Tim Burchett

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, our U.S. Supreme Court Justices held oral arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson case, which addressed the constitutionality of Mississippi's law banning abortions after 15 weeks. It is time to get rid of the rules that prevent our legislators from enacting the will of the people and passing laws to protect the unborn, Mr. Speaker. Chief Justice John Roberts once argued that the right to abortion has ``no support in the text, structure, or history of the Constitution.'' I pray he and the eight other Justices uphold that view in Dobbs v. Jackson. They know the ability to murder unborn children is not one of our fundamental rights. The Biden administration suspended basic healthcare regulations so doctors could pass out abortion pills like candy, Mr. Speaker. It is time for our third branch of government to step up now, show some common sense, and make the right decision to protect millions of our unborn babies. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I always remember a story that happened shortly before my momma left this Earth. She was in hospice, and she started talking to folks that had passed a long time before her: my daddy, her daddy, her brother who died in the Second World War. She was looking off at one point, and I said: ``What are you looking at, Momma?'' And she said: ``Baby, I am looking at all of those sweet little babies over there.'' I can't help but think some of those sweet little babies my sweet momma was looking at were some of the unborn that were murdered in abortion.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, State and local governments across the country are caving to woke demands and removing statues of certain United States Presidents from their public buildings. Last week, Thomas Jefferson's statue--if you can imagine, Thomas Jefferson's statue--was removed from New York City's City Hall. Radical leftists want these statues removed because their goal is to erase every part of our Nation's history that doesn't get their stamp of approval. They don't want to see statues of historical figures they don't like. They don't want you to see them, either, Mr. Speaker. Governments can decide what they want to display in public buildings, but what happens to the statues of Presidents they remove? Will they get covered with a tarp or moved to a dusty corner of a basement somewhere? Or even worse than that, will they decorate our country's landfills? Instead of taking up space in some storage or waste facility, statues of U.S. Presidents that get removed from government buildings should go to a national memorial garden. That way they can still be viewed by people who want to see them and learn about those who led our country in the past. In fact, there is a pastor in my district who is a good friend of mine; he is willing to take presidential statues that these politicians don't want. Pastor Clarence Sexton will start the national garden himself at Crown College in Powell, Tennessee, where he serves as president. Mr. Speaker, he has probably one of the best collections of United States memorabilia that I think I have seen outside of the Smithsonian and has letters and autographs and things from every President since George Washington. The far left can pretend all it wants that these figures do not exist, but you cannot cancel history, Mr. Speaker. UFOs are of Great Public Interest

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, last summer's UFO report from the Director of National Intelligence was bogus. The report raised more questions than answers about unidentified objects in the skies. It stunk of a government coverup, Mr. Speaker. Now the Pentagon is starting a new office to collect information on these unidentified objects. The office is called the Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group. I don't know where they came up with that name. I am sure they paid somebody a lot of money to come up with that. I do not trust this new office, Mr. Speaker. I don't think it will be transparent with lawmakers or the public about its findings. This is a national security issue. Congress needs to know what is going on so we can respond accordingly. Today, I am requesting the leaders of this new office bring Members of Congress in on their UFO findings. This is a matter of great public interest and has been for a very long time to a lot of Americans. Our government should not hide the truth from us for another second. If this new office is to be held accountable, our country will get more reports like the one that came out last summer or, worse, they will be silent and hope we all just forget about the phenomena. We do not need to fear these airborne unidentified objects. They would have shown themselves to be dangerous a long time ago by now if they were a threat. Our citizens and country can handle the truth, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I am glad the gentlewoman's mama chose life. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to be here. Joe Biden's build back broke agenda is for the coastal elites, not working Americans or middle class families. Increasing State and local tax deductions benefits rich Americans living in deep blue States. We all know the liberal media refuses to report it. This is a tax break for the wealthy, and we all know it. Even Bernie Sanders of all people is calling out President Biden for sneaking this into his agenda. So much for Biden's cries for the wealthy to ``pay their fair share.'' Well, it looks like who is paying their fair share are working Americans, once again. There is also the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. Most Americans can't afford electric vehicles that cost an average of over $55,000, but I will tell you who can; liberals in California and New York have no problem whatsoever paying for this. It affords them this opportunity with this enormous tax credit--or as my daughter would say, ginormous. Another tax benefit for the wealthy. Heck, most Americans can't even afford to drive their regular cars right now because gas prices are too high. What makes Biden think we will be able to foot the bill for an electric car? Speaking of gas prices, build back broke ramps up the attacks on domestic energy production. This will make us all more reliant on foreign oil. Biden started this war on affordable energy the day he took office, and build back broke will make it worse.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Chief Master Sergeant Ronnie McGhee as Tennessee's Second District's Veteran of the Month. He served in the Air National Guard during the Gulf war. Chief Master Sergeant McGhee was born and raised in Anderson County, Tennessee, and graduated from Oliver Springs High School in 1963. Two years later, he enlisted in the Air National Guard and joined the 119th Aircraft Warning and Control Squadron as an administration specialist and personnel specialist. When the 228th Combat Communication Squadron opened at the Tyson Air National Guard Base in Alcoa, he joined them as the communications training manager. In 1990, Chief Master Sergeant McGhee volunteered to go with the 228th when it was deployed to Qatar in support of the Gulf war. While he was there, he participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Following his time in Qatar, he was deployed to Germany and Italy before settling in Nashville where he served as the command chief at State headquarters. After more than 37 years of military service, he retired in 2002. Our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces, Madam Speaker, not famous musicians, not athletes, and not actors. I am grateful to Chief Master Sergeant McGhee for his service and sacrifice to our great country.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I thank Vice Chairman Johnson for yielding to me and the adequate job that he is doing. Madam Speaker, I recently overheard some East Tennesseans talking at the gas pumps at the local Pilot station. And a fellow said, it is almost like these politicians want to make gas more expensive. Well, I think my constituents are on to something. Conversations like this one I have heard at my local Pilot station have been happening everywhere all across this country. Americans are so displeased with gas prices, they are slapping these Biden ``I did that'' stickers on the pumps. I don't recommend doing that, but it seems to me somebody is taking the initiative to do it. Madam Speaker, Joe Biden's war against affordable energy is hurting millions of Americans' ability to travel. Commutes to work, family road trips, trips to the park, airline travel--all are soaring in costs. The White House lacks any and all sympathy for what this crisis means for working Americans. Joe Biden's Energy Secretary even laughed when asked how her department planned to stabilize gas prices. I thought that was the ultimate act of arrogance. It is the ``let them eat cake too'' kind of thing. I guess this is easy for Joe Biden and his Cabinet to ignore. American taxpayers fund all their travel in those fancy private cars and jet airplanes they fly around in. Their attitude is insulting and it is arrogant. No wonder Joe Biden is blind to what is going on. He never sees a bill for any of it, not a doggone bit. The holiday season is right around the corner, people will be celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas, and I predict holiday travel this year will be the most expensive on record. Americans will have Joe Biden's war on affordable energy to thank for their enormous travel expenses. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Johnson for the adequate work he is doing.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller), and thank him for his better-than-lackluster handling of this event tonight. It is much appreciated. Madam Speaker, for the past several weeks, I have been coming down here to make the point over and over again that Joe Biden's vaccine mandate is ridiculous and unconstitutional. Many of my colleagues have done the same. We all agree that no American should lose their job for deciding not to take the coronavirus vaccine. Today, our efforts paid off. Biden's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced just a few hours ago that it is suspending plans to implement a vaccine mandate on large employers. The bureaucrats saw the writing on the wall after a court blocked the vaccine mandate last weekend. The victory doesn't mean the fight is over. Joe Biden's administration will try again to punish Americans who decide not to take the shot. As a matter of fact, they are even advising some to just disregard the court order. Madam Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Keller for leading this effort to overturn Biden's vaccine mandate. It is good to know we have this legislative measure ready to go if Biden launches another attack on unvaccinated Americans. Madam Speaker, many Americans still have questions about the coronavirus vaccine. They should have the freedom to make the choice that is right for them without government threatening their jobs. Our country is a symbol of personal liberty and freedom, a government vaccine mandate is out of touch with these values. We have a responsibility to preserve our Nation's values to protect our constituents from extreme government overreach.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Aaron Clay, who was named the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association's Athletic Director of the Year. Aaron Clay is the athletics director at the Washburn School. He graduated from Washburn in 1997. His brother, Greg, hired him shortly after graduating to help the school's basketball team. Since returning to coach the basketball team, Director Clay led several of Washburn's athletic teams to success. He coached two basketball teams to the substate tournament, won two district titles in basketball, and sent a cross-country student athlete to the State championship meet for five straight years. Mr. Speaker, under Director Clay's leadership, the school recently completed a new gymnasium. Away from athletics, Director Clay also leads Washburn's academic curriculum as an assistant principal. In his academic role, he once again teamed up with his brother, Greg, who is Washburn's principal. The TSSAA Athletic Director of the Year award celebrates an athletic director who builds up students on and off the field and, clearly, he does this, Mr. Speaker. Director Clay's work throughout his career as a school administrator and athletic director positively influenced hundreds of Washburn students. Our community is proud of the impact he has had on young people. Congratulations, Director Clay, and keep up the good work. Huge Victory for Individual Freedom

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, individual freedom just scored a huge victory. Last weekend, a court of appeals ruled what we already know. Joe Biden overstepped his authority with his vaccine mandate. No more jobs will be threatened by the administration over coronavirus vaccination status, for now. I applaud those who stood up to Biden's vaccine mandate in court. But the fight isn't over, Mr. Speaker. It is clearly not over. Biden's far- left Justice Department is plotting a legal assault to revive the mandate. Those of us who value personal liberty cannot be content with one court ruling. More action is necessary, Mr. Speaker. My bill, the Keeping our COVID-19 Heroes Employed Act, which is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Marsha Blackburn, also from Tennessee, would further protect American workers by forbidding certain employers from firing unvaccinated employees. We need to ban Biden's vaccine mandate because it is unconstitutional, Mr. Speaker, but also because of the crippling effect it will have on our economy. For example, supply chain jobs will be lost if Biden's vaccine mandate takes effect. A labor shortage in the supply chains means it takes longer to move products to America's storefronts, Mr. Speaker. The costs of keeping up with demand is passed to consumers in the form of higher prices. If Biden gets his way, it will devastate our struggling economy and steal paychecks from hardworking Americans, Mr. Speaker. Congress can't wait for the Biden administration's next attack on the unvaccinated. Let's protect the civil liberties of the workers by passing the Keeping our COVID-19 Heroes Employed Act, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, when the coronavirus shut down this country, first responders and healthcare professionals kept our communities going and safe. The essential services they provide can't be done from behind a computer screen, Madam Speaker. Joe Biden's vaccine mandate undermines the preparedness of these services. The Americans we celebrated for the last 20 months are now forced to get the coronavirus vaccine or be fired from their jobs. It is disgusting that the Biden administration is threatening these public servants' livelihoods over these issues. Our country cannot afford labor shortages in essential services. Look at law enforcement, for example. The defund the police movement continues to embolden criminals and lower morale among the law enforcement community. On top of these problems, thousands of police officers are facing termination thanks to Biden's vaccine mandate. This is a recipe for disaster amidst rising crime. I guarantee that if you are in danger of or a victim of crime, the last thing on your mind will be the vaccination status of the responding officer. Congress needs to stand up for these essential workers under attack from Joe Biden's vaccine mandate. This week, I will introduce legislation allowing these workers to decide for themselves on taking the coronavirus vaccine, free from threats of termination if they decide against getting the shot, Madam Speaker. No American citizen should be fired for making a healthcare decision they believe is in their best interest.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Pastor Gerald McGinnis as Tennessee's Second District Veteran of the Month. Pastor McGinnis, a very dear friend of mine, served our country as a specialist in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. In 1968, his compound was attacked by approximately 1,500 North Vietnamese Army soldiers in the middle of the night. Despite the intense enemy fire, he fought off the North Vietnamese in defense of the three wounded American soldiers sheltering in his bunker. Relentlessly defending that bunker saved Pastor McGinnis' life and all the lives of his fellow servicemembers. He was successful against all odds. Nearly 40 years later, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism. Last week, Pastor McGinnis was upgraded to the Silver Star in further recognition of his bravery. Following his military service, Pastor McGinnis worked as a sheet metal worker for several years. He later decided that serving the Lord was his true calling and began studying theology. In 1980, he founded Park West Church of God in Knoxville, where he continues to serve. Under Pastor McGinnis' leadership, the church has grown to serve a membership of over 2,000 Christians. He also served as chaplain of the Knoxville-based divisions of the FBI and ATF, as well as the Knox County Sheriff's Department. Pastor McGinnis serves his fellow veterans every chance he gets. A few years ago, he started raising funds to purchase a farm where veterans could go to receive counseling and study the Bible to help cope with their PTSD. Thank you, Gerald, for your service to our country, your fellow veterans, and the Lord. I would say on a personal note, I was at the service and my dear friend, Jenny Stansberry in my home office, helped him get that Silver Star. All he talked about was his buddies that he left behind. He is a true hero, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, the American taxpayers are expected to write the Democrats a blank check for this socialist scam. Democrats want to squeeze as much money as possible from successful individuals and businesses. Madam Speaker, this is completely wrong. We shouldn't be punishing success in America to finance this far-left political agenda. It is obvious why Joe Biden is pushing so hard for an aggressive expansion of government dependency programs and the dismantling of domestic energy production. He wants to virtue signal to his globalist pals during the United Nations climate summit this weekend in Scotland. Democrats like Biden are embarrassed and ashamed of our country. He desperately wants acceptance from European countries to boost his progressive ego. Why do we care what foreign elitists think of our country, Madam Speaker? Biden needs to prioritize American citizens instead of European politicians. We do things differently than the rest of the world. I am proud of our national values. The leader of our government should take pride in the country he leads, too.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Wagner for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Gold Medal, as we all know and have heard, is Congress' highest medal. It is the least we can do for the 13 brave servicemembers killed during our withdrawal from Afghanistan back in August. One of those 13, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss, was from Corryton, Tennessee, in my congressional district. As a matter of fact, I live in Corryton, and his family, they are neighbors of mine. His grandfather called me shortly after and described the scene. We have all seen it in movies, but he, unfortunately, had to live it. The car pulls up. The Army officers get out and, in fact, inform his family that his grandson had perished in Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, I have heard that story many times because my mama endured that very same thing when she was a young girl in Cheatham County, Tennessee, and her brother, Roy, had died fighting the Nazis. So it is in my head pretty thick, sir. Of course, he was killed while helping complete strangers, and that is what he loved to do. He loved helping folks. When Staff Sergeant Knauss succumbed to his injuries after the attack, he became the final American military casualty from the war in Afghanistan. We were all devastated by this loss, but our community is very strong. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, they held a great local tribute to this fallen hero at Gibbs High School, on the football field. And on September 21, I also attended his funeral as he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, we honor him and 12 fellow heroes further by passing this legislation. The true heroes in this country are the men and women of our Armed Forces. They are the ones who keep us free. Their patriotism and bravery have kept us safe every day.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, back in 2020 when the coronavirus vaccines were developed under the Trump administration, Joe Biden and progressive Democrats trashed them in the media. As you can see from these quotes, they were extremely skeptical about the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines when Donald Trump was in charge. Of course, when Biden became President, the vaccine suddenly became entirely effective and highly encouraged. But Jen Psaki still maintained in July that mandating these vaccines is ``not the Federal Government's role.'' But now President Biden is forcing millions of Americans to choose between keeping their jobs or getting the vaccine. My office is flooded daily with calls from constituents who risk losing their livelihoods because of this administration's mandate. Apparently, protecting Americans' freedoms to make their own healthcare decisions is too much to ask. So far Joe Biden's Presidency has been defined by his out-of-touch agenda. A vaccine mandate is not what Americans want and is inconsistent with our national values, Madam Speaker. Tennesseans value freedom from government tyranny. That is why we elect leaders like Governor Billy Lee and members of the Tennessee General Assembly, who are fighting outrageous vaccine mandates. Our country prospers when elected leaders protect Americans' constitutional rights and freedoms. Unfortunately, this is a radical concept to President Joe Biden.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, forcing the Federal Government into Americans' private lives is Joe Biden's twisted idea of unity. It is sickening to me that this President is creating a situation where some Americans need to pick between keeping their jobs or taking the coronavirus vaccine. This is a cruel way to treat Americans trying to earn a living. Even worse, Biden's vaccine mandate applies to brave military soldiers willing to die for us, Federal contractors, and the intelligence community. If too many are forced out of their positions, it will jeopardize America's ability to assess and address threats. Mr. Speaker, you do not need to look very hard for possible consequences. Over the weekend, our government's top intelligence personnel were caught off guard by the People's Liberation Army's test of a hypersonic missile capable of traveling at 25,000 miles per hour. Imagine that missile flying toward the homeland and important government or military roles were vacant because folks were fired over the vaccine. Mr. Speaker, the result would be catastrophic. Biden needs to back off his tyrannical impulses and allow Americans to decide for themselves on the coronavirus vaccine. If he doesn't, talented folks are going to exit critical national security jobs, and this clueless President will blunder his way into yet another crisis.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my sometimes friend from Louisiana for that kind introduction and thank him so much for yielding. Madam Speaker, the current state of our economy is like a car about to blow through a railroad crossing. As the car approaches the tracks, indicator lights flash red warning of danger ahead. Despite warnings, the car tries to beat the oncoming train across the tracks. We have all seen this scenario. The train T-bones the car at full speed leaving it in pieces. Think of this preventable crash in economic terms. We are ignoring flashing red fiscal indicators like rising inflation, as illustrated in some of the issues right here; weak labor force participation; and $28 trillion of national debt. We need to heed these warnings. If we don't, we face the complete destruction of our entire economy. Joe Biden and the Democrats are crashing our economy. They control the spending in Congress and the Federal agencies overseeing various sectors of the economy. Since these folks don't seem to care or want to work with us Republicans, they are the only ones who can stop this out- of-control economy from colliding with disaster. Instead of steering the economy away from danger, Joe Biden and the Democrats are going to put the pedal to the metal in pursuit of their multitrillion dollar, far-left political agenda. Their expensive socialist plan recklessly overstimulates the economy, pays folks not to work, and bloats our national debt. Pumping trillions into our economy will devalue the American dollar. Combine this with rising prices, everyday folks won't be able to afford a whole lot. Democrats risk crashing the economy if they choose to move forward with their political agenda, Madam Speaker. Let's not lie about who is going to be hurt the most if this happens. It will be our poor and working-class folks, our fellow Americans--both the Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals. Paychecks just won't go as far as they did before, as we are seeing already. Vulnerable folks will struggle to afford basic goods and services for their families. Picture that car colliding with the train, Madam Speaker. Think of that total devastation. It can be prevented if the flashing red warning signs are taken seriously and heeded. Joe Biden and the Democrats need to get control of our economy or let the Republicans take the wheel.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to John G. Stewart, who passed away in September at the age of 86 years. John led an accomplished public service career, Mr. Speaker. It was highlighted by his work on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as an aide to then-Senator Hubert Humphrey. When Humphrey became Vice President in 1965, John joined him in President Lyndon Johnson's administration. John left Washington for Knoxville in 1980, continuing his career at the Tennessee Valley Authority as an assistant general manager and vice president for economic and community development. He retired from TVA in 1994. John also founded the Georgian Institute of Public Administration in the Republic of Georgia and served as a consultant on NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. All who were close to John can attest that he cared about people in an extraordinary way. For example, after the 2008 Kingston coal ash spill, John and Nancy raised funds for workers whose health was severely harmed during the cleanup effort. John also fought for the people who couldn't fight for themselves and looked out for the little guy. His generous spirit touched everyone in his life, and he will be missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy, and two children, Mike and Cara. It is not in my notes, but on a personal note, John helped me when I was in the State senate to abolish Tennessee's sales tax on food. He will be missed.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Hern for that wonderful and accurate introduction, and thank him for being my friend. Madam Speaker, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and the far-left Democrats are playing the American people for fools. They are claiming their insane multi-trillion dollar agenda will cost nothing. Nothing. Madam Speaker, our constituents are not stupid. They know nothing Washington puts out is free, and they know that the doggone Democrats want to tax them for this socialist scheme. Earlier today, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed Democrats are lying about the cost of Biden's agenda. The CBO found that the healthcare provisions alone would increase the Federal deficit by half a trillion dollars. Let me repeat that: Half a trillion dollars. It doesn't matter if the healthcare spending in this bill occurs over 1 year or over 10 years, we never should blow up the deficit like this. On top of the actual healthcare costs, the CBO also revealed the healthcare policies would force millions of Americans into one-size- fits-all government healthcare programs. Forget about keeping your employer-sponsored plan or personalized care. Under progressive care, as we like to call it in my office, Americans will get to rely on the slow-moving Federal bureaucracy for meeting their healthcare needs. Madam Speaker, Democrats have fought amongst each other for months over this big government boondoggle. The American public now knows what the Democrat-controlled Congress has been up to while our economy has tanked. Instead of trying to jam through trillions of dollars on the backs of American taxpayers, Democrats need to clean up this messy economy. Crucial shipping ports along our coasts don't have enough staff to maintain normal operating hours, creating a broken supply chain. I saw today where Florida, in fact, is in the market for that prestigious market. Some retail shelves have sat empty for weeks. Things have gotten so bad there that there is talk that some goods will not be available for the holiday season. Lacking supplies of certain goods have made the inflation crisis President Biden started even worse. Skyrocketing prices are a direct result of the blue State stimulus package Democrats passed back in March, another bill that cost trillions of dollars. Thanks to that legislation, too many folks are getting paid more to stay at home instead of going to work, which is contributing to our current supply chain woes. Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and this Democrat-controlled Congress are guiding our economy straight into the ground. Time and time again, Congress has proved that throwing money at the country's problems always makes the situation worse. It already happened once this year. It is time for Congress to abandon this big government socialism agenda before it is too late to save our economy. As I said at the beginning, our constituents are not stupid. They know they are the ones who always pay, either through inflation or taxes. Americans will not forget it was Democrats, driven by the far- left political agendas who destroyed this economy.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, Joe Biden preached vague, feel-good messages to voters, like healing our country and pursuing bipartisanship, during his campaign for President. In his victory speech, he ripped off a line from Barack Obama and said: ``I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide but to unify, who doesn't see red and blue States but a United States.'' Madam Speaker, these messages were blatant lies. His record 8 months into his tenure proves his only intention is to govern on behalf of the Democrat Party's far-left base. Look at the ongoing farce on our southern border. The Department of Homeland Security just released thousands of unvetted Haitian migrants into this country, no questions asked. Even worse, the President turned his back on Border Patrol agents over that bogus horse photo. Our government wouldn't behave this way unless it was worried about backlash from leftists who want to open our borders and defund the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The border has been out of control from the moment Joe Biden stepped foot in the Oval Office. Month after month after month, we hear about Border Patrol agents encountering hundreds of thousands of migrants attempting to illegally enter our country. President Biden put Vice President Harris in charge of fixing our southern border, but whatever she is doing to ``address the root cause of migration'' obviously isn't working. Last week, the White House press secretary whined about Republicans giving floor speeches about the crisis at the border. I say to the press secretary: We wouldn't need to be down here raising Hades if your boss would quit being so soft, start doing his job, and enforce the dadgum border laws. Chaos at the southern border is just one of the many crises of Joe Biden's own creation. I could stand down here for hours talking about inflation caused by reckless government spending, a failed exit from Afghanistan that left 13 American servicemembers dead, including one of my constituents--his family lives in my neighborhood--and much more. But my point is this, Madam Speaker, Americans across the political spectrum see Joe Biden standing idly by while this country is being destroyed. They think this President is grossly incompetent and incapable of responsibly running the executive branch. I have even talked to Democrats here in Congress who are extremely concerned about these very issues. Serious problems are getting worse, yet Joe Biden doesn't show any interest in solving them. Given this President's lack of interest in serving as Chief Executive, I can confidently say this President is mentally unwell and unfit for office. It is time for Joe Biden to step down. We need a leader who cares about the future of this country, not one who isn't even aware of the damage he is causing.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in opposition to this sloppy $1 trillion infrastructure package. This bill was advertised as fully paid for, Mr. Speaker. That is a lie. It includes $550 billion in new spending and will add almost $400 billion to the national debt. Yes, this bill includes funding for roads, bridges, railways, waterways, and broadband. Unfortunately, just 23 percent, or $127 billion, is for these programs. This legislation also includes the largest Federal investment in Amtrak, which just posted an $801 million operating loss and has never turned a profit in its 50-year history. That is typical government business, Mr. Speaker. Nobody in their right mind would invest in a financial sinkhole like Amtrak, but Congress sure as heck will. They have become very fond of throwing money at programs that just don't work. Electric vehicle owners don't pay their fair share in taxes toward maintaining the roads they drive on, but this bill has special carveouts for these folks. There is $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations in this legislation. Folks who drive these cars are extremely wealthy, as nearly 80 percent of the electric vehicle owners make more than $100,000 in income and already seek tax credits for owning these cars. Worse of all, this bill increases Federal bureaucrats' influence over local infrastructure projects. The United States Department of Transportation is a mile down the street from the Capitol Building here in D.C., not in east Tennessee.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Joyce for yielding. Madam Speaker, take a look at the average cost of a gallon of gasoline. When President Biden took office, a gallon of gasoline was $2.38 a gallon. Today, that number is $3.18, an increase of 33.6 percent. 33.6 percent, Madam Speaker. It wasn't too long ago Americans could fill up their tanks for a little over $2 a gallon. President Biden's attacks on reliable fossil fuel sources are hitting middle class Americans directly in their wallets. Inflating gas prices are a tax on working Americans when they go to the pump for their commute to work or a vacation with their families. And it is nothing short of hypocrisy, Madam Speaker, that President Biden has tried to close Federal lands for drilling but lifted sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Russia is allowed to utilize its own domestic energy resources, but our country is not. Let that sink in. President Biden's solution to energy problems he created is to push unproven renewable technology on Americans. This includes solar panels, which are celebrated by the far left as the future of renewable energy. But there is a dark secret to solar panels, Madam Speaker. Over half of the world's polysilicon, a crucial material in solar panel production, is mined using Uighur slave labor in China's Xinjiang Province. Forget the outrageous cost of one of these solar panels. Exploiting slave labor to charge your electric car or power your house with clean energy isn't worth it, Madam Speaker. Wealthy liberals might feel really good about that solar panel on the roof of their vacation home, but before they lecture the rest of us about clean energy, they should think twice about how that solar panel was made.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my good friend, Captain Bill Robinson, as Tennessee's Second District Veteran of the Month. Captain Robinson was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. In 1961 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was trained as a helicopter maintenance technician and worked at Air Force bases in the United States, South Korea, and Thailand during the Vietnam War. On September 20, 1965, Captain Robinson's helicopter was shot down over North Vietnam during a rescue mission. He was captured and taken as a prisoner of war. During his time in captivity, Captain Robinson endured inhumane conditions at infamous camps like the Hanoi Hilton and the Briarpatch. By the time he was released on February 12, 1973, Captain Robinson had spent 2,703 days as a prisoner of war, making him the longest-held enlisted prisoner of war in American history. Captain Robinson credits four faiths for his survival during his 7\1/ 2\ years in captivity: Faith in himself, faith in his fellow prisoners, faith in his country, and faith in the Lord, Mr. Speaker. After he returned home, he continued serving in the Air Force until his retirement on December 1, 1984, to Madisonville, Tennessee. Since his retirement, Captain Robinson has dedicated his life to helping his fellow veterans. He is heavily involved in Chapter 1078 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, which made me an honorary member, which is now named after him. Thank you Captain Robinson for your service and your sacrifice. It is an honor to recognize you on the House floor and call you my friend.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, this is a photo of United States Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss. He was one of the 13 servicemembers killed outside the Kabul Airport on August 26. Staff Sergeant Knauss grew up where I live in Corryton, Tennessee. He always dreamed of joining the American military and did so after graduating from Gibbs High School. When the Taliban rapidly took control of Afghanistan last month, it created a dangerous situation for American citizens and our allies in the country. In response, our military ramped up its presence at Hamid Karzai International Airport to assist with the evacuation efforts. Staff Sergeant Knauss, who previously served a 9-month deployment in Afghanistan, volunteered to go back for this mission. Outside that airport was where Staff Sergeant Knauss would selflessly give his life so civilians could escape to safety. He was there helping complete strangers, but this wasn't out of character for him. He loved helping people, and he died doing it. Following his death, Staff Sergeant Knauss returned home to east Tennessee for a memorial service on September 11. Hundreds from our community lined the procession route in honor of his heroism. And this afternoon, at Arlington National Cemetery, Staff Sergeant Knauss was laid to rest. Look one more time at this picture behind me. This is what a true American hero looks like. It is not somebody who dribbles a basketball or hits a baseball or throws a football or acts or sings on stage. Remember the last American military casualty from the war in Afghanistan. Remember Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the career of newly retired Special Agent Scott D. Payne, who spent 28 years in law enforcement keeping our communities and our country safe. Special Agent Payne started his law enforcement career in Greenville, South Carolina. He served in the Greenville County Sheriffs office for five years, working as a Uniform Patrol Officer and a Vice and Narcotics Investigator. In 1998, he joined the FBI and became the primary undercover agent in many long-term undercover operations. He risked his safety to investigate violent motorcycle gangs, public corruption, murder for hire, drug trafficking organizations, and domestic terrorist groups with international ties. He was also an FBI SWAT Team Operator for over 7 years, diving head-first into dangerous situations to bring down violent criminals. Special Agent Payne would go on to become an instructor in firearms, tactics, and undercover work. Thousands of law enforcement officers across the country were trained under his leadership. He was also the Principal Tactical Instructor, Principle Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Lead Active Shooter Instructor for FBI Knoxville. Special Agent Payne spent his career keeping folks safe, stopping criminals, and preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers for duty. I thank Special Agent Payne for his service. I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charles Rose, a good friend of mine. He was a brave veteran who passed away on July 24 at 97 years old. Charles was a corporal in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He fought in the Battles of Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian in the Pacific, and was awarded a Bronze Star with valor for his bravery. In 1953, Charles married the love of his life, Jane, and they had four sons: Steve, Tim, Mark, and Dennis. I was honored to speak about Steve on the House floor a few months ago after he passed away. He was a great veteran, just like his dad. Charles also had 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, who loved him dearly, and they were his pride and joy. Charles worked hard all his life. In 1969, he decided to go into business for himself. He founded his own septic tank business where the motto is ``A Flush Beats a Full House Every Time.'' It is still going strong today, being run by his sons and grandsons. He also became a Baptist minister and inspired everyone he knew with his love for the Lord. Charles always used to say, ``plain talk is easy understood.'' He hit me with that nugget of wisdom several times, and I won't forget it. It was an honor to call him my friend, and he will be missed by those who knew him. Rest in peace, brother.