Dan Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. Speaker, last week, a husband and wife awoke to see, through their bedroom window, a brazen burglar breaking into their car. The dad retrieved a gun and tried to protect his family. He knew that the console of the car being burglarized contained another gun, and he saw the burglar retrieve it. They exchanged fire, and the confrontation had become more than even that prepared father could handle. So it became the responsibility of Ryan Hendrix. The 8-year veteran of the Henderson County Sheriff's Department arrived with two other deputies at 2:54 a.m. last Thursday. They spotted the suspect, and at first he appeared to comply with commands, and then suddenly raised a weapon and fired. The first shot struck Deputy Hendrix in the face before his fellow officers returned fire and shot the gunman dead. Investigation revealed that the gunman was a career criminal, wanted by South Carolina Probation, with arrests in four States. Ryan Philip Hendrix, 35, Marine Corps vet, was declared brain dead the next day. Ryan's 6-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter will live with only fragmentary memories of their father. Ryan's fiancee will not have that October wedding that they planned. This murder is not an isolated story. Two hundred law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in 2020, up 90 percent. Nothing I say can ennoble the sacrifices of those lost nor of the many others injured. Those sacrifices, that service, speak for themselves. But I can speak to a fast-growing cancer in our civic spirit, an activism that exploits the wound to our national psyche born of racial injustice in our history, an activism that draws explicitly on Marxism and attacks core foundations of our society, including, and perhaps foremost, the consensus of support for law enforcement, a consensus that abides in every nation capable of surviving. It manifests itself in riots, looting, arson, destruction, shootings, and killings. I can contend against it along with you. I have introduced into Congress the No Riots Act to criminalize injuries not only for Federal but, also, State and local law enforcement officers and to extend the death penalty for killing an officer in the course of interstate rioting. But we cannot return to law enforcement officers the protection they deserve if leadership of our country is divided on the institution of police--indeed, if the people are divided. All must back the blue. If we do not, then God have mercy on us, because the criminals and thugs like the one who took Ryan Hendrix's life assuredly will not spare yours or those of your loved ones. This country is exceptional, the recognition that every human is special and has fundamental rights. Our Nation is a story of refining those rights in practice so that everyone gets a fair shake, that everyone's life is protected and respected. But elemental to that, what we cannot do without are those who defend us from chaos and keep order, those whose service, whose sacrifice most Americans understand and honor. Most Americans know that Ryan Hendrix is a hero and so are all who serve in blue. Most Americans know that the they are highest caliber among us and that they deserve our respect and support. I back the blue.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we all want to create the maximum amount of opportunity for our children, regardless of their background. That is why it is unfortunate that this legislation fails to fix the most tragic inequity in our education system: the absence of choice. The right to a high-quality education is fundamental to the promise of America, and no child should be denied that right because of income or background. Thankfully, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are working to provide that opportunity to all families. I am proud to have introduced the CHOICE Act, which creates opportunity grants that families can use for private school tuition, microschools, learning pods, and homeschooling costs. My bill ensures that all families--not just those with the means or those lucky enough to live in a wealthy school district--have access to the best possible education for their child. Giving families this choice is the only way to furnish equal access to the American Dream. Republicans are ready to take this step. If Democrats join us, we can make it a reality.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, today I salute the people of Bumgarner Family Funeral Service in Laurinburg, North Carolina, who helped raise the spirits of their community in these difficult times by giving away 50 3x5 American flags to honor the Fourth of July. Their initiative to give out American flags for free not only serves their community, but also honors their country. I want them to know that their efforts have not gone unrecognized and that I am doing everything I can to help small businesses like Bumgarner in these trying times. The Bumgarner family has taken time and effort on their part to remind us all that we live in a wonderful country, a country worth celebrating. They have my sincerest admiration and thanks. Their example of patriotism and fortitude deserves recognition. It is this kind of initiative and patriotism that I love to see in our communities, and I am proud to represent them in Congress.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Judy Wilson Cagle, who passed away on July 3rd at the age of 63. Mrs. Cagle was the owner and manager of both Rockingham Paint and Glass and Rockingham Fitness. Along with owning two businesses, Mrs. Cagle was a tireless animal advocate and served for several terms on the board of the Richmond County Humane Society. There, she spearheaded a partnership with the Richmond County Aging Services that allowed for low-income senior citizens to receive food for their pets. This partnership continues to this day. Mrs. Cagle's efforts in the community will last for many years to come. May her dedication to the Rockingham community and animal rights be an example for all of us.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Ronnie McLaughlin, decorated fire chief in the town of Ellerbe. After over 30 years, Ronnie has decided to retire from what he calls his ``dream job.'' Ronnie started his career in 1986 and worked his way through the ranks, becoming the first African American Fire Chief for the town. He served in that position until 2002, when he became Deputy Fire Chief. Throughout his service, he received many awards, including Fireman of the Year, the Distinguished Service Award on multiple occasions, and finally the Chief's Award in 1994. Ronnie wanted to be a fireman since he was a little boy. Like all those who attain their dreams, he persisted in his desire and made that dream come true. His story is an inspiration to me and all the constituents of the Ninth District in North Carolina. Ronnie is leaving on a high note: the Ellerbe Fire Department recently secured a brand new firetruck worth half a million dollars. I thank Ronnie for his service to Ellerbe and to Richmond County.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life-saving work of Officer Brooks Yandle of the White Lake Police Department. Over the weekend of July 4, Officer Yandle responded to a call about a 43-year-old woman unresponsive to CPR. Upon arriving, Officer Yandle determined that the victim had overdosed on heroin, took quick action to resuscitate her, and saved her life. This is not the first time Officer Yandle has acted to save lives. In 2016, he saved a grandmother and her four grandchildren found unconscious and suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Officer Yandle's courage and decisiveness has saved multiple lives, and he is a credit to the noble profession of law enforcement. I am proud to pay tribute today to him and to the entire White Lake Police Department.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, our presence today, this unserious legislation, even all the yelling across the aisle and the straying off topic, they all underscore a contrast: Democrats whip up hysteria; Republicans show up to work. They call a Saturday session, supposedly because of an emergency. Republicans are here, but about 70 Democrats don't show up. And that has been the pattern all summer: Republicans come to work; Democrats dial it in, sometimes from the fishing boat. They say the virus keeps them from congregating to work, but they encourage the throng outside the Postmaster General's personal residence. Or consider Representative Grijalva: not at work today, but joined a postal union protest 4 days ago. They can congregate to whip up hysteria, just not to work. Now, Louis DeJoy is showing up to work. Testifying yesterday, he calmly debunked apocryphal tales about blue collection boxes and sorting machines. Monday, he testifies before the House Oversight and Reform Committee, but Democrats fan hysteria today without waiting for facts, even though they don't show up. Let's drop the hysteria. Let's all show up to work. Americans need our help.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment No. 225. Last year, the Trump administration finalized a rule to allow employers to use flexible health reimbursement arrangements, HRAs, to fund insurance premiums for coverage purchased on the individual market. This will allow more Americans to shop for their own coverage and allow more employers to provide quality health benefits. Expanding the use of HRAs will increase overall coverage by 800,000 and provide strong protections for those with preexisting conditions. Congress needs to provide certainty for employers who want to provide this benefit. That is why my amendment would ensure that no funds in this act may be used to withdraw the final HRA rule. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to adopt my commonsense amendment.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Donald Kerr, who we lost last month at the age of 86. Don was an enterprising cotton farmer, and every aspect of cotton production was a joy to him. Don was born in his grandparents' farmhouse in Marvin, North Carolina. After high school, he attended North Carolina State University to pursue a degree in agribusiness. He left his junior year to join the U.S. Army, where he served with distinction before farming with his parents. As a member of the Southern Cotton Growers Board, the National Cotton Council, and the National Cotton Board for over three decades, Don made immense contributions to the cotton industry, with his passion leading him to researching and developing the crop for international markets. Don lived his life doing what he loved, while also making the world a better place. I was privileged to know him and call him a friend. Today, it is my honor to memorialize his legacy.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, Democrats present a false choice: either support the expansion of an already-failed, government-run healthcare scheme, or let people go without healthcare. They want you to think that Republicans and the Trump administration have no ideas about how to expand coverage--not the case. One of the first bills I introduced after joining last September was the Increasing Health Coverage through HRAs Act. My legislation would codify the Trump administration's rule allowing employers to fund health reimbursement arrangements for their employees. Thanks to President Trump, these HRAs can now be used to purchase individual market coverage. That change is expected to lead to covering 800,000 more people, all without costly and counterproductive government mandates. The American people want more choices, lower costs, and increased access to care, not a continued government takeover. I urge Members to vote against H.R. 1425 and for Democrats to work with Republicans on commonsense proposals like mine.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Moss Brothers Tires, a fourth-generation tire business in West Rockingham, North Carolina that has been in operation for more than 100 years. Moss Brothers was founded as general store by G.W. Moss in 1917. Through skillful management, G.W. Moss helped the business survive the Great Depression and even loaned money to members of the West Rockingham community who were in need. Moss Brothers was converted to a tire store over 30 years ago and now serves an estimated 50-75 customers each day, including from neighboring counties and into South Carolina. Moss Brothers is currently owned by Will Moss, G.W.'s great-grandson, who continues the family tradition of hard work, dedication and commitment to community. I salute Moss Brothers for their longstanding service to Richmond County. Here's to another 100 years.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, the coronavirus pandemic reminded us that we are in this together. Despite serious and, as yet, unresolved ongoing questions about policy responses to that event, we have stayed home and sacrificed for our neighbors' health. We have seen the best of us. But in the past month, we are seeing the worst of us: violent mobs stoning business owners, Federal agents shot to death, looting occurring nationwide, and avowed Marxist activists openly defending and promoting it, six blocks of a major U.S. city ceded to anarchists. I don't recognize this America. People experience fear repeatedly of the wanton destruction of their livelihoods, their cities on fire or being canceled by social media mobs; government buildings attacked; monuments and memorials spanning the breadth of our history, from Washington to Lincoln to Roosevelt, torn down or threatened by riotous mobs. And this is not impassioned, heat-of-the-moment destruction. It is a targeted, organized, and methodical purge of figures who represent ideas they wish to bury, ideas such as all people are endowed by our creator with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property, and that government by, for, and of the people shall not perish from the Earth. We have seen this deliberate tactic throughout history, in communist China's cultural revolution, in the theocratic purge of Afghanistan's Taliban, even in the terror campaigns of the Reconstruction and Jim Crow South. What distinguishes America is how this Nation responds to such lawless and purposeful attacks. We hold, it is declared, that government's very purpose is to secure the inalienable rights of all of us and that, when order falls apart, so, too, does our Nation. What we have seen in recent weeks begs the question: How is government serving its core purpose? Local and State officials have flouted that purpose, abandoned that responsibility. But in those circumstances, the Federal Government has the tools to secure the rights of the people. Attorney General Barr, chapter 13 of the United States Criminal Code, provides all the authority you may need. FBI Director Wray, the evidence of criminal conspiracies is in plain sight. The Department of Justice and the FBI must act without delay. This government must restore the America we know. Word is the Department of Justice is leading over 500 investigations, and that is good news. We are counting on them, and we know they are up to the task.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Jason L. Norton, who sadly lost his battle against cancer last Wednesday. Jason was a native of Hamlet, North Carolina and learned of his passion for helping others and athletics early in his life. After graduating from Richmond Senior High School in 1990, Jason earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Catawba College and a Master's Degree in School Administration and Curriculum from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Jason served as a role model to many young people in Richmond County, where he taught mathematics while coaching football, baseball, and basketball. Jason would later become the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, where he remained dedicated lo the academic and athletic success of his students. He served as a mentor to all and was always eager to lend a helping hand. Jason led the Educational Based Athletics program at Pine Forest and coordinated the annual Play for Kay basketball fundraiser, which has raised thousands to advance research for women's cancer. While Jason loved lo train student athletes, he instilled values of teamwork, perseverance and commitment in all his students. Before starting his career in education, Jason served as the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Hamlet for over a decade. He served as a referee, a scheduler, and anything else that was needed, living out the principles of service and dedication he spent his life teaching. Jason was a pillar in his community and was loved by all who knew him. He fought until his very last day with us. He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and his three children. While Jason left us far too young, he had a lasting impact on the lives of young people and created a community of folks connected by his leadership. Jason's passing represents a grave loss in Hamlet and across North Carolina. May his selfless dedication and passion be an example for us all.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Wilma H. Wilson of Charlotte, North Carolina on her 100th birthday. Mrs. Wilson is a long time native of Charlotte, and currently resides in the South Park neighborhood. She and her husband spent their lives spreading God's word as devoted Christians. And--as all who know her can attest--she embodies what she believes and sets an example for us all. Mrs. Wilson and her husband, Grady, were close friends of evangelist Billy Graham early in his life. The two quickly became involved in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), and Grady became a top associate from its founding to his death in the late 1980s. Mrs. Wilson had extensive involvement in the BGEA television and radio broadcasting department, where she was integral in making Billy Graham's famous Crusades accessible to thousands. Wilma's work stretched the reach of the message of Christ and helped spread the news of God's love to many for the first time. Mrs. Wilson is the last surviving member of the founding generation of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Her commitment to spreading God's word has impacted millions of people in the United Stales and made our world a better place. It is an honor to wish Wilma Wilson a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. In my 1 minute, let me tell you about Hornwood, Inc.--talk about a survivor. Hornwood is a specialty textile manufacturer in operation 74 years. It manufacturers products for the U.S. military, many specialty applications, and now components for PPE. Hornwood's main facility is in Anson County, among the most economically challenged counties in North Carolina. Hornwood employs almost 400, the largest employer in that county. Although it is designated essential, its revenues plummeted as government shut down the economy. Without a PPP loan, despite being essential, Hornwood must shut down imminently. It applied for PPP on the second day, but its application was caught in a snafu and the funds ran out. The 2 weeks consumed by the majority's exercise of leverage may well prove the fatal difference for Hornwood and thousands of other small businesses, but I am glad we are here finally to finish the job. To Hornwood and all of the others: Keep surviving.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am going to vote ``yes'' enthusiastically. This is a big bill, but the American people are bigger. They will respond to the present threat as Americans have always faced grave challenges: as free men and women with deep reservoirs of strength, capability, and, when summoned, duty and confidence. It is the duty of some to mobilize this government to backstop the economy; the duty of some to isolate, to blunt, the contagion; the duty of some to face the risk tending the afflicted; and, fellow Americans, the duty of the rest of us to mobilize the unstoppable force of the American economy to provide supplies, innovate technologies, and enlarge healthcare capacities to meet the needs of all and to defeat this enemy. With God's help, this virus is no match for the United States of America.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Jack Campbell, former commander of the Indian Trail VFW Post 2423. Sadly, Jack passed away March 10, 2020. At 19 years old and weighing 100 pounds, Jack was too light to be drafted, but ``things changed,'' in his words, and soon he was in Vietnam. Jack's service to his country did not end abroad. Upon returning, he became commander of VFW Post 2423, captain of the Honor Guard, and District 13 commander for VFW North Carolina. Jack was a patriot who valued service, the national anthem, and the American flag. Citizens of Indian Trail have lost a pillar of the community. May we all look to Mr. Campbell's example: a life well lived, dedicated to our country and everything for which it stands. Jo and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend and fellow North Carolinian, Mr. Budd. From San Francisco to my district in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, cities across the country are declaring themselves sanctuary cities. The term sounds peaceful, but the results are exactly the opposite. For example, North Carolina sheriffs in a few urban counties released over 500 illegal aliens last year, who were convicted or accused of serious crimes, including domestic violence, indecency with a child, even rape, and murder. Rather than hand over these vicious criminals to the Federal authorities, sanctuary cities and counties release them into your community to prey on you and your family. What is the purpose of this policy? Clearly, it is not public safety. Nor is it for the protection of immigrant communities; indeed, they are the most victimized by these predators. Rather, it is meant to serve a national liberal agenda that prizes open borders over community safety. Across the Nation, we were horrified to learn last year about a 92- year-old woman brutally raped and murdered at the hands of an individual who should have never been released--whom ICE asked to hold. So, the increasing breakdown in the relationship between Federal and local authorities isn't just theoretically dangerous. Further, sanctuary policies put dedicated law enforcement officers at risk. When criminals are released, despite an ICE detainer, ICE has a statutory responsibility to collect them. Rather than have a secure transfer, ICE must go into the community to track down the individual for an uncontrolled arrest. Ironically, if the situation turns violent, the very local police who arrested the alien the first time will be there to back up ICE. To hold these jurisdictions to account, I was proud to sign on to the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, which would allow victims of crimes committed by individuals released under sanctuary city policies, or their survivors, to sue sanctuary jurisdictions. For example, in the New York City case, the woman's family would be able to sue the local government for allowing the release of her killer, who should have been safely in ICE custody. Often, cities and towns claim immunity from being sued like this, denying victims' rights. This bill would allow communities to maintain that practice, but not at the expense of American taxpayers. I have heard across the aisle that sanctuary cities only release individuals who pose no community harm. If you believe that, you should have no issue with this bill because those who are released won't endanger the community, and no one would ever be enabled to sue. I, however, believe we must take this threat seriously and impose concrete costs to communities who refuse to follow the law. I am proud to support this bill introduced by my friend, Congressman Budd, and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, on February 7, 2020, I was unable to vote because I was with constituents from my district to participate in an official event with the President of the United States in North Carolina. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 52, YEA on Roll Call No. 53, and NAY on Roll Call No. 54.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, on March 2, 2020, I was unable to vote because I was with constituents from my district to participate in an event with the President of the United States in North Carolina. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 79, and YEA on Roll Call No. 80.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2339 will hurt farmers in North Carolina, disrespect the free choice of Americans--especially African Americans-- and do nothing to advance public health. The uncertainty this bill will create serves no legitimate purpose and will hurt 1,300 hard-pressed, hardworking farmers all across North Carolina. Why are Democrats so dismissive of the interest of farmers and the challenges they face? Consider this: Nearly 30 percent of adult tobacco users report flavored tobacco use. Almost nine in ten adult African American smokers choose menthol. This bill would ban them all. How can you not only dismiss but discriminate against their adult choices? Do you really expect that no black market will emerge to cater to those choices? Have you considered the harms that will result from that? Kids shouldn't use tobacco, nor, in my opinion, should adults, but more bureaucracy, trampling arbitrarily on adult free choice, and destroying family farmers are nowhere close to the solution.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, North Carolina State Senator Tom McInnis of Rockingham has been named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Richmond Community College Foundation, and I rise to comment on this well-deserved honor for my friend. Tom is an alumnus of RCC, and I know this distinction is meaningful to him. I was privileged to serve with Tom in the North Carolina Senate and have worked closely with him to learn and serve the needs of Richmond County in the time leading to and since my election in the House. That experience deepened my appreciation for Tom's love for Rockingham and Hamlet and the rest of Richmond County and his personal force in advocating for the needs and advancement of his people--and I mean everybody. The citizenship award specifically recognizes Tom's effort and success in promoting workforce training for rural North Carolina. And Tom has devoted much of his adult life to improving educational opportunity, especially. Tom grew up on a Richmond County farm. He put himself through school and started multiple businesses. In 1983, he founded Iron Horse Auction Company, which, in 2013, was named one of the top 10 auction companies in the United States. He was elected to the North Carolina Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame in 1994. Tom's public life began with 8 years' service on the Richmond County Board of Education. Tom is now in his third term in the Senate, where he serves as chairman of the Transportation Committee. Tom played a key role in securing funding for workforce training at Richmond Community College, including programs for truck driver training and electrical linemen. Since just the fall of 2016, the trucking program has graduated 50 new drivers into the workforce with highly marketable skills. The lineman program started last fall and already has a waitlist. Tom will never forget his rural roots, and his people will never forgot his hard work and service on their behalf. I am proud to call him a colleague, mentor, and friend.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Philip M. Van Hoy of Charlotte, who passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning. Phil was a preeminent attorney, a mentor to a generation of conservatives, and a dear friend of 30 years. Phil grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Duke University and the University of North Carolina Law School, but he was a lifelong Duke fan. Upon graduation, Phil enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, eventually leaving as a first lieutenant. As a lawyer, Phil served Duke Power and, in due course, founded the law firm Van Hoy, Reutlinger, Adams & Dunn, where he handled some of the most complex employment cases at every level, including the United States Supreme Court. In 2013 and 2019, Phil was named Lawyer of the Year for employment law by Best Lawyers in America. Though Phil was a gifted lawyer, his true passion was Republican politics. Phil served as vice chairman of the Mecklenburg County Republican Party and was an alternative delegate to the RNC convention that nominated Ronald Reagan. But most significantly, Phil was a mentor to a generation of conservatives. He organized a lunch that still goes on in Charlotte, and they refer to it affectionately as the ``Hun Lunch''; although, as Phil was quick to point out, Attila the Hun was no conservative. He was a collectivist. Phil welcomed me 30 years ago to the Hun Lunch, and it continues weekly today. Its members are devastated by his loss. I am lucky to count Phil as a cherished friend. Friends will remember, particularly, his trademark sharp wit, the ever-ready joke, and the gleam in his eye much more since his untimely passing and will remember his consistent kindness and commitment to values. Jo and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Sylvia and their two sons, Travis and Marshall. May Phil Van Hoy rest in peace. Honoring the Life of Terry L. Hunt

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Terry L. Hunt, who passed away this weekend while on a business trip to Kenya. Mr. Hunt was president of Lumbee Tribe Enterprises and a valued member of the Lumbee Tribe. Terry's life was dedicated to the success of the Lumbee people, and his passing represents a grave loss. Mr. Hunt was a native of the Fairmont community in Robeson County, North Carolina. Terry graduated from Fairmont High School in 1979 and served his community as a police officer with the Fairmont Police Department. In 1993, Terry rose to the position of chief of police and was selected by the Attorney General to help shape the national law enforcement initiative for cases of missing children. Mr. Hunt was deeply devoted to his community, and when he retired from law enforcement in 2001, he continued his public service. Mr. Hunt represented his district on the Lumbee Tribal Council from 2011 to 2017 and was elected as economic development chairman, taking an active interest in economic affairs of the Lumbee people. While Mr. Hunt left us far too young, it is altogether fitting that he passed while finalizing a new contract for the Tribe-owned business that he led. Mr. Hunt served his community until the very end, a community that is deeply mourning his loss. Terry's work will go on, but no one will be able to fill his shoes. May his love and dedication for his people be an example for all of us.

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, if it were but a matter of offering three cheers for the legislative branch, that would be fine, but this is dangerous and simply makes no sense. If the majority wished to assert Congress' authority, as several have argued, it would not use a nonbinding resolution, but let me take the majority at its chosen words, as if binding. The words of the resolution would literally prohibit the President from ordering the shoot-down of Iranian ballistic missiles inbound for Haifa or a surface-to-air missile locked onto a Ukrainian airliner. And the resolution's chosen words, as Democrats argue them, would prevent the President from the strike on Soleimani itself even if devastating harm to American soldiers were imminent but Democrats second-guessed that judgment. The language they have chosen is designed to debilitate the President from protecting Americans. The intemperate words of the past week have cost many their credibility. Now Democrats' spite for President Trump has cost them their good judgment.