Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to present James Manuel Villa of Waco, Texas with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

James Villa's dedication is evident from his three combat deployments in Iraq with the Marines First Division, Second Battalion, 5th Regiment. Joining the Marines in 2002, his initial engagement in 2003 saw participation in the Battle of Al Faw, capturing pivotal regions around the Rumaila Oil Field, and ensuring security and stability in Samawah, Iraq. His subsequent deployment in 2004 to Ramadi earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguished service, a testament to his leadership as a fire team leader.

Even after fulfilling his enlistment and intending to pursue education at Baylor University, duty called him back. His third deployment brought more accolades for distinguished service in Fallujah, coupled with the significant responsibility of training 70 Iraqi police recruits. He attained the rank of Sergeant, receiving his honorable discharge in 2009.

Following his service with the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in 2009, James transitioned to education. He achieved his Bachelor of Arts from Rockhurst University in 2011 and later a Master of Education from Tarleton State University. Besides his academic achievements, James's impact in the community of Waco is profound. As an eighth-grade science teacher, he was celebrated as the 2017 Waco ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. Today, he stands as a beacon of leadership and hope as the principal of La Vega High School, holding a deep-seated belief in the potential of every student and their ability to effect change in their community.

James, alongside his wife Ivy, are the proud parents of five daughters and three sons, reflecting his commitment both to family and nation.

For his relentless dedication to his country, and now his community, it is with deep respect that I present the Congressional Veteran Commendation to James M. Villa.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Kenneth Warren Lee, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His hard work and dedication epitomize the best of East Texas values.

Kenneth Lee enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963 when only eighteen years old. His 6 years of honorable active duty set the stage for a lifetime of service. Ken completed Instructors Orientation School, Military Police School, and a Criminal Investigation course-and was deployed to Viet Nam. He was rewarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (2 Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/device), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Ken left the Corps as a Staff Sergeant in 1969. He married Judy, the love of his life, and they began building the life they still share. Using his military training and experience, Ken immediately went to work for the Dallas Police Department. In 1975 he transitioned to the DEA, retiring in 1999. His ``retirement'' was short lived: Ken served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Security Threat Groups from 1999 to 2005, where he conceived the Gang Renouncement and Disassociation program still utilized today.

Ken is a lifetime member and leader of the VFW and active in the American Legion. He is Board President of the H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Every American Remember Through Serving) Veterans Museum of Texas in Huntsville. Working with other volunteers, Ken helped the museum grow from its infancy to its current permanent home--and has done it all-- from setting up displays to giving tours and cleaning up at the end of a long day. After hosting the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, and with personal inspiration and leadership, Ken led fundraising to build an 80 percent scale version of the Wall, in permanent tribute to our Texas Vietnam veteran heroes. Ken also leads H.E.A.R.T.S. outreach, assisting veterans with transportation, coordinating medical appointments, home modifications, groceries, and everything in between.

He has served as President of the Texas Narcotics Officer Association. Ken and Judy both assist with Vacation Bible School, and Ken serves on the church security team. This tireless couple often supports many other community organizations and clubs.

I proudly commend Kenneth Warren Lee of Huntsville to his friends, family, and colleagues, and salute his enduring service to the Corps and community with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present Jason L. Bradford of Nacogdoches, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service to this Nation and community speaks to the best of Texas.

Jason enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1994 and was assigned to the Fourth Marine Division in Galveston, Texas. In 1996 Jason graduated from Sam Houston State University and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Reserve Officer. In December 1996, he accepted a regular commission into the USMC as an Active Duty Officer. When honorably discharged in 2004, Jason held the rank of Captain and served as a Light Armored Officer. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, the Rifle Expert Badge, the Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Letter of Appreciation (2), Meritorious Mast, and Recruiter Ribbon.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Jason became the owner of Nacogdoches Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and A/C, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He recruited and trained former U.S. service members who are now part of a cohesive, dedicated company team meeting the plumbing, air conditioning, and sheet metal needs in the Deep East Texas area.

Jason is a ``True Patriot''--having honorably served his country in uniform, he now tirelessly supports his community. He is a lifetime member of the USMC League and has been

a member of the Nacogdoches Rotary Club for the past 15 years. During the winter storm of 2021, Jason assisted the Veterans County Service officer of Nacogdoches in helping disabled veterans who had been without water and electricity for several days. Most recently, Jason established the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the families of veterans and first responders of Nacogdoches County, who have been killed or injured in the line of duty, by providing direct financial assistance with funds for school, training, or other unmet needs.

A dedicated husband and father of 2, Jason has been a sponsor and coach in the Nacogdoches Boys Youth Baseball Association for the past 6 years.

It is my honor to award Jason L. Bradford of Nacogdoches, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Lee, of Pflugerville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. It is a privilege to salute an exemplary soldier and citizen.

Born at Harlingen Air Force Base, Texas, retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant Lee literally grew up in the Air Force. Enlisting in 1979, nineteen-year-old Mark Lee began his own journey, serving in multiple roles and special assignments in Electronic Security Command, including Air Force Cryptologic Support Center, Space Systems, U2 Black Cat Reconnaissance, Space Shuttle, Minuteman missile, and other electronic warfare programs. His numerous awards included NCO of the Year. Transferred to 36th Fighter Air Base, Germany, as Wing Materials Management Officer, supporting four squadrons of F-15 Eagle Fighter Aircraft and 10,000 base personnel, Mark led all Europe with aircraft highest mission readiness, and was selected to represent USAF Europe in developing and implementing new Air Force Supply Management directives and training.

Transferred to Lackland Air Force Base as Materials Management Officer, Mark's expertise saved millions of dollars and thousands of labor hours. His final transfer was to Randolph Air Force Base as Chief, Regional Aircraft Logistics, functionally managing over thirteen Logistics Groups, and coordinating with Engine Repair facilities to ensure requisition, repair, and delivery to production--resulting in 100 percent mission readiness. Mark deployed with Operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, and Northern Watch. He earned the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal-3, Air Force Commendation Medal-4, Air Force Achievement Medal, Armed Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal-2, and Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Retiring in 1998, Mark is a mainstay of community support--especially for young people and those in need. He helped local FFA students with funding, transportation, and animal maintenance. For eight years he has worked establishing a meals account for children at a local elementary school. Mark regularly collects and distributes food to low-income families and organizes annual Food Pantry drives. Mark raises and donates funds for children with cancer and people in need and helps maintain the local cemetery. Recognized by the Pflugerville Police Department for Outstanding Service to the Community, he is the 2nd Vice Commander of Kerlin-Lyerly American Legion Post 154, and a recipient of its Certification of Appreciation (2016-2022) and 2023 Legionnaire of the Year.

I am honored to award retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Lee with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present retired SOCS (SEAL) David A. Knesek, USN, of Cameron, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Born in Texas, retired SEAL Senior Chief Knesek wanted only to serve his country as the ``best of the best.'' Enlisting in the Navy's Delayed Entry Program, David earned a Criminal Justice degree from Blinn College in 1994. Passing SEAL boot camp later that year, he graduated in August 1995 from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at Coronado, CA with Class 200, one of only 8 of 140 candidates not failing a training segment. Assigned to SEAL Team Eight, David earned his trident and deployed to the Mediterranean in 1996, attached to the USS Austin. He remained at SEAL Team Eight for five years, deploying as an Ordnance Department Head to Germany in the NATO Bosnian Campaign, and with a 2000 STRIKE platoon to the Persian Gulf attached to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

His eight SEAL deployments included instructor, protection, defense, and combat assault missions. With SEAL Team Two, he deployed twice to Baghdad, Iraq and twice to Ramadi, Iraq (including integrating 63 special operations personnel into a combat team completing 54 combat operations). In 2010 he took an instructor billet with Naval Special Warfare Group 2--but following 9/11, was asked to volunteer to take his SEAL Team Two Golf platoon to Afghanistan as Leading Chief Petty Officer. David remained with SEAL Team Two until retiring in 2014. His military honors include: 2 Bronze Star Medals with Valor, a Bronze Star Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Services Commendation Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Combat Action Ribbons, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal.

In 2015 David joined FTW Ranch in Barksdale, Texas, a preeminent marksmanship school training U.S. military and law enforcement groups, and hunters. A lead instructor, David uses his training to develop tactical skills in law enforcement personnel, and better and safer hunters. He has served as a 4-H Shooting Sports Coach. He shares personal safety and situational awareness knowledge with his local volunteer fire department and other organizations. David spends many hours sharing outdoors and hunting knowledge with young people and making Veterans Day presentations in local schools.

It is my honor to award retired SEAL Senior Chief David A. Knesek, ``the best of the best,'' with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Ellen M. Brooks of Crockett, Texas,

with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Her service to this nation and community speaks to the best of Texas.

Ellen enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1994. Recognizing her innate leadership capabilities, the Air Force sent her to officer training after only two and a half years as an enlisted Airman. During the five years she served as a commissioned officer, Ellen rose to the rank of Captain. Before leaving the U.S. Air Force in 1998, she served as Commander of a communications unit in Alaska. During her active service she was recognized with the Air Force Commendation Medal w/1 device, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/1 device, and the National Defense Service Medal, together with a Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and Air Force Training Ribbon w/1 device.

Ellen has given much to her community. In 2007 she joined the Crockett Noon Lions Club and was instrumental in forming the Leo Club where she served as Sponsor. She established a new Evening Lions Club and served as its first President. She has spent countless hours investing in the lives of the members and youth, teaching leadership, character, and kindness. She is a member of First United Methodist Church. Whether working to keep her community clean or distributing food to the needy, Ellen can always be counted on. In 2020, the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Ellen's service to the community with its highest honor, Citizen of the Year.

Her leadership will have a long-lasting effect on young people for years to come--and it is my honor to award Ellen M. Brooks of Crockett, Texas, a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jerry Lee Lorton, of Cameron, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Central Texas values.

Jerry Lorton entered active duty at Atlanta, Georgia in May of 1977-- a young 20-year-old about to embark on a distinguished Army career that would span the next two decades of his life.

Retired Sergeant Lorton's Army career would take him on 5 overseas tours, including to the Persian Gulf War and 2 tours in Korea. His dedication was rewarded many times. Recognized for expert marksmanship with rifle, pistol, and grenade, he earned an Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Master Aircraft Crewman Badge, and an Air Assault Badge.

Since retiring in 1997, Jerry Lorton has been a dedicated servant leader in his community. For more than a quarter century he has helped protect his neighbors and community as a volunteer firefighter with the Cameron Volunteer Fire Department. He serves as a Deacon in his faith community, Cameron's Grace Church, where he continues to protect his neighbors as one of a four-person church security team. He works as a school bus driver for the Cameron Independent School District. A patriot and a leader, he currently serves as the Commander of Cameron's VFW Post 2010, having long been the kind of member that, in the words of the Texas District 28 Commander, ``exemplifies everything the VFW wants in its leaders.''

I proudly commend Sergeant First Class Jerry Lee Lorton, USA, (Ret,) to his friends, family, and colleagues, and salute his service to the Army and Texas by awarding him a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present Brian Lee Crews of Lufkin, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service to his Nation and community speaks to the best of Texas.

A Lufkin native, Brian enlisted in the Marine Corps delayed entry program in 1980 when only a high school junior, drilling monthly with a Marine Reserve Unit in Shreveport, Louisiana throughout his last two years in high school. In 1981, Brian reported for ``boot camp'' at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California; he then underwent infantry training at Camp Pendleton, California. He served as a First Platoon Radio Operator, then transferred to Marine Reserve Unit Fox Company, 2D Battalion, 23D Marine Regiment, Salt Lake City, Utah as the Commanding Officers Radio Operator. Transferred to the 4th Tank TOW Co., LT 4th MARDIV in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Brian served as a squad leader, section leader, and TOW Trainer. While in the TOW Unit, he was chosen to lead the detail charged with performing funerals/honors for Marines killed in the Beirut barracks bombing. Brian served with the Toys for Tots campaign at all duty stations. He attained the rank of Sergeant, receiving his honorable discharge in 1991. He earned the Organized Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Rifle Expert (3), and Pistol Expert (3).

A Lufkin ISD ``Teacher of the Year,'' Brian has taught Graphic Design/Printing Technologies at Lufkin High School for more than 30 years. The founding member of the Lufkin Detachment of the Marine Corps League, chartered in 2010, he was instrumental in starting the local Toys for Tots campaign in 2011 and serves as the Campaign Coordinator. He founded the Military Association Resources Disaster Emergency Team in 2017 during Hurricane Harvey, using surplus military vehicles and equipment to provide search, rescue, and recovery during national disasters. Brian founded and produced the Angelina County AirFest, a local aviation event with proceeds benefitting the local Toys for Tots. He is a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, and a LOVE INC. Volunteer of the Year recipient.

It is my honor to award Brian L. Crews with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorsey O'Neal Walker, a Texan who valiantly served our Nation during some of the darkest hours of WWII.

Dorsey grew up in Ora, a small Angelina County community, graduating in 1942 from Huntington High School. Drafted during WWII,

he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944. Assigned to the Fourth Marine Division in Maui, Hawaii, as Company Clerk because he could type, Dorsey would soon deploy with the Fourth Marines in 3 major Pacific war battles: Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. When returned to Maui from Saipan for replacements, he was 1 of only 12 among 200 in his company not killed or wounded. Then Corporal Walker's first Reserve separation from the Corps occurred in December 1945; his final Reserve separation occurred in 1948. Dorsey and his wife Habie have been married for 77 years.

Commendation Citations received from his Commanding General illuminate Dorsey's valor:

``For excellent performance of duties in connection with

operations against the enemy on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas

Islands from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Private First Class

Walker diligently performed every assigned duty. His

willingness to give battle, and his indifference to the

hardships which he encountered throughout operation, evoked

the admiration of his officers and the men serving with him.

His unselfish devotion to the task at hand was a material

contribution to the early and complete victory over the

enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest

traditions of the United States Naval Service.''

``For excellent service in the line of duties as a Radio

Operator with a rifle company in combat with the enemy on Iwo

Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945.

Corporal Walker skillfully carried out his assigned duties

under the most hazardous combat conditions. Frequently, on

reconnaissances with his company commander or at a forward

observation post, he unhesitantly exposed himself to enemy

mortar and small arms fire to carry out his duties

successfully, and by his extraordinary resourcefulness and

efficiency, he rendered invaluable aid to his company. His

conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions

of the United States Naval Service.''

It is my distinct honor to recognize Dorsey O'Neal Walker, a Texan, an American, and a ``True Patriot,'' as one of the oldest living survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for the time, and I appreciate the gentleman from California standing in support of this bill, H.R. 2622.

In fact, this was a bipartisan agreement that we came to. The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), and I worked on this, and he included some language he felt was very important.

The bottom line is that the SEC will be required to extend MiFID II relief and study its effects as part of long overdue and larger review of the regulatory framework for investment research.

I believe this agreement that we passed in the House Financial Services Committee on May 24 by a vote of 45-2 represents not just the thinking and thought process, but it really meets the needs of the investor community. For that reason, we believe that we are on the floor today.

I thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. McHenry, for not only bringing this but also for his leadership in a series of bills that we will have on the floor today. Mr. McHenry has served well, and I appreciate his service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, tonight, we join Texans back home in a day of celebration for the State of Texas. The State of Texas, as you have heard, began its formation not just at the Alamo but as people came to Texas with the understanding that we wanted the freedom of our own country.

That is when, on February the 24th, the day after the siege of the Alamo began, heroism and opportunity filled the Alamo with ideas not only that they wanted to have their own country, but about a land, a land of people, a land of freedom, and a land that would be full of opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, that is what we still stand for in Texas, a State that has distinguished itself not only in honor and in principle but in the opportunity to be a part of the United States of America, one Nation under God, the opportunity to serve in war after war with the United States military, the armed forces of this country. Texas has produced for years, not just heroes like Davy Crockett and Colonel William Barret Travis, but produced in every single war in this country those men and women who would stand for the opportunity to make this country stronger and better.

Tonight, as we begin the celebration of Texas Independence Day, it should be remembered that here in Washington, D.C., this delegation is proud of not only who we are and what we stand for, but we are proud to be the 28th State in the United States of America.

In 1845, we left Texas being a country to join the United States of America. The heroism, the pride of authorship, and the love which we have for the State of Texas we also share for our country, the United States of America.

I thank the gentleman for leading the Texas delegation tonight as we stand on the floor to give thanks.

``Texas, our Texas. All hail the mighty State.''

Mr. Speaker, as we end this session of Congress in the next few weeks, I remind all Members we are acutely aware that without congressional action, the entire healthcare clinician community faces a cumulative Medicare payment cut in reduction of approximately 8.5 percent on January 1, 2023.

Without congressional action, these cuts will continue to drive hospital consolidation, limit patient access, and harm physicians' ability to run their own small businesses.

These outdated cuts in a time when considerable stress is placed upon physicians has meant that they are affected. They are affected because of the costs that they have on their business.

So at a time when we look for this access and the care for our most vulnerable populations, it is up to Congress to make sure that we pass H.R. 8800, the Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022.

Mr. Speaker, it is important what we are doing here because our friends, the Democrats, were arguing that there is no additional rights of action, that this isn't going to change anything. In fact, this same discussion that we are having, if that is true, and we are going to say that we take them at their word, that would mean no rights of action would take place as a result of this law.

Any judge would be able to look at the reason why we are passing this and the intent that would be on the floor of the House of Representatives, and that is what is being stated here tonight: No right of action; that is not what this is about.

I would hope that we would understand, just as when I was the chairman of the Rules Committee, that what we did and the way we talked on this floor is what the intent would be for a judge, for a lawsuit. If something were to happen, they would open up the Record, just as we are doing here tonight, Mr. Speaker, and a judge, magistrate, Federal judge, State district judge, anyone ruling on this constitutional right would be able to see that this is not about a right of action.

So, let's be clear. That was stated point blank in this discussion on the floor of the House of Representatives. It was reiterated up at the Rules Committee at the time that the rule came to the floor. That is what is stated. I will accept that as their word.

I thank the gentleman from Lewisville, Texas, for his time and service to the Rules Committee. I spent 20 years on the darn committee, 6 years as chairman, and I understood when we handled matters that we spoke clearly and that we spoke directly about the intent of the law. I have heard enough to understand that, and I appreciate Mr. Burgess for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Weber very much for not only preparing this opportunity for us to honor our colleague and a Member who will be leaving this body after a number of years, the great judge and Congressman, Louie Gohmert.

I rise tonight not just to honor Louie Gohmert but to probably say some things that not many Members can say, and that is I know Tyler, Texas, and I know Tyler, Texas, well. I know many people there, and each of them not only speak well of Louie Gohmert but are pleased with his performance. They enjoy not only his representation, but they believe that he is a man who came to this town knowing who he is and will leave this town knowing who he is. The same person that came is the same person that is leaving.

You know this, Judge Gohmert, but I have the honor to take part of your congressional district that, through redistricting, has changed. It gives me time to come and reflect upon not only your friends in east Texas, Angelina County, and certainly places like Crockett. Huntsville is a little bit south of the district, but they asked me the other day when I was in Huntsville: ``Do you know Louie Gohmert? Because we were kind of thinking that before he said he was leaving that he was going to come down here and be our Congressman.'' I said: ``Well, that is the same thing they say in Lufkin and Nacogdoches. They say that in Crockett. They say that in Waco.''

There were a lot of fans all over central Texas that not only admired Louie, but he speaks very eloquently about the things that are on their minds, that are front and center on his mind.

For his friends in Waco, Dallas, and Huntsville, certainly across the district that he represents, Louie Gohmert has not only made a name but has, with his great passion and articulation, struck the hearts of many people in Texas who deeply believe that Texas is special, that America is the greatest place in the world, and that we want to be one Nation under God for as long as we can stay there.

Judge Gohmert, you are going to be missed, but I look forward to catching up with you often and letting you know that there are a lot of people who thought you did a great job and did it well and are proud of you.

Madam Speaker, Congressman Johnson comes down here week in and week out and talks about not just the problems that face our great Nation but really the discussions that I want to bring tonight about families who sit at home, families who sit around before they perhaps watch TV or when they come home from church. They are talking about their lives, the lives of their children, and the things which concern them most.

I remember well just a few years ago when America had the greatest of times that it has perhaps ever had: a stock market reaching the highest levels; employment in America that was the highest level we had ever had; more African Americans, more Hispanic, more women, more people at work with a growing economy; housing aplenty.

It was full of opportunity from an economic perspective that came as a result from what I think was discipline, discipline from Republicans who had been in the majority. Yes, I was one of those Republicans, and I had an opportunity to serve as chairman of the Committee on Rules for 6 years.

During those 6 years, 2013 to 2019, we held a disciplined view of the budget and of spending. We held a disciplined view that meant that we did not spend one penny more in discretionary spending than we did in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

It allowed the free enterprise system to grow. It allowed Americans the opportunity to not have government grabbing at them or overburdening their jobs. It meant that the free enterprise system with gasoline, with cars being built, with opportunity, with economic success was on the rise.

Madam Speaker, tonight, we will say to you that that changed. That changed on January 20, a year ago. This Trump boost that we had, this opportunity where Republicans were growing our economy, it all of a sudden changed on January 20, a full year and a half ago when President Biden came in and immediately did exactly what had been done by President Clinton, what had been done by President Obama, and that is a massive spending bill. None that was talked about during the election, but as soon as they got control, a massive spending bill.

This is virtually the same kind of policy that President Biden's favorite President, Jimmy Carter, had when I was in college that led to 18 percent interest rates. A whole generation of people that had to dig themselves out of paying too much for the day-to-day products that they needed.

We are back to that. We are back to that because of excessive government spending that started here in the House of Representatives. The Democratic Party tonight was on record asking us to please come and vote with them on more Big Government, more spending.

Well, the word is out that we are close to entering a recession. This is something that comes because Democrats have made inflation their friend. They have done the things for inflation that would have it roaring back to rob the American people not only of any gains they made under President Trump, but to rob them as they face their future, as our children are attempting to go to college, as they are planning for their future of retirement, but, more importantly, as they go to simply try to fill up their cars with gasoline, as they move forward to try to live their lives and make their families more successful.

Madam Speaker, this comes as a result of politics. It is politics, pure and simple. On the one hand, you had Republicans and President Trump working diligently to give people an opportunity for not just a job but a career,

not just to fill up their gas tank but to prepare them and their children for getting out and getting their own career.

No wonder almost three in five children are back living in their homes with their parents. They get through with college, and they come back. This is exactly, Congressman Johnson, what we saw when President Obama was President.

Our message tonight is one of hope and opportunity. Republicans will offer a vision, as we do on the floor here every day, about spending and the opportunity to balance out what the American people want and need. They want and need to do away with inflation. They want to go back to work. They don't want to be incented by this administration to get money but stay at home. They recognize that the President pushing the Fed to dump $110 billion into the economy every single month simply means that we have more that we have to pay on interest.

Madam Speaker, I want you to know that Republicans are on the floor tonight to offer opportunity, and the most important thing we would say is this: Don't make friends with inflation. Don't do the things that this administration and this Secretary of the Treasury have done. Don't have Big Government programs. Don't incent people to come and break the law. By golly, don't spend the $10 million on fake IDs that the Democratic Party calls secure IDs for people who come to this country so they could travel around.

Madam Speaker, people are weary. They are around their tables and talking, and they know that November is around the corner.

Congressman Johnson, I thank you for taking the time to come gather together every week with a message of hope and opportunity. Tonight, it is not just that. It is reality.