Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, every day law enforcement officers across this country put on the badge, putting their lives on the line.

Anderson County Sheriff's Deputy, Alex Albrecht, experienced that reality firsthand. During what began as a routine traffic stop with another officer, Deputy Albrecht responded to a call for backup and was shot in the line of duty while serving his community.

By the grace of God, he survived, has recovered from his injuries, and continues to embody the courage and resilience that define America's law enforcement officers.

Deputy Albrecht's story reminds us that there is no such thing as a routine day in law enforcement. Every traffic stop, every call for service, and every shift carries risk. Yet, our deputies and police officers answer that call regardless, putting others before themselves.

For the people across South Carolina, men and women like Deputy Albrecht represent the very best of public service.

May God continue to bless Deputy Albrecht, his family, and every law enforcement officer who faithfully serves our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I really appreciate the leadership of Congressman Wilson and Congressman Fry's friendship.

Mr. Speaker, today, South Carolina mourns the loss of one of its most dedicated public servants, Senator Lindsey Graham. I can't tell you how many calls I have gotten this week, some of them not even our constituents and some of them not even from the State of South Carolina. I think the impact that Senator Graham made was worldwide, as my colleagues have already mentioned.

I know this week Governor McMaster appropriately named Darline to fill her brother's term, and I applaud that decision. We wish her success and Team South Carolina is here to assist in anything that she may need during her term.

Lindsey's story was a South Carolina story. He was raised in the town of Central, which is in my district. He learned the value of hard work in his family's restaurant.

After losing both his parents while attending college, he became the guardian of his younger sister, Darline, putting family before himself and demonstrating the character that would define his life.

As a healthcare provider, as a psychiatric mental health practitioner, I can't help but think about what that must have been like for that young man, the enormous responsibility and how he put everything before his own self. From that moment on, service became the defining purpose of his life.

Senator Graham earned his law degree. He served our Nation in the United States Air Force, retiring as a colonel after more than three decades. He devoted over 30 years to representing the people of South Carolina in the statehouse, in the United States House of Representatives, and in the United States Senate.

His commitment to service, his love for South Carolina, and his unwavering devotion to the people he represented will leave a legacy that endures for generations.

I have had members of the military call in this week to express their sincere condolences for our loss in South Carolina.

He was a friend to South Carolina, but he was also a friend to other States and other nations. He will be missed dearly.

Throughout his career, he was a steadfast champion of our conservative principles. Not everyone agreed with his politics and his policies, but one thing I think that we can agree on is that he did love his State and loved his country.

He fought hard to shape the conservative Supreme Court as we know it today. He defended the sanctity of life. He championed our servicemembers and veterans. He remained one of the strongest advocates for our allies abroad.

I was thinking earlier today, when we were in Seneca, South Carolina, with some Members who were supporters of Israel. We talked about our faith. I remember him standing in front of that congregation. It was at a church, and he was so passionate about his work and those people. He didn't hesitate for 1 minute to talk about his faith. Those are the things that I will remember, how strong he was and how he didn't waver one bit.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Senator Lindsey Graham's extraordinary life of service and in praying for his family and all who mourn his loss.

Mr. Speaker, I don't speak on this legislation as an outside observer. As a Member currently serving in the Air National Guard, I have worn the uniform. I have seen firsthand what it asks of servicemembers and their families. This legislation is written from experience, not just policy.

Mr. Speaker, more than 1.3 million Americans serve our Nation on Active Duty, and they answer the call with very little notice--shipping out on deployment orders, relocating their families across the country on PCS moves, or rushing to emergency assignments at a moment's notice.

They don't get to plan ahead. They don't get to choose their travel dates. They simply go because that is what the service requires.

Last summer, the Transportation Security Administration launched the Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease initiative to better support our servicemembers while advancing much-needed modernization across our aviation system as passenger volumes continued to grow. Depending on the airport, military members and their families may receive expedited screening through dedicated lines, preferred lanes, or front-of-line access.

My legislation, the Improving Travel for Military Members Act, builds on this important effort by establishing a 3-year pilot program to expedite security screening for Active-Duty military personnel and their accompanying family members with priority given to airports located near military installations.

That means in my home State of South Carolina, which is home to a number of military installations, servicemembers will benefit from faster, more efficient travel while maintaining the same high security standards.

Let me be very clear: Every passenger remains subject to appropriate security screening. What this bill does is gives airports the flexibility to implement the program based on their own operational needs, their proximity to military bases, and passenger volume.

This bill is targeted. It is practical, and it is fiscally responsible.

A few minutes saved at a security line may seem insignificant to some, but to a military spouse managing three children and a cross- country move on 48 hours' notice, it is anything but.

It sends a message to every servicemember and their family: America sees you, values you, and respects the sacrifices you make in service to our country.

I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation for our servicemembers and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for leading on this important topic. As a child of God, as a mother, and as a healthcare provider, this topic is very personal to me.

Mr. Speaker, 4 years ago, the Supreme Court made the right decision in Dobbs and returned the issue of abortion to the American people and their elected representatives.

For nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade prevented States from protecting unborn children and advancing policies that reflected the values of their citizens.

Dobbs changed that.

Since then, millions of Americans have had a voice in this debate once again, and countless lives have been protected.

But our work is not finished.

Today, abortion pills account for the majority of abortions in America, and women are increasingly being prescribed these drugs without an in-person medical examination and with little accountability.

That is why I am introducing legislation to strengthen safeguards surrounding the dispensing of abortion drugs and to ensure that women receive the care and protections they deserve.

As we mark this anniversary, I remain committed to defending the unborn, to supporting mothers, and building a culture that values every human life.

Mr. Speaker, the Secure America Act gives Border Patrol and ICE the resources they need to keep doing what is working.

Southwest border apprehensions are down 94 percent compared to the Biden administration. For this fiscal year's totals, CBP encounters are already 13

percent lower than April 2024 alone, and CBP has seized 61 percent more drugs this fiscal year than during the same period last year. That means fewer illegal crossings, more fentanyl stops, and stronger enforcement.

This bill invests in agents, officers, technology, and the tools needed to dismantle cartels, stop human trafficking, and remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities.

President Trump has proven that a secure border is possible. Now, Congress needs to back him up.

South Carolina families deserve safety, sovereignty, and a government that puts America first.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Secure America Act.

Mr. Speaker, during National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who put on the badge each day, knowing the risks that come with serving others.

Today, I rise to remember Greenwood Police Officer Don ``DJ'' Keller who passed away earlier this week while faithfully serving his community.

Officer Keller was only 31 years old. He was a fellow National Guardsman, a husband, and a father. He represented the very best of law enforcement.

The Greenwood community, the Third District, and the entire State of South Carolina mourn his loss. We also lift up his family, his fellow officers, and all who knew and loved him.

Scripture tells us in Matthew 5:9, ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.''

Officer Keller lived as a peacemaker. His service, sacrifice, and example will not be forgotten. May God bless Officer Keller, his family, and every law enforcement officer serving our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Texas for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a Member of the Sharia-Free America Caucus.

America was built on the Constitution, one system of law that protects individual liberty, equal justice, and the rights of every single citizen.

Sharia stands in direct conflict with those principles. It does not belong in our legal system, and it will not replace the Constitution of the United States of America.

Back home in South Carolina, people understand exactly what is at stake. They expect their leaders to defend our values and to not water them down. They expect one standard of law applied equally, and they are not interested in importing systems that undermine our freedoms.

Across the country, Americans are watching what is happening in Europe. They are seeing what happens when leaders look the other way, and Americans don't want that here. We are not going to apologize for defending our country, our Constitution, or our way of life. If you come to America, you come to live under American laws, period. That is the end of the story.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Dr. Brent Carr for that prayer and for the spirit in which it was given. It was a reminder of our need for God's guidance, wisdom, and grace in this body and in our daily lives.

I thank his beautiful wife, Katie, and their girls for being here with him.

For over a decade, Dr. Carr has worked with families, young people, and churches across the country, often supporting them through some of their most challenging moments. That kind of work doesn't make headlines, but it does reflect a life committed to serving others and to sharing the hope we have in Christ.

He also serves as president of Carolina Bible College, an institution that played an important role in my life and continues to equip men and women to live out their faith and to serve in their communities.

I am grateful for his leadership and proud to have him here, representing South Carolina's Third District today.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Dr. Carr. He is a friend, a mentor, and a faithful servant.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for recognizing me.

Mr. Speaker, America has dealt a clear and decisive blow to the Iranian terrorist regime. In times like this, we have to stay vigilant here at home. Rogue terrorists look for ways to strike back and create chaos. In some cases, they already have.

Right now, the Department of Homeland Security is shut down. Think about that. At a time when the threat of terrorism is real and rising, those on the other side of the aisle have left the agency responsible for protecting our homeland just hanging out to dry for nearly a month.

Americans should not be alarmed, but they should take note of who prioritizes Americans' safety. DHS secures our border. DHS works to stop terrorist threats. DHS supports the law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe.

Letting it stay shut down is reckless. Stop the partisan games and protect Americans.

Mr. Speaker, this issue is personal for me. I am a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. I still currently serve. Should I be called up, my go-bag is packed and ready.

Serving as a medical crew director in the back of an aircraft in hostile environments, I have looked wounded servicemembers in their eyes as I cared for them. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I have seen these warriors return home with tremendous weight and trauma on their minds and in their hearts and the weight of the world on their shoulders.

When we talk about supporting and praying for our troops, this isn't theoretical for me. I have lived it. Quite honestly, it is why I am here in Congress. Our men and women in uniform deserve a Congress that has their backs.

Mr. Speaker, when some of those on the other side second-guess and even go as far as telling our military to disregard their orders, that is not leadership.

Under President Trump's leadership, America dealt a decisive blow. For nearly 50 years, the Iranian regime fueled terrorism. It backed proxy militias and threatened Americans and our allies. Their chants of ``death to America'' have never been symbolic. They have been backed by violence and a relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons.

President Trump made it clear that Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon. He gave their leaders a chance to negotiate. They chose deception. They chose delay.

When diplomacy failed, the President acted to protect the American people. That sends a message far beyond Tehran. Russia is watching. China is watching. Every adversary testing Americans' resolve is watching.

There is peace through strength. It protects American lives, and it keeps our country safe.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my friend and colleague, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule. The American people deserve elections that they can trust, and this rule moves us just one step closer to restoring that trust.

It is simple. Only American citizens should be voting in American elections. I can't believe we are even having to say that.

Right now, our system has real gaps, and the longer we ignore them, the more confidence we lose. Some of the left would rather keep those loopholes wide open than ensure the integrity of our elections.

We have already seen what happens when Washington refuses to act. We have seen the chaos at the border. We cannot let that chaos spill over into the ballot box. The SAVE America Act helps prevent that.

This bill delivers on one of President Trump's top priorities, and that is to secure our elections and to make sure only citizens vote. That is not controversial. That is the standard voters are demanding.

Let's do what is right. Let's pass this rule and move the bill forward.

Mr. Speaker, the proudest title that I carry is one that was given to me some 26 years ago from my son: Mama. I have also been a nurse for more than 30 years. Not only do I have my doctorate in family practice but also in psychiatric mental health.

I have spent my entire life caring for others, especially women and families in crisis. I have listened to their fears, and I have worked to make sure that they weren't facing those moments alone. That is why I rise today in support of H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act.

As thousands gather in Washington for the March for Life, we are reminded that the pro-life cause isn't just about protecting the unborn, but it is about honoring life at every single stage. That means showing up with real help, not just during the pregnancy, but as families begin the journey of nurturing a child.

Under the Biden administration, there were efforts to block States from partnering with pregnancy centers. This bill pushes back. It protects a State's ability to work with trusted local organizations, centers that offer prenatal care, parenting classes, counseling, and everyday necessities like diapers, formula, and baby clothes.

I have visited centers like this in my own district and seen the compassion that they offer firsthand. These are places where women are met with dignity, not judgment, and where families are supported not just through pregnancy, but long after.

This bill reflects what we believe: that every single life is a gift from God, every mother deserves compassion, and every child deserves a chance because, as Scripture reminds us: ``I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.''

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank the brave men and women of the South Carolina National Guard who are currently deployed here in Washington, D.C.

I have been fortunate to spend time with these young men and women on several occasions during their mission. I have shared a meal with the guardsmen. I visited as they prepared for patrol. I have seen them in action while on duty.

I also thank the families, spouses, and loved ones back home who carry the weight while their Guard members serve here in D.C. The families' sacrifice and strength are a vital part of a successful mission. Their dedication reflects the values we hold dear in South Carolina. I am grateful to Governor McMaster for standing firmly behind them on this important mission.

Mr. Speaker, in the coming days, I will be introducing legislation to ensure our guardsmen are better protected and supported, both during deployments like this and beyond.

God bless our military. South Carolina stands with you, and so do I.

Suicide is at Crisis Levels in the Country

Mr. Speaker, suicide is at crisis levels in the country, and this year it is hitting heartbreaking highs in my own district.

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I have met with families in the hardest moments of their lives, and I have seen what happens when the system fails to connect with someone in a crisis to get the help that they may need.

That is why I have introduced the Hope Heals Act. When an individual is in crisis, they don't need a maze of red tape. They need intervention, a professional to see them, to listen, and to act.

My bill is about making sure families don't get left in the dark. It is about giving communities better tools to recognize when something is wrong and the confidence to respond before it is too late.

No one should have to fight the system to save a life. The Hope Heals Act is about honoring the God-given value of every life and making sure help is there when it is needed most.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in this mission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the resolution which seeks to limit the constitutional authority of the President under Article II and micromanage the Commander in Chief during a national security crisis.

While our Nation's first priority must always be the pursuit of peace

over conflict, we cannot remain idle when an indicted drug trafficker weaponizes narcoterrorists to assault our sovereignty. Peace is maintained through strength, and it would be both unconstitutional and irresponsible to tie the hands of the President, who is protecting the American people from drug cartels and terrorist tactics.

Decades of executive branch precedent, affirmed by both parties, establish that restricted engagements involving no ground troops and limited operations do not require congressional authorization.

The President's targeted strikes on narcoterrorist vessels have been precise and targeted and have not put U.S. troops in harm's way.

Passage of this resolution would set catastrophic precedent. It would define any defensive use of force as an act of war, effectively stripping the Commander in Chief of his constitutional mandate to respond to foreign threats and to secure our borders against a criminal regime.

Mr. Speaker, the War Powers Resolution was never intended to be a tool for the legislative branch to conduct tactical oversight of military operations.

We have one Commander in Chief for a reason. Which side are we on: keeping Americans safe or protecting narcoterrorists? I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me time this afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule and the fiscal year '26 National Defense Authorization Act.

This year's NDAA is the legislative backbone for President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda. It delivers on the commitment to build the lethal fighting force necessary to deter our adversaries across every domain and contains provisions critical to both our domestic readiness and our global security.

As both a Member of Congress and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, I understand what it takes to keep our Nation secure, and I am proud to support key priorities in this bill that deliver on that mission.

First, I secured a provision to protect the Strategic Rail Corridor Network, the backbone of how we move troops and equipment in times of crisis. My provision ensures critical rail lines are defended from cyber and physical threats which strengthen our ability to respond when it matters most.

Second, I advanced a reform to cut outdated red tape that slows down how we deliver critical defense equipment. My provision ensures regular reviews to clear those bottlenecks. Now we can modernize faster, we can strengthen our readiness, and we can keep this work in the hands of American workers.

Mr. Speaker, from protecting our rail lines at home to ensuring our allies can rapidly acquire the weapons they need to restoring the warrior ethos of dedication, resilience, and sacrifice, this NDAA is a win for our warfighters, our security, and for our hardworking Americans whose skills power our defense.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill and the underlying bill.