Tim Burchett

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, at the inception of these wonderful organizations that my colleague across the aisle described, I would say they probably were very effective. I would say now they have very little effect. I can't imagine somebody in one of these countries turning on the radio and deciding, hey, I am not going to go down this path anymore because somebody from another country is on the radio telling me to do otherwise. I find the policy that we have of promoting people who lie and who mistreat others because of political power or their connections very offensive, and that is exactly why Americans do not trust this town. They do not trust Congress. They do not trust government because they see people continuously getting ahead in life that cheat, lie, and do things that are inappropriate. Things that we would not allow in our own homes, in our own businesses, in our churches or our places of worship we sure as heck shouldn't allow in the seat of this government, and this continues. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your service to our great country in the Marine Corps. I should have said that earlier. I offer this amendment to prohibit any funding for the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. This is just another group of unelected bureaucrats making decisions for the American people with no input from Congress, no input from the people's House, Mr. Chairman. President Biden promised to be the most transparent President in history, and he is about as transparent as a brick wall. He promised honesty and accountability for the American people, and he has not delivered. This special envoy is the opposite of transparency, Mr. Chairman. We have requested the names of the office staff as well as their titles and amount of their salaries. We are trying to do our jobs and conduct oversight over the executive branch's operations, but we have not received one bit of information from them. If the executive branch wants to make climate decisions, it must come through Congress first. John Kerry used to be in charge of this office. When I asked him how much his climate treaties were going to cost the American people, he responded with one word: Trillions, Mr. Chairman. This is completely unacceptable. We are $32 trillion in debt. Every hundred days, we add another trillion dollars to our debt load. We have no plan to pay it back. It is misuse of Americans' hard-earned dollars to push this administration's political agendas, and it is putting Americans out of work. This office of unelected bureaucrats operates like a bunch of climate dictators, and it must not receive any funding from Congress. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I can remember in 1977 there was a TV show I used to like. It was called ``In Search of . . . '' That year I remember very well because I had to go to school at Bearden Junior High School on Saturdays because of snow days. We used up all of our snow days. The show ``In Search of . . . '' had one episode that was: ``In Search of . . . The Coming Ice Age,'' and that was the talk. We are going into an ice age. Then it was acid rain. Then it was global warming. All these reactionary things that happen to us, all they end up doing is costing us more money and making some advisory group, a bunch of fat cats, rich. Every time we put these environmental regulations on this great country, these unelected bureaucrats get out here and get together, and then they figure out what we are going to do, and guess what? We are the only dadgum country in the world that follows them. We cut a deal with China. They don't honor it. In China, for instance, when they put a new coal-fired plant together, it is our 1950s technology. We follow the rules. No one else does. These unelected bureaucrats fly around in their big jets, they look down their noses at us, and we have to suffer the consequences. Let's talk about the reality here. This is just another boondoggle so we can run for reelection and scare people. The water that we drink and the air that we breathe now is cleaner and safer than it ever has been in my lifetime. Those are the facts. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of Representative Cammack's amendment, which would restrict funds at the Department of State from being used to finalize any rules and regulations with an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. Under the Biden administration, hundreds of billions of dollars in regulatory costs have fallen on the American people with no input from Congress--once again, unelected bureaucrats. Biden's State Department is pursuing radical climate initiatives abroad funded by American tax dollars--again, none of our business. A 2021 Department memo directed funding away from carbon-intensive initiatives overseas, threatening projects with national security implications, Mr. Chair. Now, taxpayer dollars are being used to subsidize clean energy initiatives abroad while our own electricity prices are still outpacing inflation. We should not allow unelected bureaucrats to impose regulatory costs behind closed doors. Our Nation needs major regulatory reform, and this amendment is a crucial step forward to a more transparent and accountable government. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to restore congressional oversight over burdensome executive actions and require that any major rule be approved by Congress before taking effect. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, and I appreciate the kind words of the gentleman across the aisle and his support for this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, when the United States withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, over $7 billion worth of military equipment was left behind for the Taliban. This seems to be a usual occurrence for this country, no matter who is in power. I was the mayor of Knox County. With anywhere from $10 million to $15 million, we can build a high school in Tennessee. I can't imagine what $7 billion would do across the country. Anyway, all that is outrageous. Every cent our government spends comes from the American people, and right now, we are borrowing a whole heck of a lot of it. We are $35 trillion in debt. The fact that their money has gone to terrorists, to me, is just a complete disgrace, Mr. Speaker. This bill would help prevent any more money from ending up in the hands of the Taliban. The bill does three things. First, it states the policy of the United States is to oppose financial or material support to the dadgum Taliban. It also calls for a report on any foreign countries that have given financial or material support to the Taliban and calls for the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to discourage foreign countries from providing support. This came from a conversation I had in a committee. I want to give John Stout in my office some incredible kudos for helping me craft this bill. We asked a member, I believe it was, of the State Department, this money that we give to these organizations, these countries, is there any way to keep it from getting into the hands of terrorists? In fact, he said: No. In this case, there was not. Second, this bill calls for a report on cash assistance programs in Afghanistan and puts safeguards in place to prevent the Taliban from accessing it, keeping them from getting to the money. Third, it requires a report on the Afghan Fund and the Afghanistan central bank and what controls are in place to make sure these funds are not diverted or misused. Thirteen brave servicemembers, including a constituent of mine, Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss, lost their lives in the Afghanistan withdrawal. He was technically the last American to lose his life in Afghanistan. The road I live on, the State highway, has been named in his honor. I see it every day when I drive down it, and I think about that. I have held his parents both when they have cried and I have cried, and it is just very emotional for me. These folks lost their lives in the Afghanistan withdrawal, and we need to make sure our tax dollars don't go toward terrorists who killed Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill, which keeps our government accountable and prevents the Taliban from getting its hands on any more of Americans' hard-earned money. I thank my friends across the aisle as well for their support.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Head Coach Tony Vitello and the Tennessee Volunteers on their victory over Texas A&M last night in the College World Series, bringing home the hardware to Knoxville, my hometown. The Vols completed one of the most accomplished seasons in college baseball history, which crowned them as SEC regular season champions, SEC tournament champions, and College World Series champions, with a remarkable 60-13 record. Coach Vitello and I spoke in the office a few weeks before the season started, and he told me when they punched their ticket--not if, when-- that he wanted them to take it all in and just enjoy it, and that is exactly what they did. If you watch any of the video from the game, his father came down on the field, and it was truly an emotional moment. I also congratulate Dylan Dreiling on an outstanding College World Series performance. Dadgummit, Madam Speaker, Dreiling was named the men's College World Series most outstanding player after he homered in each of the final three games. They have all made Knoxville and the entire State of Tennessee proud. I wish I were back home to celebrate with them instead of stuck here in Washington, D.C. Madam Speaker, your 2024 national champions are clad in orange and white.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Troy Whiteside, Jr., who just graduated from Cornell Law School. Troy graduated from Webb School of Knoxville in 2015 and went on to Cornell University where he played basketball all 4 years and was a 4- year letterman. Troy graduated with degree in hospitality and took his skills to Las Vegas to work in the hospitality and gaming industry, and he was a champion there. He then decided to go back to Cornell Law School. He got a J.D./MBA, which is a dual degree in law and an MBA, so he has a total of three degrees from Cornell University, Mr. Speaker. While he was an undergrad, Troy Jr. founded IvyUntold.com, a social media platform where Ivy League students can tell their stories since many of them have overcome a lot of challenges to get where they are. Troy Jr. was no different. The Whitesides have been dear friends of my family for years. Troy Jr.'s parents, Troy and Jackie, took care of me and my dad when my mama died. They have been wonderful friends. They are a great family. Troy and Jackie have been successful entrepreneurs. Troy Jr.'s brother, Donovan, on the far end, D-Man, he used to work with us up here in my first year in Congress. I can't tell you how proud I am of this family. Donovan is now a daddy. Troy Jr., in his latest achievements on top of many others, is going on to greater things, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to seeing the bright future he has ahead of him, and I appreciate Troy, Jackie, Troy Jr., and Donovan.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Bob Overholt who just passed away at 85 years old. Dr. Overholt graduated from West High School in Knoxville and went to the University of Tennessee where he was on the football team and swim team. His football career was cut short by a knee injury. He attended the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis and was truly a Vol for life before it was cool to be such. He mentored many University of Tennessee students and politicians over the years. After he completed an internship and a residency, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served as a captain and physician at Fort Myer Army Base here in Washington, D.C. He then returned to Knoxville, Tennessee, and served east Tennesseans for over 50 years. He was the president of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine, developed the Allergy, Asthma, and Sinus Center, a world-leading institute, among many other accomplishments. Dr. Overholt was a well-known media personality in east Tennessee. He hosted ``The Dr. Bob Show,'' which actually received over two dozen Telly Awards, and he regularly gave medical information on WBIR's ``Live at Five at Four.'' I offer my condolences to Carole, his wife of 63 years; his sons, Mark and John; their wives, Meredith and Martha; and countless grandchildren and other family and friends who loved him very much, especially the good folks at West Hills Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. I always remember at my momma's funeral, Mr. Speaker, he came up to me after I said that momma wasn't a bumper sticker type of Christian; she lived it. He laughed about that, and he often would quote that to me. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Bob was not a bumper sticker kind of Christian. He actually lived that life and was so generous to others. As a matter of fact, he is the only person I know to ever get mad at me for not asking him for a contribution. Dr. Bob will be missed and is so loved in Knoxville and around east Tennessee. I thank him for being my friend.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Chair, in light of all these other amendments, my amendment seems a little light compared to other things going on, but I bring it in all sincerity because I have had some constituents contact me about this. This basically just prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from banning or removing the iconic photograph ``V-J Day in Times Square,'' otherwise known as The Kiss. A few months ago, an Assistant Secretary at the VA sent a memo directing regional offices to remove the photo, alleging it depicts a nonconsensual act. Secretary McDonough later reversed the decision, and I think it is probably because his boss realized it is an election year. This illustrates a larger problem within this administration, Madam Chair. This administration constantly removes or changes history because they don't like the view from their rose-tinted glasses. Madam Chair, World War II cost the lives of 330,000 American soldiers, including my uncle. My father fought in that war, fought valiantly in the Pacific. World War II tore sons from their mothers and husbands from their wives. It impacted every part of American society. The actions in this photo are not really romantic as the woman said herself, the actual woman in the photo. The actions in this photo are simply two people rejoicing at the end of a terrible war and the defeat of terrible enemies. More importantly, this photo represents the victory and peace felt around the country and the world. Madam Chair, I urge the Members to vote in favor of the amendment to prevent the administration from removing this photo in the future, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Laura Sharbel, who just retired after 43 years of teaching at Sacred Heart Cathedral School and over 50 years of teaching across Tennessee. Laura was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1949, but her family moved to Tennessee right after her 11th birthday. She attended Middle Tennessee State University and, after she graduated in 1971, she started teaching in Trousdale County. In 1976, her family moved to Memphis, where she went to grad school at the University of Memphis, and she taught at St. Paul's and in the Shelby County School System until 1981. After that, they moved to Knoxville, and she started teaching first grade at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. For over four decades, Laura has shown patience, dedication, and love to the students who have come through her class. She also played a role as a friend and mentor to many of her colleagues throughout the years. She truly has a servant's heart, Madam Speaker, and she helped so many people at the school. Laura is surrounded by many people who love her, including friends and family. She and Nolan have four children: Melanie, John Nolan, Jacob, and Maggie; and they also have eight grandchildren. I wish Laura the best of luck in her new chapter of life. This retirement is well deserved, and I know the folks at Sacred Heart will miss her very much, and they were very lucky to have her.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I would remind some of the Members in the back that it is crowded back there. There are a few more seats down front if they want to come down here. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize radio deejay Ted ``Gunner'' Ousley, who is retiring in June after a career that spanned six decades. Gunner started his career at AM 1470 in Maryville, Tennessee, before working at 94.3 in Knoxville and the Hit Kicker 100.3 before moving to WIVK, or ``WIVK'' as we call it, 107.7, where he spent the last 28 years. Gunner has interviewed some big names in country music over the years, like Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift. Yes, she used to sing country music. When she was 15 years old, she did. Gunner loved our veterans and troops and has used his job to help them however he can. Back in 2004, he spent 3 months with the 489th Special Operations in a combat zone of Iraq and started a weekly radio show called ``Voices from the Front'' that allowed troops to communicate with their families back home and was used by many troops all over the world through the years. He has also hosted the Veterans Day parade every year in Knoxville. Gunner has also worked with other charities, like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Knoxville Area Rescue Missionary, Alzheimer's Tennessee, and many others. He is a man who truly loves his country and his community. He also became the first inductee into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame Career Class of 2024. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Gunner on a great career and wish him the best in retirement. I always remember him being good to my daddy, who was a World War II veteran.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my dear friend Colonel Richard Julian. Colonel Julian enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard in 1965 and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before moving to Keesler Air Force Base to complete technical training. Once he completed his initial training, he returned to the 134th Air Refueling Unit. He served as a traditional guardsman and was offered a chance to become full time. He eventually moved up the enlisted ranks to become a senior master sergeant, and in 1981, he was offered the chance for direct appointment as a captain in the Tennessee Air National Guard. He was named director of personnel for the 134th Air Refueling Wing. Later, he was promoted to the rank of colonel and was assigned as the Support Group Commander when he retired in 2004. He served over 38 years in the Air National Guard and deployed in support of countless operations and exercises. After he retired from the Air National Guard, Colonel Julian worked for Knox County as director of human resources and then the Blount County Highway Department until the day he passed away on May 1, 2024. Our country's heroes are the men and women of our armed services and Armed Forces, Mr. Speaker. It is my honor to recognize my dear friend, who I miss very much, Colonel Richard Clapp Julian, as Tennessee's Second Congressional District's May 2024 Veteran of the Month. We will miss him dearly, and I thank him for always being my friend.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the good folks at Pratt's Country Store in Fountain City. They have been longtime friends of mine and my family. Perry Pratt's grandfather and brother bought the acreage in the 1920s, and it has been family owned and family operated ever since, Mr. Speaker. Pratt's sells fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and fruits. My mama always loved to shop there. I always like to stop there, as well. The whole family grew up working in and around the store, and you can tell. They treat everyone like family when they walk in. I also never have to worry about where the produce comes from, Mr. Speaker, because Pratt's is known for locally sourcing their food from east Tennessee farmers. I always love walking into Pratt's because it just smells good. It smells like an old country store, it smells fresh, and it smells clean. They do things the old-fashioned way, and they make people feel like they are stepping back in time. Ralph and Perry Pratt were recently honored as Fountain City's Men of the Year due to their amazing customer service. Everyone that goes to Pratt's Country Store knows how delicious everything is, and they have some really great vegetables. As good as their produce is, though, Mr. Speaker, they are best known for the family atmosphere. They are God-fearing people, and they have always been respected in our community. They have been here for three generations for a reason. I want them to know they are appreciated, and I hope they are around for several more generations.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Kaci Herron from Greenback, Tennessee. She was recently crowned Miss Tennessee Star. When Kaci was born, her parents said she would probably never walk or talk, but she has done so much more than that in her life. She is graduating from Greenback this year, where she cheered for the football and basketball teams all 4 years. She was asked to come back and be an assistant cheer coach next year, Mr. Speaker. After that, she hopes to go to college and has dreams of opening her own bakery someday and walking the runway in New York City for Fashion Week. Her siblings, Bryce and Amber, have been reading to her since she was born, which has helped her develop a love of books. She also loves hiking and something I love doing, which is looking for bigfoot. She loves parasailing and all kinds of music, but especially Reba McEntire. Kaci has a real heart for her community, and she volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank every week. Kaci started participating in Miss Shining Star pageants about 8 years ago. This year, she was crowned Miss Tennessee Star and will go on to compete in the nationals. Her platform for Miss Tennessee is ``Solidarity for Soldiers'' in honor of her brother, Bryce, who is in the Navy, like you, Mr. Speaker. Her whole family and her whole community are very proud of her. I am proud to call her my friend, Mr. Speaker. It was wonderful meeting Kaci, and I wish her the best of luck competing in the nationals in July.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, much has been made about the title of this bill, but I would remind my friends across the aisle that they had a bill called the Inflation Reduction Act and it spent over a trillion dollars and inflation has not been reduced. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, Mr. Donalds, for allowing me to speak. Right now the city of Washington, D.C., considers a criminal a youth offender if they are under 25 years old, yet you can be a Member of Congress at 25 years old. It seems the Washington City Council believes something magical happens on someone's 25th birthday, Mr. Speaker. They seem to believe that one day, dadgummit, you are a child who cannot be fully accountable for your actions and the next day you can serve in Congress. They are trying to be politically correct as always by not prosecuting criminals, and the city is suffering because of it. Last year, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing with the District of Columbia's Mayor on the rising crime in our Nation's Capital. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, a carjacking was happening just up the street less than a mile from where we are standing today. We can appreciate the irony there, but it is not surprising. Carjackings and all other kinds of crimes are happening around Washington at any given moment. Motor vehicle thefts increased by 107 percent last year alone. Violent crime increased by 37 percent, homicide increased by 29 percent, and robberies increased by 65 percent. It is also worth noting that in the United States, most homicides are committed by people 20 to 24 years old, Mr. Speaker. However, the City Council of our Nation's Capital is still pushing policies every day that prevent criminals from being brought to justice. The DC CRIMES Act forces Washington, D.C., to change its definition of juvenile back to kids under 18 years old. It also stops judges from sentencing youth offenders below the mandatory minimum requirements and prevents Washington from changing the current minimum sentencing laws. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to have some basic common sense. I know that is lacking in Washington. When people tell me something that is made of common sense, I tell them they have no place in Washington, D.C., today. That is apparent right here. I support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I will tell that family in the back that had that sweet little baby boy making those noises that he was not bothering us one bit.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Richard Julian, who passed away on May 1. He served his country in the Tennessee Air National Guard, 134th Aerial Refueling Wing, and served for over 38 years before he retired in 2004. He then worked with me when I was Knox County mayor and was a dear friend to me. We met at Powell Auction, and dadgummit, it was a mistake because he was talking to Jack Huddleston, and Jack invited me over. We were having a campaign bologna cutting, of all things, and we became dear friends shortly after that. He had a big heart. When my daughter, Isabel, was singing down at the veterans' home, she had her biological father's Navy insignia on her lapel, and Colonel Julian saw that, and he got choked up. The last conversation I had with him, he told me he was going to be waiting for me in Heaven and would be there waiting for me with my momma and daddy when I got there. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Linda, his family, his daughters Bronwyn and her husband, Deny Ashley; and Valissa and her husband, Warren; his son, Charlie, and his wife, Tina; and his little grandsons Brady, Logan, and Griffin. He had many other friends and family that loved him dearly. I know he was right with the Lord when he passed because we prayed shortly before his death. He will be missed, Mr. Speaker, but he will not be forgotten. I thank Colonel Julian for giving me a very good life.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, it is always good to see Ranking Member Raskin with a good, healthy head of hair. God does listen to our prayers. We are glad he is with us and healthy.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, my mama's prayers did. Mine don't get quite that close. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7109, the Equal Representation Act. This legislation will require U.S. citizens to include a question that asks if the person is a United States citizen. It is just a question. This bill passed through the House Oversight Committee on a straight party-line vote, 22-20. Not a single Democrat supported it. The Census informs how our government divides up congressional districts and electoral college votes. Mr. Speaker, it helps to ensure American voters have equal representation. That process should not factor in people who are not citizens or not eligible to vote. You can see why my Democratic colleagues would have a problem with this bill. Factoring illegal aliens into the process skews things in their favor. In fact, it wasn't very long ago that a Member from the minority party was on the news claiming that they wish more illegals would come to their district for the Census. If the Census does not include the citizenship question, States with more illegal aliens will get more congressional districts and more electoral college votes. We have a history of saying that elections are sacred and that free, fair, and secure elections are the cornerstone of this great Republic, Mr. Speaker. It is time to act like it and prioritize the dadgum representation of our people. Americans are sick and tired of this administration weaponizing different parts of our government, and they don't want to see something like the Census being used against them when it is so hard to get American citizens to even take the Census. Leaders in States like California and New York are taking pride in harboring illegal aliens. In fact, the people of California have offered free healthcare to their illegals, and New York has kicked combat veterans out of housing to house illegals.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, States should not be rewarded with more congressional seats or electoral college votes, which would end up distorting the will of the American people. I thank my colleagues, Congressman Warren Davidson and Congressman Chuck Edwards, for introducing this legislation. I am proud to support it.