Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5408.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5408, the so-called Faster Labor Contracts Act. I will give credit to whoever named this bill because it certainly accomplishes two things faster: It fast-tracks government intrusion into private workplaces, and it erodes workers' rights faster than we have ever seen before.

Under the FLCA, if the private parties involved do not reach a first contract on an accelerated timeline, a government-appointed arbitration panel steps in and imposes one.

The panel does not merely recommend contract provisions or serve as a neutral entity while parties work to reach an agreement. Instead, it imposes a contract on employers and employees for at least 2 years without their consent.

Let's call this bill what it really is: a massive expansion of Washington's power over American workers and job creators.

It is the latest attempt to put workers under the thumb of Federal bureaucrats. Under the bill, government bureaucrats can parachute into workplaces they have never set foot in, override the voice of the workers and industries they know little about, and leave them with contracts that may not serve their interests.

Mr. Speaker, supporters of this bill assure businesses and workers that it is about worker empowerment and efficiency. I may be misremembering the definition of empowerment, but I can guarantee it does not mean taking away a worker's right to vote on his or her own contract and giving that power to a Washington bureaucrat with no stake in the outcome.

As for efficiency, this bill inserts the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, FMCS, an agency that President Trump rightly sought to eliminate for its corruption into the bargaining process.

Reports came out last year about the agency's alleged mismanagement of funds and other fraudulent activities. Now we are expected to give this agency a role in deciding workers' wages, benefits, scheduling rules, disciplinary procedures, and working conditions whenever contract negotiations extend beyond an arbitrary time frame.

I really doubt this agency will be able to do much, if anything, efficiently. If the bill supporters truly care about efficiency--and I believe they do--this is a strange way to show it.

For more than 90 years, Federal labor law has required employers and unions to bargain in good faith. Despite what supporters of this bill seem to suggest, that system is still working today. Whether it is the Teamsters, UPS, or United Auto Workers and the Big Three automakers, countless agreements across the country have been reached because both sides negotiated compromise and arrived at terms that made sense for their unique workplaces.

Under this bill, small businesses, in particular, could be forced into long-term, expensive, one-size-fits-all contracts written by bureaucrats. Those contracts could mandate spending that small employers cannot sustain, threaten jobs, kill growth, and in some cases, shut businesses down entirely.

Mr. Speaker, simply put, the FLCA is not proworker. It is an ideological Trojan horse that harms the very people it claims to help, empowers bureaucrats over workers, and undermines the collaborative process that has long-defined American labor relations.

Ultimately, workers value having a voice in workplace decisions.

The Trump administration has prioritized putting America's workers first and strengthening the Nation's workforce. This bill goes directly against the President's vision for America: to have the most capable and competitive workforce in the world.

It takes decisions out of the hands of workers and job creators and places them in the hands of unelected bureaucrats.

Mr. Speaker, we do not need government-imposed contracts. We do not need bureaucrats writing workplace rules. We certainly do not need a bill that claims to champion workers while stripping them of their ability to approve contracts that govern their livelihoods, whether they understand that or not.

If Congress truly wants to support American workers, we should strengthen workplace democracy, protect workers' rights, and encourage honest bargaining--not replace negotiation with government mandates.

The FLCA is wrong for workers, wrong for businesses, wrong for the economy, and wrong for the country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the chairman emeritus of the Committee on Education and Workforce.

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

Mr. Speaker, I certainly respect my good friend and colleague from New Jersey, the sponsor of this bill, and his desire to move processes forward. I just have a significant concern that it is short-sighted to think that government intrusion into this process will ever work in the end and what would be considered optional wouldn't eventually become mandatory in the fact that the workers themselves aren't making these decisions, that the best interests of the union leadership may be carried on, but not the workers'. That is my concern.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), a man who knows what it means to be involved in negotiations from both sides.

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

Mr. Speaker, we talked about efficiency and moving the issue forward 400-some days, but this bill is being rushed. It is being rushed in other ways. It requires a report from the Government Accountability Office, examining the length of time between recognition of a union in the workplace and the initial collective bargaining agreement. However, that report will not be issued until 1 year after enactment of the bill.

We are passing a bill that could impact millions of employers and employees, only then to request a report to understand the alleged issue that this bill aims to address.

I think back to the 2010 ObamaCare vote, when Members of this body were told to pass the bill so we could find out what was in it. We face a similar question today.

Why must we vote on a proposed solution before we even know the problem? Instead, let us do the reasonable thing before this bill goes to a vote.

That is just something we ought to consider, especially when we have the opportunity to do that, as opposed to pushing this directly to the floor without even having a GAO study beforehand.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller), a great member of our Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Onder), another great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine), one who stands up for workers and is a great participant in the Education and Workforce Committee as well.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a former union steelworker, I certainly understand the value that unions play in the workplace. I also understand the value that employers play in the workplace. I sometimes have my concerns about union officials and where they put their greatest agenda items at and the greatest concerns.

Unions can only force workers to pay dues or fees if there is a signed contract in effect. This means that between the time a union is certified and when a first contract is signed, the union is not getting paid to represent workers.

Once the dues spigot is open, nearly all unions funnel that money to opposing President Trump and the Republican Party goals to lower taxes and make the American Dream affordable.

For decades, unions have increasingly spent more of their money on political campaigns--it is part of the record--and fringe social issues with a paltry sum spent on actually representing their members at the bargaining table and fighting for their rights.

From 1990 to 2010, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, was the second largest political donor on record, but spent 98 percent of its dollars on the other party, Democrats.

President Trump is a strong supporter of Israel, but millions of dollars of union dues from unions like the SEIU, United Electrical Workers Union, and United Auto Workers are going to a pro-Hamas, anti- Israel agenda.

President Trump has fought to get DEI initiatives out of our schools, workplaces, and government agencies. Union money has been propping up that agenda for more than a decade. These are hard truths.

President Trump supports a pro-life policy, but union money flows into Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion organizations.

Union-funded House Democrats have not spent their time fighting for workers like they promise. Instead, they have spent their time undermining President Trump's agenda and trying to get him removed from office. These are hard truths.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act is just the latest attempt to undermine the President and his proworker agenda. It will go to union leadership. They will still be pulling it in while the bureaucrats make decisions for the employees.

I urge colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 5408, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman), a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, through you to my friend from the region where we both grew up, Hammond, South Side of Chicago, Calumet City, steel area and all the rest, I just make one point: Our President is clearly for private sector workers, very much so.

When he dealt with the Federal Government, it follows the pattern of trying to reduce the cost, the size, the scope of the Federal Government. In fact, that is what we are talking about here, of expanding the scope of the Federal Government to come in and force on employees and employers contracts that in many cases they will not have voted on. I just remind my good friend of that.

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

Mr. Speaker, just to bring clarity, my exact words were: President Trump is a strong supporter of Israel, but millions of dollars of union dues from unions like SEIU, the United Electrical Workers, and the United Auto Workers are going to support a pro-Hamas, anti-Israel agenda. I stand by that.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill asks us to believe that workers are empowered when their right to vote on a contract is taken away and handed to a government-appointed arbitrator. That is not empowerment. That is Washington deciding it knows better in the end than people actually doing the job.

For decades, employers and unions have negotiated contracts through good faith bargaining. Certainly, it is not always easy, but it works because the people closest to the workplace are the ones making the decisions. This bill replaces that process with Federal intervention and a one-size-fits-all mandate.

Congress is being asked to make these sweeping changes without the scrutiny they deserve--no committee process, no serious examination of the costs, and no opportunity to fully consider the consequences.

Workers deserve a voice. Businesses deserve certainty. The American people deserve better than rushed legislation that puts bureaucrats in charge and leaves everyone else with the bill.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I will include a letter at a later time raising concerns about H.R. 5408 from G. Roger King, senior labor and employment counsel at CHRO Association, and Alex McDonald, co-chair of the Workplace Policy Institute at Littler Mendelson.

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1333, I call up the bill (H.R. 7892) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require to the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review each FAFSA to determine whether the FAFSA presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 7892.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7892, the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026, a simple and commonsense piece of legislation to fight fraud in our Federal student aid system.

This legislation, authored by Representative Burgess Owens, also includes key provisions from Representative Glenn ``GT'' Thompson's H.R. 7891, the Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026, which further strengthens this important bill.

Student aid should go to real students. This is simple but somehow contested, an idea that Republicans are committed to protecting.

Over the past few years, it has become increasingly apparent that fraudsters are exploiting Federal programs at every level. Instead of helping children get meals or supporting students' educations, Americans' tax dollars have been lining criminals' pockets, helping fraudsters get rich while Americans suffer the consequences.

At the Committee on Education and Workforce, Mr. Speaker, we have been examining this issue closely and working hard to expose the rampant fraud in our Federal assistance programs.

While childcare and hospice care have dominated the headlines in recent months, our Federal student aid programs have also fallen victim to fraud.

The most pressing threat comes from ghost students, fraudsters who use stolen or synthetic identities to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and steal student aid dollars. These fraudsters commonly operate in foreign or domestic crime rings, submitting large numbers of FAFSAs to net huge amounts of cash. Until recently, these schemes were far too often successful.

This was largely possible because the Biden-Harris administration removed critical, commonsense guardrails during the COVID-19 pandemic that weakened fraud prevention measures and made it easier than ever to loot our Federal student aid programs.

Those foolish policies didn't help students. In fact, they did the opposite by creating more opportunities for fraudsters and criminals to endlessly exploit Federal student aid assistance programs and steal from taxpayers.

The good news, Mr. Speaker, is that under Education Secretary Linda McMahon's leadership, the Department of Education has made great strides in combating this fraud, restoring key safeguards, increasing identity screenings, and strengthening verification requirements. As a result, the Department blocked more than $1 billion in attempted fraud in 2025.

Those efforts, while effective, are not guaranteed to remain in place under future administrations, as we saw under the Biden administration. That is why committee Republicans are advancing legislation that not only builds on the Trump administration's efforts to stop fraud but also puts effective fraud prevention measures where they belong, in the law.

I know we all want to help students pursue an education and obtain a degree if they choose to do so. Unfortunately, that opportunity is stolen from students and borrowers when we allow fraud to continue unchecked.

H.R. 7892, the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026, creates an invaluable opportunity to stop this kind of incessant fraud and protect access to higher education.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7892, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my good friend, colleague, and ranking member's comments. I am a bit surprised because I had hoped that he could support this bill since in committee he supported this bill. In fact, one of the two bills in this bill that has been combined was unanimous in support by my Democratic colleagues.

In response to weaponization that this bill could provide, the bill does not single out any State, student, or institution. The bill's identity fraud detection system simply screens and assesses each FAFSA submission, which is working now, for indicators of fraud risk. When an application is flagged for identity verification, it is based on real fraud risk, not political agenda.

Further, the bill's program review priority categories applies only to institutions that display a pattern of disbursing aid to flagged applications, and only after giving those schools an opportunity to demonstrate compliance with the bill's reasonable, commonsense identity verification requirements. In other words, the bill simply requires institutions to do their part in ensuring that taxpayer dollars are going to real students, not fraudsters.

Additionally, the bill promotes transparency. It requires the Department to provide Congress with a written description of the system, notice of substantial changes, and annual reports on the system's use and effectiveness.

Mr. Speaker, bottom line, this bill keeps the focus where it belongs: on stopping fraud and protecting legitimate students.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens), the vice chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee and the sponsor of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague from Texas' concern about students and not missing one. We certainly don't want to do that. However, we have been doing that for years until the reforms that have taken place in FAFSA, and we know they are working now. It has come down to days as opposed to weeks and months before in

getting feedback. Now, in fact, most recently it has gotten down to immediate feedback in most cases.

We are seeing it work, and we have no evidence that it is unjustly pulling out certain groups or certain individuals. Again, we don't want that to take place, but we do not want fraudsters and ghost students, and that is what we are dealing with.

FAFSA finally, finally is working, and people--parents and students-- are calling my office, and I bet other offices, as well.

Mr. Speaker, with great appreciation, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley), the chairman of the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the Committee on Education and Workforce.

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

Mr. Speaker, I was caught with the first entity that was mentioned, AFT, the American Federation of Teachers', concern about higher education.

They have messed up our K-12 education and the pipeline going into higher education. I don't see them as any voice that we ought to be listening to, especially dealing with fraud, waste, and abuse.

It is important to recognize the progress the Department has made, Mr. Speaker, in addressing ghost student fraud. In just its first 2 weeks, the Department's new real-time identity fraud detention tool blocked over $60 million in ghost student fraud. That is real money for students.

That is real success, and it is exactly why this bill is drafted this way.

The bill makes clear that the Department may satisfy the bill's identity fraud detection requirement, in whole or in part, through a system already in use, while also giving the Department room to adapt its system to evolving threats.

The trouble is that without this bill, strong safeguards against fraud are not guaranteed, as we said, to remain in place and could change from administration to administration. Especially if the AFT is pushing, we know that push is real because of the Biden administration's failures.

If we agree the current safeguards are working, we should make sure they remain in place to protect students and taxpayers alike, not just for now, but far into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman), who is a working member of our Committee on Education and Workforce.

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

Mr. Speaker, fraud has no place in America. I think we can all agree with that, at least in word. Unfortunately, fraud has spiraled out of control and allowed criminals to steal billions from American students and taxpayers.

H.R. 7892, No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026, is a powerful opportunity to put a stop to fraud in our Federal student aid programs and expand the dream of higher education for the next generation of Americans.

While Democrats and the Biden-era administration allowed fraudsters to steal from students and taxpayers, Republicans and the Trump administration are committed to righting that wrong and ensuring Federal student aid goes to the people who are meant to receive it: students.

As lawmakers, it is imperative we do everything in our power to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent correctly. That means stopping fraud and putting an end to the parade of criminals who have exploited our Federal student assistance programs. It makes sense to me.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7892, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1333, I call up the bill (H.R. 7726) to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to withhold funds from noncompliant States under such Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7726.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Stop Child Care Scams Act to fight childcare fraud and protect taxpayer dollars.

Fraud isn't new, but what we have seen in recent years is staggering. Billions of dollars have been stolen from programs meant to help children and families. As Americans work day in and day out to put food on the table and support their families, fraudsters are lining their pockets with dollars meant to help hungry Americans and innocent children.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar that cannot help feed a hungry person or provide childcare for kids and families who need it.

Minnesota, sadly, has become a glaring example of this failure. Fake businesses, like the now infamous Quality Learing Center, claimed to serve children, but in reality, many of these facilities sat empty with no students and no staff.

The scale of this abuse, Mr. Speaker, is staggering. An estimated $9 billion was lost to fraud. That is $9 billion that could have supported real childcare services or fed families in need. Instead, weak oversight allowed criminals to get rich at the expense of children and taxpayers, and it doesn't stop there.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders of the nonprofit group Feeding Our

Future stole more than $250 million in Federal nutrition funds meant for hungry children. Instead, those dollars were spent lavishly on luxury cars and mansions. That is not just fraud. It is theft from the most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, this problem extends far beyond the State. Across the country, fraudsters are taking advantage of gaps in oversight while taxpayers foot the bill. That is why this legislation is so important.

In March, my committee passed the eight bills included in this package. I thank Representatives Messmer, Grothman, Onder, Foxx, Wilson, Rulli, Owens, and Miller for their hard work to tackle this problem.

Each of the bills is included in the Stop Child Care Scams Act, which delivers commonsense reforms to restore integrity to these programs. It strengthens auditing and data sharing and increases reporting requirements to detect and prevent fraud. Just as importantly, it kicks fraudsters out of assistance programs, ensuring bad actors can't jump between Federal assistance programs to defraud hardworking Americans.

This bill is guided by a simple principle: Taxpayer money meant for children and working families should never be lost to waste, fraud, or abuse.

Mr. Speaker, we know most childcare providers are doing the right thing, but when fraud runs rampant, it drives up costs, reduces access, and undermines trust in the system. If we want to protect access to affordable, high-quality childcare, we must first eliminate the fraud draining these programs.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Stop Child Care Scams Act to protect children, restore accountability, and ensure these programs serve those who truly need them.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman), a great member of our committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens), the sponsor of one of the bills in this package, in fact, one of the bills that the Democrats voted with us unanimously.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Rulli), who is the sponsor of another one of the bills in the package that my Democrat colleagues voted for unanimously with us.

Mr. Speaker, now I will get back on the germane issues that we are dealing with with this legislation and not rabid statements without foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Onder), who is a great member of our committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messmer), a sponsor of one of the bills in this package and a great member of the committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

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

We have the responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to help Americans, not fraudsters and scammers. Mr. Speaker, if you noticed today, we heard testimony from members of this committee and off this committee, including a Member we just heard from Minnesota, the State with a significant problem that alerted us to the fraud, waste, and abuse that was going on, not simply States or Members that are going to be so-called targeted by the President.

These are Members who understand what went on and how taxpayer funds were being abused through fraud.

For too long, criminals have exploited Federal programs, stealing billions while children and families lose access to critical support. That must end.

The Stop Child Care Scams Act strengthens oversight, closes loopholes, and prevents bad actors from continuing their schemes across multiple programs.

These are straightforward, long-overdue reforms that will make a real difference. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken from someone who truly needs help.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Stop Child Care Scams Act.

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1224, I call up the bill (H.R. 2616) to require public elementary and middle schools that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before changing a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 2616.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2616, the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act.

For years, concerned parents have felt ignored as education bureaucrats push radical agendas in schools without their knowledge or input.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when kitchen tables became classrooms, parents got a firsthand look at what was really being taught. What many saw raised serious concerns. Instead of focusing on the basics like math and reading, many teachers and schools were introducing controversial lessons on gender ideology and pronouns, all while student achievement plummeted and continues to this day.

In the years since then, those concerns have only grown. Many schools are engaged in systematic attempts to erode parental rights. Schools are facilitating gender transitions or encouraging students to change their names and pronouns without telling parents.

These are enormously consequential decisions that have lasting impacts on a child's well-being and development. Parents deserve to be part of those conversations.

One study from Defending Education found that at least 21,000 schools across the United States have policies that allow or encourage staff to hide a student's name change or gender identity. This lack of transparency risks confusion, undermines trust, and weakens the essential partnership between families and schools. It also places teachers in difficult positions, sometimes expecting them to withhold information from parents or be less than fully transparent.

These policies are incredibly harmful to children and families. In fact, we are now seeing a wealth of data to prove that children and teenagers who seek out drastic, life-altering medical procedures often struggle with mental health issues now and beyond. Instead of supporting kids, these secretive gender transitions, often encouraged by radical school officials, do more harm than good.

At the same time, many parents are asking a simple question: Why aren't schools more focused on helping students recover academically?

Test scores in key subjects remain stagnant or have declined, and students are still working to overcome pandemic-era learning loss.

Parents, teachers, and school leaders should be working together to support student success, not be at odds with one another.

That is why I am proud to lead H.R. 2616, the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, alongside my friend and colleague, the vice chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, Congressman Burgess Owens. This bill takes monumental strides to restore parental rights and educational sanity.

H.R. 2616 affirms the right of parents to be in charge of their children's upbringing and ensures schools remain partners in a child's education, instead of usurping the role and rights of parents altogether. The bill also establishes clear guardrails to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to support learning, not indoctrinate kids in radical ideology and agendas.

At its core, this bill is grounded in a simple principle, Mr. Speaker. That principle is that parents want what is best for their kids. Schools should be partners in that effort.

I believe Members on both sides of the aisle share the goal of helping students succeed. This legislation moves us in that direction by strengthening trust, improving transparency, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on students' education.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly would agree that this bill will promote good mental health and security and probably academic success in the process.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens), who is the bill's co-lead and vice chair on the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messmer), a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller), a special member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harris), a great member of the Committee on Education and Workforce.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I am ready to close if the gentleman from Virginia is, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, this issue is about parents, their children, and the protection of both.

This bill also protects teachers. It gives them the opportunity to use the resources already available to them to protect students, but not do that at the expense of parental rights.

Every parent in this country wants the same basic thing: to know what is happening in their child's life and to be able to guide them through it. That is not political. It shouldn't be. That is just being a parent.

Too many families today--and it is the majority of them--feel like they are being cut out of decisions that matter: decisions that affect their child's identity, their well-being, and their future. These are life-changing decisions that are being allowed and encouraged that are destructive. That is not how our schools are supposed to work.

Schools should be partners with parents, not replacements for them. Trust between families and educators is essential. That trust starts with honesty and transparency.

The Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act is just what it says. It is about restoring that trust. It is about making sure parents are informed, respected, and involved. It is making sure kids are protected.

At a time when students are still working to recover from significant learning loss, our focus should be clear: strong academics, honest communication, and helping every child succeed.

That is what this legislation does, Mr. Speaker. It puts parents back where they belong: at the center of their child's life and education. In fact, it mandates and strongly encourages parents to be back there with their kids. That is a good thing.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2616, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Robert C. ``Bob'' Burnham, Sr., who will be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, and to pay tribute to a life marked by service, sacrifice, and devotion to both his country and his family.

Bob joined the United States Army in 1943 as the world faced unparalleled conflict during World War II. He completed basic training at Fort Custer, where he prepared for the demands of wartime service with discipline and resolve. He went on to serve as a member of Battery D of the 548th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, rising to the rank of Corporal through dedication and leadership.

In 1945, while serving in Germany, Bob was wounded in action. His courage and sacrifice during this pivotal moment in our Nation's history stand as lasting reminders of the price paid by those who fought to secure freedom and peace around the world.

In 1946, Bob returned home and built a life grounded in humility, hard work, and steadfast love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose quiet strength shaped the lives of all who knew him. Bob also served his community for many years as a courier for Kalamazoo Public Schools.

Mr. Speaker, the life of Robert Burnham, Sr. reflects the very best values of our Nation: courage in service, dedication in work, and love in family. As we honor him with the Purple Heart, may this recognition stand not only as acknowledgment of his sacrifice on the battlefield but also of the dedication and resolve that he lived each day of his life. May his family find comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Mr. Speaker, it is my special privilege to recognize Charles Scott of Coldwater as the Veteran of the Month for May and to honor him for his dedicated service to our great Nation.

Charles served in the United States Army from 1979 to 1992, reaching the rank of Staff Sargent. For his committed service, he was presented with numerous badges and awards, including the Army Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.

After being honorably discharged, Charles earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Drury University and went on to work as a school supervisor. He then moved to Coldwater, where he served as a Veterans Service Officer for 22 years. During his time in the role, he received numerous awards, including the Certificate of Appreciation from the Branch County Veterans Board in 2008, the Veterans Service Officer of the Year Award in 2013, a Certificate of Appreciation for planning, designing, and managing the Branch County Veterans Memorial, Branch County's Patriotic Citizen of the Year Award in 2015, and the Special Tribute Award in 2025.

While Charles was specifically tasked with guiding Branch County veterans through the process of securing the benefits they have so rightfully earned, he also helped guide other veterans in surrounding communities to find the help they needed. Charles provided both expertise and compassion to thousands of veterans during his time as a Veterans Service Officer, ensuring that they received the care, benefits, and respect they deserved. While Charles has retired from the position, he continues to assist veterans wherever possible, including by recently organizing a veterans' program at the Branch County Fair,

Charles Scott's life of service, love of country, and keen desire to serve fellow veterans inspire us all. May others know of my high regard for Charles, as well as my deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to the country we love.

Mr. Speaker, it is my special privilege to recognize Michael Fry of Fulton as the Veteran of the Month for April and to honor him for his extraordinary and enduring service to our great Nation.

Michael Fry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during his senior year of high school and served with distinction from 2005 to 2018. Throughout his 13-year career, he was trained as a Signals Intelligence Analyst, a Special Intelligence Systems Communicator, and a Persian-Farsi Crypto-Linguist. He deployed to Iraq with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later to Afghanistan with Special Operations Task Force--West in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Michael also served as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) of Recruiting Sub-Station (RSS) North Columbus, where he led his Marines to earn RSS of the Year during his final year on recruiting duty. Michael attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in September 2018 after more than a decade of faithful service.

Following his military career, Michael continued to serve his community as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the Michigan State Police, supporting the Southwest Enforcement Team and assisting multi- jurisdictional efforts to combat transnational organized crime and major drug trafficking networks. He now serves as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, where he plays a vital role in supporting investigations.

Michael's leadership extends far beyond his professional service. Since returning to Michigan, he has remained deeply engaged in the veteran community. He served five years on the Kalamazoo County Veterans Affairs Committee, including three as Chair, and currently serves as the Detachment Commandant of the Marine Corps League's Kalamazoo Detachment No. 879. He is also the Vice Chair of the Kalamazoo Veterans Coalition, where he advocates tirelessly on behalf of local veterans and their families. His commitment to ensuring veterans receive the care, recognition, and support they deserve is an inspiration to all who know him.

In service to his community, Michael received the Kalamazoo County Veteran of the Year award in 2024 and the Marine of the Year award from the Marine Corps League's Kalamazoo Detachment No. 879 in 2025.

Michael Fry's life of service clearly demonstrates the Marine Corps' motto of being always faithful. His leadership working on behalf of America's veterans inspires us all. May others know of my high regard for Michael, as well as my deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to the country we love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nathan Martin, a dedicated cross-country coach and substitute teacher at Jackson High School, who has earned national recognition by winning the 41st Los Angeles Marathon.

Nathan's story is one of grit, heart, and perseverance.

During the race he told himself: I can't give up. It was a simple but powerful motto that carried him to pass the international leader and cross the finish line as the champion in the final seconds of the race.

However, Nathan's impact extends far beyond his own personal achievement. As a coach and substitute teacher, he inspires young runners and students, teaching them the values of discipline, resilience, and believing in themselves.

His victory is a win for the entire Jackson community and for every student he has encouraged along the way.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nathan on his remarkable and historic accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4624) to amend the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to establish requirements for unified boxing organizations, to further enhance the well-being of professional boxers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4624.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ``float like a butterfly'' and ``sting like a bee'' in support of H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026.

For much of the 20th century, boxing stood at the heart of American sports and culture. It gave us legends like Christy Martin, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey, and Muhammad Ali, but the sport today looks very different.

For too long, professional boxing has operated under an outdated patchwork of regulations that leaves fighters vulnerable to injury, exploitation, and limited opportunity.

The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act would bring the sport into the modern era. This bipartisan legislation would create new frameworks to

enhance safety standards, expand opportunities for fighters, and restore integrity to the sport, revitalizing one of America's most iconic sports.

This bipartisan bill would allow unified boxing organizations, UBOs, to operate alongside existing sanctioning bodies. That means more options for fighters and more choice in how they compete. For boxers fighting within UBOs, the bill would strengthen health and safety protections. The legislation also extends stronger safety protections and increases wages for all professional boxers, whether they compete inside or outside of a UBO.

In short, the bill gives boxers more choice, better pay, and stronger safety protections, while encouraging the growth and modernization of this historic sport.

Muhammad Ali, who was my constituent at one time, said this: ``Don't count the days; make the days count.''

Today, we have the opportunity to make this day count for the fighters who step into the ring, for the future of this sport, for the integrity of the competition itself, and for the fans like me and others who will experience a benefit from this bill.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4624, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Jack), the author of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and a doggone good wrestler in his time as an NCAA champion.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harris), a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Mackenzie), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

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

Mr. Speaker, I express my appreciation to Ranking Member Scott for his efforts and work on this bill. It is always good to work with him. I greatly appreciate the work of the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Jack, and his cosponsor Representative Davids, as well as Representative Omar for the efforts that they have put into making this bill what it appears to be and stands to be and the impact that it can have as we have noted today.

Like many Americans, I enjoy boxing movies like ``Rocky'' and ``Cinderella Man.'' I think the reason those stories resonate with so many is because it reflects what boxing is meant to represent: discipline, opportunity, a fair fight, and doggone toughness in the American way.

I so enjoyed my colleague Mr. Jordan as he went through names that I recollect, sitting with my twin brother and my father watching those historic boxing matches. Now, I am a short distance from the Kronk Gym, a historic gym where Emanuel Steward and others trained fighters to do the American thing: discipline, opportunity, and a fair fight.

This bill is also reflective of the story of the American Dream that anyone can earn his or her shot through grit and determination.

But in the real world, a fair fight requires rules that protect competitors as much as they promote competition.

Today, professional boxing too often falls short of that standard. Too often, fighters are pushed into dangerous matches without proper medical oversight, even in the training that they do. They are left navigating contracts with a lack of transparency and forced to shoulder risk without adequate recourse. That reality undermines athlete safety and public confidence in the sport.

The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act modernizes the framework of professional boxing to meet the expectations of today's athletes and today's fans. It strengthens protections for fighters, creates more opportunities, and helps restore integrity in the sport.

At a time when interest in boxing is growing again, we have the chance to restore confidence in a sport that once inspired generations of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, for the fighters of today and tomorrow, for the fans who believe in this sport, and for the enduring principle of fair competition, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4624, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Samuel ``Sam'' Struth of Monroe as the Veteran of the Month for March and honor him for his dedicated service to our great Nation.

Sam Struth served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1980. He completed basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and attended U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning in Georgia. He was assigned to the 548th Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he participated in numerous emergency relief operations, including earthquake relief in Guatemala in 1976, as well as flood recovery efforts

in Virginia and West Virginia in 1979 and 1980. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Marksmanship Badge.

Sam's service did not end when he took off the uniform. Sam has stayed actively involved in the veteran community, dedicating a significant amount of time to volunteer for various organizations such as Angels for Veterans and AMVETS of Monroe County. These organizations strengthen the bonds of fellowship, provide practical assistance, and remind our veterans that their sacrifices are both remembered and honored.

In service to his community, Sam also co-founded Flags O'er Veterans with Ken Moore after identifying that several local cemeteries lacked American flags honoring deceased veterans. The organization pays tribute to veterans in Monroe by raising funds to install flagpoles, American flags, lighting, and memorial plaques in cemeteries where they are laid to rest. What began with a simple but powerful conviction that every veteran's resting place should be marked by the flag they defended has grown into a lasting local tribute.

Sam Struth's remarkable life of service and his leadership working on behalf of America's veterans inspire us all. May others know of my high regard for Sam, as well as my deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to the country we love.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, in the engrossment of H.R. 6392, the Clerk be directed to make the correction I have placed at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding me the time and for his leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong motorcycle rider, it is a privilege to be here today and to speak in support of my legislation, the America the Beautiful Motorcycle Fairness Act, which will ensure fair access to our Nation's national parks and public lands for motorcyclists.

Historically, the America the Beautiful pass has permitted entry for one noncommercial passenger vehicle with multiple passengers, two motorcycles, or a group of bicyclists accompanying one passholder. However, in 2024, the Biden administration changed its policy, I believe, to unfairly restrict access for motorcycles to one bike per pass instead of two. Thankfully, President Trump and Secretary Burgum have restored common sense, and in November, they announced the America the Beautiful pass would once again allow for entry for two bikes per pass.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we can ensure motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country have access to our Nation's national parks. These most magnificent places are testaments to America's greatness and the majestic landscapes that stretch across our great Nation.

By restoring parity for motorcycle riders, we will expand access opportunities, strengthen local economies that depend on tourism as well, and allow our fellow Americans to explore our historic landmarks in the best way possible: on two wheels in the open air.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4307) to direct the Secretary of Labor to train certain employees of Department of Labor how to effectively detect and assist law enforcement in preventing human trafficking during the course of their official duties, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 4307.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act. I thank my friend and colleague, Representative Lucy McBath, for her partnership on this important legislation.

In my time on the Committee on Education and Workforce, I have come to the realization that the Department of Labor employees have a frontline view to detect patterns of human trafficking and labor exploitation.

This is where my bill, H.R. 4307, comes into play. Specifically, this legislation directs the Department of Labor to educate appropriate staff in how to effectively detect instances of human trafficking, ensure personnel regularly receive information on current trends and best practices, and establish a clear course of action for referring suspected instances of human trafficking to law enforcement. In other words, it turns Department of Labor employees into an early warning system against human trafficking.

One of the greatest obstacles in the fight against human trafficking is a

lack of awareness. Too often, visible signs of human trafficking go unnoticed or unreported simply because individuals lack proper training.

By arming these employees with critical information on how to identify potential trafficking situations, we can strengthen our ability to intervene quickly and efficiently to hold traffickers accountable and protect those who are most vulnerable.

I am proud to say that, last Congress, this legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, with a vote of 407-0. Protecting more people from falling victim to the scourge of human trafficking is not political.

I urge my colleagues to put an end to this modern-day slavery and to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4307.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan), a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation and the policies it supports have been important to me for quite some time. That is because behind every statistic is a name, a face, and a heartbroken family.

Human trafficking doesn't just rob these individuals of their dignity. It robs them of their future.

Department of Labor personnel already interact with workplaces, review labor conditions, and identify irregularities. H.R. 4307 ensures that when red flags appear, they are recognized for what they are and are acted upon swiftly and responsibly.

The earlier they can intervene, the greater the chance we have to stop exploitation before it becomes prolonged abuse. That proactive approach is both compassionate and common sense.

This approach also utilizes resources and tools already in place. It supports law enforcement without expanding government unnecessarily. It honors taxpayers by making better use of the workforce we already have.

H.R. 4307 better arms DOL employees to disrupt criminal enterprises and uphold justice, but most importantly, it helps bring victims back home to safety.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6392) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to recognize students who have completed secondary school education in a home school setting as high school graduates, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 6392.

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

Mr. Speaker, every student deserves to have their hard work recognized.

Unfortunately, many homeschooled students face unjust barriers when applying to college simply because they didn't attend a traditional school.

On average, homeschoolers do remarkably well, better than their public school peers, on tests. Yet for some reason, colleges arbitrarily and unfairly subject homeschooled students to additional hoops, like taking a GED exam, to prove they are fit for admission.

The Home School Graduation Recognition Act sends a clear and simple message to colleges and universities: Homeschooled students are just as qualified to attend college as any other high school graduate.

The Home School Graduation Recognition Act also reaffirms House Republicans' commitment to expand educational opportunity and school choice for American families.

As chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I am grateful to serve alongside Members like Congressman Harris who are eager to sponsor legislation that empowers students of all ages on their respective educational journeys.

I am glad to have the opportunity today to stand up for homeschoolers and against the needless discrimination they face in the college application process. Today, we have a chance to stand up for homeschooled students and families who have transformed kitchen tables into significant classrooms.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6392, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harris), who is the bill's sponsor and a member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and ranking member for his support on this legislation as well.

Homeschooled graduates are graduates plain and simple. They should not be penalized because their families chose a learning environment that met their specific needs and actually goes back to the beginning of time.

That is why we must pass H.R. 6392, the Home School Graduation Recognition Act, and tell colleges that it is completely unnecessary to subject homeschooled graduates to needless exams to prove they have, in fact, graduated.

I am proud to do my part in removing these roadblocks and helping more students pursue higher education.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6392, the Home School Graduation Recognition Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6472) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for in-state tuition rates for certain residents of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6472, sponsored by Congressman James Moylan of Guam, which allows residents of U.S. territories to access in-State tuition rates at public universities across the U.S.

I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 6472, which ensures students of the U.S. territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive in-State tuition at public universities across the country.

I am pleased that all of the Delegates from each U.S. territory are original cosponsors of the bill and that it received strong bipartisan support in the committee markup.

Under H.R. 6472, public postsecondary institutions will be required to offer in-State tuition rates to residents of U.S. territories. Through this bill, a student from Guam would pay the same tuition at a public university just as any in-State student.

This isn't a novel idea. Under current law, servicemembers and their families already receive in-State tuition rates, creating new pathways for more Americans to get high-quality educations at a competitive cost.

However, H.R. 6472 doesn't just help students. It helps the territories, too. After graduation, students can return home with advanced degrees and credentials they can reinvest back into their homes and local economies.

This isn't just an investment in our students. It is an investment in the economic strength of American territories. Students can contribute their newfound expertise to help develop new industries and drive economic development.

That investment also strengthens American national security. As competition with our adversaries, like China, intensify in the Pacific and drug trafficking continues in South and Central America, we must ensure our territories have the infrastructure and brainpower needed to promote a strong national security posture in the region.

Last year, we passed the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which included some of the most conservative reforms to higher education in decades, massively lowering costs and helping create new pathways for students to chase the American Dream.

We now have a chance to build off that success of the Working Families Tax Cut Act and lower postsecondary education costs for U.S. residents in U.S. territories so they can continue supporting our vital military operations.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I look forward to passing H.R. 6472 and supporting our territories.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan), the sponsor of the bill and a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Guam.

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

Mr. Speaker, as President Trump said in his State of Union Address last week, America's military is the strongest in the world, but we continue to have enemies around every corner of the globe who would like to undermine our power.

That is why H.R. 6472 is so important. This bill ensures residents of U.S. territories receive vital workforce training and skills as our U.S. military continues to operate out of these critical geographical outposts.

The working families tax cuts were a strong step in lowering costs for students and borrowers. Now, we are continuing these efforts and supporting our military and our territories.

As chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I am steadfast in my commitment to reducing college costs and opening up workforce pipelines. I thank Congressman Moylan again for sponsoring this legislation and helping expand educational opportunities for residents of U.S. territories.

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

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