Michael Cloud

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, when George Orwell wrote the book ``1984,'' most people took it as a cautionary tale. Some of our friends on the left took it as an instruction manual. We have literally seen this administration try to stand up a ministry of truth. We have seen accurate information about where a lab leak might have come from labeled as disinformation. We have seen medical experts with lifesaving information be labeled as spreaders of misinformation, having their careers ruined and tragically costing the lives of thousands, if not millions, of people. Let's talk about Russian information for a moment. The Hunter laptop was labeled as Russian information. We had the dossier that was paid for by the DNC labeled as Russian information, and all this has been on the backs of the taxpayer. The U.S. taxpayer is having to fund not only the demise of their own country, but having their First Amendment rights squelched by the government that is meant to serve them. As if that is not enough, apparently, for our friends on the left, they want to export that on the backs of the U.S. taxpayer to the people around the world. This is how this works. Right now, the State Department is funding a misinformation tracking group called the Global Disinformation Index, and they have labeled some news outlets like The American Spectator, Newsmax, The Federalist, The American Conservative, One America News, The Blaze, The Daily Wire, RealClearPolitics, the Reason, and the New York Post as potential spreaders of misinformation. They created this list and they aggregate this list to potential sponsors and basically the word is, don't put any advertisement on these sites because they might be ``spreaders of misinformation.'' This is a way to strong-arm and try to drain them of any sort of finances, all sponsored by the U.S. taxpayer. This is unconscionable. Of course, the understanding shtick is like if you are a business who maybe sponsors one of these things, we might lean heavily on you when it comes to government grants or when it comes to enforcing regulatory burdens and all of these kinds of things. This is not how things are supposed to work in a free society in a government of the people, by the people, for the people. We need to stop this nonsense, and we certainly shouldn't be exporting it across the world on the backs of the U.S. taxpayer. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I remind my colleague to direct her comments to the Chair and also remind her that our Constitution understands that those rights are a gift from God, not a grant from government.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde), my friend and colleague.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of retired Navy veteran and fighter pilot Captain Tommy Charles Wimberly, who passed away on July 1, 2023, at the age of 92. For 31 years, Captain Wimberly dedicated his life to serving our country in the Navy as a fighter pilot, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of patriotism and duty. Captain Wimberly was born on November 16, 1930, in Coushatta, Louisiana. In 1951, he earned his degree from Northwestern State College of Louisiana and enlisted in the Navy. His college education allowed him to go to Officer Candidate School and earn a commission as Ensign, USNR. He went to flight training in Pensacola and received his Naval Aviator wings of gold in Kingsville. Tom flew 7 different aircrafts and operated off 10 different aircraft carriers. Throughout his 31-year career, Tom was held in extremely high regards to everyone who knew him. He was a decorated pilot, earning the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and other awards for his extraordinary efforts. He served our country honorably in the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Tom retired in July 1982 with the rank of Navy Captain and finished his active service in DynCorp, a diversified services contractor specializing in aircraft maintenance, in Corpus Christi. He stayed in Corpus Christi after retiring, living in the same house for the last 45 years. He was extremely active in many non-profit organizations and was a founding member of Landing Force 16, a group of businessmen who brought the USS Lexington to Corpus Christi in 1992. Captain Wimberly was highly decorated and dedicated his life to serving our country, and it is my honor to recognize his remarkable service and dedication to this country. His distinguished service record stands as a testament to his dedication to our country and the legacy he leaves. Our Nation is forever in the debt of his many years of service to our country.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mount Salem American Baptist Church on its remarkable 151st anniversary this year. This amazing milestone is a true testament to God's grace toward his people, as well as the unwavering faith, fellowship, and dedication of the congregation and its leaders throughout the years. Founded in 1872, the church began in Indianola as the Mount Salem American Baptist Free Mission Church. Soon after its founding, the church was sadly hit by 2 major hurricanes in 1875 and 1886, destroying the church's building. Yet with faith in God's providence, the congregation endured and continued the ministry. Led by Reverend Robert Greer, 20 church members moved to Victoria, bringing with them the pulpit, bell, and some of the salvaged lumber from the original church building to start anew--where the congregation reestablished and pressed forward in the mission. With that perseverance came God's guidance and blessing. The church continued to grow over the years and was eventually renamed as Mount Salem American Baptist Church in 1939. In 1962, the church moved to another new building, where they still prominently display the original bell and pulpit used by the founding members. To this day, Mount Salem American Baptist Church has touched countless lives in the Victoria community through its selfless acts of service. Through outreach programs, compassionate ministries, and social initiatives, the church has been a steadfast advocate for the greater community, serving their neighbors for over a century. But more than any building, program, or person, Mount Salem's anniversary milestone is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness toward his people. Through both triumph and trial, it is clear that the Lord has provided the path and made clear His purpose. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Mount Salem American Baptist Church on this incredible day. May God continue to bless and keep them in the days and years ahead.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Ruth Plumb and recognize a wonderful life milestone, wishing her a very happy 100th birthday. Ruth was born in Houston, Texas on June 10, 1923, to Arnold Louis Hillendahl and Henrietta Viola Williams Hillendahl--with a long family history embedded in their Texas community. Ruth's ancestors were one of the five settling families in the area who played an important part in the history of the Spring Branch area of Houston, with even a branch of the Houston Library named for her father Arnold. Ruth lived on the Houston family farm until her 1943 marriage to Charles Wolf, who's time in the Navy stationed them right in our district--Corpus Christi Texas and then eventually to Astoria Oregon and San Diego California. After Charles was released from the navy, the couple happily resided in Houston until his death in 1963. After Charles' passing, Ruth remarried 10 years later to John Plumb and the couple resided in Katy, Texas until John's eventual passing in 1978. Ruth relocated to the Spring Branch area of Houston to be closer to family--until she ultimately came back to Texas-27 in the wonderful town of Port Lavaca, where she still lives today. Above all, Ruth is known as a faithful member of her community and a dear friend to all--investing in those around her and loving her neighbor as herself. Through her travels, her relationships, and her service, she continues to be a prime example of a life truly well lived--and our district is better for it. I'm thrilled to be able to help play a small part in recognizing Ruth and wishing her a wonderful 100th birthday. May God continue to bless her life and bless those around her.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama for putting this Special Order hour together and for the great work he is doing to represent Alabama. Mr. Speaker, everyone knows that our government spending is completely out of control and that Congress has too often prioritized wants over needs while American families continue to struggle. It needs to stop now. House Republicans are prioritizing good governance and are actively working to put this country back on the path of fiscal responsibility. We did our job when we passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act weeks ago to responsibly raise the debt ceiling and, far more importantly, to cut out-of-control spending and burdensome regulations on American workers, industries, and the creative industry that this Nation has. We are fighting for policies that put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans. We want to save the American people money by cutting funding for woke, weaponized spending and cutting inflationary spending by $1 trillion in the first year and almost $5 trillion over the next 10 years. We want to protect the American people from being the target of 87,000 new agents hired by the IRS. We want to ensure that the American people have reliable energy. Just a couple of years ago, we were energy dominant. We do not want to enter the world where because of the green new delusion that benefits China, the leftist elite, and big corporations--we do not want to live in that world where the American people have to wonder if they have a reliable source of energy. We want to guarantee that the American people who either choose not to attend college--they go into a field of their choosing--and people who responsibly have paid off their student loans won't be footing the bill for those who go to elite universities and often take career paths that don't lead to good jobs or a sustainable future. What do Biden and the left want? More government, more spending, more inflation, more corporate subsidies, and less freedom. We have made it clear that cutting woke, weaponized spending is a must to govern our Nation responsibly. Our Nation cannot afford it. There are so many examples. We want to strengthen our border. We want safe communities. We want to solve the fentanyl crisis. We just heard a lot of talking from the left that the sky will fall if we get back to fiscal responsibility. Just today, the U.S. Embassy in Brazil put out this tweet of a video of our Embassy teaching people how to say their proper pronouns. That is not the role of the State Department. The State Department helps to ensure that we have strong national security and that we have strong allies, and in the words of one of the people who responded to it: I identify as a U.S. taxpayer, and I would like you to stop funding this craziness. Mr. Speaker, we are focused on getting back to good governance. We are focused on putting this country back on the path of responsibility. I urge the administration to come to the table sooner rather than later to address this debt ceiling and issue the beginning steps of getting this country back in order. This is our moment. This country's fiscal future is on the brink, and the success of the American worker is on the brink. We need to hold the line.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the Warrior's Weekend Field of Honor. The mission of the Field of Honor has always been to honor our Nation's veterans and encourage our wounded warriors. This all began in May 2009 when Warrior's Weekend president, Ron Kocian, a Texas Army National Guard veteran, gave retired Colonel Mike Petrash of the U.S. Army the approval to conduct the first Field of Honor in Victoria, Texas, in support of Warrior's Weekend. It became an instant success during which 550 sponsored flags were posted by local area sponsors, patriots, and families, touching the hearts of over 300 visiting warriors from all over the United States. In 2011, the Field of Honor expanded its army of volunteers, so to speak, and encouraged faith-, civic-, veteran-, and youth-based organizations to partner with them as a way of raising funds for their own community programs in a way that is honorable and noteworthy. As the Field of Honor matured and the mission of honoring veterans for their service continued to thrive, it eventually led to the inclusion of the third pillar of the Warrior's Weekend mission: to build a community of honor and excellence. Throughout the lifetime of the Field of Honor, over 30,000 flags have been sponsored, prepared, and posted in honor of our veterans, wounded soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who come to Victoria from all 50 States and Puerto Rico to enjoy a weekend of respite from their wound care. Warrior's Weekend and the Field of Honor are truly a nationwide ministry that has a positive impact on the thousands of cities and towns across America. The warriors go back and live more complete, productive lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. On this day, we recognize the service and sacrifice of all those thousands of patriotic servant leaders who have strived for 15 years to honor veterans, encourage warriors, and build a community of honor and excellence. Warrior's Weekend Field of Honor has shown this Nation what ``right'' looks like, and it is through the great work and leadership of volunteers demonstrating a true commitment to honoring the United States of America as one Nation under God.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to honor the life and legacy of Aviation Enforcement Agent Esteban ``Steve'' G. Pena, who died in the line-of-duty on April 15, 2023. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of duty and sacrifice to our nation. Agent Pena began his duty in 2016 as a Flight Engineer with Air and Marine Operations (AMO). At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the National Air Security Operations Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Agent Pena was a valued member of the AMO family, serving the National Air Security Operations Center's (NASOC) Corpus Christi team. He worked tirelessly over the past 7 years with dignity and a strong commitment to Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) mission and his colleagues. Most importantly, Steve was a great mentor to CBP's pilots. His passion to teach his colleagues about the systems on our aircrafts will never be forgotten. My prayers are with his wife of 41 years, Gloria E. Vivian Pena; his mother, Rosario Thomas; four brothers and one sister, Jorge Pena, Joel Pena, Hector Pena, Ruben Pena, and Rosie Guerra. It is my honor to recognize Agent Pena's remarkable service and dedication to his family and country. May his family and loved ones be comforted during this time of loss.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound respect, humility, and gratitude that I join all of Nueces County today in remembering our fallen heroes--and recognize the Nueces County 2023 Regional Police Memorial Ceremony in honoring our heroes service to our community. Throughout the years, we have lost 28 Nueces County law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. These officers dedicated their lives to protecting us, our families, and their community. They leave behind a legacy of duty and sacrifice as a challenge to us who remain in the shadow of their sacrifice. Their service will never be forgotten. Christ tells us that there is no greater love than for one to lay down their life for a friend--calling those who chose a life of service to others as the greatest in His kingdom. My prayers are with the families, friends and those who served alongside during this time of both grieving and reflection. Thank you to all of our law enforcement officers who continue in service of our communities. I hope my colleagues will also join me in thanking these brave individuals and honoring their legacy.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan once said that it isn't that our liberal friends are ignorant; it is just that there is so much they know that isn't so. As you hear the talking points coming from the left concerning this bill, with all the Chicken Little arguments that they are presenting about how the world is going to collapse, farmers won't be able to grow things, and our economy will crumble if we secure our border, it is just plain ridiculous. I live in south Texas in what they call the ``fatal funnel,'' in between two highways that lead from the border into Houston, which has become known as the human trafficking capital of the United States. I visited facilities where 50 percent of the young women there, of hundreds of young women, will admit to being assaulted along the journey. I have visited the border and seen the families that have had their lives destroyed by what is going on at the border. Of course we know about the fentanyl deaths, hundreds of thousands of them. To hear the talking points coming from the left that securing our border is un-Christian is absolutely ridiculous. I am both a Christian and the husband of an immigrant. I can tell you; I was there when my wife put her hand on her heart and said the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as an American, and it really meant something. That is the right way to do it. We have a legal process, and we have an illegal process that the left continues to fund and continues to partner with the cartels and continues to allow them to profit to the tune of billions and billions of dollars, to advance an illegal process when we need to enforce the legal process. We have a right way to do it, and we can do it. This bill secures our border. The fact of the matter is that the Democrats just don't seem to really care. They don't care about the lives that are being destroyed. They don't care about the people that are dying. They don't care about the young girls being sold into the sex trade. This administration has lost tens of thousands of kids and so for all the tears that were happening under the Trump administration as he worked to secure the border, where is the outcry for the tens of thousands of kids this administration cannot track? They are willing to fund the border in other countries. They just funded a bill in December. We passed an omnibus bill where they were willing to fund border security in Libya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Nepal, and Turkey. But here in the United States of America, securing our border is not something the Democrats want to do. Of course, yeah, we will get around to it. We just won't vote for anything that will do it. They had the chance to do it. They did not do it. This bill will help secure our border. We need to pass it. I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to celebrate the 100th anniversary of GSM Insurors, an insurance agency that has been serving the growing needs of Rockport and the blossoming Texas coast for generations. GSM Insurors was founded in 1923 as the Rockport Insurance Agency by Theodore Johnson, a Rockport pioneer and then President of the First National Bank of Rockport. The agency was the first of its kind in the area, serving the interests of ship builders, ranchers, merchants, businesses, and newcomers to the blossoming Texas Coast. Five years later, A.C. Glass purchased the agency from the Johnsons and also became the President of the First National Bank. As the agency prospered throughout the following years, James H. Sorenson, Jr. acquired half ownership of the agency in 1946, changing its name to Glass & Sorenson. On May 1, 1953, the agency once again changed its name to Glass, Sorenson, & McDavid after John M. McDavid, Sr., the son-in-law of Theodore Johnson, purchased one-third of the agency and became the new general manager. In 1978, the present evolution was finished, and the agency was incorporated under the new Agency name, Glass, Sorenson, & McDavid Inc. In 1991, John M. McDavid, Jr., the grandson of Theodore Johnson and son of John M. McDavid, Sr., became the third generation to serve as CEO and still serves in that role today. In 1998, Glass, Sorenson, & McDavid Inc became a founding partner of The Insurors Group which is now ranked as one of Top 50 Brokers of U.S. Business Insurance by Business Insurance Magazine and one of the Top 20 Agency Partnerships in the Nation by Insurance Journal. To this day, GSM operates as a 4th generation family business continuing their track record of great success and service to the coastal Texas community. On behalf of the 118th Congress, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to GSM Insurors for having reached their centennial anniversary. Having served the needs of Rockport and surrounding coastal communities in Texas, GSM Insurors is an American success story that is worth honoring on this historic milestone.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his support in getting Mark Swidan back to his home and to his family. I also thank the ranking member for her support, as well. Mark Swidan is a native Texan from Luling who is currently being detained in China on fabricated drug charges and faces an impending death sentence. Mark was arrested on November 13, 2012, while on a trip to China to procure furnishings for his home and business. Chinese authorities burst into his hotel room while he was on the phone with his family and, without showing any warrant, arrested him and confiscated his photography equipment, wallet, tablet, passport, and identity card. They originally told him he was being held as a witness, but that rapidly changed. Mark was accused of being involved in the manufacturing and trafficking of drugs, leading to Chinese officials trying to coerce him into signing a false confession. Mark maintained his innocence and his integrity and has rejected their attempts to this day. Nonetheless, Mark has been imprisoned in China for over 10 years, despite the fact that no drugs were ever found on Swidan or in his hotel room, and the prosecution did not produce any evidence tying him to the drugs. The 11 other individuals indicted on the same charges could not identify Mark, and records in Mark's passport show that he was not even in China during the time of the alleged offense. As a result, Mark hasn't slept in the dark for over 10 years and is exposed to extreme heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. His hands have been broken a number of times. Mark faces abuse by his captors and has been denied an independent medical examination despite his deteriorating health in the detainment facility. A few weeks ago, China upheld Mark Swidan's death sentence. It is my hope that this resolution will signal to China that this death sentence should not be enforced, and that Mark should be sent home. Additionally, this resolution calls on the administration to use all the tools at their disposal to secure Mark Swidan's release. The People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party have a history of capturing innocent people and using them as political pawns. This needs to stop. Unfortunately for them, though, Mark has defiantly refused to be coerced as he waits on us to secure his release. Mr. Speaker, I call on all my colleagues in Congress to support this resolution and for our State Department to redouble their efforts and use every means available to bring Mark Swidan home.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and thank the Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and bravery to defend this country. On Wednesday, we observed Vietnam Veterans Day, a day to pause and remember the sacrifice and heroism of our veterans in one of our country's longest and most difficult conflicts. We observe National Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29th to pay tribute to the 9 million Americans who served during this era. This year, March 29 is not only National Vietnam Veterans Day, but it is also the 50th anniversary of March 29, 1973, the day the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war. We are blessed to enjoy the freedom and security in this country today because of the sacrifice and service of veterans like these. As elected representatives, we have no higher duty than to ensure our nation's heroes receive the recognition they have earned and to commemorate the 58,000 soldiers that never made it home. We cannot express our gratitude enough for all the Americans who served in Vietnam. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Vietnam veterans not just on this day, but every day. Our nation is forever in their debt.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to celebrate the 150th birthday of the city of Cuero, TX. The city of Cuero's history began in the late 1800s as a stopping point along the Chisholm Trail cattle route to Kansas. Cuero was officially recognized as a city in March 1873 and a couple years after, the city was soon incorporated as the permanent county seat for Dewitt County. Over the course of its 150 years, Cuero has built a rich history and robust agricultural industry. Perhaps nowhere is this history more reflected than in Cuero's famous turkey dressing tradition, which began in 1908 as Cuero began farming the product that made them famous. Eventually, the city's historical bond with the turkey grew into an annual turkey dressing tradition called ``The Turkey Trot''--a celebration which still exists today and celebrates Cuero's moniker, ``Turkey Capital of the World.'' But beyond the history, the agriculture, and even the turkey, most notable about the city of Cuero are its people--known for faith, hard work, and dedication to their community. As someone blessed to represent this area of Texas, I can attest firsthand how communities like this one represent the best of what America has to offer. On March 25, the city of Cuero and its residents will observe the town's 150th birthday with a celebration on Main Street. I would like to recognize and send well wishes to everyone living in Cuero as well as thank those who helped organized the day. I now ask my colleagues to join the city of Cuero in celebrating 150 years of progress and prosperity and recognize the residents of Cuero for all their contributions to the city's 150 years of history. It's an honor to represent them in Congress.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for his efforts to always pull the curtain back on the games and gimmicks that Washington plays sometimes and to bring creative ideas to the table on how to fix things. I appreciate it, and I thank him for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Goliad County Sheriff Deputy and Operation Lone Star Task Force Commander John Davis, who passed away this Monday. A man of faith, integrity, and relentless dedication, John served the great State of Texas for 40 years during his law enforcement career. His career stretched over a variety of roles in local, State, and Federal agencies, and because of this, John became known as one of Texas' most distinguished law enforcement officers. Commander Davis helped lead the effort to locate and arrest the Texas Seven escapees back in 2000. In 2022, due to his long track record of success, John was selected to command the newly formed Operation Lone Star Task Force. Most recently, Commander Davis oversaw a successful multiagency operation in Wharton and Jackson counties to combat human and drug trafficking cartels and their criminal invasion into Texas. Throughout his life, Commander Davis gave his all and gave all he had to protect our families and our communities and to make our State a safer place to live. While we mourn his passing, we know that he lived a life well lived and that he has gone on to his reward. May his service be an example for all of us in years to come and may God bless and his peace be with his family. Remembering Claud Jacobs

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a true hero of the Crossroads, Mr. Claud Jacobs. A native of Yoakum and Victoria, Texas, Claud lived a life of extraordinary service to his community. His life's motto, ``You always get back more than you give'' guided him through public service in the Governor's office and in starting multiple businesses that helped his neighbors. Claud's faith in our savior Jesus Christ led him to be a friend to all, dedicating his time to training young people in his community. In 1968, his passion for at-risk youth led him to help found the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch and raise millions of dollars through charity events. For his extraordinary work, in 1986 Claud Jacobs was knighted as a Knight of Saint Gregory by Pope John Paul II. Claud was a friend to everyone in our community, it seems, and I know he was a friend of mine. We will miss his optimism, his warmth, and his can-do spirit. May God bless his family as we remember him and his legacy.

Mr. CLOUD

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

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The intent of the REIN IN Act is to ensure that the executive branch is taking into account inflation in our country before they issue new regulations. Our country has seen rising inflation over the last 2 years, and inflation is affecting all of us. It is affecting our families, especially those with lower incomes who don't have as much of a cushion to deal with what we are seeing as they face increasing costs, especially in gas and in groceries. But as we consider the cost of inflation, we should also include the cost of debt servicing in what we are doing. Too often, we, as a government, don't do the same thing that we expect our families to do. When someone goes to purchase a car, for example, or a house, they have to include the cost of interest that they are going to pay on those kinds of things. We regularly ignore that as if it wasn't an important part of what we spend when, in fact, it is about $600 billion of spending annually. This is why I offered my amendment to the REIN IN Act. My amendment would amend the bill to direct the Office of Management and Budget and the Council of Economic Advisers to incorporate the inflationary impact of debt servicing costs into the reports that they create. Rising interest rates have the same effect on costs of spending on the national result, as well. We see rising interest rates have the same meaning for our country as the families that we encounter. But in order to accurately account for what we are spending, we cannot ignore the cost of debt servicing or the real cost that will be accrued with new spending. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget released a report today that estimated net interest will total $10.5 trillion over the next decade. As lawmakers, we have a duty to be honest about the effects of our actions, and this amendment will keep us honest about the true effects of our spending. Madam Chair, I encourage support of my amendment and the underlying legislation as well, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Chair, yes, it has been regular practice with CBO. I have been working to get this done for the CBO as well since I got here in Congress. It is the common practice among all of the entities that we look to for wisdom and advice and guidance on budgeting and spending, that the cost of debt servicing is not counted into their projections.

Mr. CLOUD. The information that we get to take into account, like when we are evaluating a bill and what we think the 10-year projected cost is, yes, typically it does not include the debt servicing cost.