Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Duininck, a fourth-generation, family-owned construction company that has been serving communities in Minnesota and around the country with integrity for a century. It is my privilege to congratulate the Duininck family, the employees of Duininck, and all who have contributed to this remarkable legacy on 100 years in business.

Founded in Prinsburg, Minnesota, it all started with two brothers and their road grading enterprise in 1926. With workhorses and iron graders, their pioneering spirit laid the foundation for their future success. Two years later, the third Duininck brother joined their team, solidifying this first-generation partnership that would build a lasting legacy.

In the 1950s, seven sons joined the business to continue the family venture. Soon after, they expanded further regionally, supporting President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Federal-Aid Highway Act to invest in America's interstate highway system. Duininck's work on these major projects established its reputation for excellence in heavy highway and civil construction.

In 1985, Duininck expanded its operation to Texas for highway and government airfield construction. Fifty courageous families moved from Prinsburg, Minnesota to Texas to launch this new venture. Many of those original families still live there and work at Duininck to this day.

In 1996, Duininck expanded its Minnesota branch and strengthened its regional presence. By 2003, the grandchildren of the original founders had fully assumed ownership of the business. In 2026, the fourth generation of owners joined the company, helping continue this family legacy.

Duininck's guiding principles of treating people well, respecting the communities it serves, and doing the work the right way have not only been the foundation of its success, but have positively impacted every community its work has touched. Duininck has created jobs and supported our economy for generations, strengthening the communities it calls home.

From Minnesota and throughout the Midwest to Texas, Duininck has built a legacy of strength. It is an honor to recognize Duininck for its lasting impact in Minnesota on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. I join Duininck's leadership, employees, and customers in celebrating this historic achievement as we look ahead to the success of many generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Entegris, Inc., a global leader in advanced materials and process solutions for the semiconductor industry. On September 13, 1966, Fluoroware, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Minnesota to serve the emerging microelectronics industry. From its founding, Fluoroware pioneered the development of high-purity polymer products essential to semiconductor manufacturing and would ultimately grow and evolve into the company we know today as Entegris--a name now synonymous with continuous innovation, a deep commitment to customers and a focus on enabling the world's most advanced technologies.

Over six decades, Entegris has expanded its capabilities through the development of new technologies, strategic partnerships, and disciplined growth. Today, the company serves logic and memory semiconductor device manufacturers, semiconductor equipment makers, and other high-technology industries. Its products and solutions are critical to the most advanced manufacturing processes in the world, ensuring the purity, precision, and performance that underpin modern semiconductor fabrication.

I am particularly proud of the deep connection between Entegris and the State of Minnesota. Entegris maintains a significant operational presence at facilities in Chaska and Bloomington, Minnesota--along with locations in 11 states and 12 countries--supporting high-skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering that strengthen our local economy. Entegris also plays an essential role in strengthening our Nation's semiconductor supply chain--vital to economic growth, national security, and technological leadership--and is actively contributing to efforts to build a more resilient domestic manufacturing base.

Beyond its technological contributions, Entegris has demonstrated a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement. The Entegris Foundation partners with universities across the country to provide STEM scholarships and workforce development programs, and the company works with local schools and community organizations to offer volunteer services and charitable support.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating Entegris on 60 years of American excellence, innovation, and commitment to community. What started as a small Minnesota company serving the nascent microelectronics industry, has grown into a global enterprise whose products are indispensable to the technologies that power modern life. May the next 60 years continue to build upon this strong foundation, and may Entegris continue to lead in strengthening our Nation's technological capabilities and economic prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a special occasion and the impactful work being done in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District.

Minnesota's 6th District is home to many great organizations. One such organization is Angel Reins, which not only provides a loving home for rescue horses, but provides veterans, survivors of human trafficking, and others suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief with a peaceful place to relax and heal. The horse-human connection that Angel Reins fosters helps survivors heal and experience meaningful change.

In commemoration of Flag Day, it was an honor to recognize Angel Reins at the dedication of their new facility, the Rescue Ridge, commonly known as ``The Ridge.'' On Flag Day, June 14, 2026, The Ridge was officially dedicated with a Flag Raising Ceremony. This new cabin will serve as a gathering place for all those served by Angel Reins. I am thrilled that both the American flag and the old Minnesota flag were proudly flown. They will continue to fly proudly day after day.

To the Combat Veterans who raised the flag they so bravely fought for and defended, I thank them. Their service and sacrifice do not go unnoticed.

The partnership between Angel Reins, the St. Cloud VFW, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and others is truly making a difference in the lives of Minnesota's veterans.

It was great to see so many people come together in our district to support this noble cause. The community engagement on this was truly inspiring to see. From local business leaders and project sponsors to community partners and our veterans, the hope and healing that Angel Reins brings is something only patriotic Minnesotans could come together to accomplish.

In the 250th year of our great Nation, it is an honor to recognize Angel Reins and its partners' dedication to our veterans and others in need.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, reciprocal deposits are secure, fully FDIC-insured deposits that enable community banks to retain local funds, while at the same time ensuring those deposits remain protected.

In 2018, Congress enacted nonpartisan legislation recognizing that most reciprocal deposits should not be treated as brokered deposits. I was proud to lead that initiative then, and I am proud to build on that progress with the bill before us today.

Since the enactment of S. 2155 nearly 8 years ago, many banks have turned to these low-cost, core deposits, as they have approached the current limits of the lesser of $5 billion or 20 percent of total liabilities.

In response, my colleague, Representative Beatty, and I introduced the Keeping Deposits Local Act, a nonpartisan bill that updates existing thresholds so that community and regional banks can more easily qualify for nonbrokered treatment of reciprocal deposits.

Simply put, this bill brings our laws in line with today's economic realities. It gives banks much-needed flexibility and offers local communities better access to capital, all while making our banking system more resilient.

I thank Chairman Hill for his tireless work and advocacy on this issue, and I encourage all of our colleagues to support this bill. Let's give our local banks the tools they need to grow, compete, and invest in Main Street.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Ethel Larson Pegelow. Born on February 23, 1926, Ethel has called the great state of Minnesota home since she was first married in 1947.

Before starting her life in Minnesota, Ethel worked as a riveter and bucker on B-17 airplanes at the Boeing B-17 assembly plant in Seattle, Washington. On the 5,000th B-17 built since the Pearl Harbor attack, Ethel got to sign her name on the belly of the plane. She has lived through history, and one can only imagine the stories she can tell.

Ethel is blessed beyond measure with four children, twelve grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. Her cup overflows. To this day, Ethel loves playing cards, hosting family gatherings, baking, and visiting Arizona in the winter. After 100 years, Ethel still lives an incredibly active life. Her enthusiasm for life should inspire us all.

There is no doubt that Ethel is a rock for her entire family. Her strength, wisdom, and grace have served her well in these last 100 years and will continue to for many more.

Turning 100 is no small feat. This historic milestone is one to celebrate, and it is my honor to extend our heartfelt congratulations from the U.S. House of Representatives. Jacquie and I pray that God will continue to richly bless her and her family with good health, peace, and joy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dennis Nalls, our floor director, who just concluded one decade of service here in the House of Representatives.

A proud alum of Gonzaga High School and Miami of Ohio, Dennis has left the whip team after more than 3 years with us.

Smart, loyal, always thinking two steps ahead, and a diligent problem solver, Dennis is someone whom anyone would want to have on the ice with them. More importantly, he is someone whom anyone would want to have going into the corner with them.

As head of our whip operation for the past 2 years, he played a key role in delivering win after win on this floor despite the naysayers and despite the headwinds. He has gained the trust and confidence of Members from across the Conference, allowing us to lead one of the most successful whip operations in recent memory.

I think back to last year's successful passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or as the President now calls it, the one big, beautiful tax cut. For Dennis, the floor team, and our Members, it was a long few days.

Despite being up for more than 40 hours straight--and I think that is light, I think it was over 60 hours straight--in July of 2025, we were able to secure historic tax cuts for the American people, strengthen our border security policies, and make necessary reforms to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.

It is during the ``down by a goal with only 2 minutes to play'' times when you really rely on your teammates the most, and our House Republican team would not have been able to accomplish any of our wins without Dennis Nalls' help.

The job of floor director is often a thankless one, but on behalf of this entire body, we say a big thank you to Dennis Nalls. I thank Dennis for making the sacrifices to be here, nights away from his family and friends, missed trips and holidays, and weekends spent in the Halls of the Capitol. There was no better sendoff for Dennis than a late-night vote series and the passage of FISA, DHS appropriations, the Senate budget resolution, and the farm bill in less than 24 hours during his last week.

Dennis, I know you are here somewhere. Thank you again. We wish you, your wife, Casey, and your son, Dublin, all the best in your next chapter. Thank you for your service to our team, the House, and, most importantly, thank you for your service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gene Janikula for his many decades of public service on the Woodland Township board in Wright County, Minnesota. For 61 years, Gene has honorably served his community and fellow citizens with diligence and integrity. His lifelong dedication has left a legacy that will endure for many years to come.

Gene's service began in 1965 when he was first elected to the Woodland Township board as constable on March 9, 1965. On March 25, 1970, he was appointed treasurer to fill out a term. After that, he was elected treasurer every two years, ultimately serving as treasurer for 38 years. In 2008, he ran for and was elected supervisor, serving in that position for over 18 years. Throughout his time on the Woodland Township board, he was a very active member of the Wright County Township Officers. He has also served as Chairman of the Watertown Fire Department Board, Director of Wright County Economic Development Partnership, and Chairman of the Minnesota Association of Townships Legislative and Research Committee.

In gratitude for his service, the Woodland Township board unanimously passed a resolution to establish March 17, 2026, as Gene Janikula Day in Wright County. In addition to the recognition from Wright County, it is an honor to highlight Gene's dedication to Woodland Township from the U.S. House of Representatives.

His service has left a lasting impact on both the community and its citizens. Gene's leadership has been a pillar of Woodland Township for decades, and those who follow in his footsteps will continue to build on the strong foundation he leaves behind. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of the Norwegian Americans in the 99th Infantry Battalion during World War II. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Jon Grunseth for sharing his family's history with us.

2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. The 99th Infantry Battalion, also known as the Norwegian American Ski Battalion, hailed from Minnesota. Rieder Grunseth, a Norwegian born immigrant to Wayzata, Minnesota, dropped out of law school at the University of Minnesota to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1942. As a member of the 99th Infantry Battalion, Rieder Grunseth provided us with these accounts.

The 99th Infantry Battalion, also referred to as the ``99th'', consisted of mostly Norwegian born men, specially trained in mountain warfare as ski troopers. In 1943, over 70 of these men were recruited by the Office of Strategic Services, the U.S. intelligence agency during WWII, for special operations in the war. The 99th had many great accomplishments during WWII, which led to the Allied powers success. I would like to highlight one of their greatest accomplishments, Operation Percy Red in August 1944. Seventeen of these brave men parachuted into France to help the French resistance liberate the Haut Vienne region from the Nazis. Percy Red was one of the most successful American behind-the-lines actions during the war in Europe. The story further details how these men went on to China and Vietnam in the summer of 1945 to assist the forces of freedom in that part of the world.

Historic events like these are the reason the Allied troops prevailed in WWII. These men served our Nation heroically, and we as Americans are sincerely grateful for it. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dennis Eugene ``Denny'' Butcher of Watertown, Minnesota, for his retirement after 53 years as the town's beloved Master Barber. Denny's impact reaches far beyond the barber chair through the many other ways he sewed Watertown's community.

Known for his generosity and compassion, he routinely traveled from his barbershop to provide haircuts for residents of Elim Home and Westwood Place, as well as those confined to their homes due to illness. Additionally, Denny served his community as a volunteer firefighter and as an Emergency Medical Technician at the Watertown Hospital until its closure in 1971.

He contributed to the cultural life of Watertown in many ways. For five years, Denny played with the Highliners Polka Band and later played with John Exklund and the Midwesterners, sharing joy and tradition with audiences across Minnesota and the region. And, for more than 25 years, Denny brought magic and delight to children, and families each holiday season playing the role of Santa Claus. Together with his wife, Mary, he has shown tremendous love for the community's elderly through their shared ministry of offering comfort, companionship, and care to those who need it most.

Denny has become known for his signature style and personality--the man who wears shorts all year long, the scooter man, a tender-hearted jokester, who is always ready to laugh, and someone who truly embodies his well-known motto, ``I'm living the dream.''

Denny's love for Watertown, his decades of service, and his heart of gold have made him a pillar of the community. As he completes his final day behind the barber chair on December 19, 2025, we honor his lifetime of contributions and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.

On behalf of Minnesota's 6th District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Dennis Eugene Butcher for his 53 years of dedication to the people of Watertown, Minnesota. His kindness, service, and joy have left a mark that will be remembered for generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional leader and someone who I can now call a good friend, Father Eamon Kelly.

This past August, my colleague from California, Pete Aguilar, and I had the privilege of leading a bipartisan delegation of freshmen Members to Israel, where Father Kelly baptized several of our Members in the Sea of Galilee.

It was a transformational experience that we will keep with us for the rest of our lives, and it was, in large part, thanks to Father Kelly's leadership, faith, and commitment to helping others experience the power and the history of the Holy Land.

When I first met Father Kelly, I asked him where he is from because he has an interesting accent, or brogue. He told me: ``I am from the Holy Land, and I live in the Promised Land.''

Having served at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center for more than a decade and now serving as the vice director of the Magdala Center, Father Kelly's work in the Holy Land has impacted people from all walks of life from all over the globe. The fruits of his labor will undoubtedly have a lasting impact for generations to come.

As we honor him on the House floor today, we also pray that many more people will encounter God and grow in their relationship with Christ as a result of his ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding public servant from my district, Carver Fire Chief Cally Trimbo. Chief Trimbo retired earlier this year after 22 years of service to the City of Carver and surrounding areas.

Founded in the late 1800's, the Carver Fire Department provides fire safety and prevention services to an area of 32 square miles, including the City of Carver and Dahlgren and San Francisco townships, and employs 32 paid on-call firefighters who respond to nearly 300 calls per year.

Chief Trimbo led the department through many major changes and challenges during his 22 years of service, including the construction and completion of Carver's new fire station. Completed in 2005, the new fire station replaced the Old Carver Fire Hall, which originally opened for service around 1880.

The Old Carver Fire Hall stored the volunteer Carver Fire Department's one horse-drawn hook and ladder wagon and one horse cart. Now, the department serves the community with three fire engines, one rescue truck, one tanker, one brush utility vehicle, one command vehicle, and one boat for water rescue operations--all based out of the new fire station Chief Trimbo helped envision.

Chief Trimbo has also made connecting with the community a priority. Throughout the year, the Carver Fire Department hosts and participates in numerous community events including National Night Out, Touch a Truck, an Open House, and a Trunk or Treat event.

Throughout his career at the Carver Fire Department, Chief Trimbo has served with a community-first mindset and led the department with the values of respect and hard work. I thank Chief Trimbo for his years of service to Carver and the surrounding community. We wish him all the best in his well deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Wa Chong Vang and to offer my deepest condolences to his family and express my sincere appreciation for his leadership and service in the Hmong Community.

Wa Chong Vang was the son of notable Hmong General Vang Pao who fought alongside American troops in the often forgotten ``Secret War'' against communism in Laos. While headlines of the Vietnam War dominated American news outlets, tens of thousands of Hmong soldiers supported separate CIA coordinated conflicts in Southeast Asia. When American troops withdrew from the region, many of the Hmong who fought alongside them followed. Many fled through the jungles of Laos, and some found new lives in America. Once in America, many settled and built businesses and communities in Minnesota.

Wa Chong was one of those refugees. After watching his father and family members serve in conflicts at home, Vang was determined to continue his family's service in the United States. In 1974, he became the first Hmong American accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. However, this incredible achievement would not be his last, or most impactful.

When his father passed away, Vang stepped up to fill his father's shoes. He worked with the community to preserve their shared history, honor the Hmong veterans who served along side U.S. assets in Southeast Asia, and unite the community.

Wa Chong Vang's life reminds us that patriotism and duty knows no borders, and that the quest for freedom falls on all who have the courage to defend it. While we will miss his spirit and quiet leadership, his legacy will carry on not only in the hearts of his family and friends, but in the country and community he loved and served for decades.

To offer my condolences to the Vang family, we mourn Wa Chang's passing with them and pray that his memory will bring them peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Kritzecks, a remarkable Minnesota family whose commitment to public safety spans five generations and more than 220 years of combined service in law enforcement. The Kritzeck family's legacy of service spans five generations and includes time in Stearns, Wright, Hennepin, and Hubbard counties.

The family's law enforcement service began nearly a century ago when Paul Kritzeck was elected sheriff of Wright County in November 1930. He was re-elected five times and served as sheriff for 22 years. His watch ended tragically in 1951 as he was killed while responding to a call when his patrol car was struck as he turned onto a county road. The collision pushed his vehicle into the path of an oncoming semi which struck his vehicle and resulted in his death.

Paul was not the only member of the Kritzeck family to serve in Wright County. His sons, Lawrence ``Brownie'' Kritzeck, and his brother, Willard Kritzeck, were Wright County deputy sheriffs while their father, Paul, served as sheriff. Willard ended up taking over as Wright County Sheriff following his father's passing. He held the title for more than 12 years until he became the police chief for Winsted, Minnesota in 1963. Brownie also changed departments in 1963 after relocating to Stearns County, where he served as the deputy sheriff for several years.

Jack Kritzeck, part of the third generation of Kritzecks to work in law enforcement, was a captain in Stearns County from 1967 until he retired in 1999. Another family member, Steve Kritzeck, has worked as a law enforcement officer in Hennepin County, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau.

Mark Kritzeck, a member of the fourth generation of Kritzecks to serve their community in law enforcement, is a patrol sergeant for the city of Eagan, Minnesota. Craig Kritzeck, another member of the family, started his career in law enforcement in 2002 and was hired as the Police Chief in Nevis, Minnesota in 2004. Later, Craig was hired by the Park Rapids Police Department, where he worked until his family moved to Cold Spring in 2010.

Craig now works for the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office where he serves as a Deputy. Last month, Craig had the special privilege of swearing in the fifth generation of Kritzecks into law enforcement, when he deputized his son, Lucas, as a member of the Hubbard County Sheriff's department. Inspired by his family's legacy of service, Lucas recently completed his associate's degree in applied science in peace officer training and education at Alexandria Technical and Community College. Following graduation, he passed the state law enforcement officers exam and will now complete a 14-week training program with the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office.

The Kritzeck family's story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and service. Their 220 years of combined law enforcement reflects not just their individual careers, but a family-wide call to protect and uplift our communities. On behalf of Minnesota's entire 6th Congressional

District, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Kritzeck family and pray that God will protect them, and all our law enforcement officers, as they work to keep our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, the United States stands at the forefront of the next digital renaissance, a transformative shift toward a decentralized peer-to-peer digital economy.

For many years, innovators and investors were forced to operate in a legal gray zone while agencies jostled for regulatory superiority over the digital asset ecosystem, leaving blockchain developers to pack up and move abroad.

The CLARITY Act fixes this by creating regulatory guardrails tailored to the unique attributes of blockchain technology while giving users and developers the confidence to engage and innovate in this ecosystem.

Gone are the days of arbitrary enforcement actions and regulatory turf wars that only hindered the development of this groundbreaking technology and drove capital overseas.

This bill gives market participants the confidence to build, invest, and grow right here in the United States of America.

We are proud to have the Securities Clarity Act included in this legislation. This provision provides market certainty for innovators and clear jurisdictional boundaries for regulators.

Subsequently, elements of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act were included, clarifying, once and for all, that digital asset developers and service providers who do not custody consumer funds are not considered money transmitters.

Importantly, the CLARITY Act will help further decentralize our financial system so that Americans can forgo intermediaries and transact directly with each other.

Having this choice will fundamentally transform the digital economy and unlock new opportunities for innovators, investors, and consumers around the globe.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill and Chairman Thompson for their leadership and for working with us to include our two bills in the CLARITY Act.

The United States has the opportunity to lead and deliver on President Trump's promise to make America the crypto capital of the world. We cannot and will not fail.

Mr. Speaker, in November, the American people elected the most pro-innovation and pro-crypto Congress and President in American history. Following his historic victory, President Trump gave Congress a mandate to pass landmark legislation to create rules of the road for the digital asset ecosystem. The GENIUS Act is the first step in fulfilling that promise.

I applaud my Senate colleagues Chairman Scott and Senators Hagerty, Lummis, and Gillibrand for energizing an often calcified Senate and sending over the GENIUS Act. Furthermore, I thank my colleagues, Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise, along with Chairman Hill and Chairman Thompson, for putting this bill on the House floor today for a vote.

Fundamentally, any stablecoin bill is about national security. It is about preserving and extending the dollar's dominance as the world's reserve currency. People want to transact in dollars because we have the strongest and most reliable economy and government in the world. It is the currency the world counts on to do business, and the United States' global position relies on that status.

The United States cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. If we fail to lead in this space, we risk leaving the door open for authoritarian regimes like China to advance its state-controlled digital currencies.

This bill is a globally competitive, regulatory framework for dollar- backed stablecoins, one that encourages domestic innovation and brings transaction volume back into the United States' visibility and under our control.

As we saw over the last 4 years under the Biden administration, regulation by enforcement not only created uncertainty but also pushed companies offshore. A clear and defined stablecoin framework, like that in the GENIUS Act, keeps these innovators here at home and brings back all those who left.

This is not a perfect bill, but it is a perfect bill for this moment. Congress must keep its eyes on the finish line and send the GENIUS Act to President Trump's desk this week.

Bottom line: The GENIUS Act is a proinnovation, profreedom, and progrowth piece of legislation. It is a bipartisan solution to a global challenge, empowering U.S. markets to lead, not follow.

Let's pass this bill and secure American financial leadership in the global digital economy. I encourage all my friends in this body to unequivocally vote ``yes'' on this bill.