Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Howard Douglas ``Doug'' Winstead, Jr.

A talented member of the legendary Band of Oz, Doug tragically passed away on April 11, 2026, in an automobile accident while traveling between shows.

Doug was an integral member of The Band of Oz, renowned for its Carolina beach music that provided the soundtrack to many lives in the Carolinas and beyond. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Doug's love for music began at an early age. He quickly took to performing, learning to play the trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, and piano. By the age of 18, Doug launched his musical career, performing with multiple bands before becoming a proud member of the legendary Band of Oz.

Doug's performances were truly one of a kind. His energy and joy were infectious, and he consistently created memorable experiences for his audiences. He also made a point to connect personally with fans, often taking time to thank them one-on-one for their support and attendance.

Doug leaves behind a lasting legacy in the music industry and in the lives of his family. He is survived by his wife, Deanna; his daughter, Amy; and his mother, Jill. While Doug left this world too soon, his talent and love for music will continue to resonate across generations.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Doug Winstead and the remarkable contributions he made to the world of music throughout his 67 years of life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2196, to extend and authorize the commemorative work to complete the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial, and urge the House to pass this bill.

The authorization for work on the memorial expired in November of 2025, and at no cost to the taxpayer, this bill simply allows the Foundation to continue their donations and work on the memorial in Washington.

Each year across our Nation, the 850,000 men and women of EMS answer more than 30 million calls to serve 22 million patients at a moment's notice. EMS is one of the first lines of defense in the prevention and mitigation of risk from all sorts of accidents, attacks, or natural disasters.

In my home state of North Carolina, our EMS serves a vital purpose when hurricanes hit, and most recently, Hurricane Helene devastated the western part of the state. EMS workers were risking their lives to aid their communities, keep people alive, transport friends and neighbors to safer locations and secure facilities to be treated.

In fact, statistics show EMS providers die in the line of duty at a rate more than twice the national average for many other careers and endure an injury rate of nearly 100 percent. Without the sacrifice of EMS workers, our communities would be much less safe.

It is time to recognize the efforts of these unsung heroes and memorialize the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 600 members of the Nation's EMS and their loved ones.

The original bill was passed in 2018, and I look forward to seeing the work continue so that we can have a memorial in D.C. where our EMS providers can be commemorated and honored.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chancellor Sharon Gaber for her selection as the Charlotte Business Journal's 2025 Business Person of the Year. Chancellor Gaber is an extraordinary leader representing an equally extraordinary institution in the great state of North Carolina--one that also happens to be my alma mater.

I have personally known every one of the chancellors who have led UNC Charlotte. Each was an exceptional leader, with particular gifts who served our university at the perfect time. Chancellor Gaber continues this legacy. She is a driven visionary who excels at building teams and inspiring excellence in others.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Gaber, UNC Charlotte has experienced record enrollment, achieved R1 research status, and made major strategic investments to transform the university and the region it serves.

This progress is not happening in isolation. UNC Charlotte has become a powerful engine for economic growth--driving innovation, workforce development, and research partnerships that benefit North Carolina and the country. From expanding access to higher education, to supporting cutting-edge research, Chancellor Gaber has positioned UNC Charlotte as a model for how public universities can thrive.

I congratulate Chancellor Gaber and the entire UNC Charlotte community on this well-deserved recognition and their continued impact. It is fitting that her leadership has been recognized with the Charlotte Business Journal's 2025 Business Person of the Year award. This is a proud moment for the 49ers community.

I would like to once again congratulate Chancellor Gaber and recognize the tremendous contributions she has made to UNC Charlotte and the state of North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Stephen R. Wilkins upon his retirement after more than 43 years of exemplary service to our Nation. His career spans over three decades in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard and more than 16 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 (VISN 6).

Throughout his time at the VA, Mr. Wilkins played an integral role in shaping how the network communicates, collaborates, and serves. As Deputy Director and Congressional Liaison for VISN 6 Strategic Communications, he helped guide complex initiatives across the region while strengthening coordination between federal, state, and community partners. His steady leadership and commitment to service ensured that veterans and their families remained at the center of every effort. In fact, he was often the first call my staff would make when helping constituents navigate the VA bureaucracy, and each time, he helped us deliver results for the people of North Carolina.

Renee and I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Wilkins for his years of dedicated service to our country and to VISN 6. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing him continued success and happiness as he embarks on his next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Mr. Stephen R. Wilkins on his retirement and thanking him for his distinguished service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Amie Fraley for her dedicated service to Habitat for Humanity of the North Carolina (NC) Sandhills, and to congratulate her on her new role with Habitat for Humanity International.

After nearly sixteen years as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills, Amie announced she would be transitioning to a new role with Habitat for Humanity International, as an organizational development consultant. Throughout her many years of service, Amie played an immeasurable role in the growth of the nonprofit. Under her leadership, Habitat for Humanity increased its homebuilding pace from 10 to almost 13 houses per year. In addition, the nonprofit increased its focus on its Aging in Place repair program, providing more repairs for the disabled and over 55 populations in the region. Her efforts and collaboration significantly contributed to the growing influence of Habitat for Humanity across the state of North Carolina, acquiring a 103-acre property in Aberdeen to create a community called Sandhills Station, made possible by a $3 million dollar grant. I am honored to represent Amie, who has worked so diligently to improve our district and the state of North Carolina.

It is my honor to take this opportunity to recognize Ms. Amie Fraley for her incredible service to Habitat for Humanity. I wish her all the best in her new role and hope she continues doing what she loves while also helping our community and country.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Ms. Amie Fraley for her nearly 16 years of dedicated service to Habitat for Humanity and the continued impact she will have in her new role with Habitat for Humanity International.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 284, which is identical to the bill I introduced in the House, H.R. 860, and I urge the House to pass this important bill.

This bill simply reauthorizes the Congressional Award program, Congress' official youth recognition program and the highest honor that Congress can award our Nation's youth.

This program has helped generations of young people set goals, serve others, and push themselves to achieve more. Specifically, young Americans have to set and complete rigorous personal goals focused on volunteer service, personal development, exploration, and physical fitness.

One of my constituents, Caroline Harris, from Greensboro, North Carolina, has spent more than 3 years working toward her goal, earning a Gold Medal at the age of 17. She is one of the youngest to earn the Gold Medal.

Caroline is a very impressive young woman. She spent 400 hours volunteering to help our military families, volunteering with youth in her community, and volunteering with her peers. Caroline completed a physical fitness challenge. She even learned a new language while planning a trip abroad.

In 2025, Caroline joins a long list of impressive young Americans from North Carolina's Ninth District to earn this award. Among them, Amaria Youmans of Fayetteville and Connor Ambrose from Raeford were Bronze Medalists in 2022, and Fred Vinson from Pinehurst was a Bronze Certificate earner in 2024. It is a great honor to represent these hardworking young people.

This bill will ensure the Congressional Award program continues to challenge young Americans like Caroline, Amaria, Connor, and Fred to set goals and dedicate themselves to their community and to their own success and self-improvement.

There are over 48,000 Americans enrolled in this program throughout the country in every single congressional district. These young people give back to their communities and make investments in themselves. It is very important that we reauthorize this successful program so that we can continue to inspire and reward our young Americans and encourage each of them to reach their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote in support of S. 284.

Mr. Speaker, my bill, H.R. 3668, would guarantee we protect the environment, ensure we protect public health, and lower energy costs by speeding up energy projects through much-needed reforms to the permitting of interstate natural gas pipelines.

The development of interstate pipelines currently faces significant regulatory and statutory hurdles. In fact, in 2024, we produced less than half the pipeline miles we built just 5 years ago.

Our regulatory and statutory permitting process must both protect the environment and reflect the urgency and importance of the projected growth in natural gas demand.

Despite the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission being granted increased authority under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, pipeline project approvals are consistently delayed because of a lack of coordination between the numerous agencies involved in the permitting process.

My bill would make this process more efficient by bringing stakeholders, including agencies, to the table so concerns can be identified early in the process. From there, agencies participating in the permitting process would perform important environmental reviews while complying with schedules established by FERC.

H.R. 3668 would also improve the water quality review process by moving that responsibility from the States to FERC.

For the past decade, a few States, especially in the Northeast, have used this federally delegated section 401 authority to obstruct interstate projects. These States have stood outside the FERC-led National Environmental Policy Act process and used their section 401 authority as a one-State veto of a multistate project of national significance. This has been detrimental to the development of critical pipeline infrastructure.

I want to be clear: My bill would continue the safeguards of the environment. We have some of the strongest environmental laws on the planet. This legislation protects those laws while expediting critical energy infrastructure.

We want to fuel our Nation forward. If we want to lower costs for consumers, win the AI race against China, and strengthen our position as an energy superpower, it is critical that we have a regulatory and statutory process in place that allows us to build infrastructure in this country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 315, and YEA on Roll Call No. 316.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant General Joseph Ryan on his appointment as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), one of the most critical and consequential leadership positions in the armed forces.

Lieutenant General Ryan brings to this role an exceptional record of service, distinguished by years of operational experience, thoughtful leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the Soldiers and families of the U.S. Army. He has led at every level, from company through division, including service as the Commanding General of the 25th Infantry Division and as Chief of Staff of the XVIII Airborne Corps. Most recently, he served as the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff, responsible for overseeing operations, plans, and training across the entire force.

As he assumes command of FORSCOM, Lieutenant General Ryan takes responsibility for the Army's largest component and is charged with preparing our Soldiers to rapidly deploy and win our Nation's wars. This role demands clarity of purpose, humility, strategic foresight, and a steadfast dedication to the mission. Lieutenant General Ryan has demonstrated each of these qualities throughout his career, particularly during multiple combat deployments and in senior leadership posts that shaped Army policy, modernization, and global operational posture.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I am proud to welcome Lieutenant General Ryan back to Fayetteville. Now more than ever, our Nation faces evolving security challenges and increasing demands on our force. I am confident that under the leadership of Lieutenant General Ryan, we will rise to meet those challenges.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Lieutenant General Ryan and wishing him success as he leads the men and women of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished service of General Andrew Poppas as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and to thank him for his lifetime of dedication to the armed forces.

General Poppas assumed command of FORSCOM on July 8, 2022, becoming the 24th Commanding General of the Army's largest component. In this role, he led more than 750,000 Soldiers and thousands of Army civilians across the Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. His leadership has ensured their readiness to rapidly deploy and win our Nation's wars.

Over the course of his career, General Poppas has led Soldiers at every level, from platoon through division and higher-level joint commands. His service includes multiple combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, command of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and service as Director of Operations to the Joint Staff prior to assuming command of FORSCOM.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy and a seasoned operational and strategic leader, General Poppas has consistently exemplified professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of Soldiers and their families. Under his leadership, FORSCOM strengthened its readiness posture, modernized training priorities, and ensured that America's Army remained capable, agile, and prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global security environment.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I am forever grateful for General Poppas' decades of service. His leadership has left an enduring mark on the Army and on the generations of Soldiers who have served under him.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the service of General Poppas as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Michael Verardo.

As the Representative from North Carolina's 9th District, I have the honor of representing Fort Bragg.

I am devastated, but grateful. It is the honor of my life to represent the incredible men and women of our Airborne and Special Operation's community, including my friend Michael.

To his wife Sarah and their precious three girls, Renee and I are so deeply sorry for this loss, and we were honored to stand together last week at Arlington National Cemetery.

We lost a true American hero with the passing of our friend Sergeant Michael Verardo.

An infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division, Mike was severely wounded by an IED in Afghanistan that nearly took his life in 2010. He fought for his life and he fought to stay with his family, resulting in more than 120 surgeries and years of painful recovery.

Most of us would look at that day in 2010 as the worst day of our lives. Michael called it his ``Alive Day.'' He chose to see every day after that as a gift. Another chance to love Sarah, to be a dad to his three little girls, to cheer on his New England Patriots (nobody is perfect), to enjoy his dogs, and to live in the country he believed was worth fighting for.

Michael did more than survive. Together with Sarah, he turned his own suffering into service. Their work with the Independence Fund and their advocacy in Washington and around the country changed lives.

Presidents listened. Cabinet Secretaries listened. Members of Congress listened.

Michael and Sarah helped shift how our Nation thinks about the most severely wounded veterans and the families who are right there with them.

His story advanced care at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of War, evident by the presence of Secretary Collins and Secretary Hegseth at his interment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on November 19th.

Back home in North Carolina, Michael was a leader in his church and community. He showed up for Veterans. He competed in adaptive sports. And through it all, he was first and foremost a loving father and husband.

Sarah has said something I believe every American needs to hear: when it comes to our military and our veterans, everything should be purple. There should be nothing political in how we honor them, how we care for them, or how we remember them. Michael had that rare ability to make people on both sides of the aisle want to do better for our troops and their families.

Sarah called it the honor of her lifetime to be Michael's wife and caregiver. All of us have watched her live that out with strength and grace. Sarah, is a true inspiration.

In a moment like this, when answers are hard to find, I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5: ``Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.'' She has walked that verse, day after day.

Michael's daughters should know their dad is a hero. Not only because of that tragic day in Afghanistan, but because of how he lived every day afterward. They will always be able to say, ``My dad was Sergeant Michael Verardo,'' and our country will know exactly what that means.

For the rest of us, the way forward is clear. We must honor Michael's legacy by caring for the heroes he fought beside and their families. We must keep working to deliver real care and real support for those who come home bearing the scars of war. And we must especially take care of those who come home with hidden scars. We must remember that we stand together as Americans, united in gratitude for men like my friend Michael.

May God bless the Verardo family.

May God bless the memory of Sergeant Michael Verardo.

May God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the newly dedicated Charters of Freedom setting in Carthage, North Carolina. This is the newest of over 70 settings spread across 17 different states and is sponsored by the nonprofit educational organization, Foundation Forward Inc.

Charters of Freedom settings are based on the rotunda of the National Archives and contain replicas of the founding documents of the United States. Each setting includes bronze replicas of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, with newer displays adding key amendments regarding civil rights.

In showcasing the foundational documents of our country, these settings offer an important educational opportunity for visitors. In addition, a time capsule will be buried at the setting, set to be opened in 2087, on the 300th anniversary of the Constitution. As such, this Charters of Freedom setting will serve as a reminder of the most important milestones in the history of the United States for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Charters of Freedom setting located in Carthage, North Carolina, and its mission to promote education, civics, and the preservation of American history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Warrant Officer Garrett Illerbrunn for his dedicated service in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division.

Chief Warrant Officer Illerbrunn, a native of North Dakota, with a love of the outdoors and dedication to farming, started his service in the U.S. military in 2005 and is now retiring after more than twenty years of service.

Garrett served honorably for those twenty years, as an Apache AH64 crew chief before becoming a pilot and officer. He is retiring as Chief Warrant Officer 4, where he provided leadership and support to units from the battalion to the corps and beyond.

At the end of 2023, Garrett suffered a life-altering injury to his skull during a drone attack in Iraq. He's accomplished great strides in his recovery with his family by his side, even learning sign language from his son Tucker, and I look forward to seeing further successes in his future.

Garrett has many accomplishments in his time of service, including being awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal and many more. But it's clear his most beautiful life accomplishments have been marrying his wife, Lorna, and becoming a dad to Tucker.

I hope Garrett celebrates with a Miller High Life and Jimmy John's and I'll be sure to do the same to honor his service today.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Chief Warrant Officer Garrett Illerbrunn for his dedicated service to our great country. I wish him the happiest retirement with his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. I ask this

body to join me in praying for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who was brutally murdered on the Charlotte light rail by a violent, repeat offender who never should have been on the streets in the first place.

Iryna was a 23-year-old woman who fled the war in Ukraine just to meet her horrific fate at the hands of a dangerous criminal who was repeatedly released from jail over and over on serious, dangerous charges.

Iryna had a bright future ahead of her. Sadly, she will never see her home country again. Gone is her chance for a new future here in America. It didn't have to happen.

This criminal had a rap sheet going back nearly two decades, including armed robbery and threats of violence. Yet, because of irresponsible policies by our former Governor Roy Cooper's administration, this brutal thug was set free and allowed to terrorize our community again and again.

Our people deserve commonsense leadership that puts victims first and keeps dangerous criminals behind bars. I will keep fighting to make sure violent offenders stay off the street and that our communities are safe for every family. I will pray for Iryna's family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the groundbreaking first expansion phase at my alma mater's, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Jerry Richardson Stadium. It is a privilege to honor UNC Charlotte and the 49ers community on this occasion that represents progress, pride, and great potential.

On August 27, 2025, the ceremony for the first expansion phase at Jerry Richardson Stadium, home of the UNC Charlotte 49ers football team, will commence. The renovations will include a new west tower that will house team dining, recruiting space, and a community event area. This groundbreaking will support Charlotte's growing role as a college football and sports tourism hub, as well as lay the foundation for the next generation of milestones, championship seasons, and moments to inspire pride across our entire state and region.

The renovations will significantly enhance fans' experiences by offering premium seating, including suites, club seating, boxes, ledge seating, and an east and west deck outdoor patio space. The beginning stages of the new project will increase capacity from just over 15,000 to over 18,000, with the potential to expand to 21,000 in future phases. These renovations will provide UNC Charlotte with new opportunities to host bowl games, high school championships, concerts, and community events.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the groundbreaking for the first expansion phase of Jerry Richardson Stadium at my alma mater, UNC Charlotte. I look forward to the positive impact these renovations will have on the UNC Charlotte football program, student-athletes, fans, and the entire community. I am proud to be associated with a university that is shaping North Carolina's future through education, innovation, and now, world-class athletic facilities.