Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th wedding anniversary of Donald and Henrietta Morrison, also known as ``Pete and Boots'' to their friends and family.

Pete and Boots met in 1968 when their elementary schools both fed into Walter Wellborn High School in the 7th grade. Their love story began the next year, at age 14, when they started dating. Since then, these high school sweethearts have become an example of true love and commitment.

The couple was married on December 21, 1973, at Sunny Eve Baptist Church in Oxford, Alabama. As if it were a symbol from God of the love they were celebrating, there was a beautiful snowfall that day, a weather event rarely experienced in Alabama. Unfortunately, the unexpected snow made it impossible to ascend to their honeymoon on Cheaha Mountain.

Pete and Boots began their family in 1975 with the birth of their daughter Kari (Will) and just three short years later their second daughter Tanya (T.J.). Beginning in 2004, the couple assumed their most precious titles of ``Pop'' and ``Bebe'' to their five grandchildren: Sam, Claire, Maisie, Hazel and Rosie. Pete is the son of the late Ralph and Doris Morrison of Anniston, Alabama, and graduated from Walter Wellborn High School in 1973. He immediately began working for ``Mr. Mac'' learning the skills and trade that would allow him to later launch and build his own successful HVAC business, Morrison Sheet Metal.

Boots is the daughter of the late Clarence and Frances Somers of Abel, Alabama, and graduated from Walter Wellborn High School in 1973. Boots obtained her dental hygiene license from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, finishing her practicum nine months pregnant with Kari and worked as a hygienist for almost 30 years after which she happily retired to fulfill her roles as grandmother and co-owner of Morrison Sheet Metal.

Pete and Boots have created a world of love, laughter, and joy around them instilling in their girls the love of family, commitment to their partners, and a devotion to their community.

Mr. Speaker. please join me in recognizing Pete and Boots Morrison and their 50 years of marriage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Central Phenix City football team for winning the AHSAA Class 7A state title.

On December 6, 2023, The Central Phenix City Red Devils left no doubt as to who deserves to be state champion, prevailing in a close game against four-time-champion Thompson 21 to 19 to secure their title win. The game was played at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Central Phenix City Red Devils finished their championship season undefeated. This was head coach Patrick Nix's first state title victory at Central Phenix City and the Red Devils' third football state title in school history.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Nix, the Central Phenix City High School football team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Red Devils.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. William (Bill) A. Snow on his 40th anniversary at Edgewood Congregational Methodist Church in Anniston, Alabama.

Dr. Snow and his wife, Myra, came to Edgewood Congregational Methodist Church in January of 1984.

Under his leadership, the church grew larger and outgrew the building on Railroad Street in Blue Mountain. In 1995, the church moved to its current location on Brighton Avenue in Anniston. Since moving to its current location, the church has had a major sanctuary and fellowship hall renovation. Through the years, two building projects have been completed. The church has grown over the past 40 years from 50 to 500 members. Under Pastor Snow's ministry, several members have been called into the ministry.

Through Pastor Snow's leadership, in June of 2002, Edgewood Church built the first permanent structure on Buvuma Island located in Lake Victoria in Uganda, Africa. The structure was named The Edgewood African Church. It serves as a church, a school, and a medical clinic.

During COVID-19, the church found new avenues to spread the Word through the streaming of services and social media. Financial support increased so much during this difficult time that even to this day giving remains strong and no formal offering is taken on Sunday mornings.

Edgewood Church is the loving and caring church it is today because of the vision and leadership of Pastor Snow and his wife. Inspired by its leadership to share the love of Jesus with those in need, Edgewood is involved in outreach ministries that make a difference in lives of those in the community.

Pastor Snow will never know on this side of eternity the number of people and the families whose lives have been enriched through his ministry. Those who have been the recipient of Pastor Snow's personal ministry through the loss of a loved one can especially testify to the spiritual hope and steadfast support he has given.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Pastor Snow on this incredible milestone and for spreading God's Word across our area.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2670) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield one half of my time to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith), and ask that the gentleman be allowed to control that time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2670 and that I may include tabular material on the same.

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

Madam Speaker, before I yield to my friends and colleagues from the committee, I will respond to a charge that was made earlier that only five members refused to sign the conference report. There were 35 core conferees. Thirty core conferees did sign the conference report.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), my friend and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), one of the most senior members of the Armed Services Committee and a real leader on national defense issues.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), my friend and colleague and the chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, my friend from Florida (Mr. Gaetz), who is a member of the Armed Service Committee, knows very well there are hundreds of provisions in this bill that are good for our servicemembers, in addition to the 5.2 percent pay raise, which is the biggest in 20 years.

With regard to the individuals who had to leave the service because of COVID, this bill provides a pathway for them to get back into the service without a rank punishment.

There is much in this bill that he knows is good. To characterize it as only having the pay raise as the reason to vote for it is disappointing.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher), a real leader on the Armed Services Committee. He is the chairman of the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), an outstanding freshman who is on the Armed Services Committee.

Madam Speaker, as I listen to this debate, I am reminded of how blessed we are with incredible staff on both the majority and minority side who have spent months preparing this piece of legislation. I think it is important for all of us to take a pause and thank them for all of the hard work they have done in preparing this bill, and, particularly, the overtime they have put in in the last few weeks.

Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gimenez), who is an outstanding freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I want to close by reminding my colleagues who are considering voting against this conference report of what it actually does and what they would be on record opposing.

The fiscal year 2024 NDAA requires military promotions to be based on merit and performance, bans the teaching of critical race theory in our military, requires border wall materials to be turned over to our Southwest border States, cuts and caps the pay of Pentagon DEI bureaucracy, defends Israel with additional weapons transfers and military training, prohibits the closure of Guantanamo Bay and transfer of terrorists to U.S. prisons, bans the contracting with Chinese companies, protects our military bases, defense research, and supply chains from Chinese espionage, trains and equips Taiwan, provides a path back to service for those discharged over the COVID-19 vaccine, creates a new monthly pay bonus, improves housing and expands benefits for junior enlisted servicemembers and their families, and, finally, the NDAA provides for the largest pay raise in over 20 years.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to keep those things in mind when they vote today.

I thank Chairman Reed and Ranking Members Smith and Wicker. It has been great to work with them in this process. I also thank our House and Senate staff. They are just top-notch.

I thank the leadership on both sides, as well as the tremendous professionals of the Office of Legislative Counsel, the Congressional Budget Office, the House Parliamentarian, and the House Clerk for all their help.

Finally, I thank the brave men and women in uniform for their willing service and sacrifice around the world to keep us free and safe.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote in favor of the conference report, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Lineville, Alabama.

Lineville is the largest city in Clay County and was originally called County Line because of its location on the border of Talladega and Randolph counties. In February of 1870, the city's name was changed to Lineville because Clay County had been formed.

Native Americans were the first to live in Lineville, but after The Creek Indian War of 1812, the Indians were removed, and the Lundie Family settled on the land. In 1898, Lineville was incorporated while graphite mining took off and National Bank began its operations there. Then it was known as Lundie's Cross Roads.

Once more families of settlers arrived, a post office was established on April 4, 1856, and the official name of County Line took the place of the Lundie nickname. After the post office, the Lundie brothers divided five acres of their property into lots on the east side of today's downtown traffic light and used the proceeds from the property to establish a school.

After the Civil War, Clay County made up the state's 58th county and was named after Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky.

In the late 1890s, a secondary college, Lineville College opened its doors with H.J. Willingham as the first president. The baccalaureate degree granting institution closed after 1911.

Over the years, Lineville has changed, but the beauty of the area has not. Under the leadership of Mayor Roy Adamson, a celebration will be held on December 14th and a vault which has been sealed for 25 years, will be opened.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Lineville on this incredible milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jerry L. Fowles as he retires after 42 years of service.

Jerry Fowles has served the United States of America for the past 42 years. His story began as a student at Saks High School. Upon graduation, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Army.

Jerry is the youngest son born to John Fowles, Sr. and Lona Bell Fowles. Two days after his graduation, he boarded a bus to Texas and began his career as an Army soldier. After completing a four-year enlistment, he returned home to Anniston only to realize that his passion was the military, so he reenlisted. His love for the military encouraged him to continue re-enlisting until he had served a total of 21 years.

While in the military, Jerry furthered his education and attended City Colleges of Chicago

where he obtained an associate degree. After retirement, he returned to Anniston once again and began seeking other employment. He was employed at Federal Mogul Corporation in Jacksonville, Alabama, prior to applying for a position at General Dynamics. After working at General Dynamics for roughly a year, Jerry decided to apply for a position at the Anniston Army Depot. During his employment at the Depot, Jerry has worked in several different positions and after 21 years of service he has decided to turn in his ``I.D. Badge'' and retire. Throughout Jerry's career he has met many wonderful people and is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the ANAD family.

In June 2002, Jerry married Melinda Madden, a psychology major who works in the social service field. They have one son, Travis J. Fowles, and two beautiful grandchildren Gabriel (6) and Summerlyn (4) Fowles.

Jerry and Melinda are both members of World Changers Church International. Jerry is also a member of a community group called Kingdom Men's Fellowship Ministry. This ministry consists of men from the community who spread the gospel of Jesus Christ while helping those in need. Some of Jerry's hobbies/interest are reading his Bible, spending time with his wife and watching Alabama Football. Roll Tide!

The past 42 years have truly taught some valuable lifelong lessons, yet Jerry leaves Bynum knowing his years of government service have ended. Retirement will be an opportunity for him to begin a new chapter in his life. In the book of Philippians 1:6, one of his favorite scriptures, speaks to being confident in knowing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day in which Jesus Christ returns. Jerry has now completed his time of government service and now will be able to enjoy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Jerry for his service to our country. Wishing him the best in retirement.

Madam Speaker, we are rapidly approaching the 2-year anniversary of Putin's illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine.

The American people have responded with extraordinary support for Ukraine. Millions of Americans have donated their time and money to charitable organizations helping the Ukrainian people. Some have even volunteered to fight alongside the Ukrainian defense forces.

Congress has responded by providing over $50 billion in security assistance and billions more in humanitarian assistance. These are unprecedented numbers, and it requires unprecedented oversight by Congress.

I am here to tell my colleagues, who are concerned about where the money is going, that we are doing that oversight. The Armed Services Committee has conducted vigorous oversight of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine.

Every month since the war, the committee has held a classified briefing with DOD officials over Ukrainian aid. This morning, I was a member of a briefing that was the 12th in that series. We have also had multiple visits to sites in Europe where the aid is being staged to go into Ukraine. We have held open hearings on the topic where we have heard from the DOD Inspector General.

In the next couple days, the House will take up the conference report on the FY24 NDAA. That bill creates a special inspector general for Ukraine, dedicates $8 million to swiftly set up the office, and provides direct hiring authority to quickly staff it.

We will continue to stay on top of this, but I want to assure my colleagues that there has been no evidence of diversion of weapons provided to Ukraine or any other assistance.

What most folks don't realize is that the money DOD is spending on Ukraine is actually going toward creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs right here at home. The DOD so far has spent $45 billion on Ukraine-related security assistance. All of that money has been spent in the U.S. by U.S. companies, supporting thousands of highly skilled American jobs.

These include jobs in Arizona to build Stingers and Javelins; jobs in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, and Missouri to build ammunition; and jobs in Texas, Florida, and Alabama to build Patriot missiles. It also includes over $3 billion to expand floor space, open new lines, and hire additional workers at weapons factories in Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Missouri, and West Virginia. This investment in retooling and revitalizing our industrial defense base is helping us get ready for potential conflict with China. That is incredibly important.

Equally important to deterring China is standing by our commitment to Ukraine. Walking away sends the wrong signals to President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party. Let's not do that. Let's quickly come to a compromise that secures our border and keeps our commitment to Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maggie Burn Owens for her 35 years of service at the YMCA of Calhoun County.

She currently serves as president and CEO of the YMCA of Calhoun County where 3,586 people benefit each year from the programs and services offered.

Under her leadership, the YMCA of Calhoun County has undergone extensive efforts to boost financial assistance in order to grow the membership of the organization.

The YMCA was able to offer $129,177 in financial assistance last year to children, individuals and families who might otherwise not have been able to participate in YMCA programs or memberships.

We are extremely proud of Maggie and her ongoing commitment to the Calhoun County community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Maggie Burn Owens for her 35 years of service to the YMCA of Calhoun County.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 54 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pleasant Valley High School volleyball team for being undefeated and winning the AHSAA Class 2A state title.

On November 1, 2023, Pleasant Valley High School defeated Sand Rock for the 2A state championship in straight sets at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham.

Pleasant Valley's volleyball squad won its sixth state championship in program history led by head Coach Dana Bryant, who notched her 559th and final victory as a coach.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Bryant, the Pleasant Valley High School volleyball team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Raiders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cobb Preparatory Academy's effort to honor its community veterans.

The school honored: Sergeant Jaclyn Berry. Mr. Eddyer Brown. Mr. Chales R. Burton. Sr.. Mr. Kenneth Burton, Frazier Burrough. Mr. Tony Butler, Mr. Victor Byers, Ms. Nashonda Carter, Mr. Jimmy Catlett, Mr. Johnny Daniel, Mr. Donald Ray Dennison, Mr. Lonnie Elvin, Mr. Steven Folks, Mr. Adrian Fredricks, Mr. James Glover, Bishop Charles D. Gregory, Sr. Mr. Jason Granholm, Mr. Thomas Hall, Mr. Joe Harrington, Reverend Clyde Hill, Dr. D.R. Hill, SFC Daryl Ledford, Reverend Levi Lyles, Mrs. Wanda Lyles, Staff Sergeant Alyssa Louis, Lt. Retired Colonel Franklin McClain, Mr. Franklin McClain, Jr., Mr. Thaddues Moore, SFC Edward Mos, Jr., Reverend John H. Oliver, Mr. Antonio Phillips, Mr. Harold Ray, Reverend Ross Reed, Ms. Smoot, Mr. Stanley Shack, ILT, Brianna Sutton, Major Thomas, Mr. Antonio (Munford) Oliver, Commissioner Fred Wilson, Mr. James Woods, Mr. Fernaldo Wood, Mr. Danny Patterson and many others.

It is touching to see Alabamians go to such great lengths to honor our Nation's veterans. who have given so much to ensure the safety and well-being of America.

I would like to thank Mrs. Tersia J. Moore Hall. Principal of Cobb Preparatory Academy, faculty, staff, parents, and students for their efforts in this initiative that honors and expresses deep appreciation for their community members that have served their country.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Cobb Preparatory Academy for its efforts to honor our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Bernice Tinsley for her dedication to dedication to St. Thomas United Methodist Church.

At 94 years old, Mrs. Tinsley is the oldest living member at Saint Thomas United Methodist Church in Sylacauga. Alabama.

She has previously served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, Older Adult Ministry Chair, and a Vacation Bible School instructor. She is known among friends and fellow church members for her loving spirit and her infectious smile.

Mrs. Tinsley is the loving mother of 3 sons.

Mrs. Tinsley's dedicated service to her community is one that every Alabamian should be proud of. Her dedication to the lives of others has truly made a difference and given hope and encouragement to so many people.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mrs. Tinsley and her lifetime of service to the Saint Thomas United Methodist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Mildred McKinney and her dedication to St. Thomas United Methodist Church.

Mildred McKinney was born on December 12, 1945. She is the daughter of the late George and Lillie Oden and is the wife of Mr. Ralph McKinney. Her siblings are the late Carolyn Oden Jackson, the late Rudolph Halcome, and the late Willie Joe Oden.

Mrs. McKinney retired as an administrative secretary from the Sylacauga City School System after 27 years of service.

She is a proud member of the Coosa Valley Medical Center Auxiliary and has contributed over 1900 hours of volunteer service to Coosa Medical Center in Sylacauga.

She has served her church in many various ways. At St. Thomas, she has previously served as past president of the St. Thomas United Methodist women for 9 years, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday school superintendent, Church Secretary, Vacation Bible School Director and Trustee and has sung in the choir.

Mr. Speaker. please join me in recognizing Mrs. McKinney for her dedication to St. Thomas United Methodist Church.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today in commemoration of the David and Pat Hartline Day.

David is a retired LTC, U.S. Army, best-selling author and past State Commander of the American Legion. David has invested over 50 years of his life assisting veterans and their families with the problems they face. He has been nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service to this country, its veterans and youth programs. He been named veteran of the year by the Governor of Alabama and was proclaimed a super citizen by TBS television station.

Pat is a retired registered nurse with over 50 years of service. She is actively involved with the American Legion Auxiliary. Pat served with the American Heart Association for a number of years, where she taught principles of heart disease as well as CPR to professionals, students, and communities.

David and Pat have raised four children, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. They currently reside on the farm that has been in the family since 1840.

The towns of Centre, Cedar Bluff, Leesburg, Gaylesville, and Sand Rock declared Saturday, October 7, 2023 as David and Pat Hartline Day.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join me in commemorating David and Pat Hairline Day. I thank them for their service to our Nation, our communities, and our veterans.