Floor Statements

Mr. President, serving others takes on many different forms. For many of Alabama's veterans, their hometowns inspired them to pursue military service. And those strong upbringings and deep hometown roots often lead them to continue serving, even after their time in the military ends.

That is true for CPT Tamara Brewer of Marion. Growing up in Mobile, she saw firsthand the hardships our coastal communities endure when natural disasters strike. Tamara enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard with a desire to help her fellow Americans. She had no idea that 9/11 would happen shortly after she entered basic training. Seeing terrorists attack our country made her desire to protect and serve even stronger.

Tamara was deployed to serve on the forefront of the war against terror, in Iraq, in 2008. For a year, she valiantly served as the headquarters company commander, where she received a Bronze Star for her brave leadership. After finishing her time in the Middle East, Tamara came back home to Marion where she continued finding ways to serve, particularly Alabamians living in the Blackbelt.

Sadly, Tamara was also faced with another challenge to overcome. She developed lung failure from her injuries in Iraq, causing her to retire in 2013. She uses her medical retirement as a new way to serve her neighbors, advocating for Alabama's veterans and inspiring Alabama's youth. Her husband of 25 years Scott and her son Grayson have encouraged and empowered her to use her talents in every way possible.

Tamara has been a part of countless efforts to solidify the Marion Military Institute as a premiere military college in the country. Whether through working with the VFW Post 5104 to tell Alabama's World War II veterans' stories, serving on the Alabama Military Hall of Honor Board, or working with the Marion Military Institute's junior golf program to engage youth in the region, Tamara is undoubtedly impacting countless lives.

Tamara is a huge advocate for art therapy--finding solace in her photography, graphic design, and any outlet she can find to use her creativity for the betterment of those around her. She has designed various logos for Alabama businesses and helped capture Alabamians' important milestones such as weddings and graduations.

It is my honor to recognize her as the October Veteran of the Month.

Mr. President, I come to the floor today to honor my friend and true American patriot Charlie Kirk.

Charlie was one of the most influential people in America. He was an extremely effective teacher--I repeat, a

teacher--of young people. He helped educate millions of young Americans about patriotism and conservative moral values.

His organization, Turning Point USA, is largely credited with President Trump's unprecedented success with young voters in this past election.

But he didn't just reach out to conservative students. He was a champion of free speech for everybody.

Over the past week, I have enjoyed seeing many, many, many videos of Charlie's debates with college students all over our great country.

The first thing you notice when you watch these videos is how brilliant Charlie was. He could beat anyone in a debate and, clearly, had a great career in front of him.

But the second thing you notice about these debates is how kind Charlie was. He never raised his voice. He never said anything hateful. If you looked up the words ``positive attitude'' in the dictionary, Charlie Kirk's name would come up.

I don't know if I could stay as calm as he did while he was talking with some of these confused young students, to be honest with you. But Charlie always rose above it and extended grace, even to the people he disagreed with the most. That was clearly because of his Christian faith, which influenced everything that Charlie did. He was extremely outspoken about Christianity, and I truly believe this is one of the main reasons that he lost his life.

He was also an incredible, devoted father and husband. He talked often about how the most meaningful thing you can do in life is to get married and have kids. What a powerful and much needed message for our young people to hear.

There is so much more I could say about Charlie, but I think the outpouring of love and support after his death speaks for itself. If you notice, there haven't been riots this past week. Businesses have not been forced to board up their windows. Instead, prayer vigils have been held for Charlie not only across the country but around the world. Pews and parking lots were overflowing in churches this past Sunday. I have seen countless social media posts of people saying they purchased their Bibles for the first time this week because of Charlie.

When Charlie was asked how he wanted to be remembered in an interview earlier this year, he said he wanted to be remembered for having courage for his faith. And that is exactly how Charlie is being remembered.

Charlie may have gone home to be with the Lord, but his work here on Earth won't stop.

I am glad to see that Turning Point has had more than 54,000 requests for new chapters at colleges and high schools across the country.

I have a granddaughter Rosie Gracie, and I will absolutely encourage her to get involved in Turning Point when she is just a little bit older.

To Charlie's grieving wife Erika and his two beautiful children, we are praying for you. Just know how grateful we are for Charlie's life and legacy. I will continue fighting every day for the values that Charlie believed in: faith, family, and freedom.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge a special anniversary in Alabama. One hundred years ago, Wilson Dam began commercial operations. Part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's network of hydroelectric dams, Wilson Dam supports TVA's mission of providing low-cost, reliable power and flood control and navigation of the Tennessee River.

Located in Florence, AL, Wilson Dam has 21 generating units, capable of producing up to 663 megawatts of electricity and powering more than 350,000 homes and businesses in north Alabama.

The dam is a National Historic Landmark and an engineering feat. It stretches nearly a mile--more than 4,500 feet--across the Tennessee River. The site plays a crucial role in the movement of goods through our country. The main lock has a maximum lift of 100 feet, making it the highest single-lift lock east of the Rockies. More than 3,700 vessels on average and 11.4 million tons of goods pass through Wilson's locks each year.

The associated Wilson Dam Reservoir includes over 160 miles of shoreline and covers 15,500 acres, providing ample opportunities for recreation. This makes north Alabama a destination for those looking to fish, boat, kayak, and enjoy our beautiful State, driving economic activity and jobs in Alabama.

In a testament to the role Wilson Dam plays in the system, TVA is in the process of extending the life of the plant for decades. As part of the Hydro Life Extension Program, TVA is refurbishing units to improve dam safety and increase hydro generation output.

I hope my fellow Alabamians will join me in celebrating all that Wilson Dam has done for our State--and our Region--for 100 years. Here is to the next 100.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, this resolution is nothing more than a pathetic attempt to strip away the earned honors of a veteran who deployed seven times during her many years in the U.S. Air Force. Ashli Babbitt earned these funeral honors through her service to this Nation.

My colleague referenced section 985 of title X, which gives the executive branch the right to strip funeral honors away from someone who has been convicted of a capital crime. That section has nothing to do with Ashli Babbitt.

Ashli Babbitt was never charged with or convicted of a crime. She has never been found guilty of anything by a jury of her peers. In fact, the Federal Government recently settled a wrongful death lawsuit and paid $5 million to her family as part of that settlement--$5 million-- which brings me to another point: Has Ashli's family not already been through enough? Are Democrats just hell-bent on piling on?

Unfortunately, Ashli is not with us any longer, so this petty resolution would serve no other purpose than to punish the Babbitt family. It is disgraceful, and it is un-American.

In case my colleague is unaware of this, the Constitution still applies, even to those you disagree with politically. This is nothing more than political grandstanding.

I ask my colleague, where are the resolutions calling to revoke the honors from veterans involved in the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots after George Floyd? How about the ones who participated in a 6-month siege of a Federal courthouse in Portland, OR, or the ones who attacked the White House in May of 2020, injuring more than 60 Secret Service agents? They don't exist because it doesn't fit the narrative from the Senator from Arizona.

So for those reasons, I object.

Mr. President, what the American people saw last week in the Finance Committee with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., was not a hearing on oversight. It was a dogpile by politicians who are scared to death of questioning the status quo. It was, at its worst, a full-on blitz against one man for the simple crime of telling the truth and refusing to play ball with the swamp.

I spent 40 years in coaching before I got into this clown show. I know what it looks like when a player gets piled on. I know what it looks like when referees refuse to call a fair game. And I know what it looks like when the other team tries to run up the score. That is exactly what we saw last week--a coordinated, deep-state hit job on Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

I have absolutely no idea what my colleagues have against R.F.K., Jr. Surely, they don't disagree with his efforts to make America healthy again. But there is one thing I know for sure: R.F.K., after that hearing, is not working for the swamp; he is fighting for the American people--people all over this country.

I have personally seen him come close to tears while talking about his passion for ending the chronic disease epidemic in this country. What is wrong with that? As a proud grandfather to Rosie Grace, I am so grateful to have someone who is so passionate about helping our young people live longer, healthier lives leading Health and Human Services. I am excited. He is working for moms and dads across this country in my State of Alabama who are sick and tired of being lied to by the so- called experts in this country.

When you are playing for the people and are willing to take on the system, you are going to take some hard hits. We have all seen that. Just ask President Trump. He took a bullet for the exact same reason--a bullet.

Although it didn't come in the form of a bullet, R.F.K., Jr., sure got hit real, real hard last week by the deep state. But instead of folding, R.F.K., Jr., stood his ground. He got back up after every hit and responded with the truth and facts. That is toughness. That is leadership. That is why President Trump picked him for the role.

Democrats came into that hearing ready to throw every flag they could in an attempt to get 20 seconds of fame on their social media. Senator Wyden opened up with a personal attack, calling for R.F.K.'s resignation. Senator Warnock piled on, calling him a hazard to public health. Senator Warren tried to run a trick play, twisting his words to paint him as dishonest. Senator Sanders just couldn't stomach the fact that someone finally said out loud what everybody already knows: For years, Big Pharma money has corrupted politicians and our medical institutions. Big Pharma is quietly calling way too many of the plays here in DC.

These weren't questions. They weren't oversight. They were cheap shots.

I was particularly disappointed because several of my Republican colleagues joined in on this fiasco. Something I have learned is that when you challenge the status quo, you find out real quick who is willing to stand with you and who is just concerned with getting reelected.

You might be asking, what has R.F.K., Jr., done to receive all this wrath from my colleagues? It is because he has dared to bring accountability to our health-related government Agencies. He is asking questions that are daring to challenge the status quo.

There is a lot of misinformation being spread by Democrats about R.F.K.'s position on vaccines. I have never seen anything like it. The Department of Health and Human Services is not--and I repeat: not-- banning vaccines. R.F.K. is simply directing the Department to look into some of the potentially long-term effects of anything that we are putting into our bodies. As far as I am concerned, that is a great thing. It is long overdue.

He is also restoring sanity by getting rid of woke bureaucrats at the CDC--an Agency that lost the trust of the American people during COVID.

I know a lot of my colleagues have been hyperfocused on the CDC Director being fired. They obviously weren't there, and I wasn't either, but according to R.F.K., Jr., he asked the CDC Director point blank ``Are you a trustworthy person?'' and she said ``No.''

You know, I owned a small business one time, and if one of my employees had told me that, I would have immediately fired them the same way he did.

He is calling out the deep state, and that is why they are after him--the same CDC bureaucrats who told us to follow the science during COVID, the ones that shut down our schools. They shut down our churches. They told us that endless vaccines would stop the spread of COVID despite the fact that the vaccine was not proven to do anything to stop the transmission of the virus. In other words, they lied to us. Meanwhile, liquor stores and abortion clinics were allowed to stay open. And let's not forget the violent BLM riots that broke out in blue cities across the country during the summer of 2020. What a joke.

The so-called health experts failed America, and in doing so, they revealed that the only thing they really care about is power and control. That is a scary place to be. And now they want to lecture R.F.K., Jr., about science. He has dedicated his entire career to this subject. That is like a coach who never stepped on a field trying to tell me how to run a football program. It is laughable, and we have a lot of people who should be laughed at.

Let me tell you, the CDC, from top to bottom, needs to be cleaned out. That Agency was supposed to protect us in 2020 until the end of COVID. Instead, it became a political mouthpiece. It censored doctors and nurses, and it worked with Big Tech to shut down free speech. People lost their lives because of the CDC--lost their lives. And when R.F.K., Jr., fired some of those folks, this town acted like the sky was falling. They needed to be fired because the swamp protects its own. That is why they went crazy.

Thank goodness he hasn't stopped there. Secretary Kennedy has already delivered results. He worked with me in the MAHA Caucus to push the FDA to finally--finally--ban red dye No. 3--a dangerous chemical that was banned from cosmetics. It was banned from cosmetics because they found it causes cancer. But what did we do? We left it in our food. Now, that makes a lot of sense. We left it in our kids' food and in the food that we eat every day, but they couldn't put it in cosmetics. There is no common sense there.

R.F.K., Jr., is fighting for families.

Another major problem is that he is cracking down on the revolving door between NIH, the CDC, and Big Pharma. It is corrupt, and it is wrong.

He is focused not only on preventing diseases, but he is helping people live longer lives. Under his leadership, HHS is focused on increasing access to healthy, affordable, nutrient-dense foods instead of just pumping more drugs into sick people. These are real wins for the American people. Yet what does he get in return? Attacks and smears.

R.F.K., Jr., told the truth last week when he said we are the sickest country in the world. He is exactly right. He goes by facts, not by the so-called science. Despite spending more on healthcare than anybody else, we are leading in obesity, diabetes, cancer, and mental health problems. Don't believe me? Then explain why you can go to Italy and eat nothing but bread and pizza and pasta for a week and not gain a pound. It is because of all the chemicals and toxins we have here in our food in the United States that we get

obese. That is not winning; that is losing. And you don't fix a losing team by running the same plays over and over. You fix it by changing the culture. You fix it by changing accountability. Make people accountable for what they do. You demand results. That is what R.F.K., Jr., is doing.

He is also daring to ask questions, which apparently isn't allowed in the deep state here--commonsense questions like: Why are American kids required to get dozens more vaccines than we did when we were all growing up? We have gone from a few to almost 100. Yet, by every metric, we are sicker as a country, as 6 out of 10 Americans have a chronic disease in this country--6 out of 10, which is most of us. Our food is filled with chemicals and things that other countries won't even allow. That is why we have these diseases. Why are we protecting Big Pharma's bottom line while our families are getting sicker?

These are fair questions and questions we should be asking if we actually care about the people we represent. But in this town, when you ask fair questions, you get labeled ``dangerous,'' ``anti-science,'' and ``conspiracy theorist.''

R.F.K., Jr., is not your typical politician. He is blunt. He is not very comfortable around people. He doesn't toe the line. And that is exactly what the doctor ordered because if all you do is follow the deep state's demands--what happens up here--you will never get the change in this country we desperately need. Sometimes you have to call out the mistakes, push harder for answers, and not be afraid to shake things up. That is how you build a winning team. That is what R.F.K., Jr., is doing. He is not playing it safe, and he is getting real results.

Since R.F.K. took over at HHS, companies like Hershey, Kraft, Pepsi, Steak `n Shake, and In-N-Out Burger have made meaningful changes to their ingredients. He is delivering major wins, and the swamp can't stand it because they can't control him. That is what happens up here-- they want to have control.

But let's not forget the American people are watching. There are 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump and his agenda. That is the most votes a Republican running for President has ever received. President Trump campaigned on making America healthy again, along with R.F.K., Jr.

Now, if some of my colleagues want to keep running defense for Big Pharma, that is their choice. But I didn't come to Washington to protect the swamp; I came here to fight for the great State of Alabama and the people across this country--for the parents who are trying to raise healthy kids, for families who have felt lied to by their government, and for the hard-working folks who lost their jobs simply because they chose not to take the COVID vaccine.

I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with R.F.K., Jr. He is not perfect--none of us are--but he is in the fight for the right reasons. He is fighting for accountability, transparency, and for the health and freedom of the American people, and that is a team I am proud to be on.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, it is hard to truly comprehend just all that our veterans face, even after returning home from the battlefield. They often bring home some form of scars--both visible and invisible--that they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

That is true for Michael Thorin of Gardendale. After enlisting in the

Army at 17 years old, he spent the next 19 years putting the safety of others above his own both in the Army and the Army National Guard. Michael went on two overseas deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq where he worked as a medic, cavalry scout, and a communications specialist.

He received numerous awards and recognitions, including three Army Commendation Medals and five Army Achievement Medals. Despite being in a war zone, Michael's faith deepened while in Iraq. He saw firsthand where many Bible stories took place.

Michael says his time in the military trained him to stay calm in high-intensity situations as he returned home to serving those around him in a new way. Michael came back to central Alabama and worked as a firefighter for the next few years. During this time, he received the awful news that altered the course of his life: His lungs were failing him.

Michael was forced to quit his job, resulting in him and his family losing everything--their home, cars, and credit. This time, Michael had to lean on his friends for help, as he fought through redtape at the VA to get his benefits. Michael admits that his challenges left him with thoughts of ending his life, but his faith kept him pushing forward. Through all of these trials, Michael and his family have kept their heads held high.

He is a true hero, and words fall short in relaying our gratitude for his service. September is Veterans Suicide Awareness Month, and we appreciate Michael reminding us of the need to support the men and women who have served in our military all year long. It is my honor to recognize SGT Michael Thorin as the September Veteran of the Month.

Mr. President, as a son of a World War II veteran, I have seen firsthand the critical role that the VA plays in caring for those who have served our country. Unfortunately, under President Biden's leadership, it was a dumpster fire.

Some of my Democratic colleagues seem to have forgotten about these failures, so let's take a trip down memory lane.

It was Department of Veterans Affairs under President Biden that rehired and gave full backpay to hundreds of VA employees who had been fired for failing to do their jobs. These employees were not let go by mistake; they had been fired for poor performance.

But, apparently, the Biden administration didn't care about that. The Biden VA decision to rehire these bad employees cost us $134 million.

Or my colleagues have forgotten that, magically, the VA had a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall last year. How does that even happen? There is zero accountability, unfortunately.

Thank goodness President Trump and Secretary Collins are in charge now. They are working around the clock to right-size the VA. The Trump administration is singularly focused on making sure veterans have timely access to quality care and benefits.

We need to support Secretary Collins and this administration in achieving the core goals for our veterans, not waste our time playing politics.

I yield the floor.

I accept it, and I ask for a voice vote.

Vote on Amendment No. 3413

Mr. President, when natural disasters strike, you can always count on the U.S. Coast Guard. This month, the Guard celebrates 235 years of excellence and lifesaving emergency missions. And that is because of heroes like CAPT George Krietemeyer of Opelika.

Growing up in the post-World War II era, Krietemeyer said his favorite pastime was watching John Wayne save the day in war movies. Like John Wayne, George wanted to be that hero for fellow Americans in times of need. He dreamed of attending the Naval Academy, but through a series of events, found himself attending the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut. This experience would launch him into an over 30-year career in the Guard. He decided to attend flight school after a few years in duty where he trained to fly both airplanes and helicopters. Through his extensive training, Captain Krietemeyer established himself as a leader among the ranks.

He flew many missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis and learned firsthand the power of peace through strength. Captain Krietemeyer recalls witnessing the very moment when Soviet ships turned around and a near-war was avoided. He took the lead of developing a training school in North Carolina unlike anything the Coast Guard had before and served as the chief of training for the whole Coast Guard right here in Washington, DC. He spent 2 years at the helm of the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Captain Krietemeyer directly oversaw the training of nearly 15,000 guardsmen, and our Guard is no doubt much stronger because of his leadership.

Following his military retirement, Captain Krietemeyer took his family back to Mobile. For more than 30 years, his family resided in the Port City. Whether working as a Navy consultant or in the Mobile mayor's office, he continued to play an integral role in developing efficiency and promoting quality management wherever he served. The city of Mobile received the Alabama Quality Award as the result of his work.

Even though he is retired now, Captain Krietemeyer hasn't slowed down a bit. He stays both physically and mentally active by playing tennis and

pickleball and writing numerous books, including one about Mobile's 200-year Coast Guard history.

As John Wayne always said, ``Courage is being scared to death . . . and saddling up anyway.'' Captain Krietemeyer truly embodies this type of courage. And it is my honor to recognize him as the August Veteran of the Month.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, veterans are the very heartbeat of the Wiregrass, and they bond together to support many great causes in the region. Among those leading the way is Corporal Elaine McLeod of Troy.

The daughter of a Korean war veteran, Elaine joined the Army after graduating from high school in 1974. She served as a military police officer, doing everything from guarding Air Force One to scrubbing floors of the barracks. Elaine says the Army gave her the discipline that was missing in her early years. In 2000, Elaine returned home to Troy where she quickly began getting involved with local veteran organizations--including the Montgomery Chapter of Vietnam Veterans for America, AMVETS, and the Ozark American Legion Post, where she now serves as the commander. Elaine has worked tirelessly to address needs in the veteran community, including homelessness and food insecurity.

In true Army fashion, Elaine tackles these needs head on. She has spearheaded countless service opportunities and events across the region, including organizing socials for female veterans and partnering with a local church to host a weekly Friday night dinner for veterans and the military-affiliated community. Elaine's goal is to provide the ultimate support system for local veterans, servicemembers, and their families.

In 2019, Elaine founded Vets 4 Vets, We Got Your 6, to give Wiregrass veterans and their families the ultimate support system. Her efforts have created an even closer-knit bond between veterans and even the Active-Duty soldiers at Fort Rucker.

Alabama is grateful for Elaine's willingness to take on challenges to improve quality of life for our heroes. It is my honor to recognize her as the July Veteran of the Month.

Mr. President, folks often say that a life well lived isn't about how long you live, but how many lives you touch along the way. If that is true--and I believe it is--then Mr. Roy Drinkard of Cullman, AL, has lived one of the richest lives imaginable. On July 12, he will celebrate his 105th birthday, and it is a privilege to recognize him here today.

Roy was born in Falkville, AL, in Morgan County back in 1920, and he has witnessed more American history than most of us will ever read about. When World War II broke out, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater under General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He earned the rank of private first class and carried himself with honor. Today, he is known as the oldest living Marine in the United States, a title that represents far more than just a number. It stands for a life defined by courage, sacrifice, and steadfast patriotism.

After the war, Roy returned home and rolled up his sleeves to help his community grow. He was part of the ``Flying Fifty,'' a group that brought new industry to north Alabama. He founded Drinkard Chevrolet and later led Drinkard Development, helping shape Cullman into the thriving community it is today. In 2019, the Cullman Times named him Distinguished Citizen of the Century; and it is hard to think of anyone more deserving.

Roy is also a proud Troy University graduate and now trustee. He still attends every home football game and cheers on the Trojans like a fan half his age.

He is a man of deep faith and a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Cullman, where he has been a steady presence for decades.

If you happen to stop by 412 Public House in downtown Cullman, there is a good chance you will run into him. He is always ready with a handshake, a good story, and one of his famous $2 bills with his own face on it. It has become his trademark--something between a business card and a souvenir--and it fits him perfectly.

Even now, at 105, Roy isn't slowing down. He still hosts events, supports local causes, organizes a vendor convention out in Las Vegas, and keeps on building the community in every way he can.

Mr. Drinkard's life is a story of service--to his country, his church, his university, and his neighbors. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him a happy 105th birthday and in thanking him for more than a century of leadership, character, and commitment to the people of Alabama.

Mr. President, our veterans have a unique way of turning hardship into opportunities. No one displays that better than Sergeant Curt Griffith of Florence, AL.

Curt experienced tragedy at a young age, losing his dad when he was only 6 years old. Despite growing up in a single-parent household, he found a sense of community and purpose in the Marine Corps. And now, he helps bring that same feeling of community to children in the Shoals.

Curt joined the Corps at age 19 and traveled across the world, including two tours in Japan. His favorite stop was in a town 30 miles south of Hiroshima. On the second tour, he was able to bring his wife Barbara along with his two sons Curtis Jr. and Michael. Curtis describes their time in the Pacific as a crucial time for their family's growth. The Griffith family invested in the Japanese people-- and even found a common thing enjoyed by both of our cultures: baseball. Curtis Jr. and Michael would bring the baseball skills they developed in Japan all the way back to the Shoals, helping take their high school baseball team to the State championship, after coming back to Alabama.

Curt also put his military skills to use, particularly getting involved with the local Marine Corps League and Toys for Tots charity. Thanks to Curt's leadership, the program has expanded to five counties in northeast Alabama: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Winston, and Marion. The program helps meet needs of children in the local community, especially at Easter and Christmas. Through Curt's leadership, the children Toys for Tots serves has grown its reach from 200 to almost 2,000 children in just a few short years. He works around the clock each year, to help remind children they are not alone.

Curt is a great example of what strong leadership and a will to serve those in need can do. It is my honor to recognize Curt Griffith as the June Veteran of the Month.

Mr. President, the first stanza of the national anthem ends with:

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land

of the free and the home of the brave?

We sing this part as a declaration, but if you read the lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner, the sentence actually ends with a question mark. Francis Scott Key intended the line to be sung as a question rather than a statement. That is fitting because while our freedom may seem concrete, it is never a guarantee. Our freedom depends on brave men and women who are willing to answer the call to defend our great country.

Over the years, our national anthem took on a feeling of confidence and assurance rather than uncertainty. That is thanks to the millions of men and women who have answered the call to serve, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

Next week, we recognize Memorial Day. It is not just another long weekend, but it is time to honor our fallen soldiers and reflect on their sacrifices. Today, I would like to recognize two such heroes from my State of Alabama: Michael Hosey and Jason Barfield and their families.

For U.S. Army SSG Michael Wesley Hosey, there was never a question in anyone's mind as to what he wanted to do when he grew up. Every career day, he would always dress up as a soldier. Michael loved reading about history, and he loved our country, so much so that his friends and family gave him the nickname ``Merican,'' with an ``m.'' That is ``American'' without an ``a.''

Because Michael was only 17 when he graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School, his dad, also named Michael, had to sign his permission for him to enlist in the Army. As a Vietnam veteran, the elder Michael knew all too well what his son was signing up for. Yet the Hosey family supported Michael's decision to serve his country. There is no question that this courageous young man also came from a courageous family.

Michael graduated from boot camp 3 days after 9/11. He had a gift for learning languages quickly and planned to use this talent to become a communications intelligence specialist. This ability to quickly pick up on a new language, combined with his outgoing personality, made Michael a favorite with the local Afghans.

Members in Michael's unit recall him quickly receiving a dinner invitation from one of the local families shortly after moving into the area. Michael had a giving heart and continued to earn the trust of the locals, especially all the kids.

His sister Laurie recalls him always asking his family to send candy when they sent him a package. At first, she found this odd because Michael wasn't a big candy eater. But they would always send Skittles or gum. She later realized Michael wasn't asking for candy himself but to share with all the kids in the country.

Sadly, Michael lost his life on September 17, 2011, during Operation Enduring Freedom, 1 week before his 28th birthday.

When sharing the story, Laurie wants us to remember that freedom is not free. It is a reality that her and Michael's parents--Condi and the older Michael--still carry with them every single day.

For Marine LCpl Jason Barfield of Ashford, AL, he also was born with a strong desire to serve his country.

His father Ray is a disabled Army veteran and Jason's great- grandfather, also named Jason, was killed in World War II.

Jason lived his life with the goal of making a difference. His mom Kelli says that Jason believed that there was good in everyone. Even if you couldn't find it at first, that just meant to dig a little bit deeper.

Jason lived by the motto that ``Every day is a good day.''

He also had a gift for music and was in the band at Ashford High School. He enjoyed singing in church, playing the saxophone, and was teaching himself to play the piano. Jason's hard work and talents earned him a 4-year band scholarship to Huntington College. He chose to forgo the scholarship to enlist in the Marines because he wanted to be part of the best.

Kelli remembers asking Jason's recruiter about the dangers that he was signing up for and the sinking feeling when the recruiter replied:

No, ma'am, I can't guarantee that he'll come home.

Jason surprised his family for Christmas in 2010 and spoke about his new goal to reenlist in the military and become a chaplain. The Barfields didn't know this would be their last holiday that they would spend together. Jason was killed in action on October 24, 2011, at the young age of 22.

Sensing the danger that was ahead of Jason, he pushed eight of his fellow marines, a native translator, and a K-9 out of the way from the booby trap explosion that would claim his own life.

Jason's platoon Sergeant Gunney Thrash said:

His name and his actions for his fellow Marines will

outlive all of us.

Jason was a hero. He makes all Alabamans proud.

Michael Wesley Hosey and Jason Barfield are two young men who never got to start a family or fully pursue their dreams. We are forever grateful and indebted to them for their sacrifice that gives us the assurance to sing the national anthem, not with a question mark, but with a declaration that we are the ``land of the free and the home of the brave.''

I am reminded of the words in John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

We may never have met Michael or Jason, yet they courageously were willing to give their lives for their fellow Americans. We will continue to share their stories to ensure their sacrifices are never, ever forgotten.

As Memorial Day approaches, I hope we take time to honor Americans that have fallen, along with the great families who have been left behind. May we never forget that freedom is not free.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, as usual, my Democratic colleagues are losing their minds over this situation, but let's just talk about the facts.

First of all, this is not a done deal. It has not happened yet. It is all talk. But if reports are accurate, the Government of Qatar is considering gifting the United States Department of Defense an American-made Boeing 747--I will repeat that--an American-made Boeing 747 plane for temporary use as Air Force One.

It is not for the President's personal use, and he will not be using it after he leaves office.

It is customary and totally normal for foreign countries to give our government gifts. The DOJ has already

said that this does not violate any law. So why are my colleagues and the woke media having a full-blown meltdown over this situation?

Perhaps it is because in the past 72 hours, President Trump has delivered so many wins, you can't count them all.

On Sunday, he negotiated a deal with China, dropping tariffs 50 percent.

On Monday, he secured the release of the last remaining hostage in Hamas. Edan Alexander has been through hell the past 584 days, and it took President Trump to bring him home.

Today, President Trump just announced hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment from the Middle East and on Thursday is forcing a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy to end this brutal war in Ukraine.

You would think the media would be celebrating all these wins, along with my colleagues, but as usual, the Trump derangement syndrome is getting in the way.

I am convinced that the media and some of my colleagues would rather President Trump lose on everything and our country lose on everything than be successful.

Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, we are all Americans. Sometimes, I think we all forget that. And we should all be able to celebrate anytime a President delivers a win for the American taxpayers.

And by the way, we are $37 trillion in debt. If another country wants to give us a free plane to save the taxpayers of this country $400 million, the only thing we should say is thank you. Democrats are rudderless right now. They are looking for something to hang their hat on. They see that President Trump has done more in 4 months than President Biden did in 4 years.

So they want to make a plane gift from Qatar the next so-called perfect phone call. To my Democrat colleagues: Instead of wasting our time objecting every time President Trump breathes, maybe you should go get outside of DC and go connect with the American people.

I can promise you, they don't give a rip about an airplane. They care about their lives and this economy and the things that have been destroyed for the past 4 years that President Trump is trying to put back together.

For these reasons, Mr. President, I object.

Reserving the right to object, I have been around here 5 years now, and I am used to attacks on a lot of people. But for the most successful President in the first 4 months, I have never seen like these attacks from my Democratic colleagues. I don't understand it. And it really isn't an attack on President Trump. It is an attack on the American people, because this body itself, years before I got here, passed the ability to build two of these planes for the President of the United States to use. By the way, they are $2.5 billion each. That is pretty dang expensive.

I think if you asked the American people if they would take out a swap of a $400 million airplane instead of $2.1 billion and maybe add some changes to it--obviously, as I said earlier, I don't know if President Trump will ever fly on this plane. Maybe, in the future, it is for the next President, because it is going to take a while for security purposes. But we just need to be really careful here and make sure we understand the American people have the decision here, not politicians. And I guarantee, if you ask the people that pay the taxes in this country, they would take the alternative to spending $2.5 billion on an airplane when you could get one for $400 million and possibly add a few million to it to upgrade it.

So it is just another attack on the best and the greatest President in my lifetime, who fights for the American people, who does things for the American people, who does things to save money for the American people. And hope to God he continues to do that for the next 3\1/2\ years he is in office.

So for those reasons, I object.