Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 512.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate my friend and colleague, Chair of the Rules Committee, Dr. Michael Burgess, on his retirement from the House of Representatives after a 22-year career representing the folks of Texas' 26th congressional district.

With his background as an OB-GYN doctor and the most senior medical doctor in the

House, Dr. Burgess has been an important voice on every important healthcare debate during his two decades of service in the House. I've had the pleasure of working closely with Dr. Burgess on the Energy and Commerce Committee for a long time, and whenever a bill related to healthcare was being debated or discussed, I knew I could count on Dr. Burgess to provide clarity and insight from an experienced physician's perspective. Dr. Burgess and I share a passion for our military servicemembers and for many Congresses have introduced the MISSION Zero initiative together to improve trauma care between the military and civilians. Seeing this bill signed into law was a major achievement together and I intend to ensure this program continues in his legacy. He has accomplished some truly amazing things during his time here including lowering drug costs, reigning in government waste, cutting taxes, and expanding healthcare options for folks around the country. Since being nominated as Chairman of the Rules Committee, Dr. Burgess has worked tirelessly to ensure good legislation makes it to the floor and has been instrumental in our accomplishments in the 118th Congress.

I would like to thank Dr. Burgess for his unwavering commitment to conservative principles and his sound leadership. On a personal note, I appreciate his friendship and counsel over the years. While his colleagues and the people in his district are sure to miss Dr. Burgess in Congress, I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his family back home in his beloved Texas.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my friend Dr. Michael Burgess on his retirement from the House of Representatives after 22 years of exemplary service to the people of Texas' 26th congressional district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1101, the Lumbee Fairness Act, which rights a historic wrong and provides long overdue Federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.

My family goes back seven generations in Robeson County, which is the home of the Lumbee people, and I represent many Lumbees in Hoke and Cumberland Counties.

The Lumbees have deep cultural roots and traditions in our State and have made significant contributions since North Carolina fully recognized the Tribe in 1885.

Though Congress recognized the Lumbee Tribe in 1956, they were discriminated against like no other Tribe and tragically denied the same protections and resources enjoyed by every other Federal Tribe.

Since I came to Congress, I proudly championed Federal recognition. Yet, despite broad bipartisan support, Congress has failed to send this legislation to the President. This is unacceptable, and it is past time we right this wrong once and for all.

I thank my friend, Representative David Rouzer, for leading this must-pass legislation to give the Lumbee people the long overdue Federal recognition they rightfully deserve.

I also thank Chairman Westerman and his incredible hardworking staff. I urge my colleagues to join us in support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Jack Nance, Executive Director of the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) after 32 years of dedicated service in this role.

Jack is a proud North Carolina native, he was born and raised in Clinton, North Carolina and attended high school and college in our great state. Jack is an avid golfer and has been a huge fan of the sport ever since his college days where he played golf at Wake Forrest and even served as the assistant coach for the golf team following his graduation.

Throughout his tenure at the CGA, Jack has seen the organization grow to over 700 affiliated clubs that represent over 200,000 members. We will always appreciate the dedication Jack has shown to ensuring that golfers in the Carolinas have a great sporting experience and North Carolina maintains its reputation of the best state for golf.

Jack has worked for the CGA since 1984 and has served as a rules official, communications point of contact and a course rater, before finally serving as Executive Director, a position he has held since 1992. Jack even qualified for the 1980 US Amateur as a player. Nobody knows our courses quite like Jack and we will certainly miss his unique perspective.

We know Jack is looking forward to being able to spend more time with his wife DeAnn and his two daughters Caroline and Liza. While we are sad to see Jack go, we wish him and his family the best as he begins this new and exciting chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mr. Jack Nance on his well-earned retirement after 32 years of serving as the Executive Director for the CGA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate my friend and colleague, Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, on her retirement from the House of Representatives after a 20-year career representing the folks of Washington's 5th congressional district.

I've had the pleasure of working closely with Cathy on the Energy and Commerce Committee for a long time and together we've been able to accomplish some amazing things for the American people. I've admired her determination and strength to get our priorities across the finish line and she has never stopped working tirelessly on behalf of the people she was elected to serve. What I most admire about Cathy is her dedication to her family and the Down Syndrome community. Over the years I've had the privilege of becoming friends with her son Cole, who has inspired me and is one of the reasons I'm so passionate about supporting Cathy's work on behalf of the Down Syndrome community. She has been a tireless champion for the community and left a lasting legacy with her accomplishments on behalf of the people who are differently-abled, so they can live their lives to their full potential with no barriers or bias or obstacles standing in their way.

While her colleagues will miss her dearly, we wish Cathy and her family all the best as she begins this next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my friend Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers on her retirement from the House of Representatives after 20 years of service to the people of Washington's 5th congressional district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of General Chris Donahue and congratulate him on his promotion to four-star General as he relinquishes his long and distinguished command of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty.

A proud West Point graduate, General Donahue has dedicated his life to serving this country. Starting off as a Ranger, General Donahue has deployed over 20 times throughout his career. His deployments took him to active combat zones including in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

General Donahue has served in numerous leadership positions including Director of Operations for Joint Special Operations Command, the Commandant at the Infantry School in Ft. Benning, and most recently as Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty. During his time at Fort Liberty General Donahue embodied his motto of ``leaders jump first and eat last'' as he always put the service members under his command first. General Donahue instituted the Sunset Liberty March, designed to honor veterans, active-duty service members and Gold Star Families. This incredible initiative brings together members of the community, veteran groups and active-duty service members to remember and commemorate those who have given their lives in defense of this country, as well as their family members. I am so proud to have worked with this great American and am excited to see him succeed throughout the rest of his honorable career.

Because of his vast leadership experience, and clear dedication to his country, I can think of no one better to be promoted to four-star General. While Ft. Liberty is sure to miss General Donahue's leadership, we look forward to his continued service to our great Nation as a four-star General.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating General Chris Donahue on his promotion to four-star General and I thank him for his years of uniformed service to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 480 and YEA on Roll Call No. 481.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Clifton McNeill, Jr. on being inducted into the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Hall of Fame. This is a momentous achievement that highlights a lifetime pursuit of agricultural excellence.

Our state has a long and proud farming tradition. I know I speak for our region and entire state when I say thank you to our hard-working farmers, specifically Mr. McNeill, for his dedication to putting food on the table in North Carolina and around our country. From peanuts to sweet potatoes, and in Mr. McNeill's case, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes and more. North Carolina farmers generate some of the highest quality produce in the world, and we are thrilled to recognize Mr. McNeill for his continuation of that tradition.

This achievement comes alongside many others for Mr. McNeill. He served as chairman of the Cumberland County Soil and Water Board of Supervisors, chairman of Area VII, on the Joint Planning Board and the South River Electric Membership Board of Directors. These are just a few of the many things I am proud of him for, and grateful we have dedicated leaders and farmers in our state.

Again, congratulations to Mr. McNeill on this incredible achievement. He should feel immense pride in all that he has accomplished, and we look forward to celebrating his continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Frank Quis on his retirement after 26 years as a civil servant for the people of Moore County. Frank comes from a long line of public servants with his mother and father both being involved in local governance. Frank Quis started his career in community service as a member of the Southern Pines Town Council before becoming mayor in 1997, a position he would hold for 10 years. In 2016, Frank was elected as Commissioner of Moore County and has a long list of accomplishments to reflect on with pride. One of his proudest achievements as Commissioner was the construction of four new elementary schools, he also confidently and successfully led Moore County through a hurricane and a global pandemic.

Along with serving as an elected official to the community, Frank has also served by lending his time and efforts to many organizations across the sandhills, to include the Moore Coalition for Human Care, Moore Free and Charitable Clinic, the Central Pines Regional Council, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills.

Frank credits all of his success to the support of his wife, Missy, who has been with him every step of the way since he decided to run for town council back in 1989. Together they owned and operated Quis Machinery, Inc. for more than 35 years. Once he retires, Mr. Quis plans to spend more time with his children and grandchildren and hopefully play some more golf.

While we will miss him dearly on the commission, I know we will be seeing him around. I wish Mr. Quis and his family all the best as he begins his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his commitment to the folks of Moore County.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Frank Quis on his retirement after a 26-year career in public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sunday, November 17th as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Each year, the third Sunday in November, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a chance to commemorate the millions of lives lost or injured due to road accidents. On this day we also pay tribute to emergency responders and medical professionals who answer the calls and face the trauma of road death and injury daily.

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, an estimated 1.35 million people around the world die in road crashes each year. This is a crisis that continues day in and day out in all countries of the world. Affecting primarily our most vulnerable communities and our youth. Therefore, during the new Decade of Action 2021-2030 the World Day will have the important role of helping to achieve the 50 percent road casualty reduction target.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today as we remember the victims of road traffic collisions and their families. In honoring the lives ended too soon, we face the profound losses of the communities they left behind and a responsibility to do everything in our power to ensure these tragedies become rarities. We must protect the lives of all road users, and I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate The Fresh Market on being named one of the top Grocery Stores in America by USA Today and being ranked number one in the following categories: Best Grocery Store Bakery, Best Grocery Store Deli, and Best Grocery Store Prepared Food.

Originally founded right here in North Carolina, The Fresh Market has taken its renowned freshness and customer service to over 150 stores across 22 states. While The Fresh Market has grown and expanded its footprint across the country, it has never stopped focusing on the things that its home state is known for, good food and good people.

Whether you're grabbing something quick to go, or enjoying one of their many baked goods, The Fresh Market has something for everyone. The Fresh Market has shown its commitment to providing the highest quality food and produce to its customers, and that commitment is clearly reflected in these outstanding rankings. I can confidently say that we here in North Carolina could not be prouder of our local company which has achieved such national recognition for its incredible quality.

Again, congratulations to all the folks at The Fresh Market. They should feel extremely proud of all their hard work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating The Fresh Market on being named one of the top grocery stores in America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Fenner on being named Cumberland County Schools Principal of the Year.

Dr. Fenner is truly a dedicated public servant and educator. Since 2002, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the students of Cumberland County receive a top-notch education and develop the skills necessary to be prepared for the future. After graduating from Fayetteville State University, she kept her talent in our community and dedicated her time and energy into out own students.

As the son of a retired Cabarrus County teacher, I understand the sacrifices our teachers and educators make every single day on behalf of our students, and I want to personally thank Dr. Fenner for all of her hard work. I feel so lucky and blessed that we have such selfless and devoted educators, like Dr. Fenner, in our community.

Again, congratulations to Dr. Fenner on winning this prestigious award. She should feel immensely proud of all she has done to improve the lives of our students.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Dr. Fenner on being named Cumberland County's Principal of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Alianna Sigler on being named Cumberland County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Sigler has over nine years of teaching experience and has spent the last two years in her current role with Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary. She has won the admiration of both students and parents alike due to her focus on student-centered education.

As the son of a retired Cabarrus County teacher, I understand the sacrifices our teachers and educators make every single day on behalf of our students, and I want to personally thank Ms. Sigler for all of her hard work. I feel so proud and blessed that we have such selfless and devoted teachers, like Ms. Sigler, in our community.

Again, congratulations to Ms. Sigler on winning this prestigious award. She should feel immensely proud of all she has done to educate our students and instill in them a lifelong love of learning.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Ms. Alianna Sigler on being named Cumberland County's Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Faylene Whitaker on being named North Carolina Farmer of the Year.

Mrs. Whitaker has the unique honor of being the first woman to be named North Carolina Farmer of the Year. Mrs. Whitaker started Whitaker Farms with her late husband Richard in 1975, who she has surely honored with this award. Together, they purchased 36 acres of land in Randolph County and as a result of their hard work, Whitaker Farms has now grown to 1,000 acres and includes a variety of different crops. The Whitakers use innovative and sustainable farming practices to ensure high crop yields, healthy soil, drip irrigation and devote a majority of the land to organic production.

Our state has a long and proud tradition of agricultural excellence. Many people don't even realize where the food they eat every day comes from, but the Whitakers could tell you they worked around the clock, 24 hours a day when they first started, to ensure they could pay back their first bank loan while overcoming weather conditions that make farming nearly impossible. I know I speak for our region and entire state when I say thank you to our hard-working farmers and the Whitakers for their dedication to putting food on the table in North Carolina. From peanuts to sweet potatoes, North Carolina farmers generate some of the highest quality produce in the world. We are thrilled to recognize Mrs. Whitaker for her continuation of that tradition.

Again, congratulations to Mrs. Whitaker for winning this prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Mrs. Faylene Whitaker on being named North Carolina Farmer of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Fayetteville native Sammy Sullivan on leading the U.S. Women's Rugby team to a bronze medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Sammy was introduced to rugby at West Point and eventually fell in love with the sport following in her father's footsteps and earning her a Prusmack Award, recognizing her all-time try scoring leader and the top collegiate 7s athlete in the Nation. She dominated on the pitch and soon gained the attention of USA Women's 7s Head Coach Emilie Bydwell, who asked her to join the team. Sammy accepted, and has spent the last two years competing, and training with the USA Rugby team, earning the captain role. All the team's hard work paid off and was on full display during their fantastic Olympic performance this year. As a former UNCC Rugby player myself, I can confidently say that was some of the best rugby I've ever watched.

Sammy Sullivan is not only captain of the U.S. Women's Rugby team, but also serves as a Captain in the United States Army. The two Captainships have led many fans to lovingly refer to her as ``Captain America.'' Here in North Carolina, we could not be more proud of her service to our country both on the pitch, and in uniform.

Sammy comes from a family of public servants. Her father was a Special Forces Operator, her brother is a member of the Army Infantry, and her mother is a teacher. I would like to thank Sammy and her amazing family for their steadfast commitment to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Sammy Sullivan and the U.S. Women's Rugby Team on winning a bronze medal at this year's Olympics.