Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Harry Christensen, a devoted public servant, attorney, and United States Marine Corps veteran from Marblehead, Massachusetts, who passed away earlier this month at 86.

Harry Christensen exemplified what it means to live a life of service. He was a highly decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, receiving numerous awards, including the prestigious Silver Star for gallantry in action. After his military service, Harry returned to Massachusetts and built a respected legal and civic career. He was deeply committed to his community, especially his hometown of Marblehead, serving for decades on the Marblehead Board of Selectmen.

Beyond his official roles, Harry shared his wartime experiences with local students, believing that personal stories brought history to life in ways textbooks could not. For over a decade, he spoke to classes at Marblehead High School, helping students understand the human cost of war through his firsthand accounts. His honesty and devotion left lasting impressions on Marblehead students, making the lessons of history real and deeply felt.

Harry never wanted to be far from Marblehead Rock. He loved the Marines, his country, his town, and--most of all--his family.

May Harry's life remind us all that public service is a calling grounded in humility and honor. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless members of the community whose lives he touched. We miss Harry. Semper Fi.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 113 and NAY on Roll Call No. 114.

Personal Explanation

Mr. Speaker, in President Trump's first term, facing a crowd of protesters, he asked our military: Can't you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something?

Thankfully, his former Secretary of Defense shot down that idea.

Today, the President seems to be choosing military leadership he believes will say yes. He is purging dedicated, capable leaders with no explanation other than removing roadblocks.

This is a blatant attempt to politicize our military, replacing loyalty to our Constitution with political loyalty to Trump.

Our Founding Fathers designed our military to be explicitly apolitical. They must be rolling in their graves today.

When I joined the Marines in 2001, I raised my right hand and swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States just like every other servicemember and veteran. That oath is sacred. We swear our lives, to kill and to die, if necessary, to the United States, not to the President.

The Trump administration must not be allowed to undermine that oath.

Mr. Speaker, President Trump said he was going to lower food prices on day one, end the war in Ukraine on day one, bring down housing costs, make the government more efficient, and bring peace to the Middle East. All those things sound great, don't they?

Instead of reducing the price of eggs, his administration is kneecapping the CDC's efforts to report on the avian flu outbreak. Instead of making housing more affordable, he is pushing tariffs on Canada and Mexico that would make construction significantly more expensive. Instead of making government more efficient, he is paralyzing agencies like the IRS which under the Biden administration recovered over a billion dollars in taxes owed by wealthy Americans who weren't paying their fair share.

Frankly, my constituents are terrified this administration will ruin their lives. On Tuesday alone, my staff answered and spoke with more than 700 constituents specifically concerned about Elon Musk running roughshod over the payment systems. We have received thousands of emails.

Mr. Speaker, in Trump's view, making America great again comes at the expense of hardworking Americans who already make our country great. He also seems to think that Elon Musk is going to do it for him.

Madam Speaker, a second American Revolution will be bloodless if the left allows it to be. These are ominous words from the lead architect of Trump's Project 2025. The Founding Fathers must be rolling in their graves.

From our earliest days as a Nation, Americans have valued freedom. Our Constitution enshrines it. As leaders today in the Chamber, we should all envision a future where Americans have more freedom.

That is not what Trump's Project 2025 envisions. It promises the opposite: total control. Project 2025 would suffocate the institutions that keep our government running. It would sabotage the people that keep our country safe. Cynically, it would grant more freedoms to billionaires and wealthy corporations.

Healthcare, wages, pensions, education, and insurance benefits could be affected. The tentacles of Project 2025 would be so far-reaching into daily life, who knows if it could be reversed.

Trump is trying to hide from Project 2025, but this is simply Trumpism on an industrial scale. Draconian, partisan government control and chaos, that is what Project 2025 represents. Let's choose freedom instead.

Mr. Speaker, today is World Suicide Prevention Day and Firearm Suicide Prevention Day.

In 2022, almost 50,000 Americans died by suicide. 1.6 million Americans attempted suicide.

More than half of all gun deaths in the United States are by suicide. On average, we lose 74 people to a firearm suicide every single day. The firearms suicide rate among children in the U.S. is growing.

More younger Americans are struggling with their mental health than ever before, and we know that when there is a gun in the home, the risk of suicide death jumps by 300 percent. The result is tragedy.

Each of us here in this Chamber has an enormous responsibility to serve here in Washington and to help Americans, yet Americans are dying, and we are doing little to stop it. Something is seriously broken.

Gun deaths are not just a fact of life we should accept. Every gun death is preventable, including self-inflicted ones. Mr. Speaker, 70 percent of those who survive a suicide attempt never attempt it again. That is a remarkable statistic. Mr. Speaker, 70 percent of those who survive a suicide attempt won't try it again.

Reducing gun deaths in our country isn't a zero-sum proposition. We have to address gun safety and the mental health crisis. It is not getting too political or a copout to talk about both.

First and foremost, reducing firearm-related suicides can be as simple as storing firearms safely and securely, which means locked, unloaded, and separated from ammunition. Simple, practical steps can reduce impulsive decisions and save lives.

The 988 mental health lifeline is already making a huge difference. Not only are millions of Americans calling and texting to get help in a moment of crisis, but even more simply know where to get help if they need it.

We also have to get back to watching out for one another, to building strong, resilient communities where people aren't lonely and isolated behind their screens, and where friends and neighbors recognize the signs when someone is struggling and find the courage to speak out.

We can stand together to create a future where no one feels like they have no other choice. Together we can offer hope, and together, we can save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of Negro Election Day, otherwise known as Black Picnic Holiday, which is celebrated on the third Saturday of July.

Decades before the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, enslaved and free peoples participated in the colonies' first democratic voting system, holding elections of a king or governor to advocate for their community's needs.

First recorded in 1741 in Salem, Massachusetts, the tradition grew to include Africans from across New England and eventually became known as the Black Picnic. Over the centuries, the event shifted to include track and field events, jazz dances, choir performances, and more. The honoring of Negro Election Day reflects the resilience of New Englanders of African descent. To enshrine its significance, the Massachusetts State Legislature passed S. 2703 on February 17, 2022, establishing the third Saturday in July as a state holiday.

In the words of Massachusetts State Senator Joan B. Lovely from Salem, ``We must continue to commemorate the meaningful milestones African Americans have contributed to Massachusetts and our Nation today and in all the days going forward.'' It is with those words that I ask you to please join me in honoring the history and celebration of Negro Election Day.

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. Chair, I begin by yielding 30 seconds to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers), the chairman of the committee and my friend.

Mr. Chairman, I point out that we all care about Ukrainian kids, but do you know who cares about Ukrainian kids the most? Ukrainians.

Ukrainians care about Ukrainian kids. They are the ones asking for these munitions to use on their own territory. They understand the consequences. They understand the dud rates. They understand the danger.

Most of all, they understand the danger of losing this war to Russia, of having their kids kidnapped, taken away, or killed.

That is why the Ukrainians want these munitions, and that is why we are giving them to them.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), my friend.

Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. Chairman, we support this bill. We are opposed to this amendment because we want this war to end. We want to bring this war to a conclusion. The Ukrainians need these munitions to fight for their freedom.

No one wants to be in this position of having to argue in favor of cluster munitions, but this is the reality on the ground for Ukraine today. It is also the reality on the ground that the Russians are using far more cluster munitions with far higher dud rates.

Don't think for a second that Ukraine doesn't understand they are going to have cluster munitions on the ground that need to be cleaned up. They are mostly going to be Russian munitions.

The longer this war goes on, the longer it takes to push Russia back in this criminal war started by war criminal Vladimir Putin, the more unexploded cluster munitions from Russia are going to be on the ground.

We have to stand by Ukraine so that Putin doesn't continue this war not only to take over Ukraine but to take over Europe. We have to stand by Ukraine to prevent American boys and girls from going to fight. That is why we are in the position we are in today.

Let's defeat this amendment, and let's end this war.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sergeant Ian Taylor, a beloved resident of Billerica, Massachusetts, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty earlier this month.

While I didn't have the privilege of knowing Sergeant Taylor personally, I admire him just from what I have learned.

He was a dedicated family man with an exemplary commitment to service. Not only did he risk his own safety as an officer for decades, but he was a tireless advocate for substance abuse prevention. He helped so many people, many of whom have shared their story since he died.

I am devastated for the Billerica Police Department and Sergeant Taylor's family who will feel this immense loss every day.

Rest assured his legacy will live on. He will certainly inspire others to serve with selfless dedication to duty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of MITRE's 65th anniversary of service to the Nation.

MITRE, a non-profit founded in 1958 in Bedford, Massachusetts, contributions have been both profound and wide-ranging, impacting not only national security but also advancing critical technology sectors and public welfare on a global scale.

For over six decades, MITRE has been at the forefront of technological and strategic development, adapting to and preempting global challenges from the Cold War era to the present day. Its pioneering work in the development of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) and its collaboration on the Apollo Mission underscore its pivotal role in shaping defense and space exploration strategies.

MITRE's innovative endeavors in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence have set the benchmark for the industry. The Orange Book, penned by MITRE's Grace Hammonds Nibaldi, laid the foundation for modern cybersecurity, marking the organization as a thought leader for more than half a century. Similarly, MITRE's role in developing America's Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) exemplifies its commitment to creating the safest, most efficient airspace in the world.

Today, MITRE continues to spearhead transformative projects. The MITRE ATT&CK framework has become a cornerstone in cybersecurity, guiding threat models and critical infrastructure protection. Through initiatives like ``Black Pearl,'' MITRE confronts issues such as human trafficking and narcotics, displaying its adaptability and influence across various domains. Moreover, MITRE's cutting-edge work in space traffic management, quantum computing, and BlueTech, along with its contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates its capacity to lead and innovate in response to emergent global issues.

Recognizing MITRE's multifaceted impact, from the development of the Standard Health Record for Oncology to modernizing judicial records, reflects its profound influence beyond the scope of traditional research and development organizations. Fast Company's description of MITRE as ``the most important company you've never heard of'' encapsulates the silent, yet significant footprint MITRE has left on modern society.

Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that MITRE's success is fundamentally a human story--driven by a team of dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often without public acclaim, motivated by a shared commitment to the public good. As we honor MITRE on its 65th anniversary, we celebrate not just the organization's remarkable achievements but also the people who have made it all possible. Their uncredited service and relentless pursuit of innovation for the nation's benefit indeed set MITRE apart as a unique and invaluable institution.

Please join me in honoring MITRE and its talented staff on MITRE's 65th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, Americans bought nearly 60 million guns between 2020 and 2022. It is not hard to understand why. People are scared. Each day brings news of another gun violence tragedy, and most don't even make the headlines.

It is natural to think that we need guns to feel safe, but the way to stop gun violence is not with more guns. The risk of homicide is three times higher when there are guns in a home. Women who own handguns are 35 times more likely to commit suicide than those who don't; men are eight times more likely.

To be clear, this isn't about taking away guns from responsible gun owners. We can live in a country with a healthy Second Amendment but where we don't have multiple mass shootings or 68 gun suicides a day.

Democrats want reasonable solutions to get us there, and we stand ready to work with Republicans and gun owners on policies that will save lives.

A few commonsense steps are to ban high-capacity weapons of war, to expand background checks and red flag laws, to increase access to mental health care, and to hold gun manufacturers accountable.

This is the number one cause of death for American children, so let's stop the denial. This crisis won't end until we take decisive action. We can't just shoot our way out of it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of Andy Flick, who served as my Deputy Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2018.

You might think a deputy chief of staff is someone you ``take under your wing,'' but from day one, Andy took me under his. When I began my service in the House on that first day, I did not know what the bells meant, did not know how to actually vote, and I couldn't find my pin. Andy was there to help and guide, to mentor and advise, every step of the way.

In those first three years of serving together, Andy helped make me the most productive Freshman Democrat. We held more town hall meetings than any other Democrat in Congress, House or Senate, and we built a constituent services operation that would soon win awards across Congress. Andy Flick was the most experienced Hill hand on my team, and we couldn't have done it without him.

Best of luck to Andy in his continued rise. I feel fortunate to be his friend.

Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues often blame the military's current recruitment crisis on DEI initiatives. They say the military is becoming too woke and that it is driving away recruits.

The only problem with that is that the survey data we have actually says the exact opposite. It says that what recruits are concerned about is being welcomed into an organization that will accept who they are.

With this anti-abortion policy, Republicans are effectively telling 50 percent of America and 20 percent of our current fighting force: You are not welcome here because of who you are.

If you are a White guy, you are probably fine. If you are a woman, sorry, you are a second-class citizen. You don't have the healthcare options that the rest of us have.

It is no wonder that every branch except the Marine Corps is struggling to meet recruitment goals.

Instead of seriously focusing on how we deter a war with China, we are having politically motivated debates in this Chamber over a woman's private healthcare decisions.

What my Republican colleagues won't say is that the DOD's abortion travel policy does not even pay for this medical care. It doesn't even pay for it. It simply allows a woman who has put her life on the line for our country the necessary leave if she is stationed in a State where abortions are not available.

I voted against the NDAA because it doesn't support our servicemembers. It makes them political pawns. It is a slap in the face to every woman who serves or might consider it in the future. We need to treat women with the respect they deserve for serving our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of my friend, the six-term Congressman from Utah, Chris Stewart, who retires from Congress this week.

Of all the things we have worked on together, I am most proud of passing the bill that created the 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Since it went live last summer, millions of Americans have received help in a moment of mental health crisis, with countless lives saved as a result.

As fellow veterans, we have seen firsthand the consequences of inadequate mental health care. We knew it could be an uphill battle to pass our bill, and it was. You wouldn't believe some of the stories.

That is why you need a partner you can trust. That is Chris. Beyond his admirable commitment to his family and this job, it is just hard not to like Chris.

He is an Air Force veteran who broke the world record for the fastest nonstop flight around the world. He is a successful businessman. He has authored multiple best-selling books. What can't this guy do?

Well, one thing he didn't have to do was take a lot of political risk to work across the aisle with a Democrat on a big bill like 988. Political courage means something to Chris. We need more leaders like him in Washington.

Chris, thank you for your service. We will miss you, and I wish you and your family only the best.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record letters of congratulations and appreciation from the Massachusetts and Utah chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

September 12, 2023.

Hon. Chris Stewart,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Stewart: The American Foundation for

Suicide Prevention's (AFSP), Massachusetts chapter writes to

congratulate you and wish you well as you leave Congress this

month. We extend our thanks and appreciation for your

outstanding leadership in finding bipartisan solutions to

prevent suicide and help save lives.

Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United

States in 2021. We are grateful for your partnership with

Representative Seth Moulton to establish the new 988 Suicide

and Crisis Lifeline and build out a comprehensive crisis

response system. Since its launch just over a year ago, the

988 Lifeline has responded to millions of calls, texts, and

chats from people needing life-saving support.

Our chapter also appreciates your work to address the youth

mental health crisis and Veteran suicide prevention. Veterans

are about 1.5 times more likely to die from suicide than

their non-Veteran peers, and we appreciate your collaboration

with Representative Moulton to bring needed attention to this

important issue.

During your 11 years in Congress, you successfully worked

across the aisle to help ensure that people struggling with

their mental health are connected to timely supports and

services. We thank you for your service, and we wish you and

your family well.

Sincerely,

Jessica van der Stad,

Executive Director, Massachusetts Chapter, American

Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Mr. Chairman, let me just start by associating my remarks with the remarks of my friend, Mr. Joe Wilson, from South Carolina. It is not often that we get to do that on the floor of this House.

Joe and I come from different places but we believe in America. We believe in America and we want to protect America.

It has been a long time since we have had to stand here and talk about the Republican Party being pro-Russia, the Republican Party being pro-Putin.

Just to be clear, 62 percent of Americans in the last poll want to support Ukraine, so it is just factually inaccurate to say that most Americans are against this.

Why is it important? It is important that we support Ukraine because American lives are on the line. Serving in Iraq in the Marines, it was our allies that saved American marines lives. It was our allies that made a difference.

If you are soft on Russia, by being hard on Ukraine today, you are being soft on China because American lives will be on the line if China thinks they can do what Putin is trying to do in Ukraine.