Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Bradley D. Moses for 26 years of military service and leadership in defense of our Nation.

Col. Moses was commissioned in 1995 as a member of the 82nd Airborne. He went on to serve in the 75th Ranger Regiment before joining the 3rd Special Forces Group in 2002. From 2016 to 2018, he served as Commander of the 3rd Special Forces Group where he was responsible for the guidance and training of over 2,600 soldiers.

Colonel Moses's devout service to our nation's protection and security are worthy of high praise. His promotion to the position of 3rd Special Forces Group Commander is indicative of his exceptional performance and leadership skills. As Commander, Col. Moses directed successful military operations as the 3rd Special Forces Group underwent an important period of transition. He also served as an advisor to other regiments and command groups. Most notably, he worked in tandem with the leaders of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) and the Special Operations Command Africa on local affairs to assist them in carrying out objectives. Furthermore, Col. Moses' actions as commander demonstrate his steadfast commitment to values of honor and respect that are paramount to all outstanding servicemen. Out of respect for soldiers who fell in the line of duty under his command, he saw that all 3rd Special Forces Group Gold Star Families were invited to and honored at any Group events. Finally, Col. Moses has twice been recognized and awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit Award. This distinctive honor serves as a pinnacle achievement in his career and is further testament to his extraordinary leadership and moral character.

On behalf of North Carolina's Eighth District and our entire country, I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to Colonel Moses for his indispensable service and leadership as a soldier and officer in the U.S. Army. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing him and his family continued success and happiness as he moves into retirement.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Colonel Bradley D. Moses for 26 years of service and leadership in the U.S. Army.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 268.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen for 40 years of service to the protection and management of our nation's forests.

Chief Christiansen began her career in forest service with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources before joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service eleven years ago. She recently retired as Forest Service Chief where she oversaw operations of more than 30,000 employees nationwide.

Chief Christiansen's career accomplishments demonstrate her strong leadership skills and steadfast commitment to preserving and improving our nation's environmental well-being. She began her distinguished career as a wild land firefighter with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources before advancing to become Washington State Forester, Arizona State Forester, Forest Service Deputy Director for Fire and Aviation Management, and Forest Service Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry.

Appointed Forest Service Chief in 2018, Christiansen administered positive change while successfully managing intense episodes of crisis. She is revered by her colleagues for improving workplace safety, productivity, and culture as well as her resilient and calculated responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic distress suffered by the agency, and disruptive natural occurrences such as wildfires and hurricanes. Furthermore, her collaboration with State and local actors played an instrumental role in improving community engagement in forestry protection nationwide. Through hard work and leadership that sparked long-lasting change, Chief Christiansen's legacy will serve as a model for future Forest Service Chiefs to emulate.

I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to Chief Christiansen for her years of exemplary service to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and multiple state forest service agencies. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing her and her family continued success and happiness as she moves into retirement.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen for her 40 years of service in forest protection and management.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Shawn P. Harkins for 25 years of distinguished military service.

LTC Harkins has made immeasurable contributions to our great nation and continues to personify the core U.S. Army values of honor, integrity, personal courage, and selfless service. He has served in various positions throughout his career, culminating as the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Executive Officer at Fort Bragg.

Over the course of his extraordinary career, LTC Harkins has answered the call of duty many times. He has deployed in excess of 34 months overseas in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and his leadership has directly influenced political stability across the globe. As the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Executive Officer, LTC Harkins managed a staff of 2,500 soldiers and civilians and he is credited with producing change in the areas of maintenance, readiness, and processes.

LTC Harkins retires as a recipient of multiple awards and decorations and embodies all the qualities of a selfless hero who has answered the call to serve. Our state and country are better because of citizens like him.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I know I speak for our nation and community when I say we are truly grateful for LTC Harkins' extraordinary service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Lieutenant Colonel Shawn P. Harkins for 25 years of military service.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Laura Heggins for 29 years of service to Cabarrus County, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District.

Captain Heggins began her career in law enforcement with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office in 1992 and retires today as Captain of the Administrative Support Services Division, where she oversaw all operations related to School Recourse Officers, Records, Civil Process and Training and Recruitment.

Captain Heggins has led a career of distinction and is a strong and effective leader. She became the first African American and the first woman to rise to the rank of Captain with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, paving the way for and inspiring others. During her tenure with Cabarrus County, she supervised the daily operations and personnel of the Courthouse Security and Bailiff Division, led all courthouse safety operations, managed the recruitment and hiring of all personnel for the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, served as the Team Leader of the Crisis/Hostage Negotiator Team, and was instrumental in the development and oversight of the College Intern Program. In addition to her work with Cabarrus County, she also serves as a member of the Cabarrus County Mental Health Task Force, works with homeless populations through Main Street Mission, teaches a Detention Officers Certification Course and is an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Renee and I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Captain Heggins for her years of exemplary service to Cabarrus County, which is a better place today due to her work. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing her and her family continued success and happiness as they move on to their next great adventure.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Captain Laura Heggins for 29 years of service to Cabarrus County.

Madam Speaker, as a father, I believe that every life has value, and I am proud to be pro-life.

But whether you are pro-life or not, my fellow North Carolinians and Americans all across the country agree that government should not use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.

That is why the Hyde amendment was created.

The Hyde amendment has saved 2.5 million lives and protected the conscience rights of Americans, all with overwhelmingly bipartisan support.

In fact, Hyde has been renewed every year since 1976, under majorities and Presidents of both parties, including President Barack Obama.

However, in his most recent budget proposal, President Joe Biden chose to ignore precedent and the will of the people by excluding Hyde amendment protections.

This is a radical shift in policy.

Americans should not be forced to violate their conscience to pay for abortions.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant General Francis M. Beaudette for 32 years of distinguished military service.

Lt. Gen. Beaudette has made immeasurable contributions to our great Nation and continues to personify the core U.S. Army values of honor, integrity, personal courage, and selfless service. He began his career in 1989 as a military intelligence officer and retires as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg.

After graduating from The Citadel, Lt. Gen. Beaudette went on to serve as a battalion assistant, crewmember, and armor platoon leader in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. He completed Special Forces training in 1995 and was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group before serving as the aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and the aide-de-camp to the deputy commanding general of Kosovo Forces.

Over the course of his extraordinary career, Lt. Gen. Beaudette has answered the call to duty many times. He previously served as the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Armored Division, Assistant Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, and Commanding General of the 1st Special Forces Command. Lt. Gen. Beaudette retires as a decorated military leader and true American hero, having earned some of the most prestigious awards bestowed by our military. He represents the best our Nation has to offer, and his legacy of leadership will be felt for generations.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I know I speak for our Nation and our community when I say we are truly grateful for Lt. Gen. Beaudette's extraordinary service and cannot thank him enough. I have personally benefited from his friendship and counsel and would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Lieutenant General Francis M. Beaudette for 32 years of military service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant La David T. Johnson on the occasion of his induction as an honorary member of the United States Army Special Forces, or ``Green Berets.''

SGT Johnson is an American hero who laid down his life in the line of duty and to save the lives of his teammates on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 in southwest Niger. Assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, he personified the values of honor, integrity, personal courage, and selfless service.

SGT Johnson enlisted in the United States Army in January 2014 and after completing Advanced Individual Training and earning the Military Occupational Specialty 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. SGT Johnson served our nation with distinction and valor, and his decorations include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

A role model among his peers in the 3rd Special Forces Group, SGT Johnson represents the best our nation has to offer. His work helped secure and protect our homeland for generations to come and today we honor his sacrifice. While our country can never

repay this debt, I will do everything in my power to honor SGT Johnson's life and ensure that his legacy lives on forever.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Sergeant La David T. Johnson on the occasion of his induction as an honorary Green Beret.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant First Class Jeremiah Johnson on the occasion of his induction as an honorary member of the United States Army Special Forces, or ``Green Berets.''

SFC Johnson was an American hero who laid down his life in the line of duty and saved the lives of his teammates on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 in southwest Niger. Assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, he personified the values of honor, integrity, personal courage, and selfless service.

SFC Johnson enlisted in the United States Army in October 2007 and served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist after undergoing some of the most specialized training in our military. SFC Johnson served our nation with distinction and valor, and his decorations include the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

A role model among his peers in the 3rd Special Forces Group, SFC Johnson represents the best our nation has to offer. His work helped secure and protect our homeland for generations to come and today we honor his sacrifice. While our country can never

repay this debt, I will do everything in my power to honor SFC Johnson's life and ensure that his legacy lives on forever.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Sergeant First Class Jeremiah Johnson on the occasion of his induction as an honorary Green Beret.

Madam Speaker, I rise, a proud defender of our rights as guaranteed in the Second Amendment.

Ever since I was a little boy, my grandfather taught me the right way to handle a gun. I have loved the outdoors and appreciate the freedom that comes from our Second Amendment.

As an adult, I came to understand the Second Amendment is the right that allows us to defend all of our other rights. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has declared war on the Second Amendment. In just the past 6 months, the President and my colleagues across the aisle have pushed

numerous gun control policies that would have zero impact on violence but threaten law-abiding citizens.

The most recent example is a proposed rule from the ATF to impose a new tax and ban on stabilizing braces. This proposed regulation jeopardizes the right of law-abiding gun owners, including disabled combat veterans who rely on these braces. In fact, these braces were invented to assist disabled veterans.

Should this rule go into effect, a disabled veteran who has chosen the best brace for their disability is now breaking the law unless they turn in or destroy the firearm, destroy the brace, or pay a $200 tax. This radical policy could make millions of law-abiding citizens into felons overnight.

Recently, I led 140 Members of Congress to call on the ATF to withdraw that regulation. Forty-eight Senators also joined this effort, and we are united in pushing back against this extreme gun control agenda. Moms and dads, sons and daughters, and, yes, disabled veterans--every law-abiding American should have the right to protect themselves and exercise their rights as enshrined in our Constitution.

That is why I have also been a leader on expanding concealed carry reciprocity across our country. As the author of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, I am working to ensure law-abiding concealed carry permit holders do not become criminals when they cross an invisible State line. It is common sense. Due, in part, to rising crime sweeping our Nation, legal gun ownership has reached record highs, making H.R. 38 needed now more than ever. These millions of Americans looking to defend themselves and their families deserve to have their rights respected and protected.

Madam Speaker, I agree with my colleagues who say we must do more to protect our schools and our communities, but the answer is never taking guns away from law-abiding citizens. It is supporting good police officers, hardening our schools, building on the STOP School Violence Act, and investing in mental healthcare. These are all accomplishments of the last Republican House majority.

I hope my colleagues across the aisle will work with me to build on these solutions which should be overwhelmingly bipartisan. Together, we can make real change without dismantling the Second Amendment.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Andrew Clyde for his leadership on defending our Second Amendment, and for hosting this excellent Special Order tonight.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 161.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor County Manager Paula Stewart for 25 years of service to Harnett County, located in North Carolina's Eight Congressional District.

Over the years, Mrs. Stewart has played an instrumental role in shaping the history of our

community. She joined Harnett County in 1996 as Director of Information Technology and retires after three years as County Manager. Appointed in 2018 by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners, Mrs. Stewart is the first woman to serve as County Manager.

Mrs. Stewart has led a career of distinction and is a strong and effective leader. During her tenure with Harnett County, she improved customer service, expanded access to public services, enhanced public communications, and managed growth by embracing new opportunities while preserving the rich history of our community. She is credited with revising Harnett County's fiscal policy, coordinating response efforts to emergency events such as Hurricane Florence and the coronavirus pandemic, and oversaw construction of the Harnett County Resource Center and Library.

Renee and I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Stewart for her years of exemplary service to Harnett County, which is a better place today due to her work. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing her and her family continued success and happiness as they move on to their next great adventure.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring County Manager Paula Stewart for 25 years of service to Harnett County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Daron ``Chip'' Buckwell, Jr., for 36 years of service to Kannapolis City Schools, including 5 years as superintendent. I have seen Dr. Buckwell's leadership firsthand and know how much he means to students, faculty, and staff. I am honored to call Chip my friend.

Dr. Buckwell began his career in 1985 as a teacher, baseball coach, and athletic trainer at A.L. Brown High School, and retires today after over three decades of service. After being appointed superintendent in 2016, he immediately began the important work that would transform public education throughout our community.

A giant among his peers in public education, Dr. Buckwell has led Kannapolis City Schools through a time of unprecedented growth. He is credited as a major catalyst for Kannapolis City Schools' innovative magnet programs, career and technical education opportunities, and increased student achievement. Exemplary of Dr. Buckwell's commitment to academic excellence, he was named Superintendent of the Year for the southwest region of North Carolina in 2019.

Dr. Buckwell's impact extends far beyond the classroom and he has also been a fierce advocate for our students and community at the local, state, and federal levels. As a nod to the A.L. Brown mascot, one of Chip's favorite phrases is ``Wonders never cease,'' and as a result of his steadfast leadership, I believe that to be true. With experience at every level within Kannapolis City Schools, Dr. Buckwell is an extraordinary educator whose work will allow our children to thrive for generations to come.

Renee and I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Buckwell for his years of exemplary service to Kannapolis City Schools. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing he and his wife, Camilla, continued success and happiness as they move on to their next great adventure.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Dr. Daron ``Chip'' Buckwell, Jr., upon his retirement as Superintendent of Kannapolis City Schools.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the Global Road Safety Caucus to mark the 6th United Nations Global Road Safety Week, which begins today.

In September 2020, the United Nations passed a resolution declaring the years 2021 through 2030 a new Decade of Action for Road Safety. Additionally, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 includes a call to address the personal, medical, and financial burdens associated with road traffic deaths and injuries.

The number of deaths on the world's roads remains unacceptably high, with an estimated 1.35 million people dying each year. But this is not just an issue in other countries. The National Safety Council (NSC) says deaths from motor vehicles rose 8 percent last year in the United States, with as many as 42,060 Americans dying in vehicle crashes. Also according to the State Department, road crash deaths are the single greatest cause of death for Americans traveling abroad.

As the Congress and the Biden administration consider investing in infrastructure, we must ensure these investments promote safety practices through a safe-systems approach and improve our roads and other infrastructure in ways that protect people and families. And as Americans begin traveling domestically and internationally again as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, we should be cognizant of the many risk factors, including increased speed, that significantly increase the probability of death or injury.

By recognizing Global Road Safety Week and the 2nd Decade of Action for Road Safety, together we can make a difference in stemming the tide of the road crash epidemic in the United States and around the world. Ultimately, we should do everything in our power to protect the lives of all road users, and I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do that.