Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 936, I call up the bill (S. 1071) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1071.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to present the final National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026.

This is a good product that was worked in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion.

This year, we focused a lot of our efforts on fixing the Pentagon's broken acquisition process, which is failing our warfighters. The fiscal year 2026 NDAA includes a series of reforms to put commercial solutions first, eliminate regulatory burdens, and end bureaucratic inertia. It also puts in place a system that will deliver capability to the warfighter at the speed and scale that we need.

Fixing acquisitions will go a long way toward ensuring our warfighters are the most capable fighting force on the planet.

Properly equipping our warfighters is critical, but so is ensuring we recruit and retain the best and brightest.

Toward that end, the FY 2026 NDAA continues to make improvements in the quality of life of all of our servicemembers.

This bill supports the Trump administration's 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers that authorizes nearly $3 billion for construction of barracks, family housing, dining facilities, medical facilities, childcare centers, and schools. It also improves servicemember access to mental health services.

Our committee will continue to make improving the quality of life of our servicemembers a top priority every year.

We need a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force because the threats to our Nation, especially those from China, are more complex and challenging than at any point in the last 40 years.

The FY 2026 NDAA counters the threat from China and ensures mission success in the Indo-Pacific. The bill includes a number of provisions to rid adversaries from our defense supply chain. It extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. posture in the region and improves our ability to conduct military operations in the Pacific. It also bolsters Taiwan's defenses and helps build the capacity of our allies in the region.

Furthermore, this bill increases the lethality of our forces to prepare for and deter global threats. The bill authorizes over $26 billion in shipbuilding for additional submarines and surface vessels; $38 billion to ensure air dominance with new generation fighter jets; $25 billion to restore America's arsenal of munitions; and $145 billion to research and develop innovative new technologies our warfighters will need to win on future battlefields.

This is a strong bipartisan bill that delivers for our warfighters and deters our adversaries. It will fundamentally reform the defense acquisition enterprise. It will continue historic improvements in the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families. It will build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter China and our adversaries. It will deliver on President Trump's peace through strength agenda.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Fallon).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly), chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman), the chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson), who is the chairman of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves), who is the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan), who is a member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans), an outstanding member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), an outstanding and very passionate member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Ezell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. McGuire), an outstanding freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos).

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

First, I want to take a minute to thank the ranking member. As anybody who has listened to this debate can just tell, he is a very bright, very thoughtful, articulate fellow, and I am very fortunate that he is my partner in running the Armed Services Committee.

I also thank Chairman Roger Wicker of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Ranking Member Jack Reed. They also are very passionate, thoughtful bipartisan Members of Congress. This product that we bring before the House today is a result of this bipartisan, bicameral effort.

For those of us who have been around here a long time, we used to see more of this. We don't now. It is refreshing to see this kind of effort, this kind of product come to the floor in these more recent years of toxicity in this town and in this Chamber. That toxicity is not reflected in this product.

I also thank our staff for their outstanding work. This is literally a cumulative product of 11 months of a lot of hard staff work. The House Legislative Counsel, the CBO, and the Parliamentarian staff here, leadership staff, as we saw just before this came to the floor, there have been a lot of people pulling hard to get this done, but it has resulted in this product.

A lot of folks don't think about this, but this authorization bill is a massive piece of legislation, not just including what is riding along with it today from other committees, but in and of itself it authorizes over half of all discretionary spending. This is a big deal.

It also has been done for 64 consecutive years. No matter which party has control of the White House, and no matter which party has control of this Chamber, we find a way to make sure our servicemembers have what they need to be successful and safe.

I am very proud of this committee. I am very proud of this product. I am proud of the partnership that we have had with the other party. It is an important bill. I urge our Members to be supportive of it and to vote ``yes.''

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Bersheba Austin as Human Resources Director for the City of Anniston, Alabama.

Bersheba received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Faulkner University in 2008, an associate's degree in science from Gadsden State Community College in 1995 and a Bookkeeping and Accounting Diploma from Ayers State Technical College in 1982. She is a 1995 graduate of Cleburne County High School.

Bersheba came to work for the City of Anniston in August of 2000 as Clerk Typist. She moved up the ranks to Payroll Clerk, Personnel Specialist, and finally Human Resources Director. Bersheba has dedicated 25 years to the City of Anniston.

She is a member of the Alabama Association of Public Personnel Administrators and the Public Sector Human Resources Association. She also served in leadership roles for the IPMA-HR Southern Region organization.

Bersheba is blessed with two daughters, Ashley Burton and Alayna Pernell, and two grandchildren. On December 10, 2025, an event will be held to celebrate her retirement at the Anniston City Meeting Center.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Bersheba Austin on her retirement and thanking her for her dedication and service to the City of Anniston. I congratulate Bersheba.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Gadsden State Community College. Gadsden State is currently under the leadership of President Alan Smith.

One of the initial founding institutions of Gadsden State is the Alabama School of Trades. It was established in 1925 as the first state-operated trade school in Alabama and the entire southern United States.

Classes began on September 16, 1925, with 42 students enrolled in the inaugural class. Four courses were available: printing, electricity, bricklaying and cabinetmaking. All students lived in the newly constructed dormitory equipped with modern conveniences such as steam heat and plumbing that featured hot and cold running water. Students helped government workmen lay bricks to build the school's first permanent two-story buildings.

The Alabama School of Trades continued to thrive as a training center for the area's technical industry with increasing student enrollment and course offerings. In 1942, courses were converted to War Training. At the close of World War II, new courses were added to help veterans re-enter the workforce such as: Radio, TV, Auto Mechanics, Machine Shop, Refrigeration, Drafting, Photography, Upholstery, Auto Body, Barbering, General Farm Dairy, Poultry and Heavy Equipment.

In 1973, the school's name was changed to the Alabama Technical College and began offering associate in applied technology degrees. In 1985, the Alabama Technical College merged with Gadsden State Community College and is now known as the East Broad Campus. It is home to many of Gadsden State's workforce development programs such as Precision Machining, Mechanical Design, Industrial Automation, Welding, Electrical, Electronic Technology, Salon/Spa, Court Reporting, Truck Driving, Skid Steer Training, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy and Civil Engineering.

As a result of mergers and expansion of services, Gadsden State is now a sprawling Community College with five campuses including East Broad, Wallace Drive, Valley Street (HBCU), Ayers and Cherokee. Gadsden State serves Etowah, Calhoun, Cleburne, Cherokee and St. Clair counties in northeast Alabama. There are 70 programs of study offered to over 5,000 students.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Gadsden State Community College a happy 100th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Anita Bedwell, a City Councilwoman for Rainbow City, Alabama.

Anita was born in Rainbow City to Eugene and Loretta Wimpee on August 27, 1961, along with her sisters, Lisa Abernathy and Susie Carr. She graduated from Southside High School in 1979, attended Gadsden State Community College, and graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Dental Hygiene.

After working as a dental hygienist for 15 years, Anita joined her family's construction business and eventually started her own business, Rainbow Pipe and Metal.

Councilwoman Bedwell has tirelessly served on the Rainbow City Council for 17 years. She was first elected in 2008 and has served four terms. As a member of the City Council, she

has been an integral part of growing Rainbow City into the fastest- growing city in Etowah County. Rainbow City would not be the thriving community it is today without her leadership. Anita has served on the Utilities Board since 2013 and served as the chairwoman in 2019.

Anita married Jeff Bedwell on October 22, 1983. They have one son, Andrew (Chance), and two grandsons, Britton and Cotton Bedwell. A devout Christian, she has been a member of Riddles Bend Baptist Church since 1981 and has served as a children's Sunday School teacher. In her free time, Anita enjoys volunteering for Renew our Rivers and Rainbow City Clean Up Day, as well as traveling, boating, cattle farming, and spending as much time as possible with friends and family.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Councilwoman Anita Bedwell, and thanking her for her service to Rainbow City, Alabama. Congratulations to Anita.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Gary Fuller, Mayor of the City of Opelika, Alabama.

Mayor Fuller has tirelessly served the City of Opelika for over 20 years. He served on the City Council from 2000 to 2004 and was first elected Mayor August 24, 2004.

As Mayor, he established Opelika as the first gig city in Alabama. He helped establish a first-class Pre-K program and helped with plans to renovate Opelika High School. He led the charge for a new sports complex, library, fire department, police building and municipal court facility.

He was instrumental in the development of the Tiger Town shopping district and revitalization of Opelika's downtown. Because of the influx of citizens, over 2,500 new single-family homes have been built. He created the Commission on Crime & Violence in 2018 to help decrease crime.

A graduate of Southern Union State Community College, Fuller was President and CEO of Fuller Broadcasting Company, Inc. from 1985 until 1998. His six stations (WKKR, WMXA, WZMG, WTLM, WCJM and WPLV) received numerous awards for community service and local news coverage. In 1988, WZMG and WKKR became the first stations in Alabama to earn the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award for community service. He was also Managing General Partner for Fuller Properties, LTD and former host of the Lee County Report.

He's served as past President of The United Way of Lee County, Opelika Rotary Club and The Opelika Chamber of Commerce. He has served as past director of Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball, Opelika Main Street, Opelika Utilities Board, Opelika Arts Association, Lee County Salvation Army, Achievement Center Easter Seals, Chattahoochee Council Boy Scouts of America, Chattahoochee Historical Commission and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County.

Mayor Fuller has served the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (Chairman), Alabama League of Municipalities (Past President), Alabama Monument Protection (Vice Chair), Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, Lee- Russell Council of Governments, Opelika Planning Commission, Auburn University Regional Airport, Master Mason and member of Twin City Lodge No. 76, Emeritus Certified Municipal Official by League of Municipalities, National League of Cities Christian Public Officials Caucus, Julius E. Talton Endowed Program Support Fund and University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences.

He received the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, Opelika Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, ``Small Businessperson of the Year'' and Chancellor's Award Outstanding Alumni--Southern Union State Community College. He is married to his wife, Laura, and has two children. The Fullers are active members of First Methodist of Opelika.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing my friend, Mayor Fuller, and thanking him for his service to the City of Opelika. Congratulations to Mayor Fuller.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Dr. Ken Bodiford. Dr. Bodiford served as Director of Bands at my alma mater, Jacksonville State University. During his 32-year tenure, he transformed the Marching Southerners into one of the most respected and accomplished collegiate marching programs in the Nation.

Under Dr. Bodiford's leadership, the Marching Southerners expanded from approximately 140 members to more than 500, becoming one of the largest collegiate marching ensembles in the country. His vision and commitment to excellence elevated the Southerners to national and international acclaim, representing Jax State and the State of Alabama on some of the world's most prestigious stages.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Bodiford led the Southerners in performances at the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in 2024, the World Peace Parade in 2019, the Bands of America Grand National Championships in 2019 and 2002, the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor in 2016, the London New Year's Day Parade in 2012 and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1995.

Dr. Bodiford served as Director of the Spirit of JSU Drum and Bugle Corps from 2001 to 2007, guiding the ensemble to multiple Top 12 finishes at the Drum Corps International World Championships. He also served as Director of the United States Army All-American Marching Band from 2016 to 2017, leading some of the nation's most talented young musicians in performances of the highest caliber.

His contributions to music education have been recognized nationally through his election to Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters Fraternity, which honors exceptional leadership and lifelong dedication to the advancement of band music. Beyond his professional achievements, his greatest legacy lies in the generations of students, educators and performers he has mentored.

Dr. Bodiford's career stands as a testament to the power of vision, passion and leadership in shaping both institutions and lives. His tireless dedication has brought great honor to Jax State, the Marching Southerners and the State of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Jax State fans and family, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary career of Dr. Kenneth G. ``Ken'' Bodiford.

Madam Chair, in recent years, China has increased the size, scope, and complexity of its drills around Taiwan. As Admiral Paparo has said: These are not exercises. They are rehearsals for a forced reunification.

President Trump understands that supporting Taiwan's self-defense now is the surest way to deter CCP aggression. I agree. That is why the President and the Pentagon requested $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative in FY26. This bill fully funds President Trump's budget request. To do otherwise would put peace and security in Taiwan at risk. Therefore, I oppose this amendment and urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. Chair, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), my friend and the chairman of the Financial Services Committee.

Mr. Chair, I agree with Chairman Hill that our committees have a lot of ground to cover on authorities to strengthen the defense industrial base.

Mr. Messmer's amendment is a good attempt to break through some of the bureaucracy that has hampered those efforts. I commit to Chairman Hill that we will work with him and his committee on the defense industrial base matters that arise in the conference on the NDAA.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).

Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

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

Mr. Chair, I support this bipartisan en bloc amendment that was worked in advance with the minority.

I also want to take a minute to completely foot-stomp what my friend, the ranking member, just said about the staff, not only the House Armed Services staff on both sides of the aisle, who have just done incredible work, but the floor staff here and the Rules Committee staff in moving what is the biggest bill that this Congress has to move each year in such an expeditious fashion. They are all to be commended, and I thank them all.

Mr. Chair, I can't overstate how much I appreciate the ranking member and his partnership and leadership in this process. He is, as you can tell, a thought leader in this area, but also just a great partner in advancing this very important piece of legislation.

This is a good bill. It is a very important bill. It reforms the Pentagon's

broken acquisition system; continues historic improvements in the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families; builds a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force necessary to deter global threats; and enacts President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda.

The House will work its will on the amendments before us today, but I urge all Members to support final passage of the bill. It is critical we get this bill to conference and, ultimately, to the President's desk.

The threats we face today are more complex and precarious than at any point in the last 80 years. The Department needs the authorities that this NDAA provides to stay ahead of these threats. I urge all Members to support this en bloc amendment and the underlying bill.

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

Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 3838, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section and title numbering, cross-referencing, conforming amendments to the table of contents and short titles, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3838.

Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, the bill before us today carries a different short title than the typical NDAA. It is the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Act, or SPEED Act. We did that to underscore the very significant reforms this bill makes to the Department's acquisition process.

The Pentagon's current acquisition process is failing our warfighters. It can take 10 years between identifying a need and delivering the capability to the warfighter. By that time, the threat has changed, the costs have ballooned, and the solution is outdated.

The SPEED Act will cut through layers of red tape and deliver for the warfighter at speed and scale. It accelerates the requirements process from nearly 3 years down to 90 days. It streamlines bureaucracy. It prioritizes commercial solutions and fosters an environment where innovation can flourish by removing barriers to entry and bridging the valley of death. It modernizes outdated and overly burdensome regulations that slow delivery and inflate costs.

Most importantly, it drives much-needed cultural change; so no more rewarding paper pushers over problem-solving. The SPEED Act fosters a culture of agility and responsible risk-taking. We worked closely with the administration on this effort, and I am pleased to say they support it.

Fixing acquisitions will go a long way toward ensuring our warfighters are the most capable fighting force on the planet. Properly equipping our warfighters is critical, but so is ensuring that we recruit and retain the best and brightest. Toward that end, the FY26 NDAA continues to make improvements in the quality of life for our servicemembers.

This bill supports the Trump administration's 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers; authorizes nearly $3 billion for construction of barracks, family housing, dining facilities, medical facilities, childcare centers, and schools; prevents the Department from reducing healthcare billets to avoid shortages at medical facilities; and it improves servicemember access to mental health services.

Our committee will continue to make improving the quality of life for servicemembers a priority. We need a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force because the threats our Nation faces, especially those from China, are more complex and challenging than at any point in the last 40 years.

The FY26 NDAA counters the threat from China and ensures mission success in the Indo-Pacific. The bill extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. posture in the region. It funds the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative by $1 billion, fully funds

the military exercises with allies and partners in the region, and it authorizes more than $1.5 billion in critical military construction projects we need to carry out operations in the Pacific.

Furthermore, the bill increases the lethality of our forces to prepare for and deter global threats. The bill authorizes over $22 billion in shipbuilding for additional submarines and surface vessels, $38 billion to ensure air dominance with a new generation of fighters, $15 billion to restore America's arsenal of munitions, and $142 billion to research and development of innovative new technologies our warfighters need to win on future battlefields.

This is a strong, bipartisan bill that delivers for our warfighters and deters our adversaries. It will fundamentally reform the defense acquisition enterprise. It will continue historic improvements in the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. It will build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter China and other adversaries, and it will deliver on President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda.

Madam Chair, I urge all Members to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Agriculture,

Washington, DC, July 30, 2025.

Hon. Mike Rogers,

Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr.Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual

understanding regarding H.R. 3838, the ``SPEED Act.'' Thank

you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on

the matters within our jurisdiction.

The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further

consideration of this bill. However, by forgoing

consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction

over any subject matter contained in this or similar

legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the

right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of

conferees, should it become necessary, and ask that you

support such a request.

We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 3838 and request a

copy of our letters on this matter be published in the

Congressional Record during Floor consideration.

Sincerely,

Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,

Chairman.

Madam Chair, I echo the ranking member's comments. This is a very bipartisan product that came out of committee. It is a good product, and it deserves this Chamber's support. He has been a great partner in fashioning what we bring to the floor today.

Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson), chairman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly), my friend and colleague and the chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman), who is the chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Fallon), who is the chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. McGuire), an outstanding freshman member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), another outstanding member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from South Carolina.

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

I first thank my good friend, the ranking member, for his leadership. He has been a great partner in this process, and I am very proud of the work we did together in putting together a bipartisan bill.

I also thank our staff for their outstanding work, as well as the House Legislative Counsel, CBO, the Parliamentarian, and leadership staff on both sides of the aisle.

This is a very important bill. It provides critical authorities to our warfighters that keep us safe.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Baird).

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

Mr. Chair, this bipartisan en bloc package is comprised of amendments worked in advance with the ranking member. I thank the Members for their contributions to the NDAA and their commitment to national security.

Mr. Chair, I urge Members to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I offer amendment No. 10 as the designee of Mr. Pfluger of Texas.

Mr. Chairman, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, also known as the CMP, was created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, who felt too many Americans were, at best, mediocre marksmen. President Roosevelt ordered the Army to work with gun clubs and other civilian groups to improve the country's national defense by teaching marksmanship.

In 1996, Congress established the CMP as a federally chartered 501(c)(3) corporation that places its highest priority on serving youth through gun safety and marksmanship activities that encourage personal growth and build life skills. These member organizations range from the Army's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, 4-H clubs, Boy Scout groups, summer youth camps, and gun clubs.

This amendment would allocate additional surplus military weapons from the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Air Force to the CMP to further their mission of educating youth on the importance of gun safety and marksmanship activities.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Chair, the gentleman is conflating gun violence statistics at large with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. They not the same thing.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is selling basically antique weapons, surplus weapons, from the various services to collectors who buy them as collectors. The proceeds go into a trust fund that then funds the gun safety and marksmanship training I talked about earlier. It is a very worthwhile program. I urge its support.

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

Madam Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Mrs. Biggs).

Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fong).

Madam Chair, I, too, support the en bloc package comprised of amendments worked in advance with the ranking member.

I thank the Members for their contributions to the NDAA and their commitment to national security.

I urge Members to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This bipartisan en bloc package is comprised of amendments worked in advance with the ranking member. I thank the Members for their contributions to the NDAA and their commitment to national security.

I urge Members to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, this is a bipartisan en bloc package comprised of amendments worked in advance with the ranking member.

I thank the Members for their contributions to the NDAA and their commitment to national security. I urge Members to support the package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Mr. Charles ``Charlie'' Webb. Charlie graduated high school in Colorado in May 1970 and in August 1970 reported to Fort Knox, Kentucky. for Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at the Armor School. He was assigned to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in January 1971 in Bind Lach serving as border patrol between Germany and Czechoslovakia. He and his company referred to themselves as The Speed Bump because ``that's what it would have looked like if the WARSAW Pact had decided to come across.'' This was his favorite assignment.

He was then assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, with the 10th Cavalry (part of the 4th Infantry Division). It was while he was there that he met his wife, Mary. His next assignment was back to Germany with the 1st Battalion 64th Armor Regiment for three years. During this time, he transitioned to the M1 series tanks.

Later he was assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was there for a year and transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, because they already had M1 tanks. At Fort Hood, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 1st Cavalry Division. He served as a Platoon Sergeant, and eventually, as the First Sergeant for D Company. While serving as the 1st Sergeant, he was notified he'd be attending the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. It was there, in January of 1990, he went back to Fort Bliss for six months of school.

After graduation, he expected to be assigned to Korea since he had never done a tour there, but instead, he was retained as faculty at Fort Bliss for the next three years as a lesson writer and instructor.

In December 1992, Armor Branch contacted him concerning his next assignment. The Assignments person gave him a choice; he could be the First Sergeant of a tank company with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, or a tank company supporting the Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Neither choice was a desirable option, so he chose to retire and in 1993. he moved to Anniston, Alabama, to work at Fort McClellan. However, he had no intentions of ending his service to the United States. Here, he was responsible for running the Battle Simulation Center for the Chemical School. When Fort McClellan was closed, the Anniston Chemical Demil Facility (ANCDF) was being built, and Charlie was hired there in July 1999. While working at ANCDF, he had an interest in making a scale model of the plant. Because cameras weren't allowed on site, he observed and documented, from memory, the layout of the facilities. He worked on a model at home for over four years. The model is one of a kind, and the only one in existence. He donated the large-scale model to the Army and it's on display at the Museum Support Center in Anniston Alabama (MSCA).

Charlie worked from July 1999 until the completion of the ANCDF mission and left in August 2013, He started in April 2014, as a volunteer at MSCA and is still volunteering today. Charlie's vast knowledge and dedication to detail has enhanced the effectiveness of the museum. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Charlie and thanking him for his service to our country and his dedication to the

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of William John ``Bill'' Baker, mayor of the City of Piedmont, Alabama.

Bill was born in Far Rockaway, New York, to Edna McCracken Baker and Fred Stephenson Baker on October 27, 1949. He was awarded the Eagle Scout Award for Troop 501 in June 1962. He graduated from Piedmont High School in 1967 and graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973.

After graduation, he worked at the Department of Human Resources as a social worker for 36 years. He also worked at Piedmont Health Care Center as the Alzheimer's Coordinator and Activity Director after his retirement from DHR.

Mayor Baker was awarded a State of Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Civic Award in 2008 and received the Piedmont Journal Citizen of the Year award in 2013.

Mayor Baker has served the City of Piedmont since 1988, when he was first elected to city council. He was appointed mayor August 4, 1996, after the death of Mayor Vera Stewart and served until October 7, 1996. Bill was appointed to the city council on November 15, 1999, after the resignation of Councilman Rick Freeman. He continued to serve on the council until October of 2013. He was appointed Mayor of Piedmont on October 4, 2013, after Mayor Rick Freeman resigned. He was reelected as mayor in 2016 and 2020.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing my friend, Mayor Bill Baker, and thanking him for his service to the City of Piedmont. Congratulations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birthday of Wilbert D. Payne, Jr. Mr. Payne turned 75 on July 13th.

Mr. Payne was born on July 13, 1950, and has devoted almost 50 years to serving his community and country, becoming a historic figure in the City of Opelika and a respected voice among Alabama veterans and civic leaders. In 2016, he made history as the first African American elected Chairman of the City of Opelika Board of Zoning Adjustments, breaking barriers and fostering inclusive representation for the citizens of Opelika.

On February 17, 1970, Mr. Payne was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 19, serving with valor in the Vietnam War and later continuing his service through the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army National Guard until his medical retirement in 2004.

As former Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Twin Cities Chapter 95, he spearheaded the Vietnam War 50-Year Commemoration in Central Alabama, organizing the first ceremony of its kind in Lee County in 2016 and ensuring hundreds of veterans were honored and presented with commemorative pins and the public gratitude they had long deserved. He became an advocate for veterans' rights, mental health care, and public recognition for Vietnam veterans who, like himself, returned home without fanfare or acknowledgment.

His civic service roles include: Chief Voting Inspector for Lee County at the Covington Recreation Center, Chairman and member of the City of Opelika Zoning Board, Member of 100 Black Men of America. Inc., Greater Auburn-Opelika Chapter, where he served as All Pro Dad's Chairperson for Carver Primary School and West Forest Intermediate School, Longtime coordinator of the Lions Tamers Social and Civic Club's Family Fun Day/Juneteenth Celebration, Certified Member and Volunteer with the American Red Cross for 19 years, including service as a former Shelter Manager on the Disaster Action Team (DAT). Board Member of the Greater Peace Church Community Development Corporation, Facilities Coordinator for the J.W. Darden Foundation, Member of the Opelika-Auburn News Editorial Board, Board Member of the Lee-Russell County Council on Aging, Active with People of Action for Community Enrichment and recipient of the Arthur Hill Community Service Award (2023).

Mr. Payne retired from the City of Opelika Engineering Department (1990 to 2000) after previous employment with the Augusta Environmental Company (1981 to 1989) and Diversified Products (1976 to 1980), while balancing his long and honorable military service in U.S. Army (1970 to 1971) and Army Reserve (1971 to 2000). He is supported by his loving wife, BBB4 Wilbert D. Payne, Jr., and has been blessed with 4 children and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Payne on this milestone and wishing him a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for his leadership throughout this process.

Mr. Speaker, years of chronic underinvestment in our national security have shattered American deterrence. It has allowed our adversaries to threaten and challenge us in new and unprecedented ways.

That ends today because, with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we begin implementing President Trump's peace through strength agenda.

H.R. 1 includes a historic $150 billion investment in America's national defense that will help us begin building the Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect our homeland, begin to revitalize our defense industrial base, help us secure our border because border security is national security, begin to rebuild our munitions stockpiles and critical mineral supply chains, and continue to improve the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families.

With these investments, we will work to restore American deterrence and build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force President Trump promised.

I commend the President, the Speaker, and Leader Thune for prioritizing national security in this bill, and I thank Chairman Wicker for his strong partnership throughout this process.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill.