch actions and temporary task forces provide important support, they are not enough on their own. Congress must step up and deliver permanent solutions that ensure future State and Federal administrations properly oversee Federal funds.

That is why the bills before us today under this rule are so critical. By passing the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act, we codify a permanent, dedicated division with the Department of Justice to ensure investigating and prosecuting fraud remains a long-term priority. Through the PROOF Act, we fix the bottleneck in these investigations by removing State-level resistance and mandating data sharing so Federal agents can clean up Federal programs.

We have shown we will not allow State officials to ignore basic enforcement checks. Every single dollar stolen by fraudsters is a dollar taken away from vulnerable families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Schiefelbein family on being the Meeker County 2026 Farm Family of the Year.

Big Frank and Frosty began this family legacy in 1955. I had the honor to know them both and call many, many members of this wonderful family friends. It is truly a family farm with so many members of the family actively working on the farm. The Schiefelbein farm sells about 500 head of cattle and calve about 1,000 registered Angus cows annually. They also operate a feeder calf operation where they feed over 30,000 calves across the U.S.

Their outstanding production of cattle and cows across the U.S. is no small feat. The Schiefelbein family's dedication to their farm shows just how Minnesotans are feeding America.

Once again, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Schiefelbein family.

Congratulating Dr. Darrell Carter of Granite Falls, Minnesota

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Darrell Carter of Granite Falls, Minnesota, on receiving the National Rural Health Association's 2026 Outstanding Educator Award.

For over 50 years, Dr. Carter has served as a cornerstone of rural medicine in Avera Granite Falls Health

Center, but his impact goes far beyond the local community. In 1993 he cofounded the Comprehensive Advanced Life Support Program. Today, nearly all of Minnesota's designated trauma hospitals rely on the CALS Program to train medical personnel for life-threatening emergencies.

Dr. Carter's decades of clinical excellence, innovation, and educational leadership have saved countless lives and transformed emergency care across rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Carter for 54 years of dedicated service to his community.

Celebrating Enoch Horton, Finalist for NASA'S HUNCH Program

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Enoch Horton, a rising senior at Wadena-Deer Creek High School, who recently represented Minnesota on the national stage.

Enoch became his school's first finalist for the prestigious NASA HUNCH program. Out of thousands of students across 34 States, Enoch advanced to the final design reviews at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Enoch designed and presented an AI-powered satellite project aimed at improving orbital sustainability and expanding access to space research.

Enoch's achievement is a testament to his hard work and ingenuity. He has proven that big ideas and groundbreaking innovation can come from any corner of our great Nation.

Congratulations to Enoch on a remarkable achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the vice chair for putting together this important Special Order to commemorate the historic Dobbs v. Jackson decision.

I also thank the other Members, the pro-life Members who took the time tonight to come here and talk about this incredibly critical issue of making sure that we are taking care of mothers and children.

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled: ``The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.''

That decision was a tremendous step to protect the valuable right to life. It overturned the unconstitutional Roe v. Wade, which created a false right to abortion for almost 50 years.

This decision was a victory for the unborn, a victory for families, and a victory for our entire Nation. Most importantly, Dobbs has been a victory for life itself.

In the 4 years since that landmark day, countless children are alive today who might not otherwise be. Families have been made whole, and the beating hearts of ultrasounds are now running, laughing, and bringing joy to households across America.

For me, the pro-life movement is personal. As a mother and a grandmother, I have been blessed to see the miracles of life at every stage. Those personal milestones drive my work in the pro-life movement because I believe every woman in this country should be allowed to experience those same miracles with confidence and support.

To be truly pro-life means so much more than just being opposed to abortion. It means being prowoman and profamily. When a woman faces an unexpected pregnancy, our response as a community must be to surround her with hope. We must be able to look at every mother and say: You are not alone.

We continue to build on this culture of life through meaningful action. Months ago, this House took a step forward by passing the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act to protect the pregnancy resource centers that serve on the front lines.

I have also reintroduced the MOMS Act to provide comprehensive critical support to new mothers during and after pregnancy, ensuring that they have medical, financial, and the emotional tools to raise happy, healthy babies.

As we reflect on the momentous Dobbs decision, I hope that we can take

inspiration from the dedication of the pro-life community and support mothers with love, hope, and the right to choose life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jordyn Olson and Summer Funkhouser from Fergus Falls. They were recently awarded the prestigious Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. This award requires dedication, teamwork, and a true commitment to creating lasting change in the community.

These bright young ladies partnered with the Fergus Falls Community Food Shelf to create accessible, kid-friendly meal options for local families. Together, they designed a ``by kids, for kids'' recipe brochure featuring meals and snacks made entirely from items commonly found in a weekly food distribution box. These brochures are now being distributed directly to local families.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Summer and Jordyn on their achievement.

Celebrating the Tracy FFA Chapter

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the success of the Tracy FFA Chapter at the 2026 Minnesota State Convention. They had a great showing, including their livestock team taking first place.

The winning team consisted of Carson Lanoue, Melaina Ankrum, Lawton Verlinde, Nolan Verlinde, and Callie Johns. These students dedicated hours to practices, reviewing data, and mastering the professional reasoning required for judging livestock. Their hard work paid off, and they will now advance to compete at the national level in Indianapolis.

I am proud of these students for their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. They are shining examples of what our students in western Minnesota can achieve. Please join me in congratulating Tracy FFA on their historic performance, and I wish them good luck in Indianapolis this fall.

Recognizing Lois Widmark

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero from Ivanhoe, Minnesota: Lois Widmark.

At 104 years old, Lois recently received well-deserved recognition for her extraordinary service during World War II. Serving in the Navy WAVES, Lois was stationed in Washington, D.C., where she worked as a code breaker, utilizing complex machinery to decrypt enemy information.

Lois joined the service because she wanted to do more for our Nation. Her vital, top-secret work contributed to the Allied victory and helped to protect the freedoms that we hold so dear.

Last week, in a special ceremony at her home, Lois was presented with the

Minnesota World War II Memorial Dedication Medal. It is a privilege to recognize Lois for her patriotism and her legacy.

On behalf of Minnesota's Seventh District, I thank Lois for her service to our country. We are honored to have such a remarkable veteran in our community.

Recognizing Redwood Falls Woman's Club

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate the Redwood Falls Woman's Club on their 125th anniversary.

Founded in 1901, this organization has been a pillar of the Redwood Falls community. Through generations of leadership and the dedication of its members, these women have left a lasting impression on the area. Their longevity is a testament to the power of civic duty and community service.

I extend my gratitude and congratulations to the members of the Redwood Falls Woman's Club, past and present, thanking them for 125 years of service, leadership, and dedication to making Redwood Falls a wonderful place to live.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1274 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, the rule before us today is simple. Two weeks ago, the Rules Committee met to provide for consideration of the farm bill, H.R. 7567, in addition to H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.

Nothing in this rule changes that. Instead, the rule before us makes a procedural change, which will allow H.R. 1346 and the farm bill, both, to be transmitted to the Senate separately for their consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1346. For too long, the people of western Minnesota, along with families and farmers across the entire country, have been subjected to frustrating, outdated, and unnecessary regulations.

Currently, our growers are subjected to patchwork regulations that effectively ban the sale of E15 during the summer months. The summer ban is a direct hit to the American taxpayer. It limits consumer choice, drives up prices at the pump during the height of the summer travel season, and restricts the market for homegrown biofuels.

Because of these antiquated rules, farmers have been forced to rely on temporary, short-term emergency waivers that create confusion rather than progress.

The legislation before us today changes that. It includes text for permanent, year-round E15 to finally provide the certainty that our agriculture and energy sectors deserve. We are moving past the era of temporary fixes and toward a future of long-term stability.

The benefits of E15 are clear and backed by significant data. First, this is a major win for American consumers. E15 is a lower cost fuel option, typically priced 20 to 40 cents per gallon less than regular unleaded gasoline.

In a time of fluctuating global energy markets, providing this relief is a necessity for hardworking Americans. In fact, E15 adoption would save American drivers an estimated $27 billion a year on gas purchases, putting roughly $200 back into the pocket of the average American household annually.

Second, this is a win for our national security and energy independence. Ethanol is produced within American borders by American workers. Every gallon we blend is a gallon of oil we do not need to import from foreign countries.

By leaning into domestic production, we are strengthening our energy independence and reinforcing our commitment to American-made energy.

The American people understand this. Eighty percent of citizens believe renewable fuels, like ethanol, are necessary for our energy independence, and 71 percent support increasing the availability of E15 to help lower prices.

Year-round E15 is a massive win for the American farmer. In western Minnesota, our corn growers are large supporters of the biofuels industry. They deserve a fair and consistent market for their product.

Full adoption of E15 would increase corn consumption by 2.4 billion bushels, supporting our rural communities and ensuring steady, predictable demand year-round.

Beyond the farm, the economic impact is staggering. Full E15 adoption would add $25.8 billion to the U.S. GDP and support an additional 128,000 full-time jobs.

Beyond the economic and agricultural benefits, H.R. 1346 provides essential regulatory and market certainty. It enhances fuel supply chain stability and improves certainty for the entire fuel industry by eliminating unfair advantages for some refineries over others.

By reforming the small refinery exemption process, this bill helps the Environmental Protection Agency set renewable fuel standard annual volumes in a timely, transparent, and fair manner. It removes the reoccurring tension between refiners and agricultural stakeholders, allowing everyone from farmers to fuel retailers to better plan for the future.

It is important to address the technical advancements of vehicles since the current regulations were created.

E15 is legally approved for all vehicles built since 2001 or later, which accounts for more than 96 percent of the cars on the road today. Furthermore, E15 burns cleaner and reduces emissions that harm our health and our environment.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford to keep hitting the pause button on American energy every summer. This legislation removes the hurdles that have stifled E15 for decades. It gives farmers the confidence they need to plan, and it gives consumers a lower-cost option when they need it most.

The American people are calling for solutions. This bill provides more

choice at the pump and lower prices for America. It is real savings and real money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.

It is time for a permanent, nationwide solution that supports our growers, lowers costs for families, and reinforces our commitment to American-made energy.

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

Mr. Speaker, as it often happens with the opposition, they stray off into every topic that they can think of and forget to focus on what we are here to talk about. What we are talking about is a rule to allow E15 to come to the floor to have a vote, so we are talking about energy independence. We are talking about saving Americans dollars on their gas bill. I just wanted to remind the public that that is what we are talking about today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Mann) to talk about E15.

Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker and Mr. McGovern, I believe that you understand that that is referencing the decoupling, and it does allow for E15 to be brought to the floor--I mean maybe not exactly in the language that is on the paper.

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

Mr. Speaker, I will clarify. I think my point was that the opposition went off on a whole bunch of other issues, and from his own admission, this is about E15. This is about decoupling from whatever the technical language is in that amendment.

We are talking about E15, not about all of the other issues that he spoke about earlier, so I will focus on E15.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Baird).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra), the great E15 leader.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn), another great E15 leader.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close on E15, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, let's be honest. We are here to move the E15 legislation forward. That is what we are here to do today.

It is interesting that the good gentleman from Massachusetts used his time to talk about almost everything except E15. I was happy to yield time to my colleagues to talk about E15 and the benefits and the advantages and what it could do for our farmers and energy independence.

I rise today to close this debate because the choice before us is clear. Do we continue with the status quo of emergency waivers, or do we finally provide permanent certainty that American families and farmers deserve?

We have spent decades hiding behind outdated regulations that do nothing but hike summertime fuel prices. Every single year, this country is forced to hit a pause button on American-grown energy. It makes no sense and, frankly, Mr. Speaker, I am tired of it.

H.R. 1346 is about two things: lower costs and market stability. When families pull up to the pump, they should not be forced to pay more just because of what month it is on the calendar.

This is about providing real, permanent relief for hardworking Americans who are tired of seeing their pocketbooks take the fall for outdated red tape. This vote represents a choice between foreign oil and American energy independence. It is a vote for our corn growers across the country who are ready to fuel this country.

There is zero reason to rely on foreign countries for our energy needs when we can support American workers and strengthen our national security.

We are done with the era of temporary fixes that only create market instability. Our refiners, our retailers, and our rural communities deserve certainty.

E15 is cleaner. It is cheaper, and it is grown right here at home. Let's stop the games. It is time to pass a permanent, nationwide solution that provides for our growers, puts American families first, and reinforces our commitment to American-made energy.

Mr. Speaker, that is why we are here today. That is the issue in front of us, to move E15 year-round forward.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1142 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, we are here tonight to debate the rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment for H.R. 7147, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act of 2026.

The rule provides that the House shall be considered to have taken from the Speaker's table H.R. 7147, with the Senate amendment thereto, and to

have concurred in the Senate amendment with an amendment consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 119-21.

Simply put, a vote for this rule is a vote to fund the entire Department of Homeland Security through May 22, 2026.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the American people are tired of half measures when it comes to their safety.

Last night, the Senate passed a funding deal that can only be described as an attempt to put a dead bolt on the front door while leaving the backdoor wide-open.

They want us to believe they are securing our homeland, yet their proposal dedicates exactly zero dollars toward our Border Patrol operations. In a world of evolving threats, my colleagues across the aisle believe that we can protect this Nation by halves, but the message from House Republicans is clear: We will not and cannot fund only half of our Homeland Security.

Security is not a buffet where you get to pick and choose which threats you acknowledge. House Republicans are aligned with the President on this. We will not accept a funding bill that does not support our homeland defenders, our ICE agents, and our Border Patrol.

If it is important to stop tragedies from happening at our airports and everyone can agree on that, then it is equally important to stop these events from happening at our borders and in our communities.

This week, the country felt the weight of Sheridan Gorman's death, a tragedy that is compounded by the bitter reality that it was entirely preventable and the result of Democrat policies that allow violent criminals to walk our streets.

This loss is a grim reminder that when policies prioritize a radical agenda and the protection of violent illegal aliens over the protection of American citizens, it is innocent families that pay the ultimate price.

We need to protect our citizens, and House Republicans will not vote for an even slightly open border. We will not leave portions of our homeland vulnerable while pretending the job is done. We know what happens when the border is treated as an afterthought.

Under the Biden administration, America faced a national security risk. More than 20 million illegal immigrants entered the United States, straining our communities to the breaking point. Customs and Border Patrol recorded more than 2 million illegal immigrants were able to cross into the Nation without any record of who they were. That is nearly double what they tracked during the prior decade.

Between fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2024, more than 388 illegal aliens on the terrorist watch list attempted to cross the border and, most alarming, at least 99 illegal aliens on that same watch list were allowed into our country. We saw members from one of the most notorious gangs in the world, MS-13, infiltrate our cities, leading to takeovers like we saw in Aurora, Colorado.

That is the result of Democrat hope-based border vulnerability strategies, but we do not operate on hope or whims. We operate on facts and action.

Under the Trump administration, we have seen what happens when we prioritize enforcement. In the last 10 months, zero illegal aliens have been released into the United States. We have proven that when the law is followed and the border is secured, our communities are safer and Americans are protected.

The transformation of Homeland Security is further proof that the U.S. Coast Guard seized nearly 510,000 pounds of cocaine in fiscal year 2025, a 200 percent increase compared to the annual average in previous years, and yet, despite this clear progress, Democrats are choosing to block DHS funding leading to this shutdown.

They would rather see the entire Department shuttered than to see our borders secure. This is a simple, commonsense, 60-day, 8-week clean CR so we can properly pay our homeland defenders and continue the discussions.

It secures the border by fully funding the paychecks and resources that we need. It protects our airports. It supports the President's decisive leadership in allocating TSA funds. It keeps FEMA ready to ensure our disaster response is not a casualty of the Democrat shutdown, and it guarantees the men and women on the front lines are paid for the critical work they do.

Mr. Speaker, the Senate bill is a nonstarter because it treats national security as an optional expense. House Republicans will not fund a half-baked idea that leaves our borders open and our communities at risk.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and the other side of the rotunda to stop holding our security hostage. Join me in supporting this commonsense, 8-week CR and funding critical needs.

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

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from the other side of the aisle can yell and swear all he wants. The reality is this CR is a commonsense solution to fund critical needs and to continue the discussion.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott), my Rules Committee colleague.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the chair of the Rules Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the true leader, the majority leader from Louisiana.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan), the chair of the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McDowell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Moore).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my colleague on the Rules Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to close this debate with a clear and unwavering message to my colleagues across the aisle and across the rotunda: you cannot fund only half of our Homeland Security.

There has been a lot of loud voices from the other side of the aisle. I think they believe the louder they speak the more the American people will believe them. The American people do understand that this CR makes sense. It funds everything, people get paid, and it allows more time to continue the discussion. This is the commonsense thing to do.

The proposal sent to us by the Senate in the dead of the night is not a solution. It is a Swiss cheese funding bill defined by its holes and deficiencies. While we all agree on the importance of protecting our airports, the Senate plan operates on the hope that we can secure our borders by using supplemental funds meant for construction and technology to cover basic operational needs.

The current bill does not just ignore the border. It actively harms our border security infrastructure. It keeps our cybersecurity experts at CISA furloughed while adversaries target our networks. It leaves FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund depleted and keeps our Coast Guard crews from the training they need to operate in hazardous conditions.

Our 60-day CR ensures that over 100,000 DHS employees receive paychecks. It ensures that investigations into drug trafficking, human smuggling, and child exploitation can commence.

It ensures that our BioWatch systems remain active in over 30 major cities to warn us of bioterrorism attacks.

The American people are tired of games. They do not want half- security or partial funding. They want a government that protects them at the airport, at the hospital, and at the border.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stop holding our homeland defenders hostage to push a radical open-border agenda. Support this rule, support this CR, and let's get back to the business of securing the entire United States.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chris Tungseth from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on earning a golden ticket to Hollywood on ``American Idol.''

Chris proved that the American spirit is built on more than just hard work. It is built on resilience, faith, and the power of song.

Chris' journey to the golden ticket was not an easy one. He spoke of his family's battles with illness, his mother's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and the loss of his father, whom Chris called his Superman.

When Chris stood before the judges and performed his original song, ``Lonely Road,'' he was not just singing for a TV show. He was singing to honor his father's legacy and his family's strength. His performance earned him a unanimous ``yes'' to advance to Hollywood.

On behalf of Fergus Falls and all of Minnesota, I wish Chris the best of luck in the next round.

Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA Named 2025 National Model of Excellence Winner

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glencoe- Silver Lake FFA chapter for being named the 2025 National Model of Excellence winner.

Glencoe-Silver Lake was selected for this award out of nearly 10,000 chapters. This is the highest honor a chapter can achieve, marking them the gold standard for leadership, community impact, and innovation.

By fostering student-led initiatives that strengthen our rural economy and prepare the next generation of leaders, these students have proven that the future of American farming is in excellent hands.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the students, advisers, and the entire Glencoe-Silver Lake community on this prestigious award.

I congratulate the Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA on being the best in the Nation.

Commemorating National FFA Week

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National FFA Week.

Since 1925, FFA has changed lives and developed young leaders in the areas of leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. It is the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the United States.

Opportunities within the agriculture sector are vast, and FFA fosters the talents of members so that they can achieve real-world success. They participate in leadership conferences, career development events, and community service projects. The skills that these students develop serve them well when they embark on their future career paths.

Not only are the students who participate in FFA future farmers, but they are also future business leaders, entrepreneurs, teachers, bankers, veterinarians, public servants, biologists, and so much more.

Every year, thousands of the iconic blue FFA jackets from across the country visit our offices on Capitol Hill. In my home State of Minnesota, FFA has 15,000 members and 220 chapters, as well as 97 alumni chapters. This year, Minnesota FFA chapters will participate in local events aligned with the National FFA Week calendar.

I always appreciate having the opportunity to visit with these students and future leaders. Anyone who spends time with these young leaders will leave with a sense that our future is in good hands.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ellen Lampton of Perham on her National Service Honor award. This prestigious award, presented by Helper Helper, is reserved for individuals who embody the very best of civic responsibility.

Since 2022 alone, Ellen has dedicated over 1,000 hours of service across nearly 300 separate volunteer commitments.

Whether she is volunteering at the Perham Living gift shop, assisting with local bake sales, or spending countless hours calling bingo games for residents, Ellen's presence is a constant source of joy and stability.

Ellen's service goes far beyond mere numbers. It is defined by what her neighbors describe as a spirit of generosity, leadership, and deep compassion.

Mr. Speaker, as her colleagues at Perham Health and Perham Living can attest, volunteers like Ellen are the heartbeat of our rural communities. Her dedication reminds us all of the difference one person can make when they lead with heart and faith.

Honoring Dave Blanchard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding educator and mentor, Dave Blanchard, who was recently honored by the Prairie Conference for 27 years of dedicated service to the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle School community.

For nearly three decades, Dave has been the definition of stepping up whenever needed. In addition to being a cornerstone of LPGE's English department, he has served as a coach for football, volleyball, and baseball, and as the National Honor Society and One Act Play adviser.

As the LPGE director recently noted, Dave's positive presence and willingness to serve have made a lasting impact on generations of students and staff. He is a reminder that the success of our school depends not just on what happens in the classroom but on the selfless dedication of those who support our students in every area of their lives.

Congratulating Brock Nelson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brock Nelson from Warroad, Minnesota, on his selection to the 2026 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team.

Throughout his career, Brock has defined himself through quiet leadership

and an unwavering work ethic. Whether on the ice for the Avalanche or representing the Stars and Stripes, he carries the spirit of the state of hockey with him.

Mr. Speaker, the Nation, and especially the folks back home in Warroad, are rooting for him. We look forward to watching him lead Team USA to victory.

Mr. Speaker, I have known Representative Smith for many years through the pro-life movement. He and his wife, Marie, have dedicated so much time, energy, and effort to promote the culture of life and making sure that women, their families, and their babies are cared for and supported.

I thank Representative Smith and his lovely wife, Marie, for all that they have done. He is an inspiration in this movement and this fight to make sure that babies are protected.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman so much for his comments, but the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) has done so much by leading us through this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heart full of gratitude, not only for the privilege of serving the people of western Minnesota but for the significant step the House took yesterday of passing the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act.

This is more than just a legislative win. This is a victory for every woman who has ever felt alone during a pregnancy. It is a victory for every father who wants to provide for their child, and it is a victory for the thousands of pregnancy resource centers across our Nation that offer a hand to hold when an uncertain path is faced.

We didn't just vote for a policy. We voted for hope. For me, the pro- life movement has never been just a political platform or a set of talking points. It is personal. As a mother and a grandmother, I have seen the miracle of life at every stage, from that first grainy image on an ultrasound that everyone clings to, to the incredible moment of feeling a child's first kick, and then that moment when you get to meet that child face to face for the first time.

Those memories drive me to ensure that every woman in this country has the support that she needs to experience those same miracles with confidence rather than fear.

My journey in public service has been shaped by these moments. From my time in the Minnesota State Senate to my role as the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, my mission has been simple: To ensure that our laws reflect the beauty and the value of every human life.

Being pro-life means so much more than being anti-abortion. To be truly pro-life is to be pro-woman and profamily. We must acknowledge that, for many women, an unexpected pregnancy comes with fear, uncertainty, and financial strain. Our response as a movement and as a government must be one of clear and tangible support.

We need to be able to tell mothers that they are not alone. The pro- life movement is a positive one, a movement that surrounds women and their children with hope and support.

I have fought to advance policies to make it easier to raise a family, whether it was expanding the child tax credit, supporting maternal healthcare, or streamlining the adoption process. Our goal is to create a culture where every mother feels empowered to choose life because she knows that she has the resources to flourish.

I have stood firmly for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act because every child who enters this world deserves the same medical care regardless of the circumstances of their birth. I have advocated for the Hyde amendment, ensuring that the conscious rights of millions of Americans are respected and that taxpayer dollars are not used to fund the destruction of human life.

These are not extreme positions. They are compassionate positions. They are positions rooted in the belief that a society is measured by how it treats those who have no power, no vote, and no voice. My goal is to build a country where every child is welcomed in life and protected by law.

Tomorrow, thousands of Americans, many of them young students and family, will descend on our Nation's Capital and across the country at State marches in every corner of the country. In my home State of Minnesota, they gathered today at the State capitol, even in the extreme cold.

They will march, determined to build a culture of life, a culture that supports a father who wants to be present, a mother who is finishing her education, and a child who is waiting to take their first breath.

The pro-life movement is often characterized by what they are against, but with the passage of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, we have shown what we are for. We are for the mother. We are for the baby. We are for the family.

As the marchers arrive in Washington tonight and tomorrow morning, let them know that their voices have been heard in these Halls. Let them know that we will not stop working until our laws reflect the beautiful truth that every life is a gift from God.

I am proud of the work we have done, and I am even more hopeful for the work we will do tomorrow and into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for his comments.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the opportunity to speak. I am so proud to rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act.

For too long, previous Democrat administrations have weaponized the Department of Health and Human Services against pregnancy resource centers by attempting to cut off their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, funding. This bill puts a definitive stop to that harassment. It clarifies that these centers fundamentally meet the statutory purposes of TANF by providing essential assistance to children and expectant mothers.

The TANF block grant is built on four specific statutory goals, and States have broad authority to pursue them all.

Let's look at the second goal: to ``end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits through work, job preparation, and marriage.'' Cash assistance alone does not end dependence. It often merely just manages it. Pregnancy resource centers offer the best hope of achieving this goal by providing parenting classes and life skills training to help that mother move from a crisis to self-sufficiency.

Pregnancy centers are the backbone of community-based support. The impact of their work is undeniable.

In 2024 alone, over 2,700 centers aided nearly 3.8 million women, children, and families. These centers provided over $452 million in total medical care, education, and material goods.

As Democrats continue to attack pregnancy care centers, I have asked them repeatedly if they have ever visited a center, ever bothered to go and see what they are talking about because if they had, they would see the compassion, the support, and love that are present in these facilities. These centers are staffed by trained men and women who guide and support mothers, fathers, children, and families. They are for the families from pregnancy through childbirth and beyond with parenting classes and assistance such as formula, diapers, and whatever else that family may need.

The attempt to strip TANF funding from these centers was never about fiscal responsibility. It was a targeted, ideological attack on organizations that provide a real alternative to abortion.

Democrats say choice, choice, choice over and over, but they try to deny women the choice to choose life.

H.R. 6945 codifies the operations of TANF to ensure this funding stream remains focused on its mission, helping needy families and children, rather than serving as a tool for ideological gatekeeping.

I am incredibly proud of this bill, which protects the most vulnerable among us and ensures that every woman facing adversity has the options, resources, and support she deserves.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 988 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, we are here today to debate the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2262, the Flexibility for Workers Education Act; H.R. 2270, the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act; H.R. 2312, the Tipped Employee Protection Act; H.R. 4366, the Save Local Business Act, under a closed rule; and H.R. 2988, the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act, under a structured rule.

One hour of debate each for H.R. 2262, H.R. 2270, H.R. 2312, H.R. 2988, and H.R. 4366 shall be equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Education and Workforce, or their designees. The rule provides for a motion to recommit for all five bills.

Mr. Speaker, the bills before us today are about one thing: getting the Federal Government out of the way of the American worker.

For too long, outdated definitions and woke regulatory overreach have stifled opportunities and created a paperwork trap for the job creators on our Main Streets. Today, we take a stand for common sense and economic growth.

We begin with H.R. 2262, the Flexibility for Workers Education Act. Under current law, many nonexempt workers, the very people who could benefit most from upskilling, are often excluded from voluntary training because the Fair Labor Standards Act treats those sessions as hours worked. This creates massive inconvenience for employers, who ultimately choose not to offer the training at all.

This bill levels the playing field, allowing workers to pursue voluntary professional development outside of regular hours without triggering burdensome overtime costs for their employers.

In the same spirit of support, H.R. 2270, the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act, addresses the childcare crunch facing so many families. By excluding childcare and eldercare benefits from the regular rate calculation for overtime, we remove a major financial barrier for some small business owners who want to help their employees balance work and family life. This is a pro-family, pro- worker solution that requires no new Federal spending.

We must also protect the flexibility that makes the service industry so vital. H.R. 2312, the Tipped Employee Protection Act, clears the regulatory fog that has long surrounded tipped workers.

The Biden administration attempted to micromanage every minute of a server's day through the unworkable 80/20 rule, a standard that is virtually impossible to monitor or enforce. This bill provides a clear and simple definition for tipped employees, an employee who receives tips plus other cash wages that meet or exceed the Federal minimum wage for a work period.

This provides stability for restaurant owners and protects the hiring potential of our servers and bartenders.

Similarly, H.R. 4366, the Save Local Business Act, restores the joint employer standard that served our economy for decades.

The Obama and Biden administrations weaponized the National Labor Relations Board to target the franchise model, creating a scheme that cost the franchising sector an estimated $33 billion annually. By codifying that an employer must exercise direct, actual, and immediate control over workers, we restore the certainty that small business owners, contractors, and franchisees need to grow and hire more.

Finally, we must protect the hard-earned savings of the American people.

H.R. 2988, the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act, ensures that Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, fiduciaries are focused on one thing, the financial bottom line.

We cannot allow woke fiduciaries to gamble with a worker's pension to satisfy a political agenda. This bill reinforces the duties of loyalty and ensures that investment decisions are based solely on maximizing returns for the benefit of the retiree and not a social experiment.

Mr. Speaker, the American people are tired of the regulatory noise coming out of Washington. They want a government that works for them, not against them. These five bills deliver on our promise to cut red tape, empower families, and protect the American Dream.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to clarify a few things, one in particular about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The narrative that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act only gives tax cuts to billionaires is just false. The bill cuts taxes for working-class families who need it most. As a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the top 1 percent will pay more in Federal taxes than they did before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

It ends $500 billion in Biden-era tax breaks and special interest giveaways to wealthy individuals and large corporations. It stops a Biden-era $1,700 tax increase.

Working families making between $15,000 and $30,000 will have their taxes cut by 21 percent under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Mr. Speaker, 66 percent of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's tax cuts benefit families making less than $500,000. Just because they keep saying it doesn't make it true. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act does help working families.

Mr. Speaker, I do have to address, because my colleague has decided to bring ICE into this debate, or this discussion, regarding small businesses and help that we may be able to give small businesses. I just want to give a few examples of what ICE is actually doing in Minnesota, because I am someone who is here from Minnesota.

They have arrested a registered sex offender from Somalia with 17 prior convictions, including domestic violence and threatening terroristic acts.

They have arrested an illegal El Salvadoran alien convicted of sexual assault on a child.

They have arrested an illegal alien from Mexico convicted of selling cocaine and methamphetamine and multiple illegal aliens from Laos convicted of rape, assault, kidnapping, and sodomy of children under the age of 13 and domestic violence.

They have arrested convicted murderers from Mexico, Sudan, Burma, Laos, Sierra Leone, Guatemala, Somalia, and El Salvador.

That is what ICE is doing in Minnesota. They are making it safer for everyday people.

I ask my colleague to simply allow the investigation to take place over what happened last week and to stop the inflammatory rhetoric that is unnecessary at this point.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, not to belabor the point, but I feel like I need to repeat myself and remind others about what ICE is actually doing in Minnesota. They have arrested a registered sex offender from Somalia with 17 prior convictions, including domestic violence and threatening terrorist acts, and convicted murderers from Mexico, Sudan, Burma, Laos, Guatemala, and Somalia. I wish I didn't have to continue to repeat myself about what ICE is really doing. What ICE is about is making sure that our streets are safer.

As for the claim about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act not doing what it is supposed to and only giving tax cuts to

billionaires, I had mentioned, I had explained what actually happened in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and I would ask the other side, I would just ponder or wonder out loud why they didn't do it in their Inflation Reduction Act. If it was that important, when they were in control and they passed the Inflation Reduction Act, why didn't they do all of these things that they talk about being so important right now?

It is a little confusing when they continue to repeat. They believe that if they just continue to say the same thing over and over and over and over, it makes it true, and it does not, if you take a look at the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what ICE is doing in Minnesota.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I will clear up some of the rhetoric on H.R. 2270. It is called the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act, but just to make it clear, this bill makes it easier for employers to provide childcare benefits for their employees.

It excludes childcare and eldercare benefits from the regular rate calculation for overtime, so we remove a major financial barrier for some small business owners who want to help their employees actually balance work and family life. It would be a helpful thing for those employers and employees to help provide childcare.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I am so happy to get back to actually addressing the rules and the bills that are before us, instead of listening to Democrat talking points over and over.

I have listened to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle during this debate. It seems that they are once again choosing to prioritize Federal bureaucracy and woke social agendas over the actual needs of the American worker.

They claim to be the party of the worker. Yet, they oppose H.R. 2262, which simply increases opportunities for hourly employees to voluntarily take training classes to better their careers. They claim to support families. Yet, they oppose H.R. 2270, a bill that makes it easier for small businesses to offer childcare benefits.

The American people are tired of a government that treats every voluntary interaction between an employer and employee as a potential crime. They are tired of the 80-20 rules that make it harder for small businesses. They are tired of joint employer standards that were designated by union lawyers in Washington to destroy the franchise model that has provided a path for the American Dream for millions.

With H.R. 4366, the Save Local Businesses Act, we are finally bringing stability back to our Main Streets. We are telling the small business owners in my district and across the country that if they do not have direct, actual control over the worker, the Federal Government is not going to pretend they do just to satisfy a political agenda.

We cannot ignore the retirement security of our constituents. H.R. 2988 is a commonsense safeguard. When an American worker hands over their hard-earned paycheck to a fiduciary, they expect that money to be invested to maximize their return and not to fund a political experiment or a green energy fantasy. This bill ensures that pecuniary factors are the only things driving retirement investments.

The legislation in this package represents a fundamental shift back to the principles that made our country and our economy strong, which are clarity, flexibility, and individual opportunity. We are removing regulatory hurdles that have stifled upward mobility for far too long.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to put the interests of the American worker, the small business owner, and the retiree ahead of the interests of Washington bureaucrats. I am proud to support this rule, and I am glad that I was able to speak about the rule and about the

bills, instead of talking points. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

The material previously referred to by Ms. Leger Fernandez is as follows:

An Amendment to H. Res. 988 Offered by Ms. Leger Fernandez of New

Mexico

At the end of the resolution, add the following:

Sec. 5. Immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the

House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the

bill (H.R. 20) to amend the National Labor Relations Act, the

Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, and the Labor-

Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, and for

other purposes. All points of order against consideration of

the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read.

All points of order against provisions in the bill are

waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered

on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage

without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate

equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking

minority member of the Committee on Education and Workforce

or their respective designees; and (2) one motion to

recommit.

Sec. 6. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX and clause 8 of rule XX

shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 20.

Sec. 7. The Clerk shall transmit to the Senate a message

that the House has passed H.R. 20 no later than three

calendar days after passage.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the distinguished career of Mary Krinkie.

For 25 years, Mary has served as the vice president of government relations at the Minnesota Hospital Association. She is widely regarded as one of the most persuasive voices for Minnesota's healthcare systems and patient care.

I have had the honor to work with her on various issues, both here in Congress and in the Minnesota State Senate. Her dedication to the healthcare community has left a permanent mark on Minnesota.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mary for her decades of service, and I wish her a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.

Recognizing Richard ``Dick'' Pesek

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished member of the Minnesota agricultural community.

I congratulate Dick Pesek of Taunton, Minnesota, who has been named the Minnesota 2025 Cattleman of the Year. This honor is well-deserved recognition for his decades of hard work, dedication to the livestock industry, and deep commitment to his community.

We commend Mr. Pesek for upholding the best traditions of American agriculture.

Recognizing Jilian Schoenfeld and Brayden VanDyke

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jilian Schoenfeld and Brayden VanDyke from Russell-Tyler-Ruthton High School for their first-place finishes at the FFA Winter Leadership Summit.

Jilian placed first in the employment skills competition, and Brayden placed first in the English creed speaking event. Their hard work and commitment are a credit to their school and community.

I congratulate Jilian and Brayden on their victories.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and honor the life and legacy of Bradley Schenck, a devoted husband, father, marine, master sergeant in the Air National Guard, and law enforcement officer.

Brad served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Air National Guard and dedicated 16 years to law enforcement, including a decade on the Red River Valley SWAT Team. His colleagues knew him for his courage, integrity, and commitment to keeping his community safe.

Nine years ago, Brad faced brain cancer with extraordinary resilience. He turned his struggle into inspiration, sharing his journey in his memoir ``No Easy Way Out.''

Above all, Brad was a family man. He leaves behind his wife, Sara; their three children, Colby, Bentley, and Mackenzie; his parents and siblings; and his entire military and law enforcement families who carry on his legacy of strength and hope.

Brad's life was defined by service, resilience, and joy. I honor his memory today and extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and community.

Honoring Ed De La Hunt

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ed De La Hunt, a pioneering broadcaster whose voice and vision shaped northern Minnesota for nearly seven decades.

Ed and his wife, Carol, founded KPRM Radio in Park Rapids in 1962. His familiar voice on the program ``Coffee Time'' and his Sunday night music shows became part of daily life for countless listeners.

Beyond the microphone, Ed was an engineer, mentor, and builder. He trained and inspired generations of broadcasters. His dedication to local radio, his commitment to technical excellence, and his belief in the power of community storytelling left an incredible mark on Minnesota broadcasting. Ed leaves behind a legacy of service through the airways and through his family.

Today, I honor his career and the joy he brought to listeners across Minnesota.

Congratulating Hawley Nuggets Girls' Volleyball

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Hawley girls' volleyball team on being the 2025 AA State champions.

The Nuggets came back from a two-set deficit to win 3-2. This year's win sealed back-to-back championships for this team.

On behalf of the Seventh District of Minnesota, I congratulate them and am very proud of this team.

Recognizing Marshall Girls' Volleyball

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Marshall girls' volleyball team on being the 2025 AAA State champions.

This is Marshall's 10th championship, the most in State history, and the first program in Minnesota to win double-digit championships.

I congratulate the players and coaches on this huge accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 873 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, last night, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule providing for the consideration of the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, and I am happy to say that it will end the government shutdown.

The rule provides 1 hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations, or their designees.

I rise in support of this rule and the underlying legislation. This bill delivers on our commitment to the American people by finally reopening the government. It delivers on the promises that we have made to our veterans, our farmers, and our taxpayers.

Let's be honest: This government shutdown was completely avoidable. On September 19, House Republicans passed a continuing resolution that funded critical services and would have given us time to negotiate long-term solutions. It was a yes vote to keep the government open and to pay our troops, air traffic controllers, and Federal employees.

Every Democrat but one voted no. Every Democrat but one voted to shut the government down. This is not opinion, and this is not messaging like Democrats keep trying to spin it. It is a fact that anyone can check the vote record. Democrats voted against a nonpartisan, clean CR free of poison pills that would have continued Biden-level funding and kept the government open for negotiations.

Democrats chose politics over people. They refused to support a commonsense measure, and American families paid the price.

This bill restores stability to our national nutritional programs, which were put under unnecessary strain during the shutdown. It will fund WIC and SNAP, ensuring that low-income mothers and their babies have access to healthy and nutritious foods.

These programs should not have been used as a bargaining chip during the shutdown. Republicans are stepping up to protect Americans and ensure these programs remain stable and funded. That is what responsible governance looks like.

There are three appropriations bills included in the CR, put here to jump-start our appropriations process.

H.R. 5371 delivers for rural America. It provides funding for the Farm Service Agency to support our Nation's farmers and ranchers. It invests in rural development programs, including funding affordable housing rental assistance for low-income families and seniors in rural communities. These investments strengthen our local economies and ensure that rural communities are not left behind.

For our troops, this bill demonstrates our dedication to veteran medical care, including funding for

mental health, telehealth services, homelessness programs, caregiver programs, opioid misuse prevention and treatment, medical research, healthcare tailored to our female veterans, rural healthcare initiatives, and construction for new VA hospitals and veteran cemeteries.

We are also funding veteran disability programs, education benefits, and employment training. Funds will be invested in military family housing projects to support those who support our troops and in projects to improve quality of life for our servicemembers, including hospitals and schools.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5371 is what governing with a purpose looks like. If Democrats had joined us in September to pass a commonsense continuing resolution, we could have avoided this Democrat shutdown altogether, but they chose reckless posturing over responsibility. Now, Republicans are stepping up to restore stability and reopen the government for the people.

I stand in support of this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5371 and stay focused on what matters: serving the American people.

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

Mr. Speaker, there is so much to unpack and to object to in the ranking member's opening statement, but I just want to comment on one of the issues.

I find the statement that Republicans were on vacation laughable. The idea that Republicans were on vacation during the shutdown is just simply false. It is false. Many of us were in Washington or in our districts meeting with constituents, advancing local priorities, and staying fully engaged with our constituents and our work.

Our dedication to serving the American people didn't pause during the shutdown, whether in D.C. or back at home, which, for the record, I was in both places and many, many of my Republican colleagues were, too. We were doing the work we were elected to do.

The real story here is not about the absence. It is about the commitment, and for Republicans, we never wavered.

If the Democrats cared so much about working, they would not have shut the government down.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the esteemed chairwoman of the Committee on Rules.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott).

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

Mr. Speaker, I never said that this bill was perfect. Not everyone agrees with the provision, and our colleague from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott) just mentioned that he is already addressing it. What we do agree on is that it is critically important to get the government open, and that is why we are here today.

Mr. Speaker, it is getting our Federal employees paid and getting our troops paid. It is getting SNAP back on track and getting our airports back to full capacity. Once this happens, we can tackle the issues. We can get back to really doing the things for the American people and not using their suffering as leverage like Democratic Whip Clark is willing to do.

Democrats have spent weeks performing political theater by refusing to open government, and they continue to perform that political theater. We need to prioritize the reopening of the government and stop the suffering that the Democrats want to use as leverage.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McDowell).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler).

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

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

The ranking member mentioned the discharge petition, and he is very proud that it has 218 signatures, but not that long ago today we had a unanimous consent request that would have moved that resolution along over to the Senate, and I believe the Democrats objected to it.

It seems more like a political stunt than it does that they actually wanted to have that resolution moved along because if they had not objected, it would have gone on its way, and they would have accomplished what they wanted to do.

I don't see their real desire to have the resolution passed. I see it more, like I said, as a political stunt, and it certainly is actually a moot point, given that the Oversight Committee is already releasing many of those files. As a matter of fact, I believe they have done tens of thousands of them, but I believe this morning they did another 20,000 files, so they are being released, and this all seems for naught.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose).

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

Mr. Speaker, I would point out to some of my colleagues that the Democrat government shutdown stopped the SNAP benefits. If they were very concerned about making sure that people had their nutritional assistance, they wouldn't have shut down the government. That is what caused it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gill).

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to address the healthcare issues the Democrats continue to bring up. They act like this had anything to do with the premiums of everyone in the country. We are talking about the Affordable Care Act COVID-era subsidies. This is not what is affecting other people's premiums, other than those folks who qualify for those COVID-era premium subsidies. That is it. They continue to make it sound like this is responsible for every kind of increase that people are seeing.

The Affordable Care Act's original subsidies will remain in place. So that is the original subsidies, ensuring that millions still qualify for the income-based tax credit and capping out-of-pocket costs relative to income.

It is the COVID era. I can't say that enough. It is the COVID-era subsidies that are in question here, and premium increases are actually driven by multiple factors, including medical inflation, provider consolidation, and rising

drug costs. However to actually reduce premiums, that is what we must address. We must have comprehensive discussions about that, not just political theater and sound bites. We have to actually sit down and have those discussions, and that is what getting the government back open will do.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

As we wrap up this debate, I want to take a moment to cut through the noise from our colleagues on the left. Instead of focusing on the legislation before us, they are resorting to fear tactics and tossing out false claims about what this shutdown is really about.

The CR would have kept the government open to continue and finish the appropriations process. Yet the Democrats refused and instead chose to shut down the government.

My colleague mentions values. Democrats claim that our values are different. Democratic Whip Clark said: ``Of course there will be families that are going to suffer . . . but it is one of the few leverage times we have.''

So if those are the values they are talking about, I don't share those values.

Mr. Speaker, I won't make the American people suffer, whether it be their SNAP payments, whether it be keeping air traffic controllers paid, or whether it is paying our troops. Making the American people suffer are not the values that I share.

For the record, Republicans did not cause this shutdown, and we have not been on vacation. I have been splitting my time between D.C. and the District, as I mentioned before, meeting with constituents in both, meeting with Federal agencies, and hosting a teletownhall. I know how hard my Republican colleagues have been working for their constituents and the American people.

It was the Democrats who shut down the government when they refused to support a clean CR that would have kept the lights on and protected critical services, and now it is the Democrats who continue to shift the blame.

Now, getting back to the issue at hand, let's talk about what this bill actually does.

H.R. 5371 restores the funding for SNAP and WIC. It reimburses the contingency reserves to make sure that programs remain stable and reliable. Actually, President Trump moved $300 million of tariff revenue to fund WIC during the shutdown. Republicans are the ones protecting food security and not playing games with it.

This bill also delivers for our farmers and ranchers and for rural development. It invests in the communities that feed this country and keep the economy strong. It supports our troops and Federal workers. It ensures our servicemembers and their families have the support they need, and it honors the promises we have made to those who have served.

Yes, it reopens the government, restores stability, and resumes regular order.

So let's be honest about what a ``yes'' vote means. A ``yes'' vote is a vote for veterans care. A ``yes'' vote is a vote for SNAP and WIC. A ``yes'' vote is a vote for $700,000 for a fire engine in Ranking Member McGovern's district and $1 million for the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development in Representative Leger Fernandez's district. A ``yes'' vote is for farmers. A ``yes'' vote is for our troops and for Federal workers, and, yes, it is for reopening the government.

A ``no'' vote is a vote against all of that, including the development of a wastewater treatment facility in Mr. Neguse's district, and $1.5 million in watershed conservation in Representative Clark's district. It is a vote against Federal workers. It is a vote against healthcare. It is a vote against feeding hungry children, and it is a vote against common sense.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.