Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I first thank Congressman Ivey for putting this together here today and for his leadership.

I rise today to stand in unwavering solidarity with the hardworking men and women of our Federal workforce.

As a member of the Labor Caucus, I am proud to support the public servants who dedicate their lives to keeping our country running, including the 8,500 Federal employees who call my district home.

These workers are not faceless bureaucrats. They are the backbone of our communities. They are our neighbors, and they are our friends. They process veterans' benefits, ensure Social Security checks go out on time, make Medicare payments to our seniors' physicians, ensure our air and water are clean, keep our Nation safe, and much, much more.

Yet, right now, they are under attack from a President who has outsourced his own power to a billionaire hell-bent on dismantling our government to serve his own greed.

The administration and so-called Department of Government Efficiency are purging career professionals, politicizing civil service, and handing over even more power to the ultrawealthy.

I have been hearing from constituents all week, and this is not what people in my community and across America want.

They do not want an unelected billionaire who, I might add, has made billions off taxpayer-funded contracts to actively weaken our government.

They do not want an unelected billionaire to create a system where the rules don't apply to him and democracy takes a back seat to his own profits.

They do not want an unelected billionaire to attack our Federal workers whose love for our country keeps our communities safe and our society functioning.

We will not stand by while they buck the rule of law to dismantle the very institutions that protect hardworking families, seniors, veterans, and our democracy.

Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker. This is an attack on Federal workers that will allow those at the highest levels of our government and their billionaire buddies to exploit the concerns of our

constituents, take power away from the people, and enrich themselves at the expense of hardworking families in America.

America's civil service is a pillar of our society, and we will defend it.

I say to the Federal workforce: Thank you for your service. We have your back. We will fight for your jobs, your dignity, and the services that millions of Americans rely on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Dr. Nellie B. King, a trailblazer, educator, mentor, and a dear friend whose impact on western New York will resonate for generations to come.

Dr. King exemplified what it means to dedicate one's life of service, excellence, and empowerment, particularly to the youth of western New York, but to all her fellow human beings.

Born and raised in Foxworth, Mississippi, Dr. King's journey from humble beginnings to becoming an educational pioneer is a testament to her resilience and determination.

She earned her B.A. in social studies from Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, a historically Black college, followed by advanced degrees in education from Canisius College and Buffalo State College.

With over 35 years in education, Dr. King made history as the first Black superintendent of the Lackawanna City School District where she served for 9 transformative years.

Her innovative programs, including the Kids in Spotlight Program, Lackawanna Center for Family Achievement, and the District Model Aids Program set a high standard for educational excellence and student support.

Under her leadership, the district embraced groundbreaking initiatives like reduced class size for early elementary school, extended-day programs, and the GEAR UP Program, ensuring opportunities for all students to succeed.

Dr. King's dedication to education was seen on a national scale. She contributed research to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, culminating in their report, ``Gaining the Arts Advantage,'' which emphasized the critical role of arts in education.

Also, her service extended far beyond the classroom. Dr. King was a member of the Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where her faith guided her work and inspired those around her.

She was an active participant in organizations, such as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Women's Missionary Council of the CME Church, and the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, just to name a few.

Most recently, Dr. King served as the president and founder of Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Ministry, which provides guidance, leadership, and financial support to women from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled in college or trade school.

Dr. King's contributions did not go unnoticed. Her numerous accolades include the National Association of Counties Achievement Award, the Buffalo Ambassador Award, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Education.

As a State Senator, I had the privilege of honoring Dr. Nellie B. King as a 2019 Woman of Distinction in the New York State Senate, a recognition that celebrated her lifelong dedication to education and bettering our community.

Dr. King's influence extended to countless students, colleagues, and leaders in our community. She was not only an educator, but also a role model, a mentor, and a friend, someone whose wisdom and compassion were a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Nellie was a loving mother to Bennie Omar King, and an adoring grandmother to Angeliya Bernice King, both of whom proudly carry on her legacy.

As we remember Dr. King, let us honor her by continuing her work, advocating for education, investing in our children, fostering innovation, and uplifting those who need it the most. Her life reminds us that one person's dedication can transform not just individuals, but entire communities.

Dr. Nellie B. King's legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the progress she championed, and it will endure as a source of inspiration for us all. I thank Dr. King for her boundless contributions, her unwavering faith, and her extraordinary vision.

We will miss her deeply. We love her, and we will carry on her lessons and her legacy for generations to come. May Dr. Nellie B. King rest in peace and power.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 21, an assault on women's healthcare and fundamental rights. On October 19, 2007, my wife Katie gave birth to our beautiful baby girl, Brigid Nicole Kennedy. My wife and I had lost some pregnancies. We were so excited when we got the news she was expecting. It was a girl, and we named her Brigid. She was kicking and doing all the things a

parent would expect during a pregnancy.

Six weeks before my wife gave birth, we went for an ultrasound and received the worst news imaginable. Brigid was diagnosed with hydrops fetalis, compressing her lungs with fluid, putting her and my wife's life in danger. We were devastated. The only answer was to terminate the pregnancy in order to save the life of my wife whose health was becoming more and more threatened.

It was a choice we did not want to make. It was a choice we had to make. We wanted our baby more than anything. We saw doctors, specialists, and neonatologists. We traveled where we were promised we would receive the best care. If there was something we could do to bring her safely into this world, we did it.

We embraced each other as a family and prayed.

Then, with the guidance of our doctors, knowing that we were losing our child, knowing that she would be born and we would have only a very short period of time with her, we chose palliative care to keep our daughter comfortable and to love her during her time on Earth.

Baby Brigid, who was already loved, would not live the beautiful life we had dreamed for her.

We had to schedule what we knew would be a devastating delivery for the sake of my wife's health. We held her, baptized her, and sent her on to the Lord. She was with us for only 4 minutes. We watched our baby girl become our baby angel, and our lives were transformed forever.

As we faced one of our darkest days as a family, the last thing we needed was legislation that served to stand between the health of my wife, unborn child, and the future of our family.

If this bill had been law, doctors would have been required to whisk Brigid away from us, inhumanely poke and prod our baby girl with tubes, needles, and IVs, causing her needless pain, suffering, and torture.

My wife and I would have been robbed of those precious minutes with our baby Brigid. It would have eviscerated the one moment my wife and I cling to as baby Brigid's parents.

It would have only added to our pain, hurt, and helplessness--that is, if they would have performed the procedure at all, for fear of breaking the law and going to jail or losing their license in order to save my wife.

I thank my wife, Katie, for allowing me to share our story, and I share it because it is not ours alone.

Countless women and families with dreams for their children and their future face difficult decisions and unthinkable circumstances every day. Our government has no business intruding on a family's deeply personal medical decisions, yet the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision has opened the floodgate for States to rob women and families of the ability to make healthcare choices with their doctors, including the very difficult choice to access safe, legal, and oftentimes medically necessary abortions.

Madam Speaker, they are now using this bill, built on a despicable lie rooted in neither medicine nor science, to restrict access to abortion nationwide. It would levy criminal charges against healthcare practitioners and providers, jeopardizing their ability to deliver proper medical care to women. It impacts people all over this country.

Madam Speaker, today, I will vote ``no'' on H.R. 21, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Vote ``no'' to criminalizing healthcare and ``no'' to imposing more hurt on families facing very difficult days.

The morning after we said good-bye to Brigid, I woke up in the hospital and a rainbow appeared. It was a sign from above that our baby girl, Brigid Nicole, was home in Heaven.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Rose Marie Sickler of Clarence Center, New York, who passed away on December 3, 2024.

Born on July 19, 1948, to Joseph and Lillian LaBuda, Rose grew up in the town of Tonawanda, attended Cardinal O'Hara High School, Medaille College and earned her master's in elementary education from Buffalo State College.

For 30 years, Rose served as a beloved kindergarten teacher in the Depew Central School District. She dedicated her career to shaping the lives of hundreds of students with her joyful heart, innovative programs like the annual Penguin Hop, and her deep commitment to nurturing young minds.

A devoted wife to Charles for over 50 years, a loving mother to Dr. James Sickler and Dr. Thomas Sickler, and a steadfast supporter of numerous charitable causes, Rose's kindness and selflessness knew no bounds. Rose faced her final battle with cancer with grace and courage, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and inspiration for all who knew her.

May she rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the memories of her life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church, a beacon of devotion and service in Buffalo, New York. As we honor this momentous occasion, may we reflect on the church's incredible history, its unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, and the transformative impact it has had in the lives of countless individuals over seven decades.

Faith Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1955 by Pastor Roscoe Marion Mitchell and Deacon Dwight Smallwood, Sr. In 1981, Pastor James R. Banks, II took on the leadership of the church, and under his dedicated guidance, it has grown and prospered. Pastor Banks' steadfast commitment to his congregation has played a pivotal role in the church's continued success.

Pastor Banks, who is married to Mrs. Judy Shaw-Banks, a devoted partner in ministry, has three daughters and six grandchildren. As a distinguished educator, consultant, and preacher, he has faithfully served as the church's leader for more than forty years, making him the longest-serving pastor in Buffalo.

Additionally, Pastor Banks has initiated several transformative programs, including the Mitchell-Coefield Scholarship Fund to assist youth in pursuing higher education and the Tithe Ministry, which supports local community organizations with financial aid. The church's vibrant ministries, such as the choirs, usher boards, Nurses Guild, and Trustee Ministry, continue to reflect its deep and enduring mission.

Mr. Speaker, today as we celebrate seven decades of ministry, let us honor the countless lives who have walked into Faith Missionary Baptist Church and have been touched by Pastor Banks' teachings. I congratulate Pastor James R. Banks, II and the entire congregation on this significant milestone, his unwavering dedication to Faith Missionary Baptist Church is a blessing, and we look forward to many more years of his inspired leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Dr. John B. Long, a distinguished World War II veteran, who has been a pillar of the Buffalo, New York community for decades. Dr. Long's life is a testament to courage, commitment, and service that spans both military and civilian spheres, and it is with great honor that we celebrate his story today.

Born on January 18, 1927, Dr. Long's path of service in the military began in June 1945, just after completing high school, when he was drafted into the United States Army. After undergoing basic training at Camp Wheeler in Macon, Georgia, Dr. Long prepared for the anticipated invasion of Japan. However, with Japan's surrender, his infantry division was redirected to Germany as part of the Army of Occupation, a critical mission during the post-war era.

After fulfilling his military duties with honor, Dr. Long returned home and pursued higher education, ultimately earning his Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree, which allowed him to establish a successful chiropractic practice in Buffalo. For decades, Dr. Long dedicated himself to the well-being of his patients, offering care with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.

Dr. Long holds life memberships in several veterans' organizations and has earned numerous accolades throughout his life. Among his many honors, he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame in 2017, a testament to his exceptional service. Additionally, his contributions were recognized at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, further reflecting his enduring legacy of patriotism, dedication, and commitment to his community and fellow veterans. The ``Staff Sergeant John B. Long Tactical Operations Center'' is located on the second floor of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park Museum.

Today, we celebrate Dr. John B. Long's 98th birthday. Dr. Long's life is a testament to resilience, unwavering devotion, and exceptional service to both his country and his community. His lifelong dedication has set a remarkable standard for all of us, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Please join me in thanking Dr. Long for his long and meritorious service to our Nation and community and wishing him a very happy birthday with many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Ascend Physical Therapy, a leader in outpatient physical therapy since its founding as Southshore Physical Therapy in 1981. It is with great enthusiasm that I highlight the opening of their newest location in North Tonawanda, New York. This expansion continues the practice's four decade tradition of providing exceptional, one-on-one manual therapy services to communities across Western New York.

Founded with a commitment to patient-centered care, the practice rebranded as Ascend Physical Therapy in 2007, reflecting its dedication to progressive, evidence-based treatments. The new office will bring Ascend's renowned hands-on therapeutic approach to the City of North Tonawanda, New York.

Dr. Bernard J. Ryan, owner of Ascend Physical Therapy and a distinguished alumnus of D'Youville University, brings over twenty years of experience and a history of proven success. His dedication is a reflection of the organization's commitment to providing personalized, effective care for every patient.

Dr. Ryan is joined by Dr. Ryan Conti, a skilled physical therapist and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, who has been an integral member of the Ascend team for over a decade. Together, Dr. Ryan and Dr. Conti have combined their expertise to guide individuals in achieving their health and wellness goal, ensuring the continuation of Ascend's commitment to exceptional care.

Today, we celebrate the ongoing success and growth of Ascend Physical Therapy and their steadfast commitment to empowering patients across Western New York. With the increasing need for quality physical therapy services, Ascend remains at the forefront of innovation and expansion, continually adapting to meet the needs of our community. I congratulate Ascend Physical Therapy as they continue to provide exceptional care and contribute to the well-being of our region.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible journey of Sydney Sterlace, who finished third on season 26 of ``The Voice.''

Sydney, a young singer from West Seneca, New York, in my district, has inspired not just our community but viewers across the country.

Her extraordinary talent was undeniable from an early age. With the support of her loving family, especially her mother, she began her singing journey at the age of 7, participating in local talent shows.

By the time she was 10, she won first place in the Erie County Fair talent competition.

Since then, Sydney has performed the national anthem at a Buffalo Bills football game, countless times for the Buffalo Bisons baseball team, and this year at a Buffalo Sabres hockey game.

She is also a regular performer at the annual Music is Art festival, organized by Robby Takac, one of the founding members of the Goo Goo Dolls, who is also from my district.

At just 16 years old, Sydney accomplished what so many dream of: a four-chair turn at her blind audition for ``The Voice,'' and a run all the way to the finale of one of the biggest singing competitions in the world.

Over the course of this season, Sydney showed her incredible range and artistry, and her duet with Gwen Stefani, who also served as her coach while on the show, was the perfect way to cap off a season of unforgettable moments.

Throughout it all, Sydney had the endless support of her family, friends, and our entire community. From accompanying Sydney on her journey to California for the competition to welcoming her home at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport upon her return, her friends were always by her side to cheer her on, especially Kate, Lily, Izzy, Alannah, Holly, and Erin.

Sydney's success extends beyond ``The Voice.'' Last year, she won a challenge promoted by Broadway Evolved, which led to a weeklong Broadway workshop with Tony-nominated actress Betsy Wolfe, but what stands out most is Sydney's humility and heart.

Sydney has made our entire community so proud with her talent, her hard

work, and her poise throughout the entire competition. She has carried herself with grace and determination, inspiring the next generation of talented artists.

While this chapter of ``The Voice'' may have ended, I have no doubt the next chapter of a long and successful career is ahead of Sydney.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of all western New York, I thank and congratulate Sydney for sharing her voice.

Remembering Cornelius J. Keane

Madam Speaker, I rise in remembrance of Cornelius J. Keane, whose life was defined by service, family, and enduring dedication to our community.

As someone who was blessed to call him a friend, I can tell you Neil's love for his family was matched only by his unwavering dedication to serving our community, a calling he fulfilled with distinction throughout his remarkable career.

A Buffalo native, Neil's career with the Buffalo Fire Department spanned nearly four decades, where he rose to the position of commissioner, embodying courage and leadership every step of the way. As commissioner, he led with compassion and integrity, always putting the needs of others first, and setting a standard of excellence for those who followed in his footsteps.

Throughout his decades of service to the Buffalo Fire Department, Neil dedicated himself to protecting the safety and well-being of the community he loved, the City of Good Neighbors.

Neil's work extended far beyond the firehouse. His commitment to Buffalo was evident in his efforts to make the city a safer, stronger, and better place for all its residents.

He was a proud member of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Association Local 282, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the East Coast Retired Firefighters Association. He was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Yankees.

Neil's life was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will live on through the many lives that he touched.

Neil was a loving husband to his wife of 54 years, Ellen; a devoted father to Sheila, Bob, and Terry; and a cherished papa to his beloved grandchildren. He was one of 16 children and had a deep commitment to the values instilled in him as a member of the Keane family. That sense of duty guided his extraordinary legacy of work and public service.

May we all take inspiration from Neil's devotion to his family, his steadfast service to our community, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. May he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, a peacemaker, environmentalist, and humanitarian, President Jimmy Carter's work left an indelible mark on our country and the western New York community.

He was no stranger to my district, visiting for speeches at the University at Buffalo and Canisius University, campaign rallies in Cheektowaga and Tonawanda, and even making a stop at Niagara Falls State Park while celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Rosalynn.

During his Presidency, he established the Superfund program, supporting the cleanup of toxic sites across western New York, including Love Canal.

Following his term in office, he set the standard for the post- Presidency and saved millions of lives by advancing global health, including through his efforts to end childhood malaria fatalities and destigmatize HIV.

He was a man of faith who loved his family and loved our country.

Let us mourn our Nation's loss, celebrate a life well lived, and learn from his legacy of always putting country before self.

May President Jimmy Carter rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the 80th birthday of Mrs. Gwendolyn Navy. Mrs. Navy is a shining example of resilience, dedication, and love. A woman whose life story is a testament to her strength of character and deep commitment to family and community.

Born on December 6, 1944 in Mobile, Alabama, Gwendolyn Navy grew up under the guidance and love of her parents, Melvin and Edna Wells. At eighteen, she moved north to Buffalo, New York, where she would build a life that exemplifies hard work and service.

For ten years, Mrs. Navy worked at Fisher-Price, contributing to the joy of countless children through her role on the assembly line and toy making. She then devoted twenty-seven years of service to the State of New York as a Corrections Officer at the Attica Correctional Facility, where she upheld her duties with strength and integrity.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Navy's greatest pride is her family. She is the beloved mother of two children, Gerard Navy and Felicia Williams. Her legacy extends to six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who are undoubtedly inspired by her wisdom and love. Mrs. Navy was married eighteen years to her late husband, Walter Navy, whose memory she cherishes deeply.

Mrs. Navy is known for her many talents including her culinary expertise. Her collard greens, okra, peach cobbler, and sweet potato pie are legendary within her family and community.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Gwendolyn Navy, a woman with poise and resilience to her beloved family and community. On this milestone birthday, we celebrate her extraordinary life, her legacy, and the profound impact she has made on who knows her.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8663, the Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 is an important piece of legislation that enables the DHS Science and Technology Directorate to improve the capabilities of law enforcement at every level in identifying and combating illicit substances.

This bipartisan bill demonstrates a strong commitment to equipping law enforcement with the tools needed to combat the proliferation of dangerous substances like fentanyl and xylazine.

The bill specifically directs DHS S&T to develop and evaluate advanced drug detection technologies like machines that can break down and analyze complex drug mixtures and AI systems to spot new drug threats.

These initiatives aim to enhance the precision and efficiency of drug detection, empowering law enforcement to respond effectively to evolving challenges.

Furthermore, H.R. 8663, prioritizes collaboration with agencies like the DEA and adherence to NIST's artificial intelligence risk management framework, reinforcing the integrity and reliability of the technologies developed.

This bill is an important step in ensuring that DHS prioritizes the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies to combat the growing threat of dangerous substances like fentanyl and xylazine so DHS will be better equipped to address emerging drug trends, protect public safety, and support law enforcement efforts nationwide.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 8663 as we did in the past, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Republicans and Democrats alike recognize the challenges facing law enforcement in the detection of dangerous drugs like fentanyl and xylazine.

H.R. 8663 is a step in the right direction, and we should send it to the President's desk today.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider H.R. 9748, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act.

This legislation aims to improve security policies by requiring the Department of Homeland Security's Science

and Technology Directorate to develop a department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information in research and development acquisitions.

Further, the bill would task the Government Accountability Office with reporting how DHS has complied with the National Science and Technology Council's 2022 implementation guidance and a 2021 National Security Presidential Memorandum relating to protecting U.S. research against foreign interference.

I am particularly pleased that this legislation includes a briefing to Congress by the Secretary of Homeland Security about the bill's implementation.

We have seen time and time again where bad actors have attempted to access sensitive information. This measure will strengthen the Department's abilities against those who wish to do us harm. This bill is an important step in ensuring that DHS prioritizes policies and procedures safeguarding research and development.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 9748, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, passage of this legislation is an important step to ensuring DHS research and development capabilities are safeguarded from bad actors.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 9748, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8664, the DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act.

H.R. 8664 would require the Undersecretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security to annually audit and report to Congress on the information systems and bulk data of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, or I&A.

The bill would ensure such systems and data are consistent with oversight guidelines.

Last year, at the request of Ranking Member Thompson, the Government Accountability Office issued a report that found that I&A is not auditing its information systems and bulk data.

Such audits are necessary to ensure, for example, that information pertaining to U.S. persons that is collected, stored, shared, and managed in information systems is protected.

The GAO report recommended that the Undersecretary identify who is responsible for conducting the audits of information systems and that the responsible official actually conduct them. This bill would simply codify the recommendations made in the GAO report.

Mr. Speaker, I support this commonsense legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill would ensure that DHS' Office of Intelligence and Analysis audits their systems and data, and that personnel follow policies to protect the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of United States persons.

I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lee) for introducing the bill in response to oversight done by Democrats on the committee.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8664, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, over the next couple of weeks, millions of Americans will travel through our Nation's airports for the holidays.

Air travel is at an all-time high, with the 10 busiest days in the Transportation Security Administration's history all occurring this year.

Throughout this busy travel period, the efforts of TSA employees are critical to keeping the aviation system secure.

Transportation security officers, or TSOs, screen travelers as they pass through checkpoints. Federal air marshals provide an in-flight security presence. K9 handlers add an extra layer of security to the system.

TSA employees face some unique challenges when commuting to work, however. Many employees find housing they can afford far from the airports, leading to long commutes with limited public transit options and heavy traffic.

Upon arrival at the airport, employees often must park in an employee lot and wait on irregular shuttles to bring them to the airport terminal where they may have to walk a long distance to a security checkpoint just to clock in for work.

According to the Government Accountability Office, TSOs have reported that just getting from the parking lot to the checkpoint to clock in for work can take as long as 45 minutes. If these hardworking civil servants are just a few minutes late to clock in, they can face discipline and punishment.

My bill, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act, would help provide fairer conditions for these employees as they commute to work to secure our transportation systems.

This bill would direct TSA to conduct a feasibility study on using mobile phones and location data to allow employees to clock in for work upon arrival at the airport parking lots and bus transit stops.

Doing so would reduce commuting costs and improve quality of life for TSA employees while allowing TSA leadership to manage the workforce appropriately and maintain order and discipline.

This study will provide insight for TSA and Congress as we collectively seek innovative ways to recruit and retain top talent to help secure our transportation systems.

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working with me to develop this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as we advance our efforts to recruit and retain a skilled and well-trained workforce to secure our Nation's aviation system, we must seek new ways to compete for top talent.

Studying ways to address some of the TSA's workforce's greatest frustrations will allow TSA to continue to build the workforce it needs to counter evolving threats and keep air travel moving.

This bill will push TSA to consider ways to improve the quality of life for its workforce, which will ultimately help our national security.

I urge all Members to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, many U.S. truck drivers and other transportation workers must undergo Transportation Security Administration background checks as a requirement for employment.

Workers requiring access to secure areas within maritime posts must undergo a background check to receive a Transportation Worker Identification Credential known as a TWIC.

Likewise, truck drivers authorized to transport hazardous materials must undergo a background check to receive hazardous materials or hazmat endorsement.

In fact, many workers with both a TWIC and a hazmat endorsement--and though TSA has made some progress in reducing requirements for such workers--they are still subject to far too many duplicative burdens and costs.

The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024 would help eliminate and ease those burdens by streamlining requirements and reducing costs.

Importantly, the bill will push TSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to allow truck drivers and other individuals to visit a TSA enrollment center once and use their application to enroll in multiple programs.

This bill will reduce barriers to employment for these essential workers who are keeping our economy moving.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith) an original cosponsor of the House version of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and as such, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, TSA's vetting programs are critical to ensuring the security of our Nation's transportation systems. At the same time, we must ensure these programs do not place unnecessary burdens on frontline workers.

The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024 will help reduce these burdens while upholding security.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.