Floor Statements

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

I am pleased to lead this effort with my good friend and colleague, the chair of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Ms. Norton.

As Congresswoman Norton said, this important legislation directs the General Services Administration to provide rent relief to the National Children's Museum that is currently housed in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center right here in Washington, D.C.

Currently, the museum is the only federally designated museum sitting in a Federal building that is required to pay rent. This bill will give the museum the same benefits afforded to other congressionally designated museums.

Prepandemic, the museum offered our children the ability to interact with exhibits that were focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. And that allowed children to foster a greater appreciation for our STEM fields.

As our country reopens and we look to the future, the museum will continue to build off that success and become even more valuable of a resource for our youth. In that spirit, I actually look forward to visiting with some of my colleagues soon and talking about this important bill. It is just frustrating that it is the only museum that is congressionally directed that has to pay another government agency, the GSA, for rent when they weren't allowed to be open.

So this is a commonsense bill. It has been great to work with Congresswoman Norton, and I support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank Ms. Norton for her cooperation on this. It is great to be back on the floor and see everybody. I enjoy this greatly. I certainly hope everybody supports this commonsense bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the career of a true public servant, House Inspector General Michael Ptasienski, who has dedicated nearly 15 years of his professional career to ensuring the People's House operates with integrity and accountability. Appointed as Inspector General in February of 2018, Mike is only the fifth individual to hold this position and as House IG, exemplified the excellence, attention to detail, determination and character necessary for success.

But of course, the role of the Inspector General was not a surprise to Mike. Prior to being appointed, he had served as Deputy Inspector General of Advisory and Administrative Services, and as Director of Management Advisory Services. This month, his tenure in the House IG shop came to its end when he entered retirement on June 4, 2021. Mike will be missed--not only for his dedication and commitment to the IG mission, but for his positive attitude and approachable nature.

Part of the mission of the House IG is to ``serve as a constructive critic, helpful advisor, and positive change agent.'' In fulfilling this mission, Mike has gone above and beyond, and the House is a more accountable, efficient, and safe institution due to the many recommendations and advisories his team produced under his leadership.

I wish to once again express my and my team's gratitude for Mike's partnership, collaboration, and kindness throughout the years, and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a noteworthy occasion at the Library of Congress's National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)--the retirement of Director Karen Keninger. Having dedicated nearly a decade of service under two Librarians of Congress, Karen's devotion to the NLS collection shows in the excellence she has brought to the program through both expansion of the collection and innovation of service.

The NLS is an institution committed to serving readers with disabilities with the mission of ensuring ``that all may read''. Offering free braille and talking book library services for people with temporary or permanent reading disabilities, the NLS has played an instrumental part in ensuring that the Library of Congress' collection can be enjoyed by all Americans.

As director of the NLS, over her nearly decade of leadership, Karen has doubled the collection of talking books and magazines while reducing production time for reading materials. She has opened up new worlds for all NLS patrons by ushering in the creation of mobile apps for downloading books and magazines in audio and braille, as well as advocating that the United States be a party to the Marrakesh Treaty, which provides for the exchange of accessible-format books across international borders. Her mission to ensure ``that all may read'' was all the more realized through her instrumental involvement in the launch of braille eReader device pilot programs to both increase the speed of getting materials to patrons and reduce storage and delivery requirements for materials for librarians.

Beyond the collection, Karen has played the lead role in the renovation of the NLS satellite office building and the adoption of a new, modernized name for NLS reflecting its service to not only blind Americans, but to the larger print disabled community. She ushered in a new era of NLS service and restructured the organization to better align with the mission of the Library to provide access for all the American people.

This year, the NLS celebrated its 90th Anniversary. It is due to dedicated servants of the American people, like Karen, that we owe our thanks for a successful and influential program that touches American lives every day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the life and career of Jane Sanchez, Deputy Librarian for Library Collections and Services, and 25th Law Librarian of Congress.

Earlier this year, the Library of Congress mourned the loss of Ms. Sanchez who brought her wealth of knowledge and experience to government service in the Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S.

Government Publishing Office prior to joining the Library of Congress. She also was well loved for her time with Harvard University and the University of New Mexico, and received many awards in her career, including one from the U.S. Department of Energy for sustained superior service.

Her time at the Library of Congress began in 2014 as lead of the Humanities and Social Sciences division and not long after, she became the Deputy Librarian for Library Collections and Services, as well as the 25th Law Librarian of Congress. Her colleagues said that she ``led the Law Library of Congress during times of profound change and challenges,'' and that she was a ``visionary leader of the Law Library, whose profound contributions made the institution, and its links to the American people, stronger and more impactful.'' According to another colleague, ``numerous digital projects, webinars, LibGuides, and of course the Legal Research Institute will serve as her legacy.'' Even the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, stated that Jane was a ``remarkable colleague.''

The legacy of Ms. Sanchez's service to our Nation certainly reflects that. I wish to extend my greatest thanks to Ms. Sanchez for her decades of public service and express my deepest sympathies to her family and colleagues.

Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding.

This is one of the most disappointing days that I have had when it comes to figuring out a way to protect this Capitol complex. One of the most disappointing parts of this legislation is that both parties for both sides of the Capitol were working together on a bill, and out of nowhere, House Democrats stopped negotiating and decided on Friday to introduce their own partisan bill and rush it to the floor.

The press has even pointed out that the Senate will have to renegotiate this bill before it can pass, so I can't help but wonder why we are voting on this bill today when we could be voting on a deal that actually has a chance of becoming law.

Even worse, this bill is being sold as an appropriations bill, but there is a lot of legislating happening here--permanent security changes buried in this nearly $2 billion supplemental bill. As ranking member of the House Administration Committee, I can tell you that some of these permanent changes are within my committee's jurisdiction, and my committee hasn't held any hearings to review or examine these changes.

While I believe we need to make the National Guard whole for their service after January 6, this bill permanently establishes the National Guard as a quick reaction force. This was just one of the options provided in General Honore's report, but if I recall, he provided three options to establish a quick reaction force. I have some serious concerns about this being the most efficient and effective way to protect the Capitol in an emergency.

The bill also requires body cameras for each Capitol Police officer, with the exception of officers who are on protective detail for leadership and other Members. My committee has not reviewed this or why an exception was made for certain officers.

Additionally, this bill could allow Members to use taxpayer dollars to make upgrades to their homes for security purposes. As someone who has been shot at on a ballfield and received many threats from constituents and others over the years, I understand the need for protection, and there have already been changes to help increase safety. But I have a feeling some of our constituents wouldn't be happy with Members of Congress being able to use tax dollars to make improvements that could increase the value of their homes in the name of security.

I am disappointed with the process, Madam Speaker, and it is a shame we are not voting on a bipartisan bill that can make it through the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my wife's grandmother, Mary Alice Workman, who, sadly, passed away in late January at the age of 98.

Mary Alice was born in Decatur. She married her husband, Richard, in 1941. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Assumption, Illinois.

Mary Alice will be remembered for her kindheartedness, for the love of her large family, and for living life to the fullest.

Mary Alice is now resting peacefully with her husband, Richard; and her favorite dog, Leo.

It is a sad loss for our family and everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know her. It is always difficult saying good-bye to someone we love and appreciate, especially when you couldn't see them in person before they passed.

Shannon, Toryn, Griffin, Clark, and I send our thoughts and prayers to her children, Kenneth, Kathleen, and Nancy; and their families; and her other grandchildren, Randy, Kelly, Curt, Ric; and the rest of her great-grandchildren, Trenee, Ryan, Ross, Connor, Sydney, Grace, and Payton.

Mary Alice, may you rest in peace.

Honoring Trevor Herderhorst

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trevor Herderhorst of Highland, Illinois, who died on April 25 after a courageous fight with cancer.

Trevor began his dream of becoming a firefighter in 2005 with the Cahokia Volunteer Fire Department. Later, he graduated from SIUC with a degree in fire service management, and went on to serve as a Granite City firefighter. In 2018, Trevor started his dream job with the City of Champaign Fire Department in its Operations Division. Trevor loved being a firefighter and was a proud professional, always striving to hone his skills to save lives.

Those who knew Trevor will remember him for his inspirational positivity and his passion for making the world around him a better place and his love for baseball.

My prayers are with Trevor's wife, Tiffany; his children, Chase and Olivia; and all his friends and family spread throughout the communities he made better with his presence. He will truly be missed.

Recognizing Knight's Action Park

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Knight's Action Park in Springfield, Illinois, which is celebrating 91 years of business this year.

It was founded in 1930 as a golf driving range by George Knight, Sr., after he spent a few years touring the country as the caddy for four- time U.S. Open champion Willie Anderson.

George Knight, Jr., and his wife, Audrey, started an archery range in 1951, and later opened the family entertainment center. Knight's Action Park spans 60 acres and three generations of the Knight family. Over the years, it has added a water park, pub, and drive-in theater.

Like many businesses that rely on large attendance, they faced challenges amidst the coronavirus pandemic. They credit the Paycheck Protection Program for allowing them to survive 2020, so they can continue to provide jobs for 200 seasonal workers, 10 permanent staff, and family fun for me, my family, and my constituents. Hopefully, they will be able to fully reopen soon.

Again, congratulations to the Knights on their 91st anniversary, and I wish them all the best in the years to come.

Recognizing Dr. Larry Dietz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Dr. Larry Dietz, the 19th president of Illinois State University, who will retire on June 30 after a remarkable 50-year academic career.

Dr. Dietz began his career at ISU in 2011 as the Vice President for Student Affairs. In 2014, he was appointed Illinois State's 19th president. Prior to coming to ISU, he served as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and he held various other leadership positions at the University of Missouri and Iowa State University.

President Dietz's passion for higher education has taken an already highly esteemed ISU to new heights. With his leadership, the university is continually ranked among the top in the Nation for high graduation and retention rates and low student loan default rates. He leaves ISU on a footing that is full of potential.

I have had the pleasure of working with Larry since he became president. A personal testament I have to his success is the fact that all three of my children attend Illinois State University, the institution he leads.

Congratulations on your retirement, Mr. President.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my uncle, Jerry Clark, who, sadly, passed away on May 5 at the age of 88.

Uncle Jerry was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from Johnstone High School in 1950. Soon after, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served until 1955. Following his discharge, he was a Des Moines firefighter, retiring after 33 years of service. And while working for the fire department, he also worked for Sears, and he retired from Sears after 30 years.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his vibrant smile, and for the love of his grandchildren.

I got a chance to see my Uncle Jerry back in August of 2019. And before that, it was back in 1999, at my mom--his sister--my mom, Sally's, funeral.

It is a sorrow loss for our family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. My wife, Shannon, our kids and I send our thoughts and prayers to my Aunt Jeannene; my cousins Craig, Kevin, Jonathan; his grandchildren Kaleb, Kayla, Rose, and Sterling; and his sister, my Aunt Joyce.

Uncle Jerry, may you rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in a bittersweet time in my career here in Congress because it is a time I get to bid farewell to somebody who has been with me since day one. Because she has floor privileges, she is sitting behind me right now and is going to be very embarrassed because I am going to talk about her.

As you can see here, Madam Speaker, this is my longtime chief of staff and staff director of the House Administration Committee, Jen Daulby, and her daughter, Reagan, standing in the Capitol rotunda.

I first met Jen in Illinois when she was a young intern for the State of Illinois one summer. Little did I know that a few years later I would be running a campaign for my former boss, Congressman John Shimkus, and I would hire a field office manager who just graduated law school to work out of our Collinsville, Illinois, campaign office. I realized very, very quickly she had opinions of her own--something that in political campaigns sometimes are a little difficult because as a campaign manager, I wanted to be right all the time. But she always taught me: get this stuff done and get me the information I need so I can do my job.

Jen Daulby sitting behind me was a pain in my butt during that campaign.

Fast forward: we got a chance to work together in the Shimkus congressional office. Then she went on to bigger and brighter things working for then-Chairman Goodlatte on the House Agriculture Committee, and then to top it off she had to work for Chairman Sensenbrenner on the Judiciary Committee. Then as luck would have it, in 2012 I won the closest Republican victory in the Nation. Jen was already making a name for herself in the private sector, but she wanted to come back to the Hill and be a chief of staff.

I remember how painful she was to work with when we worked together on that campaign, and I just threw her in as an interview because I knew her. If there was a fifth slot and I was only interviewing four, she would have got it.

But do you know what?

She came in with a plan. She wowed my wife, who was in the interview with me, and my district director, who was in the interview with me, and reminded me how special of a person she was.

Jen likes to say: Thank you for taking a chance on a single mom with a 4-year-old daughter at the time to come back to the Hill and be a part of this institution, because it was her dream to lead an office.

She has got it all wrong once again, because I am glad she took a chance on me as a new Member of Congress who won by only 1,002 votes and came in and made sure that we built an office that was led under the same principles with which we still lead today: work hard, be nice to people, and lead.

This institution over the last 8\1/2\ years has been made a lot better place because Jen Daulby was a part of it. I am honored that she was my chief of staff for 6 years and has been running the House Administration minority side for the House for the last 2\1/2\ years.

There is not a single GOP staffer in this institution who does not know her name and has not been thankful for the information that she has been able to put out. She helped take the smallest committee in Congress--the House Administration Committee--and allowed us to lead on so many issues.

Now, as she moves back into the private sector, I have to wish her well. It is with a heavy heart I do so, because I can tell you there is not a more tenacious, there is not a more loyal, and there is not a more dedicated person to making this House of Representatives work for all of us as Members of Congress, for every staff member--like she and I used to be--or for every single American.

Jen was here on the floor with us on January 6. Jen was the first person I saw when I walked into my office after I watched my friends get shot on a baseball field. Jen was the first person I saw on day one as a Member of Congress. She is a leader, she is a patriot, and she will always, always have my thanks, the thanks of the American people, and the thanks of this institution. But most importantly, her favorite job is being a mom to her young daughter.

I wish her well in going back to being a mom to Reagan, but I am always going to call you one of my best friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the former city of Bloomington council member, mayor, and McLean County board member, Mr. Richard Buchanan. He was a clearly dedicated public servant who dedicated more than four decades of his life to serving the taxpayers. Sadly, Rich passed away on March 30.

Rich grew up in Clinton, and graduated from Northern Illinois University, where he met the love of his life, Judy. After graduation, Richard spent 6 years serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Outside of public service, he had an enduring career spanning 30 years at State Farm and raised three children alongside Judy. His leadership to Bloomington and McClean County will truly be missed.

My prayers are with his wife, Judy, his children, and all those who called Richard a friend.

In Remembrance of Patricia Everhart Reese

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Patricia Everhart Reese of Taylorville, a teacher and beloved community member, and my friend, who passed away on November 3, 2020.

Pat taught with the Taylorville School District for many years and was influential with the development of the Lincoln Land Literacy Program. She also spent time teaching at the Taylorville Correctional Center.

Pat, of course, took on many other roles in the community. One, being mentor to me, and also, she was the First Lady of Taylorville for 16 years and the Republican County chairwoman for 25 years, but her service never stopped.

Pat leaves a lasting impact on the Taylorville community and will be remembered as a great friend to so many.

My prayers are with her husband, Dan, and their entire family at this time.

Recognizing Patty Hornbuckle

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patty Hornbuckle for her leadership and service to Taylorville and Christian County, Illinois.

I had the privilege to work with Patty in her role as the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is the driving force to attract new businesses, residents, and tourists in our hometown.

During Patty's tenure, the chamber experienced significant growth in membership and increase in revenue through fundraising and the expansion of the chamber's signature event, ``The Taylorville Chilifest.''

Patty is certainly going to be missed. While we will miss her, her leadership has set up the chamber to continue its successful service to our community for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to send my heartfelt congrats to my friend, Patty, her husband, Greg, and also her family.

In Remembrance of John Curtin

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember John Curtin of Taylorville.

John was my neighbor, a farmer, and active community member, who was our longtime county board chair, and he passed away on March 10 of 2021.

John began farming in Christian County in 1957. He served 12 years as the cattle superintendent at the Illinois State Fair and president of the Illinois Angus Association. In 1984, he was designated master farmer by Prairie Farmer.

John was a dedicated servant and leader to his community. And as I mentioned, he served on the county board as chair, but he was on the board for 40 years. The Taylorville Chamber of Commerce awarded him with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his community service.

John was a fellow parishioner within the Holy Trinity Catholic parish as part of St. Mary's in Stonington, in Taylorville, and his legacy will be remembered forever.

My prayers are with his brothers, six children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Honoring Todd Hanneken

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Illinois

State Trooper, Todd Hanneken, of Decatur, Illinois, who lost his life on March 25.

Todd fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a state trooper. He was a 20-year veteran of the Illinois State Police and always went above and beyond the call of duty.

In 2018, Todd was awarded the Illinois State Police Medal of Honor for heroic actions he took to rescue a man out of a burning car, ultimately saving that man's life.

For so many, Todd was more than a state trooper. He was a husband, father, son, brother, and beloved friend. Those that knew Todd will remember him for his kindness and compassion. Todd cared deeply about his community, always wanting to help others in need.

A tragic accident took Todd's life, and my prayers are with his friends and family, both at home and with the State Police, and particularly his wife, Shelley; and sons, Ben and Nick. Todd was a hero in every sense of the word and will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the retirement of a true servant of the House, Joe Novotny.

A familiar voice that we all know so well, Joe served Congress for 29 years at both the committee and the institutional level, becoming a recognizable and reliable part of the House legislative process as the Reading Clerk.

Joe's career started as a House Page and led him to positions on the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Education and Labor. In 2010, Joe joined the Clerk's organization as Reading Clerk, where this Chamber has enjoyed his voice and diligence for over a decade.

When asking the many teams who work with him how they would describe Joe, the word that came up repeatedly was ``teammate.'' As a dedicated public servant with nearly three decades of experience and knowledge, Joe's attention to detail, mentorship, humor, and kindness made him an asset and a friend to every team he has been a part of. From his restaurant recommendations to stories about seeing his favorite bands play live on weekends, Joe will not only be missed by his colleagues in Legislative Operations, but by all of us who know him as part of this Chamber.

I would like to wish Joe well in his retirement and celebrate his commitment to serving this body so ably for so many years. Congratulations, Joe.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Vincent Speranza, a 101st Airborne Division paratrooper, a Battle of the Bulge legend, and now a frequent flyer out of the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois.

Mr. Speranza is 95 years old and usually flies out of Abraham Lincoln on his way to travel the world or to jump out of airplanes like last year with the U.S. Army's Golden Knights.

Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of being on the same flight as he was. TSA Officers Martin Derhake and Deanna Victor love Mr. Speranza and know he will always have a new story to brighten their day and lift their spirits.

Mr. Speranza grew up in Staten Island but now lives in Sherman, Illinois. He became a paratrooper after basic training and joined the 101st just prior to the Battle of the Bulge, where his actions have cemented his legacy to this day. Mr. Speranza filled up his Army helmet with beer from a tap in Bastogne for his friend who was wounded. Later, Airborne Beer was born because of Speranza's efforts. Madam Speaker, I urge you to look this story up if you haven't already.

I thank Mr. Speranza for his service to our country, for the way his presence brightens everyone's day, and for helping his fellow troops find a beer during the Battle of the Bulge.

Cheers to many more years, my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline), another great friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr), a mediocre friend, not a great friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Fallon), another mediocre friend.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.

Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question are postponed.

Amendments En Bloc No. 4 Offered by Ms. Lofgren of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the en bloc. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed), a good friend and a problem solver.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), who can take you on a tour of the best Philly cheesesteak places in the world.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Naples, Florida, (Mr. Donalds), my good friend, who represents many of my former constituents from Illinois who have left Illinois because of overtaxation.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, before I reserve, can I make a parliamentary inquiry?

When a mask falls down unintentionally from a speaker, what is the rule?

Is this being enforced equally on the majority and minority?

So I should ask the second-rate parliamentarian off the floor?

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew), my good friend and best- dressed member of our conference.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a summary of letters submitted yesterday by the Institute for Free Speech and others opposing

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

Madam Speaker, over the last couple of days, I have spoken a lot about my opposition to this bill's creation of a public fund filled with dollars from corporate fines to directly fund the campaign coffers of every Member of this institution and candidates.

And my Democrat colleagues have continued to say this isn't public funding or corporate donations because it is corporate fines.

So what is the truth?

I think my chart here tells the story. So we have corporate fines. That is corporate dollars, something that we, as Members of Congress in our campaigns, cannot accept right now. Those corporate dollars that pay these corporate fines that we set the levels of in this institution, they then go to the U.S. Government in this new--that H.R. 1 creates--the Freedom From Influence Fund.

It is really a laundering machine. So they launder that corporate money that we cannot accept right now into the Treasury and it comes out clean as public money. It is money that used to be used for things like the Crime Victims Fund. Instead, this new laundered money, this taxpayer money--because it is public, it is under the control of us-- then goes out exponentially to all of us, to our campaigns to pay for attack ads, fundraisers, mailers, phone calls, whatever you want.

But either way, it is government spending--government sending corporate dollars directly to us. This is, and should be, prohibited, but H.R. 1 changes that and it puts more money into politics and not less.

How about the Crime Victims Fund or victims of domestic violence get these dollars?

Let's make sure that we address programs that deal with sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes. This money will not go into the Crime Victims Fund because it is going to all of us. All 50 State attorneys general have told us that this vital Crime Victims Fund is nearly depleted. But instead of plussing it up, here we are today, funding our own campaigns with a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, this bill isn't for the people. It is for the politicians. This is why I am offering a motion to recommit so that we can put forward a bill that works for the American people.

Madam Speaker, if we adopt this motion to recommit, we will instruct the Committee on House Administration to consider an amendment to remove all public financing from this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record the text of the amendment immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, it is one reason I am opposed to H.R. 1, and giving Democrats another chance to join me, stopping this charade, stopping enriching themselves in their own campaign. This is one last chance before you do it again.

Madam Speaker, another reason I oppose H.R. 1 is because the election mandates on States in this bill go against what our Founding Fathers intended and essentially nationalizes our election system.

If signed into law, H.R. 1 would be the greatest expansion of the Federal Government's role in our elections than we have ever seen. By moving these decisions to D.C., we are further removing people from the laws that govern their elections. People should have more say in how their elections are run, not less. Our goal is to always ensure all eligible voters are able to vote and all lawful votes are counted. That is not what H.R. 1 does. And the only witness who has run an election before said during the single House Administration hearing held on this bill that H.R. 1 will undermine many of the election laws States have put into place to make it easier for people to vote and improve their election process for their voters.

One-size-fits-all mandates from Washington will not fix the problems we have seen in elections across the country. They will just cause more chaos and confusion. These issues need to be solved at the local and State level. Instead of dictating to States, we should be working with them and localities to address these issues. And I stand ready and willing to work with my Democrat colleagues to do just that, but I will not vote for a Federal takeover of elections and I will not vote to use the Federal Government to put more money into my campaign. It is bad policy and it is bad for the American people.

Madam Speaker, I urge support for the motion to recommit at the appropriate time, and I urge a ``no'' vote on the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I would like to request a meeting with the Parliamentarian. I personally witnessed one of my Democratic colleagues immediately remove his mask and was never told to put it back on from the Chair at the time. So all we ask for is consistency.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill. I urge support for the motion to recommit. I urge my Democratic colleagues: Don't vote to put money into your own campaigns.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a great accomplishment--the 90th anniversary of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. In my role as ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, I've had the great opportunity to learn about the many services the Library of Congress provides--not only Congress, but to all Americans. One of its most notable and inspiring is the National Library Service, or NLS, an institution committed to serving readers with disabilities with the mission of ensuring ``that all may read''.

The history of the NLS began in 1897, with the seventh Librarian of Congress, John Russell Young, established a reading room for the blind that included more than 500 books and music items in raised characters. By 1913, Congress began to require that one copy of each book be made in raised characters and available at the Library of Congress for educational use, but the collection had its limits, as it was only available to visit in-person.

In 1930, Representative Ruth Pratt of New York and Senator Reed Smoot of Utah led a movement to make the collection more accessible across the country, leading to the passage of the Pratt-Smoot Act, which, on March 3, 1931, created what we know today as the National Library Service. In the 90 years since then, the NLS has expanded its service to reach children and individuals with additional types of physical and reading disabilities through not only books, but the world's largest accessible music materials collection.

But this 90th anniversary isn't only a celebration of the NLS, it is a celebration of the

central role local libraries play in connecting constituents across our entire country to its collection. In my own state, NLS and the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service provide service to nearly 10,000 individuals and institutions in Illinois. This includes more than 1,000 individual patrons and institutions in my district.

Madam Speaker, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled is one of those magical programs that exemplify the good our government can do for all Americans, especially our sisters and brothers with disabilities. Today, I give them my congratulations on their 90th anniversary, my appreciation of their commitment to access and literacy, and my thanks for all they do.