Eric Burlison

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate American Legion Post 1214 located in Springfield, Missouri, on the 10-year anniversary of the organization's charter for Women Veterans of Southwest Missouri. The post has grown from 12 initial Legionnaires to 97 Legionnaires thanks to the outreach and recruitment skills of a number of women including Adjutant Shellie Jones, Treasurer Nancy Fazzino, past Commander Louise Hansen, current Commander Jennifer Tyes and a host of other dedicated women. Ninety percent of the post's membership are women who have active duty service in one of the Nation's four military branches, while ten percent are men who also have served our country and been honorably discharged. The post works to foster community building, and to provide outreach and support for fellow veterans by supporting programs such as Quilts of Valor, Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter, Honor Flight of the Ozarks, and the United Way of the Ozarks' Veteran's Emergency Aid Program. The post also supports Junior ROTC programs at four area high schools: Willard, Hillcrest, Greenwood Laboratory and New Covenant Academy. The post also has sponsored some 56 candidates for Boys State and Girls State over the last 10 years. It also engages with the public and several local veterans organizations for Wreaths Across America, where they place holiday wreaths at each of the headstones in the national and state cemeteries in Springfield. These are just a few of their many service projects. American Legion Post 1214 is an asset to Southwest Missouri, and I am grateful for their selfless service and tireless dedication to improving the lives of veterans of every era, as well as inspiring the next generation of military service members. Please join me in congratulating them for their 10 years of service.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 374, a bill originally introduced by Representative Gaetz of Florida, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of John Errante of Springfield, Missouri, who recently passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 41 years old. John was an amazing individual. He was self-taught and a member of Mensa. As his long-time friend, Beau, said of him, ``He was routinely the smartest man in the room, in a room filled with smart people. He had a way of seeing to the core of a problem, and embracing and implementing solutions no one else would have considered, much less tried.'' John loved the arts and was a composer and a concert pianist. As a teenager, he became involved in politics and attended the Leadership Institute here in Washington, DC. While there, our homeland was attacked on September 11th, which had a profound effect on John. This led him to join the U.S. Army where he served in Army Psychological Operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the military, John moved to Springfield where he graduated from Missouri State University on the President's List, the university's highest honor reserved for those who receive a 4.0 grade point average or higher. He again became involved in politics, serving as the communications director for his friend Bill's gubernatorial campaign. Ultimately, he became employed as a marketing specialist with MediaCom. John's life was defined by service . . . to his country, to his neighbors, to his family and friends. He was taken from us too soon and will be greatly missed by his father, Steven Errante, his mother, Arla Collins and a host of friends who loved him. It is my great honor to recognize this remarkable individual, and I am praying for peace, comfort and good memories for his family.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ozark, Missouri, Chamber of Commerce on its 75th anniversary. The chamber was formed on Monday, October 14, 1949, when approximately 90 visionary business leaders from Ozark gathered to establish the chamber. Joe Majors, who was owner of Major Cheese Co., was elected as the first president while Dr. Stanley Roper was named vice president and Herbert Taylor was elected treasurer. Recognizing the need to grow, the chamber's first committee was focused on gaining membership. They started with 49 members who paid an annual fee of $15 for men and $7.50 for women. Later that month, the membership had already grown to 58 business leaders. The following month, the chamber hired a part-time secretary and joined the National Chamber of Commerce. These efforts were just the start of three- quarters of a century of growth and success. Today, nearly 400 businesses and individuals make up the organization that is dedicated to supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life in the community. While a lot has changed over the past 75 years, the chambers dedication to the Ozark community has not wavered. Members continue to work tirelessly to support local businesses, engage with citizens, and collaborate with organizations that make Ozark a vibrant place to live and to work. Events such as the annual community awards banquet, the free business and community expo, the Welcome Home Event for new teachers, the widely anticipated annual Christmas parade, and partnerships with city, school and county entities all serve to enhance local businesses, the local economy and the local community. I would like to congratulate Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Rusell on this landmark occasion, and I wish the chamber many, many more years of growth and success.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Sam Hamra of Springfield, Missouri. He was 92 years old when he recently passed away. Mr. Hamra was the founder and chairman of Hamra Enterprises, which owns and operates 156 restaurants and other projects across Missouri and the United States. These include locations for Wendy's, Panera Bread, Noodles & Company, and more. He opened the first Wendy's in Springfield in 1976, and the rest is history. Sam Hamra grew up in Steele, Missouri, as the son of Lebanese immigrants. He graduated from the University of Missouri with business and law degrees. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he was appointed as U.S. Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Western Missouri. He later served as the attorney for the city of Nixa, Missouri, where he helped build the city's electric distribution system. He also advocated for funding to expand transportation arteries connecting Branson to Springfield, as well as expanding a major thoroughfare in the city of Springfield. Mr. Hamra was active in his community. He was a founding member of OakStar Bank, charter president of the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast, and a member of the foundation board for Ozarks Technical Community College, which also houses the Sam and June Hamra Family Library. The Sam F. Hamra Center for Justice also was named for his work organizing and serving as the first board chairman of Legal Services of Southern Missouri, which serves 43 southern Missouri counties. He and his wife, June, also donated the funds to purchase the land for the Kitchen Homeless Family Shelter on the O'Reilly Campus. Sam Hamra was a community builder who made an impact on so many aspects of Springfield. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of a great American patriot, World War II hero Jack Hamlin of Springfield, Missouri, who passed away on July 20, 2024. He was 102 years old. Mr. Hamlin's resume reads like it should belong to several individuals college football player, minor league baseball player, Coast Guard veteran, law school graduate, member of the Missouri House of Representatives from Greene County, Deputy Collector of Revenue for the state of Missouri, owner of an insurance company, husband, and father of three. In 1941, Jack was pursuing his dream to become a professional baseball player, but when the Japanese Empire attacked the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7th that year, Jack knew he had to serve. On February 2, 1942, he raised his right hand and enlisted in the Coast Guard. Little did Jack know that in the spring of 1944, he would be assigned to ``Operation Neptune,'' the designation for the naval operation supporting the largest invasion in military history code named Operation Overlord. His 83-foot cutter was assigned to a special unit of 60 cutters named ``Rescue Flotilla One.'' Their mission was to rescue soldiers lost in the water during the invasion at Normandy. We hear much about the men who fought and died that day, ultimately turning the tide of World War II. But little is known about Jack's efforts and the efforts of more than 800 of his fellow guardsmen who saved the lives of 1,500 men and one woman, pulling them from the chilly waters off the Normandy coast and ferrying them to the hospital ships some 10 miles away. It was right and fitting that he was presented with the French Legion of Honor medal for his efforts. He also was one of only 75 American military members to be invited to have dinner with the Queen of England in commemoration of D-Day's 50th anniversary. Jack Hamlin continued to live his life fully, even jumping out of an airplane at age 95, and serving his state and fellow man. He was loved by all who knew him, and this true American hero will be greatly missed.

Mr. BURLISON

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

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment to prohibit funding for the World Economic Forum. Every year, the World Economic Forum hosts its annual luxury conference in Davos where CEOs, world leaders, and other globalists take their private jets to some ski town in Switzerland to discuss carbon emissions, which is ironic, erasing borders of our nations, and other high-minded ideas like encouraging a transition to eating insects because the Earth is ``running out of protein.'' The founder of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, says it provides a platform for high-powered leaders to ``shape global, regional, and industry agendas.'' All that really means is bigger governments, more taxes and spending, more surveillance of citizens, and more open borders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schwab was the guy pushing for ``the great reset'' to ``reshape the world.'' When Klaus Schwab says things like ``You will own nothing, and you will be happy,'' we should take him at his word. When globalist elites get together to talk about their plans for world domination, we should not ignore them. We definitely should not be sending them our U.S. taxpayer dollars to legitimize their efforts. If these Marxist hypocrites want to get together on their own dime, so be it. Since 2023, the State Department has funneled nearly 60 million taxpayer dollars to the World Economic Forum. This amendment would simply prohibit the State Department from funneling any money from U.S. taxpayers to the World Economic Forum. No matter how much they talk about ``protecting liberal democracy,'' these people, the globalists, are the problem. If we are truly going to represent Americans, and if we are truly going to stand for our national sovereignty and the freedom to govern ourselves, then we need to stop legitimizing these globalists with our money. I urge the adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chair, the gentlewoman says that there is nothing in this that sends money, yet since 2013, the State Department has funneled nearly $60 million to the World Economic Forum's efforts. It can't be both. Even if it is the case, then this amendment shouldn't worry anyone. It is belt and suspenders. At the end of the day, when the American people are $34 trillion in debt--that is over $250,000 per taxpayer that they owe as their share of the national debt--we should not be taking out more debt to send to these globalists and fund their agenda. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, it is a fact that, since 2013, we have funneled nearly $60 million to the efforts of this globalist elite organization. I don't think that the taxpayers of the United States should foot the bill for their agenda, which I think is an un-American agenda. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, today, my heart and the hearts of my colleagues here are broken, especially the hearts of the citizens in southwest Missouri and Oklahoma, as we ache and mourn the devastating loss of Natalie and Davy Lloyd. Last month, their lives were tragically cut short by gang violence in Haiti while they were serving as missionaries at an orphanage. Natalie and Davy were too good for this Earth. They were steadfast disciples of Christ, walking in his footsteps and spreading his love to all that they encountered. Their faith was a guiding force that shaped every aspect of their lives. As we struggle with the pain of their loss, let's draw strength from the knowledge that they are now reunited with their Heavenly Father for all eternity. Rest in peace, Natalie and Davy. Your faith-filled lives will continue to inspire us forever. You will be dearly missed.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize President Clif Smart of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, as he retires following an outstanding career as the university's longest serving president dating back to 1961. President Smart is the university's 11th president, and he is retiring after 13 years as the top official. During that time, the university achieved many notable milestones such as setting enrollment, retention, and graduation records, expanding academic offerings, raising more than $440 million in donations, and constructing or renovating dozens of buildings. More importantly, he accomplished all of this while raising tuition by less than inflation, allowing the university to be among the most affordable in the country. President Smart graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science, and from the University of Arkansas School of Law with his Juris Doctorate Degree. He served his country in the U.S. Army before joining the private sector as an attorney. He subsequently became Missouri State's General Counsel, and then was appointed the university's interim president before receiving the nod to take over as president. President Smart's visionary development of IDEA Commons transformed an abandoned industrial area into a thriving hub for economic development, innovation, and community engagement. His collaboration with the University of Missouri to offer engineering and pharmacy programs significantly addressed workforce shortages and strengthened the state's economic and educational landscapes. He also facilitated the university's recognition as a doctoral-granting institution. These are just a few of his many, many accomplishments. I want to express my deepest gratitude to President Smart for his outstanding leadership at Missouri State University and his profound effect on the broader community. I also want to extend my best wishes for his retirement and future endeavors. I am proud that he is one of my constituents.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 1139.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I think that this bill defies any kind of objective understanding of the reality of the situation that we are in. We are at $34 trillion in debt. It is the highest debt-to-GDP that we have experienced in the history of the United States of America, higher than we experienced after World War II, and we just left a war. Today, we are at that same level of debt-to-GDP, and yet we are facing potential wars. This situation is the greatest threat to national security that there is. To add more debt onto this Nation is only risking us even further. Our border is a threat to national security, and yet we are doing very little to actually fix it in this bill. No matter how much we talk about some of the things that are in the bill, at the end of the day, I hear expressions like this, as the swamp people say: Somebody has got to govern. Within that statement, therein lies the false pretense that government is the solution to our problems. Government is the problem.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, a bill that pushes back against the out- of-control EPA and ensures that important projects are approved in a timely manner. The EPA has used the Clean Water Act to delay or block projects and ensure a radical climate agenda is fulfilled, all at the cost of projects that are critical for the United States. The EPA is often inconsistent, not transparent, and unfair in its decisions to approve projects, even when those projects have no negative impact on the environment. This bill will cut red tape, strengthen the permitting process in favor of those seeking the permits, provide clarity to the EPA to ensure that they are following what the law intends, and, most importantly, fight back against the militant climate agenda. Look, we all know that the EPA can be a bad actor in the permitting process, but they are not the only ones that are standing in the way. We also have to deal with these environmental groups that continually sue to delay these projects from going through, claiming that the costs outweigh the benefits. Of course, we know what they really mean--these projects don't further their climate agenda, so they must be stopped. That is why this bill includes my legislation, the Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act. The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act ensures that any lawsuit seeking judicial review of a section 404 general or individual permit must be filed within the first 60 days of the permit's issuance. If the court decides that the Army Corps did not comply with the law in approving projects, it will be remanded back to the Secretary, where they have 180 days to take action that the court has ordered. Businesses are busy. They are already buried under regulation after regulation which takes obscene amounts of time and resources to comply with. In this case, they already have to demonstrate that these projects will have basically no impact on the health of water or show that they have exhausted all alternatives to discharging. Even with these strict regulations, environmental groups sue to stall these projects, claiming that they will have a negative impact on the environment. The goal is to keep them held up in court. Our court system is already being attacked from every angle. Let's not let the environmentalists continue to manipulate the courts to push their climate religion. It should be an efficient and speedy process so businesses can build the infrastructure that our country depends on. The Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act will bring needed reforms to litigation and ensure any challenge to these permits are efficient, fast, and fair. In closing, I thank the work of Chairman Graves and Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jackson Choi of Springfield, Missouri, who recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program. Since its inception in 1911, only 4 percent of scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. Jackson is a junior at Kickapoo High School in Springfield, and he has been in scouting since he joined as a Cub Scout in 2013. He is a member of Troop No. 289, where he has held several leadership positions. He also has attended three of the four high adventure camps earning him the Triple Crown Award from the Boy Scouts of America. To earn the Eagle Scout designation, each individual must complete a project. Jackson's project was to update the bamboo fencing at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at the Nathaniel Green/Close Memorial Park in Springfield. The garden was established by Springfield's Japanese sister city in 1985. The original bamboo fencing had fallen into disrepair, so Jackson studied the process and replaced 100-feet of fencing in the traditional Japanese way. This accomplished young man deserves our applause for a job well done. I am proud to have him as a constituent.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Franklin Lucore of Monett, Missouri, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout just prior to his 15th birthday. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program, and since its inception in 1911, only 4 percent of scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. Franklin is a freshman in the International Baccalaureate Program at Central High School in Springfield and a member of BSA Troop 38 in Monett. He began his scouting career as a Cub Scout at the age of seven and since then has held numerous leadership positions with the troop, while also maintaining a 4.0 grade point average in school. He is a member of the Brotherhood of the Order of the Arrow, scouting's National Honor Society, and a member of the Tribe of the Lone Bear, an honors program of the Ozark Trails Council's Camp Arrowhead. He also has earned 36 merit badges, camped out more than 50 nights, hiked more than 100 miles and performed more than 36 hours of community service. His Eagle Scout project provided improvements and outdoor furnishing to South Park, a 65-acre park owned by the city of Monett that caters especially to children and adults with disabilities. Scouting has been teaching valuable lessons in leadership since it was established in February 1910, and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is an important accomplishment. This young man deserves our applause for a job well done. I am proud to have him as a constituent.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jaden Factor of Ozark, Missouri, who recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program, and since its inception in 1911, only 4 percent of scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. Jaden is a junior at Ozark High School and a member of Troop 201 of the Ozark Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America where he has held numerous leadership positions ranging from den chief and historian to outdoor ethics guide and senior patrol leader, the highest youth position in a scout troop. Jaden also is a master sergeant in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Ozark High. His Eagle Scout project combined his love of scouting with his military training. Jaden raised $2,500 to refurbish a Conex storage container that was in poor condition, which was used to house the Ozark JROTC Raiders team gear. He hired a trucking company to transport the container from the junior high school to a sandblasting company which stripped and painted it, and it was then moved to a new home at the high school. Jaden and a team of fellow scouts prepped the site for the container at the school, touched up paint when it was returned and restored a retaining wall adjacent to the container. Scouting has been teaching valuable lessons in leadership since it was established in February 1910, and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is an important accomplishment. This young man deserves our applause for a job well done. I am proud to have him as a constituent.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Texas (Mr. Roy) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, here we go again. Today, the House is set to extend the bloated and inflationary spending levels that have left our country $34 trillion in debt and fuels the government that is at war with the American people. This is now the fourth time that we have kicked the can down the road since just last September. It is now the fourth time that we have shrugged our shoulders and said: Sorry, America. We just don't have the fight in us this time, but we will try again next time. We all promised we wouldn't do this crap when we got up here. The American people have demanded responsible spending and border security for years, but we fail them. When will we heed the calls of our constituents to rein in the wasteful spending, secure the borders, and defeat the bureaucracy targeting them? The last line of the Declaration of Independence has a bold and courageous statement by the people who signed it. They said: ``We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.'' Sadly, we are not serving with people of this same resolve today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this CR.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 9.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, it was said by our friends on the other side of the aisle that this censure motion is profoundly stupid. What is profoundly stupid is an adult man, who has been elected as a Member of Congress, held to a high esteem, pulling a fire alarm like a child, like throwing a tantrum. What is worse is that he violated the law. He broke the law when he did it. It wasn't just something to say, oh, I am sorry. He broke the law because he wanted to obstruct the meeting of this body, the vote of this body. The January 6 individuals have been talked about. If someone had done that on January 6, they would have been put in jail. The American people know it. They see that there is a double standard. They see that this side of the aisle cleans up its House. The other side is going to let people who have committed crimes continue to sit in office. The other side of the building is going to let someone who has taken bribes in the form of gold bars--apparently cash isn't good enough under Biden inflation. For a Democratic Member of the Senate to take cash is not enough. You have to take gold. We clean up, and we have a standard on this side of the aisle, and the American people know it. The standard on this side of the aisle is high. What is clear today is the standard on that side of the aisle is not.

Mr. BURLISON

Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and the legacy of William Jung, III, of Springfield, Missouri. Bill was born in Overland Park, Kansas, on May 24, 1941, and passed away in Springfield, Missouri, on October 17, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Ramona, and their 9 children, 36 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters and a host of friends and relatives. Bill was passionate about life and his love for the Lord. He was involved in many civic and religious organizations serving wherever he could. Bill had a passion for traveling and adventure. He and his wife visited more than 30 countries, including a cherished trip to Israel. He was always game for any adventure that came his way. Madam Speaker, Bill was a dear friend of mine. His smile and warm personality will be greatly missed by me, his many friends, and his wonderful family.

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 increase/decrease funding to express that the Office of Personnel Management should renew the security clearance of David Grusch. Mr. Grusch formerly served as a National Reconnaissance Office representative to the UAP Task Force, from 2019 to 2021. He recently testified before Congress, claiming that partial fragments and even intact vehicles have been found for decades by the Federal Government, our allies, and defense contractors. According to Mr. Grusch, objects and vehicles retrieved are of ``exotic origin . . . based on the vehicle morphologies and material science testing and the possession of unique atomic arrangements and radiological signatures.'' Mr. Grusch also told us that the U.S. is in possession of ``nonhuman spacecraft'' and dead pilots. Finally, Mr. Grusch told us that he has spoken with intelligence officials whom the U.S. military had briefed about football field-sized aircraft, that the U.S. Government transferred some crashed UAPS to a defense contractor, and that intelligence officials were also briefed on malevolent activity from extraterrestrial beings. Now, of course, all of this was very interesting to me and a number of my colleagues on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. My first question for Mr. Grusch, when I had the opportunity, was to say that those were pretty incredible claims, but I am from the Show-Me State, so he would have to show me. I requested specific information that could not be conveyed in that hearing but in a secure setting. Unfortunately, he is unable to provide us with any supporting evidence to back up his claims because his security clearance has lapsed. My understanding is that Mr. Grusch did go through the proper channels by turning over classified information to the IC inspector general. He ultimately filed a complaint to the IC inspector general, alleging that the information he presented to the IC has been illegally withheld from Congress. Mr. Chair, I would like to know more about these claims, and so would a number of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I am certainly pleased that the Committee on Oversight and Accountability is working hard to bring in the relevant inspector general so we can cut through all the roadblocks that have been presented since Mr. Grusch stepped forward. We need to cover all possible angles here, and if we can get Mr. Grusch in a SCIF with an active security clearance, that would go a long way. This amendment simply expresses support for the Office of Personnel Management to renew the security clearance of David Grusch so that he can show us his work. As a freshman Member, I have seen a lot of these increase/decrease amendments. While on its face they appear to not do anything, it is my understanding that the agencies generally pay attention to the legislative history and intent, which is why I am offering this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.