Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Cole, who has done an excellent job of putting this continuing resolution together under difficult circumstances. The appropriators tried to come to an accommodation, but we weren't able to get there. So the best alternative we have today is this continuing resolution which does good things for our country. It obviously keeps the government shutdown from happening to the American people and fully funds our core government services. Something that I am interested in, and I think most Members are interested in, is our national security. This continues to fund our national security. It makes sure that the young men and women who serve our military, especially our enlisted soldiers, are going to get a historic pay raise, the highest pay raise they have had in 40 years. A lot of these E-1s who come in and make $11 an hour, their pay is going to be put up significantly. This is something that I think needs to happen, so I would hope my friends on the other side of the aisle would not vote to diminish these individuals' pay that they need very much. This also supports important weapons systems: the Virginia-class submarine, the Columbia-class submarine, shipbuilding across the United States, our satellite construction, and rebuilding the ordnance for the United States that we need desperately. A vote against the CR would stop all of this. So to me, Mr. Speaker, this is an extremely important vote for our national security. I would hope that everyone would vote for that, vote for continuing our government and to make sure that these weapons systems are delivered on time for the American public.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend, Navy veteran, and acclaimed political adviser, Stuart (Stu) Spencer, who passed away in Palm Desert on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Stu was an incredibly influential and accomplished political leader in addition to being a personal friend, and he will be deeply missed. In 1927, Stu was born in Phoenix, Arizona. His family relocated to southern California just two years later. After high school, Stu enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a radar specialist onboard the USS Rocky Mount command ship. Following his discharge from the Navy, Stu earned a degree from California State University, Los Angeles. He worked as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Alhambra for many years before leaping into the world of politics. After volunteering on various campaigns, Stu was hired by the Los Angeles County GOP as an organizer. The following year, Stu joined together with his partner, Bill Roberts, to establish the Spencer- Roberts political consulting firm. Over the many years since its formation, the firm would go on to manage more than 400 campaigns. In 1964, Stu managed the unsuccessful presidential primary campaign of Nelson Rockefeller, who ultimately lost to Barry Goldwater. His luck and life would change dramatically one year later when then-actor Ronald Reagan asked Stu to manage his longshot bid for governor in California. In a remarkable campaign guided by Stu, Reagan was elected governor in 1966 and then re-elected in 1970. In 1976, Stu had agreed to manage President Gerald Ford's election campaign before Reagan's decision to challenge Ford in a primary. Stu stayed loyal to Ford throughout that campaign but was asked by Reagan to manage his campaign for president in 1980. Throughout Reagan's eight years in the White House, Stu was a trusted aide close by his side. When he presented Stu with the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1989, Reagan said ``he prevented more than a few poor decisions and aided in more than a few very good decisions.'' In 1993, Spencer was inducted into the Association of American Political Consultants Hall of Fame. Stu is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Barbara Spencer; two children from a previous marriage, Karen Spencer of Palm Desert and Steven Spencer of Dana Point; a stepdaughter, Debbie DeSilva of Carlsbad, and six grandchildren. I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Spencer family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Stu. Although he may be gone, Stu's many contributions to our Nation have left an enduring legacy.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act is desperately needed to better manage our forests in California and across the country. Wildfires are an unfortunate part of our lives. We were just reminded of this horrific reality in the greater LA area. In the wake of these fires, there's been a lot of discussion about state policies that need to be examined to better protect our residents and I wholeheartedly support reform at the state level. There are also several federal policies that must be reformed, which is why we're here today. On average, the Forest Service spends four years on paperwork before a fuel management project, like clearing dead or overgrown brush, can even start. That length of time increases by more than three years when a NEPA lawsuit is filed. Those delays can be deadly. The bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act would simplify and expedite environmental reviews for forest management projects as well as enact other reforms to help prevent wildfires. As the recent California fires make clear, we can no longer neglect our duties to manage our forests in a responsible but expeditious way. The American people demand and deserve competence at every level of government. This bill is an important step in re-establishing faith that Congress will lead from the front and do what is necessary to mitigate the devastating impacts of wildfires. I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill and protect Americans from wildfires.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Lesa Sobek, who is stepping down from the Menifee City Council after many years of serving in that role. Lesa has been a true leader in Menifee for decades and served as an effective advocate for her community. Along with her husbadd, Jim, and three children, Lesa has been a resident of Menifee, California, for more than 30 years. Lesa spent many years working for the Menifee Union School District in various roles, where she helped develop a literacy program known as GREAT (Grandparents, Reading, Enriching, and Tutoring). Lesa successfully advocated for the establishment of the Menifee Military Banner Program, which honors the community's veterans and military service members from past to present. After serving as on the Planning Commission, Lesa was elected to serve on the Menifee City Council in 2015. She was later re-elected to serve as the Council Member representing District 3 in 2016 and again in 2020. On the Council, Lesa worked with her colleagues and city staff to support residents and local businesses. She has championed youth programs, senior citizens, and increased awareness about domestic violence and backed many efforts for Menifee's local shelter. Lesa clearly possesses a passionate belief in public service and a dedication to the community she has served so faithfully. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Lesa's significant contributions to Menifee. I wish Lesa and her family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate Riverside County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries for his 12 years of dedicated service to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Kevin will be stepping down from the Board of Supervisors this month, marking the end of a decades-long career in public service. Kevin has been a resident of Riverside County since 1971 and was a successful small business owner. His first foray in public service came in 1977 as a Volunteer Fire Captain for the Riverside County Fire Department. Just a few years later, in 1980, Kevin was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of a local Park & Recreation District. Eager to improve local water infrastructure and protect residents from water and sewer rate increases, Kevin successfully ran for a seat on the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors in 1990, and on the Western Municipal Water District Board of Directors in 1998. In 2006, Kevin was chosen by voters to represent Riverside County in the California State Assembly. In Sacramento, Kevin took on the challenging task of fighting to stop the regulatory and tax onslaught on California's small businesses. In 2012, Kevin was elected to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. As Supervisor, Kevin has made an effort to balance Riverside County's growth with investments in necessary infrastructure and public safety. Thanks to his advocacy, Riverside County continues to be a source of affordable housing, safe family-friendly communities, and economic opportunity, and is well- positioned for years to come. On a personal note, I count Kevin as a close friend. I have appreciated his advice, humor, and support over the years and look forward to many more. I thank Kevin for his friendship, leadership, and his lasting impact in creating a better future for Riverside County.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Bill Zimmerman, who is completing his term as mayor of the city of Menifee, California. Bill has been a true leader in Riverside County for decades and served as an effective advocate whose many tireless efforts to better our region will be missed. Bill attended Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California from 1981 to 1984. In 1989, along with his wife Julie, Bill purchased a new home in the community of Menifee. After the town incorporated in 2008, Bill was appointed to serve on its first Planning Commission. He also served on the City's Parks, Recreation & Trails Commission. Bill was first elected to serve on the Menifee City Council in 2012 to represent District 3. In 2020, Bill was elected to serve as Menifee's directly elected mayor. As mayor, Bill has worked tirelessly to support the infrastructure and recreational opportunities required from a growing residential community. My office and I have been proud to work hand-in- hand with Bill and city staff to support these efforts with federal resources. In addition to his role at city hall, Bill serves on the Board for Boys & Girls Club, Menifee Valley Historical Association, and is President of the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center Board. Bill clearly possesses a passionate belief in public service and a dedication to the community he has served so faithfully. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Bill's significant contributions to Menifee. I wish Bill and his family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to join my colleagues to pay tribute to a true pioneer in the House of Representatives. My good friend Kay Granger has been a trailblazer since she was elected in 1991 as the first female Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas. Just a few years later, in 1997 she was elected as the first Republican woman to represent Texas here in the House. It's been a privilege to work beside Kay for more than a quarter century. Whether it was advancing American space exploration or enhancing our national security, Kay has always fought for our country and for Texas. In 2017, Kay was named Chair of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. As the first woman to chair the subcommittee, Kay always put the needs of our warfighters first, advocating that our military must have the advanced capabilities necessary to deny our adversaries a fair fight. In 2022, Kay was selected to be the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee--making her the first Republican woman to lead the Committee. As a member of the Committee and her successor on the Defense Subcommittee, I saw first-hand how effective she was at collaborating with fellow Appropriators, navigating an always contentious process to achieve our shared goals to the benefit of taxpayers and our Nation. I will miss serving with Kay in the House as well as on the Appropriations Committee. I already miss her since she is no longer my neighbor here in Washington--but I know she is looking forward to being back home in Texas, and I wish her and her family the very best in the future. I thank Kay, for making this institution and our country a better place.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an invaluable leader of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Johnnie Kaberle, for 30 years of exemplary dedication and service to our Nation. In 2020, Johnnie took over as the Minority Clerk of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. From the creation of the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies or ``APFIT'' program, which provides vital bridge funding to promising new defense companies, to the preservation of the USS Fort Worth from premature decommissioning, she successfully championed robust national security spending and Republican priorities in the enacted Fiscal Year 2020 through Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations acts. After serving ably and dual-hatted as the House Appropriations Committee Deputy Staff Director and Defense Subcommittee Minority Clerk, Johnnie rightfully took on an even more challenging and impactful role as the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Majority Staff Director and Clerk when Republicans won the Majority in 2022. In this role, she led a staff of fourteen defense and intelligence experts in the drafting and passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act and House passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations bill. At over $800 billion per fiscal year, this bill is the largest and most complex appropriations bill for the Nation and in the world. Johnnie's innate ability to build coalitions across Members of Congress, senior administration officials, and industry executives, to achieve United States national security objectives is truly breathtaking to witness and invaluable to a Subcommittee Chairman. Among her many accomplishments as Majority Clerk, Johnnie's will possibly be most remembered for spearheading my vision to accelerate the adoption of innovation across the Department of Defense. Because of her efforts, Congress allocated nearly $2.5 billion toward defense innovation, including rapid procurement and fielding of promising defense technologies through the Defense Innovation Unit, the creation and funding of APFIT, and the support of the Office of Strategic Capital. This will have a lasting impact on our national security and ensure continued American military supremacy. On a personal note, Johnnie has been a trusted advisor and friend to the Members of the Subcommittee on both sides of the aisle. Her partnership with Chair Emeritus Kay Granger, Chairman Tom Cole, and myself has been instrumental to our efforts to make the Department of Defense a more agile and effective organization. Her contributions to America's warfighters will endure long after her tenure in the House of Representatives ends, and I know she will continue to do great work to advance our national defense. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Johnnie for her service to our country. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of Stephen Joseph Tomanelli, a graduate of Operation Recognition Class of 2024. Operation Recognition is a program organized by the Riverside County Office of Education and Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services that presents diplomas to residents of Riverside County who were unable to complete high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or due to internment in World War II Japanese-American relocation camps. Operation Recognition provides a way to express our appreciation and gratitude for our veterans' significant contributions and sacrifices. Stephen Joseph Tomanelli grew up in the Bronx, New York, and attended public schools in New York City. Economic challenges led him to leave Samuel Gompers Vocational High School after his sophomore year to support himself and his family. His technical skills and interests opened doors for employment in the emerging field of computers and technology. Facing the likelihood of being drafted during the Vietnam War, Stephen enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served from 1969 to 1973. His roles included serving as a ceremonial guardsman at Arlington National Cemetery and working as a fire control technician and ordnance mechanic aboard the USS Massey. After his military service, Mr. Tomanelli earned his GED and pursued various professional opportunities, ultimately relocating to California. He utilized the GI Bill to develop his technical expertise in computers and to purchase a home in the Sunnymead area of Riverside County. His career in the technology sector has been marked by his contributions to providing early computer solutions to municipal and commercial clients in Riverside County. Since 1986, he has owned and operated a computer sales and service business. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Tomanelli has dedicated himself to public service. Since 2005, he joined the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as a Commissioner and has contributed to various non-profit organizations throughout the region. Mr. Tomanelli is a resident of the Poppet Flats area and remains active in his community, with one of his grandchildren attending public school in Riverside County. On behalf of all Riverside County residents and a grateful Nation, I want to thank Mr. Tomanelli for his service to our country and congratulate him on being part of the Operation Recognition Class of 2024.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition, of William Daniels, a graduate of Operation Recognition Class of 2024. Operation Recognition is a program organized by the Riverside County Office of Education and the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services, that presents diplomas to residents of Riverside County who were unable to complete high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or due to internment in World War II Japanese-American relocation camps. Operation Recognition provides a way to express our appreciation and gratitude for the significant contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans. William Daniels was born on September 18, 1935. Shortly after he was born, William Daniels' brother and mother passed away and he was raised by his grandmother in Long Island, New York. In 1952, at the age of 17, Mr. Daniels decided he would find a way to join the U.S. Army and follow in the footsteps of the father. His father, whom he never met, served during World War II as part of the first Black parachute infantry battalion, the historic ``Triple Nickel'' 555th Parachute Infantry Company of the United States Army. After Daniels joined the Army, he was deployed, to fight in the Korean War and jumped out of planes as part of the 187th Regimental Combat Team in the 11th Airborne Division. He served as a medic and surgical technician, among multiple roles that included the motor pool and multiple military occupational specialties. He received the Purple Heart for injuries received while in combat. After the war, Daniels earned his GED and continued his service to veterans in his role with Kaiser Permanente--which included providing home health care to veterans. As recently as 1998, he was still known to jump out of planes as a skydiver. Mr. Daniels is 89 years old and has been married to his wife, Sylvia, for 31 years. They currently reside in the community of Lake Elsinore. On behalf of all Riverside County residents and a grateful Nation, I want to thank Mr. Daniels for his service to our country and congratulate him on being part of the Operation Recognition Class of 2024.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as I include into the Congressional Record the Obituary for Benjamin Ramey. Ben's father, Dave Ramey, is a dear friend who worked for me for 24 years and was my Chief of Staff for most of that time. I remember when Ben was born and how incredibly proud both Dave and Jen were to have a son and sibling for their daughter, Maddie. Ben was well-liked, funny, kind, smart and a bit mischievous. He will be missed beyond measure. On Saturday, November 16, 2024, we will celebrate the life of Ben Ramey and remember the joy and goodness he brought to so many lives. We will also mourn the loss of such a bright young man and lend our shoulders to Dave, Jen and Maddie as they navigate a world without their dear son and brother. May the outpouring of love and support provide some measure of comfort to the broken hearts of the Ramey family. Benjamin Gregg Ramey was born in Rockville, MD on May 14, 1997. In his beautiful 27 years of life, he touched many lives with love and light. He graduated from Rockville High School in 2015 and went on to study marketing and business analytics at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. He graduated in 2019 with his BA. After a long and difficult struggle with various illnesses, our beloved Ben died by his own hand early in the afternoon on Saturday, October 12th. He is survived by his parents, Jennifer and David Ramey, his sister, Maddie Ramey, eight aunts and uncles and eight cousins. Ben was hilarious, Ben was so smart, Ben felt things deeply. Ben loved his friends and they loved him back. Ben was the cherished ``Bub'' of his family, the jokester, the sneaky and beloved baby of the family. Ben loved music, Ben taught kids how to play tennis. Ben loved sleeping late and Ben had a gigantic head that his cousin Will once said must contain two brains. It is, of course, impossible to summarize his life in this little box. His memory will live on in the stories we tell about him and in the moments that have not yet happened, but will happen, where we will wish more than anything that he was there, and he will not be. He charged us not to remember him by his struggles but rather to Live . . . in Love and Light. He lives now in Heaven, in peace . . . caressed by pure love and pure light.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate Randy A. Record for his 24 years of dedicated service to the Board of Directors of Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). EMWD is a water, wastewater, and recycled water agency representing a population of nearly one million people in western Riverside County. Mr. Record represents Division 3 on EMWD's Board of Directors, which includes the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto, and surrounding unincorporated areas. During the nearly past quarter-century, he became one of California's leading water policy officials and helped create a more, reliable water supply for tens of millions of domestic and agricultural customers. During his time on EMWD's Board, Mr. Record served as the President of the Association of California Water Agencies, the Monday Morning Group's Water Committee Chair, and the Chairman of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan). He was also a vocal advocate in support of EMWD's relationships with local Native American tribes and was instrumental in the Soboba Settlement Act that was enacted by Congress in 2008. In addition, he is widely credited with helping bridge the gap between urban and agricultural users during California's drought in the mid-2010s. Mr. Record has been a leading advocate for state and federal investments in western water infrastructure and for the adoption of drought-tolerant landscaping in public spaces to reduce water waste. Mr. Record was preceded on the Board of Directors at both EMWD and Metropolitan by his father, Clayton Record. His retirement from EMWD will allow Mr. Record more time to focus on advancing innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. On a personal note, I count Randy as one of my longest and closest friends. I have appreciated his advice, humor, and support over the years and look forward to many more. I thank Mr. Record for his friendship, leadership, and his lasting impact in creating a better water supply future for the western United States.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6656, the Stuck On Hold Act, legislation I introduced to support American veterans. This legislation is simple yet powerful in its potential to make government services more accessible to those who served our country. In a time when technology has advanced significantly in the private sector, it is long overdue that we bring the same level of efficiency and user-friendly approach to our Federal agencies, like the VA. Right now, when a veteran picks up the phone to call the VA, they often face long, uncertain wait times. They sit on hold, sometimes for hours, with no clear idea of when their call will be answered or how long they will have to wait. The frustration this causes is immeasurable, and frankly, it is unacceptable. That is why the Stuck On Hold Act is so crucial. The bill requires the VA to implement a system to inform callers of their estimated wait times and, when those times exceed 10 minutes, give them the option of receiving an automated callback when it is their turn. Many of us are familiar with this kind of system from our interactions with private companies. It is not a new idea, and it is not revolutionary technology, but for millions of Americans who rely on the VA for benefits or medical treatment, it is a game changer. It shows respect for their time and acknowledges the importance of their needs. Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress to set acceptable customer service standards for our Federal departments and agencies. The American people, especially those who have served our country, deserve a responsible and efficient government. That is why the Stuck On Hold Act is supported by the veterans service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and others. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, as well as Chairman Van Orden and Ranking Member Levin of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and their respective staff for helping us bring this important legislation to the House floor.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Walter Hearne on the occasion of his retirement from Federal service. For the last 22 years, Walter has served the United States House of Representatives, and more specifically the House Committee on Appropriations, in an exemplary and dedicated fashion as a professional staff member. His long and impactful career began after completing study at James Madison University where Walter completed his undergraduate degree magna cum laude with distinction followed by a Master of Public Administration. It was clear from the beginning that Walter would excel in whatever he attempted. Walter began his career on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant on the Senate Budget Committee, where he led several special research projects for the staff director, including on reform issues associated with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and the Vice President's budget proposals during the 2000 presidential campaign. He also had his first taste of the Federal budget process by assisting with the development and enactment of the fiscal year 2002 budget resolution. I like to think that dabbling with a budget resolution piqued Walter's interest in the business of appropriations, but however it came to pass, in mid-2002, Walter joined the House Appropriations Committee as a professional staff member on the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Subcommittee and later on the Transportation and Treasury Subcommittee. One can tell Walter has served the Committee for a long time because neither of these subcommittees exist today in this composition. After cutting his appropriations teeth by reviewing budget requests of organizations such as the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Federal Election Commission, and the Office of Personnel Management, Walter was asked to join the staff of the Military Construction and Veteran Affairs Subcommittee. For the next 7 years, Walter would shepherd the enactment of 14 appropriations bills, including supplemental bills for military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and national emergencies, as well as the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Further, Walter was instrumental in enabling the Chairman of the Subcommittee to successfully implement major military construction initiatives to provide billions of dollars in increased funding to improve quality of life for troops and their families, such as new child development centers, medical facilities, and unaccompanied housing, as well as additional funding for the National Guard and Reserves. In 2011, Walter brought his discerning eye and unflappable demeanor to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, where he would stay until the end of his service to our nation. Over the following 14 years, Walter would consistently prove to be a tremendous source of knowledge to the chairs of the Subcommittee, the numerous defense clerks, and his staff colleagues alike. Walter had a major role in the enactment of 15 appropriations bills, while serving as the lead staffer on Air Force issues during a critical period of modernization that included research, development, and procurement of systems such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, B-21 bomber, Sentinel, KC-46 tanker, and numerous classified programs. He later took on a larger role in the Subcommittee's oversight of the Intelligence Community. In addition to Walter's consistent and valuable informal leadership, the Committee tapped him to assume the Subcommittee staff director and clerk responsibilities under emergency circumstances. In this capacity, Walter successfully guided the Subcommittee through House floor debate and passage of the 2018 Defense Appropriations Act, Throughout his storied career, Walter has been a trusted advisor to the Members of the Committee on both sides of the aisle. On a personal note, I am grateful for his counsel as the Subcommittee navigates a challenging period for the defense and security of our Nation. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Walter for his service to our country and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I was present for the vote on Roll Call No. 224 and thought I had voted ``AYE'' using my member card. However, my vote was not counted. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 224.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition the amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, Ukraine is in a fight for its survival, and artillery has been a critical part in its defense. Cluster munitions are needed to fill a gap until production of 155-millimeter rounds can catch up. We have a shortage of those rounds. The Russians have been using cluster munitions for over 2\1/2\ years, since the beginning of this conflict. We should not limit Ukraine's ability to respond in kind. Moreover, the amendment goes beyond prohibiting the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine. It would tie our hands in future conflicts, prohibiting the option to use these munitions in contingencies where the only other option are larger munitions that cause even more casualties. Additionally, it is not hard to imagine a situation where we might need to transfer these munitions to other allies and partners, such as Taiwan or South Korea. We should not impede our own defense or that of our allies and partners with a complete prohibition on cluster munitions. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, this is the final point I would make. The dud rate on the Russian cluster munitions exceeds 30 percent where the dud rate of the U.S. munition is extremely low. It is a terrible weapon. War is a terrible thing. These weapons are necessary for us to have our allies win. I would ask that we defeat this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial messaging amendments supported by both sides. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1316, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, these are noncontroversial bipartisan amendments supported by both sides. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 8774, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer H.R. 8774, the 2025 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. I want to start by thanking Chairman Cole for his leadership in this process. I also thank the Defense Subcommittee ranking member, Ms. McCollum, for her friendship and partnership through this. Finally, I thank the Defense Subcommittee staff for their tireless work on this year's bill. H.R. 8774 provides $833 billion for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Consistent with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, this is 1 percent, or $8.5 billion, above fiscal year 2024 enacted levels. While $833 billion is the discretionary cap, the subcommittee has little discretion over 62 percent of this bill. The funding goes toward must-pay bills, including troop and civilian pay; military benefits, medical care, and family services; sustainment of current weapons systems; fuel, utilities, IT, basic supplies; and training and education. This is to say nothing of necessary investments in major weapons systems to keep our military dominant in an intensifying threat environment. These factors are why I believe the current defense top line is too low for today's needs. Present and emerging threats mandate a robust U.S. military, which, as former Secretary of Defense James Mattis said, requires at least 3 to 5 percent real growth above inflation. Finally, due to the decision to consolidate our defense industry over 30 years ago, America's defense industrial base is brittle and unable to mobilize without significant investment. While the defense allocation under the FRA is too low to meet America's national security needs, it is the law of the land. This bill is written to be consistent with this law. Today's threats mandate a resolute United States made credible with a capable, lethal, and ready military. The Appropriations Defense Subcommittee scrutinized the fiscal year 2025 budget request line by line and conducted rigorous oversight. This resulted in $18 billion in cuts of requests that were unnecessary or unjustified. This bill provides no blank checks. Instead, this bill builds on the priorities from fiscal year 2024. These include prioritizing the fight against China, promoting innovation and modernization, supporting our servicemembers and their families, optimizing the Pentagon's civilian workforce, increasing the Department's role in countering the flow of illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids, supporting America's close ally, Israel, and ensuring the Department focuses on its core mission of training and equipping our warfighters and not culture wars. Time is not on our side. President Xi is planning to invade Taiwan potentially by 2027, if not sooner. The only way to prevent Chinese aggression is by fielding and operating capabilities that demonstrate America's military advantage. To this end, the bill increases investments in fifth- and sixth- generation aircraft, procures deliverable capability including several INDOPACOM unfunded priorities. It prohibits the divestment of certain naval and air assets that are still combat-credible. It provides $200 million for Taiwan security cooperation programs while prioritizing defense articles and services to the threatened island. The bill also continues investments in the reawakening and acceleration of American defense innovation. Our defense industrial base is fragile, and competition is stifled. Almost every major defense acquisition program is plagued by persistent inflation, an aging workforce, costly infrastructure, weak supply chains, overly optimistic schedules, unrealistic budgets, and ultimately overpromised results. We can trace this back to then-Secretary of Defense Aspin's defense contractor version of the Last Supper back in 1993 when the defense industrial base consolidated from two dozen defense prime contractors to the five that we have today. The consequences of this decision mandate action, which must be achieved through an innovation intervention. America's legacy of innovation and entrepreneurs gives us an asymmetric advantage our competitors could never replicate. This bill seeks to tap into that opportunity with over $1.3 billion for the Department of Defense Innovation Unit and related innovation efforts, including $400 million for the highly successful APFIT program. Modern and innovative practices are needed in more than just our defense capability. The Pentagon workforce and business practices also need to enter into the 21st century. This bill cuts $916 million in unjustified civilian workforce requests and finds more efficient ways to do business. Recognizing the national security threat posed by China's supply of fentanyl-based chemicals to Mexican drug cartels, this bill maintains high levels of funding for DOD's drug interdiction and counterdrug activities with $1.14 billion. This includes an increase for the National Guard Counterdrug Program and the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, empowering States to take a more active role in the defense of their communities from our number one foreign adversary. This bill also transfers Mexico from NORTHCOM to SOUTHCOM for improved coordination and prioritization. As I mentioned at the outset, this bill focuses the Department on its warfighting mission. The bill includes multiple general provisions from the House fiscal year 2024 bill that pivot the Pentagon away from divisive partisan policies and toward military readiness. Finally, underpinning all of these priorities funded in the bill is the imperative to support our servicemembers and their families. The bill includes a 4.5 percent pay raise for all military personnel plus $2.5 billion toward an additional 15 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers. This will have a positive effect on recruitment and retention and will improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families serving with them. I am proud of this year's Defense appropriations bill, which adheres to the fiscal year constraints while providing a strong military to defend America, our allies, and our partners. This bill procures where we can, trains where we must, and invests in capability that will make our adversaries wake up every day and say: Today is not the day to provoke the United States of America. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey), a member of the Defense Subcommittee.