Mark Alford

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Fourth District of Missouri's May Small Business of the Month, Energy Transport Solutions. ETS is a customer service-focused business. It is run by an industry- experienced family that is proud to have an excellent safety record while getting the job done in Missouri. Energy Transport Solutions has been owned and operated by a father and son duo, Glen and Eric Kolkmeyer, in Bates City, Missouri, since 1955. ETS specializes in transportation of refined fuels, propane, jet and aviation fuel, and anhydrous ammonia. ETS has been in the propane industry for over 68 years and has continued to be a reliable company to haul our community's products. By the way, they also haul the fuel for the B-2 Stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base. We are so grateful for Energy Transport Solutions' support as we continue to support them. It is an honor to watch them go out of their way to hire and support veterans. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Energy Transport Solutions on the well- deserved recognition of Small Business of the Month in the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri. Keep up the great work. President Biden's Ultimatum to Israel

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern over the President's ultimatum to the State of Israel. Having recently visited Israel on the border with Gaza, I fully grasp the gravity of the situation right now. I witnessed the resolve of the Jewish people. Never have I seen such determination from a country and its people as I have there in the State of Israel. Their resolve is strong. They are resilient and ready to finish the job, bring the hostages home, and eradicate Hamas. The White House's decision to halt weapons shipments to Israel is wrong, Mr. Speaker. It is just plain wrong. When the going gets tough, you do not abandon friends and allies. They are our greatest ally in the Middle East. It is unacceptable that Hamas still holds Americans and others hostage. This could be over today, Mr. Speaker, if Hamas would release the hostages and surrender. We must help Israel eradicate Hamas. We must remove them from that region by any force necessary. I call on the President of the United States and Secretary of Defense Austin to immediately lift the blockade and resume shipments to Israel. The future of the region depends upon it. There is no excuse for pausing the weapons. It is an attempt to strong-arm Israel. The Biden administration has crossed the line. Mr. Speaker, I can say with certainty that while the Biden administration does not stand with Israel, the American people do.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as my colleague Nick Langworthy did before me, to express my support for the State of Israel in its war for survival, basically, against the terrorist Hamas group. We need to make one thing perfectly clear in this body: We stand with Israel, no matter what. As Mr. Langworthy just said, 16 Congressmen and -women just returned from Israel. Many of their spouses went, as well. This was a trip to gain insight, to gain context and perspective, to be educated about the plight of Israel and what they are facing in this war with these brutal savages, the Hamas terrorists. What we saw, Mr. Speaker, was horrible. We went to a kibbutz in the southern part of Israel. It was one of our first stops. This was a village. Basically, a kibbutz is a community or a gathering of people. It was a beautiful village at one time. We went there, and it was frozen in time. Tricycles were left out on the sidewalk area. Clothes were pulled halfway out of the dryer. Food was still on the table of some of these homes. Other homes were almost burned to the ground. Glass was shattered. Lives were shattered, as well. We saw that moment frozen in time, 6:32 on the morning of October 7. The folks who had woken up that morning thought it was just going to be another normal day in the kibbutz, a day to share with family, to go to school, to work in their crops. They were just within a stone's throw of Gaza. Little did they know that that day was going to be a day that lived in infamy for Israel because, you see, the Hamas terrorists broke down the fence and the gates into that kibbutz, kidnapped more than 40 people from that kibbutz, killed more than 200, brutally murdering women who were pregnant, ripping the babies out of their wombs, burning others alive. We were able to see firsthand the devastation and destruction left by these brutal terrorists. Israel is a nation of resolve, and we saw that, as well. We saw that in kibbutzim further north up on the border with Lebanon, where 654 people, an entire kibbutz, had to be evacuated because they were not safe because of the rockets from Hezbollah. Hezbollah is being funded by Iran. This is a proxy war by people who don't want Israel to exist, who want to wipe it off the face of the Earth. The sanction money that this President has released, some $16 billion that has gone to Iran, has been used to buy rockets and missiles for Hezbollah. Saturday morning, we left a hotel in that kibbutz area to make our way further north and to the west, near the Lebanese border. Mr. Speaker, 52 minutes after we left this hotel, Hezbollah fired 30 rockets on that hotel that we stayed in. The Iron Dome stopped 29 of those, but one of them hit near the hotel. It didn't do any damage, but 16 Members of Congress and their families were there just an hour prior to that. It is very clear that this is not just a war between Islamic terrorists and Israel. This is a war between civilizations. This is a war, a battle between good and evil, and that is why it is imperative that we stand with Israel. Imagine, Mr. Speaker, your home. Maybe you have lived there for a couple of decades. Imagine if you lived there 80 years, and the neighbor to your right, the neighbor to your left, the neighbor across the street, and the neighbor behind you never wanted you there. All they could think about is driving you out of that house. If it meant killing you and your family to do that, so be it. That is what the State of Israel is facing. We met with the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and with the President of Israel, President Herzog. Let me assure you today, despite the media reports, Mr. Speaker, despite what others in this body may be saying, the will of Israel is strong to finish off the four battalions that remain in Rafah of these terrorist killers and, just as importantly, to bring home safely the 133 hostages, some of whom are Americans. Unfortunately, just today, Mr. Speaker, a report was released that the Hamas terrorists may have delivered some 40 of these hostages to other terrorist nations or terrorist entities, and they may not even be in Gaza. Israel needs to know if these people are alive. They deserve to know proof of life. A lot of people are calling for a cease-fire. Israel, the IDF, has Hamas on the ropes. It is time to finish the job. It is time to eradicate Hamas. It is time to bring the hostages home. It is time for peace in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, I want to close with this, because this is nothing new to Israel, ever since they crossed the Jordan River. Some 2,600 years ago, a prominent Levite songwriter in King David's court penned these words. It still rings true today, Mr. Speaker. O God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. For, behold, Thine enemies make an uproar; And those who hate Thee have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Thy people, And conspire together against Thy treasured ones. They have said, ``Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation. That the name of Israel be remembered no more.'' For they have conspired together with one mind; Against Thee do they make a covenant . . . Who say, ``Let us possess for ourselves The pastures of God.'' God, fill their faces with dishonor, That they may seek Thy name, O Lord. Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever; And let them be humiliated and perish, That they may know that Thou alone, whose name is the Lord, Art the most high over all the Earth. Today, it is Israel. Tomorrow, it could be America. The jihadists, the Islamic extremists, the terrorists call Israel the Little Satan. They call the United States of America the Great Satan. We stand with Israel, and even if this administration is trying to pry open a crack in our relationship, this body should not let that stand and make it very clear that Israel is our friend, our ally, and we will stand behind them and beside them. Mr. Speaker, I hope this is all over very soon because this could be over today if Hamas would release the hostages and simply surrender. When that does happen, we will rejoice with Israel, but, Mr. Speaker, until that does happen, we weep with Israel.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of our resolution celebrating the 175th anniversary of Laclede County and the city of Lebanon in the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri. On February 24, 1849, the foundations of Laclede County and Lebanon were laid, marking the beginning of a journey that would see these communities grow, develop, and contribute significantly to the fabric of Missouri. With more than 36,000 residents in Laclede County and more than 14,000 in Lebanon, these are vibrant communities that embody the spirit of Missouri and America's heartland. Named after Pierre Laclede, St. Louis' founder, Laclede County symbolizes Missouri's rich heritage and community spirit. It is also a great place if you ever want to go trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park. It is an honor to recognize Laclede County and Lebanon and the people who have shaped these areas into strong, thriving communities, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my support for the Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies Act of 2023, otherwise known as the USE IT Act. Mr. Speaker, it is time for Federal employees to get back into the office. Use it or lose it. The Government Accountability Office, GAO, found that, on average, 17 of the 24 CFO agency headquarters were at least 25 percent or less utilization in 2023. There are two examples that I have direct oversight over through the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Agriculture. The Small Business Administration has 270,000 square feet. Only 9 percent of the people who work there show up for work. In the USDA's 2 million square feet of beautiful buildings just down the street here, only 11 percent of those buildings are occupied. Are these agencies trying to hide the low numbers of workers actually showing up to work for the American people? The majority of workers aren't at their desks. They are not answering the phones. That is why our congressional offices are having to do their job. Mr. Speaker, I don't mind helping our constituents. That is what we get paid to do. I have a card here. Most Members of Congress carry their schedules around in their pockets. We have 16 appointments today. Mr. Speaker, you show up for work every day that you are supposed to be here. The ranking member shows up for work. He is not phoning it in. People in these agencies should not be phoning it in, either. We need to look at our constituents as clients, the American taxpayer. When I first came to D.C. 14 months ago, I wanted to visit the very agencies over which we had oversight, the Small Business Administration, the Pentagon, the USDA. We went to the Pentagon, but the other agencies would not let us in the door. Why is that? A sitting Member of Congress could not get into the door of these agencies. That is why we filed the Congressional Access to Bureaucratic Offices Act, which more or less complements this resolution. Sitting Members of Congress should be able to get into these agencies. They are not because they have been hiding the low numbers of people who are actually at their desks. This bill would require the agencies to submit a report to Congress that includes the actual utilization rate. Mr. Speaker, as a former news anchor for 35 years in America, I have breaking news for you. COVID is over. Get back to work for the American people. Start doing your job. Quit putting the pressure on constituents to have to call their Congress Member, their Congressman or Congresswoman, to get the job done that they should be doing in the first place.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Missouri, as our district's Small Business of the Month. Chris and Kelly Gregory opened the school back in 1995 and have since been leaders in teaching the craft of horseshoeing and blacksmithing. This school is more than just a business. It is a place where students from all over the world can learn a skill that has been very important for centuries. The Gregorys' work is a reminder of how vital small business is to America. They are not just teaching a trade; they are keeping our heritage strong and helping our economy grow. Their reach goes far beyond our district, Mr. Speaker. Their YouTube channel shares their knowledge with more than 220,000 subscribers. Folks like the Gregorys show us what we can do when we achieve with hard work and passion the dreams that make us great in America. Congratulations to Chris and Kelly Gregory. Their work is shaping the future of horseshoeing and showing the power of small businesses in America.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor our Veteran of the Month, Daniel Avegalio, a marine who served bravely in Operation Iraqi Freedom not once but three times. Daniel's dedication to our country is a testament to the spirit of American service. From Pettis County, Daniel has not only served his country in uniform but continues to serve by guiding fellow veterans in their life after the military. His commitment shines through his work with the Sedalia Military Affairs Committee and his educational leadership as a George W. Bush Presidential Center Scholar. Today, he furthers his impact with Western Governors University, helping military members transition to civilian life. Daniel represents the best of us, the best of America. His sacrifice and ongoing commitment to his fellow servicemen and -women exemplify the enduring American values of loyalty, service, and community, for which I thank Daniel.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership of our Ranking Member Velazquez and our esteemed Chairman Williams. It is, indeed, a pleasure to be on this committee. There are many Members here today who are on the Small Business Committee and are making a difference for America in every piece of legislation we pass. I rise today to speak on the Small Business Administration Rural Performance Report Act, a bill that we introduced to support our rural small businesses. These businesses are essential to rural America, providing over 54 percent of employment in rural communities and counties. This bill would help us understand how the Small Business Administration is really helping them succeed. The bill requires two reports. First, it would give us insight into the Office of Rural Affairs, ensuring that they are providing the proper help to rural businesses. We are all aware of the crucial role that these businesses play in our economy, yet the support that they offer is often unknown to small business owners. At a hearing just last summer, several small business owners, including Jennifer Cassaday, a constituent of mine who owns Byrd's Pecan Delights in Adrian, Missouri, came here to testify that she didn't even know that the Office of Rural Affairs existed. Mr. Speaker, this bill would change that. It demands clear, detailed reports on the Office of Rural Affairs and its efforts to aid these businesses and people like Jennifer. Are they providing the right assistance? Are the resources and information reaching those who need it the most? It is time we had solid answers. This bill would provide them. Mr. Speaker, the second part of this report requires a review of a memorandum of understanding between the SBA and the Department of Agriculture. This Trump-era MOU was a recognition that ag goes hand in hand with rural small businesses. Supporting this bill means that we are committed to making sure that our rural entrepreneurs have the support they need in a timely fashion. We are standing up for the underrepresented, ensuring our rural small businesses are not left behind in America. We are promoting the accountability and oversight needed to support the backbone of our economy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote for transparency, responsibility, and the success of our rural small business owners.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Pennsylvania for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the rule and to address a pressing issue affecting each and every American--our energy security. You see, Mr. Speaker, energy is not a luxury. It is the bedrock of our Nation's strength. It heats our homes, it cooks our food, and it fuels our travels. Yet, our energy independence is threatened as domestic energy producers face unprecedented challenges. The pause on LNG export permits empowers countries like Russia and Iran and hurts our allies who depend on U.S. energy. This is precisely why we need this legislation, Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. We have witnessed a regulatory assault that has stifled investment. It has spiked energy prices. It has hit families where it hurts the most, in their pocketbooks and purses. Remember, American-produced LNG is cleaner with 41 percent lower life-cycle emissions than Russian gas, but now, because of a political stunt by the President of the United States, our Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at its lowest level since the 1980s. This is just not an environmental issue. It is an economic and security crisis. The energy sector supports millions of American jobs and has been the engine of our economy, but the current policies risk these jobs and our growth. This is not about politics. This is about our very survival as a Nation. We must act, and we must act now. We must support policies that bolster American energy, support our American allies, and ensure our American security. By doing so, we uphold the American legacy of resilience and ensure a prosperous future for all American citizens.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize Katelyn Wright, of Kearney, Missouri, and congratulate her for winning the ``Voice of Democracy'' scholarship competition for the State of Missouri hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Katelyn's submission for the Patriotic Audio Essay Competition on the voice of democracy, ``My Past, My Present, and My Future'' was extremely thought-provoking and discussed the importance of American veterans. Ms. Wright has demonstrated her capability in multiple ways. She secured second place in last year's scholarship competition, serves as vice-president of the Clay-County Missouri 4-H Council, has earned multiple state 4-H public speaking championships, among many others. Beyond these academic achievements, Ms. Wright is notably involved in her community. She volunteers her time to serve food and deliver groceries with a local organization, serves as a part-time Sunday school teacher, and plays piano for her local church. I stand here today to congratulate Ms. Katelyn Wright, wish her good luck in the upcoming national competition, extend my support as she continues her academic career, and recognize an extremely bright and talented young woman from the State of Missouri.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 2024 AFC champion, the Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs Kingdom was so proud to watch our team hoist the Lamar Hunt Trophy once again. The haters and naysayers said the Chiefs couldn't win on the road. They said that the Ravens defense would stifle Patrick Mahomes. They said we couldn't stop Lamar. They even said Travis Kelce would be too focused on Taylor and not on football. Well, Mr. Speaker, shake it off. You see, Mr. Speaker, nothing can stop the Chiefs--not Tucker's helmet placement, not Flowers' taunting, and especially not Lamar's throwing into triple coverage. As Mitch Holthus said: ``You can doubt the Chiefs. You can dislike the Chiefs. You can disrespect the Chiefs. You are going to have to deal with the Chiefs being the AFC champions for the fourth time in five seasons.'' Missouri is rooting for you. Go Chiefs.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for yielding time. I rise in support of the rule for this bill package of four measures, actually, which includes the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act. I also express my strong support for securing our border. Now, I feel like I must start out by addressing the fallacy brought forth by our ranking member on the Rules Committee. This is not a political measure--on the part of the Republicans, anyway--if it had been, for a Presidential or congressional election year, why did we pass H.R. 2 last year? We passed it in May of last year, and it has been sitting across the hallway here on Chuck Schumer's desk since May. The Democrats have refused to secure our border, and an open border makes America vulnerable on the world stage. Biden's border crisis has turned every American community into a border community. Since Biden has taken office, more than 8.7 million illegal aliens have invaded our Nation. For 34 straight months, Mr. Speaker, monthly encounters have been at a higher rate than even the highest month during the Trump administration. This is a humanitarian crisis. They are bringing in fentanyl that is poisoning our young people. They are bringing human sex trafficking with them. Mr. Speaker, 100,000 children who have come across our border illegally are now unaccounted for in America. The rising number of illegal aliens is alarming. It is unacceptable. Just this fiscal year, 49 people on the terrorist watch list have been caught trying to enter the U.S., and there have been 1.7 million got-aways. How many of those are members of Hamas? Where are these people coming from? The simple answer is, we don't know. I am deeply concerned for our national safety, our national security. Recently, two high-ranking retired FBI members sent a letter to our Speaker and chairman warning that what could be coming to the United States of America is far much worse than what happened on 9/11. I read one paragraph from their letter: ``The threat we call out today is new and unfamiliar. In its modern history, the U.S. has never suffered an invasion of the homeland, and, yet, one is unfolding now. Military-aged men from across the globe, many from countries or regions not friendly to the U.S., are landing in waves on our soil by the thousands--not by splashing ashore from a ship or parachuting from a plane but rather by foot across a border that has been accurately advertised around the world as largely unprotected with ready access granted.'' That is what this President has done to our national security. President Ronald Reagan once said: ``A Nation that cannot control its borders is not a Nation.'' That is the problem we are facing now. This President refuses to control our borders. He refuses to control the terrorists who are running freely, and our Nation is slowly withering away. We are at risk today. When will enough be enough for the Biden administration? The President has every means available--my good friend from Texas spelled those out--to secure the border now. It is time to demand that President Biden take action. We must protect our people. We are committed to ending this crisis and securing our border. The congressional Democrats and the White House apparently have other plans. I urge my colleagues to vote for America, to vote for this rule, and to vote for this bill package.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I stand before you with immense pride and a spirited ``Go Chiefs'' to introduce a resolution commemorating a historic moment in sports history. We gather to recognize the 54th anniversary of the Kansas City Chiefs' first Super Bowl victory, a day that remains etched in the hearts of many. On January 11, 1970, the Chiefs triumphed over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV with a score of 23-7, with the late, great Lenny Dawson, pictured here, leading the way. By the way, you may not know this, Mr. Speaker, but the term ``Super Bowl'' was coined by the Chief's owner, Lamar Hunt, who saw his kids playing with a Superball. He thought, hey, that sounds like a great name for a contest, so he named it the ``Super Bowl,'' and the rest is history. This wasn't just any Super Bowl. It was a historic moment as it was the final game played at an American Football League franchise before the AFL-NFL merger. This resolution is a tribute to that victory, a celebration of the team's enduring legacy, and an acknowledgment of the joy and unity it brought to fans, our community, and our State. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. As we prepare to attend the Chiefs' playoff game this Saturday at Arrowhead, which could be the coldest NFL game since 2016, a balmy 5 degrees, I say, once again: Go Chiefs. 202nd Anniversary of the Great Seal of Missouri

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 202nd anniversary of the adoption of the great seal of the State of Missouri, seen right here and above our very heads on the ceiling of this distinguished Chamber. On January 11, 1822, the Missouri General Assembly adopted an act that established a symbol of the State of Missouri for the people of Missouri. This seal symbolizes the bravery, strength, and unity of the Show-Me State. ``Salus populi suprema lex esto,'' our State motto, means: the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law. The great seal designer, William Wells, intended the motto to represent the very fabric of the State government. The crescent Moon symbolizes Missouri at the time of the seal's creation--of small population and wealth but would increase soon, just like the crescent Moon. The two bears represent the strength of our State. There are 24 stars. Twenty-three of them represent the States that were already in existence when Missouri became the 24th. The clouds surrounding the stars represent the rocky process that led to Missouri becoming a State. The seal itself declares and emphasizes: ``United We Stand, Divided We Fall.'' Our founders knew that if we work together, we can accomplish great things for our State and our Nation.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I missed yesterday's vote due to a snow storm in Kansas City, MO. Had I been present, I would have voted PRES on Roll Call No. 1.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday next, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a landmark event in our Nation's military history, the 83rd anniversary of the groundbreaking of Fort Leonard Wood in Pulaski County, Missouri. Fort Leonard Wood stands as a symbol of American excellence and dedication. The base's rich history is marked from its early beginnings where it played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a training facility for more than 300,000 soldiers. Today, Fort Leonard Wood continues the level of excellence displayed in those beginnings as it has become a cornerstone of our military's infrastructure, training more than 80,000 personnel each year. This facility's unique capability to train every branch of our military demonstrates its versatility and importance in our national defense. I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution and to recognize the 83rd anniversary of the groundbreaking of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I really don't take any joy in being here standing before you today to address this matter of grave concern. Mr. Speaker, this is not trivial. This is not stupid. This is profoundly important; a solemn duty that I do not take lightly. This is not personal. This is not partisan. It is to protect this very body. Representative Jamaal Bowman was criminally charged and pleaded guilty to falsely pulling a fire alarm. While I applaud his confession, that doesn't mean this is without consequences. This act was not a mere lapse in judgment. It was not a mistake. It was not an accident. It was an intentional, calculated attempt to disrupt the very democratic process by halting a critical vote on this very floor, voting for government funding. If you don't believe it, watch the video. What should our response be as a House to this willful act of obstruction? Mr. Speaker, to this point, nothing has been done. This inaction sends a very dangerous message: that a Member of Congress can break the law and the norms of this institution to obstruct a vote without any consequences. We must rise above partisan politics and hold our own accountable. The integrity of our democratic process, the safety of our community, the trust of the American people, and the function of this body demands nothing less. We cannot allow the reckless, calculated actions of one individual to overshadow the critical work that this body does. I am sure that Mr. Bowman is a fine Representative for the people of his district. This is not a joyous day for anyone here on this side of the aisle. This is a sad day for this body. It is an even sadder day if we do nothing about this egregious act. I recommend that the entire body vote ``yes'' for the censure.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the Small Business Administration and the Biden administration have continuously failed to take action to prevent this type of fraud that happened during COVID-19, ripping off you, ripping off me, ripping off everyone in this room, and ripping off the American taxpayer. The SBA's Office of the Inspector General has estimated that at least $200 billion in COVID relief money given by the SBA ended up in the wrong hands of fraudulent actors. We believe it could be well up over $600 billion. Roughly 20 percent of that money intended to help small businesses went to the wrong people, and SBA Administrator Guzman refuses to testify before our very committee about these losses. These losses must never happen again, Mr. Speaker, and Chairman Williams' bill addresses this by doing what the SBA is not willing to do right now, and that is to hold these fraudsters accountable and make sure they are unable to steal from us again. I proudly support Chairman Williams' bill, H.R. 5427, which prevents anyone who is convicted of defrauding the SBA's lending programs from getting any future financial assistance from that agency. We cannot live in an America that allows criminals to defraud taxpayers and hardworking small business owners especially during a time of need. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5427.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of H.R. 4480 because, as Members of Congress, it is our duty to protect and support our Nation's veterans. Earlier this year, it was my distinct pleasure to have Lieutenant Commander Taylor Burks of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District and a former opponent of mine in the primary for this very congressional seat, testify at a Small Business Committee hearing on veteran entrepreneurship. We learned not only about the unique skill set veterans can bring to the small business environment, but also the obstacles they face when trying to open small businesses and live out the American Dream and the challenge of even finding the programs available through the Small Business Administration. It was very important for all Members to hear how the committee and the Small Business Administration can better serve those who have served our great Nation. As a result, my colleague Representative Sharice Davids of Kansas and I introduced the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans, or SERV Act. This bipartisan legislation, which passed through the Small Business Committee unanimously, will help veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by studying the barriers when starting a business. This bill will commission a report on the outreach and promotion of existing veteran-focused small business programs to make sure that veterans can access all available resources, capital, and credit. There are programs out there, but a lot of veterans have never heard of them, such as the Veterans Business Outreach Centers, the Boots to Business program, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business contracting programs. This legislation also mandates the Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development to devise an outreach and promotion strategy for these programs and many others available to veterans transitioning into the business world. Veterans' service to our Nation should not end with difficulties in accessing capital and resources. With transparency and increased reporting, we can better ensure that they receive the support that they deserve. I am proud to co-lead the SERV Act with my neighboring district Representative and colleague, Congresswoman Sharice Davids of Kansas, to promote veteran entrepreneurship in our great Nation. This bill is a win for our districts. It is a win for veterans. It is a win for our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I want to get one thing straight for our Members on the other side of the aisle. The only shutdown that we are in favor of is a shutdown of the woke indoctrination in our military, the shutdown of the infection of socialism propagated by the other side, and a shutdown of the bloated government spending and the overreach of regulation in America. Now, on to my main point. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the blatant attacks on the Second Amendment from the Governor of New Mexico. We saw with COVID unprecedented government overreach that infringed on the rights of millions of Americans. Let me be crystal clear, Mr. Speaker: There is no such thing as a state public health emergency exception in the U.S. Constitution. The Second Amendment is a God-given right to the American people. We will not sit idly by as the people of New Mexico have their rights trampled by an unhinged lunatic. Throughout history, countless populations have been rendered vulnerable due to their inability to defend themselves from both external and internal threats. Our Founding Fathers, with great foresight and understanding of history's lessons, enshrined the right to bear arms not only as a protection from foreign invaders but also as a safeguard against potential domestic tyranny. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 684 and push back against the attacks on we the people's God-given rights.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I stand with my colleagues to oppose the motion to obstruct and to repeal facilitating abortions funded by the Department of Defense and, in effect, taxpayers. Following the Supreme Court's landmark Dobbs decision, the Biden administration sought ways to bypass the ruling. They have encouraged Federal agencies to not only expand abortion access but also to burden American taxpayers with the cost. Last October, the Secretary of Defense released a memo titled: ``Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care.'' Let's get something straight, Mr. Speaker. There is nothing reproductive about abortion. Abortion ends a life. It does not reproduce. This memo paves the way for taxpayer money to facilitate abortion for servicemembers and their dependents. It even allows for the reimbursement of travel expenses for those seeking abortions in another State. Taxpayer funds for the DOD are meant for national defense, not to further a pro- abortion agenda. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker. We believe in life-affirming care for the mother and the baby that God is growing inside of her, but we also believe that the government in no way, no shape, and no form should be paying to facilitate ending that life. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to back this amendment and defeat the motion to obstruct. Let's save some lives.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our recently introduced legislation, the Congressional Access to Bureaucratic Offices, the CABO Act. Oversight of the executive branch is one of the core functions of this very body, the U.S. House of Representatives, but agencies have continuously refused entry to Members of this House. For 6 long months, we have been refused entry into the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration. I sit on the Ag Committee and the Small Business Committee. This is unacceptable. From everything we have been told, it appears that at least half of the Federal workforce is away from their office at any given time. Some reports say if you go over to these Federal offices down the way here from Congress, fewer than 20 percent of the workforce will actually be at their desks. I ask, Mr. Speaker, are these agencies trying to hide the low numbers of workers actually showing up for work and doing their jobs like we do here? Our legislation, the CABO Act, will address this very problem. It will allow Members and their staffs full access to these bureaucratic agencies without excuses like COVID restrictions or other declared emergencies. We need transparency. We need access to these agencies, these Federal bureaucracies that we oversee. There is no reason that Members of Congress should not be allowed to see what is happening inside these buildings. It is time to get off the beach and back to work in Washington, D.C.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations of his conduct, a culture of corruption. We now know this to be true: The Biden family received more than $20 million in foreign payments from China, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania. That 10 percent cut for the big guy, well, yes, that was for Joe Biden. The Bidens created over 20-plus shell companies to conceal the money. Joe Biden joined 20 phone calls with Hunter Biden's business partners. Texts invoked Biden to shake down a Chinese business partner for cash. Joe Biden used pseudonyms on emails. There are at least 150 suspicious activity reports. Joe Biden's pattern of behavior is deeply disturbing and concerning for our national security. Mr. Speaker, we need answers. We need those bank records. We need the truth.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.