Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6380) to establish the Chiricahua National Park in the State of Arizona as a unit of the National Park System, 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. 6380, the bill before us for consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6380, the Chiricahua National Park Act, introduced by Representative Ciscomani of Arizona. This simple, bipartisan bill redesignates the Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park.

Located in southeast Arizona, Chiricahua is a remarkable place that is known as the Land of Standing-Up Rocks. It is a home to unique volcanic formations, miles of scenic trails, and a landscape shaped by both natural forces and human history. From its ancient volcanic hoodoos and pinnacles to historic sites conserving the history of prehistoric and indigenous people, early pioneers, and ranchers, there is truly no place in the country like Chiricahua.

Every year, visitors to this area enjoy unique outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, stargazing, camping, bird-watching, and horseback riding. Across the country, outdoor recreation contributes $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy. Last year, Arizona saw the second highest growth rate in its outdoor recreation activity amongst all States.

By creating the Nation's 64th national park and Arizona's fourth national park, Representative Ciscomani's legislation would further boost Arizona's outdoor recreation economy, create jobs, and support small businesses in rural gateway communities.

Importantly, this bipartisan bill does not expand the site's boundaries or change its management. It simply recognizes the national significance of Chiricahua by elevating it to full national park status. The change would place Chiricahua alongside other flagship parks and help raise its profile and support increased tourism.

The bill has significant local support. Representative Ciscomani has worked hard with all affected stakeholders to address any potential concerns. Representative Ciscomani added new language to the bill this Congress to ensure continued access for traditional uses for Tribes in a way that respects cultural heritage while maintaining public access to the park without creating new precedents.

In short, this bill honors a place of exceptional natural, historical, and cultural value without changing its footprints or management framework. I commend Representative Ciscomani for the years of hard work that he has put in to make the dream of Arizona's fourth national park a reality.

I cannot think of a better time than during America's 250th anniversary to send this meaningful legislation to the President's desk, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 6380 recognizes the national significance of the Chiricahua in southeastern Arizona while helping unlock more tourism and investment for surrounding communities.

Elevating this site to national park status will raise its profile, attract more visitors, and support local jobs without expanding its boundaries or changing its management.

I thank Representative Ciscomani once again for his strong leadership, his dedication, and his passion for this effort.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support 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. 831) to establish an interest-bearing account for the non- Federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation 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 to include extraneous material on H.R. 831, 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. 831, the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative Calvert from California.

The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program aims to conserve native fish populations, increase habitat for migratory birds in the Lower Colorado River Basin, and allow for continued water and power deliveries.

The Federal Government contributes 50 percent of its funding, and three Lower Basin States provide the remainder. In recent years, however, the pace of funding has outpaced the pace of work, leaving available funds idle.

This legislation would authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to place the program's non-Federal funds in an interest-bearing account, providing approximately $2 million annually that would otherwise be borne by the Lower Basin States.

I commend Representative Calvert for his continued leadership, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 831.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I also want to reflect on Representative Elfreth's words, and that is the incredible work by the Natural Resources Committee, the leadership there with Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman, and an incredible staff. They do a lot to bring these bills to the floor to make sure, too, that they work through to make sure they can receive bipartisan support. Truly, what Congress needs to do is get bills through that have impacts on these districts.

Madam Speaker, you heard from Members today about the incredible impact these bills have on people's lives and on their districts. That is what makes legislating important. We should never forget that. People send us here to get things done, to get bills like this done. While they may be somewhat parochial in how they affect certain regions, it is critical to the Nation that we understand that all of us benefit when these great national treasures and natural resources are enhanced and conserved. That is really what makes it great.

I appreciate Representative Elfreth's work and her cooperation on H.R. 4294 in making sure we find a way to productively use a resource that is now in overabundance and making sure that we do everything we can within that realm.

It is key to us as members of the Natural Resources Committee to make sure we get these things done. We are entrusted not only as legislators, but we are entrusted by the people who elect us to be the stewards of what they own: the great lands, treasures, and natural resources of this Nation. That is what makes us great.

There is no other place on the planet that has this great abundance of resources that have such great impact on communities. We are all honored to be here today as advocates for that, along with our fellow Members, to make sure these pieces of legislation see their way to being signed into law.

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I thank the incredible staff on the Natural Resources Committee for what has culminated today in a number of fantastic pieces of legislation that will make a difference in people's lives. We will continue to preserve what we hold great in this Nation, and that is our true national treasure, our natural resources.

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

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 2 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia for being named 2026 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This prestigious designation is a testament to the hospital's unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, patient-centered care to the residents of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck communities.

Since 1977, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital has served the people of Virginia's 1st District with state-of-the-art technology and 24/7 emergency and medical services. Rural hospitals serve as the backbone of healthcare access in communities like ours, where families depend on local providers for emergency services, primary care, specialty treatment, and long-term wellness.

Riverside Walter Reed Hospital has consistently demonstrated excellence in quality care, patient outcomes, operational performance, and patient experiences. Being one of only two Virginia hospitals on the top 100 list highlights the devotion, professionalism, and compassion of its physicians, nurses, administrators, and support staff. In rural regions especially, hospitals are more than healthcare facilities, they are economic drivers, community anchors, and lifelines in times of crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for this outstanding achievement and in thanking them for their continued service to the people of Virginia's 1st District. Their commitment to quality care strengthens our community and reflects the very best of rural healthcare in America. I wish them all the best as they continue to serve the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional public servant and partner to Congress, Kathryn Yurkanin, Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison, as she retires after 41 years of dedicated service to our Nation.

Kathryn's remarkable career includes 20 years of honorable service in the United States Army. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, she began as a Transportation Officer and later transitioned to serve as an Acquisition Officer, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Near the culmination of her military career, she expanded her service into the policy arena as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman Silvestre Reyes. From there, she went on to hold numerous critical leadership roles, including Congressional Budget Liaison Officer, Acting Director of the Acquisition Policy and Oversight Directorate, and Director of Congressional Affairs for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, among many other distinguished assignments. Ms. Yurkanin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Mount Saint Mary's University, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University. Her academic achievements reflect the same discipline, commitment, and pursuit of excellence that have defined her professional life.

As Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison for the Department of the Army, Kathryn has provided steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and seamless coordination for the daily operations of the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison. Across changing administrations, shifting priorities, and complex legislative challenges, she has remained principled, dependable, and unwavering in her commitment to service. In every role she has held, she has embodied integrity, professionalism, and an enduring devotion to the mission of the institution she has served.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Kathryn Yurkanin for her selfless dedication, unyielding leadership, and steadfast commitment to our country. As she concludes her 41 years of honorable service, I extend my deepest gratitude to Kathryn for her sacrifices and contributions to the strength and security of our Nation. I wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life, and I know that Ms. Yurkanin will continue to be an inspiration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of critical minerals. They are the backbone of our economy, but the U.S. has ceded supply chain dominance to China, our primary adversary.

In recent decades, China has overtaken the United States and our allies in production, processing, and smelting of critical minerals. Take rare earth elements, for example. Rare earths, a type of critical mineral, are crucial inputs into various consumer technologies, including smartphones, laptops, batteries, and cars.

China controls 70 percent of rare earth mining, 90 percent of rare earth separation and processing, and 93 percent of rare earth magnet production.

They exercise their monopoly in two ways: first, by dumping their product onto the global market to deliberately undercut U.S. producers; and second, by threatening to cut off our access to their exports, as they recently did in October of 2025.

We have outsourced our supply chains to them, allowing them to engage in unfair trade practices that put our Nation's strategic and economic security at great risk.

The Trump administration has long recognized the threat China poses to our critical mineral supply chains and has taken bold actions that I applaud. Additionally, I have introduced several pieces of legislation that will help counter China's threat.

In January, I introduced the SECURE Minerals Act, which is aimed at supporting domestic critical mineral supply chains. The SECURE Minerals Act would establish a Strategic Resilience Reserve that would be tasked with stabilizing critical mineral prices and supporting domestic production and extraction supply chains.

The Strategic Resilience Reserve established under this bill would send a signal to the private sector that the United States Government is ready to take action, ultimately aggregating demand, stabilizing mineral prices, and reshoring critical advanced manufacturing.

We cannot counter China's choke hold on the global mineral marketplace alone. If we are to break their monopoly, we have to coordinate with our allies. I have also introduced the Finding ORE Act, which would enable the administration to work in coordination with our allies to map critical mineral research around the globe.

Madam Speaker, the time is now to act to save our future. Our economic and national security depend on it.

Protecting Our Marine Wildlife

Madam Speaker, recently the House Committee on Natural Resources voted favorably to report H.R. 4294, the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act, better known as the MAWS Act. It is an effort I co-led with Congresswoman Elfreth.

Having grown up on the Chesapeake Bay, I understand how important it is to protect our marine wildlife and restore the Bay's ecosystem. Since their introduction, the blue catfish have become an invasive species, posing a growing threat to the biodiversity of the region's waters and inflicting severe economic damage to seafood industries that rely on the Bay.

This legislation aims to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through its existing Chesapeake Bay office to coordinate with non-Federal partners to accelerate the removal of invasive blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

This effort will incentivize the harvest and sale of blue catfish, while providing valuable data for future efforts to combat invasive species in our waterways.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank Representative Elfreth for her work on this effort, as well as her staff member, Allie.

I also thank the House Natural Resources Committee staff. They include Richie, Kirby, Doug, Jackson, and Hannah on the majority and Rachel on the minority staff.

Finally, I thank the many stakeholders who have helped in understanding the issues and supporting this legislative effort including the National Fisheries Institute, the Pet Food Institute, and the American Sportfishing Association, among many others.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to seeing the full House consideration of this important bill very soon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) Program in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Launched in 2016, Sheriff Karl Leonard initiated the program after recognizing the alarming rate of overdose deaths in his own county. HARP is a transformative initiative that is making a real difference in the lives of individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

Since the program's establishment, HARP has instituted a multi- faceted approach to behavioral modification. Their approach is based

on a unique combination of tools and techniques that are peer driven, professionally guided, and spiritually based. As news spread of HARP's devotion to both those incarcerated and former program participants, incarcerated individuals from other jail systems began to request transfers to Chesterfield specifically to join the program.

HARP's commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence has strengthened Virginia's First District and improved the lives of countless individuals and families. They place a large emphasis on former participants as well, helping them gain access to recovery housing and allowing them to return to therapy sessions and group meetings.

HARP offers a hopeful alternative to tragedy for families affected by addiction. They represent a proactive partnership between local government, health professionals, and community stakeholders dedicated to reducing the devastating impact of substance use disorders. I am proud of the work being done by Sheriff Karl Leonard and all those involved in HARP's implementation. Their efforts are a reminder that compassionate, evidence-based approaches can save lives and build stronger communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring the 10-year anniversary of the Chesterfield County HARP Program as it continues to address critical social and spiritual needs, and strive to help treat not just symptoms, but the root causes of addiction. I wish Sheriff Karl Leonard, along with the entire HARP team, all the best as they continue to serve the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to formally recognize an exceptional young student, Madeline Brobst, a senior at Franklin Christian Academy who has received a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT exam. Through disciplined study, steady composure during examinations, and unwavering commitment of time and talent, Ms. Brobst has achieved academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country.

In addition to her intellectual capability, Ms. Brobst serves as a mentor to eighth grade students at Franklin Christian Academy; she is a member of the Student Leadership Team, National Honor Society, and the worship team during school chapel services. During her time at Franklin Christian Academy, Ms. Brobst has participated in numerous theatrical and musical productions.

It is with great distinction and pride that I honor Madeline for achieving a perfect ACT score, a remarkable feat accomplished by only a very small percentage of students nationwide. This achievement places her among the most academically accomplished students in our country and reflects a level of brilliance that is truly commendable.

Earning a perfect score on the ACT is a testament to remarkable intellectual ability, diligent preparation, and an unparalleled commitment to academic excellence. It demonstrates not only mastery across English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, but also the persistence, focus, and determination required to perform at the highest level under rigorous testing conditions.

Madeline's dedication to learning and pursuing the highest standards of performance speaks to both her exceptional aptitude and her strong character. Achievements of this caliber do not occur by chance; they are the result of sustained hard work, personal sacrifice, and a devoted commitment to excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Madeline Brobst on this milestone of academic distinction. We commend her for this outstanding accomplishment and look forward with confidence to the many successes that will undoubtedly follow in her academic and professional journey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Joe Schumacher in honor of his 25 years of dedicated public service to Virginia's 1st Congressional District. Joe has had a profound impact on my work in Congress, and he is truly one of the finest leaders I know. Mr. Schumacher served as Chief of Staff and District Director for my predecessor, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis. I am grateful that Joe brought his past public service expertise when he began serving as my District Director in 2007. Joe is a native Virginian, an Air Force veteran, and a graduate of the University of Virginia.

In his 25 years of service, Joe has proven to be an indispensable member of my team. His pride for the 1st District extends into everything he does. Not only is Joe passionate about his work, his commitment to bettering

the lives of Virginians and Americans alike is unparalleled. Joe is unwavering in his effort to go above and beyond to serve constituents and support his fellow staff. For example, his work as the Academy Coordinator has inspired countless young applicants as they begin their careers in service to this Nation. Joe's leadership is an outstanding example of what other District Directors should strive to be and truly embodies what it means to be a servant leader. I am deeply grateful to Joe for his years of service, his expertise, and his countless contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me to recognize Joe Schumacher for his 25 years of selfless dedication to Virginia's 1st District. Joe is a crucial member of our team, and I am forever grateful for his service to our office and to Virginia's 1st District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe Schumacher for his 25 years of dedicated service to the great folks in Virginia's First Congressional District and to our Nation.

Joe first served as chief of staff and district director for my predecessor, Jo Ann Davis. He started with her in 2001 and then in 2007 came over and worked as a district director in our office.

Joe has been incredible, a great leader, a great servant leader. He is connected in every way, shape, or form to the district, to the folks that either knock on the door or call him on the telephone. In fact, he is proactive. He gets out there and interacts with folks to understand what is needed in our community. He also is making sure that we are a one-stop shop. Anything that comes in our office, we are going to help somebody. Even if it doesn't involve a Federal agency or there is a Federal nexus, Joe is going to make sure that we help those folks.

His pride in the First Congressional District extends to everything that he does, and it is that caring about people and about issues important to the district that really make a difference. He is very energetic, and his commitment to bettering the lives of Virginians and the folks in the First District is unparalleled.

I am deeply grateful to Joe for his years of service, his expertise, and his countless number of hours that he has spent--many, many hours of overtime out there working on behalf of the great folks in the First Congressional District.

He has had a profound impact not only on the district but on my work. I look to him to make sure we understand what needs to happen, and he is there to help motivate me to get those things done.

He is truly one of the finest leaders that I know, and I deeply appreciate his dedication to the great folks in the First District.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing Joe Schumacher for his 25 years of service to Virginia's First Congressional District and to our Nation.

Funding Community Projects

Mr. Speaker, I will speak briefly about community project funding. Through fiscal year 2026, the appropriations process, I was able to advocate and secure 20 million taxpayer dollars, money to come back to the First Congressional District. This is about making sure we do our job here and making sure those districts get the dollars that our constituents pay into the Federal system, making sure some of those dollars come back. I am proud to deliver results that matter to Chesterfield County, Matthews County, Bethel Manor Elementary School, the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority, the city of Williamsburg, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Colonial Behavioral Mental Health.

It is not just abstract investments. These are projects that have an impact on communities. Things like Collier Behavioral Health, where they are actually going to increase access, starting with primary care and enhancing behavioral and mental health services.

We are going to do things like protecting drinking water there in the city of Williamsburg, supporting working waterfronts to make sure our economy continues to grow with industries that rely on having access to these creeks. That means dredging the creeks to keep them open for boating traffic. We talked about the importance of access to mental health services but comprehensive healthcare, and investing in major infrastructure projects. These things have massive impacts on communities and are leveraged in many ways to as much as ten or twentyfold over the Federal dollars that come to these localities.

Community project funding, again, does the things that we are intended to do here in Congress, and that is bring back the dollars that our taxpayers pay to the Federal Government, bring them back to communities in ways that matter the most. Members of Congress that are elected to serve those people are the best judgment pieces or places where those decisions are made. It is our job to make sure we advocate for those projects.

I am proud to work on behalf of the Commonwealth to secure $20 million that come back to these critical

projects there in the First Congressional District and will make a difference, a tangible, meaningful difference, a visual difference in what happens in the quality of lives of folks in the First Congressional District. It allows us, too, to make sure that we do the most basic job here and our constitutional duty of making sure that we appropriate in ways that advance the interest and improve the quality of life in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Captain Alexander Feldman, United States Marine Corps, and his service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation.

Alex joined my office in January and quickly became an indispensable member of my team. As my Department of Defense Legislative Fellow, Alex spearheaded numerous legislative efforts that delivered tangible results to the constituents of my district, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the country. He was integral throughout the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act process, working across policy verticals and the aisle to enact meaningful legislation. He also led my veterans policy work, where he liaised with the Veterans Affairs Department and took immense pride and care in working with veteran constituents facing the unique challenges that only a service member themselves could appreciate.

Alex has served as a mentor and leader for my legislative staff and the entire office, sharing his expertise and experience with the rest of my team. His counsel and guidance have shaped my staff into the most effective and successful team on Capitol Hill. Alex was truly the beating heart of my office, keeping the mood light, ever quick with a joke, and always willing to offer his colleagues sage advice.

I would like to thank Alex for his many contributions and dedicated service over the last year. He is thorough, a true team player, and a spark in my office that will be dearly missed. Alex has been an invaluable member of my team, and I wish him the best of luck as he moves on to the next chapter of his professional career.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for joining me to recognize Alexander Feldman for his service to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 923) a resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of United States Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who were tragically shot in Washington, D.C., in a targeted assault against United States servicemembers on November 26, 2025, 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 the resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, United States Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe were tragically shot just before the Thanksgiving holiday here in Washington, D.C.

As members of the West Virginia National Guard on duty in the Nation's Capital, Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Wolfe were targeted and violently assaulted with a barrage of gunfire for doing nothing less than performing their duty as a soldier and an airman. Both of them sustained severe gunshot wounds during the attack.

Sadly, Specialist Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries and passed away, surrounded by loved ones, on Thanksgiving Day, while Staff Sergeant Wolfe remains in recovery. We wish him speedy success in that effort to be back on his feet.

These two young guardsmen represent the best of what our Nation has to offer, making this horrific attack a truly devastating loss not just for those who knew them, served with them, and loved them, but it is, indeed, a tragic event for our entire Nation.

Specialist Beckstrom was 20 years old at the time of her passing. An excellent student and dedicated guardsman, she graduated with honors from Webster County High School in West Virginia. Weeks later, on June 6, she joined the West Virginia National Guard. Sarah embodied selfless service.

In Sarah's civilian job, she worked as a community engagement specialist at a certified community behavioral health clinic that provides mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment to those in need. She recently volunteered to extend her deployment here in Washington, D.C.

Sarah was admired by all who knew her. She served admirably and with distinction, and I would argue she is admired even by those who didn't know her for her selfless sacrifice on behalf of her colleagues in West Virginia, but also on behalf of grateful citizens across our Nation.

We honor her dedication, honor her service, and express our deepest condolences to her loved ones.

Sarah will indeed be missed, but her legacy will live on. Her selfless sacrifice will live on in the hearts and minds of her fellow citizens in West Virginia, but also those of us across the Nation.

Staff Sergeant Wolfe enlisted in the West Virginia National Guard before he even finished high school. At 24 years old, he voluntarily requested to continue his mission here in Washington, D.C., through the holidays.

A dedicated airman, Andrew is also an asset to his community, his State, and our Nation. As a lineman with Frontier Communications, Andrew brought connectivity and communications to many communities across West Virginia, in many areas that needed it the most.

Andrew was dedicated to making sure that people had that connectivity and had that connection to the internet that they needed just for the basic elements of life, but also for educational opportunities.

Like Sarah, Andrew proved himself to be a selfless warrior, serving with distinction and earning the admiration of all who knew him.

We join with his friends and family in praying for his full recovery, and we hope his journey to healing is swift and painless.

I would be remiss if I did not thank the first responders, law enforcement, and National Guardsmen and -women who acted quickly to subdue the threat and provide first aid. They acted with courage and bravery while under fire to protect the people of Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, this is what makes our Nation great, folks who are willing to serve our Nation, like Sarah and Andrew, who are willing to don the cloth of this Nation, willing to provide that selfless sacrifice, willing to put their lives on the line each and every day for what we all believe in, that great Constitution of our United States of America.

Today, we honor and recognize their selfless service and understand what it takes in those dangerous situations to truly guard this beacon of freedom and liberty here in our great United States of America.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Moore).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from West Virginia for his heartfelt comments, as well as Mrs. Miller.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

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

Mr. Speaker, as we have heard from Mr. Carter, from Mrs. Miller, and from Mr. Moore, Sarah and Andrew, known at home as Andy, are really two individuals who we should all model

ourselves after--that selfless service and what they did not just at home in their communities but for what they did for the State of West Virginia and what they did for our Nation.

They are the examples of what makes this Nation great--individuals willing to put their lives on the line for something bigger than themselves, for that foundation of what we all believe in, in this Nation: what our Constitution guarantees, those freedoms and liberties that make the United States the greatest Nation the world has ever known.

Mr. Speaker, we are blessed to live in a nation that has individuals like Sarah and Andy who are willing to put their lives on the line for those principles. Our Nation was a nation founded on an idea--an idea that all are created equal and that we have those inalienable rights given to us by our creator, and folks are willing to sacrifice everything in order to preserve those basic liberties and freedoms. This is just incredible.

When we gather together today to remember the selfless sacrifices of Sarah and Andy, it should make us all come together in the sense of what makes this Nation great. It should make us all never forget how thankful we are for those who serve our Nation in uniform, and not just those who serve in the military but those who came to Sarah and Andy's call when they were injured, those first responders and those law enforcement individuals. We are blessed to have a nation of people willing to give of themselves for the greater purpose. That is, again, what makes this Nation great.

As we know, Sarah and Andy were two of those great group of people who I referred to. Unfortunately, in some sense, there are not as many people who are interested in serving today, although we have recently seen a resurgence in that, which is great--people willing to do something that is greater than just themselves. We see before us that selfless sacrifice which reminds us again of what makes this Nation great, and we must never forget those sacrifices.

For the sacrifice of Sarah and Andy, who were viciously gunned down just blocks away from the White House, we will never forget their service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, instead of remembering them as victims of a hate crime, we must remember, again, their selfless service and sacrifice, their bravery, and their courage. That should make us all admire them as individuals and admire those who are willing to make that ultimate sacrifice.

We grieve with Sarah's friends and family. We pray that their grief begins to subside and that they can remember Sarah for the incredible legacy that she has left behind and for all the good that she has done here on Earth.

We stand with Andy and his friends and family in support of his recovery. It is great to hear from Mr. Moore that he is back home and back on that steady path to recovery. This is all great news.

We thank both of them for their selfless sacrifice to our Nation. We thank the citizens of West Virginia for what they do in providing that National Guard presence. We also thank our Nation that puts together these great men and women to serve a greater cause.

Mr. Speaker, again, I wish our Nation the best in the years to come. I wish all of those who selflessly serve our Nation nothing but God's continued blessings.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. I thank my friend, colleague, and ranking member, Don Norcross, for all of his great work on this effort.

This year, the NDAA placed an extraordinary emphasis on overhauling the acquisition process, shifting focus from compliance to quickly fielding new capabilities at speed and scale.

It slashes red tape by creating a new requirement process to enable the Pentagon to actively seek existing technology solutions from industry, rather than prescribing overly exquisite, gold-plated systems with burdensome requirements.

This year's bill also fully funds the President's request for counter-drone systems, improves force protection from drones at home and abroad, and codifies the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, which is responsible for coordinating all Department efforts to counter drones now and in the future.

Among the NDAA's most important achievements this year is the authorization of $38 billion for development, procurement, and modification of aircraft. This includes full funding for the Air Force's F-47 and the Navy's F/A-XX sixth-generation aircraft programs, as well as 47 additional F-35 aircraft. These investments will guarantee America's air superiority around the globe.

The legislation also supports shipbuilding. It supports the construction of a third Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and an additional Virginia-class submarine.

Additionally, the bill contains block buy authorization that allows the Navy to purchase two Ford-class aircraft carriers under the same contract.

This bill is the product of a long, thoughtful, and deliberative process aimed at rapidly arming our American warfighters with the most innovative and productive technology available. It delivers on this in an astounding fashion.

I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their thoughtful leadership on this essential piece of legislation.

I thank my subcommittee staff: Michael Kirlin, Heath Bope, Caroline Kehrli, Brooke Alred, and Andrew Smith.

In my office, I thank my lead Military Legislative Assistant, Andrew Maloney; in the Department of War, United States Marine Corps Captain Alex Feldman.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I urge my colleagues to support this year's

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Adoption Month this November, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact adoption has had on my life.

When I was born, my birth mother made the courageous decision to place me up for adoption, and I spent my first few months in the loving care of the Children's Home Society of Virginia in downtown Richmond.

At just 8 months old, I was blessed to be adopted by extraordinary parents who taught me the values of resilience and community service, shaping who I am today.

This year, the Children's Home Society of Virginia proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary of dedicated service and commitment to finding families for children in need.

Adoption is a powerful act of love that provides children with the opportunity to grow up in a supportive environment where they can thrive much like I did.

National Adoption Month serves as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about the needs of children in the foster care system and the families who open their hearts and homes to them.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the gift of adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tabb High School Tigers Golf Team of York County, Virginia, for winning the Virginia Class 3, Region A Golf Championship--their first regional title since 2001.

The Tigers were led by Cooper Guldin, whose round of 74 earned him the individual medalist honor followed by outstanding performances from Jack Houseknecht and Brodi Bartee, who each contributed standout performances shooting their lowest scores of the season, Ethan Thompson, Chriss Bassett, and Ainsley Asbury.

Competing among seven strong teams at Dogwood Trace Golf Course in Petersburg, the Tigers captured the championship by narrowly edging York High School by just three shots for the victory. This hard-fought win secured Tabb a well-earned berth in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) state tournament and marked a historic return to regional prominence for the golf team.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the Tabb High School Tigers Golf Team of York County, Virginia. May they continue to represent their school with great pride.