James Comer

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy) for yielding, and I thank my cosponsor, the gentlewoman from Washington, D.C., (Ms. Norton). Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4984, which repurposes approximately 174 acres of unused Federal land in Washington, D.C. Despite its long history and importance to D.C. residents, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium campus in southeast D.C. has been abandoned to become unused parking lots, open fields, and a deteriorating stadium that is being demolished. The campus is currently under a lease that requires the land to be used for stadium purposes, recreational purposes, or other public purposes. Under current law, the campus cannot be used for commercial or residential development. Absent congressional action, this land in our Nation's Capital will remain unused with ongoing maintenance costs and environmental liabilities remaining the full responsibility of the National Park Service--an ongoing burden for the American taxpayer. My bill, H.R. 4984, will change that. The bill transfers administrative jurisdiction from the National Park Service to Washington, D.C., while preserving the Federal Government's ownership of the land. This allows Washington, D.C., to use the land for stadium purposes, commercial and residential development, recreational facilities, open spaces, or additional public purposes. However, D.C. may not use Federal funds for any potential future development of a sports stadium. The bill enables D.C. to transform the unused RFK campus into stores, restaurants, office buildings, and apartment complexes. This economic development will help revitalize the RFK stadium campus, creating new jobs and tax revenue for the District's residents. Let me be clear. Congress has a constitutional duty to oversee the Nation's Capital City. We have diligently exercised this role by holding numerous oversight hearings in the Oversight Committee this Congress with the Mayor of D.C., and the D.C. City Council. We have also successfully blocked, in bipartisan fashion with the President's support, the city council's ill-advised criminal reform legislation from going into effect last year--the first law of the 118th Congress. We will continue looking for legislative opportunities to return order to the District by addressing the rising crime crises, returning Federal workers to their offices in the District to contribute to the local economy, and seeking ways to bolster the educational system. The D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act also represents Congress doing its job to oversee the District by authorizing the best utilization of area land to help the city thrive. We should want this for our Nation's Capital City--a home to the taxpayer's Federal workforce and a city that hosts millions of American visitors and global tourists each year. Mr. Speaker, I thank my committee colleague, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, for working with me to write this smart, bipartisan legislation. I thank the Natural Resource chairman, Mr. Westerman, Ranking Member Grijalva, and their staff, for working with my staff to write the improved bill we are considering today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill so that we can help revitalize our Nation's Capital.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and achievements of Alfred Turner from Gamaliel, Kentucky. Alfred, along with his late brother-in-law Burr Boyles, co-founded Stitches, a small manufacturing company in my home county of Monroe. Stitches was one of the last surviving garment manufacturers in Kentucky and Tennessee after the passage of NAFTA. Alfred Turner was a tremendous leader, and he was a tremendous corporate citizen in the tiny town of Gamaliel where my family originated. Alfred did a lot for many people keeping those jobs going after just about everyone else in the garment industry went to Mexico or some other country after the passage of NAFTA. Stitches is still in business today because of the great work that Alfred Turner did for his community and his employees. So, again, Mr. Speaker, I recognize the life and legacy of my friend, Alfred Turner, who passed away a few weeks ago in Gamaliel, Kentucky.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to rise and recognize the Boyle County Rebels, a football powerhouse, in the 1st Congressional District of Kentucky upon their recent winning of the state championship. I am honored to recognize the Boyle County Rebels on their fourth consecutive state championship. The hours of hard work that this team puts in both on and off the field does not go unnoticed as they ended their undefeated season as champions. I want to congratulate all the players, staff, faculty, and the entire community of Boyle County on this great achievement. This football program has had historic success, and I have no doubt they will continue their winning traditions in the future. I join with the community of Boyle County in celebrating the Rebels football team in their fourth consecutive 4A state championship.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce of Kentucky's 1st Congressional District. Through the efforts of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and local businesses, the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce was first organized in May of 1949. Membership was small at first but has grown over the decades to include over 325 investors. I commend the bridge that has been created between local businesses, education, government, civic, and religious organizations. The Chamber has been able to boost tourism efforts in Taylor County and has organized many popular events that has brought the community together, including the annual 4th of July Celebration which has become the largest Independence Day Celebration in Kentucky. I am honored to represent them in Congress. I join with the community of Taylor County in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce and look forward to many more years of services.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ezra Foote of Kentucky's 1st Congressional District for earning the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. I would like to offer Ezra my sincerest congratulations for attaining this high-esteemed rank. He should be immensely proud of the accomplishments he has made to reach this point. I encourage him to continue taking on new projects and setting a positive example in his community. I am honored to recognize him for this accomplishment. Ezra has achieved a place of honor, but he now also has a responsibility to strive for greatness. As an Eagle Scout, he is challenged to become the best person that he can be. I wish him all the best in his great future endeavors, of which I know there will be many. I join with the community of Calloway County in celebrating Ezra Foote for his hard work and dedication. Congratulations once again and best wishes for continued success.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to rise to recognize two football powerhouses in the First Congressional District of Kentucky upon their recent winning of State championships. First of all, I recognize perennial State champion, the Mayfield Cardinals on another class 2A State football championship, and I also recognize the Boyle County Rebels on their three-peat as State champions. Mayfield won the 2A class title in Kentucky High School athletics and Boyle County won the 4A. These are common achievements for both football programs. I congratulate all the players, the staff, the faculty, and the entire communities of Mayfield and Boyle County on this great achievement.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 918. Joe Biden has repeatedly lied to the American people about his family's corrupt influence-peddling schemes. He told the American people he never spoke to his son about his family's business dealings. He claimed there was an absolute wall between his official government duties as Vice President and his family. He said that his family never made money from China. All of these are blatant lies. Our investigation has revealed how Joe Biden knew of, participated in, and benefited from his family cashing in on the Biden name around the world. Since January we have learned some of the following: The Bidens created 20 shell companies, most of which were created when Joe Biden was Vice President. The Bidens and their associates then raked in over $24 million through these shell companies from China, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Romania between 2014 and 2019. At least 10 members of the Biden family have benefited or participated in these schemes. The Bidens layered these payments through their bank accounts to hide the sources of the money. The banks even flagged many of these transactions in more than 150 suspicious activity reports to the Treasury Department. One bank investigator was so concerned about Hunter Biden's financial transactions with a Chinese company that he wanted to reevaluate the bank's relationship with him. He noted that his transactions served no current business purpose. That is what I call a shell company. According to Devon Archer, a Biden family associate, Joe Biden was the brand of the business. The brand showed up. Joe Biden spoke to his son's associates by speakerphone more than 20 times, dined with foreign oligarchs and a Burisma executive, and had coffee with Hunter's Chinese associate all when he was Vice President. Weeks after Joe Biden left the Vice Presidency, money from this Chinese Communist Party-linked entity began to make its way to the bank accounts of several Biden family members. Based on one Biden associate's interview with the FBI, these payments were sent to the Bidens as a thank you. Ask any Justice Department public corruption investigator about the importance of payments received after one leaves public office. It is a hallmark of corruption. We are now at a pivotal moment in our investigation. We will soon depose and interview several members of the Biden family and their associates about these influence-peddling schemes, but we are facing obstruction from the White House. The White House is seeking to block key testimony from current and former White House staff. It is also withholding thousands of records from Joe Biden's time as Vice President. Joe Biden must be held accountable for his lies, corruption, and obstruction. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this necessary and important resolution.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Graves County of the First District of Kentucky for the groundbreaking of their new courthouse. The former Graves County courthouse was tragically destroyed by the tornado that hit western Kentucky on December 10, 2021. I commend them as they continue to rebuild while preserving a sense of history and tradition. Their perseverance and bravery are second to none. Graves County has a rich history and unwavering commitment to its future development. With loyal, hardworking locals and a town full of character, Graves County is a prime example of the values that our state and country stand for. I am honored to represent them in Congress. I join with the community of Graves County in celebrating the rebuilding of their cherished courthouse. May it continue to be the centerpiece of Mayfield, bringing new traditions and a sense of pride.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Virginia Staton DeRossett of the First District of Kentucky who is turning 100 years old on November 1st. Ms. DeRossett is a Clinton County resident. Ms. DeRossett diligently served her country throughout her 20-year tenure at the Pentagon, retiring in 1962. In addition to her civil service during World War II and the Korean war, her three brothers served in our nation's military, further solidifying her sense of duty. Ms. DeRossett remains an engaged member of the community who continually seeks opportunities to better the lives of her fellow citizens. Ms. DeRossett's patriotic spirit and dedication to her country are rivaled only by her fervent commitment to her family and her conservative ideology. I join with her family and loved ones, including her daughter and her extended family, in celebrating her lifetime of accomplishments and recognizing her valiant efforts serving our Nation.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 996) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3901 MacArthur Blvd., in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the ``Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office''.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which names a New Orleans post office for Dr. Rudolph Joseph Lombard. Dr. Lombard was born and raised in New Orleans and grew up witnessing discrimination in New Orleans which inspired him to become a leading activist. As a college student of Xavier University, he organized a sit-in in 1960 at McCrory's Five and Dime store to protest Jim Crow laws. Dr. Lombard's activism led to the landmark Supreme Court case, Lombard v. Louisiana, which overturned related charges and set a critical precedent for striking down segregation laws. Dr. Lombard was dedicated to justice and equality. However, he is a lesser-known leader in the civil rights movement due to his humility. Today the U.S. House publicly recognizes his contributions. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2379) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 616 East Main Street in St. Charles, Illinois, as the ``Veterans of the Vietnam War Memorial Post Office''.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 292) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 24355 Creekside Road in Santa Clarita, California, as the ``William L. Reynolds Post Office Building''.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill which would name a post office in Santa Clarita, California, after William ``Bill'' Reynolds. William served in the Vietnam war and earned both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After serving, he moved with his wife, Meg, to the Santa Clarita Valley, where Reynolds dedicated his life to advocating for his fellow veterans. Reynolds passed away in 2021 after organizing the memorial wall at Veterans Plaza in Newhall and accompanying the U.S. President to Da Nang in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war. Mr. Speaker, I support naming a post office in Bill Reynolds' memory. I am proud to honor his life of service to the American people and work to memorialize the memory of America's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Mike Garcia).

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, as the son of a veteran who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam war, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage support for this bipartisan bill. I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3944) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 West Church Street in Mount Vernon, Georgia, as the ``Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun Post Office''.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of this bill, which would name a post office in Mount Vernon, Georgia, after Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun. Patrick Calhoun grew up in Mount Vernon, Georgia, earned a degree from the University of Georgia, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his service in South Vietnam, his helicopter was tragically shot down on April 19, 1965. Second Lieutenant Calhoun was declared missing in action before being declared dead at the tragically young age of 24. He perished serving his country, and I support naming a post office in his memory. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).