Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act, as this legislation will make crucial adjustments to the Crow Tribe of Montana's water settlement, ensuring the Tribe can provide clean drinking water for its members for generations to come.

In Montana, water rights and infrastructure are the lifeblood of our Tribal communities. Indian water rights settlements protect those rights by codifying them in Federal law and providing resources to promote water infrastructure development.

For the Crow Tribe in my home district, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 was a significant milestone. It settled the Tribe's water rights and authorized $460 million to design and construct a centralized municipal, rural, and industrial, or MR&I, water system for its reservation.

However, due to the project's complexity, rising costs, and extended estimated construction timelines, the initial MR&I pipeline system authorized by the settlement has proven unfeasible.

Without the ability to use settlement funds for water infrastructure, the Crow Reservation continues to face a clean water crisis. According to one BIA-funded water study, over 50 percent of Crow Reservation households have contaminated water. That is 50 percent. Moreover, multiple further studies have linked the Tribe's higher cancer rates with this lack of clean water access.

Senator Daines and I introduced the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act to directly address these challenges. The bill expands the scope of authorized water projects under the Crow Tribe's water settlement beyond the initial single mandated pipeline project to include a flexible array of smaller-scale regional water projects. In doing so, this legislation will dramatically reduce the timeline for delivering clean water to the reservation's communities.

S. 240 is a straightforward solution that does not alter any existing water rights and appropriates no new Federal spending. It simply provides necessary flexibility for the Tribe to meet the needs of its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Senator Daines for leading this effort with me. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation for the Crow Tribe.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise as a proud father to recognize my daughter on her graduation from the Montana State University's Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing.

I have watched her work for years and dedicate herself to a profession built on service and compassion.

Sarah has worked hard through her undergraduate degree, her master's, and now she has finished her last class in the nursing school all because she wants to care for others. I could not be prouder of her and all of her cohorts as they begin caring for patients and strengthening communities across Montana.

As I travel around the State, we have a huge need for practitioners, for nurses, and for doctors, and we have just strengthened Montana's Second District workforce by one.

Sarah's mother and I are incredibly proud of her. Our granddaughter, Lyla, has an incredible role model to look up to, and Montana is lucky to have her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7250, my legislation to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act. Passage of this bill will ensure the completion of a vital piece of water infrastructure for my constituents living in one of the most rural areas of the country.

Northeast Montana faces a variety of significant water access challenges, including regular droughts and contaminated groundwater. Towns, farms, ranches, and Tribes in the region need reliable water treatment facilities and infrastructure in order to overcome these issues.

To address these challenges, the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 authorized a major water infrastructure partnership between the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water Supply System of the Fort Peck Reservation and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System in northeast Montana. It also provided funding and technical support for the project through the Bureau of Reclamation.

In the ensuing two and a half decades, the two water systems have successfully worked together with Federal partners to build an extensive network

of over 3,000 miles of water pipeline, along with multiple pumping stations and a water treatment plant to service the region's 18,000 residents.

The project is nearly finished, with only 2 out of Dry Prairie's 23 pipeline phases in need of completion. However, its current Federal authorization is set to expire at the end of the year.

My legislation, H.R. 7250, extends the water system's authorization by 2 years to provide the necessary time for the completion of these final phases of the project. Without an authorization to build, the project's completion would be jeopardized.

Notably, this legislation does not appropriate any additional Federal funds. It solely reauthorizes work already on the verge of completion.

H.R. 7250 will continue a critical infrastructure project that directly benefits rural and Tribal communities in northeast Montana. Moreover, passage of this bill will allow this congressionally directed project to carry through to completion, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent as they were initially intended.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important initiative for Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I will take this opportunity to recognize the importance of the passage of the 2026 farm bill.

The House-passed 2026 farm bill delivers certainty for our producers through enhancing critical initiatives such as the USDA's farm credit and crop insurance programs.

These measures will ensure that farmers and ranchers have access to the capital that they need in order to navigate ongoing challenges like volatile commodity prices and extreme weather events going forward.

From wheat growers on the Hi-Line to cattle ranchers in eastern Montana, this bill will provide necessary stability for producers in my home district, allowing them to keep feeding our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman GT Thompson for his hard work on this effort. The House has acted, and now the Senate must do the same. I urge swift passage of the farm bill in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Mayer as the ``Montana Innovator'' for the month of April. In honor of America's 250th birthday, Montana's congressional delegation is recognizing exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation. This month, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich communities and the power of visual storytelling by celebrating a dedicated photojournalist who has spent decades documenting the people, places, and events that define the Treasure State: Larry Mayer.

Larry Mayer, a photographer with The Billings Gazette, has worked in photojournalism for nearly 50 years, capturing and preserving the stories of communities across Montana. Having worked with Larry during my time in Congress and previously as Montana State Auditor, I have come to admire his calm demeanor, kindness, and ability to connect with everyone.

Larry's commitment to photojournalism drew international attention when he identified the Chinese spy balloon as it crossed over Montana. Capturing both everyday moments and historic events is part of the very fabric of our state. With Larry Mayer behind the lens, those stories will continue to be told for generations to come.

It is my honor to recognize him this April, alongside eleven other individuals who represent what it means to be a Montanan.

Mr. Speaker, as the House and Senate debate over housing legislation, I fear that one community is being left behind. Those are our tribes.

Thirty years ago, Congress passed a landmark Tribal housing law known as NAHASDA, which created the Indian Housing Block Grant program to promote self-determination. Unfortunately, Congress has not updated this law since 2008 and has allowed its authorization to lapse after 2013.

This is simply not acceptable.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner said it best: NAHASDA works and needs to be reauthorized.

I introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act to eliminate red tape in Indian Country and further incentivize private financing.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation because it is Congress' responsibility to address the housing needs of all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's 250th birthday, Montana's Congressional Delegation is recognizing exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation.

This March, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich agricultural history and celebrate an individual who works tirelessly to give a voice to Montana's ranching families: Lesley Robinson.

Lesley is the Montana Stockgrowers Association's first woman president, elected in 2024 after having served in leadership since 2000. As the owner and operator of cow-calf operation Lazy JD Cattle Co, she not only advocates for Montana's stockgrowers, she is one herself.

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Lesley and MSGA to better understand the needs of the Montanans who bring the quality beef we know and love to market. I can say without a doubt that ranching in the Treasure State has no finer advocate.

It is no secret that ranching is a part of the very fabric of the Montana way of life. With Lesley Robinson in the fight, it will remain that way for generations to come.

It is my honor to recognize her this March alongside eleven other individuals who represent everything that it means to be a Montanan.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's 250th birthday, I rise to recognize exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation.

This February, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich mining history and recognize a man who devoted his life to its preservation: Baron Stroop.

Baron worked as a drag line operator at Rosebud Mine in Colstrip, Montana. In a job that demanded grit, skill, and long hours, Baron showed up every day with a relentless work ethic and a great pride in producing the energy that powers our communities.

Last year, we lost Baron far too soon. He represented the backbone of eastern Montana--hardworking, dependable, and humble--and lived his life with the same sense of freedom and strength that defines the Treasure State.

Baron leaves behind three daughters, including Zoey, who serves on my team as a field representative in our Billings office.

His legacy lives on not only through his family but in the example he set. He worked hard,

loved deeply, and served his community fiercely.

It is my honor to recognize his life and count him among eleven other individuals who represent everything that it means to be a Montanan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Montanans gather for the investiture ceremony of Judge William Mercer, marking an important moment for our state and judicial system.

Since 1994, Bill Mercer has served as the assistant United States attorney for the District of Montana, the acting United States Associate Attorney General, and as a member of the Montana House of Representatives in addition to a stint as a practicing attorney and partner at law firm Holland and Hart in Billings.

Throughout his judicial endeavors, Bill developed a reputation as a respected and principled practitioner of the law. On July 10, 2025, he was nominated to serve as United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Montana by President Donald J. Trump--a distinct honor in and of itself.

Bill brings a wealth of experience to the bench, and I have complete confidence that he will uphold the rule of law and serve the people of Montana with integrity, professionalism, and honor. I congratulate Bill and best of luck as he embarks on this new chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' McVeda who this past Valentine's Day celebrated 100 years of a life well lived.

Bill McVeda was born in Lewistown, Montana, on the 14th of February, the youngest of three, to a hardworking family in a hardworking community.

At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He would go on to serve in the Pacific theater, witnessing the historic second flag-raising at Iwo Jima and the surrender of the Japanese.

For his service, Bill received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After the war, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Janet; raised two children; and built a respected career in human resources management with Lockheed Martin and with Northrop Grumman.

Mr. Speaker, Bill McVeda is a great American and a true patriot. The world needs more men like him, not fewer.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for his example of service and his commitment to family and community. As a native son of Montana, our State is proud to call him ours and wishes him a happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos) for arranging this Special Order hour.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act.

Americans across the country are feeling the squeeze of a very real housing crisis. The National Association of Realtors estimates that the average first-time home buyer was 40 years old in the year 2025.

In my home State of Montana, the estimates show the median home price of a home exceeds $500,000. The internet and social media are filled with testimonies critiquing sky-high housing prices like Bozeman where starter homes can exceed $1 million.

For once, both sides of the aisle agree. The root cause of this crisis lies in the supply side. Put simply, we do not have enough homes to meet the demand.

So what should we do?

Throwing money at a problem rarely fixes it. What Americans deserve are concrete, commonsense regulatory reforms that make it easier to build more homes. The Housing for the 21st Century Act achieves this by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing HUD programs, and enhancing community banking operations to expand lending for buyers and builders alike.

What is more, our bill accomplishes this with no new permanent programs and no new spending. We are simply getting the government out of the way.

I could not be more enthusiastic to endorse this legislation. I thank Chairman Hill and Chairman Flood for their hard work in getting it to the floor today where it passed on a bipartisan basis by a vote of 390- 9.

Looking forward, I believe we have the opportunity to make even more progress on housing by addressing reforms to the Build America Buy America Act, or BABA, and reauthorizing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, or NAHASDA.

Don't let the name fool you. BABA may sound patriotic, but mandating BABA compliance for HUD-funded projects hamstrings builders by dictating how they source materials, driving up the cost of construction, and increasing the time to market.

We also cannot afford to forget about our Tribal communities. Montana is home to 12 distinct Tribal Nations, and NAHASDA reauthorization and modernization would be a game changer for them.

NAHASDA is a lifeline for Indian Country, and its authorization lapsed after fiscal year 2013. This law consolidated and authorized Indian housing programs, which provide Tribes greater autonomy when using Federal resources for housing projects on Tribal lands.

Mr. Speaker, homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream. Families should not have to wait decades before buying their first house. Kids should grow up playing in the living room of their childhood home, not a rental.

Sadly, what was once a reality is fast becoming just that, a dream. The American people are looking to Congress for a solution. Let's give them one by getting this bill to President Trump's desk as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's 250th birthday, Members of Congress from the Treasure State are highlighting exceptional Montanans each month who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation.

Last year, rodeo was officially recognized as Montana's state sport. It's only fitting that the first Montanan I honor is Havre native Flint Rasmussen.

For decades, Flint brought laughter, heart, and unforgettable energy to rodeo arenas across Montana and the country. His natural talent, quick wit, and unmistakable flair captivated audiences wherever he performed.

Making his PBR World Finals debut in 1997, Flint became the dedicated, exclusive in-arena entertainer for PBR's premier tour in 2006. For more than two decades, fans packed arenas not only to watch world-class bull riding, but to be entertained by Flint's iconic performances that became a hallmark of PBR events.

In recognition of his remarkable career, Flint was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2024 and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame last year. Flint Rasmussen didn't just shape Montana's rodeo culture, he helped define rodeo entertainment across America.

I thank Flint for his innumerable contributions to the fabric of American culture through his life's work. He has made our state and our country proud.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5784, the AI-WISE Act. This legislation will provide essential resources for small businesses to support their efforts to adopt AI.

Small businesses are optimistic about the potential of AI. Capabilities like machine learning and language processing are becoming critical tools for businesses seeking streamlined operations, like workforce recruitment, marketing, and strategy development.

However, businesses with substantial and stable access to capital tend to be better positioned for technology adoption and dealing with its ramifications. Small businesses, on the other hand,

including businesses in rural communities like my home district in central and eastern Montana, often lack the resources and information needed to facilitate technology adoption.

For example, according to a 2025 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 59 percent of small businesses in Montana have adopted AI into their operations. While this figure may seem significant, it pales in comparison to the near-universal adoption of AI that is seen with Fortune 500 companies. That is why I am proud to co-lead H.R. 5784, the AI-WISE Act, with my colleague, Representative Scholten.

The AI-WISE Act directs the Small Business Administration, the SBA, to establish educational resources on AI for small businesses through its online learning platform. In doing so, this legislation seeks to provide small businesses with the technical and practical knowledge needed to best navigate AI adoption.

The scope of this educational material will include resources for small businesses on how AI models work, how businesses can identify tasks that AI can effectively perform, and the best practices for coordinating with third-party providers and protecting data privacy.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Scholten, for co- leading this legislation with me. The AI-WISE Act will ensure small businesses have the information that they need to most effectively utilize AI to bolster their entrepreneurship.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have risen before the House several times to recognize the historic rivalry between the Montana State University Bobcats and the University of Montana Grizzlies, but today I rise with enormous pride to honor the Montana State University Bobcats for their historic FCS National Championship victory in Nashville.

The Cats left it all on the field. They played with grit, heart, and determination, carrying the weight of a State that believed in them. From blocked kicks and dramatic momentum swings to a fourth-quarter comeback and the first overtime finish in FCS title game history, this contest delivered everything that makes college football unforgettable.

This win marked Montana State's first national championship in 41 years, ending a drought that stretched back to 1984. With Montana programs reaching the championship stage in four of the last five seasons, it was only fitting that the trophy finally returned to the home of the Treasure State.

The young men in blue and gold made Montana proud. Their victory belongs not only to this university but to an entire State.

Mr. President, if you are watching, we would love to see them in the White House. Go, Cats, go.

Mr. Speaker, in November, Montanans gathered in Missoula for the 124th Brawl of the Wild, a legendary matchup between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats.

On Saturday, December 20, Montanans across the country will be tuning in for what many are calling the Montana Super Bowl. This is Brawl 2.0, and this time, it means more. With a spot in the FCS National Championship on the line, the stakes could not be higher.

For the first time in Montana history, the Grizzlies and Bobcats will face off in the FCS semifinals at Montana State University in Bozeman, placing our state in the national spotlight.

Montana's competitive spirit always shines on game day, and this weekend will be no exception. From living rooms to watch parties to packed stadium seats, Montanans will be united by pride, passion, and rivalry.

I thank Bradley Warren, ``Touchdown'' Tommy Mellott, and Marcus Welnel for covering the Montana Super Bowl. I'm looking forward to an electric game and wish both teams the best of luck.