Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as a former county commissioner, I rise in strong support of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025.

Since the National Forest System was created, nearly 200 million acres of rural America have been put aside for conservation, recreation, and responsible natural resource development, like mining and timber harvesting.

When these acres were put aside, rural communities lost their access to this land for settlement and economic development. To compensate these communities, they were supposed to receive a portion of the revenue the Federal Government generated from responsible resource development to help fund things like schools and rural roads.

Today, thanks to endless litigation and opposition from environmental groups, responsible development like mining and timber harvesting is nearly

impossible. Our rural communities are losing jobs, economic activity, and their share of Federal revenues from this development.

The Secure Rural Schools program was created to help offset that. Today, the Secure Rural Schools program provides nearly $7 million a year to rural communities across Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District.

While we should really be taking action to encourage and allow responsible mining and timber harvesting within our national forests, providing this relief is the next best thing. This is a vital lifeline for rural America that the American people owe to them. We must reauthorize it.

Mr. Speaker, rural Minnesota and rural America matter, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this CRA resolution introduced by my good friend and colleague from Wyoming, Representative Hageman. This resolution overturns the Biden administration's actions to lock up public lands in Wyoming from responsible coal development, all part of the Democrat and President Biden's agenda, which was anywhere but America, any worker but American energy agenda.

Last year, I had the opportunity to join Representative Hageman on a tour across the Powder River Basin, where we visited the coal mines and met the proud men and women who have been working there for generations.

While I visited one of these mines, I met a union electrician, third- generation miner, who raised his hand and stated: Please don't take our jobs away. I am working here, and my son just got hired here.

The passion he had for the industry and these jobs was incredible. He and now his children work in that coal mine. That gentleman told me his family's story with a lump in his throat. Like generations before him, he and now his children had access to good-paying union jobs in the coal mines across the Powder River Basin, but thanks to the Biden administration's continued war on coal, his job and his livelihood was on the line, as the mine he worked in was set to run out of coal reserves in just a few short years.

Thanks to the Biden administration's resource management plan that blocked new coal leasing, the mine wouldn't be able to access additional reserves and would have to close. In doing so, the mine would have to lay off hundreds of workers and devastate the surrounding communities that depend on the coal mining industry to drive their local economies.

With tears in his eyes, this electrician asked me to save his job and save his livelihood so he could continue to provide for his family and energy for America.

Mr. Speaker, we have the opportunity today to do just that. By voting in favor of this CRA, we will be able to roll back the disastrous Biden administration's anti-American energy policies and keep the Powder River Basin alive. Through the CRA, we will stop future anti-American energy administrations from taking similar steps to shut down the Powder River Basin.

I thank my colleague from Wyoming for introducing this important CRA resolution on behalf of the hardworking men and women that make up Wyoming's coal industry. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the CRA resolution introduced by my good friend and colleague Representative Begich. This resolution overturns the Biden administration's actions to prevent the great people of Alaska from accessing and responsibly developing their abundant oil and gas resources on the North Slope.

Yet again, these actions were just another part of the Democrat and President Biden's anywhere but America, any worker but American agenda.

This was put out by the Biden administration, Mr. Speaker, on December 8, mere weeks before the transition to the Trump administration.

Last Congress I was proud to introduce the Alaska's Right to Produce Act which reversed many of these same anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration and passed the House with bipartisan support.

Alaska is blessed with a tremendous wealth of natural resources. In fact, when Alaska was admitted to the Union, there was a specific condition laid out that the new State would develop these abundant natural resources for the benefit of all Alaskans and all Americans.

The Biden administration took step after step to block the Alaskan people from developing these resources. The Biden administration levied more sanctions on the State of Alaska than they did on Iran. Congress time and time again has passed laws to encourage and even require oil and gas leasing and development in the 10-02 area of ANWR. The Biden administration's Record of Decision runs completely counter to the laws that Congress has enacted, and they played games to discourage development like only offering unfavorable acreage in their lease sale.

These policies run counter to the wishes of the Alaska Natives across the North Slope of Alaska. I had the honor of leading a bipartisan delegation of my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee to the North Slope last year to visit with these Alaska Natives and see the responsible oil and gas operations firsthand.

These individuals depend on revenues from oil and gas development for their everyday lives. In fact, Alaska Natives who are enrolled shareholders of the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation collect nearly $30,000 a year thanks to responsible oil and gas development on the North Slope.

The Biden administration failed to properly consult with the people of the North Slope when they decided to lock up ANWR and the NPR-A. Former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland refused request after request to meet and hear from them. This was told to us in a meeting in the Natural Resources Committee.

The CRA resolution will correct this by giving Alaska and the Alaska Natives of the North Slope the opportunity to responsibly develop the 10-02 area of ANWR, which was set aside by Congress for this direct purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for introducing this important CRA resolution on behalf of all Alaskans, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this resolution. I look forward to this passing this House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Eric McArthur, a police officer, veteran, and most importantly, a father and husband. Serving as a police officer for the city of Saint Paul for over nine years, Eric courageously worked in the K-9 unit at the side of his K-9 companion, Finn. His commitment to service was demonstrated not only by his dedication to his job but also through the support and strength he showed his colleagues by participating in the department's Honor Guard and Peer Support Team.

His dedication to his country didn't stop there. Eric was also a member of the Army National Guard, serving three tours overseas and honorably receiving the Bronze Star for his service. His years in the military forged lifelong friendships through valor and sacrifice. It was Eric's honor to serve his country and community.

Above all, Eric's family was his pride and joy. He was a loving husband to his wife of 18 years, Shanna, and a committed father to his two kids, Caleb and Lila. His presence was evident in all their lives, and his compassion, love, and steadfastness will be deeply missed by them. A leader of his community in the fullest sense and a dedicated father and husband, Eric will truly be missed by all the lives he touched--colleagues, friends, and family alike. May Eric rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on the 50th anniversary of her sinking. The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was launched on June 8, 1958, in River Route, Michigan. She was the largest ship on the Great Lakes for thirteen years, at 729 feet and over 13,000 gross tons. Her normal course often took her between Minnesota, where she would load on taconite ore, and the steel mills in Michigan and Ohio.

On November 9, 1975, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald left Burlington Northern Railroad Dock No. 1 in Superior, Wisconsin. Carrying a load of taconite ore, she set sail for Zug Island, Detroit, Michigan, but weather conditions rapidly deteriorated, and soon the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was fighting one of the most violent storms the Great Lakes region has ever seen. Reports suggest the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was fighting steady winds of 58 knots with gust winds of up to 70 knots and seas of 18 to 25 feet.

On November 10, 1975, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior approximately 17 miles from Whitefish Point, Michigan. It took the lives of all 29 crew members aboard, including Captain Ernest M. McSorley.

Today, the legacy of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald lives on in the Great Lakes region and beyond. Her legacy is shared through community ceremonies, museums, and other maritime organizations, both in story and in song, including the well-known 1976 ballad by Gordon Lightfoot, ``The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.''

As a representative from and lifelong resident of northern Minnesota, I will continue to do my part in sharing the story of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald so that her legacy may live on forever.

Mr. Speaker, normally, when you come up to talk about a bill, you raise the podium here and put your papers down. Mr. Speaker, when you talk about the 1980 Olympic game, I don't need any notes. I don't need any recollection.

``Eleven seconds. You've got 10 seconds. The countdown is going on right now! Morrow, up to Silk. Five seconds left in the game. Do you believe in miracles? Yes!''

Friday, February 22, 1980, the game started at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 4 p.m. Central Standard Time, where I was a bantam hockey player, playing in the Pine Valley Ice Shelter. We had one of our parents come out of the locker room, ``We beat the Russians. We beat the Russians,'' because it was on tape delay.

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud for this body to pass this. As my colleague, Mr. Sherman, said, it is also coming from the Senate. It came from the Senate.

The fact of the matter is, as Chairman Williams says, it was more than a hockey game. It was the height of the Cold War. The United States needed that lift, and those American heroes gave us that lift.

Those 12 Minnesotans gave us that lift. Coach Herb Brooks from the University of Minnesota gave us that lift. All of those players standing on that gold medal platform on Sunday, February 24, all of them on that small platform, gave America the lift.

A couple of weeks ago, I had dinner with some of the members of the gold medal team. Captain Mike Eruzione said this to me: Pete, that hockey game gave me life. Had we not won, I was going to be either a firefighter, police officer, or go into the military, but that game changed my life. I made a lot of money. This Congressional Gold Medal will be the cherry on top for our team.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their unwavering support to get this across the finish line. It was 40-plus years since they did that, and 3 weeks, 2\1/2\ weeks before these games, the Soviets dominated them at Madison Square Garden.

Mr. Speaker, named after Coach Herb Brooks, we call them Herbies. Blue line back, red line back, far blue line back, and far goal line back are Herbies.

Who do you play for? Who do you play for? Team USA. That name on the front of the jersey meant more than the name on the back--USA.

Dare I say, Mr. Speaker, we in Congress have to do that same thing. Who do we play for? Who do we play for? The United States of America.

I thank my friend and colleague from upstate New York, Representative Elise Stefanik, because she was originally going to carry this bill. Mr. Speaker, she let me carry it.

After a conversation with her, I said: Elise, Minnesota is the State of Hockey. Herb Brooks comes from the State of Hockey. There were 12 Minnesotans. There was Duluth hometown hero Phil Verchota. There was Mark Pavelich, John Harrington, Buzz Schneider, and Bill Baker. The list goes on and on from our great State of Minnesota.

Elise Stefanik said: Pete, you have made a great statement. Carry that bill.

Representative Stefanik has no idea what it means to me to be able to deliver this bill with my colleagues across the House floor. That game meant more to this country than those heroes realized. Yes, it was just a hockey game, but it was a hockey game that we needed to win at that moment at that time for this great Nation.

Remember, Mike Eruzione scored with 10 minutes left. The Soviets were just pressuring us. What did Coach Herb Brooks say up and down the ice? He said: ``Play your game. Play your game.''

They were the best conditioned. They were a team. Nobody was going to win that game other than the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, hockey is a great game. I know that my good friend and colleague, Chairman Williams, thinks, probably rightfully so, that baseball is America's pastime. For anyone who comes from Minnesota, hockey is America's pastime. We banter back and forth. I actually think he is right, but give me some grace.

To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, to Kevin Cramer and Chuck Schumer, who delivered this across the aisle in the Senate, I think and believe that we in America, especially with the events that have happened recently, that name on the front of our jersey means more than the name on the back. On the front of our jersey, it says: ``USA.''

Those college kids on that Friday had no idea of the impact they were going to have across this great Nation. Those men went on to do great things. Some went on to win Stanley Cup championships, such as Kenny Morrow; my hero, Neal Broten, from Roseau, Minnesota; my hero, Mark Pavelich, from Eveleth, Minnesota; and my other hero, Phil Verchota, from my hometown of Duluth. It was integrity, honesty, hard work, dedication, and the will to win.

Mr. Speaker, the name on the front of our jersey, USA, means more than the name on the back. I am thrilled to be able to vote on this piece of legislation. These Olympic heroes deserve this because, as Captain Eruzione says, it will put the cherry on top of their accomplishment. It is the highest honor we can give.

As was alluded to earlier, the Olympic Center in Lake Placid is going to have a Congressional Gold Medal. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs will have a Congressional Gold Medal. Yes, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth, Minnesota, will have a Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. Speaker, I am excited about this opportunity. Hockey is a great game. This changed the history of our country. We can never forget what it meant to us.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the leadership of Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith on this important piece of legislation.

I rise today in support of this en bloc package, which contains four of my amendments. The first requires the Secretary of the Air Force and the Director of the Air National Guard to work together to modernize the Air National Guard's fighter fleet.

Last year's NDAA required a similar report, but this report did not fulfill several requirements, like consultation from the Director of the Air National Guard and recapitalization plans for all fighter wings. It was entirely inadequate.

The average age of our fighter fleet has grown from 10 years to 30 years, and 51 percent of the Air Force's service-retained fighting force is in the Air National Guard. We need to act to modernize our fleet.

My second amendment will provide a 2-year funding mechanism for the State Partnership Program. This is a key security cooperation program that enables our National Guard units to train with United States allies and increases the interoperability, compatibility, and overall readiness of the National Guard.

Budget volatility has brought fiscal uncertainty to this program, putting its future in jeopardy. A 2-year funding mechanism will bring much-needed stability to the program.

My third amendment will require the DOD to increase the efficiency of the Funeral Honors Program. The Funeral Honors Program helps the families of fallen veterans give their loved ones the dignified and respectful burial that they have earned. This program relies on local veterans service organizations to provide these funeral honors, and VSOs receive stipends for costs incurred.

Last year, it was brought to my attention that some VSOs had their stipends withheld due to budgetary shortfalls and the National Guard's operational needs taking priority.

My amendment will require the DOD to identify best practices and cost-effective ways to protect the operational needs of our National Guard while ensuring VSOs are supported in their selfless dedication to our Nation's heroes.

My last amendment will require the DOD to address our crippling reliance on Communist China for critical minerals. We currently rely on Communist China for roughly 80 percent of our critical minerals. These minerals are used to produce everything from cell phones to fighter jets.

With the flip of a switch, Communist China could cease all exports of critical minerals to the United States. In fact, they have already started reducing their exports.

Further, we have turned a blind eye to the atrocities committed by our supplier. Communist China owns 13 of the 19 industrial mines in the Congo, and they utilize child slave labor and follow zero environmental laws.

My amendment would require DOD to help develop a strategy to reshore critical mineral production and end our reliance on Communist China.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc package.

Mr. Speaker, currently, pilots and air traffic controllers who seek mental health care are unfairly penalized. While aviation professionals are mandated to report if they seek mental health care, once they take that step, they are faced with delays, confusion, and broad regulations to return to work. This often means that relatively minor mental health concerns result in long wait times and derailed careers for safe and well-trained pilots and air traffic controllers.

If we don't change how we handle mental health in aviation, then we will exacerbate a culture of silence.

When I was a law enforcement officer, we, too, faced a culture of silence. During a shift, we would see the worst of humanity, and then we went home to our loved ones and pretended everything was okay. That is because if you didn't, Mr. Speaker, you thought you would come off as weak or unable to handle the job.

As a former police officer who required professional help after a specific call for service, I understand the importance of seeking help. It is not a sign of weakness.

Like law enforcement officers, our pilots and air traffic controllers cannot fear that their livelihoods are at stake for taking care of themselves. These efforts are what keep skies safe in the first place.

In December 2023, the FAA recognized the need to reform its current policies and established the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee, or ARC, to identify barriers to mental health care for aviators and present recommendations to the FAA to address these challenges.

The implementation of these recommendations was directed in section 411 of the FAA reauthorization bill we passed last year. Unfortunately, there was no required timeline for implementation, which is why I have introduced legislation with Congressman Casten, the Mental Health in Aviation Act, to ensure the timely implementation of section 411.

We want our pilots to be at the top of their game, and taking care of their mental health is critical to achieving that goal.

Mr. Speaker, I want to personally thank my colleague and friend, Representative Casten of Illinois, for his tremendous and strong leadership on this piece of legislation, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of these three CRA resolutions that reverse the Biden administration's Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plans that attack Alaska, attack North Dakota, and attack Montana, locking up millions of acres of land from responsible oil and gas and coal development.

Last year, on their way out of office, the Biden administration finalized these three resource management plans that not only threatened the hardworking miners and energy workers across Alaska, North Dakota, and Montana but also millions of dollars in direct State and Federal taxes and royalties.

These dangerous policies also jeopardize the entire United States and our access to reliable and affordable energy. These resource management plans were just another example of the Biden administration's energy agenda: anywhere but America, any worker but American.

They just couldn't help themselves, launching one last attack on American energy independence, even on their way out of office.

Mr. Speaker, over the past 4 years, my colleagues in this Chamber have heard me speak out against the Biden administration's attempt after attempt to attack my constituents and shut down northern Minnesota.

At every single turn, the Biden administration tried to shut down responsible mining in northern Minnesota, home to the largest untapped copper-nickel find in the entire world. The administration did to northern Minnesota what they did to Alaska, North Dakota, and Montana.

The CRAs before us today will reverse the Biden administration's antiresponsible resource development policies and will allow responsible mining and oil and gas projects to continue through the regulatory and environmental review process, allowing them to fight another day.

Most importantly, these resolutions will prevent future anti-American energy administrations from taking similar actions in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues from Alaska, North Dakota, and Montana for introducing these important resolutions to reverse the disastrous Biden administration's policies, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting these resolutions today.

Mr. Speaker, the prior administration was the most antimining, anti- oil and gas administration in the history of this country. I was just up in the great State of Alaska. In the national refuge, they are safely and responsibly extracting oil that Alaskans need.

They are going to put in an LNG pipeline, which is the safest and best pipeline in the world, for Alaskans, our country, and our allies. It is going to take a lot of years to fix the disastrous policies of the last administration.

Remember, Mr. Speaker, that the Secretary of the Interior banned mining in northeastern Minnesota, and when asked in the Senate: Why did you stop these critical minerals from coming forward?

Her answer was: I didn't think there were critical minerals there.

Mr. Speaker, it was the biggest find in the world.

We have an opportunity right now, today, to start changing these disastrous Biden policies and get this economy turning. We must become American energy independent and critical mineral dominant. We need to be. COVID has taught us so much. We cannot rely on foreign adversarial nations for our much-needed strategic national security supply. Our supply chains need to be coming from American development, American communities, American technology, American workers, and American families. We can do it. We have to have the political will to do it.

These three CRAs are worth voting for. I commend my colleagues from these three States. I have a suspicion there might be several more coming in the near future because of the disastrous decisions of the prior administration.

There is a breath of fresh air across America right now. As the chairman just talked about the reduction in the gas prices, that is real money for the working-class and middle-class Americans when they can save $15 or $20 at the gas pump. That is real money when they can save money on their natural gas or propane to heat their house. That is real money for the constituents whom I serve.

Mr. Speaker, this is good policy, and I urge my colleagues to vote for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor DeDe Howard, an extraordinary woman whose remarkable achievements in pageantry

and philanthropy have inspired individuals across the Nation and beyond. For over four decades, Ms. Howard has shown leadership, compassion, and dedication through her outstanding career and selfless service.

Since capturing the Miss Hemisphere title in 1974, Ms. Howard has earned over 250 pageant titles, including Ms. Italy Worldwide 2000, Mrs. Christian World International 2004, Ms. America World Ambassador 2003, and Mrs. Minnesota United States. Her accolades include induction into the National Registry of the Library of Congress as Ms. Universe Outstanding Woman and the American Biographical Institute's Outstanding Woman of the 21st Century in 2002.

Ms. Howard's philanthropy reflects her compassionate heart. She founded National Teddy Bear Days and the House of Hope for Runaways, uplifting vulnerable youth, and has raised significant funds for Shriners Hospitals, Special Olympics, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Her service earned her the 1999, Ms. Minnesota Outstanding Service Award, the 2001 Presidential Award, and the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.

We honor DeDe Howard for her incredible accomplishments, guided by her deep Christian faith, which has cemented her commitment to improving lives. Her legacy as a philanthropist, leader, and beacon of compassion will continue to inspire generations.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to have my hometown priest open up the House of Representatives this morning, Father Richard Kunst.

Father Richard Kunst has been a priest in the diocese in and around Duluth for 27 years. He is a faithful, faithful servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as reflected by his homilies on a daily basis.

Not only is Father Richard Kunst a great friend to our family but to the Catholic family in and around Duluth, Minnesota.

I thank him for traveling all this way from Duluth, Minnesota, to our Nation's Capital to open up the House prayer this morning.

I am truly honored by his opening prayer.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 183) to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for a lifetime National Recreational Pass for law enforcement officers, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 183, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 183, the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreational Pass Act, led by my friend and colleague on the Natural Resources Committee Representative McClintock.

This legislation helps recognize the selfless service of Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement officers and firefighters with a well-deserved benefit: free annual access to national parks, forests, and other public lands managed by the Federal Government.

This meaningful legislation will ensure that the men and women who risk their lives to protect our communities can enjoy free access to our Nation's most treasured public lands.

Law enforcement officers and firefighters also play a critical role in protecting our public lands by responding to wildland fires, conducting search and rescue operations, responding to criminal activity, and preventing vandalism and resource destruction.

For example, just over 1 year ago, on a busy Fourth of July weekend, Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers neutralized a potential shooter headed toward a busy dining area in one of the most popular areas of the park. Their selfless actions and heroism saved countless lives, ensuring that this day of celebration did not turn into a day of tragedy.

Whether it is a local sheriff in Minnesota, a wildland firefighter in California, or a Tribal police officer in Missouri, our law enforcement officers and firefighters dedicate themselves to the safety and well- being of others, often under incredibly difficult and dangerous circumstances. This legislation gives something back to those who give so much.

This bill also promotes the use of public lands for recreation, health, and family time, particularly among those who may face long hours, stressful shifts, and dangerous conditions. Outdoor recreation is good for both mental and physical well-being, and this bill ensures that our first responders can take full advantage of America's natural beauty.

I commend Representative McClintock for his leadership on this bill and his continued work to expand outdoor access for the American people.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, pro- recreation, pro-first-responder legislation. Let's honor those who serve by giving them the opportunity to enjoy the lands that they help protect.

Madam Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Agriculture,

Washington, DC, July 9, 2025.

Hon. Bruce Westerman,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual

understanding regarding H.R. 183, the ``Law Enforcement

Officer Recreation Pass Act.'' Thank you for collaborating

with the Committee on Agriculture on the matters within our

jurisdiction.

The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further

consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing

consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction

over any subject matter contained in this or similar

legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the

right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of

conferees, should it become necessary, and ask that you

support such a request.

We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 183 and request a

copy of our letters on this matter be published in the

Congressional Record during Floor consideration.

Sincerely,

Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I will make a comment that the Republican Party will always defend the police, not defund them.

Madam Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying that 2 weeks ago, in the One Big Beautiful Bill, there were 18,000 law enforcement officers that were to be hired. Not one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle voted for it.

Mr. Speaker, ahead of our Nation's 250th anniversary next year, this bill ensures meaningful access to our national parks and public lands and recognizes the immense service and sacrifice of our Nation's law enforcement officers and firefighters.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Seaman Second Class Robert L. ``Bob'' Hanley, the last living survivor of the sinking of the USS Houston (CA-30) in the Sunda Strait off the coast of Java on February 29, 1942, ending the storied U.S. Asiatic Fleet.

As one of only 368 of the ship's complement of 1,060 to survive this sea battle, he showcased American grit, tenacity, and commitment in the fight against fascism and tyranny. He endured multiple POW camps, ``hell ships'' to Singapore and Burma, and slave labor on the infamous Thai-Burma Death Railway.

His nearly four years of as a POW of Japan were marked by starvation, torture, and beatings. As a POW medical orderly, he labored without medicines and supplies to save the lives of his fellow brutalized POWs. He, himself, survived bouts of dysentery, malaria, and pellagra. At liberation in August 1945, he was among just 291 remaining USS Houston (CA-30) survivors.

Bob's resilience never wavered, and his service did not end with his Navy discharge in 1947. He continued serving his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army for 15 years. After his military career, he worked in security at 3M for another 15 years, retiring in 1978 due to medical issues caused by his wartime imprisonment.

Throughout his life, Bob's deep faith as a devout member of the Catholic Church of Saint Peter in Forest Lake, Minnesota, guided him through the darkest times and brightest moments, serving as a cornerstone of his strength. On September 12, 2024, Seaman Second Class Robert L. Hanley passed away at 102 years old. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor DJ Roberts, a soon- to-be deputy sheriff from Itasca County in Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District, who will be reclaiming his grandfather Robert ``Beefy'' Lawson's badge number 703 and carrying forward a legacy of heroic service.

Beefy Lawson was a beloved figure. A Korean War veteran, a talented hockey player and referee, and a deputy sheriff whose charisma and selflessness touched countless lives. He was a pillar of our community. Tragically, he was killed in the line of duty, leaving a void in his family and community.

Inspired by his grandfather's example, DJ Roberts has pursued a path of service with remarkable courage. Despite a dyslexia diagnosis, DJ transitioned from a 20-year career in construction to become a corrections officer at the Itasca County Sheriffs Office in 2018. In 2023, DJ bravely returned to school in his 40s to pursue his dream of becoming a road deputy, overcoming mental, emotional, and physical challenges while balancing fatherhood to four children and his duties as a husband.

Today, we celebrate DJ, known to his late grandfather as ``Buddy Guy,'' for being honored with Beefy Lawson's badge number as a powerful symbol of his commitment to public safety and a full-circle moment for the Lawson and Roberts family. With resilience, integrity, quiet heroism, and strong faith in God, DJ honors his grandfather's memory, inspiring our community by continuing a legacy of service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Seaman Second Class Robert L. ``Bob'' Hanley, the last living survivor of the USS Houston, a member of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet sunk by the Imperial Japanese Navy in March 1942. Seaman Hanley showcased American grit, tenacity, and commitment in the fight against tyranny.

As one of only 368 crewmen out of 1,060 to survive the sinking of the USS Houston, Bob Hanley faced unimaginable hardships as a prisoner of war four years. He endured the brutal Bataan Death March, where 64 men from Company D of the 194th Tank Regiment came from my district. Only 34 survived. He was transported on ``hell ships'' to Singapore and Burma, and he labored on the infamous Thai-Burma Death Railway under conditions of starvation, torture, and beatings, without access to medicines or supplies. Battling dysentery, malaria, and pellagra, Bob's resilience never wavered. At liberation in August 1945, he was among just 291 remaining survivors from the USS Houston.

Bob's service did not end with his Navy enlistment, which ended in 1947 after six years. He continued serving his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army for 15 years. After his military career, he worked in security at 3M for another 15 years, retiring in 1978 due to medical reasons.

Throughout his life, Bob's deep faith as a devout member of the Catholic Church of Saint Peter in Forest Lake, Minnesota, guided him through the darkest times and brightest moments, serving as a cornerstone of his strength. On September 12, 2024, Seaman Second Class Robert L. Hanley passed away at 102 years old. May he rest in peace.