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41 public bills, H.R. 7, 599- 640; and 5 resolutions, H.J. Res. 27-28; and H. Res. 54-56, were introduced.
Pages H297-300
Reports Filed
There were no reports filed today. Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Moran to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
Page H261
Recess
The House recessed at 10:39 a.m. and reconvened at 12 p.m.
Page H265
Committee Elections
The House agreed to H. Res. 54, electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.
Page H267
Committee Elections
The House agreed to H. Res. 55, electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.
Page H267
Joint Economic Committee: Appointment
The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following Members on the part of the House to the Joint Economic Committee: Representatives Schweikert and Beyer.
Page H267
Recess
The House recessed at 1:09 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m.
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Recess
The House recessed at 3:14 p.m. and reconvened at 4:30 p.m.
Pages H284-85
Suspension: Proceedings Resumed
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure. Consideration began Tuesday, January 21st. Directing the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain land to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe: H.R. 165, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain land to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 416 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 22.
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Laken Riley Act
The House passed S. 5, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, by a yea-and-nay vote of 263 yeas to 156 nays, Roll No. 23.
Pages H268-76
H. Res. 53, the rule providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 471) and (S. 5) was agreed to by a recorded vote of 213 ayes to 204 noes, Roll No. 21, after the previous question was ordered by a yea- and-nay vote of 214 yeas to 204 nays, Roll No. 20.
Pages H276-77
Quorum Calls: Votes
Three yea-and-nay votes and one recorded vote developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H276, H277, H285-86. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Every speech and line is the Congressional Record's own text, read from GovInfo. Speakers are matched to members by GPO's own metadata. Referandom places each turn on the Clerk's video by matching its words: 113 of 182 spoken turns were found. Turns without a time are still listed; they just can't seek.
Morning-Hour Debate
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of January 3, 2025, the Chair will now recognize Members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning-hour debate.
The Chair will alternate recognition between the parties, with time equally allocated between the parties and each Member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited to 5 minutes, but in no event shall debate continue beyond 11:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, we are more than 3 weeks into January, yet Republican leadership in this Chamber has failed to call a vote on a single piece of legislation to address the pressing needs of hardworking families. There has been nothing to ease the burden of grocery prices, nothing to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and nothing to make it easier for an American to buy a home.
Instead, what is the priority for the Republicans this week? A vote on H.R. 21, the so-called Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill that will give politicians here in Washington the power to monitor women's pregnancies and criminalize doctors and nurses who provide lifesaving care to women in need. I wish I was kidding.
Over the next couple of days, we are going to hear Republicans get up here and use scare tactic after scare tactic in attempting to justify this vote, so let's set the record straight about what this legislation does.
At first glance, its stated goal might sound reasonable: ``to prohibit a health care practitioner from failing to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an abortion or attempted abortion.''
That sounds logical on paper, but here is the reality: This situation almost never happens. When Texas passed a law requiring reporting on abortions resulting in live births, they reported zero live births over 3 years--zero. The same was true in Oklahoma.
What is this bill actually targeting? As we dig into H.R. 21, it becomes clear that this legislation purposely distorts what abortion care really is. It sweeps up highly complex and deeply personal medical situations, including those where a mother learns that her life is in danger because her baby has a fatal abnormality and cannot survive outside the womb.
Imagine the agony of that mother, a woman who dreamed of holding her child, now forced to make the unthinkable decision to induce labor to save her own life.
As her baby is born in agonizing pain with just minutes or hours to live, because no amount of medical intervention can save them, this bill seeks to make that horrifying situation even worse by overruling any decision by the mother and her doctor to provide compassionate, appropriate medical care.
Instead, it threatens doctors and nurses with jail time, even if the only alternative is prolonging the pain, suffering, and, tragically, the inevitable death of the baby.
Tell me, Mr. Speaker, how does that make sense? Why do Republican Members of Congress insist they know what is better for a mother and her baby than she and her doctor do?
This bill is not about protecting life. It is about pushing out blatant lies about women's healthcare, and it is about control. It is about extreme Republican politicians inserting themselves into the most personal, private, and heartbreaking decisions a family has to make.
The cost is that women's lives are put at risk because some here would rather legislate ideology than acknowledge the complexity of real-life medical decisions.
To my colleagues across the aisle, instead of advancing a dangerous, divisive bill that exploits women's health for political gain, let's focus on what Americans are actually asking us to do. Let's work to lower costs. Let's expand access to healthcare. Let's give families the tools they need to thrive. The American people sent us here to do that work together.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the GOP's reproductive healthcare surveillance act.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate President Trump's inauguration and his commitment to revitalizing our great Nation.
Over the past 4 years, Pennsylvania families have struggled under Biden's America-last policies. While every administration faces challenges, President Biden leaves behind a legacy of weakness and failure.
As President Trump said in his inaugural speech on Monday, our country is at the dawn of a golden age, thanks to the President's commitment to America First policies.
Look no further than the dozens of executive orders the President signed on his very first day in office as a sign that our country has turned the corner and is headed toward a brighter future. These orders immediately implement policies that will unleash American energy, ensure the freedom of speech in this country, end Federal censorship, secure our southern border, and restore accountability throughout the Federal Government.
While all of these policies put our country on a better path forward, I want to highlight a few that will have immediate, positive impacts for our country.
With a commitment to safeguarding our great Nation, President Trump is restoring commonsense immigration policy. On day one, he reversed the dangerous immigration policies of the Biden administration, reinstating sound enforcement measures like the remain in Mexico policy.
President Trump further prioritized our national security by designating the crisis at our southern border as a national emergency. Through this designation, the Trump administration can deliver military assistance and critical infrastructure investments to combat the cartels' campaigns of violence. These actions are critical in reclaiming control of our southern border and upholding the sovereignty of our Nation. By strengthening our resolve to fight unauthorized entry and unlawful presence, President Trump has once again demonstrated his commitment to American security and prosperity.
Unlike the previous administration, President Trump also recognizes the unique and present threat that drug smugglers and cartels pose to the health and safety of the American people. His declaration to designate these organizations as foreign terrorists will ensure the full capabilities of the Federal Government are being utilized to combat these bad actors.
On the global stage, America's standing suffered under President Biden. His disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan led to chaos and the rapid resurgence of the Taliban. This not only endangered countless lives but also tarnished the credibility of the United States among its allies and adversaries alike. President Trump's plan to restore America's leadership on the global stage is centered on strength, accountability, and putting America's interests first.
This is why President Trump also issued an executive order to enhance vetting procedures for foreign nationals entering the United States, focusing on identifying security threats and establishing stricter screening protocols.
On day one, President Trump also put our country back on the path of energy independence with his Unleashing American Energy initiative, which reverses the previous administration's harmful policies and expands domestic energy production. Representing the fairway of the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania, I know firsthand how important domestic energy production is for our national security and the global environment. By expediting permits, eliminating unnecessary regulations, and fostering the development of America's abundant natural resources, we are reclaiming our status as a global energy leader.
Mr. Speaker, all these policies were implemented within hours of President Trump taking office. His message and determination to put this country on a better path are absolutely clear. I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration in ensuring a more secure border and energy independence and making our Nation respected again.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge Donald Trump to truly put America first by setting politics aside and providing California with the disaster relief we urgently need and deserve. Let's do that by fighting for California, home to close to 40 million people who also live in America.
Just a few weeks ago, big, bad fires broke out across Los Angeles County. Donald Trump's first instinct was to point fingers at California leaders for fires caused not by them but by Mother Nature herself and climate change. For the record, California has a lot of things, but one thing we do not have is a big old sink that can water the entire State.
Now, Trump wants to be a unifier. He claims he wants to put America first, so let's talk about what America First genuinely means.
America First does not involve placing conditions on disaster aid to Americans simply because of how a State voted.
America First does not mean leaving thousands of people without housing amid an ongoing housing crisis.
America First does not look like insurance companies robbing people or putting shareholders first.
What putting America first does mean, however, is passing disaster aid without conditions because, as Americans, we help each other when we are in need. At least, I thought that is what we do.
America First means build and rebuild. Build, baby, rebuild, swiftly and fairly, so no one remains unhoused.
America First means making insurance plans accessible to everyone, not just the rich and those properties that are considered low risk.
Mr. Trump, the individuals impacted by the fires in Los Angeles are not just, as you put it, ``the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country'' who were present at your inauguration. These are real people--grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren, working, middle-class individuals--who have lost everything.
News flash, Donald Trump, many of them voted for you.
Let's support them and not just the wealthy few. That is how we truly put America first.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to direct their remarks to the Chair and not to a perceived viewing audience.
I congratulate President Donald Trump and Senator, now-Vice President J.D. Vance on their inauguration. This is the beginning of a golden age where we will secure our borders, lower prices, unleash American energy, and drain the D.C. swamp.
Under President Trump's leadership, we will restore safety by securing our borders and putting American citizens first--no more open borders or out-of-control illegal immigration. We will cut the costs that are crushing families across this Nation and especially in Iowa. By unleashing American energy, we will lower gas prices and, subsequently, food prices and reduce our dependency on foreign energy.
Let's be clear. We are here to drain the D.C. swamp. It is time to root out waste, inefficiency, and corruption that has held this Nation back for too long.
I pray for their success and that God blesses their leadership and guides their efforts to make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous for everyone than ever before.
I also wish President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump a wonderful and happy 20th anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable woman from West Branch, Iowa, Clara Petersen, who recently turned 100 years old.
While this milestone is extraordinary on its own, Clara's life and legacy are made even more remarkable by her service to our country during World
Clara's humble spirit and sense of humor shine through as she fondly recalls her time in service, joking that she joined in 1945 to help get that darn war over with.
As she, herself, will tell you, her greatest achievements are not in her service but in the joys of family, getting married, raising children, and cherishing a family she calls the greatest in the world.
Clara's century of life is a testament to the strength and heart of our Nation. We are grateful for her service and her example.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to protecting life and supporting both mothers and babies. Every life is precious, and it is our responsibility to defend the most vulnerable among us.
As a mother, a doctor, and a Member of Congress, I have always been dedicated to ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and fulfill their potential.
I am proud to share that I earned an A+ on the Susan B. Anthony Pro- Life America National Pro-Life Scorecard for the 118th Congress. This score reflects my consistent pro-life voting record, cosponsorship, and efforts to protect the sanctity of life.
This week, people from all around the country are coming to Washington, D.C., to celebrate life and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
In addition to defending life, we must ensure that mothers have the support and resources they need to make the best choices for themselves and their children.
Mr. Speaker, today I wish a happy 15th birthday to my best buddy and nephew, Andrew Martino. I hope he has a wonderful day.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate three young men who this weekend will receive their Eagle Scout badges.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I was a Boy Scout in Troop 805 in Downey, California, but I never actually achieved my Eagle Scout. I know what an honor this is and how hard they worked.
I celebrate Vincent Misenti, an honor student at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, California. For his Eagle Scout project, he planned, developed, and installed pre-identification signs along the Gold River Parkway's nature trails.
This project totaled 30 distinct permanent signs representing a total of 11 different tree species. Vincent is also a member of the Pleasant Grove High School varsity football team, and he has got a stellar academic record with a 4.0 GPA.
Mr. Speaker, I honor Chase Soriano. Chase is a freshman at Jesuit High School in Sacramento, California. His Eagle Scout project was working with the Cordova Recreation and Park District to purchase, build, and install a little free library at the neighborhood park to improve literacy in his community.
This library allows children to exchange books that they have outgrown or read, allowing others to read the same stories Chase read as a child. Chase plays bass guitar, violin, and is a member of the football, rugby, and track teams at Jesuit High. He also has an impressive 4.1 GPA.
Mr. Speaker, I also honor Gregory Rubio who will become an Eagle Scout this weekend as well.
Gregory is a junior at Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, California, and is on track to achieve his international baccalaureate diploma. His Eagle Scout project was working with the Cordova Recreation and Park District and the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Sacramento to design, purchase, install, and promote a memorial to the Tuskegee Airmen at Veterans Park in Mather. These signs focus on the 477th Bombardier Squadron who served at Mather Air Force Base during World War II.
Gregory plays the drums, participates in Skills USA, competes in National History Day at the county and State level, and is a student pilot who just flew his first solo fight.
I congratulate Vincent, Chase, and Gregory on this achievement. When I think about what I learned in the Boy Scouts, and when I think about the world that we are confronted with, they can teach us a lot by that Scout motto: ``Be prepared.''
Mr. Speaker, often the public out there sees Democrats and Republicans fighting and wonder: Where did that comity go? Where did the sense of being together go?
Well, Mr. Speaker, this past December over the Christmas holiday, I was surprised by one of my Republican colleagues, the Congressman from Tyler, Texas, who sent me a Greenberg Smoked Turkey out of the blue.
Mr. Speaker, that is the civility that exists between Democrats and Republicans. I thank that Member of Congress who represents Tyler, Texas, and that Greenberg Smoked Turkey sure was delicious.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out again, President Trump is leading the way to make America prosperous and even more free than what we have been the last 4 years.
President Trump, as part of his package of executive orders, has withdrawn us, once again, from the calamity that is the Paris accords. Our Governor, Gavin Newsom, in California, keeps pushing us down this path, taking away our cars, taking away our gas stoves, leaf blowers, light bulbs, you name it, in this endless effort to somehow chase down carbon dioxide.
Well, let me show you. Carbon dioxide, I will remind you once again, is a tiny portion of our atmosphere. When I ask the average person--it is kind of interesting--how much CO2 is there in the atmosphere? What percentage is in the atmosphere?
Most people just tend to believe--they don't really know. They have got their lives and they are busy, but they think, wow, it must be 20 percent, 50 percent. A lot of it is because of the hype of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle and the so-called scientists and the media trying to corral us into being scared of CO2 production.
In our past years, past decades, past centuries, it has been much higher than what it is right now. Let me give you what the representation actually is. Right here, see this chart? Mr. Speaker, 78 percent of our atmosphere is nitrogen, and 21 percent is oxygen. We have over here a few trace gases here that includes krypton and a few things like that and water vapor.
Here, the third place one is argon, right here in green, 0.93 percent. Way over here in fourth place is CO2 at 0.04 percent. Most people have been hyped into believing it is half the atmosphere, 20 percent of the atmosphere, as I said.
Fear is the effort that is being put upon people. Climate action now, oh my gosh, it is going to be the end of us by Al Gore, by all the people taking their private jets to Davos and having these climate meetings. Yet, the U.S.--whether it is part of the Paris accords or it is just how we do things--when we improve our technology, improve our engines, we improve everything that we do if we are allowed to. If we are allowed to focus on that, we are one of two countries that actually has seen our curve go down a little bit on CO2 production. It is us and Japan. We are the only ones in the Paris accord of all the Western countries doing that.
Now, let's take a look at what China is doing. China is ever- increasing their amount of CO2, more and more coal-fired power plants with very little scrubber activity on them, if at all, on the output from those plants.
China is nearly triple the CO2 production than what the United States is. We are number two. We are a highly industrialized country, but we are already bending the curve downward, aren't we? We don't get credit for that. Let's, instead, export all our jobs, our economy, our manufacturing to China, to India, places like that.
India is on the rise as well. They are a smaller country industrially, but they are on the rise.
Why would we do that? Why would we exchange our economy and the way we do things in a much cleaner and efficient way to send it over there because, A, it can be cheaper, easier to get by the environmental regulations and the ridiculousness of chasing this CO2.
Carbon dioxide is an essential building block of life. Plants and trees need it. If we were too successful at dropping CO2 below whatever established standard they want, which is out in the air--it is interesting when I am in committees here, people don't even know. The experts that sit on panels say we need to do more to reduce CO2. They don't even know what the baseline number is. I asked them. They think it is 7, 8, 9 percent. They don't even know. They don't know what the start is, let alone what the target is.
Are we going to continue to let other countries produce the things we need and trade our economy and jobs for that versus as efficiently and as well as we do it here? What does that mean?
Well, in my district, they have already torn out hydroelectric dams. Do you know what hydroelectric dams provide? They provide CO2-free power. Oh, let's tear them out because of a fish deal that isn't even going to work out. Let's not build more hydroelectric dams.
We could add to Mount Shasta here 600,000 more acre-feet for all Californians, including those talking about the issues in southern California where they ran out of water, and they are not tending to the foliage there that is helping drive that. No. No. No. We can't have conditions on aid. No, we are helping people down there. That is a different story.
Management of forests, it helps have stronger forests, which are better CO2 sinks, you know, a managed forest here versus the one that is going to be the next fire. More CO2 is released from the fires in southern California and the million-acre fires in my district than what 5 years of cars driving in southern California produces, let alone a volcanic eruption and how much CO2 comes out of that.
We are chasing the wrong thing here. I believe, instead, let's not make CO2 the enemy. Let's follow President Trump and get out of the Paris accords and bring our economy back to this country.
Mr. Speaker, I am here this morning, and I rise to speak and address the Nation's number one insurance program: Social Security.
Mr. Speaker, it might surprise you that on average, there are about 150,000 Social Security recipients per district. What is equally shocking, however, is that Congress has done nothing in more than 50 years to comprehensively address Social Security, the Nation's number one antipoverty program for seniors and also for individuals.
I know we will have another Speaker, but in the gentleman's district alone, there are over 175,000 recipients. Social Security brings in a monthly amount of almost $200 million. That makes it the best economic development program in the Nation with everyone receiving those benefits.
Yet, Congress hasn't acted, Mr. Speaker, since Richard Nixon was President of the United States. That was back in 1971. Now, some will say: Wait a minute, didn't we just recently pass something for teachers and firefighters and police officers and municipal employees? Yes, we did. We did pass that, but we did not enhance it because we didn't pay for it. In essence what that does, being unpaid for, is further hurt the Social Security program by about $98 billion.
President Trump has got a proposal. His proposal is to do away with taxes for people on Social Security. We have had that proposal in a bill for more than 10 years. The difference is we pay for it so that the trust fund stays intact, Mr. Speaker. The President does not, so what that would mean is if it were to pass unpaid for, that by 2030, there would be a 36 percent hit on everyone's Social Security.
In other words, 2 years after President Trump is out of office, the Social Security fund would be hurt by 36 percent. What does that mean? To the listeners out there and to you, Mr. Speaker, what it means is that is a 36 percent cut in their benefits.
The average benefit for Social Security for a male is $18,000 and for a female, it is $14,000. In 2030, do you think they could stand a 36 percent cut for that? The last time Congress enhanced Social Security for its constituents was 1971.
Now, some might say: No, wait a minute, in 1983 didn't Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan enhance Social Security? Yes, they did. They worked out a deal.
Mr. Speaker, they worked out a deal to prolong the length of Social Security. They did so by raising the age, which sounds logical, doesn't it, until you realize that for every year you raise the age, that is a 7 percent cut in benefits.
Proposals by the Republican Study Committee to raise the age to 70, for all of the C-SPAN viewers and listeners out there, that would mean a 21 percent cut in their benefits. As I said, that Social Security pension benefit for 40 percent of Americans is the only thing that they have.
That is why this Congress has to take action and do something constructive for all Social Security recipients. As has been expressed by President Biden, there is a pretty simple solution staring us right in the face. Everybody ought to pay into Social Security. Billionaires and millionaires shouldn't be exempt from paying into Social Security. Some pay nothing. Others are done paying by January 1. Working-class America has to pay throughout. Vote for Social Security.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Paula Wallace, who was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal this month.
Paula Wallace dreamed of a school that would transform how we think about public education. By establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president, Ms. Wallace has fulfilled this dream and guided thousands of students into creative industries.
The Presidential Citizens Medal was awarded to 20 recipients who performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens. Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal are characterized by their common decency and commitment to serving others, which Ms. Wallace has demonstrated by being a lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts.
Ms. Wallace was selected to be among the distinguished group honored at the White House because her dedication and vision have made our Nation and Georgia's First Congressional District better.
We congratulate Ms. Wallace on this honorable achievement and recognition for all of her hard work. On a personal note, we thank her for everything she has done for my hometown of Savannah, Georgia. I continue to say that SCAD transformed Savannah, Georgia.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Wayne Racz whose retirement marks the culmination of over 25 years of faithful service in the ministry.
Throughout his career, Reverend Racz has been a guiding light in the United Methodist Church, serving congregations across south Georgia.
Most recently, he served as pastor at St. Simons Island United Methodist Church and St. Luke in Savannah where he strengthened their mission and built meaningful connections within their communities.
In addition to his role as pastor, Reverend Racz served in leadership positions within the United Methodist Church's connectional ministries, leaving an unforgettable impact on its missions and outreach.
His 9 years at Epworth stand out as a testament to his devotion, during which he touched countless lives and expanded God's kingdom.
As he retires to spend more time with his family and friends, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his remarkable service. While he steps away from his former roles, his legacy will endure as an ambassador of faith and compassion.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force which has been named best museum in Georgia Business Journal's 2024 Best of Georgia awards.
The museum exists to educate visitors about the courage, character, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the largest air armada in history, the Eighth Air Force.
The museum preserves the stories of these individuals using exhibits, archival material, and artifacts including a fully restored B-17 Flying Fortress and an immersive simulated bombing experience.
The Georgia Business Journal conducts the Best of Georgia awards every year, allowing the public to vote for their favorite organizations across a variety of industries in the State.
In 2024, the people of Georgia selected the Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force to be awarded this prestigious honor to celebrate its excellence and recognize its dedication to preserving the history and legacy of the Eighth Air Force.
Selected out of over 30 contenders, the award recognizes the museum's significant role in education, preservation, and community engagement.
Congratulations to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air on this honorable achievement.
Mr. Speaker, with the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, it is a new day in America. On November 5, 2024, 77 million Kansans and Americans gave Washington, D.C., a mandate to restore commonsense solutions to the Nation's Capital and to get our country back on track. We heard America loud and clear and look forward to delivering on that mandate.
Our constitutional rights are not up for grabs. Sadly, our rights are under relentless attack from the ever-growing Federal Government. The right to life, to bear arms, and even the freedom of speech have become top targets for radical activists. Americans are not interested in sacrificing our freedoms, and I will never stop fighting to uphold and defend these rights.
With President Trump back in the White House and Republican majorities in the House and Senate, Americans' rights are safe and protected. I will bring more Kansas values and commonsense solutions to our Nation's Capital.
Gone are the days of the Biden administration's burdensome regulations that handcuffed Kansans across the Big First District. From their Green New Deal regulatory agenda to their refusal to work with congressional Republicans to pass commonsense legislation, it seemed that Washington Democrats were more interested in scoring political points than actually helping Americans.
The Biden administration's failed policies ushered 16 million illegal immigrants into the country with no proper vetting or background checks. They spent billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars trying to implement an electric vehicle mandate that the majority of Americans are not interested in. They oversaw the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan with no remorse for its failures.
There is a reason that President Trump and a Republican Congress are trusted more on issues like border security, the economy, and lowering crime. I will work day in and day out to advance President Trump's agenda and commonsense solutions which reflect our Kansas values in the Nation's Capital, not an out-of-touch agenda that picks winners and losers.
I hear and agree with Kansans when they say Congress needs to get our fiscal House in order and make this government efficient again. Today, our national debt exceeds $36 trillion. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that our current rate of Federal spending is unsustainable.
If the entire country decided to pitch in and tackle our debt today, every American household would need to contribute almost $273,000 to bring our balance to zero. Compare that price tag with the average mortgage in the United States, which is about $245,000. This level of spending is not normal. We must get serious about reducing Federal spending and putting taxpayer dollars in places where we can see a return.
As a Member of the Congressional Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency Caucus, or DOGE, I will work with President Trump to eliminate wasteful spending and roll back burdensome, overreaching regulations that have made life harder for everyday Americans. The Federal Government should make life easier for Americans or get out of the way, period.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we need to restore the American Dream. As a fifth-generation Kansan, I take the American Dream seriously. For five generations, my family has farmed, fed cattle, and been involved in our western Kansas community.
Today, the American Dream feels more out of reach than it ever has. By making the Trump tax cuts permanent, though, Congress has an opportunity to usher in a new era of economic prosperity and growth for the country.
If Congress fails to extend those tax cuts, Kansans could see a tax hike of $2,000 next January. That is the last thing we need after navigating 4 years of record levels of inflation.
Congress must return to helping Americans thrive and stop playing political games with their livelihoods. Our government of, by, and for the people has a duty to help Americans succeed, not make life harder.
The agriculture community alone faces so much uncertainty as it works to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. They, too, had a mandate and told us to stop holding them hostage to political games and deliver a 5-year farm bill that provides certainty.
I will work with anyone to pass a fiscally conservative 5-year farm bill that gives our farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers the certainty they deserve.
I look forward to working with President Trump to delivering on this mandate in the 119th Congress. I do not serve in Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of America. I serve to fight to make it a country that we can all be proud of, while ensuring that our brightest days are yet to come.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the memory of those who were murdered during the Holocaust.
In 2005, the United Nations designated January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The systematic government-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators is one of the darkest chapters in history and will always be a scar on humanity.
We honor the resilience of survivors, and we rededicate ourselves to uphold the sacred promise of: Never again.
We promise to always remember those who lost their lives and those who saved them, those who stood in the face of such evil and refused to turn a blind eye.
Mr. Speaker, may we always remember and always pledge: Never again.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, President Trump took the oath of office flanked by the richest people in the world. His inauguration guests are reported to be worth over $1.3 trillion.
At the same time, the Republican let-them-eat-cake agenda is pushing to take money out of the pockets of hardworking Americans. These proposals--and you can't make this stuff up--that Republicans have been floating at Mar-a-Lago would slash the food budgets of 40 million hungry families by a third.
These are the people who claim that they care about food prices, the ones who want to make it harder for low-income school districts to serve free meals to kids, all so they can give tax breaks to the billionaire ruling class.
News flash for the President and Republicans in Congress: You cannot make America healthier if you take away people's healthcare and make it impossible to buy nutritious food.
Billionaires do not need help, Mr. Speaker. I beg you, drop these proposals. Work with Democrats to improve programs that help regular people get by, and stop making hunger worse in this country.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Spotswood High School girls' cross country team, who won the VHSL Class 3 State championship in Blacksburg last November.
This incredible accomplishment caps years of hard work. In the last three seasons, the Blazers placed fourth, third, and finally runners- up. They took home the trophy this year with three athletes finishing in the top 10: Marika Dickel, Ashland Dickel, and Hayley Mancini. These all-star honorees were joined by their teammates: Carla Argueta-Romero, Reyna Dickel, Peyton Joyner, Anna Lowe, Marykate Miller, and Lillian Myers.
The team combined scored a total of 49 points for first place. They were led by assistant coach, Margene Dobbins, and head coach, Sue Rinker. Coach Rinker's expertise and consistent leadership earned her the well-deserved Coach of the Year Award from MileStat.
I congratulate the Spotswood Blazers girls' cross country State champions. The victory reflects not only the talent and determination of each runner, but the dedication and support of their coaches, families, and the entire community.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Rose Marie Sickler of Clarence Center, New York, who passed away on December 3, 2024.
Born on July 19, 1948, to Joseph and Lillian LaBuda, Rose grew up in the town of Tonawanda, attended Cardinal O'Hara High School, Medaille College and earned her master's in elementary education from Buffalo State College.
For 30 years, Rose served as a beloved kindergarten teacher in the Depew Central School District. She dedicated her career to shaping the lives of hundreds of students with her joyful heart, innovative programs like the annual Penguin Hop, and her deep commitment to nurturing young minds.
A devoted wife to Charles for over 50 years, a loving mother to Dr. James Sickler and Dr. Thomas Sickler, and a steadfast supporter of numerous charitable causes, Rose's kindness and selflessness knew no bounds. Rose faced her final battle with cancer with grace and courage, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and inspiration for all who knew her.
May she rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the memories of her life.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to wish my best bud and my nephew a happy 15th birthday. Today is the actual day. Happy birthday, Andrew. I hope you have a wonderful day.
Mr. Speaker, January is National Mentorship Month. It is the perfect time to highlight the transformative work of the Epsilon Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, with their Alpha Academy Leadership Development Program, which serves male students from Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax, and Wilson Counties.
They are empowering middle and high school students in eastern North Carolina through three core pillars: leadership, mentorship, and scholarship.
Since its inception, the Alpha Academy has impacted over 200 young men, continuously shifting life narratives and opening doors to a brighter future. These young men have engaged in impactful local and global service projects from turkey drives and
Mr. Speaker, during National Mentorship Month, we celebrate the Alpha Academy.
Mr. Speaker, this week, President Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States. He has immediately fulfilled his promises made promises kept on behalf of the American people with executive orders restoring common sense.
Led by the President, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, Republicans are delivering an opportunity and a freedom agenda by putting America first again by working to cut taxes and ensure Americans keep more money in their pockets by creating jobs, secure the border to make American families safe again, unleash all-of- the-above-energy for American energy independence, and to provide for peace through strength with the American military.
In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators puts all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.
Americans appreciate the people of Venezuela standing up to the Maduro dictatorship.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today because it is the 52nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision and reproductive freedom, and the lives and well-being of countless women in this country are under attack.
We are 1 week into the Trump administration, and House Republicans are already introducing draconian legislation to strip away the reproductive rights of women.
This legislation will exacerbate the growing crisis in reproductive healthcare, driving OB-GYN doctors out of the profession, and endangering the health of women. This cannot stand.
As the father of a 12-year-old daughter, I refuse to let her grow up in a world where she has fewer freedoms than the generations that came before her. That is why I am proud to announce that I have joined the House Pro-Choice Caucus.
As a California State Senator, I led legislation to protect and expand reproductive rights and abortion access, and I am proud to take up this fight in Congress.
Every person deserves the autonomy to make their own healthcare decisions, and we must continue to do everything we can to restore reproductive freedom and move our country forward. Women, not politicians in Washington, D.C., should be making their decisions on when, whether, and how to start a family.
Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heart full of appreciation and gratitude as I say goodbye to many of the communities in Alabama's Second Congressional District that I have had the privilege of representing over the years.
On the plains of southeast Alabama is the city of Troy. Nestled on the northern outskirts of Montgomery is beautiful Wetumpka. At the end of the 118th Congress, I said goodbye to both of my beloved district offices in those cities.
As I reflect on my time serving south Alabama, it is not only the legislative victories and achievements that come to mind, but our constituent services and successes.
The generosity and warm welcome from the cities of Troy and Wetumpka, Mayor Jason Reeves and Mayor Jerry Willis, have allowed me and my team to grow and work diligently for the citizens of Alabama's Second Congressional District to achieve many victories.
To my staff who have helped me every step of the way, particularly to Bill Harris and Joan Cox who staffed those offices, I thank them. Their hard work and passion for public service have allowed benefits, dollars, and recognition to be restored to our citizens.
To the people of Alabama's Second, I am forever grateful for the trust they have placed in me and the successes we achieved together.
My commitment to serving Alabama remains steadfast. I will continue to carry the friendships and warmth of these communities with me into Alabama's First Congressional District. I thank them once again for their kindness and their unwavering support. It has been an honor to serve them.
May God continue to bless Alabama's Second Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and the United States of America.
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.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, last night the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 53, providing for consideration of two measures, the first of which is H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, to be considered under a structured rule.
The rule provides for 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources, or their respective designees, provides for one motion to recommit, and makes two amendments in order.
Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of S. 5, the Laken Riley 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 the Judiciary or their respective designees, and provides for one motion to recommit.
Mr. Speaker, we are here today to debate a rule on two timely pieces of legislation, beginning with H.R. 471, the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act.
Mr. Speaker, according to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 1 billion acres of forest land are at risk of wildfire. Further, nearly one-fifth of all land overseen by the Federal Government is at high or very high risk of wildfire.
This didn't happen overnight. It is the result of the buildup of bureaucratic red tape, burdensome regulations, and frivolous legislation that have prevented forest management activities like thinning, prescribed burning, and mechanical treatment.
What we are left with are dangerous wildfires occurring at record levels and intensities. It doesn't have to be this way, though, Mr. Speaker.
The Fix Our Forests Act takes the proper steps toward restoring forest health, increasing resiliency to catastrophic wildfires, and protecting communities. It does so by reforming NEPA to expedite environmental reviews, reducing frivolous lawsuits, and increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration projects.
Additionally, H.R. 471 promotes Federal, State, Tribal, and local collaboration through the creation of a new fireshed center. It will provide agencies with new technologies and other critical tools which allow a quicker response to wildfires and the ability to implement the most vital forest management projects immediately.
As we are unfortunately seeing more frequently, active forest management techniques and a focus on forest health are needed now more than ever. This bipartisan product is a step in the right direction.
Mr. Speaker, the rule also provides for the consideration of S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, another bipartisan piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, Laken Riley was murdered in my home State of Georgia in February of 2024 by a Venezuelan man who was illegally present in the United States. He previously crossed our southern border in September of 2022, where he was paroled and released for further processing.
Between arriving here and committing his heinous act, the individual was arrested in New York and then again in Georgia for stealing from a Walmart. At the time of Laken Riley's murder, there was a bench warrant out for his arrest for failing to show up in court.
Mr. Speaker, S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, as amended, requires the Department of Homeland Security to issue a detainer for any individual inadmissible to the United States who is charged with, is arrested for, convicted of, admits to having committed, or admits to committing acts which constitute the essential elements of any burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer, or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.
Additionally, the bill grants the attorney general of a State the power to hold future administrations accountable by providing standing to bring civil action against Federal officials for the failure to enforce immigration statutes, including mandatory detention, individual parole authority, and visa sanctions.
I commend my colleague from Georgia, Mike Collins, for his work on this legislation. I send my condolences to Laken Riley's family.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to passing this rule. I look forward to passing this bill in the House for the third time and sending it to President Trump's desk.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the customary 30 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, Republicans are bringing up a rule for two bills that will be debated on the floor this week. I look forward to that debate.
I feel compelled to focus on this majority's screwed-up priorities which now include handing a get-out-of-free card to KKK members, Proud Boys, and other criminals who violently beat cops within an inch of their lives on January 6, 2021.
I thought this election was about lowering costs. What the hell happened? I thought it was about securing the border. I thought it was about making sure that our communities are safe, not whatever the hell these pardons are. These pardons are sick. They are offensive. They are un-American.
I don't ever want to hear about law and order from the Republican side again, Mr. Speaker, when Republicans are letting criminals back on the streets, criminals who beat cops and tried to overthrow our government.
There were 1,500 criminals, including over 600, who were charged with violently assaulting police officers. I am here to talk about that on the floor because I think it is disgusting. I think it is a disgrace.
The people Trump let out broke through windows, beat up cops, and desecrated this beautiful symbol of our country, a building, by the way, that terrorists tried to destroy on September 11, 2001. They couldn't get here because they were stopped by the courageous people onboard flight 93.
The crowd that Donald Trump sent here breached the building, and they attacked it in a way that had never been done. It was a horrible, awful thing that happened that day.
I was in this Chamber. I was in this room. I was in your chair, Mr. Speaker. I took over for Speaker Pelosi when she was evacuated. I was one of the last people off the floor. I exited through those doors.
I saw the faces of the rioters smashing windows to try to get at us. They wanted to kill people, kill police, kill us. I saw the walls they covered with feces. I saw them use flagpoles to beat police officers.
I saw the fear in the eyes of my Republican colleagues as they cowered that day. I saw the bravery of law enforcement that protected us.
Mr. Speaker, how the hell do the Republicans walk into this place every day? How does the majority look the police officers in the eye? How does the other side do it, knowing the people who tried to kill them will walk free, thanks to Donald Trump?
These were brave officers who tried to hold the line against a violent mob. They were outnumbered, and they were overwhelmed because Donald Trump refused to lift a finger to help. The people he sent were not peaceful protestors. They were criminals, violent, angry, vicious people. They beat cops into the ground, leaving them bruised and battered.
Donald Trump let them out of jail, and now he calls them heroes. He wants to invite them to the White House. We even had colleagues who went to a D.C. jail to celebrate their release and complained they weren't being let out fast enough.
This is unbelievable. This is an insult to every police officer in this country. It is an insult to the families of the people who died because of what happened and an insult to the millions of Americans who believe in law and order, democracy, and decency.
Trump is abandoning the blue. He could have chosen to let out only the nonviolent offenders, but he let out people who beat the cops. That tells you all that you need to know.
I think my Republican colleagues owe it to us during this debate, the first time we are debating on the floor since the pardons, to come down and explain themselves. They owe America an explanation because the people I am talking to think those pardons are shameful, disgusting, and wrong. Mr. Speaker, I will wait for an answer, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, we are here to debate the rule. The rule that we have adopted will take up important legislation ensuring our forests are no longer such that they are going to catch fire, as we are seeing happen in California, and, importantly, to deal with the Laken Riley Act.
This is the bill we passed off the House floor last year. It was rejected by the Democrat-led Senate. They refused to move it. We moved it last week here on the House floor and sent it over to this Senate, now a Republican Senate, after the voters spoke. The Senate amended it, made it, I believe, better, and sent it to the House, and now that amended bill is on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.
Let's remember what we are talking about. This bill is named after Laken Riley. My friend from Georgia just discussed the facts involving the unfortunate death of Laken Riley at the hands of someone here illegally, someone here who had committed crimes.
I had as my guest this weekend at the inauguration a woman named Alexis Nungaray, a wonderful woman from Houston, Texas, whose 13-year- old little girl was murdered by people released into our country last year by the Biden administration.
Fortunately, those policies are ending under President Trump, but here is the truth: Never again should any American, any Texan, any Georgian, have to deal with what was thrust upon them by the Biden administration in terms of the damage, despair, death, destruction, murders, and rapes that were perpetrated against the people we represent.
This legislation would take a giant step forward to ensure that we can stop any future administration that is not just refusing to enforce Federal law but is actually abusing Federal law to endanger our people, our citizens who we represent.
This legislation would simply say that we must detain some of the worst people who are here illegally and ensure that they are not released. We are talking about serious bodily injury. We are talking about things that result in death, assaulting police officers. That is all in this legislation.
In addition, in this legislation is an important provision that I was proud to introduce with my friend Dan Bishop from North Carolina in the SUE Act to ensure that attorneys general can sue the Federal Government when the Federal Government is failing to do its job.
Imagine the ability of Texas, North Carolina, or Georgia, for my colleagues to be able to say: Do you know what? Enough.
The Federal Government does not get to ignore its fundamental duty under the Constitution to defend its citizens, and the attorneys general of States ought to be able to stop the Federal Government when it is endangering our people. This law would do that.
This law would honor the memory of Laken Riley. It would honor the memory of Jocelyn Nungaray. It would honor the memory of the countless Americans who have lost their loved ones and have been dealing with the scourge of illegal immigration, which is endangering our people. I proudly support it, and I proudly support this rule.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I think it takes a lot of nerve to come down here and talk to us about law and order when the gentleman who just spoke was at the D.C. jail celebrating the release of people who attacked and beat cops here in this Capitol, who almost killed them. Some died as a result of their injuries.
I know my Republican friends don't want to defend these pardons because what the President did was indefensible. He couldn't release these people who attacked our police officers quick enough. He couldn't release them quick enough.
The Speaker of this House was asked about January 6, about January 6 defendants like Daniel Rodriguez, who pled guilty to viciously injuring a police officer with a weapon. The Speaker said: ``It is not my place. It is the President's sole decision, and he made a decision, so I stand with him on it.''
It is not your place? It is not your place? Mr. Speaker, it literally is your place. It is your place.
Mr. Speaker, you preside over this House. You hire the Sergeant at Arms. You oversee the captain of the Capitol Police force. If it isn't your place, then who the hell's place is it?
I have a radical idea. How about you stand with the officers who were beaten and bloodied protecting you rather than stand with a reality TV wannabe dictator?
If your response to the question about the pardons of people who attacked and injured the officers that you oversee and are responsible for is ``it is not my place,'' my question to you is this: Who do you work for? Do
I would suggest you do some soul searching, and while you are at it, maybe reread the United States Constitution because you don't work for Donald Trump. You are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and it damn sure is your place to have an opinion on the people who beat the officers who protect you and this institution having no consequences for beating men and women who protect this country.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President and to direct their remarks to the Chair.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for his commonsense piece of legislation that we are discussing this afternoon.
This is a new day in America. The days of forestry mismanagement are coming to an end. For far too along, our national forests and the communities that surround them have been at the mercy of unelected Federal bureaucrats who have become beholden to misguided environmental policies.
My district in Colorado is home to 6 of the State's 11 national forests. We have witnessed the destructive force of poor forestry management firsthand. The Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 mandates that national forests be managed for multiple use. This includes outdoor recreation and timber management.
Washington, D.C., has turned our national forests into national parks by bringing timber management to a standstill and setting the stage for the terrible disasters like those we have seen in California. We can no longer afford to ignore the safety and well-being of our communities.
The Fix Our Forests Act lets the Forest Service do its job to restore forest health, increase wildfire resiliency, and protect communities like those in Colorado's Third District.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and on final passage.
Mr. Speaker, will anybody on that side come down and defend these pardons, which are indefensible?
In any event, Mr. Speaker, I am going to urge that we defeat the previous question, and I will offer an amendment to the rule to make in order amendment No. 1 to provide a permanent pay fix for Federal wildland firefighters. We tried to get this made in order in the Rules Committee, but the Republicans said no to better benefits and a pay raise for the people who are fighting these fires.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the Record, along with any extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Massachusetts?
Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with Mr. McGovern's remarks condemning the unconscionable silence we hear across the aisle in the wake of these pardons of violent criminals, seditionist thugs who should never be pardoned or celebrated. Yet, that is exactly what is happening even here in the building that they desecrated.
Turning to the bill at hand, one thing I hope we can agree on, which is clearly missing from this bill, is a permanent pay raise for Federal wildland firefighters. These brave men and women put everything on the line. They deserve to be paid fair wages for the long hours, dedication, and sacrifice they are putting out.
The good news is that under that Democratic leadership, Congress approved a pay raise in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bad news is the authority to continue paying Federal wildland firefighters the wages they deserve is about to run out because of partisan politics.
Thanks to Republicans, the entire Federal Government is operating under a continuing resolution, a short-term patch that will expire March 23.
Good luck hiring a Federal firefighter right now, being underpaid to start with and having a looming pay cut because of partisan politics just weeks away.
Fixing this should be an unequivocal bipartisan priority, and we have an opportunity to do it right now. That is why two of my Democratic colleagues filed amendments to address these issues. Unfortunately, the Rules Committee is refusing to allow a vote on the amendments from Representative Neguse and Representative Lee. That is a shame.
A permanent pay raise is not merely a matter of fairness. It is a recognition of the invaluable service these frontline heroes provide. It is an investment in their future, ensuring they can provide for their families and have peace of mind knowing their sacrifices are valued.
Instead of rushing this so-called Fix Our Forests Act to the floor to exploit a disaster in Los Angeles, we should be working together to address a real problem and doing right by our wildland firefighters.
In a few moments, Republicans will be moving the previous question to end debate on the rule. I urge my colleagues to vote against the previous question because doing so, voting no, will allow Mr. Neguse's Tim's Act to be brought forward instead of the Fix Our Forests Act, ensuring that Federal wildland firefighters are getting the pay and benefits they deserve.
That is the bill we should be considering instead of a bill that rolls back our environmental laws and does nothing to help Los Angeles.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, am concerned about some of the pardons that were issued. I can't fathom what was going through President Biden's mind when he pardoned his family members and any of his political allies this past week. It is something that I think does merit much more discussion on how someone just gives family members and political allies a blanket pardon when they had not yet been charged for the crimes they had committed.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my colleague from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying bill, the Fix Our Forests Act.
Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I express my sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, homes, and history in the tragic fires in southern California. Our hearts break for them, and our prayers continue to be with them.
Today, we have an opportunity to help mitigate future forest fires and protect not only homes and communities but critical wildlife habitat.
Proper forest management can, in fact, help prevent forest fires. If we follow the science, as this legislation does, we can identify the top areas of concern and take action to address those firesheds.
This bipartisan legislation will empower States and local, Tribal, and private partners to do critical wildfire prevention activities necessary to prevent the tragic fires we have just seen recently and in recent years. I also note that the legislation does not waive a single environmental law.
Mr. Speaker, I am a conservationist. Coming from the Great Lakes, the State of Michigan, I know the importance of clean air and clean water. What this bill does is streamline fragmented Federal programs and makes the existing tools more flexible and efficient.
By passing this legislation, we can help protect millions of acres from the threat of wildfires, save lives and livelihoods and history, and protect wildlife habitat for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for his leadership on this critical legislation, and I urge support for the rule and the underlying bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
The gentleman from Georgia just changed topics so quickly back to Biden that I have whiplash. I think I need a neck brace to be able to follow his logic here.
Spare me your comparisons of Biden pardoning his family and Trump pardoning violent criminals who attacked police officers on January 6.
Do you know what? You can be against both of those actions, but they are not the same and shouldn't even be mentioned in the same conversation.
Let me tell you about the people whom you continue to want to defend and who have been pardoned.
Here are some of the convicted felons that Trump set free on Monday:
Steve Cappuccio, convicted of six felonies, including assaulting a police officer. He ripped off Metro Police Officer Daniel Hodges' gas mask. At one point during the assault he said: How do you like me now, mother f'er?
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
David Dempsey, sentenced to 20 years. He stomped on police officers' heads, struck an officer in the head with a metal crutch, and attacked police with pepper spray and broken pieces of furniture. He also attacked a fellow rioter who was trying to disarm him, and he has a demonstrated history of political violence.
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
Enrique Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years. He is a former national leader of the Proud Boys, a domestic terrorist far-right militia. He was found guilty of seditious conspiracy. He helped plan the January 6 attack and made sure it was violent.
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
Guy Reffitt, sentenced to 7 years and 3 months. He brought a gun, zip ties, body armor, and a helmet to the Capitol, presumably to try to take hostages in an attempt to keep Trump in office after he lost.
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
Daniel Joseph ``DJ'' Rodriguez, sentenced to over 12 years. He repeatedly tased Officer Mike Fanone, shocking him in the neck multiple times and causing him to lose consciousness and have a heart attack.
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
Patrick McCaughey III, sentenced to 90 months. He assaulted police, beat their faces and bodies with riot shields and batons that he stole from them.
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
Peter Francis Stager, sentenced to 4 years and 4 months. He pled guilty to assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon. He is on video declaring: ``Every single one of those Capitol law enforcement officers, death is the remedy.'' Those were his words: That is the only remedy they get.
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
Julian Khater, sentenced to 6 years, attacked Officer Brian Sicknick with pepper spray. Officer Sicknick died the next day after suffering two strokes.
Edward ``Jake'' Lang was on trial for 11 charges, including swinging a baseball bat at officers. In addition to his January 6 charges, he began organizing a nationwide network of armed militias in all 50 States.
He was pardoned by Donald Trump.
Mr. Speaker, the criminals pardoned were not tourists. They were not peaceful. They were violent criminals.
Here is just one example: Daniel Ball's case was dismissed today, and he was released from jail.
Why was he in jail?
He was being held in pretrial detention because of what a judge described as ``some of the most violent and serious offenses of any of the charges being brought against participants in the January 6 events.'' That includes hurling an explosive device into the lower west terrace tunnel of the Capitol, the scene of some of the most egregious violence against police that day.
Some officers suffered from hearing loss for months.
Get this, Mr. Speaker: Mr. Ball has already been arrested again on Federal gun charges, and he was already a two-time convicted felon for domestic violence battery by strangulation and resisting law enforcement with violence.
Yes, he was already arrested again. This is whom the President pardoned. This is why my Republican friends are silent. It is because this is indefensible.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert in the Record a Politico article titled: ``Trump freed a January 6 defendant charged with assaulting police. DOJ had him arrested again on a gun charge.''
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Massachusetts?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I don't have a whole number, the total number, but how many murderers had their sentences commuted by then-President Joe Biden?
Do you know? How many was it?
Let's see, Biden commuted the sentences for 2,500 drug offenders and clemency for 37 of the 40 people on death row, 1 of whom shot two FBI agents , if I am not mistaken.
So you are pretty quick to point the finger at the gentleman who was the 45th and now the 47th President of the United States. I would suggest to you that Donald Trump is the President of the United States today and sitting in the White House today because your policies are so bad because you put illegal immigrants and their rights above the rights of American citizens.
So, again, Biden commuted a lot of sentences for a lot of drug offenders and a lot of people who committed murder. So I don't think you should be pointing the finger at what the 47th President of the United States did when the 46th President of the United States is the one who let people who shot FBI agents out.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to direct their remarks to the Chair.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the best we get from the gentleman is whataboutism. He can criticize President Biden, but he can't bring himself to criticize President Trump. He is afraid, and that is the problem.
All my Republican friends are in fear that if they question anything that this guy does that somehow they themselves will be punished.
However, he didn't even get his facts right on the Peltier issue. The former U.S. Attorney who prosecuted Mr. Peltier wrote in a letter to President Biden: ``The prosecution and continued incarceration of Mr. Peltier was and is unjust.''
He also said: ``I believe that a grant of executive clemency would serve the best interest of justice and the best interest of our country.''
Again, this is coming from the man who prosecuted him.
He also said that we were not able to prove that Mr. Peltier personally committed any of the offenses that happened on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Contrast that, Mr. Speaker, with the Nation's seeing the criminals that Trump pardoned assault cops on live TV.
Please, I ask my friends across the aisle: Find me one prosecutor of one of the cop beaters whom Trump pardoned who regret their conviction.
Which one of Trump's pardoned criminals have already served nearly 50 years in prison?
By the way, Peltier is 80 years old, and he is dying. He was not pardoned, by the way. The gentleman is wrong on that. His sentence was commuted so he could die at home with an ankle bracelet on. This was done only after faith and human rights leaders like the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Pope Francis begged for release for years.
So to say that this is remotely the same is a joke.
Why can't my Republican friends just say that what Trump did by pardoning vicious, violent criminals was wrong?
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez), who is a member of the Rules Committee.
Mr. Speaker, we should absolutely hold immigrants accountable when they commit a crime, especially when it is against a law enforcement officer. However, there are already existing laws for the detention and deportation of immigrants who commit violent crimes.
What we are talking about today is that we must hold convicted felons accountable for attacking our very own Capitol Police. In this very building, January 6 insurrectionists brutally attacked our Capitol Police and other law enforcement officers. More than 140 cops suffered injuries and went to the hospital. Five police officers died. President Trump just pardoned the violent thugs who were convicted of those attacks. It is ``shameless,'' ``sin verguenza,'' as we say in Spanish. If Republicans were truly concerned about attacks on law enforcement, they would denounce those pardons.
We just heard about the violence that was inflicted and about the violent offenders who committed them. I am asking my Republican colleagues to also keep in mind the faces and the names of those who were brutally attacked.
When the majority walked into this building and they walked past those Capitol Police who are protecting them today, do they tell them: Good morning?
They should also tell them: I am sorry. I am sorry that my President pardoned the people who beat you. I am sorry, and I denounce those attacks because I honor you.
However, they do not seem to have the courage to say I am sorry to those police officers.
It is hypocrisy to say that they care about law enforcement if they don't denounce those pardons.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Those violent criminals whom Trump described as peaceful and loving are being released into our communities. We have seen the videos of the attacks, the shouts, and the pounding of Officer Fanone, and so many others, and their cries for help. It was on video. Americans remember it.
I ask my colleagues to remember it and to see those videos. The convicted attackers were not peaceful.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to denounce the pardons and to vote against this rule.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, not a word about what happened in this place on January 6. They just can't bring themselves to do it.
Mr. Speaker, I have a question, and that is: Why won't you install the plaque honoring the brave members of law enforcement who protected us on January 6?
A lot of my colleagues don't know this, but Congress actually passed a law, Public Law 117-103, on requiring the plaque to be installed on the west front of the Capitol before March 15, 2023.
So for 21 months now, almost 2 years, this Speaker has refused to honor the Capitol Police and other law enforcement by installing the plaque that we all voted for.
I know it exists, Mr. Speaker. I have actually seen photos of it, so I know it exists. I have seen photos.
Why the delay?
Why won't you put it up, Mr. Speaker?
I think I know why. It is because Republicans don't want to honor the police who were hurt and who died after that attack.
Maybe the gentleman from Georgia can explain why the plaque is yet to be installed. I won't hold my breath, but instead let me read the plaque, Mr. Speaker, so Speaker Johnson and others know what it says.
It says: ``On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on January 6, 2021. Their heroism will never be forgotten.''
Because Republicans will not, I want to take a moment to thank all the agencies that are listed on this plaque who are being disrespected by this leadership by refusing to honor them.
I want to say thank you to: the United States Capitol Police. I also want to thank the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia; Arlington County Police Department in Virginia; Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia; Maryland Department of State Police; Metro Transit Police Department; Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Montgomery County Department of Police in Maryland; New Jersey State Police; Prince George's County Police Department in Maryland; Prince William County Police Department in Virginia; Virginia State Police; Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives; Department of Health and Human Services; Department of Homeland Security; Federal Bureau of Investigation; National Guard Bureau; Pentagon Force Protection Agency; United States Marshals Service; United States Park Police; and United States Secret Service.
I say thank you to all of the officers from all of those agencies who were here that day to protect our country and to protect all of us. I appreciate you, and you should know that a lot of Americans have your back, even if this President and the Republicans do not.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to thank all of the law enforcement and first responders who protect this country on a daily basis, and, Mr. Speaker, we know the polls show that a majority of them voted for Donald Trump.
Mr. Speaker, I would just say to the gentleman that to say what he just said but not reference what happened that day and not acknowledge the pain that has caused so many families and so many people whom we work with every day to protect us, I have to say that is a little bit much.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon), who is a distinguished member of the Rules Committee.
Mr. Speaker, it is disappointing but unsurprising that House Republicans have made it their top priority in their new Congress to pass a bill, H.R. 28, designed to generate headlines rather than solve actual problems.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken on the serious flaws in this bill several times, including last night in the Rules Committee, but it is worth noting that since the House last considered this bill, it has been altered with an increasingly ironic amendment.
The amendment added mandatory imprisonment for people accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer. I say this amendment is ironic because yesterday, just hours after taking the oath of office, President Trump granted mass pardons for over 1,200 January 6 MAGA rioters who had been convicted. President Trump also ordered the dismissal of cases of hundreds more, including hundreds who assaulted police officers with bats, poles,
Over 140 officers were hurt that day, with injuries including crushed spinal disks, traumatic brain injuries, heart attacks, and strokes, while they bravely defended the Capitol and those who work here. Some lost their lives or became permanently disabled after sustaining injuries and horrific trauma at the hands of fellow citizens during the MAGA attack on January 6, 2021.
In issuing those pardons, President Trump put the Presidential seal of approval on political violence, so long as it supports him, and even if it is directed against law enforcement.
Just to be clear, there was no case-by-case review of these convictions. This is a blanket pardon. We are already seeing the fruits of that incredibly dangerous act of pardoning the people who attacked the Constitution, this Capitol, and the police officers and people within it.
Among those attackers are dangerous felons who are not chastened or remorseful or reformed. They feel emboldened. One of them, Daniel Charles Ball, has just been rearrested, one day after his January 6 case was dismissed, on new weapons charges.
Another, the infamous MAGA supporter known as the QAnon Shaman, tweeted Monday: I got a pardon baby. Thank you, President Trump. Now I am going to buy some motha f'ing guns.
These pardons show an utter disrespect for law enforcement, our criminal justice system, and the rule of law. They have been rightly condemned by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police, among other police organizations, but virtually every House Republican has turned their backs on our police and cowered in silence rather than denounce the shameful decision to put those criminals back on our streets.
Mr. Speaker, I continue to oppose this rule and this bill.
I seek unanimous consent to include in the Record the Joint International Association of Chiefs of Police and The Fraternal Order of Police Statement on the Recent Presidential Pardons dated January 21, 2025.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania?
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record an article from The Wall Street Journal today entitled: ``Trump Pardons the Jan. 6 Cop Beaters.''
The editorial reads: ``Law and order? Back the blue? What happened to that GOP?''
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Massachusetts?
There was no objection.
Trump Pardons the Jan. 6 Cop Beaters--Law and Order? Back the Blue?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman thanking, in general, our law enforcement officials, but it is troubling that he can't bring himself to address what happened that day. My Republican friends are afraid to debate and to discuss what happened on that day. It is so disappointing in so many ways.
Mr. Speaker, January 6 was not a tourist day. It was a horrific attack on the police who protect our country. I saw with my own eyes the officers with blood on their faces, battered and bruised from fighting off a violent mob. So many of them had to go to the hospital to get stitches and to get medical care. They were severely wounded.
I will never forget the smell of tear gas or the horror on people's faces as we were rushed out of this Chamber. I watched from the Speaker's chair as
On Monday, Republicans let out the violent political extremists who did all of this. Republicans let them back out onto the streets.
Trump called them patriots. He called them hostages. There is nothing patriotic about beating police officers with flagpoles, Mr. Speaker.
The patriots were the law enforcement officers who protected this institution. There is nothing patriotic about the KKK, the Oath Keepers, or the Proud Boys. Trump pardoned them.
There is nothing patriotic about viciously assaulting police officers. There is nothing patriotic about bashing heads and breaking into the Capitol Building because of a deranged fantasy about overthrowing the government. There is nothing patriotic about any of that, but Donald Trump doesn't care. He pardoned them because he only cares about himself.
Mr. Speaker, where is your outrage over any of this? Where is your spine? To be silent after these pardons is terrible, and it speaks for itself.
As for me, I stand with the police officers who were here that day. I stand with the officers who were trying to maintain law and order. I stand with the people who are disgusted that Donald Trump is opening the doors and letting out the criminals who attacked them.
I don't hear a single Republican brave enough to come to this floor and condemn these pardons. I don't hear a single one. It is cowardice. It is hypocrisy. They are rewarding political violence and setting the stage for much, much worse things to come.
My colleagues heard Representative Scanlon. Some of them are bragging about how they are going out to buy more guns. What is that about? Violent, dangerous people who beat cops, who tried to kill Members of this body, and who tried to kill our staff were let back out onto the streets by Donald Trump.
It is a disgrace. The Speaker should be ashamed. The Speaker owns this now. The Speaker knows that, and the law enforcement officers of this country know it, too. They are watching, and they will remember.
There is a great conservative, Edmund Burke, who once said that all that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing, to be silent.
Well, I, for one, am not going to be silent. We are going to continue to talk about this until we get it right in this country and this Chamber.
I can't speak for my friends on the other side of the aisle, but if today is any indication, Republicans are just hoping and praying that it goes away and that everybody forgets. We will never forget what happened here on January 6. The American people won't ever forget.
The American people did not vote for this. They did not vote to let these violent criminals back onto the streets.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, this vote is on the rule to advance H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act; and S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, regardless of what you have listened to if you have been watching this over the last hour.
This week, the House has the ability to advance significant legislation in the House of Representatives. That is our job.
The Fix Our Forests Act can mark a return to active forest management and return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and I would be willing to bet that that piece of legislation probably passes in a bipartisan manner.
The Laken Riley Act will ensure that criminals who illegally cross our borders and endanger our communities are detained and deported while also giving States the ability to bring civil action against any Federal official in the future should they refuse to enforce our country's immigration laws and put American citizens at risk by refusing to do so.
Again, I thank the law enforcement officers, the Capitol Police specifically, and all those who take care of us on a daily basis.
I send my condolences to Laken Riley's family.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to voting ``yes'' on this bill and sending it to President Trump's desk for his signature. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question, ``yes'' on the rule, and then I hope Members will vote ``yes'' on the legislation. The material previously referred to by Mr. McGovern is as follows:
An Amendment to H. Res. 53 Offered by Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts
Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT from Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance
The previous question was ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on adoption of the resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 471, Fix Our Forests Act, and Providing for Consideration of S. 5, Laken Riley Act
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the vote on ordering the previous question on the resolution (H. Res. 53) providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 471) to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 5) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on ordering the previous question.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 214, nays 204, not voting 15, as follows:
Ms. ROSS, Mrs. FOUSHEE, Messrs. RASKIN, and KRISHNAMOORTHI changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.''
Mr. PALMER changed his vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So the previous question was ordered.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 53, I call up the bill (S. 5) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 53, the bill is considered read.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective designees.
The gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 5.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, S. 5 bears the name of Laken Riley, murdered by one of the 8 million illegal aliens that Joe Biden and his Democratic supporters deliberately allowed into our country over these last 4 years.
In Laken's case, the murderer was paroled into this country through a shocking abuse of that power. He was repeatedly arrested for theft and other crimes in sanctuary jurisdictions and each time released back onto our streets. Just months before he murdered Laken, he was arrested for theft, but ICE couldn't take him into custody because of the Biden- Harris administration's policies that shielded such monsters from arrest and deportation.
This measure, first introduced by Representative Mike Collins, would require ICE detention for illegal aliens who are charged with, arrested for, or convicted of any burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting offense.
The Democrats have argued that the mere accusation of committing a crime should not be grounds for detention and that shoplifting is no big deal. They ignore the fact that every illegal alien is currently required to be detained by current law throughout the pendency of their asylum claims.
The Democrats have thumbed their noses at this law for the past 4 years. Their excuse is that they were prioritizing detaining more dangerous offenders. This bill does exactly that, yet they still oppose it.
During his first term, President Trump proved that the President, on his own authority, can secure our borders. President Biden proved that a President who is determined to make a mockery of our immigration laws can willfully open our borders to the most violent criminals, terrorists, gangs, and cartels on this planet and then use the Democrats' sanctuary laws to protect them.
This national nightmare ended at noon on Monday, but what of future Presidents? This bill ensures that what happened to Laken Riley cannot happen again should another Joe Biden disgrace the Presidency.
Our Senate colleagues have added to the Laken Riley Act parts of Sarah's Law, introduced by Representative Randy Feenstra and Senator Joni Ernst, to mandate detention for illegal aliens who commit any offense that involves death or serious bodily injury.
Sarah's Law was named after Sarah Root. On January 31, 2016, as Sarah drove home after celebrating her college graduation, an illegal alien, who was street racing while drunk, slammed into her SUV, snapping Sarah's spine and fracturing her skull. Sarah died 4 days later, on February 4.
Within hours of her death, a judge set the illegal's bond at $50,000 because no detainer was filed despite a desperate request by local police to do so.
The administration defended this dereliction of duty because the illegal alien had not been convicted of a criminal charge and, therefore, was not an ``enforcement priority.''
S. 5 closes this loophole by requiring detention for illegal aliens, like Sarah Root's killer, who are arrested for, charged with, admitted to, or convicted of any crime that resulted in someone's death or serious bodily injury.
In addition, this bill includes elements of Representative Jeff Van Drew's Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act, which passed the House last year and applies the same mandate for those who assault law enforcement officials.
This bill would also allow States to bring a civil action against derelict Federal officers who refuse to enforce immigration law. This was first introduced by Representatives Dan Bishop and Chip Roy in the SUE for Immigration Enforcement Act. That bill also passed the House twice as part of the Laken Riley Act. That bill was also killed by Senate Democrats last year.
Whether it is sober reflection or perhaps the sobering results of the November election, a handful of Democrats in both the House and the Senate have now come over to support this law. We welcome them. We wish them well in convincing the majority of their party that they need to change course, if not for the good of our country, then at least for the good of themselves. We will take their support any way we can get it.
I have every confidence that President Trump will end this scourge upon our Nation during the next 4 years. This law, and the others that will follow it, will ensure that no future President will be able to unleash upon our country what Joe Biden and his Democratic supporters did.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 5.
We have all these fine speeches and all these fancy parties with billionaires and Congressmen in tuxedos; all these executive orders for Big Oil and tech broligarchs; all these complete and unconditional pardons for Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and violent extremists who chanted ``Hang Mike Pence'' and smashed, swarmed, and wounded our police officers in this building with steel poles, baseball bats, American flags, Confederate battle flags, and bear mace--all this sound and fury on day one and week one, but nothing to bring down grocery prices; nothing to bring down the cost of rent, as they promised; nothing to improve our healthcare system or build on our success in the last Congress in reducing prescription drug prices; nothing to get health insurance coverage for millions of people who don't have it; nothing to bring down the cost of housing or build new housing; nothing to combat the nightmare of climate change, other than the full-scale retreat of withdrawing from the Paris climate accord; nothing to address the real problems faced by the American people.
Today, they want to change the subject from the indelible and shocking public safety disaster of the President releasing hundreds of convicted felons, specifically violent, cop-beating felons caught on tape in the act, whom he had incited on January 6, 2021, back into the population with no plan for protecting the American people or the public safety.
What do they want to talk about today in their wisdom? Public safety and immigration. Great. Let's do it.
This bill does nothing to address the major problems we face in the immigration system or to secure the American border, nor does it do anything to address the major problems we face in public safety, such as the central and overriding problem of out-of-control gun violence, which takes tens of thousands of American citizens' lives every year and is the leading cause of death among American citizen children up to the age of 18.
Mr. Speaker, it may surprise a lot of Americans, but we actually know how to solve these problems, how to make substantial progress on both immigration and public safety. The roadblock is that the majority completely lacks the political will to do it.
Why? Well, the Republicans are divided between two extreme positions: the big business tech oligarchs who bankroll their party and who love cheap foreign labor under the current regime, and the inflamed, nativist, MAGA element who want to shut down all immigration, including legal immigration, and believe in rightwing conspiracy theories like the racist great replacement theory.
Congress could pass bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform this week. Senate Republicans and Democrats reached a powerful and painstaking compromise with President Biden last year to fortify our border with more border agents and more enforcement, more detection technology, more asylum judges, and more funding, but President Trump told House Republicans to tank this popular bipartisan agreement, to sink it.
He didn't want a bipartisan border solution to improve things in the real world. He wanted a permanent border crisis to run against on TV.
Not doing anything means that Trump doesn't offend his big business supporters who want cheap foreign labor under the current regime, but it allows him to pander indefinitely to his MAGA base with nativist rhetoric and tiny, little messaging bills that move a few words around but don't fundamentally change anything.
We should add to the tough border measures already negotiated last Congress a meaningful pathway to citizenship proposed for Dreamers, TPS holders, and other law-abiding, productive immigrants.
If we move from demagoguery to deliberation, we can flesh this out, and we can make immigration work for America, a nation built on immigrants.
We have huge job shortages in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, seafood, nursing, hospitals, and many other areas. We should not be plunging America into chaos to deport millions of people when we already need millions of new people to work here.
If the GOP plan of deporting 12 million people were really to happen, it would plunge us into another Trump economic crisis like the last one under COVID-19 but maybe even cause a depression this time.
The vast majority of Americans know what common sense dictates. We must make it a lot harder for people to get into our country illegally, but we must make it a lot easier for people to get into our country lawfully.
Today, only 2 percent of people seeking admission lawfully are admitted, and Donald Trump, in his first administration, crippled legal immigration into the country. He banned many legal immigrants unable to prove that they have high incomes. He banned immigrants from 13 specific countries. He banned most visa applicants and most skilled temporary workers, deeming them an economic threat. We must reform our system consistent with our values as a nation.
Similarly, when it comes to public safety, we could arrive at a commonsense, bipartisan agenda right now to make our communities a lot safer if we were serious about it.
Let's take the central problem of gun violence, for example, which now takes more than 48,000 American lives a year and is the leading cause of death for children and young people in America up to the age of 18.
Gun violence costs us, costs America, an astonishing $557 billion a year, Mr. Speaker, more than half a trillion dollars a year because of gun violence.
Mass shootings with an AR-15 or other assault weapons have become a terrifying feature of gun violence in America, although they account for just over 1 percent of the tens of thousands of lives we lose generally to gun violence, with old-fashioned handgun homicides, suicides, and accidents continuing to cause the vast majority of deaths.
Here are some policies that the vast majority of Americans support that we could pass this week if they would allow us to do it, Mr. Speaker.
Congress could close the loopholes in the Brady legislation, like the internet loophole and the private gun show loophole. We could pass universal violent criminal background checks on all gun purchases, something supported by upward of 90 percent of the American people, vast majorities of people of both political parties, independents, conservatives, liberals, gun owners, and non-gun owners. Almost everybody supports it.
We could pass a military-style assault weapons ban, which more than 60 percent of Americans support. We could crack down on the proliferating danger of ghost guns. We could expand red flag laws nationwide.
Alas, our colleagues refuse to do any of it because their well- advertised compassion for the American victims of violent crimes committed by undocumented aliens, which they base their entire argument on and which we all share, apparently does not extend to the far larger class of American victims of violent gun crimes committed by other American citizens, even though we have not just 48,000 Americans killed every year but 115,000 American citizens wounded and maimed trying to survive this gun violence debacle handed to us by the NRA and their followers in Congress.
They argue that the Second Amendment prevents all these commonsense gun safety measures, even though the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld them, including an assault weapon ban, criminal background checks on gun buyers, and so on.
When a white supremacist gunman bearing an AR-15 assassinates dozens of American citizen schoolchildren in Connecticut or Florida, dozens of citizen and noncitizen Walmart shoppers in El Paso, Texas, supermarket shoppers in Buffalo, worshippers at the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina, or worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, our colleagues extend only thoughts and prayers. They say nothing can be done. Alas, there is just evil in the world, and the Second Amendment keeps them from acting. We just have to accept this as the inescapable human price and sacrifice paid for the Second Amendment, even though that is not what the Supreme Court says.
At least today shows they think something can be done to stop violent crime in America. Will they take their newfound sense of moral outrage and compassion and apply it not just in one case but to the tens of thousands of victims of gun violence in America? America is waiting for an answer.
What is the majority proposing today? S. 5 is a bill to subject to mandatory detention not just undocumented people who have been convicted of theft, shoplifting, and other criminal offenses, which has been the law supported unanimously by both parties since 1996, but people who have been simply charged with such offenses or arrested for such offenses, even if the charges are dropped or even if they are never filed in the first place.
It is an odd way to fix the border because it has nothing to do with the border, and it is an extremely attenuated and constitutionally dubious way to protect public safety.
The vast majority of serious crimes committed in America are committed by American citizens, not aliens, and the vast majority of aliens don't commit crimes at all.
However, this bill doesn't even focus on the culpable class of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. That the law already does. It focuses on those who are arrested even if they are never charged or those who are charged with crimes even if they are never convicted or even if their charges are dropped.
A young person in DACA who is with a group of friends when one of them is arrested for shoplifting and then all the kids get charged will be subject to mandatory detention and deportation even if the child was not shoplifting and the charges are dropped.
The bill is likely to pass, no doubt, because of the profound sympathy we all share for the parents and family of Laken Riley who have suffered an unthinkable, totally shocking, and profoundly unnecessary trauma. This should not be a partisan issue, and it should not be demagogued for partisan purposes.
Nevertheless, when we get serious about comprehensive threats to public safety in our immigration system, we will have to address the mass crises staring us in the face, like the gun violence epidemic, which takes the lives of tens of thousands of American citizens every year at the hands overwhelmingly of U.S. citizen gunmen.
Mr. Speaker, the so-called bipartisan legislation that the gentleman refers to would have made it impossible for President Trump to have taken the actions he has just taken to secure our border until illegal immigration exceeded 4,000 entries a day. That is why it collapsed in the Senate and it was ultimately disavowed by its own author.
The gentleman is correct to lament the terrible violence in our Nation, especially in our dangerous Democratic cities. So here is a modest proposal: Take the criminals off the streets, like Laken Riley's killer, which is exactly what this bill does.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Yakym).
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Laken Riley Act.
The Biden-Harris administration was marked by failure and corruption, but the failure that sits head and shoulders above all others was their open-border policy. Almost immediately after President Biden was sworn in, America was overrun by a massive, unprecedented surge in illegal immigrants.
The chart next to me shows just how dramatically President Biden failed compared to his predecessors, over double the southern border crossings of any President since 2001. This border chaos was ignored for all 4 years of the Biden-Harris administration. It was downplayed as seasonal or written off as mere ebbs and flows.
Mr. Speaker, find me somewhere on this chart where the surge was only seasonal. Show me where it ebbed or flowed.
Illegal immigrants continued streaming across President Biden's open border in droves because they knew they would face no consequences from an administration that was more focused on inventing new rhetorical flourishes to paper over this very real crisis. They were more content to wish it away rather than actually do something about it.
President Biden's failure at the border had impacts across America. Every town was a border town. Once sleepy places were suddenly forced to contend with sex trafficking, drug trafficking, child labor, infectious diseases, petty theft, and, yes, even rape and murder.
Cartels got rich, and small towns in my district were left scrambling for money and resources. This chaos was a choice made every single day of Joe Biden's Presidency.
No more, Mr. Speaker. Monday marked a new era. President Trump has already taken more decisive action in 48 hours than President Biden took in 4 years.
Mr. Speaker, let's send this bill to President Trump's desk. I urge my colleagues to vote for sanity and common sense. I urge them to vote ``yes.''
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 5. I rise in opposition to S. 5 because the bill is redundant. In fact, the provisions in this bill to penalize those who have committed violent crimes are already included in the penal code. So this legislation is redundant.
What it does do, in fact, is it would force ICE to treat minor offenses as violent ones. That includes, of course, a child caught stealing a candy bar from Walmart, someone who jumps the turnstile in a New York City subway or takes a box of cornflakes because they otherwise have no way to make ends meet.
It also sends a chilling effect out there amongst law-abiding families and workers who are too frightened to show up to their shifts at farms, hospitals, businesses, and schools across the country.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is redundant, and, frankly, the Laken Riley family should not be subject to the political theater that is about to happen here today.
In fact, we should be looking at this issue to fix the problems of both the border, but also to regularize Dreamers, farmworkers, and keep families whole. At the end of the day, Dreamers are productive. They contribute to our society. Farmers need their workers, and we need their workers. Families need to stay together because families that are divided are weak families, and that makes a weak nation.
So this is a redundant bill.
While they are targeting the immigrant communities for stealing a candy bar, the folks from January 6, get this, Mr. Speaker, were released. Felons were released and sent out to our communities.
Today, I think of Officer Daniel Hodge whose gas mask was ripped off his face as he was punched in the face and was stuck in between two doors. America saw the film. America saw the video of him crying for help.
Today, we will continue to fight for sanity and against any political theater that happens here on our floor.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Laken Riley Act which includes my bill, Sarah's Law, as an amendment.
In the early morning hours of January 31, 2016, Michelle and Scott Root received the call that every parent never wants to hear: their daughter, Sarah, had been killed in a car accident. What is worse is that Sarah was murdered by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk three times over the legal limit.
However, instead of answering for his crimes, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from jail, and fled our country never to be seen again.
This egregious loophole in Federal law must be closed so that victims like Sarah Root can receive justice and so that criminals can do the hard time they deserve.
That is why I, alongside Senator Joni Ernst, introduced Sarah's Law to ensure that any illegal immigrant who injures or kills an American citizen is swiftly detained and punished to the fullest extent of the law. As a father of
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to deliver justice for Sarah and her family. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law so that illegal immigrants who break our laws are held accountable for their crimes. This must be done.
Mr. Speaker, I oppose this bill for many reasons, but I really want to get to the heart of the problem for me. On day one, President Trump started his project to deport thousands of our neighbors, even legal immigrants, asylum seekers, and people who were born here in the United States. The Laken Riley Act is another piece of that tragic project.
Laken Riley's death is a tragedy. She should be alive today, and I am glad that that killer is facing accountability, as should anyone who harms an innocent person.
However, we have to be really clear about the bill in front of us. This bill does not make our communities safer. It gives this extreme President the authority to do something that actually most Americans don't agree with. Changing our laws so that any immigrant is detained if they are accused, not convicted, of a crime undermines due process.
This bill requires the government to detain people who pose no risk to our communities. It is a shameful bill that will result in the violent detention of innocent people and children.
Many are going to regret enabling Trump's brutal agenda, and the question is when.
When abusive boyfriends trap women in violent relationships by threatening to falsely accuse them of a crime, will you think back to this day?
When ICE raids kids' classrooms or goes into the Sunday school service to lock up some classmates, will you feel shame then?
When there are no more resources because we have been prioritizing looking at promising young DACA students and rounding them up for no reason, will you regret voting for this bill then?
Our country has failed to ensure that every American has the resources they need to live a good life. It is because of the greedy and richest 1 percent of corporations and spineless politicians that you don't have healthcare, that you need multiple jobs, that your check isn't big enough for those bills, and that you can't afford to rent or to buy.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
It is not the fault of our fellow Americans who might be undocumented. The solution here is not violence. On its face, this is an evil bill meant to empower a violent man who is not interested in solving the problems of working people but interested in power. It seems that any bill that gives him power he and his party will ruthlessly pursue, but not I.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President.
Mr. Speaker, I remind the gentleman that current law already requires every illegal immigrant to be detained. That law is simply not being enforced. This bill says that if that illegal alien who is supposed to be in custody anyway is arrested for other crimes, then they really have to be taken off the streets.
If this bill had been law, then Laken Riley would be alive today.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).
Mr. Speaker, these are not prepared notes, but I wanted to address a few of the things that the ranking member, Congressman Raskin, mentioned. It seems to me that from what I hear on the other side is everything but really dealing with and focusing on what this bill says and what it does.
I want to talk about inflation which, by the way, was created on that other side, food prices and energy and utilities, all of it. I want to talk about all that.
I want to talk about gun violence. I am willing to debate gun violence for hours and discuss the issue, but definitely even on that issue, we don't want to speak about the liberal policies that exist in so many urban areas where we let out violent criminals over and over and over again and change very often felonies to misdemeanors.
Mr. Speaker, if you want to know about gun violence, that is what gun violence does. That is what gun violence is created by, so much that is happening there. Their answer would be to put more gun laws in place that inflict more regulation upon honest, good gun owners who don't ever do anything to anybody. It would be to impinge on Second Amendment rights. Nevertheless, I don't want to talk about that.
I want to talk about this act because I know we are on the right side of this. Laken Riley was killed while going for a jog. That is the issue. An innocent woman who never did anything harmful to anybody in her life, who wanted to be a nurse, who wanted to help other people, and who couldn't even get the last damn telephone call from her mother, was murdered.
Then I hear from the ranking member: Well, the vast majority of illegals don't commit crimes.
My God, I hope not, because we have got close to 10 million of them, as best as we can tell. There are hundreds who are on the terror watch list and thousands who have committed crimes. That is where the problems really do exist, and that is unacceptable.
The previous administration has recklessly abused the mass parole policies. It has flooded our Nation with illegal immigrants. It never should have happened, and it impinges and hurts the security of the American people. I am here to represent, and we are here to represent the American people.
Across the country, we heard about the woman that was set on fire in New York City. What was the first thing that the city of New York did with its liberal policies? They refused to honor ICE's detainer request for the man responsible for setting another human being on fire.
Our immigration laws have to be upheld. Failure to do so is why Laken Riley is not alive today. It is why Washington State Trooper Christopher Gadd's family will never see him. His children and his wife will never know him anymore. He is gone.
It is why, when Laken Riley struggled for almost a half hour, when she was beaten, when she was disfigured, when her head and skull was crushed, that we can't bring her back. We can't bring her life back.
I don't want to hear about all this other political stuff. I don't think the American people do. They want an answer.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that the Senate adopted the amendment that we wanted, which was to put into the bill the legislation that we had to detain and deport illegal aliens who assault cops. They have broken the law once, and now we are saying: My God, if you do it again, no, you are going to be detained, and you are going to be deported. A lot of Democrats are going to vote for it.
Mr. Speaker, I want the American people to know, with eyes wide open, what is inside this bill. We stand here just 2 days after President Trump gave unconditional pardons to violent criminals who attacked our Nation's Capitol on January 6, and these are the people who want us to believe that they are trying to keep criminals off the streets, when they are opening the floodgates.
I want the American people to know what is in this bill because, in the guise and in the wake of tragedy, we are seeing a fundamental erosion of our civil rights in this bill. If a person is so much as accused of a crime or if someone wants to point a finger and accuse
Without being found guilty of a crime, they will be rounded up. What is inside this bill is a fundamental suspension of a core American value, and that is why I rise to oppose it.
If you are a Dreamer, all someone has to do is point a finger, and you will be rounded up. We have seen moments like these happen before in the USA PATRIOT Act, in the wake of the travesty of 9/11, a fundamental suspension of America's civil liberties, that is what we are seeing here today.
Mr. Speaker, my colleagues may wonder why so many of our friends across the aisle, who care so deeply about the rule of law, happen to be so desperate to pass this bill after they are unleashing people who attacked police officers here in this Capitol and who are now free to roam our streets, who are publicly saying now that they want to get a gun. Suddenly, these folks care about public safety? I don't think so.
Look no further than the $83 billion price tag of this bill. They know that it can't be paid for. They know that the capacity is not there.
Do you know what will be there? Private prison companies are going to get flooded with money, who give this money, no doubt. I want folks at home to look at which Members of Congress are invested in private prison companies, who receive this kind of money, and look at the votes on this bill.
It is atrocious that people are lining their pockets with private prison profits in the name of a horrific tragedy on the victim of a crime. It is shameful. It is absolutely shameful.
Mr. Speaker, I will conclude with this: In a few months, there are Members of Congress who voted for this bill who are going to pretend that they didn't know about all the bad things that are going to happen because of it.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Mr. Speaker, when a private prison camp opens in your town and they say they didn't know this was going to happen, know that they did and that they voted for it.
When a Dreamer has disappeared from your classroom and when the President of the United States destroys what is left of the Constitution as he has announced in his attack on birthright citizenship, they will all say: We didn't know this was coming.
I want the American people to know that they did. This vote represents it.
Mr. Speaker, I certainly hope we do open as many prisons as possible to round up as many illegal aliens who have invaded our country and those who are breaking our laws; killing our citizens, women and children; and causing complete havoc across our great land.
Mr. Speaker, I support the Laken Riley Act. I support the Laken Riley Act because Laken Riley should be alive today, and she would be alive today if it hadn't been for the Democrats and the Biden administration who ripped our border open and allowed this illegal alien monster to come into our country.
Then, in the State of New York, when this monster was arrested for committing crimes, the Democrat-led State of New York let him go. That is how he came down to Georgia and murdered our Laken Riley.
This is a bill that cannot get passed soon enough, and I am so thankful that the American people overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump so that we can sign this bill into law. It can't happen fast enough. Thank God.
Listening to my colleagues, the Democrats on the other side of the aisle, complain and whine and defend illegal aliens who break the law the minute they cross our border is pathetic. The American people are so sick and tired of it. They cannot believe what our country has gone through. It is enough. It is absolutely enough.
Democrats will go on and on to defend anyone who is not American because of their America-last policies. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle talk about tax dollars used. Our tax dollars should be used for defending Americans.
Members want to talk about spending a lot of money? Spending a lot of money should happen for American causes, American purposes, and Americans' security.
Laken Riley is a young woman who should be living her American Dream, and she had the right to do it. People who come across our border illegally are not Americans, and they do not have rights here.
That is exactly why, anytime they break a law and anytime they cross into our country, they should be rounded up and shipped out as fast as possible. If we need to build more prisons, then we will do it because the American people will support it.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congressman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, it is hard to keep myself composed when I hear people speak their hypocrisies that actually generate profits for them when they talk the way they do and then also use the word ``God'' somehow in their speech.
Let me say this: We cannot realize justice by engaging in grave injustice. We cannot achieve safety by putting millions in harm's way. We cannot honor our ideals that we talk so much about in this place by undermining civil rights.
Preemptively jailing people is not accountability. It is inhumanity. Mandatory, indefinite detention based not on charges or convictions, but on accusations, that is the tool of dictators, not democracies.
Let me be clear that Laken Riley's death is a tragedy, and we have work to do to protect women and make our communities safer. We should be bringing bills like Break the Cycle of Violence Act to the floor. We could perhaps have a discharge petition and do it right now.
Let's remember that undocumented immigrants didn't make college unaffordable. They didn't destroy our environment. They didn't deny insurance claims. They didn't raise our rents.
Scapegoating immigrants just deflects the accountability from the corporations and from the billionaires and bosses profiting from everyday American hardships. That is what this is all about. It is about ending due process so that they can profit.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no.''
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 5, the Laken Riley Act.
First, I point out that my Democratic colleagues are all exercised about the pardons of Donald Trump of January 6 protesters, but they said not a word when President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 cold- blooded murderers on death row in our Federal prisons.
This bill is the Senate amended version of Representative Collins' bill that passed this Chamber earlier this month. It is named after Laken Riley, the 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was brutally murdered by a criminal illegal alien, another casualty of the Biden- Harris, Democratic, open-border policies.
This bill adds burglary, theft, and larceny to a list of crimes for which it would be mandatory that illegal alien criminals be deported. The Senate also added to this act a very important provision that adds assault of a law enforcement officer or causing bodily injury to another person.
The Laken Riley Act, when signed by President Trump, will begin the long and hard work of protecting Americans from the more than 10 million illegal aliens who were enabled by Biden's open-border policies.
On January 7, I was very encouraged to see 48 of our Democratic colleagues in this Chamber vote for the commonsense protections that Americans support in the Laken Riley Act. Yesterday, 12 Senate Democrats joined all the Republicans in supporting this commonsense measure.
Mr. Speaker, deporting criminal illegal aliens should not be a partisan bill.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is so shameful that the first bill of the new Congress will put a target on the backs of millions of our neighbors. These are neighbors who worked so hard and who build up our communities. It is also going to increase militarization of our neighborhoods.
As someone who grew up in southwest Detroit, where you will find 20 different ethnicities, people from all over the world, who came together, you should see how beautifully diverse it is. They built up communities and neighborhoods. They are an integral part of our neighborhoods.
One of the things that I have been seeing over and over again on social media already, Mr. Speaker, is literally militarization of Border Patrol, officials everywhere, just people scared and petrified because that is what is exactly happening because this promotes racial profiling.
The bill blatantly violates due process. These have literally been allegations and charges, not actual convictions. You all act like if somebody is undocumented they can't be deported. They can. As a former immigration attorney, I know that for a fact.
You are making this up so you can literally allow people to be profiled and discriminated against.
Blame them for the cost of eggs? Is that what we are doing here? We are blaming them because you guys can't put corporate greed to the side? That is a disease, and that is killing our economy. People can't afford housing. You think it is because of our immigrant neighbors?
No. If you truly care about fixing our immigration system, you would go fix it so that U.S. citizens married to undocumented spouses can actually adjust their status when we have mixed statuses because we have ignored and vilified immigrants for 30 years.
Enough is enough.
It will separate families. It would lead again to continued discrimination. It is shameful that my colleagues are giving in to racist fear-mongering at the first opportunity to pass legislation, to scapegoat our immigrant neighbors and fuel hate in our communities.
I know what is going to happen. It won't just be undocumented. It will be people like my mother who will get stopped and profiled. Does she have to carry her U.S. passport around? Are we asking people now to have documentation? That is what you want to turn our neighborhoods into, is militarization?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
I just ask all of you to truly understand what this will do to our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to please vote ``no'' on this divisive bill. It is so important to understand what you are going to turn our communities and our neighborhoods into. We can't allow that to continue to happen.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to direct their remarks to the Chair.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins). He is the author of the Laken Riley Act in the House, representing her hometown and her grieving family.
Mr. Speaker, I will take a minute to talk a little bit about the journey of this bill. When this tragedy happened and we took a look at what possibly could be done to make sure that this doesn't happen again, I talked with the family and asked them if we could put Laken Riley's name on it.
Their response was: Congressman, if there is anything that Congress can do to make sure that this doesn't happen to another family, then please put her name on it and get this thing passed.
Mr. Speaker, and that we did. Thirty-seven Democrats with all Republicans in the House passed that bill in the 118th Congress. We sent it over to the Senate and where so many of the other good bills went, it fell into the black hole of the Senate never to be seen again.
I had another discussion with the family later and told them where the bill was sitting and what was going on. I told them that I can never let it go. I just couldn't let this go because Laken fought with every ounce in her body to stay alive that day. I vowed I would fight with every ounce I had to make sure that we protected families across this country, and that we did.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the family for allowing us to do that. I also thank my colleagues for sticking in here and voting with us, not just the Republicans but the Democrats, people on the other side of the aisle and not just in the House, it went through the Senate. We had Senate Democrats that went with this bill, as well.
This is a good bill. It is a commonsense, law enforcement bill. It simply states that for minor-level crime local law enforcement can contact ICE to get these people detained, processed, and deported. These people, these criminals that come across and inflict violence on American families, they just get more and more emboldened.
The Speaker pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
They commit larger and more heinous crimes, and that is exactly what happened here in the Laken Riley murder.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to get this passed today. Let's get this done. I will leave you with one other thought, too. I have always heard a saying that there is nothing with any meaningful legislation that happens up here in this town until the American people demand it, and by God, they are demanding this get passed and we get these criminals out of our country.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my good colleague from California for leading this charge and being that strong voice.
Mr. Speaker, we seem to have a common California problem on a lot of issues. I will remind people that California is a sanctuary State and some of the first sanctuary cities emanated from California leading to this problem.
Governor Gavin Newsom and the rest of the State is actually defying Federal law on enforcing borders and turning over criminal illegal aliens when they capture them and detain them. Lives are being lost because of that.
Let me go back in time a little bit so they are not forgotten.
Jamiel Shaw, II, a 17-year-old high school student and a promising athlete was shot and killed in March 2008 near his home in Los Angeles. His assailant, an undocumented immigrant or illegal alien, whatever you want to call it, was a member of the 18th Street Gang and had been released from jail just a day before this shooting.
Later, he was finally convicted in 2012 and sentenced to death, then commuted by Gavin Newsom.
Shaw's death led to increasing scrutiny of these policies and hopefully results here today.
Let me remind you of Kate Steinle. That one gripped the Nation as well. She was killed on a pier in San Francisco when an illegal immigrant, who shouldn't have been there, got ahold of a gun and discharged it and shot poor Kate Steinle. This man was acquitted of murder and manslaughter and only put away on a felon in possession of a firearm. This became a focal point in discussions of sanctuary cities, as well.
We have an opportunity here to not have this happen again and again. We know well, unfortunately, the story of Laken Riley because that is fresher in our minds. We can't go back and forget about people like Jamiel Shaw, whose father I met who was grieving at the time and is still grieving now; Kate Steinle, and so many other names that we are not naming here yet today. We need to do better.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I am sorry that Representative Collins has left. I was just presented with a tweet that he sent out about the New Jersey-born Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Budde, who performed a service as part of the inaugural ceremonies. Apparently, he was not pleased with what she had to say, and he wrote, ``The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.''
I would have asked him whether he was serious about that. Of course, the Episcopalian Bishop is a U.S. citizen, but, of course, that is very much in the spirit of the times. It reminds me of the period of the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798 when there was an effort to use the Alien and Sedition Acts, which have been invoked recently by the new President, in order to persecute the political opponents of the administration as well as to chase down and kick out of the country all of the dangerous French immigrants who were spreading revolutionary propaganda in the country. A friend of Jefferson's wrote to him, John Taylor, to say how exhausted he was by all of the political fighting and the demonizing of immigrants and the attempt to shut the borders down and to attack political opponents as enemies of the State, and so on.
Jefferson wrote in this beautiful letter back--you should check it out online, if you can. It is a letter to John Taylor. In it he counseled patience.
He said:
Our colleagues have spoken up for nothing other than due process. The idea that the bipartisan compromise that has been cemented and lost since 1996 should stand, saying that we want the immediate detention and deportation of undocumented people who actually commit crimes. In an effort to drive a wedge in this body, they now say they want to move from people who have been convicted of crimes, which obviously accords completely with common sense, to people who have just been accused or charged with crimes, even if the charges are dropped even for offenses as small as shoplifting.
In any event, we don't claim somehow that one side or the other is morally righteous and the other is morally wrong. We are trying to have a public policy debate. In the role of public emotion in public policy debates, Mr. Speaker, is an interesting thing. Some people think it is enough to show up and say, there has been a terrible event. There has been a sickening murder or rape, therefore, you must pass our bill without even reading the bill, without even looking to see what is in the bill. Does it make sense as a matter of public policy?
If that were the standard they actually believed in, they would be voting for all of the gun safety legislation they have been rejecting, because every time there is a massacre, whether it is in Connecticut or Florida or Texas or Illinois or any of our communities, we come in and we say, we want what the American people want in public opinion polls: a universal, violent criminal background check. We want a ban on military-style assault weapons.
There is no reason 18 year olds should be bearing AR-15s and showing up in classrooms and churches and synagogues with weapons of mass destruction. If it were enough just to appeal to emotion, they would be voting with us, but, no, they say that conflicts with their public policy understanding.
Well, at the very least you would think they would have the burden of telling us what they do support, but we never hear anything. You don't hear a peep out of them about gun violence because the second amendment, as they misinterpret it, is sacrosanct as well as their NRA support and contributions. That is what they bow down to is the National Rifle Association when it comes to this policy debate because they won't advance anything that conflicts with the NRA, even if the Supreme Court says it is perfectly fine.
We had a ban on assault weapons for a decade. It was perfectly constitutional. We have the Brady act. We have a violent criminal background check, but even though expanding it to make it universal would save hundreds or thousands of American citizen lives every year, they won't touch it.
Don't invoke emotion selectively and say everybody has got to go along with what you are saying without even analyzing the policy implications and the constitutional implications if you are not willing to put anything on the table to reduce the sickening death toll for gun violence in America. There is nothing in the world that approaches what we have got here. It is 25 times higher than the EU countries, dozens of times higher than Japan, Canada, U.K., you name it. Yet, they pretend as if there is no problem and they seize on an opportunistic bill like this to try to drive a wedge within our Congress and within our people.
I hope they do better when we get to the second week of this new administration than freeing violent criminal felons who stormed this Capitol and attacked our police officers than bringing forward a bill like this to try to cover up for their complicity with that sickening violence against our constitutional order.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
First, in response to my friend, I would say after the last 4 years in which the Democrats brought the full force of the government to intimidate social platforms, to shut down dissenting opinions, and stifle public debate, I would be a little more careful about invoking the Alien and Sedition Acts.
The gentleman offers us gun control as an antidote; we offer criminal control. Get the criminals off the streets, which is exactly what this bill does. I am sure that he must be very upset that Mr. Biden pardoned his son for gun crimes.
Mr. Speaker, to my Democratic colleagues who have joined Republicans to pass this bill into law, I thank them for standing up to the woke left of their party. That is a hard thing to do, especially when it exposes them to their insults and epithets and threats of political retribution. To the others, I ask how many more laws with names attached to them do we need to pass before you take this crisis seriously.
How many American citizens must die at the hands of illegal aliens before we all agree that these tragedies are fully preventable? Must the name of my child or their child be the one attached to an H.R. number or an S. number before Democrats can vote ``yes'' on these commonsense bills?
The fine point of the matter comes down to this: If this bill had been law, Jocelyn Nungaray, Sarah Root, Rachel Moran, Laken Riley, and many, many more such victims would be alive today because their killers would have been taken into custody. Under President Trump, they never would have been allowed into our country in the first place.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for adoption of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 53, the previous question is ordered on the bill.
The question is on the third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be read a third time, and was read the third time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the bill.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 165) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain land to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and for other purposes, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 416, nays 0, not voting 17, as follows:
Ms. SIMON changed her vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the vote on passage of the bill (S. 5) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the bill.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 263, nays 156, not voting 14, as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bost) (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining.
So the bill was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
Mr. Speaker, due to the death of my beloved wife of 41 years, Patty Williams, I was unable to be in D.C. and vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 23.
Mr. Speaker, I missed votes today due to a medical emergency, a hemorrhage in my eye, that required me to travel back to Illinois to seek urgent medical attention. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 20, NO on Roll Call No. 21, YEA on Roll Call No. 22, and NAY on Roll Call No. 23.
Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent in the House chamber today due to illness. On January 18, 2025, I was seen in the emergency room and subsequently admitted for treatment of influenza and pneumonia. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 20, NO on Roll Call No. 21, YEA on Roll Call No. 22, and YEA on Roll Call No. 23.
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the life of Alfred ``Al'' Magnatta, who will turn 100 years old on January 27.
Al's legacy is one of unwavering dedication and service to his country and community, a true embodiment of the American spirit.
Al served as a B-17 aerial gunner in the United States Army's 8th Air Force Division during World War II, completing 25 missions while stationed in England.
Returning home in 1946, Al joined the Congers Fire Department and rose through the ranks, serving as chief from 1960 to 1962 and later as Rockland County deputy fire coordinator, a role he held for over six decades.
Over 79 years of continuous service, Al has responded to countless emergencies, from the 80-hour freight train fire in 1974 to drills at Indian Point and more. His leadership, commitment, and resilience have been instrumental in shaping fire safety standards across Rockland County and New York State.
At 100 years young, Al remains the Congers Fire Department's oldest active member, continuing to respond to calls and serve his community.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Al Magnatta, a hero, a leader, and an inspiration to us all. I wish Al a happy birthday.
Mr. Speaker, last year, I was so proud to be one of the people to help lead an effort to create the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Since its establishment in 2023, this office has helped reduce gun violence by 20 percent and delivered the lowest violent crime rate in over 50 years.
The office wasn't about politics. It was about saving lives and even had bipartisan support from Members in this Chamber.
On day two of the Trump administration, something happened. That progress was recklessly dismantled by President Donald Trump. Just today, one day after the office was shut down, students were shot at a high school in Nashville, and one was killed.
While lives are stolen daily by gun violence, this administration is busy signing executive orders that have nothing to do with helping working families and keeping our communities safe.
After every mass shooting, the cries of grieving families begged us to do something over the last 4 years, and we did, by making this office. Here we are again, though, forced to abandon the efforts that have saved lives.
Leaders on both sides of the aisle need to come together to pass commonsense gun reform, and we can't stop fighting until we have another Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents need more SALT, and Congress must deliver it in this year's
My Democrat colleagues claim SALT relief is a handout for the wealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. My district has one of the highest costs of living in the Nation where what is considered a high income elsewhere barely covers expenses.
My Republican colleagues argue SALT relief subsidizes bloated State budgets, but the facts don't lie. States like New York, New Jersey, and California send billions more to Washington than we get back.
Meanwhile, States like Kentucky and South Carolina and dozens of other red States receive much more than what they contribute. We Long Islanders aren't asking for any special treatment, we just want our fair share.
A higher SALT cap means tax fairness. It means economic equity, and it means relief for hardworking families. Let's get it done.
Mr. Speaker, today I stand to honor and remember the life and the legacy of Dr. Harold Bailey. As president of the NAACP Albuquerque Chapter and a leader across New Mexico, he was a pillar in the community, mentor, a father, someone who mentored countless generations of individuals who have transformed the fabric of our life in New Mexico.
His work on civil rights and early education will be remembered for generations. As we remember Dr. Bailey, let us commit ourselves to upholding the values that he championed: equality, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.
May Dr. Bailey's spirit continue to guide us as we strive for a better future for all Americans and for all New Mexicans.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Master Sergeant Linda Faye Julian. Sergeant Julian enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard in 1975 and attended dental specialist school at Kessler Air Force Base.
She deployed in support of many operations and exercises with the 134th Air Refueling Wing. Sergeant Julian served her country with distinction during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
In 1987, she was selected as the Air National Guard Outstanding Medical Corps Airman of the Year. She was a great mentor to many young airmen who went on to have very distinguished careers in the medical clinic and the Air Guard, and she retired in 2002 after her distinguished career of 27 years.
She didn't stop giving when she retired. Sergeant Julian continued to serve her community through the Junior Service League in Blount County. She is passionately involved in charitable causes, including Toys for Tots and Meals on Wheels programs.
She touched countless lives with her kindness. She was proud of her three children and three grandchildren and was always happy to be surrounded by her loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Julian loved her country and her community. It is my honor to recognize Master Sergeant Linda Faye Julian as Tennessee's Second District January 2025 Veteran of the Year.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, a fierce civil rights activist, accomplished educator, and esteemed political leader.
As a lifelong resident of Durham, North Carolina, Dr. Allison's impact was profound and multifaceted. From her time serving as first vice chair of the Durham County Democratic Party to her leadership as chair of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, she worked tirelessly to uplift the African-American community and ensure that their voices were heard and represented in local politics.
She was quite literally the personification of Ella Baker. Her steadfast focus on civic engagement in the City of Durham has been a catalyst for over 60 years, connecting our civil rights past to our hopeful present through the power of the ballot box.
Her lessons will echo across the campus of North Carolina Central University and the State for years to come, and her legacy will live through the life of young people that she trained and mentored throughout her dynamic life.
Mr. Speaker, I will miss her as a trusted adviser and supportive colleague and a dear friend. I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and the entire community during this difficult time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the retirement of Mr. Jeff Barker, marking the conclusion of a truly remarkable career.
For over 40 years, Mr. Barker dedicated his life to leadership, compassion, and service. He spent 20 years at Gilman Paper Company, which was once the largest privately-owned paper company in America and a cornerstone employer in Camden County. After the mill transitioned ownership, he continued his distinguished career as executive vice President.
Following the paper mill's closure in 2002, Mr. Barker was selected as the first president and CEO of the St. Mary's United Methodist Church Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation expanded its mission to serve southeast Georgia, the Nation, and the world.
It has promoted global Methodism, supported evangelical ministries, and partnered in international relief efforts. For 24 years, Mr. Barker brought hope and opportunity to vulnerable populations in his community and across the globe. His life's works left a legacy, both locally and internationally.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Barker and offer our best wishes to him and his family as he embarks on a well-earned retirement.
Mr. Speaker, during my 8 years as Mayor of Houston, I faced seven federally declared disasters. I thank this House for your support.
Texas has experienced more billion-dollar disasters since 1980 than any other State in the Union. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Winter Storm Uri in February of 2021 cost us billions.
I am grateful to the White House under the leadership, at the time, of Presidents Trump and Biden and bipartisan Members of Congress for the billions of dollars sent to Houston and Texas without any preconditions.
Disasters affect Democrats and Republicans and every socioeconomic group. People lose their homes, their furniture, their cars, their pets, and many lose their lives. These disasters affect them physically and mentally.
For many families with limited means, and especially those with children, they do not know how they are going to move forward. The support of Congress gives them hope, resources, lightens their burden, and renews their faith their country will be there for them in their moment of need.
Mr. Speaker, I pray we will be there for the people of California as Congress was there for Texas without condition and for others that may face disasters in the future. Mr. Speaker, that is who we are.
Mr. Speaker, today marks 52 years since that fateful Roe v. Wade decision, a decision that has tragically ended countless unborn lives. The Supreme Court, not too long ago, did find that it was unconstitutionally put in place, not legislated, but done by the stroke of a pen at a court.
This week, thousands of people across the country are coming together in Washington for the March for Life, showing their unwavering commitment to standing up for the unborn and pushing for a culture that values and protects life.
Every life is precious. It is our duty to defend those who can't speak for themselves, even though there are those that would say it is just a clump of cells. Well, those clumps of cells always, always, every time develop into a human, not a puppy, not a waffle, always a human. For people to try and deny that science is ridiculous.
That is why I am honored to receive the A+ rating by the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Scorecard for the 118th Congress, a recognition of my own dedication, but that of so many of my colleagues, as well, that we all back each other up on.
Protecting life doesn't stop there. We need to make sure that mothers have the information they need and the support they need so they can make informed decisions, rather than glossed over by abortionists.
Mr. Speaker, I can hear the cheers rising in Toledo, Ohio, the 100-year legacy home of Jeep, of Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator. And I can hear the cheers coming from Shawn Fain, the President of the United Autoworkers Nationwide; and regionally, Bruce Baumhower, the Local 12 president; Dave Green, the regional leader of Region 2B; and Tony Totty, the president of Local 14.
This afternoon, Chairman John Elkann from Jeep Stellantis announced plans by Jeep Stellantis to reinvest in industrial America. In Toledo, Ohio, they will invest in order to produce--and I am reading directly from his remarks--taking, ``product actions for Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator in our Toledo assembly complex, and more components critical to our production in the Toledo machining plant.''
This means jobs, living-wage jobs, jobs with retirement benefits, jobs in the middle class. He also announced in Belvidere, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; and Kokomo, Indiana similar investments.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the leaders of Jeep Stellantis and their union workers for keeping their word to America's workers. God bless them, and God bless America.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Utah?
Mr. Speaker, with President Trump officially in the White House and the inauguration festivities behind us, House Republicans are hitting the ground running this week on critical bills to protect the most vulnerable among us and to respond to the devastating wildfires ravaging throughout southern California.
Just to capture what just happened maybe 30 minutes ago, in the House of Representatives, we just passed the final version of the Laken Riley Act, which is commonsense, immigration border security protocols that put the lives of Americans first.
It is so commonsense, I am going to highlight: There are two people, and primarily probably just one, that made this so we couldn't do this a year and a half ago when it should have been done in the 118th Congress.
We just had over a dozen Democrats in the Senate vote for this bill. We had numerous Democrats in the House also support this bill. What is the difference today versus 6, 8 months ago when we tried to pass this? It is Senator Schumer.
Senator Schumer, as the leader of the Senate, would not allow for this bill to come up. He told those 12 Democrats in the Senate, I am not going to give you a chance to actually vote for sensible border security about the life lost of a Georgian because of absolutely insane border falter from President Biden.
Chuck Schumer basically said to a big portion of his Democratic Senators: I am not going to give you a chance to vote on something sensible. The House sent it over to us. We are not going to vote on it.
One change was made. Senator John Thune was put in the leadership position where he, with Republican Senators, decided to bring this to the floor, and a dozen or so Senators came on board from the Democrat side and voted for something sensible.
I wish the American people would truly understand that that is why elections are so important. That is why you put conservative leadership over in the Senate coupled with what we are doing in the House to provide sensible legislation, not extreme legislation like when it gets highlighted.
Mr. Speaker, it is literally going to make a positive impact, and that is just the second day. President Trump now has something to sign and show the American people that he hears us and he is ready to go and move about this.
I commend the bipartisan group of individuals from the Democratic Party in the House and the Senate that were willing to sort of buck the trend and say let's do this. I am very excited about that. I make that point. Obviously, I am a little frustrated it took so much time. It should have been brought up under Senator Chuck Schumer when he was the majority leader. That is clearly not the way he is going to govern.
Who knows if President Trump would have signed it. If the Senate leaders are going to push, you can sometimes get something across the finish line in the White House, even in an opposing White House.
We got that done today. This week we are focusing on Congresswoman Wagner's Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, another very commonsense piece of legislation that protects the fundamental right to life by ensuring that babies who survive an attempted abortion receive the same medical care health providers would have administered to a fetus born at the same age.
If a baby survives an abortion, this bill says to that physician they have to administer the same healthcare treatments that they would in any other labor situation. This legislation also requires that healthcare providers transport the child to the hospital and report abortion violations to law enforcement.
As southern California continues to struggle with devastating wildfires, House Republicans are also supporting Chairman Westerman's Fix Our Forests Act which enhances resiliency after wildfires and reduces regulatory burdens that hinder active forest management.
I am grateful to my colleagues for joining me this evening to discuss these necessary pieces of legislation. I gladly yield to my colleague from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).
Mr. VAN ORDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I look at this issue from a different perspective. I was a combat medic in the United States Navy SEALs teams for over two decades. If I had encountered an enemy combatant that was injured on the battlefield, and I have, if I did not render medical aid
When we talk about the most innocent amongst us, unborn children, who survive the most traumatic circumstances imaginable, an attempted abortion, when we say as a body that we will not render medical aid to that human child, we are less of a people.
Unfortunately, tomorrow we are going to hear many of my Democrat colleagues say that this bill is to restrict a woman's right to have an abortion. That is a lie. We are going to hear many of my Democrat colleagues say that this is vindictive. That is a lie. We are going to hear many of my Democrat colleagues say that Republicans want to burden women who find themselves in a place where they feel like they must abort their unborn human child. That is a lie. Enough.
This is about the sanctity of human life, the dignity of a child, and our ability as a nation and as a body to express humanity to someone who has done nothing wrong, not to themselves, not to our culture, not to our society.
I implore my Democrat colleagues to look at the life of a human child that has survived possibly the most traumatic circumstance, an attempted abortion, and think of that child as their own. Think of that child as someone that is a child of God, that is the apex of creation because that is exactly what that child is. They deserve all of the respect that we can possibly give them because they are our children.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his passion. It is always appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the good gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to hearing more of his perspective on what is ravaging through his State. Our hearts go out to those affected. As we hear many conversations about the California wildfires, we constantly hear that concern for the human element of this and a sincere desire to find improvements in how we can support them now and address this going forward.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. I appreciate it a lot.
If viewers watch this channel a whole lot, they might see me on the floor talking about forestry and water, whether it is California or the whole West. I know it greatly affects my colleague from Utah, too. The forest fires and lack of forest management is appalling.
Why do we have to suffer this year after year when we know what actually works? When the Forest Services should be doing its job and treating more acres in a timeline that is much more rapid, when we want to say increase the pace and scale of doing so. It just doesn't happen.
We know they face lawsuits all the time. At some point we have to beat the lawsuits, let them come, but get the work done. Be bold. Be strong. Take them on. At some point it has got to be proven that what we are doing is the right thing, even though there is a liberal judge in San Francisco or somewhere that is trying to say that we have to restudy once again for a salamander or something like that.
When we have the kind of destruction that we see time and time again in our forests, especially in the Western States, then we will just keep suffering it. There is no reason for that. We have been working on the Fix Our Forests Act this week. My colleague and chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, Mr. Westerman, has been working a long time on this. It is a very practical bipartisan plan to tackle the wildfire crisis and finally start managing the forest correctly. We see the destruction.
One fire in my district called the Dixie fire 3 years ago was a million acres. Several other fires were in the six-digit number such as the North Complex. The Camp fire was several hundred thousand acres but also took 85 lives in the town of Paradise.
What we see is the destruction in Los Angeles. It is unspeakable what is going on down there. Unfortunately, I have already lived that in 3\1/2\ communities of mine in the North State that were almost completely lost in fires the last few years.
It is heartbreaking, and it is mostly avoidable. We are going to have fires. They are going to happen. If we have managed lands, it is much easier to put fire out and control it.
When we look at the picture here, a managed forest is a better forest. It is better for the forest health itself. It is better for the wildlife in it. It is much easier to control fire and put fire out with the way fires behave. When we see this managed forest here on the far side of the poster, this is thin. This is how forest used to look 120 years ago.
We have let them fill in too much because we have had the stance of putting out all fires or at least we did for a while. The forest became built up like this. It is very dense. It is hard for the wildlife to even get through there. The old standard was could a cowboy ride a horse through there like the first explorers who came to the West. They can't now.
This is a tinderbox. Trees compete for very limited water supply, especially in a drought period. When they compete for limited water, it harms the tree. The tree struggles, and then it becomes weak. It becomes susceptible to insects waiting to take advantage. They know a weak tree.
A tree's self-defense mechanism is the sap that it produces when it is healthy. When that sap is there, if a borer tries to bore into that tree, the sap tends to push that insect out. It works pretty well. If the tree is weak, it doesn't make as much of that sap. The tree gets killed over time.
There is an area in eastern-central California, east of Fresno. We have gone camping up there before. This area all looks green. If we look at that area, about every other tree is gray. If lightning ever hits that, if something happens there, it will be yet the next fire. They keep happening.
The Park fire that happened in Chico, California, near my home, 400,000 acres. It blew from that area east of Chico all the way up to basically right near Lassen Volcanic National Park. We can't get used to these six-digit numbers for fires. The amount of resources it takes, the amount of firefighters, and the amount of people who put themselves in a dangerous way to do this is unnecessary.
Let's defeat these environmental lawsuits. Let's defeat these naysayers because this makes sense here. This doesn't. We keep losing this. We see the issue. Let's take southern California since that is the topic right now and for good reason. We have to manage these grasslands and these brushlands that are around. They are not forested per se. That is a little farther east of L.A. and those areas. It is the same thing. If this brush is managed, then they have a better chance, when the Santa Ana winds come up every year, of being able to control or stop the fire. It won't be perfect every time, but it gives them a fighting chance.
They had been doing it. For some reason this year they suspended that work. There were budgets cuts. What are they spending the money on? That has been a hot topic of giving California money and yet it seems they are not helping themselves.
That is my home State, and I have been frustrated for a long time. They spend a lot of money on a lot of other things. They want more Federal money. They are still wasting money on the high-speed rail. They want to give more money to illegal immigration and benefits for that. The State is trying to set aside $50 million to fight Trump. What is that all about?
They want to ask for money here and say we are putting conditions on them. They are not acting properly. They not acting in a way that is responsible when they should be focused on things that are keeping the public safe. The water supply that ran out in the area by the Pacific Palisades didn't need to run out. Maybe they should upgrade their fire hydrant systems with larger lines that can hold more water at a time, but they are not doing that.
The lake that was nearby was empty for almost a full year. When we see the work that needs to be done not getting done, what is everyone supposed to do? What are the other 49 States supposed to say? Oh, keep doing what they are doing; we will give them money. All the complaining around here is about conditions.
When you don't do that, this is what you get. We have seen it in vivid colors and coverage here. Thankfully, the wind had subsided somewhat in southern California. They are getting their water around it somewhat, but the
When we talk about what we need to do in the Fix Our Forests Act, we need to pass this legislation. I can't believe the arguments on that side of the aisle against it. It doesn't make any sense because we need to manage these lands.
The Federal Government is in charge through the Forest Service of 193 million acres. Their ambitious goal is to treat 2 million per year. That is 1 percent per year. If we do the math, that takes 100 years to get over all that. Although this is the city situation, it doesn't look that much different when I was in my home district next to a town named Canyondam which had that same orange glow 5 minutes before the town of Canyondam disappeared. There is no reason for this.
The Fix Our Forests Act would be a very important step in managing forests in a way that is successful. In only 2 days, President Trump has been leading the charge on the executive orders. He is not playing around with the climate change game. He is not playing all that. Instead, he wants to move toward water supply for California, move toward forest management. We will be working with him on that more. He gets it.
This is him in Paradise, California, saying: Why aren't they managing these lands? Governor Newsom stands there empty-handed 6 years later after that fire with empty promises and with very little land having been managed the way it should.
I am really glad we have President Trump, who understands this and is going to do everything he can to help. We will help supply him the legislation, such as the Fix Our Forests Act with the things it does.
Particularly, it expands the clearance zone for hazardous trees around power lines, a bill I have been carrying personally as one of the fires in my district, known as the Carr fire, was caused by that, as were two others, the power lines and things.
It directs the Forest Service to expand the use of livestock grazing. There is a concept. We know it works, and it works all through the West. They try to shut that down and say you don't get the permit for that, that it might affect the species. It actually has been found to help species when the cattle keep the noxious weeds and such down.
They have made it more and more difficult to keep those grazing permits and grazing abilities there, including a very heinous one going on in a northern California park right now where they are kicking the growers and the cattle people off the land after many years.
We are also talking about looking at having a Western headquarters for the Forest Service instead of in Washington, D.C. They need to be based where the forests mostly are, where the problem usually is. The idea is to migrate the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, USDA. Why don't we put them where the issue is, especially the Forest Service? That is an idea that is in this bill, as well.
It will take advantage of local expertise, people who actually know and live with the conditions. They know the wind patterns and what things look like, instead of a fire team maybe coming from somewhere else and maybe not making the right call on how they should treat the area.
The Fix Our Forests Act is a giant step in the right direction. I support it wholeheartedly and ask my colleagues to jump in on it to have it be a bipartisan effort. There is nothing wrong with this bill. Let's do it.
Mr. Speaker, I will quickly touch on it, as well. I anticipate there will be some clear bipartisan support on this. If we are looking at it through a lens of common sense, we should get an abundance of it.
I reflect back to Monday when President Trump, during his inaugural address, said we will be the party of common sense. It is something that I want to sincerely communicate as I wrap up here.
There are a lot of games that get played in Washington. There are a minority and a majority and a lot of back and forth that goes on. I have experienced both. I have experienced it all, from the White House switching, the Senate switching back and forth, and the House going back and forth.
There are a lot of games. There are a lot of times that the majority will put in a bill that has some poison pills in it for the minority, and it becomes an entire messaging bill, a party-line exercise.
I was subject to it for my first term. Not every bill from the majority was like that. I joined on, in a very bipartisan way, sometimes not even from the majority of my side.
You have to look at the policy. I have seen a sincere effort from us not to go down the poison pill route, just to get them to say they are going to vote against it and then we go out there in the public world and use it for campaign purposes.
This Fix Our Forests Act is such a sincere, commonsense approach from Chairman Westerman, who is a forester by trade. He has delved into this issue. He knows more about it than virtually anybody here in Congress. He can dive in and talk about how we can protect, preserve, and enhance our forest health, while also protecting our communities, by putting the type of forest breaks in there, controlled burns, things like that that have proven to be very successful.
My State goes through this all the time. We have seen devastation happen, and we have learned from it. That is all we are asking to do in this moment, is to take a look.
Honestly, I hope it ends up being a net positive. With all the destruction and the sadness that has gone on and the devastation in California right now, I hope it has captured the attention in all 50 of our States to recognize there are better ways to do this and that it is not a partisan exercise.
That is what we are trying to accomplish this week with Chairman Westerman's Fix Our Forests Act, a commonsense bill that works to prevent destructive wildfires, improve emergency response by providing new tools and advanced technology, and cut burdensome regulations and hinder active forest management.
I have served under Chairman Westerman on the Natural Resources Committee. He leads with a really sensible approach to solving problems. It is something we absolutely need more of back here.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues tonight for being here to help share the message of what we are trying to accomplish this week.
Celebrating Achievements in Texas' Sixth Congressional District
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey) for 30 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the people of this great Nation and the incredible achievements of my constituents in the Sixth Congressional District of Texas.
Our country is rich with individuals who embody the values of service, dedication, and unity. Today, I have the honor of celebrating some of those remarkable people.
The United States is home to the most generous people on Earth. We are home to the most productive people on the planet who worship freely and then volunteer their remaining time to help others in need.
Our Nation is a beacon of compassion and hope for the rest of the world. We are blessed with heroes who save lives daily, not only our police officers and firefighters but also our teachers, medical professionals, construction workers, and so many others.
Acts of heroism happen in our country every day by folks who want to see others succeed, our country grow, and our communities thrive.
These quiet acts of courage and service often go unnoticed, but they are the
Though the media may have you believe otherwise, Washington, D.C., is not an exception to this commonality in our country. Here, too, acts of courage and patriotism happen every day. These remarkable people span across political lines, demonstrating that bipartisanship is not only alive but thriving.
I am fortunate to work alongside dedicated public servants on both sides of the aisle, all united by a shared goal of improving the lives of the citizens we represent and advancing the well-being of our great Nation.
Growing up, you never know how things are going to impact you and how some act of courage, big or small, will shake you. This speech that I give every once in a while is a direct result of such an act.
When I was a kid growing up in Perryton, in the Texas Panhandle, 7 miles from the Oklahoma border, that other country, on Sunday, we would all go to church. Without fail, our pastor would start off every Sunday service with what he called joys and concerns. During this, he would highlight some of the remarkable things that members of the church are doing and some of their accomplishments. He would also take this time to bring up the prayer requests that members of our congregation needed.
Since I have been in Congress, I have given my own version of joys and concerns. Looking back now, I am sure he never knew that, because of his simple choice to recognize people in our congregation, I would bring that tradition to the Halls of the Nation's Capitol.
I want to begin my joys by congratulating some outstanding individuals for their achievements.
Mollie McCalister of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office received the Hero Award for her lifesaving efforts as a 911 operator. Her quick thinking and composure in a high-pressure situation allowed her to gather critical information and guide emergency responders effectively, ultimately saving a woman's life.
I recognize Julio Ambris of Midlothian High School for his heroic, lifesaving CPR actions. Julio demonstrated remarkable courage and presence of mind, applying his training to save a life during a critical emergency.
I recognize Officer Klint Valley--who I know very well since my daughter goes to this school--of Midlothian Heritage High School for performing lifesaving measures on a choking victim. Officer Valley's swift response and professionalism averted a tragedy and highlighted the value of quick action and outstanding training.
I recognize Captains Jared Ussery and Lance Wilkinson and Firefighters Jorge Guerrero and Justin Slovak of Red Oak Fire-Rescue for their Unit Citation and Medal of Valor awards during the Smokehouse Creek wildfire, not in our district. Their heroic actions under extreme conditions protected lives and property, showcasing their dedication and bravery.
I recognize Lindsey Batchelor, principal of Neches High School, and Cory Hines, the superintendent of Neches ISD, for achieving National Blue Ribbon School status for Neches High School. Their leadership and dedication to fostering an exceptional learning environment have elevated the district to national recognition.
I recognize Anely Sandoval and Emiliano Tavera of Jacksonville High School for their service project of repainting iconic tomato statues in Jacksonville. Their initiative and hard work have preserved a beloved community symbol and inspired civil pride.
I recognize Officer Donald Nguyen, Officer Jennifer Thurman, and Officer Bourget for receiving Mothers Against Drunk Driving awards for their dedication to keeping our roads safe. Their efforts have made a measurable impact in reducing impaired driving and protecting lives.
I recognize Nikki Chaffin for exceptional work as a recipient of the Heroes for Children award. Nikki's dedication to supporting students and teachers in Elkhart ISD has enriched the community and fostered a nurturing educational environment.
I recognize Vicki and Stephen Braly for their 100 years of service through Bralys ACE Hardware in Palestine. Their family business is a cornerstone of the community, providing essential services and a legacy of excellence.
I recognize Robbie Griffin and Cason's Flowers for 100 years of dedicated service in Corsicana. Their longstanding commitment to quality and community engagement has made them a cherished institution.
I recognize Suzanne King and the Alvarado Lions Club for their 85 years of service to the community. Their efforts in addressing local needs and empowering residents exemplify the spirit of service.
I recognize Steve Black of Fairfield High School for his induction into the Agricultural Teachers Association of Texas 2024 Hall of Fame. Steve's passion for agricultural education has inspired countless students and shaped the future of Texas agriculture.
I recognize Battalion Chief Gary Myers and Scott Smith on their retirements from Waxahachie Fire-Rescue and Midlothian Fire Department, respectively, after decades of service to those communities. Their leadership and dedication have left an enduring impact on their departments and communities with years of lifesaving.
I recognize Tommie Eberhart of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and Morris Steward of the Navarro County Sheriff's Office for their retirements after long and impactful law enforcement careers. Their unwavering commitment to public safety has made their communities safer and stronger.
I recognize Jennifer Johnson and her organization, Brave Like Ellie, for their incredible work supporting families battling pediatric cancer. Jennifer's compassion and dedication provide hope and support during life's most challenging moments.
I recognize Flo Torres of Mansfield ISD for her leadership in the Toys for Tots campaign, recognized as Region 5 Campaign of the Year. Her efforts have brought joy and relief to countless children and families during the holiday season.
I recognize James Smith and David Albright for their contributions to mentorship through the Mentors Care program. Their guidance and encouragement have transformed lives and opened doors to brighter futures.
I recognize Dr. Darrell Brown, superintendent of Hillsboro ISD, and Patrick Harvell, principal of Hillsboro Junior High School, for their leadership in earning Hillsboro Junior High School recognition as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. Their vision and commitment to academic excellence have created opportunities for students to thrive.
Richard Clark, a Vietnam veteran--I welcome him home--celebrates his 85th birthday this January. His service and sacrifice have exemplified the courage and honor of our veterans.
Ray Knowles, a Navy veteran of Korea and Vietnam, turns 91 this month. His legacy of service continues to inspire those around him.
James Purdy, a Vietnam Air Force veteran, is marking his 82nd birthday this January. His contributions to our Nation's defense will never be forgotten.
John Murphy, an Air Force veteran of Vietnam and the Cold War, is celebrating his 85th birthday this month. His dedication to our country is a testament to his enduring spirit and love of country.
Jerry Davis, an Air Force Vietnam veteran, turns 86 years old this month. His service and resilience continue to inspire.
Joe Waller, an Army veteran of the Cold War, celebrates his 95th birthday this month. Happy birthday to Joe. His remarkable life of service reminds us of the strength and commitment of our veterans.
I also wish to congratulate the following students on their academy nominations for the class of 2029. It is extremely important to me. This is a job that I don't ask anybody's permission. We get to select the best and brightest our Nation and communities have to offer. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, this is a role I take very, very seriously. Merit is what counts.
Nominated to the United States Naval Academy are:
Paul Geary of Bishop Dunne High School;
Tristan Russell of Mansfield Legacy High School;
Maximus Stalker of Abbott High School;
Sebastian Parker-Villegas of Mansfield High School; and
Bradford Webster of Randolph-Macon Academy of Ennis.
Nominated to the Air Force Academy are:
Tanner Connel of Fort Worth Christian School;
Cooper Davis of Midlothian Heritage High School;
Isaac Freeman of Midlothian Heritage High School;
Kaitlyn Maxson of Mansfield Lake Ridge High School;
Nathan Sisson of Acellus Academy of Jacksonville; and
Elijah Thayer of Maypearl High School.
Nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point are:
Ryder Havard of Arlington Martin High School;
Madelyn Hickey of Burleson Centennial High School;
Noah Sparks of Alvarado High School; and
Dylan Sturgell of Ennis High School.
Go Navy, beat Army.
I have the hardest working staff on the Hill, and over the last several years they have been instrumental in helping me represent the Sixth Congressional District of Texas. Today, many of my staff reached new milestones in their professional careers, and I want to share it with all the folks back home.
Madison Newsom of Mansfield has been promoted to director of operations.
Grace Dunlap has been promoted to general counsel.
Owen Dankworth has been promoted to legislative director.
Don Barber has been promoted to executive director of the For Country Caucus.
While this is both sad and exciting for me, Georgette, she goes by George, Mbengue will be leaving this office this fall and will attend law school at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. I congratulate George. She has done a wonderful job for us. We will miss her, but we will see her again.
As every Member knows, this job is impossible without great staff. So I sincerely thank them for all of the work and dedication they have shown me, our district, and this country.
Just like back in church in Perryton, after the joys would come concerns, and there was never a shortage because, as we all know, as He says in Matthew 18:20: ``For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.''
So I would like to ask all those in this Chamber and who watch this online to keep these and all Americans in your prayers:
Amy from Arlington is asking for strength and healing as her father undergoes treatment for cancer.
David from Mansfield is filled with hope as his wife recovers from a recent surgery. May her journey to wellness continue smoothly.
Jessica from Corsicana requests comfort and resilience for her son, who faces a challenging road to recovery after an accident.
Robert from Waxahachie seeks peace and patience as his mother bravely battles Alzheimer's disease.
Emily from Red Oak asks for encouragement and support for her daughter, who is navigating significant mental health challenges.
Michael from Midlothian remains hopeful as his newborn son fights for strength in the NICU.
Lisa from Hillsboro is thankful for every step forward as her husband recovers from a heart attack. May his progress continue steadily.
John from Alvarado hopes for healing and guidance for his sister, recently diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Sophia from Palestine prays for her family as they grieve the loss of a cherished loved one, seeking comfort and unity during this difficult time.
Andrew from Grandview asks for successful outcomes and a smooth recovery as his brother prepares for a critical surgery.
I would also like to take a moment to honor Bobby Eugene Osborne, whose obituary reminds us of his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.
Bobby Eugene Osborne passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by close friends, whom he called family, on the evening of Friday, November 15, 2024, in Waxahachie, Texas.
Bob was born on February 25, 1924, in Elmo, Texas, to Michie and Bessie Mae Osborne. The family moved to Dallas and later to Waco in 1934 where his father took a job building the VA hospital. Bobby attended Waco High School until being drafted shortly after his birthday in 1943. He joined the war effort before completing his senior year. He proudly chose the Navy, taking the oath of office on March 12, 1943.
Bob served his country aboard the USS Chester, CA-27, a heavy cruiser of the Fifth Battle Cruiser Division, as a hot shell man for one of the 5-inch guns. He fought in the battles of Tarawa, Saipan, and Iwo Jima, among others. Bob spent a total of 28 months in active sea duty. After the war, Bob signed on for extra duty to sail the USS Chester from California to her reserve position in Philadelphia, navigating the Panama Canal in the process.
Three months after returning home from the military, Bob gave Ida Loudale Vinson a ride on his motorcycle outside of a local bowling alley. He was a man of my own heart. The two were married a few months later on December 20, 1947. They shared 62 years of marriage before Dale's passing in 2009. Their beautiful union created two magnificent children: David Lance Osborne and Darlene Dale Osborne.
He had a long career with Otis Elevator working as a mechanic in Waco, San Antonio, and Lubbock before retiring in 1983. While in San Antonio, he helped build the Hemisphere Tower where he was the main elevator mechanic. He lived in Alaska for a couple of years where he worked on the pipeline. He and Dale moved to Waxahachie in 1984 where he opened Bob's Machine Shop & Welding.
Bob had no shortage of adventures in his 100 years of life. He pulled his travel trailer across the frozen highways of Alaska in temperatures of negative 78 degrees. He raced and did acrobatic tricks on his motorcycle in his younger days, drove dirt bikes in the mountains of Colorado, and continued to ride up through his late nineties. He even served as a search and rescue diver in waters around San Antonio.
As adventurous a spirit as he may have been, he was a loyal and genuine man. That was evidenced through his 62-year marriage with Dale and his commitment to his shipmates through USS Chester reunions. Mr. Speaker, you could always find him at local cafes or biker hangouts around town where everyone knew his name.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lou Dale; son, Lance; daughter, Darlene; brothers, Bill, Don, and Tex; and sisters, Betty Sue and Rose.
He is survived by his partner in crime and loyal friend, Dan Cepak; granddaughter and caregiver, Jenny Fuller; and faithful friends, Jason Roy and Chase Colwell. He is survived also by his grandson, Kelly Schubach; great-granddaughter, Amanda Schubach; great-grandsons, Cody Schubach and Corey Schubach, all of San Antonio; and his two great- great-grandsons, Finn Schubach and Nick Schubach.
He is also survived by many, too numerous to list, close friends and family.
May Bobby's memory be a blessing.
I would also like to extend our prayers and support to the families impacted by the devastating fires in California. These fires have upended lives, destroyed homes, and tested the resilience of countless communities.
Let us lift up those who are mourning, those who are rebuilding, and the brave first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property. May they find strength, comfort, and hope in the face of adversity.
Lastly, with great sadness, I want to take a minute to honor the life of Patty Jung Williams. Patty was a remarkable woman not just for her many accomplishments but for the heart and soul she put into everything she did. From running a successful business to giving back to her community, Patty's hard work and kindness made a real difference to those back home and those in this Chamber.
As we pray for Congressman Roger Williams her husband; their children, Jaclyn and Sabrina; and the whole family, I ask the good Lord to wrap them in His loving arms and give them peace in this difficult time. Patty's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in all of us.
Each of these individuals and organizations exemplifies the best of our
As I bring this to a close, I would like for us to remember that our country's greatness lies in the strength of its people. Together, through unity, perseverance, and faith, we can continue to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
As we embark on a new Congress and new Presidency, may we all strive to honor and support one another in the spirit of community, service, and unity that our Founders fought so hard to preserve. May we remember to keep our faith in God and our hope in man. It is going to come out okay.
Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 9 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.
