Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of an incredible leader and a dedicated public servant, who we lost yesterday.

Mark Lowery committed much of his life to serving Arkansans as an elected official, educator, and journalist.

During his time as State representative for 10 years, he had Arkansas youth and families top of mind. He brought significant reforms to the education system and fought hard for fairness in elections. Most recently, he was elected the Arkansas State treasurer. Although Mark will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on.

My prayers are with Mark's family and friends as they navigate this incredibly sad and difficult time. I offer them my sincere condolences.

My hope is that we can all find solace in knowing Arkansas is better off because of Mark Lowery's dedicated work for the people of Arkansas.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to submit extraneous material for the Record.

Mr. Speaker, in this magnificent Chamber, we have honored Presidents and other heads of state. We have honored titans of business and industry, science and medicine, the arts and entertainment, and academia and sports. Young and old, we have welcomed the best and brightest America has to offer, and we have been the envy of the world when it comes to personal achievement.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I am here today, to recognize and honor an individual with remarkable accomplishment. His name is Bruce Rollinson. He is affectionately known as Rollo.

For the past 34 years, he has been the head football coach of one of America's truly elite high school football teams, the Mater Dei Monarchs of Santa Ana, California.

Rollo announced some weeks ago that he was going to retire from coaching. Now, as a fan of high school athletics, I could not let the moment pass without recognizing this legend in coaching.

I first got to know Rollo back in 2019 when he brought his football team to the Nation's Capital for a game against one of this area's top teams. I was asked by a parent of one of his players to escort the team through the United States Capitol. Little did I know that team happened to be the Nation's top-ranked high school football team and was led by a young quarterback who was on his way to glory.

That quarterback was a kid named Bryce Young, who that very week had

decommitted from the University of Southern California and announced to the world that he was going to become a member of the Crimson Tide at Alabama. As you know, this young man became the second such player under Coach Rollinson to win the coveted Heisman Trophy.

The tour became one of my favorite memories of my service in Congress. The relationship I forged with Rollo and his staff and players has been life-enhancing for me.

While most who follow Mater Dei and Coach Rollinson are well aware of the records, well aware of the championships and the elite style of football they represent, I became fascinated with Bruce the man, not just the coach, and his legacy of building young men of character and positioning them for success.

Football was his method. Excellence was always the goal. Mr. Speaker, the results speak for themselves.

Today, Mr. Speaker, we are going to highlight a lot of Rollo's credentials. It is fitting, in my judgment, to begin this tribute with a colleague of mine who knows the Mater Dei success story better than anyone in this Chamber and certainly anyone in Congress. He is Mike Gallagher. He is a Mater Dei alum, and he is here to share some personal insights into this man we honor today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher).

Mr. Speaker, back in October I was invited by our current majority leader, then the minority whip, to accompany him on a West Coast swing. We landed in Santa Ana, California, about 2 hours ahead of a program that we were going to have.

I asked the whip at the time: What are we going to do for 2 hours?

I think the answer was: I don't know. We will go find some coffee or we will kill some time before our program begins at 5.

I said: Well, I have an idea, why don't we Google how far Mater Dei High School is, and let's go over there and watch the high school football team play. They are going to practice in a few minutes. He agreed to do that, and we did.

It was a remarkable visit: five Members of Congress with a police escort pulling up to Mater Dei, and getting to see this remarkable football team ready to practice.

My colleague, Mr. Gallagher, talked about sacrifice. This next gentleman is a living example of somebody who has endured personal sacrifice on behalf of something greater than himself--this country.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the distinguished majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, and my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the leader for his remarks.

Mr. Speaker, another Member of Congress who was on that trip to the West Coast was my friend from Texas, Pat Fallon. Pat played for Lou Holtz at Notre Dame--a national championship when he was there. I have got to tell you, Mr. Speaker, when we walked in the foyer of the gymnasium and saw the trophy case with three prominent Heisman Trophies side by side, it made an impression on me because you can walk into virtually any high school in America and not see one. But at Mater Dei there are three, and one of those, in particular, ended up moving on to the University of Notre Dame where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1964.

Here to share some of his insights, as well, based on that trip is my friend from Texas, Pat Fallon.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Fallon).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Pat for his words.

Yes, we have come a long way since the days when you played with leather helmets without face masks.

There is little doubt that coaching a player who wins the Heisman Trophy is a distinction that few can claim. Rollo has coached two.

The first was Matt Leinart, the 2001 graduate of Mater Dei whose playing career at the University of Southern California earned him college football's highest honor. I spoke with Matt ahead of this tribute, and he asked me to include these words into the Record in recognizing his former high school coach.

Matt Leinart:

As an athlete growing up, you have big dreams, and you can

be only so lucky to have people that can help you reach those

dreams. Coach Rollo had that impact in my life. He was not

only a coach, but a mentor and a father figure. He has had a

tremendous impact in my life in only ways that he knows.

This past year has been one of the best of my life because

I got to watch my 16-year-old son play for Mater Dei and play

for my coach.

As I watched Cole throw his first varsity touchdown pass,

he walked off and hugged Rollo on the sideline. It was a full

circle moment for me that I will always remember. Rollo is

family and one of the greatest men I know. Thank you for

teaching me the many life lessons that I have needed to grow

into the man I am today. Love you Coach.

Matt Leinart.

But there was a second Heisman Trophy winner who followed, and I spoke of him earlier.

Ms. Kamlager-Dove is a colleague of mine in this bipartisan tribute to Bruce Rollinson. Sydney Kamlager-Dove represents the 37th District in California, and she has some special words for the coach and I believe some comments from his second Heisman Trophy winner.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her remarks.

Bruce Rollinson is a 1967 graduate of Mater Dei. His team won the CIF 4-A championship in 1965 and played in the game of the decade against Anaheim High School in Anaheim Stadium. He played defensive back and wide receiver for John McKay at USC. He played in the 1970 Rose Bowl when USC beat Michigan. Coach Rollo became the head coach in Mater Dei in 1988 after 7 years as an assistant.

By the time it is all over, here are the numbers that qualify him for legendary status and precisely the reason we are standing here today:

Overall record: 341 wins, 87 tough losses, and two draws.

Eight CIF championships, four State championships, five national championships, and a parade of NCAA players, many of whom went on to prosperous national football league careers.

Mr. Speaker, I have also asked one of my distinguished colleagues from California across the aisle to join us in this tribute today. He happens to be Rollo's own Congressman from the Santa Ana, California, area.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Mr. Speaker, a number of friends, family, and colleagues of Coach Rollinson wanted to offer their congratulations as part of this tribute today. Time will not permit me to read all of those comments, but I do want to read one because this comes from the Rollinson family. This is from Caroline Flanagan and Catherine--who I know as Cat--Pederson:

``We are so incredibly proud of our dad, Coach Rollinson, known to his grandchildren as Coach or even occasionally, Coachie.

``Growing up, he made us a part of the Mater Dei football family, but he also made sure that when he came home football was on the back burner, and he was just our dad. He stayed up late to help us study for tests, got up with us when we had an early-start class, and was present in every way.

``When we were in college, a call from him was an instant mood boost, and he knew how to fire us up for a test so that we walked in feeling like we could either take an exam or play a football game.

``He is truly the best person we know. He lives his values day in and day out. He makes us better people, and he has that rare gift of being able to bring out the best in everyone who knows him. His faith and his family are what drive him, and for the past 7 years we've gotten to see him in possibly his greatest role--as a grandfather. Our kids get to learn from the best and be loved by the best.

``Coach Rollinson has won numerous championships and accolades on the football field, but we are most proud of him for who he is to our family, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter brings. We love you, Coach.''

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record of today's tribute the remaining comments from family, friends, fellow coaches, and others.

Tribute to Coach Bruce Rollinson

John Hopkins

Rollo, from my initial hiring in 1989, ``get him a shirt''

to your last game in 2022, it has been my honor and privilege

to have coached with you. Your daily message of, ``you

control the effort and God controls the outcome'', has made

me a better coach, husband, father, grandfather, and

businessman. Competition is what has made this Country GREAT,

and competition amongst our players and Coaches is what you

have instilled in us, to be Great. We have been together for

34 years and 430 games, and while we have had some highs and

some lows, the highs have far outweighed the lows, and the

experience coaching with you is a memory I will cherish

forever! Love ya brother, and all the best . . . Coach Hops

Leo Boese

THANK YOU, on behalf of all your players over the last 34

years for the love, dedication and life lessons you have

taught them. THANK YOU, on the half of all the parents who

have experienced through their sons the many life lessons you

have taught them. THANK YOU, on behalf of all your coaches

over the years and your ability to teach them what an

outstanding husband, father, leader and mentor is. THANK YOU,

for teaching all of us discipline, toughness, dedication,

loyalty, hard work, accountability, perseverance, how to

handle adversity, and integrity in all we strive to do. THANK

YOU, constantly demonstrating to all of us the qualities of a

true Monarch, POISE--PRIDE--COURAGE. For all of those you

have touched and imprinted in our hearts and minds the

virtues of our three stripes! THANK YOU, always taking time

to listen to your players or their families in times of need.

THANK YOU, being a true and unwavering friend. You will never

be forgotten by those you have touched . . . Leo Boese

Geri Campeau

Bruce Rollinson has been a dedicated and inspiring teacher,

mentor and friend for over 35 years. His passion for

education and commitment to developing his players is truly

admirable. A true servant leader, Bruce challenges those he

works with to achieve their full potential through the values

of pride, poise and courage. I am honored to know him and

blessed to be his friend.

Rollinson Family--Caroline Flanagan and Catherine Pederson

We are so incredibly proud of our dad, Coach Rollinson,

known to his grandchildren as ``Coach'' or even occasionally,

``Coachie.'' Growing up he made us a part of the Mater Dei

football family, but he also made sure that when he came home

football was on the back burner and he was just our dad. He

stayed up late to help us study for tests, got up with us

when we had an early start class, and was present in every

way. When we were in college a call from him was an instant

mood boost, and he knew how to fire us up for a test so that

we walked in feeling like we could either take an exam or

play a football game! He is truly the best person we know. He

lives his values day in and day out. He makes us better

people, and he has that rare gift of being able to bring out

the best in everyone who knows him. His faith and his family

are what drive him, and for the past seven years we've gotten

to see him in possibly his greatest role--as a grandfather.

Our kids get to learn from the best, and be loved by the

best. Coach Rollinson has won numerous championships and

accolades on the football field, but we are most proud of him

for who he is to our family, and we can't wait to see what

the next chapter brings. We love you, Coach!

Michael Brennan--President, Mater Dei High School

Bruce Rollinson has been a dedicated Mater Dei High School

employee for 47 years and our Head Football Coach for the

last 34 years/seasons. While known for being a winning

football coach, he is equally known for being a eucharistic

minister during Mass. His love for God, Christ and Mary Mater

Dei is first and foremost who he is. This faithful

relationship allows him to express a deep commitment and

authentic care towards each and every football player. His

players understand that he loves and cares for them

and thus are willing to accept the grind of being a member of

the Mater Dei High School Football program. On behalf of the

entire community, and with Honor-Glory-Love, we humbly say,

`Thank You Coach!'

Patrick Murphy--Former President, Principal & Assistant Principal,

Mater Dei High School (1990-2020)

It was my tremendous honor and privilege to work alongside

Mater Dei High School Football Coach Bruce Rollinson for 30

years. Bruce enjoyed unprecedented success on the football

field but more importantly Coach Rollo positively touched and

influenced the lives of countless Monarchs off the field in

so many profound ways. Bruce Rollinson impacted thousands of

young men and women, in the classroom, on the athletic fields

and through his philanthropic outreach efforts for almost 5

decades at Mater Dei High School. Bruce's faith, passion,

enthusiasm and commitment to Catholic Education and to his

beloved alma mater are unmatched. The positive impact that

Coach Rollo had on growth and development of MDHS will be

felt for decades to come and I am blessed to have been able

to call Bruce Rollinson my friend for 3 decades. Bruce,

congratulations on an amazing and unparalleled career of

incredible success, influential impact and caring outreach as

an educator and coach. You truly are One of a Kind and Mater

Dei High School has been blessed with your presence for

almost 50 years. All my very best to you, Laurie, your

beautiful daughters and your wonderful grandchildren. Take

care and God Bless, my friend.

Kevin Turner

I will preface by noting I have had the honor to work as a

broadcaster in Southern California covering high school,

college and professional sports for 30 years. What I have

always found remarkable about the coach was his God-given

ability to communicate and teach not just football but what

it takes to champion life skills that extend well beyond the

gridiron. The coach always talks about his former players,

not the ones that are NFL stars, Heisman trophy winners, or

olympians, but the young men and women who run companies,

fighting fires, practicing law, policing our streets or

serving our country. The everyday heroes is what coach wanted

the most for his players and support staff. Coach mastered

and executed his plan everyday and did it with passion. He

provided a platform and a place in what I believe is what

this country needs more than anything--an opportunity, that's

it. He had a famous saying you provide the effort God will

provide the outcome. Simple formula, all through structure

and discipline using tough love, faith-based principles and a

belief that through hard work and dedication dreams can come

true. God bless America and Bruce Rollinson.

Tim Strader, Jr.

Coach Bruce Rollinson is way more than just a football

coach. From teaching me U.S. History 40 years ago to coaching

both of my sons at Mater Dei, Bruce has had a positive impact

on multiple generations in Southern California. While his

accomplishments on the field speak for itself, it is his way

of turning raw young athletes into respectful, faith-filled

young men that has set him apart. I congratulate him on an

incredible career and his recognition by the United States

House of Representatives is well deserved. Sincerely, Tim

Strader, Jr.

Josh Higgins

It's been a great privilege to both play for Coach

Rollinson then get to stand by his side as a coach for so

many years. The effect he has had on me is one that is shared

by hundreds of his former players over the past 34 years as

Mater Dei's Head Coach.

Coach Rollinson is foremost a wonderful husband, father,

and grandfather. He has led by example, especially when it

comes to family. His players proudly bring their families

back year after year to visit him and introduce their young

families to the man who help build them into who they have

become.

A true leader and builder of men, one of the very few men I

have known who could both yell and challenge you without you

ever thinking he didn't absolutely care and love you. His

tremendous ability to command and lead was by continually

demanding high expectations while knowing he put you in a

position to succeed.

Coach Rollinson always preached to parents to never make

excuses for their boys and for his players to always respect

their parents.

He taught us to honor our country and the men and women in

the military who keep us safe.

The legacy Coach Rollinson has achieved will endure for

generations. His fingerprints will remain on Mater Dei High

School in addition to the thousands of souls he has taught,

led, and guided to be successful people throughout life.

In October, Coach Bruce Rollinson coached his last game after 34 years of distinguished service. The sport has said good-bye to a legend.

Today, here on the floor of the people's House, you have heard of the remarkable accomplishments of this dedicated coaching professional.

I want the country to know what the hundreds of young men who have worn the Mater Dei Monarch colors already know, that Rollo is not just a coach, he is a great man.

From all of us, for my colleagues who have spoken here today, for sports fans across America who love and appreciate excellence in coaching, we offer our congratulations to Bruce Rollinson from his players, his coaches, his friends, and his family.

Enjoy a well-earned retirement. Go, Monarchs.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of a pillar of the Third District of Arkansas, lifelong Arkansan, and exemplary public servant, Mayor Jackie Crabtree of Pea Ridge.

As a former mayor myself, I have high standards for those in this position. I can say with certainty, Jackie has been a very distinguished leader. Few can remember a time in Pea Ridge when Jackie wasn't the mayor.

To love, to serve, and to promote Pea Ridge have been the pillars of his service. There is no growth project or improvement of consequence that has happened in the last quarter century that doesn't have the fingerprints of Jackie Crabtree all of over them.

From new sidewalks, parks, sewer infrastructure, to city buildings, walking trails, water lines, his vision has transformed the city.

He also led many firsts. He was the first full-time mayor, he brought in the first full-time fire and paramedic departments. He even started the Christmas tree lighting and decorations in downtown, to name a few. Those examples only scratch the surface of Jackie's accomplishments.

To me, there is no greater illustration of his success than the thousands of new residents who have flocked to Pea Ridge. It is a vibrant destination, one where people want to live, work, and raise their families.

I congratulate Jackie on a terrific career and life of service to his community. His hard work has been instrumental in building a better future.

While I know his high school sweetheart and wife, Freida, son, Eric, and granddaughters will enjoy the extra time he will have for them, know that his leadership will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I welcome my friend to the former mayor's club. Congratulations, Jackie.

Honoring Sheriff Tim Helder on his Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a trusted protector of the people of Arkansas, and a man I am blessed to know as a friend, Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder.

For nearly four decades, he has nobly worn the badge. His heart for service is core to his character; it could even be argued it is in his blood. That point is only further reiterated by the fact that both his father and grandfather also wore the uniform, and I know they would be proud.

It is poignant that his law enforcement career is beginning and ending at the Washington County Sheriff's Office. After starting as a dispatcher, he attended the police academy, went on to work for the Fayetteville Police Department where he climbed the ranks.

After 21 years in Fayetteville, he returned to the sheriff's office and holds the honor of being the longest serving sheriff in its history.

On a personal note, I will miss the sheriff breakfasts that he would host for the community as a time to catch up and build trust. I hope that tradition will be carried on.

When reflecting on his career, I could list his many accomplishments or accolades or the names of the men and women he has helped lead, but I want to read the creed on his challenge coin, it sums it up:

I pledge before God and my community to faithfully perform

my duties with integrity, professionalism, respect and

fairness. I will bring a good attitude to work and take

responsibility for all of my actions. I will have the courage

to do the right thing for the right reasons without

exception.

More than just words. That is how Sheriff Helder has lived his life. The Third District is safer and stronger because of his service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his principled integrity, and I wish him a blessed retirement.

Mr. Chair, I thank the ranking member for the time. I would have been here a little bit earlier, but previous commitments kept me from speaking during general debate.

I rise in opposition to this package of appropriations bills. I am the ranking member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, and I have a great deal of respect for my chairman, Mike Quigley. We work well together. I appreciate the hard work that Mike and his team put in in trying to get a bill that we can come to agreement on.

However, the bill we are debating is packed with unjustifiable spending that ignores the government's unsustainable fiscal trajectory and the historic level of inflation burdening all Americans, and we should be fixing that, not making it worse.

As the pandemic wanes and inflation soars, I was hoping that we could begin reducing spending. Instead, the Financial Services division of this bill increases discretionary spending by over 17 percent.

Many programs in the bill get double-digit percentage increases; some get triple-digit percentage increases. For example, the bill provides:

An increase of 433 percent for election grants;

A 20 percent for the White House;

A 30 percent for the Federal Trade Commission;

A $1 billion increase for the IRS; and

A $1.6 billion increase for GSA.

These increases are unconscionable when considering the U.S.' historically high debt, now in excess of $30 trillion, and inflation over 9 percent. The combination of debt and inflation places a heavy burden on future generations of Americans. We should be fixing that.

There are also several controversial policy changes included in the FSGG division, such as allowing D.C. tax dollars to fund abortions, and removing the prohibitions on Federal employee health benefits funding for abortions. These policy changes are no-goes. They make this bill and minibus, as a whole, dead in the water. They will have to be fixed if we are going to come to some agreement.

We need to continue the longstanding legacy riders and drop the poison pills. And we need a top-line spending agreement that reduces nondefense spending and funds national security at an appropriate level.

But maybe the larger question about this bill has more to do with how we came up with these top-line numbers. We allowed the four corners of leadership to dictate these top-line numbers. They didn't come out after a budget process. And we have a Budget Committee over here whose purpose is, in part, to do that very thing.

But that didn't happen. So we kick out numbers that we won't agree to, wasn't through a budget process where we can define our priorities, the emerging needs of our country, and come to some agreement through a legitimate budget process, but that is not what happened here.

So it is long since time that we stop this process of doing deeming resolutions or burying top-line numbers in rule bills and get back to the process that is laid out for us, and that is to do a budget resolution, House and Senate, to get to some kind of an agreement, and then establish an appropriate appropriation process where we can do these bills individually.

There are 12. We are going to do six today, and then we are going to do six later, but we ought to be doing them individually, and we ought to give the Members of Congress an opportunity--because it is our Article I responsibility. We need to be giving the Members of Congress the ability to have input on these bills and not just let the four corners of leadership decide what we are going to do or what we are not going to do.

So while I oppose this package in its current form, I do look forward to working with my friend Mike Quigley on a bipartisan compromise, at least on the FSGG side, and then perhaps we can do that for the 12 bills completely and then get about the business of funding the government, which is part of our fundamental responsibility.

Mr. Chair, I appreciate the Madam Ranking Member yielding time.

Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Ms. DeLauro of Connecticut

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of one of Arkansas' most-admired sports journalists, Clay Henry.

Clay has retired after decades of covering Arkansas Razorback athletics, notably the publisher of Hawgs Illustrated, the weekly publication dedicated to the coverage of our beloved Hogs.

It was natural for Clay, given that he was the son of another sports legend in Arkansas journalism, Orville Henry. I am quite confident his introduction to Razorback sports was while he was still in diapers. Then later as a stat man for the Arkansas Gazette at the age of 14. He was produced by the best, tutored by the best, and like those before him, became the best.

Stops along the way at publications like the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway and the Tulsa World helped prepare him for a gig in 1992 with a new Arkansas magazine called Hawgs Illustrated. Leaving the Tulsa World for an upstart might have been a tough decision for a lot of people, but with Clay, it just seemed a natural fit. After all, Clay was a Hog, not a Sooner.

Clay partnered to buy the publication with George Billingsley before eventually selling to Stephens Media, then later to the Hussman Company, WEHCO Media, which became the sole owner. In every step, the common denominator that found its way into the mailboxes of Hog fans everywhere was Clay Henry. Lots of contributing writers, amazing photographers, great salesmen, but only one Clay Henry. He served 27 years as publisher.

Now, it is off to the Norfork River where the trout now have a full- time enemy--that is, when Jean Ann, his bride of 43 years doesn't have him doing honey-dos, or assuming the Razorbacks don't come calling.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Clay for a journalism career of enormous success and professionalism. The Hog Nation is forever grateful.

Canoo

Madam Speaker, more than a half century ago, Americans walked on the Moon for the first time. Now, a new lunar mission is upon us in 2024, and the Third District of Arkansas will support this next step in space exploration.

NASA has chosen Canoo, a high-tech mobility company with announced headquarters and facilities in northwest Arkansas, to produce a transportation fleet for astronauts, part of the Artemis program. That is right, as the crew prepares for their historic launch, they will be moved by state-of-the-art vehicles manufactured in Bentonville, Arkansas.

A demonstration of ingenuity and the Natural State's focus on harnessing emerging technology and novel ideas, great things can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together.

I am so proud that the future of space discovery is being supported by the Third District and our incredible workforce. The pioneering spirit of Arkansas and America will be on display as fully suited astronauts ride to their liftoff location.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Canoo for the role they are playing in such an incredible moment in American history. From Arkansas to the Moon--and eventually on to Mars--their work is driving innovation forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the remarkable life of an honorable patriot, the late Lois Bouton of Rogers, Arkansas. She died recently at the age of 102.

Most know her lovingly as the Coast Guard Lady, but that nickname didn't just stem from 20 years as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla on Beaver Lake in Arkansas. During World War II she enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve, where she acted as a radio operator. She was discharged in 1945 from the SPARs. That is the acronym reflecting the Coast Guard's motto: Semper Paratus-Always Ready.

However, her passion for service never left. Lois made it a point to visit with wounded and recovering military members, always taking particular care to find her fellow Coasties. This was just the start of her mission to uplift others. She tirelessly wrote over 100,000 handwritten letters to greet and encourage personnel. Her words have crossed oceans and seas, reaching legions of Coast Guard members and their families all over the world.

Her dedication earned her the rank of Honorary Master Chief Petty Officer, Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award, the U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award, and more. But she always maintained that her greatest accomplishment was the joy she helped spread.

I want the Nation to know of this extraordinary American. Fair winds and following seas to the beloved Coast Guard Lady from Arkansas.

Madam Speaker, my thanks to my colleague from Texas for giving me the opportunity to speak on this very important subject.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, though I have to admit that it is easy to be somewhat pessimistic about its potential effectiveness. But I am willing to try anything--anything--that might work in elevating the Nation's debt situation in the minds of the people we all represent.

The people I represent in Arkansas don't have a choice but to balance their checkbooks, and if they can't, then they are limited in how much they can borrow and for what. Sadly, the Federal Government doesn't play by the same rules.

Madam Speaker, we are $29 trillion in debt. We have budget deficits as far as the eyes can see. We are mortgaging the futures of our kids and our grandkids. And it is painfully obvious to me that the governing majority doesn't really care much about deficits and debt. But Third District Arkansans do.

I had the honor of co-chairing a joint select committee in 2018 that tried to address the budget and appropriations process that has tripped up the Congress every year since I have been here, and to think that we are only funded through the third day of December, with no assurance of a full year's appropriation by then, something has to be done.

A fiscal state of the Union is one of the recommendations that came from our joint select committee, but I will remind everyone that we need three more--count them, three more--Democrat votes to move those recommendations. And four, Madam Speaker, four Democrats voted ``present.''

So forgive me if I don't sound terribly optimistic that Congress will get its act together. But maybe, just maybe, something like this will force a rational discussion before we have what is coming: a sovereign debt crisis.

So, I am willing to try, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon in steadfast support of this supplemental and of Israel.

In the same week President Biden pledged to stand with our allies, his Democrat counterparts removed critical defense resources for our longstanding ally and friend. We shouldn't be surprised, given the openly anti-Semitic sentiments and comparisons of Israel and America to terrorist organizations expressed by some on the other side.

The State of Israel has the right to exist free of terror. This point should not be controversial. The bill is simple. As evidenced by the colloquy just a minute ago, it replenishes the defensive Iron Dome system. I will say it again. It replenishes a defensive system.

The Iron Dome has no offensive capability, and yet there are still members on the Democrat side of the aisle who oppose it. It was that opposition, Mr.

Speaker, that delayed proceedings in this very Chamber on Tuesday, forcing leadership to pull Iron Dome from the continuing resolution, so they could have the votes to pass.

Interestingly, we didn't see the same visceral reaction to leaving more than a billion dollars' worth of artillery in the hands of terrorists in Afghanistan, as we are seeing with this defensive system.

They are openly opposing a capability that protects women and children from terrorist rocket attacks.

In the words of our own Speaker, it is about the children.

Earlier this year, Hamas and other terrorist organizations launched more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli civilians. We are talking about children and families simply trying to live their lives.

I hope this bill passes without opposition. That, Mr. Speaker, should be the standard. I urge each and every one of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include the text of the amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I offer this motion to recommit for one simple reason: so our defenders, the National Guard and the Capitol Police, can have the funding they need to continue protecting Americans day in and day out.

This motion does what Congress has been unable to do for months, and that is support our guardsmen and our Capitol Police.

Each and every one of these brave men and women have voluntarily raised their hands and sworn an oath to protect our institution and our country. And we can't do our most basic duty of providing funding for them to complete this sacred task.

For both the Guard and the Capitol Police, this funding is essential to maintaining operations. We are talking about something as basic as keeping the lights on.

These gaps were caused by the Capitol security mission. They came here to protect us, and it should be this Congress, through the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill, which foots the bill.

Without this funding, the National Guard will be forced to cancel annual training and drill weekends through the end of the fiscal year. They will have to defer 75 armory and training site upgrades. The Air National Guard will see an 8-flying day standdown, and there is much, much more.

This imperils unit readiness. That is obvious. It is also a pretty grave outcome. But individual soldiers and airmen, and their families, will see the dire impacts as well. These training cancelations will take an expected check out of their monthly budgets. Unlike Congress, these families have to operate within their means. There is no option for them to raise their debt ceiling.

These guardsmen and -women are in your States, in your districts, in your hometowns. They volunteered to serve our country, and they did so with only a single expectation in mind, that Congress will have their backs. We need to live up to that commitment, just as they have for us.

My MTR will also ensure the Capitol Police have the resources they need after the valiant efforts on January 6 and in the days since.

It also provides targeted, necessary funding to enhance the physical security of the Capitol. Without this funding, they, too, will see training delays and furloughs.

Like the National Guard, the Capitol Police are always ready and always there. They stand watch for us whenever we need them.

Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by the progress Senators Leahy and Shelby have made. I hope we vote on their supplemental before we leave for the week.

But let me be crystal clear: This should have been accomplished the day after we learned of the Guard and Capitol Police budget shortfalls. Instead, we have let silly partisan games and unrelated provisions leave our defenders high and dry.

To my colleagues, when you come to the floor later to vote on this MTR, and you put your voting cards in the machine, I want you to think about the guardsmen in your hometown, the cop, the teacher, the small business man who put on the uniform to defend us and protect us at home and abroad. I want you to think about that person and commit to supporting them and to supporting their family.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of my motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, my thanks to the ranking member for the time.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this package of appropriations bills.

As the ranking member of the Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, I have great respect for my colleague, Chairman Mike Quigley. We work well together, and that is saying something because he is a Cubs fan, and I am a Cardinal fan.

The bill we are debating today, Madam Speaker, is packed with unjustifiable spending and ignores our unsustainable fiscal trajectory.

In light of unprecedented pandemic spending, it was my hope that this fiscal year we would prioritize making the tough choices necessary to chart a responsible fiscal path forward. Instead, the Financial Services division of the bill proposes a 20 percent increase in discretionary spending over fiscal year 2021 and numerous agencies funded receive a double-digit percentage increase over last year.

Those numbers are unconscionable, Madam Speaker, when you consider the fact that this country is well over $28 trillion in debt.

I noted with interest the comments of the overall chairwoman when she talked about the moral test of government. Madam Speaker, to me the moral test of government is for us to do our work and to take care of the urgent needs of our country, but not burden future generations in the course of doing so.

Furthermore, my colleagues on the other side continue to call for trillions in new government spending, and a new GAO report came out just recently that says more than $1 trillion of the spending that we have commissioned through the coronavirus phenomenon remains unspent. Not just that, this spending has created an inflationary spiral that is affecting every taxpayer budget in my district.

There are also several controversial policy changes included in the FSGG division, such as allowing D.C. tax dollars to fund abortions and removing the prohibition on Federal employee health benefits funding for abortions. These policy changes are no-goes and make this bill and minibus, as a whole, dead in the water.

Again, I oppose this package of appropriations, including the Financial Services division due to the radical increases in spending and these partisan policies.

But, Madam Speaker, I do look forward to working across the aisle with both my counterparts in the House and in the Senate to come up with a bill and a compromise that will actually work for America.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern), my friend from Tulsa.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), who is all the way from Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, the ranking member on the Education and Labor Committee.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert), a freshman from Silt, Colorado.

Madam Speaker, it is a great pleasure to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence) from Columbus, Indiana, and a respected member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains on both sides.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), my friend who serves on the Agriculture and Education and Labor Committees, from a city unlike any other, Augusta, Georgia.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern).

Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining on both sides.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, you have heard from Members of Congress from all across our country, and there was a purpose in me identifying their hometowns.

These are people who represent real American lives, and they are in touch with their constituents on a daily basis, in Augusta, Georgia; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina; Silt, Colorado; Lincoln, Nebraska; Columbus, Indiana; and in my hometown of Rogers, Arkansas. They all understand when the Federal Government is on a spending spree because they feel it in their own pockets.

We are feeling it today with unrivaled inflation that is the result of trillions of dollars of taxpayer money flowing into this economy. The money that is going to the cities and counties, it was so much money that we had to do it in two tranches. Some of it has gone out this year, but there is so much that we have to wait until next year to send out the remaining $185 billion or so--money that these counties and cities didn't ask for and, in many cases, don't even need. In fact, they are taking suggestions on how best to spend it.

Yet, here we are today, talking about a bloated discretionary bill that is going to further burden future generations by adding to deficits and debt.

Madam Speaker, the interest on our debt this year is going to approach $350 billion. Let me say that again: $350 billion net interest on the debt, which would pay for more than half of the titles that we are debating here today of around $600 billion.

Madam Speaker, I urge support of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and rise in opposition for a number of reasons, some of which we will detail in a more articulate way here as the debate continues. But suffice it to say that we have thrown a lot of money at the economy of the United States of America. While I realize that part of our function in government is to fund the discretionary programs of the U.S. Government--and that is an important function of our Committee on Appropriations--we have seen the other side take the opportunity to capitalize on a real crisis moment in our country, that being the coronavirus phenomenon.

Trillions and trillions of dollars have gone out the door, fueling inflation and creating real problems for people at home who are experiencing rising costs in virtually everything that a consumer would purchase, from gasoline to groceries. You name it, those costs are escalating.

It is not for any reason other than the fact that we have poured trillions and trillions of dollars into the economy while at the same time these very same policies have caused a lot of people not to work. We have incentivized this notion that they could stay at home and made it more lucrative than actually going to work.

The people that we are going to ask to make things, build things, and produce things are the very people that haven't been functioning. As a result of that, the supply chain has been weakened. So, now, because of simple supply and demand, there are fewer products, and those products are going higher. As I say, simple supply and demand philosophies.

But here we are today, basically adding about 20 percent across the spectrum of these seven titles of discretionary budget. A lot of these are very, very good programs, programs that we have all supported in the past. But with the amount of money that has gone to the coronavirus phenomenon, and the fact that a lot of that money has not been spent--I think the report this week by the GAO was $1 trillion of unobligated funds out of coronavirus. Here we are, adding insult to injury by compounding the problem by adding more to the nondefense discretionary side of the budget.

Now, we will reserve the argument for a little later on what we are doing to national security by not pumping dollars into national security against the known threats that we have around the country. But as I said, we will save that argument for another day.

We are going to argue and continue to argue that this is spending way too much money. The American people know that. That is why there has to be an adult voice in the room to bring these subjects to the light of day, and that is what our purpose will be today.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), a distinguished Member--and may I say a freshman Member, although he is a returning Member from before--a respected member of Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary and the former chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform in the Congress of the United States.

Madam Speaker, as a testament to the gentleman's amendment, I am a proud cosponsor of that particular amendment and I am pleased that he has offered such.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good), who is a member of the Budget and Education and Labor Committees.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry), my friend from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, a general, who is a very respected member of the Foreign Affairs and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I will just take the remaining few seconds of my time just to say this. As an appropriator, I am not a big fan of how all of this is being choreographed and structured, but I also recognize that time is not on our side. People witnessing this event, probably are not real sure what these en blocs are all about, but it is a simple way to save a little bit of time.

Frankly, I think we ought to get back to regular order, where we can have a full-throated debate, an open rule, if you will, and just talk about each one of these very important issues one by one, and truly represent the will of the American people. That is what the Congress is here for. It was what it was built for.

However, I do recognize that given the political circumstances we are in today, and the fact that we don't have a lot of time, that this is what we are left with.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the en bloc and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I won't belabor the point that I made a few minutes ago that I am not a big fan of this process, but there does come a time in the process where we come to some agreement on things, and I guess we are at that stage of the game.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pearland, Texas (Mr. Weber).

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tipton, Michigan, Michigan's Seventh District (Mr. Walberg), a valued and respected member of the Education and Labor and Energy and Commerce Committees.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from San Angelo, Texas (Mr. Pfluger), a very distinguished member of the freshman class of this Congress, a member of the Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees. I am proud of his service to our country in uniform as a pilot of that F-22.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the distinguished Republican leader of our conference, all the way from Bakersfield, California.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today.

Arkansas lost one of its finest over the weekend. Pea Ridge Police Officer Kevin Apple was tragically killed in the line of duty while working to apprehend two suspects. When he approached the suspects' vehicle, he did what professional law enforcement officers do. He didn't shy away from the threat. He confronted it. And in so doing, he gave his life for his community.

It reminds us of the supreme courage displayed by the men and women in uniform and the growing dangers they face each and every day. Through his leadership, bravery, and selfless dedication, Officer Apple exemplified the best our State has to offer.

For more than 20 years, he nobly served in law enforcement. He was a protector and demonstrated the principled integrity the badge requires. This heart for service was at the core of his character. Past his uniform, he was known as a good neighbor who was always willing to help others.

Arkansas will never forget his service. I join Mayor Jackie Crabtree and Police Chief Lynn Hahn; his mother, Dalene Hart; stepfather, Richard White; and brother, Kyle Hart, in mourning his loss.

The Third District of Arkansas was blessed to have such a dedicated hero keeping us safe. We will always keep his memory alive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a milestone in the life of one of Russellville, Arkansas' most admired citizens, Robyn Richardson.

He is a beloved fixture in the community and one of the River Valley's biggest sports fans. I first got to know Richardson when playing football for my alma mater, Russellville High School, and, later, Arkansas Tech University. Robyn never missed a game.

I will always remember him in the end zone of football games, ready to catch field goals and extra points, then promptly returning the football to the game officials. He was as much a part of the game as the players on the field.

But, Mr. Speaker, the milestone I speak of is the fact that he is now the longest-serving employee of Pope County, Arkansas, celebrating his 50th anniversary of employment.

I had the pleasure of joining the city and county last week in a tribute to Robyn's service. Not surprisingly, he told me he feels great and has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Robyn Richardson, and I want the Nation to hear of his amazing record of service.

Congratulations to my friend.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a legend in Arkansas sports, the late Razorback track and field coach John McDonnell.

Coach McDonnell was laid to rest last week, leaving a truly remarkable legacy: the most decorated coach in NCAA history, having won 40 national championships in indoor and outdoor track and cross country. He was the national coach of the year 30 times and is responsible for six NCAA triple crowns at Arkansas.

He coached and mentored some of the world's best athletes: Southwest Conference champions, Southeast Conference champions, NCAA champions, and Olympic champions. He himself was an outstanding runner, and he knew how to help his student-athletes become successful.

Coach McDonnell was a native of Ireland. He came to the U.S., graduated from Southwest Louisiana, and earned his citizenship in 1969.

He devoted his life to inspiring young people to excel. On the many occasions that I had a chance to visit with Coach McDonnell, I always came away thankful that we in America were blessed to have him.

When the starting gun fires and they are calling the Hogs on the track that bears his name, we will all be reminded of his legacy of good works and great coaching and his unrelenting Razorback spirit.

My deepest condolences to his wife of more than 50 years, Ellen, children Sean and Heather, and the rest of the McDonnell family.

Madam Speaker, before I get to my prepared remarks, let me just respond to my friend from Ohio. When he speaks, he makes it sound like that what went on here yesterday on the vote on the 1/6 commission was not bipartisan.

Let me remind the gentleman that the work of John Katko on our side and Bennie Thompson on the Democratic side was absolutely bipartisan. There was a give-and-take for both sides. When the final vote was taken yesterday, yes, there were only 35 Republican votes, but I think that would qualify as a bipartisan vote yesterday. So to categorically suggest to the people who might be listening or watching today that that was one-sided is certainly inaccurate.

I agree with my friend from Washington that we need a better idea of how we are going to spend money before we do what Washington always does, and that is just throw a lot of money at the problem. So, naturally, I rise in opposition to this partisan security supplemental. It is certainly not bipartisan in its workup because there hasn't been any negotiation, as we saw with Mr. Thompson and Mr. Katko yesterday.

This is just my opinion, but I believe that one of the biggest failures that led to what happened on 1/6 was a failure to act on intelligence that we knew. I supported that bipartisan commission because I want to see the intelligence. I want to see what was being said by all of our experts in the run-up to 1/6. I think part of the problem on January 6 was the fact that we did not act on intelligence that we knew.

If the National Guard was needed, there is a protocol in place to activate the National Guard.

So I object to the creation of a quick reaction force, a $200 million expense to bring the National Guard into the picture. There is a protocol in place. We ought to exercise it. The way you do it is you act on intelligence.

I also oppose creating the $250 million slush fund for future unknown costs. Let's understand what our security needs are before we throw a bunch of money at the problem.

It also includes funding for the judiciary and the District of Columbia that is unrelated to the January 6 attacks. The security of our Federal courts is extremely important, but that can be addressed through the regular appropriations process. We ought to do that.

Finally, I am disappointed the bill was not marked up by the Appropriations Committee and that the majority has prohibited amendments to improve the bill.

Madam Speaker, it is not going to surprise you or anybody else that I am not a big fan of this bill. I urge a ``no'' vote. Let's go back to the drawing board. Let's bring some sanity back to this process.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for hosting this very important series regarding law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise today to honor the men and women in blue. They have devoted their lives to keeping our communities and families safe--unflinching in this mission, even when faced with growing hostility and danger. These guardians stand on the front lines, regardless of the peril to themselves, not for praise or glory, but to protect and serve the citizens and uphold law and order. And no matter the situation, they answer the call of duty.

Mr. Speaker, as I speak, Officer Tyler Franks of the Prairie Grove Arkansas Police Department is recovering, having been shot in the line of duty just a few days ago. Officer Franks has undergone multiple surgeries. He will endure more, and, indeed, has a long road ahead. Please pray for Officer Franks.

Let us also pay tribute to our fallen heroes. We honor the memory of Fayetteville Police Officer Stephen Carr, who, in December of 2019, was assassinated while sitting in his patrol unit behind the police department because of his uniform. We recognize the quick action of Corporal Seay Floyd and Officer Natalie Eucce, who immediately acted and captured the assassin.

We also remember Sebastian County Deputy Bill Cooper and Corporal Terry Wayne Johnson, both of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Mr. Speaker, these are just a few examples of the real sacrifices and dangers faced by our brave officers every day. I am eternally grateful for those who wear the badge and keep the Third District safe.

This National Police Week, I thank every noble law enforcement officer in Arkansas and across our Nation for their dedicated service. We salute them.