Ronny Jackson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Walter V. Wendler as he will retire from his duties as President of West Texas A&M University on September 1, 2026, after a decade of distinguished leadership at WT and more than four decades of dedicated service to higher education.

Since assuming the presidency in 2016, Dr. Wendler has led West Texas A&M University with a clear vision rooted in service to the Texas Panhandle. Guided by the principle of regional responsibility, he championed the University's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement, while meeting the needs of the people and rural areas it serves through WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

Among his most notable accomplishments was the launch of the One West Comprehensive Campaign in 2021, the largest educational fundraising campaign in Texas Panhandle history. Initially established with a goal of fundraising $125 million, under Dr. Wendler's leadership, the campaign raised more than $208 million to support scholarships, academic programs, research initiatives, and campus improvements that will benefit students for generations to come.

Under Dr. Wendler's leadership, WT expanded research and workforce development in beef production, water conservation, soil health, food security, and agricultural innovation--areas that are critical to the Texas Panhandle and America's agricultural economy. Recognizing that the future of agriculture depends on innovation, he also championed stronger collaboration between WT's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Engineering, culminating in the establishment of the Panhandle Institute for Engineering Research. In Congress, I was proud to support the Institute's inaugural project to develop mobile desalination technology to expand water resources for the farming and livestock operations I represent in Texas' 13th Congressional District, reflecting the practical, problem-solving research that became a hallmark of his tenure.

Dr. Wendler's commitment to the Texas Panhandle extended well beyond agriculture. He consistently emphasized the importance of supporting local schools, strengthening educational opportunities in small communities, advancing research on water and energy resources, and addressing the unique healthcare challenges facing rural Texans. Under his leadership, WT expanded its efforts to prepare educators, nurses, and healthcare professionals to serve communities across the Panhandle, helping ensure rural Texans have greater access to quality education and healthcare closer to home.

Under his leadership, West Texas A&M University also experienced renewed enrollment growth and expanded research activity, earning recognition as a Carnegie-designated Research College and University. This will further strengthen WT's role as a vital educational, cultural, and economic anchor for the Texas Panhandle.

Dr. Wendler's career reflects a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education and the responsibility of public universities to serve their communities. While Dr. Wendler may be retiring, his leadership will continue to leave a lasting impact on West Texas A&M University and the entire Texas Panhandle.

On behalf of all those I represent in Texas' 13th Congressional District, I want to thank Dr. Wendler for his many contributions to West Texas A&M University and wish him, his wife Mary, their two sons, and six grandchildren all the best in this next chapter. I say to my fellow Aggie, Gig `em, and Go Buffs.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.

I will begin by thanking Chairman Rogers for his leadership in bringing the NDAA to the floor for the 66th consecutive year.

As chairman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, I am especially proud that this bill provides our Special Operations Forces, the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, and the Security Cooperation Enterprise with the tools and resources needed to execute the Department's National Defense Strategy and counter an ever- changing threat landscape.

Crucially, this bill provides an approximately $1.3 billion increase in funding for U.S. Special Operations Command to address critical needs within its programs. The bill also invests in a wide range of intelligence capabilities and disciplines, including my provision to develop a periodic ISR strategy to make better threat-informed decisions.

We continue to ask more of our Special Operations Forces, uniform and civilian intelligence personnel, and Security Cooperation Enterprise personnel. This year's NDAA ensures that they are equipped with the capabilities necessary to maintain their operational edge over any adversary.

I also highlight that this bill advances critical reforms to revitalize our defense industrial base, restore lethality, and deliver on President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda.

I was proud to lead efforts to support test and training space for unmanned aerial systems, incorporate foreign military sales demand into domestic industrial base assessments, and to officially restore the name of the Department of War.

Finally, I recognize the tremendous work of the professional staff from the ISO Subcommittee and my personal office in developing this bill. I also thank Ranking Member Jason Crow for his hard work in this endeavor.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8800.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my sincere gratitude to my former Senior Legislative Assistant, Katie Wallach of Irving, Texas, for her exceptional service, steadfast dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District. From the earliest days of my tenure in Congress, Katie has been a cornerstone of my team. Her sharp policy insight, institutional knowledge, and tireless work ethic helped shape my legislative strategy and ensured that my constituents received the strong, principled representation they deserve.

Katie's commitment to public service began long before she joined my office. She pursued her passion for government at the University of Dallas, where she majored in Politics. Throughout college, she strengthened her experience in politics serving in both congressional and state government offices, including with Representative Pete Sessions, the Texas General Land Office, and numerous campaigns always demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and a deep respect for the institutions she served.

In May 2021, Katie joined my office as a Staff Assistant. It did not take long for her talent and determination to stand out. Through earned promotions, she advanced from Legislative Correspondent to Legislative Aide, Legislative Assistant, and ultimately Senior Legislative Assistant.

As Senior Legislative Assistant, Katie led my policy efforts on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Her strategic insight and procedural expertise were instrumental in advancing my legislative priorities. Most notably, she played a critical role in helping secure the passage and enactment of my first bill being signed into law--the Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act. This achievement stands as a testament to her diligence, persistence, and command of the legislative process. Her ability to navigate both the substance and the strategy of Congress made her an indispensable member of Team Jackson.

Today, Katie continues her distinguished service as a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of War for Legislative Affairs. In this role, she will continue supporting our warfighters, strengthening our national defense, and advancing policies that put America First.

Although Katie has moved into a new role, her impact on my office and on the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District will be felt for years to come. On behalf of myself, my staff, and the constituents I proudly serve, I want to thank Katie Wallach for her years of loyal service, her commitment to excellence, and her unwavering patriotic spirit. I wish her nothing but success as she continues serving the American people.