Eric Burlison

Mr. BURLISON

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

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment, which would prohibit funds from going to the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program. This grant program was created in 2021 in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to strategically deploy electric vehicle charging stations around the country. The reason that I filed this amendment is simple. It is not the role of the Federal Government to subsidize the electric vehicle charging industry. After spending billions of taxpayer dollars and bribing the affluent to buy electric vehicles, it turns out only one-third of the population wants to even buy one or aspires to buy one, and two-thirds are not even considering purchasing one. The two-thirds who are not considering it don't want to be forced to pay for the others. Maybe you like electric vehicles. In fact, I actually do, personally. I test-drove a Tesla and loved it, but it would be immoral for me to force my neighbors and compel them through the force of government to subsidize my new electric vehicle. In essence, we are robbing Peter to pay Paul. The fact is, this program will cost taxpayers $2.5 billion dollars, which will all be debt, for something that most Americans cannot afford and are unable to appreciate. It is not the government's job to pick winners and losers in the energy market. That is the role of consumers and businesses operating in a free market. Here we are, once again, using tax dollars to subsidize and force a product on people where there is little demand. If the direct cost to taxpayers doesn't bother you, the indirect costs, including the higher energy prices, the cost of making the electricity grid more reliable, and increased dependence on China are arguably worse. When the government subsidizes the EV infrastructure, it does so by raising energy prices for everyone. The installation of new charging stations also makes our electricity grid less reliable, further putting Americans at risk to having blackouts, brownouts, or other reliability issues. Finally, maybe worst of all, it is not just that Americans are being priced out of affordable, reliable energy; it is not just that we are rigging the market against our own constituents, but we are also selling them out to the Chinese Communist Party. These electric charging stations and electric car batteries require a massive amount of resources from China, which controls the world's critical minerals supply chain. America was energy independent just 3 short years ago, but through the government electric vehicle scam we have allowed Communist China to establish an EV monopoly all while Americans get poorer. It is time that we stop forcing Americans to foot the bill for other people and instead focus on making our energy system more reliable and affordable. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, we didn't have to subsidize or have grant programs to create the very robust infrastructure of fuel stations that exist across this country. It happened on its own through the free market. That is all I am suggesting. The average price of an electric vehicle now is around $66,000, and the median income is less than that. It is $59,000 a year. So when the government subsidizes an electric vehicle infrastructure, it is not free money. It is not free. It is taxpayer money. Because of the situation we are in, this is all debt. It is not just a one-time cost, as well. These subsidies are a continuous drain on the public funds that could be used for real hard infrastructure that all Americans can use, things like roads and bridges. The average family is priced out entirely from purchasing an EV in the market but is still paying for it on the back end with higher energy costs, higher taxes, and a less reliable grid. Ultimately, it is the poorest people in this country who are hit the hardest when the Federal Government redistributes tax dollars to subsidize the EVs for those who can't afford it. This is basically a reverse Robin Hood. I repeat, it is a reverse Robin Hood. Instead of taking from the rich and giving to the poor, we are taking from the poor, and we are giving it to the rich. We are making them pay taxes on someone else's luxury item while telling them to stop using cheap, reliable energy that they need to survive. The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program is just another classic example of the government picking winners and losers. If Americans want a product, then the market will reflect that without our need to artificially increase the demand. Mr. Chairman, I urge support for this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON

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

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment, which would prohibit funds to implement the final EPA rule titled: ``Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases Under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act.'' Mr. Chair, on December 7, 2009, this rule was signed by the EPA Administrator, and it found that six greenhouse gases endanger both the public health and the public welfare of humans, specifically emissions from motor vehicles. Since this rule has been implemented, we have seen some of the most radical and asinine decisions and regulations come from the executive branch. This includes strict regulations on car emissions and the Big Government attempt to dismantle the gas-powered vehicle. It includes power plant regulations that have shut down coal plants, killing thousands of jobs along the way. It includes the use of taxpayer dollars to bribe people into buying electric vehicles and solar panels with someone else's money. It includes the Paris climate accord, a terrible deal that sold America's sovereignty to international bureaucrats in exchange for energy poverty here at home, all while China and India get to continue increasing their emissions for decades. What have the American people gotten from these policies? Nothing. These policies cost hundreds of billions of dollars, and the American people are left scratching their heads, looking for what their benefit is. The worst part is that these policies do more harm than good because the radical environmentalists have gotten their way in the past decade, and the American people are left dealing with the fallout. In California, we have seen brownouts and blackouts as a result of the closure of coal plants. We have seen skyrocketing prices at the pumps because this administration won't expand drilling or fracking in United States territory. In Texas, during Winter Storm Uri, we saw a horrible blackout 2 years ago because of its dependency on unreliable sources of energy. To think that, in the 21st century, Americans would have to face these challenges and, in the case of Texas, that Americans would freeze to death--over 150 people froze to death--is unacceptable. It is all because we want to prevent the use of energy that creates carbon emissions. News flash: We depend as a nation on coal, natural gas, and oil. Without it, we are a poor nation. The benefits of using our resources outweigh the potential cost of emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The regulation that this amendment defunds is the root of the environmental insanity we have been dealing with for the past decade. It is time to show the American people that we have their backs and that we are done appeasing the radical environmentalists. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle argue that greenhouse gases are an endangerment that we need to eliminate. This is a one-sided view that completely ignores the enormous benefits that fossil fuels have had while only focusing on the rise in temperatures. Their climate hysteria assumes that any warming is caused by these gases and that it is a catastrophe. That is simply not accurate and ignores the destruction that is caused by their agenda. Just ask the hundreds of people, many of whom lost their lives in Texas during Winter Storm Uri. Just ask the energy-poor nations around the world that have a much lower standard of living than us. The endangerment rule, which my amendment defunds, is based on a narrow, one-sided view that refuses to look at the ramifications of banning fossil fuels. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment, which would prohibit funds to Executive Order No. 14507, ``Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability.'' This executive order is another example of how this administration is more than willing to waste the taxpayers' time and energy in furthering a radical climate agenda. It manipulates the Federal Government that they must achieve a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and net zero emissions no later than 2050. The text of the order declares that the Federal Government will lead by example and cut out carbon emissions. However, is this administration really leading by example? Has John Kerry stopped using private jets? Has Pete Buttigieg? Of course not. This hypocrisy is exactly why I filed this amendment. The amendment defunds an executive order that wastes taxpayer dollars and continues our country down a path of dangerous energy policies. Unfortunately, this administration knows this is the result of the order, and they are more than willing to place these burdens on the American people. They are willing to waste money in reconfiguring buildings and buying fleets of new electric vehicles all on the backs of our taxpayers. They are also in favor of new regulations that will suppress our energy industries. Nonetheless, do you know what, Mr. Chairman? They will be fine because they don't have to feel the repercussions of their policies. It will be everyday Americans who will see their utility bills go up. It will be our constituents who are left unable to pay their bills or afford gas. It will be the average person who is experiencing blackouts because we have shifted towards unreliable sources of electricity instead of reliable baseload energy sources. Again, those who drafted this executive order won't have to feel the pain. They only care about furthering a radical agenda that is impossible to achieve. The attempt to reach a 100 percent carbon-free America can only happen after our reliable energy sectors are dismantled and our way of life is destroyed. The energy sector that they want to dismantle is what made America a rich and prosperous nation. Coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy are the answers to the future which demands more electricity than we can ever fathom today, not the types of reforms that the other side calls for. We only need to look at California or winter storm Uri in Texas as examples of why traditional energy sources are so vital. This executive order only hurts the American people and pushes us down a road that leads to a weaker, poorer, and less prosperous country. Mr. Chairman, I call on my colleagues to pass this amendment and defund this executive order, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, instead of focusing on a misguided climate policy, we should instead focus on sources of energy that help our society grow and flourish. Energy sources such as wind and solar claim to be sustainable, but they are often backed up with the more reliable sources of energy such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear. Wind and solar also use vast amounts of raw materials and land and have their own environmental issues. The cost of using these energy sources and abandoning fossil fuels is simply misguided. Fossil fuels help humans flourish, and we should protect these fuels by defunding this executive order. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris).

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

Mr. BURLISON. Madam Chair, everyone understands that if you add recipients to a program that has limited resources, the benefits of that program get diluted amongst those who are still receiving it. In essence, the safety net becomes stretched and sometimes may even break, which is why I rise in support of my amendment to eliminate a loophole in the SNAP program that is called the geographic work requirement waivers. These waivers have been abused for years by State bureaucracies to waive work requirements in areas with record-low unemployment and particularly waive them for able-bodied individuals, the very people who should be working. Current law allows for States to waive work requirements for those individuals in certain limited circumstances, but States have used this loophole to waive work requirements completely. In fact, 18 States have completely waived these work requirements. My amendment prevents this from happening. Having work requirements for food stamps or for SNAP is not a new or radical idea. It has been around since the 1990s. It was a bipartisan agreement that occurred, and it is a commonsense approach to ensure that those who can work should be working, thereby promoting self- sufficiency while reducing the burden on taxpayers. Congress intended for these to be limited, but obviously, just like anything else the Federal Government touches, its intent has been distorted to ensure as many people as possible are dependent on the government. The USDA, in the late days of the Clinton administration, issued these loopholes, but now they have exploded to the point where 70 percent of able-bodied adults do not have to be required to do any work requirements. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON. Madam Chair, this program has blown up and expanded-- nearly a 60 percent increase since 2020 alone. This addition of individuals who are able-bodied is jeopardizing the program that we should make sure is available for individuals who truly need it, those individuals who are disabled, parents with children, and anyone who is a student. Those are the individuals who we all see and want to provide a safety net to. Let's not let these programs, which are so valuable to them, be diluted by individuals who should be working. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Janelle Spohn, a student at Ozark High School located in Ozark, Missouri, in my district. Ms. Spohn has been selected as a 2023-2024 recipient of the CBYX Scholarship. She is one of 250 high school students nationwide to be so honored. The CBYX Scholarship is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program and stands for Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. It was inaugurated in 1983, and since its inception, the CBYX program has allowed 27,000 American and German participants to expand their intercultural understanding. Ms. Spohn and the other scholarship recipients will spend the next school year in Germany living with a host family, attending a German high school, and participating in language and cultural immersion training to gain a better understanding of German culture, language, and everyday life. CBYX scholars also have the chance to visit Germany's parliament--the Bundestag--meet with government officials, participate in intercultural seminars, and explore Germany. Scholars return home to the United States with a new perspective on global affairs and German social, economic, and political life. Ms. Spohn is the daughter of proud parents Michael and Montessa Spohn, and according to her school principal, Jeremy Brownfield, ``Janelle is an outstanding student maintaining a weighted GPA above a 4.5. She is able to do so while a majority of her course load are honors courses, balancing academics with a busy schedule of extracurricular activities including wrestling and choir. She is beloved by her teachers and known for being kind and an incredibly hard worker. She is also quick to help students in need. We are excited for her to have this wonderful opportunity to study abroad but her presence will be missed by classmates and staff alike during the upcoming school year.'' Mr. Speaker, I think you can understand why we are so proud to have Janelle Spohn as a constituent. We look forward to hearing about her year in Germany and how her experiences as a citizen diplomat will shape her future. We congratulate her on her achievements.

Mr. BURLISON

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

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment to eliminate the diversity and inclusion deputy inspector general to prohibit the establishment of new diversity, equity, and inclusion positions within the DOD and to prohibit the Secretary from filling any vacancies for DEI positions. For years, the left has forced radical and unpopular ideas into our very institutions that are under the cover of DEI policies. DEI initiatives and policies are not about making everyone feel like they belong. It is a smokescreen. Instead of uniting us, it is about dividing us. It is about dividing our country into separate groups that are based on identity, and conforming to a radical agenda that replaces our shared American identity instead with a tribalism, with a tribal collectivism. And you know what? It is a disgrace to our political and military leaders who have allowed this to occur in the Department of Defense. You see, the DOD's mission is not that. Its mission, instead, is to provide the military forces that are needed to deter war and ensure the Nation's security. Dividing our troops and the DOD employees by race and identity does nothing but distract from the mission of addressing real and imminent threats to the U.S. national security. In reality, woke indoctrination serves as only one of these very threats. DEI in the military breeds hostility among the enlisted by focusing on identity-driven grievances instead of bringing people together, instead of unity. It undermines that shared American identity and a patriotic love of country that compelled our dedicated servicemembers to join in the first place. The U.S. military is one of our last great merit-based institutions that is still standing. Millions of selfless patriots serve our country, but their service is exploited by the wokeness and the religion of DEI. Instead of judging our servicemembers based on merit, they are judged by identity. Instead of having a unified body of men and women who are ready to defend our Nation, we have a group of people who are fragmented into the belief of their gender identities. Instead of men and women in the armed services being trained in readiness, their time is wasted learning whatever new woke ideology comes out of leftist universities. This is not acceptable, and we have to stop this madness before it is too late. That is why I filed this amendment. This amendment repeals the DEI inspector general at the DOD and prohibits the establishment of new DEI positions. Specifically, it prohibits the Secretary from establishing any new DEI positions at the DOD. The DOD will not be able to fill any DEI vacancies that might come up. This amendment simply eliminates these unnecessary taxpayer-funded positions, and that is it. I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the great State of Texas (Mr. Roy).

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Dickerson Park Zoo located in Springfield, Missouri. The zoo was founded in 1923 on 100 acres of land that was acquired from the estate of Jerome Dickerson. It houses more than 500 animals that represent 160 different species. Last year alone, some 200,000 people visited the zoo. But the zoo is more than a location where visitors can see exotic animals. A staff of about 60 full-time and 25 seasonal employees, as well as 100 volunteers, are dedicated to the mission of connecting people with animals to encourage discovery and inspire conservation. In 1985, the park became involved with the Species Survival Plan, a consortium of groups working to save animals from extinction. The following year, the zoo became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. More than 60,000 people a year participate in the zoo's conservation education programs held in the park's educational center. Additionally, its Zoo to You programs visit schools, libraries and residential care centers around the state. The zoo also provides outstanding research and medical care for all the animals and rehabilitates injured or orphaned native raptors through its Raptor Rehabilitation Program. Once the birds are deemed healthy enough to survive on their own, they are released back into their natural habitat. The zoo also is one of only five in the country that participates in a giraffe blood bank, and it recently became home for an orphaned cougar cub from the state of Washington. Just like humans, preventive care is paramount for the animals and the zookeepers play an important role in the wellness staff as they spend a great deal of time with the animals and become very perceptive to subtle changes in an animal's health. The Dickerson Park Zoo is a vital part of animal education, conservation and enjoyment for thousands of people living in and visiting the Springfield area. We celebrate them and wish them the best for another 100 years.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Chuck Wooten. Mr. Wooten recently passed away at the age of 95, having dedicated his life and career to public service and giving back to his community. A U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, Mr. Wooten served with honor and distinction overseas in Japan. His patriotism and love for his country were evident in every aspect of his life, and his military service exemplified his unwavering dedication to defending the principles upon which this nation was built. In addition to Mr, Wooten's service to our nation in World War II, he also served as a Missouri State Representative for 5 terms, as well as a City Councilman for Springfield. During his time in the state legislature, Mr. Wooten played a critical role in the creation of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery located in my hometown of Springfield, Missouri. The Veterans Cemetery would not be a reality without Chuck Wooten. Additionaljy. Mr. Wooten's many talents carried over to his career as a talk radio host on the legendary KWTO radio station in Springfield. He is survived by his wife Joan; his three children Johnie, Donnie, and Mary, and daughter-in-law, Carole Wooten; also 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Mr. Wooten is described by those who knew him well as an upbeat, always positive, kind, and generous man who would give you the shirt off his back. I can't think of a more deserving man to honor and recognize today.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career and celebrate the retirement of Bob Hammerschmidt, my constituent in Springfield Missouri. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Hammerschmidt for his exceptional 49-year career in banking and finance, and especially his 35 years of service to Commerce Bank. Mr. Hammerschmidt's unwavering commitment to excellence throughout his tenure at Commerce Bank has had a profound impact on the financial community of Southwest Missouri. From his early days as a young professional to his current position as Chairman of Commerce Trust Co., Mr. Hammerschmidt has consistently demonstrated his expertise and integrity to the benefit of countless businesses and individuals in our community. At the young age of 28, Mr. Hammerschmidt became the youngest bank president in the history of the state of Arkansas. After serving the first 13 years of his career in Arkansas, Missouri was lucky to gain Mr. Hammerschmidt's talents in 1988, and we have been blessed by his knowledge and experience ever since. As Mr. Hammerschmidt prepares to celebrate his retirement with Commerce Bank after 35 years, it is my privilege to honor him in this way, and to represent him here in Washington, D.C.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of former State Senator Ronald F. Richard of Joplin, Missouri, also known as Ron, or Ronnie, to his closest friends. Sadly, Mr. Richard passed away this past Friday morning. Senator Richard was born in Parsons, Kansas, on Independence Day in 1947. He moved to Joplin as a child and subsequently graduated from McAuley High School in 1965. He went on to earn Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and political science from Joplin's Missouri Southern State University in 1969, and a Master of Arts degree in recent American history from Missouri State University in Springfield in 1971. Senator Richard's first foray into politics began in 1990 when he was elected to the Joplin City Council. He was named mayor of Joplin in 1994, a position he held until 1997. In 2002, Senator Richard was elected to represent the 129th District in the Missouri House of Representatives. While serving in the House, he was elected by his colleagues in 2009 to serve as Speaker of the House. In 2010, he ran to represent Missouri's 32nd Senatorial District, which at the time consisted of Newton, Jasper and Dade counties. He held that position from 2010 to 2018, when he termed out under Missouri's term limits law. While there, he was elected by his peers as President Pro Tempore, a leadership position he held from 2015 to 2018. Senator Richard is the first legislator in Missouri history to serve as the top leader in both chambers of the Missouri State Legislature. Senator Richard's life of service did not end with his retirement from the legislature. He was appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors, a position he held at the time of his death. He also served on the board of the Missouri Higher Education Savings Program and continued to be active in local and state politics. In December 2022, he was honored as a Missouri Squire, a non-profit organization that honors Missourians for their accomplishments at the community, state, or national level, that was founded by Gov. James T. Blair in 1960. He also was named an outstanding alumnus by Missouri Southern State University, received an RCGA Statesman Award, and also received the St. Louis Business Journal Legislative Award. Senator Richard owned C & N Bowling Corporation. He and his wife, Patty, have two children, Kara and Chad, and several grandchildren. It is an honor and a privilege to have known Senator Richard and to have had him as a constituent. He exhibited a life of service, and we mourn his untimely death. Our prayers are with his wife, Patty, and the rest of his family and friends.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 44, which will nullify the ATF's overreaching and unconstitutional rule to regulate firearms that happen to have stabilizing braces such as short-barreled rifles. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, the ATF's rule is nothing short of an assault on our Second Amendment rights. Our Constitution does not grant the ATF the authority to unilaterally redefine what laws constitute a firearm because lawmaking power rests with the elected Representatives of the American people. If pistol brace owners fail to register their firearms with the ATF, then they will be deemed felons, face up to 10 years of prison, and be fined thousands. This reclassification is arbitrary, it bucks a decade of the ATF's own precedent, it is an assault on our Second Amendment, and it threatens to turn millions--tens of millions--of law-abiding Americans into criminals overnight. Mr. Speaker, I urge a vote in favor of H.J. Res. 44 to reassert the power of the American people, protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners, and stop this retroactive gun grab.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of two great Missourians who burned brightly, but sadly, their lives were cut short. The first public servant from Missouri is William Duston. William Thomas Duston--his nickname was ``Dub''--was a father, a public servant, and a Taney County community leader. Dub was a well-educated man. He earned degrees from Middle Tennessee State and James Madison and a law degree from American University. Upon finishing his education, Dub started a life of public service here as a legislative assistant to then-Senator John Ashcroft, a legend, until Dub returned home to Branson. He subsequently became Branson's city prosecutor in 2006 before becoming city attorney, a role that he held until being elected the Taney County prosecuting attorney in 2018. Dub had many jobs in his life, but his favorite was being a dad. He loved spending time with his wife and daughters. He loved cooking, and he loved restoring Ford cars. Dub is survived by his wife, Charlie; his daughters, Shiloh and Raleigh; his aunts, his cousins, and extended family; and the Young family. On behalf of southwest Missouri, I join Taney County and our community in honoring his life and lasting impact. The second great Missourian is Ron Richard. Ron Richard was a father, grandfather, local businessman, and dedicated public servant to the city of Joplin and all of Missouri. Ron started out his life owning and operating bowling alleys before entering a life of public service. During his three decades of public service, he served as a councilmember and then as the mayor of Joplin. He then served as a State representative and was elected by his colleagues to be speaker of the Missouri House. Eventually, he served in the State senate, where he was then elected by his colleagues to be the president pro tem of the Missouri Senate. In fact, Mr. Speaker, Ron Richard is the only person in Missouri history to serve as the leader of both chambers, the house and the senate, and only the fifth person in our Nation's history to have done so. His career of service did not end with his retirement from the legislature. He was appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to the Missouri Southern State University board of governors, a position that he held at the time of his death. He also served on the board of the Missouri Higher Education Savings Program and continued to be active in local and State politics. Beyond the titles and the accolades, he was a mentor and a friend to all who knew him, including me. Ron is survived by his wife, Patty; his children, Kara and Chad; his grandchildren; and siblings and numerous family members who loved him. It is an honor and privilege to have known him and to have had him as a constituent, as well. He exhibited a life of service, and we mourn his untimely death. Our prayers are with his wife, Patty, and the rest of his family and friends. I will say that my life in public service began as a freshman, green, wet behind the ears, and Ron was my speaker. He was my leader. While being speaker wasn't the last role that he had--he was able to be the president of the senate--to me, he was always my speaker. Missouri lost a good one. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of Chief of Police Sloan Rowland, a true public servant whose dedication and commitment to his community have left an indelible mark on the city of Joplin, Missouri. For 35 years, Chief Rowland has selflessly served the people in various public safety positions, starting as an emergency medical technician in Kansas and eventually rising through the ranks to become the chief of police. After joining the Joplin Police Department in 2003, Chief Rowland advanced from officer to corporal, sergeant to lieutenant, and assistant chief, before ultimately assuming the role of chief of police in 2019. His ascent is a testament to his leadership skills and his unwavering commitment to public safety. Chief Rowland also led the department and the community through a time of heartbreak and grief, when a gunman shot and killed Corporal Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed, and injured Officer Rick Hirshey in March of 2022. On June 1st of this year, Chief Sloan Rowland will retire after 20 years of service to the community of Joplin, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Chief Rowland on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his dedicated service to our community. Chief Rowland has not only served as an exceptional law enforcement leader in Joplin but has also been an exemplary role model for law enforcement professionals throughout the Nation. It is my honor and privilege to have him as my constituent, and to recognize him today.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the World War II achievements of U.S. Army Master Sergeant, Retired, Louis Graziano who is celebrating his 100th birthday this year. Mr. Graziano joined the U.S. Army in January 1943. After his basic training, he made the Atlantic crossing to the United Kingdom on the Queen Mary with 16,000 other American troops. A major storm hit during the crossing and nearly capsized the ship about 700 miles off the coast of Scotland. Once safely ashore, he boarded a train for Camp Weston in Crewe, England, where he was placed in Headquarters OISE Section Command Z to continue his combat training. While there, he was approached by a general who sent him to London on a special mission for the Army. To this day, Mr. Graziano has not revealed the contents of this classified mission to anyone. Returning from London after six weeks, Mr. Graziano was made a Utilities-NCO Sergeant overseeing 35 men who were tasked with erecting accommodations for the large number of arriving troops. This effort earned him the nickname, the ``Mayor of Tent City.'' Mr. Graziano's next assignment was to travel 700 miles south to board landing ships that would take him and his fellow soldiers across the English Channel for a coming invasion. Little did Mr. Graziano know that he would be landing in the third wave on Omaha Beach in Normandy, as part of history's largest seaborn invasion. Facing machine gun fire as he drove his gasoline truck off the LST, he and those with him scrambled to the limited safety of a cliff, only to take fire from German troops from a cliff-side bunker. Mr. Graziano smartly grabbed a flamethrower and set fire to the grass under the bunker forcing the Germans out of its protection. Mr. Graziano later suffered severe frostbite during the Battle of the Bulge and spent three weeks recovering in an infirmary avoiding the amputation of both feet. Mr. Graziano subsequently landed in France where his unit set up Special Headquarters Command in Reims, where he oversaw maintenance of all the facilities. While there, he was privileged to witness the historic occasion of Germany's unconditional surrender in Europe, signing the German Instrument of Surrender at General Eisenhower's Headquarters on May 7, 1945. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Master Sergeant Graziano, a brave hero and a great American, for his commitment to freedom. Without brave men like him, our world would look much different today. Please join me in thanking him for his brave contributions to America.