Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous achievement of eleven young men from Troop 407 in Las Vegas who will receive their Eagle Scout Awards simultaneously on December 6, 2025. This event marks only the second time nationally, and the first in Las Vegas, that a troop has achieved such a feat.

These young men are setting the example of what Scouts and young people can achieve. It is not easy to earn the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout--one must persevere through years of hard work, demonstrate strong leadership, and dedicate countless hours of service to others.

The Scout Motto is ``Be Prepared'' and becoming an Eagle Scout is one of the best ways for a young person to prepare for a life of service and leadership in their community. Las Vegas is proud to have raised these boys into young leaders, and we are looking forward to seeing what all eleven of them become in the years ahead.

I commend the hard work, dedication, and achievement of Jacob Bennett, Cannon Castor, Ethan Dastrup, Christian Earl, Jackson Hedin, Nixon Hunt, Jack Hyer, Issac Koval, Seth Leedom, Michael Norton, and Luke Robison. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two extraordinary women, Dr. Lynn Kowalski and Dr. Stephanie Wishnev, for completing one of the TransAmerica routes. It is one of the most challenging cycling endeavors in the world, spanning from Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia.

As an avid cyclist myself, I know the grit and determination it takes to complete even a single long-distance ride. What these two women accomplished is nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of five years, they rode coast-to-coast, fully self-supported, conquering steep mountain climbs, unpredictable weather, and thousands of miles of open road.

Their journey not only tested their endurance but also embodied the very spirit of perseverance and adventure that defines our Nation. I commend Dr. Kowalski and Dr. Wishnev for their incredible achievement and for inspiring all of us who strive to push past limits and see what lies on the other side.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C. He will be in our Nation's Capital this week after visiting New York City, where he will receive the distinguished Templeton Prize. The Templeton Prize was previously received by Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, among others.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is a world-leading advocate for interfaith dialogue and peace. As Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople for nearly 35 years, the Patriarch has taken on the most difficult issues facing the world, whether it's building bridges between East and West, protecting our environment, or fostering dialogue between religious faiths.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is also an international environmental leader and has earned the title ``Green Patriarch.'' He consistently used his role to bring people of different faiths together to discuss how they could be good stewards of the Earth, and he made caring for the environment a central commitment in his role as spiritual leader. In 1997, the Patriarch even received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor awarded by this body.

On behalf of the vibrant Greek Orthodox community in Southern Nevada, I extend my deepest respects to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming him to our Nation's Capital.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a milestone moment for the Jewish community in southern

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2025 U.S. Little League champions: the Summerlin South Little League.

After undefeated runs at the District Four, Nevada, and Mountain West tournaments, Summerlin South punched their ticket to the Little League World Series, making them the third consecutive Nevada team to qualify.

In Williamsport, they went on an incredible 5-2 run against the best teams from across the country and around the world, including a win over Fairfield to claim the U.S. Championship.

Led by their coaches, a trio of volunteer dads, Tony D'Ambrosio, TJ Fechser, and Americo Miranda, this team showed the world how Nevada plays ball.

I was so proud to join the community in downtown Summerlin to give these all-stars the homecoming they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, Summerlin South made Nevada proud on the world stage, and I can't wait to see what is next for these incredible athletes.

Mr. Speaker, my votes were not recorded today. Had they been recorded, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 191, YEA on Roll Call No. 192, and YEA on Roll Call No. 193.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Deputy Chief of Army Reserve, Major General Deborah ``Deb'' Kotulich on her retirement from the U.S. Army Reserve.

Major General Kotulich's 35-year career has been characterized by exceptionally meritorious service while serving in positions of increasing responsibility and culminating as the Deputy Chief of Army Reserve. A native of New Jersey and West Point graduate, Major General Kotulich's distinguished service has impacted the lives of countless soldiers and their families.

And she has served in several key leadership roles throughout her remarkable career. She served as the Director of the Army Recruiting and Retention Task Force, where she successfully integrated and synchronized efforts across the Army Enterprise to address the recruiting crisis that impacted recruiting for several years. During the pandemic, she diligently served as the Director for Supply, Production, and Distribution for COVID-19 Vaccine and Therapeutics for the Countermeasures Acceleration Group (CAG), formerly known as Operation Warp Speed. There, she led a joint and interagency team that worked ``hand-in-glove'' with industry partners to deliver millions of life-saving doses and treatments to the American people and globally.

In addition to the CAG, Major General Kotulich has served in several joint positions to include Chief of Staff at the United States Transportation Command and three different assignments at the Defense Logistics Agency.

Her command tours include: The 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Orlando, Florida; The 77th Sustainment Brigade, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; The 655th Regional Support Group, Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts; The 359th Transportation Battalion (Terminal), Fort Eustis, Virginia; and Headquarters Company, 55th Materiel Management Center (Theater Sustainment Command), Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

While in command of the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Major General Kotulich deployed her headquarters to Kuwait in support of Operations Freedom's Sentinel, Inherent Resolve, and Spartan Shield. During her tour, she was dual hatted as the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command and Commanding General of the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). And was responsible for more than 10,000 Servicemembers, Civilians, and Contractors deployed throughout the Central Command Theater of Operation.

Her other deployments were in 2007 to the CENTCOM Deployment Distribution Operations Center (CDDOC) at Camp Arifjan and Kuwait in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. And in 2004 to Balad, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom II, where she served as an operational plans officer at the 13th Corps Support Command.

I want to thank Major General Kotulich for her distinguished service, and her professionalism and passion for service in every role she has filled throughout her prestigious career. Part of what makes the U.S. military the greatest in the world is that servicemembers, like Major General Kotulich, voluntarily dedicate their lives to serve and sacrifice for this country.

I also want to thank her wife, Penelope Smith, and two daughters, Rachel and Devan, for their unwavering support. I wish Major General Kotulich and her family all the best in what I hope to be a restful and enjoyable future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mountain's Edge community in Clark County, Nevada.

Since its groundbreaking in 2005, Mountain's Edge has grown into one of the most vibrant communities in the southwest area of the Las Vegas Valley. Mountain's Edge sits at the foothills of the Spring Mountains, and was envisioned as a place where residents could live, work, and thrive with the surrounding natural beauty.

Over the past two decades, that vision has become a reality for the more than 40,000 people that call Mountain's Edge home Today, its residents can enjoy outdoor living with 700 acres dedicated to open green spaces, parks and trails. This award-winning community is home to over 70 diverse neighborhoods with convenient access to strong schools, shopping centers, and other amenities. Not only does its outdoor recreation set it apart, but Mountain's Edge offers its residents a strong sense of community.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the Mountain's Edge Master Association, local businesses, schools, first responders, and all the residents who have helped shape the community's success over the last 20 years. I wish its residents continued success and community spirit for decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Silverado Ranch Community Center in Clark County, Nevada.

Since opening its doors, the Silverado Ranch Community Center has become a cornerstone of engagement, learning, and well-being for families and residents of all ages. From youth programs and senior activities to public meetings and fitness classes, the Center has served as a vital hub for connection and opportunity in the growing southeast area of the Las Vegas Valley.

This achievement would not have been possible without the foresight and commitment of the Clark County Commission, whose leadership continues to invest in high-quality community infrastructure that enhances the lives of local residents. Their support reflects the values of accessibility, inclusion, and forward-thinking civic development.

I would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Silverado Ranch Community Center. Their tireless efforts, professionalism, and welcoming spirit have made this first year a resounding success.

As we celebrate this anniversary, let it serve as a testament to what can be accomplished when local government, public servants, and community members come together with a shared vision. This is a great milestone in our community.

I look forward to many more years of growth, service, and celebration at Silverado Ranch.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a true trailblazer and my dear friend, Susan Tose Spencer. She was the first and only general manager, legal counsel, and vice president in NFL history, leading the Philadelphia Eagles.

After moving to Las Vegas, Susan started her nonprofit, A Level Playing Field, which donated thousands to local high school football teams like the one at Rancho High School. She also helped launch a rowing program at Nevada State, which at the time did not have any competitive sports programs.

So many in Las Vegas and elsewhere have been touched by Susan's generosity and tenacity. Susan touched so many lives. Her mark on Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and the NFL will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the loss of a true caretaker of Las Vegas, my dear friend and mentor, Elaine Wynn.

There are no words and certainly not enough time to express my sadness and share the enormous impact that Elaine had on Las Vegas, on Nevada, and on this country.

Her trailblazing philanthropy touched the lives of millions, whether it was a kid able to play in afterschool sports, a struggling student who was able to graduate high school, or a kid who received food backpacks each weekend. Of course, there was her strong support of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Elaine was an incredible businesswoman because her bottom line started with taking care of her employees first and her customers second.

While my heart is still heavy, I can't be anything but grateful that I was able to know her and to learn so much from such an amazing woman. Her memory and impact will be felt forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the week of March 24th to March 28th of 2025 as National Area Health Education Centers Week, or AHEC week.

Southern Nevadans are facing a dire shortage of health care providers, which means longer wait times, fewer choices, and less access to quality care. To solve this crisis, underserved communities like ours need to expand the resources we offer so that medical providers can learn and grow their careers in southern Nevada.

AHECs are a part of that solution. These centers connect students to local populations, which helps facilitate future engagement and boosts care in our communities. That has been and will continue to be key as we fight to ensure every Nevadan has access to the health care they need.

The AHEC program has already trained millions of health care professionals. Across our state, from Elko to Reno to Las Vegas, the AHEC program is strengthening the future of our health care workforce which will help the collective health of all Nevadans.

That's why I'm proud to support this program and why, year after year, I've fought to secure essential federal investments in the national AHEC program.

On behalf of my constituents at the Nevada AHEC program, their national counterparts, and the thousands of Americans who benefit from the care fostered by AHECs, I am proud to recognize this National Area Health Education Centers Week.

I thank them all for their dedication to keeping our communities healthy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate who I believe will be the next winner of ``American Idol,'' Sierra Vista High School's own and Nevada Third District constituent Isaiah Misailegalu.

Over the weekend, I watched Isaiah get his golden ticket to Hollywood after singing ``A Song for You,'' with his uncle playing the guitar by his side. With a voice like his, it is no wonder they are calling him Samoan Silk.

Not only is Isaiah a powerful and talented singer, but he also shines on the football field and volleyball court and in leading his school's Polynesian Club.

No matter what Isaiah does, I hope he knows that the entire southern Nevada community is behind him chasing his dreams. I wish him the best of luck on his ``American Idol'' journey.

Mr Speaker, My vote was not recorded today. Had it been recorded, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 56.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Let me tell you what the CFPB has done to protect working families for years, such as capping bank overdraft fees and credit card late fees, suing big banks for taking advantage of families, saving Americans over $20 billion from abusive corporations.

Now, Elon Musk and DOGE want to kill it because it is better for billionaires and big corporations and not for you.

Let me be clear: This does nothing to make your life more affordable. It is quite the opposite. In fact, none of what the Trump administration has done so far is making life more affordable for working Nevadans.

If you are concerned about these attacks on working families and attacks on our Constitution itself, I implore you to call your nearest Republican.

Let's face it: They control Congress, and it is up to them to stand up and help us stop this unconstitutional power grab and deliver on their promise to make life more affordable for you.