Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Rogers for his dedication. He is a great American truly, and it has been an honor to serve under him. I also thank Ranking Member Smith for his good-faith efforts to do everything he can to protect our country. He is truly a credit, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his work on this bill.

The fiscal year 2027 NDAA contains substantial wins for servicemembers and their families and continues the committee's tradition of improving the quality of life of servicemembers and their families by authorizing a substantial pay raise, expanding childcare,

reauthorizing special pays and bonuses, a significant overhaul of the military health system, and multiple military justice reforms. The bill also expands access to healthcare, increases dental coverage for our children and members of the Guard and Reserve, prevents the elimination of uniformed doctors, and increases access to specialty care.

Additionally, this bill invests in our defense industrial base by completely restructuring the pay and personnel policies for our wage- grade employees in order to increase wages and reward our hardest workers with quicker promotions and more substantial bonuses.

The fiscal year 2027 NDAA includes essential reforms that we all know are critical to refocus our military on warfighting and lethality by requiring all personnel actions to be based on individual merit and demonstrated performance, rather than race, ethnicity, or sex, and preventing the weaponization of administrative investigations.

Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge the passage of the fiscal year 2027 NDAA so we can deliver on our promises to our servicemembers and their families.

I personally wish to thank from my personal office: Andrew Bond and Jay Knoxville, and also our professional staff here: Dave Giachetti, Hannah Kaufman, Ali Evers, Ellie Bender, Anna Reed and from the minority staff: Ilka Regino and Michaela Reardon for their work on this bill. They have all been really great to work with, and I think we had a wonderful year. I also thank again the leadership from the chairman and the ranking member.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 7283, the Ensuring Federal Purchasing Efficiency Act.

This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is a government procurement reform bill that allows for far more efficient government spending and reduces the burden on small businesses by ensuring they don't have to navigate different procurement policies from year to year.

The Federal Acquisition Council is responsible for making inflation- related adjustments for title 41 purchasing thresholds. Title 41 of the U.S. Code establishes how the Federal Government acquires goods and services.

These dollar thresholds define the applicability of different policies, procedures, and restrictions to the procurement of property or services by Federal agencies.

Currently, the Federal Acquisition Council makes inflation-related adjustments to purchasing thresholds every 5 years. This bill simply amends title 41, U.S. Code, to require the Federal Acquisition Council to make these adjustments every 3 years, instead of 5, as my good friend from Missouri mentioned.

Importantly, this bill does not change the procurement threshold criteria for government agencies.

By allowing these inflation-related adjustments to occur more often, it allows Federal acquisitions to better align with purchasing power. In other words, it allows them to be more--say it with me--efficient, something everyone needs more of at this Federal level.

Adjusting for inflation on a more frequent basis will save tax dollars spent on administrative costs and will help small businesses by freeing them from navigating different procurement policies every single year.

This bill will allow for increased competition to do business with the government and allowing contracting officers to spend more time focusing on larger, more complex procurements.

This bill represents part of a suite of procurement-related legislative requests from the administration, specifically the GSA and

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, a legend was called home. Lou Holtz passed away surrounded by his loving family, and I know coach, if he had to choose, wouldn't have it any other way.

Coach Lou Holtz will forever be a national treasure. He is a Hall of Fame coach, and he earned it.

He was born in modest means on January 6, 1937. His parents, Andrew and Anne Marie, raised him near a small mill town in West Virginia, right on the border in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Coach went on to play linebacker--I think he probably was 135 pounds soaking wet, but he was a linebacker--at Kent State. He used to joke when he would give some of his great speeches that he graduated third in his class. He was third from the bottom, not the top.

When he was 34 years old, he was having a tough time in life, so he wrote down 107, and then it became 108 life goals. There were some very lofty ones. One goal I believe was to appear on ``The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.'' He wanted to be a head coach. He wanted to win a national championship and many other goals.

If he didn't achieve all of them, he achieved nearly all of them.

He became a head coach at William & Mary, then at North Carolina State University, and then 1 year with the New York Jets when Joe Namath was there. That didn't go too well.

His calling was back in college, and he went to the University of Arkansas. He had wild success there. Then, he went to the University of Minnesota. In his contract, he could leave for one school, and that school was the University of Notre Dame. We won a national championship there in 1988, and it was a very special time.

Coach Holtz coached many great Americans, such as Byron Spruell, Pat Eielers, Rod West, Tony Rice, Derrick Brown, Reggie Brooks, Ricky Watters, Jerome Bettis, Steve Buerlein, Andy Heck, Ron Meyer, James Dillard, and Antwon Lark. As one of 1,500 players, I got the privilege to--I used to joke. I didn't necessarily play for Coach Holtz; I practiced for him.

Coach used to say you should have four things in life: something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in, and something to hope for.

I want to share this with you all. Coach was in hospice. He passed away yesterday. You know when you are in hospice, you know the end is coming. This is what I shared with Coach Holtz. I sent him a text last month. I am going to read it to you. ``Coach, I am sitting in my office in the U.S. Capitol, and I know one thing for certain. I wouldn't be here right now had I not crossed your path. In short, you are a legend, and I love you.''

I had the honor of introducing him about a half dozen times over the last decade or so, and if you read Coach Holtz's bio, it is going to tell you that he has two sons, but that is wildly inaccurate. He has 1,502 sons. That is how players see him: as a coach, a mentor, a friend, and very much a second father.

Coach, you demanded the best from all of us and taught us to dig deep and reach our full potential. You taught us not to exist but to live, not to wallow but to thrive, and not to just dream but to act. You taught us to take hold of our own futures and fates.

So many of us did just that.

I oftentimes share with people that the coach came out and did a fundraiser for me in 2018 when I was running for the Texas Senate. I share that not to name drop or to impress people, but to share the person that he was. He refused payment. He flew from Florida to Texas to help a reserve player that he had coached 30 years prior. That is who he was. He was generous beyond measure and a great American patriot of our Republic. He is to be admired and emulated.

Coach, you inspired us to be the men the good Lord made us to be.

I was reading the other day that, at some point, for most of us, there will come a day when our name will be spoken for the last time for most of us. But not for you. Your name will live on for eternity because you are a legend. Do you know what, Coach? Damn it, you earned it.

Coach Lou Holtz, God bless you. Coach, thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the short but beautiful life of Kai Khan Zafar, of Durango, Colorado.

On August 30, 2025, Kai was born to Dani and Kamran Zafar. Though his time in this world was brief, his life was filled with love from the very first moment, leaving a lasting imprint on all who knew him. Kai entered the world surrounded by hope, tenderness, and the unwavering love of his parents and family. In his short time, he was held by many, cherished, and known. His presence will forever change the lives of those who welcomed him and will continue to shape their hearts in the years to come.

While Kai did not have the opportunity to grow and leave behind accomplishments measured by years or titles, his legacy is no less meaningful. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the precious value of every child, the depth of parental love, and the profound impact a single life can have. In honor of that legacy, Dani and Kamran have chosen today--Kai's original due date--as the day of ``Kai's Kindness.'' Through this day, they hope that at least one person will be inspired to show compassion, extend grace, or perform an act of kindness in Kai's memory. They hope that Kai's life will continue to bring people together in support, spread love, and inspire healing.

Today, we not only honor the life of Kai, but also recognize the remarkable strength, grace, and resilience of his family as they carry his memory forward. Their love for him did not end with his passing, and his place in their family remains permanent and unshakable. Through everything, Dani and Kamran have exemplified steadfast love and unity in the way they support one another, continue to nurture a loving home for their son, Zeke, and move forward with hope, purpose, and love.

It is my honor to recognize and remember the life of Kai Khan Zafar, and to ensure that his memory--along with the love that surrounds it-- is carried forward and preserved in the permanent record of this chamber.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Thomas O. Hicks of Dallas, Texas, who passed away on December 6, 2025.

Thomas O. Hicks was born in Houston, Texas, and raised between Dallas and Port

Arthur. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Texas, followed by an MBA from the University of Southern California. A proud Texan, Mr. Hicks lived a life defined by service, leadership, and commitment to his community. He served his country as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and later as a presidentially appointed Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Mr. Hicks began his professional career in banking with JPMorgan before returning to Texas, where he became a pioneer in private equity. In 1984, he co-founded Hicks & Haas and helped advance the leveraged buyout model through his ``buy and build'' strategy, most notably with the merger of Dr Pepper and 7UP. He later co-founded Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and served as chairman until 2004. Under his leadership, the firm became one of the most influential private equity organizations in the world, raising more than $12 billion and completing over $50 billion in acquisitions. In recognition of his contributions to business, Mr. Hicks was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2022.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Mr. Hicks purchased the Dallas Stars in 1996, leading the franchise to its 1999 Stanley Cup championship. He later acquired the Texas Rangers, who won consecutive American League West titles, and held ownership in Liverpool Football Club.

Mr. Hicks was deeply committed to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. He played a key role in the development of the American Airlines Center, contributed to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, and supported education initiatives across North Texas, including the land donation that became Thomas O. Hicks Elementary School. His dedication to the University of Texas included service on the Board of Regents and helping establish UTIMCO, now the largest public university endowment in the Nation.

I am honored to recognize Thomas O. Hicks for a life of service, leadership, and lasting impact on the State of Texas and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Leda A. Melideo, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who passed away on December 20, 2025.

Leda A. Melideo was born on December 1, 1929, at home in the Lakewood section of Pittsfield, the daughter of the late Frank and Ida Curini Tranquilli. Her family later moved to the Morningside neighborhood, where she attended Crane School and went on to graduate from St. Joseph's High School as a member of the Class of 1947. A woman of deep faith, Leda was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, where her values of compassion, gratitude, and service were reflected throughout her life.

On April 29, 1950, Leda married the love of her life, Anthony Melideo. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and built a family rooted in love, devotion, and togetherness. She was a devoted mother to four children: Nancy (Houghton) Smith of Greenfield, Massachusetts; Joseph P. Melideo of Fultonville, New York; Anthony A. Melideo, with whom she resided; and Thomas A. Melideo and his wife, Gabriela, of Vienna, Virginia. She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony; her brother, Faro; and her sister, Diana Carlon. Leda's legacy continues through her family, including her three grandchildren--Marissa Kelleher and her husband, Sean; Sophia Melideo; and Samuel Melideo--her two great-grandsons, Callan and Nolan Kelleher, and several nieces and nephews who were blessed by her love and guidance.

Known affectionately as ``Nonni,'' Leda was a bright light to all who knew her. She possessed a remarkable ability to find joy in everyday life and to inspire that same joy in others. Her contagious laughter, warm smile, and kind spirit made everyone feel welcome, and she was the heart of countless happy memories that her family and friends will cherish forever. Above all, she found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends, embracing each moment with gratitude and grace.

I am honored to recognize Leda A. Melideo for a life beautifully lived--one defined by love, faith, family, and kindness. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to the Pittsfield community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Crowley of Royse City, Texas. Tom Crowley has been a resident of Royse City since 2006 and has dedicated much of his life to public service, community engagement, and leadership. He was first elected to the Royse City Council in May 2010, building on earlier experience serving on the Royse City Zoning Board of Adjustment, as well as similar service in other communities. In 2013, he served on the Royse City ISD Strategic Planning Committee and on the Board of Directors of the Royse City Chamber of Commerce. He also chaired the Military Affairs Committee for the San Angelo Texas Chamber of Commerce.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Tom served 22 years, including 18 years in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collections and analysis platforms. His service took him to eight ground and airborne units across Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, as well as two units within the continental United States. He later became a platform instructor, training airmen entering the airborne reconnaissance career field. During his distinguished military career, Tom was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, eight Air Medals, two Meritorious Achievement Medals, the Combat Readiness Medal, and numerous other decorations. Later in his Air Force career, he cross-trained in journalism, working in public relations and advertising and coordinating with local officials for USAF Thunderbirds aerial demonstration performances.

Tom's commitment to community extends beyond elected office. He is a former member of the Rockwall County Appraisal Review Board, past president of his homeowner's association, and a member of the Royse City chapter of Rotary International. In addition to his civic involvement, Tom spent 26 years in the real estate business, serving on six local Texas Realtor association committees and three statewide committees before retiring from active participation. During a hiatus from real estate, he also served as a law firm area manager for eleven years, overseeing operations across three West Texas counties. Throughout his life, Tom has demonstrated a consistent dedication to improving the communities he serves.

It is my honor to recognize Tom Crowley for his decades of dedicated service to his community, his country, and his family, and for his lasting commitment to strengthening Royse City and Rockwall County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janet Nichol, of Royse City, Texas.

For almost three decades, Ms. Nichol has been a devoted and highly visible leader in the Rockwall County and Royse City community. A lifelong resident of Rockwall County, she has dedicated her life to public service, community development, and civic engagement. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to her hometown, earning the trust and respect of residents across the county.

Ms. Nichol's record of civic service is both extensive and distinguished. She began her public service on the Royse City Council, serving from 1995 to 2005 and again from 2009 to 2015. Her steady leadership and dedication to progress led the people of Royse City to elect her mayor--a position she proudly held from 2015 to 2021 and to which she was triumphantly returned in 2025. Between those terms, she served as Rockwall County Commissioner for Precinct 4 from 2021 to 2023, where she championed infrastructure improvements, responsible growth, and fiscal stewardship.

Her commitment extends far beyond elected office. Ms. Nichol has served on numerous boards and committees that shape the county's future, including 14 years on the Rockwall County Road Construction Board, 15 years on the Royse City Main Street Board, and 13 years on the Royse City Parks Board. She has also contributed to the Rockwall County Historical Commission, helping preserve the county's heritage for future generations. Her dedication to children and education is evident through her service on the Rockwall County Children's Advocacy Center Board, the Royse City ISD Education Foundation, and her active role on the RCISD Rebranding Plan Committee, as well as the Royse City Main Street and Parks Planning Boards.

Throughout her career, Ms. Nichol has exemplified servant leadership--marked by humility, dedication, and a deep love for her community. Her lifelong service has strengthened the fabric of Royse City and Rockwall County and continues to inspire others to serve with purpose and heart.

It is my honor to recognize Janet Nichol for her integrity, her decades of selfless service, and her enduring commitment to strengthening the Royse City and Rockwall County communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Branch of Royse City, Texas.

For more than two decades, Mr. Branch has been a devoted and highly visible leader in the Rockwall County and Royse City communities. Since moving to Royse City in 2001, he has served as a committed public servant, volunteer, business owner, and devoted family man. He and his wife, Katie, have three sons, all of whom graduated from Royse City ISD. Throughout their time in the district, Mr. Branch has been a constant presence--calling football games on NFHS, helping set up the run-through for varsity football games, preparing pre-game meals, coaching youth football, and later volunteering as an announcer for youth games. Supporting young people and families has long been a defining part of his life and legacy.

Mr. Branch's record of civic service is both extensive and distinguished. He has made lasting contributions to the City of Royse City through his work on the Parks and Recreation Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission, where his leadership earned him positions as vice chairman and chairman. In 2009, he was elected to the Royse City Council, where he went on to serve as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor Pro Tem. Today, he continues to serve as a steadfast and engaged councilman, working tirelessly to support and represent his community with dedication, integrity, and care.

His commitment extends beyond the city limits. He serves as secretary of the Rockwall County Emergency Services Corporation and represents Royse City and Precinct 4 on the Rockwall County Transportation Consortium Board, providing a strong and reliable voice for the people he has long served.

In his professional life, Mr. Branch has spent more than 25 years owning and operating multiple businesses that serve Royse City, Caddo Mills, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Throughout his career, he has earned widespread respect for his openness, transparency, and steadfast dedication to doing what is right, regardless of popularity.

It is my honor to recognize James Branch for his integrity, his decades of service, and his enduring commitment to strengthening the Royse City and Rockwall County communities.

Mr. Speaker, if critical minerals like lithium are essential to our military and to our national security, if that is the case, then why are we still relying on our number one global adversary to supply them?

China is mining about 18 percent of all the lithium in the world. With the United States, that percentage is less than 1. As far as refining, China is about 67 percent, some estimates up to 80 percent, where the United States is at 2 percent.

For years now, the United States has been overly reliant on the communists in Beijing. It is in America's best national security interest to maintain deterrence against the CCP, not only in the Indo- Pacific, but especially here at home in our supply chains and critical industries. This is why I first introduced H.R. 3872, the MERICA Act, which would allow for the expanded extraction of critical minerals on Federal lands.

In fact, we already have some of these critical minerals in abundance. A portion of the district I am privileged to represent falls within what is known as the Smackover Formation, a geological formation that encompasses areas from east Texas all the way to the Florida panhandle.

Thanks to a recent U.S. Geological Survey-led study, we know there are an estimated 5 to 19 million tons of lithium reserves in the Smackover Formation, and it is ready for extraction.

Lithium is essential for military and defense applications. It includes batteries and power systems used in unmanned aerial systems, such as the ones planning to be assembled under the Army's SkyFoundry Initiative, which is also absolutely critical for our Nation's future defense.

Under current law, these valuable lithium deposits are locked up on Federal lands, preventing their usage. The MERICA Act would amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands by adding hardrock minerals as part of the listed deposits subject to leasing so that all federally acquired lands can be considered for hardrock mineral leasing.

The MERICA Act would also give the Secretary of the Interior the authority to follow through on President Trump's executive order by ramping up mineral extraction and production on our own Federal lands.

We can't continue to play into the hands of Beijing by granting them de facto control of the global lithium supply chain--it makes absolutely no sense--whether through domestic mines or ones they have gained through other means, such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

The demand for lithium will only continue to increase as the days go by. We must bolster our national capabilities and work to address the ever-growing burden on our Nation's power grid. By passing the MERICA Act, we would take the commonsense step to utilize Federal lands to their full and utmost potential.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues very much for their consideration. For the sake of America's security, I urge all of my colleagues in this august Chamber to support H.R. 3872.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Private First Class Weldon Edward McClane of Sadler, Texas, and to award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation. PFC McClane honorably served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 during World War II.

At just 16 years old, Weldon felt it was his duty to serve our country. Though too young to enlist, he left high school to help build B-24 bombers, working there until he turned 18 and could join the Army.

During his service, PFC McClane fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate the French town of Gavray. His unit built and maintained the pontoon bridge near the Ludendorff Bridge--one of the final crossings that helped secure the Allied victory. Despite being wounded by enemy fire, Weldon and his unit persevered, later helping to liberate the Nordhausen Concentration Camp, saving thousands of lives. For his bravery, PFC McClane received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart.

After returning home, Weldon married his high school sweetheart and built a life in Sadler, Texas, working as a lineman for the Fannin County Electric Company. He and his wife raised four children, and his legacy continues through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 2023, at age 99, Weldon received his long-overdue high school diploma from the Texas Department of Education. That same year, he was honored for 65 years of membership as a Master Mason of Lodge 536 in Gordonville--a reflection of his lifelong dedication to community, faith, and brotherhood. Beyond his service, he lived an active life raising horses and cattle, embodying the strength and humility of the American spirit.

I am deeply honored to recognize Private First Class Weldon Edward McClane for his extraordinary courage, patriotism, and lifelong commitment to service. He represents the very best of Texas' 4th Congressional District and of our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Specialist Robert ``Bob'' Harvey of Celina, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Specialist Harvey honorably served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1955 to 1956 and in the United States Army from 1957 to 1963, dedicating his career to the defense of our nation with distinction and commitment.

During his military service, Specialist Harvey served as an Engineer and was a proud member of both the 101st and 82nd Airborne units. He began as Assistant Platoon Leader and was later promoted to Assistant to the First Sergeant for B Company, demonstrating leadership, responsibility, and dedication to his fellow soldiers. His service took him to the Naval Base in San Diego, California, Fort Bragg, and Fort Campbell, and to participate in operations in Lebanon. For his service, he earned the Parachutist Badge and the Good Conduct Medal, reflecting his skill, dedication, and professionalism.

Following his military career, Specialist Harvey continued his commitment to service in the Celina community. For over seven years, he provided support to his wife, Carolyn, at

every downtown event held in the city, demonstrating his dedication to wife and community engagement. With his engineering background, Bob served eight years on the Celina Planning and Zoning Commission, including two years as Chair, and contributed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee, helping set the vision for Celina's future. In 2011, he was asked to lead the Celina Square Project, overseeing the construction of a pavilion and handicap-accessible ramps, which he completed in time for the city's 100-year celebration.

I am deeply honored to recognize Specialist Bob Harvey for his courage, patriotism, and lifelong dedication to serving both his country and his community. He exemplifies the very best of Texas' 4th Congressional District and of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Robert ``Rob'' Altman of Frisco, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Major Altman honorably served for over 25 years in the United States Army, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to our Nation.

At just nineteen years old, Rob began his military career in 1993, serving both as an enlisted soldier and a commissioned officer. Throughout his distinguished service, he held numerous leadership roles, including team leader, platoon leader, company commander, operations cell leader, diplomatic and intelligence advisor, battalion executive officer, and chief of staff. His assignments took him to Germany and included multiple deployments, during which he spent more than 30 months in combat zones. For his exemplary service, he earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals.

Rob has also excelled academically. He completed the Leaders Program in Advanced Security Studies at the George C. Marshall Center in Germany in 2011, earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the George H. W. Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University in 2013, and was selected for the Art of War Scholars Program at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 2014. He is now completing Ph.D. coursework in history at the University of North Texas, focusing on U.S. Army mobilization and interwar planning.

In his community, Rob serves as Chair of the Frisco Veterans Advisory Committee and on the National Security Advisory Council for America's Future Series. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and a life member of both the VFW and American Legion. Dedicated to developing young leaders, he served six years as Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster for Scouting America Troop 45. In December 2024, he continued his public service when he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Denton Central Appraisal District.

I am deeply honored to recognize Major Robert Altman for his extraordinary courage, patriotism, and lifelong commitment to service. He represents the very best of Texas' 4th Congressional District and of our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Paul Smith of Hunt, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Sergeant Smith honorably served in the United States Army for five years, demonstrating exceptional dedication and courage in defense of our Nation.

Paul began his military career in 1969, answering the call to serve with integrity and resolve. Throughout his service, he displayed remarkable versatility in both food service and infantry roles. His assignments took him to Vietnam, where he served in Vietnam Recon, and to Fort Polk, Fort Sherman, and Fort Hood, where he continued to lead others as a Mess Sergeant. For his exemplary service, Paul received the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Purple Heart Cane, and the Quilt of Valor--each a symbol of his sacrifice, strength, and unwavering commitment to our Nation.

After completing his military service, Paul carried his spirit of service home, continuing to make a difference in his community. He has been active in organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN). Before moving to Texas, Paul served as Youth Coordinator and Sergeant-at-Arms for the Mississippi Knights of Columbus. Today, he continues his leadership as Treasurer of his local American Legion post, steadfastly advocating for veterans and ensuring they remain connected to vital resources and support.

Paul has built his life around serving others, weaving a legacy defined by kindness, grace, and community. His dedication--both in and out of uniform--stands as a shining example of selfless service.

I am deeply honored to recognize Sergeant Paul Smith for his extraordinary courage, patriotism, and lifelong commitment to service. He represents the very best of Texas' 4th Congressional District and of our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Warrant Officer 05, Quint Avenetti, of Rockwall, Texas, and to award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation. CW05 Avenetti honorably served in the United States Marine Corps as a Field Artillery/Target Acquisition Officer.

In 1980, Quint Avenetti began his military career in the enlisted ranks, where his exceptional knowledge and professionalism led to his commissioning as a Warrant Officer. Throughout his service, he led all aspects of field artillery operations, specializing in target identification, acquisition, destruction, and assessment. His assignments took him to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, to the Persian Gulf, and later to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Over the course of twenty-seven years of service, his commendations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Marine Good Conduct Medal (three awards), as well as nine Certificates of Commendation, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal (three awards), the Iraqi Freedom Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his military career, Quint turned his focus to veteran affairs in Rockwall, becoming a leading force in the Rockwall Band of Brothers, Sisters, and Friends. Within that organization, he plans ``happy hours,'' bringing together veterans of all ranks and services for fellowship and local engagement. Quint also serves as the Adjutant of the Dallas and North Texas Chapters of the Military Order of the World Wars, while remaining an active member of the Rockwall Terry Fisher American Legion Post No. 117.

He has been instrumental in establishing the James W. Randolph Detachment of the nationally chartered Marine Corps League and in launching the first Rockwall ISD JROTC program. Beyond his leadership in veteran service organizations, he coordinates local veteran fitness competitions and annual ``Bodfish'' gatherings--events that bring veterans and their families together in a rustic setting to celebrate life and support one another.

I am deeply honored to recognize Chief Warrant Officer, Quint Avenetti, for his extraordinary courage, patriotism, and lifelong commitment to service. He represents the very best of Texas' 4th Congressional District and of our great Nation.