Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bojangles on being named one of the top ten regional fast-food restaurants in the country according to USA Today's Readers' Choice 2023.

Bojangles opened back in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina and has since spread nationwide, operating around 800 locations throughout the Midwest, South and up and down the East Coast. However, Bojangles has remained true to its Carolina roots and is a regional staple, specializing in perfectly seasoned fried chicken, biscuits and, of course, all the fixings.

I have been a big fan of Bojangles since I was a boy growing up in North Carolina. To this day, one of my favorite parts about going home after a long stint in Washington is being able to sit down and enjoy Bojangles with my family, friends, or staff.

Bojangles is a cultural icon and an esteemed member of our community in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact on our state is astounding and I look forward to continuing to work with them to see what they will accomplish in the future.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Bojangles, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and thanking them for all they do for our shared home of North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Biscuitville on being named the number one top regional fast-food restaurant in the country according to USA Today's Readers' Choice 2023.

Biscuitville opened in 1966 in Burlington, North Carolina and has since spread nationwide, operating around 70 locations across the region. However, Biscuitville has remained true to its North Carolina roots and is a regional staple, best known for its famous fresh biscuits and biscuit sandwiches.

I have been a big fan of Biscuitville since I was a young boy in North Carolina. To this day, one of my favorite parts about going home after a long stint in Washington is being able to sit down and enjoy Biscuitville with my family, friends, or staff.

Biscuitville is a cultural icon and an esteemed member of our community in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact on our state is astounding and I look forward to continuing to work with them to see what they will accomplish in the future.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Biscuitville, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and thanking them for all they do for our shared home of North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Cook Out on being named one of the top ten regional fast-food restaurants in the country according to USA Today's Readers Choice 2023.

Cook Out opened in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina and has since spread nationwide, operating more than 300 locations across the Southern United States. However, Cook Out has remained true to its Carolina roots and is a regional staple, best known for its famous tray combos and delicious milkshakes.

I have been a big fan of Cook Out since I was growing up in North Carolina. To this day, one of my favorite parts about going home after a long stint in Washington is being able to sit down and enjoy Cook Out with my family, friends, or staff.

Cook Out is a cultural icon and an esteemed member of our community in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact on our state is astounding and I look forward to continuing to work with them to see what they will accomplish in the future.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Cook Out, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and thanking them for all they do for our shared home of North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 19 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, October 20, 2023, at 10 a.m.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chief Gary Gacek on his retirement from the Concord Police Department and to honor his many years of faithful service to the people of Concord, North Carolina.

Gacek began his career in law enforcement with the Milwaukee Police Department. where he served in a variety of roles over the course of 25 years. He began his role as Chief of Police of the Concord Police Department in July 2015. Under his leadership, Concord became one of the safest cities in the state, with crime

rates hitting their lowest levels in over twenty years.

Gacek implemented numerous reforms and initiatives that helped modernize the department, reduce crime and develop the community. Some of these reforms include the implementation of an evidence-based community policing strategy. updating the department's technology and information systems, expanding the department's analytical and intelligence capabilities. and developing several community engagement initiatives, among many others. Perhaps one of his greatest initiatives was the creation of the Concord Police Foundation, which supports Concord Police Department employees and their families and helps make Concord a safer community to live and work. Gacek established this program in 2021 in honor of Concord Officer Jason Shuping who was tragically killed in the line of duty on December 16, 2020.

I have known Chief Gacek for many years and witnessed firsthand the tremendous work he has done for the people of Concord. I am proud to call him my friend and know I speak for the whole community when I wish him well in this next chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join me today in congratulating Gary Gacek on his retirement and to thank him for his many years of dedicated service.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the public service of a long-time member of my team, George Elliott Guffin IV, and wish him success as he enters the next stage of his career.

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Elliott is a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi--a fact he will share with you within five minutes of meeting him. Elliott began his congressional service in the United States Senate in the office of Senator Roger Wicker prior to joining my staff in May 2016 and beginning a long tenure of service to the people of North Carolina's 8th, and later 9th, Congressional District.

As a young staff assistant, Elliott excelled at many things. His sunny disposition, eagerness to learn, and dedication to public service are the main reasons why I didn't fire him that time he forgot and stranded a scheduled tour group at the White House. However, my faith in Elliott was rewarded as he grew to be a trusted advisor, mentor to others, an exceptional leader, and a valued part of the team.

Advancing as a legislative correspondent, legislative aide, legislative assistant, senior legislative assistant, legislative director, deputy chief of staff, and chief of staff, Elliott never wavered in his commitment to serving our constituents. Over the years, he helped me secure legislation to push for the paving of roads for the Green Gap community in the Uwharrie National Forest--a process that will soon come to fruition. In addition, Elliott helped me secure multiple pieces of legislation to address the needs of our farmers, expand rural broadband access for North Carolinians, and increase support for our region's troops, military families, and veterans.

I am especially proud of the work Elliott accomplished in defense of the Second Amendment, drafting legislation with me to harden and secure schools and pushing for concealed carry reciprocity.

Over the years, Elliott has established himself as a trusted leader and friend to his colleagues. He was the backbone of our office--always willing to do whatever was needed to help the team. I have been impressed by the attention Elliott gave to his managerial role by setting aside time to work with each member of our staff in order to help them develop into great congressional staffers. Through his dedicated leadership, Elliott has taken what has always been a great team and built an exceptional one by understanding the values and motivations of his peers.

Of all his tremendous achievements for North Carolina and the country, I am most proud of the man I've had the privilege to watch him grow into. I always tell my staff that over all things, family is first. Elliott has taken this to heart since day one, even ensuring I made it to my son's soccer game as we drove from the opposite end of North Carolina. I've been able to see the same values watching him get married and start his own family, starting with his lovely wife, Ariel, and their beloved dog, Moose.

Elliott Guffin made a difference. He made a difference to me and to his colleagues. He made a difference in the lives of my constituents. He made a difference to this institution. And he made a difference to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join me today in congratulating Elliott Guffin for more than seven years of incredible service to the House of Representatives and to the people of North Carolina, and wishing he, Ariel, and Moose the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Donald Woodfield. Sadly, Mr. Woodfield passed away on September 3, 2023, at the age of 81.

Donald Woodfield was born in Buffalo, New York on November 24, 1941. A lifelong patriot, Mr. Woodfield joined the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served for 8 years, including during the Vietnam War. Among his many awards were the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Shortly after leaving the military, he was called again to a life of serving others and he pursued his passion of being a teacher. He served as an educator for over 30 years, both teaching and coaching at B'Nai Shalom, Ballinger Academy, Greensboro Day School in Greensboro, and finally The O'Neal School in Southern Pines.

Mr. Woodfield had a profound love of teaching and mentoring young people, a notion that carried into nearly every aspect of his life. He was an avid golfer, pickle baller and active member of the local Southern Pines Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 7318, serving as quartermaster and holding numerous roles in the Military Order of the Cooties. Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Woodfield was a man of faith, who loved God and his family above all else.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life of Donald Woodfield and to offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Energizer Holdings on its 75th anniversary in Asheboro, North Carolina.

Energizer Holdings is a dynamic and diverse company, operating within a wide range of industries and producing an equally wide range of products and services. Perhaps best known for Energizer batteries and its bunny mascot, this company also runs Rayovac and Eveready, as well as prominent auto care brands like Armor All and STP. Energizer's impact on our Nation's economy is tremendous, especially within my community in North Carolina.

Energizer set up shop in Asheboro, North Carolina 75 years ago and has since remained an economic staple of the community. Energizer hosts hundreds of high paying, local jobs and has brought in millions of dollars in economic development into the region. Yet, its impact is soon to grow even more. Last spring, Energizer announced a new investment of $43 million into its Asheboro-based facilities that will add 143 new jobs with wages far above the average for the county. This investment will greatly benefit both the city of Asheboro and our region at-large.

Energizer is an esteemed member of our community down in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact is astounding, and I am pleased that they have called Asheboro home for the last 75 years. I look forward to continuing to work with Energizer to see what they will accomplish in the future.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Energizer, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and to thank them for all they do for the community in Randolph County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joyce Hamlett on her retirement from the House Office of Chamber Security and honor her many years of faithful service to the U.S. House of Representatives and the American people.

A native of Broadway, North Carolina, Joyce was raised in a home where faith and integrity were cherished above all else. These virtues remain the guiding principles of her life and helped to define her time here on Capitol Hill.

Joyce left North Carolina for Washington in the early 1980s to begin a job as a sandwich maker at the Capitol Cafe. She quickly rose through the ranks and eventually took a position with chamber security. She is known for her hard work ethic and stark reputation as a no-nonsense enforcer of the House's many rules and traditions. She has no issue being tough on journalists, visitors, and members alike when they step out of line. Yet, she also possesses a deep affection for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, many of whom she views as family. All this eventually led to her appointment as Assistant Sergeant at Arms, where she serves in the important role as Keeper of the Mace of the House of Representatives.

Joyce's impact on the history and character of this chamber is without question. I was elated to hear that, upon her retirement, she will be moving to Sanford, North Carolina, a town in the heart of my district. I look forward to serving as her representative and can't wait to welcome her into our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Joyce Hamlett on her retirement and to thank her for her decades of dedicated service to this chamber.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution.

Our Nation's veterans have served our Nation honorably. They and their families have sacrificed for our freedoms. Today, they are calling on us to support their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms and to ensure that they can protect themselves and their families. Will you answer the call?

Mr. Speaker, everyone in this Chamber, both Republicans and Democrats, say that we support our Nation's veterans. Now is the chance to prove it.

Today, we can block an overreaching regulation by ATF on pistol braces. We can defend the rights of our veterans. We can defend the rights of all law-abiding gun owners.

A new regulation by President Biden's ATF on pistol braces has turned millions of combat-wounded veterans and law-abiding citizens into felons overnight. Before my colleagues cast a vote today, I want you to know the story of how the pistol brace was developed.

Several years ago, a combat-wounded veteran went to a local gun range with his buddy. However, he was asked to leave due to his lack of control over the pistol because of his combat wounds.

After leaving the range, his buddy went home and created the first pistol brace concept so that his friend and other combat-wounded veterans could exercise their constitutional right to protect themselves, their families, and their homes and could participate in shooting sports again, even on pistol platforms that were otherwise too cumbersome for a disabled shooter to use.

Two years ago, I held a press conference outside of this U.S. Capitol with a group of combat-wounded veterans from around the country, including Army veteran Rick Cicero. They came to share how devastating a new regulation from President Joe Biden's ATF would be on veterans.

Cicero lost his right leg and right arm due to an IED explosion while serving our country in Afghanistan. As a son of a firearms instructor and longtime shooter, he didn't want to give up his Second Amendment rights.

In Rick's own words that day: ``The most important thing to me about this brace [is it] is another avenue of getting injured veterans out of the house. . . . And it helps to maintain a bit of confidence that you are still able to do something.''

Veterans like Rick Cicero served our country and put their bodies literally on the line for us and for our families. Starting this month, the ATF has taken away their God-given rights protected by our Constitution. It is outrageous.

Since the creation of the brace, the ATF has repeatedly approved stabilizing brace designs. As recently as July 2018, the ATF said a brace used ``to assist shooters in stabilizing a handgun while shooting with a single hand . . . is not considered a shoulder stock and therefore may be attached to a handgun without making an NFA firearm.''

As a result of those former decisions, tens of millions of Americans already legally owned pistols with stabilizing braces.

Yet, the ATF's new rule requires owners of the device to either remove or destroy them or register the braced firearms with the ATF as short-barreled rifles.

For those combat-wounded veterans in New York and Connecticut, which don't allow short-barreled rifles, you have no option. You can't register that brace.

This registration process involves submitting fingerprints and identifying information as well as photographs of the owner and the firearm. Additionally, the registration will require a $200 tax stamp.

The 120-day grace period is well short of previous grace periods where a gun was reclassified under the NFA. In fact, back in 1994, the last time a weapon was reclassified, they had over 6 years to reregister that weapon.

This has led to less compliance and leads me to speculate whether the ATF instituted a short timeline by design. Either way, these regulations are especially difficult for servicemembers deployed overseas, like so many in my district. If they are overseas when the deadline hit the end of last month, they are unable to register their firearms. They are now felons. Think about that. They are serving us overseas, and we have now labeled them a felon.

This travesty illustrates the dangers of an unchecked Federal agency that is willing to go around Congress and the millions of constituents we represent.

Our constituents are fed up. They are sick and tired of unelected bureaucrats making up new laws and calling them regulations. I say enough is enough.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde), for partnering with me on this important resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 245, and YEA on Roll Call No. 246.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Hildreth as the Moore County Schools Alternate Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Hildreth is an experienced English Language Arts teacher at Crain's Creek Middle School. When needed, he also serves the school district as an alternate teacher. Over the course of his 27 years as an educator, he has exhibited outstanding leadership and commitment in providing his students with an excellent foundation in the studies of literature and poetry, in addition to this prestigious award, Mr.Hildreth also has been recognized as Crain's Creek Middle School Teacher of the Year. It is imperative that we acknowledge individuals like him who continue to assume the high calling of serving in North Carolina's public schools. As the son of a retired schoolteacher, I have seen the tireless work that educators put into developing our youth for a

successful future. I am extremely grateful for his efforts and encouragement which have touched and benefited the lives of so many.

Mr. Hildreth has led by example throughout his career and has made immeasurable contributions to our community. Crain's Creek Middle School and other schools throughout the district are better today because of his passion and hard work. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated service to our youth and wish him the best as he continues to educate and inspire those in his classroom.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating Mr. Mark Hildreth for being named Moore County Schools Alternate Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Jennifer Blake as the Moore County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Blake is a third-grade teacher at Carthage Elementary School. She credits her own student experience as her inspiration for becoming a teacher. Following the example set by her own educators growing up, Ms. Blake works diligently to provide third-grade students with an excellent academic foundation as well as serve as a trusted mentor for students as they develop important life skills. It is imperative that we acknowledge individuals like her who continue to assume the high calling of serving in North Carolina's public schools. As the son of a retired schoolteacher, I have seen the tireless work that educators put into developing our youth for a successful future. I am extremely grateful for her efforts and encouragement which have touched and benefited the lives of so many.

Ms. Blake has led by example throughout her career and has made impactful contributions to our community. Carthage Elementary School is better today because of her passion and hard work. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation for her dedicated service to our youth and wish her the best as she continues to educate and inspire those in her classroom.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating Ms. Jennifer Blake for being named Moore County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Debbie Warren as the Moore County Schools Principal of the Year.

Ms. Warren is an experienced educator who has devoted her career to fostering excellence in education for the youth in our community. She began her impressive 36-year tenure with Moore County Schools as an exceptional children teacher at Robbins, Westmoore, and Pinehurst elementary schools. She has since served as assistant principal at Southern Pines Elementary School, Pinecrest High School, and West Pine Middle School and as a principal at Aberdeen Elementary School and Southern Middle School prior to her position as principal at Carthage Elementary School. In addition to this prestigious award, Ms. Warren was previously recognized as the Pinehurst Elementary School Teacher of the Year as well as the school district's Exceptional Children Teacher of the Year on account of her outstanding service and leadership.

Over the course of her career, Ms. Warren has made a significant impact on our community both as a teacher and an academic administrator. Carthage Elementary School and other schools throughout the district are better today because of her passion, hard work, and dedicated leadership which set an example for all to follow. It is imperative that we acknowledge those who continue to assume the high calling of serving in North Carolina's public schools. As the son of a retired schoolteacher, I have seen the tireless work that these individuals put into developing our youth for a successful future. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation for her dedicated service and wish her the best as she continues to lead and inspire those in our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating Ms. Debbie Warren for being named Moore County Schools Principal of the Year.