Mark Alford

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their hard work in this endeavor. Mr. Speaker, here we are again. I rise in strong support of this continuing resolution. Last year, Senate Democrats manufactured a 42-day shutdown that punished troops, farmers, veterans, and working families. Airports were backed up and paychecks froze. Rural hospitals and local law enforcement felt the hit, and Missouri families paid the price for Washington games. We will not let that happen again. This clean, short-term continuing resolution keeps the government open through early December. It pays our troops. It funds the Department of Veterans Affairs. It keeps SNAP and WIC operating for Missouri mothers and children. It sustains USDA programs our farmers and ranchers depend on. It funds disaster relief and surface transportation. It does not load the bill with poison pills that invite another crisis right before the American people vote. House Republicans have already done the hard work. They have moved the appropriations bills. They have restored regular order. They fought for fiscal discipline and for real investments in rural America, including more than $20 million that was secured for Missouri's Fourth Congressional District in infrastructure, rural health, agriculture research, and public safety. Mr. Speaker, a continuing resolution is not the finish line. Full- year bills are the finish line, but a shutdown is not a strategy. It is an abdication. It is a political stunt dressed up as principle. The other side had a chance last year to help us fund the government, but they chose leverage instead. They chose chaos instead. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the American people remember that. Today, we choose competence and to keep the lights on. We protect the progress already made. We give appropriators the time to finish our full-year bills without holding servicemembers, farmers, and seniors hostage. You see, Missourians did not send me here to shut the government down for talking points. The American people sent us here to fund the government, to cut the waste, to secure the country, and get results. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution to keep the government open and then finish the appropriations work the Constitution actually requires of us here in Congress.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Steil for his dedicated hard work on getting this bill to the floor. It wasn't easy. Mr. Speaker, public service is a privilege. It is not a pathway to personal profit. Yet, too many Americans look at us here in Congress and wonder if that line has been blurred, not proven, not assumed, but simply questioned. That question alone is a problem. Mr. Speaker, that is because when lawmakers consistently outperform Wall Street, then people start asking questions. They start doubting. They stop trusting in us. For example, Mr. Speaker, there is even a Member here in our body who entered Congress years ago with a net worth in the thousands, and yet now has a net worth of well more than $200 million. That is exactly why this matters, Mr. Speaker. When I came to Congress, I made it quite clear: We should not be trading individual stocks while we are making decisions that shape our economy. That is why I introduced the PELOSI Act to draw a bright, unmistakable line, no stock trading, no gray area, and no doubt, to be above the appearance of impropriety as Chairman Steil said. The very legislation we are debating today from my friend, Chairman Steil, advances that same principle. It says that if you have the privilege of serving in this body and serving your constituents, Mr. Speaker, then you don't get to personally profit from the markets that you help influence. This isn't complicated. The American people shouldn't have to wonder if their Representative is working for them or watching their stock portfolio on their phones here on the House Chamber. Let's remove that doubt. Let's restore trust to this body. Let's raise the standard of each and every one of us here in this body today. If I wanted to, I could have made a lot of money in the last 3\1/2\ years I was here trading stock and probably would be able to afford an apartment somewhere in D.C. However, I don't, and like a lot of Members who don't trade stocks, I sleep on my couch in my office. Do you know what, Mr. Speaker? I sleep well. I sleep well knowing that I am doing the right thing. In closing, I grew up in the Church of Christ down in Baytown, Texas. I worked for a while in West Palm Beach. There was a preacher there named Dan Jenkins who used to say all the time: It is always right to do right. It is always wrong to do wrong. It is never right to do wrong, and it is never wrong to do right. Mr. Speaker, this bill is the right thing to do, not just for the American people, but for our body to restore trust to us.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and further when the House adjourns on that day, it adjourn to meet on Monday, July 20, 2026, 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 true Kansas City legend, John Wathan, whose lifelong dedication to the Kansas City Royals has now earned him a well-deserved place in the Royals Hall of Fame. For more than five decades in baseball, and an incredible 47 years with one organization, John Wathan has done it all: catcher, first baseman, outfielder, manager, coach, broadcaster, and scout. You name it, he has done it. His impact on the game and on Kansas City is simply unmatched. He was there for some of the most defining moments in Royals history, including the club's first World Series in 1985. Long after his playing days, he continued to shape generations of players and strengthen the organization he proudly called home. They called him The Duke, but what truly set John Wathan apart was not just his talent. It was his loyalty, his love, and his humility. The city of Kansas City is 100 percent behind him. This honor is more than overdue. It is a testament to a lifelong commitment to the game, to the city, and to our community. Mr. Speaker, legends aren't just defined by what they achieve but how they are serving others. John Wathan's legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come. We are so proud to congratulate The Duke and his family on this incredible honor.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Frankel for their hard work on putting this bill together. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs funding bill. We are talking about security through responsibility today. This is a bill that does something that Washington doesn't always do: It spends less, and it prioritizes more. It cuts spending by $2.6 billion, compared to last year, while putting American interests and national security first. It also demands fiscal responsibility. It strengthens oversight of taxpayer dollars, especially, with new accountability for grant programs, to make sure that taxpayer dollars are not spent on woke projects, like a transgender opera in Colombia. Mr. Chairman, this legislation also makes a simple promise to the American people: If American taxpayers are footing the bill, then more of that money should stay right here in America. It is pretty simple. It should stay in America to support our defense, to support our industrial base, and to strengthen Made in America procurement. When we do spend abroad, it should serve American interests, supporting our allies like Israel and Taiwan. This bill, Mr. Chairman, is about security. It is about accountability, and it is about putting America first. That is why I strongly urge its support.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Williams for his stalwart leadership on this committee for bills that we are very passionate about for Main Street America. I thank my good friend Representative Olszewski for his support of this bill, as well. I rise today in support of passing the Small Business Technological Advancement Act through the House. Small businesses are the backbone of America. They are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs. They strengthen communities, and they drive innovation across our great country. But in today's economy, Mr. Speaker, no small business can compete effectively without access to modern technology. Cloud-based accounting systems, payroll platforms, cybersecurity tools, inventory management software, and emerging artificial intelligence applications are not optional any longer if you are going to succeed in small business. They are essential for operating and growing a business. Yet, under the SBA's 7(a) loan program, there has been unnecessary uncertainty about whether these investments qualify as eligible business expenses. That confusion has slowed access to capital and really made it tougher for our entrepreneurs to operate and to modernize. This bill resolves that uncertainty. It ensures that those loans can be used for technology small businesses rely on today, including software, cloud computing services, and other digital tools that improve efficiency and competitiveness. Mr. Speaker, I don't know about you, but I am into commonsense solutions for America, and this is one of those. This is a simple, commonsense fix. It doesn't create any new programs. It doesn't expand the scope of Federal lending. It simply provides clarity so that lenders and small business owners can move forward with confidence. If we want Main Street to compete in a modern digital economy, our laws must reflect that reality, and that is why I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for the Small Business Technological Advancement Act.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Chair, I thank Representative Harris for his leadership as the subcommittee chair of this great committee, and our ranking member, Mr. Bishop. They are two fine gentlemen who have shepherded this bill through. I know it is not perfect for everyone in the room, but I think it is a step in the right direction for the American people. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of our Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This is a fiscally responsible bill that puts our farmers, our ranchers, our consumers, and rural communities first. It strengthens agricultural research, it protects animal and plant health, it improves food safety, and it makes sure that taxpayer dollars, which we should be concerned about each and every day here, are put first. For Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, which I have the honor of representing, this bill delivers real wins and real results for them. I was proud to secure more than $4 million in direct Federal investments in our communities. These are reasonable, responsible, and rational programs and investments that will modernize the Cass County Sheriff's digital forensics unit. It will improve water systems in beautiful Lexington, Missouri. It will build a new public safety facility in El Dorado Springs. It will upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Higginsville, and it will modernize 911 services in Morgan County near beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. This legislation also reinforces national security by addressing the rising crisis of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land while also strengthening oversight of critical supply chains. Most importantly--most importantly--it supports American producers. It supports rural America, and it advances an America First agenda that works for all families in America. Together, we are making American agriculture great again. I am proud to be a part of that, and I am proud to be on the Appropriations Committee. Madam Chair, I urge all my colleagues to get behind this bill. Let's move it forward, and let's put another notch on our belt to get these appropriations bills off the House floor, once again, and over to the Senate.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Chairman, I thank Judge Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz for their leadership on this. Mr. Chairman, I tell you what. It is a very rare moment to come on the House floor where we have a committee that has voted unanimously for a bill, and I compliment our leaders for getting this done. It was a great moment a couple of weeks ago when that passed out of committee. I think we were all surprised at ourselves by this unanimous vote. The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is about one thing, and that is keeping our promises--our promises to our veterans, our servicemembers, and their families. I also want to thank my friends, Chairman Cole and Subcommittee Chairman Carter, as I have done, and also our ranking member of the full committee, my good friend Rosa DeLauro for all their hard work. I was proud to help move this bill forward, and I am even prouder that it really does deliver real wins for the American people and for the great State of Missouri. We are fully funding veterans healthcare and benefits, and that means no delays and no excuses. It means access to care, expanded mental health services, and continued investment in suicide prevention. A lot of places I go around my district and in Missouri, people want us to provide these services through the VA, and we are. We are also strengthening the Community Care program, giving veterans more flexibility to get the specialized care they need when and where they need it. For our servicemembers and military families, this bill invests in what matters most: safe housing, better barracks, childcare facilities that improve everyday life, and the quality of care that we have been talking about in this Congress. Importantly, we are restoring accountability and protecting freedoms. We are ensuring veterans' Second Amendment rights are not undermined while stopping taxpayer dollars from going to Communist China. On the national security front, this bill makes critical investment in military construction, especially in the Indo-Pacific, so that the U.S. remains strong and prepared and always ahead of our adversaries. Mr. Chair, this didn't happen by accident. It took hard work. It took focus, and it took a commitment, a commitment in our committee not to put us first but to put the American people first. This is not about results, not rhetoric. It is results for our veterans, results for our military families, and results for the security of the United States of America. I urge my colleagues to join us in what we did in our committee. Let's have a unanimous vote in the House today for the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Let's get this done.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and brother in Christ, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as a little boy from Baytown, Texas, I never thought I would be here on the House floor talking about God Almighty. Yet, he has put me here today to do just that, and I am extremely humbled to do that. Humiliation and humbleness are not common words you hear today, not a common concept, but in James 4:10, it says: ``Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.'' Above your head, Mr. Speaker, are the words: ``In God We Trust.'' This Sunday, Mr. Speaker, Americans across our great land will observe the National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving. I believe that it is fitting that we pause to remember this is not new to America. From the very beginning, in times of war and uncertainty, division, and hardship, our leaders have called this Nation to its knees before God. In 1775, as the fires of the Revolution were kindled, Massachusetts called her people to repentance, unity, and God's mercy. In 1776, the Continental Congress summoned Americans to prayer and fasting, seeking divine wisdom and strength. Through the Revolution, through epidemics, through the trials of the Civil War, generation after generation, Americans have humbled themselves before their creator and prayed for the future of this blessed land. Mr. Speaker, even Abraham Lincoln in the crucible of that terrible war warned that America had grown too proud to pray for the God that made us. My friends, I am here to tell you today that whether we are religious or not, there is timeless wisdom in gratitude, humility, and moral reflection, especially in times like these. Missouri carries this tradition proudly. Last week, our Governor, Governor Mike Kehoe, proclaimed May 7, 2026, as a day of prayer in our State under the theme ``Glorify God among the nations.'' This year also marks the 75th annual observance of The National Day of Prayer in Missouri, a tradition that has united Missourians of every background for generations. Across our State, our churches, and our communities, we are coming together in a ``Jubilee of Hope,'' with pilgrimages, gatherings, and acts of service, living proof that prayer is still alive and still a force in America. America has never been perfect, but one thing has carried this Nation through every dark valley: the willingness of her people to stop, to reflect, to seek forgiveness where it is needed, to give thanks for our countless blessings, and to ask for wisdom as we move forward. As President Reagan reminded us: ``Prayer has sustained our people in crisis, strengthened us in times of challenge, and guided us through our daily lives since the first settlers came to this continent.'' He also declared with conviction: ``God doesn't need America but America needs God. If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, we will be a nation gone under.'' Mr. Speaker, that spirit, that spirit of a people who place their trust in Providence, is worth preserving with all of our hearts. So as this National Jubilee is observed, I urge every American, everyone in this room, in the gallery watching today, watching tonight, I urge every American to take a moment to thank God Almighty for the blessings that we have received, the sacred responsibilities that we all carry no matter if you are Democrat or Republican, and the kind of country, that shining city upon that hill, we want to pass on to our children and our grandchildren. Some 40 years ago, President Reagan said something to this effect: The time has come for us to reassert our trust in God. The time has come for us to realize that we need Him more than He needs us. The time has come for us to turn to God for the healing of America. Mr. Speaker, as I close tonight, I will tell everyone in this room, our Nation needs healing. This body needs healing. Let each of us here tonight and in this body pledge today to be a part of that healing, healing through prayer to God Almighty. And with faith in God, confidence in our principles, and that unbreakable American optimism, I believe with all my heart that our greatest days are still ahead of us as a nation.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tyler Kemp, owner and CEO of MK Machining, on being named the 2026 Missouri Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This is an outstanding achievement, and one that reflects Tyler's hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Based in Mid-Missouri, MK Machining represents the very best of American manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Through innovation, precision, and a dedication to quality, Tyler has built a company that not only contributes to our local economy but also supports the skilled workforce that keeps Missouri competitive and growing. As a Member of the House Committee on Small Business, I have seen firsthand the critical role small businesses play in driving job creation, strengthening local communities, and powering our Nation's economy. Business leaders like Tyler Kemp embody the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our country so strong. I congratulate Tyler, his family, and the entire MK Machining team on this well-deserved recognition. Missouri is proud of his success, and I look forward to seeing his continued impact in the years ahead.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my colleague.

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will begin with a simple reminder: We are here today to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. Tomorrow, many of our dedicated DHS workers, heroes who show up each and every day to secure our borders, screen our passengers in our airports, and protect our homeland, will be unpaid yet again. Some in the Department of Homeland Security will even begin to get furlough notices tomorrow. Republicans refuse to let that happen, Mr. Speaker. We have tried to do this the right way. We have gone through the appropriations process. We passed all 12 bills to fully fund the 2026 budget. We had agreements at the very top level, including homeland, but those agreements were not adhered to. We fully funded DHS in the House. Four times we have sent the funding package over across this very Hall to the Senate. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it has come to this. We need--no, we must pay our DHS workers. We must get back to the work that the American people sent us here to do. No more obstruction, no more games, and no more delays. Let's get this done, and let's get back to work. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House suspend the rules and recede from the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 7147) making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 7147) making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, with the House amendment to the Senate amendment thereto, to recede from the House amendment and to concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the extraordinary life and legacy of Minnie Mae Talbott, a remarkable Missourian whose story reflects courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to public service. On May 10, 1919, Minnie Mae Talbott was sworn in as Sheriff of Lexington, Missouri, following the tragic murder of her husband, who was serving as acting Sheriff and was killed in the line of duty. In the face of unimaginable loss, she stepped forward to serve her community with strength and determination. Her service stands as a powerful testament to civic courage. At a time when few women held positions of leadership, Minnie Mae Talbott broke barriers and set an example that continues to inspire generations. She upheld the rule of law during a difficult chapter in our Nation's history and demonstrated that true public service requires character, sacrifice, and a willingness to answer the call. As communities gather this year to celebrate the inaugural Minnie Mae Day, her legacy is being honored through education, engagement, and a permanent place in history. Her story is one that deserves to be remembered not only in Missouri, but across the country. It is my privilege to recognize Minnie Mae Talbott and her enduring contributions to our state and our Nation.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize a remarkable Missouri business leader and true American success story--Mr. Don Laffoon of Raytown, Missouri--as he begins a well-earned retirement. Don is the longtime President and CEO, and now Chairman of the Board, of Electrical Corporation of America, a Raytown-based company that has grown into a nationally respected contractor operating in more than 40 states, as well as Mexico and Canada. Under his leadership, the company has delivered complex industrial and power projects while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and integrity. What makes Don's story especially meaningful is how it began. He joined the company in 1979 as a warehouseman and driver, completed an electrical apprenticeship, became a journeyman wireman, and worked his way up through nearly every role in the business. In 2003, he and his partners purchased the company and continued building a strong operation that creates good-paying jobs and supports critical infrastructure. Don has also devoted decades of service to the National Electrical Contractors Association, recently serving as Chairman of its Government Affairs Committee, advocating for contractors and workforce development nationwide. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Missouri's 4th Congressional. District, I thank Don Laffoon for his lifetime of service and wish him continued health and happiness in retirement.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary American, Alverta Harvey Nichols Hargis, whose legacy represents the very best of our Nation. In 1943, during World War II, Alverta answered the call to serve. Not on the battlefield, but on the home front, as one of the trailblazing Rosie the Riveters. At a bomber plant in Detroit, she played a vital role in strengthening our military and securing victory for freedom around the world. These women didn't ask for recognition. They stepped up because their country needed them. They redefined what was possible, breaking barriers and proving that courage, grit, and patriotism know no bounds. Today, through the Congressional Gold Medal, we offer a grateful Nation's thanks, though no honor can fully capture the magnitude of their contributions. May Alverta's family always take pride in her remarkable life and service. Her story is one of quiet strength and enduring impact, and it will continue to inspire generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Alverta Harvey Nichols Hargis and all those who helped defend freedom from right here at home.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I feel as if I need to start with an apology to the minority leader. I wrongly laughed out loud when I heard him say in the well of the floor of the House of Representatives: ``Yes, we will always support securing the border--today, tomorrow, and forever.'' It was an uncontrollable laugh. This is what started all of this: an administration that did not care about securing our border and the Democrats who backed him up, along with Alejandro Mayorkas, who let 15 million illegal aliens into our great Nation to cause chaos, not to be a part of the fabric of America but to tear apart the fabric of America. This is the stupidest shutdown in U.S. history, Mr. Speaker. Why do I say that? I will quote the ranking member from a press release January 20, the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), my good friend: ``The Homeland Security funding bill is more than just ICE. If we allow a lapse in the funding, TSA agents will be forced to work without pay, FEMA assistance could be delayed, and the U.S. Coast Guard will be adversely affected. All while ICE continues functioning without any change in their operations due to $75 billion it received in the One Big Beautiful Bill.'' That prediction came true, and now we have chaos in America--chaos that the Democrats want and promote. Airports are backed up. TSA agents are working without pay. Some are sleeping in their cars and going on the weekends to food banks in their communities to get food to feed their families. Democrats are playing political games. Instead of protecting American families, every day that they keep the DHS unfunded is another day that the ranking member's prediction comes true in America. This must end today. Today, for the third time, House Republicans will vote to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. Let's get back on track. Let's pay the people who protect you, who protect me, who protect the ranking member, and who protect the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, this moment matters. For too long, we here in Washington have governed by crisis. We rushed preholiday omnibuses, backroom deals, and broken promises. Mr. Speaker, those days are over. Today, following President Trump's America First agenda, along with Chairman Tom Cole's unmatched leadership, we are doing what the American people sent us here to Washington, D.C., to do: Put America first. Mr. Speaker, 12 out of 12 appropriations bills will be passed today, including Homeland Security. These are transparent bills, accountable bills, and fiscally responsible bills. This hasn't happened in years, and it sends a clear, powerful message back home that the House is back at work. We are back to governing. These bills strengthen our military, secure our border, invest in health and workforce readiness, modernize transportation, and deliver real savings for taxpayers. It is peace through strength. This Homeland bill makes us safer at home by deporting illegal criminal aliens. In the overall bills through our Member-directed investments, we are expanding Skyhaven Airport to improve safety and grow aviation training at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. We are launching a workforce training center for ag in Sedalia to prepare the next generation. We are replacing a failing bridge so first responders, schoolbuses, and commerce can move safely and reliably in Oak Grove, Missouri. These are reasonable Member-directed investments in America, our true Article I authority. Mr. Speaker, we are just inches away from the finish line. Let's not slow this down. Let's get over the finish line. Let's deliver now for what the American people sent us here to do: Donald J. Trump's America First agenda backed by 12 appropriation bills passed out of this House, signed by the President. Let's fund our government.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 4327, a bill originally introduced by Representative Greene of Georgia, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our AI for Main Street Act. I thank Chairman Williams for his leadership. I also thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Foremost, I recognize both Ranking Member Velazquez for her leadership and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten for working with me to bring this important bill forward. A lot of people are talking about AI these days. Will it overtake America? Will it put businessowners and workers out of business? This bill is designed to get ahead of that and to make sure that does not happen. In fact, it will increase businesses in America. This committee exists for one simple reason, and that is to champion Main Street and the small businesses that line our town squares, that power our farms, support our hospitals, and employ nearly half of the American workforce. Right now, Main Street stands at the doorstep of a major transformation because the AI revolution is not just coming. It is already here. Whether it is managing inventory, scheduling workers, marketing products, improving cybersecurity, or streamlining paperwork, artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming how business gets done in America. If small businesses do not have the tools and guidance to adapt to that, if they are fearful of it, they risk getting left behind. They will get left behind by larger competitors with bigger budgets and in- house tech teams. By the way, they are also using AI. That is exactly what this bill addresses. The AI for Main Street Act directs Small Business Development Centers, SBDCs, to provide counseling, training, and outreach to help small businesses safely evaluate and adopt artificial intelligence tools. These centers already serve as trusted boots-on-the-ground advisers in communities across the country, such as the University of Missouri- Columbia and Sedalia and other places where these SBDCs are providing real help, real boots on the ground. Madam Speaker, entrepreneurs rely on them for practical guidance and real-world help that works for their businesses. This bill builds on existing efforts like America's SBDC AI U program and ensures that AI support is consistent, accessible, and nationwide. It is not just in major metro areas but in rural towns, manufacturing hubs, and agricultural communities like those I represent in Missouri's Fourth Congressional District. Just as importantly, this bill emphasizes responsible adoption. We want small business owners to understand not only what AI can do but how to use it securely, safely, ethically, and effectively. This is not about replacing people. It is about empowering people. It is about giving a family-owned business the same opportunity to compete and grow and innovate as a Fortune 500 company. I am proud of this legislation and how it advanced out of committee with strong bipartisan support. I appreciate the strong backing from our colleagues on both sides of the aisle who recognize that innovation and small business growth should never be partisan issues. At the end of the day, when Main Street succeeds, America succeeds. The AI for Main Street Act helps ensure that our entrepreneurs are not spectators in the next wave of innovation but our small business owners are leaders in this revolution.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Chairman, today we are voting on a two-bill appropriations package that funds Financial Services and our National Security and State Department. This bill keeps the government running, protects America, and respects the taxpayer. This package contains two bills with real cuts, real security, and real governing, Mr. Chairman, not bloated omnibuses, not last-minute shutdown threats or games, but Members on both sides of the aisle who are actually doing the work line by line and in the open. This package cuts nearly $9 billion compared to last year. Financial Services is flat-funded. National Security and State are cut by a whopping 16 percent. It is proof that we can fund priorities without growing our government. We rein in Washington by cutting IRS enforcement back to Trump 45-era levels. Chairman Joyce blocked Democratic efforts to tie the administration's hands and help refocus spending so that taxpayer dollars only go where they actually make America safer. Chairman Diaz-Balart delivered DOGE-era USAID cuts while still funding national security investments. In fact, I was honored to help Chairman Diaz-Balart retain some of these programs under the new banner of national security investment programs at the State Department under the direction of Secretary Rubio. The bottom line, sir, is if it is not having to do with our national security interests, we are not funding it. We fully fund CFIUS to stop foreign threats from buying up America, keep longstanding pro-life protections in place, and deliver a bill with no poison pills. This package keeps spending below the current continuing resolution and moves us closer to finishing all 12 appropriations bills. They said it couldn't be done. We are going to do it. The bottom line is, this bill delivers three critical things: safety, strength, and freedom. Two bills, real cuts, real security, real governing, a bill so good the White House just endorsed it.

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Chairman, this bill is so good, the White House just endorsed this bill, and I want to read the last paragraph: ``The administration urges the Congress to support this fiscally responsible bill and looks forward to working with the Congress on the remaining appropriations bills to address key priorities and avoid another disastrous government shutdown.'' Mr. Chairman, I along with Donald J. Trump, the White House, and the OMB Director urge my colleagues to vote for this funding bill. Let's get `er done.