Trent Kelly

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Uzbekistan's independence and to celebrate the strong and growing relationship between Uzbekistan and the United States.

Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has continued to pursue economic and social reforms while strengthening its relationships with the United States and other partners around the world. I commend President Mirziyoyev for his efforts to advance Uzbekistan's development and expand its role as a leader in Central Asia.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, the United States and Uzbekistan have built an important partnership based on shared interests in regional security, economic development, trade, and stability.

Today, the United States and Uzbekistan continue to strengthen cooperation through their Strategic Partnership. Our two countries work together on regional security, counterterrorism, trade and investment, and critical minerals. Uzbekistan's strategic location and leadership in Central Asia make it an important partner as the United States works to promote stability and strengthen economic ties throughout the region.

Uzbekistan has also played an important role in the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which brings the United States together with the five Central Asian nations to advance regional cooperation, economic opportunity, and security.

These efforts demonstrate the continued importance of a strong relationship between our two countries.

I am proud to be a friend of Uzbekistan and congratulate President Mirziyoyev and the Uzbek people as they celebrate 35 years of independence. I look forward to the continued growth of the friendship and partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the life of Barry Klein Clark, who passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 60, surrounded by his family and friends in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Born on December 3, 1965, Barry was raised in Union, Mississippi, by his parents, Chester and Lou Clark, alongside his sister, Lori. He graduated from Union High School and later earned a degree in business from Mississippi State University. An entrepreneur at heart, Barry pursued numerous business ventures before finding his passion in construction and ultimately establishing Viking Metal. His success was built on hard work, personal relationships, and the belief that a handshake and a person's word still meant something.

More than a businessman, Barry was known for his larger-than-life personality, generosity, and unwavering loyalty to those around him. He had a remarkable ability to turn friends into family and was someone others could count on when it mattered most. Above all, Barry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Barry is survived by his wife of 37 years, Melissa Clark; his sister, Lori Clark Porter; his children, Garrett Clark and his wife, Tori; M.E. Myhre and her husband, David; and Peyton Clark and his wife, Olivia; and his grandchildren, Hatcher, Maris, Briggs, Anna Klein, James, Flynn, and Chet.

Barry Clark's devotion to his family, loyalty to his friends, and commitment to his community leave a lasting legacy. We honor his life and extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Mr. Chair, I start by commending the chairman for his leadership over the committee for the last 6 years.

I am excited to highlight a few of the many wins for the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee in this year's bill.

The committee-reported product authorizes the procurement of the fourth Columbia-class submarine, two Virginia-class submarines, two guided missile destroyers, and two amphibious warships. Combined with incremental funding authority for long-lead time components for the Virginia-class program, multiyear procurement authority for destroyers, and multiship procurement authority for future amphibious warships, we are supporting responsible investments in the future of our surface fleet and in the continued growth of our subsea advantages.

At the same time, we are growing our asymmetric capabilities, investing in transformational and innovative unmanned systems like the MQ-25 carrier-launched unmanned aircraft and unmanned surface vehicles to complement our traditional platforms in a lethal and high-low mix.

The bill also contains parts of the SHIPS for America Act, which will help us down the path to a rejuvenated maritime industrial base.

We are also reinforcing our commitment to our force projection and airborne combat capabilities, with procurement of intra-theater airlift, 12 P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, 6 E-2Ds Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, a new strategic sealift vehicle, and a bulk fuel vehicle. We also provide authorities for cost savings and a consistent demand signal to industry for a multiyear procurement of E- 2D aircraft, as well.

The challenges of our global security environment are only growing more complex, but what cannot change is our ability to project American power. The technology and platforms may change with the moment, but the end goal remains the same: peace through strength.

This is a strong bill that makes essential steps toward delivering on the promise now and for the years to come.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to vote ``yes.'' I also thank my Ranking Member, Joe Courtney, and the staff: Kyle Noyes, Kelly Goggin, Jeanine Womble, Abby Snyder, and my personal staff, Semaj Redd, Shields Armstrong, and our fellow, Marc Mundy for all their hard work.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for allowing me to speak in favor of the FY27 NDAA.