Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my sincere gratitude to my former Communications Director, Lottie Featherston of Highland Park, Texas, for her outstanding service, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District. In today's media environment it takes discipline, clarity, and vision to ensure our communications are successful. Lottie has done exactly that. She has worked tirelessly to make sure the priorities and values of my district are effectively articulated.

Lottie is a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she earned her degree in Marketing and Communication Strategy and participated in the prestigious Lott Leadership Institute. From the beginning, she distinguished herself as a principled leader who understood that effective communication is grounded in conviction. She further broadened her communication skills through international study at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Spain, strengthening her understanding of global affairs and strategic messaging.

Her service on Capitol Hill began with internships in Congressman Jake Ellzey and Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne's Offices, where she quickly proved herself to be dependable, creative, and goal oriented. She later joined the Office of the House Republican Whip under Whip Tom Emmer, advancing from Staff Assistant to Press Assistant. While working in House Leadership, Lottie operated at the center of House Republican's communication efforts, helping to advance the conservative agenda and defend our conference's priorities.

When she joined my office, she brought that same intensity and discipline with her as my Communications Director. Lottie's leadership was critical in the success of my press and digital operations and she understood what it takes to clearly articulate my positions on national security, secure borders, agriculture, and America First policies to my constituents in Texas' 13th Congressional District. Whether responding to national media inquiries, crafting official statements, or advising on communications strategies, Lottie was always a steady and trusted voice.

Today, Lottie continues her public service as a Press lead on the Presidential Advance Team in the Executive Office of President Donald J. Trump. I am confident that her strong work ethic, careful attention to detail,

and dedication to service will continue to be invaluable assets for the Trump Administration.

While Lottie has moved into a new role, her impact in my office and on the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District will continue to be felt in the work we do every day. On behalf of myself, my staff, and the constituents I proudly serve, I want to thank Lottie Featherston for her loyal service, her commitment to excellence, and her patriotic spirit. I wish her the very best in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my sincere gratitude to my former Scheduler, Emma Wilson of Bakersfield, California, for her dedicated service and steadfast commitment to the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District. In a role that demands precision, poise, and tireless attention to detail, Emma ensured that our office operated efficiently and effectively each and every day. Her professionalism and organizational excellence played a vital role in supporting my ability to represent and serve my constituents.

Emma is a distinguished graduate of Auburn University's Harbert College of Business, where she majored in Finance and Marketing. A member of the Honors College, she earned Dean's List recognition every semester and was the recipient of numerous academic scholarships for her excellence, leadership, and character.

Emma discovered her passion for public service during her internship in the personal office of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. During her time on Capitol Hill, she developed a deep appreciation for the legislative process and serving the American people. That passion ultimately led her back to Washington, D.C., where she joined my team.

As the Scheduler in my office, Emma managed a complex schedule with remarkable efficiency and poise. She balanced the priorities of the district, stakeholder meetings, committee responsibilities, and constituent engagements with steady professionalism. Her thoughtful precision, strong communication skills, and unwavering positive attitude made her an indispensable member of Team Jackson.

Today, Emma continues her public service as a Scheduling Coordinator in the Executive Office of President Donald J. Trump. I am confident that her strong work ethic, careful attention to detail, and dedication to service have continued to make her an invaluable asset for the President.

While Emma has moved into a new role, her impact on my office and on the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District continues to be felt in the work we do every day. On behalf of myself, my staff, and the constituents I proudly serve, I want to thank Emma Wilson for her loyal service, her commitment to excellence, and her patriotic spirit. I wish her the very best as she continues her journey in public service.

Mr. Speaker, section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is a unique and critical tool that enables our intelligence community to gather vital intelligence, protect our national security, and safeguard Americans from terrorist attacks. No other foreign intelligence authority or any other means of collection can replace the speed and agility of section 702.

If this authority expires, we will substantially degrade U.S. national security and our intelligence officers' ability to identify foreign threats in real time.

Last Congress, House Republicans delivered critical reforms, as we referred to, in section 702--56, in fact--and this bill builds on that progress by strengthening privacy protections for Americans, while ensuring the tool precisely targets foreign persons and only foreign persons who pose a threat to the United States.

As President Trump, Chairman Dan Caine, Director Ratcliffe, and many other national security leaders, including Ranking Member Himes, have stated, this 3-year extension is essential to protect our homeland, our warfighters, and U.S. personnel stationed abroad, especially in today's volatile global threat environment.

Mr. Speaker, we must pass this bill. If we do not, we will get something from our colleagues in the Senate that will be far, far inferior, and those who truly care about national security in this body on both sides of the aisle who may be contemplating a ``no'' vote will regret such a vote.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides to vote for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H. Res. 932.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. I thank Chairman Rogers for his leadership in bringing this critical piece of legislation, which is vital to the national security of our Nation, to the floor for the 65th consecutive year.

This year's NDAA puts our warfighters first by streamlining procurement and ensuring they receive the capabilities needed to counter the increasingly sophisticated actions of our adversaries, particularly the People's Republic of China.

Through the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, we were able to ensure our Special Operations Forces, the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency have the tools required to execute the Department's efforts in strategic competition and in countering malign influences.

Additionally, I am extremely proud to have championed the SOCUM Urgent Technologies and Capabilities Pilot Program which ensures our special operators receive the technology and equipment they need to meet and defeat emerging threats.

This is an essential bill for America's national defense, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my sincere gratitude to my Defense Fellow, Major Evan Hanson of the United States Air Force, for his outstanding work in my office and service to the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District during 2025. Since being assigned to my office, Major Hanson has made a profound impact, bringing professionalism, insight, and dedication that have delivered exceptional results for the constituents I represent.

Major Hanson entered my office with critical knowledge and experience from his distinguished Air Force career, which was indispensable in advancing my legislative priorities across the House Armed Services, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs Committees. In 2013, Evan commissioned as a Logistics Readiness and Munitions Maintenance Officer after graduating from the University of Colorado, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Affairs with magna cum laude honors. As a commissioned officer, Evan has remained committed to his educational and professional growth, earning a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Regis University and completing the Air Force's Continuous Process Improvement Green Belt Program.

During his career, Evan has served with distinction at the Squadron, Wing, and Major Command levels, both stateside and overseas at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, and RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. His previous assignments include experience as Operations Officer, Defense Logistics Aviation; Director of Logistics and Force Protection, Combined Joint Special Operations Aviation Component; Special Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Materiel Command; Director of Innovation, 90th Missile Wing; Resources Flight Commander, 790th Maintenance Squadron; Materiel Management Flight Commander, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron; and much more.

Major Hanson's background proved critical in his unique ability to support my efforts on behalf of the men and women at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Having trained at Sheppard in 2018, where he completed the Air Force's Maintenance Officer Fundamental Course, he brought firsthand understanding of the world-class technical training and education that Sheppard provides our airmen. Notably, Evan's leadership was instrumental in securing inclusion of my Advancing Innovation and Maintenance through Headquarters for Instruction, Growth, and High-tech training Act, or the AIM HIGH Act, as an amendment to the House-passed Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act--positioning Sheppard to receive designation as the Air Force's Technical Training Center of Excellence.

Beyond his professional excellence, Major Hanson will be remembered most for his servant leadership, integrity, and team-first spirit. His patriotism, humility, and unwavering commitment to others have left a permanent mark on my staff and our mission that will be nearly impossible to replicate.

On behalf of myself, my staff, and the constituents I proudly serve, I want to thank Major Evan Hanson for his exemplary service to my office and our great Nation. I wish him nothing but continued success as he carries forward his leadership in the United States Air Force.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my sincere gratitude to my former Director of Operations, Kathy Zhu of Kissimmee, Florida, for her exceptional service, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District. Over the years, Kathy proved to be an invaluable asset to my office, where her attention to detail was crucial in my ability to represent and serve my constituents.

Kathy discovered her passion for public service in High School and was extensively involved in the Florida Federation of Teenage Republicans and the Republican Party of Florida. This passion eventually led Kathy to study Political Science at the University of Michigan, where she served as the Vice Chair for the College Republicans at the university. After graduation, Kathy moved to the Washington, D.C. area and began her career in politics, working for various organizations in event coordination and digital analysis.

In February of 2022, Kathy joined my staff as Scheduler and quickly became my Director of Operations the following year. During her time in my office, Kathy worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure the smooth and effective operation of my office. From travel,

events, and meeting coordination to office administration, she consistently demonstrated precision and professionalism. She also greatly contributed to the culture and environment of my office by bringing her dog, Moose, in on out-of-session days. While working in my office, Kathy continued her education at the Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and received a Master of Arts in Global Security Studies in May of 2025.

Kathy has returned to Michigan to continue her career in public service and is currently the Digital Strategy Director for Speaker Matt Hall in the Michigan House of Representatives, where I have no doubt that she will continue to lead and serve with purpose in this new role.

Although Kathy has moved on to new challenges, her impact on my office and on the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District continues to be felt in the work we do every day. On behalf of myself, my staff, and the constituents I proudly serve, I want to thank Kathy Zhu for her years of loyal service, her commitment to excellence, and her patriotic spirit. I wish her the very best as she continues her journey in public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my gratitude to my former Chief of Staff, Bryan Brody of Highland Village, Texas, for his exceptional service, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas' 13th Congressional District. Bryan has been with my office since the beginning. As a trusted advisor, he helped build and lead Team Jackson from the ground up. His leadership and insight were invaluable as we worked daily to deliver results for the constituents of Texas' 13th Congressional District.

A proud Texan through and through, Bryan graduated summa cum laude from Houston Christian University, where he was a standout both on the soccer field and in student government. During his college years, he pursued two internships on Capitol Hill, where his curiosity, dedication, and love for our Nation's values stood out.

Bryan began his career in Washington as a Staff Assistant for Senator John Cornyn and quickly earned a reputation for being a hard worker who was quick on his feet. He went on to serve as a Military Legislative Correspondent for Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe, where he developed a deep understanding of defense policy and America's military.

This expertise became critical when he joined my office as a Military Legislative Assistant, where his policy and procedural knowledge across both chambers of Congress helped advance key legislative victories for Sheppard Air Force Base, the Pantex Plant, and the many defense equities and military families I represent. Bryan's sharp, strategic mind was also instrumental in getting my first piece of legislation signed into law--the Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act. Whether serving as Legislative Director, Deputy Chief of Staff, and eventually my Chief of Staff, Bryan was essential in helping me become a leader on the House Armed Services, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Agriculture Committees.

His accomplishments continue to be recognized by his alma mater, receiving the 2024 Houston Christian University Emerging Leader Award, an honor bestowed upon alumni from the past decade who have achieved early career success and made a positive impact in their communities.

Today, Bryan continues to serve our country as a Special Assistant to President Donald J. Trump. In this role, he will continue to fight for our America First agenda and the hardworking men and women of this great Nation.

Although Bryan has taken on new challenges, his impact on my office and 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 Bryan Brody for his years of loyal service, his commitment to excellence, and his patriotic spirit. I wish him the very best as he continues to work diligently for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, due to increased traffic on Independence Ave. and inclement weather, I was unable to be present for the vote on H.R. 4922. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 270.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3838, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, also known as the SPEED Act. I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in bringing this bipartisan legislation to the floor for the 65th consecutive year.

The Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee portions of this bill, in conjunction with approximately $2.2 billion in reconciliation funding, continues to focus on providing our Special Operations Forces, the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, and the security cooperation enterprise with the tools required to ensure their capabilities can support the Department's efforts in strategic competition and in countering malign PRC actions.

This bill supports critical platforms like the V-22 and the MV-75, which are assembled in Texas' 13th Congressional District. This legislation also provides the U.S. Special Operations Command with the ability to accelerate research, development, testing, and procurement at speed and scale to affect outcomes against adversaries through the Urgent Innovation Technologies and Capabilities Pilot Program.

The authority for SOCOM, combined with the Defense Intelligence Enterprise and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency's efforts will continue to be our strategic hedge against an increasingly contested and denied battle space by peer adversary capabilities and malign influence. We will enable leaders to make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world, enhancing the U.S. military's lethality across the board.

Finally, this bill, coupled with reconciliation, is just the beginning of the increased resourcing needed to ensure our Special Operations Forces, the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, and the security cooperation enterprise can support the Department's efforts in strategic competition in countering malign influence.

We owe it to the men and women who volunteer to serve in these roles, our special operators, uniform and civilian intelligence personnel, and security cooperation personnel, to equip them with the capabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Mr. George Woodward. After eighteen years of dedicated service, Mr. Woodward is stepping down from his responsibilities as the Director of Public Affairs for the 82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Throughout his 30-year career as a Public Affairs Specialist, Mr. Woodward has been a tremendous source of expertise for the United States Air Force. Mr. Woodward has served in a number of critical roles and commands, including the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida and European Regional Medical Command at Sembach Air Base, Germany. Mr. Woodward subsequently returned to the United States where he took the position of Director of Public Affairs for the 82nd Training Wing, where he has faithfully served the outstanding men and women at Sheppard Air Force Base.

At Sheppard, Mr. Woodward diligently supervised eighteen employees who delivered clear and well-informed communications support on behalf of the installation and sixty other training locations around the world. As the official spokesperson for the base, Mr. Woodward advised the commanding general on the effects of policies and actions on the base's relationship with internal and external audiences and was responsible for testing and executing crisis communication plans and procedures, serving as the base liaison with state and federal legislators, and overseeing a $1.3 million audiovisual contract.

During his tenure, Mr. George Woodward led public relations efforts on critical developments at Sheppard Air Force base, such as the base's groundbreaking on a $27 million Child Development Center and the 82nd Training Wing's overhaul of the Air Force's Wartime Training Plan. Mr. Woodward also supported visits to Sheppard, including from the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Education and Training Command leadership, and foreign dignitaries. As the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Woodward also led the communications efforts for the base's 75th anniversary and Guardians of Freedom Thunderbirds Air Show.

On behalf of the entire Congress and a grateful Nation, as well as the thousands of Airmen who served at Sheppard Air Force Base throughout his eighteen-year tenure, I express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mr. George Woodward for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support for the missions of the U.S. Air Force.