Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 301, YEA on Roll Call No. 302, YEA on Roll Call No. 303, YEA on Roll Call No. 304, and YEA on Roll Call No. 305.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Welsh, better known as Jack, an American patriot and World War II combat veteran who will celebrate his 100th birthday this Friday, September 4, 2026.

Born to a second-generation Georgia timberman, Jack is no stranger to hard work and sacrifice. Upon graduating from high school on June 6, 1944, D-day, of all days, Jack asked his parents to enlist in the Army, entering basic training later that fall.

Through his service, Jack would go on to become a decorated hero. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Army of Occupation Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and three Overseas Service Bars.

After discharge, this battle-tested veteran earned a degree in forestry, met the love of his life, and joined the U.S. Forest Service where he worked for 35 memorable years.

When we speak of the Greatest Generation, we are speaking of American heroes like Jack Welsh.

My wife, Robin, and I wish him the happiest of birthdays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Henry Sparks, upon his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy.

As a future midshipman, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite naval force, guided by the motto: ``Semper Fortis.''

The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy.

Throughout our history, American servicemembers have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the earth.

I was glad to sponsor Henry's nomination, and I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter.

I congratulate Henry, and I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Eli Debevec, upon his acceptance to the United States Coast Guard Academy.

As a future cadet, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite maritime security force, guided by the motto: ``Semper Paratus,'' meaning ``Always Ready.''

The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, protecting the Nation's ports, waterways, and coastal areas from evolving threats.

Throughout our history, American servicemembers have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the earth.

I am proud to endorse Eli's acceptance to the United States Coast Guard Academy; I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter.

I congratulate Eli, and I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Scott Clark on receiving the Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility (SIR) Award.

On June 6, 2026, I had the pleasure of joining Scott at the 2026 Annual Associated General Contractors of Georgia Convention and can confidently say no one is more deserving.

The SIR award is given to the individual who exemplifies the values embraced through outstanding service, industry leadership, and involvement in the community. Scott embodies each of these qualities.

Throughout his distinguished career, Scott has served in many different roles, eventually leading to his current role as Chief Executive Officer at RW Allen Construction.

His commitment to excellence and passion for developing future leaders will leave a long-lasting impact on the construction industry in Georgia and across the Nation.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Scott is also a devoted family man and man of faith. I congratulate my friend Scott, his wife Jennifer, and their two children on this well-deserved recognition and honor.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 5408, the Faster Labor Contracts Act.

Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of this House majority and the Trump administration, we are working to deliver

a 21st century economy that benefits the working class. We are putting workers first and giving them the freedom to champion their own future and achieve the American Dream.

This legislation before us today, to put it simply, is a significant step backward. There is a reason this bill is opposed by hundreds of organizations and stakeholder groups, including H.R. professionals, franchise businesses, retailers, and more.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act would allow government-appointed arbitrators to impose a union contract on workers and employers if the two sides cannot reach an agreement on their own.

At its core, H.R. 5408 rips power away from workers and job creators and lays it in the lap of the Federal Government. I can tell you firsthand that the hardworking Georgians I represent want no part of this.

Georgia has been named the number one State to do business for 12 consecutive years. We are a right-to-work State. One reason for that is that we have great State-level leadership that rejects destructive policies like this.

Current law already requires employers and unions to bargain in good faith and provides remedies for parties that refuse to do so.

The goal of this body should be to fuel growth for Main Street, not force employees and employers into union contracts without their consent.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act is bad for our economy, bad for American workers, and I strongly urge a vote in opposition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reflection and gratitude of Reverend Roy McVeigh for his years of guidance, encouragement, and stewardship at Trinity on the Hill Global Methodist Church in Augusta, Georgia.

For decades, Roy has been a pillar of leadership in youth ministry, faithfully investing in generations of young people. A devoted Christian, father, grandfather, and friend, Roy's influence extends far beyond the walls of our church.

I witnessed firsthand the profound influence he had on all four of my children and now my grandchildren. It was because of Roy that Robin and I were able to watch our four children grow in their relationship with our Lord and Savior, one of life's greatest blessings. In fact, it was that influence and their influence that changed my life.

As Roy and Kathy begin their next chapter in North Carolina, I am reminded of his favorite Bible verse, John 3:30, which tells us: ``He must increase, but I must decrease.'' These profound words reflect the humility and faith that have defined his ministry for many years.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Roy on a well-earned retirement, and may God continue to bless him and Kathy and their entire family in the days ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Gregory Tegang, upon his acceptance to the United States Air Force Academy.

As a future cadet, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most fearsome fighting force, the United States Air Force.

Guided by the motto ``Aim High . . . Fly-Fight-Win'' the U.S. Air Force is the world's preeminent force in air, space, and cyberspace,

Throughout our history, American Airmen have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the Earth.

I was honored to sponsor Gregory's nomination, and I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers both during his time at the Air Force Academy and thereafter.

I congratulate Gregory and I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Robby Saballa, upon his acceptance to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

As a future midshipman, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite naval force, guided by the motto: ``Acta Non Verba.''

The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy.

A vital part of our Nation's maritime operations, the Merchant Marines' duties are dynamic, transporting cargo and passengers during peacetime and serving as an auxiliary to the United States Navy during times of war.

I was glad to sponsor Robby's nomination, as his dynamism reflects the mission of the branch which he will soon serve. I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter.

I congratulate Robby, and I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, CcChase Faamausili, upon his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy.

As a future midshipman, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite naval force, guided by the motto: ``Semper Fortis.''

The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy.

And throughout our history, American servicemembers have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the Earth.

I was glad to sponsor CcChase's nomination, and I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter.

I congratulate CcChase and I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Tyler Swoope, upon his acceptance to the United States Air Force Academy.

As a future cadet, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most fearsome fighting force, the United States Air Force.

Guided by the motto ``Aim High . . . Fly-Fight-Win'' the U.S. Air Force is the world's preeminent force in air, space, and cyberspace.

Throughout our history, American Airmen have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the Earth.

I was honored to sponsor Tyler's nomination, and I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers both during his time at the Air Force Academy and thereafter.

I congratulate Tyler and I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Bryce Reynierson, upon his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy.

As a future midshipman, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite naval force, guided by the motto: ``Semper Fortis.''

The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy.

And throughout our history, American servicemembers have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the Earth.

I was glad to sponsor Bryce's nomination, and I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter.

I congratulate Bryce and I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Lila Jun, upon her acceptance to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

As a future cadet, she will be joining the ranks of the world's most fearsome fighting force--the United States Army--guided by duty, honor, and country.

The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy.

And throughout our history, American soldiers have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the Earth.

I was glad to sponsor Lila's nomination, and I am confident that her talents will distinguish her among her peers both during her time at West Point and thereafter.

I congratulate Lila and I know that she will make this Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the sheriff for yielding to me, and I thank the sheriff for hosting tonight's Special Order. It is a privilege to join the sheriff as we commemorate National Police Week and honor the upstanding men and women who serve our Nation's law enforcement.

When I travel to my district back in Georgia, I meet regularly with our sheriffs and law enforcement officers as much as possible, and I am constantly in awe of the courage, the selflessness, and the heroism that they demonstrate every day for our communities.

Here in the Chamber, we are without excuse. We have right there above the Speaker ``In God We Trust.'' We have Moses, the full face of Moses, who gave us the law.

The Apostle Paul penned it as well as anyone can. In fact, basically, God ordained government to restrain evil. That was the sole purpose.

In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul said:

``Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

``Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

``For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.

``Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?

``Then do what is right and you will be commended.

``For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

``Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.''

I am going to tell you, Mr. Speaker, this was drilled into me by my parents. One of the things that is really disturbing in our culture today is the disrespect for authority in our Nation, but I tell our police officers about Romans 13. It is the highest calling in this land to be called by God in authority to make sure that folks are safe and secure.

On a daily basis, these officers choose to prioritize the safety of others above their own.

Georgia's 12th District felt this ultimate sacrifice firsthand when one of our own, Deputy Brandon Sikes of Columbia, lost his life in the line of duty last April.

As the family and our community continue to mourn this tragic loss, we are reminded of his extraordinary service, and we find solace in Scripture.

John 15:13 says: ``Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.''

That is, again, a high calling. We will never forget Deputy Brandon Sikes.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the officers serving in Georgia's 12th Congressional District and across the State of Georgia and throughout our country, including our own Capitol Police officers here in the Capitol who work every day to keep us safe.

I am proud to unequivocally stand with the men and women in blue and will continue to support their mission now and always.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7386) to amend the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, led by Representative Dunn. The First Responder Network Authority, FirstNet, was born to solve the problems first responders faced during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In 2012, Congress established FirstNet as the dedicated network for first responders so they would never again suffer the severe communication failures that undermined their ability to coordinate and respond to the attacks. Nearly 15 years later, FirstNet has become a vital tool for first responders nationwide, and it is time for Congress to reauthorize this program so they can continue to do their lifesaving work.

Plain and simple, this legislation reauthorizes this important tool for first responders and makes improvements to ensure long-term success of the network, while increasing transparency and accountability within the program.

This legislation has strong bipartisan support. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Dunn), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Virginia for her support of this important legislation.

Like I said, this is a bipartisan bill, and I urge support of this bill and ask for immediate passage.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.