Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast), a great American hero and my fellow Floridian.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the legislation and to include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 1615.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), our chairperson.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, this is a good amendment and will make the bill stronger by preventing product regulation based on the type of fuel it uses. I appreciate Mrs. Boebert for offering this particular amendment. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1615, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act. I thank my friend and fellow Energy and Commerce Committee member, Representative Kelly Armstrong, for his leadership and continued work on this initiative. As I said in our full committee markup last month, the American people have had enough of Washington bureaucrats and Biden administration officials, or Big Brother, dictating every aspect of their lives, from the type of car you drive to what appliance you can use in the kitchen. Back in January, we heard disturbing reports from one of the Commissioners at the Consumer Product Safety Commission that a nationwide, universal ban on gas stoves was on the table. This type of government overreach would be an assault on Americans' individual consumer freedoms to decide what works best for their own households and budgets. Republicans stand with the American people, who overwhelmingly agree that banning gas stoves altogether is an egregious overreach and government-knows-best ideology at its worst. The Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act will prohibit the CPSC from using Federal dollars to regulate or issue enforcement regulations on gas stoves as a banned product and prevent regulations that prohibit the sale or substantially increase the price of gas stoves while still allowing CPSC to protect consumers in the way that Congress envisioned. Sadly, the Biden administration's Green New Deal agenda has fueled the flames of radical left State and local governments, and many have already enacted their own complete gas stove bans, such as New York and some cities in California. In fact, many of these cities are facing their own battles, such as in Berkeley, California, the first city to enact a ban in 2019, where the law was recently struck down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and in Palo Alto, California, where they enacted a ban but admitted to issuing an exemption for celebrity chef Jose Andreas, who argued traditional gas appliances were necessary to achieve their signature complex flavors. This carve-out from the far left is plain hypocrisy. Meanwhile, down in my State of Florida, we just entered hurricane season, and households that are struggling after a natural disaster takes out their electricity would find it even harder to cook their food without gas stoves. All of these reasons clearly demonstrate why this legislation is needed to prevent government overreach. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1615. Let's pass this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that supports American consumer choice and freedom for households to decide what works best for their own lives. It makes sense. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I have one more speaker. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I think that the Democratic Party has an agenda--I really do--and it is the Green New Deal. That is what this is all about. I know how many people love their gas stoves. They love their gas stoves. They switched from an electric stove to a gas stove for a reason. As a matter of fact, we have a gas stove and have had it for years. My family is very pleased. It is true that the food tastes better, particularly the Greek food tastes a lot better, with a gas stove. Mr. Chair, I am very much in support of this bill, and I know we are going to get bipartisan support. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the distinguished majority leader.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, as the distinguished gentleman said, 40 percent of Americans use gas stoves. They are very comfortable with their stoves. Let's not take it away from them. The other side says that we are not going to ban gas stoves. Let's put the American people at ease. Now we have seniors who are on limited incomes, and they love their gas stoves. How are they going to replace them? Where are they going to get the money to replace these stoves? Now, again, if we are not going to ban gas stoves, then let's put it in writing. Let's record the votes today. I tell you, Mr. Chairman, we are going to get bipartisan support for this particular bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent of mine and Vietnam Veteran, Earl D. McMillan, Sr. Today, Mr. McMillan will be rightfully celebrated when he receives an honorary diploma at Citrus County High School. Earl had previously earned his diploma at seventeen, before continuing his education and ultimately earning a master's degree in business administration and serving as a college professor for 28 years. However, Earl deployed for Vietnam before his high school graduation ceremony, beginning a military career spanning over 20 years, resulting in his inability to walk across the high school stage to pick up his physical diploma. Today, Earl will be able to walk across the stage and receive his diploma, and we will all be able to celebrate his life of service and accomplishment. I thank Mr. McMillan for his many years of service to our country and am humbled to be able to help honor him for his accomplishments.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chair, I thank the chairman of the Health Subcommittee for his leadership and for yielding me time. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the HALT Fentanyl Act. The American people are in the midst of a staggering illicit fentanyl crisis. Our kids are dying, Madam Chair. We need to do everything we possibly can to help these kids. Sadly, we read daily headlines, Madam Chair, of adults, teens, and even toddlers who have died from fentanyl poisoning. My colleagues across the aisle, they kicked the can down the road. They have kicked it down the road too long, Madam Chair, and look at the consequences as fentanyl-related substances still remain only temporarily scheduled. The time is now to make it permanent. Today, we take an overdue step in the right direction, and as a proud advocate for individuals suffering with substance use disorder, I know this is just one step. Much more needs to be done, and I am thankful the gentleman has brought this bill to the floor. Sadly, we continue to see a huge influx of fentanyl-related substances into the country from across the Mexican border, from cartels using chemicals imported from China and India. I am disheartened to see communities across my State of Florida and across the Nation bearing the ramifications of these criminal actors and our open-border policies. We must secure the border. This is a nonpartisan issue, in my opinion, and we must come together to address the opioid crisis. We are at war with these cartels, Madam Chair. I would like to see my Democratic colleagues heed the Biden administration's public support of these critical measures. Just this Monday, they issued their support for the policies in this bill, urging Congress to pass these measures to address public safety and save lives. I say to my colleagues across the aisle: Work with us on this and on other meaningful policy solutions to combat fentanyl in our Nation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Citrus County Assistant Superintendent Mike Mullen for his retirement after more than 28 years of service in Citrus County. After graduating from California University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Mullen joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After serving for over four years in various roles, he became a teacher at Baker County Middle School in Baker County, Florida. This is a role he would have for four years before moving over to Baker County High School for another three years. While teaching, he also helped with multiple sports including Football, Golf, and Softball. Mr. Mullen then made his way to Citrus County, becoming an instructor at Lecanto Middle School before moving to an administrative role as Assistant Principal and then Principal of Citrus High School. After his principalship, he became Executive Director of School Support Services for Citrus County Schools, helping develop the district's long range capital improvement plan. On July 1, 2011, Mike became Assistant Superintendent of School Operations for Citrus County Schools. In this role, he has provided leadership and direction for district strategic planning, ensured compliance with all district, state, and federal mandates related to school operations, and assisted in the development of the district operating budget. Throughout each phase of his career, Mr. Mullen has impacted countless young lives, leaving an imprint that will last a lifetime. While his influence is incalculable, I know that Citrus County is better for having had him serve. I thank Mike Mullen for his years of service to our community and wish him well as he enjoys his well-earned retirement.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of my constituent and friend, Dennis Alfonso. My friendship with Dennis dates back to our time together at Stetson University College of Law. I remember him as a bright, funny and humble guy who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and who had a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world. By all accounts he fully realized that ambition. For more than two decades, he served as a tireless advocate for those in need throughout our community, representing the District School Board of Pasco County and the Pasco County Clerk of Court. Anyone in need of advice, legal or personal, knew they could turn to Dennis. Everybody who had the pleasure of interacting with him would always walk away feeling better. Even more importantly, Dennis was a devoted husband and father. In recent years, his eyes would light up when he would tell me about how well Alex and India were doing. Sadly, Dennis passed away on May 13, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife and family. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Morris Porton, on his retirement from the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. Morris has been a resident of Hernando County since 1972, spending much of his time giving back to our community through his involvement and support of various nonprofit organizations. Being a part of the Hernando County Chamber since 1995, and having served as the President of the Chamber for many years, Morris has played in instrumental role in the economic development of Hernando County. His strong leadership has helped to recruit high skill/high wage businesses to the area and he has consistently advocated for the infrastructure improvements needed to attract and sustain smart growth. Additionally, he has been an unwavering champion for workforce development through the creation of quality educational opportunities for all. Through his tireless service, Morris has carefully executed his vision of building a community in which small businesses can thrive and residents can work, play and live. I can unequivocally confirm that Hernando County is a better place because of Mr. Porton's work. I thank Morris for his dedication and service to our community. He has laid a solid foundation for success for those who come after him, and I wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of my constituent, Sergeant Joseph Zygarowski. Joseph was a mechanic assigned to the 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Enlisting in the United States Army in 2018, he began his training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina before additional training at Fort Lee Virginia. His Commanders described Joseph as an exceptional soldier and model leader. Throughout his military career he was awarded several accolades including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with an oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. He will be posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Joseph Zygarowski will be remembered for his life of service to his community and country. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of my constituent, Pasco County Firefighter Jason Tucker. Jason served our community for 19 years as a firefighter for Pasco County Fire Rescue. Being named employee of the year for 2022, an award he earned through his dedication to his job, our community, and his fellow firefighters. He exemplified his strength and character throughout his long and courageous battle with cancer. Firefighter Tucker continued to be involved with the department, even after his medical retirement in July 2022, routinely visiting with new-hire classes to teach the next generation the importance of cancer prevention. Through this work he has paved the way for future firefighters throughout the industry and saving countless lives. Throughout treatment he appeared at public events to speak about his illness. Jason Tucker will be remembered for his life of service and the courage he exemplified. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, who was recently named Superintendent of the Year by Magnet Schools of America. This is a tremendous accomplishment and exemplifies Mr. Browning's tireless work to expand school choice in Pasco County. Since being elected Superintendent in 2012, he has worked to provide quality learning experiences for all students. Superintendent Browning's team has facilitated the opening of 26 new magnet schools and other rigorous programs aligned to fields of study based on community need and student interest. These enhancements have facilitated greater student success, as evidenced by an increase in the number of students earning college credit prior to graduation and the number of Cambridge and 1B diplomas earned. Additionally, during his tenure, more students have been able to attain the highest level of Bright Futures Scholarship--making college more affordable for these academic achievers. I thank Superintendent Browning for his commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their highest potential, and I wish him continued success.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fire Chief of Pasco County Fire Rescue, Scott Cassin. Chief Cassin has served Pasco County since 2010 and became Chief on August 26, 2012. For nearly 37 years, Chief Cassin has served in fire service, serving communities in Indiana and Florida. He has worked nearly every job available in the service and has exemplified his commitment and passion to all he has interacted with. Overseeing Pasco County Fire Rescue which responds to 80,000 calls annually and operates a fleet of 175+ vehicles with 700+ personnel, Chief Cassin's strong leadership has allowed the department to innovate and continually push the limits of modern fire service. I thank Chief Cassin for his years of service to our community. It is my hope that he enjoys the retirement he has earned.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Jerome ``Jerry'' Swiatek, Jr., who teaches at Citrus High School. Mr. Swiatek, Jr. was recently awarded the National Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award for his work implementing the Project Lead the Way curriculum. He has been a valued member of the team at Citrus County School District for more than 18 years and has taught at Citrus High School for the past 13 years. Mr. Swiatek, Jr. was the first ever computer science teacher at the school's Academy of Computer Science which helps prepare young students for continued learning and career opportunities in the field of STEM. Since 2017, he has grown the program from approximately 40 students to well over 200 students across all four grade levels. I Thank Jerome Swiatek, Jr. for his service to our community. He is making a profound impact on the lives of those he serves and helping to strengthen our regional workforce by preparing his students with the tools needed for success in high skill/high demand careers. I wish him continued success for many years to come.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity tonight, and I thank my good friend, Mr. Owens. He does an outstanding job. What a great American he is. I thank the gentleman for organizing this very important Special Order on the persecution faced by Enes Kanter Freedom by the Erdogan regime. This issue has personal significance to me, Mr. Speaker, because I consider Enes a very close friend. I am proud to call him my friend. Enes should be held up and supported by the American Government as someone who has used his platform to speak out against human rights violations around the world. Instead, Mr. Speaker, as the previous speaker said, the Biden administration has been critically silent on the Turkish persecution of Enes Kanter Freedom. Most recently, Enes had a 10 million Turkish lira bounty--slightly more than $500,000--placed on his head by the Erdogan regime. This is just the latest of a long line of direct attacks against Enes Kanter Freedom by the Turkish Government. It is unacceptable, and we must speak out. Since 2017, the Erdogan regime has issued at least 10 arrest warrants against Kanter Freedom, and he even narrowly avoided arrest on behalf of the Turkish Government in Indonesia. This is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. I know for a fact that he hasn't seen his family for approximately 10 years because he can't go back to his native Turkiye. Now, he is an American citizen and loving it, and he is giving so much. He is such a great American. What has he done wrong? What crime has he committed? He chose to speak out against President Erdogan for his regime's numerous human rights violations. Enes knew the risks but felt compelled to face the risks to his apparent safety and livelihood to be the voice for the voiceless and the defenseless. What he has given up and what he has sacrificed for those around him, his fellow men and women--it is incredible what he has done. He had a great career in the NBA, and he sacrificed it to help others, people whom he doesn't even know. As a matter of fact, he holds these clinics around the world for our children, all of God's children here in the United States and around the world. What a great individual. Again, I am so proud to call him my friend. He reaches out to Republicans and Democrats to advocate on behalf of these wonderful people. He is a bipartisan guy. I would like to say he is a nonpartisan guy. He just wants to do the right thing. This is particularly evident, again, in his criticism of China and their treatment of the Uyghurs. Again, instead of standing behind Enes, a law-abiding American citizen--he is so proud of his country--the Biden administration has remained silent after the so-called American ally Turkiye placed Enes Kanter Freedom on their most-wanted terrorist list. Not only has the Biden administration been silent, but it has refused to meet with Mr. Freedom regarding the persecution he faces from the Turkish Government. That is just wrong. It really is, frankly, a failure on behalf of the Biden administration's responsibility to protect Americans from foreign threats. Through the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, President Biden is authorized to impose sanctions on any foreign person who is responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights against any individual. No action has been taken by this administration, Mr. Speaker, sadly. President Biden should lead on this issue instead of allowing Enes Kanter Freedom to continue to be persecuted by Turkiye. All we are asking for is a meeting of Mr. Freedom and President Biden or any member of the State Department, a high-level individual, so he can express his concerns. The President needs, again, to meet with Mr. Freedom and stand up for what is right because that is what Enes does on a daily basis. Again, he has been persecuted in Turkiye. He lives in fear, but he is a fearless guy. In my opinion, he is a hero. I appreciate my good friend, Burgess Owens, who is a great American himself. He has done so much for so many people in the State of Utah. Again, I am proud to call him my friend. May God bless him.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend from South Carolina for yielding. Go Gators. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, which would unleash American energy, lower energy prices, and restore the United States as energy independent and as an energy leader in the world. I thank my good friends, Leader Scalise and Chair Rodgers, and my good friend here from South Carolina--he is a good man even though he roots for the wrong team--for being such strong leaders on the issue and bringing this legislation to the floor. Since the Biden administration came into office, Americans have been faced with a persisting energy crisis. We are in the midst of unprecedented increases in the costs of living, and I continue to hear from my constituents regarding how difficult it is to make ends meet. I have heard from numerous constituents who are facing the prospect of losing their livelihood due to increased energy costs driving up their business' operational costs. Tragically, other constituents are now facing severe financial hardship and facing increased energy costs while on fixed incomes. Our seniors are having a very hard time, Mr. Chairman. My constituents deserve energy policies that make energy more affordable for Americans, not more expensive. Not only will H.R. 1 unleash American energy to decrease costs, but it will also spur the mining and processing of critical minerals domestically. It is essential that we do this. We are too dependent on our adversaries, particularly China, for these minerals that we use in nearly every aspect of our economy. H.R. 1 will allow us to produce innovative technologies and critical resources here at home and not in China. This bill will return the United States as a global energy leader and secure America's future from dependencies on our adversaries. Mr. Chairman, I thank the Member for yielding. He is a great man, and he is a leader on these issues.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I was recorded as ``no,'' but I intended to vote ``aye'' on rollcall No. 170. Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mr. Palmer