Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I recognize DiGeorge Syndrome, or 22q Deletion Syndrome, awareness day and month.

22q Deletion Syndrome is a genetic syndrome caused by the deletion of a small part of chromosome 22 during a pregnancy, resulting in a wide- ranging scope of physical health issues and developmental delays for the child and leading to ongoing challenges for individuals diagnosed with 22q throughout their lives.

I would like to thank my constituent, Ms. Rebecca Osberg, for her impactful work on raising awareness for 22q Deletion Syndrome and for bringing this important issue to my attention. Ms. Osberg and so many families around the country are leading the charge to shine a light on 22q Deletion Syndrome and related rare diseases. Thank you for your tireless advocacy.

This month is a time to celebrate individuals with 22q and their often-overlooked contributions to our communities.

Madam Speaker, one hundred years ago this month, Cherry Street Baptist Church in Attalla, Alabama held its first service on October 22, 1922. It was that day that laid the foundation for a century of worship and fellowship that continues to serve the community to this day.

Located in Etowah County, and in the Fourth Congressional District that I represent, Cherry Street Baptist has continuously and faithfully executed the mission bestowed upon

us followers of Christ to spread the word of God and the teachings of Jesus. It is their commitment to his love and forgiveness that has withstood the test of time and bestowed the congregation with the strength to flourish.

Over Cherry Street Baptist's one hundred years, there have been many faithful men that have had the honor to serve as pastor, many of which the community of Attalla hold both cherished in memory and dearest of friends still today. Among these men are C.O. Thompson, Walter Johnson, C.G. Garrett, Rufus Perry, L.A. Perry, Cicero Peek, Monroe Humphries, Ira Tidwell, Ray Chaple, Hoyt Wilks, J.A. Patterson, P.W. Mitchell, R.R. Mathews, George Fisher, M.S. Cunningham, Kenneth C. Spears, Charles O. Dinkins, Rolland H. Clemons, Roger Willmore, Herman Cobb, Dean Hampton, Jimmy Perkins and Larry Garrard.

For the last decade, Brother Phillip Elliot has served as the pastor and so many in the Attalla community walk with him in the pursuit of better understanding of the Gospel.

Beyond the great pastors of Cherry Street Baptist's history is the congregation that has come to know His word through the years. The people of Attalla and surrounding areas have grown together in Christ and understand the renowned significance of their longstanding fellowship.

I want to send my most sincere congratulations to the entire congregation as they celebrate this wonderful milestone in their history, and I pray that in another century Cherry Street Baptist Church will still be spreading the Word and serving the community that they hold so dear.

``Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.'' Colossians 3:16

Madam Speaker, today I would like to commend President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting the seventh Congress on World and Traditional Religions.

This year was the largest such forum to date with more than 100 delegations from over 50 nations, with a focus of a post-pandemic world. It was a historic event and included representatives from most major faiths including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and others. Notably, Pope Francis made his first appearance at the Congress on World and Traditional Religions and Israel's Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau attended.

Madam Speaker, at a tumultuous time in the world, this event was an important opportunity for faith leaders to work to promote and protect freedom of religious expression and worship in all nations.

Notably, it included a panel that focused on the role faiths play in supporting the social status of women; the panel specifically discussed ways faiths around the world can bolster women and families. The opportunity to discuss these very important issues was a welcome addition.

I would also like to acknowledge the Declaration of VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which was adopted at the Congress on September 15th.

I commend these types of gatherings and the Republic of Kazakhstan for again hosting this event and promoting a robust and meaningful dialogue among many faith leaders from around the world.

Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize and celebrate the freedom of Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, who resides in Alabama's Fourth Congressional District, which I am honored to represent.

I was informed yesterday that Andy Huynh, along with Alex Drueke, another Alabamian who had gone missing, have been freed from their captivity in eastern Ukraine and are safe at the U.S. Embassy in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh undergoing a medical evaluation.

In June, I was alerted that Andy and Alex--both former U.S. service members--had gone missing after volunteering to fight alongside the Ukrainian Army following the unprovoked Russian invasion.

Since hearing of Andy's disappearance, my office has worked to gather any information possible to share with Andy's loved ones and stayed in contact with the U.S. Department of State in the hopes of bringing Andy back home.

I know that Andy's fiancee, Joy Black, and soon to be mother-in-law, Darla Black, have been ever faithful in their prayers and efforts to seek Andy's release, never losing hope. Today their faith has been rewarded and Andy is safe. Furthermore, the same can be also said about Alex's family, as they have been ever diligent in working toward his release.

I thank all of my colleagues and fellow citizens for their prayers for Andy's safety. When Andy Huynh and Alex Drueke return to Alabama, I look forward to meeting them and their families in person. We are thankful to God for their safe release.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize and congratulate Mr. Brad Bolton, president, CEO, and senior lender for Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, Alabama, on his recent election to become the chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America.

The Independent Community Bankers of America is the only national organization that exclusively represents community banks and their interests, and they create and promote environments where community banks flourish. Community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks nationwide, employ more than 700,000 Americans, and hold over $5 trillion in assets.

Mr. Bolton is extremely qualified for his important role as chairman as he serves in multiple vital leadership roles at the Independent Community Bankers of America. He is currently chairman of the ICBA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, a mentor of ICBA's Federal Delegate board and its Policy Development and Nominating committees, a member of ICBA's ThinkTECH selection committee, and serves as the Executive Committee liaison to the Bank Services Committee. He has also previously served on the Board of Directors as chairman of the Bank Education Committee and several other committees.

Mr. Bolton holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama, and he is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee.

As a second-generation community banker, Mr. Bolton is ardently active at the local level. His involvement includes, but is not limited to, serving on the Legislative Committee of the Mississippi Bankers Association, serving as an elected member of the Red Bay, Alabama, City Council and a member of the Franklin County Community Development Commission. He also previously served as past chairman of the Alabama Young Bankers, known as Leadership Community Bankers, and on the Atlanta Federal Reserve Board's Community Depository Institution Advisory Council.

Peers have described Mr. Bolton as someone who ``works tirelessly for the betterment of our industry on the local, state and national level'' and are ``confident he will continue to make a difference in community banking as he moves to this next level of leadership with the ICBA.''

Mr. Bolton is not just a banker in the Red Bay community, but also a leader in our state and region and, most importantly, a friend. He is married to his wife, Julie and they have three children, Brooklyn Bolton Yancey and her husband Lane Yancey; Bailey Bolton; and Brady Bolton.

He understands the needs of his rural community and works avidly to fulfill them, so today I ask you to join me in congratulating him on his election and already life changing career and wishing him luck on his future endeavors as the chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to honor a distinguished citizen of Alabama's Fourth Congressional District, Ms. Brenda Nelson Horn. Through her community contributions, and love for the people of Alabama, her legacy will surely outlast us all. I hope that you will join me in honoring her memory.

In 1960, Brenda was married to Darell Mullaney and they started their family immediately. She was the proud mother of Mike, Scott and Matt Mullaney. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Jacksonville, Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, Birmingham, Alabama and eventually back to Cullman, Alabama in 1972.

Brenda raised her sons in Cullman until 1982 when she moved with her second husband, Fred Horn to Orem, Utah. After two years in Utah, they moved briefly to Kentucky and then to Shelbyville, TN, where they started a self-storage business.

She returned to Cullman in 1996 and, the following year, she began her work with Cullman Industrial Development (ID) Board. She became indispensable in the office dealing with the record keeper for many functions including financing, contracts, legal documents, budgets, and invoicing. Brenda loved working for the Cullman Industrial Development ID Board and developed close friendships during her 25 years there. She considered those she worked with as her extended family.

Brenda also made significant contributions in politics at both the local and state level. Her guidance and counsel were sought by many candidates for various offices. She managed the successful campaigns for candidates for the Alabama Legislature and Congress and provided consult counsel to many candidates for local offices. She served as Treasurer for both the Alabama Federation of Republican Women and the Cullman County Republican Party, as well as President of the Cullman County Republican Women.

Her legacy is left to be cherished by her three sons Mike Mullaney and wife, Lisa; Matt Mullaney and wife, Melody, and Scott Mullaney; her sister Diane Brown and her husband, Ken; brothers Maxie Nelson and wife, Cindy; and Bruce Nelson and wife, Mary Ellen; and grandchildren Christopher, Emily, Mitch, Kate, Dylan, Hunter, Brianna, McKenzie, Sean, and Haylee, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ms. Horn's dedication, patriotic spirit, and lifelong commitment to our state act as an example for us all to look up to as we pursue public service. I ask that you join me as we commemorate the life of Brenda Nelson Horn, and honor her legacy in Cullman County, and the state of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize and honor the life of James Rufus Reed of Jasper, AL after his passing on June 4, 2022. Rufus Reed's dedication to his work, community, family, and especially his faith, serves as an example to us all of the love we should share for each other and those we hold dear to our hearts.

James Rufus Reed was born on August 21, 1940 in Cordova, Alabama. He attended Cordova High School, and upon his graduation in 1959, he went on to attend Walker College. Mr. Reed began working for the Alabama Power Company as an electrician, and retired as a Safety Specialist after 29 long years.

Alongside his career serving the customers of Alabama Power, Mr. Reed served as a trustee for his alma mater, Cordova High School, where he dedicated his time to improving the lives of young people.

He also served on the Walker County Civil Service Board where he was committed to bettering the community that he called home. We will always humbly remember Mr. Reed's service to Walker County and Alabama's Fourth Congressional District.

Most importantly, Mr. Reed was also a devoted servant of the Lord. He served as a deacon at Cordova First Baptist Church, and later as deacon at Jasper's First Baptist Church. In his efforts to teach the Word, he faithfully led Sunday School and served as a devout leader in the church throughout the years.

Mr. Reed was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Alma Reed and Marion and Susannah Wylie; and his parents, Leighton and Mendie Reed.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patsy Collier Reed, who was his constant companion.; Rufus had two wonderful children, Alabama State Senator Greg Reed, who married, Mitsy; and Angie Reed Lum, who married George. His great legacy will also be cherished by his grandchildren, Andrew Reed; James Reed; John Michael Reed and his wife, Kalei Woodley Reed; Reed Lum; and his siblings, Doris Vines, Wilson Reed, Kay Williams, and Darlene Bell.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in celebrating the life of James Rufus Reed and the love he shared for his community, his state, his family, and especially for his faith.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for the opportunity to come and talk about this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition. It has been noted this morning, the legislation that we are considering today doesn't just reverse the Supreme Court's recent ruling of Roe v. Wade, it goes much further.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have assembled this bundle of policies in an effort to undermine the enforcement of pro- life State laws.

As the Republican whip just pointed out a little earlier, in combination with what is called the so-called Women's Health Protection Act, it seeks to undermine the will of the people, and places the U.S. on a short list with North Korea and China as countries with the most extreme abortion policies in the world. We don't want to be on a list with those two countries.

Instead of undermining State law, we should be enabling States that have chosen to extend the responsibility of protecting its citizens to also include the unborn.

The Alabama legislature enacted the Human Life Protection Act in 2019, reflecting the will of the citizens of the State. I cannot allow those voices to be silenced by radical Federal abortion bills.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this measure that we are voting on this morning, and all of the extreme measures yet to come attacking the most vulnerable among us.

Madam Speaker, as Co-chair of the House Azerbaijan Caucus, I am honored to recognize the Republic Day recently celebrated in Azerbaijan.

On May 28, 1918, the National Assembly of Azerbaijan adopted their Declaration of Independence, becoming the first secular democracy in the region. After being invaded by the Soviet Union and incorporated into the USSR, Azerbaijan again restored its independence on August 30, 1991.

Azerbaijan is a significant partner to the United States and plays a key role in energy security, supporting Israel, and ensuring stability in the region.

Azerbaijan has been a leader in the Southern Gas Corridor, which will ultimately decrease the Caspian region's dependence on Russian oil, a critical effort especially at this time of Russian aggression.

A strong ally to the U.S. and other international partners, Azerbaijan has stood strong with the U.S. and NATO forces by providing critical refueling stations and fighting side-by-side with U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan contributed to the security of Kosovo and Iraq, and promotes peacekeeping operations under the United Nations and NATO. Committed to global nonproliferation efforts and peacekeeping operations, Azerbaijan also participates as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Given Azerbaijan's position as a partner of the United States in a critical area of the world, I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing support for Azerbaijan's independence and commending the people of Azerbaijan on their Republic Day.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to recognize the six teams from Alabama's Fourth Congressional District who recently won State titles in high school basketball. There were a total of 14 that were up for grabs, and schools from the Fourth Congressional District, which I have the privilege to represent, won almost half of them.

In the girls finals, Marion County High, located in Guin and coached by Scott Veal, won the State title 1A.

Deshler High School, located in Tuscumbia and coached by Jana Killen, won the State 4A title.

And Guntersville High School, located in Guntersville and coached by Kenny Hill, won the State 5A championship.

Over on the boys' side, Covenant, located in Tuscumbia and coached by Bret Waldrep, won the 1A title.

Plainview High School, located in Rainsville and coached by Robi Coker, won the State 3A championship.

And Cullman High School, located in Cullman and coached by Stu Stuedeman won the State 6A title.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate all of these teams, all their schools, and all their communities.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize and congratulate Mr. Tom Walker, founder and president of the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama, on his retirement after almost 35 years as an educator, civic leader and inspiration to children and adults alike across the southeast and the nation.

In the late 1980's, Tom conceived the idea of the American Village to be an American history and civics educational campus to inspire and prepare young people for their roles as citizens and leaders. Under Tom's leadership,

American Village, an 188-acre campus in Montevallo, Alabama, became chartered in 1995 and has since educated and inspired over 750,000 children as well as adults across the southeastern United States. American Village has welcomed thousands of public visitors each year for a true American Experience.

Before founding American Village, Tom earned his bachelor's degree, with honors, in history and political science from the University of Montevallo and his master's degree in political science from Mississippi State University.

Tom Walker is the former City Manager of Northport, Alabama, and served as the Special Assistant to the President of the University of Montevallo. He is also the former Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of Montevallo and was the founding chair of the AL Higher Education Partnership.

Since founding the American Village, Tom has received numerous awards and honors. In 2017, he was one of only sixteen private citizens appointed to the Semiquincentennial Commission to organize the 250th birthday celebration of the United States of America. In December of 2020, Tom was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Laws by Troy University. He is a past recipient of the American Bar Association's highest national award for excellence in K-12 law-related education. He is the recipient of the DAR Medal of Honor and the SAR Gold Citizenship Medal, the highest national honors awarded by the National Societies of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and of the Sons of the American Revolution, respectively. He has received numerous other state, regional and national awards and was named as Birmingham Citizen of the Year by The Women's Committee of Birmingham in 2014.

Tom once said, We must build good citizens and leaders who will cherish these ideals, and thereby learn to love our country, and what an incredible job of that he has done these past 35 years working with the students of the southeast.

Upon his retirement, Tom looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Betty, three children: his son, Matt and wife Candace; his daughter, Jane Herndon and her husband Josh; and his son Jefferson, along with his grandson, Wells Thomas Herndon. He will continue to maintain an office and an active part-time Founder and Director- Emeritus position at the American Village, as he continues to prepare the nation's youth to become leaders.

Since my own appointment to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, I have had the honor to serve alongside Tom. I have grown to admire and respect his great love for American history, his solid values and his strong faith in God, which are the foundations that have made this nation great. It has been a privilege to work with him on this commission, but more importantly to call him my friend. I look forward to his continued service in that role.

As a community leader, educator, and friend, Tom Walker has touched the lives of countless Americans, including myself. Therefore, I ask you to join with me in congratulating Tom Walker on an inspirational 35 years of work and service to Montevallo, the State of Alabama, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to speak on the FY 2022 appropriations package. I thank Ranking Member Granger for yielding me the time and for her outstanding leadership this year.

I also want to thank my counterpart, CJS Subcommittee Chairman Cartwright for his partnership over the last year.

Within the CJS title, we've been able to increase funding for the Space Launch System, the Exploration Upper Stage, and other space technologies. All are key in our efforts to establish a strategic presence on the Moon ahead of Russia and China.

There are increases provided to support our communities within agencies such as the DOJ and NOAA. We're investing millions of additional dollars to improve our ability to understand and forecast extreme weather, so that local leaders can help create more resilient communities, and Americans can get safely out of harm's way when dangerous weather strikes.

We're increasing funding for critical drug court programs and other vital initiatives that address the opioid epidemic, as well as DNA analysis programs that are helping to solve cold cases.

Even as we reflect on the spending priorities within this package for our own citizens, we must not turn our eyes away from the atrocities being committed by Vladimir Putin against the people of Ukraine.

Today, we stand in strong support of the people and forces of our ally. Putin's violent attempt to strip Ukrainians of their freedom will be met with an even stronger force because of our help.

American strength has long been a deterrent of global conflict. I take this responsibility seriously and will continue working to ensure adequate funding is provided to meet both the immediate and long-term security needs of this country.

I encourage my colleagues to support the security package within the omnibus appropriations bill and ensure the Ukrainians have the resources they need to defend themselves from these heinous acts.

Madam Speaker, our friends in Azerbaijan paused last week to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy and it is right that we join our allies in this remembrance.

Since the beginning of the armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the late 1980s, it is reported that the Khojaly tragedy, which happened on February 25 and 26, 1992, was the deadliest in this conflict, resulting in hundreds of lives lost, families devastated, and the town destroyed.

Although a cease-fire was negotiated in 1994, the conflict is ongoing and flares periodically, most recently in 2020. It remains my hope and prayer that the barriers to peace that have persisted for the last three decades can be resolved.

2022 also marks the 30th anniversary of the U.S. and Azerbaijan establishing diplomatic relations. Since then, Azerbaijan has been a key partner in the War on Terror, and the two nations share a Trade Relations Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty.

The anniversary of this tragedy is an appropriate time to remember the lives of all the men, women, and children who were killed, and to recommit to working together to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. Long-term peace, security, and regional cooperation are in the best interests of the entire region of the South Caucasus and the world.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Dr. John P. Anderson of Rainsville, Alabama on his service to Northeast Alabama after 48 years of practice. Dr. Anderson's decades of service to his community and the State of Alabama exemplify the hard-working spirit of the people we have in Alabama's Fourth District.

Dr. Anderson graduated from Auburn University in 1969 where he was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. He continued his education at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry where he graduated in 1973 with his DMD degree. While at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry he was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society and the American College of Dentists. He received the Dean's Award, the highest award bestowed on a graduating senior, the Walter Pelton Community Dentistry Award, and the Academy of General Dentistry Award.

After receiving his DMD in 1973, Dr. Anderson practiced in Rainsville, Alabama. Deepening his dedication to his field, he served as a Delegate to the American Dental Association for 12 years, where he served as both Vice President and President. He also served as the President of the Dentistry Alumni Association for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has been honored with many outstanding awards over the course of his career including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Fellowship Award in 1988, the Academy of Dentistry International Fellowship Award in 1990, the Alabama Dental Association Dentist Citizen of the Year in 1991, the International College of Dentists Fellowship Award in 1992, the American College of Dentists Fellowship Award in 1993, and the Alabama Dental Association Most Excellent Fellow in 1995.

As an active member of his community, Dr. Anderson's service extends far beyond the scope of his practice. He has served two terms as the President of the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce and served on a committee that raised $350,000 of local money to secure matching grants for a new public library in Rainsville. His service to Dekalb County includes serving 12 years on the Board of Directors for the United Givers Fund and chairing the Dekalb County Commission to Improve Education. Additionally, he is currently in his 28th year on the Economic Development Committee of Dekalb County where he has served as Chairman since 2000.

Dr. Anderson has served so many over the past 48 years, not only in Alabama, but in 1988 he even traveled to Bolivia where he provided dental care to the natives of the Andes Mountains.

Dr. Anderson has been married to his wife Frances Randolph Maclin Anderson since 1969. They have one daughter, Mary Stuart Anderson Gallian who followed in her father's footsteps and practices dentistry in Fairfax, Virginia. Please join his family and me in congratulating Dr. John P. Anderson of Rainsville, Alabama on an exceptional career and great service to his community and the great State of Alabama.