Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, while the President was vacationing at his beach house, and the Border Czar Kamala Harris enjoyed a football game, our Border Patrol agents were working around the clock to address the over 12,000 migrants who illegally crossed the Del Rio International Bridge this week.

This is on top of the more than 200,000 apprehensions Border Patrol agents encountered in August, a 317 percent increase from the same time last year.

So what has changed?

The Biden administration's reckless repeal of President Trump's successful border policy and the Biden open border agenda. Even the Democratic Mayor of Del Rio, Texas, admitted that ``this is beyond crisis. This is urgent. This is dire.''

The President campaigned on open borders and free health care for illegal immigrants. Americans need to wake up to the socialist policies that are destroying our Nation and undermining the rule of law. The Biden experiment has not worked and will not work and it is a total failure.

In my State of Texas we are always open for business. Now we are open to illegal behavior every single day, thanks to President Biden.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Formed in 1921, the division is based at Fort Hood, Texas, which I am proud to represent in Congress.

This 1st Cavalry division is unique in that they have worn many hats over the years--they have served in cavalry, infantry, assault, and armored capacities.

The honorable men and women of the 1st Cav have served in many of our nation's wars; World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and in Afghanistan--and they have exhibited extraordinary grit and an unwavering commitment to duty above self.

In all that they do, they have honorably answered the call to serve our country and defend freedom and liberty around the world.

It is my great honor to recognize their contributions and thank them for their 100 years of enduring service, duty, patriotism, and bravery.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impact of rising inflation on American consumers.

The Consumer Price Index jumped by 5.4 percent this year through June, the largest year-over-year gain since 2008. From the higher cost of gas, to the higher price of used cars, to the price of food at your local grocery store, small businesses and Americans are paying more for goods and services, due in large part to government spending during COVID-19 and now Democrats' reckless economic agenda.

It is as simple as this: Inflation is taxation.

As a small business owner for 50 years, I can tell you these increased prices are creating challenges for consumers whose budgets are being stretched thinner and thinner every single month.

The Democrat solution to all of this? Ram through a partisan $3.5 trillion package that will further increase taxes on the American people and completely disregard rising inflation.

It is pretty simple.

Raising taxes, less jobs.

Lower tax, more jobs.

Congress must return to some fiscal sanity and Democrats must resist the temptation to spend our way out of this situation, as rising inflation and the growing national debt become an unrelenting enemy.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, due to President Biden's failure to address the crisis at the southern border, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on July 1, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 208.

Madam Speaker, due to President Biden's failure to address the crisis at the southern border, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on June 30, 2021.

Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 197.

Madam Speaker, due to President Biden's failure to address the crisis at the southern border, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on June 29, 2021.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 191, and NAY on Roll Call No. 196.

Madam Speaker, one of the most sacred American values is the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The right to life is not to be forsaken, and today we see Democrats reject the science of life and the fact that life begins at conception.

One of the longstanding acts of bipartisanship is the Hyde amendment, with one of its most vocal supporters being then-Senator Joe Biden. Since first enacted in 1976, it has saved over 2.4 million innocent lives.

Americans who hold their pro-life convictions should not be forced to front the bill for abortion services and violate their belief that life is worthy of protecting.

President Biden's recent budget proposal excludes this lifesaving amendment after 40 years of being included. This should not be controversial.

I will continue to fight to uphold the Hyde amendment and make sure not one dollar of taxpayer dollars goes to destroy the life of an unborn child. These children are the future of our country.

Life is too sacred, and we must respect the millions of Americans who believe everyone has a right to life.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, 4 years ago yesterday, Republicans were tragically attacked by a liberal gunman with an agenda to shoot and kill Republican Members of Congress.

That day, United States Capitol Police Officers Griner and Bailey, along with Alexandria police, acted swiftly to neutralize the gunman and prevent what could have been an extraordinarily deadly event that changed the course of our country.

I stand here today because of their heroism, and I, along with my Republican colleagues present that morning, are forever grateful.

We must always support our men and women in blue and oppose any efforts to defund the police and make communities less safe.

Law enforcement officers go to work in their communities every day to make a difference, protect their neighbors, and prevent crime, a solemn duty we should commend and not tear down.

We will forever owe a debt of gratitude to the officers present 4 years ago and are grateful for every brave and honorable law enforcement officer who is willing to sacrifice themselves to keep us safe.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States Army's 3rd Cavalry Regiment, celebrating its 175th anniversary this week.

Formerly known as the Brave Rifles, they are currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas or the Great Place, which I am proud to represent in Congress.

They have taken part in many of our nation's most hard-fought campaigns, from the Mexican-American War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This honorable unit has always answered the call to arms, with brave Soldiers defending freedom and liberty across the globe.

It is my great honor to recognize the 3rd Cavalry Regiment of Fort Hood, Texas for their extraordinary contributions to our Country. A grateful Nation shares in their celebration this week.

We thank them for their enduring commitment and for their selfless service.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to formally recognize Dr. Ken Shaw, who spent the last seven years as an outstanding President of Southwestern Adventist University.

As President, he remained committed to the school's mission of inspiring knowledge, faith, and service to all the students all while staying committed to a Christ-centered education.

It has been a privilege to call Dr. Shaw a dear friend and stand among many others inspired by his steadfast and unwavering faith in God.

I am eager to see Dr. Shaw transition as the 27th President of Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee and continue inspiring the hearts and minds of students and faculty members.

On behalf of the Southwestern Adventist community, I thank Dr. Shaw for all his work, leadership, and dedication to the students and faculty.

I send my blessings to Dr. Shaw and Ann as they prepare for this new chapter in their lives.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Police Week and formally honor our men and women who have answered the notable call to serve in the law enforcement profession.

Every day, police officers patrol our streets, answer emergency calls, put away criminals, and sacrifice their own safety in order to protect members of their community. Law enforcement officers are our communities' most essential line of defense against those who seek violence or criminal activity.

This week is also an important time to pause and pay our respects to the police officers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. May their sacrifice not be in vain and their memory be a blessing.

May we continue to recognize the heroic efforts of all members in the police community and do all that we can to show our appreciation for their sacrifices.

I will always stand with our men and women in blue, and may God continue to keep them safe as they work tirelessly and with an unwavering commitment to put service above self.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my concerns about the current state of the economy and the worker shortages that employers face due to the Democrats' extended unemployment benefits.

As a small business owner for 51 years, I have seen a lot. I know firsthand how challenging a year of government-mandated shutdowns have been for business owners.

The enhanced unemployment benefits in last year's CARES Act were meant to be temporary and targeted to the effects of this COVID-19 pandemic. Now, over a year later, and thanks to the success of Operation Warp Speed and the Trump administration's focus on vaccine development, the economy is ready to fully open. Yet, millions of Americans who can return to work are choosing a government paycheck over earning an income.

Unemployment was never meant to be a full-time job. We are telling people it is a career, for crying out loud, and living off the government for more than 26 weeks while you are capable of working will only delay our economic recovery.

In Texas' 25th Congressional District, hundreds of small businesses are feeling the effects. They simply cannot operate their businesses if employees refuse to return to work. States need to enforce unemployment laws. If employees are offered a job and they refuse it, unemployment benefits should immediately expire.

Enhanced weekly payments will continue to eliminate the incentive to return to work. Under no circumstances should they continue past September.

Vaccines are widely available if people so choose, but there are no longer excuses to remain on the sidelines.

Before the pandemic, we had the greatest economy in modern history. Certainly the best I have seen in 51 years. For all the right reasons, and with thanks to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by President Trump and Republicans, we had more jobs than people.

However, under President Biden and House Democrats, we have more jobs than people, because what they ultimately want is to make Americans reliant on the government. It is simply called socialism. It is victims versus patriots.

In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Dripping Springs Tigers women's soccer team for their outstanding win in the UIL Class 5A final.

Dripping Springs finished the season as the Class 5A State Champion with a record 26 wins. They outscored their opponents this season 104- 8.

The team showcased their amazing talent and skills on the field, and I am proud that all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year ultimately paid off.

Congratulations again to the Dripping Springs Tigers. Texas' 25th Congressional District is extraordinarily proud of their achievement, and we cannot wait to see what they will do next. Go Tigers.

In God We Trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the resilient linemen of Texas-25 for their outstanding work to successfully provide power to Texas homes, businesses, and communities during the catastrophic winter storms.

I and many others send our deep gratitude to the workers of the

Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Austin Energy, and other electric providers in Texas-25 who worked tirelessly through a brutal winter storm to meet the needs of Texans and across the State.

They put their lives in danger, working around the clock in subzero temperatures and in harsh conditions to restore critical power as quickly as possible.

Due to their fortitude and grit, lives were saved, animals were saved, and communities were restored and on track to recovery.

You are our heroes, and on behalf of the 25th Congressional District of Texas, we simply say thank you. In God we trust.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.