Stephanie Bice

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thank my colleague, Mr. Morelle, for his support of this very important piece of legislation. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9342, the GPO Modernization Act of 2026. As the chair of the Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation, I am pleased to have introduced this legislation to both modernize and encourage innovation at the Government Publishing Office by helping bring them into the 21st century. The GPO first opened its doors in 1861 and served as the printing office for Congress, Federal agencies, and the judiciary. Later, its mission expanded to include management of the Federal Depository Library Program and the GovInfo website, which serve as public repositories for government information. Through roundtable conversations with institutional staff and leaders, we learned that this 19th century institution operates under 20th century rules in the 21st century. Earlier this year, GPO Director Halpern testified before the Committee on House Administration and said the agency operates in the liminal spaces of its statute to meet the needs of Congress and Federal agencies. This bipartisan legislation hopes to address this need and seeks to change the outdated statutes, helping GPO meet its needs and helping us better serve the American people. The bill gives GPO greater flexibility to continue its business operations, which already funds 90 percent of its operations. It allows the Superintendent of Documents to meet customer demand by setting competitive and realistic prices for the sale of documents. It also allows the agencies to strategically dispose of excess publications for which there is little public interest. Specifically, this legislation will repeal antiquated printing provisions and require future editions of the annotated Constitution, or CONAN, to be published online. Producing CONAN is costly, costing taxpayers roughly $1 million a year. Furthermore, the bill will also require future editions of the Congressional Directory to be published online, saving additional taxpayer dollars. It will expand the digital presence of the Federal Depository Library Program and ensure government public information remains accessible for free use by the American public, mimicking a finding by the GPO's task force on a digital Federal Depository Library Program. This bill is simple. It brings GPO up to par with other legislative branch agencies, giving them the desperate statutory updates the Office has continually asked Congress for. Mr. Speaker, I thank GPO Director Halpern and the CHA staff for their work on this, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan commonsense legislation.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 109) allowing Emancipation Hall to be used for a ceremony to dedicate the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule to allow for consideration of the Senate's forthcoming reconciliation bill. The legislation comes after Democrats backed out of a bipartisan Department of Homeland Security bill all the way back in February. As a sitting member of the Appropriations Committee, it was shocking to me that we were able to get all of our appropriations bills across the finish line and to the President's desk, except for Homeland Security. In that moment, Democrats chose to play political games with the safety and security of this Nation. Thankfully, President Trump used emergency measures to ensure that the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, TSA, and others received pay, but Democrats proved they were more than willing to hold more than 260,000 employees who work at DHS hostage. While most of the agency was funded in May, additional resources for Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are still needed. This is why the legislation is so important. It fully funds these agencies for the remainder of the Trump administration. The difference couldn't be more clear: Under the Biden administration, more than 10 million illegals crossed the southern border. This included drug smugglers, human traffickers, criminal organizations, and even terrorists on the FBI watch list. This has all changed thanks to President Trump. During the last year, there have been zero releases at the border, and apprehensions in April were 94 percent lower than the monthly average under the previous administration. Under my friend and fellow Oklahoman, Secretary Markwayne Mullin, I know the Department will continue to ensure our border is closed, ultimately protecting our homeland. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this rule.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 171, I mistakenly voted Nay when I intended to vote Yea.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of Bryan Steil's legislation, H.R. 8364, which extends the retirement waiver age for officers within the United States Capitol Police. I would like to thank Ranking Member Morelle for his collaboration on this very important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, threats against lawmakers are at all-time highs. This weekend's events once again remind us of that reality. Although we have seen a welcome and much-needed increase in recruitment numbers, we continue to have staffing challenges within the United States Capitol Police. Together, these challenges have created difficult circumstances for those who work tirelessly to keep visitors, staff, and lawmakers safe. Under current law, officers are forced to retire at age 57, unless they receive a waiver from the Capitol Police Board. With a waiver, officers can continue to work until the age of 60. H.R. 8364 will extend that waiver timeline to 65. Right now, nearly 60 sworn officers are working on a waiver, which is the equivalent of more than two recruitment classes. Without this legislative change, they will all be forced to retire in the next few years. Under our legislation, the Capitol Police Board will have the authority to grant waivers to sworn officers until they reach the age of 65. Notably, this is not the first time Congress has done something like this. In 2004 and 2010, Congress temporarily raised the mandatory Federal law enforcement retirement age from 60 to 65 to address staffing shortfalls at the FBI. Additionally, it is also important to note that our legislation gives the Capitol Police Board the discretion to decide who is still fit for the job. The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police do a tremendous job protecting this institution. We shouldn't be forcing officers to retire when we have staffing shortages that can be easily remedied by this one change. Again, I thank the ranking member and his staff for working closely with us on this important matter, and I urge my colleagues to support the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8364) to amend title 5, United States Code, to authorize the increase of the retirement age in the United States Capitol Police.

Mrs. BICE

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

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3705) to provide for the creation of a congressional time capsule in commemoration of the semiquincentennial of the United States, and for other purposes.

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to support S. 3705, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act. This is the Senate companion to H.R. 6243, introduced by my colleagues, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Aderholt, Maria Salazar, and Dwight Evans. This nonpartisan legislation would authorize the burial of a time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center to mark the 250th anniversary of our Nation's independence. This time capsule is one way that Congress will participate in the Nation's yearlong celebration of liberty and independence. Amidst our toughest challenges of the day, this legislation reminds us that we can all work together. Under this bill, leaders from both parties will work alongside the Architect of the Capitol to compile the capsule's contents. This will include a letter from congressional leadership, books, manuscripts, relics, memorabilia, and more. I am optimistic that the contents of this capsule will reflect what makes this country great, as well as the challenges we faced during this time. The capsule will remain sealed until July 4th, 2276, and the burial site will be marked by a plaque approved by the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. I thank the ranking member, Mr. Morelle, for working with me on this effort. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, I want to mention, my colleague, Mr. Morelle, referenced opening the capsule in 2276, and I, too, would love to see the contents, although I do wonder if our future colleagues will look at the contents and think: Why did they put books in here? That is because it may be a little technologically behind by the time it is opened. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), who is my fellow appropriator.

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, I could not have said it any better myself. I urge my colleagues to support S. 3705, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule to consider the final four fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills. These appropriations bills, like the previous eight that came before it, are fiscally responsible and represent a return to regular order. The deliberate and Member-driven approach of this process is a testament to the leadership of my friend and fellow Oklahoman, Chairman Tom Cole. This package will strengthen American military superiority and fund the E-7 Wedgetail program at Tinker Air Force Base. It also ends open- border policies of the Biden era, champions measures to make America healthier, and allows the Nation to build stronger, travel safer, and support future growth. Through late nights and long markups, the Appropriations Committee has done its job, reduced spending, delivered wins for our constituents, and codified the priorities of the Trump administration. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work that the Appropriations Committee has done, and I encourage my colleagues to support the rule.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7148, which contains the Defense, Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills. This is a strong package, and as the vice chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, or T-HUD, I am particularly proud of that portion of this bill. It provides $103 billion in budget authority and supports President Trump's America First agenda. It invests in transportation infrastructure and housing affordability while cutting wasteful spending and reducing the Federal bureaucracy. In fact, this bill codifies DOGE cuts, like reducing HUD staff by 24 percent and DOT by 5 percent, helping to rightsize the Federal workforce. When it comes to aviation safety, a top priority, FAA funding is increased to $22.2 billion, including $10.3 billion for air traffic control operations, $4 billion to modernize facilities and equipment, and additional resources to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This will help keep America's skies safe. The bill also invests $64 billion in highway infrastructure, including $879 million for priority needs, such as addressing truck parking shortages and resources needed to improve Tribal transportation. The package supports housing affordability and community development by providing $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grants and $1.25 billion for the HOME program, giving States and localities flexible tools to expand affordable housing. It also eliminates waste, including $929 million from the failed California High-Speed Rail project, which has been totally mismanaged and is completely indefensible. Nearly $1 billion in Biden-era Green New Deal spending is redirected to critical infrastructure needs. This is welcome news for taxpayers across the country. Finally, and most importantly, this bill delivers direct wins for Oklahoma's Fifth District, including fully funded runway improvements at the Chandler and Shawnee Regional Airports and critical electric grid upgrades in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this bill.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you, along with my colleague, Representative Keith Self of the Texas Third Congressional District, to honor Colonel Chuck DeBellevue, United States Air Force retired, an American patriot whose extraordinary courage, leadership, and lifetime of service reflect the highest ideals of our Nation and the United States Air Force. On September 9, 1972, then-Captain DeBellevue and his F-4 Phantom II crewmate, Captain John Madden, shot down two north Vietnamese MiG-19s. These victories marked DeBellevue's fifth and sixth aerial kills, making him the highest scoring American ace of the Vietnam war. Over the course of his career, Colonel DeBellevue flew 220 combat missions, including 96 over North Vietnam. He is credited with the destruction of six North Vietnamese jet fighters in aerial combat, making him America's leading ace of that conflict and the last American ace to serve on Active Duty. His actions in combat remain among the most distinguished examples of aerial valor in the United States military history. His decorations include the Air Force Cross, the Service's second highest award for valor, along with three Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, six Distinguished Flying Crosses, and eighteen Air Medals. Colonel DeBellevue earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Following undergraduate navigator training and an initial assignment flying the F-4 Phantom II at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, he was deployed to Southeast Asia, joining the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Following his combat tour, Colonel DeBellevue attended undergraduate pilot training and became a full-fledged F-4 pilot. He subsequently served with distinction in multiple fighter squadrons, including the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, and the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. His staff assignments included service at the Pentagon, Alaskan Air Command, and the Fifth Air Force. After his promotion to colonel in 1985, he attended the Army War College and held senior leadership positions across the Air Force. In his final Active-Duty assignment, he was commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 440 at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he continued to shape and mentor future officers. Colonel DeBellevue is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours, including over 550 hours in combat. In 1972, he and the other Vietnam war aces were awarded the MacKay Trophy and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Armed Forces Award. He retired from Active Duty February 1 of 1998, after 30 years of honorable service. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Colonel DeBellevue continued his commitment to service through work in the aerospace industry, higher education, and veteran advocacy. I am proud to say he currently resides in Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District, which I represent. He serves on the boards of the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation and the Air Warrior Courage Foundation and is president of the American Fighter Aces Association. In 2023, he was honored as River Rat of the Year and named the Air Warrior Courage Foundation Humanitarian of the Year. Colonel DeBellevue's lifetime of service has been recognized with numerous honors, including selection as Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Louisiana in 2008, introduction to the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal as a member of the American Fighter Aces. Colonel DeBellevue and his wife, Sally, have raised a family grounded in service, integrity, and love of country. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Charles ``Chuck'' DeBellevue represents the very best of the United States Air Force and of those Americans who have answered our Nation's call with uncommon valor and lifelong dedication. It is fitting that his service and legacy be entered into the Congressional Record so that future generations may know and be inspired by his example.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my incredible Marine Corps fellow, Captain Simona Elvin, for her tremendous work this past year in my office. Simona has been instrumental in helping prepare for legislation, meetings, and defense events. Her expertise has been crucial in crafting legislation that directly benefits our servicemembers in Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District. Her hard work in my office and service to our Nation are applaudable. Mr. Speaker, I will miss Simona, not only for what she has brought to us legislatively but also for who she is as a person. From day one, it was obvious that she would fit well with Team Bice. Her attitude, spirit, and wit will be truly missed, especially at Monday morning coffee. This past weekend was the 126th Army-Navy game. As a member of the Board of Visitors at West Point, this is not easy to say, but for Simona, I will: Congrats. Go Navy. Mr. Speaker, she will be truly missed.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 333 and YEA on Roll Call No. 334.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, which will support a robust natural gas industry in the U.S. and meet President Trump's goal of achieving American energy dominance. Natural gas is a major engine of economic growth, particularly in Oklahoma. LNG exports alone in the U.S. support more than 273,000 U.S. jobs and contribute $40 billion to our GDP. This sector is a lifeline for communities across the country, including Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District, and we must ensure it has a stable framework to reach its full potential. LNG exports are also a win for the environment. A recent S&P Global study found that U.S. LNG exports reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 65 million tons. Anyone serious about lowering global emissions should strongly support the expansion of American LNG. Yet, despite this abundance of benefits, President Biden chose to unilaterally ban the issue of LNG export permits. While this was overturned by a court, if approval for export is determined by political appointees at the Department of Energy, the threat of a future ban from a progressive Presidential administration remains in place. Turning these decisions over to a neutral party, like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, will ensure the industry is kept safe from such reckless attacks in the future. Some argue that LNG exports raise energy prices for Americans by reducing domestic supply. This claim is simply false. Increased export opportunities incentivize production and drive efficiency gains, which will help domestic prices continue to be affordable. Given the abundance of economic and environmental benefits from LNG exports, I believe it is critical that we help protect the industry from misguided political attacks such as those made by the Biden administration last year. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this legislation.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act. Let me first start by saying I think it is rich that we stand here on the House floor and are lectured by the other side of the aisle about immigration issues when they had the last 4 years to actually address this problem. They want to deflect, as my colleague from Kansas mentioned. Let's talk about all the other things that have been happening in the country instead of the actual issue at hand. Under the Biden administration, over 10 million illegal immigrants entered this country. This includes countless numbers of murderers, rapists, child traffickers, smugglers, and individuals from countries that support terrorism. Customs and Border Patrol caught 400 individuals on the terrorist watch list, leaving us the question of who else was allowed to enter this country undetected. That is why the Stop Illegal Entry Act is so important. The legislation seeks to discourage migrants from coming to the U.S. illegally and keeps criminal aliens who disregard Federal immigration law out of our American communities. It is vital that law enforcement officers and Border Patrol officers have the tools they need to hold dangerous criminals accountable and safeguard our communities, and this legislation does just that. President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the border, and this legislation provides the tools needed to uphold our laws and remove dangerous criminals. On that note, I was also encouraged to see a statement of administrative support from the Office of Management and Budget stating that if the legislation were presented to the President, his advisers would recommend that he sign it into law. Finally, I am not an attorney, but I thank my friend, Congressman Knott, for his support in helping get this legislation through the Judiciary Committee. As a former prosecutor, I know he understands the importance of strong policies that safeguard our communities and empower law enforcement. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the Statement of Administration Policy. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 3486--the Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025--Rep. Bice, R-OK, and five cosponsors The Administration strongly supports passage of H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025. The previous administration allowed an unprecedented invasion of illegal immigration, resulting in the influx of limitless criminal aliens--including murderers, rapists, child traffickers and smugglers, drug dealers, and more--entering the United States and further enriching foreign terrorist cartels. President Trump took immediate action to seal and secure the border. Now, to ensure long term border security and deter the most heinous illegal criminal aliens from attempting to re-enter the United States, there must be stronger criminal penalties to prevent illegal re-entry following removal. H.R. 3486 will help discourage the most dangerous criminals from trying to enter, or re-enter, our country by increasing severe criminal and financial penalties. Specifically, the bill would raise the maximum penalty from two years to five years of imprisonment for any illegal alien convicted of reentering the United States. The best deterrent against these violent criminals attempting re-entry is the possibility of lengthy jail time. Seventy percent of the aliens charged for illegal reentry in 2023 had criminal records. For example, an off-duty Customs and Border Patrol officer was shot in the face in New York City in July by an illegal alien who was deported and reentered under the previous administration. Last December, a Guatemalan illegal alien, who was previously deported under the first Trump Administration and later illegally re- entered, was indicted for lighting a woman on fire and burning her to death on a New York City subway. Additionally, H.R. 3486 cracks down on the smuggling of illicit drugs across the border, often through cartel organizations, by imposing the possibility of up to fifteen years in prison for illegal aliens convicted of three or more misdemeanors involving drugs or harm against others, or for illegal aliens who attempt to reenter after being removed three times. An illegal alien who commits a felony would face the chance of life in prison. If H.R. 3486 were presented to the President in its current form, his advisors would recommend that he sign it into law.

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of this important legislation to hold those accountable that are here illegally.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, a month ago, I spoke on the House floor to congratulate the Oklahoma City Thunder on winning the Western Conference finals. Now, I am thrilled to be able to recognize the Thunder on their first NBA Finals championship. This team is truly historic. Their season win total is now tied for the third highest ever. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a rare superfecta: Regular season MVP, Finals MVP, NBA champion and scoring champion. This season is the culmination of the vision of Clay Bennett and the entire ownership team, the team's General Manager Sam Presti, and of course Coach Daigneault. I know that I speak for the entire State when I say thank you to SGA, Alex Caruso, Chet, Jalen, and the entire Thunder team. They truly have inspired us all, and we are all proud of them. Although I can't be there tomorrow, it is time to celebrate. Mr. Speaker, Thunder Up.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Western Conference champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The season has been nothing short of meteoric, making this Thunder team the youngest in NBA history to reach the finals. They are led by their coach, Mark Daigneault, and all-star players like this year's most valuable player, Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. The Thunder's historic season, the best in franchise history, also featured 54 games being won by double digits, the most in NBA history. The ownership team and General Manager Sam Presti have done a remarkable job of putting together a group of superstars who are focused on winning together as a team. In the words of Kobe Bryant, the job is not finished. Let's bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy to Oklahoma City. I know I speak for the entire State of Oklahoma when I say: Thunder up.