Kelly Armstrong

Mr. ARMSTRONG

Mr. ARMSTRONG. Mr. Speaker, sheriffs from across the country are in D.C. this week, and they have a simple message for Congress: Secure the border. These sheriffs know that border security will help stem the flow of illegal drugs and human trafficking which affect communities all across the country. The sheriffs warn that a new demand from my colleagues across the aisle could mean over 8,000 criminals would have to be released by authorities. They wrote: ``This dangerous Congressional proposal not only jeopardizes the risk of our national security, but hinders our law enforcement officers from effectively enforcing and upholding the law and protecting their communities.'' In other words, this demand does not make our country safer. We need to empower law enforcement to hold criminal aliens, when appropriate, to protect our communities. The last thing we should do is release dangerous criminals from custody. I urge negotiators to come to an agreement to secure our border, build the wall--a barrier, a fence, a partition, a panel. I am less interested in semantics and more interested in supporting the law enforcement officers who are on the front lines every day protecting our communities.

Mr. ARMSTRONG

Mr. ARMSTRONG. Madam Speaker, the North Dakota State University football team brought home their record seventh FCS championship trophy in 8 years. On January 5, the Bison defeated the Eastern Washington Eagles, 38- 24. The Eagles are a good team and attempted several comebacks, but the Bison held strong for the win. Quarterback Easton Stick led the Bison with a spectacular performance. He had five touchdowns--two passing and three rushing--for a combined 319 yards. The Bison players were cheered on by 17,000 dedicated NDSU fans who traveled over 1,000 miles south to Frisco, Texas, for what has become an annual journey. Victory also sealed Coach Klieman's place in college football history. In his five seasons, he has coached the team to four national championships and just four conference losses. Madam Speaker, this incredible achievement is the result of months of hard work and preparation. Congratulations to all Bison players, coaches, and fans. They earned it.