Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Colonel Carlyle ``Smitty'' Harris, a true American hero. Colonel Harris, a retired United States Air Force officer, was 36 years old when his aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam on April 4, 1965. He became the sixth American taken as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.

Colonel Harris served this Nation with unwavering courage and strength. Following his capture, he endured more than eight years of brutal conditions, including torture and starvation. Yet, he never yielded to his captors. Instead, he put his military training into action, using the Tap Code to communicate with fellow prisoners and maintain unity, morale, and resistance.

After returning home, Colonel Harris continued his service, leading and mentoring fellow airmen until his retirement from the Air Force in 1979. His devotion to our Nation didn't end with his military career-- he remained deeply involved in his community, lending his time and voice to numerous charitable and veteran-focused causes.

In recognition of his service, I was honored to introduce H.R. 208, legislation that was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021, designating the United States Post Office in Tupelo, Mississippi, as the ``Colonel Carlyle ``Smitty'' Harris Post Office.'' That designation serves as a permanent tribute to a man who embodied the best of America.

Colonel Harris passed away in hospice care on July 6, 2025, at the age of 96. Today, we remember his extraordinary service, enduring sacrifice, and lifelong commitment to his country and community.

He is survived by his wife, Louise; their three children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

May his legacy of honor, resilience, and patriotism continue to inspire generations of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to remember Roy Fagan Hodges, who passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Tippah County Hospital in Ripley, Mississippi.

Roy Fagan Hodges was born on November 9, 1924, in Dumas, Mississippi, to Lee and Inez Cappleman Hodges. He attended school in Wheeler and Baldwyn.

During World War II, Roy served in the United States Army Air Force as a tail gunner on a B-24 Liberator with the Eighth Air Force. From 1944 to 1945, he flew 33 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. His deep faith in God sustained him through the war, and upon returning home, he married Eugenia Faye ``Jean'' Storey Hodges in 1946. Together, they raised two daughters and a son, sharing 65 years of marriage.

Roy was a devoted member of Dumas Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon. Beyond his church involvement, he made significant contributions to Tippah County communities in various capacities. He served as Fire Chief of the Dumas Fire Department and as an Alderman. Roy was instrumental in establishing, upgrading, and improving the fire departments and rural water systems county wide. He was also a proud member of the Southeast Tippah Lions Club and the American Legion.

After 34 years of service with the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Roy retired in 1986. Even in retirement, his dedication to Tippah County continued as he served as Election Commissioner and Fire Coordinator. He also enjoyed raising cattle and gardening.

Roy is survived by his daughters Phyllis Hill (Wayne) of Tiplersville and Pat Rowland (Charlie) of Booneville; his son Danny Roy Hodges (Janet) of Baldwyn; and eight grandchildren: Suzanne Shoup (Bryan) of Ripley, Barry Rowland (Michelle) of Amory, Christy Cagle (John) of Booneville, Brande Shackelford (Kevin) of Ripley, Allison Wood (Thomas) of Mantachie, Amy Smith (Shane) of Byhalia, Sam Hodges of Nashville, Tennessee, and Seth Hodges of Dumas. He also leaves behind twelve great-grandchildren: Trevor Shoup, Thomas Shoup (Olivia), Blake Rowland, Brayden Rowland, Ross Shackelford, Reed Shackelford, Ella Reese Shackelford, Clayton Wood (Anna Reed), Brooke Wood, Carly Wood, Leah Smith, and Taylor Smith; two great-great-grandchildren, Easton Wood and Olivia Wood; and his brother, Ben Hodges of Texas, a fellow World War II veteran who is 102 years old. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Additionally, Roy is survived by his wife of 10 years, Rachel Hodges of Ripley, and her children, Glen Michael (Lori), Franke Michael, and Penny Michael. He is also lovingly remembered by her nine grandchildren, Laken Green (Jake), Jonah Rinehart (Marleigh), Sarah Ann Michael, Mattie Bailey (Hunter), Cooper Rinehart, and Olivia Michael, as well as her five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Griffith for the opportunity to speak in support of this resolution.

It is death by a thousand cuts with the EPA. Each one only costs a little bit. It is kind of like when we have DOGE right now. It only costs a little bit to have two or three extra people on each job. It only costs a little bit to add another regulation that does not make sense and that does not accomplish anything.

These businesses are dying because, one regulation at a time, for no reason other than to create jobs for some bureaucracy, we continue to have those.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 61 to repeal yet another burdensome regulation from the Biden administration that threatens American jobs and manufacturing, some of those in my district. Although it may only be a few that are recognized, one of those is in my district.

This rule imposes costly, unnecessary mandates that do little to improve the environment but will drive up costs, hurt businesses, and put hardworking Americans at risk or out of work.

In my district and across the country, the manufacturers provide good-paying jobs that support families and strengthen our economy, but under this rule, companies will be forced to take on massive new costs, costs that will either be passed on to consumers or result in lost jobs and closed facilities. We cannot afford to let Washington bureaucrats dictate policies that weaken American industries and send our opportunities overseas.

I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 61 and to push back against reckless regulatory overreach. American workers and businesses are better.

If it doesn't apply to you.

Also, thousands of those minor rules add up over time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Colonel Robert Bartran's service, career, and accomplishments. For over 36 years, he served selflessly in the Mississippi Army National Guard.

After earning his commission in 1995 from the Officer's Candidate Course, he began a long and distinguished career. He holds an associate's degree from Hinds Community College, a bachelors degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a masters degree from Liberty University. His military education includes Basic Training, the Engineer Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff Officer Course, and many other military and civilian law enforcement schools, as well as courses in transportation, human resources, maintenance, and leadership.

He served at the platoon, company, battalion, major subordinate command, and state levels. Throughout his distinguished service, Colonel Bartran exhibited extraordinary vision, unwavering professionalism, dynamic leadership, and deep compassion. He served across the United States and around the world, including in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Afghanistan. His years of experience and training in law enforcement, border security, and criminal justice made him an invaluable asset to counterterrorism, counter-narcotics initiatives, and counterinsurgency operations. His exceptional management skills and profound concern for the well-being of all soldiers culminated in his role as the Director of the Mississippi National Guard Counterdrug Program.

Colonel Bartran's distinguished career is marked by his numerous awards and decorations, a testament to his exceptional service. Among his accolades are the Bronze Star Medal, seven Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, the Iraq Campaign and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the Humanitarian Medal, and the Air Assault Badge, along with numerous other federal and state awards. These honors reflect his dedication and commitment to his duty, inspiring pride and honor in all who have served alongside him, including myself.

His commitment to his family, his service to our country, and his contributions to Mississippi are testaments to his character. Colonel Bartran is a true American hero, a proud Mississippian Guardsman, and a man for whom we are immensely grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for FY25. This legislation is crucial for enhancing our national security, improving the quality of life for our servicemembers, and ensuring the readiness of our Armed Forces.

I thank Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Smith, my good friend, Ranking Member Joe Courtney, and the members of the Committee on Seapower and Projection Forces for their dedication. Your commitment is crucial to maintaining the strength and maritime superiority of America's Navy.

Today, we face significant threats from adversaries that seek to disrupt global peace, including China's military expansion and coercive tactics that post a direct threat to the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region. To counter this threat, we need to maintain the strongest and most formidable naval and projection forces on the planet.

This legislation addresses these concerns directly and provides authority to incrementally fund construction of a second Virginia-class submarine in FY25, reinforcing our undersea dominance and providing critical, strategic deterrence. Additionally, it supports six battle force ships, invests in the shipyard industrial base, and demands consistency in the Navy's 30-year shipbuilding plan, allowing industry to invest with confidence.

Importantly, this bill meets the congressionally mandated floor of 31 amphibious ships and authorizes funding for a domestic new-build sealift program.

I am proud to say this bill recognizes the critical role of our National Guard and Reserves. It strengthens their readiness through expanded training opportunities and equipment modernization, ensuring they remain a capable and responsive force both at home and abroad.

I am really proud that it gives a 14.5 percent pay raise to our junior enlisted, who are in dire need of this, and 4.5 percent for all others. It also authorizes substantial funding to tackle housing maintenance, construct new housing units, and renovate barracks.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Chief Warrant Officer Four Jerry Banks, retiring after 40 years of service in the Mississippi National Guard.

Chief Banks joined the National Guard in 1984 while in high school. He mobilized with the 155th for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990, served as an Engineer Technician with the 168th EN BDE starting in 1995, and was Soldier of the Year in 2003 at Joint Forces Headquarters. He became a Warrant Officer in 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 with the 289th EN Co.

His education includes an associate degree in Survey and Design from East Central Community College, where he played football, a certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University. Chief Banks' awards include the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and five Army Achievement Medals.

Outside the National Guard, Jerry has officiated high school and collegiate football for over 30 years and was named Mississippi's High School Official of the Year in 2016. He is deeply committed to his family: his wife of 24 years, Karen; their sons, Jarrott (JJ) and Clifton (CJ); daughter-in-law, Madison; and their respective pursuits in contracting, medical school, and college.

Chief Banks embodies dedication to family, service, and community. He is a true American hero and a proud Mississippian, and we are deeply grateful for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable man, Mr. John Billy Purry, Sr., who passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 90. Mr. Purry was born on May 30, 1934, and from that moment, his life became a testament to hard work, dedication, and a commitment to his community.

Mr. Purry was more than just a resident of Brandon, Mississippi. He was a pillar, a foundation upon which countless lives were built. His kindness and generosity were unmatched. No matter the task or the need, Mr. Purry was always there, leading with a helping hand. His influence touched the lives of so many who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his legacy will continue to shape his family, friends, and the community for years to come.

Whether volunteering, providing guidance to the younger generations, or simply being a neighbor people could count on, Mr. Purry's presence was always felt. His leadership wasn't formal or announced--it was quiet, steady, and strong. He led by example, demonstrating that real success comes not from personal gain but from the positive impact one can make on others.

He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a respected figure in the community. Mr. Purry lived his life with humility, integrity, and an unmatched love for the people

around him. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. John Billy Purry, Sr. His legacy of kindness, service, and selflessness is a model for us all, and his memory will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the retirement of Mr. Alvin Ivy of Trebloc, Mississippi. Ivy graduated from Houston High School in 1991. He attended Mississippi State University in 1995, where he enrolled in ``Introduction to Broadcast.''

For over two decades, Alvin Ivy has been an integral part of WTVA, skillfully capturing the essence of local life through his camera lens. From documenting school events and community festivals, to bravely facing severe weather, his commitment to visual storytelling is unparalleled.

Mr. Ivy has received many awards, including three Emmys, two of which he won this year for weather-related coverage. The first Emmy Ivy won was for the weathercast category in 2022 for the coverage of a 2021 tornado in Tupelo. The latest honors came during the 2024 Southeast Emmy Awards in the weathercast category, for the EF-3 tornado that hit Wren, Amory and Smithville in March 2023, and another for Weather News, for an interview series titled ``Out of the Darkness,'' featuring interviews with a Wren woman who survived the tornado, but lost her husband and youngest daughter.

Beyond his professional achievements, Alvin Ivy remains deeply connected to his roots in Houston and Chickasaw County, using his platform to spotlight local events and issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In recognition of his exceptional career and steadfast dedication to our community, let us celebrate Alvin Ivy's achievements and contributions to the state of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the retirement of an exceptional individual, Ms. Jennifer Brinkley. With a career spanning over four decades, Jennifer has dedicated herself to public service with unwavering commitment and integrity.

Jennifer began her journey in 1984 as the municipal court clerk for Tupelo. Her exemplary service and dedication quickly became apparent, and in 2012, she joined the District Attorney's Office for Mississippi's 1st Circuit District. Throughout her tenure, she has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing efficiency, dedication and a profound sense of justice to her role.

Her professionalism and demeanor significantly enhanced the productivity of both the municipal court and the District Attorney's Office. Jennifer's legacy will have a lasting impact on our judicial system and community.

Her professional accomplishments are matched only by her dedication to her family, community, and church. Jennifer's active involvement has made her a beloved figure in all these circles, demonstrating that her impact extends far beyond her professional achievements.

As Jennifer retired at the end of May, her legacy of hard work, compassion, and community service will continue to inspire us all.

We wish Jennifer a joyous and fulfilling retirement. May this new chapter be filled with happiness, peace, and cherished moments with her loved ones. I thank Jennifer for her remarkable service and for being a beacon of dedication and kindness.

Congratulations to Jennifer on her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8070. This legislation is crucial for enhancing our national security, improving the quality of life for our servicemembers, and ensuring the readiness of our Armed Forces.

I thank Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Smith, my good friend Joe Courtney, and the members of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee for their dedication. Their commitment is essential to maintaining America's naval superiority.

Today, we face a significant threat from China, a hostile adversary seeking to disrupt local peace. China's military expansion poses a direct threat to the Indo-Pacific region. To counter this threat, we need to maintain the strongest and most formidable naval force on the planet.

This legislation addresses these concerns directly. It funds a second Virginia-class submarine, reinforcing our undersea dominance and providing critical strategic deterrence.

Additionally, it supports six battle-force ships, invests in the shipyard industrial base, and demands consistency in the Navy's shipbuilding plan, allowing industry to invest with confidence.

This bill also prevents the early retirement of two guided missile cruisers, meets the congressionally mandated floor of 31 amphibious ships, and authorizes funding for a domestic new-build sealift program.

H.R. 8070 makes significant strides in improving the quality of life for our servicemembers by authorizing a 19.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted and a 4.5 percent increase for all others, addressing the financial struggles many military families face.

Attending to the deteriorating condition of military housing is long overdue. This bill authorizes substantial funding to tackle housing maintenance, construct new family housing units, and renovate existing barracks, ensuring servicemembers have safe and dignified living conditions.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this great bill.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to honor the incredible career of Joy Lynn Alexander, who recently retired as a Colonel after thirty years of dedicated service in the military. Colonel Alexander is a highly decorated officer who rose through the ranks of the Mississippi National Guard, eventually becoming the Commander of Camp McCain Training Site.

Throughout her career, Colonel Alexander completed all the necessary professional military education courses, including the U.S. Army War College. Her numerous awards include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. She served in various roles, from tactical to strategic positions, and even completed a combat tour in Iraq in 2009 through 2010, where I had the honor of serving alongside her.

Colonel Alexander spent countless days, weeks, months, and years traveling across Mississippi, the United States, and the world to support and lead critical missions. Her dedication and hard work have taken her to many places, all in service to our country and state.

As one of the most influential leaders in the Army, Colonel Alexander always maintained the highest standards, even during some of the most challenging times in history. She is a true American hero and a proud Mississippian. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment to our country and to Mississippi. Her legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Perry Markel Whittington, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather who passed away peacefully on May 3, 2024, at the age of 74 Born on August 17, 1949, in Braxton, Mississippi, to Charles Hansford Whittington and Della Pierce Whittington, Markel and his twin brother, Mark, were the youngest in a family of ten children.

Markel graduated from Harrisville High School in 1967 and went on to receive a degree in business administration from Mississippi College in 1971. He began his professional career at McRae's department store in 1969, eventually rising to the position of Store Manager. It was here that he met Elizabeth ``Libby'' Owens, who would become his wife. The couple married in the summer of 1974 in Pensacola, FL, and later settled in Tupelo, MS. In 1979, Markel left McRae's to purchase and manage Middleton Office Products.

Tupelo was where Markel and Libby chose to raise their family, becoming active members of the First United Methodist Church and forging lasting friendships Markel also contributed to the community as a board member of Alpha House and the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Silver Beaver Award. A committed Rotarian since 1979, he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. Markel also dedicated many years to public service as a City Councilman for Ward 1, serving from 2009 to 2021.

Above all, Markel was devoted to his family. He cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, finding great joy in life's simple moments with his grandchildren. Markel was preceded in death by his wife Libby, his parents, his siblings Joy, Carolyn, and Bill, and his sisters-in-law Betty, Sally, and Opal Whittington.

He is survived by his sons, Preston Markel (Anna) and Pierce Marion (Brittney), grandchildren Stanley Pierce, Catherine Elizabeth, Charlotte Elliott, and Francis ``Frankie'' Rhodes, brothers Charlie, Ken, Floyd, Bill, Keith, Mark, his favorite cousin Elton, and his beloved dog, Magnolia Blue ``Maggie.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 8063) to authorize the Secretary of the Army to posthumously award the Distinguished Service Cross to William D. Owens for his valorous actions from June 6, 1944, to June 8, 1944, during World War II at La Fiere Bridge in Normandy, France, while serving with the 505th Parachute Infantry and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that

when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024; and further, when the House adjourns on that day, it adjourn to meet on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to serve on the Board of Trustees of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service which, as part of its mission, seeks to encourage young people to careers in public service. Public Service Review, a quarterly publication produced by the Center, does just that. I would like to encourage anyone seeking hope for our nation's future to read the recently released Fall 2023 edition of Public Service Review.

In this issue you will find students' reflections from their time serving on their college campuses and in their state and federal governments as well as interviews of public servant leaders. Featured students include Arielle Galinsky of Tufts University, Sam Guerrero of the University of Alabama, Rohini Achal of the University of Washington, Jacob Greenberg of the University of Vermont, Kennedy Guest of the University of Mississippi, Weiss O'Connor of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Anusha Fathepure of the University of Oklahoma, and Avraham Spraragen of Georgetown University.

The work of these students shows their passion for serving and their commitment to bettering our country. On behalf of my fellow Stennis Center Board of Trustees members, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, Mr. Tom Daffron, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, I would like to congratulate the Stennis Center on a wonderful publication and encourage everyone to read Public Service Review Fall 2023 at www.stennis.gov.