Lauren Boebert

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Biggs, you also chair the Border Security Caucus, and you recently brought in Secretary Mayorkas. Thank you for bringing him here to the Hill so we could ask some questions. Now, he was talking about title 42 being a CDC issue, and that is not really his issue to enforce. That is not his policy to enforce. What is a policy that he could enforce that would effectively secure our border?

Mrs. BOEBERT. What about these illegal aliens who are coming through with the help of the cartel, what do they owe the cartel for getting into the United States?

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Biggs, do you believe that the cartels have been emboldened during Biden's first year as President of the United States?

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, this past Friday, Biden's CDC, formally known as the Centers for Disease Control, but often referred to now as the center for Democrat control, announced that it would be ending title 42. At a time when liberal mayors across our country are extending mask mandates on our children in schools, and the American public is still being forced to mask-up on airplanes, the Biden regime has decided that protecting the American people from diseases, including but not limited to COVID, is not a priority if it comes at the expense of their amnesty and open borders agenda. Now, it is no coincidence that the Biden regime has decided to drop title 42, a policy that has been used to prevent communicable diseases from spreading into the homeland via illegal aliens entering our southern border. In fact, more than 2 million illegal aliens have been apprehended at our southern border since Joe Biden took office, and Border Patrol agents estimate another 70 percent of these illegal immigrants have not been apprehended. They call them got-aways. So, in fact, that means nearly 3.5 million illegal aliens have come across our border on Biden's watch. Now, Republicans and Democrats from both the House and Senate have condemned canceling title 42. Some have called it dangerous, and others have called it frightening. I call it an attack on the safety and security of the American people. It has been reported that by the time the mid-terms roll around in November of 2022, nearly 7 million illegal aliens will have crossed the southern border this year. That is larger than the populations of Denver, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Boston, Seattle, Miami, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Portland, Tampa, and Detroit combined. Can you imagine? We have a product here that is working. We have a policy that is working to deter some people away from the border, but we are going to take whatever sliver we have that is keeping people out of our country illegally and do away with it. Maybe it is to overrun our system, maybe it is to create chaos; 8 to 10 years of backlogs, so then the American people have to accept amnesty. I am not sure exactly what the plan is, but it certainly is intentional, and that is what members of the House Freedom Caucus are here to discuss tonight. I have with me members from the House Freedom Caucus who are going to address what has been going on at the southern border. We have been to the southern border multiple times to see firsthand what is happening-- the invasion that is taking place in our country--unlike the border czar, who has failed to visit the most dangerous parts of our southern border. I think she made a trip to El Paso. And then, of course, the Commander in Chief, who is in command of nothing, he hasn't been there at all. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs), my good friend.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that we can immediately consider the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. Gas prices are at $5 and even $6 a gallon. The average household is now spending $2,000 more a year because of increased gas costs on Biden's watch. Biden and the Democrats think that now is the time to add $45 billion in new taxes on the oil and gas industry. Many Americans have been and are being regulated into poverty in an unnecessary sacrifice at the altar of climate change. Instead of unleashing our domestic oil and gas industry, Biden is ``simp'' to radical environmentalists and not-in-my-backyard extremists, and literally begged OPEC to drill more oil instead of relying on the hardworking American roughneck. On day one, he canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, killing 11,000 good-paying American energy jobs. But that didn't stop the big guy from approving the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and benefitting our enemies. Because of Biden's fake ban on Russian oil and gas, that won't even go into effect for 22 more days and is littered with waivers to keep Russian energy flowing, the U.S. continues to import 100,000 barrels of Russian oil and send them roughly $10 million each day. We folks are funding the Kremlin. Why does Biden favor foreign energy over domestic energy? We know that American natural gas is 42 percent cleaner than Russian gas, so it is not for environmental reasons. But maybe there is another reason we don't know about. Perhaps there is 10 percent in this tucked away for the big guy. How about this: Instead of funding both sides of the war and playing Biden and Pelosi's con games, we should restart construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, overturn Biden's energy leasing moratorium, and expedite permits for pipelines and natural gas exports. We need the American Energy Independence from Russia Act and stop playing Biden's energy-from-anywhere-but-America game. Mr. Speaker, America should not only have affordable energy for our own use, but we should be exporting it abroad. We can literally export strength and freedom to our allies. In short, the solution is very simple. Drill, baby, drill.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today having received a message from the mother of a young American hero, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, who tragically and unnecessarily lost his life during the Biden administration's catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan. She encouraged me to publicly share her message, which in part read: Mrs. Boebert, I am the mother of Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, one of the 13 killed in Kabul. I wish more people had the backbone that you have. When I heard you say, ``13 of them,'' my heart dropped, my eyes filled with tears, and I was so happy to hear about our 13 kids at that very moment. You have no idea how much that meant to me. We have been lied to over and over, and then we watch this administration act as if it never happened. The pain of losing my son is unbearable. Just know when I heard you say, ``13 of them,'' it gave me hope to help us get some type of justice about what this corrupt administration has done and is still doing. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to say it was impossible to ignore our 13 servicemembers, and they will continue to be honored and remembered, despite their Commander in Chief intending to ignore them.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the families who lost so much during the Marshall Fire in Colorado as well as the brave and selfless first responders who answered the call following this tragedy. On December 30, 2021, the Marshall fire started near Marshall Road and Highway 93 in Boulder County. This massive fire engulfed several neighborhoods, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and businesses, caused more than $575 million in damage, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. Rather than celebrating the new year with their loved ones, families in Boulder County, the Town of Superior, and the City of Louisville were displaced and left wondering how they would recover from the terrible disaster. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, search and rescue crews, National Guardsmen, emergency medical technicians, nurses, and others from across Colorado stepped up and came rushing in to control the fire and help local communities evacuate safely and begin the process of rebuilding. In the face of tremendous tragedy, they ran to help. The Marshall Fire was the most destructive fire in Colorado history. Despite the dangerous conditions, our emergency responders worked tirelessly to save property and lives. I am so proud of these Colorado heroes. I will continue to pray for those who lost so much during the Marshall Fire, their families and loved ones, our first responders, and all of those who suffered loss from the Marshall Fire. May God bless them, may God bless the state of Colorado, and may God bless America.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of Montezuma County commissioner, Joel ``Joe'' Stevenson. He will be remembered as a larger-than-life champion of rural Colorado who never wavered in his belief that the world needs more cowboys. He was a rancher, a caring husband, a loving father, and a friend. Joe was a happy warrior, and his passion with a smile will continue to inspire me as I serve in Congress and generations to come. Joe devoted his life to the agriculture community where he served his neighbors as a brand inspector for the Colorado Department of Agriculture for 20 years. Mr. Speaker, Joe's life of service has come to an end but his legacy will live on in Montezuma County and the Colorado agriculture community; and in his wife, Sheree; and his children, Colette, Chelsi, Mary Jo, Jodie, and Sam; and in his 7 grandchildren who affectionately called him ``Papa.'' Mr. Speaker, I take comfort knowing God's wraparound presence is surrounding Joe's family today and he has entered into the joy of his Lord. America needs more cowboys like my friend, Joe Stevenson, but I know that heaven just gained one.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Roger Nicholson. I love this photo because this was a really great day with two of Roger's, I like to say, greatest friends. Maurice was his buddy that he traveled all over Colorado with, and Roger caused a lot of trouble on the way, too. Roger is the embodiment of what I love about Coloradans, with his fighting spirit and grand vision for the future and his faith in the American Dream. Roger immigrated to the United States legally as a child. And starting from nothing, his mother gave everything to build a life for their family through the promise of opportunity. Roger often told me how I reminded him of his mom. I will cherish that comparison all my life. The lessons Roger learned from his mother's grit pushed him forward as he strove to make something great out of his life as a businessman; a friend to all; most importantly, a husband to his beautiful bride, Bobbie; a fierce father; and a loving grandfather. Roger was my friend--stubborn, ornery, funny, and driven. Roger's support was rock solid, and his dedication to the fight for freedom was unmatched. Roger's legacy will live on through the conservative movement in his community and in his family. To spend time with Roger was to live in the moment and cherish every spoken word. Even during our last conversation, Roger was full of spunk and optimism. Joy was his strength until the end. My friend Roger understood life, and he had the tough skin and tender heart to prove it. I love you, Roger, and we miss you greatly.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my friend, Tom Kilduff. Tom was a man of grit and glory, whose great sense of humor and love for America will be greatly missed. Tom gave so much to his country, most notably his service in the Marine Corps. Tom once told me that the Army told him to be all that he could be, so he became a marine. Tom completed three tours in Vietnam where he distinguished himself as a man of valor, sacrifice, and also a really great shot, earning the USMC Rifle Expert Shooter's Badge and Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. Upon returning home, he married his wife, Jeannie, and raised three beautiful daughters and had seven grandchildren. Meeker, Colorado, is a better place because of Tom. We will surely miss his love of country, passion for the great outdoors, hanging out at Meeker's coffee shop--or the Shell gas station, as others may call it--and, of course, seeing him along with his precious dog, Sarge, following close behind. Semper fi, Tom.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania and the chairman of the Freedom Caucus. I thank him for leading on this issue and thank him for putting together a hearing yesterday so we could hear from people who are on the ground at the southern border. It was so difficult to look these Border Patrol agents in the eye and hear their frustration, to hear their hearts cry, to say that they feel useless in their capacity, in their jobs. They said that they used to work all day and go home feeling like they had accomplished something. But since Biden took office, that is no longer the case. Since January 20, when the so-called President of the United States canceled construction of the border wall, since then these men and women have felt like they are not providing a service to the American people. When I was talking with these agents, one thing that they said was, This isn't a resource issue. We aren't here to ask for more money. We aren't here to ask for more personnel or more infrastructure. We just need policy. Policy solves this. Returning to the Trump-era policies solves this. Canceling construction of a border wall and still continuing to pay out Federal contracts, $5 million each day, is not solving this problem. Nearly 2 million illegal aliens coming into our country, and that is not even counting the hundreds of thousands of got-aways that are not included in that number. Madam Speaker, I understand that this is a Special Order, but I think it would do you and your party a service if you would lift your head and pay attention to what is being said on the House floor of the United States of Representatives. Maybe that is too much trouble to ask of you, Madam Speaker, but we are here talking about real issues that are impacting America and you still continue to sit and ignore what I am saying. I think that is very reflective of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who have ignored what is going on at the southern border, who have ignored the children who are being trafficked by cartels, who have enriched the cartels, who have smuggled enough fentanyl to kill every American at least seven times over. Madam Speaker, this should concern you. As a mother of four boys, this certainly concerns me, and all we need to do is implement policy to secure the southern border, allow our Border Patrol agents to do their jobs, have someone in the White House who will faithfully execute the law and uphold it. We are here to hold people accountable who are not doing those things. Madam Speaker, let the Record show that you still have not glanced up one time to acknowledge this humanitarian crisis that is taking place in our country. Chairman Perry, I thank you so much for yielding on this issue.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of Dr. Anthony Ortegon of Pueblo, Colorado. Dr. Ortegon and his amazing, strong, powerful wife, Vera, realized their American Dream early on. He will be remembered by those he loved as a God-fearing, country-loving, family man who was defined by his strong work ethic and love for helping others. Dr. Ortegon was born in Bogota, Colombia, and made a courageous move to America, determined to create a better life for himself and his family. He finished college in 2\1/2\ years and attended the University of Miami's medical school to begin his passion for medicine and his patients, whom he loved. His work ethic was guided by his faith in God, and he trusted that he could build a life for himself in America. He served the community of Pueblo for over 40 years, providing care to thousands of southern Coloradans through his medical practice, and he owned several small businesses. His spirit will live on through his strong wife, Vera; his sons, Anthony and Arthur; his four grandchildren; and through his impact on the community as a constant reminder of the potential of the American Dream.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and remember the life of Sheriff Sydney ``Duke'' Schirard, the longest serving sheriff of La Plata County, Colorado. His lifetime of public service included time as a soldier in the Army, as a Durango police officer, as the Bayfield marshal, as a deputy in the sheriff's office, and finally as the La Plata County sheriff for 20 years. Sheriff Schirard fought the good fight, and he finished his race well. His watch may be over, but the community he protected will forever be better because of his efforts day in and day out. While others ran away from danger, he ran toward it and woke up with courage each and every day to serve and protect his community. He strove to create peace, for ``blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.'' I grieve with the people of La Plata County and with Sheriff Schirard's family--his two sons, four stepchildren, and three grandchildren--and with his extended family in the La Plata County Sheriff's Office who were positively impacted by Sheriff Schirard's exemplary life of service.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, the ranking member on the Budget Committee, who has done an excellent job exposing these terrible schemes to the American people this Congress. Madam Speaker, America does not need and cannot afford this junk. America doesn't need 80,000 new IRS agents snooping in our private transactions. These are politically weaponized bureaucrat bullies that we are looking to hire more of. America cannot afford $1.5 trillion in new taxes, while Federal bureaucrats haul off and spend $4.1 billion on electric bicycles. Do they realize that this will use more fossil fuels, more petroleum products, to create electric bicycles than conventional bicycles? I don't think so. I think they have lost their ever-loving minds. It includes $7.8 billion for environmental justice going toward woke universities; $100 billion for amnesty workarounds, as our southern border is completely invaded by nearly 2 million illegal aliens, many of them criminal aliens. There is $55 billion for Green New Deal policies and tax breaks so congressional Members from the Bronx can afford a new Tesla. Biden's broke back budget has another $330 billion to incentivize workers to stay home. News flash to the party of wealthy cities and wealthy elites: We have a worker shortage right now in America. We have an inflation crisis. This will only make things worse, much worse, not better. But let me guess. When things do get worse, as they inevitably will, we will need to reelect you-all's sorry selves so you can fix it, right? No thanks. I will pass. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this monstrosity of a spending bill.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, Democrat policies are so pathetic and have done so poorly that the left has nothing else to do but troll the internet, looking for ways to get offended, and then try to target Members and strip them of their committees. This is a dumb waste of the House's time. But since the Speaker has designated the floor to discuss Members' inappropriate actions, shall we? The jihad squad member from Minnesota has paid her husband--and not her brother husband, the other one--over a million dollars in campaign funds. This Member is allowed on the Foreign Affairs Committee while praising terrorists. A Democrat chairwoman incited further violence in the streets outside of a courthouse. Then the cherry on top, my colleague and 3-month Presidential candidate from California, who is on the Intelligence Committee, slept with Fang Fang, a Chinese spy. Let me say that again. A Member of Congress who received classified briefings was sleeping with the enemy.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I was caught in traffic and the votes closed before I could cast mine. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 289, and ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 285.

Mrs. BOEBERT

Mrs. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, it appears that the death of 13 American soldiers and the billions in American military equipment handed over to terrorists isn't enough tragedy for my Democrat colleagues. To continue their legacy of death and destruction, progressives decided to bring abortion on demand up for a vote this week. These baby-killing advocates have been spewing lies and half-truths at an alarming rate since heartbeat bills have been passed by States all across the country. So, I thought I would just address a few of these lies. Lie number one: Abortion is good for women. That is some CNN fake news right there. Women who have an abortion have an 81 percent increase in risk for mental health problems and are 35 percent more likely to commit suicide. Abortion doubles the risk of alcoholism for women, increases the risk of future miscarriages by up to 60 percent, and, of course, increases the chances of death in the mother. Every abortion leaves one dead and one wounded. Abortion is bad for women. Lie number two: Rape victims need abortions. Wrong. They need love. They need support. They need safety and healing. They needed a Glock 19 when it happened. It is time we start addressing killing the raper rather than the baby. What isn't needed is trying to rectify a horrible situation through the killing of an innocent life. Abortion makes up only 3 percent of Planned Parenthood's services. Yep, that is lie number 3. Seriously, no one believes this. Planned Parenthood is America's number one abortion provider. More than 96 percent of women who seek help at Planned Parenthood have abortions. Planned Parenthood is for women's healthcare like Mattress Firm sells mattresses. Right. And number four: Heartbeat bills restrict abortion. Actually, this one is true. You are damn right they restrict abortion, and I am proud to support them. I am proud that, in just a few years, because of heartbeat bills all across America, there will be children enrolling in elementary schools, laughing and smiling because someone took a stand for the voiceless. God bless these children. God bless their mothers. And God bless America.