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10Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Transnational Criminal Organizations: Message From the President of the United States (H. Doc. No. 119-71)
11Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Mali: Message From the President of the United States (H. Doc. No. 119-72)
12Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Iron Ore Processing Security: Message From the President of the United States (H. Doc. No. 119-73)
13Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Further Promote American Energy: Message From the President of the United States (H.
14Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Security With Respect to Sterile Medical Equipment: Message From the President of the United States (H. Doc. No. 119-75)
15Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Chemical Manufacturing Security: Message From the President of the United States (H. Doc. No. 119-76)
16Bills Presented to the President
17Adjournment
1 member spoke
18Memorials
19Private Bills and Resolutions
20Deletions of Sponsors From Public Bills and Resolutions
Daily Digest
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced
30 public bills, H.R. 4548- 4551, 4554-4579; 1 private bill, H.R. 4580; and 1 resolution, H. Res. 599, were introduced.
Pages H3525-27
Reports Filed
Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 598, providing for the adoption of the resolution (H. Res. 589) providing for the public release of certain documents, records, and communications related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein (H. Rept. 119-209); H.R. 1917, to establish the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 119-210); H.R. 3937, to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 119-211, Part 1); H.R. 4552, making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 119-212); and H.R. 4553, making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 119-213).
Page H3525
Speaker
Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Taylor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
Page H3479
Recess
The House recessed at 12:35 p.m. and reconvened at 2 p.m.
Page H3483
Whole Number of the House
The Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Tennessee, Mr. Green, the whole number of the House is 431.
Page H3483
Recess
The House recessed at 2:09 p.m. and reconvened at 2:50 p.m.
Page H3484
Suspensions
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Protecting Regular Order for Veterans Act of 2025: S. 423, to protect regular order for budgeting for the Department of Veterans Affairs;
Pages H3484-87
Aces Act
S. 201, to provide for a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the prevalence and mortality of cancer among individuals who served as active duty aircrew in the Armed Forces;
Pages H3487-89
Naming the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, the Leonard G. `Bud' Lomell, VA Clinic
H.R. 2170, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, the Leonard G. `Bud' Lomell, VA Clinic;
Pages H3489-91
Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025
H.R. 2625, to amend title 38, United States Code, to update certain terminology regarding veteran employment;
Pages H3491-92
Establishing new ZIP Codes for certain communities
H.R. 672, amended, to establish new ZIP Codes for certain communities;
Pages H3492-93
Directing the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities
H.R. 3095, amended, to direct the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 278 yeas to 121 nays, Roll No. 213;
Pages H3493-95, H3519
Law Enforcement Officer Recreation Pass Act
H.R. 183, amended, to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for a lifetime National Recreational Pass for law enforcement officers;
Pages H3495-97
Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act
H.R. 131, amended, to make certain modifications to the repayment for the Arkansas Valley Conduit in the State of Colorado;
Pages H3497-98
La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act
H.R. 1043, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal land in Arizona to La Paz County, Arizona;
Pages H3498-H3500
Small Entity Update Act
H.R. 3382, amended, to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry out a study and rulemaking on the definition of the term ``small entity'' under the securities laws for purposes of chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code;
Pages H3500-01
Improving Access to Small Business Information Act
H.R. 3351, amended, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 387 yeas to 12 nays, Roll No. 214;
Pages H3501-03, H3519-20
Greenlighting Growth Act
H.R. 3343, amended, to amend the Federal securities laws to specify the periods for which financial statements are required to be provided by an emerging growth company;
Pages H3503-04
National Senior Investor Initiative Act of 2025
H.R. 1469, amended, to create an interdivisional taskforce at the Securities and Exchange Commission for senior investors;
Pages H3504-06
Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2025
H.R. 3339, to require certification examinations for accredited investors;
Pages H3506-08
Financial Technology Protection Act of 2025
H.R. 2384, amended, to establish an Independent Financial Technology Working Group to Combat Terrorism and Illicit Financing;
Pages H3509-11
Middle Market IPO Cost Act
H.R. 3395, amended, to require the Comptroller General of the United States to carry out a study of the costs associated with small- and medium-sized companies to undertake initial public offerings;
Pages H3511-13
Aligning SEC Regulations for the World Bank's International Development Association Act
H.R. 1764, amended, to accord securities issued by the International Development Association the same exemption from the securities laws that applies to the securities of other multilateral development banks in which the United States is a member;
Pages H3513-14
Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025
H.R. 1716, amended, to deter Chinese aggression towards Taiwan by requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to publish a report on financial institutions and accounts connected to senior officials of the People's Republic of China, to restrict financial services for certain immediate family of such officials; and
Pages H3514-17
OFAC Licensure for Investigators Act
H.R. 1450, to require the Office of Foreign Assets Control to develop a program under which private sector firms may receive a license to conduct nominal financial transactions in furtherance of the firms' investigations.
Pages H3517-18
Suspension: Proceedings Postponed
The House debated the following measures under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were postponed. Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act: H.R. 3357, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers with a multi-class stock structure to make certain disclosures in any proxy or consent solicitation material.
Pages H3508-09
Presidential Messages
Read a message from the President transmitting a notification stating that the national emergency with respect to significant transnational criminal organizations declared in Executive Order 13581 of July 24, 2011, under which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13863 of March 15, 2019, is to continue in effect beyond July 24, 2025--referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 119-71).
Page H3522
Read a message from the President transmitting a notification stating that the national emergency with respect to the situation in Mali declared in Executive Order 13882 of July 26, 2019, is to continue in effect beyond July 26, 2025--referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 119-72).
Pages H3522-23
Read a message from the President transmitting a notification of the issuance of a proclamation providing exemption for certain stationary sources from compliance with the final rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency titled National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing, 89 FR 16408 (Taconite Rule), which imposes new emissions-control requirements on taconite iron ore processing facilities--referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 119-73).
Page H3523
Read a message from the President transmitting a notification of the issuance of a proclamation providing exemption for certain stationary sources from compliance with the final rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency titled National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review, 89 FR 38508 (Rule), which amended the preexisting Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule to make it more stringent--referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 119-74).
Page H3523
Read a message from the President transmitting a notification of the issuance of a proclamation providing exemption for certain stationary sources from compliance with the final rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency titled National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review, 89 FR 24090 (EtO Rule), which imposes new emissions-control requirements on commercial sterilization facilities--referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 119-75).
Pages H3523-24
Read a message from the President transmitting a notification of the issuance of a proclamation providing exemption for certain stationary sources from compliance with the final rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency titled New Source Performance Standards for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and Group I & II Polymers and Resins Industry, 89 FR 42932 (HON Rule), which imposes new emissions-control requirements on certain chemical manufacturing facilities--referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 119-76).
Page H3524
Quorum Calls: Votes
Two yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H3519 and H3519-20. Adjournment: The House met at 12 p.m. and adjourned at 7:42 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: 191 of 296 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 1:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, throughout his campaign, President Trump promised to unleash American energy and to end the era of overregulation.
In just 7 months, President Trump has already taken those historic steps to boost domestic energy production, resulting in gas prices dropping by 50 cents over the past year.
In March, President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin undertook the largest day of deregulation in American history, releasing the shackles on our energy producers by President Biden's Green New Deal initiatives.
Now, my colleagues and I in the House will take up a strong deregulation package this week that will further streamline the permitting process for our energy producers throughout the U.S.
It is time that my colleagues and I codify President Trump's deregulation agenda so that our energy producers can unleash domestic production, lower costs for all American consumers, and further support our allies abroad on our pathway to energy dominance.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of our brave Border Patrol and ICE agents who tirelessly put their lives on the line each day to protect America.
With President Trump back in office, ICE agents can finally do their jobs and enforce the laws that are on the books. These brave officers are producing historic results at our border and in our communities.
In the first 6 months of President Trump's term in office, his administration has removed more than 70,000 convicted criminals, many of whom are convicted of assault, sexual crimes, kidnapping, and even homicide.
Yet, despite their historic work enforcing our Nation's laws, our ICE agents are facing a disgusting string of threats and violence against them and their families, resulting in an 830 percent increase in assaults against ICE agents. This string of threats is a result of months of violent rhetoric coming from the other side of the aisle. Whether in political office or in the media, calling for violence against law enforcement is simply unacceptable.
While a small group of people call for this violence, I know that the American people which overwhelmingly supported President Trump's reelection, are proud of our ICE agents as they work to remove dangerous and often violent criminals from our communities.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, July 20, we celebrated National Pennsylvania Day, honoring the Commonwealth's crucial role in the founding and continuing success of our great Nation.
From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall in Philadelphia to the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, Pennsylvania has always been at the center of American progress as we strive to form that more perfect Union.
Today, Pennsylvania remains at the center of our Nation's growth, especially as we enter a competitive race with China to dominate artificial intelligence.
Last week, President Trump and Senator Dave McCormick hosted an inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh to highlight how Pennsylvania will lead in the AI revolution. During the summit, President Trump announced more than $90 billion of investments into the Commonwealth's energy industry and data centers.
Now, with the unleashing of Pennsylvania's energy potential, each and every day will be Pennsylvania Day.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I joined my neighbors across Delaware in celebrating the freedoms that define our Nation, freedoms made possible by those who have worn the uniform.
It is appalling that while families gathered under fireworks to honor that sacrifice, the Trump administration was all too quietly forcing thousands of patriots from military service. These are Americans who have served with honor, distinction, and unshakable patriotism. They are brave, honorable, and committed patriots who have also dared to have the courage to say out loud that they are transgender. These are qualified, trained, and decorated servicemembers. They have deployed into combat, flown missions overseas, and led troops through danger.
Now, this administration is telling them that despite their qualifications and their exemplary quality of service that they can no longer serve, simply because of how they express their gender. That message is immoral, unfair, and un-American.
I represent Delaware's at-large district, a district that includes thousands, tens of thousands of Active-Duty servicemembers, veterans, and military families. In our State, service isn't abstract. It is personal. We see every single day what honor, discipline, and sacrifice looks like regardless of someone's gender identity.
These individuals met the same rigorous standards as their peers, the same physical exams, screenings, and background checks; and in many cases, under intense scrutiny, they didn't just meet those standards, they exceeded them.
Trans servicemembers are receiving glowing fitness reports and commendations. One was described by her commander as within the top 5 percent of officers I have encountered in 18 years of military service.
Another, an aviator with 60 combat missions under her belt, earned the strongest possible recommendation for promotion, and I quote her commander directly, who attested: ``People thrive under her leadership.''
A third, a noncommissioned officer and instructor, was called undoubtedly within the top 5 percent of NCOs I have worked with in my 22 years of service.
In a recent hearing, the Secretary of Defense even commended these patriots, only to frantically retract his praise when he decided that their being transgender, one small part of who these soldiers are, somehow outweighed their years of proven high performance and service to this country. These servicemembers were just dismissed by this administration.
The most powerful aspect of our military, the thing that makes it unique against our adversaries, is that it is a military of the people. In the United States, patriotism does not discriminate. In this country, if you are willing to serve, to fight for our core beliefs and to meet the standards, then we welcome you to stand with us, regardless of your race, religion, national origin, or any other aspect of who you are because you are an American, a patriot first.
This decision to remove proven patriots for no justification causes serious weakness to our force. It turns away proven courage. It wastes billions in taxpayer investment, decades of hard-earned experience, and is a direct blow to readiness because this decision isn't about readiness. It is not about discipline or merit, and it is certainly not about cost.
It is about exclusion. It is about using identity as a wedge to divide and distract. It is a cynical politics, not sound policy. Our military, which should never be a political tool, is paying the price.
Across Delaware, from Georgetown to Wilmington, I have met transgender veterans who served this Nation with distinction. Some stepped forward while hiding who they were, forced to choose between their truth and their country. Others served openly when policy briefly aligned with principle. All of them served with honor.
Mr. Speaker, these are Americans asking to serve their country and to put their last full measure of devotion on the line, just like generations before them. The least we can do is let them.
We are not made safer by sidelining qualified patriots. We are not made stronger by narrowing the ranks of who gets to serve. We are not made freer by telling brave Americans that their truth disqualifies them from service.
This ban weakens our military. It betrays our values. It sends the cruelest possible message to some of our most dedicated citizens. It says their service is unwelcome and that one identity matters more than what they have done, what they have sacrificed, and what they fight for.
Mr. Speaker, I reject that message. I salute every transgender servicemember. I thank them. I see them. I honor them. I will not stop fighting for a country that is truly worthy of their service.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the Alpena Community College which is remotely operated and located in Alpena, Michigan, in the lower peninsula on the Sunrise Coast. The college's team is known as the Aquajacks. It is a great name, and it tells us right there what they are about.
The Alpena Community College remotely operated vehicle team, the Aquajacks, proudly represented Michigan's First Congressional District at the 2025 Marine Advanced Technology Education ROV World Championship hosted in Alpena, Michigan.
I will digress for just a couple of seconds here on what this team actually accomplished. For those who don't know the geography of Michigan, as I put my hands up, to those looking at me, this hand is the upper peninsula of Michigan. This hand is the lower peninsula of Michigan. Alpena is located right down here in the lower peninsula on the shores of Lake Huron.
Michigan's First District, which I am blessed to represent, encompasses 48.1 percent of the landmass of Michigan and more freshwater and deepwater shoreline than any other district in the United States. The only singular district that has a larger big water shoreline is Alaska, but that is all saltwater. That is the difference. We catch different kinds of fish in those two different kinds of waters.
What we have in Michigan surrounding the lower peninsula and capping the northern border of the upper peninsula before it transitions into Canada is some of the world's, if not the world's, finest, freshest, deepest, and clearest water that is available on the face of the Earth.
We use it for good. We fish in it. We farm in it. We experiment in it. We advance our country and also other countries in the world through research and development, especially when it comes to underwater activities, whether it is mapping the bottom of the ocean or looking at cables and pipelines that go from continent to continent. All of that education and training on the front end is what is happening at Alpena Community College in my district.
We see all the smiles and happy faces of the team here. They were excited by not only competing but also winning such a prestigious award. These talented students, who both live and study in northern Michigan, showcased remarkable ingenuity, teamwork, and technical skills. They earned an impressive third-place finish against nearly 80 teams from 22 States and 18 countries.
After months of design and testing, their ROV successfully completed complex tasks, while the team impressed judges with their professional presentations and real-time strategic thinking.
Their performance is a testament to Alpena Community College's commitment to hands-on STEM education. I commend their mentor, David Cummins, and their entire faculty for fostering such excellence.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the Alpena Community College Aquajacks. These students not only represent the future of my district but also highlight the critical role that skilled innovators play in strengthening our Nation's infrastructure and advancing our national security.
Mr. Speaker, this week we are going to be taking up legislation on H.R. 672, an act to establish new ZIP Codes for certain communities.
This measure is aimed at fixing problems in about eight communities all across the country where the post office's ZIP Code allocation system has just completely fragmented these towns and cities because of the proliferation of ZIP Codes that have occurred and been implemented in some of these towns.
It is a bipartisan bill. I am one of the bipartisan cosponsors. I represent one of those towns, which is Scotland, Connecticut, in eastern Connecticut.
Scotland, Connecticut, is a community that was established back in the 1700s. It was incorporated in the 1800s. It is a small town. The last census was 1,576 people. There are 625 residents in the town.
Mr. Speaker, it is almost hard for people to believe me when I tell them this, but it has six ZIP Codes in a community with 1,500 people. It creates havoc in terms of people doing their ordinary business through the post office.
First Selectman Dana Barrow of the town of Scotland described in a letter to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform:
``Due to the town's ZIP Code configuration, Scotland residents face daily frustration with packages being misdelivered, service providers being unable to find their properties, and digital ordering or registration systems refusing to accept their address information. But the issue goes beyond inconvenience. People have paid taxes to the wrong town and sent their children to the wrong schools. Town party committees and voluntary associations cannot effectively reach residents by mail. Public health statistics seriously understate the burden of disease in our town, and other survey data also misrepresent us. A high percentage of absentee ballot applications that we were required by law to send out . . . were returned--not because the people weren't in town, but because the USPS computer scanning system rejected their addresses. The situation is clearly damaging to us individually and as a community.''
What this bill does is it just simply says for Scotland and a number of other communities that have been identified by the community that basically we are going to unify a ZIP Code for those communities so they don't have to, again, experience what Scotland First Selectman Dana Barrow described.
Last night, the post office actually sent out a letter of opposition to the bill to all Members of the House Chamber. They actually had the nerve to say that passage of this bill would significantly degrade mail service in the affected communities.
Mr. Speaker, it is hard to imagine how the mail service for the people of the town of Scotland could be any worse than the situation that exists today where they have six ZIP Codes for a population of 1,500 people.
Luckily, we have Members of Congress like the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart) who chairs the committee and who is bringing the bill out later this week. He has the common sense to understand that the post office needs to get their act together and go into a very finite and manageable number of communities and aggregate the ZIP Codes so that people, again, can get the services they rely on.
I am a strong supporter of the post office. It is in the Constitution. It is mandated we have a Postal Service in this country. People depend on it to get their medications, to get important documents, and to receive their monthly Social Security payments.
To have a dysfunctional system that is completely self-inflicted and man-made because of the organization of the post office is just unacceptable.
Mr. Speaker, again, despite the post office's somewhat hysterical, out-of-touch opposition that they announced last night, I am here on the floor to publicly call on all my colleagues to join Mr. Diaz-Balart from the Republican side, myself from the Democratic side, and a host of other cosponsors to get this modest and obviously commonsense bill passed and sent to the Senate and then to the President's desk.
Mr. Speaker, when danger strikes, it is not just about boots on the ground. It is about paws in motion.
Today, I rise in defense of those who cannot speak for themselves but serve our Nation with unmatched loyalty, discipline, and courage. I am talking about canines and horses that serve our law enforcement officers on the front line every single day.
From narcotics detection to crowd control, search and rescue to border patrol, these animals are more than sidekicks. They are trusted teammates, and just like their human handlers, they face real threats, danger, and consequences.
That is why, today, I am introducing the Leo K9 Protection Act, a straightforward bill to strengthen the penalties for those who assault or injure these animals in the line of duty.
I am proud to champion the Leo K9 Protection Act alongside the dedicated team at K9s United, whose tireless advocacy ensures that our service animals are treated not just as tools but as heroes.
Under my legislation, the Federal penalty will be up to 15 years when someone uses a deadly weapon to harm a Federal police animal. In addition, this legislation will expand the Federal statute to apply to any State, county, or local police animal assisting a Federal agency.
The effort is not just symbolic. It is timely and necessary. Last year, 21 police canines made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, including K9 Leo of Marion County, Florida, who the bill is named after and who is pictured right beside me.
Mr. Speaker, these animals run toward danger, not away from it. We owe them far more than a belly rub or a scratch behind the ears. Mr. Speaker, they fight for us. Now, it is our turn to fight for them.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.
Mr. Speaker, soon, the Minnesota Lynx will play the New York Liberty at home in Minneapolis.
As some Minnesotans may remember, I made a friendly wager with a New York Member of Congress last year at the beginning of the Minnesota Lynx-New York Liberty WNBA final series. That bet included that I would don a Liberty jersey and give a speech congratulating them from here on the House floor if they won the series. I would have, but I won't. Why won't I? Because the truth is that Minnesota didn't lose game five.
I was there in New York. The Liberty didn't win. The WNBA gave it to them.
Let's stop pretending that what happened in game five of the WNBA finals was just a bad call. It wasn't.
The Minnesota Lynx clawed their way through the playoffs. They defied the odds. They outworked every team and every narrative. In the final seconds of a championship game, on the biggest stage, they didn't get outplayed. They got erased.
Even from the House floor, right here in the Chamber, I can hear the New York fans protesting, but I know them well enough from Madison Square Garden that night to know that if this had happened to them, their outrage would be the same with much more colorful language.
A phantom foul, five seconds left, Alanna Smith playing legal defense on Breanna Stewart, who, let's be honest, is the league's marketing golden girl. The contact? It was embellished, marginal at worst, but the whistle blew. The game and the title were handed to New York on a silver platter.
When the Lynx challenged the call, the officials reviewed themselves. The same people who made the call decided to stand by it.
That is not accountability. That is the system protecting itself. That is the fix being called in.
Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier, the heart of the Lynx, an All-Star, a force in the paint, didn't shoot a single free throw the entire game. Now, tell me,
Let me just say it out loud right here from the House Chamber: The WNBA wanted the Liberty to win--a big market team, superstar faces, a tidy storyline for the league office and the league commissioner, who literally wore the New York skyline on her dress that night.
Minnesota? We were the wrong script--too gritty, too real, too inconvenient.
The league talks about fairness. The league talks about lifting women up. Pay them what they deserve if you want to lift women up in the WNBA.
They talk about growing the game with integrity, but when the stakes were high, the WNBA didn't protect the game. They manipulated it. They chose a winner.
Here is the truth: Minnesota didn't lose game five. The WNBA took it from them, and I will be damned if I ever put on a New York Liberty jersey.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell an inconvenient truth about what happened to educational funding that Congress appropriated that was to go to our schools.
On June 30, just 1 day before $7 billion of educational funding was supposed to be delivered to our State budgets, the Trump administration pulled the rug out from under the schools--no warning, no explanation.
Let me explain something about California. We are a donor State. That means that the citizens of California, the taxpayers, send more money to Washington than we get back every year.
In California, we were supposed to receive, as I said, $928 million. This was a big blow to school districts across the country, including those that I represent in the San Joaquin Valley in California. Fresno Unified, which I represent, was to lose $7.1 million. Visalia Unified would have lost $2 million.
Across the San Joaquin Valley, districts were preparing for these devastating cuts in mental health services, after-school programs, and support for English learners and migrant students.
While the Republicans stayed silent, my colleagues and I stepped up. We wrote to the Trump administration, demanded answers, and put pressure on them to act.
They finally listened. Let's be clear: This didn't happen on its own. It happened because we put pressure on them.
Now the money is flowing, and I hope it is the entire $7 billion that goes to our schools throughout the country. Let's make sure that we know where it first happened. It happened when the flood of phone lines started going to my colleagues here in Washington.
I am going to, and my colleagues will continue to, fight for every student, every family, and every school in America, including those in the San Joaquin Valley that I represent.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today sadly to pay tribute to John Harris, a good friend and a giant of California agriculture and the San Joaquin Valley.
Born on July 14, 1943, in Fresno County, John was a proud graduate of the University of California-Davis and a United States Army veteran.
For over 40 years, he was not only a pioneer in agriculture, but a good friend of mine. He was a leader who was well respected throughout the country. John shaped the Harris Ranch and turned it into one of the Nation's largest beef producers in America.
In addition, his passion was as a leader in the horseracing industry in which his horses were successful and won on numerous occasions.
John always understood the importance of education and gave back generously. Not only was it to Fresno State's Maddy Institute but he also mentored the next generation of agricultural leaders.
We miss John. His impact will stretch far beyond his ranch. He helped shape the agriculture of our region, and his legacy of innovation, integrity, and service will benefit generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Joel Nelson, a proud son of the San Joaquin Valley who served 37 years as the head of California Citrus Mutual.
Mr. Speaker, you should understand that California produces 80 percent of all the citrus consumed in the United States: navels, Valencias, mandarins, and lemons.
Joel was the leader for the voice of our citrus growers and a fierce advocate for valley agriculture.
From the orchards of Tulare, Fresno, and Kern Counties to the packing sheds, he always fought every day to protect our farmers, our water, and our way of life.
He dedicated his life to uplifting others always with energy, passion, and a deep love for the valley we shared. His excitement for the work was contagious, and his leadership helped shape the citrus industry for generations to come.
We will miss his voice, but his legacy will live on in every grove in California.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable work of Sewa International, both in Virginia and around the world.
Founded less than 25 years ago, Sewa International is a global humanitarian organization committed to serving those in need.
Their mission focuses on several things, including disaster relief, rehabilitation, family services, women's empowerment, health, and education.
In Virginia, Sewa works hand in hand with local organizations to strengthen our communities. They support the big September 11 National Day of Service which will be happening again this year.
They offer after-school programming, provide meal service at local shelters, and help the next generation get involved, engaging high school students and volunteer work.
I am thankful for all Sewa International does for our communities.
Supreme Court of Virginia Prevented a Toll Hike on Dulles Greenway
Mr. Speaker, last week our community got a major win. The Supreme Court of Virginia upheld a bill that I had passed, one that prevented a 40 percent toll hike on the Dulles Greenway, maybe more. Without this bill tolls would have jumped from at least $5.80 to $8.10 each way.
For regular commuters like me, that is $1,150 back in their pockets at least. This is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together to take on tough fights, including for families facing high costs. This was a bipartisan initiative because across Virginia and across the country families are feeling the squeeze.
Housing costs are up, childcare is expensive, and utility bills are rising. In Loudoun County, tolls add an extra burden to the cost of getting to work.
This win is a step toward lowering costs for all families and a step towards addressing the broader affordability crisis.
I am committed to continuing this work in Congress and fighting to lower tolls even further and pushing for policies that put more money back in the pockets of working families.
Mr. Speaker, I also rise today with profound sadness to honor the life and memory of Supervisor Bob Weir, who served the Gainesville District on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors starting in 2023.
A husband and a father of three, Bob dedicated the past two decades to serving his community. He served terms on the Haymarket Town Council and Planning Commission and over 2 years on the County Board of Supervisors, all focused on empowering his constituents in Prince William County to demand the best from their elected officials.
Bob cared deeply about his constituents and serving them. He was known
Bob's memory and legacy will live on through the lives that he touched. Our hearts go out to all of his family. Our prayers go with him as well. May he rest in peace.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate Korean War Armistice Day and to honor the millions of servicemembers who fought during the Korean war.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of Proclamation 8399, a proclamation to establish National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
I am proud to have introduced legislation in this Congress to help reunify families who remain divided from the war. I look forward to continuing to work to support our veterans.
I thank the Korean American Grassroots Conference and partner organizations like the Council of Korean Americans, the Korea Economic Institute, The Korea Society, the Korean American Institute, and Remember 727 for organizing this week's event.
Mr. Speaker, as the senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, an Army veteran myself, and father of four sons who served in the military in the Middle East, I am particularly grateful that House Republicans passed the Defense appropriations bill with the leadership of Chairman Mike Rogers.
On behalf of national security for American families, some key provisions are: support for troops and families by delivering a pay raise and improving the quality of life; restoration of combat readiness by funding cutting-edge aircraft, weapons, and modernization; and deterrence of our adversaries with border security and countering the Chinese Communist Party worldwide.
House Republicans are achieving peace through strength, the agenda of President Donald Trump.
In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, talking lovely as he murders Ukrainian citizens with rocket attacks.
Our sympathy for Rosalie Smith on the passing of her husband, Mayor Pat Smith, of Springdale, South Carolina.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Trey Cash, the economic development director for Greene and Lenoir Counties, whose leadership secured over 600 acres of prime land for industrial development, paving the way for job growth and investment opportunities in rural North Carolina.
The North Carolina Economic Development Association named Trey the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year, North Carolina's highest honor for a young economic developer.
Trey is the first recipient of this distinguished award from any county east of I-95. His leadership has enhanced public-private partnerships and advanced workforce readiness.
As a dedicated father, Trey works daily to ensure that his daughter, Celia, and all young people like her have the chance to live the American Dream in eastern North Carolina.
He is tireless in his commitment to keeping young professionals and the next generation in the east.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Ernestine McCauley Dailey, a faithful servant and a beloved and proud Mississippian who was called home to her Heavenly Father on June 21, 2025, at the age of 99.
Born in Jasper, Alabama, Ernestine spent over six decades in Gautier, Mississippi, where she lived a life signified by humility, strength, and service.
Ernestine worked at E.R. Moore Garment Company. She became the very first secretary at Gautier Elementary School, and she later served in the vice president's office at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, touching countless lives through her work.
Alongside her beloved husband, Uless, a World War II veteran, Ernestine traveled this great Nation in their motor home, creating memories and spreading joy wherever they went.
At her passing, she was the oldest member of the Gautier First Baptist Church in Gautier, Mississippi, a source of great pride and reflection of her enduring faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and devotion.
Let us honor Ms. Ernestine today by remembering the values that she cherished: faith, family, and community.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the 31st time to call on the Trump administration to restore lifesaving food aid for malnourished children.
Over the weekend, I had a chance to visit the Edesia Nutrition factory in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, one of two factories in the United States that manufactures this ready-to-use therapeutic food. This is used to treat starving children whose organs have failed and are no longer able to process traditional food to get them back to health.
For years, the United States saved millions of lives with this product, sourced entirely from U.S. farmers and factories, until the Trump administration froze funding.
The time has come for that funding to be restored, as the administration promised they would do, but have not delivered on.
For the 31st time, my message is simple: If you say you will do it, do it. I will keep speaking out every day until the administration honors its word.
Mr. Speaker, this last week, we won a momentous victory in cutting off further Federal funding for the California high-speed rail disaster. Yet, no sooner had the announcement been made than the Governor of California ran to court to file his latest frivolous lawsuit.
I say ``his latest'' because it was just a couple of weeks ago that Governor Newsom was unanimously defeated before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on his National Guard lawsuit.
Yet, this frivolous lawsuit is particularly perverse because the Governor is now wasting taxpayer dollars suing so that he is able to continue wasting taxpayer dollars on an epic scale on a project that will go down as the single biggest waste of taxpayer dollars in U.S. history.
The good news is that this lawsuit is going nowhere, and we now have a chance to finally wind this embarrassing project down so that the tax dollars of Californians can go where they are needed: toward fixing our crumbling roads.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 423) to protect regular order for budgeting for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 423, introduced by my colleague and fellow marine from across the Capitol, Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska.
S. 423 would require the Secretary of the VA to provide quarterly briefings to Congress on the budget execution and any projected budget shortfalls. It also creates new guardrails on the use of critical skills incentive bonuses to make sure they only go to the employees whom they are intended for.
Finally, it would codify the Veterans Experience Office to improve the delivery of benefits to veterans and their beneficiaries.
These efforts already exist at the VA, and this legislation simply makes these efforts permanent. This bill is a straightforward, commonsense effort that partners with Secretary Collins and the Trump administration to establish greater accountability and oversight of career senior executives at the Department.
The need for this legislation comes in the wake of the critical skills incentive payments scheme uncovered by my committee during the last Congress. The days of waste, fraud, and abuse are over.
After the OIG identified over $10 million in improper critical skills incentive payments awarded to VA executives, Congress recognized the need for accountability. Let me be clear. I believe the VA employees deserve to be recognized for the extraordinary work they do.
Critical skills incentive bonuses are useful tools for the VA to attract talented staff who are dedicated to serving veterans. However, some of these bonuses were as high as $100,000 for D.C. office staff employees, more than double what a single veteran who is 100 percent disabled would receive in an entire year.
Additionally, during the investigation, my staff identified employees who
Mr. Speaker, it is time to make sure this never happens again. I am proud of the work done by my friend, Secretary Collins, and I believe the PRO Veterans Act will support his mission to build up the VA's workforce and put veterans first.
In addition to stopping the glut of critical skills payments from going to executives, this legislation would require the VA to provide in-person budget briefings to Congress every quarter for 3 years, detailing the agency's financial projections and budget management strategy.
After the Veterans Benefits Administration's shortfall crisis manufactured by the Biden administration cost the government billions of dollars, increasing the frequency of these conversations will help Congress execute its constitutional oversight and appropriations responsibilities.
While leadership in the Biden White House was replaced with the veterans-first Trump administration by the American people, many of the career VA employees who contributed to the crisis remain. Some of these employees have operated far too long without scrutiny and with no consequences for planning failures that total billions of dollars.
Without some ways of tying poor performance to outcomes for these employees, what message does the business-as-usual status quo send to rank-and-file employees?
When they hear of senior executives filling each other's pockets with improper bonuses, what does that tell the frontline VA police officer, the hospital housekeepers, and the food service staff?
It tells them that the efforts they bring to the job really don't matter. It tells them that executives will score a nice bonus despite terrible performance and that they are being held to a different standard.
That is the wrong message to send to VA employees and to the veterans who rely on the VA for lifesaving healthcare.
Now, I applaud both parties in this Congress and the current administration for taking the right steps and working together to pass this bill and begin the work of restoring that trust.
This is commonsense legislation that ensures the VA operates with basic accountability and protects the future of benefits for our veterans who have earned them.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 423, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, openness and transparency in the budgeting process are crucial to enabling Members of Congress to exercise our constitutional power of the purse, conducting proper oversight and ensuring that we are good stewards of the taxpayers' money.
That is why I have been extremely frustrated by the lack of budget information put forward by the current administration. Just this week, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in a statement that was both insulting and condescending, said that ``it wasn't in our interest'' to release a full budget plan to the American people.
Yet, we have not heard a peep of objection from my colleagues across the aisle, not even a hint that they might rise from their knees after having been browbeaten by this administration time and time again, and stand up for the constitutional prerogatives of the United States Congress, a coequal branch of government. In the context of this bill, which was proposed to demand more budget information, it is confounding.
Nevertheless, here we are. To understand why we are considering this bill at this moment, we have to go back to last Congress and the end of the Biden administration.
In mid-July 2024, the VA informed the committee of expected funding shortfalls for the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration. At the time, VBA was facing a projected shortfall of $2.9 billion for fiscal year 2024, and VHA was facing a potential shortfall of $12 billion for fiscal year 2025.
Now, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure veterans' benefits weren't disrupted, Congress quickly passed H.R. 9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provided VBA with additional funding of roughly $2.9 billion.
The bill also included accountability measures that required additional reporting by the Secretary and an inspector general review of the circumstances surrounding the projected shortfalls.
A few weeks later, on October 30, 2024, VA notified the committee that it had reviewed its calculations at the conclusion of fiscal year 2024 and determined that it would not have experienced a shortfall at VBA, and, in fact, had carryover funding in addition to the funding provided by the supplemental. VA also determined at the close of fiscal year 2024 that its projected budget shortfall in fiscal year 2025 for VHA would not be as significant as originally projected in July.
Its revised estimate for the fiscal year 2025 shortfall provided on Monday, November 25, 2024, was $6.6 billion, much less than originally projected. This was largely because of higher than expected carryover and extreme belt-tightening at local VA clinics and hospitals.
However, here is where paths diverge. In the wake of the passage of H.R. 9468, both VA's Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office conducted and released their respective reports on the circumstances surrounding these real and projected shortfalls. These reports though have become a bit of an inkblot test. Where I and my Democratic colleagues see an accounting process that could be improved, as all processes can be, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle see criminal behavior and a malicious intent to deceive Congress and scare veterans. I encourage the public to read these reports and judge for themselves.
In one of the most egregious and politically naked overreactions I have seen in some time, the chairman sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging the Attorney General to investigate three former Biden administration officials for criminal wrongdoing in handling last year's budget shortfall. To say the least, I was shocked by this letter. We thoroughly addressed VA budget issues last year, and neither the inspector general nor GAO found any evidence of criminal wrongdoing--none, Mr. Speaker.
So why call on Trump's Attorney General to revisit it? The answer seems very clear to me: political payback. This was a spurious attempt to tarnish the reputations of officials who led one of the most successful periods in VA history, marked by high veteran satisfaction, strong performance, and the largest expansion of veterans' benefits ever, by way of the PACT Act.
Rather than hold President Trump and Secretary Collins accountable for the ongoing decline at VA over the last several months, my colleagues pushed a baseless investigation, a clear distraction meant to deflect from the damage being done under their watch.
Nevertheless, more information is always better. As I said, we should demand transparency from whatever administration is in charge. While I find the impetus behind this bill to be retaliatory in nature, I do agree with my majority colleagues that the Trump administration budget formulation and execution process warrants scrutiny.
Secretary Collins has already broken the law by redirecting funds without congressional approval. I worry that the trend will continue over the next few years. I hope my colleagues will join me in rigorous oversight of the Trump administration's approach to VA's budget.
There are two other provisions in this bill I would like to discuss very briefly. This legislation would codify the Veterans Experience Office, or VEO, which was first established during the Obama administration. I appreciate that the Senate incorporated changes we had suggested to their text that would strengthen the functions of VEO so that it serves as an office truly focused on improving the veteran experience with data-driven approaches.
Additionally, in the Honoring our PACT Act, Congress authorized VA to utilize critical skills incentives to attract and retain the workforce it needed to implement the largest expansion of veteran benefits in recent history.
While I am generally supportive of this additional oversight to ensure these awards are being used appropriately, I continue to be concerned with Secretary Collins' ability to recruit and retain the top-level talent we need for caring for veterans at VA.
Earlier this month, Secretary Collins celebrated, celebrated that 30,000 VA employees will be departing the agency by the end of this fiscal year under his tenure. Can you imagine that, Mr. Speaker? The head of an organization was patting themselves on the back for making their organization so toxic that nearly 10 percent of their workforce quits? This is something to be proud of? It is unconscionable. What is worse are the absurd assertions that veterans won't be negatively affected by such drastic reductions.
There is simply no way that the delivery of veteran care and benefits will not be affected by Secretary Collins' continued efforts to demonize and demoralize the VA workforce.
Again, I am pleased to see that with this bill my colleagues have finally decided to demand transparency from this administration. I wait with bated breath for their reaction when the White House simply chooses to ignore it, as they have repeatedly done with this Congress. My suspicion is that we will continue to see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle hide in fear of their master, but I would love to be proven wrong.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time, and I will take this time in closing to bring up a few things.
One, for the people listening to the rhetoric that came from the other side of the aisle, they need to understand that the VA has 477,000 employees. With that massive amount of employees, over the last several years, many of the jobs were not getting done correctly even though we put out a lot of money and hired a lot of employees.
Secretary Collins has said that he will reduce staffing based on attrition--attrition, mind you. We won't lose docs. We won't lose nurses. We won't lose frontline workers. We will be good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.
So as the rhetoric comes from the other side on this administration and the fact that when they were in the majority and it was the Biden administration they didn't push for this legislation shows that it is more about the politics than it is about taking care of our veterans.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of our Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 423.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 201) to provide for a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the prevalence and mortality of cancer among individuals who served as active duty aircrew in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 201. The bill was introduced by Senators Kelly and Cotton, and the House version was introduced by my
The bill would ensure that there is trusted medical research available to pave the way for toxic-exposed military pilots and aircrew to access their VA disability compensation benefits.
Colonel Andrew Shurtleff, who testified before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs in March, was one of these veterans. He served our country as an Air Force fighter pilot for 23 years, flying over 1,800 hours.
The colonel began his career flying the F-15C Eagle and was chosen as one of the first F-22 Raptor instructors. I am told that one of his proudest achievements was serving as the 325th Operational Support Squadron commander at Tyndall Air Force Base, supporting Operation Northern Watch.
Colonel Shurtleff started fighting stage IV cancer in 2019 at just 41 years old and, unfortunately, passed away on May 23 at the age of 48.
My prayers are with his wife, Julie, and their family. We are forever grateful for his service to this country and to his community.
Military pilots and aircrew like Colonel Shurtleff work in tight spaces and are exposed to chemicals and toxic fumes every time they fly a mission. However, there is not enough medical research available for VA to simply presume that their cancers are related to those exposures. This lack of comprehensive medical research makes it hard for these military pilots and aircrew to access and earn these benefits.
Each one of those veterans must prove to VA that chemicals and toxins caused their cancer. Many had to fight the VA system for years before receiving any disability compensation, and many others never received their earned benefits before they passed away.
S. 201 would require the National Academies to conduct a study on whether the cancers suffered by military pilots and aircrew are related to their chemical and toxic exposures.
VA needs robust medical research to streamline military aircrew veterans' access to disability compensation, and VA needs it fast for today's and tomorrow's veterans.
This bill ensures that research gets done and that our military pilots and aircrew get the answers they deserve.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 201, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 201, the ACES Act of 2025, offered by Senator Mark Kelly.
Mr. Speaker, I will start by thanking all of those who helped to get this bill to this point. Among others, I am deeply appreciative of the Military Aviator Coalition for Health and their leadership in advocating for this issue.
I also thank my colleagues across the aisle, especially Representative Pfluger, the lead sponsor of the House version of this bill, for acknowledging the urgent need to address the alarming rates of aviator cancers.
Mr. Speaker, this isn't a partisan issue. It is about doing right by those who served.
Sadly, since we passed the House version of the bill, we have lost more aviators to cancer.
The urgency here is undeniable. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer. It is abundantly clear that we must investigate and pinpoint what is driving the illnesses among this population and develop a long- term strategy for early detection and treatment before a cancer has reached stage III or stage IV, before it is too late.
Members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs have often spoken of the incredible legacy of the Nation's military aviators, true experts who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our country. We also heard heartbreaking stories of what happens when they come home, often looking healthy, only to be blindsided by a late-stage cancer diagnosis and a bleak outlook.
In fact, just a few short days ago, at a roundtable I hosted, we heard directly from veterans, caregivers, and survivors about the profound toll that this takes. We are talking about individuals in peak physical condition who are running marathons, lifting weights, and acing physical readiness tests, only to be stopped in their tracks by cancer. This is a story that is tragically far too common in the aviation community and the broader veteran population, as well.
We accomplished a monumental task in the 117th Congress with the Honoring our PACT Act, but we must continue to fight for military aviators and countless others who have been exposed to a litany of toxins and hazards during their service.
The ACES Act is a step in the right direction. It is not the fix-all. It is not the end of the journey. It is a start of one, just like the Honoring our PACT Act was.
I will say that I am heartened by the consensus that we have reached on this bill on the need to research aviator cancers. I am hopeful that we can work in lockstep on behalf of our veterans as we continue to advocate for every one of them. For example, this bill deals principally with fixed-wing aviators. I am hopeful that we will similarly rally around legislation for rotary-wing aircraft pilots.
I am genuinely hopeful that, upon completing this study, we will be significantly closer to understanding the root causes of aviator cancers. More importantly, we will be able to provide our Nation's veterans with comprehensive care, the preventative and palliative care that they earned and deserve.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to getting this and other critical exposure legislation through this body and signed into law. I hope my colleagues will continue to rally around our efforts.
Mr. Speaker, that is why I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today not just as a Member of Congress but as a wingman, a servicemember, and a friend to those in uniform and in strong support of S. 201, the Aviator Cancers Examination Study Act, or the ACES Act.
Far too many of our military aviators and aircrew are being diagnosed with cancer at troubling rates. A 2021 Air Force study supported by additional Department of Defense research found that aviators face a 29 percent higher likelihood of testicular cancer, a 24 percent higher likelihood of melanoma, and a 23 percent higher risk of prostate cancer compared to their civilian counterparts.
These are incredibly healthy, in-shape, well-tested individuals, yet they have almost 30 percent higher cancer rates than the average civilian population.
Mr. Speaker, these numbers tell a painful story. When brave men and women volunteer to defend our Nation from the cockpit, they shouldn't face a second battle against cancer without our full support.
This is why this legislation, led by me and my friend from California (Mr. Panetta) in the House and by Senators Kelly and Cotton in the Senate, is critically necessary.
The ACES Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to partner with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study on the prevalence and causes of cancer among military aviators. We need to know the why, and we need to provide our aircrew with air cover for their own health.
By identifying the unique risk factors associated with aviation service, we can implement targeted screening protocols that enable earlier detection, when treatment is most effective. This leads to faster access to care and benefits, significantly improved survival rates, more time with loved ones, and the opportunity for continued service.
This bill builds upon previous research that has been done, but it goes the distance and increases the pool to the veteran population, not just those who are Active Duty, but also to those who have previously served as aviators.
I am an Air Force fighter pilot with over 20 years of service, and I fought alongside the best that this Nation has to offer. I have also stood beside too many of my brothers and sisters as they face their toughest battles--not in
That is the story of my friend, Colonel Andy ``Pablo'' Shurtleff. In March, Andy did a wonderful job of testifying before the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, sharing how his sudden cancer diagnosis brought his promising career to an abrupt end. He spoke with clarity and conviction about how a better understanding of cancer risk in the aviation community might have led to earlier detection not only in his case but in many of our friends and many of our wingmen, detection that could have saved his life and their lives.
Shortly after that, on Friday, May 23, my friend Pablo lost his battle with cancer. In his final days, one of the few comforts he knew was that the ACES Act was on track to becoming law. His courage, voice, and advocacy for other servicemembers should not be forgotten.
There are countless others I have served with, including people like Colonel Michael ``Bam Bam'' Stapleton and so many others who many of us know. That is what this bill represents. It represents keeping Pablo in the cockpit. It represents Pablo's kids and others in the next generation wanting to sign up for this because they know that we are going to give them that air cover.
This bill received bipartisan support on the House floor with a vote of 376-5 in May. This bill has the support of over 20 veteran organizations, cancer advocacy groups, and medical experts because they recognize what is at stake.
With the passage of this version of the bill, it will be sent to the President's desk, and I am hopeful that the President will sign it into law quickly so we can fulfill our promise to those who serve, a promise that when someone serves our Nation, we have their backs, that we will serve them, and that we will protect them.
Today, as we cast our votes on this critical legislation, we stand closer than ever to honoring the memory of heroes like Andy and giving future servicemembers a real chance at early detection, better treatment, and lifesaving research.
I sincerely thank my colleagues who cosponsored this bipartisan legislation, as well as Chairman Bost, the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee; the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee; Chairman Luttrell; members of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees; Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Senator Jerry Moran; and leadership for their unwavering support for moving this bill. Unlike many others in Congress, this was moved with Mach, with airspeed, and I appreciate that.
I am also deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteers of the MACH Coalition, whose passion and persistence helped carry this effort forward.
My heartfelt thanks go to Senator Mark Kelly, himself a combat veteran, a pilot, and an astronaut, and Senator Cotton for championing this bill in the Senate.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' There really is no reason that we can't make this a unanimous ``yes'' vote in support of the ACES Act.
Most of all, my deepest gratitude goes to the thousands of pilots and aircrew members who are defending our Nation every single day. We see them. We thank them. We have their backs. This is the air cover that they so desperately deserve.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing.
I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing S. 201. I thank Representative Pfluger for this legislation. I am very honored and pleased to be able to support it, and I ask all of my colleagues to do the same.
Before I yield back, I do want to say that there are many more of our veterans who have been exposed to some toxic substances, whether it is radiation or something that is going on with our pilots.
We have learned recently of the Area 51 veterans who served at the Nevada Test Site and who obviously show signs collectively of exposure to radiation and bear the medical consequences of that.
We have ample evidence, for example, that our naval servicemembers who serve on speedboats and have been exposed to intense vibrations may have medical consequences that merit our attention. We know that exposure to overblast may cause serious traumatic brain injury.
Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of this legislation, which I can wholly support, I believe that we must do more. I ask the chairman if we might schedule a hearing for the more extensive examination into the many other types of exposures--environmental exposures, toxic exposures-- that our veterans have been and our servicemembers are being subjected to. Let us pay attention to those, as well. I humbly request such a hearing.
Mr. Speaker, understand that we at the committee have hearings and will continue to have hearings on things like this many times. We will take the ranking member's comments under advisement. We will set the agenda and figure out what we will have hearings on and what we won't. I appreciate the request. This is why we have these types of hearings, and that is why we have this legislation here today.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 201.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2170) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, the Leonard G. `Bud' Lomell, VA Clinic, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2170, a bill to rename the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Toms River, New Jersey, as the Leonard G. ``Bud'' Lomell VA Clinic.
Leonard ``Bud'' Lomell was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1920 and enlisted in the Army after the U.S. entered into World War II. Initially serving with an infantry division, Lomell quickly volunteered for the newly formed 2nd Ranger Battalion. There, he became the platoon's first sergeant.
During the earliest hours of D-day, First Sergeant Lomell's platoon landed at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy. Their mission was to disable the heavy defense artillery guns set to rain fire on the brave soldiers on Utah Beach.
Despite all the fire and obstruction, First Sergeant Lomell and his platoon became the first unit to accomplish their D-day mission.
Lomell continued to distinguish himself during the war, receiving a promotion to second lieutenant and being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, and Silver Star.
After his service ended in 1945, Lomell married his wife, Charlotte. Together, they became proud parents of three daughters and continued serving in their community. I am happy to say that Charlotte is still able to see this bill being offered in honor of her husband.
Leonard G. ``Bud'' Lomell served as a great example of the Greatest Generation. It is a fitting tribute to name the VA clinic after him to tell the story of his service.
I thank the sponsor of this bill, Representative Smith, as well as the entire New Jersey delegation for honoring their fellow New Jerseyan with this tribute.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2170, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2170 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, after Leonard G. ``Bud'' Lomell.
Mr. Lomell was born in Brooklyn, New York, but soon relocated with his family to Point Pleasant, where he went on to attend Wesleyan College on a full scholarship and quickly volunteered as an Army Ranger after World War II broke out.
Mr. Lomell and his platoon received a pivotal assignment on D-day that would change the course of the war forever. He and his fellow Rangers would scale 100-foot cliffs on ropes and find and destroy German artillery that posed a huge danger to the Allied troops landing on the beach below.
Undaunted by the impossibility of this task, Mr. Lomell and his platoon undertook their task. Despite being shot in the side and nearly drowning the moment he stepped off his landing craft, Mr. Lomell continued onward and successfully scaled the wall.
However, upon reaching the top, he and his fellow Rangers realized the weapons were decoys designed to be a deterrent to the troops below. Even this was not reason enough for Mr. Lomell to give up. He and his team quickly found the real weapons unguarded nearby and destroyed them.
For his heroism and for saving countless lives, Mr. Lomell received the Distinguished Service Cross. Following the fighting at D-day, Mr. Lomell continued to serve his country in other battles, earning a Silver Star. After receiving another injury, he was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
After the war, Mr. Lomell returned to New Jersey, where he settled in Toms River. He graduated from Rutgers University Law School, married and had three daughters, and opened a successful law practice. He died in 2011 at age 91, and his grateful hometown honored him with the creation of Lomell Lane.
I can think of no better way to honor Mr. Lomell and demonstrate our Nation's continued gratitude for his service than to name this VA clinic in his honor.
I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the distinguished chairman, for yielding and for the job he is doing as chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I once served in that position. I know how important it is to defend our veterans so vigorously. I thank the chairman for that leadership. I thank the ranking member as well for his support of this important piece of legislation.
Let me just begin.
Today, the House of Representatives has the opportunity to further recognize and honor one of the bravest and most highly decorated combat soldiers of World War II, Leonard G. ``Bud'' Lomell, by naming the new veterans outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, in his honor.
While Bud Lomell passed away in 2011 at the age of 91, his dear wife, Charlotte, is turning 104 in September, and she and her family deeply loved Bud and continue to deeply cherish his memory. I spoke to Bud's youngest daughter, Renee, again this morning. They are very pleased that Congress is poised to honor him today.
I also extend my special thanks to former Toms River mayor and retired admiral, Mo Hill, for originally coming up with this idea to name the clinic for Bud Lomell, as well as his incredible advocacy on behalf of Bud and his family.
On June 6, 1944, D-day, First Sergeant Bud Lomell of D Company, 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion, and his Army Rangers were tasked with the nearly impossible mission of scaling the 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc and
Bud Lomell and his Rangers, upon successfully climbing the cliffs despite heavy casualties, were dismayed to find when they got to the top of the cliffs that the Allied military intel was misled by decoys and that the entire invasion was now at risk. Bud, I know parenthetically, was actually wounded leaving the landing craft but tenaciously continued. In one interview, he said: I lost half my guys.
First Sergeant Lomell and another Ranger, Sergeant Jack Kuhn, found the five guns camouflaged in a nearby orchard. He discovered they were all aimed at Utah Beach, although they could easily reach Normandy as well. Remember, they have a 10-to-15-mile range. They could have taken out ships, landing craft, and, of course, the infantry soldiers and others making the beachheads.
With Kuhn providing cover, Bud Lomell used thermite grenades to singlehandedly destroy three of the Nazi big artillery guns, then got more thermite grenades and went back and destroyed the other two. Five massive artillery guns were utterly destroyed, ultimately helping to ensure the success of the Allied invasion and saving countless lives.
Historian Stephen Ambrose has described Bud Lomell as the single individual, besides Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, as the most responsible for the success of D-day.
In his book, ``The Greatest Generation,'' Tom Brokaw devoted an entire chapter to Bud Lomell, who he first met 40 years after the invasion of D-day. He noted that during their interview, even after several decades--these are his words--he ``could almost see the tough, young First Sergeant Lomell directing his men as they landed under the withering fire of German forces.''
For his amazing leadership and extraordinarily brave acts, Bud Lomell received the Distinguished Service Cross. As we all know, that is the second highest military decoration. The citation said in part: ``First Sergeant Lomell led a patrol of men through the heaviest kind of automatic weapons fire to destroy an enemy machine gun nest. Later on the same day, while leading another patrol, he penetrated through the enemy lines to the rear and discovered five enemy 155-millimeter guns. . . .
``[He] gallantly led his patrol against the enemy and successfully destroyed the guns . . . . First Sergeant Lomell's bold and outstanding leadership in the face of superior numbers is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.''
Lomell also received a rare battlefield promotion to second lieutenant, and it was said that ``there was not a man who did not feel proud to serve with him.''
Six months later, Bud Lomell served in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, where he and D Company helped capture and defend the notorious Hill 400, which had claimed thousands of his fellow servicemembers' lives.
He subsequently received the Silver Star for his valor in combat, and that citation says in pertinent part: ``Conspicuously leading from the front, Lomell directed the successful defense of the hilltop in the face of nearly overwhelming German counterattack midday . . . . [Refusing] shelter and at risk of his life with blood oozing from his ears, nose, and mouth, firing his machine gun cradled in his bandaged left arm with his right hand, he continued to lead his men against another ruthless German assault throughout the entire afternoon.''
What an amazing, amazing hero. He was wounded at Hurtgen and again several weeks later at the Battle of the Bulge. In addition to the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star, Bud Lomell received other awards, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two oakleaf clusters, and France's highest medal, the Legion of Honor. Those are just some of the most remembered ones. There were others as well.
As was pointed out by my colleagues, he became an unbelievably effective lawyer, had his own law firm, and was very active in the community in Ocean County. He was even the head of Veterans Services in Ocean County, the first person to take on that position.
As President Reagan famously said in his speech at Pointe du Hoc, the men who invaded Normandy, including and most especially Bud Lomell, ``had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next.'' They were ``the men who took the cliffs.'' They were ``the champions who helped free a continent.'' They were ``the heroes who helped end a war.''
Mr. Speaker, in enduring gratitude to them, I ask my colleagues to vote for this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2170.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2625) to amend title 38, United States Code, to update certain terminology regarding veteran employment.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2625.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
MR. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2625 offered by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Davis), my colleague.
H.R. 2625 would strike the term ``employment handicap'' from the Veteran Readiness and Employment statute, or VR&E, and replace it with the term ``employment barrier.''
This bill is simply a fix that would remove the negative implications of the term ``handicap'' and replace it with the broader term to ensure service-connected veterans can access the support they might need.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2625, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2625, the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025 introduced by my good friend Representative Don Davis.
The Veteran Readiness and Employment program, or VR&E, offers vital services to help veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities and those determined to have
This bill would replace the terms ``employment handicap'' and ``serious employment handicap'' with ``employment barrier'' and ``serious employment barrier.''
Historically, the term ``handicap'' has been associated with disadvantage or burden, which does not accurately reflect our veteran population.
By making this change, we acknowledge the challenges that veterans with service-connected disabilities often face in the job market. Eliminating the stigma associated with these disabilities will encourage more veterans to participate in the VR&E program, ultimately assisting them in preparing for and securing meaningful employment.
The Department of Veterans Affairs requested this change, which has bipartisan support and incurs no cost. I thank Mr. Davis for his work on veterans' issues during his time in Congress. I am proud of his work to open doors at the VA for more veterans so they may access the benefits they have earned through their service.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Davis), my good friend who currently serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Agriculture, the sponsor of H.R. 2625.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost and Representative Takano for yielding time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2625, the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025.
On behalf of the more than 56,000 veterans in North Carolina's First Congressional District, which I am proud to represent, and so many across our country, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this commonsense legislation.
I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani), who co-led the bill. I also thank the House Committee on Veterans' Affair for marking it up and moving it forward. Lastly, I thank the Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America for endorsing this legislation.
H.R. 2625 amends terminology in the Veteran Readiness and Employment program to replace the term ``employment handicap'' with ``employment barrier'' and the term ``serious employment handicap'' with ``serious employment barrier,'' while, most importantly, leaving the definitions unchanged.
The Veteran Readiness and Employment program helps former servicemembers find jobs and ensure their mental and financial well- being are intact. Updating the terminology will improve efficiency and encourage veterans to use the Veteran Readiness and Employment program.
No veteran should have any discomfort advocating for themselves and seeking help for their service-connected disabilities. We will continue to stay in this fight until every disabled veteran has what they need to get the assistance they have earned.
On behalf of a grateful nation, we can honor those who have given life and limb to serve by passing the VERY Act.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do exactly that, and I thank the chair and the ranking member for yielding time.
Mr. Speaker, we passed this bill in the House last Congress, only for the Senate to run out of time. I am hopeful that this year the Senate acts quickly to send this bill directly to the President's desk.
Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 2625, the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025, and I urge all my colleagues to support it, as well.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2625, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2625.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 672) to establish new ZIP Codes for certain communities, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Simon) each will control 20 minutes.
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 this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Kentucky?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 672 designates single and unique ZIP Codes for communities across the Nation. There are currently over 41,000 ZIP Codes in the United States. In some cases, ZIP Codes are misaligned with local boundaries. H.R. 672 addresses the concerns of various localities and establishes new ZIP Codes for communities across the Nation.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the bill's sponsor, for putting this bill together.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 672 would require the United States Postal Service to designate unique ZIP Codes for a number of communities across the country. This bill aims to address certain issues related to economic development and public safety regulations and mail delivery.
For example, Eastvale is a town in southern California that is home to 69,000 residents. It currently shares two ZIP Codes with neighboring jurisdictions.
Without a unique ZIP Code, Eastvale residents have reported mail delivery issues for delivery of legal notices, code enforcement activities, public outreach, and election mail.
Eastvale residents have also reported higher insurance rates because of errors related to another jurisdiction, disrupting their ability to obtain affordable wildfire insurance.
I appreciate the diligence of Congressman Diaz-Balart, the chair, and the committee staff, and the other Members in ensuring that each town being marked up in today's amendment version of this bill satisfies all the committee's requirements for consideration.
Mr. Speaker, let me first start by thanking the chairman and the ranking member for their fine work.
Mr. Speaker, the ranking member already mentioned some of the issues that we are trying to solve with this bill, and there are so many other communities that this bill will help, including Miami Lakes, which I have the privilege to represent.
Mr. Speaker, this is going to be the third time if it passes--and I hope it will--that we pass this bill out of the House. This bill has a Senate companion, and, Mr. Speaker, it is a bipartisan Senate companion. I want to mention the sponsors: Senator Rick Scott, Senator Joni Ernst, and Senator Alex Padilla.
It deals with a lot of issues that we have already heard about, but it is important to note that those are not small issues for those communities. They are problematic issues.
We have heard from mayors, local elected officials, and constituents for many, many years--I think all of us that this bill is dealing with--but I am referring particularly to Miami Lakes in Miami-Dade County. Unfortunately, the Postal Service has done nothing about it.
Miami Lakes alone has gone through the USPS' boundary review process three times to no avail, which is, again, unfortunate.
While the Postal Service operates, by the way, on a fee-for-service basis and receives no direct appropriations--I want to make sure that everybody understands that--my team, my staff, has talked to the Congressional Budget Office to make sure that there is no score with this. The news is, as I just mentioned, this bill does not score.
I am confident--I sincerely hope, for the people of Miami Lakes and the folks around the country--that the third time will be the charm, that this will become law. I am confident that it will.
I started by thanking the chairman of the committee and his staff. I thank the staff, along with the chairman and the ranking member. I also thank, from my team, Vanessa Scott, who is my staffer who has worked day in and day out. I would be remiss if I didn't thank the Speaker, the majority leader, the whip, and all leadership for all they are doing to get this bill to the floor once again. I thank all the Members whose districts this will benefit for their hard work.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 672 to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for communities across the United States.
H.R. 672, which includes the community of Mills, Wyoming, would resolve longstanding issues that have continually impacted a host of services, ranging from the delivery of mail to confusion for the local fire department and utilities providers, while also complicating economic development.
With mail ZIP Code designation intertwined with Casper, Wyoming, the city has struggled with timely mail delivery, loss of property tax revenue and franchise fees, and incorrect Census counts. Each of these issues poses significant challenges for Mills as it continues to grow, develop, and attract new residents across Wyoming and beyond.
Passage of this bill will go a long way to correct this oversight, not only for Mills but for communities nationwide.
The city of Mills has been a tireless advocate for this legislation, and I am immensely proud to be a cosponsor.
I thank Representative Diaz-Balart and Chairman Comer for their steadfast leadership on this critically important issue, and I support this legislation to resolve these issues for my constituents in Mills.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 672.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 672, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3095) to direct the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Simon) each will control 20 minutes.
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 this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Kentucky?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the Postal Service structures the delivery of mail around ZIP Codes, five-digit numbers that organize how to deliver the mail. There are currently over 41,000 ZIP Codes in the United States. While ZIP Codes are usually aligned with local boundaries, this is sometimes not the case.
H.R. 3095 creates new ZIP Codes for local communities listed in the bill and will help address concerns raised by these localities.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the bill's sponsor and my colleague on the House Oversight Committee, the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert), for leading this legislation. She has been a tireless advocate for these communities represented in the bill, and I appreciate her hard work and dedication.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3095 would require the United States Postal Service to designate unique ZIP Codes for a number of communities across the country.
This bill aims to address specific community concerns about disrupted mail delivery and undeliverable mail. While I commend Representative Boebert for her tireless work on this issue, I am unable to support this legislation at this time.
After numerous conversations between the chair and former ranking member, the late Mr. Connolly, the committee agreed on a bipartisan basis that ZIP Code designation bills would only be considered if they met the following criteria: One, the designated locality must submit a letter from local leadership stating the reasons for the ZIP Code change; two, the community must also attest that they had petitioned the Postal Service for the unique ZIP Code designation and was unsuccessful; and, lastly, number three, that the legislation must be cosponsored by all of the impacted Members.
Unfortunately, the bill has not satisfied the committee's requirement for consideration. In fact, only one-quarter of the 68 designated communities meet the Committee's requirements, and we have heard from at least one affected Member who is, unfortunately, opposed.
Therefore, until the majority follows the procedures set forth by this ZIP Code designation bill, the ranking member will oppose the bill today in its current form.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman so much for yielding. Mr. Comer has been an amazing advocate in helping get this bill over the line once again. I am proud to stand here today and explain why this piece of legislation is so important.
I rise with a deep sense of purpose and conviction to advocate for the passage of H.R. 3095, a commonsense, bipartisan bill that directs the United States Postal Service to designate a single unique ZIP Code for specific communities across our great Nation, including 15 in my home State of Colorado.
This legislation is not just about postal efficiency. It is about fairness, public safety, community identity, and ensuring that every town and city in America has the tools it needs to thrive.
When the ZIP Code system was first introduced in 1963, it was a revolutionary step toward modernizing mail delivery and streamlining operations for a rapidly growing nation.
At the time, the United States Postal Service envisioned ZIP Codes as a simple tool to improve sorting and delivery, but over the decades ZIP Codes have evolved into far more than postal convenience. They have become integral to how we navigate modern life.
Economic developers rely on ZIP Codes to attract businesses and plan growth. Insurance companies use them to calculate premiums. Emergency responders depend on them to locate homes and businesses in moments of crisis. Even in our online shopping, our navigation systems are built around the assumption that every community has a clear, unique ZIP Code.
Yet for too many towns and cities across America, this basic building block of modern infrastructure remains out of reach.
Mr. Speaker, in my home State of Colorado, I have heard from my constituents who face daily frustration because they share ZIP Codes with neighboring towns.
These are not abstract problems. They affect real people in tangible ways.
Severance, Colorado, is a town of 11,500 people in Weld County, yet they have six ZIP Codes that they correlate with.
Imagine a family who is waiting anxiously for an ambulance only to learn that the first responders were dispatched to the wrong town because of a shared ZIP Code. Picture a small business owner in Castle Pines, Colorado, working tirelessly to grow their company and losing critical deliveries and customers due to misdirected mail or wasting time applying for a permit with the wrong municipality.
Consider the frustration of residents in towns like Silver Cliff, Colorado, who are overcharged for insurance because their ZIP Code inaccurately places them in a higher risk area.
Think of the local government already stretched thin that loses millions of dollars in vital sales tax revenue because transactions are mistakenly attributed to neighboring jurisdictions.
These challenges are not unique to Colorado. Across the Nation, over 65 communities, from rural communities to growing suburbs, are struggling with these same issues. Governors, mayors, town boards, and everyday citizens have raised their voices pleading for a solution. They are not asking for handouts or special favors. They are asking for the basic recognition of their community's existence, that they matter, and that they deserve the same tools for success as their neighbors.
H.R. 3095 answers that call with a direct and practical solution. This bill directs the United States Postal Service to assign unique ZIP Codes to each community, empowering them to better serve their residents, strengthen their local identities, and streamline their operations.
A unique ZIP Code is more than a number. It is a lifeline. It supports infrastructure planning by providing accurate data for economic development. It reduces mail inconsistencies, ensuring that packages and letters arrive where they are intended.
Seniors and veterans have suffered vital and lifesaving medication delays just because they were lost in the mail, which is entirely unacceptable and preventable. It enhances public safety by helping emergency responders locate those in need without delay, and it ensures that local governments receive the tax revenue they are rightfully owed allowing them to invest in schools, roads, and community services.
The current process for obtaining a new ZIP Code is, frankly, broken. Communities must navigate a labyrinth of bureaucratic hurdles, submitting petitions to the USPS that are rarely approved. If their petition is denied, then they are forced to wait up to 10 years before they can even reapply, 10 years, Mr. Speaker.
That is 10 years of lost opportunities, 10 years of misdirected mail, and 10 years of unnecessary risks to public safety.
This is not the kind of government our constituents expect or deserve. They expect us to solve problems, not extend them.
H.R. 3095 cuts through this red tape with a clear directive to the Postal Service to assign unique ZIP Codes to these deserving communities.
This bill is not about creating a new bureaucracy or imposing heavy- handed mandates. It is about empowering local governments and residents to take control of their future. It is about ensuring that every community, no matter how small, has a seat at the table and a voice in our Nation's progress.
I am proud to say that this bill has bipartisan support. This bill was passed out of the House in the previous Congress, and it will pass again. Republicans and Democrats alike recognize the importance of this issue. Mayors, town councils, and community leaders from across the political spectrum have rallied behind H.R. 3095, united by a shared commitment to fairness and efficiency. Government efficiency is not something that we hear a lot of.
This is not a partisan issue, it is an American issue, and it is one that goes beyond political divides and speaks to our shared values of community, opportunity, and, again, progress.
As we consider this bill, let us reflect on what it means to represent our constituents. They sent us here to listen
The communities affected by H.R. 3095 have asked for our help, and it is our duty to respond. By passing this bill today, we can send a powerful message that no town is too small to be heard, that no community is too small to be overlooked or to matter, and that we are committed to building a stronger and more equitable nation for all.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3095. Let us give these communities and the millions of Americans the representation, the recognition, the resources, and the respect that they rightfully deserve. Let us ensure that every town has the tools it needs to thrive, from accurate mail delivery to reliable emergency services to robust economic growth.
This is a moment to act with purpose.
Let's be the bridge that heals this divide and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, by receiving a unique ZIP Code, these communities will hold on to more of their tax revenue, improve the response times of first responders, and minimize issues with the postal delivery to incorrect addresses.
I have been honored to lead on this issue. It has been a passion of mine for the past 5 years, and I hope that we can finally get this signed into law. Maybe we were waiting all along for President Donald J. Trump's signature on this bill.
I thank Chairman Comer for his support of this, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3095.
Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3095, a bill that would assign a new ZIP Code to the city of Green, a municipality within Ohio's 13th Congressional District.
Establishing unique ZIP Codes may not be what most folks think about when they are considering Federal legislation; however, for the citizens and businesses and the economy of the city of Green, Ohio, it is, in fact, a matter of importance and priority.
During the Green State of the City Address earlier this year, Mayor Rocco Yeargin proclaimed that he would actively engage toward working to get the city of Green a unique ZIP Code. I promised the mayor at the State of the City Address that I would work with him hand-in-hand after several unsuccessful attempts to do so. We are now closer to that reality upon the passage of H.R. 3095.
The city of Green currently operates under five different ZIP Codes, none of which bear the city's name. This situation has led to confusion, lost tax dollars, and a diminished sense of unity among residents and businesses. Aligning the ZIP Code designation within the city's name will enhance community cohesion and promote a stronger civic identity.
When ZIP Codes were first assigned for this area, Green was a township, mostly farmland and a few businesses, and fewer than 10,000 residents. In 1992, Green was incorporated as a city.
Now, 30-plus years later, its population has nearly tripled. It is the home of more than 1,200 businesses and is the fastest growing city in Summit County.
Community members, elected leaders, and local businesses have all expressed their overwhelming support for a single ZIP Code reflecting the city's name.
The current multitude of ZIP Codes creates obstacles for these 1,200 businesses, including confusion for customers and suppliers about their location and challenges in daily transactions like assigning sales tax due to a ZIP Code with a name designated to a separate county--not even a separate city, a separate county.
In fact, Green identified $614,000 in unpaid taxes alone in 2023 attributed to this problem. This is an issue that community leaders, residents, businesses, and more have expressed their overwhelming support for: a ZIP Code for the city of Green. They have attempted to work with the USPS to no avail, and so now we are here with legislation.
I understand the procedural challenges that have plagued this bill, but I do ask that the Members of this body not punish my constituents for those committee issues. I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in support of this bill to ensure that the city of Green receives the designation it deserves with a single, unique ZIP Code that bears its name.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Earlier this year, Mayor Jim Bell of Weddington, North Carolina, reached out to me to let me know that the city had a problem. Having different ZIP Codes across a single city has caused confusion about where residents file property taxes or even show up to vote.
Concerned about how this problem might continue to compound, my office was able to work together with Representative Boebert to ensure that Weddington is included in today's legislation requesting a single, unique ZIP Code.
Representing my constituents has been the honor of a lifetime, and I have learned that there is no issue too great or too small that I can't champion for North Carolinians, whether it is casting my vote for a once-in-a-generation tax reform bill like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act or today's ZIP Code update, it is my mission to be a voice that responds to the needs of my constituents.
I stand here today, Madam Speaker, to urge support for this package to ensure that communities across this country can have the clarity that they absolutely deserve.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 3095, which directs the U.S. Postal Service to designate a unique ZIP Code for certain communities, including North Tustin in my district.
North Tustin has been a pillar of our Orange County community and a census-designated place. However, its status as an unincorporated area has caused confusion for the Postal Service and for tax purposes.
For example, North Tustin residents are subject to the city of Santa Ana's sales tax, despite not being represented or eligible for services or a vote in the local elections.
Providing North Tustin with a unique ZIP Code will create certainty for residents who have called North Tustin home for decades and provide clarity for tax purposes to surrounding areas, and USPS.
I thank Representative Boebert and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for working with me on this commonsense, bipartisan measure, and I am hopeful that we can get through to the finish line and help our communities. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Boebert bill. I urge its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3095, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 183) to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for a lifetime National Recreational Pass for law enforcement officers, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota.
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 183, the bill now under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Minnesota?
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 183, the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreational Pass Act, led by my friend and colleague on the Natural Resources Committee Representative McClintock.
This legislation helps recognize the selfless service of Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement officers and firefighters with a well-deserved benefit: free annual access to national parks, forests, and other public lands managed by the Federal Government.
This meaningful legislation will ensure that the men and women who risk their lives to protect our communities can enjoy free access to our Nation's most treasured public lands.
Law enforcement officers and firefighters also play a critical role in protecting our public lands by responding to wildland fires, conducting search and rescue operations, responding to criminal activity, and preventing vandalism and resource destruction.
For example, just over 1 year ago, on a busy Fourth of July weekend, Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers neutralized a potential shooter headed toward a busy dining area in one of the most popular areas of the park. Their selfless actions and heroism saved countless lives, ensuring that this day of celebration did not turn into a day of tragedy.
Whether it is a local sheriff in Minnesota, a wildland firefighter in California, or a Tribal police officer in Missouri, our law enforcement officers and firefighters dedicate themselves to the safety and well- being of others, often under incredibly difficult and dangerous circumstances. This legislation gives something back to those who give so much.
This bill also promotes the use of public lands for recreation, health, and family time, particularly among those who may face long hours, stressful shifts, and dangerous conditions. Outdoor recreation is good for both mental and physical well-being, and this bill ensures that our first responders can take full advantage of America's natural beauty.
I commend Representative McClintock for his leadership on this bill and his continued work to expand outdoor access for the American people.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, pro- recreation, pro-first-responder legislation. Let's honor those who serve by giving them the opportunity to enjoy the lands that they help protect.
Madam Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 183 would amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide free America the Beautiful passes to law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Expanding outdoor recreation and ensuring Americans can access and enjoy our public lands is a shared bipartisan priority on the Natural Resources Committee. Currently, the National Park Service offers free national park and Federal recreation land passes to certain groups, including U.S. military members and veterans. This legislation builds on this framework by waiving entrance, standard amenity, and day-use fees at over 2,000 Federal recreation sites for law enforcement officers and firefighters.
These hardworking Americans put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities every day. An America the Beautiful pass is a small but hopefully meaningful token of appreciation for their public service.
Furthermore, let me say that I am glad to see my Republican colleagues acknowledging the importance of our public servants, and I hope they will join us, in the spirit of this legislation, to do more to support and protect all of our Federal first responders.
These public servants dedicate their lives to serving the American people. The administration has created chaos and confusion that adds to the difficulty of their jobs through Federal hiring freezes, which have left them short-staffed.
In addition to showing our appreciation for these critical public servants and first responders, I hope my colleagues will work with us to make sure that our Federal workers have the tools that they need to do their jobs, to keep us safe, and to also keep our public lands open and operating and in the hands of we the people.
For too many of our public lands and parks, after Federal employees have been fired, let go, or pushed toward retirement, private entities are managing these parks, so the America the Beautiful pass is not able to allow free access to these public servants and people who have put their lives on the line to protect and serve our country.
Madam Speaker, I would love to work with everyone on that, as well. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, as has been noted, H.R. 183 simply extends the lifetime national parks pass to the frontline public safety officers who risk their lives every day to protect our families and communities. It is the same courtesy we already extend to U.S. military members and their families, to our veterans, and to our Gold Star families. The CBO estimates its cost at about $500,000 a year.
These men and women, just like those who serve our military, put their lives on the line to protect our families. It seems fitting that we should extend this small courtesy to them. It is simply a way to say thank you to them, a simple but tangible token of our gratitude and esteem.
I first introduced this legislation during the George Floyd riots, when BLM rioters were chanting: ``Pigs in a blanket, fry `em like bacon,'' and leftist politicians were calling for defunding local police departments. We recently expanded it to include firefighters and wildland firefighters, to whom we owe so much for protecting our homes, towns, and communities, as well.
The bill was proposed to me by Janine D'Agostini, the wife of then-El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini, as a small token of appreciation for law enforcement officers who were taking so much abuse when they were trying so hard to protect our families from those who would prey upon them.
Madam Speaker, it seems that, in those years, the wheel has come full circle. Once again, law enforcement personnel are the target of doxing, violent demonstrations, and leftist officials who so often seem to take the side of the lawless against the law-abiding.
Our hearts go out to the many officers of ICE and CBP and their families who have recently been subjected to violence and intimidation, often fanned by the extremist rhetoric of elected officials who ought to know better.
In fact, just 2 weeks ago, while ICE was serving a court-ordered warrant in Carpinteria, a sitting Member of this House doxed an ICE agent to a violent mob. That mob then took off after the agent and physically attacked him with rocks, injuring him seriously enough to require treatment in a hospital emergency room.
This has to stop. We want these brave men and women and their families to know that the vast majority of the American people, the majority of this Congress, and, of course, this President stand behind them, appreciate them, and honor their work. We depend upon them not only for our safety but for the very rule of law itself.
After all, without law enforcement, there is no law. Without law, there is no civilization, as people in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York are learning all too well once again.
This bill was first introduced in 2021. It received a hearing in 2023 but was never marked up. It is long overdue, and I appreciate the House finally considering it today.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I agree with my colleagues that we should defend the police and firefighters. I come from a family of police and firefighters who put their lives on the line every day when they went to work. I will happily work with my Republican colleagues to defend police and firefighters and make sure not to defund them by protecting their public pensions, collective bargaining rights, cancer prevention, training grants, and grants to our local police departments that are now being frozen, putting us in limbo.
This is a very real issue that I know I can work with my Republican colleagues on to make sure that our public lands are not being operated by private entities that refuse to recognize the benefits provided for in this law. This is happening across the country, and in my district, I know specifically, where they refuse to grant free entry for veterans and military personnel. They say that they don't have to because they are a private entity.
I would love to make sure that whoever is operating our public parks is keeping them public and that these people who earned our trust and earned this benefit and every benefit that we can give them are actually able to get that.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying that 2 weeks ago, in the One Big Beautiful Bill, there were 18,000 law enforcement officers that were to be hired. Not one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle voted for it.
Mr. Speaker, ahead of our Nation's 250th anniversary next year, this bill ensures meaningful access to our national parks and public lands and recognizes the immense service and sacrifice of our Nation's law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 183, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for a free annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for law enforcement officers and firefighters.''.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 131) to make certain modifications to the repayment for the Arkansas Valley Conduit in the State of Colorado, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle) each will control 20 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 H.R. 131, the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arizona?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 131, the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, sponsored by Representative Boebert of Colorado.
The Arkansas Valley Conduit, or AVC is a 130-mile pipeline that serves 39 communities and 50,000 people east of Pueblo, Colorado. Once completed, it will deliver water to an area of the State that faces severe water quality issues.
The AVC was authorized by Congress as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project in 1962. Over 60 years later, construction on this project has barely started, largely due to cost increases that have outpaced the community's ability to pay.
In 2009, Congress amended the original legislation to help address the project's increasing price tag. Unfortunately, rising construction costs over the past few years have continued to delay this critical water project.
The legislation before us today would further modify the repayment contract to ensure that these communities have reliable access to domestic water supplies. These communities have been waiting for over six decades for a reliable water source. H.R. 131 will ensure this project can finally be completed.
Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
H.R. 131 seeks to address a longstanding water challenge in southeastern Colorado. The Arkansas Valley Conduit is a 130-mile pipeline first authorized in 1962 to deliver water from the Pueblo Reservoir to communities facing ongoing water supply and quality issues. Despite decades of work, the project remains unfinished, primarily due to financial constraints.
This bill would revise certain repayment terms to provide additional flexibility for local stakeholders to help finance the project and begin delivering clean, reliable water to rural communities.
My Democratic colleagues and I are committed to addressing the barrier that rural communities face in securing clean water. That is why we passed historic water infrastructure investments under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Since 2022, the IIJA has provided $500 million for the Arkansas Valley Conduit. These investments are critical for ensuring communities across the West have reliable access to clean drinking water, especially as climate change is continuing to make drought conditions worse.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Boebert, for bringing this forward. I urge support for H.R. 131, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his support on this bill.
I rise to speak in favor of my bill, H.R. 131, Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, to help complete construction of a critical infrastructure project that will provide tens of thousands of southeast Colorado residents with access to clean water.
Southeast Coloradans have waited decades for the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit. While we have made a lot of progress in the recent years and the first two segments of the project are under construction, we still have a long way to go.
This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will help the Bureau of Reclamation and local governments finally complete this major water project. Rural communities in southeastern Colorado need and deserve access to clean, reliable, and affordable water they can utilize on a daily basis.
Once completed, the Arkansas Valley Conduit will provide 7,500-acre- feet of water per year to as many as 50,000 Coloradans across 40 different communities in Pueblo, Otero, Bent, Kiowa, Prowers, and Baca Counties.
The Arkansas Valley Conduit was originally approved for construction as a part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project that was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Congress amended this law in 2009 to tackle water quality concerns and make clear that 35 percent of total project costs would be repaid with interest from miscellaneous revenues.
The original 1962 law also made clear that the costs of annual operation and maintenance for this important project would be paid for by the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District.
Radium, uranium, and other naturally occurring elements are found in the surface and groundwater in southeastern Colorado, and the water quality is problematic year-round because of its salinity, selenium, sulfate, hardness, and manganese levels.
The Bureau of Reclamation has found these contamination levels are so severe that local communities could see the costs of their drinking water triple without this legislation.
The Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act will ease the burden of inflation costs that have caused the original $640 million estimate of construction in 2019 to rise to more than $1.3 billion. There have been a number of modifications to the proposed Arkansas Valley Conduit over the years that have reduced the cost by as much as $200 million.
I thank the Bureau of Reclamation and the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District for working with us in drafting this critical legislation. I am grateful to have their support as we work to get this bill signed into law.
Access to clean water is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Southeast Colorado families and businesses deserve a reliable and sustainable water supply.
It is time we fully and finally fulfill the promises the Federal Government made to the communities I represent in Colorado and finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for his support and I urge adoption.
Mr. Speaker, this bill provides increased financial flexibility for the construction of the long-overdue water infrastructure improvements in rural Colorado. I thank Ms. Boebert for her diligent work and attention to these issues.
Arizona is no second citizen to this. We want to see this happen and help everybody.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 131, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1043) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal land in Arizona to La Paz County, Arizona, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle) each will control 20 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 H.R. 1043, the bill now under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arizona?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 1043, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act.
My bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to convey 3,400 acres of BLM land to La Paz County, Arizona, for rural economic and solar development.
If you have ever visited southwest Arizona, Mr. Speaker, you will know it is pretty darn sunny. Conveying the land to the county for solar maximizes the potential for renewable energy generation and unlocks employment opportunities for county residents.
It is simple: energy and jobs.
This conveyance is vital to the financial future of La Paz County.
Only established in 1983, La Paz is home to nearly 17,000 residents with a median household income of $49,000 per year. It is primarily a farming economy, with nearly 78 percent of cash receipts derived from the sale of crops, like sugarcane and alfalfa hay.
As Arizona expands its technology and semiconductor industries, it is critical to meet the needs of our electric grid, and I believe we must take an all-of-the-above energy approach to ensure the grid's reliability.
In fact, on July 9, Arizona's largest utility providers, APS and SRP, reported a State record of energy demand as we were hit by a heat wave. Luckily, Arizona did not have a blackout, but we must meet the growing needs for electricity.
Mr. Speaker, this has been a legacy priority of mine since 2015. In 2019, the House passed the first allotment of this land for the county, and now my bill conveys the remaining acres to provide the maximum benefit of renewable energy production and a vibrant local economy.
Importantly, this bill respects the land's cultural and Tribal significance. It requires consultation with the Colorado River Indian Tribes if any Tribal artifacts are uncovered during the conveyance process. However, it also enhances the partnership between the county and the Tribes for years to come.
At a time when Congress is exploring all opportunities for cost savings, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act is a win- win. The county receives opportunities for jobs and economic development, and the Federal Government receives a fiscal benefit for otherwise undeveloped lands.
My neighbors in La Paz County need a hand up, and I hope that I can count on my colleagues to lend a helping hand.
Mr. Speaker, I once again ask my friends to support this legislation, H.R. 1043, and our Nation's domestic energy dominance, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H.R. 1043, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act, introduced by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).
This bill would allow the Department of the Interior to convey approximately 3,400 acres of BLM land in La Paz County in Arizona for renewable energy generation and energy storage. La Paz County has significant solar energy potential and is working to develop the largest solar installation in the United States.
This project represents a step toward our clean energy future and underscores the support for renewable energy development and infrastructure, particularly at the State and local level.
H.R. 1043, led by Congressman Gosar and Arizona Senators Gallego and Kelly, reflect the kind of bipartisan cooperation we need more of in Congress.
After Republicans' reckless budget bill rolled back critical renewable energy programs, I hope this bill signals at least a partial recognition that in America we must keep building, not dismantling our clean energy capacity where possible.
The legislation will help power thousands of homes with affordable, reliable energy, support the creation of good-paying jobs, and boost local economy all while reinforcing our commitment to energy independence.
Importantly, this bill ensures that the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Tribal Historic Preservation Office are actively consulted to protect any culturally significant artifacts. This is the right way to approach land transfers: collaborative, respectful, and forward thinking.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan, future-focused bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, American energy is America First. My bill means more American jobs, more American energy, and more American prosperity.
On January 20, 2025, his very first day in office, President Trump declared a national energy emergency to expedite permitting and emergency regulations to unlock domestic energy production. Now it is time for Congress to do its part.
This modest land conveyance will empower the people to meet the national demand for energy generation with countless jobs and the capacity to power thousands of American homes.
I thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Westerman, committee staff, and my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee for helping me bring this legislation to the floor today. A special thank you to my Arizona delegation cosponsors, my good friends, Representatives Biggs and Schweikert.
Mr. Speaker, I once again ask all my colleagues to support my legislation, H.R. 1043, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1043.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3382) to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry out a study and rulemaking on the definition of the term ``small entity'' under the securities laws for purposes of chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer) each will control 20 minutes.
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 in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill, H.R. 3382, the Small Entity Update Act.
Small businesses are the backbone of this country. Everyone on both sides of the aisle knows that. They drive innovation and job creation in our districts, but they are often limited from reaching their full capacity or capability because of overregulation.
The bill introduced by our subcommittee chair, Ann Wagner, addresses this challenge by directing the SEC to carry out a study and a rulemaking to modernize the definition of a small entity and ensure that small firms are given tailored, proportional oversight.
Mr. Speaker, years ago I had the privilege of serving as a nonexecutive chairman for a small-cap public company board of directors. I know firsthand the critical need for attention for what we are dealing with here today.
The bipartisan bill of the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner) will empower our small businesses to focus on growth, hiring, and innovation, rather than unnecessary red tape.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, if appropriate, this bill directs the SEC to carry out a study in rulemaking on its definitions of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. This study in rulemaking would ensure that the commission more carefully accounts for impacts on small businesses when engaging in rulemaking.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act provides small entities with a greater opportunity to participate in the development of certain regulations and will result in more small businesses being included in the definition of small entities under the act. In effect, it gives them a louder voice when it comes to development of SEC regulations that directly apply to them.
Democrats worked to secure important language, ensuring investor protection remains a key focus of the bill. It balances the needs of facilitating capital formation and, of course, protecting our small businesses, which are so critical and are the lifeblood of our country and the jobs in our country.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner) for agreeing to these changes when this bill was marked up in committee.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), the chairwoman of our Subcommittee on Capital Markets and the author of this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3351, the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Representatives Kim and Gottheimer, for their work on this commonsense, bipartisan piece of legislation that will give Americans, small businesses, and entrepreneurs a stronger voice at the SEC.
H.R. 3351 offers a straightforward solution to empower the SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, the advocate, making it a more effective champion for American entrepreneurs.
Mr. Speaker, I also rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3382, the Small Entity Update Act. I thank my colleagues across the aisle, Congressmen Casten, Himes, Scott, and Torres, for their support of this impactful bipartisan legislation. It ensures that the SEC fairly weighs in its rulemaking the regulatory burdens faced by small businesses.
This bipartisan bill would direct the SEC to assess the costs of compliance for small and growing businesses, ensuring that regulations placed on these businesses are not overly burdensome.
Specifically, the bill would direct the Commission to conduct a study, followed by a rulemaking consistent with the results of such study every 5 years, including defining the term ``small entity'' under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Simply put, small businesses can't afford the extensive legal and regulatory expertise that large, multinational firms employ to comply with every regulation while still managing their operating costs.
Recognizing that company sizes and market dynamics constantly evolve, my bill requires the SEC to update its definition of ``small entity'' every 5 years.
For our economy to flourish, Congress and regulators must ensure that all policies consider their impact on America's millions of small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, by creating a more focused regulatory approach for small entities, the Small Entity Update Act will make it easier for entrepreneurs across the country to achieve the American Dream.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill, H.R. 3382.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Again, I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner) for her leadership. I also thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), the chairman, for his leadership and friendship. I am very grateful.
Small businesses make up the backbone of our Nation's economy. Congress and the SEC should do everything within their power to support small businesses and to ensure that the laws and rules they draft adequately take their capital needs into consideration.
This bill gives small businesses a bigger say in how SEC rules and regulations impact them and will allow them to continue to thrive.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of Mrs. Wagner's work. This is exactly the kind of commonsense, bipartisan legislation that our constituents expect us to pass. To lower costs and encourage companies to be public is a good thing for our Nation. It will grow the economy faster. Companies can go public sooner in their growth period.
Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons I have explained, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3382, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3351) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer) each will control 20 minutes.
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 this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3351, the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act.
The SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation is a vital tool for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The advocate hears firsthand from businessowners about the real-world issues that they are facing when raising capital.
Outdated regulations make it more difficult than it needs to be. Our current laws can trigger the full weight of the Paperwork Reduction Act when the advocate's intention is to simply collect feedback from these small businesses. That is simply bureaucratic overreach run amok.
Mrs. Kim's bill provides a simple and practical fix. It clarifies that the advocate's outreach activities are not subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act's requirements. Removing these unnecessary burdens will strengthen the advocate's ability to shape policy based on real-world business experience.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the Paperwork Reduction Act mandates all Federal agencies receive approval before putting forth a paper form or survey that will impose an information collection burden on the general public.
Although well-intentioned, the Paperwork Reduction Act often prevents Federal agencies like the SEC from obtaining data from the public. This is the very data that assists the agencies in carrying out their missions.
This bill streamlines the ability of the SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation to carry out its mission by exempting it from the requirements of the act in the same way the SEC's Office of the Investor Advocate is exempted. In effect, it enables the small business advocate to properly do its job by providing it with the information and data it needs to draft regulations that actually help small businesses raise capital without imposing costly demands.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim) for her bipartisan leadership, her friendship, and all she does. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), a distinguished Member from California and the author of this important legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3351, the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act.
Orange County, which I am proud to represent, is home to over 100,000 small businesses. It takes grit, perseverance, and commitment for entrepreneurs to make an idea into a reality.
To help with some of those challenges facing small businesses, the Securities and Exchange Commission created an Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation.
Each year, the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation hosts events across the country, including California.
These events aim to support small businesses and better understand the issues that they face in raising funds. Unfortunately, burdensome regulations often prevent the advocate from asking the right type of questions.
The former director of the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, Ms. Martha Miller, said that: The office went through a yearlong process just to collect registration information for our annual forum and ask a few basic questions to understand the audience attending.
The unfortunate truth is that regulations handicap us from understanding the needs of small businesses.
My bill is very simple. The legislation would specify that activities like conducting field surveys carried out by the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Currently, OMB's approval process is prolonged and bureaucratic, which delays feedback collection from small businesses and their investors. Preventing these delays will enable the advocate to gather more effective and timely data.
The better information that the advocate can gather, the better the SEC
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Gottheimer for working with me on this commonsense legislation, and I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 3351.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, which will reduce the paperwork burden on SEC staff and, therefore, their ability to advocate for the needs of small businesses within the agency's rulemaking and regulatory process.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, for the reasons I have explained, I support Mrs. Kim's commonsense bill. I think it makes it better for everyone involved if we have easier access to the information we need to streamline policy and make it easier for our small businesses to raise the capital that they need to be successful.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3351, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3343) to amend the Federal securities laws to specify the periods for which financial statements are required to be provided by an emerging growth company, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer) each will control 20 minutes.
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 this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3343, the Greenlighting Growth Act.
Currently, title 1 of the JOBS Act allows emerging growth companies, EGCs, to provide 2 years of audited financial statements rather than 3 years in an initial public offering registration statement. However, there are exceptions that cause confusion.
Mr. Haridopolos' bill provides clarity to title 1 by directing that current and former EGCs do not need to provide financial statements for a period earlier than the 2 years of audited financial statements required during the EGC's initial public offering.
This will increase efficiency and eliminate situations where emerging growth companies were unexpectedly required to provide more extensive disclosures than necessary.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, as a special accommodation for their smaller size and to reduce their regulatory burden, emerging growth companies, known as EGCs, are typically only required to provide 2 years of audited financials when they first go public. Other public companies, on the other hand, are required to provide 3 years of audited financials when they go public. In some situations, an EGC must provide 3 years of financials, such as an EGC acquiring another company or conducting a follow-on offering after its IPO.
This bill will eliminate this regulatory hurdle by ensuring EGCs only need to provide 2 years, not 3, of audited financials across the board, whether for an IPO, an acquisition, or a follow-on offering.
This bipartisan legislation will further reduce the burden on EGCs trying to raise capital, cutting red tape and burdensome regulations to help unleash economic growth.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership on this and for the opportunity to present today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support to ask my colleagues to support H.R. 3343, the Greenlighting Growth Act, a bill which I introduced with the subcommittee chair, Ms. Wagner.
This bill will make business easier for small companies right here in America. That is something we all agree on. Too often, regulations make it harder than it should be, especially for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses trying to make the next step.
In 2012, Congress worked to fix that problem, passing the JOBS Act to create a more affordable path for smaller companies to go public, raise capital, and fuel the next wave of American innovation, but there is a problem. After going public, these same companies can get hit with extra paperwork if they try to grow through acquisitions.
The current law undermines the incentives that the JOBS Act set up, so we look to change it with H.R. 3343. The bill fixes the problem and keeps the rule simple and consistent so that small companies can focus on growing, not growing government paperwork. That means more companies will go
That was the goal of the JOBS Act, and that is what this bill will accomplish. Small businesses shouldn't be punished for success. They should be encouraged to grow, build, hire, and do that right here in the good old USA.
This is a simple, targeted fix with a big impact. It cuts red tape and keeps America's capital markets open and accessible for the next generation of job creators.
Let's green-light growth. Let's pass this bill and keep America's strong economy.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3343.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, when emerging growth companies were created during the bipartisan JOBS Act nearly a decade ago, the goal was to make it easier for new companies to access capital with less red tape while still ensuring their investors have critical disclosures.
This bill ensures that EGCs are treated consistently by balancing the need for financial transparency while also ensuring burdensome regulations are not so high that it stifles innovation and hinders growth.
I thank Mr. Haridopolos for his bipartisan leadership on this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, for the reasons that Mr. Haridopolos so eloquently argued, I ask all my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3343, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1469) to create an interdivisional taskforce at the Securities and Exchange Commission for senior investors, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer) each will control 20 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 bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1469, the Senior Security Act.
According to the FBI, over 100,000 seniors fell victim to fraud and exploitation just last year. Their total losses were over $3 billion. Just last year, a senior citizen from my home State fell victim to an investment scam and lost over $5 million of his life savings.
Mr. Gottheimer's good bill addresses this issue head-on by establishing a dedicated senior investor task force within the Securities and Exchange Commission. They will monitor trends and threats and recommend policy changes aimed at protecting our seniors from financial exploitation.
This bill has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in prior Congresses. It helps ensure that our older investors are not left vulnerable in an increasingly complex marketplace.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, in this Congress, as in previous Congresses, I introduced the Senior Security Act to protect vulnerable seniors from fraudsters who seek to take financial advantage of them. We are bringing it again this Congress and working very closely with Mrs. Wagner. I am grateful for her leadership, as well as the chairman's leadership, and as well as the ranking member who has been very supportive.
Millions of seniors across the country, including my own mother-- blessed memory--have been the victims of financial scams, and far too many have been cheated out of their retirement savings. It is appalling. It is offensive, and it is unacceptable.
Senior scams have more than doubled since 2020. These senior scams cost older Americans more than $36 billion a year, with the average victim losing $34,000 from these crimes annually, not to mention the pain you can't put a dollar amount on. What is worse is that the majority of cases of elder exploitation are not reported.
We are here today to do something about it by passing my Senior Security Act to help protect American seniors from these shameless criminals.
This bipartisan legislation will create a senior investor task force in the Securities and Exchange Commission that will be a cop on the beat ensuring we do everything possible to stop hucksters from scamming our seniors. Every 2 years the task force will also submit a report to Congress outlining trends and innovations, including robocalls and voice spoofing and all the developments in artificial intelligence that are impacting seniors to help us stay ahead of changes in financial scams.
We must protect our seniors from having their hard-earned retirement savings stolen right out from under them, as the chairman just mentioned, in his own State.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), who is our chairwoman of the Capital Markets Subcommittee.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1469, the Senior Security Act. I thank my colleague, Representative Gottheimer, for his work on this vital piece of bipartisan legislation that will strengthen protections for senior investors. I am proud to be the co-lead of this bill.
Fraud and exploitation jeopardize the integrity of our capital markets. When this illicit activity specifically targets senior investors, it poses an even graver threat, impacting those who often rely most on their investments.
According to the FBI, in 2023, senior investors fell victim to scams and fraud totaling over $3.4 billion in losses, an increase of approximately 11 percent from the year prior.
The Senior Security Act is designed to reinforce and enhance our safeguards protecting senior investors from financial fraud and abuse.
H.R. 1469 creates the senior investor task force within the Securities and Exchange Commission which is tasked with reporting on industry trends and challenges impacting investors over the age of 65. The task force will also make recommendations for changes to existing legislation and regulations to address the unique issues faced by our senior investors.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1469 has received strong bipartisan support in the past, passing by suspension in the last three Congresses. It remains a commonsense solution to ensure that senior investors receive adequate protection against fraud and exploitation.
Again, I thank Mr. Gottheimer for his work on this bill and his partnership on other efforts to protect senior investors, including my Financial Exploitation Prevention Act.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1469.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Senior scams, as we have discussed, and as Mrs. Wagner just pointed out, have exploded over the last decades. With new technologies like artificial intelligence, these scams are becoming and will continue to be ever more prevalent in the years ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleague to support this bill which will allow the Securities and Exchange Commission to better understand and respond to this growing crisis.
I thank Mrs. Wagner for her partnership on this bipartisan legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I thank my friend from New Jersey for this excellent bill. I know that Congress has consensus on it, and I hope that in this Congress it becomes law. I have spent a good part of my career both in commercial banking, investment management, and investment brokerage, and all through that time, the protection of our seniors was top of mind by leaders in all those enterprises. Yet, we still have this terrible problem across our country.
I think having this point person at the SEC will make it more responsive, more effective, do better training, and take better planning actions to protect our seniors.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from New Jersey and Mrs. Wagner for their leadership, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1469, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3339) to require certification examinations for accredited investors, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 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 bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3339, the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act.
The accredited investor definition is severely outdated. While its intention is to protect investors, its overly broad definition excludes millions of Americans who are experienced and knowledgeable enough to invest in private markets.
Wealth alone should not be the sole determinant as to who can invest in these markets. My friend from Nebraska, Representative Flood's bill, provides a merit-based alternative by the establishment of an exam that allows individuals to qualify as accredited investors by demonstrating their understanding of investments and private markets.
This is a smart, commonsense modernization of these outdated rules that provides a meaningful step towards making private markets more accessible.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, in both this Congress and last, I have been particularly outspoken about the risks of retail investors investing in private securities. Amongst other things, private securities lack sufficient transparency, have longer lock-up periods, and are much more volatile and less liquid than their public counterparts. It is critical that anyone who invests in these risky assets have sufficient knowledge of those risks.
Currently, companies, or the brokers they hire, can only solicit these ``investment opportunities'' to individuals who have been deemed to be accredited investors. This definition is currently based on a person's income and net worth, meaning only those making a certain amount of money or possessing a big enough bank account have access to them. Anyone can tell you that just because you have a lot of money, that doesn't make you knowledgeable about the markets. Knowledge is the key here, and the definition needs to be revised to center around this core concept of knowledge and expertise.
The committee has heard from investors who want to invest their own money in some of these risky and illiquid investments and don't want to be barred from investing just because they don't meet the wealth or income tests.
The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act addresses this problem by allowing an individual to qualify as an accredited investor if they pass an exam that ensures they are properly versed in the risks of investing in the private markets.
With this change, ordinary investors who want to invest in private securities can now do so, assuming they pass the test, which would establish that they are keenly aware of the specific pitfalls related to high-risk and illiquid securities, as well as the conflicts of interest presented when financial professionals try to sell them these products.
Last year, committee Democrats worked with Former Chairman McHenry and my colleague Mr. Flood to ensure that this test contained specific, robust elements, elements that the Republican witnesses at previous Financial Services hearings talked about when discussing how they teach and mentor their budding investors.
I am so glad that the Financial Services Committee agreed to make the test available free of charge to anyone who is willing and able to go through the rigor.
Finally, I thank Mr. Flood, my colleague from across the aisle, for working with the committee Democrats on a bill that ensures that the SEC is appropriately overseeing this exam process.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters for their support. I also thank my co-lead on this bill, Congressman Cleo Fields, for all of his work.
The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act would expand the accredited investor definition to include individuals that are certified through an exam written by the SEC and administered by FINRA.
Accredited investors are individuals that are allowed to participate in investment opportunities that are not generally available to the broader public, like private offerings.
Most current pathways to becoming an accredited investor are based on your balance sheet, your wealth, and your income. This bill changes and opens up a brand-new pathway allowing for investors' knowledge to be the determining factor in whether they are able to become an accredited investor.
In my view, wealth alone is not a particularly strong judge of whether someone should be an accredited investor or not. A better one is whether someone has the knowledge to accurately weigh the benefits and risks of private offerings.
In 2020, the SEC started allowing professional investors with credentials like a Series 65 or a Series 7 to become accredited investors. This was a very helpful step forward, but licensing requirements for brokers and investment advisers go beyond what is needed to properly weigh the risks of private offerings for an individual's personal finances.
Following the principle that merit, not just wealth, should guide who can become an accredited investor, an exam specifically written to determine the sophistication of investors is a natural next step.
The examination created by this bill is meant to strike the right balance between rigorously testing for sophistication and not being set to such a difficult standard that even an intelligent investor could not pass it.
This bill is a commonsense, bipartisan product that will expand opportunity in our capital markets. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise as a co-lead of the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act with my Republican colleague Representative Flood from the great State of Nebraska.
Our bill will unlock capital for entrepreneurs and small business owners who have been left out for far too long.
Current law allows only millionaires to invest in the markets that fuel small businesses, shutting out countless Americans, especially women, veterans, and people of color, based on wealth, not knowledge.
Our bill addresses this by creating an exam to assess your ability to understand financial risk when investing in private markets, enabling a more diverse group of people to invest responsibly, regardless of their net worth.
This legislation creates a new path for capital to reach more hands. In my State, the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce has told me that the legislation would help close the capital gap for diverse businessowners. Small business leaders say that it is not lack of ideas but a lack of capital that holds them back.
This bill opens up new sources of funding from a pool of investors more reflective of the community so that these founders can turn their vision into jobs and economic growth.
I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this commonsense, bipartisan legislation today. I thank Representative Flood, Chair Hill, and Ranking Member Waters for their leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Compared to investing in publicly traded securities, private securities contain lots of risks. They are less liquid, harder to value, and are more volatile than their public counterparts. It is, therefore, essential that anyone investing in these products fully understand the risks involved, just as prospective drivers must pass a written test displaying they understand the rules and dangers of the road before they are given access to a car.
This bill puts that commonsense principle into practice by creating an SEC-administered test investors can take if they want to invest in private securities.
In doing so, we adequately balance investor protection while providing folks with sufficient freedom to do what they please with their hard-earned dollars. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons that I have identified, changes need to be made in the credit investor rule. After 40 years, I think the changes proposed by the gentleman from Nebraska are solid.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3339, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3357) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers with a multi-class stock structure to make certain disclosures in any proxy or consent solicitation material, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 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 this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3357, the Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act.
Mr. Speaker, multiclass structures have existed in American capital markets for many decades, helping founders retain control of their companies without holding a majority of the economic interest. These structures are important for certain business models, like family businesses, but they also raise questions about transparency and shareholder rights.
Since this information is not required to be disclosed, shareholders might not always understand how control is concentrated within a public company.
Mr. Meeks' bill rightsizes this issue by requiring companies to provide clear information about voting power, especially where insiders or significant shareholders hold outsized influence.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Meeks' bill closes documented gaps around multiclass governance structures. Multiclass governance structures are those where corporate insiders or beneficial owners retain an outsized amount of voting power relative to their shares.
These structures, while they may add value, pose significant risk, making transparency ever more important for investors. Specifically, these structures pose significant risks for investors, including limiting investors' ability to influence management, direct strategy, and hold misaligned boards accountable.
Under current rules, the difference between a corporate insider's voting power and their ownership interest, regardless of how large that gap may be, is often disclosed in ways that are difficult for an ordinary investor to comprehend.
Accordingly, the SEC Investor Advisory Committee recommended that the Commission amend its rules to ensure that this gap is better identified and quantified for investors via disclosed ratio.
This commonsense bill adopts this recommendation to ensure that investors have the clearest information available to make the best decisions for themselves. This bill is supported by the Council of Institutional Investors, whose members manage trillions in working families' assets.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the sponsor of this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3357, the Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters for their leadership and efforts to bring my bill to the floor today.
Publicly traded companies are critical to this country's economic dynamism and wealth creation. Their shareholders, including everyday American families, believe in the potential of these companies and demonstrate this faith by investing in their equities. This flood of new capital allows companies to do research and development, hire Americans, and innovate for the greater good.
My legislation strengthens our capital markets by requiring more transparency around multiclass shareholder companies.
For annual shareholder meetings, companies will have to disclose the true distribution of voting power of insiders, like directors or executives, who hold more voting rights than their ownership share would suggest.
An imbalanced power structure could limit other investors' abilities to direct strategy or hold boards accountable. Basically, this bill gives Main Street investors the complete and full picture and the necessary information to make smart and informed decisions.
Let me be clear: I very much understand the benefit of multiclass share structures and think they have a place in corporate governance. Major companies from outside of the United States have chosen to list in New York City precisely because we have more flexible multiclass structures. Yet, our advantage over other financial hubs, like Hong Kong and Shanghai, is not just one set of regulations. It is the transparency and openness of our capital markets, and transparency strengthens markets.
By doubling down on our strengths, this bill will further cement our competitive lead and aid investors along the way.
Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to support my legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Meeks' bill clarifies for investors the truth around multiclass shares--specifically, the difference between a corporate insider's ownership interests versus their true voting power. These two things are generally disclosed in ways that are hard for everyday investors to understand.
This bill solves that problem by ensuring that this gap is quantified for investors via a clearly disclosed ratio, as was recommended by the SEC Investor Advisory Committee.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise, as I said, in support of this bill. I agree with the ranking member of the full committee. It deserves strong bipartisan support, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3357, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2384) to establish an Independent Financial Technology Working Group to Combat Terrorism and Illicit Financing, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 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 this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 2384, the Financial Technology Protection Act.
Last week, the House passed critical digital asset legislation, setting the stage for the United States to reclaim our global leadership position in financial technology on digital assets. This week, we build on that momentum to further strengthen our role in global finance.
As our technological world evolves, so must the tools that we use to combat the potential new threats associated with it.
The Financial Technology Protection Act creates a forum to ensure that our law enforcement can keep pace with illicit actors seeking to exploit these technological developments for their own gain.
Mr. Nunn's and Mr. Himes' bill establishes an Independent Financial Technology Working Group to combat terrorism, money laundering, and other illicit finance through the use of financial technologies, including digital assets.
The group will conduct independent research on the illicit use of new financial technologies and develop legislative and regulatory proposals to improve anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing efforts here in the United States.
This commonsense bill also requires private sector stakeholders to be members of the working group, bridging a gap between law enforcement and the private sector and allowing individuals with boots-on-the- ground experience to inform law enforcement's efforts and strategies.
Because of that, I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this good bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H.R. 2384, the Financial Technology Protection Act sponsored by Representative Nunn and Representative Himes.
This bill seeks to establish the Independent Financial Technology Working Group to Combat Terrorism and Illicit Financing, and for other purposes.
This group is made up of both Federal agencies, companies dealing with financial technology, and companies that engage in researching the impact of financial technologies in global markets.
It will be tasked with evaluating emerging financial technologies, including digital assets, to assess their potential use in combating terrorism and illicit activities. It will conduct research on how bad actors may exploit these technologies and recommend legal and regulatory improvements to Congress and relevant agencies. Additionally, the working group will develop a strategy to address sanctions, evasion, and other illicit finance concerns.
The bill mandates that the group issue an annual report for 4 years providing updates on its findings and recommendations.
Why is this needed? We know that Russia has used crypto exchanges and alternative payment platforms to try to bypass the sanctions imposed after its brutal and unlawful invasion of Ukraine. Hamas and other terrorist groups have turned to cryptocurrencies to funnel resources toward violent operations against innocent civilians as was exposed in the investigation following the violent October 7 attacks on Israel.
North Korean hackers, operating as arms of the regime, have stolen billions of dollars in cryptocurrency through cyberattacks, laundering those funds to bankroll their illegal weapons programs and bypass international sanctions.
These are not hypothetical risks. These are real, ongoing threats to our national and global security.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill for his leadership on this, as well as Ranking Member Waters.
I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2384, the Financial Technology Protection Act of 2025, a bill that I am honored to both lead and author that was created out of a vast network of partnership on both sides of the aisle.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, this Congress cemented the United States as the crypto capital of the world. The leadership of Members of this Chamber on both sides took meaningful steps to lay a foundation for a robust digital asset framework, one that fosters innovation, creates clarity, and protects consumers.
Now we can start making sure that this foundation is built in a safe and secure way for every American. We build directly on the momentum and the strength of our national security posture at this very critical time.
We all know that blockchain technology and digital assets are here to stay, and it is good that they are here in America. The question is not whether this technology will shape the future. It is whether the U.S. or other competitors, particularly those in China and the Chinese Communist Party, will write the rules of the road for the future.
As a counterintelligence officer, I have seen firsthand how terrorists and hostile regimes weaponize technology for illicit finances and cybercrime. That includes the use of anonymous digital platforms to launder money, to fund terrorism, and to bypass the very sanctions this Chamber has helped lead.
However, the transparency and traceability of blockchain enhances our law enforcement's ability to intercept these threats, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for everyday Americans.
In fact, just weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Justice used blockchain analytics to intercept over a quarter of a million dollars intended to go to deadly Hamas terrorists who would have used it to threaten U.S. forces in the region.
Last year, the United States, working with our international partners, utilized blockchain technology to help dismantle a Russian money laundering scheme that seized more than $22 million in illicit funds, many of those taken from Americans right here at home.
This is a threat to America's very national security. From dollar- backed digital assets, we have the ability to help not only defend our men and women serving on the front line from illicit actors who would use weapons bought with this technology to threaten them, to the very mothers, fathers, and grandparents who are being taken advantage of by foreign actors to steal their money to fund this type of threat.
Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan bill establishes a working group, a task force of sorts, of key Federal agencies that include our intelligence experts, private organizations, and private sector leaders who are experienced in this, all focused on combating terrorism and illicit finance on digital platforms.
This team is helping to develop the legislative technology infusion of critical information to help establish the best techniques, tactics, and procedure to be able to stop this at its very inception.
By preventing money laundering and addressing national security risks, we are able to help stop the illicit finance activities that do real harm to the United States.
By passing this bill, we strengthen national security, protect digital assets, and ensure the next generation of financial and technological innovation is created right here in the U.S.
I thank Chairman Hill for his leadership and long vision in making this happen. I particularly express my gratitude to my Democratic colleague Representative Jim Himes, who is also the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, the HPSCI, and who knows firsthand the threats that are posed. I also thank Senator Ted Budd, who is championing this effort in the Senate.
Together, we have worked on this vital legislation for empowering our government, as well as our private sector leaders to be the vanguard in protecting our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, cybercriminal syndicates, supported by North Korea and rogue states like Russia, are already exploiting financial technologies to evade sanctions, fund war and terrorism, and destabilize democracies. Ignoring these threats is not an option.
This working group is an initial robust approach to gain an understanding of how to address these terrorism threats and prepare to meet and predict them.
I thank Representatives Nunn and Himes for introducing this bill, and I, again, urge my colleagues to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise again in strong support of this bill. Mr. Nunn is doing good work here, and I appreciate his leadership as a former counterintelligence officer, someone who has brought that expertise to his work here in the House.
I appreciate my friend from Connecticut, our distinguished ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, lending his expertise to this bill. For years we have talked about how do we fuse private-sector information, like in our financial services sector, with law enforcement to come up with better strategies to counter illicit finance, whether it is in trade-based money laundering, the use of cash, hawala, now digital assets, or just the plain old banking system. So I thank my friend from Iowa and urge strong bipartisan support on both sides of the aisle.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2384, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3395) to require the Comptroller General of the United States to carry out a study of the costs associated with small- and medium-sized companies to undertake initial public offerings, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 minutes.
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 this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3395, the Middle Market IPO Cost Act. Currently, companies have two options for raising capital: an initial public offering, an IPO, or a private offering. Fewer companies are choosing to take the IPO path because of the up-front costs of going public, as well as the high operating costs public companies experience due to SEC reporting rules.
Before a company files for an IPO, they often spend tens of millions of dollars to gather and compile information to submit to the SEC. These mandatory information requirements exclude or dissuade many companies from even considering an initial public offering.
The study required by Mr. Himes' bill will help Congress and the market better understand the costs associated with small- and medium- sized companies going public through the IPO process.
I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this bill requires the SEC to study the costs encountered by small- and medium-sized companies when undertaking the initial public offering of their securities to the public, otherwise known as IPO, as well as certain other offerings that are exempt from SEC registration.
When going public, companies tend to hire underwriters, like investment banks, and other professionals, like attorneys and accountants, to help prepare the IPO. Underwriters serving as intermediaries between companies and prospective investors typically receive a set percentage of the IPO price as compensation for their work.
Large companies have in recent years been able to negotiate lower percentages for this process, which reduces their overall fee. At the same time, smaller companies have continued to pay the same historic percentage for this service.
Simply put, this bill sheds light on how much small- and medium-sized companies are paying for their underwriting fees, which will allow these companies to negotiate lower prices.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support my friend from Connecticut (Mr. Himes) commonsense measure. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes), the ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the sponsor of this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I offer a big thank you to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the ranking member, and to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), my good friend, for their support of this bill.
I just want to elaborate for a minute on what I think the need is for this bill. This grew out of the work we did many, many years ago on the JOBS Act, in which we observed that the regulatory expenses faced by a company seeking to go public were roughly $2 million to $4 million in size.
It is also true that a small IPO, a medium-sized IPO, anything up to about $200 million, is subject almost always to a 7 percent gross spread. That is 7 percent of the proceeds, or in the case of a $200 million offering, $14 million. On a $150 million offering, it is $10 million, well more than twice the regulatory cost that we identified in working on the JOBS Act.
What is very strange about that 7 percent fee is that, regardless of what period of time you examine, IPOs from about $30 million up to about $200 million are always subject to a 7 percent fee. Now, all of us who observe markets know that that is odd behavior in what should be a competitive market.
This is money, of course, that goes to the investment banks that underwrite these IPOs. I know this because I spent many years working in those investment banks.
The bill here simply says, having done the work that we did on the JOBS Act, what can we do to examine the underlying market forces or nonmarket forces creating this 7 percent gross spread and costs of many, many millions of dollars for companies when they are small and capital is at a premium.
This study, I think, would illustrate some things that would allow us to do even better than we did in the JOBS Act and make it that much more possible, maybe even probable for companies to seek capital in our public markets.
Mr. Speaker, I thank once again the chairman and the ranking member of the committee for their support.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
I support Mr. Himes' bill, which will shed light on how much small- and medium-sized companies are paying for their underwriting fees to go public. I hope it will finally put pressure on the SEC to address this important issue for smaller companies.
Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote from both sides of
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3395, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1764) to accord securities issued by the International Development Association the same exemption from the securities laws that applies to the securities of other multilateral development banks in which the United States is a member, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 minutes.
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 this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1764, the Aligning SEC Regulations for the World Bank's International Development Association Act, the bill offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).
Mr. Speaker, this legislation classifies securities issued by the IDA as exempted securities, subject to appropriate reporting requirements as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This change would place the IDA on equal regulatory footing with the other World Bank divisions such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the African Development Bank.
Prior to 2018, the IDA did not issue debt in the securities markets. Its funding came primarily from donor contributions and repayments on past loans.
As the IDA evolves to meet the needs of the world's poorest nations, it has entered the capital markets to expand its resources and its impact.
It is only logical and fair that its securities receive the same exempted status consistent with previous treatment of multilateral development bank securities.
Supporting IDA's access to efficient financing would reflect the United States' leadership in global development and our commitment to the world's most vulnerable populations.
Ms. Waters' bill is bipartisan. It is practical. It is overdue. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 1764, the Aligning SEC Regulations for the World Bank's International Development Act.
The International Development Association, IDA, is an example of both the value of our multilateral institutions and America's leadership in these organizations. The IDA is the World Bank's lending arm, and it is one of the most effective tools we have to combat poverty and instability worldwide.
The IDA offers grants and low-cost or no-cost lending to help the poorest nations to invest in their futures, improve the lives of their citizens, and create more prosperous communities for the long term.
The United States, as the largest donor to the IDA, helps to direct where and how these funds are used. My bill would exempt IDA securities from Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, just as other World Bank arms have been exempt for decades. This ensures that the IDA can continue raising capital efficiently, allowing it to direct resources that are needed the most.
This is needed because in April 2018, the IDA began issuing securities on the bond market which are also distributed in the United States. These securities are not exempted from the SEC's registration and regulatory framework.
Congress passed legislation in 1945 and 1955, exempting other arms of the World Bank, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation, from SEC's regulations.
Importantly, this gave the SEC the ability to recall these exemptions if the SEC finds that they are harmful to U.S. investors. Moreover, many other multilateral development banks of which the U.S. is a member are exempt from the SEC regulations.
SEC exemptions for these securities are warranted as they are backed by the commitments, or equities, of the largest economies of the world including the United States.
These securities tend to be AAA rated which is the highest investment grade, making them safe investments for all investors.
Harmonizing the exemption regime available for MDBs with that of the IDA would enhance the IDA's ability to raise capital in the United States without weakening investor protection. In turn, it will be able to use these proceeds to provide increased funding for the world's poorest countries. Importantly, too, the bill retains the SEC's ability to revoke these exemptions should it find them harmful to U.S. investors.
One additional but important note is this bill comes to the floor as we await the 6-month review mandated by Donald Trump's February 4 executive order directing the Secretary of State to determine in which international organizations the U.S. should continue or from which it should withdraw. Inexplicably, that includes World Bank among other international financial institutions.
The United States has long been a leader in IFIs like the World Bank. Our leadership in these institutions provides us with a strong voice to improve global economic stability, decrease poverty, and boost prosperity.
Through our membership, we advocate for high standards, push for transparency, and drive economic reforms that benefit not only developing nations but our own national security, too. It is wrong, even unconscionable, that Donald Trump would put America's leadership in question. It is the kind of thing that only one beholden to Russia and China would do.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my Republican colleagues to speak out against the President's suggestion that we retreat from the world stage and loudly oppose any outcome of this review that will harm America's economic leadership across the globe.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill simply exempts IDA securities from SEC regulations, aligning with other World Bank arms which have been exempt for decades.
By making IDA securities equal to similar funds, the World Bank will have additional funds that can be applied to its mission to help the poorest of nations.
The United States has long been a leader in the international financial institutions, and this is one way that we can protect our leadership and stretch the value of our contributions to the World Bank.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this very practical bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1764, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1716) to deter Chinese aggression towards Taiwan by requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to publish a report on financial institutions and accounts connected to senior officials of the People's Republic of China, to restrict financial services for certain immediate family of such officials, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 minutes.
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 this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1716, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025.
This excellent bill, introduced by our Conference chair, Mrs. McClain, demonstrates that the United States is a vital partner in supporting Taiwan. We must remain committed to supporting Taiwan as China continues to increase its military presence across the Taiwan Strait.
The U.S. and Taiwan have maintained a firm stance against any forceful efforts to change Taiwan's status for nearly five decades. That posture is as important now as ever.
A component of the Taiwan Relations Act mandates that the President inform Congress when China makes any attempt to threaten Taiwan's national security. Once that notification is made to Congress, Conference Chair McClain's bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose the estimated illicit funds of China's top officials in Beijing.
This bill is modeled after the Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act, a bipartisan bill that I was pleased to sponsor, which became law last year.
Congresswoman McClain's bill does exactly what the title says. It seeks to deter China from making a terrible mistake and promises financial penalties for senior Chinese officials should they make the wrong decision and choose to attack Taiwan.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this excellent 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 support of H.R. 1716, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative McClain and cosponsored by Representative Sherman.
Recognizing that China is a threat to Taiwan and to democracy globally, the United States must strongly and overtly support Taiwan, in part by pushing back on China's overt provocation toward Taiwan.
As recently as last month, China flew over 70 warplanes over the Taiwan Strait, encroaching into Taiwanese territory and raising new concerns about Chinese Government aggression.
The commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command shared in his April congressional testimony that the Chinese military pressure on Taiwan has reached a ``rapid boil.''
Month after month, the Chinese Communist Party and Government further press at the edges of Taiwan's security and America's support for Taiwan.
This Congress must speak loudly about our concern about such international actions by the Chinese Government, actions that could intentionally or unintentionally lead to an escalation of China's conflict with Taiwan.
H.R. 1716, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025, is one sensible avenue to do so, requiring the Treasury Secretary to publish a report on and restrict senior officials of the People's Republic of China and their families from financial institutions and accounts in the United States.
The report mandated by the bill is intended to raise public awareness of hidden and corruptly gained funds that are directly or indirectly controlled by such officials--for those listed in the report, and their immediate family members.
The bill would also restrict U.S.-based financial services, intending to limit the financial options for these officials and to extend the deterrent or punitive impacts to their families.
Both actions would only occur under the bill if the President uses a never-applied--and hopefully unnecessary--clause in the Taiwan Relations Act, which would require congressional notification due to a China-led threat to ``the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan and any danger to the interests of the United States arising therefrom.''
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act.
The United States cannot afford to be complacent in the face of growing Chinese aggression. As a proud Representative from the State of Michigan, a State that knows the value of manufacturing, trade, and international stability, I know firsthand how vital peace in the Indo- Pacific is to American jobs and our economy.
Taiwan is not only a democratic partner. It is also a key player in the global supply chain, especially for semiconductors that power everything from our cars to our national defense system.
This bill sends a clear and bipartisan message: If the CCP wages war against Taiwan, there will be consequences. We are talking real, targeted consequences for corrupt CCP elite. Their financial dealings and offshore accounts will be exposed and published for the Chinese people to see.
We are not provoking conflict. We are actually working to prevent it. Deterrence is strongest when it is credible, and right now, credibility means passing this bill.
The Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act is not just about Taiwan. It is about standing up for American values, protecting American interests, and preserving peace through strength.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation that I was proud to introduce. Let's show the world that the United States stands firm against Communist aggression and alongside our allies.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 1716, cosponsored by my colleagues Representative McClain and Representative Sherman.
This bill supports Taiwan in combating Chinese provocations against Taiwan. This bipartisan bill proposes to restrict top officials in China from having significant transactions or engagement at American financial institutions and aims to expose hidden funds of Chinese officials if the Taiwan Relations Act congressional notification is ever triggered by a United States President.
Especially now, as China increases its forays into Taiwanese territory, the United States Congress should support stricter measures against China's Government, sending the message that we will not tolerate the next step beyond its incursions.
I support H.R. 1716 to protect global security and democracy, and I support doing more to accomplish this goal.
Mr. Speaker, I, again, urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this important bill to deter China, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1716, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1450) to require the Office of Foreign Assets Control to develop a program under which private-sector firms may receive a license to conduct nominal financial transactions in furtherance of the firms' investigations, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 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 bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1450, the OFAC Licensure for Investigators Act.
When it comes to combating illicit finance, effective public-private partnerships are critical. Tracking and disrupting sophisticated crime networks requires cooperation between our government and private-sector experts.
These partnerships play an integral role in our ability to safeguard the U.S. financial system and our national security.
Mrs. Beatty's commonsense bill authorizes private-sector firms, operating under an OFAC license, to conduct nominal transactions with sanctioned entities, allowing them to more effectively trace funds and uncover illicit networks during financial crime investigations.
The gentlewoman and I agree that while the private sector can provide a helping hand in tracking down bad actors, it is ultimately the government's responsibility to provide clear legal guidance and guardrails to support their efforts.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting 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 support of H.R. 1450, the OFAC Licensure for Investigators Act, sponsored by Representative Beatty.
This bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a pilot program at the Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC, by which private-sector firms like blockchain analytics firms or the financial intelligence units within correspondent banks could receive a license to send or receive nominal financial transactions to and through sanctioned entities. These small amounts could yield big details that could further our understanding of what is happening and by whom in sanctions evasion and money laundering investigations.
We need what this bill proposes because as the global anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism regime has become increasingly effective in detecting and deterring the abuse of the financial system, bad actors have often moved their transactions into illicit markets and spaces or used technologies and methods that are harder to track.
Investigative efforts by firms and in-house functions dedicated to tracking down these attempts to avoid detection help banks and governments, among others, to identify bad actors, accounts, and typologies used by criminals and terrorists. They are limited, however, in how far they can see into these dirty operations.
One of those limitations in the visibility into the financial transactions of bad actors is due to sanctions, which appropriately and forcefully prevents parties from engaging with targets of sanctions. Investigators, whether in private firms or large bank intelligence units, must stop a transaction after finding evidence that suggests that a wallet, account, or address may be associated with a sanctioned person. With the specific licenses envisioned by this bill, OFAC would closely manage narrow and explicit exceptions to its sanctions programs to allow investigators to engage with sanctioned persons in order to gain more visibility into the opaque networks and practices.
Again, OFAC would be limited to allowing only nominal amounts for such traceable transfers. The bill also ensures that there is robust oversight of this process, requiring the recipients of these specific licenses to report to OFAC monthly on their findings. This is similar in concept to the keep-open letters that government officials provide to financial institutions to keep open suspicious accounts so the government can watch the transactions and follow the money.
That is because H.R. 1450 would help investigators better follow the money to make their sanctions and money laundering investigations more fruitful for the United States Government, banks, and others that employ such services.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn) to talk about the aspects of this bill from his perspective of being a former intelligence officer.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan OFAC Licensure for Investigators Act, which I am proud to co-lead with my friend on the other side of the aisle, the Representative from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).
Terrorist networks like Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Russian Mafia, and North Korean cybercriminals are no longer relying solely on traditional cash couriers or shell companies. They now exploit financial platforms, adopting increasingly sophisticated approaches to fund acts of terrorism.
These organizations adapt quickly, using every loophole in the global financial system to mask the origin and the destination of their funds.
Fortunately, the United States is home to some of the world's most advanced financial technology firms and data analytics companies.
Just this spring, the FBI, working hand in hand with blockchain forensics firms, seized $1.5 billion in stolen digital assets from the North Korea-affiliated Lazarus Group. That is why I am so proud to be able to work together on legislation which establishes a pilot program within the Department of the Treasury to enable private-sector firms to collaborate with Treasury to enhance our investigative leads. These teams, working together, fusing the best information, help provide a vital tool in combating the evolving threats posed by terrorism.
I thank Representative Beatty and the House Financial Services Committee for their leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty), who is also the ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, and is the sponsor of this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Waters for yielding.
I rise in support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 1450, the OFAC, Licensure for Investigators Act, which I am very proud to co-lead with my colleague, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn).
This bill, Mr. Speaker, requires the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a special licensing pilot program within the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, and it will be administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
This pilot project would grant private-sector firms a temporary specific license to conduct nominal financial transactions with sanctioned entities to assist with law enforcement investigations. These private firms would be, for example, as you have heard, Mr. Speaker, blockchain analytics firms or the financial intelligence units within corresponding banks.
The commonsense legislation seeks to enhance the tools at our disposal to investigate sanctioned individuals and entities and to hold bad actors accountable, and that is very important.
This concept is similar to, as you have heard by our ranking member, Mr. Speaker, a keep-open letter, which is when the government asks a bank to keep a suspicious illicit account open. As it stands now, private financial firms are currently limited to their capacity to engage with sanctioned entities due to a robust sanction regime.
That also means that it is impossible to access data about bad actors' networks and methods, intelligence that would be of great assistance to law enforcement agents, to government, to consumers of their products, and the financial industry overall, Mr. Speaker.
So by giving OFAC the authority to tailor the parameters of the specific licensure pilot program, this legislation enhances our investigatory toolbox while guaranteeing essential protections.
For example, the specific license would be well-defined and narrowly applied, ensuring that private firms only conduct nominal transactions, for example, $5, $10, so they can collect better data and intelligence.
Lastly, the program would have strict oversight, requiring that licensure recipients provide detailed monthly reports to OFAC on their activities and findings under the license.
This innovative bill harnesses the vast resources of the private sector and allows the Federal Government to work collaboratively with financial firms to further our national security goals.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join our chairman, our ranking member, and my colleague, Mr. Nunn, in supporting this bill.
Mr. Speaker, this bill, H.R. 1450, the OFAC Licensure for Investigators Act from Representative Beatty would develop a program at the Department of the Treasury that would allow financial crime investigators, including those at the Office of Foreign Assets Control, that is OFAC, to better trace and understand the efforts by bad actors to evade sanctions and launder funds. By allowing nominal amounts to be directed through certain accounts with stringent U.S. Government oversight, banks, government agencies, and others seeking knowledge about how these bad actors behave and are connected will benefit. This bill will help to keep our financial system and national security secure.
I, again, urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1450.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
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. 3095) to direct the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities, and for other purposes, as amended, 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 Kentucky (Mr. Comer) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 278, nays 121, not voting 31, as follows:
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. POU, and Mr. BEYER changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.''
Messrs. BERA and MASSIE changed their vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
Improving Access to Small Business Information 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. 3351) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, 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. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 387, nays 12, not voting 31, as follows:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. There are 2 minutes remaining.
So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
Mr. Speaker, I missed today's votes due to a flight cancellation. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 213 and YEA on Roll Call No. 214.
Mr. Speaker, due to a personal family matter, I was unable to be in D.C. and vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 213 and YEA on Roll Call No. 214.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues in the California delegation to mourn the loss of three heroic sheriff's deputies who were tragically killed last week while serving in the Arson Explosives Detail of the Special Enforcement Bureau, the largest loss of life in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department since 1857.
Together, they gave 74 years of distinguished service to Los Angeles County.
Detective William Osborn joined the department in 1992. He worked as a detective for over a decade before taking on a new role as an emergency vehicle operations center instructor in 2016. He became an arson and explosive investigator in 2019, and finally gave back as a mentor to new investigators. He is survived by his six children and his wife.
Detective Victor Lemus joined the department in 2003, became a K9 handler in 2017 and an arson investigator last year. He received commendations for his ability to mentor and train fellow deputies as well as notable arrests involving career criminals. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. He also has three sisters who work in the department.
Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund joined the department in 2006 and became an arson and explosive investigator in 2022. He was known as an outstanding field training officer who was professional and articulate. He is survived by his wife and seven children and was a proud resident of the Santa Clarita Valley in my home district.
Their loss is a sobering reminder of the risks these heroes take every single day. Their families, colleagues, and loved ones are grieving the unimaginable. Today, we stand with them in solidarity, in sorrow, and in gratitude.
Let us now join together in a moment of silence to honor their service, their sacrifice, and their memory.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Centre Safe which celebrates 50 years of providing confidential and professional services for victims and survivors of domestic, dating, and sexual violence.
Centre Safe began as a grassroots effort in 1975 as the Centre County Women's Resource Center. Since then, it has grown from a one-room operation in State College to three locations which are the administrative offices and Sylvia Stein Shelter in State College, the counseling and legal advocacy satellite office in Bellefonte, and the Child Access Center in Bellefonte.
While Centre Safe began as an agency by women, for women, it works to support all survivors and victims. It offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, legal representation, and transitional housing.
Centre Safe also works to address violence before it begins by educating children and youth about healthy relationships.
Mr. Speaker, domestic violence has no place in American society. Victims often feel that they have nowhere to turn. For the last 50 years, Centre Safe has been a safe place for those who need support in times of crisis. For that, we are grateful.
Mr. Speaker, I only have 1 minute today, but I wish I had 6 or 7 minutes.
Wildfire season is upon us. Over the weekend, we saw the Cram fire in central Oregon grow to more than 95,000 acres, making it the largest wildfire of the year so far in the United States.
I am grateful for the firefighters and local authorities who bravely responded and who are continuing to fight the flames. Thanks to them, the fire is now over 70 percent contained.
Mr. Speaker, while Oregon firefighters are out, saving lives and
Whether it is for pushing out evacuation alerts or maintaining shelters, this funding is key to keeping our neighbors safe and prepared. That is why I can't stop, and I won't stop fighting to ensure our communities have the resources they need.
I ask my constituents to please continue to follow the direction of local authorities. Have an evacuation plan. Prepare a go bag.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to rally support for addressing the growing abuses of vision benefit managers, or VBMs.
The industry is dominated by two vertically integrated giants whose actions are undermining healthcare access and threatening the existence of eye care practices in all of our districts.
It is concerning that some VBM patient and doctor mandates appear to be aimed solely at benefiting the optical products labs, patient data gathering, and mass retail operations built around them.
The growing VBM acquisition and control over independent eye care practices have created worrying conflict of interest issues. As I speak, VBMs are attempting to link physician reimbursements not to quality care standards but solely to their own product sales.
We must protect against VBM schemes that invade the safeguarded sanctity of a doctor's exam room. Confronting VBM abuses is the central focus of my bipartisan bill, the DOC Access Act, as well as multiple active investigations in Congress and by the GAO, FTC, and others.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, along with patient and consumer advocates like Patients Rising, the National Consumers League, and the American Optometric Association, to ensure VBM accountability is a priority in Congress.
Mr. Speaker, this week the House will vote on a bill to reduce clean water standards, setting our country back in our fight for clean water. I worked for three decades to improve the water quality in the Long Island Sound. Having seen the progress we have made, I know that we cannot stop our commitment now.
Just last week, I attended a roundtable with Long Island Sound Citizens Advisory Committee to discuss how we in Congress can work with them to preserve Long Island Sound. This roundtable built on an event in Rye in June where a new 10-year conservation and management plan was signed.
I have signed onto two bills. The first is the ESTUARIES Act that will preserve Long Island Sound and 27 other estuaries of national significance. The second is the Long Island Restoration and Stewardship Act that reauthorizes grants made possible by the Clean Water Act through fiscal year 2029.
We must keep clean water standards high in order to protect and preserve our bodies of water. We may not get another chance.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the illustrious career of Colonel Rhett A. Blackmon, Commander and District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, a true servant leader.
Colonel Blackmon assumed command of the Galveston District on July 15, 2022, and quickly became a vital partner in Texas' 14th Congressional District. Under his leadership, Mr. Speaker, the team oversaw more than $7.4 billion, with a b, in infrastructure projects, ranging from flood control to coastal protection that directly strengthened our communities.
His military service spans decades with combat and command roles across Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific, as well as academic service as an instructor at West Point.
Mr. Speaker, his leadership has always been defined by integrity, courage, and excellence. Our Nation is stronger and safer because of dedicated men like Colonel Blackmon. As he retires from Active Duty, we honor his legacy of military service, unmatched professionalism, and his deep love of country.
We thank Colonel Blackmon for his selfless sacrifice and faithful service. Brenda Gail and I wish him, Lindsay, and his family every blessing in retirement.
God bless him. God bless the United States of America.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joe Szafarowicz, a true pillar of our northwest Ohio community. He is an educator, mentor, and lifelong advocate for young people.
For more than five decades, he has shaped lives, not just by teaching in the classroom but by investing in the boundless potential of every child he encountered.
From the halls of St. Agnes Elementary School to the classrooms of Toledo public schools, Mr. Szafarowicz inspired generations with his belief that every student, no matter their circumstance, deserved opportunity.
Even in retirement, he has never stopped lifting others up, using art as a tool to reach at-risk youth and guiding young minds toward hope and purpose.
His impact is evident in the voices of his former students, leaders, public servants, and community members who credit his encouragement as a turning point in their lives. At the end of March, those students gathered to celebrate Joe's 80th birthday.
We, too, celebrate his life of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the future of our region. May his legacy remind us all a great teacher never stops teaching, and a great heart never stops giving.
Mr. Speaker, we are heading into the peak of the fire season in the West. The last thing California and other Western States need is even more red tape stopping firefighters from doing their jobs. Our State and most of the West burns every year. We have seen entire towns wiped out time and again, people killed, with homes, power lines, forests, wildlife gone.
Now, right when we should be preparing to fight fires faster and smarter, environmental extremists are trying to ban the aerial fire retardant that the aircraft drops onto the fires by dragging them into a Clean Water Act debate.
This is insane. These airdrops save lives using this retardant. It is a well-known product, a known product, that has had a long time in use. All of a sudden they want to sue over it. This product helped slow the fires down, giving the firefighters a chance to set up and stop them from spreading even more to tens of thousands more acres.
We are not talking a theory here. We are talking about something that has been used in practice, real tools that have been used safely for decades. The smoke alone from one major wildfire does more harm than a targeted retardant drop ever could.
The PERMIT Act, coming to the floor this week, cuts through this bureaucracy, allowing firefighters to have this material they need to effectively fight fire.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn the cruelty of the Hyde Amendment and reintroduce the EACH Act to end it once and for all.
It is 2025. In 1976, when I was a mere 2 years old, a Congressman from Chicago was livid at the thought that a woman could be in control of her own body, especially a Black or Brown woman. So he came to this floor and put forward an amendment with a simple, cruel aim to ban as many people as he could from getting abortion care.
With that robotic precision, this institution has rubber-stamped this amendment in budget after budget.
The Hyde Amendment denies abortion care to patients who receive their care through Medicaid, CHIP, and other government programs.
Once in my lifetime, we defeated this amendment in the House, a testament to activists, organizers, and my mentor, Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
Mr. Speaker, in my lifetime, we will defeat it once and for all because everyone deserves access to fundamental healthcare, and that is exactly what abortion care is.
No man, no king, and no coward should come between us and our bodies.
Mr. Speaker, across the country, Americans' utilities bills are going up, and this administration's actions are just making things worse, giving out favors to the fossil fuel industry.
Last week, employees of the Department of the Interior received a memo, and basically what the memo said was that Secretary Burgum has to personally approve every single wind and solar project.
This will add red tape to renewable energy developments while stifling new technology innovation. It is just ridiculous. We want to be a leader in clean energy, but instead we are having the Secretary personally having to approve every single project.
They are cutting off the future of American renewable energy and leaving a void for our adversaries to fill. Our Federal Government should be investing in new innovations that help lower utility costs and allow Americans to live better and healthier lives. Instead, this administration is doing favors for the fossil fuel industry and picking energy favorites.
I think this is bad for every single American, and I think we need to stand up against it.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern for the future of education in our country.
The White House's last-minute decision to freeze $7 billion in Congressionally approved Department of Education funds threatens essential programs families in my district rely on.
In Maryland alone, more than 150,000 children participate in after- school programs, and nearly 120,000 rely on summer programs. For every one student enrolled, three more are on the wait list.
These programs give parents assurances that even outside of school hours, children are learning, receiving healthy meals, and building meaningful relationships.
Don't just take my word. Let the kids in my district speak. This, next to me, was sent by those from Girls Inc. of Washington County, an amazing program that my family has long supported.
Parents should not be left scrambling to choose between looking after their kids and working to put food on the table. In rural districts like mine, publicly funded programs and programs like Girls Inc. are invaluable.
I stand firmly with the Maryland Attorney General in fighting for those funds the families are counting on.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle for speaking up, and I urge my colleagues in the House to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, when Congress is in session, there are always interesting articles in the paper that I think demand a little bit more attention.
Over the weekend, or late last week, there was an article that said that the United Kingdom, in a few years, is going to begin having 16- year-olds vote. Since frequently problems in America happen in Great Britain first, I think it is something we should pay a great deal of attention to.
About 6 years ago, in this body, an amendment was offered allowing 16-year-olds to vote in Federal elections. Well over half the Democrats voted in favor of 16-year-olds. Why would one want to do that?
Mr. Speaker, 16-year-olds have nowhere near the wisdom and experience to make decisions as to who to vote for in elections. The only way you would want to do it is if you want to manipulate these young minds in the schools across the country.
I, like I think many other people, would have voted entirely differently when I was 16 than when I was 26.
We have to be on the alert, and our comatose press corps should be asking the Democrats now where they stand on the 16-year-old voting age.
Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 42 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.
