Ken Buck

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to make one thing absolutely clear. There is not a single Republican in the United States House of Representatives, to my knowledge, that does not condemn the violent acts on January 6; period, end of story. If somebody wants to work on a resolution condemning the violence on January 6, I welcome that and will work with them, but let's not talk about January 6 when we are talking about a bill that is designated and intended to compliment and uplift those who have been the targets of really destructive action in terms of the defund the police movement. I have heard my good friend from Washington--one of the leaders of the Progressive Caucus here in the House--say that Progressives in the House who we have quoted were not involved in that. That is fine. However, certainly the leftists in this country moved to defund the police. They succeeded. As a result, we have seen rising crime, we have seen more victims, and nobody on their side--nobody--takes accountability for the fact that there are more murder victims, there are more robbery victims, there are more people getting their cars hijacked, there are more crimes being committed in this country as a result of failed leftist policies. If you want to talk about January 6, let's work together and thank the Capitol Police. You want to talk about defunding the police, you want to talk about how we need to uplift the police for their great work, then we need to pass this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I quote my good friend from the State of Washington. ``Law enforcement as a whole has a culture of brutality that you cannot deny if you look at all of these incidents. . . . Most of the protesters are calling for a complete transformation of policing?'' To paraphrase, this reporter writes, Jayapal said that governments should ``shift significant sums of money from police'' and put it in other community-based programs. I am happy to work with my friend and cosponsor a January 6 resolution of some type thanking the police officers. Outside the door of my office in the Rayburn Building, there is a ``Thank You, Capitol Police'' sign. There is a flag representing the dedication that police officers have flying outside my door. I absolutely thank the Capitol Police for their hard work. Mr. Speaker, I do think we need to look at what the FBI, ATF, and some other agencies have done in a fair, responsible, nonpartisan way and address some of those issues. I actually think I probably will work with my friend on this, also. Some of my colleagues have started that process with an appropriations angle. That is something I will look at. I may support it. I may not. You may probably not. However, we have other ways to deal with Federal law enforcement that have overstepped. I also agree with my friend that an overwhelming percentage of Federal law enforcement agents are great, hardworking people who protect us from foreign terrorists and all sorts of violence in this country, organized crime, other things that aren't dealt with as well at the local level, and I appreciate what they have done. The leadership in some of those agencies has gone astray, in my opinion, and that is why we need to take a serious look at them, but I thank my friend for her comments, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will mention in response to the gentleman from New York's remarks about empty rhetoric, that this resolution says that Congress recognizes and appreciates the dedication and devotion demonstrated by the men and women of local law enforcement who keep our communities safe and condemns calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police. This is hardly empty rhetoric when we are thanking America's finest for the work that they do to protect us. I also appreciate the distinction that the gentleman tried to make and the great difference that we have when Democrats across this country called for defunding local police departments, they did so in the face of rising crime. What was the congressional response to the colleagues in various parts of the country embarrassing Democrat Members in the House? Of course, they did what Democrats do so well. They threw money at a problem. They tried to cover up the embarrassment of defunding police at a time when rising crime was occurring by throwing money at a problem. We are now faced with $31.5 trillion of debt because of strategies like that, and we have to recognize that that no longer works. Yes, there were Republicans who stepped up and voted knowing that the vote might cause some commercials and some other issues about how they don't support police, when the reality is that an overwhelming percentage of police funding comes from local government--as it should. Finally, the ranking member talks about how there have been efforts with some of my colleagues to hold Federal agencies responsible for their actions to make sure that Federal agencies don't overstep their authority. At one point in time, the civil libertarians in this country were on that side of the aisle. Now it appears that the ATF, the FBI, and other agencies can overstep their authority and not be held accountable. It is a sad day when we can't come together and agree that this country is stronger and better when we don't allow the Federal Government to spy on our citizens, to interfere with political campaigns, and to otherwise disrupt our normal life outside of their law enforcement functions. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 40 expresses our support for the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement across our great Nation. These individuals put their lives on the line every single day to protect our communities and keep us safe, and it is time that we acknowledged their selflessness and dedication. Law enforcement officers are the backbone of our justice system. They are the first line of defense against crime, and they work tirelessly to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe places to live, work, and raise families. While most people fear danger and flee, police officers rush toward the threat, and they do so without hesitation or reservation. They are truly the embodiment of courage and bravery. Unfortunately, over the past several years, we have seen an unprecedented level of hostility toward law enforcement in this country. The defund the police movement greatly fueled this hostility. We have seen police officers subjected to unwarranted scrutiny, harassment, and even violence. We have seen protests turn into riots with law enforcement officers becoming targets of angry mobs. This kind of behavior is not only unacceptable, but it is also dangerous and destructive. It undermines the very fabric of our society and puts innocent lives at risk. As a former prosecutor, I am acutely aware of the vital role that law enforcement plays in keeping our communities safe. I have seen firsthand the sacrifices that these men and women make, and I am truly grateful for their service. That is why I am committed to doing everything in my power to support our law enforcement officers and to ensure that they have the resources and tools they need to do their jobs effectively. They are the unsung heroes of our communities, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that could never truly be repaid. Let us work together to ensure that they have the support they need to continue their important work and to keep our neighborhoods safe for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 40.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 398, I call up the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 40) expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, since the 2020 Presidential Elections, Mrs. Tsikhanouskaya has been an inspirational voice and global symbol of the ongoing peaceful struggle for democracy and freedom in the world. Mrs. Tsikhanouskaya selflessly stepped in to replace her husband, Mr. Siarhei Tsikhanouski, following his illegal arrest during his campaign for the Belarusian presidency. While initially disregarded by Belarusian Dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, she went on to win the elections, and has since been forced into exile where she continues her peaceful campaign for the restoration of democracy in her country. She continues to do so under the threat of arrest in Belarus, recently receiving a 15-year prison sentence in absentia from Belarus's autocratic regime. Following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, Mrs. Tsikhanouskaya has met with leaders around the world to underline that Belarus's people do not support this conflict and stand in solidarity with their Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Mrs. Tsikhanouskaya's character is the epitome of `Asking not what her country can do for her, but what she can do for her country. She is not just an inspirational leader in the fight for democracy, but a symbol of global female leadership. Among dozens of distinctions, she received the Sakharov Prize awarded by the European Parliament, the 2022 International Four Freedoms Award, and the Charlemagne Prize. In 2021 and 2022, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Members of the Norwegian Parliament respectively. I welcome her to the United States of America and praise her strength of character and determined campaign to provide her citizens in Belarus the opportunity for a brighter, freer, and democratic future.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of heroic American veteran, George Hekowczyk. On February 18th, Mr. Hekowczyk will turn 100 years old. It is my distinct privilege to wish him a happy 100th birthday, especially because it is rare that I find someone older than myself. Mr. Hekowczyk served in the United States Navy as a Boatswain's Mate Second Class from 1942 through 1946. During his tenure, he served as a deep-sea diver. Mr. Hekowczyk would regularly disable torpedoes on the ocean floor that had failed to detonate. Mr. Hekowczyk's courageous service warrants tremendous praise and recognition; the entire Nation is indebted to him and his generation's commitment to freedom over tyranny. Our Nation's men and women in uniform are America's greatest assets, and Mr. Hekowczyk's value to this Nation is priceless. That's why, Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to recognize the honor, courage, and sacrifice of Boatswain's Mate Second Class George Hekowczyk. I wish him the happiest of birthdays and thank him for his dedication and Service to this Nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I thank all 18 of our speakers. All 18 felt so strongly that they came here during their evening and dedicated themselves to making sure that a message was heard in America, a message that we will not tolerate censorship in this country and that we will not tolerate the left. Whether it owns a corporation or whether it is colluding with the government, we will not tolerate the unacceptable behavior of taking news shows off just because they reflect a conservative viewpoint. Mr. Speaker, I must say that many of the speakers today, many of the Members of Congress who spoke, made it absolutely clear that they are going to dedicate time, energy, and staff resources to make sure that we look into this further. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate your patience and the patience of the staff here. I very much appreciate being able to speak directly to the American people. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman and wish her safe travels back to our great State. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison), who is a hunter, a fisherman, and a great American.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, if the stenographer needs help with dadgummit, we will try to get a spelling for her on that. I yield to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert). She is from my home State, and she is a young person who has set this place on fire since she has been here.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), my neighbor to the north from the Yellowstone State.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens), my good friend and a Super Bowl champion.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser), whose district borders the sweetest place on Earth, Hershey Park.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney), a marine mom.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud).

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman who has been described as New Jersey's best dentist. Now, we are going to Arizona's best dentist. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia, the Old Dominion State, the State for Lovers (Mr. Good).

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), the best dentist in Texas.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor to yield to the gentleman from South Carolina, the Palmetto State, one of Biden's many vacation spots (Mr. Norman).

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona, the Grand Canyon State (Mr. Biggs), America's favorite Arizona podcaster.