Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand today to remember the life and legacy of a dear friend and fellow Idahoan, Dirk Kempthorne.

Dirk was a trusted leader and a devoted public servant. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as mayor of Boise, Idaho's Governor, United States Senator, and Secretary of the Interior.

In each role, Dirk worked tirelessly to strengthen our communities, promote responsible stewardship, and expand opportunity for Idaho families.

His leadership helped support job growth, drive commerce, and invest in infrastructure across the Gem State. He was also instrumental in the commissioning of the USS Idaho nuclear submarine, championing support for its crew and their families.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Dirk was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was just a good man.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6409, the FENCES Act. I thank my good friend from Alabama for holding this debate.

You may not think of my home State of Idaho as a border State when you start thinking about border States, but Idaho is a border State. We share an international border with Canada in the northern panhandle of the State of Idaho.

There is a lot of timber on both sides of that borderline. Especially in a dry year like this--and this is going to be a dry year for us--it is not uncommon to have wildfire break out on one side or the other. It has happened many times before. Unfortunately, it will probably happen again, where, on the Canadian side, a wildfire breaks out.

Oftentimes, that smoke, those pollutants, blow right over the border, and there is absolutely nothing that the State of Idaho can do with that. Sometimes, we share some firefighting resources, but the bottom line is that it didn't break out in our forest.

It is true that the Clean Air Act has a provision to address that. What is not being brought up, at least consistently, is that there is also a conflict with that through the EPA. The EPA guidance, largely enforced with the previous administration, conflicts with the Clean Air Act provision allowing States to adjust their emission plans. Every time one of those fires breaks out, we become at risk of falling out of our emissions standards.

Mr. Speaker, this is really a pretty simple bill. All it does is ensure a fair and consistent ability for these air quality designations to be put in place.

I stand in strong support of that. That is just one example. There are many other examples that some of my colleagues have brought up already.

It is not fair for States to be penalized for something that is out of their control. This simply takes steps in order to put fair and consistent air quality designations in place. That is it.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of H.R. 6409, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6398, the RED Tape Act.

In my home State of Idaho, we have more than 34 million acres of federally controlled land. I just want to put that in perspective for a minute. My good friend on the other side of the aisle is from the great State of New Jersey. You can put more than six New Jerseys just within the Federal land mass in the State of Idaho. That is how big it is.

Why is that pertinent here? It is pertinent because, with that much land mass, you have a seemingly endless flow of processes going on from departments or agencies for approvals for one thing or another: energy impact statements, the NEPA process. Everything ongoing all the time takes years each time.

We had a recent situation with a wind farm project in my home State. Regardless of what you think about wind farms, this was just an actual occurrence. There was a long process of approval where an EIS, an environmental impact statement, was required, and the EPA was a part of that statement every step of the way, running in parallel as part of that EIS. As soon as that was completed by mandate, the EPA had to go back and publicly comment on the process it just went through itself.

That is just one example, Mr. Speaker, of the duplicative situation that we have. This is really problematic when you have a lot of these projects going on. In my home State, that is a prime example.

All the RED Tape Act does is eliminates that duplicative mandate. There is still the process. We are still going through all the areas of concern. It just eliminates the duplication of it.

Mr. Speaker, I would just add, as I close, that this is potentially even more important now than ever before, to make this easier to deal with, because our energy needs as a country are taking a hockey stick in the demand curve. It is only going one way.

So much of the energy needs have to go through these processes. A lot of it is coming right out of my home State. We see this as a real problem. Again, I rise in support of H.R. 6398, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand beside my colleagues here today. The rapid growth of the Sharia-Free America Caucus underscores the importance of this issue to millions of Americans.

Sharia law is an oppressive, radical legal system that enables violent intolerance of nonbelievers, the subjugation of women, and stoning or flogging as punishment for theft, adultery, or blasphemy, as defined through their lens.

Sharia law cannot coexist with the U.S. Constitution and the American rule of law. Sharia goes against the very principles that we in America hold dear: the right to practice the religion you hold to be true or not, the freedom to speak without fear of consequences, and the equal right of every man or woman to pursue liberty and happiness.

Our Constitution provides guidelines for freedom, for independence, and prosperity, and the rule of law is written around it. However, sharia governs every aspect of one's life. That alone makes it unconstitutional.

As you have heard from my colleagues here, parts of our country are witnessing just how devastating and conflicting sharia law can be to our citizens and the American way of life.

We must be clear: Our Constitution, which has made the United States a beacon of freedom, is and must remain our sole legal foundation, and that foundation is not negotiable.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join my colleagues this evening to honor a dear friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Being from the great State of Idaho, the land of famous potatoes, I am the one the good Congressman referred to as ``Mr. Potato Head.'' I had the privilege of working with Doug on the pressing issues facing the West and America's rural communities.

There are no adequate words to express my sorrow upon learning of his passing, but his legacy and spirit lives on. My prayers are with his wife, Jill, and the entire LaMalfa family during this time of unimaginable grief.

Mr. Speaker, from Mr. Potato Head to that rice farmer from California, here is my final: Way to go, Idaho. God bless.

Mr. Speaker, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act provides critical funding for rural communities.

This measure is of particular importance for my home state of Idaho, as 62 percent of our land is owned by the federal government.

Every year, Idaho loses revenue in timber sales due to wildfires fueled by federal land mismanagement. In fact, in 2024 alone, a staggering one million acres of the Gem State went up in flames.

Rural counties in Idaho are impacted even more so by extensive federal ownership, as they are unable to tax large portions of land in their jurisdiction.

With this funding reauthorization, rural communities across Idaho will be able to keep classrooms open, roads maintained, and emergency services operating. However, a long-term solution is necessary, and I will continue to advocate for one in Congress that ensures Idahoans dictate Idaho affairs--not the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, today I am privileged to speak on the bipartisan World War II Women's Memorial Location Act. World War II required great sacrifices of every American citizen. To the great credit and pride of our Nation, American citizens rose to the challenge with grit and determination. With millions of men overseas, American women--popularly known as ``Rosies'' in tribute to Rosie the Riveter-- stepped into roles traditionally held by men. These women answered the call to service by holding down the home front, working as pilots, engineers, electricians, mechanics, and more. 18 million women answered the call of their Nation in its time of desperate need. The impact they had on our country cannot be overstated. In Idaho, civilian women worked and volunteered at the Farragut Naval Training Station located in North Idaho, which was built shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and became the second-largest naval training base in the country. Their presence was felt across every state, in countless shipyards, factories, farms, and ranches.

Despite their monumental contributions, we still lack an independent, prominent memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring these patriots. There is urgency to pass this bill so that living Rosies can see their legacy commemorated in their lifetime and so the memorial can fold into the broader America250 effort. The memorial's construction will be funded entirely through private donations and won't use taxpayer dollars. The amount of work and dedication the WWII Women's Memorial Foundation has poured into this project clearly illustrates its importance.

Not only will this memorial honor the women of World War II, the memorial will serve the important purpose of inspiring Americans to embrace service to their country and contribute to our Nation's success. I urge the passage of the World War II Women's Memorial Location Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Alice Merriman a very happy 100th birthday, who will be celebrating her milestone on September 26, 2025.

In 1925, Alice was born on a farm in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Fifty years ago, Alice moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Alice worked hard to achieve her master's degree in Idaho.

After working diligently to complete her degree, Alice spent the next twenty years working in Idaho. Together with her husband, Bob, Alice raised two children. Alice has exemplified the values of perseverance, dedication, and hard work. Alice's dedication to her family and her faith exemplifies true determination and courage.

Alice and her family have consistently embodied the traditional values we cherish in Idaho.

I thank Alice Merriman for her incredible example of perseverance and fearlessness. I wish her a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Jennifer Fuhs, a beloved mother, grandmother, and fighter from Lewiston, Idaho, who is courageously facing the final stages of her battle with cancer.

Jennifer dedicated her career as a compassionate defense attorney, advocating for individuals in Lewiston who faced uncertain life circumstances. She approached her work with empathy and conviction, always seeking fairness and justice for those in need.

Beyond her professional service, Jennifer is a devoted mother to her five children and a proud grandmother to her four grandchildren, whom she adores deeply. She is witty, organized, hardworking, and spunky, and she carries a spirit of generosity that inspires everyone around her. She loves to laugh, spend time with her friends and family, and she lives each day with purpose and joy.

Her strength and grace in the face of illness is a source of inspiration, not only to her loved ones but to her entire community. She embodies the very best of the American spirit--resilience, compassion, and unwavering love for others.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jennifer Fuhs for the life she lives, the example she has set, and the legacy she continues to build. May she be surrounded with peace, comfort, and the knowledge that her impact will endure for generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish James A. Stephens a very happy 100th birthday. He will be celebrating this milestone on August 29, 2025, at Farragut State Park, in Farragut, Idaho.

In December of 1943, Mr. Stephens entered active service in the U.S. Navy in Santa Ana, California. Mr. Stephens was sent to the Farragut Naval Training Station, in Farragut, Idaho. Once there, he became a swimming instructor for new recruits. Afterwards, Mr. Stephens was assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School, where he was trained to serve in military hospitals for American soldiers fighting in the Pacific Theater. After the completion of his training, he served as a Pharmacist Mate Second Class USN-1 at the Navy Hospital in Oakland, California. Mr. Stephens was Honorably Discharged on March 25, 1946.

Mr. Stephen's honorable and courageous service is an example of the very best of Idahoan values.

I thank James A. Stephens for his incredible example of perseverance and fearlessness, and I wish him a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of two of Idaho's bravest we have lost way too soon during an appalling ambush attack in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison answered the call, as always, to reports of a fire on Canfield Mountain.

Upon arriving at the scene, they were cruelly ambushed by gunfire from a disturbed, cowardly individual.

As a result of shots fired, Chiefs Harwood and Morrison tragically succumbed to their injuries, and their colleague, David Tysdal, an engineer with the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, was severely wounded, but thankfully is now recovering.

This evil act against our firefighters does not represent the Idaho way. I ask all Idahoans and Americans to pray for full recovery for Mr. Tysdal and for comfort for all families involved. These men represent the very best of Idaho. Their courage, heroism, and dedication will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I thank the good chairman of the Pro-Life Caucus and my friend, Chris Smith, for holding this Special Order.

In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers made clear that our creator endows every individual with certain unalienable rights, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a self-evident truth that, for nearly 50 years, our Nation tragically denied to millions of unborn children.

However, thankfully, today marks the third anniversary of the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. This ruling marked the historic overturn of Roe v. Wade and a renewal of power to elected State leaders. It opened the floodgates not just for restored State power but also for the voiceless, who now have a chance at life.

Since arriving in D.C., I have supported numerous legislative initiatives that protect the sanctity of life. Just this last year, I was proud to co-lead an amicus brief that supported Idaho in defending its pro-life law, the Defense of Life Act, against the Biden administration's efforts to preempt it with their wrongful reinterpretation of Federal law.

Madam Speaker, protecting the unborn isn't just a legal issue. It is a moral one. I am honored to stand alongside my colleagues today to commemorate the anniversary of this momentous victory for life. I will continue to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 153.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Jean Marie Thompson- Bjorkman a very happy 100th birthday, who will be celebrating her milestone on July 22, 2025.

In 1944, Jean, an English citizen, married Paul Bjorkman, an American Army GI. Jean patiently waited nearly two years to be able to see her husband again in 1946 when she emigrated to the U.S.

Alongside other war brides, Jean made the journey to the U.S. aboard a U.S. Navy Liberty Ship. The voyage was cold and rough, but her determination never wavered. Jean and Paul eventually settled in Thompson, Ohio where they welcomed their daughter. In November of 1950, Jean achieved her American citizenship, and in a desire to be closer to her daughter, Jean moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 2021. Jean's dedication to family exemplifies true determination and courage.

Jean and her family have consistently embodied the traditional values we cherish in Idaho. I thank Jean Marie Thompson-Bjorkman for her incredible example of perseverance and fearlessness. I wish her a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the good chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 859, Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act. This bill would require manufacturers of internet-connected so-called smart appliances to disclose to consumers prior to purchase when their product is equipped with a camera or microphone.

Manufacturers today produce appliances that connect to software applications that can be set, managed, and monitored through one's computing device. They are designed to capture voice commands from around the vicinity, recording information to adapt to the way individuals give commands. They are also often equipped with cameras to capture QR codes or other specific information particular to that appliance.

While the intention may strictly be for convenience, consumers need to be aware that private information may be captured by a smart appliance. We need to ensure proper disclosure and consumer awareness of these features.

It is also important to note that the bill's disclosure requirement only applies to appliances we wouldn't otherwise expect to be equipped with a camera or a microphone. For example, devices like mobile phones, laptops, and tablets would not have this requirement.

Put bluntly, our stoves or refrigerators shouldn't be secretly recording conversations in our homes. Such information could be accessed by a hacker or nefarious third party. Audio or video data of personally identifiable or confidential information could be stolen and/or used without the owner's knowledge. That could lead to scams or other kinds of harms.

People need to know all the functionalities of their appliances before bringing them home. This bill makes that possible.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Seth Moulton, for co-leading this bipartisan effort. I urge support for this legislation.