Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, last week, the American people spoke forcefully against what we have seen for 4 years out of the Biden-Harris administration and their whole-of- government assault over individual freedom, economic prosperity, and limited government. For 4 years, the Biden-Harris administration and their allies here in Congress had the opportunity to show the American people their vision of our country and their vision of what role the Federal Government might play in shaping it, 4 years of drastic expansion of Federal budgets, 4 years of regulatory regimes, and 4 years of hazy interpretations of the constitutional separation of powers. Look, votes are continuing to be counted, but it is already clear that the American people spoke to the need for an equally drastic course correction right here in Washington, D.C., and, subsequently, the direction our country is headed. This week is perhaps the opportunity to bind the wounds for a nationwide healing experience over what has been suffered for the last 4 years: crippling inflation, rampant crime, and a bureaucratic state that has squeezed out every ounce of productivity from this country. Do you know what? We have left our adversaries a lot of room to run. The good news for the gentleman from Massachusetts is that the measure before us can and should be bipartisan. House Resolution 1568 provides for consideration of three pieces of legislation to make targeted adjustments to a bureaucracy aimed at making American lives better, less expensive, and more productive. Each piece has or should receive bipartisan support. Each piece speaks to issues that have received bipartisan praise or concern. This week, we can unify under the mandate of the American people and continue the body of work that will begin today and continue into next year. First, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8932, the FASFA Deadline Act, under a structured rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided between the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and provides for one motion to recommit. Second, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 7409, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act, or the HEATS Act, under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided between the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources and provides for one motion to recommit. Third, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8446, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024, under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources and provides for one motion to recommit. Madam Speaker, each of these bills takes a scalpel to the government bureaucracy to make American lives easier, more affordable, and more productive. The FASFA Deadline Act ensures that the Biden-Harris administration-- man, their rollout of the updated FASFA forms has been a disaster. We are going to make sure that that does not happen again. The delays, the mistakes, and the glitches resulted in 430,000 fewer students filling out a student aid application for the 2024 fall semester and the steepest drop in first-year college enrollment since the pandemic. Madam Speaker, it begs the question: How are you going to forgive student loans if you don't allow them to be made in the first place? The FASFA Deadline Act would force future administrations to prioritize this important process over illegal and constitutionally questionable student loan bailout schemes. The HEATS Act eliminates the redundancy in Federal permitting for clean, geothermal energy production, lessening the paperwork burden for developers, lowering energy costs, and hastening a growing and important part of our domestic energy portfolio. Finally, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act resolves a disparity between two agencies responsible for green-lighting our domestic mineral production, ensuring that we can mine the minerals for vehicles, cell phones, and lifesaving technology, not just for today but for generations to come. Affordable energy, abundant natural resources, and economic opportunity, what is not to like? That is what these bills achieve, and in doing so, they make commonsense, targeted reforms to fix real problems the American people face. That is what the House majority has promised to the American people. That is what this body can do today. That is what Republicans can work toward in the years to come. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bills, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1568 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Global Medical Response Stars of Life award recipients for 2024. Each year, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) honors a select group of Emergency Medical Services professionals for their commitment to patient care, integrity, and compassion through the Stars of Life program. Global Medical Response, a member of the AAA and the world's largest provider of emergent and non-emergent medical transportation and healthcare services, has identified 33 of its frontline heroes for this distinction, representing the best of the best in the air and on the ground. We will find these heroes all around us in our communities. From Maui, Hawaii where a Paramedic, served as the Incident Commander for EMS ground units during the deadly 2023 fire that devastated Lahaina to an advanced EMF in Lagrange, GA, who safely delivered a baby while the baby's mother was being transported to a hospital, and performed lifesaving interventions on the newborn, who was ``pulseless'' at the time of birth to Waco, TX where a paramedic, saved the life of a cardiac arrest patient after working on the individual for 30 minutes before achieving return of spontaneous circulation. There are countless stories to share and so much that we can learn from the day-to-day lives of these heroes. We must learn to exhibit integrity in everything we do and everything we say. We must act with compassion and grace in even the most daunting and challenging of situations. We must be vigilant, never wavering in our commitment to doing what is right for the community and answering the call to serve. So that we will never forget the immense contributions to our communities made by the 2024 Global Medical Response Stars of Life award recipients, I respectfully request that each of their names be included in the Record to honor their service and humbly thank them for showing us what it means to truly serve, while providing care to the world at a moment's notice. Global Medical Response 2024 Stars of Life Award Recipients Frank Alba, Critical Care Paramedic of Kansas City, KS; Johan Alvarado, Flight Paramedic of Laredo, TX; Aubree Arneson, Advanced EMT of Brookings, OR; Henry Barsh, EMT of Washington, D.C.; Antoine Berenger, Firefighter, EMT, of Tempe, AZ; Heather James, Advanced EMT of Lagrange, GA; Emily Chandler, EMS Programs Manager of Springfield, MA; Josh Cavaness, Flight Paramedic of Chanute, KS; Andrew Davalos, Paramedic of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Riggs Egolf, Paramedic of Hampton, VA. Juvencio Estrada, Flight Nurse of Laredo, TX; Brent Fisher, Flight Paramedic of Poplar Bluff, MO; Jason Florance, Paramedic of Topeka, KS; Scotland Hamlin, EMT, Field Training Officer of Orlando, FL; Jason Henry, Fire Captain of Tempe, AZ; Jason Hodges, Operations Supervisor of Portland, OR; David Kingdon, Paramedic of Maui County, HI; Daniel ``Dan'' Laguna, Pilot of Elko, NV; Matthew Lambert, Paramedic, Lifeguard of Florence, AL; Miki Leslie, EMT, Field Training Officer of Yakima, WA. Alyssa Meier, EMT of Prescott, AZ; Eli Melamed, Paramedic of Prescott, AZ; Megan Overbeck, Paramedic of Decatur, IL; Michael Pernna, Critical Care Transport Registered Nurse of Redlands, CA; Kevin Rochford, Paramedic of Waco, TX; Lance Smeal, Advanced EMF, Field Training Officer of Buffalo, NY. Raquel Soto, Paramedic of West Hartford, CT; Jason Southard, Operations Supervisor of Tucson, AZ; Shane Terry, Flight Paramedic of Big Spring, TX; Andrew Varela, Paramedic, Field Training Officer of Modesto, CA; Lucie Walters, Flight Respiratory Therapist of Birmingham, AL; Nikki Warren, Flight Nurse of Poplar Bluff, MO; Ambrose Stevens, Paramedic, Operations Manager of Redding, CA.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recall and recognize the recipients of a special annual salute to honor local Veterans of the 26th Congressional District of Texas. Starting in 2005, I have had the privilege of honoring distinguished Veterans of my district with Texas' 26th Congressional District Veteran Commendation. Our nation's Veterans have selflessly and honorably served our country and preserved our freedoms. It is because of their service that we enjoy all the liberties we are afforded. These brave men and women deserve our thanks and praise. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to publicly recognize eighty-six Veterans over the past two decades and honor their service through the presentation of the Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) at the annual ``Salute Our Veterans'' luncheon sponsored by the Highland Village Business Association (HVBA) and the City of Highland Village, Texas. At this patriotic event each year, in addition to the announcement of the CVC recipients, each Veteran in attendance is afforded the opportunity to give their name and branch of service along with a highlight of their military service. With an annual attendance of over 250, the HVBA graciously covers the cost of the luncheon for attending Veterans and their guest. As I retire from the U.S. House of Representatives, allow me to announce the five recipients of the 2024 Congressional Veteran Commendation and add their names to the illustrious list of prior recipients. 2024 Thomas Balmer (Sergeant--U.S. Army), Carrollton Kasey Brown (Sergeant--U.S. Marine Corps), Justin Frank Dixon (Corporal--U.S. Marine Corps), Flower Mound Christopher Garner (Specialist--U.S. Army National Guard), Gainesville John Miller (Captain--U.S. Army), Frisco 2023 Mary Garcia (Major--U.S. Air Force) of Lewisville Timothy Qualls (Staff Sergeant--U.S. Air Force) of Savannah David Seals, Jr. (Captain--U.S. Army) of Frisco Melvin Sumrall (Corporal--U.S. Marine Corps) of Denton 2022 James Brown (U.S. Marine Corps--Corporal), Sanger Jere Delano (U.S. Air Force--SSGT), Denton Lena Jackson-Lynch (U.S. Air Force--MSGT), Denton Daniel Joseph (U.S. Army--Corporal), Lake Dallas John Mulholland II (U.S. Navy--Petty Officer 2nd Class), Justin 2021 Carolyn Bradford (Specialist--U.S. Army), North Richland Hills Richard Crossley, Jr. (Lt. Col.--U.S. Army), Flower Mound Karl Monger (Captain--U.S. Army), Trophy Club Michael Shasteen (Petty Officer Fourth Class--U.S. Navy), Frisco Ron Trees (Lt. Col.--U.S. Air Force), Little Elm 2020 Paul Bastaich (Senior Master Sergeant--U.S. Air Force), Oak Point Richard Cook (Lieutenant--U.S. Navy), Double Oak Jacob Schick (Corporal--U.S. Marine Corps), Frisco Dennis Sheridan (Captain--U.S. Army), Trophy Club Danny Weakley (Master Sergeant--U.S. Army), Little Elm 2019 Sharon Balsley (Lt. Colonel--U.S. Army), Corinth Carlos Gallardo (Captain--U.S. Air Force), Frisco Tom Kim (Lt. Commander--U.S. Navy), Highland Village Robert Kohankie II (Lt. Commander--U.S. Navy), Flower Mound James Trombley (Sergeant--U.S. Marine Corps), Frisco 2018 Virgil Aldag (Specialist 4th Class--U.S. Army), Denton Lewis Duckwall II (Gunnery Sergeant--U.S. Marine Corps), Lake Dallas Robert Lessard (Sergeant First Class--U.S. Army), Aubrey Christopher Martin (Colonel--U.S. Army), Argyle Gustav Wittschack (Sergeant First Class--U.S. Army), Cross Roads 2017 Paul Farrar (Staff Sergeant--U.S. Army), Denton Donald Graves (Corporal--U.S. Marine Corps), Fort Worth Paul Perez Jr. (Master Sergeant--U.S. Air Force), Flower Mound Donald Phillips (Chief Petty Officer--U.S. Navy), Denton Johnnie Yellock II (Staff Sergeant--U.S. Air Force), Lantana 2016 Roberta DuTeil (Lieutenant Junior Grade--U.S. Navy), Bartonville William ``Bill'' Lawrence (Colonel--U.S. Air Force), Highland Village Virginia ``Ginger'' Simonson (Lieutenant Colonel--U.S. Army), Highland Village Clinton Turner (Corporal--U.S. Army), Denton Charles ``Chuck'' Wright (1st Lieutenant--U.S. Marine Corps), Frisco 2015 Jack Bailey (Major--U.S. Army/Commander--U.S. Navy), Flower Mound Forrest Beadle (Captain--U.S. Army), Denton Doug Brown (Chief Warrant Officer--U.S. Army), Flower Mound Andre ``Frenchy'' Rheault (Master Sergeant--U.S. Air Force), Denton Gary Steele (Senior Master Sergeant--U.S. Air Force), Denton 2014 Charles Correll (Colonel--U.S. Air Force), Denton Peter Lane (Colonel--U.S. Air Force), Denton Jack Milligan (Lieutenant Colonel--U.S. Army), Highland Village Pat Smith (Colonel--U.S. Air Force), Denton William Splichal (Chief Warrant Officer 4--U.S. Army), Trophy Club 2013 Gilbert Brown (Sergeant--U.S. Army), Lewisville Jerry Galler (Storekeeper 3rd Class--U.S. Navy), Highland Village James Rosengren (Major--U.S. Army), Flower Mound 2012 Robert Baird (Lieutenant Colonel--U.S. Army), Lantana Victor Durrance (Sergeant--U.S. Army Air Force), Gainesville Andrew Fortunato (Lieutenant Colonel--U.S. Marine Corps), Keller Joe Gray (Colonel--U.S. Army), North Richland Hills Mugg Pawless (Private First Class--U.S. Army), Gainesville 2011 Gary Alexander (Corporal--U.S. Marine Corps), Gainesville Julius Fambry (lst Sergeant--U.S. Army), The Colony Donald Langa (Lieutenant Commander--U.S. Navy), Denton Joe M. Leonard, Jr. (Captain--U.S. Army), Gainesville Leroy M. Williamson, Sr. (1st Lieutenant--U.S. Army/Air Force), Denton 2010 Major Lee Roy Keith, (U.S. Marine Corps), Denton Sergeant Arlen Ray Mayfield, Jr., (U.S. Army), Lewisville Master Sergeant Guy Northrup, (U.S. Marine Corps), Lewisville Colonel Larry Patterson, (U.S. Army), Highland Village Major Richard Stewart, (U.S. Army/U.S. Air Force), Denton 2009 Corporal Arthur F. Berg (U.S. Army), Lewisville Colonel Ernest L. Isbell (U.S. Army, Ret.), Highland Village Captain Hank Scheible (U.S. Air Force, Ret.), Denton 2008 Staff Sergeant Mark H. Graunke, Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps), Denton Commander Robert Heid (U.S. Navy, Ret.), Flower Mound Sergeant Donald W. Pettigrew (U.S. Marine Corps), Gainesville Colonel Walter W. Pine (U.S. Army/U.S. Air Force, Ret.), Keller Major Earl L. Russell, III (U.S. Army/Army Reserve, Ret.), Gainesville 2007 Lt. Col. Walter Dyer (U.S. Air Force, Ret.), Highland Village Col Susanne Hechinger (U.S. Air Force, TX ANG, Ret.), Flower Mound Col James P. Mariades (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.), Copper Canyon Lt. Col. Edward ``Red'' Weir (U.S. Air Corps/Air Forces, U.S. Air Force, Ret.), Denton Capt William B. Springfield (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.), Flower Mound 2006 Sgt. Maj. Thomas Blagg (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.), Denton Mr. Woodrow Wilson Burch, Jr., (U.S. Army/U.S. Air Force), Denton Lt. Col. Ivan N. Glasscock (U.S. Air Force, Ret.), Denton 2005 Mr. Johnnie Bulen (U.S. Army), Lewisville Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm, (U.S. Air Force, Ret.), Argyle Mr. Reby Cary (Radioman First Class--U.S. Coast Guard), Fort Worth

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and sacrifice of U.S. Marine Corps Captain Ronald W. Forrester. CAPT Forrester was reported missing in action during a combat mission during the Vietnam War. His remains were identified and accounted for on December 4, 2023, and he was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on October 7, 2024. His answered call to service and dedication to our Nation left a legacy that has impacted multiple generations. CAPT Forrester was raised in Odessa, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1969. At Texas A&M University, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets before being commissioned as an officer into the Marine Corps. Within the Marine Corps, CAPT Forrester was a member of the Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 533, Marine Air Group 15, 1st Marine Air Wing. On December 27, 1972, Forrester was assigned as the bombardier/ navigator aboard an A-6A Intruder along with the pilot, Captain Jim Chipman. During a nighttime combat mission over North Vietnam, radio contact with the aircraft was lost, and subsequent aerial search teams were unable to locate the missing plane or its crew. After several months, the Marine Corps changed the crew's initial Missing In Action status to Killed In Action. On December 4, 2023, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) identified the remains of Captain Ronald W. Forrester as well as those of his fellow crewmember, Captain Jim Chipman. CAPT Forrester was officially welcomed home in a moving memorial celebration held on February 2, 2024, at Lake Travis United Methodist Church and attended by hundreds of his family, friends, Texas A&M classmates, and fellow veterans from across the country. At the time of his death, CAPT Forrester was 25 years old and married to Jana Bland Jenkins with a two-year-old daughter Karoni. She has dedicated much of her life to the POW/MIA cause, advocating for families who have dealt with the painful uncertainty surrounding their missing loved ones. The impact of CAPT Forrester's life has influenced more than just those who knew him. His nephew, Craig Forrester, followed his path to Texas A&M, the Corps of Cadets, and the Marine Corps. Craig Forrester credits his uncle's memory and legacy with inspiring his own military service. Forrester's granddaughter, Lilian Gonzales, believes she would not be the person she is without the love and support that has surrounded her because of her grandfather's absence and sacrifice. Captain Ronald W. Forrester lost his life in service to our Nation, and we are grateful that his family has been provided closure and allowed to bring him home to his fInal resting place.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Denton IOOF Cemetery and the Ribbon Cutting ceremony denoting a long-overdue correction to the property's deed, formally eliminating the prohibition for the burial of Black individuals in the cemetery. This is a significant and important day for the Denton community in formally acknowledging the rights and worth of all community members, regardless of race. I would like to thank Mayor Gerard Hudspeth for raising the issue so the City of Denton could do the necessary research and legal work to eliminate the codified restrictions in the deed's provisions. Denton county has a rich African American history, which serves as an important cornerstone for the flourishing and prosperity community we recognize today. The elimination of this restriction aligns the IOOF Cemetery's stated value of ``elevating mankind's character'' with Denton's shared commitment in honoring the innate human value of its citizens and ensures that all cemetery visitors and their loved ones are recognized as equal in both practice and in code. I am honored to recognize this ribbon cutting ceremony.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time on the Republican side. Madam Speaker, it is ironic that we keep hearing about unity. I heard the word ``unity'' I don't know how many times during the inaugural address of President Biden, yet it is virtually impossible for a Republican to get a telephone call answered from the head of any Federal agency. This has been the most walled-off administration that I have ever seen. I served in the Bush Presidency, the Obama Presidency, and the Trump Presidency, and I have never seen an administration that behaves in the way this administration does. The gentleman referenced the aid to the country of Ukraine. I voted for that aid package in June 2022. We didn't get a lot of information before the bill was brought to the floor. Then-Speaker Pelosi brought it rather hurriedly. It came to the Rules Committee in an emergency hearing, but what was happening in Ukraine seemed so horrific that any ability to help seemed important. Then I waited after that vote. I waited for the administration to come to talk to us about what the strategy is, where we are going, and what the plan is. Is there an exit strategy out there somewhere? Again, we had another vote last March, once again hoping that the administration would begin to behave differently and at least inform the Congress of what their plans were. I voted again for that aid package. I caught a lot of grief from my constituents back home for voting for that package. At the same time, once again, no information was forthcoming from the administration, no plan and no strategy. Madam Speaker, we had big meetings over in the auditorium in the Capitol Visitor Center just prior to the invasion of Ukraine. All the generals and Cabinet Secretaries were there. They told us that it was too late, that there was nothing we could do, and that Ukraine would fall in 3 days. They didn't. That is when the administration came back and started asking for these aid packages, but never once did they fill in the blanks of: this is what we plan to do, this is where we plan to go. Even today, the administration seems to be arguing with itself. Do we allow for Ukraine to use that aid in a more robust way to defend itself, or is it all just purely risk-averse defense spending that they will do? Again, we don't know. I would love to hear the administration give us a reason why it is important to continue to send American tax dollars because they have a plan for victory and a plan for ending the war. We heard a lot of discussion about the previous administration, the Trump administration, and the world was never more prosperous and at peace. Madam Speaker, do you remember the comment in early October last year when the statement was made by the administration that they have never seen the Middle East more quiet than it is today? Oh, my God, where are we now? Where are we now? Where are the plans of the administration? When are they going to come to talk to us about the correct way forward? We hear arguments internally, arguments with the administration arguing with itself. We heard the Vice President and the President basically arguing about the way forward with what to do with the problems in the Middle East, but, again, no one comes to us and lays out what the plan is going forward. Madam Speaker, I have never seen a world more dangerous than it is today. I feel as if we are living on a knife's edge and that, at any point, one false move, one miscalculation by one individual, could lead the world into a confrontation and conflagration the likes of which the world has never seen before. We do need to be concerned about that. We do need the United States to lead. We need a strong leader in the United States, and I would argue that the prior President evidenced that type of strong leadership, and the world was a safer place. The world was a more prosperous place. Now, since the gentleman brought up the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, these were the very matches that lit the fuse on inflation in this country in January 2021. Inflation was at 1.6 percent in December 2020. Then, a year later, where was it? It was going up toward 8 percent. The Secretary of the Treasury said she thought it would be transitory. The Chair of the Federal Reserve thought it would self- correct. Then it didn't, and the American people suffered. Why weren't we concerned about the suffering of the American people in the last Congress when we continued to lay spending bill over spending bill, which the people could no longer afford? So, yes, it is tough. Now, we are having to dial some of that back, and it is not easy. Any time the Federal Government spends a dollar, it immediately creates a constituency, and it is difficult to dial those dollars back. We argue with ourselves here in the Congress about what the best path forward is, but at the same time, we have an obligation. We have an obligation to fund the government, which we will have an opportunity to do later this week. Madam Speaker, I do want to urge colleagues to support this rule. I do want to encourage colleagues to support the underlying legislation. I do want us to hold the Federal agencies accountable to the American people, solve critical issues for our constituents, and restore American strength on the world stage. I said in committee yesterday that these bills are about accountability to the governed, respect for law and order, strength on the world stage, and rightsizing Federal agencies. These are the core tenets of House Republicans. That is what we pledged to the American people, and it is what the American people expect from this body. Madam Speaker, I, again, urge my colleagues to support the rule and support the underlying legislation.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close after the gentleman closes.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that amendment No. 3 printed in Part D of House Report 118-705, to be offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao) or a designee, be modified by the amendment I have placed at the desk.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1486 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, last night, the House Committee on Rules met to report House Resolution 1486, providing for the consideration of four pieces of legislation. First, the rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 1469, condemning the Biden-Harris administration and individuals therein responsible for the military withdrawal of Afghanistan and subsequent evacuation. This will be considered under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Second, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3334, the STOP CCP Act, under a structured rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and provides one motion to recommit. Third, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8205, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided between the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and provides for one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 8790, the Fix Our Forests Act, under a structured rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided between the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources and provides one motion to recommit. Finally, the rule provides clarification in House rules regarding the regulations governing the availability of remote witness testimony. Madam Speaker, it has been over 3 years since the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan; 3 years since 13 members of our armed services fell on account of the Biden-Harris administration's rushed operation to fulfill a campaign promise; 3 years of not one single acknowledgment by the President, the Democratic nominee for President, the current Vice President, or anyone in the administration, for that matter, to acknowledge what happened in August 2021. For better or for worse, the American people saw this tragedy with their own eyes, as Afghan civilians clung to an airplane leaving Kabul airport, and the American people have been awaiting accountability from those responsible for a long time. Well, that wait ends this week when the House considers H. Res. 1469 to condemn those in the Biden-Harris administration responsible for the events that led up to and unfolded in July and August of 2021. Despite the Biden-Harris administration's incessant stonewalling of proper congressional oversight and accountability, Chairman McCaul and the Foreign Affairs Committee have investigated the events surrounding and during the Afghanistan withdrawal. Their recently released report is as stunning as it is outrageous. The Biden-Harris administration ignored that the Taliban was not meeting its obligations under the Doha agreement. For example, the Taliban had yet to cut ties with al-Qaida by the time the evacuation started, something that the Biden-Harris administration knew. Secondly, the administration prioritized optics and political expediency over the safety of our servicemembers and civilian personnel. The Taliban had already entered Kabul before the evacuation of nonmilitary personnel began. Third, they failed to plan for the go-to-zero order appropriately, which led to the deadliest attack on U.S. military personnel in a decade. Fourth, the failures damaged America's credibility and standing in the world. I cannot stress enough the significance of these events. We abandoned our allies, leaving them to slaughter, and allowed terrorism once again to flourish in the area. Fifth, there was a concerted and deliberate misinformation campaign that touched nearly every stage of the withdrawal. These failures have had a profound impact on our country, but not a single person in the Biden-Harris administration has yet been held accountable. Recruitment into our military has plummeted after the prospective servicemembers saw that they would basically be used as disposable chess pawns in a political promise. The Taliban has organized a de facto permanent regime built on torture, violence, and religious and political oppression. Without a United States presence in the area, counterterrorism operations have been hindered, and foreign adversaries like China have moved in to establish diplomatic relations with the regime. Most importantly, however, these events signaled weakness, emboldening China, Russia, and their proxies to become more aggressive with their geopolitical ambitions. China became emboldened to pursue its objectives with respect to Taiwan. Russian leaders saw an opening, and they invaded Ukraine, knowing that the United States was weak and could not be trusted, a shameful and disastrous series of events that our country is paying the price for currently and will continue to pay this price for decades. Afghanistan is not the only area where the Biden-Harris administration has shown weakness. This week, the House of Representatives will consider the STOP CCP Act, which will impose significant and punitive sanctions on individuals of the Chinese Communist Party. Madam Speaker, there is broad agreement in this body over the atrocities of the Chinese Communist Party. Where we seemingly don't agree is whether there should be consequences for these atrocities. Up to this point, the Biden-Harris administration has yet to impose any meaningful sanction on the Chinese Government officials for their political and religious oppression of their own people. The STOP CCP Act forces the administration to finally do so and speak loudly that oppression of God-given rights will be met with consequence. Speaking of consequences, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act imposes strict regulations and penalties on charitable bond funds, whose funding has exploded in recent years as a result of the George Floyd protests in the summer of 2020. These funds, like the Minnesota Freedom Fund, bail out violent criminals who in many cases then go on to commit more crime. H.R. 8205 ensures that these funds are subject to penalties and licensing requirements to protect our communities and keep criminals where they belong, which is behind bars. The final bill provided under the rule, the Fix Our Forests Act, is bipartisan legislation that addresses the wildfire crisis across the country. Now, in classic fashion, the Biden-Harris administration and their allies in Congress spent billions of dollars to address the increase in wildfire occurrences and their severity without fixing the underlying problem: bureaucratic red tape and extreme environmental and serial litigators that prevent the correct management of forests. H.R. 8790 makes targeted, yet transformational, changes to the Federal agencies responsible for our forests to improve the way we manage our forests and ensure projects are not held up in the bureaucracy or in the courts. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bills, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. The rules brought forth today, two are closed, but in both instances, neither received an amendment in which to make in order. If there are no amendments, by definition, then it is a closed rule. I do want to point out that this majority has reported nearly twice the number of bills as the last Congress when the gentleman, the ranking member, was, in fact, the chairman of the committee. I would also like to point out that since there was a change in the chairman of the Rules Committee, all Rules Committee votes have passed on the floor. I hope that pattern continues today. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, before I go to the gentleman from New York, I do want to point out that, sadly, in January of this year, January 29, 2024, three U.S. soldiers were killed in Jordan. The three soldiers are Sergeant William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Georgia; Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders of Waycross, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett of Savannah, Georgia. All were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, Fort Moore, Georgia. Do not continue to repeat the lie that we have no soldiers standing in harm's way during the Biden administration. It was brought up during the debate by the Vice President. It was wrong then. It is wrong now. We have soldiers on the ground in Iran and Syria. Of course, there are soldiers deployed in the Continent of Africa. We can't forget everything that is happening right now with the Houthi rebels placing our servicemembers in danger. Do not make the mistake that the world is completely at peace under the beneficence of the current Biden administration. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy), a valuable member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. First off, I do want to remind the House that the House passed $3 billion in veterans funding last week and sent it over to the Senate. This gives us time to act on further veterans funding prior to the December 20 deadline that will be part of the continuing resolution that will pass later this week. The Military Construction-VA appropriations bill was, in fact, the first House-passed appropriations bill. Representative Carter from Texas led that subcommittee and passed that bill much earlier in the year. It has been sitting over in the Senate. It hasn't seen any activity. That bill actually could have been passed by both the House and the Senate and signed by the President of the United States. I am grateful that my counterpart, the ranking member of the committee, allowed you to see, Madam Speaker, what I live with on a daily basis, which is a severe case of Trump derangement syndrome. We see it on display in the Rules Committee almost continuously. You have heard a brief exposure of that today on the floor of the House. I apologize to the country that they had to put up with that, but, again, this is my life in the Rules Committee. Trump derangement syndrome is alive and well and put forth on virtually every argument that goes forth in the Rules Committee. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Bucshon from Indiana for yielding me the time on such an important reauthorization that we are undertaking today. Mr. Speaker, 2018 was the last authorization for sickle cell research. Prior to that, it had been part of the 2004 Bush tax cuts, and it has been a long time since this Congress had turned its attention to the problems encountered by people who suffer from the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. Fortunately, in 2018, President Trump signed a bill into law, and now we are going to reauthorize that bill in this Congress. That is a good thing. I can remember sitting in a hearing in 2016 where the sickle cell disease advocate told us that it had been fully 40 years, four decades, since the Food and Drug Administration had approved a new therapy for sickle cell. Fortunately, we are well past those days now, and on the horizon are a number of newer therapies. Ranking Member Pallone mentioned cell and gene therapies. A lot of work was done when the Committee on Energy and Commerce did the CURES bill in 2016. There are now newer therapies on the horizon that were not even contemplated the last time that this bill was authorized. Mr. Speaker, I was in practice for 30 years. I worked with families and with patients suffering from this very complex disease. Proper treatment requires knowledge, intervention, and care coordination. It is important that we have the resources to encourage more research and more data to better inform how to evaluate treatment plans while improving the quality of life for patients. This legislation will continue to improve physician and patient education, as well as assist with best practices for care coordination. By having access to these programs, the patient and the physician will continue to have the ability to identify the problem early on, providing more time to arrest the effects of the disease from having long-term effects on the well-being of the patient. I certainly thank my fellow Members, Representative Carter of Georgia, and, of course, Representative Davis of Illinois for his longstanding work in this regard and for helping educate me as to the importance of advancing this research and advancing this reauthorization through the many steps it has taken over the last 20 years. I am grateful for the direction and the wise counsel provided by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) on this important issue. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Bucshon for yielding me the time, and I thank the committee for working on this important topic.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I do rise today in support of S. 2228, the Building Chips in America Act. Last week, Members of the Texas delegation sent a letter to our leadership requesting that we prioritize this crucial piece of legislation. I certainly thank, of course, Chairman Lucas as well as Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise for considering bringing the Building Chips in America Act to the floor this week. We have heard over and over how semiconductors are necessary for some of the most vital technology we have today. Let's also be clear. The NEPA process is valuable. The environmental impact assessments and reviews that are conducted in this country are a pragmatic symbol of the American people's commitment to environmental conservatism and land management. However, efficiency is sometimes lacking. My friend, the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Pallone, the gentleman from New Jersey, said this is a solution in search of a problem. Hardly. Hardly. NEPA's red tape means that many semiconductor projects are delayed, manufacturers are becoming discouraged in developing domestic manufacturing projects, and certainly that is evident in my home State of Texas. This legislation is important to Texas, and we have remained at the forefront of a national resurgence in high-tech manufacturing. Streamlining the NEPA process will help companies in the semiconductor industry bring great economic prosperity to our State.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Major Raymond Roberts of Denton, Texas, who passed away on August 29, 2024. With his celebration of life ceremony being held this week, I would like to share about his tremendous life of service to his country and our great state of Texas. Since he could first walk, Ray always wanted to be a pilot, which prompted him to join the U.S. military at the young age of 14. Initially joining the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and then transitioning to the Army Air Corps, Ray spent 22 years serving in our Nation's military. Ray's storied military career included assignments as an airman, mechanic, and flight engineer during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. In 1948, Ray was also one of the few pilots to fly nonstop as part of the greatest humanitarian airlift in history to carry supplies to the encircled people of West Berlin. Despite the great risks and challenges that came with supplying the necessities of food and fuel for thousands of people, he remained dedicated and committed to providing the resources necessary to sustain the men, women, and children in dire need on the ground. Ray played a pivotal role in history and the success of our military. After leaving military service, Ray did not stop serving his community. Developing a career as an entrepreneur, corporate manager, car salesman, aviation administrator, and private pilot, he ensured our state continued to grow economically. Ray loved his country and numerous times put his life on the line for the future generations of Americans. I am glad to call him a constituent of mine and was honored to nominate his son, Brandon, for the Air Force Academy back in 2012 and see him successfully follow his father in service to his country. May his extraordinary life be remembered by many in the 26th District of Texas and across the United States. Sending my prayers and love to his family and friends, as they celebrate his life.