Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to leave the House floor today during Roll Call No. 300. As such, I was unable to vote during today's Oversight and Government Reform Committee Markup of a resolution recommending that the U.S. House of Representatives hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with duly issued subpoenas. Had I been present during the markup, l would have voted YES.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the South Stokes High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program that was recently designated as a 2025-2026 Naval Honor School.

This is one of the highest recognitions that a Marine Corps JROTC unit can receive. This recognition honors MCJROTC units that have demonstrated exceptional performance, professionalism, leadership, and dedication throughout the school year.

What is more, the high school's program ranked among the top 20 percent of Marine Corps Junior ROTC units in the Nation and was one of only three schools in region 8 selected to receive the prestigious designation.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate South Stokes High School's JROTC cadets, instructors, and school administrators on this well-deserved, impeccable accomplishment.

Recognizing West Jefferson Hotel

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mark Beck, Trent Pruitt, and the wonderful staff of the West Jefferson Hotel where I visited recently.

Mark Beck, the owner, has done a fabulous job of restoring the hotel back to the way it was in its heyday and further solidifying it as the landmark it truly is.

Mark has been diligent, remained sensitive to the hotel's history, and has been engaged with members of the community every step of the way. He has truly saved the character of the West Jefferson Hotel and has made it a wonderful place to visit.

Trent Pruitt, the chef at the hotel, deserves immense praise, as well. He shared with me his aspiration to become a James Beard- recognized chef and now he is working to bring a new perspective to Appalachian cuisine.

Madam Speaker, I encourage everyone who is fortunate enough to visit west Jefferson to stop, view, and visit this hotel. It is truly magnificent, and the people who oversee its day-to-day operations are some of the most salt of the Earth, dedicated people one would ever meet.

Recognizing North Carolina A&T State University

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize two monumental milestones for North Carolina A&T State University located in North Carolina's Fifth District.

In the latter part of October into early November, the university and its dedicated alumni will gather to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the school's football program and the centennial of its homecoming that is referred to as the ``Greatest Homecoming on Earth.''

The weeklong celebration will draw generations of proud Aggies back to the university to celebrate excellence, heritage, and the unshakable bond of the Blue and Gold.

Congratulations to North Carolina A&T State University, its students, staff, and alumni on these two remarkable milestones. Here is to many more years and celebrations of Aggie Pride to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the South Stokes High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program that was recently designated as a 2025-2026 Naval Honor School.

This is one of the highest recognitions that a Marine Corps JROTC unit can receive. This recognition honors MCJROTC units that have demonstrated exceptional performance, professionalism, leadership, and dedication throughout the school year.

What is more, the high school's program ranked among the top 20 percent of Marine Corps Junior ROTC units in the Nation and was one of only three schools in region 8 selected to receive the prestigious designation.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate South Stokes High School's JROTC cadets, instructors, and school administrators on this well-deserved, impeccable accomplishment.

Recognizing West Jefferson Hotel

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mark Beck, Trent Pruitt, and the wonderful staff of the West Jefferson Hotel where I visited recently.

Mark Beck, the owner, has done a fabulous job of restoring the hotel back to the way it was in its heyday and further solidifying it as the landmark it truly is.

Mark has been diligent, remained sensitive to the hotel's history, and has been engaged with members of the community every step of the way. He has truly saved the character of the West Jefferson Hotel and has made it a wonderful place to visit.

Trent Pruitt, the chef at the hotel, deserves immense praise, as well. He shared with me his aspiration to become a James Beard- recognized chef and now he is working to bring a new perspective to Appalachian cuisine.

Madam Speaker, I encourage everyone who is fortunate enough to visit west Jefferson to stop, view, and visit this hotel. It is truly magnificent, and the people who oversee its day-to-day operations are some of the most salt of the Earth, dedicated people one would ever meet.

Recognizing North Carolina A&T State University

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize two monumental milestones for North Carolina A&T State University located in North Carolina's Fifth District.

In the latter part of October into early November, the university and its dedicated alumni will gather to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the school's football program and the centennial of its homecoming that is referred to as the ``Greatest Homecoming on Earth.''

The weeklong celebration will draw generations of proud Aggies back to the university to celebrate excellence, heritage, and the unshakable bond of the Blue and Gold.

Congratulations to North Carolina A&T State University, its students, staff, and alumni on these two remarkable milestones. Here is to many more years and celebrations of Aggie Pride to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 4795, bipartisan legislation to combat anti-Semitic, discriminatory commercial and academic boycotts of Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walberg for yielding me time, and I thank him for advancing this critical bill out of committee.

I also thank Ranking Member Scott for his vote in committee to advance the bill on a bipartisan basis.

In addition, I also thank the coauthor of this bill, Representative Gottheimer of New Jersey, for his tireless work on this bipartisan achievement.

I thank the groups that we worked with and those that support this legislation, the American Jewish Committee and the Combat Antisemitism Movement, for their steadfast support.

Mr. Speaker, for decades now, the State of Israel, Israelis, and the people of Jewish faith have been internationally subjected to deplorable boycotts of their identity, their livelihoods, and their vitality.

As others have stated, these boycotts are anti-Semitic in their design and discriminatory in their effect, and after October 7, universities have become the epicenters of these campaigns.

Let me just quote the cofounder of the modern BDS movement, Omar Barghouti, emphasis mine: ``The ending of Israeli control in the territories is but the first stage of the road to fulfilling the vision of the dismantling of Israel.''

You heard that correctly, ``the dismantling of Israel,'' as stated by the founder of this deplorable movement.

I want every Member of the House that is about to vote on this measure to reckon with this fact: the very founder of the BDS movement wants to dismantle the Jewish state. That is why the American Jewish Committee has characterized BDS leadership as seeking nothing less than the elimination of Israel as a Jewish state.

Every Member here should let that sink in and every Member should understand that this bill represents the House's opportunity to stop this anti-Semitic, discriminatory, and inhuman campaign from being fueled by American taxpayers and stop it in its tracks.

Commercial and academic boycotts like the ones we see, when fueled by taxpayer funds, represent concrete discrimination against the people's national origin. They are discriminating against people of the Jewish faith. They result in discrimination against and marginalizing of Israeli students. No matter how you slice it, these anti-Semitic boycotts should have no place in higher education and deserve zero intersection with the Federal Government.

Now, let me speak to the chief argument from opponents of this bill: that these boycotts are illusionary, nonevents, or they haven't yet been actualized by administrators, so there is no

reason to address possible taxpayer funding.

These boycotts are manifest. They are coordinated. They are real. They marginalize Jewish students. They harm Israel, Israelis, and Jewish students economically.

Case in point, the Evergreen State College in Washington, at the administrative level, reached an agreement to address divestment from companies that profit from the ``occupation of Palestinian territories.'' You can read this commitment to boycott and divest from Israel online as we speak.

The Committee on Education and Workforce's investigation last Congress revealed that faculty members and Northwestern's provost-- administrators, mind you--were openly willing to appease encampment organizers in their efforts to demand that the university boycott Sabra hummus. These demands were only rejected after Congress threw its full weight and investigative power against such appeasements.

The lack of successful commercial boycotts isn't due to a lack of trying. During the 2023-2024 academic year, at least 86 BDS resolutions were considered across graduate, undergraduate, and professional student organizations and faculty unions.

Academic boycotts have a record of taxpayer support. Keep in mind, they can be stealthily executed at the programmatic level and can be accomplished without the expressed support from university administrators.

One leading professor at Georgetown's Title VI supported National Resource Center has actively pursued a full academic boycott of Israel.

In 2013, the American Studies Association, the largest academic--

Mr. Speaker, in 2013, the American Studies Association, the largest academic group in the United States, adopted a policy endorsing an academic boycott of Israel. In 2014, six taxpayer-supported NRC directors signed a letter endorsing an academic boycott of Israel. These academic boycotts contravene the purposes of the title VI funding they received.

Mr. Speaker, I could go on and on, but now is not the time for talk. The facts are evident. Now is the time for action. This Congress needs to codify this preventive measure to protect students and taxpayers from this disgusting discrimination.

Again, I thank Chairman Walberg and Representative Gottheimer for their work on this bipartisan legislation. I urge the Chamber to draw a line in the sand against these harmful campaigns against the State of Israel, Israelis, and our Jewish students at home.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1499 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume.

During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Committee on Rules met and produced the rule, House Resolution 1499, providing for the House's consideration of four measures: H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H. Res. 1490, and

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in the 119th Congress, the House has been the most aggressive, successful, and productive since the 80th Congress in 1949. Total measures passed by the House are 899. Tax relief was $82 billion across all filers this tax season with 97 percent of all tax filers receiving a tax cut last year, and the 3 percent who didn't were the highest earners in the country. Regulations lifted by Congress are 23.

When you place these three points within historical context, they reveal that this Congress is the most successful and productive since 1949.

Now, obviously, the House cannot control the actions of the Senate. The statistics demonstrated by the House of Representatives this Congress are truly historic. I would put them up against the abysmal record of sleepy Joe Biden and his enablers every day.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I will continue to talk about the accomplishments of the 119th Congress. House Republicans, so far in the 119th Congress, have passed the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which delivered the largest middle- and working-class tax cuts in U.S. history. That cannot be refuted, Mr. Speaker. It cannot. Anyone who tries to do that is themselves living in an alternate universe.

We expanded 529 education accounts. We saved American farms by allowing farmers to spread tax payments on sales over 4 years if the land continues to be used for agriculture purposes. We doubled the small business expensing limit. We permanently extended the small business deduction. We delivered a $6,000 bonus deduction to seniors on Social Security. We eliminated the tax on auto loan interest for American-made cars. We permanently increased the child tax credit to $2,200. We eliminated the tax on overtime. We eliminated the tax on tips. We created Trump accounts to help children begin saving for their future. We permanently allowed businesses to immediately deduct domestic R&D expenses. We permanently doubled the death tax exemption. We permanently increased the standard deduction. We ended taxation of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. We repealed the green corporate welfare subsidies.

Mr. Speaker, we don't have enough time in the time allotted for this rule debate today to list all of the wonderful things that this House of Representatives and this Congress have done to improve the lives of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in order not to allow Americans to be misled by statements being made here on the floor, I am going to continue to list items among the dozens that were in H.R. 1 that could have been stand-alone bills but for efficiency's sake were included in H.R. 1.

We permanently secured our Nation's borders, funded the construction of the border wall, and provided funding for additional Customs officers and Border Patrol agents. However, in addition to that, we passed the Laken Riley Act as a stand-alone to require detention of illegal aliens who commit theft.

The Working Families Tax Cuts included provisions that make illegal immigrants who are convicted of or who have admitted to sex offenses or domestic violence inadmissible and deportable. The Working Families Tax Cuts creates a new criminal offense for operating a vehicle within 100 miles of the southern border while fleeing Border Patrol agents. The Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act makes driving while intoxicated or impaired grounds for deporting an illegal alien.

The Kayla Hamilton Act requires background checks for criminal history or gang affiliation before unaccompanied alien children are placed in American communities.

Not a single illegal alien has been released into the U.S. in 16 months. Four hundred thousand illegals who were charged with and convicted of a crime have been deported. Emergency rooms have reported significant reductions in illegal immigrant visits, freeing up critical resources to better serve American citizens in need of urgent medical care.

Fentanyl trafficking at the southern border has been reduced by 56 percent in FY 2025. The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently schedules fentanyl and fentanyl analogues as schedule I drugs.

More than 146 migrant children have been rescued from sex trafficking and child labor. We hear about this every week on the news.

Another act, the SUPPORT Act, reauthorizes support and treatment programs for opioid use disorders and other substance abuse disorders.

We lowered costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in our country.

We protected children by passing legislation that would end gender- affirming care--gender-affirming care, what a distortion of the American language--for minors, and we banned biological males from girls' and women's sports.

Mr. Speaker, if we have done nothing else, that is a huge accomplishment, but we have done so many other things.

We passed the KIDS Act that protects children online by holding Big Tech accountable and requiring stronger safeguards to protect kids from predators, exploitation, and harmful online contents. Again, we could go on and on, and I will, to correct the record of what we have done in this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we have no more speakers.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are saying we are wasting our time here when we talk about all that we have accomplished in this session of Congress. They especially don't like it when we talk about socialism.

I encourage the American people to go online and look at this manifesto from the Democratic Socialists of America. It is out there for all the world to see. This is an expanded version from the first one that I saw that looked like it was written by a seventh grader. This one really fills out what these people want to do, and it is why we are bringing one measure today, under this rule, to condemn what these people want to do.

It is abhorrent to all Americans. Its goals are repugnant to the principles that form the foundation for American constitutional liberties that benefit all Americans. There is simply no way to reconcile what the DSA envisions for America with the Constitution that protects us all.

For example, the DSA's stated long-term goals, to completely replace the Presidency and the Supreme Court, threaten the foundation of separation of powers and the stability of American democracy.

The DSA seeks to centralize State power. We all know that expanding State control crowds out civil society and individual choice. Even under a ``Democratic'' banner, hyper-centralized authority diminishes opportunities for dissenting views and personal freedoms.

The DSA seeks to abolish national boundaries. Think about that. The chaos we experienced when President Biden allowed millions of illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. will seem like child's play in comparison. We know of the security risks caused by President Biden's open borders. Murderers, child rapists, and other criminals were granted carte blanche to terrorize American communities.

Think about the implications of a permanent absence of borders. We know the financial costs caused by President Biden's open borders. In one sanctuary State alone, emergency housing for illegal immigrants surpassed $1 billion in FY 2025. Providing such services on a permanent, ongoing basis would bankrupt every State.

Let me just quote from a few pages of this manifesto. They want to have ``publicly owned energy and transit infrastructure. Phase out the use of fossil fuels. Reclaim and repair our Earth's resources for all.''

This sounds like free buses in New York that have been promised.

``Feminism for All: Socialist feminism fights for queer liberation and the freedoms for all working-class women.''

``Healthcare for All: Guarantee universal healthcare at no cost to individuals, including complete access to reproductive and gender- affirming care.''

What does that mean, Mr. Speaker? That means abortions at any point in the child's life.

They want housing for all: ``Build new, publicly owned social housing, strictly regulate investment properties, establish universal rent control, and guarantee right to counsel for all tenants.''

Mr. Speaker, this is dangerous. There are people who are going to be in this Congress in the next session who support these programs.

Again, I encourage the American people to look at this manifesto from the DSA. They are called Democratic Socialists of America. That is what they are called. That is what is asked for here, Mr. Speaker.

As I said at the outset of the debate, we have a solid slate of bills contained under this rule. They are substantive, impactful, and address pertinent issues occurring across the Nation like this manifesto.

We can and should pass this rule and each of the underlying bills to continue our work in service to the Nation and to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 119-755) to accompany House Resolution 1438 should have included in its waivers of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 6955 a disclosure of the following violations:

Clause 10 of rule XXI, which prohibits consideration of a measure if it has the net effect of increasing mandatory spending over the current, five-year, or ten-year period.

Section 303 of the Congressional Budget Act, which prohibits consideration of legislation providing new budget authority, a change in revenues, or a change in the public debt limit, for a fiscal year until the budget resolution for that year has been agreed to.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize John McCourt and his wonderful wife, Eileen, who are the epitome of the American Dream.

John began his career in 1970 in County Tyrone, Ireland, in the screening equipment business on the factory assembly line for Powerscreen International Limited. After building his reputation and business acumen across Europe, he and his wife, Eileen, relocated their family to the United States, and he soon established his own distributorship in Texas.

Fast-forward to today, and the McCourt family runs a highly successful equipment business with a reputation and a track record that is steeped

in high quality and unparalleled commitment. Their business is family owned and family operated with over 500 years of experience in the industry and over 150 employees.

I was fortunate to meet members of the McCourt family recently in Washington through Associated Equipment Distributors. They are a wonderful group of dedicated people.

The wonderful story of their parents, John and Eileen, as well as the story and success of their entire family, is something to marvel at, Mr. Speaker.

We should all take the time to recognize the impeccable, business- driven and value-driven people in our communities and across the Nation like the McCourt family for all they do in supporting our great American economy.

a modern broadside

Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight a very insightful and pertinent report from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, ACTA, titled: ``A Broadside for the Nation, Preparing College Students for Informed Citizenship.''

ACTA is a wonderful, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting academic excellence, academic freedom, and accountability through the trustees at America's colleges and universities as well as informing and engaging the general public.

The broadside is reminiscent of the many broadsides published during the revolutionary period that were so important in informing the people along with getting their support for the revolution.

Being an informed citizen isn't passe. It is one of our most sacred responsibilities as Americans and one we cannot afford to abandon or ignore.

As the report's authors lay out: ``True patriotism includes a commitment to and appreciation of American values and principles. Since the founding of our Nation, our greatest leaders have recognized that our freedom and our prosperity depend on informed and engaged citizens.''

We just celebrated 250 years of American greatness, Mr. Speaker, and we ought to do all that we can to learn of and espouse the values and principles that make America the greatest country in the world.

Michael Poliakoff, the president of ACTA, captured this sentiment perfectly in this report: ``The birth of America 250 years ago amazed the world, and our founding documents have inspired the search for freedom and human rights throughout the world. The colleges and universities built and maintained by the vision and generosity of generations of Americans owe it to the Nation to ensure that every student they graduate understands the precious heritage we share.''

Let us not forget the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson who once opined on this very issue: ``If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.''

I commend ACTA and the many authors who contributed to this report for calling attention to this issue. It is one that we all would do well to wholeheartedly support.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1438 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying legislation.

Yesterday, the Committee on Rules met and produced the rule, H. Res. 1438, providing for the House's consideration of H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 9770, H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H.R. 7008, and H.R. 6955.

This rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8800, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, under a structured rule and makes in order 320 amendments.

The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services or their respective designees, and one motion to recommit.

Additionally, the rule provides that upon House passage of H.R. 8800, the Clerk shall add the text of S. 1383, the SAVE America Act, to the bill and transmit it to the Senate as one bill.

The bill further provides for consideration of H.R. 8884, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, under a closed rule.

The rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services or their respective designees and one motion to recommit.

The rule further provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 113, establishing the congressional budget for fiscal year 2027, under a closed rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on the Budget or their respective designees.

Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, under a closed rule.

The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on House Administration or their respective designees and one motion to recommit.

The rule further provides for consideration of H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, under a closed rule.

The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services or their respective designees and one motion to recommit.

Finally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027, under a closed rule.

The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on House Administration or their respective designees and one motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, the rule and its six underlying measures are a direct reflection of our Republican majority's expressed commitments on multiple fronts.

Contrary to the predictable and entirely incoherent hubbub that will reverberate from the other side of the Chamber during today's debate, Republicans remain at the helm, like we always have, and remain focused, as we always have.

It is okay to tune out those on the other side of the aisle while they are blathering on, Mr. Speaker. Their fevered, political rhetoric does not carry an iota of substance.

There is a great deal of business to attend to this week, Mr. Speaker. All of us understand that time indeed is of the essence here.

Let's talk for a moment about that business.

H. Con. Res. 113 begins the process to provide urgent, necessary resources for our Nation's firefighters, reinforce election integrity measures, and support the hardworking men and women of our agricultural community so that our Nation's food supply and food security remain as strong as they possibly can be.

H.R. 9770 upholds Congress' explicit Article I duties to fund the Federal Government so that its operational continuity does not lapse or is subjected to the same disgraceful political subterfuge that our colleagues across the aisle engaged in last year.

H.R. 8800, the keystone of Congress' mandate to provide for the common defense of the Nation, delivers for our Nation's servicemembers, allocates the resources necessary to maintain a strong posture of defense and deterrence, and confronts waste, fraud, and abuse head-on.

H.R. 8884 allows disabled Americans, who want to join the workforce to better their own lives, to do so without having to worry about whether their disability benefits will disappear abruptly.

H.R. 7008 prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, or dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks, while also implementing the requirement--that the American people overwhelmingly support--of requiring a photo ID to vote in Federal elections.

It is entirely disingenuous for the other side to use fear-mongering tactics to scare people into believing that Republicans are trying to take away anyone's right to vote. That is downright false.

Finally, H.R. 6955 makes life more affordable for Americans, while also empowering Main Street, by ensuring that community lenders are no longer burdened by ill-advised mandates that make it harder for them to serve families, small businesses, and local economies.

That is the business at hand, Mr. Speaker.

We are not here to entertain the ever-so-tired ranting and raving from our colleagues across the aisle that the sky is falling, the world is ending, or any kind of absurd political musings they may want to spout off.

We are here to do the people's business, the business that makes America stronger, more secure, and more prosperous.

As we celebrate the 250th year of the greatest country in the world, Republicans are working hard to strengthen America and help it endure.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I will just note that our priorities are not out of whack. The number one role of the Federal Government is the defense of this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Fuller).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are skirting very closely to having their words taken down when they call out individual Members.

Mr. Speaker, our colleagues sometimes ask who is to blame for the lack of trust of Members of Congress. It is Members of Congress and the press who call into question acts that are done by Members of Congress that are totally legal.

We already have laws in place against insider trading. There have been a couple of Members of Congress who have been prosecuted for that, and that is appropriate, but the Stop Insider Trading Act will prevent that.

I believe, and Republicans believe, that no lawmaker should profit off of insider information. I frankly don't know how people get the insider information, but the top line of the legislation we are bringing here, the Stop Insider Trading Act, led by Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil, will ensure that lawmakers cannot use their positions to profit off insider information, if there is insider information.

The Stop Insider Trading Act has a prohibition on stock purchasing. It bans Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing securities issued by publicly traded companies. It requires Members to file a public notice at least 7 days but no more than 14 days in advance for any intended stock sale with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate. Then, if a Member of Congress, spouse, or dependent child decides not to sell a covered investment, the Member must publicly withdraw the notice prior to its expiration.

There are penalties, Mr. Speaker, for violators. They will be assessed a fine equal to $2,000 or 10 percent of the value of the transaction, whichever is greater, and then any net gain realized from a transaction. This is designed to make sure that Members do not take advantage of any potential information or advantage that the Member has.

Mr. Speaker, we want to restore public trust in this institution. Members are doing their jobs diligently. They do not want to be under a cloud. News outlets and social media accounts have garnered significant attention for aggregating the stock trades of Members of Congress.

Under the STOCK Act of 2012, lawmakers are prohibited from using nonpublic information for their own financial benefit, but many Americans have become concerned that the STOCK Act is insufficient and stronger measures must be implemented.

The Stop Insider Trading Act will increase transparency and reinforce to the American people that Members are working for them, not themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the voter ID provisions in this bill amend the Help America Vote Act to require States to obtain a photo ID from an individual to vote in person in a Federal election or to require a copy of the photo ID to be submitted with a ballot cast other than in person.

These requirements do not apply to an absent uniformed services voter or an individual provided the right to vote other than in person by the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act.

The bill permits voters to use several different forms of photo ID: a valid State-issued motor vehicle driver's license that includes a photo of the individual and an expiration date, a valid State-issued identification card that includes a photo of the individual and an expiration date issued by a State motor vehicle authority, a valid United States passport for the individual, a valid photo identification card for the individual issued by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a valid identification document issued by a Tribal government that includes a photo of the individual and an expiration date.

While my friends across the aisle claim the bill will prevent individuals who cannot afford a photo ID from voting, this is nothing but false alarmism. The Supreme Court has held photo ID laws are constitutional only where the State provides a photo ID to those who do not have them. In other words, a photo ID requirement in the bill is not a barrier to voting for someone who cannot afford to pay the typical photo ID fee.

The data supports that Democrats are being disingenuous when they claim this bill would suppress voting. The nonpartisan National Bureau of Economic Research tracked 1.6 billion data points over an 8-year period. This massive amount of data confirms strict voter ID laws have no statistically measurable negative impact on voter participation.

This comprehensive, multiyear study found zero negative impact on overall registration or turnout, no drops in participation among minority or young voters, and an increase in Hispanic participation in some ID law States.

Photo ID as a form of verification is a part of American life. Americans must show an ID to participate in a wide range of everyday activities, including boarding a plane, entering government buildings, cashing their checks, buying a gun, and enjoying Olive Garden's Never Ending Pasta Bowl.

Politico just announced that more than 6,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in New Jersey and have been voting since 2023. This is clearly an issue which must be addressed.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I think after that, I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we live in the greatest country in the world. We just celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We have a lot more to be talking about, about the founding of this country, and I hope people will pay close attention to that.

We do have a government that is on the side of the American people. We believe in capitalism. Our friends across the aisle constantly talk about how much people need to be paying more in taxes. We believe on the Republican side that the people have a right to what they have earned and not that the government should take their money and spend it the way the government wants to spend it.

Let me remind our colleagues that just 1 year ago H.R. 1 delivered the largest middle- and working-class tax cut in U.S. history. Low- income workers realized the largest percentage reduction in their tax liability.

Yes, we indeed care about the American people and the fruits of their labor. Nearly 40 percent of taxpayers have claimed one of President Donald Trump's signature cuts this year.

This tax season over 7.5 million filers claimed no tax on tips, with an average deduction of over $7,000. Over 29 million filers claimed no tax on overtime with an average deduction of over $3,100, and over 35 million seniors have claimed the enhanced deduction for seniors with an average deduction of over $7,500.

We do, indeed, care for the American people in allowing them to keep the fruits of their labor.

More than 5.5 million Trump Accounts have been opened with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution. Nearly 40 million families have claimed the enhanced child tax credit, and over 127 million filers, or 90 percent of all tax filers, have claimed the permanently doubled standard deduction.

We do, indeed, care for American taxpayers.

I am not at all surprised by the recent rant from our colleague when one-half of the Democrats could not vote for a resolution against socialism.

Mr. Speaker, it is really no secret that this is a week of monumental importance in the people's House. The rule and six underlying measures carry with them a commitment to deliver upon the priorities of the President, the Nation, and the American people.

Some are quick to write off the progress that this Republican majority has made thus far, and they are dead wrong in doing so.

This week, Mr. Speaker, we will continue to build upon that progress in just the one issue I discussed, H.R. 1.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1423 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying legislation.

Yesterday, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 1423, providing for the House's consideration of four measures: H.R. 139, H.R. 8595, H.R. 9237, and H.R. 1181.

First, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit.

The rule further provides for consideration of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, under a structured rule.

The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled

by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations, or their respective designees, provides one motion to recommit, and makes in order 29 amendments.

Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit.

The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services, or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit.

Finally, the rule provides that once the NSRP Appropriations Act is passed, the Clerk shall add the text of S. 1383, the SAVE America Act, to the bill and transmit it to the Senate as a single item.

Mr. Speaker, we have a lot of business to attend to in the people's House this week, and part of that business is passing this rule and the underlying legislation.

Now, I am sure, as is always the case, that our Democrat colleagues will not be focused on the task at hand for even a mere second in this debate. It would be a miracle if they did, Mr. Speaker. You and I both understand that.

What they will end up doing is ruffling their own feathers, working themselves into a tizzy, and spending their time blabbering on about things that are unrelated to the business at hand. It is very typical behavior.

The rule before us today advances four separate pieces of legislation that all bear a common thread.

Let me say that again, Mr. Speaker.

The rule before us today advances four separate pieces of legislation that all bear a common thread: They serve the interest of the American people.

H.R. 8595 will make America stronger, safer, and more resilient through the championing of America First foreign policy so that our Nation and allies are supported while our adversaries are deterred.

H.R. 9237 is a comprehensive package of more than 60 bipartisan bills which will enhance and reform the delivery of healthcare and benefit services at the Department of Veterans Affairs for the entire veteran community, including military and veteran families.

H.R. 1181 would prevent intrusive monitoring by the Federal Government of Americans who exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms.

H.R. 139 establishes daylight saving time as the permanent, year- round standard time for the United States and would dispense with the semi-yearly practice of resetting our clocks. For far too long, the American public has spoken out against this disruptive practice. This Congress and this President will bring the stability to American households that our constituents have been endlessly seeking.

Advancing this rule and its underlying bills is the imperative before us today, Mr. Speaker. The American people demand our doing so, and we must act without hesitation or delay.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the American people need to take note of the amount of rhetorical smog emanating from the other side of the Chamber, because it is obscene. Our Democratic colleagues continue to weave together an entirely disingenuous and deceptive narrative that Democrats are the ones standing at the forefront of the conversation when it comes to supporting our Nation's veterans. That has never been the case and will never be the case.

If Democrats truly cared enough about veterans, they would spend their time supporting Chairman Bost's bill and not coming up with hack job, so-called solutions that do nothing to reform the VA and deliver high-quality care and service to those who have served this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is sad that our colleagues across the aisle have chosen this position. It is sad that they can gin up misleading narratives and hawk them around like someone delivering newspapers on a bike.

The bill before us ensures that combat-disabled servicemembers who were medically retired through no fault of their own receive the benefits they earned while maintaining equity across retiree populations.

This is what happens when personalities of the day and political gamesmanship subvert actual legislating, like what Chairman Bost and Republicans have been doing the entire time. The former doesn't deliver for veterans. It treats them like second-class citizens. Their solution is spending more money while delivering fewer outcomes.

Wow, color us shocked. It is a story as old as time.

Instead, the bill before us today would reduce net direct spending by approximately $1.3 billion over the next 10 years. In an era of growing deficits and debt, H.R. 9237 demonstrates that Congress can advance significant veterans' priorities while remaining fiscally responsible and reducing overall Federal spending.

Republicans are focused on targeted relief. This is targeted relief that focuses on combat-disabled veterans, includes additional fairness safeguards, and does not throw money at a problem with the meager hope of things fixing themselves by osmosis.

Let's run through what else you will not find in the cobbled- together, so-called solutions that Democrats are throwing their weight behind.

You won't find a unified Democratic effort to reform the VA's outdated construction and leasing processes that delay the opening of clinics and facilities across the country. In Chairman Bost's bill, Republicans are doing just that.

You won't find the Democratic commitment to ensure that veterans can continue to access the mental health care support services in the communities where they live nationwide. In Chairman Bost's bill, it is there.

You won't find Democratic solutions to slash government bureaucracy that hinders veterans from accessing the care they deserve and earned. In Chairman Bost's bill, they are there.

Mr. Speaker, that is the difference here. All Democrats see is another government program to funnel money into without any commitment whatsoever to improving the lives of those the program serves. They will contort the language they use and the policy gimmicks they cook up to mislead people and organizations into believing mistruths.

VSOs, the purpose-driven organizations that are dedicated to advocating for veterans, have been led to believe that Republicans somehow want to rob veterans of their benefits, but that is entirely untrue.

As is evidenced by President Trump's efforts, the efforts of Secretary Collins at the VA, and the veteran-driven legislation here in Congress, Republicans see veterans and meet them where they are.

Republicans see and understand the problems that veterans face every day and want to ensure that the VA is nimble, responsive, and rightsized so that veterans are not left in the dark and to fend for themselves.

Here is a final little nugget that I will leave you with, Mr. Speaker: The majority of our Republican members on the Veterans' Affairs Committee are indeed veterans. There is only one Democrat on that committee who is a veteran.

I trust veterans to know and understand what veterans need and deserve. People are actually attuned to issues veterans face as opposed to those who simply haven't the slightest clue.

Republicans are the ones with actual solutions here. We are not bloviating like so many have chosen to do. We are fighting for veterans, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining on both sides.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I have great affection and respect for VFW members. In fact, I have great respect and admiration for every organization that represents veterans. It is because of veterans that we speak English here today and that we are the greatest country in the world.

I would like to set the record straight about which veteran organizations are supporting this legislation. We have The American Legion, and I am not going to read the entire quote, but there is a quote here from Daniel Wiley, American Legion national commander, who said: ``For over a century, The American Legion has been the leading veterans service organization advocating for passage of nearly all major expansions or reforms to healthcare and benefits that benefit veterans and their families.''

``After thorough consideration of the legislative and regulatory environment, which included conversations with legislators who both agree and disagree with the bill, we believe TCAVA is the best path forward to get these crucial bills enacted into law.''

``The Take Care of America's Veterans Act represents our Nation's sacred promise to those who serve and those they leave behind,'' said Bonnie Carroll, president and founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS.

The Military Officers Association of America has supported this legislation. The Wounded Warrior Project and 16 other groups support the legislation before us today.

Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, is quoted here: ``This legislation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand with the veterans, caregivers, and survivors who have sacrificed so much for our country.''

Mr. Speaker, I have page after page after page of quotes from these various

organizations that support this legislation. I believe they are correct in supporting the veterans legislation which is a part of this rule.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we don't side with killers. We side with the Constitution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

As I said at the outset of this debate, Mr. Speaker, we have a lot of business to attend to this week. Our work in service to the American people continues.

We are not in chaos, Mr. Speaker. The four underlying measures of this rule meet the priorities of President Trump, the administration, and the American people. We are focused on commonsense measures.

As we have seen across our country in recent weeks and months, the Democratic Party is being taken over by communists, and we know that communists have never made the world a better place to live.

A vote against this rule and its underlying measures is a vote to deny the priorities of all three of the entities I have mentioned and to deny positive progress. We would all do well to remember that.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and thank The American Legion Post 290 in King, North Carolina, for recently sponsoring a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Referred to as ``The Moving Wall,'' this replica is 246 feet in length and honors every servicemember who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Vietnam.

In late April to early May, The Moving Wall was displayed at The American Legion Post 290 in King, and I was fortunate enough to attend the closing ceremony and offer a few remarks about its importance.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsored the event, and doing so takes serious and dedicated planning by all who are involved.

This event came together through countless hours of preparation and diligence in monitoring the wall while it was in King.

Sheila Winfrey, the 290 unit president; Lynn Shouse, the vice president; Cherryl Penn; and Jessie Penn deserve tremendous credit for putting this entire event together.

The citizens of King and those from the area who came to view The Moving Wall indicated that they share the exact same sentiment.

We are all grateful for the dedication and efforts of these four wonderful individuals in helping put this event together, as well as grateful for those represented on the wall.

Everyone who was fortunate enough to attend, me included, would agree that they did a fantastic job all around.

It is my hope that many others across our Nation will attend such events where The Moving Wall is displayed and take the time to learn of its importance and the sacrifices made to preserve and protect the freedoms we are all blessed to have by those who have served and especially those who lost their lives in service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Horn in the West outdoor drama that is in its 74th season in Boone, North Carolina.

Horn in the West tells the story of famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the days before and during the war for independence.

This drama is inspiring, Mr. Speaker. It helps tell the story of our founding as a nation in dramatic fashion that is enjoyable for people of all ages.

Many people are traveling from near and far to visit our Nation's capital in

advance of the semiquincentennial, and rightfully so. The city has immense history as it relates to the Revolutionary War and the founding of our Nation.

We should also take the time to look around locally, for there are many opportunities to learn about the fundamental components of America's story, like what Horn in the West conveys through drama.

Mr. Speaker, I remain in admiration of everyone who has played and continues to play a part in keeping Horn in the West alive and running since it first began in 1952.

This outdoor drama kicks off in late June and runs through July. It is always well attended and supported by people from North Carolina and surrounding areas, even by those who may not be from the area.

I encourage everyone to learn more about Horn in the West and even consider traveling to Boone to watch it firsthand. You will not be disappointed.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Faster Labor Contracts Act.

Republicans should always be proworker, and we are always proworker; but being proworker does not mean handing more power to Washington, and it certainly does not mean taking decisions away from the workers themselves.

Yet, that is exactly what this bill does.

For nearly 90 years, Federal labor policy has been guided by a simple principle: workers and employers should determine the terms of employment through voluntary, good-faith bargaining.

That framework, established under the National Labor Relations Act, has governed labor relations for generations.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act turns that principle on its head. If negotiations fail to conclude within a federally prescribed timeline, government-appointed arbitrators are empowered to impose wages, benefits, schedules, and workplace rules for years to come. In other words, this bill replaces negotiation with compulsion and substitutes private agreements with Federal mandates. Most concerning, workers themselves may be bound by contracts they never approved.

Under the FLCA, employees would lose one of the most fundamental rights they have today: the ability to vote on the terms and conditions governing their own employment.

This is not proworker. It is progovernment, and Congress should not be in the business of silencing workers or stripping them of their voice.

Mr. Speaker, I urge opposition to this bill.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1336 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee met yesterday and produced a rule, H. Res. 1336, providing for same-day authority when the House considers the forthcoming reconciliation measure from the Senate.

Granting same-day authority will allow the House to advance this legislation to President Trump's desk for his prompt signature and fulfill our commitment to fully fund CBP and ICE so that they can continue their mission of defending the homeland.

Yesterday at the Rules Committee, we heard all sorts of chapter and verse that funding ICE and CBP isn't an emergency. We heard that we should focus on all sorts of other things besides funding law enforcement. It doesn't surprise me given the pitiful record on both backing the blue and securing the border.

As opposed to listening to the rhetoric on the other side, let's look at their record. During the Biden administration, CBP recorded more than 2 million got-aways. That is almost double what was tracked during the previous decade. That is 2 million people who were able to cross into our Nation without any record of who they are.

The Biden administration granted more than 1.3 million inadmissible

aliens mass parole. Under the Biden administration, more than 150,000 children went missing, likely due to trafficking. Thankfully, it was the Trump administration that located more than 120,000 of these children.

The record of Republicans in standing for border security, national security, and the rule of law is crystal clear. Republicans understand the threats posed by our Nation's adversaries, and we are the ones leading the charge to confront those threats, protect the homeland, and protect the American people.

Following the joint military action against Iran and the subsequent regional attacks, there is significant increase of potential threats and retaliatory terror attacks on U.S. soil. We know terrorists are in our country. That isn't rhetoric. It isn't hyperbole. It is a fact, a fact made even more real when more than 380 individuals on the terrorist watch list crossed the open border under Joe Biden's watch.

As Americans face increased threats, it is as important now--more than ever before--to fund ICE and CBP so that the Nation remains safe. Funding these two agencies is a mandate on the part of Congress, not some sort of suggestion that we are to take lightly. Fund ICE. Fund CBP. Protect the homeland now.

That is what Republicans will do. That is the mandate that we will uphold.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague on the other side of the aisle is saying: What is the emergency? Why are we here today?

Dare I say I agree with my colleagues on the other side. We should not have to be here debating about providing funding for the agencies that secure the borders of the United States of America. Since their creation in 2003, neither ICE nor CBP has ever gone an entire fiscal year without congressional funding through the regular appropriations process.

We should not have to be here right now providing operation funding for two of the most critical agencies in securing our national security. So, what happened?

Congressional Democrats made this an emergency. The only reason we even need this reconciliation legislation is because of Democrats' reckless extremism in completely defunding our ability to secure our Nation's border.

Democrats broke the appropriations process because they want to reopen the southern border, defund Federal law enforcement, and leave American communities vulnerable to violent criminals, potential terrorists, illicit drugs, and deadly contraband.

By expediting the process to pass the Secure America Act, Republicans are proving our top priority is to provide for the public safety and security of American citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the Biden-Harris administration abandoned our Border Patrol agents and refused to enforce our sovereign borders. This destroyed morale and increased attrition throughout the front lines of law enforcement who want to do what they signed up for: secure our borders.

It is crucial to our national security that ICE and CBP have the resources and pay they need to accomplish their critical and legal missions of preventing illegal aliens and other public safety threats, narcotics and other contraband from entering our communities, and removing criminal illegal aliens from within our country.

It is not sufficient to hope that we can use the funding from H.R. 1 to fully fund these agencies.

Our colleagues talk about money that Homeland Security has in its budget, but they are quite well aware that the money allocated in H.R. 1 provided supplemental funding to finish building the border wall that was abandoned under the Biden administration, provide funding for additional well-paid frontline personnel to accomplish their Homeland Security missions, and invest in advancements in technology to close exploitable gaps and enhance border interdictions to keep our communities safe. Yes, there is money, but it is mostly for the wall and for technology.

Right now, CBP does not have the personnel that it says it needs. That is why the reconciliation legislation provides supplemental investments in closing the personnel gap throughout CBP; bolstering recruiting, training, and education; and addressing attrition and the morale crisis by funding retention bonuses.

H.R. 1 funding is not sufficient for the everyday operations of securing our Nation's borders, and as our colleague from Oklahoma said, there was an agreement to do this in the Homeland Security bill, and at the last minute the Senate balked and refused to do it.

Mr. Speaker, providing expedited consideration of the forthcoming reconciliation measure will allow us to fund these two mission-critical agencies and the people who support them. Let's move forward, pass this rule, and advance the reconciliation measure that will soon come before us.

I support the rule, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and a ``yes'' vote on the rule.

The text of the material previously referred to by Mr. McGovern is as follows:

An Amendment To H. Res. 1336 Offered By Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts

At the end of the resolution, add the following:

Sec. 2. Immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the

House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the

bill (H.R. 8914) to amend section 1304 of title 31, United

States Code to restrict payments for compromise settlements

or awards. All points of order against consideration of the

bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All

points of order against provisions in the bill are waived.

The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the

bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without

intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally

divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority

member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective

designees; and (2) one motion to recommit.

Sec. 3. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX and clause 8 of rule XX

shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 8914.

Sec. 4. The Clerk shall transmit to the Senate a message

that the House has passed H.R. 8914 no later than three

calendar days after passage.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, it is wonderful that we are celebrating our 250th anniversary. We need to be constantly reminded of what sacrifices were made at the beginning of our country to allow us to be the freest, greatest country in the world. Many men and women sacrificed their way of life and their lives themselves in that effort. We need to keep them in mind, always.

In support of that idea, I rise to recognize the Overmountain Victory Trail Association for its continued work to preserve, protect, and interpret the route to the Battle of Kings Mountain, one of the most significant battles in the Revolutionary War.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting with David Doan, the president of the association; his wonderful wife, Jane; and Tom Vaughan, the association's treasurer. All three were immensely passionate about the work they engage in, and it is easy to see why. They all care deeply about sharing one of the greatest stories of the American Revolution.

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail spans approximately 300 miles, and patriot militia, known as the Overmountain Men, traveled along it to the Battle of Kings Mountain. In Newland, North Carolina, there is a beautiful mural depicting the Overmountain Men crossing the Yellow Mountain Gap en route to this battle.

What makes their story so unique is that these men did not come from rarefied backgrounds. They came from the Carolina backcountry and Appalachians, and they picked up arms, made the hike of 330 miles, and unleashed liberty upon British forces.

The Battle of Kings Mountain was a pivotal American victory, one that dealt a serious crushing blow to British forces as they tried to gain control over the Southern Colonies.

Mr. Speaker, we ought to recognize the dedicated work of organizations such as the Overmountain Victory Trail Association in helping preserve and share the history of our Nation with generations to come. We are grateful for all they do and salute their efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of a milestone for women: to congratulate my Alpha Delta Pi sisters on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the founding of our sisterhood.

Established as the Adelphean Society on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia, Alpha Delta Pi is the oldest secret society for college women, founded at the first college chartered to grant degrees to women.

The sorority encourages its members to ``Be the First'' and counts among its members the first female attorney to practice law in Missouri, the first woman to pass the Georgia bar, the first female president pro tempore in any State's senate, the first woman to lead the Marine Corps band, the first woman elected to executive office in Colorado, the first female inspector general for the 82nd Airborne Division, the first woman to join the United States Navy Blue Angels, the first female Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, and countless other firsts in the fields of medicine, education, science and technology, athletics, business, journalism, and the arts.

Founder Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald encouraged sisters to ``never forget the unselfish devotion to service that our motto expresses.''

For more than 45 years, the sorority has partnered with Ronald McDonald House. Chapters, alumnae associations, and individuals support their local Ronald McDonald House chapters through fundraising and volunteering, and collectively, Alpha Delta Pi has contributed more than $25 million and countless hours to the organization.

Alpha Delta Pi recognizes that not all women participate in sororities as collegians. Therefore, the sorority encourages the proactive recruitment of alumnae initiates who exemplify the high ideals upon which the sisterhood is based.

It was a great honor for me to be invited to be an alumnae initiate of Alpha Delta Pi 5 years ago and to count these trailblazing women among my sisters.