Rick Allen

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Jack Gray, upon his acceptance to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. As a future midshipman, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite naval force, guided by the motto: ``Acta Non Verba'' The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy. A vital part of our Nation's maritime operations, the Merchant Marines' duties are dynamic, transporting cargo and passengers during peacetime and serving as an auxiliary to the United States Navy during times of war. I was glad to sponsor Jack's nomination, as his dynamism reflects the mission of the branch which he will soon serve. I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter. I congratulate Jack. I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Alexander Andrews, upon his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy. As a future midshipman, he will be joining the ranks of the world's most elite naval force, guided by the motto: ``Semper Fortis'' The service and sacrifice of America's military personnel have safeguarded our Nation since its inception, defending our way of life from Lexington to Normandy. And throughout our history, American servicemembers have demonstrated tremendous courage and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends of the earth. I was glad to sponsor Alexander's nomination, and I am confident that his talents will distinguish him among his peers during his time at the Academy and thereafter. I congratulate Alexander. I know that he will make this Nation proud.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend from Texas for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S.J. Res. 31 to overturn the Biden administration's ``once in, always in'' rule. This is an egregious and burdensome rule, and it was just one of many actions taken by the previous administration on their way out the door to further hamstring our domestic energy producers. By permanently classifying certain industrial facilities as major sources of hazardous air pollutants, even if they successfully reduce emissions, the Biden administration was seemingly punishing job creators for being good stewards of the environment. As an original cosponsor of S.J. Res. 31, I am proud that House Republicans are taking a stand and defending our energy producers, manufacturers, and small businesses against unfair and costly environmental rules. In overturning the ``once in, always in'' rule, we are returning to commonsense policy implemented during President Trump's first administration. If businesses reduce their emissions below the major source threshold, then they should reap the reward of more cost- effective and flexible requirements under the Clean Air Act, period. Repealing this backward rule is part of House Republicans' work to unleash American energy and ensure that government red tape does not stand in the way of creating jobs and growing our economy here at home. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to join us in supporting S.J. Res. 31.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to offer my sincerest congratulations to the 2025 Masters champion, Rory McIlroy. Since 1934, amidst blooming azaleas, towering pines, and flowering dogwoods, the first full week of April brings the world's greatest golfers to my hometown of Augusta, Georgia, to experience sport's most unique and rewarding challenge: the Masters golf tournament, the first major of the year. As golf fans know, the iconic green jacket never comes easily, but for Rory McIlroy, his years-long quest for glory at Augusta was far more than just a victory. In clinching the green jacket, Rory snapped an 11-year major championship drought and completed the long-awaited career grand slam, joining just five other prestigious players in doing so. Augusta made history as one of the greatest moments in golf. Mr. Speaker, Rory made a comment at the trophy presentation that I think exemplifies this country. He said to his daughter, Poppy, ``Never give up on your dreams. Keep coming back, keep working hard. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.'' What an example to the next generation of athletes, leaders, and to the American people. Congratulations, Rory. It is championship week again in the world of golf, and we are pulling for him to achieve the season's grand slam now.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart this evening. On Saturday, April 26, Columbia County in my district experienced an unimaginable tragedy as one of our beloved law enforcement officers, Deputy Brandon Sikes, lost his life and Deputy Gavin White was severely injured while serving a temporary protective order. This heartbreaking event serves as a profound reminder of their commitment to selfless service. As they often do, these officers choose to prioritize the safety of others above themselves, even in a life- threatening situation. While our community grieves this tragic loss, I am reminded of John 15:13, ``Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in praying for Deputy Sikes' wife, Amber, their daughter, Lyndsey, and all of Brandon's loved ones as they continue to mourn this fallen hero. Please also join me in praying for a swift recovery for Deputy White, as well as Sheriff Whittle and the entire Columbia County Sheriff's Department. May God's grace be with our entire community as we continue to heal from this tragedy.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Miller for her outward expression of faith and for being such a light here in this body to all of us, for her leadership and also putting together this Special Order tonight recognizing Faith Month. Today, we are not only connected through our positions as public servants but also by the moral fabric of our Nation. This fabric is our Christian faith which ties together the sacrifice of our Founding Fathers with the dedication of today's leaders. Faith Month holds profound significance across this land, serving as an all-encompassing reminder of the spiritual guidance that shapes our lives and the variety of beliefs that enrich our Nation and our Nation's rich heritage. I believe that our Constitution is God-breathed, and so I ask the question: Where is our Nation today? I am a member of a ministry, The LEAD HOUSE, and we are reading through the scriptures for, I think, our fourth year in a row. We are in Judges right now. When you read Judges, God appointed judges to bring about rule and obedience among Israel because, every time that a judge passed on, Israel turned from God. Every time they turned from God, they were attacked. In fact, it was so bad that the Mennonites actually hid in caves in the hills. Every time, they cried out to God. Of course, we are reading about Gideon this week. Yet, the one thing that, I think, captures our faith is a story I heard on Easter Sunday from our pastor in our church, and that is the story of the crucifixion. After the crucifixion, there were 11 disciples who went away, and they feared for their lives. In fact, they hid in a room. Resurrection was 3 days later. Jesus Christ was resurrected from the grave. What that did for those 11 disciples was it gave them the power over death. They became fearless. They started a movement that the Roman Empire feared and were severely persecuted. I tell you that, on Easter Sunday, over a third of the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Roman Empire no longer exists. That is the power of the resurrection, and that is the power of faith. As I reflect on these timeless teachings of the Bible, I am reminded of the divine wisdom in Exodus. In those sacred passages, God established laws and governance to uphold justice and righteousness. Just as Moses, the only full face here, looks down on this body today and as we look at the flag, In God We Trust, really? Do our actions actually align with the purpose that God set before us of restraining evil and promoting good in our society? What this proves is our belief in God must be reflected and represented in our daily lives, not simply spoken. We are a nation founded in the Judeo-Christian value of family. Joshua 18 is one of the greatest promises in the scriptures. God told Joshua, who, of course, followed Moses: ``Do not let this book of law depart from your lips. Be careful to do what it says, meditate on it night and day, and you will be prosperous and successful.'' This is the first book in the Bible that I memorized, and I say it every day. What I have discovered in my time here in Congress and in business and whatnot is that, unlike when I grew up, we have become a Bible-illiterate culture. Why do we meditate on God's Word? Like Abraham, whose faith was credited to him as righteousness, we must trust in God's promises. They are abundant throughout his scriptures, and we must live obediently to His Word, or America will end up like Rome. Let us seek God's blessing and protection as we navigate through the complexities of governance, acknowledging his sovereignty over all things. It is during this time of such division that I often lean on the words of Mark 3:24, reminding us that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. America is at a tipping point. It is through our collective faith and drawing near to the Word of God that we find the path to unity, truth, and freedom. During this special month, we are reminded of the profound impact of our faith. It is the beacon of hope, guiding us through life's trials and triumphs, and it unites us in a bond stronger than any earthly tie. I hope those watching me tonight will join with me and reaffirm our commitment to worship the Lord and to draw strength and inspiration by meditating on His Word morning and night and be careful to do what it says. May God bless each of us abundantly and guide our Nation as we walk in faith and righteousness, and may we never forget that we are, in fact, one nation under God. Mr. Speaker, may God's grace be with us all.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for yielding. As vice chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I rise today in support of the bipartisan FUTURE Networks Act, which I proudly introduced with my colleagues, Representative Matsui and Representative Walberg. This commonsense legislation would direct the FCC to bring together industry leaders, public interest groups, and government experts to establish a 6G Task Force. As we all know, 6G is the future of telecommunications, and we must ensure that the United States is a global leader in this emerging technology. Failure to do so would put our adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party, in the driver's seat. We cannot allow that to happen. I come from the world of business and just like in business we want the best, most qualified individuals to have a seat at the table. By establishing a 6G Task Force, we can bring together America's brightest industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to collaborate on the future deployment of 6G and strengthening our wireless networks. This is a matter of economic and national security. I was proud to help lead the FUTURE Networks Act this Congress. I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2449.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 75. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle will say this resolution is unnecessary. We have heard that. Let's be clear. What is unnecessary is placing so-called energy standards on commercial refrigerators and freezers, which will only lead to higher equipment costs and additional burdens on small businesses. I come from the small-business community. I have felt that, and, again, that is what we are hearing from our small businesses and why I am standing here today. Time and time again, the Biden-Harris administration imposed new standards with high price tags. First, it was regulations on cars and trucks. Then, it was gas stoves and washing machines and, now, commercial refrigerators and freezers. The list goes on and on. In fact, I stood on the House floor in the last Congress and defended my very own wife's gas stove, and we won that battle. Fortunately for the American people, under the leadership of House Republicans and President Trump, common sense has a seat at the table again. All we are doing is rolling back the senseless and unending bureaucratic red tape ushered in under the previous administration that harms hardworking Americans and small businesses. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that these standards on commercial refrigerators and freezers will cost approximately $8 billion, as stated earlier, which we know will be passed down to consumers. When did the Department of Energy get into the appliance business? Mr. Speaker, this is an easy ``yes'' vote. I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 75, and I thank Congressman Goldman for his leadership.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate legendary Coach Jimmie Lewis, whose name will now be displayed at the Harlem High School baseball field for years and years to come. Coach Lewis has been the dedicated leader of the Harlem High School baseball program for decades, securing eight state titles and over 900 impressive wins--the 3rd highest in Georgia High School Association history. This is no small feat, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. However, Jimmie Lewis is far more than a coach in this community and at Harlem High School. He is a family man, a role model, a teacher, and a molder of men who has devoted his life to ensuring young students learn the skills and lessons necessary to be successful not only on the baseball field, but in life. I am honored to help Coach Lewis celebrate this occasion and the positive, lifelong impact he has had on so many lives. Congratulations to Coach Lewis. Go Bulldogs.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 42, which will roll back another burdensome Biden-Harris rule on the Department of Energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment. Let's be clear: People elected us to make the laws, and these agencies are making rules. I think Congress is entitled to speak on this issue. Alongside President Trump, House Republicans are on a mission to reclaim American energy dominance, and that means continuing to eliminate President Biden's burdensome energy regulations that have limited consumer choice. Again, we represent the people, and the people are telling us that these things have to stop. This final rule that we will overturn today imposes unnecessary and duplicative labeling, certifying, and reporting requirements for various appliances and commercial equipment. This is part of a broken system that needs major reforms. The American people are done paying for it with higher costs, created by government bureaucrats, for at- home appliances. Under the Biden administration alone, the DOE implemented more than 30 appliance and equipment efficiency rules, at a cost of $60 billion, many of which negatively impact consumers and manufacturers in my district. Amazingly, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle were stuck in their seats last night as President Trump spoke about unleashing American energy and lowering costs. Regardless, House Republicans will deliver. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Clyde for his leadership, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 56 and AYE on Roll Call No. 57.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Griffith for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is a new day in America. I remind my friends that, just 6 years ago, we had the greatest economy in our lifetimes, and we achieved energy independence. That is what this day is about. The days of weakness on the world stage and dependence on foreign adversaries for our energy needs are over. I am proud to rise in support of H.J. Res. 35 to repeal the Biden administration's harmful rule establishing a natural gas tax and help the United States reclaim energy dominance. The Biden administration had an all-out war on fossil fuel. On their way out the door, the previous administration finalized this burdensome rule to effectively collect taxes on methane emissions released from oil and gas facilities and funnel that money to their radical climate allies. What my Democratic colleagues won't tell you is that our clean natural gas is a major reason why the U.S. has become a world leader in reducing carbon emissions. In partnership with President Trump, House Republicans are reinstating common sense in Washington. To lower costs for American families, we must unleash our energy capabilities and utilize the reliable natural gas right under our feet, not impose these outlandish taxes on domestic producers. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge support of H.J. Res. 35.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act, a commonsense bill to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl from pouring across our southern border. During the 4 years of the Biden administration, our border was wide open, allowing the cartels and drug traffickers to transport fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances into our country. Let's be clear: The Democrats failed to address this issue and so did the administration. Why in the world would we allow that to happen? We have all heard the heart-wrenching stories from families who have lost loved ones. Illicit fentanyl poisonings are now the number one cause of death among adults 18 to 49. This is more than just a statistic. Under the Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House, this crisis will come to an end. The HALT Fentanyl Act would make the temporary classwide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances permanent and ensure law enforcement have the tools they need to keep this dangerous drug off our streets. This legislation, combined with President Trump's latest border security wins and his team at the White House, will make our communities safer and save lives. They mean business. Mr. Speaker, we are going to get the job done, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on January 21, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 18 and YEA on Roll Call No. 19.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act, a commonsense bill to ensure female athletes only compete with biological females. Unfortunately, in just 4 years under the Biden administration, Title IX has been under constant attack, jeopardizing women's safety, athletic opportunities, and chances for success. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have followed suit. Last Congress, not one single Democrat voted in support of this bill on the House floor. I hear about this issue consistently in my district and am often told by parents to put an end to this nonsense. How many of history's most prolific female athletes would never have reached such heights if they were forced to compete against biological males? When will Democrats learn that the American people fundamentally reject their radical agenda? A Gallup poll recently said 70 percent of the American people believe we should protect women's sports. I am a proud father to 3 daughters and a grandfather to 10 granddaughters, all of whom have competed or are currently competing in the sport of their choice. This bill is about protecting every female's pathway to athletic prowess, excellence, and opportunity. I thank Representative Steube for his leadership on this issue. As a cosponsor of today's bill, I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, it has been a privilege to serve with Doug, and I thank him for his great service to our country and for emphasizing the importance of the Bible. It is an honor to stand here, but particularly tonight to commemorate National Bible Week along with my friends and colleagues. I am here to talk about what the Bible has meant to me and its impact on our Nation's history. There are divisions across our country, including in this Chamber, that highlight the challenges that we are facing. I was baptized in a small, rural church at 9 years of age and my parents raised me in the church there. I had a few other priorities in college, but after my marriage to my wife, we found a church home in Augusta and that church home has meant the world to our family. However, it was almost 30 years later that I realized that maybe my priorities were not in order. I decided that I would make Bible study and prayer a priority in my life. I started Bible study with a friend about 6 months later, and I realized that God was writing His Word on my very heart. I had this urge to know God and study His Word and understand His purpose and will for me. All of my life, as I look back, I had relied on God's Word for truth. Twenty-three years ago, I joined a Bible study fellowship in my hometown of Augusta. It is an intense Bible study, but I am telling you it was life changing. I am currently reading the Change Your Life Study Bible with the Lead group here in Washington, D.C., and I am constantly reminded of the answers this book provides and to the current issues that we are dealing with today facing our Nation. Since my time in Congress and meeting with people across the Nation and folks in our own district, unfortunately, we are becoming a Bible ill-literate society. Just above our flag here in this body, we have ``In God We Trust,'' but how do you know how to trust God if you don't know God and don't know His Word? I look at the full face of Moses in this House Chamber and I am reminded of the first five books of the Bible, the moral law. George Washington himself in his farewell address said: Morality and faith are the pillars of our society. We confess these pillars are being eroded in an increasingly materialistic and permissive society. And that is continuing today. One of the Scriptures I memorized early on was Joshua 1:8. It says: Do not let this Book of Law depart from your lips. Meditate on it night and day. Be careful to do what it says and what is written in it, for then you will make your way prosperous and you will have success. This is a great promise from God. This is a special time of year. There are over 11 times in the Old Testament starting 1,500 years ago predicting the birth, the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ whose birthday we celebrate here at this time. Starting off in Genesis 3:15: ``And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.'' That was written 1,500 years ago. In closing, Mr. Speaker, we are about to witness another historic and important inauguration. As I talk to you currently, most Americans believe our Nation is in serious moral, spiritual, and financial decline. Emotional health has become an epidemic because many do not know where to turn for hope. I love the Bible, I love to pray, and I love to pray with those who believe in the values and the Founding Fathers' values in the truth that we behold in this country. Especially during this important season, keep the hope and trust in Him and His Word. He will change the direction of this country and He will write His Word on your heart.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand here tonight with my colleagues to recognize Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and her remarkable service to the United States Congress. When she was elected to Congress, Cathy was a Member of our leadership team, serving as the chair of the House Republic Conference. In the 115th Congress, she led our Conference's messaging machine as we delivered historic results for the American people including the best economy in our lifetime. Additionally, I have learned a great deal from Cathy's leadership on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce this Congress as she helped each Member fulfill our promises to reclaim American energy dominance, expand clean power generation, and improve transparency in our Nation's healthcare system. Above all else, I have cherished sharing our faith and fellowship during LEAD House over these past years. Your love of God and family and devotion to your Christian values is something we will miss in the next Congress. I am proud to call you my sister in the faith. May God bless you and your family as you embark on your next season in life. Sister, I love you dearly.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 4367, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act. Included in today's legislation is language which addresses an issue that means the world to many of my constituents. I have spoken from this podium many times over the past 10 years highlighting the importance of the lock and dam to the residents of the CSRA. Due to environmental mitigation from the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, the Corps of Engineers was responsible for constructing a mitigation feature that would allow sturgeon and other endangered fish to access new spawning grounds. Unfortunately, the corps selected a rock weir as an alternative to replace the lock and dam, which I strongly opposed as it would drop the pool level far below the needs of the community, and disregarded the requirements established in the 2016 WIIN Act. In a disastrous simulation carried out by the corps, we saw firsthand the dreadful impacts of the lower water level that would result from the installation of a rock weir.

Mr. ALLEN. Throughout this tenuous process and legal battles, many of my colleagues and I worked closely with community leaders and stakeholders who have all agreed that maintaining the water level above the lock and dam is critical, so our residents are not affected. I am thrilled to finally stand here today with a message for my community: A legislative solution to maintain the pool level and repair the lock and dam will soon be on its way to the President's desk. I thank all of those who worked tirelessly on this issue, my colleagues who helped push for these changes for so long, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee led by Chairman Graves and Subcommittee Chair Rouzer insisting the language stay in the final bill. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the Senate to pass this bill and President Biden to sign it into law.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 136 and thank Congressman James for his leadership on this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, consumer choice is a vital component of our free market economy, which has grown wealth in this country substantially over the years. However, an endless obsession with their rush to a green agenda, the Biden-Harris administration is seeking to strip away consumer choice in the form of a tailpipe emissions rule that would effectively mandate that at least two-thirds of all new cars in the United States be electric by 2032. This is a mandate straight from the top. Let me be clear. I am not anti-EV. I am pro-American consumer. As I represent rural Georgia, for many of my constituents, EVs are impractical, considering the high cost, lack of charging infrastructure in rural communities, and overall time commitment to get that full charge. The American people do not need or want this administration mandating what car best suits their family's needs. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 136 and to restore consumer choice and end this unreasonable rule. The American people are sick and tired of this.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Representative Biggs, for hosting tonight's Special Order hour, along with my good friend Brian Babin, as well, talking about the devastating impact the crisis at our southern border is causing our country. Every State is a border State. Obviously, we have lost a loved one in Georgia. I got a text, interestingly enough, today from a small rural town in my district that basically they said it is a Third World country here. This is in rural America. She said that she doesn't mean to complain, but they can't even go to the grocery store. I am sure it has been said here many times tonight: Over the past 4 years, the Biden-Harris administration has had an open-border policy. When those candidates, when they were running for President, raised their hands and said that we would give away free healthcare--every single one of them raised their hand. We should have known then what was going to happen. I don't understand why the American people weren't alerted by that because I have been on mission trips to these countries. I have tried to help these people in their home country with medical, buildings, and other things. They have no healthcare. Since the Biden-Harris administration took office, and with Kamala Harris as border czar, there have been over 10 million illegal immigrant encounters and roughly 2 million known got-aways. Got-aways are here for a different reason. It is not good. I can't tell you, for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, how many hearings we have had dealing with fentanyl, like a mom losing a child to fentanyl. It is the leading cause of death of men between ages 14 and 40 in our country. How can we continue to allow this? Worsening the already dire situation, this administration has failed to remove 99.7 percent of illegal immigrants released into the United States, making every community and every State a border State. I have been to the border multiple times, and what I have witnessed is this: It is the most inhumane process I have ever witnessed. It is disgusting that children are pinned up like animals. I asked the Border Patrol where these people get the money to pay the cartels, and I understand the cartels, Mr. Speaker, are making $32 million a week down there. I asked how they would pay for this. They said that they don't have the money. I asked what guarantees payment when they get here. This is what we are allowing. This administration is allowing this. It is the most horrible thing I have ever heard. They are indentured servants in the beacon of freedom, indentured slaves to the cartels. Guess what? If those cartels don't get paid, they start killing off their family members. How disgusting. How can this administration be allowed to continue this barbaric policy? They could put an end to it. I don't know why the Vice President on the campaign trail hasn't said she is going to stop this tomorrow. They can do it. I saw and witnessed them coming across in a boat, and I said: Why don't you all stop the boat? They said: You see those children? If we stop that boat, they will start throwing their children in the river. How can we allow this, America? Like I said, it is barbaric. These are war criminals. We lost a National Guard soldier trying to save someone from drowning. He drowned trying to save them in that river. Folks, I could be here a long time, but enough is enough. The House has taken action by passing the most comprehensive border security bill in the history of the United States Congress, H.R. 2. The Senate has not taken up that bill. We must secure this border. Call your Senators. Demand that they stop these horrible crimes we are seeing committed at this border. Let me tell you something else that nobody's talking about. We have the most generous legal immigration system in the world. Why don't we talk about improving that system bipartisanly? We should be recruiting the best and the brightest into this country, the most skilled. One million people per year are legally allowed to apply for citizenship in this country and go through the process. We also have a million student visas. We need to fix this problem and stop this inhumane and really just barbaric activity that this administration is carrying on with right now. It is disastrous.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for yielding the time. I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 5339, the Protecting Americans' Investments from Woke Policies Act. The Committee on Education and the Workforce worked diligently this Congress to hold the Biden administration accountable for their destructive policies that only serve to harm American families, workers, and retirees. That is why I proudly partnered with many of my committee colleagues to put together this package of bills before us today that stops this administration's assault on the retirement security of millions of Americans. Saving for retirement has become increasingly difficult as prices continue to skyrocket. Over the last 3\1/2\ years, we have witnessed a sharp rise in the cost of basic necessities, putting a significant strain on household budgets. The average household in Georgia is paying over $1,000 per month to purchase the same goods and services as in January of 2021. Cumulatively, the average Georgia household has spent over $27,000 more due to inflation in that same timeframe. As a result of the Biden-Harris administration's out-of-control spending policies, inflation is soaring. Many seniors are living paycheck to paycheck, retirement savings are in jeopardy, and hardworking Americans are struggling to secure their financial future. One example of how the Biden administration is jeopardizing retirement savings is through a Department of Labor rule that allows financial advisors to ignore their responsibility to prioritize financial returns in favor of investing America's retirement savings into risky, climate-related environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, funds. Now, let's be clear. This mandate came from the Department of Labor. It did not come from the financial investment community. ESG funds are proven to carry higher risk and charge steeper fees, and financial institutions have become more brazen in professing partisan and ideological preferences while investing Americans' hard- earned retirement savings. As families continue to struggle to afford basic necessities like gas and groceries due to record inflation, the last thing hardworking taxpayers need is for their retirement savings to be depleted due to politically motivated mismanagement. That is why I was proud to introduce the Roll back ESG To Increase Retirement Earnings, the RETIRE Act. This bill rolls back this overreaching rule and ensures ERISA retirement plan sponsors prioritize financial returns over ESG factors when making investment decisions on behalf of their clients, as mandated by the Department of Labor. My RETIRE Act makes clear what ERISA intended. Retirement plan sponsors should invest their clients' hard-earned money in a manner that maximizes financial returns and minimizes risk, period. We must get back to a point where financial institutions make investment decisions based on standards of return, credit, collateral, raw data, and balance sheet numbers. We can do so by passing today's legislation. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 5339.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate F. Scott Orr on his well-deserved retirement from Georgia Power after nearly 42 years of invaluable service, Joining the company in 1982, Scott has worn many hats over the years, including roles in marketing, engineering, district sales, region sales, and customer service. Scott then found his niche as manager of Federal Legislative Affairs--representing Georgia Power on a wide range of issues for 22 memorable years. During his time in this role, Scott worked with nearly 40 different Members of Congress and Senators from Georgia, as well as countless staffers who benefited not just from Scott's engineering background, energy policy expertise. and understanding of constituent issues, but also his enduring kindness, unending generosity, and genuine friendship. Since being elected to Congress in 2014, I have been blessed to work closely with Scott and welcome him to my DC office on numerous occasions. Scott was integral in the successful completion of bringing online Nuclear Units 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle--a monumental accomplishment for the 12th District, the state of Georgia as a whole, and the entire Nation--and for that, I am eternally grateful. I consider myself lucky to call Scott a friend, and as he embarks on this next chapter of life, Robin and I wish him and Benita all the best and congratulate him on a remarkable career at Georgia Power.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John F. Welsh--a World War II combat veteran and American patriot who celebrates his 98th birthday on September 4th, 2024. John Welsh, better known as ``Jack,'' was born in Macon, Georgia and grew up along the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Pensacola, Florida. Jack never had a doubt that he was called to serve. Upon graduating high school on June 6, 1944--the same day allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy--Jack immediately spoke to his parents about enlisting in the United States Army. Having watched World War II progress through his high school years and on the front pages of the newspapers he himself delivered, Jack was elated that his parents agreed, and he entered basic training in the fall of 1944. By October, Jack had crossed the country and the Pacific Ocean to land in the Philippines, and upon completion of his mission there, served in the occupation of Japan. After his years of service, Jack was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Army of Occupation Ribbon, the Victory Ribbon, and three Overseas Service Bars. After discharge, Jack enrolled in Duke University's Forestry school where he earned both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Forestry. He also met the love of his life, Mary Ann Casimes, with whom he later married and raised a family. We thank Jack for his years of service and wish him a happy 98th birthday. God bless.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Shannon W. Swing on his retirement from the Federal Aviation Administration. Shannon faithfully served this institution for 32 years, first in Anchorage, Alaska, then in Salt Lake City, Utah and finally in Boise, Idaho. With his calm demeanor, Shannon quickly became a leader in the organization, training new employees and being a steadfast presence in the tower. His contributions to ensuring a safe airspace were invaluable to providing efficient and secure travel for passengers across the country and world. We thank Shannon for his dedication and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.