Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Major Aaron Reep's distinguished service as a Marine Corps House Liaison Officer from January 2024 to December 2025.

Following his exemplary service as a Department of Defense Legislative Fellow in my office, Major Reep continued his dedication to our Nation by serving as a legislative liaison in the Marine Corps House Liaison Office. In this critical role bridging the Marine Corps and Congress, Aaron has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.

During his tenure, Major Reep led 22 Congressional delegations to 33 countries and 6 states, facilitating vital strategic engagements and oversight of our national security priorities. Through these delegations, he ensured Members of Congress gained firsthand understanding of Marine Corps operations, readiness challenges, and the strategic environment facing our forces worldwide.

Aaron enhanced the Marine Corps' special relationship with Congress through direct engagement with 65 Members of Congress and 78 Congressional staff, including House Leadership and committee staff. His expertise in defense policy and Marine Corps operations proved invaluable in educating lawmakers on critical issues affecting our Marines and their families.

Major Reep's work has been instrumental in advancing Marine Corps modernization priorities, particularly Force Design 2030 initiatives and the development of Stand-in Forces capabilities essential for deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific. His efforts directly supported Congressional oversight of amphibious warship requirements, Landing Ship Medium development, and the Marine Corps' transformation for distributed maritime operations.

Throughout his service, Aaron has exemplified the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. His ability to translate complex military requirements into actionable legislative priorities has strengthened the bond between Congress and our Marines, ensuring our warfighters receive the resources and support they need to defend our Nation.

I thank Major Reep for his continued dedication to Virginia's 1st District and our Nation. His service as a Marine Corps House Liaison has been marked by professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our national defense.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Major Aaron Reep for his outstanding service as a Marine Corps House Liaison Officer. May God bless Aaron and his family as he continues his distinguished career serving our great Nation and the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and its impact on Special Olympics Virginia.

Special Olympics Virginia has provided year-round sports training and competition to thousands of athletes for decades, empowering them to achieve their personal best while fostering inclusion, respect, and community engagement. Through these programs, athletes not only develop athletic skills but also gain confidence, leadership abilities, and lifelong friendships. As we gather today to honor our athletes and their families, I am extremely thankful for our Special Olympics' extraordinary service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Additionally, the Law Enforcement Torch Run exemplifies the incredible partnership between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Officers from across the Commonwealth have volunteered to carry the Flame of Hope, raising awareness and vital funds to support Special Olympics programs. This collaboration has helped break down barriers, build trust, and promote understanding for individuals with disabilities.

As we celebrate our athletes and their families, we recognize the dedication of their coaches, volunteers, and law enforcement officers whose commitment has transformed the lives of countless Virginians. The legacy of Special Olympics Virginia and the Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of inclusion, compassion, and unwavering support for every athlete's potential.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for joining me in honoring the 40th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and its impact on Special Olympics Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1047, the GRID Power Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Balderson for leading on this bill and Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie and his staff for their incredible work on this. I thank the chairman for all of his efforts to make sure that we have the energy grid that we need for the future.

Mr. Speaker, we know where the demands are coming from. We know that we have to have the additional high-performance data capability if we are going to lead in artificial intelligence. We know we are in a race with China. We know that, for the future of this Nation, for the future of our children, we want to make sure that we are on the right path. We know that we will use AI for the right purposes. I don't think anybody believes that China is going to use AI for the right purposes.

Across the First Congressional District in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I hear from my constituents about the rising costs of energy, whether it is at the gas pump or their power bills.

I am proud to cosponsor this bill, H.R. 1047, because policies like this ensure a supply of reliable, affordable electricity generation. In turn, we want to do everything we can to lower costs for American households while providing necessary energy.

We have challenges now. The demand is going to increase precipitously in the years to come. How do we make sure we meet that demand? How do we make sure we have not just the generation sources in place but also the transmission systems that work together to make sure that we are working against any sort of large-scale failure scenarios that make a problem for us in the long term? We have to address those problems now.

To achieve this, we have to give our regional transmission organizations and our independent systems operators the necessary authority to prioritize projects that increase interconnectivity, to make sure these systems interconnect so that if there is a problem somewhere, we can bring power back in.

That is what makes our grid today so incredibly important. If there is a breakdown in transmission somewhere, we can find other ways to bring power to people's homes. If there is a breakdown there with generation, we can find other ways to bring power to people's homes, bring power to people's businesses. That is why maintaining and increasing that reliability in the future is key.

Resiliency in that grid is key, too. How do we do that? We make sure that we do even more to empower the decisionmakers to have maximum flexibility to make sure that they can put new improvements to our grid in place to make sure that every bit of power generation capacity and every bit of transmission capacity is ensured so that it gets power to the consumer, to our families, and to our businesses. They rely on that.

We know the interruption that it has. If you have power that goes out at your home or power that goes out at your business, that is a major inconvenience and, in some instances, a major interruption in your business. It can be a major safety factor, too, for families that rely on that power for things that are critical to people's well-being at their homes.

We have to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make this happen. By expediting the resources necessary to advance this reliability, increase the reliability, and increase the resiliency in the grid, we know that this legislation will help achieve that.

We know that this will help us unleash American energy production in vast, new, improved ways. Again, modernize the grid and increase reliability. Those things are key.

We want to make sure that we are doing that because that brings down the cost of living and brings down the cost of power. When things are more reliable, we have more opportunities to provide power in many different ways. That brings down costs. This bill will allow us to do that.

It also helps us restore American energy dominance, where we are using all of the above. We want to use every asset at our avail, both our energy itself, with what we produce there on the grid, and the transmission within the grid.

We know that this is key for our working families and our small businesses. That is the foundation of strong communities, and it starts with making sure that we have a grid that has maximum reliability and maximum resilience. This bill achieves that.

In closing, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Chairman Guthrie for his leadership and Representative Balderson for introducing this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kathryn Rexrode and her service and contributions to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation.

Kathryn joined my district team four years ago and has served our office well. Kathryn is a highly motivated individual who was energetic about both her work and her relationships. Her work ethic and commitment to service have helped countless constituents of Virginia's 1st District.

I would like to thank Kathryn for her many contributions and dedicated service. 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. May the Lord bless her as she embarks on a

new challenge, and I look forward to seeing her continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you in joining me to recognize Kathryn Rexrode for her service to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hallie Coyne and her service and contributions to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation.

Hallie joined my office in 2022 and quickly became one of the most effective and recognized personal office defense staffers in the House. As my National Security Advisor, Hallie has spearheaded numerous legislative efforts that delivered tangible results to the constituents of my district, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the country. Among her many accomplishments, Hallie spearheaded efforts to bolster the shipbuilding ecosystem in Virginia, strengthen commercial space launch infrastructure, bridge the gap between new defense start-ups and the Pentagon, and was a champion of defense technology and innovation.

Hallie has served as a mentor and leader for my legislative staff and the entire office, sharing her expertise and experience with the rest of my team. Her counsel and guidance have shaped my staff into the most effective and successful team on Capitol Hill.

I would like to thank Hallie for her many contributions and dedicated service over the last three and a half years. She is thorough, a true team player, and a spark in my office that will be dearly missed. Hallie 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.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you in joining me to recognize Hallie Coyne for her service to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation.

Madam Chair, I thank the chairman and ranking member of the committee for their leadership throughout this year's NDAA process.

Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement For Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense and Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

As the United States faces pacing threats from China, this NDAA ensures the United States remains peerless by reforming and modernizing the Pentagon's acquisition policies. This bill includes my provision instituting a minimum assignment period of 6 years for acquisition program executive officers, strengthening institutional memory in the acquisition process.

It also cuts through red tape by exempting smaller programs from cumbersome regulatory burdens. It revitalizes the national defense industrial base by establishing the defense industrial resiliency consortium, and it bridges the ``Valley of Death'' by creating the Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition Program to efficiently align high-potential technologies with unmet operational needs.

As chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, we have ensured this bill delivers on maintaining a capable and lethal fighting force by authorizing over $38 billion for the development, procurement, and modification of aircraft, including full funding for the 6th generation F-47 and F/A-XX programs. It also authorizes $15 billion to restore America's ammunition arsenal.

Crucially, this bill addresses the emerging threat of unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS. These systems are poised to be the IED of our future conflicts if we do not successfully counter them at home and on the battlefield.

The fiscal year 2026 NDAA fully funds the President's request for counter-UAS systems and implements a pilot program to utilize commercial data feeds to more accurately detect, identify, and track UAS incursions near military installations.

Madam Chair, I thank the subcommittee's ranking member, Don Norcross, for his leadership in these efforts and for his shared, bipartisan vision for our Nation's security.

Madam Chair, this year's NDAA is a strong, bipartisan bill that works to keep the United States the most dynamic and lethal military power on the planet.

Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe Bonamassa, a celebrated blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, for his tireless efforts in preserving and promoting the blues genre. Through the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA), Bonamassa has become a beacon of hope for aspiring musicians, educators, and enthusiasts alike. Our Nation recognizes Joe Bonamassa's contributions to the blues community, the mission and impact of the KTBA Foundation, and the significance of his legacy in keeping the blues alive for generations to come.

Joe Bonamassa is a renowned figure in the world of blues music, revered for his exceptional talent as a guitarist and his unwavering dedication to the preservation of the genre. He is seen by many as the best guitarist of his generation. In addition to his prolific career as a recording artist and performer, Bonamassa is the founder of the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting music education and preserving the rich heritage of the blues.

Joe Bonamassa's love affair with the blues began at a young age, inspired by the music of legends like B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. With his prodigious talent and soulful playing style, Bonamassa quickly established himself as one of the preeminent blues guitarists of his generation. His extensive discography, which spans over two decades, showcases his mastery of the genre and his ability to breathe new life into classic blues songs.

Beyond his achievements as a performer, Bonamassa has been a passionate advocate for the blues community. He has used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this uniquely American art form and has worked tirelessly to ensure its continued relevance in the modern music landscape. Through his music, Bonamassa pays homage to the blues tradition while also pushing the boundaries of the genre, attracting new audiences and inspiring future generations of musicians.

In 2011, Joe Bonamassa founded the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation with the mission of providing resources and support to music education programs and aspiring musicians. The foundation offers scholarships, instrument donations, and grants to schools and organizations that are dedicated to teaching and preserving the blues. Through these initiatives, KTBA aims to empower young musicians and ensure that the blues remains a vibrant and thriving art form for years to come.

Since its inception, the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation has made a significant impact on the blues community, funding music programs in schools across the country and providing instruments to aspiring musicians who may not have had access otherwise. In addition to its financial support, KTBA also

hosts events, workshops, and educational programs that celebrate the blues and foster a sense of community among musicians and fans.

Joe Bonamassa's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a musician. Through his advocacy work with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, he has become a champion for the blues, ensuring that its rich legacy endures for future generations. His passion, talent, and generosity have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow musicians alike, cementing his status as one of the genre's most influential figures.

As we celebrate Joe Bonamassa and his contributions to the blues community, we are reminded of the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift. Through his music and his philanthropy, Bonamassa has touched the lives of countless individuals and left an indelible mark on the world of blues music. As we look to the future, we are confident that his legacy will continue to shine brightly, keeping the blues alive for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, Joe Bonamassa's dedication to the blues and his efforts with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation have had a profound impact on the music community. Through his music, advocacy, and philanthropy, Bonamassa has helped to preserve the legacy of the blues while also ensuring its continued relevance in the 21st century. As we honor his contributions, we are reminded of the importance of supporting music education and nurturing the next generation of blues musicians. Joe Bonamassa's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the well-deserved retirement of William W. ``Bill'' Crow. Born and raised in Morganfield, Kentucky, Bill Crow graduated in 1980 from the United States Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as Ensign in the United States Navy. He also holds a Master of Science degree from the National Defense University Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

His Navy career included at sea assignments of various division officer billets and Chief Engineer in USS PHARRIS (FF-1094), Assistant Operations Officer of Commander Destroyer Squadron 26, an extended department head tour as Chief Engineer in USS BRISCOE (DD-977), Material Officer for Commander Destroyer Squadrons 10 and 2, Executive Officer of USS Peterson (DD-969), Commanding Officer of USS Austin (LPD-4), and Training and Readiness Assistant Chief of Staff for Commander Amphibious Group Two.

Ashore, he served as a steam engineering instructor, Surface Warfare Programs Officer for COMNAVSURFLANT, Chief Staff Officer to the Commandant, Naval District Washington, and Executive Officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. After retirement from the Navy in July of 2010, he transitioned into the private business sector as a Senior Naval Consultant for McKean Defense Group. He assumed his current duties as President of the Virginia Ship Repair Association on September 18, 2012.

Bill is married to the former Jeanne Boucher of Chesapeake, Virginia. They reside in the Great Bridge community in Chesapeake, Virginia and are the proud parents of four children; John, Karen, Sara and Kevin.

I have had the honor and privilege of working with Bill in a professional and a personal capacity and can attest he is a generous and dedicated man. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Bill Crow for his unyielding dedication to protecting our Nation to the best of his abilities. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and pray for his continued health and happiness in whatever adventures come his way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carroll Lee Ashburn for his community service and civic leadership to the Northern Neck. The influence Carroll has shown on his community over the years has cemented his legacy as a legendary softball coach, manager, sports broadcaster, and local historian.

Carroll Ashburn served his country in the United States Coast Guard, was a softball coach of the legendary Texaco's Fast Ball Pitch Softball team, managed the girls fast pitch softball team, and started the Girl's Little League Softball program in Kilmarnock at Lancaster's Youth Park. Mr. Ashburn later became a broadcaster for High School Radio Sports on WKWI Radio, now Bay FM 101.7, where he served as the voice of high school basketball in the Northern Neck for over 25 years.

In 2007, Carroll Ashburn became the President of the Kilmarnock Museum, a position he still holds. Carroll has promoted and help produce several documentaries highlighting the history of the Northern Neck, including Kilmarnock, Virginia Living History; The Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay; Historic Churches of Virginia's Northern Neck; Rear Admiral Bert Chase--A Dream of Flight, and A Fish Story. Mr. Ashburn, a born-and-raised Northern Necker, brings a wealth of knowledge about the valuable history of the region. If one wants to know how the Chesapeake Bay built the Northern Neck or how the Northern Neck built the Chesapeake Bay, go no further than Carroll Lee Ashburn.

Today at 93, Carroll remains busy by hosting trips to Tangier Island from Hummell Field in Topping with his favorite pilot, Davy Nichols, in a 1970 Cessna.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Carroll Lee Ashburn for his extraordinary contributions to the Northern Neck Community and in expressing our deepest appreciation for his lasting impact on our unique community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. James Horn on his upcoming retirement as President and Chief Officer of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation. After over a decade as the leader of Jamestown, the site of America's first permanent settlement, Dr. Horn will conclude his illustrious career.

Dr. Horn's passion for history has helped expand our understanding of America's beginning. He has served as the President of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation since 2015, steering the organization through a period full of novel discoveries, enlightening research, and critical preservation efforts. While President, Dr. Horn oversaw the restoration of Jamestown's Memorial Church and its famed 17th century tower, ensuring that the site, which hosted Virginia's first General Assembly in 1619, stands as a beacon of democracy for years to come.

During his time at Jamestown, Dr. Horn ushered in new educational and community programs, sharing a critical time in American history with the public. He also aided in fundraising over $16 million dollars to help protect Jamestown from flooding risks, preserving the park for future generations.

Beyond his service at Jamestown, Dr. Horn remains an active and prolific historian, having published nine books and numerous articles on colonial America. He also has worked for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and taught several classes at the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary. Dr. Horn has dedicated his life's work to researching, writing and teaching about our most treasured institution: our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. James Horn for his years of tireless pursuit of historical knowledge and preservation. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and pray for his continued health and happiness in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Crane on his upcoming retirement as President of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). Mr. Crane will conclude his illustrious career after over forty years of public service.

Mr. Crane's dedication to improving our environment and providing opportunities to all outdoorsmen is constantly inspiring. He has served as President of the CSF since 2002, guiding the organization from a small group of only five staff members to become the Nation's preeminent sportsmen advocacy group. While at the helm of the CSF, Mr. Crane helped grow the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus to the largest bipartisan caucus in Congress. He also aided in the creation of the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC), which has nearly 2,500 members across all 50 states, and the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus.

While expanding the scope of the CSF, Mr. Crane tirelessly worked to pass countless bills to enhance opportunities for hunters and anglers. He vigorously fought for our environment, passing legislation to fund conservation efforts at the state and federal levels. Other advocacy organizations would often defer to Mr. Crane's vision and judgment on policy matters, a high compliment to his knowledge and ability.

Beyond the CSF, Mr. Crane served as the Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council (HSSCC) and of American Wildlife Conservation Partners, along with many other leadership positions. Mr. Crane has been consistently recognized for his humility, grace, and team-oriented approach. His dedication and passion for our environment

will continue to have an indelible impact on sportsmen everywhere and our majestic Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Jeff Crane for his unyielding dedication to protecting and enjoying our Creator's greatest gift: our natural world. I wish him all the best in his well- earned retirement and pray for his continued health and happiness in whatever adventures come his way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and mourn the passing of Mr. Donald R. Dwight of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mr. Dwight was a Marine, newspaper executive, and dedicated public servant. Born in Massachusetts, he attended Deerfield Academy and Princeton before serving as an active-duty Marine, where he earned the rank of captain. A man dedicated to his country, Mr. Dwight held multiple public offices, including serving as the 64th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. As Lieutenant Governor, he worked behind the scenes to serve his state and always stood up for what he felt was right.

After leaving public office, Mr. Dwight led newspapers in Minneapolis and New England and was responsible for printing seven separate publications. He was dedicated to local, independent journalism and never hesitated to follow a difficult story.

Outside of his public life, Mr. Dwight was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. To those who knew him, he was endlessly curious, and never afraid to try new things. He always knew how to ask the right questions and was driven by unflinching dedication to the common good. The mark he left on his community, state, and country will never be forgotten, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and mourn the passing of Mr. Donald Dwight of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mr. Dwight was a Marine, newspaper executive, and dedicated public servant. Born in Massachusetts, he attended Deerfield Academy and Princeton before serving as an active-duty Marine where he earned the rank of captain. A man dedicated to his country, Mr. Dwight held multiple public offices, including serving as the 64th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. As Lieutenant Governor, he worked behind the scenes to serve his state and always stood up for what he felt was right.

After leaving public office, Mr. Dwight led newspapers in Minneapolis and New England

and was responsible for printing seven separate publications. He was dedicated to local, independent journalism and never hesitated to follow a difficult story.

Outside of his public life, Mr. Dwight was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. To those who knew him, he was endlessly curious, and never afraid to try new things. He always knew how to ask the right questions and was driven by unflinching dedication to the common good. The mark he left on his community, state, and country will never be forgotten, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 192.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Willa Shannon and her service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation.

Willa joined my office as Press Assistant after working for Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio. She has served our office and our team well. Willa is a highly motivated individual who was energetic about both her work and her relationships. Her work ethic and commitment to service have helped shape my staff into the most effective and successful team on Capitol Hill.

I would like to thank Willa for her many contributions and dedicated service. 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. May the Lord 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 to recognize Willa Shannon for her service to Virginia's First District and the Nation.