Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 119-755) to accompany House Resolution 1438 should have included in its waivers of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 6955 a disclosure of the following violations: Clause 10 of rule XXI, which prohibits consideration of a measure if it has the net effect of increasing mandatory spending over the current, five-year, or ten-year period. Section 303 of the Congressional Budget Act, which prohibits consideration of legislation providing new budget authority, a change in revenues, or a change in the public debt limit, for a fiscal year until the budget resolution for that year has been agreed to.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the remarkable leaders of the N'de Apache Nation for their unwavering commitment to public service and preserving a rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire people across our Nation. I am proud to recognize Chief Angel Geronimo Sanchez RedEagle, Vice Chief Andrew Aranda, War Chief Armando Garcia, Jr., Chief Ricardo Gonzalez, Vice Chief Rudy Perez, War Chief Chuck Boers, Chief Darrell Chavez, Chief Gabriel Carrasco, Chief Carlos Abrego, Chief Dan Lara, Vice Chief Salvador Aranda, Chief Moises Hernandez, and Jerry Geronimo Martin, Medicine Man and Shaman of the N'de Apache Nation, for their dedicated leadership and service. Through their dedication to expanding educational opportunities, preserving history and traditions, supporting humanitarian efforts, and serving their communities, they have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people. Their work to educate future generations, support children and families, and preserve Apache history and traditions reflects a steadfast commitment to uplifting others and strengthening the communities they serve. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the N'de Apache Nation for their impact of their public service on South Texas and communities across the Nation. Their leadership, generosity, and commitment to preserving their heritage deserve our deepest gratitude and recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Colonel (Col.) Christopher John Hickey upon the auspicious occasion of his retirement from the United States Army after 33 years of selfless service. Col. Hickey retired as Professor of the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania on May 31, 2026. He entered the Army in 1989, upon earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from The Johns Hopkins University as the Distinguished Military Graduate. He served as Rifle Platoon leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Liaison and Training Officer in the 1st Cavalry Division from 1994 to 1997, and as Brigade and Battalion Assistant Operations Officer and Rifle Company Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1997 to 2000, including deployment to Haiti as commander of a 151-man Parachute Rifle Company Team. He served as an Instructor/Assistant Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from 2002 to 2005. In 2003, he served as Assistant Battalion Operations Officer with Task Force China, 3-15 Infantry, 2 Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq and the Battle of Baghdad, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge. Col. Hickey returned to Iraq from 2005 to 2006 and served as the campaign planner for Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, and advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense J5. From 2007 to 2010, he was a contingency plans officer in the U.S. European Command, serving as lead planner for all NATO and Russian plans, planner for the Regional War of Terror, lead planner for Georgia and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and played a key role in a major counterintelligence operation. In 2011, he served as Chief of Plans and Strategy for the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan's Deputy Commander for Regional Support and led a lessons-learned exchange in Iraq. He served from 2011 to 2014 at the NATO Joint Warfare Center in Stavanger, Norway, as Exercise Officer for ISAF strategy plans and assessment training and deployed four times to Kabul. He also served as the Scenario Officer for NATO's first post-Cold War large-scale combat scenario. Until his retirement, Col. Hickey served as Director of Joint Operations Planning, Associate Professor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Professor of Military Studies Chair, and finally as a Functional Area 47 Professor of the Army War College. He was senior strategic advisor to Joint, Army, and multinational leaders, and taught in all four of the schools' resident and distance learning departments, to include serving on the resident program's most prestigious seminar, the Carlisle Scholars Program. Col. Hickey's military education includes the: Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses; Airborne School; Ranger Course; Combined Arms Staff Service School; Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Familiarization Course; Command and General Staff College; Basic Strategic Arts Program; Joint and Combined Warfighting Course; NATO Defense College; and the U.S. Army War College. He earned a master's in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, Master of Strategic Studies from the USAWC, and Ph.D. in Policy Studies from the University Maryland School of Public Policy. Col. Hickey's awards and decorations include the: Presidential Unit Citation; Joint Meritorious Unit Award (w/6 OLC); Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal (w/1 OLC); Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC); Joint Service Achievement Medal (w/1 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (w/3 OLC); National Defense Service Medal (w/1 BSS); Iraq Campaign Medal (w/5 CS); Afghan Campaign Medal (w/2 CS); GWOT Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (4); NATO Medal--ISAF AFG; Master Combat Infantryman Badge; Senior Parachutist Badge; and Ranger Tab. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to commend and congratulate Col. Christopher Hickey upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 33 years of selfless and distinguished uniformed service to our Nation. His dedication, professionalism, and tireless devotion to duty, the U.S. Army, and the United States of America set the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor retiring City of North Miami Beach Councilman Philippe Derose, a pioneer, a well-respected community leader, activist and public servant. Mr. Derose was the first Haitian-American to be elected to political office in Miami-Dade County. In 1993, he was elected to serve as a councilman for the Village of El Portal, giving voice to the burgeoning Haitian-American community in South Florida. Seven years later, Councilman Derose was elected Mayor of the Village of El Portal. In 2003, he was appointed Councilman in the City of North Miami Beach, paving the way for other Haitian-Americans to enter the political arena in South Florida and across the country. Councilman Derose believed not only in building up communities through economic development but also through beautification as a way of encouraging residents to take pride and ownership in their neighborhoods. His passion for green space and trees resulted in numerous awards from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the City of North Miami Beach. Councilman Derose has also worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the youth in our community, through the Haitian-American Alliance Youth Foundation, the non-profit organization he serves as President of and founded. Councilman Derose has also sponsored and spearheaded numerous hurricane relief efforts over the years to help the people of Haiti. Born in Haiti, and one of nine children, Councilman Derose dreamed of coming to America in search of a better life. In 1974, he moved with his wife Marie to New York where he enrolled in the high school equivalency program, attended York College and obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology from California Coast University. Councilman Derose's life story should serve as an example for all. His determination and triumphs in a foreign country epitomize what the American dream is all about--you can accomplish anything through commitment and hard work. Please join me in honoring Councilman Philippe Derose, for his dedication, contributions and tireless service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 90th birthday of a community pioneer and legendary advocate for youth in my district, Mr. Adrian "Dell" Roberts. Known to most simply as Dell, he began his 38 years of public service as a football coach at Riverside Poly High School in 1965, quickly gaining recognition by the principal for his kindness and patience during student conflict. He soon became campus supervisor, followed by assistant principal in charge of discipline, and finished his career as an assistant administrator covering discipline and campus security. Since retiring in 2003, Dell has continued his philanthropic efforts through the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, alongside his loving wife. Together, they host charitable fundraisers, backpack giveaways for students, scholarships for youth, conferences for young women, and lead the city's Annual Black History Parade and Expo, which celebrated its 46th year in February. As Booker T. Washington wrote, "Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others." Dell's selfless acts of giving back to our community have changed countless lives over the decades. You are a role model to us all. On behalf of the constituents of California's 39th Congressional District, I wish Dell a Happy 90th Birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Richard McAbee as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Born on July 21, 1926, Mr. McAbee demonstrated his immense patriotism at the age of 18, when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve as a B-29 bomber pilot during World War II. Shortly after enlisting, he reported to Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training before continuing his service with assignments in Yuma, Arizona, and Amarillo, Texas. Mr. McAbee served our Nation through the conclusion of World War II. After the war ended, he continued his dedication to the Armed Forces by serving as a mechanic for the B-29 bomber and was honorably discharged in September 1945. In 1949, Mr. McAbee married his wife, Marilyn, and together they built a family. They welcomed their daughter, Brenda, in 1950, and their son, Brian, in 1951. In 1962, the McAbee family eventually put down roots in Dunlap, California, where Mr. McAbee became a well-known and respected member of the mountain community for more than six decades. Throughout his life, Mr. McAbee has embodied the values of service, perseverance, and dedication. His commitment to defending our Nation, caring for his family, and strengthening our community perfectly models the character and patriotism that define the `greatest generation'. Please join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him the best as he turns 100 years old.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Miss Aja Watkins, Miss Miami Gardens USA 2012, a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for non-violence and goodwill for all people, but particularly for the youth of our country. Miss Watkins' mission began in response to the tragic death of her cousin, Trayvon Martin, on February 26, 2012. She lived in the same home as Trayvon and was deeply affected by the tragic event, not only because of the bond they shared, but also because of the loss of someone so young and with so much undeveloped promise. Compelled to take action, Miss Watkins used her grief and personal family tragedy as inspiration to try to make a difference. As she works to bring urgent awareness to the crucial, critical importance of non-violence, self-protection and preservation. Miss Watkins also hopes to become a voice of hope and inspiration for adolescents and young adults who face the reality of violence on a daily basis. As she completes her education, Miss Watkins actively serves as a role model to many young people. In hopes of capturing the crown, gaining greater visibility for her life saving initiative, and to become a mentor and role model for many young people, she works with other delegates and people. On Friday, July 13, 2013, Miss Watkins competed for the state title at the Miss Florida USA Pageant. Please join me in honoring Miss Aja Watkins for her commitment, dedication and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Federal Bureau of Prisons Voting Assistance Act of 2026. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is the co-lead. This bill would require the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide individuals in BOP prisons from jurisdictions that allow such individuals to vote, like the District of Columbia and Maine, information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. BOP would be required to provide each BOP prison information on the criteria for voter registration, instructions on voter registration, voter registration forms and prepaid envelopes for voter registration forms, if provided by the state generally. Each BOP prison would be required to post the information and to give it to each individual eligible to vote. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the loss of Michael "Mouse" Malligan, and celebrate his impactful life, which touched so many. Michael was a proud Penn State employee for 35 years. He was also a devoted fan of Penn State and Pittsburgh sports, and never missed a chance to follow local teams. Michael's greatest impact on the community came through coaching. As early as age 19, Michael demonstrated a passion for coaching. The desire to mentor and impart his knowledge of sport carried through the playing years of his three sons. Over the years, Michael touched the lives of countless young athletes as a coach in parochial league basketball, Little League, and Federation baseball. Like so many others in our community, I was fortunate to have "Mouse" as both a coach and a mentor during my youth. As a husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend, Michael will be remembered for the love and dedication that he poured into everyone around him. As we pause to remember Michael's immeasurable impact and influence, we also keep his wife of 47 years, Mary, and all his family in our prayers. Please join me in honoring the life of Michael, lovingly known as Mouse. While we will miss him, our lives are better for having known him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Ms. Venghan "Winnie" Tang, a dedicated community advocate with a powerful voice who has made significant contributions to South Florida and our country, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to state that my vote for Roll Call No. 243 is a nay. The Roll Call did not register my vote in time and marked me as not voting. Had I been present, I would gave voted NAY on Roll Call No. 243.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to pay tribute to and honor the life and legacy of the late Pastor James Frederick "Rick" Hines, Jr., a well-respected man of God, spiritual leader and mentor, loving son, husband and father, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the amazing interns who spent their summer serving the people of California's 20th Congressional District. As their summer internships come to an end, I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Sydney Calderwood for her service in my Bakersfield, California office, and to Logan McLoughlin, Isabella Stroia, and Cara Gallen for their contributions to my Washington D.C. office. Whether serving in my district office or D.C. office, these interns worked tirelessly for our constituents and country, demonstrating a strong willingness to learn and showing their drive and thoughtfulness during their time here. The work done by each of them has helped my team's efforts immensely, and I hope this experience will help them make even stronger contributions in whatever they choose to pursue. I truly look forward to seeing the impact they will have on their endeavors in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize Nate Huber, who was recently installed as the 2026 to 2027 Vice President for the Pennsylvania FFA. Having emerged from a rigorous nomination and election process, Nate Huber was one of seven officers chosen to lead the Pennsylvania FFA in 2026 to 2027. Nate is a recent graduate of Manheim Central High School and held leadership positions in the Manheim FFA. Nate Huber's commitment to agriculture is evident from his experience at a local poultry company to his introduction of agricultural education programs at his school. Beyond his leadership roles with the FFA, he also holds positions with the Pennsylvania Farm Show and Manheim Community Farm Show. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Lancaster County's economy, and Nate Huber has proven to be an ardent support of this legacy. I congratulate Nate Huber on his well-earned title as Vice President of the Pennsylvania FFA. As he settles into his new role and prepares for a bright future ahead, I wish him continued success in all his endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean International Trade Association (KITA). I have shared a longstanding relationship with this illustrious organization and have been proud to work alongside them in promoting increased trade and investment between our two nations to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance. As the Lead Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, it has been my focus to deepen the bonds of the friendship we share, and to highlight how trade and people-to-people exchange underpins the foundation of our relationship. KITA has been at the forefront of this effort in this regard, and its 80,000 member companies have done so much to impact our alliance and the U.S. economy as one of our top foreign direct investors. The 2nd Congressional District of South Carolina that I am grateful to represent has ties to the Republic of Korea through investments made into our state. KITA has helped to create meaningful jobs and, in doing so, has also enriched our communities. Please know that through my work on both the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, I will continue to do all I can to defend our alliance and to keep it strong and free. I wish KITA every success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a woman whose life has spanned a century of American history, and who has spent nearly every year of it giving something away--knowledge, kindness, service, and love. Today, July 21, 2026, Mrs. Lovye Williamson Cochran of Albany, Georgia, celebrates her 100th birthday. She was born on July 21, 1926, in Reidsville, North Carolina, the firstborn daughter of Weldon and Hessie Williamson, and the eldest of four girls. She was raised in a home where education was not a luxury but an inheritance, and she took that inheritance seriously. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Reidsville, then went on to Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina--that historic institution which has been turning out Bennett Belles of uncommon dignity and backbone for generations. She later earned her master's degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, also in Greensboro. In an era when this Nation placed obstacle after obstacle in the path of a young Black woman seeking to be educated, Lovye Williamson simply kept walking. In 1950, she married Mr. Benjamin Franklin Cochran, Jr., and together they made their life in Albany, Georgia. Mr. Cochran became Albany's first Black professional photographer. Mr. Speaker, I want my colleagues to understand what that meant. In those years, a Black family's wedding, a Black child's graduation, a Black church's anniversary, a Black mother's Sunday best--these were not events the wider world considered worth preserving. Benjamin Cochran preserved them anyway. He spent his life making sure that our community could see itself, and see itself beautiful. And while he was capturing the faces, his wife was in the classroom shaping the very children whose portraits he took. He kept the pictures. She helped make the people in them. Mrs. Cochran is a retired educator, and in Southwest Georgia that title carries a particular weight. There are grown men and women in Albany today--parents, deacons, business owners, public servants--who first learned to believe in themselves in her classroom. A teacher's monument is not made of stone. It walks around, and it talks back, and it raises its own children the way she taught it to. She and Mr. Cochran raised three children--Beverly, Juanita, and Benjamin, III--and she is the proud grandmother of Anthony. For decades she has lived on Lily Pond Road in Albany, which the older residents still remember as Westbrook Road. Mrs. Cochran is the longest surviving resident of that street. She has watched the road change its name, watched the houses change hands, watched the city change around her--and through all of it, she never changed who she was. Her service did not end at the schoolhouse door. Mrs. Cochran has given her time and her judgment to the community's institutions, serving on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs and with the Albany ARC, known today as the Arc of Southwest Georgia. Mr. Speaker, those two commitments say something about the shape of her heart. She gave herself to children who needed somewhere safe to go after the last bell, and she gave herself to citizens with developmental disabilities--neighbors whom too much of the world has been content to overlook. She never overlooked anybody. Mrs. Cochran is a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and remains active in the sorority at 100 years of age. She holds the honored designation of Delta Dear. Mr. Speaker, among Mrs. Cochran's sorors in Delta Sigma Theta was the late Honorable Shirley Chisholm of New York, the first Black woman elected to this body and the first to seek the presidential nomination of a major party. Congresswoman Chisholm gave us a definition of a life well spent that has never been improved upon: "Service is the rent that you pay for the space that you occupy here on this earth." By that measure, Mr. Speaker, Lovye Williamson Cochran does not owe this world one thin dime. She paid her rent in full--in classrooms and in church pews, in board rooms and in her sorority and on her street, in the raising of three children and in a hundred years of quiet, faithful, unglamorous good. She paid it early, she paid it often, and she is paying it still. This evening, more than 200 Deltas of the Albany community are gathering at the Galleria on Dawson Road to celebrate her. They have made only one request of those who come: bring flowers. Not gifts. Flowers--in her own words, so that she can smell them, while she is living. Mr. Speaker, there is a whole sermon in that sentence. Too often in this country we save our finest words for funerals. We wait until a woman can no longer hear us to say what she has meant to us. We send the roses to the graveside when we could have set them on the kitchen table. Mrs. Lovye Cochran, at 100 years old, has taught this community one final lesson, and it may be the most important one she has ever given: love people out loud, and do it while they are here to enjoy it. So tonight the flowers will come. And she will hold them, and she will smell them, and she will know--beyond any possibility of doubt--exactly how much she is loved. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife Vivian and me, on behalf of the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, in extending our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Lovye Williamson Cochran on the occasion of her 100th birthday. We thank her for a century of faith, family, teaching, and service. We salute her children, her grandson, her sorors, and her neighbors. We pray God's continued blessing upon her in the years yet to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tommy Nagle of Patton, Cambria County, as the new President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. The 10th president in the history of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Tommy owns and operates an incredible farm that includes Angus beef cattle and acres dedicated to corn and soybeans. Tommy has held several leadership positions within the Farm Bureau over the past decade. He served on the Cambria County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, including a stint as county president, and later spent three years on the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau State Board before being elected vice president. Tommy possesses a wealth of knowledge, professional experience, and public service leadership that will enhance his impact as a passionate advocate and vital resource for agricultural producers throughout Pennsylvania. On behalf of constituents throughout Cambria County and the entire 13th Congressional District, I express best wishes to Tommy for success in fulfilling his strategic vision for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and thank him for his leadership and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Reverend and Mayor Eric H. Jones, Jr., a true man of God and his community, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Todd for more than four decades of service to the City of Mill Creek and the people of Snohomish County. From his earliest days as a community volunteer to his service as a Mill Creek City Councilmember, Mayor, and Director of Public Works, Mike has dedicated himself to strengthening the community he has proudly called home since 1983. Throughout his career, Mike has embodied true civic leadership. Long before holding public office, he volunteered countless hours at local schools, youth programs, and parks, helping enrich the lives of young people and families throughout the region. During his more than fifteen years on the Mill Creek City Council, including two terms as Mayor, he earned a reputation for his thoughtful, pragmatic approach to helping the city grow while preserving the qualities that make it a special place to work, live, and raise a family. His impact extends well beyond Mill Creek. Through his service with Community Transit, the Puget Sound Regional Council, the Snohomish County Cities Group, and other regional organizations, Mike strengthened regional partnerships and advanced policies that continue to serve our communities today. In 2020, Mike also stepped into the role of Director of Public Works & Development Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing steady leadership during an extraordinarily challenging time. Mike's legacy is reflected not only in the projects he led and positions he held, but in the many lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mike Todd for his remarkable contributions to the people of Washington. I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement, thank him for his decades of service, and wish him and his family the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for votes on the legislation being considered under suspension of the rules on July 20, 2026, due to a delayed flight. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 250, H.R. 4541, and YEA on Roll Call No. 251, H.R. 8823.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years of service to the City of Miami, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in its honor:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage of Falun Gong practitioners, who for more than two decades have faced severe persecution in China because of their beliefs--beliefs centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, and on a desire to revive traditional Chinese culture and values. According to documentation compiled by Minghui.org, at least 5,910 Falun Gong practitioners have died as a result of repression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP has also subjected Falun Gong practitioners to arbitrary detention, torture, and forced organ harvesting--an atrocity that shocks the conscience. I also rise to recognize the Tuidang Movement--translated as the "Quitting the CCP Movement"--and to commend the Global Service Center for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party, known as the Tuidang Center, for its work in support of freedom of conscience and human dignity. In December 2004, The Epoch Times published a report titled Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party, an account of the Party's history. According to that report, the CCP has been responsible since 1949 for the unnatural deaths of 60 to 80 million Chinese people, and by now likely more. It also highlighted the hundreds of millions of abortions committed under China's coercive population control regimes, and in 2013, China's own health ministry corroborated this when it released data showing that more than 300 million abortions had been performed since 1971. Over the following two decades, according to organizers, millions of copies of the Nine Commentaries were reproduced and distributed within China by Falun Gong practitioners, often at great personal risk. That effort helped give rise to the Tuidang Movement, through which individuals can renounce their affiliation with the CCP, the Communist Youth League, and the Young Pioneers, frequently using pseudonyms to protect their safety. The Tuidang Center, based in New York, collects these withdrawal statements through volunteer networks and tracks the movement's growth. Its volunteers outside China also reach Chinese citizens by phone, message, and email to share information about withdrawing from the CCP and its affiliated organizations. In recent years, Chinese immigrants have publicly announced their withdrawals at Tuidang rallies in Flushing, New York, receiving certificates memorializing their decisions. According to the Tuidang Center's records, as of July 2026, more than 464 million people have submitted statements dissociating themselves from the CCP or its affiliated organizations. This movement of nonviolent resistance to totalitarianism represents an awakening of conscience, grounded in a desire to reclaim China's cultural and moral heritage. Such resistance helps lay the moral foundation for a future of greater freedom and justice in China, while also standing against the spread of communist ideology worldwide. The witness of those who participate in this movement should also remind Americans of the continuing dangers posed by communist ideology. The CCP has a well-documented history of transnational repression, and the Tuidang Center states that its own work has faced intimidation and disruption here in the United States. According to the Center, it received eight threatening letters between April 20 and 28, 2025, and its public booths in Flushing were vandalized on April 29, 2025. Transnational repression targeting advocates on American soil is a serious matter, and such conduct has no place in the United States. Mr. Speaker, the right to hold and peacefully express one's beliefs, and to associate or disassociate freely, is a fundamental human right. I honor the courage of Falun Gong practitioners and the volunteers of the Tuidang Movement, and I commend the Global Service Center for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party for its work on behalf of freedom of conscience. I urge my colleagues to join me in standing with all who peacefully advocate for human dignity and the freedom to believe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Keith Anthony Bottoms, father to my long time Chief of Staff Bradley Bottoms. Throughout his life, Keith was a dedicated father, husband, and brother. His legacy of joy, his dedication to his work and family and his humor will continue to inspire us for years to come. Born in San Francisco and raised in South San Francisco, Keith married the love of his life, Caroline Connolly Bottoms, on October 25, 1980. Together, they built a life in Pacifica centered on family, on hard work, and on generosity. Keith was a proud and loving father to his daughter, Lauren Bottoms (son-in-law Andrew Stiffler), and his son, Bradley Bottoms, who has spent his career serving California as my Chief of Staff. Keith dedicated himself to ensuring his children had every opportunity, no matter what, and took immense pride in sharing their achievements with anyone who would listen. Keith believed to his core that Lauren and Bradley were the best at whatever they chose to do. And I know he was immensely proud of the children he and Caroline raised. Keith spent 42 years working as a union automotive technician, a career that reflected his work ethic, skill, and pride in repairing even the most challenging of vehicles. He was incredibly curious and wanted to know how every system and structure functioned. After he retired, he focused his skills on home improvements, confident in his abilities as a carpenter, electrician, and landscaper. To know Keith was to know his humor. He was funny, playful, and unapologetically sarcastic. He had a rare ability to connect with people--often stopping strangers on the street or at Costco just to say hello, turning quick encounters into deep conversations. He took a genuine interest in others, caring about where they came from and often asking how he could help. Everyone knew Keith--from his Pacifica neighbors, who he talked to while gardening or while working on cars, to the clerk at the local market where he purchased lottery tickets--his curiosity and interest made a profound mark on each of them. He loved the simple things that brought him joy: long walks in San Pedro Valley Park or at the Pacifica Pier, cheering on the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, debating politics with strangers, and donating twice a week to the lottery fund. He also enjoyed international travel with Caroline and their friends. Keith also took pleasure in his daily rituals that he kept on a tight schedule even until his last days, which included providing Caroline with breakfast in bed at 6:00 am every workday, feeding the squirrels and birds in his backyard, watering the garden, and putting away his neighbor's trash cans every Wednesday morning. These small acts of service gave him purpose every day and his life gave meaning to everyone who knew him. On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Bradley and Keith's family and friends on their loss. Keith's joy, humor, and work ethic have left a lasting legacy that forever bettered the lives of everyone he met.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend retired mail clerk, Mr. Matthew Williams, Jr., an ardent and honorable member of the United States Postal Service for 32 years, who began his career as a truck driver before rising through the ranks to become a mail clerk, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Sharon O'Neal, a cherished member of our community. Sharon was an extraordinary individual who lived a full and truly beautiful life. Sharon was a passionate and active member of the Williamsburg community. She was a member of both the Junior Woman's Club and the Woman's Club for over ten years, while serving as club president for two years. Sharon was also a part of the Jamestown High School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) where she served as president for two years. When she was not leading the PTA or Woman's Club, Sharon loved to watch NASCAR, go camping, spend time at the beach, and above all else, be around her loving family. Sharon's smile coupled with her warm personality made everyone she met feel as if they had known her for years. Her kindness touched everyone, and she leaves behind a legacy full of compassion and love. Sharon is survived by her devoted husband, Michael O'Neal; her mother, Julie Northway; her children, Jeffrey O'Neal (Abby), Stacey Hughes (John), and Sean O'Neal (Kimberlee); her cherished grandchildren, Kendal, William, Corbin, Sadie, Hazel, Bodhi, Koa, and Lucy; and her brother, Michael Northway (Michelle). Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Sharon's incredible life. Our community is eternally grateful for everything she has done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Gerald Culbertson of Newburg, Franklin County, for his remarkable public display of patriotism, love of country, and support for Veterans. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Gerald created what he believes to be one of the largest painted American flags in the country. The flag spans 190,000 square feet across a hillside along Burnt Mill Road. Employed at Letterkenny Army Depot, Gerald said that his late father Wayne Culbertson was a primary source of inspiration for the project. Gerald stated, "My father was always patriotic. He loved the Fourth of July, and I wanted to do something special." To complete the project, Gerald used more than 415 gallons of paint. He relied exclusively on hand measurements, foregoing GPS equipment, lasers, and computerized guidance. The flag's stripes are 23 feet wide, and the stars are 18 feet in length. After nearly three months of field preparation and maintenance, Gerald devoted nearly four and a half days to painting the field. He received assistance from several family members. Gerald was hopeful that President Trump would have an opportunity to view the flag as he flew to Carlisle for the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. On behalf of constituents throughout Franklin County and the entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Gerald on the fulfillment of his vision for the project and thank him for becoming a source of inspiration in his own right.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 250, and YEA on Roll Call No. 251.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart, but with profound gratitude, to honor the life and legacy of one of Southwest Georgia's most devoted public servants, the Honorable Russell Thomas, Jr., former Mayor of Americus, Georgia, who departed this life on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the age of 91. A memorial service celebrating his extraordinary life will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Americus First Methodist Church, with Reverend Tom Dowdy and Reverend Daryl Brown officiating. Russell Thomas, Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 22, 1934, to Dr. Russell Thomas and Margaret Camp Thomas. In 1939, the family returned to Dr. Thomas's hometown of Americus, and from that day forward, Russell Thomas and Americus, Georgia belonged to one another. He graduated from Americus High School in 1952, earned a degree in Agricultural Management from Auburn University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and completed his military service as a medic in the United States Army Reserve. Mayor Thomas built his career in agriculture and forestry, owning Thomas Farms, Inc. with his family and founding or co-owning Americus Creosote Company, T&T Logging, and Georgia Forest Products. But to Russell Thomas, the land was never merely a business. Long before conservation of the longleaf pine ecosystem became a national cause, he was protecting the native longleaf stands at Thomas Farms, quietly practicing the belief that productive timber management and wildlife conservation should go hand in hand. He was a steward in the oldest and truest sense of the word--a man who understood that we do not really own the land; we hold it in trust for our children. The people of Americus first elected Russell Thomas, Jr. as their Mayor in November 1979. and he served from 1980 to 1988. They called him back in 1993, and he served again from 1994 to 2001--fifteen years in all of steady, visionary, and selfless leadership. In his first term, he worked with the City Council to confront substandard housing and expand housing opportunity. He would later join with Millard Fuller and Habitat for Humanity on the Sumter County Initiative, an audacious campaign to eliminate substandard housing in Americus and Sumter County--a partnership that helped make our corner of Georgia a beacon to the world for what neighbors can accomplish when they take up hammers and hope together. Mayor Thomas may be best remembered for leading the multi-year effort to restore the historic Windsor Hotel. When many said the grand old landmark could not be saved, Russell Thomas simply refused to give up--and today the Windsor stands as the crown jewel of downtown Americus, a monument in brick and mortar to one man's stubborn faith in his hometown. He was likewise instrumental in the restoration of the Rylander Theatre, establishing it as the center of the performing arts in Americus, for which he received the Lifetime Friend of the Rylander Award in 2016. Under his leadership, in 2000, Americus was designated one of the first ten Georgia Cities of Excellence. In 1994, in recognition of his public service, the City of Americus named its public safety building the Russell Thomas, Jr. Public Safety Building--an honor rarely bestowed upon the living and richly deserved. His service extended far beyond City Hall. He served on the Americus Board of Education from 1972 to 1980; as chairman of the Sumter County Board of Tax Assessors from 1976 to 1980; on the board of directors of The Charles L. Mix Memorial Fund, including more than twenty years as its chairman; on the South Georgia Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees; and on the governing board of the Rosalynn Carter Institute at Georgia Southwestern State University. Elected to the Board of Directors of Citizens Bank of Americus in 1985, he served as Chairman of the Board from 1985 to 1999--a period in which the bank was rated the number one community bank in Georgia--and remained on the board until 2025, serving his community's financial wellbeing across five decades. Mr. Speaker, the record of offices held, and buildings restored tells us what Russell Thomas did. But it does not tell us who he was. Who he was could be found in his office at the back of the old Americus Hardware Store--another of his renovations--where, long past the age when most men retire, friends and neighbors stopped by daily to talk politics, business, and the affairs of the town he loved. Who he was could be found in his backyard, where this former mayor and bank chairman raised tomatoes and waged a good-natured annual contest with the backyard animals to see who could reach the ripe ones first. And who he was could be found riding the dirt backroads of Thomas Farms in his old Tahoe, with his faithful dog Barnabas at his side. It is said that throughout his life, and in its most difficult times, Russell found solace and peace driving those backroads. And Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to sit with that image for a moment. Here was a man who buried a beloved wife, Andrea, after forty-five years of marriage; a man who bore the deepest grief a parent can know in the loss of his son, Russell, III; a man who carried the weight of a city on his shoulders for fifteen years. And when the sorrows came--as they come to every life--he did not grow bitter, and he did not withdraw from the people. He drove out to the land, under the longleaf pines he had protected, with his dog beside him, and he made his peace--and then he came back to his beloved Americus, and went back to work, and kept on serving. That quiet resilience, that faithfulness that outlasted heartbreak, is the truest measure of the man, and it is the inheritance he leaves to all of us who remain. Russell Thomas, Jr. was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Andrea Patterson Thomas; his son, Russell Thomas, III; his parents, Dr. Russell Thomas and Margaret Camp Thomas; his sister, Margaret T. Sullivan; and his brothers, Frank Gordon Thomas and John Laurence Thomas. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Mary Frances "Mimi" Thomas, Anne Camp Thomas, Beth Thomas Cheek (James), and John Braxton Thomas; his daughter-in-law, Angie Ballard Thomas; eight grandchildren: ten great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, stepchildren, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly. Mr. Speaker, the Scriptures teach us in Matthew 25:21, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Russell Thomas, Jr. was faithful--faithful to his family, faithful to his land, faithful to his hometown, and faithful to the God he served. On behalf of my wife, Vivian and the more than 765,000 residents of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to the Thomas family, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, the legacy, and the extraordinary public service of the Honorable Russell Thomas, Jr.--Mayor, steward, builder, and friend--a good and faithful servant who has entered into the joy of his Lord.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of Ellen Marie Ike--more commonly known on Capitol Hill as Ms. Ellen--a Lead Teacher at the House of Representatives Child Care Center, who tragically passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 61. For nearly a decade, Ms. Ellen cared for children from across the Capitol Hill community. Members and staff left their sons and daughters with her in the morning and went to work on the people's business, secure in the knowledge that their children were safe and loved. She returned that trust every day and was recognized repeatedly for the excellence of her service. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Ms. Ellen earned a scholarship to Livingstone College in North Carolina, where she sang in the Concert Choir and joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Her career began in retail, but her years teaching Sunday school made clear that early childhood education was her calling. After operating her own home-based daycare and teaching at other schools across the Washington metropolitan area, she joined the House Child Care Center in 2018, where she remained until her death. An early childhood teacher shapes a person at the age when shaping matters most. Ms. Ellen spent the last nine years of her life doing that work in the shadow of the Capitol, for the families of the people who serve here--much of it through a serious illness she rarely let her classroom see. Hundreds of children learned their letters, self-worth, and what it means to be a friend from a teacher who gave them her best while fighting for her own health. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ellen Marie Ike, and in extending our condolences to her family and to her colleagues at the House Child Care Center, who carry on her work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the late Mrs. Gussie Mae Hall of Miami, Florida, an exceptional woman who has left an enduring legacy of humbleness, kindness and strength, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan on his retirement after over twenty years of exceptional and steadfast service to the people of McDowell County. Sheriff Buchanan has devoted his life to public service, demonstrating integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community. He began his public service as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT-Intermediate with McDowell County Medical Services. He went on to serve in numerous roles, including Patrol Deputy, K-9 Deputy, SWAT Operator, and Detective with McDowell County Drug Enforcement. He became the first person from McDowell County to be selected as a full-time Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration before moving onto the North Carolina DMV License and Theft Bureau, where he advanced to Assistant District Supervisor in both the Charlotte and Asheville Districts. Over the course of his career, Sheriff Buchanan distinguished himself through his professionalism, dedication to justice, and ability to lead with strength and compassion. His leadership as an instructor preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers has earned the respect of colleagues and ensured the future of justice across North Carolina. Sheriff Buchanan's impact extends far beyond his official duties. He is a committed partner in community health, substance abuse prevention, and local philanthropy, offering steady leadership on numerous boards and initiatives that strengthen McDowell County and improve lives. Today, he continues to serve as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, a testament to the trust and admiration he has earned statewide. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Buchanan's career reflects a rare combination of service, sacrifice, and heart. His legacy is one of honor, devotion, and deep love for the community he has protected for decades. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to Sheriff Buchanan and offer my best wishes as he enters a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dan Fordice, a veteran, businessman, accomplished warbird pilot, and patriot, who devoted his life to serving others, preserving our Nation's military history, and honoring America's veterans. Dan approached every chapter of his life with a strong sense of duty and purpose. His 13 years of service in the United States Army and Mississippi Army National Guard shaped the leadership and patriotism he later brought to his family business, the construction industry, historic aviation, and his work supporting veterans. Throughout his life, Dan remained guided by his faith, his family, and his commitment to giving back. Following his service, Dan continued his family's legacy at Fordice Construction Company, serving as Vice President until his retirement in 2023. He followed in his father's footsteps by serving as National President of the Associated General Contractors of America from 2022 to 2023. His leadership brought people together throughout the industry and ensured contractors of every size had a voice. As an accomplished warbird owner and pilot, Dan demonstrated his deep appreciation for aviation history through the operation and preservation of World War II-era and other historic aircraft. He served on the Commemorative Air Force General Staff Board of Directors, proudly flew his P-51D Mustang, Charlotte's Chariot II, and helped return the original C-47 That's All, Brother to Europe for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Through these remarkable aircraft, Dan helped bring history to life for countless Americans. Dan's dedication to America's veterans extended far beyond the cockpit. He founded the Southern Heritage Air Foundation to preserve veterans' stories and educate future generations about their service and sacrifice. In 2013, he founded the Warrior Bonfire Program to support post-9/11 Purple Heart veterans through fellowship and opportunities for healing and recovery. Whether flying a historic aircraft, listening to a veteran's story, or leading the construction industry, Dan served others with conviction, compassion, and humility. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dan Fordice for his service to our country, his leadership in the construction and aviation communities, and his lifelong dedication to America's veterans. His legacy will live on through the historic aircraft and stories he preserved, the veterans he supported, the organizations he helped build, and the countless people he inspired. My prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him. May Dan have blue skies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Dr. Freeman T. Wyche, Sr., an inspirational man of God and a revered spiritual leader in the Miami's Liberty City community, who has served as Senior Minister of the Liberty City Church of Christ for thirty-five years, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Mr. Speaker, due to an unforseen conflict, I was unable to cast my vote for H.R. 8823 and H.R. 4541. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 250 and YEA on Roll Call No. 251.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Harry Mullins of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, for his selection as the recipient of the Norma Jean Shanholtz Community Service Award presented by the Williamsburg Civic Club. The award honors individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to Williamsburg Borough through dedicated community service. Harry has held leadership positions in the Lions Club, Williamsburg Municipal Authority, Williamsburg Fire Commission, and Williamsburg Fire Police. His service has also benefited the Williamsburg Community Farm Show and Williamsburg Food Bank. As noted by another community leader, Harry is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His servant's heart, generosity, and unwavering commitment have made him a true pillar of the Williamsburg community. On behalf of constituents throughout Williamsburg Borough and the entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Harry Mullins on this well-deserved award and thank him for striving each day to make the world around him a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mrs. Gwendolyn Mae Heastie Welters, an exceptional woman who has left an enduring legacy of compassion, enthusiasm, and service in her community. Mrs. Welters approached life with a community-oriented focus and a generous spirit. As an educator and an administrator with Miami-Dade County Schools, for 40 years, she touched the lives of hundreds of students and advocated tirelessly to improve Miami-Dade County's educational system and provide access to a quality education. As entrepreneurs, Mrs. Welters and her late husband Warren Welters provided employment opportunities for high school students in Miami's Brownsville community by hiring them at their family-owned business, Brownsville Pharmacy. She also encouraged the youth to give back to their communities through service. Often referred to as a petite "little giant," her kind heart and passion for service was limitless and often recognized by the many organizations she was affiliated with such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she was a Golden Soror, Life Member, and past president of Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter in Miami. Mrs. Welters was a Platinum member of The Links, Incorporated, served as National Director of International Trends and Services, and was a "Links of Gold" Honoree for the Greater Miami Chapter in 2005. She was also an active member of the Black Archives History and Research Foundation, Inc., and a recipient of the Miami-Dade County Woman of Impact Award (2006) and the Leroy Thompson Pioneer Award by the Miami-Dade Chapter of NAACP (2007). Born April 30, 1924, Mrs. Welters grew up in the historic and culturally rich Overtown community in Miami. She earned a B.S. degree in Business Education from Florida A&M University, a master's degree from Columbia University Teachers Co]lege in New York City, and completed further graduate work at the University of Miami and Barry University. Please join me in honoring Mrs. Gwendolyn Mae Heastie Welters, posthumously, for her commitment, dedication and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly remarkable institution that has done far more than report the news--it has preserved the history of Chautauqua County for two centuries. For 200 years, The Post-Journal has served as the newspaper of record for Jamestown and Chautauqua County. Its pages have documented the people, events, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped the region, creating a lasting record of the community's history and the generations who have called it home. A hometown newspaper is more than ink on paper. It is the first draft of local history. It captures not only elections and public policy, but also the stories of veterans, small businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, and everyday citizens whose contributions may never make national headlines but leave an enduring mark on their communities. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, it is especially fitting that we recognize one of our nation's oldest and most enduring civic institutions. Founded in 1826--just fifty years after the birth of our Republic--The Post-Journal has chronicled nearly the entire American story through the lens of one community. Few institutions can claim such an extraordinary legacy of continuous service. The First Amendment protects a free press because our Founding Fathers understood that an informed citizenry is essential to self-government. For two centuries, The Post-Journal has fulfilled that responsibility by informing its readers, fostering civic engagement, and preserving the history of Western New York for future generations. Over the past two centuries, The Post-Journal has adapted to changing times while remaining steadfast in its mission to serve its readers with trusted local journalism. That commitment has strengthened not only Chautauqua County but our democratic institutions as well. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the editors, reporters, photographers, publishers, printers, carriers, and every member of The Post-Journal family--past and present--on this extraordinary milestone. May they continue their proud tradition of serving Jamestown, Chautauqua County, and Western New York for many years to come, preserving the stories that define their community and carrying forward this great American tradition for generations to come.