Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kannapolis Police Department's Lieutenant Allen H. Tomlin, Jr. for receiving the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award.

A native of Concord, North Carolina, Lieutenant Tomlin began his career with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office in July 1997. He joined the Kannapolis Police Department in September 1998, serving as a Field Training Officer from September 2000 until becoming a Master Police Officer in January 2011. Shortly afterward, he was promoted to Sergeant, and then made Lieutenant in June 2019. Allen is a member of KPD's Special Response Team as a trained negotiator.

Allen holds an Advance Law Enforcement Certificate from the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and has completed more than 3,007 hours of professional training. Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry refers to Allen as a quiet hero who truly embraces a servant leadership philosophy, serving with exceptional character, courage, and commitment.

The Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award is presented in memory of Robert Jackson Eury, a man who lost his life in the line of duty while serving as a Cabarrus County law enforcement officer. This award keeps Mr. Eury's legacy alive through officers who share his same admirable and commendable spirit in Cabarrus County. Lt. Tomlin fits the mold of esteemed law enforcement officers in our community set by Robert Eury, and there is no doubt in my mind that Lt. Tomlin will continue his outstanding leadership and maintain his unwavering values while protecting and serving the people of Cabarrus County; I am excited to see what the future holds for such a dedicated law enforcement professional.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Lt. Allen H. Tomlin, Jr. for receiving the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award. We all wish him well as he continues to make a positive impact on our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Chief Jimmy Hughes on receiving the 2020 Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award.

Deputy Chief Hughes started his career with the Concord Police Department in 1998 as a patrol officer. He rose through the ranks before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2019 by CPD Chief Gary Gacek, and previously served with CPD in the Special Investigations Unit, Criminal Investigations, and the Office of Management & Planning. He was an original member of the SWAT team, where he also served as SWAT commander. Jimmy is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum-- Senior Management Institute for Police--Session 67 and a 1998 graduate of Pfeiffer University with a BS in Business Management/Finance.

Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Hughes has worked to establish relationships and partnerships with the community, fellow law enforcement officers, and criminal justice professionals. Jimmy is hard working, driven, and has said that he attributes his success and longevity to the Golden Rule, treating people the way he wants to be treated. Deputy Chief Hughes is married and has five children. In his spare time, Jimmy enjoys restoring classic vehicles.

The Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award is presented in memory of Robert Jackson Eury, a man who lost his life in the line of duty while serving as a Cabarrus County law enforcement officer. This award keeps Mr. Eury's legacy alive through officers who share his same admirable and commendable spirit in Cabarrus County. Deputy Chief Jimmy Hughes fits the mold of esteemed law enforcement officers in our community set by Robert Eury.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Deputy Chief Jimmy Hughes for receiving the 2020 Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award. We all wish him well as he continues to make a positive impact in our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Howard Irvin on receiving the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award.

A native of North Carolina, Mr. Irvin graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law School before beginning his legal career in 1965 as a lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General's Corps for the United States Navy. After his service to our nation, Mr. Irvin joined the law practice of his father, E. Johnston Irvin, before limiting his practice to real estate law in 1971.

Mr. Irvin is a consummate professional and boasts over fifty years of legal service to his community and has continuously adapted to changes in real estate law to best protect his clients. He has handled over thirty-five thousand real estate closings during his career.

The Liberty Bell Award is presented to an individual that goes forth to educate on and upholds laws that support American freedom. Throughout his involvement in Cabarrus County, Mr. Irvin has helped many people regain their confidence in our judicial system by being a constant resource of knowledge. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Irvin will continue to help the people of Cabarrus County with his unwavering commitment to the law and serving others.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Howard Irvin as the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award recipient and wish him well as he continues to uphold our American freedom.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph Vaughn for his 16 years of service, including three years as Director at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. I have seen his extraordinary leadership firsthand and know how much he means to this community and to our veterans.

Mr. Vaughn began his career in 1983 with the United States Navy, where he served for ten years and completed four Mediterranean cruises before being awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. He retires today after over a decade of combined service at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

After being appointed Director on March 19, 2018, he immediately began the important work that would one day transform both the Salisbury VA and the surrounding community. Mr. Vaughn led implementation of the VA MISSION Act, saw facility complexity increase from 1c to 1b, opened ambulatory surgery at VA Health Care Centers in Charlotte and Kernersville, saw the Community Living Center obtain a 5- star quality rating for multiple rating periods, and stimulated major improvements in Hospital Rating (HCAPS). In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Mr. Vaughn's quick actions saved many lives and protected countless others through mass vaccination events.

Renee and I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Vaughn for his years of exemplary service at the Salisbury VA. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing him continued success and happiness as he moves on to his next great adventure.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Joseph Vaughn upon his retirement as Director at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Mr. Speaker, Newtown, Parkland, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Charleston, the attack on our former colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, these are all tragedies that would not have been prevented by H.R. 8 or H.R. 1446.

My colleagues across the aisle don't want to admit it, but every commercial gun sale in America already requires a background check.

In Charleston, there was no loophole. The problem was information sharing. If the FBI had checked all available databases, then Dylan Roof wouldn't have been allowed to purchase a firearm. Congressman Tom Rice of South Carolina has a bill to fix that.

Republicans are serious about ending gun violence and have brought forward policies that protect public safety without eroding our Second Amendment rights.

That is why in recent years we have passed measures like the STOP School Violence Act, the Fix NICS Act, and 21st Century Cures Act.

The bills before us this week would not build upon this progress but strips away from law-abiding citizens their rights.

H.R. 8 would turn law-abiding citizens into criminals if you store a gun for a friend or loan a firearm to a neighbor with an abusive ex who wanted to borrow it for self-protection.

Even worse, H.R. 1446 would extend the waiting period for a firearms sale from 3 to 10 business days and allow the government to delay a transfer indefinitely. Indefinitely, as in forever, if a government bureaucrat says so.

Instead of these gun-grabbing bills, House Republicans are bringing forward targeted solutions. That is why I introduced the STOP II: Classrooms Over Conference Rooms Act to double funding for the STOP School Violence Act to harden schools, to get more mental health resources in schools, and increase active-shooter training for law enforcement. And we pay for it by taking money set aside for the Department of Education to rent conference rooms in Washington, D.C.

However, the left is determined to take away your rights, after voting to defund the police just last week.

It is no wonder gun sales and concealed carry permits are at all-time highs. These law-abiding Americans deserve to have their rights protected.

That is why today, I am calling on my colleagues across the aisle to stand up for law-abiding citizens and adopt H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.

H.R. 38 is a bipartisan and commonsense bill that ensures people like Shaneen Allen, a single mother from south Philly, don't become criminals for carrying a legally owned firearm across an invisible State line.

We need H.R. 38 more than ever. And if my colleagues are determined to pass gun legislation, then let's help people protect themselves.

Mr. Speaker, if we adopt the motion to recommit today, we will instruct the Judiciary Committee to consider my amendment to H.R. 1446 to include my bill, H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.

I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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

Mr. 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 the life and legacy of Dr. Godfrey Fondinka. A beloved member of our community, Dr. Fondinka's life was marked by an unwavering commitment to medicine and service to others.

Dr. Fondinka was born in Cameroon, Africa where he began a life of distinction. After completing his medical education in Cameroon, he studied hospital management at Technion--Israel Institute of Technology. Dr. Fondinka then moved to the United States, where he received a Master of Public Health from Tulane University before completing a residency in family medicine at LSU Shreveport in 2003.

Dr. Fondinka worked tirelessly on behalf of his patients and our community. He served as an emergency room physician at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center until 2010, when he founded an urgent care practice in Fayetteville, North Carolina. On the frontlines of our community's battle against COVID-19, Dr. Fondinka saved countless lives and, to him, our nation owes an immeasurable debt.

Dr. Fondinka passed away on December 18, 2020, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Florence; his children, Tuma, Ghinna, Babilla, and Khamali; and all who knew and loved him. I join our entire community in gratitude as we honor his extraordinary life.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Godfrey Fondinka.

Madam Speaker, as we move forward and heal from the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, I rise to honor U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman. An Iraq combat veteran and former member of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, Officer Goodman was an American hero long before he valiantly protected this body.

Officer Goodman risked his life on January 6, 2021, as he lured a violent mob away from an unguarded entrance to the U.S. Senate Chamber. His courageous actions that day protected our colleagues, their staff, and our democracy. Officer Goodman represents the very best of law enforcement, and to him our nation owes an immeasurable debt.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I extend my most heartfelt appreciation to Officer Goodman on behalf of North Carolina and our entire country.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Since a small group of businessmen met with Kiwanis International on November 10, 1920, the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville has made countless contributions to our community.

Over the years, the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville has embodied its motto of ``Serving the Children of the World.'' As a fierce advocate for our children and youth, the organization has supported clinics for disabled infants, driving instruction for teenagers, and the construction of an athletic facility at Fayetteville High School, now Terry Sanford High School.

I know I speak for our entire community in offering my most heartfelt gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville for their century of service. These exemplary men and women are the heart and soul of our community and I wish them continued success as they serve our community.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the 100th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville.

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 recognize the life of the Honorable Ross Perot and his monumental impact on our nation.

Mr. Perot is well known for being a wildly-successful, self-made businessman who ran for President twice, the first time receiving a recorded-breaking 19% of the vote as an independent candidate. Today, I would like to recognize him for his unparalleled service and sacrifice on behalf of our country's military.

Mr. Perot is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Following his service, Mr. Perot joined International Business Machines (IBM), which led him to create the extremely successful company, Electronic Data Systems. Mr. Perot was responsible for many other breakthroughs and innovations in the industry. Mr. Perot made a point to hire former military personnel and based his management style on his military training. Mr. Perot continued to be an active advocate for our servicemembers and veterans, becoming one of the most outspoken advocates for our Prisoners of War (POWs). In fact, Mr. Perot was asked by then-Secretaty of State Henry Kissinger to lead the fight on behalf of our POWs, a project he spearheaded by personally chartering two jets filled with medical supplies and the wives of POWs still in Vietnam. His efforts directly led to many POWs being released in 1973 and returned to the United States.

Over the course of his life, Mr. Perot received countless honors for his work. In 2009, he was recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for his tireless efforts on behalf our nation's veterans, and received honorary status in the Army and Marine Corps. Mr. Perot was also named an honorary Green Beret and is one of only fourteen honorary members of the Army's famous 75th Ranger Regiment.

Of personal note, I'm especially grateful for all Mr. Perot did for our soldiers and families at Fort Bragg, the largest military installation in the world, located in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Mr. Perot donated millions of dollars to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and has donated his time, resources and devotion to assisting projects at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg.

While we mourn his passing, Mr. Perot will be remembered for his impeccable character, determination and generosity. I have a deep admiration and profound appreciation for all he accomplished and I am inspired by his example to ensure we take care of those who so bravely served our nation.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the life of the Honorable Ross Perot.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Falkenbury, the President and Chief Operating Officer for the United Service Organizations (USO) of North Carolina, on his decades of service to the State of North Carolina.

John was appointed President and COO for the USO of North Carolina in March 2009. During his tenure, he was responsible for planning, organizing and directing the operations of the state headquarters, five USO fixed centers and a mobile center. More than that, he helped organize and marshal thousands of volunteers over the years to support hundreds of thousands of active-duty servicemembers, veterans and their families. John brought 25 years of corporate and military experience to the job, which allowed him to grow and advance the mission of USO.

The USO centers across the state provide vital resources and support to our men and women in uniform and their families. These services include transition assistance, financial literacy, child educational programs, deployment and homecoming operations, military and civilian outreach programs, Fallen and Wounded Warrior escort services, and a focus on providing the entire community with support and assistance. Through his leadership, dedication and passion for service, John has been a champion in ensuring these programs are readily available for anyone who needs them.

A resident of North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District and someone I've been lucky enough to call a friend for more than two decades, I can say from experience that John is a true pillar of the community above and beyond his USO and military service. John has served as President and CEO of Five Oaks Nursing Center in Concord, the Managing Partner of the Falkenbury Family LLC, and President of the Stephen D. Falkenbury Jr. Foundation in Charlotte. He also served as the WBT-AM radio station's on-air analyst and was a credentialed military consultant and frequent guest for News14 Carolina. I know I speak for everyone in the community when I say we are truly grateful for his unwavering service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him a long and happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring President John Falkenbury and his service to our state

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Logan Herndon and Lieutenant William Jackson as recipients of the Public Safety Valor Award.

The Valor Award is a prestigious honor presented to first responders of the greater Fayetteville region who perform acts of heroism under extreme risk. Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson proudly serve the Fayetteville Fire Department and went above the normal call of duty in January 2019.

After responding to a motor vehicle accident, Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson began to routinely assist Cumberland County EMS and the Fayetteville Police Department. As they worked, unusual commotion could be heard from an ambulance where one of the motorists was being treated. Calls for help came from the ambulance and as Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson rushed over, they found a police officer in a physical altercation with the motorist. They responded forcefully, quickly securing the scene.

Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson's quick actions may have saved the lives of their colleagues, as a loaded firearm was found in the offender's possession. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are truly grateful for their unwavering service and cannot thank them enough.

Captain Logan Herndon and Lieutenant William Jackson are deserving of this honor and I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish them success as they continue to protect our communities.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Captain Logan Herndon and Lieutenant William Jackson on receiving the Public Safety Valor Award.