Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jayden Daniel, a young man from Eatonton, Georgia, who has earned the esteemed Congressional Award Gold Medal.

Jayden Daniel is the son of Shannon and Mark Daniel and graduated from Gatewood School in 2024. He is an athlete, an Eagle Scout, a student pilot, and an entrepreneur, actually starting his first business at the age of 17.

If he is not helping with the local Easter baskets for foster kids or out there raising money for children with childhood cancer, Jayden is certainly making an impact on others.

That is why, Madam Speaker, I applaud Jayden and congratulate him on being bestowed Congress' Congressional Award Gold Medal.

May God bless Jayden. It is an honor to serve him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during this National Police Week to honor four Georgia sheriffs. Sheriffs Janis Mangum, Melvin Andrews, Robert Markley, and Joe Chapman are each distinguished officers from Georgia's 10th District, who, after a career of serving others, are retiring later this year.

Our law enforcement officers and first responders risk their lives every time they don their uniforms.

Mr. Speaker, in a time of the defund the police movement out there from the left, it is more important than ever that we back our men and women in blue.

Mr. Speaker, I join millions of Americans out there in expressing my gratitude to every law enforcement officer during this National Police Week for their service, dedication, and courage. I also thank Sheriffs Mangum, Andrews, Markley, and Chapman on behalf of Georgia's 10th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to pass a full reauthorization of the FAA.

Right now, we have a Federal Aviation Administration that is operating under 20th century technology. Full reauthorization ensures the United States remains the gold standard on the world stage in aviation by bolstering U.S. technology and restructuring the FAA to improve efficiency.

As a matter of fact, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes a handful of amendments many of my colleagues have worked with industry experts on for several months, one of which I was proud to have included in the House-passed version. This amendment encourages private-sector investment in hypersonic technology so we can remain competitive on the world stage.

Our aviation sector drives over 5 percent of the GDP and supports 11 million jobs. Full authorization ensures that our skies remain safe, and our aviation industry stays competitive. I urge my colleagues to get this good piece of legislation across the finish line.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a close family friend, Don Leebern, Jr.

He was 6'3'' in stature, but he was a whole lot larger than that in life. He was a Georgia football player, and he played in the AFL, but he was also a highly successful businessperson. In addition, he was also a person who gave back to society, his community, serving on boards and foundations.

The last time I had dinner with Mr. Leebern, he grumbled about the fact that his wife was making him eat healthy and he was going to have to order off the healthy side of the menu. After he grumbled, he promptly ordered right.

The reason I say that is because he dearly, dearly loved his family. A man who will be truly missed, Don Leebern, Jr., led a life well lived.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also thank the gentleman for his commitment not just for his district, not just for the communities in his district and the industry, but the communities and industries across this whole country.

Mr. Speaker, we had the opportunity last year to visit his district and hold a field hearing.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, there was not a single colleague from the other side of the aisle that attended that field hearing. If they did, they would have learned a few things.

Number one, that it is one of the largest deposits of critical minerals in the world. That Federal land sits beside State land that does have permits for mining the same thing, but the Federal land is being held up.

As a matter of fact, 80 percent of all critical minerals that are mined in this country are sent over to China to be processed because we have shut down smelters in this country. We are down to three.

My colleagues would have also seen the look on the faces up there, the face of people in a community that is being devastated. They are worried not just about themselves, but for the generations that are to come. These are people that set the standard for mining around the world.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is one more step in overturning and untangling this web these out-of-control Federal agencies have placed on a good industry, a great industry in our country.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to please vote for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Georgia's Jeff McLendon on the conclusion of his tenure as chairman of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

This association is comprised of the companies that keep America moving while employing 6 million Americans, many of them Georgians, in high-paying, rewarding careers.

With Jeff's guidance as chairman, NAW expanded its educational opportunities for emerging leaders, enhanced its thoughtful leadership in a rapidly innovating world and continued to be an effective voice for distribution-friendly policies here in Washington.

NAW's success under Jeff's leadership shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, knowing Jeff's success in the business over these past 20 years leading Duluth, Georgia's, Specialty Building Products.

I had the opportunity to visit one of his facilities last year and to meet with him and members of his impressive team. Jeff is a humble leader and a man of faith who cares deeply about his employees, his community, and his country.

I, again, congratulate Jeff on his tenure as NAW chairman, and I appreciate his continued servant leadership in the Georgia business community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Bishop for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have introduced the Laken Riley Act, and I urge you to join me in voting to pass this bill today.

As Joe Biden comes to the Capitol tonight to defend his atrocious record, the House is voting to rebuke him for the open border policies that led directly to Laken Riley's murder.

Enough is enough. The President and the DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have released millions of illegal aliens into this country and they refuse to secure our border and keep Americans safe.

Unfortunately, the man who murdered Laken was among those millions. Despite committing several crimes in multiple jurisdictions, he was allowed to roam free in America before brutally murdering Ms. Riley on the campus of the University of Georgia on February 22.

Mr. Speaker, Laken was only 22 years old, a nursing student. She had her whole life and a bright future ahead of her. This young woman was an exemplary daughter, sister, and friend. She was cherished by so many people for her loving nature and her servant's heart. She would be with us today if elected leaders who took an oath to preserve our Constitution and faithfully execute our laws had kept their word, but they didn't.

While we can't bring Laken back, we must now turn our focus to doing everything we can to prevent this from happening to another American.

The Laken Riley Act is a key piece in our fight to restore the rule of law and get criminal illegal aliens off our street. This legislation will give Immigration and Customs Enforcement more tools. It will add theft to the list of crimes for which the agency must detain and deport an illegal alien.

This is crucial. Many people who commit petty crimes go on to commit worse crimes. Laken's murderer, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is a prime example of this. Ibarra was cited for shoplifting in Athens, Georgia, just prior to murdering Laken, but under current law, ICE would not have been required to pick up Ibarra, even if local law enforcement had reported him.

Let's change that.

Let's also give States the legal recourse when the Federal Government fails to enforce immigration law. The Laken Riley Act does that. States will be able to sue the Federal Government for injunctive relief when illegals released into this country harm our people.

Lastly, the bill condemns the President's border policies and calls on him to end catch and release, reinstate remain in Mexico, and secure the borders of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, today we act on behalf of those who are no longer with us because of Joe Biden's policies. I thank my colleagues for rallying alongside me to highlight Laken Riley's life these past 2 weeks. Let's continue to pray for her family and friends as they grieve her loss and resolve to continue fighting for the American people against the lawlessness created by this administration.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the Laken Riley Act, and when it passes, I also urge my colleagues in the Senate to take this up immediately.

Let's ensure justice for Laken Riley.

Mr. Speaker, we, the Georgia delegation, rise tonight to honor the life and legacy of Laken Riley, who was murdered last week in Athens, Georgia, on the campus of the University of Georgia.

Allow me to share a few words about Laken directly from her parents:

Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, and friend.

She was selfless, lived to be an example for others, and was a dedicated servant of her community from a young age.

Laken's servant heart came from her love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who guided her steps and shaped the way she lived.

Her faith informed her decision to enter the nursing program at Augusta University where she joined the A Chi O sorority and made countless friends who loved her and miss her dearly.

I will conclude with this message to Laken from her mom and dad: ``Rest in peace, our angel. We look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven. Until then, we will do our best to make you proud.''

God help us.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of the House taking up the remaining appropriations legislation as soon as we get back in the new year.

The past 12 months have certainly been trying, but our Conference has shown that we can pass strong conservative policy that puts America first.

To my colleagues, enjoy your time with your family. Come January, let's be prepared to finish what the American people expect us to do, and that is to get these remaining appropriations bills across the finish line.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dean Dale Greene of the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, a role in which he has served since 2015.

After decades of service to UGA and our great State, Dean Greene will retire at the end of this year. Dale is an accomplished man. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University, holds a master's degree from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from Auburn University.

He joined the UGA faculty in 1986 and has served our school and this State in so many ways since.

Dale currently sits on the board of trustees for the American Forestry Association and has been on the board of directors for the Georgia Forestry Association since 1992. He was appointed by two Georgia Governors to the State Board of Registration of Foresters, first in 2004 and then again in 2010.

In 2007, Dean Greene received an Outstanding Research Award from the Society of American Foresters, the Herrick Award for Superior Teaching, and was later inducted into the Georgia Forester's Hall of Fame.

His accomplishments don't end there. In 2008, Dale became a UGA senior teaching fellow and, in 2011, received the Georgia Forestry Association's Wise Owl award.

These are just a few ways that Dale Greene has been recognized for his outstanding service to the State of Georgia, countless students, and the field of forestry.

Mr. Speaker, as my friend embarks on his next chapter of life, he must know that his leadership has built a strong legacy. The Warnell School has grown and become so successful with him at the helm.

I thank him for all he has done, and I wish him continued success in his retirement. Go Dawgs.

Mr. Speaker, merry Christmas. I thank Chairman Graves for yielding and for his leadership this year as we have worked to address many challenging issues that are facing our aviation industry.

Hopefully, soon we will be celebrating enactment of the FAA reauthorization bill that was shepherded through the House in July rather than debating additional short-term extensions. However, Mr. Speaker, here we are, and I rise in support of the Airport and Airway Extension Act.

This legislation will continue the current authorization of the Airport Improvement Program, Essential Air Service, and other key programs through March while we wait for the Senate to act on H.R. 3935.

As we know, our Nation's airports--including Hartsfield-Jackson, which serves my home State of Georgia and, by the way, is the busiest in the world--are constantly working to build new infrastructure in response to rising demand for passenger and cargo services.

They depend on AIP to keep those projects rolling and people and goods flying. That is why I support the Airport and Airway Extension Act, but I also call on the Senate to act quickly on our long-term FAA reauthorization bill, which will modernize FAA operations, grow the aviation workforce, strengthen the general aviation sector, improve the passenger experience, and so much more.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House to support the bill before us today and look forward to continuing our work to keep America's skies the safest and most efficient in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for his leadership on the Science Committee. It is great serving with him on the committee of the future.

I rise in support of the TRANQ Research Act, which I introduced in March. It passed the Science Committee and the House unanimously. It then passed the Senate unanimously after it had been amended to include some technical changes and a reporting requirement on America's ability to address the growing threat of new psychoactive drugs. I support these changes, and I ask all Members to join me in sending this commonsense bill to the President for his signature.

As you will recall, the TRANQ Research Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to study dangerous fentanyl additives like xylazine that are putting the public and law enforcement at risk.

Xylazine, which is also known as the zombie drug, is a dangerous substance containing a veterinary tranquilizer which makes fentanyl even more dangerous than it already is. The zombie drug has been popping up in nearly every State, and the DEA is reporting a substantial increase in the amount of fentanyl seized that contains this deadly additive.

Exposure--and that is right, just exposure--to these drugs, whether you are taking them or not, can be deadly, and that means that law enforcement officers who are finding these drugs are in danger. This research is going to help them identify ways to detect fentanyl and its additives in the field and therefore take appropriate measures to protect themselves while keeping our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is one piece of a much larger fight against fentanyl and the other drugs plaguing our communities and ending so many lives prematurely. By understanding what these additives are, how to test for them, and how to safely handle them, we can better protect our first responders and our Border Patrol agents.

I thank everyone who has made this moment possible: Representative

Caraveo, Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Lofgren, members of the Science Committee. I thank them for helping get this bill across the finish line.

Madam Speaker, one of our colleagues recently asked what our House majority has been doing that we can campaign on, things we can take back to the American people.

In addition to James Comer and Jim Jordan exposing Biden's corruption, all committees have exposed Federal agencies, keeping them in check. It is not just here in D.C. We have been taking our hearings all over the country to learn what needs fixing from the American people.

We have passed bills to unleash our energy sector, secure our border, and cut spending. We have sent bills over to the Senate to modernize Federal agencies and reduce regulations. We have passed 7 of 12 appropriations bills that cut spending and rein in unelected bureaucracies. We would have had all 12 of our appropriations done by now if Members would not stop making perfect the enemy of the good by taking down rules and bills that cut spending.

To those who want to make more cuts, I do, too, and we can work on that. Let's at least start by getting off the Pelosi budget and cutting something. That is something we could campaign on, but only if we do it.

Mr. Chairman, you would think by just listening to this debate that we were sitting here debating funding and we were debating guns, and that is actually not the case.

You see, Mr. Chair, what the Biden administration is trying to do is just another glaring example in a long list of glaring examples of what they have done to destroy the American fabric as we know it.

Mr. Chair, you can look at inflation, and you can look at the wokeness in the military, but this is actually about an invasion, and now they are wanting to take a national park and turn it into a migrant camp.

I want to tell you something, Mr. Chair: If you give this administration an inch, they will take a mile. That is just the beginning of this.

People want to go see their national parks. They want to go see the Grand Canyon. They don't want to see a grand caravan.

Instead of punishing Americans for its failures, the Biden administration should look to actual long-lasting solutions to the border crisis. House Republicans, Mr. Chairman, knew exactly right. We have already acted by passing H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act.

Mr. Chair, I want to urge all of my colleagues to support this bill and protect our national parks.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment prohibits any funding from being used by the Office of the Vice President for salaries and other expenses.

Kamala Harris has been a failure as Vice President, from her inability to manage her team effectively, leading to high turnover, to her disastrous job as border czar, where she has failed to secure anything.

Let's look at the numbers. Since the Biden-Harris administration took office, there have been over 6.2 million illegal crossings of our southern border. In September alone, there were 269,735 illegal immigrants encountered at the southern border. That is an increase of over 300 percent since September of 2020.

Customs and Border Protection has seized over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl just in FY23.

There have been 169 people whose names were on the terrorist list stopped while trying to cross the border.

Cartels are making more than $13 billion a year from smuggling people across our border.

The Biden-Harris far-left border policies are to blame for this crisis.

What has this border czar done about it? Nothing. The only thing our Vice President has succeeded at is failing us.

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

Mr. Chairman, I think that the facts speak for themselves on our border czar, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close.

I am going to tell you something. I am a businessman. The one problem in this country is that southern border down there is wide open. We have folks flooding across that place. We have hot spots all over the world. We have already announced how many terrorists from the watch list we have caught down there.

As a businessman, I look at that and I say, who is in charge of that? That is Vice President Kamala Harris. If you can't change out who is in charge of it, then it is our duty as Representatives to make sure that she doesn't get paid for not doing her job. The American people should no longer be on the hook for Vice President Harris' failures.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to adopt this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.