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10Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies Accountability Act
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Routine Business (8)
01House of Representatives
02Designation of Speaker Pro Tempore
03Morning-Hour Debate
04After Recess
05After Recess
06After Recess
08Adjournment
1 member spoke
Daily Digest
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced
37 public bills, H.R. 9172- 9208; and 7 resolutions, H. Res. 1343-1349 were introduced.
Pages H3990-91
Reports Filed
Reports filed on Friday, June 5, 2026 as follows: H.R. 9170, making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 119-686); and H.R. 9171, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 119-687). Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 8463, to establish governmentwide requirements for pre-payment fraud prevention actions, to provide the U.S. Treasury appropriate data resources, to facilitate participation in governmentwide anti-fraud data sharing, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 119- 688, Part 1); H.R. 6028, to modify the appointment and removal process for certain legislative branch officers, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 119-689, Part 1); and H. Res. 1345, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8312) to establish fraud prevention and program integrity functions and data sharing authorities within the Department of Treasury and a permanent governmentwide Inspector General for Fraud, Accountability, and Recovery, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8464) to amend title 31, United States Code, to authorize pausing and segmenting payments, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1335) condemning actors seeking to defraud the United States Government, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that governmentwide fraud and improper payment prevention reforms will meaningfully improve the financial prosperity of the United States, and that Federal program eligibility should be verified before payment; and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 2) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33 (H. Rept. 119-690).
Pages H3989-90
Speaker
Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Issa to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
Page H3913
Recess
The House recessed at 12:43 p.m. and reconvened at 2 p.m.
Page H3918
Recess
The House recessed at 2:05 p.m. and reconvened at 2:31 p.m.
Page H3919
Recess
The House recessed at 5:18 p.m. and reconvened at 6:30 p.m.
Page H3974
Suspensions
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Pre-Payment Fraud Prevention and Treasury Data Access Act: H.R. 8463, amended, to establish governmentwide requirements for pre-payment fraud prevention actions, to provide the U.S. Treasury appropriate data resources, to facilitate participation in governmentwide anti-fraud data sharing;
Pages H3919-23
Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act
H.R. 6916, amended, to amend title 41, United States Code, to identify individuals who commit certain Federal felonies implicating Federal programs as an excluded source on the System for Award Management Exclusions list;
Pages H3923-25
Agreed to amend the title so as to read
``To amend title 31, United States Code, to prohibit Federal Funds from being provided to individuals convicted of certain Federal felonies, and for other purposes'';
Page H3925
Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies Accountability Act
H.R. 8466, amended, to require certain agencies to develop plans for internal control in the event of an emergency or crisis, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 384 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 208;
Pages H3928-30, H3974-75
Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State- Administered Programs Act
H.R. 8107, amended, to require the establishment of a list identifying program areas and administrative practices presenting the greatest risk to the integrity of Federal funds administered by States and local governments;
Pages H3933-34
Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act
H.R. 8428, amended, to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish a mandatory antifraud and improper payment training program for Federal program administrators, to provide for the availability of such training to State and local entities administering Federally funded programs, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 393 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 209;
Pages H3934-36, H3975-76
Agreed to amend the title so as to read
``To amend title 5, United States Code, to establish an antifraud and improper payment training program Federal program administrators, to provide for the availability of such training to State and local entities administering Federally funded programs, and for other purposes'';
Page H3976
Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act
H.R. 428, amended, to amend title 5, United States Code, to enhance the authority under which Federal agencies may pay cash awards to employees for making cost saving disclosures;
Pages H3936-38
Agreed to amend the title so as to read
``To amend title 5, United States Code, to enhance the authority under which Federal agencies may pay cash awards to employees for making cost saving and improper payment disclosures, and for other purposes'';
Page H3938
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act
H.R. 6028, amended, to modify the appointment and removal process for certain legislative branch officers;
Pages H3938-43
Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act
H.R. 2505, to require the development of strategies and options to prevent the export to Iran of certain technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems;
Pages H3943-45
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act
H.R. 1744, amended, to extend and authorize annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through fiscal year 2026;
Pages H3947-48
Agreed to amend the title so as to read
``To extend and authorize annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through December 31, 2028'';
Page H3948
Protecting Europe from Antisemitic Crime and Extremism Act
H.R. 6297, amended, to require the Department of State to provide briefings on antisemitism in Europe;
Pages H3948-50
Agreed to amend the title so as to read
``To require the Department of State to consult with Congress on anti-semitism in Europe'';
Page H3950
Tehran Incitement to Violence Act
H.R. 6230, amended, to designate certain individuals as specially designated global terrorists;
Pages H3954-57
Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act
H.R. 7037, amended, to promote United States and allied energy and mineral security;
Pages H3957-65
Allied Defense Sales Act
H.R. 8665, to require the implementation of a strategy to encourage foreign partners to participate in the foreign military sales and direct commercial sales processes on a multinational basis;
Pages H3965-67
Countering China's Control of the Caucasus Act
H.R. 7668, amended, to require a report on Russian and Chinese intelligence assets in Georgia;
Pages H3967-68
Stop Illegal Fishing Act
H.R. 6338, amended, to require the imposition of sanctions with respect to foreign persons and foreign vessels that engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and
Pages H3968-70
Ensuring the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security
H.R. 5248, amended, to ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security.
Pages H3950-54, H3970-74
Suspensions: Proceedings Postponed
The House debated the following measures under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were postponed. Zeroing Out Monetary Benefits Improperly Expended Act: H.R. 8467, amended, to reform the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 to ensure executive agencies focus on fraud prevention; and
Pages H3925-28
Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act
H.R. 8340, amended, to modify the governmentwide financial management plan.
Pages H3931-33
Senate Referral
S. 2 was held at the desk.
Page H3919
Senate Message
Message from the Senate received by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the House today appears on page H3989. Quorum Calls--Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H3974-75 and H3975-76. Adjournment: The House met at 12 p.m. and adjourned at 9:12 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: 173 of 295 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 6, 2026, 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, it is with gratitude and respect that I rise to recognize Jenny Mearkle, a valued colleague and friend, who will be retiring at the end of June after more than 21 years of service to constituents throughout Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District.
Jenny's work in constituent services has been characterized by efficiency and empathy. The foundation of Jenny's success as manager of the Altoona district office is her heartfelt desire to help people. When it comes to resolving an issue for a constituent, Jenny is never confined by space or by the time that is needed.
Wherever she might be--during or outside the boundaries of a traditional workday--Jenny makes every effort to respond to constituent casework inquiries, not only because it is the professional thing to do, but because Jenny genuinely cares.
As a builder of relationships throughout the 13th Congressional District, Jenny has achieved unparalleled success while earning the admiration of her constituents.
I thank Jenny Mearkle. I thank her for her distinguished legacy of dedicated service to the constituents of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, and I wish her much happiness in all the years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sam Worley as the recipient of the Franklin County Conservation District's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sam, who will be celebrating his 105th birthday on June 13, is a proud U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Notably, he has lived a life in distinguished service to his community and to his country.
The award presented to Sam by the Franklin County Conservation District pays tribute to his decades of leadership and enduring impact on the conservation of natural resources in Franklin County.
Sam accepted the appointment as the director with the Franklin County Conservation District in 1992. Now, more than three decades later, Sam continues to serve the district in his role as associate director.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sam on this prestigious award. He truly embodies what it means to a member of the Greatest Generation.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated public servant, Cheryl Johns, who is retiring as the executive director of the Altoona Housing Authority with over 26 years of service.
Cheryl is admired and respected for her commitment to maintaining the highest standard of administrative excellence. She has been a trusted and dependable public servant. She works for families and individuals who seek affordable and reliable housing in the city of Altoona.
As a housing administrator for the last 33 years, Cheryl has created a legacy of service based on the belief that a healthy and productive society is founded on safe and stable housing.
On behalf of the constituents throughout Altoona and the entire 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Cheryl Johns for her commitment to her profession and extend best wishes for a wonderful retirement.
Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, known in Pennsylvania as SAMA.
Incorporated in 1975, SAMA opened its first gallery in June 1976 in Altoona. Galleries were subsequently opened in Johnstown, Ligonier, and Bedford.
Today, SAMA successfully operates the Nation's longest-running museum satellite program. The museum maintains a permanent collection of more than 7,500 works.
SAMA is a dynamic cultural leader, enriching lives through exhibitions and programs that advance the appreciation of art. The museum itself serves as a vibrant hub of education and community engagement.
As the celebration of SAMA's golden anniversary continues throughout this
Mr. Speaker, families are struggling to pay for groceries, gas, rent, and healthcare.
What are Republicans doing? They are bringing a budget to the floor this week to give ICE and Border Patrol another $70 billion blank check--no guardrails, no oversight, no accountability.
Not a single dollar in this bill covers the cost of living for Americans. Not a single dollar makes life more affordable for working families. Instead, Republicans are spending billions to bankroll Donald Trump's cruelty and corruption.
At the same time, they are letting Trump keep a $1.8 billion slush fund that can be used to reward political allies and advance his own agenda. This is not fiscal responsibility. This is the betrayal of the American people.
We have already seen where these priorities lead. Republicans cut healthcare. They cut food assistance for children, for seniors, and veterans, all while protecting giveaways for the wealthy.
Now they want Americans to pay for more masked ICE agents to brutalize our communities and violently target law-abiding immigrant families.
Communities across the country are demanding accountability. Instead, Republicans are writing another blank check.
House Democrats are fighting to lower costs and make Americans lives safer, healthier, and more affordable while holding this administration accountable.
Congress should be lowering costs. We should be helping working people. We should be holding this administration accountable, and that is why House Democrats reject this reckless budget.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say I dissent. I strongly dissent.
I join Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson in their dissent in Louisiana v. Callais, a decision that seeks to demolish the Voting Rights Act.
As Justice Kagan stated: ``the Court's decision will set back the foundational right Congress granted of racial equality in electoral opportunity.''
Make no mistake, this is an attack on fair representation. Republican-led southern States have wasted no time to redraw their districts to eliminate any Democratic representation. In some extreme cases, they have canceled elections that already started. Just last week, the Supreme Court allowed Alabama to eliminate a whole majority Black district, essentially reversing its previous opinions.
Whether you are in a majority Black district or not, this impacts all of us.
Right now, they are targeting Black representation in the South, but tomorrow it could be a blue district in any State. This is about fair representation, and it is about our democracy.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor stated in her dissent, the Court ``debases the democratic process'' and ``corrodes the rule of law by rewarding Alabama's gamesmanship and outright defiance of Court orders.''
Republicans know they have to rig the maps in November to win because they cannot run on their failed policies, policies which have led to high gas prices and made life more expensive.
People shed blood and some died for the right to vote for fair representation.
We need to come together now to fight for our voting rights. Black, Latino, Asian American, White, and all communities need to unite in one mission: to protect democracy.
We must guarantee that every American has an equal voice in our democracy and an equal opportunity to elect Representatives who represent their constituents' interests.
When Democrats regain the House, we will work to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore voting protections to guarantee fairness and equal representation in our elections.
This is about preserving the promise of American democracy itself. I call on every American to organize, to educate your friends, neighbors, and colleagues on what is at stake and to vote.
As we head into November, House Democrats will work with the civil rights and voting rights advocates, legal experts, and grassroots organizers to defend American democracy.
When people come together to fight for justice, history shows us that justice ultimately wins, and Democrats will never stop fighting for it.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personality toward the President.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Manuel, best known as Manny, Duenas, a beloved son of Guam and one of the strongest voices our island has ever had for its fishing community.
For decades, Manny was more than the president of the Guam Fishermen's Cooperative. To many, he was the face of the Hagatna Boat Basin and the heart of Guam's fishing industry.
Whether greeting fishermen before sunrise, helping them load the day's catch, or advocating at public meetings, Manny dedicated his life to protecting a way of live that has sustained our islands for generations.
He understood that fishing on Guam was about far more than commerce. It was culture. It was family. It was tradition. It was a connection between our people and the ocean that surrounds us.
Manny spent his life defending that connection. He championed local fishermen through challenging regulations, economic challenges, and environmental concerns.
He worked tirelessly to ensure that Guam's fishermen had a seat at the table and that their voices were heard whenever decisions affecting our waters were being made.
But perhaps what made Manny special was his belief in stewardship. Long before sustainability became a widely used term, he was teaching the importance of protecting our marine resources for future generations. He believed that preserving our waters and preserving our culture went hand in hand.
Those who knew Manny remember not only his determination, but also his warmth. He welcomed visitors, mentored young fishermen, shared stories, and helped countless people understand the importance of Guam's fishing heritage.
He was a teacher, an advocate, a leader, and a friend.
Today, Hagatna Boat Basin will feel a little quieter. The fishermen who worked beside him, the families who relied on him, and the community he served so faithfully will deeply feel his absence.
Yet, his legacy remains. It remains in the stronger fishing community he helped build. It remains in generations of fisherman he inspired, and it remains in the waters he worked so hard to protect for those who will follow.
On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my deepest condolences to Manny's family, friends, and the entire Guam fishing community. I thank him for a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to our island.
May he rest in peace and may his legacy continue to guide future generations of Guam's fishermen.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master of CHamoru Dance Frank Rabon of Guam, who was recently named a 2026 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts.
For more than 40 years, Frank Rabon has dedicated his life to preserving and
This recognition is a proud moment for our island and a testament to the importance of preserving indigenous traditions for future generations. I thank Mr. Frank Rabon for his lifelong dedication to the CHamoru people, and I congratulate him on this historic honor.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to continue to shed light on the egregious practices of our health insurance industry companies that continue to deny patients care and rip off the American taxpayers.
I have been practicing medicine now for 35 years and have dedicated my life to serving others, primarily those in rural and underserved areas. American medicine is sick. American medicine is unaffordable.
A few months ago, the House Ways and Means Committee hosted representatives from multiple insurance companies to deal with healthcare affordability. During that time, I exposed the unconscionable practices of these megacorporations that squeeze every penny out of patients and physicians for their own profit.
Today, I want to talk about the bad actors in Medicare Advantage, a program that seeks to prey upon the elderly and those who have health insurance issues as they get older, that rely on prior authorizations as a way to deny care.
These denials have been up in recent years, as have been, amazingly enough, insurance company profits. They have created barriers to lifesaving care for patients.
In fact, in 2024, Medicare Advantage insurers denied over 4 million prior authorization requests. Yet, when appealed, over 80 percent of those were overturned. This was only after patients and caregivers were forced to fight for the care that they deserve. Sadly, many give up, and they don't receive the care that they need and the care that they have paid for.
I am far from the only physician ringing the bell on this travesty. Recent surveys show that 93 percent of doctors say that prior authorization leads to care delays, and 82 percent say that it sometimes causes patient harm. Nearly one in three state that delays have contributed to a serious adverse safety event.
The current state of prior authorization allows insurance companies to deny care and pad their profits.
I commend the Trump administration for bringing insurance companies to the table and forcing them to improve their process. Sadly enough, I don't believe a word that these insurance companies say because they are ever increasingly putting profits above patients.
I understand that there are bad actors and those who overbill the system. I truly do. They overorder to drive up costs. The response cannot be a regime that continues delays and denies care for patients who deserve to be healthy.
Congress must be bold in its action to deliver meaningful and lasting solutions to make healthcare work for all Americans.
I am proud to have introduced the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act with my friend and colleague, Dr. John Joyce. As co-chairs of the GOP Doctors Caucus, our unique experience as physician-legislators gives us perspective on how the healthcare system delivers and finances care.
MAIA streamlines Medicare Advantage prior authorization by enabling real-time approvals for routine care, setting up clear decision guidelines and preventing repetitive reauthorization denials, denials, denials. It also strengthens network adequacy and access centers so that seniors can obtain the full spectrum of medically necessary care when they need it.
Healthcare is expensive. We are living longer because of wonderful innovations in healthcare. Yet, sadly enough, vertical integration and the middlemen are destroying the American healthcare system. We don't need to be padding the profits of middlemen, be they insurance companies, be they PBMs, or be they any individuals in the middle who are siphoning off profits away from patients and away from those who care for patients.
We need to get back to a system that is streamlined, and we need to stop paying those who deny patient care.
Mr. Speaker, we had an election in California last Tuesday. It is now the following Monday, and the State still has millions of votes to count.
How can this be? Nothing like this happens in any other State in the country or, for that matter, any other democratic country in the world. California's absurdly slow, glacial vote counting has been the subject of broad, sweeping bipartisan criticism.
The Washington Post's editorial board called it a national embarrassment. The New York Times' editorial board said that California's elections are something out of the pre-telegraph era.
How does the State justify this process of taking a month to count votes? They generally offer two excuses.
First, they say that California is a really big State. The problem with that argument is that this doesn't come as a surprise every election that we have a lot of people. Maybe you should prepare for that. There are other big States in the United States that manage to count their votes on election night, and there are other, much larger countries around the world, like India, that manage to count their votes a lot more quickly than California does.
The second excuse you get is that California is just trying to make sure that every vote is counted and that the people have every possible means of participating. Throughout my time in office, I have supported measures to make voting as accessible to folks as possible, but that has nothing to do with taking a month to count votes.
As a matter of fact, if you look at the nonpartisan Elections Performance Index, California ranks 41 out of 50. This measures things like the share of voter turnout, voter registration, transparency, and so forth. California not only has the slowest elections. It actually tends to perform worse across every metric than the rest of the country does.
Make no mistake, this is an attempt to cloak administrative incompetence under a disguise of false civic virtue. The consequences for our democracy should not be understated. When we take weeks and weeks to count votes, with the results often changing based upon what they were on election night, it fosters distrust in the entire process.
It also creates great instability, as people don't know and the representatives themselves don't know who will be their school board member, county supervisor, city councilor, State legislator, or Member of Congress.
Mr. Speaker, I have introduced, along with my colleagues from California here in the House, the Election Results Accountability Act, which says, very simply, that California needs to get its act together. California needs to count votes in a timely manner and give folks results in a timely manner and in a way that should be expected of a well-functioning democratic society.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Sonbol Aliabadi, the longtime executive director for the Sierra College Foundation, on her retirement at the end of May 2026.
Throughout her 22-year tenure, Sonbol aided the foundation in expanding access and opportunity for Sierra College students by mobilizing more than $22 million in community support funds and awarding nearly $7 million in scholarships, as well as by delivering on many other major initiatives.
Sonbol's contributions reduced barriers, enabling more students to enroll and continue their education, and strengthened the Sierra College community.
Under Sonbol's leadership, the foundation has helped launch a variety of student support programs, such as the Veterans Success Center, the Student Assistance Fund Endowment, the Basic Needs Center, the Guardian Scholars Program, and more. Earlier this year, the program Endow-a-Bed launched under Sonbol's leadership, providing free room and board for 10 students in the school's new student housing.
The foundation has also worked to fund educational and extracurricular opportunities for students, such as the Sierra College Athletics Program and career and technical education programs. Moreover, they have helped provide services to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and have supported programs that embrace a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the school.
Valued by so many, Sonbol is known for her leadership and guidance in the foundation. Her passion for supporting students on their educational journey encourages those around her to put students first, as she does. Her devoted efforts have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless Sierra College students and have contributed to the growth and success of the school.
As a former educator, I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Sonbol since my time in elected office. It is a true honor to represent such inspirational and effective community leaders like Sonbol.
Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to join the community in celebrating Sonbol Aliabadi's successful career and service to the Sierra College community over the past two decades, and I wish her the very best in her next chapter.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a deeply troubling pattern of behavior that strikes at the very heart of the American justice system. It is a pattern where self-enrichment is rewarded, oversight is blindfolded, and rule of law is bent to serve the powerful.
I sit on the Appropriations Committee, and we had a chance last week to hear the testimony of the Acting Attorney General, Mr. Blanche. I asked him about what I thought was a blatant pay-for-pardon scheme, and this involves the Binance Corporation.
Let me walk through some of the facts of what happened there, as I did there with the Attorney General.
In late 2023, Binance agreed to pay a penalty of $4.36 billion. A U.S. judge approved the guilty plea and settlement for the anti-money laundering and sanctions in February 2024. In other words, the chairman of Binance and the company itself pled guilty to crimes that involved money laundering. This involved money laundering that was helping groups like ISIS and al-Qaida, enemies of the United States, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In December 2024, Mr. Zhao and Mr. Witkoff met in Abu Dhabi at the Bitcoin MENA 2024 Conference. Mr. Witkoff is the special envoy for the Trump administration who negotiates agreements with respect to the Middle East and does this on behalf of the Trump administration. They discussed the violations of anti-money laundering laws while Mr. Zhao was serving at Binance.
In October 2025, Mr. Trump granted a full pardon to Mr. Zhao. That meant that they did not have to pay back the money that was part of the fine, and it wiped away the conviction and the related elements of that.
According to The Wall Street Journal, part of what happened between the pardon and the meeting was that there was a payment that was made. That was money that was paid, according to The Wall Street Journal, from Binance, which took steps that catapulted the Trump family venture's new stablecoin product. The Trump family venture was WLF, and it dealt with cryptocurrency. Members of Trump's family, two of his sons, and Mr. Witkoff all had vested interests in that company.
While they put the money into the WLF transaction, that enhanced the credibility and pushed up the market value of the WLF company from $127 million to over $2.1 billion.
I asked Mr. Blanche, given that he had this meeting, then the money, and then the pardon, did he think it would be important to appoint a special prosecutor to review the transaction just to make sure that there was no misconduct that took place, whether it was on behalf of the President or any of the other factors or players who were involved, and he said no.
A special prosecutor would be someone who the Attorney General could appoint in order to have a full and independent investigation done, but he refused to do that.
It is important to put this into context, too. Just in the first 3 months of this year, Mr. Trump has engaged in 3,700 stock transactions personally, and his net worth has grown from $2.3 billion to $6.5 billion since 2024. That is a $4.2 billion increase in his personal wealth since he returned to the White House.
There are other issues that we should raise. In fact, the sentences to my right were taken from a New York Times article that chronicles many of these types of issues. Nvidia stock is another one where there was a potential benefit of $5 million to WLF and the Trump family.
I am not saying that there was or was not misconduct by Mr. Trump. We don't know that yet, but it is important to make sure that somebody who is independent, objective, and knowledgeable would conduct that kind of investigation.
So far, the Trump administration has refused to do that, so I am going to be introducing legislation that I think will help to facilitate that. If you have a President who doesn't want to have his Attorney General conduct any investigations into what his administration is doing, we should have other avenues to move that forward. We have in the past, like the Independent Counsel Act. We also could beef up the inspector general law which was put in place after Watergate took place and was put in place specifically because of the Nixon administration misconduct and the failure to have anybody in the Nixon administration investigate that.
You might recall that John Mitchell was the Attorney General. He ended up going to jail because he participated in that misconduct. We need to make sure we don't find ourselves in this situation again where we have got the fox guarding the henhouse.
We will offer this legislation soon, but I think it is critical to make sure we understand a couple of things in the wake of this. We need to keep an eye on the Trump administration, and we need to remember, too, that after the testimony he gave, he was promoted to Attorney General by the President.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor, maybe one of the biggest honors of my lifetime, to stand here on the floor and do something that is 59 years overdue, to recognize the survivors and those who gave their lives on the USS Liberty 59 years ago today, when they were viciously attacked by IDF jets and also after that by torpedo boats.
I am going to tell you a little bit of their story. By the way, there are at least a dozen of them here today with us. I just met with them in my office, and they related this story to me.
It was a clear day. The USS Liberty was one of the most technologically sophisticated ships in the Navy, but it was virtually unarmed. It was sent to observe the Six-Day War going on in the Middle East between Israel and its neighbors.
It arrived on June 7, and the weather was clear. Planes came out to meet them, to investigate. Then on the next day, on June 8, when they started the day, the visibility was unlimited and the American flag was flying proudly on the USS Liberty. More planes came from Israel to surveil the ship. They thought they were in good shape, but what happened next surprised them all.
French Mirage jets showed up, and for 25 minutes, strafed and attacked
After the 25 grueling minutes of attack on this virtually unarmed ship, when they thought things were over and they could recover, the torpedo boats showed up, three torpedo boats. They launched four torpedoes. One of them hit the hull of the USS Liberty and killed 25 people instantly. It blew a 40-by-40-foot hole in the side of this ship. They were intent on sinking it. They were intent on not having a single survivor.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Israelis machine-gunned the lifeboats that they put down. They machine-gunned the firefighters who were on the deck. They were bringing the wounded and the dead to the mess hall to triage them. They had one doctor who was trying to help them all, put a few stitches in. It was harrowing.
It was amazing that if not for that crew, that boat would have sunk that day.
But it still wasn't over. Helicopters showed up, combat helicopters. The USS Liberty, even though their signals were being jammed by the Israelis, got a signal out. There were ships that tried to respond. The USS Saratoga and the USS America sent planes. Both of them sent planes to help the USS Liberty. And something happened that has never happened before to a ship under attack: The planes were recalled. This has never happened before. They sat there for 17 hours with 34 dead and 174 wounded out of 294 crewmembers. That is over a 70 percent casualty rate, which is unheard of. The Israelis were intent on leaving no survivors.
What about our own military? Why did they not send anybody for 17 hours to help these men?
So what really happened? The official reports say that it was a case of mistaken identity. But if you listen to Dean Rusk, former Secretary of State; Richard Helms, CIA Director; Bobby Ray Inman, head of the NSA; Captain Ward Boston, who was the chief council of the court of inquiry; and if you listen to Admiral Moore, who served in Pearl Harbor, Midway, commanded both the Atlantic and Pacific fleet, and was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, none of these distinguished men think this was an accident. They think it was intentional murder by the country of Israel, either as a false flag operation or because they simply didn't want anybody observing what they were doing that day.
Well, I have got a call to action for everybody here. Honor these individuals. Quit ignoring that they exist. Go to their website, ussliberty.org. Support them while they are still alive. They need closure. Let's give them closure. Let's have an investigation. Let's pass a resolution honoring them. It is long overdue. Then they can have their justice.
Mr. Speaker, I insert into the Record the declaration of Ward Boston declaring that the only official court of inquiry was invalid.
Mr. Speaker, I rise on the floor this afternoon because I believe this Nation is losing its moral compass, led by a President who is more interested in ballrooms and bullying reporters than the rights and the dignity of our basic human rights as Americans.
This week, this body will consider a $70 billion package of funding for ICE to continue a cruel and inhuman detention system that has robbed countless Americans of their freedom and human dignity; that has fueled a massive for-profit private prison industry with billions of taxpayer dollars on the backs of the suffering of our people; that has torn families apart, incarcerated children, killed dozens in detention, violated human and civil liberties, and left millions of people in this country living in fear every day.
Now, the leadership of this body wants to approve another $70 billion on top of the more than $100 billion that they already gave them so that the Trump administration can continue to terrorize our families and communities without any checks. This is not okay. This body has lost its moral compass.
It follows after last week as this body passed appropriations bills that cut hundreds of millions of dollars in food assistance to children, not just children here in the United States but abroad. In a time when hunger is higher now in this country today than it was during COVID, they chose to cut food assistance to American children and children across the world.
Last week, in their agriculture bill, they cut food, housing, and basic infrastructure for rural communities and food to children.
Now, they want another blank check for ICE?
What next? The President is asking for $1.5 trillion for more bombs for illegal wars to continue the suffering abroad.
That is why I am here today to stand, to fight, to fight back, to reclaim the dignity of this body, the moral compass of this country.
Last week, we finally passed a War Powers Resolution to end the war in Iran. We did not succeed yet in passing a War Powers Resolution to end the war in Lebanon, but we cannot stand by and let this reckless President wage illegal wars in the Middle East and empower an out-of- control foreign leader, who even this weekend further threatened the peace of the Middle East through continued attacks. It must stop. Congress must assert not only our Constitutional authority but reclaim our moral compass.
As we stand here in this Chamber, violence continues abroad. Over the weekend, bombs and firefights shelled communities in Lebanon, Israel, and Iran. In Lebanon, more than 3,500 people have been killed, nearly 11,000 injured, and more than a million people have been displaced and lost their homes. Families have lost loved ones. Communities have been uprooted. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. Across the region, innocent people are paying the price for decisions they did not make and conflicts they did not create.
As this violence rages on, it happens against the backdrop of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, ongoing human rights violations in the West Bank, human suffering that has reached unimaginable levels. Children are facing hunger, displacement, and the constant threat of violence. Families are struggling to access food, clean water, medicine, and shelter.
In the West Bank, Palestinian families continue to face violence daily. A 7-month-old baby was shot and killed by a soldier just days ago in a car. Entire villages and sacred olive trees have been destroyed. There are restrictions on movement, indignities in everyday life, and unfathomable cruelty.
These impacts are not just felt in these communities but in our districts here at home, as their families and friends watch in horror and grief.
We have a fundamental, not only constitutional, responsibility as Congress to rein in these immoral and illegal wars but to stop these crimes.
Congress cannot stand by and let this continue. These illegal wars are not only violations of our war powers, they are violations of the basic human rights of our people.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Mr. Speaker, later this week, the FIFA World Cup will kick off here in the United States, and I could not be more excited for Kansas City to welcome the world.
As the founder of the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand just how much work has gone into preparing for this moment.
Today, I thank everyone who helped to make this possible. From local leaders and small businesses to first responders, transit workers, volunteers, and organizers, countless people have spent years preparing for these next 5 weeks.
The matches are going to bring excitement, visitors, and economic opportunity to the Kansas City metro area, but the impact will not end there. It is not going to end when the final whistle blows. The investments we have made in infrastructure, transportation, safety, and community development are things that are going to benefit Kansas City and our surrounding communities for generations to come.
This is a chance to showcase what makes our community so special: our hospitality, our culture, our barbecue, our love of sports, and our ability to come together and accomplish really big things.
The world is coming. Kansas City is ready. It is going to be an incredible celebration.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8463) to establish governmentwide requirements for pre- payment fraud prevention actions, to provide the U.S. Treasury appropriate data resources, to facilitate participation in governmentwide anti-fraud data sharing, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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 Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8463, the Pre- Payment Fraud Prevention and Treasury Data Access Act.
Every year, the Federal Government loses hundreds of billions of dollars to fraud and improper payments.
The Government Accountability Office estimates that the Federal Government has lost over $2.8 trillion since 2003 to payments that should never have been made or were made incorrectly.
Annual improper payments ballooned to nearly $236 billion in fiscal year 2023, more than six times the amount in 2003.
The Government Accountability Office also estimates that the Federal Government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud across government programs.
Fraud at these levels costs each tax filer, on average, between $1,000 and $3,000 per year. These losses should alarm each one of us and call us to action. The American taxpayer is covering the bill for fraud while criminals get rich.
This bill takes meaningful steps to mitigate this problem by meaningfully curbing fraudulent payments and improper payments before funds go out the door and are lost forever.
The Pre-Payment Fraud Prevention and Treasury Data Access Act enhances and expands government financial integrity controls by requiring anti-fraud risk evaluations to identify suspicious payments before agencies request a payment be issued by the U.S. Treasury.
These reforms are centered around increasing the use and effectiveness of the Treasury's existing Do Not Pay system. It is currently only utilized by a mere 4 percent of eligible programs across the government.
This bill will address the procedural hurdles agencies face in using the system and bring agencies into compliance with their required anti- fraud checks.
The bill also lowers barriers for the Treasury to bring additional nonsensitive datasets into the Do Not Pay system.
This legislation was drafted in coordination with privacy stakeholders to ensure appropriate data protection safeguards for personal and sensitive information.
The reforms in this legislation are commonsense and long overdue.
I thank House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Garcia and his staff for working together with us to ensure such crucial legislation could advance on a bipartisan basis.
Mr. Speaker, I think we have a strong bill that will truly make a meaningful difference for the financial and program integrity of the U.S. Government. I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan reform bill.
Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of H.R. 8463, the Pre-Payment Fraud Prevention and Treasury Data Access Act.
This bill will help prevent improper payments by requiring that agencies verify with the U.S. Treasury that payments are going to the right place before they are made. Agencies would be required to use the Treasury's Do Not Pay system to confirm that recipients, one, have a valid Social Security number; two, are not deceased; and, three, have a valid bank account.
The bill would also impose heavy fines for any misuse of the Do Not Pay system.
This is a commonsense change, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8463, the Pre-Payment Fraud Prevention and Treasury Data Access Act. I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, H.R. 8463. I congratulate the chair and ranking member on their bipartisan work, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 8463, the Pre- Payment Fraud Prevention and Treasury Data Access Act.
As Chairman Comer, the bill's sponsor, explained, this legislation enhances and expands the government's financial integrity controls by codifying agency pre-payment anti-fraud risk evaluations.
This will help identify suspicious payments before they are sent out the door, stopping fraudulent or improper payments before they happen.
In fiscal year 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department reported that they have helped agencies and States prevent and recover over $11 billion in fraudulent and improper payments. They have done this by using existing tools such as the Do Not Pay system.
However, as the chairman explained, these systems are being drastically underutilized by Federal agencies and are in need of certain reforms. We can only imagine the additional savings that H.R. 8463's reforms will help achieve by increasing the pre-payment fraud prevention activities of Federal agencies and increasing the utilization of the Do Not Pay system.
I encourage my colleagues to support the bipartisan H.R. 8463 so we can protect taxpayers, ensure proper program integrity, and prevent fraud before it happens.
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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8463, 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. 6916) to amend title 41, United States Code, to identify individuals who commit certain Federal felonies implicating Federal programs as an excluded source on the System for Award Management Exclusions list, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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 Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6916, the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act.
The Federal Government pays a substantial amount of money to contractors for services to help agencies fulfill their missions. It is a privilege, not a right, to receive a contract, grant, loan, or other form of Federal financial assistance.
Unfortunately, there are individuals who take advantage of these resources and use it as an opportunity to defraud the government.
This bill closes a glaring loophole by prohibiting individuals that are convicted of certain felonies, primarily defrauding the Federal Government, from receiving Federal awards.
Under H.R. 6916, fraudsters will no longer be able to get rich from taxpayers' hard-earned dollars. This bill requires these individuals to be listed on the General Services Administration's System for Award Management Exclusion list, thus ensuring that Federal agencies know who these individuals are to ensure they, or any entity of which they have a controlling interest, are not awarded a contract or grant.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the bill's sponsors, Congressman Keith Self and Congresswoman Emily Randall, a colleague on the House Oversight Committee, for bringing this commonsense bill to the Committee.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this necessary and bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in support of H.R. 6916, the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act.
This bill would automatically ban individuals and companies convicted of defrauding the government from receiving Federal contracts, grants, and other Federal financial assistance for 3 years.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Randall)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation that I am proud to lead with Representative Self.
This bill is rooted in a pretty basic idea: If someone is convicted of defrauding a Federal program, they should not be able to turn around and keep doing business with the Federal Government. This isn't about politics. It is about protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure that the Federal Government is worthy of the trust that the people place in it.
In every community we represent, people work hard, pay their taxes, and expect government programs to be run with honesty and accountability.
Each year, the Federal Government awards more than $700 billion in contracts to various agencies. Taxpayers expect those dollars to support families, to strengthen communities, and to deliver the services Congress intended, not go back to people who have already been convicted of abusing public funds.
This issue was brought to us by the inspectors general, the public servants who spend every day rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse across the Federal Government. They identified a real gap in the current system.
Too often, individuals convicted of fraud involving Federal programs remain eligible to apply for and receive Federal contracts. Under current law, agencies can suspend or debar these individuals, but the process can be slow, staff intensive, and inconsistent.
We have been told that preparing one single suspension or debarment package can take up to 20 hours.
For agencies already operating with limited staff and growing backlogs,
According to a study by the inspectors general, of 550 felony fraud convictions involving pandemic-related Federal program funds over a 3- year period, more than 95 percent of those convicted were not suspended or debarred from doing business with the government. That is unacceptable.
Our bill creates a clear, commonsense standard: Individuals convicted of fraud involving Federal programs would be automatically ineligible for Federal contracts for at least 3 years. That means stronger accountability, more consistent enforcement, and more time for the inspectors general to focus on other cases of waste, fraud, and abuse.
The American people are owed more accountability and transparency into what taxpayer-funded contracts are being approved.
The Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act is a targeted, bipartisan solution to a documented problem. It protects taxpayers. It supports the work of the inspectors general, and it helps make sure Federal dollars go where they are supposed to go. I am grateful to the inspectors general who raised this issue and helped us develop this legislation, and I thank Representative Self for his partnership.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 6916, the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act of 2025.
The American people expect their hard-earned tax dollars to be used responsibly. They should never have to worry that individuals convicted of defrauding the Federal Government can turn around and receive additional Federal contracts, grants, or loans.
Unfortunately, we have seen too many examples of individuals exploiting Federal programs for personal gain. One repeat fraudster submitted at least 22 fraudulent pandemic loan applications and additional fraudulent unemployment benefit applications, resulting in more than $250,000 in taxpayer losses. That is only one case.
It is common sense to expect that someone convicted of defrauding the government should not return and apply for more money. This bill closes that loophole.
H.R. 6916 requires individuals convicted of specific Federal fraud offenses involving Federal programs to be placed on the System for Award Management Exclusion list for 3 years. In simple terms: If someone is convicted of stealing from, lying to, or defrauding the Federal Government, they will not be eligible to receive more Federal dollars.
This bill does not create new crimes. It does not expand Federal spending. It simply ensures that individuals convicted of serious fraud involving Federal programs are temporarily barred from receiving additional taxpayer funds.
At a time when Americans are demanding greater accountability from their government, Congress should send a clear message: Taxpayer dollars are not an entitlement in the face of fraud.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Office of Inspector General and the professionals who worked with my team throughout the development of this legislation. Their work investigating fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars is indispensable.
Mr. Speaker, I also thank Representative Randall for her partnership with this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6916.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, as the sponsors of the bill mentioned, we have a responsibility to ensure that Federal funds are spent wisely and go to Americans who truly need them. I think it is pretty clear that if you commit fraud to steal from the Federal Government, you should not be rewarded with a Federal contract or grant.
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 urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6916, the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's extensive investigations and hearings on fraud in Federal programs have made one thing clear: If fraudsters are successful, they will continue to find new ways to steal taxpayer dollars.
Such egregious actions require proactive fraud mitigation to prevent fraudsters and criminals from taking advantage of loopholes in our government and continuing to enrich themselves with taxpayer dollars.
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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6916, 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 title 31, United States Code, to prohibit Federal Funds from being provided to individuals convicted of certain Federal felonies, and for other purposes.''.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8467) to reform the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 to ensure executive agencies focus on fraud prevention, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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 Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8467, the Zeroing Out Monetary Benefits Improperly Expended Act.
This bill strengthens agency efforts to prevent improper payments that lead to financial loss to the government. Estimates made by the Government Accountability Office reveal that the Federal Government has lost $2.8 trillion to improper payments since 2003.
In fiscal year 2025, Federal agencies reported $186 billion in improper payments, an increase of about $24 billion from the previous year alone. These heinous findings prove that the status quo is not working and is unacceptable.
This bill replaces the current broken practice of conducting backward-looking annual improper payment estimates that remain unchanged year to year. Instead, it directs agencies to focus more closely on payments that result in financial loss to the government and cost savings associated with anti-fraud activity.
This bill requires agencies to comprehensively assess fraud risk management practices in their programs, such as the implementation of the Government Accountability Office's fraud risk management framework and to develop fraud risk indicators and apply key fraud risk controls and procedures.
The bill also increases much-needed regular coordination and information-sharing among government stakeholders responsible for identifying and preventing improper payments.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my Oversight Committee colleague, Congressman Gary Palmer, for leading on these important and long-overdue improper payment reforms. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in support of H.R. 8467, the Zeroing Out Monetary Benefits Improperly Expended Act.
The bill is simple. It would require the Treasury to develop risk assessment guidance for improper payments. It also requires Federal agencies to conduct a risk assessment and publish a prioritized list of programs at risk for fraud.
Federal agencies with the highest risk of fraud and improper payments would be required to report on the steps they are taking to resolve those risks. These are commonsense measures to help prevent improper payments and promote accountability within Federal agencies.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their work on this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, every year, hardworking Americans dutifully pay their taxes to support Federal public programs and other priorities. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has too often squandered their money through mismanagement.
For example, just last year, the Federal Government lost an estimated $186 billion in improper payments. Six years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic produced what is now often referred to as the greatest theft of taxpayer dollars in history.
This is not new. The Federal Government has been on this track for over 23 years, losing almost $3 trillion in taxpayer dollars since that time.
The definition of insanity is continuing to take the same actions and expecting a different result. It is time for us to make changes. Absent major systematic reforms, we will continue to violate the public trust at increasingly unsustainable levels.
That is why I am pleased to sponsor H.R. 8467, the Zeroing Out Monetary Benefits Improperly Expended Act, or the ZOMBIE Act.
The ZOMBIE Act reforms Federal law to prevent improper payments before money goes out the door. It codifies a longtime recommendation from the Government Accountability Office to conduct regular risk assessments of improper payments that result in actual financial loss to the Federal Government. Assessments will focus on a comprehensive review of risk, including implementing fraud prevention best practices.
The bill increases coordination among the inspectors general, the U.S. Treasury, and other partners via annual meetings. Heads of Federal agencies or designees of their choice will have the option to attend these meetings to help identify and prevent improper payments that result in financial loss for the government.
Additionally, the ZOMBIE Act incentivizes Federal agency reporting by permitting up to 75 percent of the amount recovered to be redirected back to the program. That is an increase from the current 25 percent threshold.
By implementing the ZOMBIE Act, agencies will be able to shift or focus toward preventing improper payments rather than on compliance activities.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my Democratic colleagues for supporting this bill and urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsor of the bill. I commend him on his creativity with acronyms of bill names, and I urge everyone to support the ZOMBIE Act. It is very much alive. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 8467, the Zeroing Out Monetary Benefits Improperly Expended Act, which reforms the Payment Integrity Information Act to refocus Federal agencies on proactively identifying and preventing improper payments before they happen, rather than wasting resources on backward-looking compliance activities.
Mr. Speaker, we need reforms like this bill that force agencies to focus on preventing improper payments in the first place, and this smart legislation does just that.
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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8467, 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. 8466) to require certain agencies to develop plans for internal control in the event of an emergency or crisis, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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 Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8466, the Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies Accountability Act, or the TRUE Accountability Act.
This bill takes action to ensure agencies be prepared to protect taxpayer dollars during future national emergencies when Federal agency programs and spending are often rapidly expanded by supplemental emergency spending packages advanced by Congress.
Between March 2020 and March 2021, Congress enacted a series of six laws providing over $4.6 billion in Federal funds to mitigate the economic and public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unprecedented expansion of government programs and lack of commensurate and adequate fraud prevention and financial management capabilities created a perfect scenario for existing program and payment integrity weaknesses to be exploited.
In short, agencies rushed to get money out the door as fast as possible and, in some cases, loosened the guardrails to make funding access easier and more efficient.
While the true extent of pandemic relief fraud may never be known, the Comptroller General of the United States observes that hundreds of billions of dollars in potentially fraudulent payments were dispersed.
The TRUE Accountability Act requires that agencies are prepared for future emergency supplemental spending legislation.
Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to
Mr. Speaker, I thank my Oversight Committee colleagues Congressmen Andy Biggs and Suhas Subramanyam for championing this necessary and forward-looking legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill, 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 support of H.R. 8466, the Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies Accountability Act. I am proud to be co- lead of this legislation with my colleague, Representative Biggs, and I thank him for his work on this issue.
This bill would require Federal agencies to develop internal control plans for future national emergencies. In times of disasters, pandemics, and other crises, it is crucial that the emergency Federal spending reaches the people who need it the most.
Emergency assistance can save small businesses from closing, protect public health, provide people displaced by disasters with housing, and much more.
But, unfortunately, bad actors can take advantage of these situations to commit fraud and steal funds. Every cent that is stolen doesn't reach the Americans who need it. Having an internal control plan will help Federal agencies develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
This is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that will ensure that agencies like FEMA and the Small Business Administration are better prepared for the future. That way we can ensure that emergency funds reach the people who need them quickly.
An effective response to a national emergency starts with advanced planning, and that is what this bill does. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me.
Mr. Speaker, over the past few months, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has taken the lead on investigating a staggering amount of fraud. The common theme we have seen in this fraud has been bad actors taking advantage of emergency funds from the government. Agencies disburse money from these taxpayer-funded accounts to help those in need when an emergency, such as the COVID pandemic, cause major disruptions in the day-to-day lives of Americans.
Emergency relief funds are meant to help families stay afloat in a crisis. Instead, a lack of planning by and failures of oversight of Federal agencies have turned these emergency funds into a jackpot for fraudsters.
For example, a central point of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's oversight hearing dealt with his ties to the criminals in the Feeding Our Future scheme. That scheme involved more than $250 million in taxpayer money being stolen by the Feeding Our Future organization, which defrauded USDA's COVID programs.
What became glaringly evident in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic was that government agencies were not properly equipped to deal with emergency relief funds. Even those in government, such as Minnesota's Attorney General Ellison, have failed to investigate and even potentially aided fraudsters abusing these funds.
It was one of the largest COVID-era fraud schemes in the country, and it happened right under the nose of Minnesota's top law enforcement officer.
That is why we need to make sure emergency relief funds are protected from fraud. In total, the Government Accountability Office estimates that a staggering 19 different pandemic relief programs were defrauded from 2020 to 2024 to the tune of $300 billion. What is even more disturbing is that was just the fraud in COVID-related programs.
In addition to COVID-related fraud, the Government Accountability Office also estimates that the government may lose as much as $521 billion. That is not waste. That is not error. That is a heist of historic proportions.
These numbers are practically unfathomable. Yet, here they are staring at us as a reality. We, quite literally, cannot afford as a country to be losing that amount of money per year to fraudsters. Our national dealt is nearing $39 trillion.
That is why I joined my Democratic colleague (Mr. Subramanyam), and we introduced the TRUE Accountability Act together. That passed out of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform unanimously.
The TRUE Accountability Act is simple. It tells Federal agencies to plan ahead, protect taxpayer dollars, and stop treating fraud as an afterthought or a cost just built into the system as a feature, because it is time to bring some accountability to our government so that we stop losing untold amounts of hard-earned taxpayer money.
This act forces government agencies to be better prepared for an emergency, requires them to make internal plans that incorporate data- driven frameworks such as the GAO's A Framework for Managing Improper Payments in Emergency Assistance Programs, and A Framework for Managing Fraud Risk in 20 Federal Programs.
These plans will include policies and procedures to assess risks of improper payments, fraud, and related mitigation strategies, as well as to identify a senior official responsible and accountable for implementing the plan.
These internal plans will go a long way in combating any potential fraud that might occur when emergency relief funds are disbursed.
We must not be caught off guard the next time an emergency hits. In an emergency, people's lives are already upended. They don't need to also be worrying about fraudsters looting the Federal Treasury. We need to be ready to act in an efficient manner that protects taxpayer dollars.
This is a commonsense, bipartisan effort that both sides of the aisle can easily agree on, and it must be passed to safeguard the hard-earned money of American taxpayers.
Fraudsters learned from the COVID-era. With this bill, next time we will be ready for them, not the other way around.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank the sponsor again for co-leading this bill with me.
I will say that I lived in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit the city, and there was a lot of fraud related to the money disbursed there afterwards. This has been a long-standing problem for many decades across Democratic and Republican administrations. I am glad that we are taking steps in a bipartisan way to address this issue to make sure there is less fraud.
These internal control plans, while they don't seem exciting, are very effective. I have done them at private companies, and I think these Federal agencies will benefit from them.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 8466, the TRUE Accountability Act, which will mitigate future fraud like we have recently experienced in the pandemic-era emergency spending.
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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8466, 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. 8340) to modify the governmentwide financial management plan, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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 Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8340, the Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act.
It is no secret that weak internal controls and agency inaction on known fraud risks enables fraud.
Federal agency chief financial officers play a vital role in the financial management of their agencies. But, unfortunately, their roles are frequently undefined and their positions are often left vacant.
Stakeholders in financial management have been calling for agencies to establish clear accountability in government structures for program integrity, including designating an accountable senior official.
The Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act ensures each agency chief financial officer is responsible for overseeing and providing leadership on risk management and internal controls.
Specifically, the bill requires chief financial officers to identify key information such as spending and reporting on improper payments and assess the effectiveness of internal controls annually. This ensures that a top-level official is responsible for effective and targeted financial management.
In the event of a vacancy, this bill enables a deputy CFO to serve as an interim CFO, an important change that allows for leadership continuity over agency financial management.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my Oversight Committee colleagues, Congressmen Dave Min and William Timmons, for championing this smart legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in support of H.R. 8340, the Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act. This bill would make a number of improvements to the financial management at Federal agencies.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Min).
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 8340, the Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act.
I introduced this legislation alongside Representative William Timmons, and I thank him again for co-leading this important bill to promote efficiency and optimization in Federal agencies.
I would note that this legislation was originally lead by former Ranking Member Gerry Connolly, and I am proud that I can help carry forward this tool and hopefully continue forward his legacy of trying to improve the way that our Federal Government functions.
This legislation is straightforward. It is designed to modernize how Federal agencies track spending, strengthen financial oversight, and improve accountability in how the Federal Government manages our precious taxpayer dollars.
This bill makes long-overdue updates to the decades-old Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, incorporating longstanding recommendations from the GAO to ensure that agencies can make better management decisions, improve efficiency, and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
For example, this legislation would require Federal agencies to annually assess financial reporting internal controls, link agency performance and cost data to enhance financial valuations, and prioritize the elimination of duplicative systems and unnecessary spending.
As someone who started my career at the Securities and Exchange Commission tracking fraud in the private sector, I think it is important we also try to prevent fraud in the public sector, as well. I think this bill would take an important step forward in achieving that goal.
Congress has to play an active role in reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, and we can do so by ensuring that Federal agency chief financial officers are responsible stewards of taxpayer money.
I am confident this legislation will play an important role in doing so, and I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from California mentioned, this is a great accountability bill. It requires the Federal Government to create a governmentwide financial management plan every 4 years and increases the responsibilities of agency CFOs to implement those plans.
It is common sense and bipartisan, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 8340, the Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act, which implements important reforms for improving agency financial management planning.
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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8340, 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. 8107) to require the establishment of a list identifying program areas and administrative practices presenting the greatest risk to the integrity of Federal funds administered by States and local governments, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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 Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8107, the Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State-Administered Programs Act.
The reforms of H.R. 8107 represent a long-overdue step to ensure that Congress is fully informed about fraud risks in Federal programs administered at the State level.
This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to assess program areas and administrative practices that present the greatest risk to the integrity of federally funded programs administered by States and local governments.
This assessment will bring together the typical program-specific assessments to help Congress and other officials better identify common risks. With this information, Congress can bolster its oversight of agencies' and States' efforts to efficiently mitigate fraud risks, including through payment integrity controls.
This legislation will better position Congress to assist Federal agencies and State and local governments to obtain the fraud prevention and investigative resources that they require.
I thank my Oversight and Government Reform Committee colleagues Congressmen Ro Khanna and Tim Burchett for championing this helpful legislation that will help lawmakers understand State-level program risks and inform future fraud prevention reforms.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan and commonsense bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the House taking up the Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State-Administered Programs Act. It is a long way of saying that this is a bill to go after fraud.
I thank Congressman Tim Burchett for his partnership on this bipartisan legislation. I also thank Chairman Comer; Ranking Member Garcia; Congressman Gill; Congressman Subramanyam; my staff lead, Selene Ceja; and Kevin Fox, my legislative director, for their help in advancing this effort.
The bill is straightforward. It directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct an independent review of Federal programs that States administer on behalf of working families.
Congress has a responsibility to ensure that every tax dollar reaches the people and communities these programs are intended to serve. To do that, we need facts, data, and evidence.
The legislation helps us better understand how these programs operate across States where vulnerabilities may exist, what practices are working, and what improvements Congress should consider to stop fraud.
At its core, the bill is about prevention, accountability, and good governance. By directing the GAO to identify effective tools, technical assistance, and proven practices, we can help States strengthen program administration before problems occur, and it applies to all 50 States, so there is no politics in it.
The families who rely on these programs deserve services that are efficient, reliable, accessible, and protected.
Tackling fraud is not a partisan issue. Congress needs to continue bipartisan, evidence-based efforts to better understand how Federal funds flow through State-administered programs and how we can strengthen those systems.
I recognize Congressman Tim Burchett for his extraordinary leadership and partnership here. This bill gives us the information we need to make informed decisions and strengthen the public trust.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate your abilities at short stop, as well.
I thank Mr. Ro Khanna for his kind words. I have never heard the words ``extraordinary leadership'' attached to the named Tim Burchett before, and I thank the gentleman for that. I thank the gentleman also for including me in this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I rise, of course, in support of the bipartisan Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State- Administered Programs Act.
This bill directs the Comptroller General, or our good friends at the Government Accountability Office, to produce recurring assessments of federally funded State-administered programs.
This report will compare trends across States and identify programs and administrative practices most vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse in State and local administration of Federal funds.
Every year, approximately $1.1 trillion of taxpayer dollars are administered by State and local governments. The money is administered with little or no oversight from the Federal Government.
How many times have we heard that we need to audit those folks? This does just that. By requiring the GAO to monitor and report on trends across States, we will begin to see which administrative practices are most vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse.
Recently, I have seen fraud run rampant at all levels of government. It is time that we mandate oversight so that the American people know where their taxpayer dollars are going.
Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation to our constituents to protect their hard-earned money. We have an obligation to make sure that government is working for the people. We have an obligation to actually do something, dadgummit, to rid government of waste, fraud, and abuse. It starts today with voting ``yes'' on this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend Representative Ro Khanna for his support in rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is an important step toward preventing fraud and improper payments before they happen. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, approximately $1.1 trillion of taxpayer dollars are administered annually by State and local governments with little to no comprehensive and recurring oversight from the Federal Government or Congress.
H.R. 8107 would require the Government Accountability Office to study the specific risks associated with federally funded State-administered programs and enable Congress to track emerging fraud patterns before they become billion-dollar scandals.
Mr. Speaker, I, therefore, encourage my colleagues to support the Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State- Administered Programs Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8107, 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. 8428) to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish a mandatory antifraud and improper payment training program for Federal program administrators, to provide for the availability of such training to State and local entities administering Federally funded programs, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8428, the Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act.
Every year, billions of taxpayer dollars are lost to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Unfortunately, the increase in sophistication of fraudsters and criminals is outmatching the capabilities of Federal agencies that work to safeguard taxpayer funds.
H.R. 8428 identifies this expanding challenge and helps bolster the financial defenses of our Federal programs against malicious actors.
Specifically, it authorizes the U.S. Treasury to establish a government-wide antifraud training program for agency officials, like grant managers and auditors, so they are adequately trained on best practices for preventing and addressing fraud in agency programs.
The bill also allows the U.S. Treasury to provide the training programs to State and local agencies administering federally funded programs at no cost.
This training will help ensure agency program management and State- level officials are better equipped to confront the challenges associated with fraud and improper payments by better utilizing the tools and best practices already established.
Such tools include more fully implementing agency fraud prevention frameworks in the program's administration and fully utilizing Treasury's Do Not Pay System.
This is important and forward-looking legislation, and I applaud my Oversight Committee colleagues Congressman Glenn Grothman and Raja Krishnamoorthi on these programs.
I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan and forward- looking bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Grothman for being a partner on this bill.
H.R. 8428, the Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, is legislation that would address a central concern of the American people, which is fraud and waste in government.
Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that cannot be used to serve the American people. Yet, over the last 20 years, at least $3 trillion in improper payments have been made by the American Government.
Our bipartisan bill protects taxpayer dollars by creating a universal Federal training program to fight fraud. By giving our government employees the tools that they need to identify fraud and avoid spending mistakes, we can stop waste before it happens.
Accountability to the American people is not optional. It is required. I am proud to support policies that keep our Federal programs strong and that use taxpayer dollars responsibly.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this key legislation, and I thank the bill's sponsors, Chairman Comer, and Ranking Member Garcia for bringing this bill to the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act. It is a bipartisan bill that strengthens fraud prevention efforts across the Federal Government.
Americans work hard for their money. They pay their taxes, follow the rules, and expect the Federal Government to treat every dollar with care.
Unfortunately, fraud in Federal programs remains far too common, and too often it could have been prevented. The problem is not only the bad actors who try to steal from the taxpayer. Too many Federal employees and program administrators are left without training, guidance, or tools they need to identify risks before taxpayer dollars go out the door.
The bill takes a commonsense step to fix that. The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act directs the Department of the Treasury, in coordination with OMB and OPM, to establish a standardized, government-wide fraud prevention training program. That training would help Federal employees identify fraud risks, implement proven antifraud practices, and make better use of existing tools, including the Do Not Pay System.
It would also make these resources available to State and local governments that administer Federal funds.
That last point is important. Many Federal programs are not administered
Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that cannot help a veteran, a senior, a small business, a family in need, a community that depends on Federal assistance, or pay down our ridiculous Federal debt. It is also a dollar added to the debt and a dollar taken from hardworking Americans who expect better from their government.
We should not wait until fraud has already occurred to ask what went wrong. We should train the Federal workforce to identify warning signs early, use the tools already available, and stop fraud before taxpayer dollars are wasted.
I thank Congressman Krishnamoorthi for leading the bipartisan effort with me. I also thank Chairman Comer for his leadership on the Oversight Committee and his work to hold the Federal Government accountable.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 8428, the Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act.
In order to meaningfully address the massive scale of fraud in Federal programs, we need to implement a standardized, government-wide training program for employees administering agency programs.
H.R. 8428 helps establish leading fraud prevention training practices throughout the Federal Government so we can recognize and prevent fraud before it happens.
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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8428, 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. 428) to amend title 5, United States Code, to enhance the authority under which Federal agencies may pay cash awards to employees for making cost saving disclosures, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) 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 Texas?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 428, the Bonuses for Cost- Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act of 2026.
This bill expands existing incentives for Federal employees to identify and disclose waste and abuse before American tax dollars are spent.
Without incentives to disclose wasteful spending, Federal employees who are most likely to identify and halt such spending may not speak up.
It was because of instances like these that in 1981 Congress created a cash awards program to encourage employees to take proactive action to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. This program was so successful that it was made permanent just over a decade later.
Over the years, these authorities have resulted in creative ideas coming from agency employees themselves, contributing to the saving of millions in taxpayer dollars. These cost-cutting ideas included allowing veterans to use otherwise safe, discarded medicine and eliminating wasteful printing of the Federal Register.
It is time that Congress does more to expand the cost-saving potential of Federal employees by expanding these authorities.
H.R. 428, as amended, increases incentives for Federal employees by allowing cash awards for reporting wasteful spending and improper payments before funds go out the door.
The best way to recover misspent tax dollars is to not misspend them in the first place. I support this important legislation, which helps preserve Congress' constitutional role in the appropriations process and helps reduce wasteful spending.
I thank Congressman Chuck Fleischmann for bringing this creative solution to preventing fraud to the Oversight Committee and for working with the committee to expand it to address improper payments.
I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisanship bill.
I rise today in support of H.R. 428, as well, the Bonuses for Cost- Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act 2026. This bipartisan bill would increase the maximum cash bonus awarded to Federal employees who report waste, fraud, and abuse, from $10,000 to $20,000. Increasing this award will encourage more Federal workers to come forward and report on waste and improper spending. It will reward employees for acting in the best interest of American taxpayers.
The bill also requires agencies to report on the wasteful and improper spending reported by employees, promoting transparency.
I thank my colleagues for their work on this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. Let me begin by stating a straightforward fact: The Federal Government spends excessively, and much of these funds are wasted. The Bonuses for Cost- Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act of 2026 offers a practical solution to ensure that taxpayers' hard-earned dollars are wisely managed and efficiently.
This legislation takes our existing Federal rewards program, a program that already rewards employees who identify fraud, waste, and mismanagement, and expands it. Under this legislation, any Federal employee who identifies wasteful operational expenses that an agency itself determines are not required for its stated purpose can bring that information forward. The agency will then be required to propose those funds for rescission. On top of that, we double the maximum cash award available to employees who identify wasteful spending.
Federal employees are often the first to recognize when funds are allocated to outdated programs or when bureaucratic practices prioritize institutional interests over those of taxpayers. For too long, there has been no incentive to speak up, and in some cases real disincentives have existed. This bill addresses that issue.
Tennessee's Third District, my district, is home to thousands of dedicated Federal employees at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and other Federal sites throughout our region.
These hard-working public servants take their responsibility to taxpayers seriously. H.R. 428 honors their commitment by giving them a meaningful role in eliminating waste and rewarding them for delivering results to the people who fund our government.
We are taking these steps at a critical moment. The American people have given us a clear mandate to rein in spending. This administration is actively working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the Federal Government.
The efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency reflect the same mandate, and H.R. 428 supports that mission by establishing a permanent statutory framework that will endure beyond any one administration.
It is also important to emphasize that this is not a partisan bill. Taxpayers in Tennessee, and across the Nation, regardless of party, do not want their money wasted. They expect a government that is accountable, efficient, and worthy of their trust.
I have worked on this legislation for years, and I am proud that the Oversight Committee has advanced it.
Mr. Speaker, I say to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, this is a commonsense, fiscally responsible, pro-taxpayer bill. I urge everyone to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing.
Increasing the bonus for identifying waste, fraud, and abuse will save taxpayer dollars, make government more efficient, reward honest workers, and increase accountability.
I thank my colleagues again for this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 428, Bonuses for Cost-Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act of 2026, which establishes additional incentives for Federal employees to identify wasteful expenses or improper payments.
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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 428, 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 title 5, United States Code, to enhance the authority under which Federal agencies may pay cash awards to employees for making cost saving and improper payment disclosures, and for other purposes.''.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6028) to modify the appointment and removal process for certain legislative branch officers, 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 Virginia (Mr. Griffith) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Morelle) 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 additional extraneous material.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Virginia?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 6028, the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act, as amended.
I thank Chairman Steil and Ranking Member Morelle for their support and commitment to getting this important Article I bill to the floor.
A lot has been done on this bill. We have been working on it for probably a year or a little bit more, and it would not be in the position it is in today or be as good a bill without the work that was done by committee staff on both sides of the aisle and by Mr. Morelle's input and others who have helped to perfect this bill. I think we have a darned good bill here.
This legislation makes important and long overdue reforms to key institutions that serve Congress and the American people, including the Library of Congress, the Government Publishing Office, and the United States Copyright Office.
At its core, this bill is about ensuring that agencies of the legislative branch are governed in a manner consistent with our constitutional system, improving continuity in leadership and strengthening congressional oversight.
I have long been concerned by the fact that certain functions and agencies that exist to support Congress remain subject to appointment structures rooted in the executive branch.
For many years I have worked to address similar constitutional inconsistencies. I think I am the only one that loves this bill. In fact, since 2016, at various times I have introduced legislation to transfer the Office of the United States Trade Representative from the executive branch back to Congress where I believe it belongs properly under our constitutional framework. That is not this bill.
H.R. 6028 is our bill, and it is guided by that same principle. The bill seeks to promote institutional balance amongst our coequal branches of government and ensure congressional support agencies remain accountable to the branch they serve.
The Library of Congress and the Government Publishing Office play indispensable roles in helping Congress carry out its legislative responsibilities. Yet, the heads of these legislative branch agencies are currently appointed by the executive branch, by the President, and then confirmed by the Senate.
This is an arrangement that came about in the latter part of the 19th century. It is a 19th century construct. I don't know for sure, Mr. Speaker, but I suspect that it had to do with time and distance and the fact that a lot of times Congress was not able to get here to do the oversight that it needed.
Those constraints that existed in the latter part of the 19th century, due to electronic communication and easier travel, no longer make that necessary. I think that is why they did this flip, where they gave up legislative power to the executive branch, and so we have created a new structure. The old structure created an inconsistency in governance, and the new structure helps us with certainty and accountability.
The legislation updates the process by establishing a congressional appointment framework for the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office.
Under the bill, bipartisan recommendations would be provided by the leadership of the House Administration Committee and the Senate
This model is not unprecedented. It closely follows the appointment process Congress previously adopted for the Architect of the Capitol, a reform enacted on a bipartisan basis and the one that has helped strengthen congressional control over a key legislative branch institution.
My bill also addresses the governance of the United States Copyright Office. Because the Copyright Office carries out executive-type functions, H.R. 6028 provides that the Register of Copyrights will be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Some of the improvements that were made just within the last couple of months made sure we had smooth working there because the Copyright Office, while it is in the executive branch, has to work closely with the Librarian of Congress. I believe the language that was ironed out between the parties makes a lot of sense and works well for the American people.
My bill better aligns government responsibilities with the appropriate constitutional framework. Ultimately, the bill is about clarity, accountability, and good governance. By modernizing leadership structures and clarifying lines of authority, we can strengthen the institutions that support Congress and serve the Nation as a whole, and we can ensure that these institutions are positioned to serve both Congress and the American people more effectively for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6028, 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. 6028, the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act.
The bill updates the appointment process for the heads of two legislative branch agencies, the Library of Congress and the Government Publishing Office, and creates a new Presidential appointment, subject to Senate confirmation, for the Register of Copyrights.
I thank the sponsor of the bill and my colleague on the Committee on House Administration Mr. Griffith, Chairman Steil, and both their staff for working with us to improve prior versions of the legislation.
For the legislative record, I will probably repeat some of the things that my colleague has said.
The amended bill makes clear that the U.S. Copyright Office, currently part of the Library, remains in the legislative branch. It protects the Copyright Office workforce. All of them will continue to enjoy the same rights, privileges, and protections they hold today as Library employees. That was very important to us.
I have long said that the Librarian of Congress should be appointed by Congress. Still, we must make this change thoughtfully and be mindful of the consequences, particularly, again, for the Copyright Office.
Copyright authority is enshrined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the Constitution, and the Copyright Office has resided in the legislative branch for well over one century.
I appreciate Mr. Griffith's comments about the 19th century, how different things were and the importance of doing all of this work. This bill is really very important, particularly because so much of the work is legislative and because of the ability for the modern legislature to have responsibility here.
All of that should remain within the legislature and remain within the Congress. That is the intent of this bill.
The copyright economy contributes, and this is somewhat of an astounding figure, more than $2 trillion to our economy each year. It supports more than 11 million American jobs, and only with a stable, reliable, and apolitical copyright system will we continue to have the benefits of that economy.
The bill helps preserve it at a critical moment for copyright stakeholders and the millions of Library users. I particularly point that out in the midst of the emergence of AI, which uses a great many materials for learning that are copyrighted. These issues continue to be in the public eye, and they will continue to be important.
The Library and the Copyright Office have operated in partnership for more than 150 years. The Copyright Office depends on the Library's infrastructure, and the Library builds its collections through copyright deposits. Severing that relationship would harm both institutions, something we clearly do not want to do. The revised bill recognizes that.
It establishes a significant transition period. It allows the Copyright Office to continue using Library support services and requires the Register to consult with the Librarian before taking any action affecting the Library's access to Copyright Office deposits.
It safeguards the rights of Copyright Office employees, as I indicated earlier, and keeps the office in the legislative branch, where it belongs.
Again, I thank Chairman Steil and certainly the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Griffith, for accepting these changes and for working in a cooperative, collaborative, and bipartisan spirit. It has taken a little while, but I think the final product has improved as a result of it.
For too long, Congress has allowed its own authority and capacity to atrophy. The Library, the Copyright Office, and the other support agencies we rely on are funded from a legislative branch budget that amounts to roughly four-tenths of 1 percent of all Federal discretionary spending. If we are serious about legislating on questions as complex, as I mentioned, as AI and copyright, we must be serious about sustaining the institutions that make that work possible.
There are challenges. I think this was the work of compromise, so there are some changes that I think both sides would like to make, but this does ensure that the Librarian of Congress can be hired and fired only by Congress and does so while preserving both the Library and Copyright Office as the preeminent institutions in their fields.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments of my colleague Mr. Morelle. I agree with everything that he added and said, some of which we overlapped and some of which we didn't.
This was truly a work where we are trying to do the right thing for the right purposes, and both sides worked together to reach what I think is actually a better bill. I know there were compromises, but it is a better bill than what we originally had, and I appreciate that.
Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, again, let me thank the sponsor of the bill, my friend Mr. Griffith, for his hard work. I thank Chairman Steil for his partnership in working together to protect these important legislative branch agencies and Congress' Article I prerogatives.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this very fine piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6028, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6028, 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. 2505) to require the development of strategies and options to prevent the export to Iran of certain technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 2505.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2505, the Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act.
Iranian drones are being used to terrorize civilians and attack Americans and our allies throughout the world. Too often, those drones contain technology that originated in the United States or in Europe.
That should alarm every Member of this body.
Iran has become one of the world's leading exporters of unmanned aerial
Many of the components found in these drones are commercially available dual-use technologies, products that may have legitimate civilian applications but can be repurposed for lethal military use.
Existing sanctions and export controls are clearly not enough. If American and allied technology is still ending up inside Iranian-made drones, then we need to identify the gaps, tighten the enforcement, and work more closely with our partners to stop it.
That is exactly what this bill does.
It requires the Departments of Commerce, State, and Defense to develop coordinated strategies and options to prevent Iran from acquiring U.S. and allied technologies used in unmanned aerial systems.
It strengthens interagency coordination and engagement with our allies to ensure that we block Iran's access to drone technology.
This is not just about Iran. It is about making sure American innovation is not exploited by our adversaries to kill innocent people.
Every Iranian drone that reaches Russia, Hezbollah, the Houthis, or other malign actors strengthens America's enemies, and it puts lives at risk.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Keating for introducing this important piece of legislation, which passed out of the committee with broad bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2505.
Mr. Speaker, I will add this: Iranian drones are not just a regional threat. They are a global threat. They are being used to attack Ukraine, threaten Israel, empower terrorist proxies, and undermine international security. The United States cannot allow American or allied technology to become the backbone of Iran's drone arsenal.
This bill helps to close those gaps. It is a commonsense, low-cost, high-impact measure to protect U.S. technology, support our allies, and counter Iran's malign activities.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2505.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2505, the Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act.
I thank my colleague from Massachusetts, Representative Keating, for his leadership in advancing bipartisan efforts to counter Iran's drone program, a threat that continues to hound Ukraine, and now our own forces and allies in the Middle East.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Iran has exported thousands of Shahed drones to the Russian military, fueling attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians.
Now, Iranian drones continue to threaten and damage critical energy, military, and civilian infrastructure across the Middle East.
Most recently, Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, heavily damaging a passenger terminal, killing one person, wounding dozens more, and briefly closing the airfield.
H.R. 2505 closes critical gaps in enforcement and aligns our intelligence and interdiction policies with our national security interests. I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill to help ensure that the United States and European technologies smuggled by illicit intermediaries don't fuel Iran's drone program.
Mr. Speaker, this bill closes a critical gap in enforcement to ensure that U.S. and European technologies don't fuel Iran's drone program.
This is a commonsense bill that will defend civilians and protect our allies and partners, and I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2505, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2505.
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. 3429) to establish an inter-parliamentary dialogue to facilitate closer cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea on shared interests and values.
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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 3429.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3429, the U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act, introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee's East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Ranking Member Ami Bera to my left.
I have learned during my time as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee that trust is the ultimate currency in foreign relations. Allies come to the United States with many asks: for arms, for trade, for diplomatic support, and everything in between. Sometimes the United States can only judge these requests based on the trust that they have or have not built with the United States of America.
This legislation is about building that trust with Japan and South Korea, and doing so with these two partners could not be more important. Japan and South Korea are key allies that are working together to resist aggression from the Chinese Communist Party and from North Korea to prevent a Chinese attack on Taiwan, to reindustrialize, and to decouple our economies from China in strategic sectors.
This is not about building lopsided alliances. This is about strengthening relationships that are good for America.
This bill would cultivate these alliances by establishing a parliamentary dialogue program between four Members from the House and four Members from the Senate and selected counterparts from the Parliaments of Japan and South Korea. This is about ensuring that our alliance system in the Indo-Pacific can resist Beijing's aggression.
With this important legislation, we will be one step closer to ensuring that American allies and partners win this century.
Mr. Speaker, Japan and South Korea are two of America's most important treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific. This legislation builds upon our longstanding alliance with these two countries so we can ensure these relationships can survive the struggles to come and to deter aggression from the Chinese Communist Party and North Korea.
Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3429, the U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues Representatives Wilson, Kelly, Castro, Smith, and the late Honorable Gerry Connolly, co-chairs of the Korea and Japan caucuses, for introducing this bill with me.
Congressman Connolly was a tireless advocate for America's alliances and a strong believer in the power of trilateral cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. I am proud to see the House continuing his important work today.
The Indo-Pacific is at the center of America's economic and strategic future. In the region, the United States
Our ability to address these challenges requires strong alliances and close coordination with our partners.
The trilateral relationship between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea is one of the most strategically significant partnerships that we have.
These are two of our closest allies, democracies that share our values, interests, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The 2023 Camp David Leaders' Summit marked a historic step forward in trilateral cooperation, leading to expanded collaboration on military exercises, ballistic missile defense, cybersecurity development, finance, maritime security, and science and technology.
Strong partnerships need strong institutions. Since the Camp David summit, all three countries have experienced changes in executive leadership. That reality underscores why we must create mechanisms that ensure trilateral cooperation endures beyond any single administration.
This is exactly what H.R. 3429 seeks to accomplish. The bill codifies an annual inter-parliamentarian dialogue among the United States Congress, Japan's National Diet, and South Korea's National Assembly. It creates a formal mechanism for lawmakers from all three countries to meet regularly and coordinate on issues including defense, economic security, public health, and emerging technologies.
The legislation establishes a bipartisan and bicameral congressional delegation to participate in these discussions, ensuring that congressional engagement remains consistent and sustained over time.
Most importantly, this bill helps institutionalize trilateral cooperation so that our partnership continues to grow, regardless of political transitions in any of the three countries.
The bill sends a clear message: The United States is committed to long-term cooperation with our allies in Japan and South Korea. It recognizes that our trilateral partnership is not simply a response to the current challenges but a strategic investment in a more secure, prosperous, and stable Indo-Pacific.
Mr. Speaker, diplomacy is key to peace because we are stronger together with our allies. Whether it is the challenges posed by North Korea or the People's Republic of China, trilateral cooperation is one of the critical ways to ensure that America and our two closest allies in Asia are working hand in hand toward our common interests and advancement of peace and prosperity in the region. Congressional engagement with Japan and Korea will sustain long-term support and resources for trilateral cooperation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, Japan and South Korea are two of America's most important treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific. This legislation builds upon our longstanding alliance with these two countries, so that we can ensure that these relationships can survive the struggles to come.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 3429, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3429.
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. 1744) to extend and authorize annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through fiscal year 2028, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 1744.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1744, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2026.
Congress created this commission, otherwise known as USCIRF, in 1998 with a clear statutory mandate to monitor conditions of religious freedom around the world and make recommendations to Congress and to the President to protect this right.
Since then, Congress has reauthorized the commission's operations, appropriations, and mandate numerous times. Under current law, USCIRF terminates on September 30th of this year. This bill reauthorizes the Commission through December of 2028.
America was founded on the principle that all human beings are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights. One of these, the very first laid out in the Bill of Rights to the Constitution, is the right to freely exercise one's religion according to one's conscience. Yet, throughout the world, believers suffer extreme persecution. Throughout history, tyrants and radical regimes always target religion first.
In Nigeria, seemingly every week, Christians are massacred by radical Fulani Muslims wielding machetes and crying: ``Allahu akbar.'' Christians in China are forced to worship underground. In Nicaragua, the dictatorship has just forbidden Bibles from being brought into the country. Christians across much of the Middle East and South Asia are relegated to second-class citizens, harassed and discriminated against simply for professing their beliefs.
Even in Europe, nations with freedom of religion enshrined in their constitutions, Christians, who hold traditional biblical views on marriage, gender, and sexuality, have been convicted under so-called hate speech laws.
It is not only Christians who are persecuted globally. The Chinese Communist Party right now is committing a horrific genocide against Uyghurs. Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan, Rohingya Muslims in Burma, Buddhists in Vietnam, and many more face severe restrictions on their religious freedom.
USCIRF gives Congress tools to confront persecution and protect religious freedom.
As Vice President Vance said last year: Part of this country's moral leadership ``means recognizing in our foreign policy the difference between regimes that respect religious freedom and those that do not.''
USCIRF is a critical tool to that end.
I thank my colleague, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, as well as Mr. Sherman of California, for leading this bipartisan effort. Mr. Smith has been leading on this for many years.
Mr. Speaker, the bill advanced out of Committee unanimously, and I urge
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill to reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, or USCIRF, through fiscal year 2028.
Since its establishment 28 years ago, USCIRF has served as an independent, bipartisan watchdog monitoring conditions on the ground and providing policy recommendations to Congress and the administration.
Its work reinforces the principles reflected in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and helps ensure that our advocacy for religious freedom is consistent, credible, and universal.
True religious liberty cannot mean protection for only a favored few. It extends to all people.
A consistent defense of freedom of thought, consciousness, religion, and belief, or nonbelief, strengthens our voice globally and advances global stability, security, and prosperity.
When governments suppress religious belief, broader repression often follows. In many parts of the world, severe restrictions on religion are an early warning sign of authoritarian consolidation and instability.
Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, we need to reauthorize this commission so they can continue to do their good work.
Mr. Speaker, I thank our very distinguished chairman for his strong leadership on religious freedom generally but for this legislation as well. I do appreciate that so much. I want to thank Brad Sherman, who is the Democratic cosponsor, for his leadership in backing this important reauthorization of the United States International Religious Freedom Commission.
As I think Members know, USCIRF was created--the acronym we all use for the commission--by Congress to protect religious freedom through the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, a historic landmark law authored by Frank Wolf in 1998.
USCIRF's high-quality reporting and high-profile commissioners influence the State Department's work on religious freedom, and also provide Congress with insights with its incisive commentary, making all of the work that all of us do, especially State, more transparent, honest, and effective.
The Commission defends the universal right to freedom of religion abroad. It sponsors hearings, fact-finding trips, reviews reports from all comers, especially NGOs and others, religious communities who are, unfortunately, being repressed in many countries of the world. They make very, very good recommendations that often are followed.
I also point out that I have probably chaired more than 700 hearings on human rights over the years. I have been here since the year 1980. I always want to have somebody from the commission there, always. They come. They give whatever--the name of the country. They give their insights after a great deal of due diligence. And what a difference that makes in terms of our understanding what is actually going on.
USCIRF commissioners are appointed by the President and the congressional leadership. There are nine of them of both parties, so it is totally bipartisan.
Last month, our former colleague, Vicky Hartzler, completed a distinguished term on the commission. None of you would be surprised to know that she was very active as the chair of the commission and did a magnificent job. She was appointed by Speaker Johnson, as was Maureen Ferguson, who also just completed her term and did so with great distinction.
Again, I remind my colleagues, it was our very good friend, Frank Wolf, who, in 1998, with great legislative skill, commitment, and driving passion, drove the adoption of a singularly important human rights law, the International Religious Freedom Act, or IRFA. This law created a system for naming and taking action of what was now called Countries of Particular Concern, or CPCs.
History has shown that when the United States elevates religious freedom and that priority is conveyed to Countries of Particular Concern, conditions often change for the positive. Prisoners of conscience gain their freedom, and progress is made toward the free exercise of religious liberty.
As the author of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016, which updated Frank's legislation, I do follow the CPC recommendations very closely. In that law, we created entities of particular concern, like Boko Haram and some of these horrible organizations that kill people simply because of their faith.
The USCIRF acts as a true watchdog, recommending with incisive commentary that the State Department designated countries not leave somebody off because of political considerations. If they are committing human rights abuses against people of faith, they need to be held to account.
CPC is followed by a two-step process: first a designation, followed thereafter by sanctions, more than 18 of them prescribed into law. We are hoping that they won't be used. We want to see real reform and people protected like in China and elsewhere from people who wish them ill.
I again thank our Members, Brad Sherman, Gus Bilirakis, Henry Cuellar, and all the others who have supported this bill and ask my colleagues to support the legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, reauthorizing USCIRF would ensure continuity in its important work. Protecting religious freedoms abroad advances both our values and interests, and it promotes stability and respect for fundamental rights. Join me in supporting this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, the right to freely exercise your religion without fear of persecution is an unalienable right that belongs to all people.
By passing this bill, the U.S. Congress is recommitting itself to that fundamental truth, that fundamental freedom.
I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill, and I call upon the Senate to take up and pass H.R. 1744 as soon as possible.
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 Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1744, 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 extend and authorize annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through December 31, 2028.''.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6297) to require the Department of State to provide briefings on antisemitism in Europe, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) each will control 20 minutes.
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 6297.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism and international terrorism in Europe are real threats that undermine regional stability, transatlantic security, and the safety of American citizens living abroad. This threat skyrocketed after Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack. France recorded over 1,000 anti-Semitic incidents in just 1 month alone. Germany experienced a 240 percent increase. More recent incidents further underscore that threat.
On October 2, 2025, a deadly anti-Semitic attack at a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur killed two and injured others. In March 2025, a 22-year-old was arrested in Madrid for attempting to set fire to Rimmon Kosher, a busy kosher restaurant. Authorities charged him with anti-Semitic hate crime, attempted murder, and arson.
In March of 2026, two suspects on a motor scooter detonated an explosive device against the outer wall of an Orthodox Jewish school in Amsterdam. Also, in March of 2026, an explosive device detonated in front of a historic synagogue in Belgium during the early morning hours.
Beyond anti-Semitic attacks, Europe continues to face threats from the Islamic extremism. In February of 2025, French authorities classified a deadly knife attack in Mulhouse as an Islamic terrorist act, while German authorities disrupted and investigated multiple suspected Islamist-inspired plots during 2025.
This legislation builds on the Trump administration's effort to combat anti-Semitism and strengthen international counterterrorism cooperation. It ensures continued U.S. diplomatic engagement with European allies, and it requires regular consultations with Congress.
I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine), my colleague and the sponsor of this bill, for his leadership on the issue. The bill passed the Committee on Foreign Affairs with broad bipartisan support. I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing it on the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the PEACE Act.
Acts of anti-Semitism are on the rise globally. This is also true in Europe, where increasingly vocal fringe political movements, particularly far-right movements, are emboldened by increased political discourse on both sides of the Atlantic that harkens back to the unacceptable political rhetoric of old.
Combating anti-Semitism has long been a priority for both Democratic and Republican administrations and has been a central element of U.S. foreign policy for years.
This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the State Department should assess and address the threat of anti-Semitism in Europe and requires consultation with Congress on addressing these threats.
Mr. Speaker, I support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, one would have thought after October 7, 2023, the world's worst attack against Jews since the Holocaust, which obviously took place in Europe, there would have been an outpouring of sympathy and less anti-Semitism in the world. In Europe, in particular, that is not what happened.
A study conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights recorded an increase of up to 400 percent in anti-Semitic activity since October 7. That same study also found that 96 percent of European Jews that were surveyed, almost every single one said that they encounter anti-Semitism in their daily lives--not once a month, not once a year, but every day in their actual existence.
Crimes linked to anti-Semitism are on the rise all throughout Europe. Even our major allies in the region have seen a dramatic increase.
France saw 1,600 anti-Semitic acts in 2024, a 300 percent increase since before October 7. The United Kingdom had over 3,500 anti-Semitic incidents in 2024, up dramatically from the 1,600, which is still too many, that they had before October 7, 2023.
Statistics only show part of the picture. My friend and colleague, the chairman, gave some stories. What is remarkable is we didn't coordinate, and every story that he told is different than one that I am about to tell you.
On February 11 in Paris, a 13-year-old Jewish boy was attacked by five men on his way to synagogue--13 years old, five adult men. During the attack, he was called Jewish slurs by the perpetrators.
On March 23, in London, four ambulances operated by a Jewish charity were destroyed in an arson attack by three men.
Mr. Speaker, these are stories that affect Europeans, but the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe affects Americans, as well, particularly when we visit Europe. This isn't just about protecting European Jews. It is about protecting Americans when we go there.
On April 29 of this year, two Jewish men were stabbed by someone who said that he went out with the intention of stabbing people who looked visibly Jewish. One of the two was an American.
On November 10, 2025, in Milan, a Jewish American was attacked after he was identified based on his ``Orthodox Jewish attire.'' These are Americans being attacked in Europe.
My bill would direct the State Department to assess the growing threat of anti-Semitism in Europe and provide diplomatic channels to make clear to our European allies that this conduct is simply unacceptable. After this assessment, the Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs will engage with European countries that are identified as countries of concern to say that they have to cooperate with us to deal with this rising anti-Semitism problem.
This commonsense, bipartisan legislation passed through committee unanimously, 49-0, and I thank the cosponsors of the bill, Republicans Max Miller, Mike Lawler, and Representative Claudia Tenney, but also Democrats Eugene Vindman and Laura Gillen.
I also thank the chairman and the ranking member, both of whom have supported the bill, and I thank the majority leader for putting it on the floor today.
Finally, I would just say this. We said, after the Holocaust, never again, but the facts are that there is a real risk of it happening.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote today to take this one small step to make sure that it doesn't happen ever again.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, the rise of anti-Semitic violence and terrorist attacks across Europe is a stark reminder that radical extremism is not a relic of the past. It is a clear and present danger to freedom, to democracy, and to Western civilization.
The United States has to stand firmly with our allies, with the Jewish people, and with all those who reject terror and defend liberty.
Peace through strength is not just a slogan. It is a necessity. Weakness invites aggression. Strength deters aggression. H.R. 6297 sends a clear message that America will continue to lead in confronting anti-Semitism and strengthening international efforts to combat terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6297, 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 require the Department of State to consult with Congress on antisemitism in Europe.''.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5248) to ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 5248.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5248, the PROFIT Act, a bill that I am proud to have worked on with my colleague Representative Young Kim, who is to my right.
When I became chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, more than 80 percent of the State Department was unauthorized, meaning that Congress really hadn't examined it in a long time. It has been decades since the Department was forced to articulate its priorities and identify how it would align its resources.
Programs that had long outlived their purpose had been allowed to continue, wasting taxpayer dollars. Entire offices and bureaus had become redundant.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that today, because of the bills we passed into law last year, in addition to H.R. 5248, we have now authorized more than 55 percent of the State Department. Clearly, there is still more work to be done.
Within the Department, the bureaus and offices that support the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment are at the tip of the spear for implementing the America First foreign policy. These are the offices charged with leveling the playing field so that American companies can compete and win overseas.
This bill codifies the administration's America First foreign policy agenda by ensuring those offices and bureaus are aligned to advance our economic interests. As the President has repeatedly said, economic security is national security, and economic policy is foreign policy.
Mr. Speaker, I will pause on that and reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5248, and I thank Representative Young Kim and Chairman Mast for working to move this package of economic diplomacy measures in a bipartisan manner.
This bill highlights the critical importance of the State Department's E family of bureaus, which engage in critical diplomacy related to energy and supply chains around the world. They help enhance America's economic security by engaging in bilateral and multilateral cooperation on issues ranging from critical minerals to space to our oceans and the environment.
The bill codifies economic diplomacy elements and functions at the State Department. The bill establishes a Bureau for Energy Security and Diplomacy and a new Assistant Secretary for Sanctions Policy to coordinate and strengthen sanctions policies at the State Department.
It codifies existing bureaus, such as the Water, Environment, and Space Affairs Bureau, the Economic and Business Affairs Bureau, as well as the Office of the Chief Economist and the Office of Subnational Diplomacy.
Taken together, this bill will make economic statecraft a more central part of the State Department and elevate the importance of economic security and commercial diplomacy as critical elements of U.S. foreign policy.
Mr. Speaker, I support this measure, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I was just alerted that there is a technical error with the version of the bill that was submitted. We are going to enjoy the debate that we just had, but we are going to withdraw the motion.
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6230) to designate certain individuals as specially designated global terrorists, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
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. 6230.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation addresses a simple but important question: When senior officials of the Iranian regime call for violence, incite terrorism, or encourage attacks against Americans and our allies, are we using every tool available to hold them accountable?
Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. It has armed, funded, and directed terrorist proxies across the Middle East. It has targeted American servicemembers, threatened U.S. officials, and plotted attacks abroad.
In the 30 months prior to Operation Epic Fury, there were over 350 attacks by Iran against the United States of America. Yet many of the individuals and institutions responsible for this conduct continue to operate because of weak sanctions.
H.R. 6230 addresses that problem. This bill requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to regularly assess whether key Iranian leaders, clerics, and Iran-backed proxies meet the criteria for designation under existing U.S. terrorism, human rights, and sanctions authorities.
This legislation does not create new sanctions programs. It does not mandate designations. Instead, it ensures that the administration conducts regular, transparent reviews and reports its findings to Congress so that we can determine whether the existing authorities are being fully utilized.
I thank the sponsors of this legislation for their leadership in advancing this important measure. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6230, 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 passage of H.R. 6230, a bill that seeks to apply standard International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, property-blocking sanctions against a set of Iranian religious and government figures, as well as the institutions they represent, who have publicly threatened the life of the President of the United States and allied leaders.
No matter my disagreement with the President and his policies, these threats are unacceptable.
The bill also includes reasonable waiver authorities that allow the executive branch to scale these sanctions up or down, preserving diplomatic leverage.
To be clear, many of the sanctions' targets, and in some cases their entire networks, are already subject to U.S. sanctions under current authorities. Additional listings may feel satisfying, but they will not on their own cause a meaningful change in Iran's calculus or behavior.
Sanctions by themselves are not a strategy, and they are not a substitute for one.
What we need from the Trump administration is an end to this costly war, followed by a clear articulation on an Iran strategy that protects the American people, supports our partners, and restores credible diplomacy.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 6230, the Tehran Incitement to Violence Act.
This bill would require a sanctions determination for Iranian clerics, organizations, and regime-linked entities for issuing and amplifying fatwas that explicitly call for the deaths of political leaders.
These sanctions would include property-blocking sanctions and total immigration bans to deter such deadly incitement.
By passing this bill, Congress sends an unmistakable message: The United States will never accept death threats.
I thank Chairman Mast and Ranking Member Meeks for supporting this commonsense, bipartisan bill in markup.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because threats made against the United States President and others by those this legislation targets are completely unacceptable.
I encourage my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
The Iranian regime and its affiliates have spent decades spreading terror, exporting instability, and threatening the United States of America and our allies.
H.R. 6230 ensures that those responsible are not overlooked in any way and that the administration continually evaluates whether they should be held accountable under existing U.S. law.
This is a commonsense measure, strengthens oversight, reinforces deterrence, and supports our broader effort to counter Iran's malign activities.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6230, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6230, 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. 7037) to promote United States and allied energy and mineral security, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 7037, the DOMINANCE Act, introduced by Chairwoman Kim and Ranking Member Bera.
Battles are won with the right tools and the right team, often before the first shot is ever fired. Today, America's readiness depends on more than just troops, tanks, and ships. It depends on supply chains that power our economy and power our military.
The minerals used in fighter jets, missile systems, semiconductors, advanced communications technologies, and energy infrastructure are essential to American strength. When those supply chains are vulnerable, the United States of America is, in turn, vulnerable.
For decades, Beijing pursued a deliberate strategy to dominate critical mineral supply chains. Today, China controls much of the world's processing and refining capacity for the minerals that underpin our industrial base and our national defense.
Last year, Beijing reminded the world how easy it can weaponize that dominance when it restricted exports of critical rare earth materials, disrupting global markets without firing a shot.
Congress cannot afford to ignore that warning. That is why I am proud to be a supporter of the DOMINANCE Act. This legislation strengthens America's ability to work with our allies, mobilize investment, and build resilient supply chains for critical minerals and energy technologies our economy and our military depend on.
I commend Chairwoman Kim and Ranking Member Bera for their leadership on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, the readiness of our country cannot be improvised. It has to be protected every day. 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 H.R. 7037, the Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act, or the DOMINANCE Act.
Over the past year, through hearings, briefings, and engagement with industry, government, and our international partners, one fact has become increasingly clear: Securing reliable access to critical minerals is not a Democratic or Republican issue, it is an American issue.
Today, the People's Republic of China controls roughly 90 percent of global rare earth processing capacity. That concentration creates a strategic vulnerability for the United States and our allies, and Beijing has demonstrated its willingness to leverage that dominance through export restrictions and other forms of economic coercion.
The United States must continue expanding domestic mining, processing, refining, and recycling capacity. However, building secure and resilient supply chains cannot be accomplished by the United States acting alone. We need stronger partnerships with trusted allies and partners. We need coordinated investment strategies, and we need a whole-of-government approach that aligns our diplomatic, development, and economic tools to reduce dependence on vulnerable supply chains.
This is exactly what the DOMINANCE Act does. The bill establishes a Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy at the Department of State, led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary. This Bureau will serve as the focal point for U.S. international energy and critical minerals policy, ensuring greater coordination across agencies and stronger engagement with allies and partners.
This diplomatic capacity is increasingly important in a world where geopolitical instability, such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, can disrupt energy markets with significant economic consequences for our country and our constituents.
Second, the legislation formally authorizes the United States' participation in the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, or FORGE. FORGE builds upon the successful work of the Biden administration's Minerals Security Partnership by bringing together like-minded countries to coordinate investments, share information, and advance strategic partnerships and projects that strengthen supply chain resilience.
Authorizing U.S. participation ensures that America remains at the table, working with our partners to diversify sources of critical minerals and reduce reliance on strategic competitors.
Third, the bill creates energy security pacts that align the capabilities of the State Department, the Development Finance Corporation, EXIM, USTDA, MCC, the Department of Commerce, and other agencies in support of strategic energy and mineral projects overseas.
These partnerships will help mobilize private sector investment, strengthen economic resilience, support developing economies, and counter efforts by authoritarian governments to use economic dependence as a tool of coercion.
The legislation also invests in the workforce needed to secure our energy future. It expands educational and workforce development opportunities through initiatives such as the Critical Minerals Mining Fellowship Program and the Visiting Mining Scholars Program, helping develop the expertise needed to support secure and sustainable mineral supply chains.
Lastly, the bill strengthens U.S. diplomatic and national security capacity by expanding Foreign Service Institute training on energy and critical minerals issues and by codifying a special adviser for critical minerals and supply
Taken together, these provisions represent a comprehensive approach to one of the most important strategic challenges facing our country.
The DOMINANCE Act sends a clear message that the United States is committed to working with allies and partners to build secure, diversified, and resilient critical mineral supply chains. It also provides the certainty that businesses and investors need to make long- term investments in transparent, sustainable, and secure energy and mineral projects around the world.
I thank Chairwoman Young Kim for her partnership on this important bill. I am proud that this bill received a unanimous vote in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7037, the Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies, or DOMINANCE Act.
Critical minerals are the foundation of military power, industrial strength, and economic security. They enable fighter jets, semiconductors, batteries, and energy infrastructure. They increasingly determine which nations lead the modern world and which ones fall behind.
Today, far too many of these supply chains are controlled by China, creating a strategic vulnerability the United States cannot afford to ignore.
Over the past year, Congress has taken a serious look at this challenge. Last July, the Foreign Affairs Committee's East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee held a hearing on breaking China's chokehold on critical mineral supply chains. The message was clear: America must boost domestic production while building a coordinated strategy with our allies and trusted partners.
We have also spent the past year listening to the companies, manufacturers, and investors building these supply chains, including Freeport-McMoRan, MP Materials, KoBold Metals, and the National Association of Manufacturers.
Earlier this year, my colleague Congressman Bera and I traveled to Peru to see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing critical mineral development. Across all of these conversations, one consistent theme emerged--America needs a durable, long-term strategy.
The Trump administration has advanced important initiatives, such as FORGE, Pax Silica, and Project Vault. I recognize administration officials David Copley, Jacob Helberg, and Ben Black for their leadership in advancing America's energy and mineral security interests.
Yet Congress must ensure these efforts endure beyond any single administration. As China executes a decades-long plan, America cannot afford to shift strategies every few years. That is why Representative Bera and I introduced the bipartisan DOMINANCE Act.
This legislation aligns America's diplomatic, financing, and strategic tools to strengthen critical mineral and energy supply chains with our trusted partners.
I thank Congressman Pete Stauber of Minnesota, chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, for his leadership on domestic mining. I also thank Congressman Rob Wittman for his leadership on strengthening our defense industrial base, and Congressman John Moolenaar for confronting the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
The DOMINANCE Act complements their work by ensuring international efforts reinforce, not replace, U.S. domestic production and industrial resilience.
The bill establishes the Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy at the State Department. It creates long-term energy security pacts with our allies and partners. It authorizes the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, FORGE, and improves interagency coordination.
It supports key investments in energy supply chains, launches mining fellowship and exchange programs to build future talent, codifies key White House positions, and requires specialized training for Foreign Service officers in critical posts around the world.
This legislation is about economic security, industrial strength, and national security. The United States must stop depending on China for the materials that power the modern world.
The DOMINANCE Act ensures that America and its allies, not our adversaries, shape the future of global energy and critical mineral supply chains.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation will strengthen critical mineral supply chains by bolstering U.S. cooperation with our allies and partners, instituting needed reforms at the State Department, and making our supply chains more resilient and less susceptible to the type of choke holds that the PRC has employed against us.
The DOMINANCE Act is a critical step forward.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. I thank the partnership of Chairwoman Kim as well as Chairman Mast and all the others who put this legislation together.
Mr. Speaker, critical minerals are the lifeblood of American industry, our military-industrial complex, and so many items or tools that we use in our day-to-day way of life.
This bill is an important step toward reasserting control over what is the American economic destiny.
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 Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7037, 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. 8665) to require the implementation of a strategy to encourage foreign partners to participate in the foreign military sales and direct commercial sales processes on a multinational basis, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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 insert extraneous material on H.R. 8665.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, it has long been recognized by our partners and allies that the American foreign military sales system is slow, inefficient, and opaque. While the benefits outweigh the costs for many of our closest allies, it takes a real investment of personnel, time, and resources for our foreign partners to be able to successfully participate in our foreign military sales.
American-made defense systems remain the most effective, advanced, and sought-after in the world, but we need to keep expanding our base of foreign partners that purchase American defense systems.
H.R. 8665, the Allied Defense Sales Act, is a bipartisan effort to break down barriers for smaller allies and smaller countries that do not have a longstanding defense sales relationship with the United States.
This bill allows smaller countries to pool resources and participate in the foreign military sales system, expanding America's circle of equipped, interoperable allies without requiring new foreign aid spending.
I thank my colleague Mr. Zinke of Montana, the sponsor of this bill, who led the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Foreign Arms Sales Task Force and has continued the important work of ensuring America remains the partner of choice for foreign defense sales.
This legislation passed the Foreign Affairs Committee with broad bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it on the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill I co-led with Representative Zinke regarding the promotion of multicountry defense article purchases, which can result in lower prices, greater efficiencies, and interoperability for our allies and partners.
While most foreign defense sales are conducted by individual countries as purchasers, multicountry purchases can provide more competitive pricing, coordination, and other benefits, including for smaller countries that are less frequent purchasers, as well as multinational alliances.
This bill directs the Secretary of State to develop and implement a strategy to encourage U.S. foreign partners to participate in the foreign military sales, FMS, and direct commercial sales, DCS, processes on a multinational basis.
The bill also includes reporting requirements providing Congress with details on this strategy and its implementation. While multinational purchases are not currently prohibited by statute, this bill requires a strategy for socializing, promoting, and making available said options for multinational cases to purchasing countries and an accompanying report to Congress.
This will be beneficial to both the U.S. and our partners and allies and provides helpful additional information to Congress as we conduct necessary oversight over this initiative. Therefore, I am pleased to support it, and I encourage my colleagues to do so, as well.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), who is the chairwoman of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8665, the Allied Defense Sales Act.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Foreign Military Sales Task Force, I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill introduced by our task force chair, Representative Zinke.
H.R. 8665 is a practical step forward to strengthen our defense industrial base while reinforcing partnerships with trusted partners.
America produces the most advanced and reliable defense systems in the world. Our partners across Europe, Asia, and beyond consistently prefer U.S. equipment for its quality, performance, and the security relationships that come with it. Yet, many smaller nations face significant obstacles when pursuing individual purchases. The administrative burden, minimum order sizes, and unpredictable timelines often discourage sales that would otherwise benefit both our allies and American industry.
H.R. 8665 addresses these challenges head-on. The bill directs the State Department to develop a clear strategy for enabling multinational procurement. A partner nation would agree to serve as the lead nation to enable a multinational procurement, ensuring other qualified allies are able to participate in important foreign military sales.
By combining demand, we can achieve more predictable production schedules, lower unit costs, faster deliveries, and greater overall efficiency for manufacturers here at home.
This model also improves interoperability among our partners, allowing them to work more seamlessly alongside U.S. forces and with one another.
This legislation requires the Department to assess allied interest, identify suitable lead coordinators, examine financing options for partners that may not qualify for standard programs, address regulatory hurdles under existing export laws, and highlight opportunities to make more U.S. capabilities available for export. The Department will need to regularly report to Congress on implementation and on its results.
In an era when competitors are aggressively marketing their systems abroad, we must make it easier for allies to choose American. This bill does that without compromising our rigorous oversight or security standards.
It supports good-paying jobs in defense manufacturing hubs nationwide, including in Orange and Riverside Counties in my district, which many aerospace and defense primes, SMEs,
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8665 is a commonsense step forward. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting its passage.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill will promote multicountry defense article purchases that will, in practice, lower prices, boost interoperability, and provide other benefits. It will help streamline these purchases, including for multinational alliances and smaller countries. I support this bill and encourage my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, it is essential that we do everything we can to equip our allies, big and small, with the best U.S. defense technology, ensuring that we remain interoperable with our partners in a conflict. This legislation is a key step forward to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base and bolstering our allies' defense capabilities with the best equipment anywhere on the globe, the United States of America equipment, which is generations beyond everybody else's.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8665, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8665.
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. 7668) to require a report on Russian and Chinese intelligence assets in Georgia, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 7668.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7668, the Countering China's Control of the Caucasus Act, introduced by my colleague to my right here from South Carolina, Mr. Joe Wilson.
Now, over the last few years, there have been serious questions raised about the status of democracy and the prevalence of malign influence from U.S. adversaries in the Republic of Georgia.
To this day, Russia occupies 20 percent of Georgia's sovereign territory following its 2008 invasion. Despite efforts to militarily resist Russia, concerns remain over Russia's longstanding influence in Georgia.
Equally concerning is the influence of the People's Republic of China within the country. In the last few years, this led to a Chinese consortium being selected over a U.S. company for developing a massive seaport project. Competition is good, but when it comes to critical infrastructure like this, our partners should take into consideration the risks posed by the PRC.
This bill would require an assessment of Russian and Chinese intelligence activities and influence within the Republic of Georgia and identify any areas of cooperation between Russia and China within Georgia.
The bill would also require a strategy for the future relationship between the United States and Georgia and help us assess if Georgia is serious about a path of improved relations.
Mr. Speaker, I again thank my colleague, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, for introducing this effort, and I urge my colleagues to advance this bill today.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7668, a bipartisan bill designed to make sure the United States is clear-eyed about the threats from Russia and the PRC in Georgia as well as whether Georgia remains committed to a relationship with the United States and Europe centered around shared values and interests.
In this spirit, I thank my good friend Representative Wilson for his tireless work in support of the Georgian people and for bringing forward this legislation which builds on his work on the MEGOBARI Act.
In recent years, the current Georgian Dream Government, as well as foreign malign influence from Russia and China in Georgia, have threatened Georgia's hard-fought democratic gains, corrupted some of its State institutions, and caused a rift in the U.S.-Georgia relations and between the Georgian Government and its people.
This legislation, along with the MEGOBARI Act, that this body passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last year is a response to this deterioration. The goal is to let the Georgian people know that we stand by them in their quest for democracy, respect for their rights, and deeper integration in the Euro-Atlantic community.
This legislation ensures we are clear-eyed about what that continued support from the U.S. to Georgia will require and provides a framework for appropriate cooperation with the Georgian Government going forward.
I am pleased with the bipartisan work on this bill and look forward to its passage.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), who I suspect will tell us something about war criminal Putin.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Brian Mast for being so perceptive.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7668, the Countering China's Control of the Caucasus Act, to reassert, as the speaker expressed earlier, to support freedom and prosperity in the South Caucasus region of Asia.
President Donald Trump has presented a historic opportunity to expand economic prosperity in Central Asia, benefiting the region and America. Georgia has been a courageous, longtime ally of the United States with a population that overwhelmingly supports a strong relationship with the West.
Congressman Bera is correct that the House has already passed the MEGOBARI Act which provides for the strengthening relationship with the people of Georgia 349-42 and to support the people of Georgia.
The illegitimate Georgian Dream regime is in the process of selling out the country to the Chinese Communist Party and, indeed the chairman is correct, war criminal Putin and Iran, against the wishes of the Georgian people and the interests of the United States.
The election was rigged in Georgia. With this, they have peddled the vilest anti-American propaganda and constantly insult President Trump, accusing him of acting as an agent of the ``deep state.''
In fact, we also note that the legitimate President, Salome Zourabichvili, has been a valued guest for the inauguration of President Donald Trump, and almost daily, there are demonstrations in Tbilisi where people carry giant posters of President Donald Trump, expressing their love and affection for President Trump and the United States.
The puppet Georgian Dream Prime Minister just last week accused our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, of lying. The behavior of this rogue regime threatens all that President Trump has accomplished in the South Caucasus, and it must change.
The sea route to the Middle Corridor must run through Georgia and the Communist Chinese Party is set, as the chairman has identified, to own and control the strategic deep seaport in the region, the Anaklia Port on the Black Sea.
Congratulations to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in neighboring Armenia on his astounding election victory yesterday. Unlike Georgian Dream, Pashinyan is working with the United States and with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to remove Russian influence from the region and normalize relations with the very valued and appreciated NATO ally, Turkiye.
This is a once in a 3,000 year opportunity for stability, peace, and prosperity in the region. I am grateful for President Trump orchestrating the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Georgian Dream nightmare regime with fair and free elections must abandon its anti-American course, release political prisoners, end politically motivated prosecutions, ensure a fair election environment, revoke draconian laws that are suffocating U.S. businesses, and seek to end the repression of free speech.
The Countering China's Control of the Caucasus Act ensures that Chinese and Russian covert operations in the country are brought to light and that the United States strongly considers whether Georgia should remain a top recipient of aid while it attacks America in its propaganda on an almost daily basis.
Georgian troops have fought bravely with Americans in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with our chairman. We know that Georgia has been a close partner and ally of the United States.
We must reestablish the strong relationship that has been between the United States and Georgia. It will not be able to normalize unless we have fair and free elections.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7668 does not seek to malign the Georgian government but, rather, demonstrate to the people of Georgia the United States remains committed to its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Mr. Speaker, I again thank my good friend Representative Wilson for his steadfast support of the Georgian people and hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, it is time for the United States and Georgia to move forward. Doing so requires clarity on what is happening in their country behind the scenes and a responsible strategy for future engagement.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, to better inform U.S. policy toward the Republic of Georgia.
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 Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7668, 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. 6338) to require the imposition of sanctions with respect to foreign persons and foreign vessels that engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 6338.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6338, the Stop Illegal Fishing Act, led by Chairwoman Kim and Ranking Member Meeks.
Illegal fishing is a national security problem. The Chinese Communist Party uses so-called commercial fishing fleets as an instrument of state power. These vessels violate sovereign waters, undermine local economies, and in the end, they support Beijing's broader campaign of coercion around the globe.
This is not simply about catching fish. It is about the CCP using economic pressure, maritime intimidation, and lawless behavior to expand its influence and weaken the sovereignty of other nations.
For years, China has operated in the world's worst illegal and unreported and unregulated fishing fleet. The United States cannot allow this behavior to continue without consequences.
The Stop Illegal Fishing Act gives our government additional tools to identify, expose, and hold accountable those responsible for illegal fishing and the networks that do enable it.
Just as importantly, it sends a clear message that the United States stands for free and open oceans, governed by rules, not governed by coercion.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Kim and Ranking Member Meeks for their leadership on this bipartisan legislation. I absolutely urge all Members to support the bill, 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 support of Ranking Member Meeks' legislation, H.R. 6338, the Stop Illegal Fishing Act.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a threat to the economic security, environment, and sovereignty of small Island nations, including our partners in the Pacific Islands. For many Pacific Island nations, the ocean is their greatest national resource. Fisheries support livelihoods, government revenues, and the well-being of communities. Yet, too often, foreign vessels engage in illegal fishing practices that deplete fish stocks, undermine local economies, and erode the ability of Pacific nations to manage their own maritime resources.
These activities can also fuel broader instability and coercive behavior in a region that is central to America's strategic interests.
The United States has made a commitment to deepen our partnership with Pacific Island countries and to support a free, open, and resilient Pacific. By strengthening consequences for those who engage in illegal fishing, this legislation helps protect marine resources, supports sustainable fisheries, and stand with our Pacific partners as they defend their economic futures.
Mr. Speaker, illegal fishing is an issue around the world. Countries like China, Iran, and Russia are willfully or, at best, negligently violating international law, undermining human rights, and hurting communities for their own benefit. It is time to put a stop to this.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Stop Illegal Fishing Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, the United States will not stand by while China uses economic coercion as an intimidation tactic.
This bill is an important reminder to show our allies and our partners in the Indo-Pacific that we are the United States of America. We do not back down.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6338, 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. 5248) to ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security, 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 Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) 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. 5248.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), the chairwoman of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my remarks on the previous version of this bill be moved to this point in debate in the Congressional Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from California?
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5248, the Producing Returns and Opportunity for Investment and Trade Act, or PROFIT Act.
I thank Chairman Mast for his leadership on this bill and working with us. This is a bipartisan bill, and it is the result of months of collaborative work by the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee and my staff.
I thank Chairman Mast for his leadership and getting us this far. His initiative to prioritize State Department reauthorization, as part of a broader all-of-committee effort, is already delivering results.
Before last year's NDAA, nearly 85 percent of the Department was unauthorized. With the passage of H.R. 5248, Chairman Mast will have pushed through legislation to bring that authorization level well above 50 percent. That is truly an amazing achievement.
I also thank Ranking Member Meeks. During the September 2025 committee markup, he rightly called this bill ``a distinct bright spot'' in the authorizing process due to its strong bipartisan refinement.
I am delighted that we have been able to bring this bill to the House floor under suspension today. Passing H.R. 5248 alongside other State Department authorization legislation fulfills a core responsibility of the Foreign Affairs Committee, producing an annual authorization bill.
Regrettably, the committee has neglected this fundamental duty for over two decades, and the costs of that neglect have grown steadily.
Without regular authorizations, we cede policy direction to other committees and must rely on their vehicles to advance our priorities. Oversight suffers as the Department becomes less responsive, delaying witnesses, ignoring document requests and briefings, and we fall short of our Article I constitutional responsibilities.
Unchecked, the Department, like most government agencies, expands, loses focus, and accumulates bloat. Bureaus and offices created to serve one administration's priorities persist, layering new offices on top of old ones and creating redundancy and inefficiency. The Department of State that this administration inherited was rife with bloat, government waste, and slowed decisionmaking.
The PROFIT Act is a critical step to restoring regular order to the authorization process. It codifies what President Trump has said repeatedly: economic security is national security; economic policy is foreign policy.
This bill realigns bureaus and offices under the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, placing commercial diplomacy at the forefront of America First foreign policy. It signals strong support to American companies in critical minerals, energy, and related sectors. The Department will work to open markets, reduce dangerous supply chain dependence on China and other adversaries, and level the playing field so U.S. firms can compete and win abroad.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is a vital piece of the committee's broader effort. At a time of unprecedented challenges to our economic sovereignty, the Department's tools must be fit for purpose. H.R. 5248 equips it to prioritize economic statecraft and deliver results for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the support of H.R. 5248, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5248, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies Accountability 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
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 384, nays 0, not voting 46, 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 was absent for a recorded vote today due to travel delays. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On Roll Call No. 208, H.R. 8466, Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies (TRUE) Accountability Act, as amended, VOTE YEA.
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. 8428) to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish a mandatory antifraud and improper payment training program for Federal program administrators, to provide for the availability of such training to State and local entities administering Federally funded programs, 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 Texas (Mr. Gill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
This will be a 2-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 393, nays 0, not voting 37, 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.
The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish an antifraud and improper payment training program for Federal program administrators, to provide for the availability of such training to State and local entities administering Federally funded programs, and for other purposes.''.
Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and missed roll call votes numbered 208 and 209. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 208, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 8466; and YEA on Roll Call No. 209, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 8428.
Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today due to a commitment in my Congressional district. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 208 and YEA on Roll Call No. 209.
Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight because, over this weekend, my beloved hometown of Toledo, Ohio, suffered tragic and senseless gun violence in our storied Old West End community.
As the annual Old West End Festival was underway Saturday evening, shots rang out. Twelve victims were injured and hospitalized. Our community is praying for them and in gratitude for all the officers and first responders who nobly rescued the injured and those medical personnel who treated them onsite and afterward.
What should have been a beautiful early summer evening filled with music, the arts, food, and friendship was interrupted by chaos. Civil authorities are working to identify and locate those responsible for these barbaric offenses against the community and our civic life.
The Toledo Police and Fire Departments and all first responders proved their courage and utter devotion to duty and restored civil order.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, because there were thousands of people, they answered the call and saved innocent lives. Much of the courage and valor they displayed may never be fully seen. Our community owes them a profound debt of gratitude for their selfless service.
They were quick to secure the scene while getting those injured the urgent medical care they needed. Mercifully, all have survived, but with varying degrees of serious injuries.
As well, our community is forever grateful for the strength and quiet heroism of Old West End residents and festivalgoers who stepped up in a time of great danger. They applied tourniquets, administered first aid, and protected those in the line of fire.
My prayers remain with the victims and our Old West End community who saw a joyous celebration turn into deep tragedy. It will take time and work to restore comfort, security, and trust, and we all must help. I know our community and our region will endure because I know the people.
Please let me thank those from across our Nation and around the globe who held Toledo in prayer this weekend. The values that define our community, faith, compassion, resilience, hard work, and love of neighbor, are stronger than violence and stronger than fear.
I join our local law enforcement partners in asking anyone who might have footage or firsthand information to share that confidentially so that we can locate those perpetrators by calling Crime Stoppers at 419- 255-1111.
Together, we will find answers and a better road forward. Now, let us help our neighbors feel safe again on our streets and in their beautiful neighborhood.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join in a moment of silence.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 82nd anniversary of the Allied D-day invasion of France.
On June 6, 1944, thousands of American soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy to defend the freedoms and liberties that we hold dear. As General Dwight Eisenhower said: ``The eyes of the world are upon you.''
D-day reflects the courage of the brave men who landed in France and their sense of duty to protect our country. This past Saturday was a solemn reminder of the more than 6,000 U.S. soldiers we lost. Their sacrifice reshaped the course of history.
In 2018, I had the honor of attending the wreath-laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. Standing upon those hallowed grounds was a reminder that freedom is never free.
Mr. Speaker, let us take this moment to remember and honor those who sacrificed so much for so many. May we honor the selflessness and commitment to country. Their impact has been felt for generations and will always be remembered.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Centro Hispano, one of the longest-running Latino-serving organizations in Pennsylvania and a cornerstone of Reading and Berks County since 1966.
For six decades, Centro Hispano has supported generations of Latino families as they navigated education, healthcare, immigration, employment, and everyday life in our community.
Today, Reading is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse Latino populations in the Northeast, and Centro Hispano remains a trusted first stop for families seeking help, guidance, and opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, there would be no Centro Hispano without Mike Toledo. Mike has spent decades moving mountains for the people of Reading. When families needed food, he found it. When children needed nutrition, he connected local dairy farmers with Centro's meal programs. When the community needed COVID vaccines, he operated organized clinics. When tragedy struck at the R.M. Palmer factory, Mike was already mobilizing help. When people questioned whether their voices mattered, he organized voter registration drives and reminded the community why democracy does matter.
Mike greets people with two simple words: Hello, family. That spirit of compassion, dignity, and community defines both the man and the institution he helped build.
To Mike Toledo and everyone at Centro Hispano, congratulations on 60 extraordinary years of service.
Berks County is stronger because of them, and we are all grateful.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Robert L. Burton, who passed away on May 1 at the age of 102.
Born in Georgia, Robert lived a remarkable life defined by patriotism, hard work, and devotion to his family and community. As a young man, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, answering the call to serve his country during the Great Depression.
At just 18 years old, Robert enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a gunner before transferring to the Army, 28th Infantry. He landed on Normandy Beach just 9 days after D-Day and went on to serve throughout the European theater. For his bravery and sacrifice, he earned four battle stars, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
After the war, Robert settled in Peoria, Illinois, in my district, where he built his life and contributed to one of the region's defining corporations, Caterpillar. He spent more than 32 years as a skilled trades welder in East Peoria. He was a proud member of UAW Local 974, serving his fellow workers in several leadership roles.
My heartfelt prayers are with his children, Patricia, Barbara, Pamela, Debra, Sheila, and Mike, and the entire Burton family. His legacy of service, courage, patriotism, and devotion to his community will endure for generations.
Mr. Speaker, if you have kids, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's ``2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book'' should concern you. It showed that children across the country are falling behind. Fewer children today have insurance than before the pandemic, and that should shake the ground beneath your feet.
I am not talking just about physical health, Mr. Speaker. I am talking about an almost 10-percent increase in deaths among our young people between 2019 and 2024 related to mental health. I am talking about our children carrying the economic problems that we have yet to solve right on their shoulders into adulthood. I am talking about math and reading proficiency declining in 47 States. These are the consequences of our inaction.
Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today committed to action. Lower costs, strong schools, affordable housing, and good opportunities are how we start getting ahead.
Mr. Speaker, my K-30 agenda does exactly that, and supporting our kids means investing in the next generation of this country.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Anthony Holdampf, a longtime firefighter, veteran, and public servant who passed away on May 30 at the age of 88.
Tony was a proud veteran of the 101st Airborne Division and dedicated decades of his life to serving others, first in uniform and then through a distinguished 37-year career with the FDNY.
During the FDNY's war years of the 1960s and 70s, Tony served on the front lines with Engine 43 and Ladder 19 in the south Bronx. He later became a charter member of the Tactical Control Unit 712, an elite unit assigned to some of the city's most dangerous fires.
After retiring from the FDNY, Tony continued serving his community as a life member of the Volunteer Hose Company No. 2 in West Haverstraw and was honored with the Rockland County Fireman of the Year award.
His commitment to the fire service inspired future generations, including his son, David, and his son-in-law, Robert, both FDNY firefighters.
Whether helping a neighbor, supporting his fellow firefighters, or serving his community, Tony always answered the call. He embodied the very best of service, courage, and selflessness. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; his children; grandchildren; and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exceptional energy and effort of the Edgemont Community Council, an organization of over 225 families in the Edgemont section of the town of Greenburgh. It brings together that community in ways that strengthen involvement and a host of different activities of interaction.
The council covers the area of 8,500 residents and is comprised of a 23-member board led by its president, Dylan Pyne, and ably assisted by other local leaders, including Paul Wooten, Eliana Weissman, Sharon Bench, Sharyn Lewis, and Anshu Kalhan, among many others.
The council has an extensive annual schedule of events with parades, things that people join together from Lunar New Year celebration, Halloween, holiday tree lighting and Menorah lighting, often activities around Crane's Pond in Edgemont.
The group makes use of the Greenburgh Nature Center, Edgemont High School, and other schools as sites for their ongoing programs.
Substantively, the council advocates for resident issues in the town and county government and has a close working relationship with elected officials and decisionmakers.
From the floor of the House of Representatives, I salute the Edgemont Community Council and the Edgemont neighborhood for their good work.
Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that the House last week approved the FY27 agriculture appropriations bill, the second FY27 appropriations bill brought to the floor under regular order.
The bill we passed contained the PURR Act, which is a bill I have championed to modernize the labeling requirements of pet and animal food.
The Kansas Second District is the pet and animal food capital of America, employing nearly 20,000 people in all aspects of the industry, from nutrition research and development to production.
Overall, the animal feed and pet food industries annually contribute nearly $100 billion in value to the U.S. economy and more than 750,000 jobs.
Modernizing the labeling requirements on these products will improve efficiency and reduce compliance costs for pet food manufacturers. It will strengthen the industry. This will have a direct benefit for the affordability of pet food for consumers and animal feed for our farmers and ranchers.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Appropriations Committee for including this important measure from my district in the bill. I look forward to the Senate advancing it and the President signing it into law.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Davison Igbinosun for being selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 62nd pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Davison is a graduate of Union High School and was New Jersey's top recruit in the 2022 high school football class. Davison began his college football journey at Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State. There he developed into one of the Big Ten's top defensive backs and a pivotal player on one of America's strongest college football defenses.
In his three seasons at Ohio State, Davison started 42 of 43 games. He was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, I congratulate Davison as he continues to represent Union High School and embarks on his professional football career.
Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that under the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson, House Republicans are eliminating wasteful spending, exposing fraud, and keeping taxpayer dollars for the American families.
House Republicans are supporting President Donald Trump, passing the Rescissions Act of 2025, cutting wasteful spending, stopping the funding of radical agendas, holding agencies accountable, and implementing congressional oversight.
Being loyal to President Trump, I am here tonight and tomorrow and not present at the South Carolina Republican primary that I have always attended with voters who I so appreciate for their support.
I am here because I am loyal to President Donald Trump, and I request loyalty reciprocal. Attorney General Alan Wilson and the Wilson family, Roxanne and myself, have been loyal to Donald Trump since 2015, and we are urging that there be a coendorsement in the upcoming election, which will be the runoff of June 23 for Governor of South Carolina.
In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump, with war criminal Putin murdering children with a tax on civilian population.
Mr. Speaker, it is a proud history, a new beginning, and a brighter future for eastern North Carolina.
After closing in 2009, the historic Eastman School in Halifax County is reopening its doors as Eastman Leadership Academy. From its humble beginnings in 1894, serving generations of families, to closing due to consolidation, Eastman's story has always been about community.
Soon, students will fill these hallways again: learning, growing, and writing the next chapter of this incredible legacy.
With the dedicated vision of Superintendent Cunningham, the Halifax County Board of Education, and the Board of Commissioners, the school will serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Eastman's reopening is a reminder that when communities invest in education, they are investing in new opportunities, leadership, and the future.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as it was only 18 days ago when two gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three, injuring one, and inflicting terror on not just a community but to Americans everywhere.
Since taking office, I have met with religious communities across my incredibly diverse Sixth District of Maryland, including many of our Islamic community centers. My Muslim neighbors not only fear this violence spreading to Maryland but are concerned they must prepare for it.
Today, I share their concerns and a request to fight Islamophobia in this body. Sadly, one of my Republican colleagues recently did tweet: Dogs were preferable to Muslims. It was very reprehensible.
I for one believe we must fight all targeted violence or hateful intimidation or religion or classification, be it Islamophobia, anti- Semitism, racist targeting, or anti-LGBTQ.
Curiously, the House GOP leadership has remained silent as some support the Sharia Free Caucus where 66 congressional Members advanced legislation that singles out Muslim communities saying they threaten the U.S. system in our country. It is not only untrue but counters our freedom of religion. Our Muslim communities must feel that they are treated with respect. Hate has no place in our Congress.
Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart today, we recognize our former colleague of 16 years here in the House of Representatives, Congressman Bill Posey.
Sadly, on May 9th he passed away surrounded by his lovely family, led by his fantastic wife, Katie; and their two children, Cathi and Pam.
We have many Members here tonight who would like to express their not only condolences to the family but, of course, talk about his success serving our country, State, and community.
I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), chairman of the Science Committee.
The first thing I would like to say is I appreciate this Special Order for our good friend, sponsored by my good friend, Mike Haridopolos, who is representing that great district on the Florida Space Coast.
Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of our friend and former colleague, Congressman Bill Posey. For more than a decade in Congress, Bill faithfully served the people of Florida's Space Coast with integrity, humility, and a deep love of his country.
Before coming to Washington, he dedicated years to serving his community in local and State government, always guided by the belief that elected
Today, I remember Bill not only as a colleague but as a good friend. For eight years, my wife Roxanne and I were neighbors across the hall from Bill and his wife Katie. Bill and Katie were the kind of friends who were always there when you needed them. Roxanne and I used to joke that if you ever needed to borrow a cup of milk or an egg in Washington, we knew exactly where to go, and that was across the hall.
Bill represented one of the most fascinating districts in America: home to Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Over the years, I made many trips to Florida's Space Coast, and Bill was always very, very proud to show me around.
We attended launches and events together. We marveled at America's achievements in space exploration. We shared dinners, including Florida rock shrimp. As an east Texan, I wasn't sure what a rock shrimp was. Bill convinced me they were worth trying, and he was right.
Bill's enthusiasm for America's space program was contagious. He understood better than most the importance of innovation, exploration, and maintaining our Nation's leadership in space. He championed the men and the women whose work keeps America at the forefront of discovery and inspired future generations to reach for the stars.
Bill, as a young man, even worked on the Apollo program in the late sixties and early seventies, and he shared those experiences with me.
Many people may not know that Bill was also a race car driver. That adventurous spirit never left him. Whether he was racing down a track or advancing America's space program, Bill approached life with energy and determination. He was a fierce champion of keeping America's science, space, and technology secure from our adversaries' prying eyes as well.
Roxanne and Katie became the closest of friends over the years, and that friendship is something that our family will always cherish.
For those who served alongside Bill, they will remember not only his accomplishments but also his no-nonsense conservatism and his presence.
Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and our prayers are with Katie, his family, his friends, former staff, and countless Floridians whose lives were touched by his long service. Bill Posey was a good man, a faithful public servant, a great friend, and he will be deeply missed. I am jealous of you being able to represent that great district.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for sponsoring this Special Order hour, recognizing my dear friend, Bill Posey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share a few words about my dear friend, former Congressman Bill Posey.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He dedicated more than 20 years to public service in this Chamber and as a Florida State legislator.
Bill's reputation as a Florida legislator was one of a changemaker. As the Florida Governor noted: Bill Posey earned a reputation in the Florida legislature as a principled conservative, a problem-solver, and a pioneer in government transparency and accountability, serving in both the Florida House from 1992 to the year 2000, and in the Florida Senate from 2000 to 2008. He was widely respected for constituent service and principled leadership.
Bill and I were first elected to Congress in 2009. It was really during the November orientation after the election that I found my friend, when we were sitting in new Congress Member school, basically. That was also the same time that my wife, Penny, and Katie started a relationship as dear friends that continues to this day. They both quickly became dear friends.
Bill was a mentor, helping me to find my legislative feet, as someone who had never served in the State legislature. He and his wife, Katie, helped Penny and I navigate life in Washington, D.C. He truly was an esteemed colleague who was unwavering in his commitment to American values.
Bill's love for Katie was undeniable. Katie and my wife Penny continue to be the closest of friends.
Bill served on the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, fitting for a man who represented Florida's Space Coast and one who spent part of his career working at the Kennedy Space Center.
I remember fondly his personal tour of Cape Canaveral and his pride in sharing the behind-the-scenes tour of the industry, from the launchpad to the rubber room.
During a personal visit to Florida, Penny and I spent time with Bill and Katie at their church camp for a couple's faith retreat. The messages were inspiring, and the fellowship was outstanding.
I was troubled by the fact that they actually swam and canoed in water shared by alligators. I guess that is a Florida thing, definitely not a Pennsylvania thing.
I had the opportunity to experience firsthand Bill's passion for racing, a.k.a., driving fast. I rode with Bill in his muscle car to a local car show, and that is a ride I will not soon forget.
Bill poured his heart into all he did. He served with dignity and humility. His character and his wisdom will be sorely missed. He was a patriot. He was a conservative. He was a family man. He was a man of faith, and he was my friend.
I find comfort in knowing that he was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Penny and I will be attending a memorial and celebrating Bill's life this coming Saturday in Florida.
Mr. Speaker, may God bless Bill's loved ones. I thank the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind words. I know they were dear friends.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Congressman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs). Actually, the first time I had the pleasure of meeting him is because of Bill Posey. I remember that event we did in Vero Beach and I look forward to serving together in years to come.
I remember that well, and I thank you for allowing me to speak a little bit about our friend.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Congressman Bill Posey, who represented Florida's 15th and Eighth Districts for more than 16 years and devoted his career to serving the people he loved.
Bill's public service began in the 1970s on the Rockledge City Council, and he went on to serve in both the Florida House and the Florida State Senate. He earned a reputation as champion of fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and policies that strengthened working families.
He never viewed public office as a platform for himself. He saw it as a responsibility to serve others with integrity and purpose.
Bill's commitment to his district was unmatched. He loved his district. He loved the Space Coast. He understood its history, industries, and people. No one fought harder for America's leadership in space exploration.
Drawing on his own experience working on the Apollo program at Kennedy Space Center, he became one of Congress' strongest advocates for NASA, domestic manufacturing, and the aerospace workforce that defines Florida's Space Coast.
He showed how a Member can fiercely defend a district's core industries without falling into subsidies and cronyism, staying true to his principles of limited government and free market strength. Bill was also a national leader in advancing transparency.
He pushed Congress to read the bills it votes on and was instrumental in securing the rule that requires legislation be publicly available for 72 hours before a vote. Wouldn't it be nice to go back to that? Sure would be nice to go back to that standard that Bill worked so hard to set up.
He worked to reform and strengthen trust in the institution and reminded all of us that accountability begins right here at home in Congress.
I had the privilege of serving with Bill in the House Freedom Caucus, where we fought side by side for limited government, fiscal discipline, and the belief that Washington works best when it works within the Constitution.
Bill lived those principles every day.
Getting back to what we were talking about, he invited me to come down to his district. I was the chairman of the Freedom Caucus, and he said: I need you to come on down to my district. We went, and it was basically a day-and-a-half of real education for me in campaigning because there was not a free moment to sit down.
I will tell you this: I couldn't understand why he thought I needed to be down there, because he was so well loved. It was amazing.
Bill Posey approached public service with humility, steadiness, and a deep love for the people he represented. He will be missed. I miss him.
I wish to express my condolences to his wonderful wife, Katie. What a gracious host she was for me when I was down there. She made sure I had everything I needed and more.
I will say this: Bill leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership, tireless advocacy, love of family, love of country, love of God, and an example of how to be a Member of Congress.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Biggs for his personal visit, as well. It means a lot to us. I thank him for being here tonight.
Next, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my colleague from Florida. He and I, of course, served together with Congressman Posey in the Florida Legislature in the early 2000s as part of that memorable election of 2000, as well.
Mr. Speaker, I did serve with Bill Posey in the legislature, and I remember my first year in 1998. I had made a campaign promise, and I was going to keep that promise.
I am not going to get into the legislation, but the leadership was pushing a particular bill. I had made a promise to my constituents that I would not be for that particular policy. Bill stuck up for me. It is tough when you are a freshman, and he stuck up for me. He said: Just go right ahead and do what you think is right and what is in the best interests of your constituents. I never forgot that.
Also, Bill endorsed me when I first ran for Congress. He was one of the first ones to do that.
Integrity, he kept his word.
Now, I will tell you this: He had a great sense of humor, as well. When I first ran in 1998, my opponent, I guess because of my stature, called me Danny DeVito. So Bill, on the floor of the House of Representatives for 16 years, called me Danny. When he did it publicly, other Members would whisper in his ear and say: Bill, that is not his name. His name is Gus. He would say: I know that. It is a joke between the two of us.
He was just a genuine great guy and cared about this country so very much.
I rise to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and former colleague, Congressman Bill Posey, whose decades of public service left an indelible mark on the State of Florida and, of course, our Nation.
Bill was a dedicated public servant. Again, he never deviated from his principles. He was a conservative and, above all, a man of integrity.
Long before we served together in the House of Representatives, as I said, Bill and I had the privilege of serving alongside one another in the Florida Legislature. He was a senior member, and I was a junior member; but he never treated me differently.
During those years, I came to know him as a thoughtful policymaker, and a tireless advocate for his constituents. He was someone who approached every issue with humility, common sense, and a deep respect for the people he represented.
When Bill was elected to Congress, he carried those same values with him to Washington, D.C. He never lost sight of who sent him here. He worked diligently to ensure that the voices of Florida's families, seniors, veterans, small businesses, again, taxpayers, were heard.
His commitment to fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and public service earned the respect of his colleagues, as we can see here, on both sides of the aisle. Even if the other side didn't agree with him, they certainly respected him.
What I will remember most, however, is not Bill's legislative accomplishments, as impressive as they were, but his character, Mr. Speaker. He was a loyal friend, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of deep faith whose actions reflected his values every single day. He treated everyone with kindness and respect and conducted himself with a level of civility that serves as an example for all who choose a life of public service. He truly was a throwback.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife, Katie. What a great individual and what a wonderful person. He loved her so much very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his children, his grandchildren, his friends, his former staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
While he will be greatly missed, his legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the people of the State of Florida and the United States of America will endure for generations to come. He was a great role model. May his memory be eternal.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Bilirakis for his comments for our good friend, Congressman Posey.
Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. McClain Delaney). I thank her for joining us tonight.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and legacy of Representative Bill Posey and his long legacy in public service to the State of Florida, to our country, and to the field of science and innovation.
My husband, John Delaney, served with him on the Committee on Financial Services and considered him a friend and greatly admired his knowledge of the banking sector, his integrity, his ability to always reach across the aisle and to always be pragmatic.
I admire him now as a current Member, looking back on my long experience on SST, where he had a commitment to aerospace, to NASA, to satellite services, and to innovation generally.
Most especially, I was a friend of Katie Posey for many years while a congressional spouse at the Congressional Club. Both of them served well in terms of their bipartisan relationships, lifting up to know the other congressional families. They were always full of faith, civility, and a deep sense of service to country and to others.
May God bless their family. I send my deepest condolences, and I thank him for his service. I give my best to Katie and family.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman McClain Delaney for her kind words. I know she is dear friends, especially with Katie, and it means a lot to us that she is here tonight.
I know there are others who are coming in and out tonight, but I wanted to kind of give those who were listening some background, as some had mentioned, about Bill's storied career in Florida politics. It is a memorable one.
I had the opportunity to know Bill for almost 30 years. He was a true mentor of mine as I was elected back to the House of Representatives in 2000 when he had moved over to the State Senate. He always offered a guiding, smart hand to a young member of the legislature. It was that confidence that allowed me to find some success in the legislature because he treated me like a son. It really meant a lot to me that a person who was just such a storied person in our community would take the time for new members to get up to speed on some of the challenges we faced in Tallahassee at that time.
One of the people who really made a difference on me, as well, was one of his former staffers, now my staffer, Valentina Valenta. She is a remarkable person and understands the budget inside and out because Bill focused so much on the transparency angle in the budget. That was his passion.
As Congressman Biggs talked about earlier, this idea of a 72-hour rule is something we have in the State of Florida. We are the Sunshine State, and he really believed that when you are spending other people's money, you should allow time so that it goes into the sunshine. He would like to say: Good ideas in the sunshine prosper and grow. Bad ideas will wither under that powerful sunshine, as well.
That was the vision of what Bill Posey had when he served in not only the United States Congress but before then, the State Senate; before then, the State legislature; and before then, in local government on the city council in Rockledge. Bill was a person who, put simply, when there was a problem, like a good NASCAR or maybe a NASA mechanic, he went out and fixed it.
Bill didn't care about the headlines. In fact, whenever I talked to him, he tried to avoid the press. He wanted to do his work behind the scenes, work with people and just go out and solve problems and then get back to his family and friends, who understood his commitment to his home community, known as Brevard County.
That is what Bill--we already mentioned this--as I think Congressman Babin and others talked about, his heart was always in Brevard. Though he served here in Washington for 16 years, he was always focused on Brevard County and making sure we did not have some of the challenges we faced after the Apollo program.
He did so much to make sure that when the shuttle program was ended in 2011 and 2012, we made a successful transition over to what we now know as the Artemis project that is so successful, which, back in April, found, of course, so much success, going around the Moon for the first time since 1972.
It was his work behind the scenes with so many other Members here in Congress. I am proud to say that, with NASA, as my colleague, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, is here today, it was a bipartisan project to make sure that Florida stayed the epicenter of space flight in America, and we are seeing that success today.
It is, again, that work behind the scenes that no one saw, and no one really thought possible, that we could find the amazing success we are seeing today with new companies along the lines--in fact, one of those being SpaceX, which is being potentially valued at over $1.75 trillion, to show where we are going in space.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to my former senate colleague in the legislature and now congressional colleague, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. I recognize her and thank her for joining us tonight.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership and, really, compassion for our dear friend Bill Posey. The term ``friend'' is thrown around loosely in politics, and Bill was someone who had a wry sense of humor, someone who you knew where you stood with him. He was someone who didn't mince words and someone who didn't take himself or, really, almost anything too seriously.
He always had kind of a joke that was on his lips, but he was, as Congressman Haridopolos mentioned, really someone who lived and breathed the Space Coast. He was really the voice of NASA here in Congress, and he always fiercely stood up for his community and his people.
He was humble. He was someone who did not swing from the rafters. You knew that he cared about the issues that he worked on, but he kept his head down, his nose to the grindstone, and he focused on his core set of priorities.
That is why I am here today to honor our late colleague, Congressman Bill Posey. He was a man who loved his home State of Florida and someone who was willing to put aside partisan politics to make it a better place for all of us.
I can personally vouch for this because he and I worked together since we began our public service work all the way back in 1992, when we were both elected to the Florida House of Representatives, in the legislature. We were also subsequently elected in the same year to the State senate, and it continued well into our time here in Congress.
Congressman Posey was a no-nonsense, principled legislator. Of course, we had our differences. We had many of them, in fact. We used to laugh about how little we agreed on, but when we came together and when we could find an issue on which we could work together, really, it was always incredibly impactful.
Bill Posey was committed to making Florida's coastlines and our children safer. He could drop his partisan flags and cross the aisle even in our most recent times when so many others would waver or refuse.
I saw it immediately, too, when he and I both worked in Tallahassee, Florida's capital. We joined forces to prevent children from drowning by ensuring our pools and spas were safer. That is no small matter in the Sunshine State.
I will tell you that I was working for 3 years to pass the Preston de Ibern/McKenzie Merriam Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act in Florida, and it was tough. There was a lot of Republican opposition. I remember the day like it was yesterday, when Bill came over to me and said: You make a lot of sense. We have to stop the kids from drowning. These are entirely preventable tragedies.
He just got it, so he spent political capital because he knew that it mattered, and he knew it would save lives. He was someone in Congress who just continually kept at the issues that mattered to his constituents. He was a fierce advocate for the Space Coast, as well as Florida's estuaries.
Those are the common bonds, really, that draw all Floridians together. We are a delegation that there is a boatload of things that we don't agree on, but when it comes to fiercely protecting our coastline, whether it is from oil drilling, or whether it is making sure that we can continue to restore the Florida Everglades, or if it is ensuring that we can protect our homeowners, condominium owners, kids in our year-round warm-weather State who really have a much higher likelihood of drowning, Bill was right there on so many issues.
Another example is, after the Nation saw the tragic death of 98 souls in Surfside, Florida--you remember when the Surfside condominium building came crashing down in the middle of the night, 1:30 in the morning. That Champlain Towers South was in my congressional district at the time. I went to Bill, and we knew we had to do something about making sure that those condominium buildings, especially on the coastline, were safe.
I asked him to co-lead the Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act. People all over our State need that help, so we worked together to push legislation that would help maintain their structural integrity and keep residents safe.
There are other bright moments over his long career, as my colleagues have attested to, and for that, he will be truly missed.
My heart is with his beloved wife, Katie, who was always by his side, never far. She was a true life partner. My condolences to their loved ones. May Bill's memory be a blessing.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for her kind words. It is great to see her. I know Bill spoke highly of how you all worked together across party lines. I am really grateful that she is here tonight.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to close tonight by walking through some of the things that Bill did work on, as the Congresswoman just spoke of. Again, it was a passion for him. He saw problems, and he fixed them.
That is what, again, I loved about Bill, as I mentioned earlier. He was a person who stayed out of the limelight. He didn't really care about who got the credit, but he wanted to just go out and solve problems. He was, again, a mechanic at heart.
One of those issues, as Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz talked about, was the Indian River Lagoon. This is a lagoon that historically has had challenges, and Bill was passionate about taking this on. One of the issues that he did, again, work across the aisle on was what he created with Members of the other side of the aisle on the Congressional Estuary Caucus.
That is where we are focused on solving the problem, where it is not happening just in our home State but around the country, how we can clean up our rivers that eventually work into our oceans.
It was mentioned with NASA--again, a champion for NASA, not just because he represented the area, but he literally worked on the Apollo program, and it was something that he knew would bring America together, even in the most partisan of times.
Before entering politics, he was a person who, after leaving his work at
He was known as Mr. Fix-It. I will be talking about this at his celebration of life on Saturday in Melbourne. But one of the issues that really separated him, as Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz talked about on some fronts, was everybody remembers the election of 2000. That was the year where we had the hanging chads and, of course, that incredibly razor-thin election where Florida would decide the election.
Candidly, we were embarrassed of what happened in the election of 2000. So when people looked around the room in the Florida House and Florida Senate and when Jeb Bush was Governor, they said: Who are we going to bring in to fix the election laws in the State of Florida? They brought on Bill Posey.
If you haven't noticed, guess who is running the best elections right now in the entire country: The State of Florida.
I remember when I was elected last November, in 2024, within 7 minutes we knew not only who won the election, but almost all the results were in after the polls closed at 7 p.m. in Florida. That is how remarkable and that is how efficient we want it to be. We were counting those early votes, counting those absentee ballots, and once those ballots were tabulated, within minutes you knew the verdict, which is very different than what we are seeing right now in some States.
That is who Bill Posey was. He saw a problem, he wanted to fix it, and he never talked about it again. That was the ironic part about it.
Here is a person who should be known around the country for fixing elections in a positive way and getting the tabulations done quickly and correctly. That is what we need more of in America is a problem- solver like him.
Also mentioned was Bill being on the Financial Services Committee. When I was thinking about what committees to serve on as I enter Congress, I went to him and said: Where was your passion? He said: Mike, I held out for one job, and that was to be on Financial Services.
He really felt like some of the banking laws in our country needed commonsense reforms, and he worked all 16 years on the Financial Services Committee. So many people saw his work with NASA, but as French Hill, our current chairman, talks about, Bill Posey was always diligently there pushing for the idea of transparency.
Through the years, we have seen horrible situations, whether it be Enron or the housing market crash. He was making sure that when people put those dollars in banks or in investments, there was more transparency, that the investor actually had the information in front of them. That was the kind of person he was.
I am just so grateful that his colleagues who served with him so long showed up tonight because it was that work behind the scenes that really made a difference.
What I saw firsthand in our 25-year-plus relationship was that it was always remarkable watching Bill, a tried-and-true fiscal conservative, be willing to listen to whoever came before him. He was a person who said you can disagree without being disagreeable. That is what I loved about him. He could be a little cantankerous at times, but he always took the time to listen.
As I mentioned and I will mention again over and over, he never left Brevard County. Whenever he could get out of Washington, he got out of Washington. He and Katie loved to get back home and be around the people they loved most, especially their daughters Pamela and Cathi.
After he left Congress in 2024, after those elections, he spent really the last 18 months being involved in those passion projects. One of those is he was actually involved in a car rally across the country as he and Katie went around the country. I am still amazed they actually did it because it was a challenging race, but he had such a passion for cars.
I remember he even went to New Smyrna racetrack for the Governor's Cup for many years because he just loved stock car racing. That was his passion and it was in his blood.
Most recently, he spent so much time with his grandkids, whether it was out West in California or in Alabama, and spending a ton of time with his daughters, especially those who lived in Brevard County.
He was a guy who put family first. It wasn't a cliche. He was a person who, again, was passionate about things when other people took passion in those same ideas.
I am just so grateful that I had the opportunity to know him for so long as he served our country so ably, and he gave back so much and took on so many financial challenges because he loved this country so much.
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 topic of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hamadeh of Arizona.) Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
Mr. Speaker, as I close, before I yield to our friends on the other side of the aisle: Bill Posey will not be forgotten because he never forgot those folks who gave him the opportunity to be here.
I am looking forward to seeing so many friends back home on Saturday as we celebrate his life.
I was with him sadly that Thursday before he passed on that Saturday. To see the love that his family expressed in those days as they knew they were going to leave him for a period of time, it just shows the commitment that his family had for him because he loved his family and he loved this country.
I will try to leave it on a lighter note. I remember he said to me when I got elected to the legislature: Mike, I remember when I first was elected to the legislature, and I couldn't believe I was in the Florida Legislature. Here was a guy from Rockledge, Florida, who grew up loving cars and space and had a beautiful family and a young wife.
Then he said: After about a month or so, I couldn't believe how these other people got here.
That was the thing about Bill Posey. He had that wry sense of humor, as Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz spoke of.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity for us to speak about our good friend Bill Posey. He will be dearly missed. He was a true patriot and friend to our community, and I know I have very big shoes to fill here in the United States Congress.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Virginia?
Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to anchor this Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour commemorating Juneteenth.
Next week, the Nation will pause to celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, which finally freed more than 250,000 enslaved people in that State.
For while the Emancipation Proclamation officially went into effect on July 1, 1863, emancipating those enslaved in the rebelling States of the Confederacy, it took over 2\1/2\ years for the news to reach the western-most Confederate State of Texas.
Broadly, Juneteenth marks Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Black Independence Day. Juneteenth is considered the
Juneteenth symbolizes that, unlike what we were taught in our schoolbooks, emancipation was not a moment. It was a movement. It was a movement that included acts of resistance, rebellion, and self- liberation since Africans first arrived on American soil in bondage.
As the first Black woman serving in this body from the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am all too familiar with this story, for the Commonwealth is both the birthplace of American democracy and the birthplace of the American slave trail.
In July of 1619, the House of Burgesses met at Jamestown, bringing the concept of a representative democracy modeled after the English Parliament that evolved into the modern-day bicameral legislature. The House of Burgesses continues to operate today as the Virginia House of Delegates.
A month later, in August of 1619, a Dutch privateer arrived at Point Comfort, Virginia, containing, ``20 and odd'' Africans that John Rolfe recorded were traded for provisions. They were originally captured by Portuguese slavers in West Central Africa, known today as Angola.
While slavery was not officially acknowledged in the laws of Virginia until 1661, there is no doubt that the first Africans aboard the White Lion were treated as slaves, assigned heavy labor, and treated as property by the colonial elite.
I am quite cognizant that 250 years ago when Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and said that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, he did not include the nearly half a million enslaved men, women, and children or, indeed, any women at all in the Thirteen Colonies. He did not include those enslaved at his beloved Monticello, including his own children.
I am quite clear that when James Madison wrote the Virginia Plan that formed the foundation for a government by, of, and for we the people in order to form a more perfect Union, he did not include the over 300 enslaved people who lived and labored at his Montpelier estate under three generations of his family.
The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789, considered enslaved individuals only three-fifths of a person for the purpose of how many people would serve in this body and for taxation. The States that came together to create that more perfect Union treated those people as property.
Since 1789, the story of America has been one of each generation trying to reconcile the ideals upon which we were founded with the reality and making the ideals true for us all.
Despite what some would have you believe, slavery literally tore this country apart, for as then Abraham Lincoln predicted in 1858, a house divided against itself cannot stand. He said this government could not endure permanently, half slave and half free. While he did not expect the Union to be dissolved, and he did not expect the house to fall, he expected it would cease to be divided. It took a war to do that.
Once Abraham Lincoln was elected President, and South Carolina became the first State to secede from the Union, its 1860 Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of South Carolina explicitly and repeatedly states that the preservation and expansion of slavery was the primary reason for leaving the Union.
Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas likewise formally published Declarations of Causes that explicitly cited the preservation and expansion of slavery as their primary reason for seceding. States like Alabama and Virginia passed shorter ordinances of secession directly citing the hostile attitudes of the Federal Government toward their ``domestic institutions'' and the election of a sectional party based on antislavery platforms. It was clear they were seceding because of slavery, so that they could keep it.
After the war, Reconstruction sought to bind the country's wounds and expand the promise of its founding to the formerly enslaved, and Congress expanded suffrage to Black citizens, used Federal troops to vigorously defend it in response to a violent backlash across the South.
Congress passed three Reconstruction amendments designed to guarantee equal, civil, and legal rights to formerly enslaved Americans. All three granted Congress the power to enforce their provisions through legislation: the 13th Amendment finally abolishing slavery in the United States; the 14th Amendment guaranteeing citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and prohibited any State from abridging the privileges or immunities of citizenship, applied due process of laws to the States, and provided equal protection under the law. It also provided for the reduction of representation in the House of Representatives of any State that disenfranchised any male citizens--and they meant male--over 21 years of age in Federal elections, except for participation in a rebellion or other crime; and the 15th Amendment prohibited the denial or abridgement of the right to vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Yet, even with these amendments, Southern States resisted, resorting to paramilitary organizations like the Ku Klux Klan to terrorize Black citizens for daring to seek to vote, run for office, serve on juries, own property, open businesses, live in the wrong neighborhood, go to the wrong school, eventually drink from the wrong water fountain.
In 1870 and 1871, Congress passed the Enforcement Acts to allow the Federal Government to intervene when States or individuals infringed upon the rights provided in the 14th and 15th Amendments, and as a result Black men gained political power across the South.
In 1870, Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi and Representative Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first Black Members of Congress. A total of 22 Black men served in Congress between 1870 and 1901, including my predecessor, John Mercer Langston of Virginia's Fourth District, in 1890.
The political, social, and economic power gained by Blacks across the South during Reconstruction then faced a violent backlash, as the KKK and other groups began a reign of terror that relied extensively on lynchings.
To resolve the deadlocked Presidential election of 1876, the Compromise of 1877 brought Reconstruction to an end, the Federal Government removed its troops from the South, and widespread violence, propaganda, and voter suppression began.
In the final year of Reconstruction, the unraveling of Federal protection and voting rights began when the Supreme Court issued two opinions that gutted the Enforcement Act--United States v. Cruikshank and the United States v. Reese. Once Democrats regained control and Reconstruction ended in the South, Congress lost interest in Federal intervention and State disenfranchisement efforts.
Then the long arc toward moral justice began again. When President Harry Truman integrated the Army and when the civil rights movement began to gain ground, those Southern Democrats fled the Democratic Party and became Republicans.
Today, we see a very similar backlash to the backlash to progress that came after Reconstruction. With the first Court case gutting the Voting Rights Act, the Shelby decision, and now the Callais decision, we see a rollback of the Federal Government protecting voting rights. We see a weaponization of the very tools used to ensure that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was open to all roll back the progress made in civil rights and equal protection under the law. We see an administration that wants to tell one side of the story that I just told that doesn't want anything uncomfortable to be taught in our schools, that doesn't want anything about slavery mentioned in our public spaces, in our museums, or in our curriculum, that doesn't want that backlash taught.
Juneteenth gives us two opportunities: One, to celebrate the extraordinary resilience of Black Americans
We see the same backlash now, but we as the Congressional Black Caucus are here to say: We are not going back, we will fight the backlash, and we will continue the progress until when we say in our Pledge of Allegiance ``liberty and justice for all,'' it means all.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia, our esteemed colleague and our good friend, Representative McClellan, for her historical context, for telling the truth, and for always, always standing up to defend the democracy and the rights of African Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Juneteenth and reflect on this enduring significance for Black Americans and, in particular, for this Nation.
On June 19, 1865, more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned that they were free.
Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder that freedom, justice, and equality have never ever been guaranteed in the United States. They have been hard-fought and hard-won.
As we prepare to celebrate our Nation's 250th anniversary, Juneteenth calls on us not only to honor the resilience and sacrifices of those who came before us, but also to confront the work that remains unfinished.
While we celebrate progress, we cannot ignore the challenges facing Black communities today. Recent developments, including the Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais and the rollback of programs and resources that have helped expand opportunity and representation, remind us that progress is not inevitable. It requires vigilance.
We cannot ignore the urgency of this moment. Many programs that expanded educational access, strengthened healthcare, and supported affordability for working families are being rolled back under this administration's policies. These setbacks deepen inequities and threaten hard-won gains.
That is why we must continue pouring into the programs and community- led efforts that uplift Black families. By uplifting Black families, we are uplifting all families in America.
At every step, we have a responsibility to speak out against policies that undermine opportunity. The pursuit of equal justice demands our continued commitment.
Yet, Juneteenth is ultimately a story of hope. It is a testament to the strength, perseverance, and determination of generations who refused to give up on the promise of America.
As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to continue to do this work, whether you want to do it or not. I remain committed to working alongside my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus and across this Nation to advance policies that promote equity, expand opportunity, and strengthen our democracy for future generations.
I hope that everyone in Congress would be willing to honor the legacy of Juneteenth, not only through remembrance but through action.
I grew up in the civil rights movement. At the tender age of 3, I was in the stroller at the March on Washington, so fighting for civil rights is not just talk because I understand that faith without works is dead.
What I do understand is that, in this body, we profess to be Christians. We profess to be people of faith. Yet, at the same time, on one hand we profess to be Christian, and on the other hand, we want to break down the barriers, break down all the hard-earned work, break down the legislation, and break down the policies, the safety nets, and all the work that has been done through the civil rights movement. We want to break it down. Individuals who have worked and toiled in this country to be free yet again, in 2026, are fighting for their freedom.
In this country, we are under a great assault on our ability to be able to vote. Democracy stands right now in a place where I never ever thought that I would ever see again in my lifetime.
All the civil rights leaders and people who gave their lives, volunteers and foot soldiers, for the ability for African Americans and all people of color in this country to be able to exercise their right to vote is completely under assault. I truly believe that our civil rights leaders would roll over in their graves if they knew the assault on democracy and what we are dealing with in today's Congress.
It is unconscionable what is happening here. It is despicable what is happening here. It is deplorable what is happening here.
The Constitution affords every man and woman the ability to be able to exercise their right to vote, to exercise what is important to them. It gives them the ability to be able to live the American Dream and work for the American Dream to be educated, to be given affordable, quality healthcare, and to live in affordable housing. This Congress and the United States continue to strip away the voting rights of African Americans. That is truly at stake.
Where is the promise? What promise is being kept by this Constitution and by the Declaration of Independence?
The words of the Congressional Black Caucus continue to fall on deaf ears here in these Chambers. Shame on America. Shame on the body.
I pray every single day. I pray over every Member in this body. I pray for wisdom for our colleagues. I pray for the strength to stand and defend democracy and do the right thing. That is because democracy is for everyone in the United States, and we don't get to pick and choose who has access and who doesn't.
They don't get to pick and choose who gets to have a vote and who doesn't. We don't get to pick and choose who has healthcare and who doesn't. We don't get to pick and choose who has access to a good public education and who doesn't.
I, along with the Congressional Black Caucus, will stand and defend our ability to be able to hold dear and hold fast to what was promised to us by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
As the great woman from Virginia just mentioned, we are not backing down.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Virginia for hosting this Congressional Black Caucus special hour. I also thank my colleague from Georgia, who just finished speaking. I appreciated the powerful statement that she made and the insightful comments that she shared with us tonight.
Juneteenth is just around the corner. Juneteenth was a special day for me. It is one that we celebrated my mother's birthday on frequently, and certainly, as a child of North Carolina and Virginia, had special meaning, as well. I have had a chance to enjoy those days, but the meaning of them has evolved over time for me.
I was a child in North Carolina, Rocky Mount, North Carolina in the late 1960s. It was still segregated. Across the street was Booker T. Washington High School, and I lived on the side of the tracks that the African-American community lived in back then.
The schools were segregated. Stores, many of them, you couldn't try on clothes if you wanted to go get fit. There were a lot of restaurants you couldn't go into and if you did want to go in, they tried to make you go in through the backdoor. That is where we stood as a nation when I was a child.
Then, as you heard from my colleague from Virginia, the movement that came along that grew into the civil rights movement changed all of
We had lynchings. It was a regular tool of terrorism in the South during those days. It was used to keep people in line if they did something radical or dramatic, like trying to vote or even register to vote. That is what we were in. That is what my grandfather was born into in North Carolina in 1895.
Things changed over time, thank God. We grew as a community, the African-American community. We started schools, historically Black colleges like Howard University and others that gave us a chance to gain an education, even in a segregated environment. We started groups, fraternities, sororities, especially for kids going to college.
The Divine Nine we call them now. I belonged to Kappa Alpha Psi. It was one of those sources of strength for our community. We had to develop our own newspapers since White newspapers wouldn't cover what was going on in the Black community.
We developed alternative structures that allowed us to train people to become doctors and the like. The NAACP grew and became a force for change, fighting against segregation in America and especially against lynching.
All of that grew over the years. We didn't have a lot to work with. Segregation was hard, and the further South you went, the harder it was. But ultimately in the late 1950s in Montgomery, Alabama, there was something called the Montgomery bus boycott that took off.
The Montgomery bus boycott was led by the faith community there, the African-American faith community, because the buses in Montgomery if you were African American, you were supposed to sit in the back. If the front of it filled up and new White people got on to the bus, if you were African American, you were expected to get up and give your seat. That was the nature of the way things were in those days. A woman named Rosa Parks decided she had had enough and she refused to get up and give her seat up.
Now, actually, that wasn't just a coincidence. This is something that people had been preparing for for years. The churches, the NAACP, and the like, and something called the SCLC, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, all were working together to try and figure out how can we push back and fight back against this. How can we try and change this?
The boycott began and just coincidentally, a young pastor almost fresh out of divinity school came down from Boston. His father had been a pastor in Atlanta and he wanted to become a pastor like his father, but he didn't want to try and start in Atlanta, so they sent him to Montgomery. And just at the time that this young man got there, this man named Martin Luther King, Jr., they were looking for new leadership to lead the bus boycott and lead the faith community forward.
This is a man who was still writing his Ph.D. dissertation while he was leading the bus boycott. He was married and beginning a family while he was leading the bus boycott. If that wasn't enough, the hate, the anger, the opposition rolled up against him and his house, for example, was bombed while he was at church one day preparing for the Sunday service.
The house was blown up. He knew that his wife and his child were there and he didn't know if they were dead or not until he was able to run back home and see for himself.
When he got there, he saw a group of people who were angry and they wanted revenge. They wanted to go strike back and retaliate against the people who had bombed his house.
Dr. King said that is not how we do things. That is not the Christian way. That is not the way we are going to lead this movement. We are going to fight hate with love. We are going to fight violence with nonviolence, and we are going to win the hearts of these people and change the course of this Nation.
Now, it took a long time to get there. The bus boycott took a year. People were walking to work day in and day out in the snow and the rain and the cold, but they kept walking. They tried to create ways to ferry each other to and from where they had to go. Many of them were working as domestics, for example. They had tried giving each other rides and they put this whole structure in place to permit that.
The bus boycott was successful. The bus company thought they could hold out, that they could outlast them, but as it turned out, they were wrong. One woman said, ``My feets is tired, but my soul is rested.''
They came together and won that bus boycott, and it was the first giant step with respect to the civil rights movement. There were other forces that had gathered prior to that, there was the desegregation of the Army.
My father-in-law fought in World War II. There were colored units back then, and he rose up to the level of captain. He left the service, re-enlisted for ground combat during the Korean war and went to fight again. There were many others like him who put their lives on the line. Many of them gave their lives in the fight to protect our country.
One of the things my father-in-law told me was that when they had come back from Europe, he was stationed in Italy--they put a lot of what they called Negro troops then in Italy to fight there--and when they were bringing them back, many of the German soldiers had turned themselves into them because they didn't want to have to turn themselves into the Russians. One of the ironies was that when they got back to the United States, the Black troops who had fought to protect and defend the United States of America, had saved Europe from totalitarianism and in many instances had given their lives and lost their friends and colleagues in this fight still had to ride in the back of the train behind these German soldiers. That is where America was.
Mr. Speaker, when the civil rights movement moved forward and gained momentum and culminated, as you heard from my colleague from Virginia, in the crown jewel of the civil rights movement was the Voting Rights Act. Other pieces came along. The Civil Rights Act was there, too. The Fair Housing Act, all those things came together. But the Voting Rights Act was the key tool to the transformation of the South in this country.
John Lewis was one of the key players in that movement. I saw a play about him. It is called ``Young John Lewis.'' They ran it here in D.C. a couple weeks ago, and I went to see it. The culmination of the ``Young John Lewis'' play is the passage of the Voting Rights Act.
It was supposed to be a cause for celebration. It is supposed to be the climax, the high-water moment of this play, but a strange thing had happened just a few days before.
The United States Supreme Court, the Trump majority in the United States Supreme Court, had essentially eviscerated the Voting Rights Act that they were supposed to be celebrating.
Instead of there being a big cheer in the audience, there was this sad kind of pall that came over the crowd, including me. The voting rights piece, that first Supreme Court opinion that I mentioned just a few days ago, Callais, Justice Alito said he is not totally gutting it. He is just changing the standard of review, the legal ways to analyze those cases.
So we thought, let's hope and see how it plays out. It just turns out that there was another case in Alabama 3 years before where the Supreme Court had basically supported the Voting Rights Act and affirmed it. A three-judge panel had been appointed, because there were more challenges coming from the State. That three-judge panel consisted of one Clinton appointee, but two Trump appointees. That three-judge panel had said, after weeks of hearings--I think it was like 80 witnesses, 800 exhibits, extensive, detailed, thorough hearings--and that three- judge panel, which including two Trump appointees, concluded that the lines that had been drawn by the Republicans in Alabama constituted intentional racial discrimination. There was an intentional effort to dilute Black Alabamians' voting strength.
They said that the map that the Republicans were trying to put in place--and, remember, this was triggered by President Trump's call to Texas a few
The three-judge panel said: Nope, you still can't put that map in place. There were two seats, one is held by our current colleagues Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures. It is the Shomari Figures' seat they were going after. They were trying to draw it out. The three-judge panel said that seat should stay. Then the United States Supreme Court, in an expedited manner, overturned the decision of that three-judge panel, even though they had just said a few weeks ago that intentional discrimination will not be talented in drawing these lines.
Even though there is something called the Purcell Rule, which the Supreme Court had honored for decades, the Purcell Rule is: You know what? We are not going to be doing these election decisions when we get too close to an election, because it can cause problems in how you implement the election. So we won't do that.
They violated that even though the three-judge panel said one of the reasons they didn't want to overturn the lines at that point was because it would cause chaos in the election. The Supreme Court did it anyway.
The Trump majority on the Supreme Court threw it out. Justice Sotomayor wrote a dissent. In that dissent she says: ``Now the Court is squarely faced with a record of the turmoil it has caused and the harm it has wrought. Yet just as Alabama doubled down on racial discrimination, the Court today doubles down on chaos.''
So that is where we have come from Juneteenth: The gutting of the Voting Rights Act.
It is not just in Alabama, unfortunately. I was down in North Carolina, back in my home State. I have got a colleague named Don Davis who is running for reelection. North Carolina is playing the exact same game as Alabama is. In fact, they did it a few years ago. This will be the third election that Congressman Davis has to run where they have tried to change the lines to make it harder for him to win.
When they did it in 2024, they knocked off three other Democrats who had been my colleagues when I first served here. The Republican legislature drew out those three Democrats and put them in districts that were predominantly Republican so that they couldn't win. We lost those three seats, but that is not enough. They want to take more. They went after Don Davis' district and cut the African American voting bloc in half there.
Now, I went down because I want to try and help him win anyway. I know that area a little bit. I know that those voters were angry that there is an attempt to disenfranchise them in that way, but I think they see past the moment and understand the importance of what we need to do right now.
There are challenges coming up this November. One of the main challenges is to show that these, I think, illegal efforts to disenfranchise voters in this way, African American voters who were explicitly protected by the Voting Rights Act--which was explicitly based on the 14th Amendment, which was explicitly written to address all of the challenges and dangers and awful history that we created with slavery and segregation--all of that we have to fight back.
Now, the Trump administration is not going to make it easy. In addition to appointing a Supreme Court that would strike down the Voting Rights Act, they have gutted the part of the Department of Justice that is supposed to be protecting voting rights enforcement.
When Mr. Trump came into office, one of the first things he did was force out all but two of the attorneys in the voting rights section. Only two were left. In addition to that, they threw out all of the voting rights cases under section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. He did that immediately. He did that before the Supreme Court had even ruled. He was telegraphing exactly what he wanted to have happen with this.
He is not done there. Let's keep in mind a couple of things. In addition to gutting the unit at the Department of Justice that is supposed to protect voting rights, he is making aggressive moves on it. Remember, he did that speech where he talked about nationalizing elections? Well, we all know that Federal elections are run by the States. The Constitution says that. He still announced that anyway.
He also sent the FBI to do a raid on the Fulton County Department of Elections to seize the ballots. Now, I have never seen anything like that.
At first he started out, he sent requests--demands, actually, to 47 States saying: Hey, we want all your voting files. The States resisted, and you can imagine why, especially States where Democrats are at risk of the type of gerrymandering that we have seen in Alabama and North Carolina.
He said he needed to do it based on the theft of the 2020 election. Now, he is still acting like he actually won the 2020 election. This would be kind of like if the team that lost the Super Bowl last year was still running around acting like they actually won it. That is what Donald Trump is doing. Six years later, even though all of the statements they have made about this have been discredited, they have lost in over 60 courts all across the country, including courts with Republican appointees, including courts that are managed by the Republicans with Trump appointees on them. Over and over and over again they say: Nope, you actually lost that election. He won't give it up.
I don't think it is really about the 2020 election anymore. I think in his mind it is really about 2026 and what they might do in November.
We need to keep in mind a couple of things, based on the history that you heard from my colleague from Virginia--and we know history can repeat itself--there is a saying that the arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice. The thing to remember is it does not bend on its own. It only bends in the right direction when we make it bend in the right direction.
On Juneteenth this year, the Obama library is going to open in Chicago, a long time coming, an exciting moment. I think it was in some ways a crowning achievement for the United States of America. At least it was viewed that way not just around the world but by many here in the United States. I am going to be excited to see what they have done and what they have built.
The legacy is the most important part of what that is about. The legacy of that Obama election, of what we can do and where we can go is something I think we need to focus on.
I watched a little bit of a special about it, and they played some of his speeches back from that era. The thing that is interesting is they are so different from the speeches we get from the White House now. They are not about division. They are not about anger. There is no hostile attacks on reporters, even when he disagreed with them. There is no threats to wipe out an entire civilization. There is no wars started, just because somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed. There is none of that stuff.
As he said, there is no red States. There is no blue States. There is the United States of America.
There is a call to a certain type of America that he made that reminded me of John Kennedy's in the 1960s. It reminds me of Dr. King's in the civil rights movement in the late 1960s.
Many of our greatest leaders made the statements that pulled us together, that brought us together, despite the divisions we had in our history, realizing that, as they say, we might have come over here on different ships, but we are all on the same boat now. We need to find a way to start working together again, but we can't keep undermining the rights of other people. We can't keep disrespecting the rule of law. We can't keep undermining democracy if we are going to move in that direction again.
For this Juneteenth, my hope is that the America that we aspire to will get back in the front window and that we will start moving in that direction again and that we can start raising ourselves and our Nation up to those high standards again.
To my colleague from Virginia, I thank her for doing this. I appreciate the work that she has done for the Congressional Black Caucus. I thank my colleagues in the caucus for the work that they do day in and day out. Here in the House, I thank my colleagues. Even when I disagree with them, we can find a way to disagree without being disagreeable. We can find a way
We the people, in order to form a more perfect union, as I mentioned, the history of our country is how we the people includes everyone. It is how to reconcile the ideals upon which this country was founded as articulated so beautifully by Thomas Jefferson, with the reality upon which this country was founded, as we grapple with the fact that Thomas Jefferson in writing that all men were created equal and endowed by their creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness did not even include in that sentiment the human beings who labored, enslaved by him treated as property, including his own children.
I think of our country as a family, the American people as a family. Like any family, you cannot heal from family trauma if you don't talk about it, if you don't acknowledge it, if you don't acknowledge the pain of it, if you don't forgive and move forward.
Unfortunately, in our country, too often when we get close to that moment, when we get close to that healing moment, when we get close to that ideal becoming true for everyone, there is a backlash.
Every time in American history that we have begun to address the impact of over 300 years of slavery and Jim Crow on African Americans, there is a backlash.
The first one was the backlash to reconstruction. During reconstruction, when formerly enslaved men gained the right to vote after gaining citizenship, after being promised equal protection under the law, after electing members of their community to Congress--over 22--and after electing hundreds from their communities to State legislatures across the country, gaining social, political, and economic power, working together, in some cases, with White communities--like the Readjuster Party in Virginia, which worked together to create what was, at the time considered--with a small p-- the most progressive Constitution that Virginia ever had, where it finally promised, for the first time, every child in Virginia the right to a free public education. And the old power structure said: We have got to break that up.
To break up that coalition, the backlash used three things: propaganda, the lie of White supremacy, the lie of the Lost Cause narrative, that began to ignore what was actually said in articles of succession and say: Well, no, the war was about something else. It wasn't about slavery.
It began to use the lie of the Lost Cause narrative in iconography that said we need to put Black people back in their place by putting these gigantic monuments in front of the courthouse that says: Justice for all, except for you.
Then when they didn't get the message from the propaganda, they said: We are going to use violence through racial terror lynching, and 6,500 people, Black people, were murdered by White mobs through racial terror lynchings from 1865 through the 1960s--1968. Because if they don't get the message of the propaganda, we are going to use violence. We are going to use a mob that will start a race riot when people in Louisiana are trying to register to vote. We are going to use voter suppression because in a country--in a government of the people, of the people, for the people, the government will reflect the perspective and, therefore, meet the needs of the people who participate. If we can keep certain people from participating, we don't have to meet their needs.
So whether it was the literacy test that my great-grandfather had to take in Alabama in 1901, the character requirement he had to meet by finding three White men to vouch for his character to register to vote; whether it was the poll tax that my father and my grandfather had to pay in Tennessee; or voter intimidation and threats, the voter suppression is always part of the backlash.
We are in that backlash now, but the difference is the people who lived through Jim Crow are dying off. There is a concerted effort to keep their stories out of our schools, out of our public places, out of our museums through an executive order. Yet, history is a funny thing. Those stories, just like through all the traditions that were handed down generation to generation, we will continue to tell these stories, no matter how many executive orders are written. No matter how many orders the National Park Service is given to erase the names of people enslaved who worked at the President's house in Philadelphia, we will tell their story. We will work to continue to eliminate the impact of over 300 years of slavery and Jim Crow, even though we have an administration that wants to dismantle the progress we made in doing so, because that impact didn't go away with the wave of a magic wand with the Civil Rights Act or the Voting Rights Act. Now that we see efforts to unwind it, we are going to fight back.
I will close with this: I can't help but think of John Lewis. We are also going to come up on the anniversary of his passing. In his final words to us, John Lewis said: ``Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to build what we call the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.''
My parents, my grandparents, and my great-grandparents fought for that beloved community, and they used the ballot to elect people who would help to build that beloved community.
Now, the Supreme Court has basically said that the medicine for the cancer of racism has worked, so let's get rid of the medicine, that we don't need it anymore, but the cancer is still there.
We are going to fight back as the Congressional Black Caucus. We will not let our voices be silenced. We will not let our history be erased. We will not let our votes be suppressed. We will continue to fight until every American has the right, unencumbered by this government, to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When we say in the Pledge of Allegiance, ``liberty and justice for all,'' it finally becomes true.
Mr. Speaker. I rise today with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus at a moment of profound consequence for our democracy--a moment when Black representation in America is under attack.
What we are witnessing is about more than just a court case. It is about more than just a political disagreement. We are witnessing a coordinated effort to dismantle the hard-fought gains of the Civil Rights Movement and take us back to the Jim Crow era.
Mr. Speaker, this is a five-alarm-fire.
When the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in the Callais decision, they told states that it is okay to dilute the voices of Black voters if it means helping Republicans cling to power.
Think about that. They gave states a license to discriminate in the name of partisanship.
Now, unless Congress acts, we could be on the verge of witnessing the largest reduction in Black representation since Reconstruction.
In my home state of Alabama, the consequences are already being felt.
For years, Alabama's congressional maps have been at the center of a legal battle over the rights of Black Alabamians. Federal courts repeatedly found that state leaders intentionally discriminated against Black voters and illegally diluted their political power. In fact, the congressional map Alabama is now seeking to implement was struck down not once, but twice, for intentlonally discriminating against Black voters.
Despite those findings, the Supreme Court has now cleared the way for Alabama officials to put that very map back into place.
Let that sink in.
Alabama now has a congressional map that federal courts determined was drawn with discriminatory intent--a map with only one seat out of seven where Black voters can elect candidates of their choice.
In a state where Black voters make up nearly one-third of the electorate, that is unacceptable.
I want to be clear--This is not just an issue for Black voters. This is an attack on every American. They may be targeting Black voters today, but no one is safe when a handful of extremists can decide whose voices matter and whose do not.
This is about whether every American, regardless of race or zip code, will have an opportunity to make their voice heard. It is about whether we are willing to learn from our Nation's history or repeat our mistakes.
The struggle for voting rights has never been easy. From Selma to Montgomery, brave Americans shed blood, sweat, and tears to secure the right to vote. They marched, they organized, and some gave their lives so that future generations could participate fully in our democracy.
We owe it to them to continue that fight.
That is why I will never stop working to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. It is why we must revise and pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act without delay.
Here is what those state legislators need to understand: They can draw unfair maps, but they cannot silence our voices.
Come November, we will send a message that cannot be ignored--that every voice deserves to be heard in our democracy.
Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to honor the beautiful, generous, faithful, and patriotic life of Mary Jane Flores.
A graduate of Newton-Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing, she commissioned in 1959 and served proudly as a nurse at Bethesda Naval Hospital here in Washington before her honorable discharge in 1961.
While there, she met and cared for her future husband, beloved Judge Joseph Flores, a veteran who rose to serve as lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was elected the first Hispanic judge in Ohio--I might say Toledo, Ohio--and first Hispanic elected to both municipal and juvenile courts. Their first date was over Mexican food on the evening of John F. Kennedy's inauguration.
Dedicated to advancing her education and career, Mary Jane attended Toledo's St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia, becoming certified in 1970.
Her passion for helping others extended far beyond her profession. She traveled annually to the Dominican Republic with Midwest Medical Mission. She was instrumental in establishing the first mobile migrant health clinic in northwestern Ohio and volunteered with the Farm Labor Organizing Committee's Summer Health Clinic.
Lovingly known as Memere, a name that began with her first grandchild, Memere quickly became what everyone called her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Judge Joseph Flores, and is survived by her son, Andre; daughters Maria and Judith; three grandchildren; her sisters, Nancy and Barbara; and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear, forever friends.
I saw her most recently quietly attending to many senior citizens in nursing homes across our region. She did it quietly with no public attention, but she was always there.
Mary Jane was a lifelong Catholic who not only practiced her faith, but she lived it. Her legacy lives on in all the thousands of lives she so nobly touched, certainly in her own family but far beyond that.
Mr. Speaker, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a World War II hero, the only U.S. President ever to be awarded the Purple Heart.
In 1943, his PT-109 patrol boat was sunk in the Pacific, struck by a Japanese destroyer. Though wounded in action, Kennedy's athletic prowess allowed him to swim miles in dangerous open seas to safety. The physical damage he sustained caused him to be hospitalized and endure severe back pain throughout the rest of his life.
A gifted orator with a precious sense of humor, he was elected U.S. President in 1960.
His sheer eloquence during his inaugural address called the people of our Nation to highest purpose. He inspired and challenged the American people and especially our youth to ``ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.''
Globally, he successfully proposed the establishment of the United States Peace Corps and called upon Americans to voluntarily aspire to higher purpose and meet the real world beyond our shores.
A valorous war veteran, he envisioned a higher purpose for our Nation as liberty's champion, to serve humanity across the world by building peaceful global relationships and to carry out practical joint projects for community betterment.
Early on, President Kennedy was faced with a chilling nuclear confrontation with Soviet Russia. Russian naval vessels with nuclear warheads were dispatched by Russian dictator Nikita Khrushchev and entered the Gulf of Mexico, headed toward Cuba, which was ruled by a pro-Russian Communist dictator, Fidel Castro. Within 2 weeks, Kennedy was able to diffuse that real threat to U.S. security. That was the first standoff in the nuclear era.
He and his gifted wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, brought intelligence, artistry, beauty, history, poetry, music, and literary excellence to the White House for special occasions. Their partnership inspired a nation that sought excellence from our leaders at the dawn of a new American age.
His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, planted a living, beautiful rose garden on the south side of the White House. Recently, that was destroyed by President Trump, who paved it over in concrete in favor of a country club-style patio.
JFK, a highly educated man of arts and letters, inspired and challenged our Nation to aspirational new horizons to land a man on the Moon by the end of the decade, but Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, by a formerly discharged U.S. marine, Lee Harvey Oswald, who defected to the Soviet Union and returned to the United States shortly before this horrible, horrible incident.
President Kennedy did not live to see that feat on the Moon achieved as the Apollo 11 mission succeeded in July 1969.
Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, ``Profiles in Courage,'' records the stories of several U.S. Senators who lost their elections and their political careers for standing up for their principles. All of those he reported on lost their next elections because they actually stood for something worthy.
He proposed path-breaking civil rights legislation, founded the Peace Corps to embrace a struggling world, and inspired a new generation of public servants who were to follow.
A man who understood history, JFK was determined not to repeat it. His soaring rhetoric, coupled with that of his elegant, educated wife, Jacqueline, worked to restore the White House as a center for arts, culture, the environment, and history.
This past December 2025, it truly came as a shock that the current President of our country forced a handpicked board at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts to approve adding the Trump name to precede the Kennedy name at this cherished living memorial to our valorous, fallen, former President.
Understandably, the people of our Nation immediately called out this outrage and backlashed, as did the Kennedy family themselves.
Former Congressman Joe Kennedy, III, said: ``The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen President and named for President Kennedy by Federal law. It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial.''
Kerry Kennedy, niece to President Kennedy and the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy who, too, was tragically assassinated in 1968 as a Presidential candidate said: ``President Trump and his administration have spent the past year repressing free expression, targeting artists, journalists, and comedians, and erasing the history of Americans whose contributions made our Nation better and more just.''
Maria Shriver, daughter of President Kennedy's sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver said: ``Some things leave you speechless and enraged and in a state of disbelief.''
Then, the Federal court properly ordered President Trump's name be removed. The rule of law really means something. That stopped closure and demolition of this living memorial to a great veteran and sacrificial, revered President.
This removal must be done by court order by close of business this Friday, June 12.
Erasing this stain on the sacrificial legacy that inspired this noble cultural
Restoring its proper name, historical worth, and its heritage of fine, artistic expression across all mediums shall proceed as the Kennedy family would wish and as history requires.
Thank you to those who wrote our Constitution and placed meaning in the rule of law.
No President, no Member of Congress, can avoid the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 12 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.
