Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise because I am concerned about the release of aliens into my community without COVID-19 testing.

Dr. Miller-Meeks' changes to this legislation are vital to protecting Americans from the spread of COVID-19.

As our Nation continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, our State is still largely locked down, our schools are shuttered, and many of our businesses have been closed due to orders from State and local officials.

In many areas along the border, the CBP has restarted catch and release in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic. This is completely illogical, especially while American citizens continue to live under such restrictions. In fact, again, I can point to a double standard.

Madam Speaker, it is very unfair to think that we want to do something to protect these young families, these unaccompanied children, when we know for a fact that they are coming across the border at the age 1, 3, and 5 alone, without any supervision. We know for a fact that they are being raped and pillaged along the way. And if we feel that is somehow a benefit to the children, let alone being exposed in coming into this Nation with COVID, then we are fooling not only ourselves, but, again, the American people. We aren't just putting the immigrants in harm's way, but also the American people.

Madam Speaker, we should be more mindful of what is happening. This is a health pandemic we are living in. This is a crisis. We have suicide rates that we have never seen before amongst students. Our businesses are shut down. We must do something to protect the American people first.

We also must protect the migrants. But allowing our borders to be porous without the COVID testing is, again, a mistake, not only for the Nation, but for the migrants trying to come here. It is dangerous for both Americans and migrants.

We deserve better than that in America. Our Americans deserve better than that. And we must support Dr. Miller-Meeks' bill and insist that there is COVID testing before migrants are released into America.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge this year's winner of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association's Livestock Inspector of the Year award. District Supervisor Justin Gray has served his community and his team diligently and is well deserving of this award.

After graduating from Clarendon College in Texas with a major in Ranch and Feedlot management, Justin began his career with the New Mexico Livestock Board in 2014. In 2020, he was promoted to District Supervisor. Justin demonstrated his diligence when he responded to an overturned livestock vehicle on U.S. 70. According to a New Mexico State Police Officer on the scene, ``Justin Gray responded to the incident and presented himself in an excellent manner. He assisted in the removal of deceased and live cattle from the overturned trailer for approximately six hours without any complaint. Inspector Gray worked tediously from start to finish of the incident.'' Stories like this one exemplify Justin's hard work and dedication and I congratulate him on this award.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Madam Speaker, I just rise in opposition to this.

Madam Speaker, I would say it is more disingenuous for this body to pretend to tell the American people that we are doing something good for their children when, in fact, more money in this bill is going to help one Democratic district in California than is going to help all of the COVID relief efforts.

We have got our priorities very wrong. Our children are the future.

And thank God that the Senate took the $15-an-hour minimum wage out of this because that was another nail in the coffin for our small business owners. But to sit here and think we are doing something special for our constituents, that is not really truthful. We are doing something special for Speaker Pelosi and a lot of others who want big bailouts for the Democratic cities.

We can do better. We can do better for our students and for our families because those are the people in the trenches. Our future depends on it. Our students depend on it. We need to put our children back in school and we need to open our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendments that would strike all potential wilderness designations from this bill. A wilderness designation is one of the most restrictive designations that the Federal Government can put on a piece of land. They put limits on forest management activities, access for emergency and military personnel, and limit access for the general public.

As we have seen across the West, areas designated as potential wilderness or wilderness study areas sit in limbo for decades. Criteria for what constitutes a wilderness area is very clear and straightforward. Keeping lands under potential wilderness or wilderness study area designations for extended periods of time is unnecessary and greatly handicaps rural communities in the West.

Mr. Speaker, let me emphasize: Many of the counties affected by these potential wilderness designations are already living in lands with over 80 percent publicly managed lands. Many of my Eastern colleagues may not appreciate what that means for local governments in the affected counties when I say a county is over 80 percent public land. Public lands are not taxable, meaning that the local tax base for counties that have high amounts of Federal lands is extremely small, therefore, their multiple use on these lands prevented by this legislation is crucial for economic success.

Mr. Speaker, I first want to agree with the bill's sponsor from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline) that discrimination is wrong.

He went on to say the bill, H.R. 5, does no more and does no less than to give LGBTQ people the respect and equality they deserve. But I disagree because the bill moves us far beyond nondiscrimination and toward a place of one side over another. It eliminates mutual respect.

Mr. Speaker, we can't be so anxious to protect one class of people that we harm another. For instance, the bill forces churches in the public square to do things that counter their deeply held beliefs. It moves our Nation away from our Judeo-Christian values. It places women in sports, in domestic shelters, and in the healthcare profession at risk. It allows government to take an even more drastic step of making decisions that should be reserved for our families.

The Equality Act is anything but. Let's not be fooled by the title.

It would, likewise, force both people and organizations in many everyday life and work settings to speak or act in support of gender transition, including healthcare workers and licensed counselors, even when it is against their professional judgment. The Equality Act would force healthcare providers to perform abortions and gender transition surgeries against their deeply held religious beliefs. That is not equality.

Any parent who does not want their child to go through gender reassignment surgery at a young and vulnerable age would be stigmatized, and there is a risk that their child could be taken away or the life-altering surgery would be done with the blessing of only one parent. This diminishes the ability of parents to raise their children and to pass on their values. It is Washington, D.C., that ultimately decides the morality of our children and our churches.

If this is truly about respect, then let's start with it here in this Chamber. I must correct the record, and I take exception to being labeled as someone who vilifies those across the aisle. That is simply not true. No one on this side of the aisle has said ``less than'' or ``illegitimate.'' These are the labels being used on your side, not by me and not by my colleagues.

If we want to do what is right by the American people, then let's start respecting one another in this Chamber. Let's start doing things that are for the benefit of the people. Let's start understanding that we are here to protect all lives. All lives matter.

But when we can't stop fighting and discouraging each other in this Chamber, shame on us, because we are going to do a lot better for the people who sent us here when we can start having civil conversation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this partisan wilderness package before us today.

This bill is yet another example of the majority taking steps to prevent the creation of high-wage jobs and access to our public lands all while ceding our energy independence to foreign adversaries.

This bill also contains provisions affecting Members' districts without the support of those Members. These include the permanent ban on mineral development on over 1 million acres of public lands in Mr. Gosar's district in Northern Arizona, something he strongly opposes.

Also included, are countless new land designations in Mrs. Boebert's and Mr. Lamborn's districts in Colorado--again, without their support.

The delays in permitting, coupled with the mismanagement of our Natural Resources, our forests, and handing this all over to the Federal Government for management, is a mistake.

We need more cooperation with the management of public lands with the States and those that live on, in, or around or make their living from these lands, Mr. Speaker.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge this year's winner of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association's Green from the Ground Up award, Linda Davis. The Cattle Growers Association awards this to individuals who display a lifetime of service to an in-sync ecosystem of land, water, wildlife, and livestock.

Linda and her husband Les have spent a lifetime tending to cattle on the Tequesquite and CS Ranch in New Mexico. Ranching has always been in her blood. Her great-grandfather established the Tequesquite Ranch in Albert, New Mexico in 1878, and she continues that legacy for future generations. Linda also remains active in her community, where she serves with the Cimarron Volunteer Ambulance Service as an Emergency Medical Technician.

This is not the first time Linda has been honored for her service. In 2000, she and her husband were inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Additionally, she has received recognition from the Cattleman's Beef Board, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, the American National Cattle Women organization, The New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, and the New Mexico Beef Council. These recognitions are a testament to her hard work and leadership, and I congratulate her on this most recent award.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge this year's winner of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association's King Service award, Dina Chacon-Reitzel. This award is given to New Mexicans that have exhibited long standing dedication to the state's agricultural industry and those who work within it. Born into the agricultural life, Dina grew up on a cattle ranch that has been in her family for hundreds of years. She has spent most of her career with the New Mexico Beef Council, where she fought to protect the cattle industry and pioneered implementations of consumer information programs, as well as additional research within the beef industry.

Dina's advocacy spans from local entities, where she is involved with the New Mexico 4-H Foundation, all the way to the Federal government. She currently braves the Washington bureaucracy to advocate for the New Mexico State University College of ACES, where she serves as a citizen advocate for the USDA Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching.

This is not the first time Dina's efforts have been recognized. As a chairwoman on the New Mexico State University's Board of Regents she was awarded the New Mexico Outstanding Leadership Award for significant leadership towards agriculture. She was also given the Friend of Extension Award and was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the New Mexico State University. She was also recognized by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture with the Industry Partner Award.

Dina have exhibited the upmost dedication and leadership to the state of New Mexico and its agricultural industry, and I congratulate her on this award.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge this year's winner of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association's Ayudando Siempre Alli award, Joe Culbertson. Joe is a veteran of the United States Army and a great New Mexican who has worked tirelessly to better his community his entire life.

No stranger to representing the community around him, Joe has served as President and Vice President of the Northeastern New Mexico Livestock Association where he fought on behalf of the livestock industry. Additionally, he has served on the State Advisory Land Committee, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Water Committee, the Natural Resource Committee, and the county predator control board. Additionally, Joe has been a county representative on the Eastern Plains Council of Government, where he fought for rural issues.

Joe's service to his community spans over four decades. He helped start the local fire department in Rosebud in 1980 and has served both on the board of directors and as Assistant Fire Chief. He even helps on the ground as an EMT-basic and ambulance driver.

Currently serving as president of W.O. Culbertson & Sons, Inc., a family ranching business with roots dating back all the way to 1915, Joe knows the importance and impact that agriculture has on the community. He is an avid supporter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) so future generations can continue to contribute to their communities.

For his clear display of an attitude of service before self, I congratulate Joe on earning this well-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott.

Officer Jarrott was shot and killed yesterday, February 4, after he stopped a vehicle while assisting with a Homeland Security investigation. He was 28 years old and leaves behind three children and a fourth on the way.

Officer Jarrott joined the State police in 2015, after beginning his career as a transportation inspector with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

He served his community with honor and distinction, and he was known among his colleagues to always have a smile on his face, no matter how tough a situation was.

Officer Jarrott was someone who wanted to help people, someone who wanted to do the right thing and was loved by his community. We need more officers like him.

We owe so much to Officer Jarrott and so many others who answer the call to duty and make the ultimate sacrifice.

His death reminds us of the debt we owe the brave men and women who stand in the gap to protect us from evil. My prayers are with Officer Jarrott's family.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a New Mexican who has been a tireless advocate for our farmers, ranchers, and the families who work every day to provide for America. Caren Cowan is not only a friend of mine, but of the hardworking New Mexicans who she stands up for every day. As the 2020 Cattleman of the Year and for a lifetime of service, Ms. Cowan deserves our appreciation.

After graduating from Arizona University in 1975 with a degree in Agriculture Communications, Caren worked for the Arizona National Livestock Show, the American Red Brangus Association in Texas, and the New Mexico Wool Growers. She has served as the Executive Director for the New Mexico Cattle Growers since 1997 where she fights to protect the rights of livestock producers and ensure their voices are always heard on every issue. She has taken on battles in the courtroom, tackled the often burdensome statutory and regulatory requirements head on, and successfully navigated the bureaucracies' often confusing rules and regulations, something not easily done. For 23 years Caren has been at the forefront of these issues and has worked tirelessly on behalf of the organization's members.

As a leader on the issues facing the farmers and ranchers of New Mexico, Ms. Cowan is training the next generation of advocates to ensure the New Mexico's agricultural families always have a voice. We are forever grateful for her work and dedication to the state we love.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Newhouse for yielding and for his leadership in holding this Special Order.

Madam Speaker, with the stroke of a pen, President Biden threatened the economy and public education systems of New Mexico, seven other Western States, four Gulf States, and Alaska.

To put it simply, the executive actions he took on behalf of radical environmentalists to stop new oil and gas leases on Federal lands is nothing short of disastrous.

In New Mexico, over half the oil production and two-thirds of the natural gas production occurs on Federal lands. That production employs nearly 120,000 people Statewide, and estimates show a ban on new oil and gas leases could cost the State over 60,000 jobs by the end of 2022.

Royalty payments and taxes from the oil and gas industry contribute more than over one-third of our State's general fund. The loss in revenue from this leasing ban will have the greatest impact on the children of New Mexico, as over $1 billion from the oil and gas industry goes to New Mexico public schools every year.

Madam Speaker, before the ban was announced, I sent a letter to New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, asking how she would make up the lost revenue. I have yet to receive a reply.

After the announcement, I introduced the POWER Act, along with nearly 40 of my Republican colleagues. This bill would prevent the President from halting new oil and gas leasing along with coal, hard-rock mineral, and critical mineral leasing on Federal lands without consent of Congress.

For too long, Congress has ceded authority over our public lands to the executive branch. This will enable Congress to take back control and stand up for the people we represent.

Just yesterday, I also introduced the Protecting New Mexico's Jobs and Public Education System Act, which would exempt New Mexico from the current ban on new oil and gas leasing.

My State would be the most negatively affected in the Nation by a leasing ban. More than half of the onshore oil produced on Federal lands in the U.S. is produced in New Mexico.

Madam Speaker, I must also point out that the oil and gas industry is not just about filling up our cars and heating our homes, petroleum- based products are an essential part of our everyday lives. Petroleum- based products include mini medical devices, articles of clothing, and even sporting equipment.

In response to concerns we raised regarding the loss in oil and gas jobs, the Biden administration said people can just find work in the renewable energy sector.

Madam Speaker, well that just is not good enough. In fact, statistics show workers involved in oil and gas extraction make an average of $48 an hour. How do I tell my constituents to go earn much less than that in other industries? At a time when our economy has been weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic and many of our constituents are out of work, we should be focused on protecting good-paying jobs, not eliminating them. I look forward to working with my Western Caucus colleagues over the coming weeks to promote this message and to give a voice to our constituents whose lives will be harmed by the executive actions of the Biden administration.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Newhouse again for hosting this Special Order.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to these Articles of Impeachment.

Political violence has no place in our constitutional Republic, and those who assaulted police officers and forced their way into the Capitol are responsible for their criminal actions.

Leaders in both parties have a responsibility to condemn such violence, whether in the Halls of Congress or on the streets of America.

I don't believe, Madam Speaker, that the American people have an appetite for this. They are expecting us to do the will of those who sent us from each State around the Nation.

Right now, Madam Speaker, we are seeing this body that has impeached once before trying to do it a second time. Two wrongs do not make a right.

We have got to stand for the American people, because we will not get a second chance to get this right the first time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the misuse of the 25th Amendment.

To preserve separation of powers, the authors of the 25th Amendment correctly intended section 4 to be initiated by the Vice President, not by the request of Congress.

Process concerns aside, the fact is, removing the President from office will not heal our Nation. It will not bridge our partisan divides, give Americans hope, or bring us together. It will only make things worse.

With just days away until President Trump leaves the White House and just days into our new Congress, we have more important things to do. We should be working to hold Big Tech accountable. We should be working to help families and small businesses get through the pandemic. We should be working on jobs, on infrastructure, on energy, and all the other issues our constituents sent us here to address.

I am appalled by the violence that took place here last week. Those who assaulted police officers and forced their way into these hallowed halls are responsible for their criminal acts and must be brought to justice.

I cannot support the 25th Amendment, but I am also tired of the double standard, the double talk, and the double trouble that we have brought upon the American people. We have to stand for our Constitution. This is our Nehemiah moment, and we better take advantage.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the objection.

Madam Speaker, this is not how I imagined my first speech in the House of Representatives or my first week to be in Washington.

The violence that occurred in this building yesterday is reprehensible and inexcusable. I am appalled by anyone who assaults our Nation's law enforcement officers.

I swore an oath on Sunday to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. We are here today delayed, but not deterred, to debate a constitutional question and follow a constitutional process.

The Constitution gives State legislators, not State executives or judges, the sole authority to determine how their State selects Presidential electors.

Nobody disputes that in Pennsylvania, as well as in other States, rules and regulations were changed by executive fiat or judicial edict.

These changes were significant and irregular. They included changes to vote-by-mail deadlines, identity verification requirements, and other ballot handling practices.

In Pennsylvania specifically, the Democrat Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Democrat-controlled Pennsylvania Supreme Court usurped the constitutional authority of the State legislature.

Together, they exceeded their authority by extending the deadline for absentee ballots and by waiving signature requirements for those ballots.

In their haste to make these changes, the secretary and the court created two different and unequal standards for voters. Pennsylvanians who chose to vote in person still had to have their signatures verified at their polling place, but those who chose to vote by mail did not. How is this process fair?

This objection is about Pennsylvania, but it affects every State. As a State Representative of New Mexico, Pennsylvania's unconstitutional actions disenfranchised my constituents and the constituents of my colleagues. It is my duty to give my constituents a voice. Signing these objections raises their concerns to the fullest extent my office allows.

I, again, condemn in the strongest terms the violence that took place here yesterday. We have many issues to solve, including reforms to restore all Americans' faith in the fairness of our elections. I look forward to those serious civil and peaceful debates.

Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan).