Rick Crawford

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Glendon Markin, II, a dedicated veteran who has served our country in national security positions for more than 25 years. His excellence in the field is not only an extraordinary personal milestone, but a testament to the character and commitment he brings to every endeavor. In 2002, Glen joined the United States Navy, after serving as a legislative aid in the U.S. House of Representatives during the September 11, 2001, attacks. His service in the Navy included tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, exemplifying steadfast dedication, courage, and devotion to duty. Following his military service, he continued protecting America in several critical roles within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, including as the Deputy Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs. In that role, Glen provided essential guidance to the Intelligence Community regarding legislative strategy. He oversaw stewardship of the National Intelligence Program budget, aligned congressional engagement strategies across all intelligence elements, ensured Congress was appropriately informed, and supported the Senate confirmation of five presidential appointees. Most recently, he has been serving as the Director of the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at the National Reconnaissance Office. In this role, he applies his expertise in translating complex, technical information to achieve legislative and public engagement successes. Beyond his distinguished service, Glen treasures his role as a husband and father to his wife and their two daughters. He exemplifies commitment, a strong work ethic, and a resilient passion for the traditions we hold dear. In honor of his upcoming retirement, I congratulate Mr. Markin and extend my deepest appreciation for his enduring contributions to the United States and to the Intelligence Community. I wish him every happiness that life has to offer in the next chapter of life. May God bless him, and may God Bless America.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, my good friend, Mr. Mast, for yielding and for his leadership on highlighting the error of removing the United States' Armed Forces from a conflict that will bring an end to a 47-year engagement. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it: The Iranian regime is the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. Despite extensive diplomatic efforts, the regime refuses to give up its nuclear weapon ambitions, its ballistic, cruise, and antiship missile production and proliferation, or its support of terror. As Secretary Rubio said yesterday: ``Iran is run by lunatics, religious fanatic lunatics. They have an ambition to have nuclear weapons. They intend to develop those nuclear weapons behind a program of missiles and drones and terrorism that the world will not be able to touch them for fear of those things.'' When these murderous despots tell us that they want to eliminate us from existence, which they have said time and time again over the past 47 years, and now, in a relatively short timeframe, they attempt to sprint to the finish line by significantly hardening their conventional defensive posture, expediting the development of nuclear weapons and showing their desperation by slaughtering thousands of their own people, it is clear that we have reached the point of no return--a point after which it is too late to respond. We all know that we wouldn't be here today if the President's name weren't Donald Trump. Democrats have been calling for the U.S. to take action against Iran until Donald Trump did so. Last month, Democrats sponsored H.R. 7380, the IRAN Act, chastising the Iranian regime for repeatedly shutting down internet connectivity and impeding the Iranian people from communicating during emergencies and exercising internationally recognized human rights. Earlier this year, the Democrat-sponsored H.R. 5912, the DISRUPT Act, would require the executive branch to ``develop a whole-of-government strategy to disrupt growing cooperation among the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which are the foremost adversaries of the United States, and mitigate the risks posed to the United States.'' This Democrat bill even states that the partnering of these four U.S. adversaries ``reinforces threats posed by each such adversary individually.'' It seems pretty clear to me that the Democratic rhetoric has argued in favor of cracking down on the brutal Iran regime--of course, until President Trump was the one to initiate the regime's demise. President Trump has the duty to protect Americans and the United States' interests both at home and abroad. The administration engaged in earnest diplomacy to mitigate the Iranian threat. It became crystal clear, however, that the Iranian regime used the diplomatic process to buy itself time to reconstitute its ballistic missile inventories and nuclear weapons program. As the threat neared its apex, a point beyond which mitigation would be impossible, President Trump lived up to his duty as Commander in Chief and took decisive action. On March 2, President Trump notified Congress, consistent with the oft-criticized War Powers Resolution of 1973, of military action used to address this threat to the American people and American interests. In other words, the President has clearly acted consistent with precedent and has prosecuted this military action in a transparent and forthcoming manner, holding multiple press conferences and sending his Cabinet officials and operational experts to provide multiple classified briefings on the status of the ongoing conflict to all Members of Congress, as well as the appropriate committees and their staffs. Mr. Speaker, passing the measure today would do nothing to keep America safe. It would do nothing to strengthen Congress. All it would do is put America's safety and all of its allies at risk. It would allow Iran to once again rebuild its murderous regime and terrorize the world. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I thank Chairman Mast for his partnership and leadership.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Mast for yielding and for his leadership on this critical issue. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it, we are not at war with Venezuela. Nicolas Maduro is a murderer, an autocrat, a narcoterrorist, and a thug who has oppressed his own people, stolen elections, and turned a once prosperous and free country into a desperate nation that millions have fled. Most importantly, as for the action that the United States took against him on January 3, he is a criminal, an indicted fugitive from U.S. justice. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have demanded Maduro's removal for years, after the stolen 2024 election, the fraudulent 2018 election, and the Constituent Assembly power grab in 2017. In fact, H. Res. 1409 of the 118th Congress is a Democrat-sponsored resolution with the unambiguous title of ``Standing in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and condemning Nicolas Maduro's attempt to steal the Venezuelan Presidential election.'' Here is another Democratic hit, H.R. 8741 of the 118th Congress, pointing to the threat to our homeland, defining Maduro as a person of concern who has engaged in a ``long-term pattern or serious instances of activity adverse to the national security of the United States, the security of critical infrastructure of the United States, or the safety and security of United States persons.'' Who can forget Democrat-sponsored H.R. 5670 of the 118th Congress that succinctly called for ``an end to the usurpation of Presidential authorities by Nicolas Maduro.'' Instead of celebrating President Trump's historic leadership on this issue and the unmatched operational excellence of the United States military, law enforcement officers, and the intelligence community in carrying out this historic and heroic effort, House Democrats are once again putting politics before protecting the American people. Mr. Speaker, this hypocrisy is evident in the message coming from congressional Democrats. Earlier this month, Chuck Schumer stated that President Trump ``seems content to drag our country . . . into an endless war with no plan, no transparency, and nothing but wishful thinking.'' Nothing could be further from the truth. Operation Absolute Resolve was a masterfully, meticulously planned law enforcement operation supported by the U.S. military. I don't know how much clearer we must be with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, but the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela. None of the actions taken by the Trump administration to execute an arrest warrant on a criminal constitutes war. The Trump administration has briefed both Chambers of Congress in detail on the operation to bring Maduro to justice, an action the Democrats in this Chamber would have celebrated had it been carried out by the feckless and failed Biden administration. Additionally, Secretary Rubio confirmed again to Congress on January 14 that there are currently no U.S. troops in Venezuela and that the introduction of U.S. Armed Forces into future hostilities will be undertaken consistent with notification of the War Powers Resolution if required. Mr. Speaker, the hypocrisy of House Democrats is palpable this afternoon in this Chamber. I urge each of my colleagues to vote down this deeply flawed resolution and instead thank President Trump for continuing to take historic action to place the safety of the American people first. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Mast for his partnership and leadership.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for those outstanding comments. Mr. Speaker, I take no pleasure in highlighting the hypocrisy of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. In fact, I wish we all could speak with one voice on this issue. It should never be partisan or controversial to praise the arrest of a man like Nicolas Maduro. Make no mistake about it, Nicolas Maduro is a murderer, an autocrat, a narcoterrorist, and a thug who has oppressed his people, stolen elections, and turned a once prosperous and free country into a desperate nation that millions have fled. We should all be celebrating the actions of the Trump administration in attempting to bring him to justice. Sadly, as we have shown today, many of my Democrat friends who were once on the right side of this issue have changed their minds simply because Nicolas Maduro's arrest was orchestrated by someone they don't like, President Trump. Instead of celebrating the administration of justice by an impartial U.S. court, they bemoan it. They call it unconstitutional, illegal, impeachable, and fascist. They insinuate that our government is somehow no better than Maduro's Socialist and murderous regime. That is just nonsense. In fact, it is embarrassing for those Members. I respect my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, who have long opposed the Maduro regime and the Chavez regime before it, people like Representatives Salazar and Gimenez, who represent thousands of Venezuelan Americans whose families or themselves have experienced the terror of Venezuelan Socialism and oppression. I thank them for taking the time to support us and for showing why this effort in Congress is so vital. Without voices like theirs bringing us the true feelings of Venezuelan Americans, we would only have heard from those who cared more about opposing the President than bringing an oppressor to justice. I also thank the many nameless, faceless Americans who planned and executed this daring and successful arrest. The public will never know their names or see their faces. Americans who have suffered from drug overdoses in their families brought on by illegal narcotics trafficked to the U.S. by Maduro and his cronies will never get to thank those individuals. I thank them, and I want them to know that they are being prayed for and thanked for all that they have done. Bringing a man like Nicolas Maduro to justice won't bring back the millions of Americans we have lost to drugs or the countless numbers of Venezuelans who have been political victims of the regime, but it is a start. Mr. Speaker, justice is worth fighting for. A Western Hemisphere free from drug trafficking and gangs, supported and run by illegitimate autocrats, is worth fighting for. Standing behind our principles, even when it is politically inconvenient, is a posture worth fighting for. Mr. Speaker, as I close tonight, I remind the American people that this administration's law enforcement actions to bring Maduro to justice have received the full support of Republicans in Congress. I hope my Democratic colleagues, who were once in favor of such actions, will be able to put aside their animus toward the President and embrace new possibilities for the people of Venezuela. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for his eloquent comments. I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney), who is also my colleague on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to recognize my good friend from Florida, Greg Steube, also a member and colleague on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Austin Scott, my good friend and a distinguished member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and chairman of the Subcommittee on the National Intelligence Enterprise.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Arkansas, Mr. Hill, my colleague and the distinguished member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, as well as the chairman of the Committee on Financial Services.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Mississippi for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), the distinguished chairman of the National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee on the House Intelligence Committee.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is particularly important with this Special Order to clear the air. Americans deserve no less than to understand the truth of what just transpired in Venezuela. Nicolas Maduro has been removed as the reigning despot, narcoterrorist, and illegitimate President of Venezuela. This fact is a momentous and great thing, pure and simple. Notwithstanding what you might have heard from many Democrats when President Trump's successfully ordered Maduro's arrest and exfiltration, the realization on the part of the world, especially Venezuelans, that Maduro's sword of repression has come to an end resulted in praise and thanksgiving. This mission clearly showed America's full force and capability to instigate good in the world and battle the forces of evil. Americans woke up on January 3, 2026, to news that our truly courageous and skillful intelligence community, law enforcement, and military had executed a mission that is simply unbelievable if we had not heard about the exploits soon thereafter. What an unprecedented risk our men and women took on that day to do what no other political administration in the world had ever contemplated as remotely possible: to remove and exfiltrate for prosecution a ruthless dictator whose direct involvement in narcoterrorism has led to the death of scores of Americans and other allies' citizens. Please don't take my word for the nature of Maduro's reign over Venezuela. My Democrat colleagues have for years been raising the alarm of Maduro's destruction through a multitude of legislative measures. Just a small subset of this Democrat-led legislation is cited in a House resolution--H. Res. 987--we have introduced today. Examples include H.R. 328, a Democratic-sponsored bill that excoriates the Maduro regime which ``has refused to respect the overwhelming choice of the people of Venezuela and subsequently arrested and abused thousands of innocent citizens of Venezuela, including children, for peaceful political participation.'' Mr. Speaker, consider H. Res. 1471 of the 118th Congress, another Democratic-sponsored piece of legislation that stresses ``Venezuela, where actors linked to the regime of Nicolas Maduro have engaged in a sustained and synchronized campaign of disinformation to undermine the country's 2023-2024 electoral process, invalidate the results of such elections, and attack Maria Corina Machado and other opposition leaders.'' Mr. Speaker, pointing to the threat closer to home, Democratic- sponsored H.R. 8741 of the 118th Congress defined Maduro as a person of concern who is engaged in a ``long-term pattern or serious instances of activity adverse to the national security of the United States, the security of critical infrastructure of the United States, or the safety and security of United States persons.'' Mr. Speaker, contemplate Democratic-sponsored H.R. 5670 of the 118th Congress that succinctly called for ``an end to the usurpation of Presidential authorities by Nicolas Maduro.'' Yet, despite this forgoing string of legislation sponsored by my friends on the other side of the aisle pointing to Maduro's reign of terror, sadly, President Trump's decisive actions to do something about it all seems to have caused a reversal in sentiment among Democrats. Rather than expressing unity during a time when the Western Hemisphere has been freed from a despot's clutch, instead, Democrats have called the Trump administration ``warmongers'' who are ``lying to the American people,'' or referring to the President himself as having put us in a ``fascist cul-de-sac,'' having committed ``an impeachable offense.'' Do these comments from Democrats sound supportive of the Trump administration or the fine men and women who successfully conducted one of the most daring operations in American history? Not to me. Not to any American who reads or hears them. Instead, they seem to revel in demeaning a President whose administration just accomplished what the Democrats have never been able to do; that is, executing Maduro's demise. Despite a long, laundry list of Democratic bills and resolutions seemingly hoping for Maduro's eventual removal, Democrats now choose to attack those who were able to make reality their previously voiced ambitions. Yet merely because it was the Trump administration which graciously performed the seemingly impossible, these Democrats now oppose one of America's greatest hours. To this end, we introduced a resolution today to make clear that the House of Representatives is supportive of the efforts of our brave patriots who deftly brought an end to Maduro's terrorization of not only the good people of Venezuela but also those Americans and others who have experienced Maduro's drug-laden terrorism. This Special Order and the related House resolution clarify one thing: America is grateful for this administration's efforts to rid the world of a freedom-killing, murderous dictator. We are all better for it. Mr. Speaker, I now recognize my friend, vice chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly).

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order into the Record.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my constituent, Dr. Rose Marie Bryant Jones, a dedicated leader in her community and a long-time member of the Republican Party of Arkansas, who recently passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the age of 83. Dr. Jones was born on January 7, 1942. in East Pulaski County, and was a true trailblazer throughout her life, known for breaking down educational barriers. She graduated from Philander Smith College in 1963 and subsequently from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Jones was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a founding member of the African American Coalition of Arkansas. She was a schoolteacher in Lonoke County for over 30 years, before and after integration, and established tutoring programs across two counties in Arkansas. Dr. Jones took great pride in educating and influencing the next generation of students in her community. Her public service did not stop in the classroom. She served on the Lonoke Public School Board and the Lonoke City Council as a pioneer of civil rights, with the heart of representing all Lonoke citizens through redistricting efforts. In 1998, she ran for the office of Arkansas Secretary of State. She was even the President of the Pea Ridge Cemetery Board. In 2024, Dr. Jones stepped up again for her community and was elected Justice of the Peace in Lonoke County, where she continued her storied career in public service. She made a lasting impact on all of those who knew her and an incredible impression on the 1st Congressional District of Arkansas. May her legacy of perseverance and hard work continue to encourage us all. Dr. Rose Marie Bryant Jones led a life worth honoring and celebrating for her service to her community. I send my prayers and sincere condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Jones as they grieve her passing.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership on this initiative. I am glad somebody is showing some leadership here today. I rise in opposition to the removal of the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela, or the support for drug dictators act. The United States is using a proportional force to apply pressure on narcoterrorists who are colluding with the illegitimate leader of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro. They have already acknowledged that. The use of military pressure, which matches pressure that the U.S. has used in the global fight on terrorism, is a proper extension of the use of force in the Western Hemisphere where narcoterrorists operating through and with Venezuela are creating instability and poisoning Americans in droves. The use of measured military power is the logical step to attempt to stop narcotics terrorists from supporting Maduro. The United States has imposed individual, financial, and sectoral sanctions on the Venezuelan Government as well as sanctions on the Maduro government and its supporters. This proposed resolution would disable the very effective tool that has been used to keep pressure on terrorist forces who have a Venezuelan nexus and are planning, plotting, and carrying out attacks against the U.S. and our interests. The strikes on narcoterrorist cartel assets have been precise and limited. Military action of this nature does not require congressional authorization. Under Article II of the Constitution, the President has the authority--and I would say the responsibility--to protect the United States and American citizens from attack. Moreover, U.S. troops have not been put into harm's way. Admittedly, it shocks me that we need to remind my colleagues on the other side of the aisle what we are fighting for here. The most recent CDC data shockingly reports that more than 82,000 drug overdose deaths have occurred during the 12-month period ending in January 2025. If ISIS or al-Qaida had contributed to the killing of that many Americans in a single year, our leaders would be rightfully assailed for failing to respond. Now that President Trump is taking the fight to the terrorists who have actually contributed to our Nation's drug overdose epidemic, he is met with criticism rather than the praise that he and his administration deserve. I guarantee you that family and friends don't distinguish between the branch of terrorism that led to the death of their loved ones. They just want them defeated. For too long, these cartels have poisoned the American people, destabilized and corrupted our neighbors, and tortured and killed thousands of innocents throughout our hemisphere. I have traveled extensively across the Western Hemisphere and met with many of our neighbors' leaders and their forces who are also engaged in the fight against these cartels, and these terrorist organizations are some of the most vile and evil in the world. To bar the President from using military force consistent with other counterterrorism activities, simply due to a Venezuelan nexus, is not supportable and is antithetical to his duty to protect our Nation from foreign terrorism threats. This resolution would prevent the application of the use of force against the very narcotics terrorists cooperating with Venezuela. How in the world is that consistent with the primary duty of the government to protect our Nation and its citizens? I strongly recommend that my colleagues vote against this misguided resolution.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant General Kenneth A. Minihan, United States Air Force, a transformative leader in American intelligence who passed away last month. General Minihan spent 33 years in uniform, advancing the security of our Nation. Rising through the ranks, he ultimately led all U.S. Air Force intelligence efforts as Deputy Chief, Intelligence, and subsequently held key joint force positions, commanding both the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. He guided the intelligence community through its most consequential transition from the Cold War to the Information Age and pushed America to prepare for a world where data, networks, and information would define the next battlefield. A visionary of what we now know is cyberspace, he recognized the power and risk associated with this warfighting domain. He warned the Nation about foreign intrusions into our military networks, championed real-time integrated military operations, and built foundations of the cyber and signals enterprise we depend on today. His leadership created the structures, culture, and historical stewardship that still guide America's intelligence ideals. General Minihan was a man dedicated to his intelligence tradecraft, his Commander in Chief, his Nation, and his family. His service to country was strengthened by the steadfast devotion of his wife, Barbara. She raised their family through every military deployment and every move, and supported military spouses and children across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps with grace and compassion. A son of Texas and a proud airman, General Minihan leaves a legacy of military and intelligence professionals to carry his guidon into the future of a strong and secure U.S. national security enterprise. On behalf of the House Intelligence Committee and a grateful Nation, we thank and honor Lieutenant General Ken Minihan for a lifetime of extraordinary service.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chair, I have heard this mentioned more than once today, and that is that we need to increase the number of personnel to process, manage, and administer the regulatory burdens that Americans are facing. Let me say that again. The Democrats say we need to increase personnel because the regulatory burden is so cumbersome that it takes additional personnel to be able to administer it. That seems counterintuitive to regulatory relief. Mr. Chair, I urge passage of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chair, I am very pleased to recognize that my friends on the other side of the aisle do recognize that we have a real big problem with compliance burdens and the costs associated with that, and how that prevents Americans from realizing the American Dream of homeownership. As they raise the point of affordability, they neglect the fact that we can address affordability by reducing costs to potential homeowners. At least we can agree that we have a cumbersome regulatory framework that needs to be fixed. This helps fix and is actually a proactive step in addressing the affordability crisis. One of those things has to do with homeownership, and by adopting this amendment, we are increasing the likelihood that an American can actually build a home and realize the American Dream. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chair, this amendment is so great, you are not even going to believe it. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, that offers a solution to compensatory mitigation. A lack of wetland mitigation credits is holding back residential housing construction, and the available credits are increasingly expensive. These costs are passed down to the consumer, exacerbating the already unaffordable housing market that the U.S. is facing. Unpredictable and lengthy permitting timelines for mitigation banks are making it more challenging to bring new credits to the market. Moreover, the requirement to purchase mitigation credits located within the same hydraulic unit code--geographic area determined by surface hydraulic features--can mean that credits available at a nearby wetland bank cannot be used if they are too far away. Without available credits, a builder's second option is in-lieu fee programs; however, not all States offer this option, or builders can use a permittee-responsible mitigation. Still, most builders are not equipped to carry this out. Both options are expensive and burdensome. My amendment fixes this issue by increasing the supply of mitigation bank credits, driving down the cost curve, and lowering home prices both through directly lowering the regulatory cost of building a new home and allowing builders to use lots that the cost of mitigation today prevents them from using. Additionally, my amendment directs the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to publish a revised compensatory mitigation rule that incorporates advances in science and lessons learned since 2007; promotes equivalency and flexibility among mitigation options, providing builders additional options beyond mitigation bank credits; speeds the approval of mitigation banks, including through the interagency review process, which provides numerous duplicative opportunities for the Army Corps offices to raise the same concerns; allows for mitigation credits to be used across multiple hydraulic unit codes; and allows for out-of- kind mitigation where appropriate. Together, these changes will increase the availability of credits and provide alternatives to ensure that a lack of credits doesn't hamstring new developments. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to H.R. 3898, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for the vote series on November 17, 2025 due to a funeral for a family member. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 286; YEA on Roll Call No. 287; and NAY on Roll Call No. 288.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the oldest living residents of Arkansas, my constituent, Mrs. Ida Newbill, on her 111th birthday. Born on October 14, 1914, Mrs. Newbill has lived through more than a century of extraordinary progress, bearing witness to generations of history with grace, wisdom, and faith. She was raised attending Sunday school, and continues to build her life upon strong values, which have served as guiding principles for her family and community. Together with her late husband, Mr. Joseph Newbill, Mrs. Newbill raised six children, four of whom are still living: daughter Alberta Glass (age of 94), daughter Willie Mae Terry (age of 91), daughter Augustine Terry (age of 90), and daughter Ida Henderson (age of 88). Mrs. Newbill is a proud matriarch of a United States Army family, with her son, grandson, and great-grandson having honorably served our Nation. She also has a profound love for locomotives. Each year, a special locomotive visit by the North Louisiana and Arkansas Railroad to Arch Street in Eudora, Arkansas, near her home, has become a cherished tradition to celebrate her birthday. Today is no different, Danny Robbins will drive the train to her hometown and host a birthday celebration for ``Momma Ida,'' as she is often referred to throughout the community. May her life continue to remind us all that faith, family, and perseverance are the foundations of a happy life. It is with great admiration that I wish Mrs. Newbill a very happy birthday and honor her contributions to the 1st Congressional District of Arkansas, and I extend my sincerest wishes for continued joy, peace, and health in the years ahead.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Nathan Morris, current Superintendent of the Cross County School District. He is a dedicated Arkansan, a passionate educator, and a strong leader. On September 15, 2025, Dr. Morris received the prestigious honor of 2026 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year. This award is presented to those who successfully lead learning in their districts, demonstrate strength in both personal and organizational communication, show continuous improvement in administrative knowledge and skills, and actively participate in local community activities while maintaining a deep understanding of regional, national, and international issues. Dr. Morris' efforts have ensured a graduation rate of 98 percent with a growing academic proficiency rating. Cross County High School has been included in the lists by U.S. News and World Report for both Best High Schools and Best Charter High Schools. At the elementary school level, Cross County Elementary Technology Academy has been recognized as Top 10 World's Best Schools for Overcoming Adversity while under Dr. Morris' leadership. Dr. Morris began his tenure as superintendent in 2018 and has since guided Cross County through a significant transformation. He has implemented programs that foster teacher leadership, professional collaboration, and growth which have led to lowered office referrals, boosted teacher effectiveness, and 20 percent growth in enrollment. Dr. Morris exemplifies commitment, hard work, and an unwavering passion for academic success. His recognition as Superintendent of the Year is not only an incredible personal milestone, but a reflection of the great community we have throughout the First District of Arkansas. I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Dr. Morris, and I look forward to his continued work in education.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, upon casting my vote, I departed the House floor without realizing the voting system did not register my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 282.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chair, on Roll Call No. 254, I mistakenly voted No when I intended to vote Aye. Amendment No. 22 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Desha County Judge Mr. Richard Tindall, a dedicated Arkansan, faithful Christian, lifelong learner, and beloved public servant, on the occasion of his passing on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 79. Mr. Tindall was born on September 13, 1945, in Monticello, Arkansas and graduated from McGehee High School, where he met his wife of more than sixty years, Mrs. Sandy Tindall. Mr. Tindall held a deep commitment to his family and was an adored father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Tindall is fondly remembered for his innovative spirit and held a variety of occupations, including a small business owner, a licensed contractor, and a farmer. He also possessed an array of interests as an avid outdoorsman, tournament fisherman, and horse showman. He became one of the first to attempt to raise saltwater shrimp in freshwater in southeast Arkansas. In 2018, Mr. Tindall ran for Desha County Judge, and thanks to the broad support of Desha County citizens, he was elected to serve. After taking office in January 2019, Judge Tindall led Desha County through numerous disasters, flooding events, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He held this role with great dedication and integrity until the day he passed. In his role as County Judge, Mr. Tindall developed relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to aid county residents through disasters. He was also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county, which included management of various departments, oversight of over $5 million in assets, 500 miles of county roads, and an annual budget of over $7 million. Mr. Tindall strove to make his community a better place. He was a man who believed in the importance of family and faith above all else and worked tirelessly to support his community, which he loved deeply. His kindness, loyalty, and service will forever be remembered. Let us continue to honor his legacy by carrying forward these values that he lived by. Desha County residents will deeply cherish Judge Tindall's memory, and he made a profound impact on all who knew him.