Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Master Sergeant Christopher Neal Houser as Tennessee's Second District's Veteran of the Month.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Gulf war, the war on terrorism, and the Cold War.

Chris was raised in Clinton, Tennessee, and graduated from Clinton High School in 1980. He then attended Tennessee Tech University, where he received his degree in business administration and business management. On July 23, 1982, he enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard, and he served his country for over 31 years, Mr. Speaker, with the 134th Air Refueling Wing as a personnel specialist.

Outside of his military life, Chris was known as a bit of a hometown hero for all the time that he gave to Blount County student athletics. He coached Little League baseball, youth basketball, and football, and he volunteered at William Blount High School to work with the baseball and softball teams as the field guy for over 17 years. The softball field is now named after him in honor of his many years of volunteer service.

Just a few weeks ago, on May 24, 2022, unfortunately, Chris passed away after a 9-year battle with lung cancer, with his family by his side. I offer my condolences to his wife of 36 years, Donna; his children, Drew, Jessica, and Jennifer; his mother, Jean; and the many other family members and friends who loved him dearly right up to the end.

It is my honor to stand here today and commemorate Chris' lifetime of service to his country and to his community by naming him as Tennessee's Second District's Veteran of the Month.

Thank you, Vice Chairman Johnson, for yielding valuable time out of your very busy schedule. Madam Speaker, thank you, ma'am.

The Biden administration's response to the baby formula crisis has been a joke. President Biden has tried to deflect the blame by claiming he wasn't aware of the severity of the shortage until April of 2022.

To me, Madam Speaker, Mr. Chairman, this claim just shows he either has no idea about what is going on in his administration or in this country, or he is a liar, or maybe both.

The FDA received a whistleblower's report, as you well know, in October of 2021 about the sanitation issues at the Abbott manufacturing plant, but they didn't do anything about it. They didn't have any intention to do anything about it.

They only closed the facility in February of 2022 when two precious little babies died after drinking formula from that plant, and to me, that is criminal.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration's signature move, as always, is see a problem, don't do anything, then blame others when things go wrong.

I always remember the words of Harry Truman, ``The buck stops here.'' This President has repeated those, and he has yet to follow his own advice, and I believe things have certainly gone wrong.

The out-of-stock rate for baby formula was recently 70 percent across our great country--70 percent. This means that parents across this Nation are going to be unable to feed their little ones.

This disproportionately affects our low-income families because folks with money generally are going to find something. They are going to find it on the internet, find a friend or somewhere else.

Of course, House Democrats' solution was to give $28 million to a bloated bureaucracy at the FDA to address the shortage. But, of course, $23 million of it was for staff salaries and the administration.

Of course, the bill that passed that was bipartisan cleared up some of the bureaucracy, but that was completely ignored by the media.

It is mainly because the media, by and large, except for a few exceptions, is totally in the tank for this administration. They have so much invested in him that they can't stand to see him fail, which he is--horribly.

I believe throwing money at a problem is not going to make it go away. You need a plan to go with it. You need to cut some of this red tape and bureaucracy. It gets in the way of enacting real solutions.

We still likely won't see any formula hitting the shelves until mid- July--mid-July. I think that is unacceptable, Mr. Chairman. We need to feed our babies today.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership, and as you have told me many times when I was a freshman, that when you are sitting at the table, there will be time enough for counting when the dealing is done. You, sir, are the gambler.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 230th anniversary of Jefferson County, Tennessee.

Governor William Blount formed Jefferson County in 1792 from land that was formerly part of the Southwest Territories, and it was one of the few counties created before Tennessee became the 16th state in 1796.

Davy Crockett, one of our nation's most prominent frontiersman, called Jefferson County home for 15 years and represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his residence in Jefferson County, Davy Crockett married his wife, Polly Finley, in 1806 at the Finley Homeplace.

Today, Jefferson County is home to many small businesses, abundant farmlands, and incredibly kind and wonderful residents. It is also home to several academic institutes, such as Carson-Newman University, that are shaping the minds of our future leaders.

I am proud to represent Jefferson County and its residents in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is my honor to recognize Jefferson County's 230 years of rich history.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 230th Anniversary of Knox County, Tennessee.

Governor William Blount formed Knox County in 1792 before Tennessee became a state, and Tennessee's first Governor and founding father, John Sevier, called Knox County home during his time in office.

Today, Knox County is home to many small businesses and large companies, abundant farmlands, and a community of the kindest folks you could ever meet. It also holds several academic institutes that are shaping the minds of our future leaders. Tennessee's flagship university, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, was founded in Knox County in 1794 as Blount College. It also became one of our nation's first co-educational education colleges when it admitted five female students in 1804. The University of Tennessee is the alma mater of notable alumni like NFL legend Peyton Manning and American astronaut Scott Kelly.

I was proud to serve Knox County as its mayor for eight years, and I'm equally proud to represent these folks today in our Nation's capital. It is my honor to celebrate Knox County for 230 impactful years of history.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend Lisa Wilkins--I used to know her when she was Lisa Morgan--on her retirement after 32 years of teaching in the Knox County school system.

Lisa started teaching in 1987 as a first-grade teacher at Karns Elementary School, and she held that position for 17 long years. After that, she took a job at Rocky Hill Elementary School as a teacher for third and fourth graders, then became a literacy coach for Chilhowee Intermediate School, Maynard Elementary School, and Sequoyah Elementary School. She then returned to teaching first graders for the last 8 years of her career at Rocky Hill Elementary School.

Lisa's favorite thing about teaching these little kids was the joy she could see on their faces, Madam Speaker, every day. She loved seeing their sweet little faces light up every time they entered her classroom, and she took great joy in seeing the proud looks on their faces when they finally understood a difficult concept.

Lisa had a positive impact on so many students and teachers, Madam Speaker, throughout her career. She had a special talent for mentoring new teachers and helping them find their footing, and that talent will surely be missed.

At a weak moment, she married her husband, Kent, and 31 wonderful years later, they have raised two daughters, Morgan and Madison, along with their two dogs, Baylee and Brentley. Kent adores his wife, as he should, and says she is the best mother, wife, and teacher anyone could ever dream of.

I congratulate Lisa on her retirement. I wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life. I can't imagine her retiring, since she is 1 year younger than I am.

Madam Speaker, might I say that is a wonderful outfit you are wearing today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Powell Panthers football team for winning its first-ever Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association State championship in 2021.

On December 3, 2021, the Panthers defeated the Page High School Patriots

by a final score of 42-34 at Chattanooga's Finley Stadium to win the Class 5A BlueCross Bowl championship. That is the equivalent to our State championship, if anybody is wondering.

This victory was significant for all the players and coaches, including the Panthers' head coach, Matt Lowe. Back in 2011, Coach Lowe was a freshman player on the Powell football team when the Panthers lost in a heartbreaker State championship game to Henry County High School.

A decade later, he led his alma mater to a championship that brought pride to every student at Powell High School and the community.

It was not an easy win for the Panthers. The Patriots were competitive throughout all four quarters, but the Panthers claimed the title when the final whistle sounded.

Winning this championship was the Panthers' goal all season long, and nothing was going to stand in their way. The team kept its eye on the prize and gave it their all to capture its first State championship in the end.

The Powell Panthers worked hard and supported each other the entire season, and it paid off with a State title.

Congratulations to all the players, Head Coach Matt Lowe, the team support staff, and the entire Powell High School community on this great victory.

Celebrating the Distinguished Career of Albert Harb

Madam Speaker, I rise today to sing the praises of a man who I feel is probably the greatest legal mind in America. It is my good friend Albert Harb. He has been an attorney in East Tennessee since the 1980s, and Albert will retire from practicing law this spring. I rise to celebrate his distinguished career.

Albert earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Tennessee. After working with fellow attorney Joe Yancey for several years, Albert went to work for the firm Hodges, Doughty & Carson in 1984. He has been employed by the firm ever since.

Throughout the years, East Tennessee has sought out Albert's legal expertise in commercial litigation, construction law, product liability, personal injury, domestic litigation, and occasional divorce cases. He also provides legal services for business transactions, corporate law, and wrongful death suits.

Organizations such as the Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers Consumer Guide, Who's Who American Law, and Mid-South Super Lawyers have all recognized Albert for his excellent representation in the fields of commercial litigation and personal injury.

In the Knoxville News Sentinel, a noted politician was quoted as saying that he was the best legal mind in America. Additionally, he is consistently recognized by Cityview Magazine as one of Knoxville's top lawyers for personal injury and construction law.

Outside of practicing law, Albert is engaged with the Knoxville community. When West High School's mock trial team won the Tennessee State championship, Albert mentored the students by serving as their attorney coach.

He also held leadership positions with WDVX, the Peninsula Club, and the Ramallah Club of Knoxville.

Albert and his wonderful wife, Carmen, are parents to Ashley, Nicholas, and Noel, and they have several grandchildren.

Albert, thank you for your dedicated legal representation to East Tennesseans. I wish you the best in your retirement, and congratulations on achieving of counsel status.

Recognizing Lucy and Ray Hand as Knoxvillians of the Year

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Lucy and Ray Hand, two of my all-time favorite people and two incredibly amazing people who helped me through one of the toughest periods of my life.

They were recently recognized by the Junior Achievement of East Tennessee as Knoxvillians of the Year.

When I was going through a particularly tough time in my life, I had a lot of bad press. On a Tuesday, I always recall, I received a call from Lucy Hand. She said: Kickoff for the UT game is this Saturday at noon. I expect to see you in the skybox with us.

I asked if she had seen what the paper was saying about me, and she said: Timmy, kickoff is at noon. Don't make me send Raymond after you.

You know it is serious business, Madam Speaker, when Lucy brings up Ray.

So, I went to the game, and the Hands, of course, were gracious hosts to me as they always are. At halftime, I decided to go down to the lower section of Neyland Stadium and check out some renovations that were recently completed and to see General Neyland's statue.

When I got there, I heard the most beautiful noise in the world. It was the sweetest little 4-year-old girl I think I had ever seen. She was wearing some unbelievably cool little red shoes. They were sparkling, and she was spinning around. I can see it in my mind's eye right now.

After I saw her, I looked to my left, and it was the most beautiful woman that I had ever seen. Her name was Kelly, and she would later become my wife, and Isabel would soon become my daughter.

That day changed my life. Lucy and Ray Hand were there for that moment, just like they were there when my parents died, when I married Kelly, and when I adopted my Isabel. They were also here in Washington in 2019 when I was sworn into Congress.

I remember when they were standing in line, and the Capitol policeman asked me if they were my family because they were escorting family through. I looked at him and said, yes, they are my family. Madam Speaker, they are my family.

I thank them for being my friends, and I thank them for bringing Kelly and Isabel and me together and creating a wonderful family for me.

I congratulate them on winning Knoxvillians of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, folks on the left have accused us good Republicans of complaining about inflation. They say we have no plan for lowering the cost of food, clothes, or gasoline.

Of course, the Democrats have controlled Congress for the last 15 months, Mr. Speaker, as you well know. During that time, they have successfully rammed through trillions in unnecessary Federal spending.

Let's look at where that has gotten us. Prices for goods and services Americans rely on rose by 8.5 percent in March 2022 compared to March 2021. That is unacceptable for working Americans, especially for east Tennesseeans.

That is not even the worst of it all. Even after all this spending raised costs for American families, the Democrats still don't think it was enough. They still think the multitrillion-dollar high tax Build Back Better Act--which we have called build back broke, you can call it whatever you want--is a good idea. That bill will be catastrophic for price stability.

Right now our country is dealing with the consequences of reckless government spending. All we seem to be doing is saddling more debt on the shoulders of future generations. We used to say we are piling it on our kids. Now it is our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which some of the folks in this body, I am sure, have multiples of those. And that is not right.

So to the critics on the left who complain that Republicans don't have a plan to address inflation, I ask you this: What is wrong with a plan to spend fewer taxpayer dollars and to be smarter about the money we do spend? This kind of fiscal responsibility is a legitimate solution to fixing the unstable prices that are worrying families in east Tennessee and across the country. Republicans should not be afraid to say that fiscal responsibility is our plan.

My folks instilled in me a lot of values, and one of those is, ``Don't spend it if you don't have it,'' and ``Just because you have it doesn't mean you have got to spend it, dadgummit.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank Vice Chairman Johnson, as always, for his lackluster leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Corporal Ray Sims, an American hero who served during the Korean war. Corporal Sims enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to South Korea following his initial training.

On January 31, 1951, his company was attempting to drive the enemy from an excellent defensive position on Hill 592. During the mission, Corporal Sims noticed a hostile emplacement containing an automatic weapons crew. Corporal Sims realized that the attention of the enemy gunners needed to be distracted so another element could flank and destroy the bunker.

He moved forward with his rocket launcher and fired upon the enemy. Corporal Sims successfully distracted the enemy but was wounded during his efforts. He kept firing on the position despite his injuries, which allowed his company to flank and capture the position.

It took 18 months of surgeries and rehabilitation for Corporal Sims to fully recover from the wounds he received that day. For his bravery, Corporal Sims was awarded the Bronze Star with valor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean War Service Medal.

Our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces, Madam Speaker--not the ones who throw the football or catch the baseball or shoot the basket--like Ray Sims, who served and sacrificed for our freedom. He is a real hero.

It is my honor to recognize Corporal Ray Sims as Tennessee's Second District April 2022 Veteran of the Month.

Madam Speaker, today I recognize FES Security as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. In April 1972, Frank Whitley started Frank's Electrical Service to meet the electrical needs of his community. Frank enlisted the help of his son, Dale, on the weekends and the work inspired Dale to earn a degree in electronics so he could help run the family business.

Frank and Dale soon noticed a growing demand for home security, so Dale took the lead in getting Frank's Electrical Service involved in the industry. This was a wise decision. The business quickly switched to specializing in home security and was rebranded as FES Security in the process.

Dale Whitley, now the owner of FES Security, is building on the successes of the company his father started. The business keeps up with modern technological advancements and FES Security offers digital security systems, products that are controllable through mobile devices, and cameras with video recording capabilities. The company also offers fire and gate systems, as well as home theatre and surround sound installation.

Although the scope of FES Security's work evolved throughout the years, its commitment

to East Tennesseans stays the same. Dale and the folks at FES Security pride themselves on the fact that monitoring rates have not increased once throughout the business's history, and they continuously strive to provide the kind of high-quality customer service you can always expect in East Tennessee.

Congratulations to everyone at FES Security for making this family- owned and operated business a success. I thank them for their work to provide important security services to our community.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to the great State of Tennessee.

Mr. Speaker, a recent CNBC survey illustrates how Americans are feeling about inflation. Fifty-two percent of adults reported they are under more financial stress today than they were 1 year ago.

The poll also shows how consumers spending habits changed over the last 6 months in response to rising prices: Fifty-three percent say they are cutting back on dining out; 39 percent are driving less; 32 percent switched from a brand-name product; and 29 percent canceled a vacation.

The economy is in a tailspin, Mr. Speaker, thanks to President Biden's Big Government agenda. His failed policies are making the cost of doing business more expensive, and those increased costs are passed directly on to consumers.

Many companies use catchy slogans and taglines to advertise their services but, in this economy, some businesses might rethink their marketing campaigns.

Remember the $5 foot-long at Subway? It costs at least $10 for a foot-long sandwich from Subway these days, Mr. Speaker.

Southwest Airlines' low-cost flight motto is ``Wanna Get Away?'' Flights are now so expensive; Southwest should change its offers to Wanna Go One Way? Did you catch that? One way, since that is all travelers obviously can afford.

Walmart tells customers they will ``Save Money, Live Better'' by shopping at its stores. Americans are probably thinking more along the line of Spend Money, Live Worse after making a trip to Walmart in recent weeks.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, lots of folks are doing their banking with Capital One, which asks ``What's in Your Wallet?'' Pretty soon Capital One will be asking consumers What's Left in Your Wallet?'' Thanks to rising prices.

Mr. Speaker, Americans are really just fed up with President Biden's handling of the economy. From the same CNBC poll I referenced earlier, 61 percent disapprove of the President's response to inflation, and 81 percent fear a recession is coming in 2022. And I would dare say, CNBC is not the most conservative folks out there.

Earlier this week, thank goodness, Elon Musk, he swooped into Twitter to save the company from the woke politics that are running it into the ground, censorship being one of those.

President Biden needs a similar hero who can come in and stop this administration from destroying the economy. Alternatively, he could simply give up on his Big Government agenda that is failing American citizens, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate Vice Chairman Johnson's lackluster leadership and his constant mention of complimentary snacks which are not here, coming forthwith.

Madam Speaker, the inflation rate in the United States currently stands at 7.9 percent. That is the highest it has been since January 1982.

As prices continue to rise, thanks to the unfavorable financial conditions created by President Biden's agenda, these companies should rebrand themselves to reflect the state of our economy.

Whole Foods Market will need to change its name to Piece of Food Market. Pretty soon, that is all shoppers will be able to afford.

When Americans take their next family vacation, they might need to rent a car from the airport. Hertz Your Wallet has vacationers covered.

Then there are the big box stores, long cherished for bulk purchases at low prices. Those days, of course, are gone in President Biden's economy. Enjoy a trip to Costgoing Up Wholesale or Targetting More Expensive.

When we have an administration that is putting forward $5.8 trillion--that is trillion with a t--budget requests, that says everything you need to know about their attitude towards inflation.

Madam Speaker, this group is simply out of touch with the financial pain felt by American families because of rising prices. I hope the next inflation report on April 12 contains some good news from consumers. Of course, if it doesn't, I have no doubt that the Biden administration will deny responsibility and shift blame to Big Oil, big agriculture, or big something. One thing is for sure. President Biden will never blame Big Government for his administration's economic failures.

Celebrating Former Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate former Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice, my good friend, Gary Wade, and recognize his long and distinguished career in Tennessee law.

Born and raised in east Tennessee, Chief Justice Wade made the indisputably wise decision to attend the University of Tennessee, my alma mater, and graduated with his law degree in 1973. I would like to note that I was in the third grade at that time. A couple years later, Chief Justice Wade decided to pursue public service and became the youngest-ever mayor of Sevierville, where he served for five consecutive terms while simultaneously practicing law.

In 1987, Chief Justice Wade joined the Court of Criminal Appeals where he served for 19 years and was presiding judge for 8 of those years. In 2006, he was appointed by then-Governor Phil Bredesen to the Tennessee Supreme Court, and he served as the court's chief justice for 2 years.

Following his retirement from the court in 2015, Chief Justice Wade became vice president and dean of Lincoln Memorial University's Duncan School of Law, who is named after my predecessor. The school achieved full accreditation from the American Bar Association thanks to Chief Justice Wade's leadership. In 2020, he retired from that position and joined the London Amburn law firm in Knoxville.

Outside of his legal activities, Chief Justice Wade leads several charitable initiatives in east Tennessee. He started the Tennessee Judicial Conference Foundation, a program that awards need-based scholarships to students attending any of Tennessee's six law schools. He is also a cofounder of Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which contributes funds to protect the park, and a cofounder of Leadership Sevier, a leadership training program for young Sevier County residents.

Congratulations on an impressive career, Chief Justice Wade.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Specialist 4 Class Victor Hodge, an American hero who served his country as Tennessee's Second District's March 2022 Veteran of the Month.

Specialist 4 Hodge has battled health issues his entire life, but he never let that break his spirit. One day when he was 17 years old, he was out driving with his mother and saw an Uncle Sam poster on a building in Maryville, Tennessee. He told her to stop the car because he was joining the Army. She told him that they wouldn't take him, but Specialist 4 Hodge got out of the car anyway. And on July 28, 1978, he officially became a member of the United States Army, despite the obstacles created by his health.

He received his initial military training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and then was assigned to a Nike Hercules as a missile crewman. Upon completing his training, Specialist 4 Hodge was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. His duty location was in the Florida Everglades, and he went on to become the leader of his squad. He served in Florida for a year and a half before health issues forced him to return to Fort Bliss.

Due to his health, Specialist 4 Hodge received a medical discharge from the Army. One of his favorite memories from his service in Florida was when he had the privilege of meeting General Bradley, the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Since retiring from the military, Specialist 4 Hodge has been blessed with three children, two stepchildren, and three he helps raise. Specialist 4 Hodge is a man of strong faith and thanks God every day for all the blessings in his life.

Despite persistent health struggles, Specialist 4 Hodge did not let that stop him from serving his country. It is my honor to recognize him as Tennessee's Second District's March 2022 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here not to talk about the bill but to talk about my friend, Don Young.

When I first got up here, I told Don that I was an avid gold panner in Knoxville, Tennessee, yet, in my lifetime, I had never found one flake of gold. He told me if I would come to Alaska, he said: ``Timmy, I could put you on some gold.'' And we talked about our love of the outdoors.

We also talked about our love of traditional country music, Mr. Speaker. Rick Crawford had his little band over here playing one night, and they were playing some good old country music, some Johnny Paycheck, the music that speaks to your heart. Don and I were talking about the current state of country music and just how horrible it was, and if I wanted to listen to rock music, I would turn on a rock station; if I wanted to listen to rap, I would turn on a rap station; but, dadgummit, country music was what we wanted to hear, and these country music people today are not country music people. I would put it in Don's words, but I would probably be called out on an ethics charge, Mr. Speaker, so I will not do that.

I stand here today as a friend of Don Young's and someone who will miss him dearly. I will miss his abrupt, gruff way about himself. My daddy was quite like that, and I grew up in that household, and I understand completely. Don had a rough exterior, but he was a very gentle person, and I will miss him dearly.

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Good Neighbors Shoppe, a charitable organization that is celebrating 20 years of service in Loudon County, Tennessee.

Roberta and Eugene Burwell opened Good Neighbors Shoppe on March 19, 2002, at 109 East Broadway Street in Lenoir City, Tennessee. Their mission was to financially support other charities in the area using the proceeds from selling donated goods at their store. After early success, Good Neighbors Shoppe built a new, larger headquarters at 420 Leeper Parkway in Lenior City, where it is located today.

Good Neighbors Shoppe has donated over $5 million since 2002, and at least 80 percent of each year's sales income is donated to charities within the Loudon County community. Domestic and sexual abuse centers for adults and children, food pantries, veterans' organizations, literacy programs, youth development groups, disabled and senior citizen programs, and addiction recovery centers are among the many organizations benefitting from Good Neighbors Shoppe's contributions. Additionally, Good Neighbors Shoppe has subsidized over 35 academic scholarships to Loudon County students and distributed annual grants to all Loudon County public schools.

Behind Good Neighbors Shoppe's success is a team of over 220 unpaid volunteers. These volunteers screen donated merchandise, professionally display the items that are for sale, and operate the storefront. Gently used and new items available for sale at Good Neighbors Shoppe include women's, men's and children's clothing, kitchen wares, furniture, and other useful items.

It is my honor to recognize the philanthropic efforts of Good Neighbors Shoppe in the United State House of Representatives. Congratulations to every Good Neighbors Shoppe volunteer, past and present, on 20 years of outstanding service to East Tennessee communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bearden High School Lady Bulldogs basketball team for winning their first Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association title in program history. Bearden won the Class 4A State championship game on March 12, defeating the Farragut Lady Admirals 52-34.

Both teams reached the State tournament after a season's worth of perseverance and teamwork. The Lady Bulldogs compiled 36 wins during the regular season while the Lady Admirals won 39 games. In the State tournament, Bearden and Farragut sailed through the quarterfinals and semifinals to set up a clash with each other in the championship game. It was the fifth time these two teams met during the season.

This was a historic matchup, Madam Speaker. Neither Bearden nor Farragut had appeared in a girls' State championship game before that. It also marked the first time two Knox County schools competed against each other in the State championship game. Regardless of the winner of this game, Knox County would have its first girls' basketball State championship team since the Austin-East Roadrunners won it all in 2007.

As a Bearden High School alumnus, I am excited that my Lady Bulldogs were victorious in the championship, but I represent both these communities in Congress. The Lady Admirals should be proud of what they achieved this year, and I am happy to recognize Farragut for an incredibly successful season. Both squads did an excellent job representing east Tennessee in the State tournament. Congratulations to the girls and their coaches. Go, Bulldogs.

Congratulating University of Tennessee's Basketball Programs

Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate the University of Tennessee's basketball programs on making their respective 2022 NCAA tournaments. By punching their tickets to the big dance, both the men's and women's teams built on UT athletics' long history of college basketball success.

The University of Tennessee is the only school to qualify for every women's NCAA tournament. The women's program is making its 40th straight--40th straight, Madam Speaker--NCAA tournament appearance after winning 23 contests during the regular season. Competing as the number four seed in the Wichita region, the Lady Volunteers won't need to travel far for their first game of the tournament. Thompson-Boling Arena will host it in Knoxville. This venue will be the first for this year's competition, which is where the Lady Volunteers will take on the Buffalo Bulls on March 19.

On the men's side, the Volunteers defeated the Texas A&M Aggies last Saturday to win the 2022 Southeastern Conference tournament championship. It is not in my notes, but I do want to note, since Representative Barr might be watching this, we also defeated Kentucky very handily also. This is the fifth tournament championship in program history and the first since 1979. The team earned the number three seed in the South Region for its regular season performance and faces the Longwood Lancers in the first round this afternoon in Indianapolis, Indiana.

I wish the best of luck to the Lady Volunteers head coach Kellie Harper and the Volunteers men's head coach Rick Barnes, all their players, coaches, and support staff as they compete in this year's NCAA's basketball tournament. I was also an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, and I still have 4 years of eligibility left in basketball. Go Vols.

Buddy's Bar-B-Q Celebrates 50 Years

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Buddy's Bar-b-q, a local favorite in east Tennessee, and one of my local favorites as well. My mama and daddy and I always used to eat there after church on Sundays. It was always delicious. I ate there with my best friend Chris Heagerty last week, and it was still delicious, and it was very price conscious, I will say. It is not too expensive.

Buddy and LaMuriel Smothers dreamed of opening a restaurant that served quality, homestyle barbecue with classic southern hospitality. In 1972, they made that dream a reality by opening the first Buddy's Bar-b-q in Knoxville. It quickly became a hit. Crowds packed into the restaurant to enjoy LaMuriel's delicious recipes, which are still on the menu today, and listen to the wonderful bluegrass bands that played on Friday nights. I remember a band called Knoxville Grass used to play there, and I would sing a little bit of the tunes here, but I don't want to run everybody off or be called out.

Ten years later, of course, Buddy's Bar-b-q was featured at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, where I worked at the always very loud and impressive video expo. After appearing at the fair, though, the word spread far and wide that Buddy's Bar-b-q was outstanding. The restaurant became a barbecue staple in Tennessee, a reputation that it has maintained for the past 40 years.

Complementing the outstanding food at Buddy's Bar-b-q are the restaurant's charitable efforts in our community. The restaurant launched Buddy's Race for the Cure to honor Buddy after he died of cancer in 1992 and supports Alzheimer's Tennessee in honor of LaMuriel. It also hosts Mission Mondays and supports local schools, regional nonprofits, and the University of Tennessee. Additionally, Buddy's Bar- b-q will provide catering and support for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's annual gathering to honor all the living Medal of Honor recipients. This event is again being held in Knoxville this year for the second time, and Buddy's will provide classic southern hospitality.

I congratulate the entire Smothers family; my good friends Anthony and Lisa Edwards, Mark and Jaime Lemoncelli; and everyone involved in making Buddy's Bar-b-q a wonderful success these past 50 years. It is good. If you all ever get to Knoxville, please stop in.