Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Bilirakis and the Energy and Commerce Committee for bringing this bill forward.

My dear friend, the gentleman from Florida, Vern Buchanan, years ago began this process, understanding that it was more than just an issue that Congress would deal with. It is also an issue that is called spring forward, fall back.

You fall back as we get to October, and that means you lose the time, the light that you had all this time. Spring forward is always seen by the American people--and if you serve for Roger Williams and the Republican congressional baseball team--as an opportunity for you to be able to see for the first time in the light what the day is going to look like to catch a fly ball.

The bottom line to this whole thing is spring forward, fall back is something that impacts every single American. It impacts people when they go to work. It impacts people as they try to find time to play with their children at night--just a little bit extra time. It helps people who have retinal or eye issues to be able to see more clearly for longer from the time they get up until the time they work their way home, perhaps after work.

It is no wonder that spring forward, fall back is something that the American people are asking Congress to please standardize and give them more light and opportunity. Spring forward, fall back is an opportunity for the American people to have more time in the light of day to not only live their lives but to accomplish those things, rather than being in the dark.

Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that what this does is it makes it standard across the country, and it does. I think that puts us all with the same opportunity, and that is what the American people want.

I couldn't exactly say it because I didn't want to say it wrong, but ``spring forward, fall back'' is a commonsense opportunity that every single person knows and understands because as we now have enjoyed our spring forward, if we pass this, we do not have to change it to fall back, to fall back to darkness, to fall back to change.

Lastly, it impacts my staff greatly and anyone on Capitol Hill because we are very acutely aware that when we get off work, like hundreds of millions of Americans, they go home in the dark. It means that people go into parking lots in the dark. It means that people go and perhaps walk home or drive in the dark at a time when it would be a safety factor.

There are, of course, those who do not want this. That really does not bother me. For us to address this with fear rather than knowing that the American people want this is the issue about what drives me to be here.

It is big in Texas because we spend a lot of time outside. I want to reiterate to the American people: We are listening. It is something we have taken up for a long time. Finally, Vern Buchanan and the Energy and Commerce Committee have brought this bill to us.

I am very pleased to say I will be an ``aye'' vote. I hope that my colleagues will be the same.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6332) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia, as the ``Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building''.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of a bill which would rename a post office in Fairfax, Virginia, for one of our former colleagues, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, a father, a husband, friend of mine and to this body, and a lifelong civil public servant, one that dedicated his life to his constituents, his community, and to his country.

Gerald Connolly began his life of service at the Heifer Project International in Little Rock, Arkansas. Arkansas is a beautiful, young State that we have here in the United States, and he chose to move there and to live to work on his project to begin his service.

He then moved to Washington, D.C. in 1972. Gerry rose from the education director to executive director of the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation while simultaneously serving as the executive director of the U.S. Committee on Refugees.

He became a pillar of a person and stalwart for Northern Virginia through his 13 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and served for 16 years as our colleague in this body representing Virginia's 11th Congressional District.

In 2025, he was elected as the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform after serving as a member of the committee since 2009.

In Congress, Gerald Connolly was a friend to many of us and my friend also. He was steadfast in fighting for what he believed in.

He was always committed to bipartisanship where he thought we could agree, and he would find those issues. I worked with him on many. Many of my Republican committee colleagues found Gerry Connolly to be a partner and a friend.

The bottom line is that his exemplary public service will endure, continuing to guide and inspire those committed to serving our Nation. I am sure that his life and the stories of his life are being told with many as an example of public service.

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

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

I, too, while directing my comments directly to the young speaker, will say that I, too, recognize not only Congressman Connolly's family being here, but I equally recognize, as Mr. Walkinshaw does, their contribution of service with their husband and their father and their uncle and those members of the family because service goes beyond just a person. It is extended to the family, who many times is a part of the success that is gleaned from their service, but they are an equal part of it.

I, too, recognize, on behalf of myself and my colleagues on this side, the generosity that they extended by being here today and for the service that they will be rewarded with and thanked for today.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Walkinshaw) has very nicely thanked the young chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, James Comer. Mr. Comer, I think, really did work well with the minority to make sure not only that this bill was handled appropriately, but to make sure that it could be scheduled in time so that the families would be here.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues and all of our colleagues to understand that, today, naming this post office is a nice way to remember not just the memory but also the service that our late colleague, Gerald Connolly, provided.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for their support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7809) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio, as the ``Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building''.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill, which would rename a post office in Georgetown, Ohio, for Ulysses S. Grant.

As an Ohio native, Grant was born in Point Pleasant and raised in Georgetown before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Upon graduation, he served with distinction in the Mexican-American war.

He later went on to engage in several major battles during the American Civil War, eventually becoming the first officer appointed as lieutenant general of the United States Army.

Grant became the 18th President of the United States in 1869 and served two terms as President of the United States of America.

Over his time in office, President Grant established the Department of Justice and oversaw the adoption of the 15th Amendment and other Reconstruction efforts that were important to this fledgling young Nation. He is remembered as one of the great military geniuses and a symbol of national unity.

I am pleased not only on behalf of Chairman James Comer to bring this bill forward but also the important parts of this that come from the delegation from the great State of Ohio. We will be hearing from them in just a few minutes.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Ohio delegation supports this effort we are undertaking today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor).

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

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I join Mr. Taylor in thanking the Ohio delegation and really all of our Members for their recognition of service to this great Nation in the naming of this post office.

The effort that the President made to represent the United States, the unity that you heard about his service to the United States military, his service to the Department of Justice, his service to the people of the country to bring them together at a time when many thought we could not survive as a nation, to honor him now is, without question, the right thing to do. Naming this post office in his hometown of Georgetown, Ohio, is a high honor to the people of that town also.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, naming a post office for our 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant.

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1345, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 1335) condemning actors seeking to defraud the United States Government, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that governmentwide fraud and improper payment prevention reforms will meaningfully improve the financial prosperity of the United States, and that Federal program eligibility should be verified before payment, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

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 the measure under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are facing a national emergency of fraud in Federal programs that is impacting all Americans. We have watched and been very sad to see the deficit that keeps rising in this country, but it also comes from fraud, whereby money that was spent by the Federal Government is given to people who did not earn and are not entitled to those resources.

According to the Government Accountability Office, the GAO, the Federal Government is estimated to lose between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud against all Federal programs and operations.

This means that the average American taxpayer spends between $1,000 and $3,000 annually just to line the pockets of fraudsters and criminals.

While vulnerable Americans are robbed of benefits, these programs are designed to provide things that we have authorized them for, and they are being stolen. They are being taken advantage of.

It is time that Congress makes sure that the American public understands the true extent of the problem so that Congress can be empowered to enact bold legislation to address fraud in programs.

Mr. Speaker, our chairman, James Comer, chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, listed it as one of the priorities not just for this Congress but for the American people to know that Congress is doing their job. They are doing their job to not only approach and attack this problem, but they are going to make sure that the American people have a clear viewpoint of where this happened, why it is happening, and what Congress intends to do about it.

As a result of my serving as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, I have held six hearings where we investigated and looked at not only how and why this happened, but the real question is: What is Congress doing in the Federal Government to make sure that they stop this issue by addressing it?

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a link to a report that was issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which is titled: ``The Cost of Doing Nothing: How Tim Walz and Keith Ellison Fueled Minnesota's Fraud Explosion.'' https://oversight.house.gov/wp- content/uploads/2026/06/MN-Fraud-Final-Staff-Report.pdf

Mr. Speaker, the cost of doing nothing means that we allow it to continue. That is why we are on the floor today, to give the American people a clear answer of not only what happened and how it happened, but also who is responsible for these actions.

I would assume, based upon what I have seen over the last few weeks, that our friends who are Democrats will come to this floor and vote ``no.'' They want to act like they deny what is happening. Yet, during every single one of these hearings, our friends showed up and were very critical and really asked thoughtful questions. They asked questions of how and why and what we are going to do. Today is an opportunity where we will lay out that story for the American people and say this is a national disgrace.

What we are bringing with H. Res. 1335 today will make clear to the American people, from the United States Congress, what we would like to have every single Member understand and vote for because it impacts every single congressional district.

As the father of a disabled young man, a Down syndrome young man, I will tell you that the benefits that my son or others who are disabled count on the Federal Government to be able to properly provide to them, as provided by law, the things that they are entitled to, many other people not only come and make claims that are not true but devise a process by which to take money away from those who it was designed to help.

In every State across the country, fraud in Federal programs has run rampant. That is why you have seen, based upon not just us ringing the bell to let people know, but really the media also speaking up about this national disgrace. It has allowed Governors and people who run local agencies to relook at who they are and what their agencies are doing. It has caused, all across this country, people to go look for these types of circumstances to make sure it is not in their backyard. That is also why we are here today. We will provide a flashlight, a guiding light, to show people what has happened, how it happened, and what we need to do about it.

The Oversight Committee has taken decisive action in this investigation. They have taken time to understand the fraud. They have taken time to make sure they have looked at those actors behind this, what were the reasons why this happened, and who is responsible. It will provide a guiding light for States and counties and cities all across this country to make sure that it is not a disgrace that is being placed upon them.

These programs needed to be highlighted. They needed the review. They needed the light of day. They needed to know the story. That is exactly what this report is.

This report is factually based with data, information, and things that every Member should be willing to support. This is a resolution. It is not changing the law. It is saying we are going to say to the American people: On our watch, these things happened.

I think that it is important to note that there will be things that are uncomfortable. There are things that are uncomfortable that happened.

I don't want to sit here today and just point a finger at any particular person, but you go where the story goes.

The Oversight Committee's investigation into Minnesota social services programs uncovered $9 billion that was potentially stolen by fraudsters. This was very interesting, Mr. Speaker, because it was a systematic understanding of how people went about this, how people turned a blind eye to not only the things that were happening but perhaps even abetted and helped these people to sustain this fraud ring that went on against their own people.

The facts of the case are, the media has showed up, investigators have showed up, and so did our investigators. We had investigators go to places who were receiving millions and millions of dollars which was done across a wide range of things. In Minnesota, it

was $9 billion. The money that was stolen by these criminals was taxpayer money. They were taxpayer dollars that were placed there for the benefit of the people in Minnesota. I think that we should have an outrage by the people and those Members of Congress from Minnesota. They should show up here and say: Thank you for helping us. We are not going to go to fight anymore. We are going to go to fix.

That is what this does. This gives a roadmap to not just Members of Congress and not just the media. The American people will get the story, see how it happened and who turned a blind eye to doing their job.

The money that was stolen by these criminals were taxpayer dollars intended to feed children, educate children, take care of those who may have a disability, help low-income seniors, help veterans, and help people who look to the Federal Government.

Our votes here say yes, we want these Federal programs. Yet, the people closest to the action, the people responsible, those who were elected, those with oversight responsibility, those who have prosecutorial responsibilities, those who had a job to be a part not just of the American way of doing business but a part of what our democracy is, turned a blind eye to the facts, reality, and the things that were going on right underneath their noses.

Meanwhile, senior State officials, including the Governor and the Attorney General, both former colleagues of ours who distinguished themselves in this body, were aware of this widespread fraud for years.

Mr. Speaker, that is a story in and of itself. These officials possessed the legal and prosecutorial authority to stop fraud payments but repeatedly failed to not only hear the warnings but to act against those who were whistleblowers. They retaliated against those who did bring that to them.

This is something that needs to be available for every Governor in every State and territory. When you ignore doing your job, there are people who will pay attention. There are questions that will be asked, and there is going to be some sort of review.

I will tell you, the American people are tired. They are tired of people in elected places who will turn a blind eye to not just the responsibility but with the knowledge that this was intended for maybe someone in their family, certainly someone in their community.

When we talk about education, disability payments, poor people, helping widows, helping veterans, that is the story that is being told today.

In April of this year, Federal authorities raided more than 20 locations in Minnesota as part of the ongoing Federal investigation. This included the Quality Learning Center. The self-named Quality Learning Center, was a so-called childcare center with no children being found, yet millions of dollars being sucked down by fraudsters. Fraud in Minnesota became just the tip of the iceberg in this instance as we saw.

Whether it is widespread fraud in California in the hospice system or fraud in the Medicare waiver program in Ohio or New York, it is clear that our local, elected officials, who have the responsibility, need to pay attention to the clear warnings that are being made.

The Trump administration has taken decisive action to combat fraud, waste, and abuse by establishing the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

Since March, the task force has uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of fraud just in the State of California, including other government contracts that should go to women, children, veterans, and people with disabilities.

H. Res. 1335, sponsored by the gentleman from Texas Congressman Pat Fallon and those on the subcommittee and committee, emphasize that these schemes across the country harm the American taxpayer and the vulnerable recipients who expect to receive them. Congress must condemn these actions and make sure they are available.

I encourage each of the Members who will be voting today to understand the real need of what we are doing here today. It is more than just a Paul Revere call to action. It is an actual story about how local people turned a blind eye, retaliated against those who came and provided feedback, and then did nothing and waited until billions of dollars were wasted.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that what I am doing here today is giving an open invitation to all the Members of this body to come and see this for what it is. It is available to them. It is something that everyone has seen the story.

The question is: Will we today, openly, as a body, understand that this is something that happened in their backyard or could be in their backyard, and they need to use this story. Today, an ``aye'' vote will do just that.

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

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains on both sides, please.

Mr. Speaker, I do want to respond to the gentleman. I do want to respond to the gentleman and tell him today is that open invitation. He and I know that this is a lot of work, work that is factually based. It is not just showing up--and I don't doubt anything he has said--but showing up with the evidence of who, how, where, why did this happen, and what is being done. I would just say that the gentleman knows that our Government Operations Subcommittee is ready and open and available--that he would have to admit here on the floor-- on a bipartisan basis.

If the gentleman wants to use the word ``bipartisan'' and say this is an attack, then bring the things that he would want us also to look at, but please don't make this political because we have done our homework, because we have aimed at where the problem is, because we have done these hearings. We have had people directly in front of us with their hands raised. We did the work. We did the facts of the case, and I think--

The gentleman has his own time. He has 23 minutes.

The gentleman needs to understand that he, too, sits at one of these tables where they can have witnesses called. They can have their staff do these things, and they can go investigate. They know that perhaps most of all, I will be very open to listening to them.

That is because if there is one thing I have done over the last few years, and when I was chairman of the Rules Committee, it is to listen to other people and to try to at least offer to the body an opportunity to see the facts of the case.

I think it is an easy thing to come down here--and I respect the gentleman. I make sure that he is involved in all of our hearings, but to come down here without evidence or hard work and make claims, I think, is a very difficult thing when we are expected, as Members of Congress and our staffs, to do these things right.

Mr. Speaker, we want to continue the story.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad), who was on the winning baseball team last night and did a great job.

This resolution that we are going to vote on today highlights fraud in Ohio, a Republican-led State. It is right in the report. It is right here.

This Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has also had an ongoing investigation, including Medicare fraud in Ohio. The committee held a hearing on that Medicaid fraud in Ohio just last week. Just last week, both the staffs were aware of that, and we brought in Ohio State officials to testify to get them on record just like we did, as the gentleman knows, in Minnesota and other States. I appreciate the gentleman asking the question.

Mr. Speaker, I will answer that question, and the answer is clear: The State of Texas that has that authority and responsibility did that in extensive hearings and extensive reports that led up to action by the State of Texas officially in the legislature to bring him before them, and he has answered every question he could have answered. It is on the record and there for all the world to see.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman knows that not only am I open to this, but my door is open in my office. It is open for a reason. It is open for a reason, not just for those who might agree with me, but for those who might disagree with me or those who might want to do business. My door is open. My availability is there.

I believe that the issues today that we are trying to talk about are fraud, not politics, and we have attempted to look at fraud where it is. The gentleman knows where my office is, and he knows I am open.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman has an opportunity to bring forth more than public data. He has the ability to go and take testimony, to gather the information. I encourage the gentleman to do that.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, the American people and Members of Congress have heard the story today: 200-plus pages of factual data, six hearings, and the opportunity on a bipartisan basis to develop the facts of the case from people's own testimony.

Today, we have a request for us to listen to the minority. This has been done for the last year and a half; opportunity for hearings, opportunity for their staff to develop the same kind of factually based information, not public data, not something that they read somewhere but to bring to the floor, to bring to the subcommittee and the committee, the hard facts of the case.

Mr. Speaker, I think we have made our point today, and that point is that there were people who were elected who chose not only to not listen but, when people came forward who were whistleblowers, they took retaliatory action against them. They have denied their involvement, and, yet, the mounds of data suggest otherwise.

Mr. Speaker, I think today this subcommittee and this committee are bringing forth, through Mr. Fallon's resolution, an opportunity to say enough is enough. It should be a story that is told by every one of us. We invite their vote.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman, the chairman of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee, for yielding.

Mr. Comer has begun telling the story about H.R. 8312, Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, which we today will discuss, but I think it is important that we probably tell a story because this has two tales, but one truth to it.

The bottom line is that our friends, if they oppose this today, it is because they are embarrassed. They are embarrassed about the legislation that they passed, the operation of the Biden administration with the Treasury, and their insistence that we continue allowing unaided opportunity for fraudsters to come and take advantage of the government.

I thank the distinguished gentleman who has encouraged me from the very beginning. He, as chairman of the committee, and I, as chairman of the Government Operations Subcommittee, have worked completely on a bipartisan methodology, since I have become chairman, with the Democrats, holding hearings, understanding not only the problems but the potential answers. The answers that we have come up with completely would sustain themselves under any opportunity for people to look.

The bottom line is that the excuses that are being offered today come from someone who probably does not know many IGs, has probably never spoken to those about some fear that he believes exists.

Madam Speaker, since 2003, the Government Accountability Office estimated that the Federal Government has improperly paid about $3 trillion. That means $3 trillion that was intended for a purpose-- probably a very good purpose--has gone to people who have taken that money for a different reason, and that means it is an unintended payment.

During the 4 years of President Biden, the government lost between $230 and $520 billion each year. While it is easy to say that the predominance of this occurred, really what the President was dealing with was working through issues related to COVID. I need to understand that I do know that this is a fact.

What happened, though, is the Federal Government made sure that Federal Government workers were given opportunities to not come to work. They call it telework, but the bottom line is, they were not there to challenge people who were trying to take advantage of the government, knowing that between $230 and $500 billion was being fleeced from the Federal Government every year.

We know this because the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, known as the PRAC, investigated these payments as they went out the door. They didn't just go out the door; they flew out the door.

The PRAC was established by the CARES Act of 2020 to oversee the $2.2 trillion in pandemic spending. In other words, they added fuel to the fire, $2.2 trillion, knowing they had a problem without an answer.

The Democrats' answer at that time, and still is today, just let the money go--just let it go--because we don't like the way Donald Trump and Republicans are attempting to hold these fraudsters accountable.

The problem is that the CARES Act of 2020 prioritized immediate spending of $2.2 trillion and left the PRAC to figure out why we were losing so much money, who it was. Madam Speaker, it is hard to watch $2.2 trillion go out the door knowing that roughly 25 percent of it will never be found or recovered.

In fairness to the Biden administration, they did recognize the need for an organization that would begin looking at this issue. Today, we take that beyond looking.

The Biden administration failed to quickly set up the PRAC and to stop the fraud. Instead, they prioritized payments and ignored the need to learn who was getting these payments, to establish an organization that would know more about what was happening on their watch. The Federal Government got payment receipt information on how these recipients requested their money. They had the whole story in front of them.

We know that the PRAC, however, is now the answer, and they have been the answer. Since the creation of the PRAC, the PRAC has assisted law enforcement and agency inspectors general and partners across 1,200 pandemic-related investigations, with a potential fraud loss of $2.5 billion.

Today, I am here to tell you, after six hearings conducted by the Oversight Committee and my Government Operations Subcommittee, it is clear that we have a huge number of people defrauding the government, and the PRAC has lots of data and information.

The PRAC has some 1.7 billion pieces of data--names, addresses, emails, cohorts who assisted with that, and other data and information--that was gleaned through the process.

This bill today, H.R. 8312, the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, will make sure that the PRAC cannot only continue permanently, which my friends, the Democrats, say that they are not against, but it will also allow a placement of a permanent home to alleviate the questions that had come up earlier, and that was who is doing the work.

It has been decided that the U.S. Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service's financial and integrity services will handle this. They are professionals. They are law enforcement, and they have an eye to fraud.

Finally, this bill makes sure that we are never left without proper oversight of funds. We will make sure that no matter the problems that face this Nation, we will be prepared.

We are here on the floor today with this opportunity to come up with what started as and still should be a bipartisan agreement.

Instead of sending the money out and then chasing it, we are going to run every bit of this data and information through the PRAC of existing people who receive benefits today. We are going to know that just the word alone of fraud is enough not to stop a payment, but to do an investigation, and it will be done by law enforcement professionals who understand not only authority and responsibility, but they understand the taxpayers' needs.

Madam Speaker, I thank you for allowing this bill to come today. I thank the distinguished chairman of our committee, and I want you to know, this bipartisan bill that started that way still has a chance to end that way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary work of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, which has announced it will conclude operations at the end of this calendar year after 19 years of remarkable service.

Since its founding in 2006, by my good friend Dana Dornsife, Lazarex has invested over $30 million to support more than 13,000 patients in finding and participating in cancer clinical trials through its CARE and IMPACT Reimbursement Programs. It has also provided cancer education and equitable access to resources, services, and care to tens of thousands of people in underserved communities through its Cancer Wellness HUBs.

In Texas, Lazarex has worked extensively with the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, ensuring that financial barriers such as travel and lodging never stood in the way of patients seeking hope through clinical trials. Nationally, Lazarex has been a driving force for change, helping to pass legislation in California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Texas affirming that reimbursement of patient travel expenses is not inducement but essential support. This has reshaped the clinical trial landscape, making travel reimbursement a standard practice and opening doors for more diverse and representative participation in research.

Lazarex has not only changed laws and policies--it has changed the conversation. By diminishing stigma and fear, Lazarex created space for honest discussions about cancer in homes, communities, and places of worship. Its work has inspired patients, families, and health systems alike to reimagine what equitable access to cancer care should look like.

Mr. Speaker, the decision to close was not made lightly. Shifts in the pharmaceutical funding landscape, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, cuts to research funding, and a broader retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives created economic headwinds that made continuation unsustainable. Yet even as it closes, Lazarex leaves behind a proud legacy--one of compassion, equity, innovation, and measurable impact.

On behalf of patients in Texas and across the United States, I want to express deep gratitude to Lazarex staff, community partners, sponsors, donors, and, especially the founder and heart and soul of Lazarex for the last 19 years, Dana Dornsife. Their belief in this mission has changed--and saved--lives.

I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Lazarex Cancer Foundation for its 19 years of tireless advocacy and achievement in the fight against cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Danny Charles Masur, of Rockdale, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and in retirement.

After completing his early education in Lockhart, Texas public schools, Danny enrolled at Southwest Texas State College. Within his first week there, he recognized the potential of the ROTC program, and after his first experience with them he was set on a path to earn his pilot's license, graduate, and head to Air Force Pilot Training as soon as possible. He dedicated five years and one day of service to his country before his release from active duty.

Beginning in June 1968, Danny spent a year at Del Rio's Laughlin AFB Pilot Training, and upon completion he was assigned to Dover AFB, Delaware's Military Airlift Command. He flew the C-133 Cargomaster, the largest military transport aircraft at that time. Danny flew special missions world-wide including flights into Vietnam, followed by European and Middle Eastern trips supporting our Nation's Cold War military exercises. He also flew into other various conflicts such as the Israel-Jordan Crisis, and across the world to Pakistan, Ethiopia, Panama, Greenland, and Libya. Danny had the privilege of flying the last C-133 to the Boneyard at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

After leaving the Air Force, Danny became a tracking pilot/recovery supervisor at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. He was located in Palestine, Texas at their Balloon facility, wherein, alongside some of the world's top scientists and astrophysicists, he contributed to invaluable scientific discoveries in the facilities critical outer space work.

Danny then moved to work at the ALCOA plant in Rockdale, Texas, where he began dedicating his life to his family and several community volunteer organizations. For twenty-two years he was a board member of the Rockdale Fair Association, as well as the Goat Superintendent and Vice-President of Fiscal Affairs. In 1982, he joined the Rockdale Knights of Columbus, serving as Columbus Club treasurer for 18 years and spending significant time as a Crew Leader. Since 2012, Danny has served as a Board Member for Minerva Water Supply Corporation; and for 17 years has served the Minerva community as a volunteer fireman where he currently serves as their treasurer.

Alongside his wife, Linda Matocha Masur, Danny has dedicated 58 years of marriage to raising four children and has extended his love and commitment to nurturing nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Danny's heart has never left the sky. As a pilot in the Rockdale Flying Tigers Flight Club, Danny is an EAA member and works with the Young Eagles Flight Program giving introductory flights. He has been an instructor pilot for years, serving as a technical, emotional, and mental mentor to many students who have made piloting their career.

It is with great honor and respect that I present Danny Charles Masur with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contributions to his community stand as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' Forest Harris of Cameron, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and retirement.

Bill was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and served a combat tour in Vietnam with the 809th Engineer Battalion. The battalion's mission was diverse, including construction, aviation support, and multi-role bridging capabilities, all while maintaining a combat-ready posture to fight at a moment's notice. Bill's heroic efforts earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After being honorably discharged in 1970, Bill served in the Army Reserves until 1975.

Although his military service had ended, Bill stayed committed to the honorable life of a public servant, becoming a firefighter with the Temple Fire Department before turning to serve in their Police department from 1974 to 1981. During his time in the police department Bill rose to the position of investigator and served as part of the Central Texas Narcotics and Organized Crime Task Force. Bill joined the Milam County Sheriff's office in 1982, where he served the remainder of his distinguished law enforcement career. Upon his retirement from that position, he continued to serve as a reserve deputy and as the Sheriff's office Chaplain until 2023.

Bill's commitment to Milam County is evident in every aspect of his life. His business, Cameron Tire Store, has been a staple of the community since he purchased the property in 1992. Bill has served on committees and boards repeatedly since moving to Milam County, as his leadership cannot go unnoticed. In the early 2000's, he was selected to serve on the committee tasked with developing the new jail for Milam County. His work with this committee led to the conversion of an old hospital into the new offices for the Sheriff's Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Precinct One and Two Justices of the Peace, and attached to all of this was a new modern jail.

Bill has served on the Cameron Housing Board, as member and director, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Milam Water Supply District and served as a city councilman for years. From 2000 to 2024, he served as the Mayor of Cameron, stepping in to serve as Interim City Manager while the city was held without one. Bill does not simply lend a helping hand, but he truly commits himself to enforcing change and improvement where it is needed.

At nearly 77 years old, while raising three children and being a grandfather to two, many would have retired, but not Bill. He continues to work hard every day as the owner of multiple businesses, which he runs with his wife Gwyn. His service has been recognized by the Cameron Chamber of Commerce, which named him Citizen of the Year in 2007 and presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. As a man of great faith, Bill continues to serve as pastor of Davilla Baptist Church.

Through community, both broadly as an American and much more personally in any number of ways, through family, and of course through a strong commitment to faith, Bill has made himself more than worthy of this achievement.

It is with great honor and respect that I present William ``Bill'' Forest Harris with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contribution to his community stand as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present a Congressional Veteran Commendation to a member of our greatest generation, retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Wagamon, of Huntsville, Texas. Lt. Colonel Wagamon served as a Captain, Bombadier and Navigator flying in B-25 Mitchell Bombers with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.

Lt. Col. Wagamon entered active duty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in September of 1944 at twenty years of age and served an important role during period of World War II, flying reconnaissance missions over Italy detailing German activities along the railway system until the end of the war. He served in the North Apennines, Central Europe and Po Valley campaigns.

Lt. Col. Wagamon served in the 6th Bomb Group, 313th Bombardment Wing, 340th Bombardment Group, 486th Bombardment Squadron earning; the Air Medal, European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and the WWII Victory Medal.

After the Allied Victory, Lt. Col. Wagamon returned home and served in the reserves and ultimately retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his service in the reserves and after, he continued his service to country and community, through his faith and devotion to God, he lead his family of five in service to the Catholic Church and received many recognitions including the very special Vatican Award, which required many levels of nomination to be considered and the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Francis given to him in 2014, recognizing 65 years of service to the Roman Catholic Church.

With his wife Marion right beside him, he has served the Huntsville community in various capacities for over 30 years that included Huntsville school teacher from 1978 to 1982, Deputy Director of Education Service Center Region 6 from 1968 to 1982, owner of Wagamon Printing that was opened in 1981, and Walker County Judge from 1994 to 2002.

As a longtime volunteer, Lt. Col. Wagamon has poured numerous hours into the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas. Setting up displays and doing tours educating visitors and students was a weekly occurrence. In addition to his work at the museum, he spent many hours and full days at many schools within the Huntsville Independent School District providing exceptional experiences for its students. It is with this level of love for God, country and community that I proudly commend retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Wagamon of Huntsville, Texas to his friends, family, and community and salute his service by awarding him the 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to rise today to present Christopher Aaron McGowen of Nacogdoches, Texas, as a recipient of the 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his outstanding service to both his country and his community.

Aaron, a proud son of Nacogdoches, answered his country's call to service in February 1992, when he entered the United States Army as a Combat Medic. During his military career, he distinguished himself through professionalism, courage, and selfless service. His commendable service was recognized with numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Medic Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Driver and Mechanic Badge, and the Operation Enduring Freedom Campaign Medal. These honors stand as a testament to his steadfast commitment and the vital role he played in safeguarding the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Following his honorable discharge, Aaron continued his life of service by dedicating himself to veterans and his community. While living in Washington State, he became an active member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, contributing countless hours to fundraising efforts that provided construction projects for disabled veterans, ensuring safe homes and greater mobility for those who sacrificed for our freedoms. He further demonstrated his compassion and solidarity by volunteering at local VA hospitals and participating in funeral escorts to honor fallen service members and veterans.

In 2022, Aaron returned to his hometown of Nacogdoches, reuniting with his high school sweetheart, Melissa Milford McGowen, and resumed his mission of community service. As a member of the Nacogdoches Lions Club, he has worked tirelessly in the Vision Screening Program and collaborated with the Nacogdoches County Veterans Service Officer to ensure local veterans receive the resources and care they deserve.

His commitment deepened further in May 2023, when he assumed leadership within the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation as Chair of the Action Committee. Through this role, Aaron has made significant contributions to projects that directly support veterans, law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families, improving lives and strengthening the bonds of community.

Christopher Aaron McGowen embodies the highest ideals of service, both in uniform and as a citizen leader. His legacy is one of valor, compassion, and unwavering devotion to others. It is an honor to recognize him today with the 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Danny Wallace Smith of Crawford, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation for his exceptional armed forces service and unwavering commitment to our country, state, and local communities. Danny served three years in the United States Army, including 18 months in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968, one of the most significant and challenging periods in United States military history. His bravery and dedication were recognized with numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars and one Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Navy Valorous Service Ribbon, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his military service, Danny pursued higher education at Hardin Simmons University and earned a B.A. from Wayland Baptist College. He then dedicated 32 years to the Texas Department of Public Safety, where he rose to the rank of Regional Commander, overseeing 46 counties. His leadership and commitment to public safety earned him widespread respect. Notably, he served as the Commander of all DPS uniformed forces during the Mt. Carmel incident, further underscoring his critical role in high-stakes situations.

After retiring from DPS, Danny continued to serve by leading in the field of education. As Director of the Law Enforcement Academy and Division Chair of the Emergency Services Education Center at McLennan Community College, he mentored and trained future law enforcement professionals. His service extended further when he was called upon to serve as Interim Police Chief in Bellmead (2019) and Robinson (2020), Texas. In 2023, he was appointed as the full-time Police Chief of Robinson, where he later retired in August 2025.

Spanning over 54 years, Danny's career reflects a lifetime of selfless service, from the battlefield to public safety leadership, education, and community policing. His enduring contributions have had a lasting impact on the people of Texas and the broader law enforcement community.

It is with great honor and respect that I present Danny Wallace Smith with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contributions to his community stand as a powerful example of public duty and honor.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USA Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews, of Mexia, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his outstanding service to both his country and his community.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M University, Lt. Col. Matthews served with distinction in the United States Army for over 24 years. His military career included service in over 30 countries, and a particularly harrowing tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse), where he served under Colonel George Patton and Colonel Jimmie Leach. During that time, he was twice wounded by RPG attacks, survived two mine explosions, and earned two Bronze Stars for Valor, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was medevacked to Fort Hood after his second Purple Heart. He continued to serve in command roles for the rest of his active service and subsequently earned a Master's in Business Administration from Syracuse University, eventually retiring in 1992.

Following his military retirement, Lt. Col. Matthews settled in Mexia, Texas, where he launched a second career in education. He earned teaching and principal certifications from Tarleton State University. Beginning in 1994, he taught 7th grade science in Mexia ISD and went on to become principal at Mexia Intermediate and later R.Q. Sims Intermediate School. He earned a reputation as an innovative and passionate educator, implementing impactful programs like ``Blackcats Don't Bully'' to combat bullying and ``Colonel's Kids'' to support underperforming students from low-income backgrounds. These initiatives benefited over 400 students and helped earn him recognition as runner- up for Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) Elementary Principal of the Year in 2002. He also helped the district achieve its first-ever ``Exemplary'' rating and introduced several science-focused initiatives, including dedicated labs and an outdoor classroom. His educational philosophy emphasizes that every child can learn when properly led and supported, a belief he carried throughout his career.

In addition to his educational work, Lt. Col. Matthews remained deeply engaged in civic life. He served multiple terms as president and song leader of the century-old Mexia Lions Club and founded the ``Red, White, and Blue Car Show'' in 2012, which became the club's major fundraising event. He has also been a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Mexia since 1992, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and director, and choir member. He has actively participated in church productions like the Easter Pageant and Christmas Dinner Theater. His return to teaching in 2012, where he taught physics and coached golf until his final retirement in 2022, underscores his unwavering commitment to

youth development and community enrichment.

His exemplary record of military valor, educational leadership, and civic dedication makes him an ideal recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation. It is with great honor and respect that I present retired USA Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USAF Technical Sergeant Martha Socorro Ybarra of Waco, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Her 20-year service to our country followed by her heavily involved community service is a template for American Exceptionalism.

TSgt. Ybarra enlisted in the Air Force in May 1986, through the delayed enlistment program and began active duty on September 15, 1986, from the Syracuse, NY Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). She completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), followed by medical technician training at Sheppard AFB, and on-the-job training at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Her performance earned her early promotion and selection as a laboratory journeyman, leadership school graduate, and eventually, instructor at the School of Health Care Sciences. In 1989, she transferred to Sheppard AFB as a lab instructor and married fellow Airman, TSgt. Robert Rene Ybarra, in 1990.

In 1990, both were reassigned to Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina, where she continued lab work and had her first child. After the base closed in 1992, she transferred to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. There, she served in leadership roles, completed a Community College Air Force (CCAF) degree, and enhanced pathology specimen operations. Following the birth of her second and third child, she moved to Cannon AFB, New Mexico in January 1996, where she managed the Drug Urinalysis Program for six to seven years. Her leadership ensured a zero percent untestable rate, and she trained numerous program managers. She earned another promotion to TSgt. during this time.

In 2004, she had a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas, where she worked as a Laboratory Craftsman until her retirement in 2006. Throughout her service, she earned a second CCAF degree, was active in chapel ministries, and volunteered extensively in the base and local community, including youth programs and church education.

Following her military retirement, TSgt. Ybarra continued her service to veterans as a National Service Officer for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. By 2007, she had a solo office at the Waco VA campus, where she assisted veterans, spouses, and dependents with their VA claims and hearings for 13 years. She also joined the American Legion Post 121 and actively supported their events. In late 2007, she became involved with the McLennan County Veterans Association and continues to serve as secretary, helping organize major community events such as Vet's Fest and Veterans Day parades.

After resigning from the Purple Heart organization in August 2019, TSgt. Ybarra began working at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Waco as a claims assistant. In January 2020, she joined the Public Contact Team, and by November, she was selected as a Military Sexual Trauma Outreach Coordinator and alternate Women Veterans Coordinator. A year later, she became the primary Outreach Coordinator, continuing her mission to educate and support veterans and their families in securing the benefits they have earned.

I proudly commend retired USAF Technical Sergeant Martha Socorro Ybarra, of Waco, Texas to her friends, family, and colleagues, and salute her service to the Air Force, her country and community of Waco by awarding her with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Richard Reagan Horn, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.

Richard entered active duty at Camp Pendleton, California in May of 1966 at twenty-one years of age. He served with honor and heroism during the Vietnam War, serving in the Mortar Battery, 3rd Battalion 13th and 5th Divisions of the Marine Corps. His service instilled a resilience and commitment to mission and purpose he has carried all throughout his life.

Richard served 3 years in foreign service to our Nation in combat earning the following: Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal,

Good Conduct Medal 1st Award, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Award 2nd Award and the Presidential Unit Citation. Richard completed Artillery Chart Operations and Computer Course in 1966.

After his service in Vietnam in the Marines, Richard worked in a surveying crew for the Texas Department of Transportation in the early days of construction of Interstate 45 in 1970. He then moved on and entered an extensive career with Texas Instruments in their Facility Maintenance Division earning the following trade licenses before retiring in 2009: Master Plumber in 1981 and Journeyman's Electrician in 1995. Apart from work, he became a Master Mason in the Milam Lodge No. 2 in Nacogdoches, TX in 1972 and continues as an active Mason in the Huntsville Forest Lodge No. 19 as a Tiler. He is a self-taught Farrier working with Horses and Livestock and has devoted countless hours working with FFA students as a Board of Director with the Waller County Fair Association. He is also a Life Member of the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 1975, serving on the Calf Scramble and Livestock Committees.

After moving to Huntsville in 2011, Richard and his wife Linda, have been supporting the FFA and 4-H youth of Walker County through the annual county fair auctions and fundraisers in conjunction with his service to the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas when and where as needed. It is this level of continuous hard work, service and devotion to his community and its youth that I proudly commend Richard Reagan Horn of Huntsville, Texas to his friends, family, community and country awarding him the 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired USA Sergeant First Class Alyn Michael Macleod, of Pflugerville, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and in retirement.

SFC Macleod devoted 27 years serving in the United States Army, serving in several key leadership roles including Operations Non- Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Army Instructor, and Public Affairs NCOIC. He served in multiple units, including the 138th Signal Battalion (Indiana National Guard), Delta Company 44th Signal Battalion, 50th Military History Detachment, Army Space Command, 91st Training Division, 5th armored Brigade, 99th Regional Support Command, and the 222nd Broadcast Operations Detachment.

SFC Macleod deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Private Comfort, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Sandy in New Jersey. A highly trained professional, he completed advanced courses in leadership, public affairs, multimedia production, space and missile operations, communications, and emergency medical care. His extensive professional training included the Substance Abuse Program Prevention Course, Digital Multimedia Course, Instructor Training Course, Public Affairs Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, NBC Defense Course, Joint Tactical Ground Station Course, Space/Missile Warning Course, Multichannel Satellite Communication Course, PATRIOT System Maintainer Course, and Human Resources Course.

During his many years of service, his exceptional achievements had earned him several decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Army Achievement Medal (6th award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, German Weapons Proficiency Badge--Bronze Schutzenschnur, and the Indiana National Guard Commendation Medal. SFC Macleod's legacy is one of leadership, commitments to excellence, and unwavering service to his Soldiers, his fellow veterans, and his country.

In addition to his distinguished military career, he earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration in Program Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. He currently serves as Adjutant for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 4, as well as the Adjutant for the American Legion Kerlin-Lyerly Post 154. Recently, he played a key role in establishing the Pflugerville Veteran Task Force, a group committed to working with critical community organizations with the goal of uniting and supporting the veteran community of Pflugerville.

It is with great honor and respect that I present retired USA Sergeant First Class Alyn Michael Macleod with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contributions to his community stand as an inspiration to us all.