Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the transformative innovation coming out of Ohio--innovation that saves and improves lives. For families in my district, this scientific ingenuity matters. I'm proud of the evolution of biomedical science and its application to drug development.

To ensure this innovation will benefit our citizens, I encourage my colleagues to support a triad of legislative policies that will expedite market entry, identify patients, and remove barriers to patient access. In an era of government price controls, which are undermining previous congressional efforts to promote innovation, such policies are particularly essential to ensuring continued biopharmaceutical industry investment in new technologies to treat rare diseases. We can work to collectively pass legislative items to increase access to treat rare diseases, as well as enact policies that will improve newborn screening, better facilitate genetic testing, and enhance the level of care disease expertise and experience on Food and Drug Administration review teams to allow for more consistent application of benefit-risk, real world evidence, and patient experience data.

I'd like to flag that gene therapy is the next evolution in treatment for rare diseases like hemophilia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, hereditary angioedema, OTC deficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency disease, Pompe disease, and muscular dystrophy. It has the potential to be the first type of therapeutic intervention for hundreds of rare pediatric disorders that lack or had lacked any treatment option, including AADC deficiency, epidermolysis bullosa, metachromatic leukodystrophy, and adrenoleukodystrophy.

The biopharmaceutical industry has invested billions of dollars in gene therapy clinical trials for such conditions at institutions throughout Ohio, including Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Cleveland Clinic, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Akron Children's Hospital, and Dayton Children's Hospital.

Gene therapy is the focus of the nearly $100 million in grants that the National Institutes of Health has awarded in recent years to researchers throughout Ohio. For example, Dr. Krystof Bankiewicz from Ohio State has received nearly $15 million for researching a gene therapy to treat AADC deficiency, which is a fatal neurodevelopmental disorder with only 135 identified patients in the world. Due to an enzyme deficiency, ``children lack muscle control, and are usually unable to speak, feed themselves or even hold up their head,'' according to Dr. Bankiewicz. By transferring a functional copy of the AADC gene to allow for endogenous AADC enzyme production, clinical trial data have demonstrated that this gene therapy prevents oculogyric crises, allows the child to develop control, sit up, and walk, and generally improves quality of life.

Our institutions and clinicians in Ohio are truly the leaders among peers in biopharmaceutical innovation for rare disorders. The development and commercialization of safe, effective, and durable gene therapy for these rare disorders is precisely what Congress intended when it enacted the 21st Century Cures Act (including the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy program), the Orphan Drug Act, the Breakthrough Therapy program, and the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher program.

The American people deserve a return on the biopharmaceutical industry investment in bringing gene therapies to patients, as well as the NIH support of basic research and early-stage clinical studies. If patients have an incomplete diagnosis or if diagnosed patients are subject to step therapy or other coverage restrictions or denials, gene therapy will not benefit those who need it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wood County Agricultural Society on the 150th Anniversary of the Wood County Fair. Since 1873, the Wood County Fair has been a proud tradition of Northwest Ohio and has served as an outlet for county residents to showcase their talents, skills, and benevolence. Over the course of 150 years, the Fair has continued to promote the county's heritage, bring the community together, and encourage friendly competition with the junior fair.

The first Wood County Fair was held near the corner of today's W. Wooster and N. Grove Streets in Bowling Green, Ohio. Between 1851 to 1885, it was held in various locations around Wood County including Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Portage, and Tontogany. From 1882 to 1927, the fair was held in what is now the Bowling Green City Park. Although there was not an official fair between 1928 to 1950, events that highlighted and celebrated the county's agriculture base included Tomato Festivals, Harvest Festivals, and Fall Festivals. The fair has been held at the current location since 1951.

Although the first fair wasn't held until 1873, Wood County's beginnings set the foundation for the agricultural spirit that is still felt today during the fair. Wood County was once home to the Great Black Swamp. This made settlement of the area extremely difficult, but the pioneering spirit of early residents produced an extensive system of ditches, which drained the swamp and revealed the rich farmland beneath. There are still more than 3,000 miles of drainage ditches keeping the county dry to this day, and agriculture continues to power Wood County's economy.

Even after the population spiked due to the discovery of oil and natural gas in the late 1800s, agriculture continued to dominate Wood County's economy. The county supports the rural traditions and history of the area that fosters agricultural ingenuity, manufacturing developments, and educational success. All of these factors have contributed to a successful fair that highlights all aspects of the county.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Wood County Agricultural Society on this significant milestone. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I wish the Wood County Agricultural Society continued success on this 150th Wood County Fair.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1345) to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity, and for other purposes.

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 H.R. 1345, the NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act, led by the gentleman from Utah's Third District and the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania's Seventh District.

As our world becomes more increasingly digitized and interconnected, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Cybersecurity threats, whether originating from State actors, criminal organizations, or malicious hackers, pose significant risks to our national security, economy, and the privacy of our citizens.

The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks underscore the urgency of addressing this ever-evolving challenge. The NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act bolsters our Nation's cybersecurity posture by strengthening the coordination between the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA, and other relevant Federal agency.

The bill renames the existing NTIA Office of Policy and Analysis and Development to the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity and codifies the existing activities of the office.

H.R. 1345 seeks to promote effective information sharing, collaboration, and response efforts established in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

Moreover, the legislation facilitates public-private partnerships to develop and implement cybersecurity policies related to the communication networks.

By encouraging collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders, we can work together to address cyber threats and vulnerabilities more effectively.

This bipartisan legislation passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 44-0, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1345.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis), the sponsor of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Fulcher).

Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman just stated, this bill encourages collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders so that we can work together to address cyber threats and vulnerabilities more effectively.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage by the House, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1338) to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide authority for certain licenses, 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 on the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act, led by the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Over the last several years, the satellite marketplace has changed drastically. Every American now expects fast, reliable access to the internet no matter where they are, and satellite communications networks play an important role in bridging the digital divide.

Today, new innovations in the satellite marketplace now enable speeds comparable to the other internet service providers. This new and enhanced satellite service is especially important in rural Ohio and other rural areas across America.

For Americans who have never had internet, satellite broadband can enable families to connect with distant relatives, children to complete their homework and receive an education online, and users to access telehealth services.

The new speeds and low latency provided by satellite communications networks are enabled by several advancements in technology.

First, some new satellite communications networks operate in low- Earth orbit, which means their radio signals do not have to travel as far as other satellite communications signals. As a result, communications networks offering low-Earth orbit can provide lower latency services that can deliver a better experience for consumers.

Additionally, some new satellite communications networks have more satellite radio stations in their network than satellite communications networks that were licensed many years ago. In some cases, there are thousands of radios, all of which work together in concert to provide faster, more reliable connectivity service.

Finally, investment and innovation in new satellite communications networks have led to novel proposals to use electromagnetic spectrum in new ways. By their nature, satellite communications networks serve global markets and therefore share the use of electromagnetic spectrum. The complex design and architecture of these satellites, as well as how they utilize spectrum, has led to more advanced satellite service offerings.

However, all of this change has amplified the challenges with the Federal Communications Commission's licensing process. A regulatory process that once contemplated only a handful of applications has seen dozens of applicants seeking new applications, modifications to existing applications, and new uses of spectrum that the old regulatory regime was not designed to address.

To provide needed direction to the FCC and promote competition and innovation, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act is the first legislation in decades to modernize the regulatory framework for licensing commercial satellite communications networks.

H.R. 1338 would bring our licensing framework for satellite communications into the 21st century, especially as we compete against other countries like China that seek to dominate the United States.

The legislation would establish a statutory framework at the FCC that provides a streamlined process for considering new satellite communications licenses, modifying existing ones, and facilitating the deployment of innovative communications technologies.

In addition to bringing next-generation satellite connectivity to Americans and the world, H.R. 1338 would also promote U.S. technological leadership. By creating a regulatory environment that invites investment and rewards innovation, we can turn the United States into the destination of choice for licensing satellite communications systems for providers around the world.

While the use of spectrum must be coordinated internationally, ensuring timely access to predictable, reliable use of shared spectrum in the United States will send a signal that the government wants to be a partner, not a roadblock, to deploying next-generation technologies.

This is key as the United States looks to defend America's technological leadership against China. The Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act will ensure the United States' regulatory process doesn't hold back American innovation. China can act unilaterally to approve changes to their satellite communications system and spectrum usage, which is a far cry from the competitive, market-based spectrum licensing system in the United States.

In order for the government to be a partner and not a roadblock, it must make sure that innovative, new satellite spectrum technologies make it from the lab to orbit in a timely manner. H.R. 1338 will ensure that there is a fair regulatory regime built on an objective, performance-based system that facilitates the investment needed to maintain our technological leadership.

Also, the FCC currently has authority under the Communications Act to attach conditions to licenses for satellite communications systems to ensure licensees are acting in the public interest. This authority has been upheld by the courts.

The Energy and Commerce Committee wants to ensure that the FCC does not become a space traffic cop and try to manage space traffic management functions or provide space situational awareness information. We added rules of construction to clarify that the FCC does not have the authority to be that space traffic cop and to affirm that nothing in H.R. 1338 would expand the existing authority the FCC currently has regarding orbital debris and space safety.

The rules of construction also clarify that nothing in H.R. 1338 grants the FCC the authority to carry out functions provided under 10 U.S.C. 2274 related to the provision of space situational awareness services and information.

The FCC uses its current authority to attach conditions to spectrum licenses relating to orbital debris and

space safety capabilities to prevent harmful interference among satellite systems and avoid granting licenses to potentially unsafe satellite communications systems that would jeopardize space safety and exacerbate orbital debris.

This legislation is good government. It provides statutory direction and boundaries to the FCC rather than allowing it to retrofit old laws for the new marketplace.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Dunn), from Florida's Second District.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Fulcher).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber).

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

Mr. Speaker, we have heard from so many of our speakers this afternoon about how essential H.R. 1338 is to promote effective information sharing, collaboration, and response efforts to establish the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.

The legislation facilitates the public-private partnerships to develop and implement cybersecurity policies related to the communications networks. By encouraging this collaboration between the government agencies and stakeholders, we can all work together to address the cyber threats and vulnerabilities more effectively.

Again, this piece of legislation passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee. We worked together on this in a bipartisan manner, and with a vote of 44-0, that bill came out of committee. It is a good piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 1338, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 682) to facilitate access to electromagnetic spectrum for commercial space launches and commercial space reentries, 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 insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 682, the Launch Communications Act led by the gentlemen from Florida's Second and Ninth Districts.

Over the last decade, the American commercial space industry has dramatically reduced the cost to enter space, revolutionizing the industry. Investment has increased, and innovation has flourished. The number of commercial space launches has increased dramatically.

Unfortunately, our Federal processes have not kept pace.

To launch satellites into orbit, launch providers need access to certain radio frequencies, known as spectrum, which requires coordination between several Federal agencies.

H.R. 682 will take important steps to streamline the process for commercial space launch providers to gain access to the frequencies they need when they need them and ensure that a lack of coordination between Federal agencies does not hamper the thriving commercial space economy.

No space launch should be threatened because approval for their spectrum access is caught up in bureaucratic delay.

This legislation would provide more certainty to commercial satellite operators that when they make the investment in satellite technologies, they will be able to launch them into space.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 682, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Second District of Florida (Mr. Dunn), who is the sponsor of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation would provide more certainty to our commercial satellite operators so that when they make the investment in satellite technologies, they will be able to launch them into space.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 682, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Chair, for over 2 years, I have worked with my colleague from Virginia's Ninth District to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act. During this time, our country has reeled from a record-breaking number of poisonings. In both 2021 and 2022, over 100,000 Americans died of an overdose.

What was the main culprit? Fentanyl-related substances.

In 2021, 77 percent of teen overdose deaths were attributed to an illicit

fentanyl poisoning, and it is now the number one cause of deaths among adults 18 to 49.

This crisis has simply spiraled out of control, and action must be taken immediately. That is why our bill, the HALT Fentanyl Act, comes into play.

Right now, these fentanyl substances are temporarily set as a schedule I narcotic. If this class-wide scheduling were to expire, drug traffickers will be given the green light to push deadlier drugs; law enforcement will lose authority to seize these deadly narcotics; and Americans will continue to die.

I am pleased the House is taking up this bill to permanently place fentanyl-related substances as a schedule I narcotic.

Let me take a moment to clear up a misconception about this bill. This isn't about criminal justice reform. This is about justice for the victims of fentanyl poisoning. Cartels are killing our citizens for 10 cents. Let me repeat that: Cartels are killing our citizens for 10 cents. That is how much it costs to make a pill in Mexico that is fentanyl-laced.

This is the DEA's number one priority. We owe it to our constituents to fix this permanently.

Currently, to trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum, an offense must involve 100 grams or more of a mixture containing a fentanyl analogue. Because the average lethal dose of fentanyl is just 2 milligrams, the offense would need to contain roughly 50,000 lethal doses. Again, that is 50,000 human beings that would be murdered from fentanyl poisoning.

Madam Chair, I strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the HALT Fentanyl Act to help end this crisis and save innocent lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember the life and service of a dedicated American, Corporal Clark E. Worline. Corporal Worline was born on May 19, 1930. He enlisted in the Army in June 1947 and was assigned to the U.S. Army Chemical Center in Maryland until his unit was sent to the Republic of Korea during the Korean War.

Corporal Worline served with Charlie Company, 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion, Eighth U.S. Army. His unit was part of the Second Infantry Division which came under heavy attack on November 24, 1950, during the Battle of Chongchon against the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces in the vicinity of Sinjang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Corporal Worline's unit was surrounded the next day, and six soldiers from his unit were reported missing in action on November 26, 1950. While no witness accounts or other historical records exist, the Army believes he may have been captured and marched to a temporary holding camp known as Death Valley in December 1950. In March 1951, a group of POWs were marched to POW Camp 5, located at Pyoktong, along the Yalu River in North Korea. Corporal Worline was likely in a group of 109 prisoners that made the march. Corporal Worline was never returned, and the U.S. Army declared him dead on December 31, 1953. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal and also received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

During Operation GLORY, the exchange of dead between combatant countries of the Korean War in Autumn 1954, remains that were recovered from POW Camp 5, Pyoktong, North Korea, were returned to the U.S. Army. One set of Camp 5 remains was designated Unknown X-14326 and interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as The Punchbowl, in Hawaii.

In August 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency analyzed those remains for possible identification through match with any soldier known to have been buried at Camp 5. Although Corporal Worline was not reported as having been at Camp 5, the presence of two other soldiers from his unit at that camp and historical precedence that POWs often remained at such camps without the knowledge of others around them established the possibility that Corporal Worline died there without his presence or death being noted by either the North Korean People's Army or other American POWs.

His remains were identified on September 9, 2022, by The Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency. Their review made positive identification and allowed Corporal Worline to begin his final journey home. As part of his repatriation, the Honorable Transfer of Remains from Dayton International Airport took place on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. After Corporal Worline's memorial service on Friday, May 19, he will finally be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in his hometown of Dupont, Ohio with full military honors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the life and service of Corporal Clark E. Worline. On behalf of the people of Northwest Ohio, we recognize the sacrifice that Corporal Worline made for his country, and we thank his family for his service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I along with members of the Ohio Delegation would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Former Congressman Steve Stivers on his retirement from the Ohio National Guard at the rank of Major General. During General Stiver's career in the Ohio National Guard, he also held office in the Ohio Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 15th Congressional District. He distinguished himself in Washington by his common decency, his dedication to his constituents, and a desire to help anyone he could. Currently, he is serving as president and CEO at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Born and raised in Ripley, Ohio, Steve is the son of Carol and Ernst Stivers. After graduating high school, he went on to study at The Ohio State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics and international relations in 1989. He earned his MBA from OSU in 1996. During his undergraduate studies at OSU, Steve joined the Ohio National Guard. He was eventually called to active duty in October 2004 and was sent to Djibouti, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for his service as battalion commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Before being called to active duty, Steve was appointed by Ohio Senate Republicans in 2003 to represent the 16th Ohio Senate District. He won a full term to the Ohio Senate in 2004. He remained in the Ohio Senate until 2008. In 2010, Steve ran and won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 15th Congressional District. During his time in Congress, he served on the House Committee on Financial Services and became the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance. He would go on to win re-election 5 consecutive times before leaving the House in 2021 to serve as the president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to our former colleague, Major General Steve Stivers, on his retirement from the Ohio National Guard. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I wish Steve all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his 38 years of service to Ohio and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Veronica Florek of Maumee, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

Veronica's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2027. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Veronica brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2027. While attending Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio, Veronica participated in student government, Students in Action, JROTC, and was on the honor roll. Throughout high school, Veronica was involved with basketball, track, and soccer, becoming the captain of her varsity soccer team. I am confident that Veronica will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Merchant Marine Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Veronica Florek on her offer of appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Veronica will excel during her career at the Merchant Marine Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Parker Schofield of Maumee, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Parker's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2027. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Parker brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2027. While attending Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio, Parker was a volunteer for numerous groups, camp counselor at several camps, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout high school, Parker was involved with soccer and basketball, earning varsity letters in both. I am confident that Parker will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Parker Schofield on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Parker will excel during his career at the Naval Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Jossell Bakheet of Perrysburg, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jossell's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2027. Attending one of our nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Jossell brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2027. While attending Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, Jossell participated in student government, medical club, Spanish Honorary Society, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout high school, Jossell played lacrosse and field hockey, and she served as team captain in both. After high school, she attended the Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jossell Bakheet on her offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Jossell will excel during her career at the Air Force Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Dylan Rockey of Bryan, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Dylan's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2027. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Dylan brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2027. While attending Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Virginia, Dylan has participated in JROTC and was on the honor role. Throughout high school, Dylan was involved with lacrosse and football, becoming varsity captain of his football team. I am confident that Dylan will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dylan Rockey on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Dylan will excel during his career at the Military Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Colton Keefe of Bowling Green, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Colton's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2027. Attending one of our nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Colton brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2027. While attending Bowling Green High School, Colton participated in numerous extracurricular activities and was a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout high school, Colton participated in football and wrestling, earning his varsity letter in both. I am confident that Colton will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colton Keefe on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Colton will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Brenna Payne of Luckey, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Brenna's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2027. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Brenna brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2027. While attending Eastwood High School in Pemberville, Ohio, Brenna participated in marching band, concert band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout high school, Brenna was involved with Eastwood Gymnastics and YMCA Gymnastics, earning a varsity letter. I am confident that Brenna will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, l ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brenna Payne on her offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available,

and I am positive that Brenna will excel during her career at the Military Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Ansel Holt of Bowling Green, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Ansel's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2027. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Ansel brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2027. While attending Bowling Green High School, Ansel participated in ice hockey all four years of high school and received his varsity letter. I am confident that Ansel will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ansel Holt on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Ansel will excel during his career at the Military Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.