Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Alan Black on the occasion of his retirement from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), where he served as Director of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs. Over more than forty years, Alan Black gave this Nation a career of consistent, consequential public service.

Alan spent 20 years on active duty in the United States Air Force. He led public affairs operations during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle, and supported humanitarian relief communications following the earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, and the tsunami in East Asia.

Since joining NSWCDD in 2015, he has been responsible for all communication and engagement programs at a $1.4 billion research and development command supporting naval surface warfare, cyberspace defense, and emerging technologies. He managed media and legislative relations, developed branding strategy, led STEM outreach with regional schools and universities, and advised senior leadership on strategic communications across the organization.

Alan Black is known for his professionalism and his investment in the people he worked with. He mentored public affairs professionals throughout his career, built strong relationships with media and community leaders, and was a reliable advisor to the organizations he served.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Alan Black for more than 40 years of service to the United States Air Force and the Department of the Navy, and in wishing him and his family well in retirement.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Katherine Getty Koohmaraie and her service and contributions to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation.

Katherine joined my team in March of last year from Emergent BioSolutions, where she was head of federal affairs, after serving at the NRCC for two cycles. Before her campaign experience, she pursued her master's degree in public administration at George Washington University and worked at Akin Gump, where she helped health-care clients achieve their objectives. Katherine is also a proud alum of the University of Florida.

Katherine served as a mentor and leader for the legislative team and the entire office, sharing her expertise and knowledge with the rest of my team. Her counsel and guidance have shaped my staff into the most effective and successful team on Capitol Hill. Katherine was highly motivated, thoughtful, and kind. In a role that demands precision, flexibility, and the ability to delegate responsibilities thoughtfully, she consistently rose to the occasion. Above all, Katherine's willingness to teach and mentor other staff in the office allowed her to foster a positive and collaborative environment that will be missed. Through her tireless work she leaves behind a legacy of excellence.

I would like to thank Katherine for her many contributions and dedicated service over the last year. She has been an invaluable member of my team, and I wish her the best of luck as she moves on to the next chapter of her professional career with Representative Neal Dunn in the Florida Delegation. May God bless her as she embarks on a new challenge, and I look forward to seeing her continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Katherine Getty Koohmaraie for her service to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sara Miller, an incredible Girl Scout from Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, for demonstrating extraordinary leadership, refreshing creativity, and a devotion to making a lasting impact by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.

Gold Award Girl Scouts are innovative leaders who address the most pressing issues facing their communities and the world with measurable, dependable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts identify and investigate an issue they care about, create a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces enduring change. Sara conducted a survey of teachers and students that found that 71 percent of survey participants felt under-appreciated. To address this issue, Sara attached a piece of paper to crotched dragonflies that tells students, teachers, and faculty how much they are appreciated. Sara was able to pass out 775 dragonflies in one day alone, showcasing Sara's dedication to making those around her feel appreciated.

Ms. Miller's accomplishment serves as an inspiration throughout our Commonwealth and beyond, exemplifying the true spirit of servant leadership. As Sara moves forward, I am confident she will continue to build on this strong foundation and achieve even greater success. We commend her contributions today and eagerly anticipate the many ways she will continue to make a positive impact on her community and our Nation.

I extend my sincere congratulations to Sara Miller of Troop 1004 for this outstanding accomplishment. On behalf of Virginia's 1st Congressional District, I commend her for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts and thank her for making such a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sarah Roberts, an incredible Girl Scout from Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, for demonstrating remarkable leadership, inspiring creativity, and a commitment to making a lasting impact by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.

Gold Award Girl Scouts are trailblazers who address the most pressing issues facing their communities and the world with quantifiable, dependable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces enduring change. Sarah helped bridge the digital gap by empowering senior citizens and individuals with accessibility challenges to use computers more efficiently and with more confidence than before. Ms. Roberts provided workshops that enabled individuals to adjust their computers to meet their needs by teaching dynamic computer skills and introducing useful tools and resources they could rely on for continued support.

Sarah's achievement is an inspiration across our Commonwealth and beyond, reminding us of all of what it means to be a servant leader. As she continues her journey, I have no doubt that Ms. Roberts will build upon this strong foundation to accomplish even greater things. We are very proud of her contributions today and look forward to the many ways she will continue to positively shape her community and our Nation.

I extend my sincere congratulations to Sarah Roberts of Troop 1004 for this outstanding accomplishment. On behalf of Virginia's 1st Congressional District, I commend her for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts and thank her for making such a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mathews Museum in Mathews County, Virginia, as it proudly sponsors the County's annual spring festival, May Faire, to be held May 2, 2026, and May 3, 2026. Now in its seventh year under the Museum's stewardship, this year's celebration is especially significant as it honors our Nation's 250th Anniversary.

Founded nearly 14 years ago, the Mathews Museum has grown steadily in both size and stature, becoming an integral part of the County's cultural and economic vitality. Guided by a dedicated Board of local residents, the Museum is committed to preserving, exploring, and sharing the rich history of Mathews County, ensuring that its stories remain vibrant for future generations.

Through the collection and preservation of books, documents, artifacts, and cultural objects, the Museum brings the County's past to life. Its exhibits and educational programs offer residents and visitors alike a deeper understanding of Mathews County and highlight the important role the Commonwealth of Virginia has played in our Nation's history. Each year, May Faire invites attendees to explore a different aspect of the County's heritage. This year's focus highlights the area's rural way of life, its people, traditions, and enduring stories

Festivities on the historic Court Green will include traditional May Pole dances, musical entertainment, an archaeological dig led by the Fairfield Foundation, and a children's area featuring live animals, games, and hands-on activities. Inside the Museum, new exhibits will further engage and inspire. Among them are the Hunley General Store and a developing diorama of the Battle of Cricket Hill. Guests can also explore the history of the Indigenous peoples who lived in the Mathews area through original artifacts, a hands-on touch table, and a hand- carved dugout canoe.

I commend the citizens of Mathews County for their dedication to preserving their history and sharing it with the public. Their efforts enrich not only their community but also the Commonwealth of Virginia and our Nation as a whole.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this piece of legislation to designate the New Kent Post Office in honor of a remarkable public servant, Patricia Paige.

Patricia was the very definition of a community leader, and her impact will be felt for generations.

I knew Patricia. She was an incredible lady, one who served both her country, her Commonwealth, and her community through those years.

After graduating from New Kent High School, she served our Nation honorably in the United States Army Reserve for 21 years, embodying the very best of service and sacrifice.

Patricia's commitment didn't end with her military service. Patricia continued to give back at home. She stepped forward in 2015 to serve on the New Kent County Board of Supervisors. Reelected by her community multiple times, she earned the trust and respect of those whom she represented through her tireless dedication and steady leadership.

When Patricia saw an issue, saw a problem, or saw a challenge, she ran to that opportunity to make sure that she worked for her community. She was fearless, and she was selfless.

During her time on the New Kent County Board of Supervisors, Ms. Paige worked tirelessly to bring people together across generations. She created new opportunities for young people by ensuring student voices were included in local government, appointing high school students to county committees for the very first time. At the same time, she championed efforts to protect seniors by helping establish the Chickahominy Triad to educate older residents about fraud and technological threats.

Patricia was a fighter in every sense of the word. As a cancer survivor, Patricia courageously battled the disease multiple times, while supporting others who were facing similar struggles. She was so brave in the face of this devastating disease that you would never have known that she was facing countless challenges in her own private life and her own personal health as you saw her out in the community serving others.

Whether Patricia was organizing events like the Relay for Life or standing beside fellow survivors, she brought strength, compassion, and dignity to every effort that she pursued.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Patricia Paige will be remembered for her character, a leader with an infectious smile, a steadfast advocate, and somebody who never ever walked away from a challenge in the community.

Patricia never saw a stranger anywhere she went. She worked across the region to accomplish big things, like the extension and expansion of Interstate 64 through New Kent County, which was a passion of hers, and she made sure that that got done.

I can tell you that when members of the legislature and members of the Regional Transportation Authority saw Patricia Paige, they knew what she was going to come and talk to them about and to make sure that her constituents had that modernized transportation system through the county--one that kept travelers safe, but also made sure that there was an economic opportunity in New Kent County based upon that main thoroughfare of Interstate 64.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to speak on behalf of this legislation today to rename the post office in New Kent County so that Patricia Paige's life and her legacy will continue to be recognized for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional Marine and a valued member of our congressional family, Alexander Feldman, on the occasion of his well-earned promotion to the rank of Major. This milestone is a testament to his devotion, professionalism, and unyielding commitment to serving our Nation. Advancing to this level of leadership reflects both the trust placed in Alex by the Marine Corps and the exceptional standard he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.

During his time serving as my Department of Defense Legislative Fellow, Major Feldman distinguished himself as a professional of the highest caliber. His quick wit, sharp judgment, and unwavering commitment to excellence made him an invaluable asset to our team. Whether navigating complex national security challenges or offering thoughtful insight on matters affecting our Armed Forces, Alex consistently exhibited a level of competence and character that set him apart.

It is no surprise to those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him that he has now been promoted to the rank of Major in the United States Marine Corps. This achievement reflects not only his remarkable abilities, but also his unbreakable dedication to serving our Nation.

While we deeply miss his presence in our office, we take great pride in knowing that he will continue to do great things wherever he goes. The Marine Corps, and our country, are stronger because of leaders like Major Feldman.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Alexander Feldman for his service to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation. I pray for his continued success in all that lies ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. This legislation safeguards the rights of sportsmen and -women who play such a critical role in the conservation of our lands and resources across our Nation.

As a lifelong hunter and recreational fisherman, I know firsthand how important access to our public lands and waters is for America's sportsmen and -women.

Hunters and anglers are some of the Nation's most dedicated conservationists. They care deeply about the lands, and they demonstrate that. Through the license fees that they pay, the excise taxes that they pay, and on-the-ground stewardship, they have helped fund wildlife management and habitat conservation for generations and have been responsible stewards of the land.

Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen efforts to restrict the use of traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle on Federal lands and waters, policies that would have placed unnecessary burdens on sportsmen and -women and limited the access to these outdoor traditions that are so fundamental to what Americans cherish.

I appreciate the Trump administration and Secretary Burgum for taking action through a Secretarial order to address this issue and protect access for hunters and anglers, those true stewards of the great resources that are part of this Nation.

This legislation builds on that effort by codifying these protections in law, ensuring that future administrations cannot impose sweeping restrictions that are not grounded in science or consistent with State wildlife management authority.

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on Federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with State law. Let me repeat that again. Counter to the gentleman from California's statement, this requires a demonstration of sound science in coordination with State management agencies.

State wildlife management agencies have primacy in managing the resources in their States, and Congress should make sure that we honor the regulations and requirements that they put in place to make sure that hunters and anglers have access to the resources that belong to them. These resources belong to the citizens of the United States of America, everyone, not just a group that says, no, we want to restrict access, or we want to use pseudoscience to say that there is a threat here, or we want to state that a species that is actually on the road to recovery is somehow threatened or endangered.

My colleagues can mislead, but the American people aren't going to fall for that. The American people understand what this is about, and that is allowing them to have access to the lands that they own and to the resources that belong to all of us. That is what makes this Nation great.

States have long been the primary managers of fish and wildlife. That is their responsibility, and they are best positioned to make decisions that balance conservation with continued access for hunters and anglers. Congress should respect the States. The 10th Amendment tells us to do so.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will also help ensure that participation in these outdoor traditions remains affordable, which means they will be accessible.

Republicans want to reduce barriers that could prevent the next generation of sportsmen and -women from getting involved. The young folks of today want to be a part of the outdoors. Let's make sure we don't stop that.

I was proud to see this bill pass the House last Congress, and I remain committed to advancing it once again so that it can be sent to the Senate and, ultimately, to President Trump's desk.

Protecting access for hunters and anglers means protecting the conservation model that has sustained America's wildlife and public lands for decades.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2294) to reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 2294, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2294, to reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, sponsored by Representative Ezell from Mississippi.

The Integrated Ocean Observing System, or IOOS, is a public-private partnership of coastal observation systems that provide local decisionmakers with the latest science to prepare for and protect coastal communities from disasters, while also supporting numerous industries that operate in our marine waters.

The legislation before us would authorize the program through fiscal year 2030, ensuring continued support for fisheries, maritime industries, and coastal communities.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Ezell for his leadership, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2294. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Ezell), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fong).

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

This bill provides communities with real-time data and information about the ocean and coastal areas and the Great Lakes. This helps them remain strong and resilient even in the face of natural disasters.

Once again, I thank Mr. Ezell for his diligent work and attention to this issue. It is incredibly important to coastal communities and incredibly important to those who rely on the data and scientific information that comes from our great waterways.

Mr. Speaker. I urge the passage of H.R. 2294, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3073) to confer jurisdiction on the State of Utah with respect to civil causes of action arising on or within the Indian lands of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3073, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, in 2022, a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals case studied the Shivwits Band of Paiutes accordingly due to the opportunity for economic development when the court ruled that Utah State courts lacked the jurisdiction to hear cases involving on-reservation conduct. If an issue were to arise between the Tribe and an outside investor, there would be no guarantee that a State court could intervene. As a result, outside groups have grown hesitant to work with the Shivwits Band.

H.R. 3073, the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act introduced by Ms. Maloy of Utah would clarify in statute that the Utah State courts hold jurisdiction over civil cases involving members of the Shivwits Band on their Tribal land. In addition, this legislation would follow congressional precedent by amending the Long-Term Leasing Act to allow the Shivwits Band to lease land held in trust for up to 99 years.

I commend Ms. Maloy for her work on behalf of her constituency. I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Utah (Ms. Maloy), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 3073 ensures that the Shivwits Band of Paiutes' sovereignty remains intact, while offering legal certainty in economic development with outside investors. Additionally, the Tribe would

be able to lease its land for up to 99 years, as Congress has previously done for many other Tribes, creating new economic opportunities for the Tribe, which are well-deserved.

Madam Speaker, I thank Ms. Maloy for her work. I urge the passage of H.R. 3073, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4294) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a pilot program with respect to the sale of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4294, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4294, the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act, also known as the MAWS Act of 2026, the legislation I was proud to cosponsor with Congresswoman Elfreth.

Having grown up on the Chesapeake Bay, I understand firsthand how important it is to protect our marine wildlife and restore the bay's ecosystem. In fact, I worked in the commercial fishing realm and recreational fishing realm for a number of years there, and my son today is also a commercial fisherman, knows the bay well, and knows how problematic the blue catfish is to the Chesapeake Bay.

Unfortunately, the blue catfish has become an invasive species that poses a growing threat to the biodiversity of the Chesapeake Bay's waters and the seafood industries that depend on a healthy bay. These fish are aggressive predators that consume many of the species that define the Chesapeake Bay, things like blue crabs, striped bass, and other native fish that are vital to the Chesapeake Bay's ecological balance and to the watermen whose lives depend on them.

I hear daily from watermen across the spectrum saying how harmful the blue catfish are to the Chesapeake Bay. When I have had a chance to go out there and see the number of blue catfish in the bay watershed, it is astounding the biomass that is there. It is a wonder anything in the bay can survive based upon the volume of the blue catfish that are there.

This does have an impact on watermen up and down the bay, not just in Virginia, but also there in Maryland.

While positive steps we know have been taken to address this issue, more has to be done. The MAWS Act establishes a pilot program within the Chesapeake Bay office aimed at tackling the growing threat that these invasive blue catfish pose to the Chesapeake Bay and the fisheries that sustain our coastal communities. It is key to our economics to make sure we have crabs that people go to restaurants to enjoy and that we have striped bass that people go to restaurants to enjoy. If not, then these blue catfish will be the only thing left in the Chesapeake Bay.

By supporting increased harvesting of blue catfish and studying its impact on the bay's biodiversity, this program will help protect valuable native species like blue crabs and striped bass and the watermen who depend on them.

The legislation also explores practical uses of these harvested fish, including in the pet and animal food industry. This will help ensure their removal while making sure that we have sustainable commercial fishing industries there in the Chesapeake Bay.

We know we want to do all we can to support the hardworking men and women who make their living on the bay.

This is a bipartisan, commonsense approach that supports our watermen while helping to restore the balance to one of America's most important ecosystems. The Chesapeake Bay, by far, is the most diverse and productive water system on the face of the Earth. This imbalance is causing big problems in the bay. This will go a long way to make sure we create those opportunities for our watermen and also open up more economic opportunities for the commercial fishing industry.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Madam Speaker, as we have heard, this bill does quite a bit to open up free markets for fishermen who want to be able to use this very abundant resource. Blue catfish are incredibly abundant--in fact, to the detriment of other species that everybody loves.

Opening up free markets and opening up opportunities for those fishermen is incredibly important. What this also does is to take down bureaucratic impediments.

We know, right now, because of the structure that USDA has to inspect these plants that process catfish, it creates an inordinate stress on that industry. For many of them, because they don't predominate in processing blue catfish, they can't afford to have a full-time USDA inspector in their plant.

What this will do is to say: Let's look at other ways to be able to utilize it. This is a great source of protein. As the world today looks for protein--remember, there is a protein deficit around the world, and we have an overabundance of protein here in the Chesapeake Bay with these blue catfish--we ought to be looking at other ways to do that, not just for human consumption.

As Ms. Elfreth talked about, there is a place for human consumption of these fish, but there is also a place outside of that that commercial fishermen could fill if we allow them to be used for other purposes, especially for pet food.

If you look at one of the industries today that is the fastest growing industry in the United States, it is the pet industry. Why wouldn't we look at these opportunities that will help our watermen, help the environment, and help other populations like crabs and striped bass? We want to do that. We want to make sure we are doing those things that will help our economy and that will alleviate some of the bureaucratic impediments for these individuals to work hard and make a living on the water.

As I said, my son is a waterman. He goes out every day with no assurance about what he will catch. He is one of the true last independent businesspeople left in the United States. When you go out today, you are not sure if you are going to catch anything.

If you have something that creates undue pressure on what you are relying on to make a living, then you want to try to alleviate that and create that balance there. This does that.

This takes some of the pressure off the blue crab population that, for the last decade, has been under tremendous pressure in the Chesapeake Bay. It takes pressure off the striped bass populations that right now are in decline.

Watermen in Virginia and Maryland rely on the striped bass. It is a heavily managed fishery, but when you have these other pressures on there, we want to make sure that we have the right balance.

What this does is to open up the door to make sure that those things happen, that we look to enhance coastal economies that right now are under significant duress. Watermen struggle and have to fish multiple species in order to make a living. This would be a great enhancement for them.

If we can do this, it helps the area economically. It also takes away some of the burdens on seafood processors that have those burdens. Sometimes, they can't get into this industry because of the regulatory burdens. This is a great way for us to do that.

The economic impact is going to be significant, I would argue, not just for the Chesapeake Bay but also for the surrounding areas that rely upon the bounty that comes out of the Chesapeake Bay.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4294, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5254) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5254, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5254, the Gateway Partnership Act. This is bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Bell and Wagner of Missouri. This bill creates an innovative new model for public-private partnerships at our national parks by authorizing the National Park Service to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host events and community programming at Gateway Arch National Park.

Gateway Arch towers over the city of St. Louis, Missouri, and welcomes millions of visitors each year to the first city built across the Mississippi River. With its silver curve soaring over 600-feet high across the riverbank, Gateway Arch serves as a reminder of the grit and bravery our Nation's early pioneers showed when they left all that they had and all that they knew behind to venture out toward the American West. The arch also links America's original pioneer spirit of the past with the drive to forge new futures today.

Recently, the park's main philanthropic partnership, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, completed a trailblazing, multimillion-dollar public- private partnership that reconnected the city and waterfront area and created a new visitor center and green spaces. It also revitalized historic buildings around Gateway Arch.

H.R. 5254 helps ensure that these newly renovated facilities, such as the Old Courthouse and Arch Visitor Center, are used to their full potential by allowing the foundation to host events in these spaces.

Allowing the foundation to fully utilize these facilities would not only create new jobs but also generate an estimated $780,000 in additional revenue for the park. H.R. 5254 does this while maintaining strict guardrails around the usage of the park to ensure public access is not impeded and no park resources are damaged during these events.

The bill is narrow, limited, and bipartisan. It is a commonsense way to leverage private expertise and local investment to strengthen a signature national park and generate new revenue to support its operation.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 5254, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, by creating a time-limited pilot program allowing private philanthropic partners to host events at park facilities, H.R. 5254 creates an innovative new model for improved public access, better visitor experience, and new revenue streams to support park operations.

This bill will create jobs, boost the local economy, and provide new opportunities to celebrate America's 250th birthday at one of the most iconic national park destinations in the Midwest.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5254, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5729) to authorize direct emergency acquisition flexibilities for the National Park Service for the purpose of retaining, vetting, approving, and expediting contractor approval for the clearing, rebuilding, maintenance, and improvement of the Grand Canyon grounds that have been impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5729, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5729, the North Rim Restoration Act, introduced by my friend and colleague Representative Crane of Arizona.

Madam Speaker, this vital legislation gives the National Park Service the streamlined authorities necessary to rebuild and restore one of the natural wonders of the world and iconic historic structures.

Last year, the Dragon Bravo fire tore through the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, one of the true crown jewels of the National Park System. The fire burned nearly 150,000 acres of land. It left a deep mark on the once-peaceful landscape, severely damaging pristine evergreen forests, decimating wildlife habitat, and destroying more than 100 buildings and structures.

Among these structures destroyed was the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, which millions of visitors had enjoyed visiting for nearly a century. Since the fire was contained, the North Rim has been partially closed to visitors.

The year before the fire, over 11 million visitors to Arizona's national parks contributed $42.2 billion to the State's economy. As visitor numbers declined after the fire, the ripple effects have been felt well beyond the North Rim, especially by small businesses and gateway communities in northern Arizona.

These communities depend on tourism and recreation. Without quick action, visitor numbers may never rebound, harming small businesses in rural Arizona for years, even for decades. Representative Crane's bill offers a bold and decisive solution to this problem. His legislation provides streamlined, practical recovery tools that will allow the National Park Service to quickly begin infrastructure rebuilding and forestry recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Dragon Bravo fire.

This bill will allow the National Park Service to use temporary emergency contracting authorities for up to 7 years to quickly hire highly qualified contractors, allowing them to move at the pace and scale necessary to repair fire damage, rebuild burned structures, and conduct essential forest management activities necessary to restore full access to one of the most visited landscapes in America.

The Grand Canyon is not only a national treasure but also an engine for local jobs and the outdoor recreation economy. H.R. 5729 is the right solution at the right time that will ensure the North Rim's much- needed recovery from the Dragon Bravo fire is not slowed down by avoidable red tape.

Representative Crane's bill ensures the North Rim can recover to its full glory. It restores access for millions of American families. It will support our local communities that rely on park access and a strong outdoor recreation economy.

I thank Representatives Crane and Tiffany as well as Chairman Gosar for their collective work on this important effort. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5729.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Crane), the lead sponsor of the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Crane for his thoughtful and aggressive efforts to make sure we can restore the Grand Canyon National Park to its former glory and for his work in highlighting the incredible stress that this places on the communities there.

I thank him, too, for offering this legislation at a key point to make sure that the right things happen so that people in his district can indeed get back to what they know is highlighting a great, great national treasure.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 5729 gives the National Park Service limited accountable authorities to expedite the restoration and rebuilding process following last year's Dragon Bravo fire so that the treasured North Rim of the Grand Canyon can fully reopen and do so safely.

I thank Representative Crane once again for his leadership on this effort and for his insightfulness. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2196) to provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2196, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2196, the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act, which is sponsored by Representative Hudson.

Emergency medical service providers are often the first people on the scene in a moment of crisis. They respond to accidents, natural disasters, public health emergencies, and everyday calls for help. More than 1 million Americans serve as EMS providers across the country under one shared mission: to save lives and protect the public.

Despite that service, there is still no permanent memorial in our Nation's Capital dedicated to EMS professionals who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In 2018, Congress authorized the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish such a memorial. Since then, the foundation has moved through the Federal approval process and is now working on site selection and environmental review. Like many memorial projects, progress has been steady but slow due to design approvals and the need to raise private funds.

Unfortunately, the authorization for this important memorial expired last year, and the foundation needs this authorization extended to finally complete its mission.

Representative Hudson's bill provides a straightforward solution. His legislation extends the foundation's legislative authority for an additional 7 years, allowing their work to continue so that this memorial can finally be completed.

Importantly, this memorial will remain funded entirely through private contributions, with no cost to the taxpayers. This legislation also does not expand the project or change its purpose. It simply ensures that the effort to honor fallen EMS providers can be finished.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Hudson for his leadership on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2196, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act provides the time needed to complete a project that honors the service and sacrifice of EMS providers without imposing a cost on taxpayers.

Representative Hudson's legislation keeps the memorial on track and ensures that EMS professionals are recognized alongside other public safety heroes in our Nation's Capital.

Once again, I thank Representative Hudson for his leadership on this effort and for his dedication to those who serve this Nation humbly and selflessly.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 528) to require the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a program for Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 528, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 528, the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act, sponsored by Representative Pettersen.

Madam Speaker, this bipartisan legislation, which is also part of the Fix Our Forests Act, would create a post-disaster reforestation and restoration program at the Department of the Interior.

Across the country, catastrophic wildfires are burning hotter and more severely, turning once-pristine landscapes into charred moonscapes. Hurricanes, windstorms, mudslides, and other natural disasters can also leave behind millions of acres of land in need of reforestation.

In many cases, if Federal land managers don't move quickly to replant and restore scorched or uprooted lands, once-lush forests can permanently decay into low-lying scrublands that are unproductive and vulnerable to future fire and erosion.

When these forests disappear, they take with them clean water, wildlife habitat, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them for recreation and employment. With millions of acres of forests lost to catastrophic wildfires and other disasters, our Federal agencies are bearing the strain of an enormous backlog of replanting and restoration work.

In 2021, Congress passed legislation to partially address the Forest Service's priority reforestation needs, although no similar authority was included for the Department of the Interior. H.R. 528 offers a straightforward solution to tackle the crisis and provides consistency across all Federal land management agencies.

This bill directs agencies within the Department of the Interior to identify priority landscapes most in need of reforestation and to proactively partner with States, Tribes, local communities, and institutions of higher learning to advance high-priority restoration projects.

This bill is a practical, bipartisan way to prioritize vital restoration work that requires immediate action. By allowing Federal agencies to work with trusted partners, we can clear the way for reforestation, get to faster restoration, and serve the communities that rely on healthy, resilient forests.

I thank Representative Pettersen for her work on this bill, as well as for her work on Fix Our Forests Act.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Agriculture,

Washington, DC, September 5, 2025.

Hon. Bruce Westerman,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual

understanding regarding H.R. 528, the ``Post-Disaster

Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025.'' Thank you for

collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on the

matters within our jurisdiction.

The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further

consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing

consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction

over any subject matter contained in this or similar

legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the

right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of

conferees, should it become necessary, and ask that you

support such a request.

We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 528 and request a

copy of our letters on this matter be published in the

Congressional Record during Floor consideration

Sincerely,

Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,

Chairman.

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

Madam Speaker, this bill is a bipartisan, commonsense step to help land managers within the Department of the Interior tackle forest reforestation after wildfires, storms, and floods by working with capable non-Federal partners in the areas that need help the most. This legislation will help restore desolate landscapes to thriving forests.

As I mentioned before, the legislation previously passed the House as part of the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. I hope to see that legislation sent to the President's desk soon so that land managers have every tool they need to restore forest health, prevent wildfires, and protect communities.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.