Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate an extraordinary moment for not only Montana college football, but for our entire state.

This Saturday, the Montana State Bobcats and the University of Montana Grizzlies will face off in the semifinal round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs, continuing a rivalry that has defined Montana sports for more than a century.

These two programs have met on the gridiron 124 times in the ``Brawl of the Wild'', a rivalry that began on Thanksgiving of 1897 and is among the oldest and most storied in college football. For decades, the winner of this annual clash has brought home the coveted Great Divide Trophy and united Montanans from across the state in spirited competition and pride.

This weekend's meeting carries even greater significance. For the first time in history, the Bobcats and the Grizzlies will face each other in the post season, the 2025 FCS Playoffs, with a berth in the national championship game on the line.

In the regular season, these teams showed just how closely matched they are. The teams have each been ranked 2nd and 3rd nationally, with Montana State narrowly defeating Montana 31-28 in their November matchup to secure a share of the Big Sky Conference title and home- field advantage. Since then, both programs have continued their playoff runs with commanding performances, dominating the field to set up this historic rematch.

No matter the outcome this weekend, Montanans everywhere will be proud that our state is represented on one of college football's biggest stages. That pride is rooted not just in wins and losses, but in the character of the players and coaches who represent our communities, many of whom grew up pulling calves, floating rivers, and playing pee-wee football right here in Montana. Notably, the Montana teams include a combined 76 Montana high school graduates who are suited up for the semifinals, showcasing the ability of Treasure State communities to develop exceptional student-athletes able to compete on a national stage.

As our state prepares for a weekend filled with camaraderie, friendly rivalry, and spirited support for our teams, I want to extend my gratitude to the athletes, coaches, staff, athletes' parents, and fans who have made this season one to remember. Bravo Zulu on a remarkable journey thus far. Mr. Speaker, I wish them good luck this weekend. Win or lose, Montanans will be watching and cheering them on. I include in the Record the names of the players and coaches for the University of Montana and Montana State University:

University of Montana

Players

Monte Gillman, Terahiti Wolfe, Drew Deck, Micah Harper,

Brooks Davis, Jeilani Davis, Blake Bohannon, Dane Parker, Ian

Finch, Kyon Loud, Prince Ford, Michael Wortham, Malae Fonoti,

Kash Goicoechea, Keali'i Ah Yat, Kenzel Lawler, Justus

Breston, Jordan Dever, Eli Gillman, TJ Rausch, Cameron

Gurnsey, Elijawah Tolbert, Elijah Brady, Gage Sliter, Brock

Beaner, Lekeldrick Bridges, DeAnte Gentry, Korbin Hendrix,

Jake Jensen, Kade Boyd, Luke Flowers, Cody Schweikert, Drew

Price, Sage Salopek, Stevie Rocker Jr., Rashid Mansour,

Diezel Wilkinson, Brady Beaner, Chase Cook, Hashim Jones,

Tanner Huff, Kade Cutler, Tommy Running Rabbit, Geno Leonard,

Peyton Wing, Taylor Jones, Talen Reynolds,

Grady Walker, Ty Morrison, Garrett Speer, Clay Oven, Caleb

Moran, Fynn Ridgeway, Colton Lentz, Giovanni Pifferini,

Grayson Pibal, Titus Rohrer, Caleb Otlewski, Jo Silver,

Kellen Detrick, Styles Goodman, Isaac Keim, Sam Merriman,

Spencer Tripp, Cy Stevenson, Bridger Salvevold, Austin

Buehler, Hunter Peck, Jake Mason, Solomon Tuliaupupu, Hayden

Opitz, Dillon Botner, Lincoln Hoefer, Everett Johnson, Kaikoa

Kanakaole, Matt Hilden, Dylan Jemtegaard, Ezra Meyer, Torin

Jeske, Cannon Panfiloff, Colin Amick, Quinlan Hyatt, Cade

Klimczak, Trevor Steinbach, Tate Templeton, Jose Balver-

Mendoza, Patrick Matan, Carter Bowen, Lucas Freitas, Liam

Brown, Jammel Ward, Josh Gale, Evan Shafer, Bridger Smith,

Weston Adams, Jake Olson, Danny Sirmon, Jareb Ramos, Cooper

Buffington, Zekiel Seumalo, Cole Muilenburg, Cole Harpole,

Derek Moreland, Logan Knaevelsrud, Hayden Schwartz, Matai

Mata'afa, Braydon Bailey.

Coaches

Bobby Hauck, Brent Pease, Roger Cooper, Tim Hauck, Rob

Phenicie, Justin Green, Bobby Kennedy, Kim McCloud, Cameron

Norcross, Mike Linehan, Dan Ryan, Jimmy Morimoto, Keaton

Johnson, Will McFarland, Kent Baer, Alex Gubner, Eric Price,

Tanner Sneed, Max Milton, Brayton Boyer.

Montana State University

Players

Takhari Carr, Chris Long, Jhase McMillan, Taki Uluilakepa,

Kory Boyd, Jared White, Jacob Trimble, Caden Dowler, Javonte

King, Bryant Meredith, River Warren, Tayden Gray, Justin

Lamson, Carson Williams, Seth Johnson, Ryan King, Bryce

Grebe, Jabez Woods, Kenneth Eiden IV, Maxwell Hendrick, Ryan

Bowles, Jordan Reed, Jackson Harmon, Chance Wilson, Taco

Dowler, Patrick Duchien, Ife Ohalete, Brendon Ross, Hayden

Gunlock, Grant Vigen, Parker Mady, Tim Thomas II, Tom Carter,

Neil Daily, Kee Christiansen, Marcus Coleman II, Shanko

Kornachuk, Adam Jones, Colter Petre, Nick Seymour, Cale

Breslin, Luke Oxarart, Malachi Claunch, Brock Steel, Colson

Coon, JJ Dolan, Colby Frokjer, Vinnie Souza, Julius Davis,

Mason Dethman, Cole Taylor, Tommy Springman, Zac Crews, Josh

Woodberry, Michael Rubich, Myles Sansted, Brody Johnson, Paul

Brott, Ryan Krahe, Xavier Ahrens, Jake Vigen, Hunter Parsons,

Logan Fredericksen, George Helms, Blaine Downing, Zac Waible,

Zack Black, Dalton Noble, Nicholas Maloff, Zac Nyland, JT

Reed, AJ Tanupo, Samora Ezekiel, Everett Carr, Dominic

Solano, Tommy Nilson, Aiden Kaplan, Dylan Rollins, Burke

Mastel, Vaughn Wirkus, Titan Fleischmann, Nate Thornton,

Jaren Perkins, Braden Zimmer, Cedric Jefferson, Ben Winters,

Jonathan Luhmann, Luvens Valcin, Carter Cocke, Luke Smith,

Kash Embry, Dane Steel, Carter Curnow, Hunter Provience,

Thomas Buchanan, Rylan Schlepp, Rocky Lencioni, Hunter

Sharbono, Seth Brock, Graysen Schneider, Josaiah Asuega,

Major Thornhill, Alec Eckert, Hudson Wiens, Talon Marsh.

Coaches

Brent Vigen, Shawn Howe, Pete Sterbick, Marcus Monaco, Jody

Owens, Nick Jean-Baptiste, Sam Mix, Bryan Shepherd, Matt

Smith, Jordan Walsh, Josh Firm, Trenton Greene, Jake

Dusenbury, Jesse Moser, Sean Chambers, Kiante Goudeau, Derek

Griebel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Thomas O. Hicks.

Thomas O. Hicks, of Dallas, Texas, was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a patriotic American, and a respected leader in business, philanthropy, and civic life.

Mr. Hicks served his country in the United States Army Reserve and later as a presidentially appointed Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission, helping to honor and preserve the memory of United States service members at military cemeteries and memorials around the world.

Mr. Hicks was widely regarded as a pioneer in American private equity, co-founding Hicks & Haas in 1984 and later Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989, and helping to advance the ``buy-and-build'' strategy that transformed the leveraged buyout model and created tens of thousands of American jobs in consumer products, broadcasting, and food and beverage industries.

Mr. Hicks made extraordinary contributions to the city of Dallas and to the State of Texas, including helping to develop the American Airlines Center, supporting the construction of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, and championing education initiatives such as the land donation that became Thomas O. Hicks Elementary in the Lewisville Independent School District.

Mr. Hicks brought distinction to American sports through his ownership and leadership of the Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, including the 1999 Stanley Cup Championship, and the Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010, during which the team won multiple American League West Division titles and reached the World Series.

Mr. Hicks remained deeply committed to higher education and to the University of Texas, where he served on the Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999 and helped establish the University of Texas Investment Management Company (UTIMCO), which has grown into the largest public university endowment in the Nation.

Above all his accomplishments in business, sports, and civic life, Mr. Hicks was proudest of his role as a family man, dedicating his life to his wife, children, and grandchildren, and instilling in them a deep love of family, country, and community.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and his six children, Thomas Ollis Hicks, Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks.

Each of Mr. Hicks' children carries forward his example through their own work, families, and contributions to the lives of Americans.

The House of Representatives recognizes and honors the life, legacy, and service of Thomas O. Hicks; recognizes his service to the United States as a member of the Army Reserve and the American Battle Monuments Commission; acknowledges his lasting contributions to American business, sports, education, and civic life, particularly in Dallas, Texas; expresses its gratitude for his philanthropy and commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunity through job creation and investment; and extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Cinda, to his children--Thomas, Mack, Alex, Bradley, William, and Catherine--to his grandchildren, and to all who mourn his passing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor two exceptional young men from Livingston, Montana, Ian Noel Merriman and Jeremy Paul Yoakam, for their remarkable achievements and dedication to the principles of Scouting. Their commitment to service, leadership, and community exemplifies the values that Scouting instills in young men.

Growing up in Whitefish, Montana, the outdoor and survival skills that I learned, as well as the friends I made as a Boy Scout have stayed with me to this day. The Eagle Scout Oath to do my best to God, to my country, and to scout law is something that set me on the right track to serve my country as a SEAL and as Member of Congress. These two young men have lived up to that oath and deserve the honor and recognition that comes with the Eagle Scout title.

Ian, a senior at Park High School, began his Scouting journey in the Cub Scouts in 2013. He achieved the rank of Webelo Scout and earned the Arrow of Light, the highest rank in Cub Scouting, in 2018. Transitioning to Boy Scouts in May 2018, Ian has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication.

Ian has participated in numerous community service projects, including annual ``Scouting for Food'' drives, Yellowstone River Clean- ups, and serving veterans at the American Legion Post No. 23 Veterans Day dinner. His involvement in activities such as erecting and taking down flags in Sacajawea Park and local cemeteries on significant patriotic holidays underscores his commitment to community service.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Ian raised funds to purchase and install two bicycle repair stations on local bike trails, benefiting the Livingston Bicycle Club and the community. Ian's perseverance, positive attitude, and compassion for younger Scouts are truly inspiring.

Jeremy Paul Yoakam, a senior who splits his education between homeschooling and the Learning Bench Academy, also embarked on his Scouting journey in 2013. Achieving the Arrow of Light in 2018, Jeremy joined Boy Scouts in May 2018 and has since been an active and influential member of his troop. His service projects display dedication to community improvement, including food drives, river clean-ups, and veterans' support.

Jeremy's Eagle Scout Project involved building two flag collection boxes for the community to appropriately dispose of worn flags. This project honors the American flag and those who have served, and it highlights Jeremy's innovative thinking and commitment to service.

To go along with his excellent academic achievement, Jeremy balances his Scouting activities with a rich array of extracurricular pursuits, including church youth group, jiu-jitsu, backpacking, hunting, fly- fishing, and shooting sports. His work at Woodland Ridge Tiny Home Crafters speaks to his industrious nature and varied interests.

Mr. Speaker, the dedication and achievements of Ian Noel Merriman and Jeremy Paul Yoakam are commendable. Their contributions to their community and Scouting exemplify the best of our young citizens. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring these outstanding young men for their exemplary service and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Helmville Labor Day Rodeo for their 60th year old operation, The Helmville Rodeo is commonly called ``the biggest little rodeo in Montana,'' drawing folks from all over the state to a town of less than 50 people to enjoy the events and festivities.

Helmville has been around since Irish immigrants first made their way to the Big Sky, chasing fortune in the Gold Rush. Some of the first families to settle in Helmville back in the 1860s still live and work there. The ranches in the valley are passed down from generation to generation.

Helmville is a classic Montana town, with one long road going through the middle, an old western bar on the side named the ``Copper Queen,'' and a school where several grades are taught at the same time. The kind of the place where you don't just know your neighbors by name but the whole town. It is nestled deep in a beautiful valley in the Garnet Mountain Range, the kind of gem that is scattered all around Montana.

Once a year, Helmville is flooded with rodeo enjoyers from around the State. The Helmville Labor Day Rodeo is a major event in the area and has delivered on the promise of summer fun for 60 years now. Two days of bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, mutton bustin' and many other events are more than enough of a draw for Montanans to drive the hours that it takes to get from one small town to another. It is the last rodeo of the season for the Northern Rodeo Association, so top riders all show up to impress the crowds and try to score points to make it to the post season. The burgers or barbeque could draw any redblooded American to the scenic valley, but the one-of-a-kind events keep them there for the long haul. Whether it is trying to find the cow in a herd of steers at the wild cow milking event or the community dance, there is no shortage of western fun to remind us of what rural life is all about.

Don't mistake the size of the town for the heart that is put into the event. Folks in Helmville are proud of the show they put on and anyone who has attended would attest to that. The rodeo club works year-round organizing the event, but as the date grows closer, the whole community comes together to pitch in and be ready on Labor Day weekend. 60 years is a lifetime of bringing joy, good sport, and great community to Western Montana. As it has grown from a ranch-led rodeo to a professional event, it has never lost its character.

Mr. Speaker, and my esteemed colleagues, I ask that you join me in congratulating the Helmville Rodeo on their 60th year of hosting a legendary Labor Day Rodeo. Bravo Zulu.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of S. 3285, which would rename the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Butte. Montana, as the `Charlie Dowd VA Clinic'. This bill is the Senate companion to my bill, H.R. 7154.

Born in Rochester. New York. Charlie enlisted in the Navy while still in high school. On one fateful morning at 17 years old he awoke to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Rather than running for cover or choosing self-preservation. Charlie chose to fight back and led a counter-offensive on a nearby rooftop. Armed with only a rifle and dressed only in his T-shirt and boxer shorts, he fired some of the first shots against the Japanese on that day which ended up claiming the lives of 2,403 American servicemembers, 14 of which were Montanans.

Charlie Dowd went on to become a high school teacher where he taught the next generations of great Americans to become patriots who were inspired by his acts of courage and selfless service.

An avid sportsman, Charlie moved to Anaconda, Montana and continued his active membership in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

While in Montana, Charlie leaned into his passion as a sportsman by spending time hunting, fishing, and writing a weekly column named 'The Wild Side' which became a staple for the Anaconda Deer Lodge community as well as Western Montana as a whole.

I remember visiting with him over the years and even 70 years after Pearl Harbor. at 99 years old, he could still tap the messages he sent as a radioman in Morse code.

Charlie was one of the last living survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a Montana legend, and a true American hero. By renaming this clinic in his honor, we pay tribute to his legacy and ensure that future generations of veterans receive the care they deserve.

Let us pass this bill with unanimous consent, demonstrating our unwavering support for our veterans, their families, and the memory of Charlie Dowd.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the former governor of Montana, Judy Martz. Governor Martz is having her statue unveiled at the Montana State capitol this month. I want to highlight the incredible legacy that Governor Martz has left on our state.

Judy Martz was born on July 28, 1943, in Big Timber, Montana, left an indelible mark on her state's history. Raised by ranching parents, she embodied the spirit of the American West. Her journey from speed skating champion to Montana's first female governor is a testament to her resilience and leadership.

Judy attended Butte High School, graduating in 1961. Her athletic prowess was evident early on, earning her a spot on the 1963 U.S. World Speed Skating Team and later representing the nation at the 1964 Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria. Beyond the ice rink, her ranch upbringing also led her to claim the title of Miss Rodeo Montana in 1962.

In 1965, Judy married Harry Martz, and together they operated a garbage disposal business in Butte. They raised two children, Stacy and Justin. Judy's commitment to her community was unwavering. She served as vice-chair of the St. James Hospital Board of Directors and as President of the Butte Chamber of Commerce.

From 1989 to 1995, Judy worked as a Field Representative for U.S. Senator Conrad Burns. In 1996, Governor Marc Racicot appointed her as Lieutenant Governor, making her the first woman to hold that office in Montana. In 2000, she ran for Governor, partnering with the Honorable Karl Ohs. Despite being outspent by her opponent, Judy took the oath of office on January 2, 2001, becoming Montana's first, and only, female governor.

During her term, Judy focused on education, economic development, and healthcare. Her impact extended beyond politics. She served on the boards of Maternal Life International, University of Montana Western, and the Big Sky State Games. Sadly, in 2014, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and on October 17, 2017, Montana lost a trailblazer and a dedicated public servant.

Judy Martz's legacy lives on--woman who broke barriers, served her state, and Inspired generations.

Mr. Speaker, my esteemed colleagues, I ask you to join me in recognizing the great legacy of the late Judy Martz.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the incredible accomplishments of female athletes--and against the unfair and unjust regulations from the Biden Administration.

On the eve of the Olympics, the Biden Administration announced new rules to gut Title IX that would wipe away decades of progress and nearly eliminate any chance of a level playing field for female athletes.

When I was growing up, along with many in this chamber, I watched my schoolmates fight tooth and nail for every victory. The lady Bulldogs were just as tough as their male counterparts, but it wasn't until Title IX that their right to equal access to athletics and scholarships was achieved. Even then, the uphill battle for quality fields, equipment and coaches was a fight. But those trailblazers made it possible for girls today to participate, develop, and excel as student athletes.

Many of my colleagues have mentioned the physical dangers of men competing against women, and there are many. There's also the basic understanding of biology. Boys are boys, and girls are girls. Boys run faster, jump higher, and hit harder.

But I'd like to focus on the opportunity cost. We all hear about elite female athletes being stripped of their titles by men who couldn't cut it in their own league. How about the hundreds of young ladies we don't hear about who missed out on high school playoffs, scholarships, state records, and other accolades all to bow to the radical left agenda?

Madam Speaker, I will not allow opportunities that were hard fought by women for decades to be stolen for girls today. I stand in strong support of the resolution and against President Biden's radical Title IX rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners for their remarkable achievement, winning the national Professional Bull Riders' ``Event of the Year'' award for the 10th consecutive year. I salute America and Montana's leadership in rodeo and those that carry that great legacy forward.

The traditions of rodeo run deep. The prayer and the pledge still observed before each event shows respect to both the rider and the bull. It takes a lot of courage, skill, and grit to ride a bull, and a little luck to ride it for the full eight seconds.

Many rodeo athletes who cut their teeth in small town arenas go on to do great things in the sport on a national level. A great deal of that success comes from the community that is built up under the Big Sky. That community is epitomized by Big Sky's annual event, with

the best arena, best landscape, best bulls, and of course, the best crowds. Former professional bull rider Cord McCoy said it best himself: ``I have been around the world three times and Big Sky is my favorite PBR stop.''

Big Sky PBR brings fans from all over the world to Montana. It increases tourism, supports local businesses, and allows people to see the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

I also cannot neglect to mention the huge amount of charity work that is done at each year's event. Organizers are committed to giving back to the local community that hosts them and a portion of the proceeds from a number of the events go to local nonprofits. They understand that Montana is one small town with one long road, and if you want to be a part of that town, you help your neighbors.

We have a lot to celebrate in Montana. We have deep traditions that go back generations. We also have growth that sometimes conflicts with our heritage. I am happy to be able to celebrate an event that brings Montana tradition to all of us--whether we're fifth generation Montanans or first. It is organizations like Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners that foster the growth of America and Montanan's tradition of Bull Riding. They showcase the values that make America Great. Big Sky PBR is one of the prides of western Montana, and I am honored to be able to recognize them today. Bravo Zulu.

Mr. Speaker, my esteemed colleagues, I ask that you join me in congratulating Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners for their achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6429, the EXPLORE Act, for a lot of reasons.

One is that while I am from Montana, I don't have cattle or I don't have a ranch or helicopter, but I am John Dutton with a hat.

This legislation, and I am glad to see it is bipartisan because some things should be bipartisan in our country, and our public lands and outdoor experience is that.

I grew up in Montana, but things have changed. When I grew up there, there wasn't any problem with public access. There was plenty of land. There wasn't a lot of people, and you could go where you wanted.

Today, it is a lot different. A lot of people are moving in, and we have new strains on our legacy that we inherited.

I inherited a lot of what Teddy Roosevelt gave us, but it was a different time. Now, there are different strains, and we have to work to manage the next 100 years of what our experience is.

Inscribed on the Roosevelt arch which marks the entrance to Yellowstone National Park is the phrase: ``For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.'' That is the enabling act of why we have the park system we do, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.

I am proud to add to it the Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act because in order to meet this goal, there are certain provisions we need a little help with; especially in gateway communities because the gateway communities themselves are challenged in infrastructure and housing.

How do you attend to the millions of visitors when you are a small town and you rise and fall in population so dramatically?

What this bill does, it makes sure that issues such as housing, infrastructure, and park access are managed and that local communities have a say.

Sometimes Washington forgets that there are local communities outside the Beltway, and when you are in Montana or a long ways away from Washington, on issues that involve the park and involve the communities, local communities should have that say.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my all my colleagues to support this act that is bipartisan and in the best interest of this country. This should be unanimous or near unanimous. I might also add, this has been well- managed by my friend from Arkansas and the gentlewoman from New Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to President Biden's planned carbon tax, which would, quite frankly, kill the American economy.

Now, nobody can dispute that America produces cleaner energy than our adversaries or allies. That is not a dispute.

When I was Secretary of the Interior, we were producing 8.3 million barrels a day and declining.

After 2 years of President Trump, we were the world's largest exporter of energy and, by the way, we reduced emissions. We had the record in safety because nobody produces energy more cost-effective and cleaner than we do.

So the answer is not to punish American producers or Americans for having a resource and using it wisely, but there are three absolutes on the carbon tax: first, the environment.

It is undisputed that it is better to produce energy in this country under reasonable regulation than watch it get produced overseas with no regulation. That is not in dispute.

Second: manufacturing and economy. My good friend from Oregon reminds us that perhaps hundreds have saved on their electric bills. I can tell you that millions have not.

When I was Secretary, gas was about $2 a gallon. I think it is a little over

that. If anyone looked at their last year's heating bills or around the kitchen table at Thanksgiving, I think we have paid a price.

On our economy: What drives manufacturing? First of all, it is labor. We are not going to be competitive paying wages that China or India can pay. Second of all, it is resources. The cost of steel is about the same in South Korea as it is in Pittsburgh.

Where America has the edge are two things: innovation and energy. Today's energy is going to be different than tomorrow's energy needs. Data storage, robotics, all require more and more energy, and that energy is not going to come from pixie dust and hope.

National security is an area I am familiar with. I have lost a lot of friends and colleagues overseas, primarily fighting for other people's oil and energy. I think it is immoral to send our troops overseas to fight for a resource we have here.

A carbon tax makes America less competitive. It forces families to pay more for groceries that they are already struggling with. It also forces our allies, who now depend on low-cost American energy to do a transition, to where? EV in Chinaland?

Does anyone realize that 85 percent of the critical minerals that power EV--such as lithium and nickel--and the processing are all in China?

The very idea that we would make ourselves less competitive and give the advantage to our adversaries--and who is going to produce energy if it is not us? Who will? I can make a list: perhaps Iran, perhaps Venezuela, perhaps Russia.

We either produce the energy in this country under our regulations for the environment, for national security to run our country, or we cede. We retreat.

This carbon tax is a terrible idea.

Mr. Speaker, Father Sean Raftis is originally from Spokane, Washington, the son of James and Catherine Raftis. He has a brother, of course, Pat. He was a kid who grew up in a fine town in Spokane.

He attended Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University in his hometown, and he studied and taught at the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University, also known as the Cougars. He earned his master's degree while teaching at the Murrow School.

Father Raftis started studying for the Catholic priesthood in 1995, studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago and theology at Boston School of Theology and Ministry.

He was ordained in 2005 and is a priest of the Diocese of Helena, Montana, in western Montana and serving at the Cathedral of St. Helena, Holy Cross in Townsend, and I am proud to say that he is the pastor at my church in Whitefish, Montana.

I am honored to introduce Father Raftis.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend to the House the memory of Dr. Joseph McDonald of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) in Pablo, Montana.

Dr. McDonald died on December 14, 2023, at the age of 90. Dr. McDonald was an educator, innovator, historian, athlete, coach, tremendous leader, and dedicated family man.

Dr. McDonald was born in St. Ignatius, on March 31, 1933. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1951. After high school, Joe worked as a U.S. Forest Service smokejumper in West Yellowstone. While working there he enrolled at Montana Western College and met the love of his life, Sharon Christopherson. They married at the end of their freshman year.

Joe went on to teach and coach at various K-12 schools across Montana. During this time, he also attended the University of Montana, earning his master's degrees in education and health and his Doctorate in Education.

While Joe and Sherri were raising their four children, Tim, Terry, Tracie, and Tom, he continued to serve his community in many capacities. Joe served as a high school principal and assistant superintendent at Ronan Public Schools. He was eventually elected to the CSKT Tribal Council and served two terms. His strong advocacy led to the establishment of Salish Kootenai College where he served as the President Emeritus for over 20 years.

Joe received a host of awards over his career including honorary degrees from Gonzaga University and Montana State University, distinguished alumni awards from the University of Montana and the University of Montana Western, distinguished service awards from the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and the National Indian Educator of the Year award. Joe was also enshrined in the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.

After retiring from Salish Kootenai College, Joe spent much of his time supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their pursuits in life with his wife Sherri.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sherri McDonald, and their son and daughter in-law Terry and Paula (Camel) McDonald. Joe is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, we are very grateful that great men like Joe McDonald have dedicated their lives to the service of others. On behalf of the people of Montana's First Congressional District, I offer his family my deepest sympathies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 863, the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas.

Mr. Speaker, Montana is about the same size as from here to Chicago plus 2 miles. It is a long, long border. The few border people we have generally are deployed down south.

My friend and the gentleman from New York said: What evidence do we offer? What evidence of negligence? What evidence of wrongdoing? I would say it is pretty easy to find. It is found in every street, every city, every county, every State across this Nation.

The evidence is found in every fentanyl pill and death. The evidence is found in every woman that is raped along our border. The evidence is found in every child-trafficking case that is in every city, to include Billings, Missoula, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. It is found in every evidence of children being sex trafficked, and I could go on.

The evidence of negligence is the willful blindness to the horror that we have on our southern border.

Our northern border, while not discussed a lot, is wide open, because this country doesn't have a border. In Montana, this administration can't even prevent a balloon. So the evidence is clear, compelling, and not in dispute. The lack of action, willful blindness, and willingness to do nothing is deserving of no less than impeachment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 788.

First of all, we should ask what good governance looks like. I know that in the House of Representatives today, perhaps we are not reflective of good governance, but good governance, I would say, should include transparency. It should also include, I think, fairness, rule of law, and defending the Constitution, to which we all have sworn an oath.

Article I, Section 9 in the Constitution says what? No money should be removed from the Treasury unless by consequence of appropriations by law. It is in the Constitution.

Let me share a story about when I was Secretary. It is called sue, settle, and seal. I am sure that my good friend, the gentleman from New York, is aware of it.

Let's say an administration writes a rule that is somewhat flawed. Let's say the administration invites a lawsuit from, let's say, the Center for Biological Diversity or other nonprofits. Let's say that department then decides to settle. On what conditions? Those conditions are met by the Department of Justice and not the Department of the Interior in this example. They are settled, and then the final act is that they seal them.

In one case, I asked the President of the United States, which would be President Trump, I said: Mr. President, I have serious concerns about the conditions of this settlement. I would like you to ask the Attorney General to allow the Secretary of the Interior to view those.

The President's answer was: I don't have the authority.

Then, I asked Congress: Mr. Speaker, you have the power of the purse by the

Constitution. I would like you, sir, to tell me the conditions of the settlement. Follow the money. Where did the money go?

His answer was: I don't have the authority.

When neither the President of the United States, the executive, nor the House of Representatives, which controls the purse, have the authority to look at sue, settle, and seal, something is wrong. That is what is called corruption.

All of this should attain to the same thing--transparency. Furthermore, whose money is it? I have heard today it is the Federal Government's money. It is not. The government does not have the money. It is the taxpayers'. It is the citizens of this great Nation whose money we allocate and, by Constitution, we appropriate.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of this bill, and I thank the great gentleman from Texas for bringing it forward.

Madam Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of