Andrew Clyde

Mr. CLYDE

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

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. This critical bill ensures defense articles and services are delivered quickly to our steadfast ally, Israel, as they face unprecedented threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran. On October 7, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel, murdering, raping, and torturing more than 1,200 innocent civilians, and abducting over 240 others to Gaza as hostages, including American citizens. In the following months since this unprovoked terrorist attack, Israel has continued to be under constant assault by Iran and its proxies. We must support our ally, Israel, and ensure that they have the weapons they need to defend themselves, including the small arms, the 50,000 rifles that the Israeli Government has on order that is being held up by our State Department, and the precision-guided munitions. It is doublespeak. It is unconscionable that the Biden administration complains about civilian collateral damage when they are withholding the exact munitions that minimize civilian collateral damage. H.R. 8369 would ensure that all previously approved arms transfers to Israel can move forward without interruption, as well as prohibit funds from being used to stop or cancel the shipment of defense items to Israel. In addition, it would require the timely shipment of any items that have been stopped or delayed by President Biden and the Biden administration to be sent within 15 days after enactment. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this critical legislation.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I will always stand with our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, but I rise today to express my serious concerns with a very flawed supplemental. In November, I supported the first security supplemental for Israel, which was financially paid for and would have provided weapons and equipment for Israel's fight against Hamas. The cost was offset by rescinding the Democrats' unprecedented expansion of the IRS. Today, we are considering a vastly different bill, one that is all borrowing, another $26 billion of debt with no rescissions. The legislation also contains $400 million for FEMA, which has nothing to do with supporting Israel, and over $9 billion for humanitarian aid in Hamas-controlled Gaza and the West Bank. A report from The Heritage Foundation stated: ``The problem with aid diversion to Hamas and other terrorist groups plagues all international and nongovernmental aid organizations operating in Gaza. . . . ``It is therefore highly likely that U.S. taxpayer-funded humanitarian aid to Gaza, including some of the aid in this bill, would again be diverted to support further Hamas attacks against Israel.'' Why would we knowingly be sending money into the hands of Hamas in any bill? If we are feeding Gaza, we are feeding Hamas. Therefore, with great disappointment, I cannot in good conscience vote for this bill.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of WDUN. For 75 years, WDUN has provided north Georgia with a mix of local and nationally syndicated talk radio programming. Based in Gainesville, the radio station is a division of the family-owned media company, Jacobs Media Corporation. Earlier today, WDUN commemorated this major milestone by returning to its roots, as its broadcast studio relocated to the Gainesville Renaissance Building in the downtown square, just steps away from where the station first went on the air 75 years ago. I know I speak for all of WDUN's listeners in thanking the station's talented employees for their commitment to local journalism. It is a privilege to frequently join their programs, such as ``The Martha Zoller Show,'' to connect with folks across the Ninth District to tell them about my work in Congress. Whether it is breaking news, insightful analysis, safety announcements, or heartwarming stories, WDUN has been there to inform, inspire, and unite northeast Georgians. As President Donald Trump said on ``Mornings on Main Street'' earlier this month: WDUN is a really special place, and it is a special voice. Here is to 75 years dedicated to local journalism and many more to come. Congratulations, WDUN.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to strongly support H.R. 4639, the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act. This critical bill would prohibit government agencies, including the intelligence community, from purchasing Americans' data from third-party data brokers. U.S. Government agencies are purchasing Americans' data through a loophole with third-party groups when they would otherwise need a warrant. Recently, the Internal Revenue Service purchased records and locations of millions of American cell phones. The FBI purchased geolocation data for mobile advertising. The Cato Institute recently reported that data brokers collect and sell huge amounts of Americans' sensitive information, including whether they have an interest in firearms. Data brokers sell lists--in their words--of ``shooting fanatics'' and ``concealed carry licensed gun owners.'' They even sell information about Americans' interest in political organizations. Government agencies like the FBI purchase this information as a loophole to obtain private information about U.S. citizens without a warrant. Mr. Chair, I am deeply concerned that the practice of buying commercial data could not only threaten Americans' Fourth Amendment rights but could also pose a threat to their Second Amendment freedoms and be used as a way to track and target lawful gun owners in America. We must prevent this. H.R. 4639 will provide the necessary guardrails to ensure that these three-letter government agencies, including the intelligence community, do not and cannot overstep and infringe on Americans' constitutional rights. Why can civilian companies buy this data but not the government without a warrant? Because the government can take away your liberties. The government can put you in jail. Civilian companies cannot do that. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with the Constitution and support H.R. 4639, the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman McCaul for his leadership on this bill, as well. It is greatly appreciated. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that we are considering my bill, H.R. 6046, the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act, today. This legislation would reimpose the foreign terrorist organization designation on the Iran-backed Houthis, as well as reinstate additional sanctions against the group. The Houthis have long been a source of terror and violence, not only to Yemen, but to the whole region. Yet, for incalculable reasons, the Biden administration refuses to call them what they are. They are terrorists. President Donald Trump rightfully classified the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization in January of 2021 after a series of heinous attacks against civilians. However, in a shocking and politically motivated retraction, the Biden administration reversed President Trump's decision just 1 month later, further empowering the Iran-backed Houthis in their acts of terror. The Houthis have carried out a series of ongoing attacks in recent months, including ballistic-missile and unmanned-aerial-vehicle attacks against international shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The attacks began last year when Houthi forces landed a helicopter on a cargo vessel and seized the crew. Since then, there have been more than 40 attacks on commercial ships by the Houthi rebels. We express our deep gratitude to the brave men and women of the USS Carney who have taken defensive measures against the Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles on multiple occasions to safeguard the waters of the Gulf of Aden. Tragically, two Navy SEALs were recently lost at sea and later declared deceased after a U.S. operation to intervene and seize Iranian weapons being transported to the Houthis. American blood has been spilled because of the Houthi terrorists. Additionally, over this past weekend, the Houthis joined Iran's assault on our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. While the Israeli Iron Dome and the United States Central Command thankfully intercepted 99 percent of the projectiles, the Houthis' growing aggression represents an existential danger in the region. In response to these ongoing attacks, the Biden administration felt pressured, and so they recognized that they had to do something. Therefore, they designated the Houthi movement as a specially designated global terrorist group in January, but this lower-tier designation is simply not enough. It comes nowhere close to matching the force of a foreign terrorist organization designation. President Trump designated the Houthis as both, and they should be both designations. The foreign terrorist organization designation, as provided in this bill, goes much farther, allowing for special criminal penalties for materiel support, like military supplies; immigration restrictions; and the ability for victims to seek damages. H.R. 6046 would require that the Houthis receive the foreign terrorist organization designation within 90 days after the enactment of this bill. The Houthis' intentions are abundantly clear, but by passing my bill, we make our intentions perfectly clear, that the United States does not bargain with, nor capitulate to terrorist regimes. Mr. Speaker, as the sponsor of this legislation, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 6046, the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act, to forcefully show that there will be consequences for the Houthis' egregious acts of terror.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Congresswoman Mary Miller, for hosting this Special Order and for being a leader in defending religious freedom. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and celebration of Faith Month. During Faith Month, we rejoice in God's gift of salvation, thank our Lord and Savior for his many blessings, and celebrate the everlasting power of prayer and His Word. As is said in Matthew 5:16, ``Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.'' The Bible calls on us to proudly demonstrate our faith and boldly champion our Christian beliefs. As a believer, I am thankful for this opportunity to celebrate our faith and our precious freedoms, especially at such a time as this when it is critical for Americans to be grounded in faith. Our country is hurting, and Americans are crying out for strong, effective leadership. It is becoming harder to achieve the American Dream. Communities are being overwhelmed by violent crime, dangerous drugs, and illegal aliens. Our unalienable rights are being chipped away by the very people responsible for safeguarding our Constitution. We need more leaders here in Washington who are rooted in faith, who put their trust in the Lord, and who use His Word as a guiding light through these challenges. Our Founders not only knew the importance of Christianity in society but proudly acknowledged and gave deference to our creator in the foundation and core principles of our Nation. They correctly declared that our liberties are not granted by the government but by our Almighty God. This includes our most fundamental freedoms outlined in the First Amendment, which preserves our unalienable right to religious liberty. By safeguarding religious freedom and drawing the Lord into our government, our Founding Fathers were ensuring unity and prosperity for generations to come. As George Washington asserted in his farewell address: ``Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.'' I pray that we don't lose sight of those supports, especially as we work to save our country and protect our freedoms. Let us proudly join together to rejoice in and lead with our faith. May others come to know the salvation that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us continue finding strength and wisdom in God's Word, and let us preserve and maintain our Founders' religious principles. A government whose foundation is built on God and His Word is a government that will have peace, prosperity, and liberty.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, I say to my House and Senate Republican colleagues, it is time to put their vote where their values are. Madam Speaker, you can't claim to be a pro-life champion and then fund abortion, abortion travel, and aborted fetal tissue research. You can't rail against President Biden's intentional illegal invasion and then fund the policies that are causing the chaos without assuming the same responsibility. Just like you can't flaunt your vote to impeach Secretary Mayorkas and then fully fund his salary and his destructive border policies. Madam Speaker, you can't defend America's Second Amendment liberties and then fund gun control by the CDC. You cannot support science and protect young women and then fund transgender surgeries and fund educational institutions that allow biological males to compete in women's sports. I don't call them men because they are not real men. Real men protect women. They don't use their superior strength to steal the honor, hard work, and achievements of women. Madam Speaker, you can't complain about the violation of America's First Amendment rights and then fund more disinformation governance boards and government by proxy censorship. You cannot sound the alarm on our dire economic outlook and ballooning national debt and then rubberstamp spending higher than Nancy Pelosi's levels for FY 2023. The list goes on and on. Republicans simply cannot righteously denounce Democrats' disastrous policies that are destroying our great country and then turn around and fund them. After all, if you fund it, you own it. It is not too late. We promised the American people that we would fix these problems, not fund them. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the swamp's second half omnibus.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, tonight, I will be joined by a number of my colleagues to talk about the illegal alien invasion at our southern border and how it is victimizing our citizens. Last month, a grievous event tragically reminded the American people that every State is a border State. On February 22, Laken Riley, pictured here, a 22-year-old nursing student was murdered by an illegal alien in Athens, Georgia, on the campus of the University of Georgia. Laken's murderer was an illegal alien who should never, ever, ever have even been here. He illegally entered El Paso, Texas, in September 2022 and was then released into the country via President Biden's significantly expanded parole program, an expansion that is illegitimate. He then took a young, beautiful life, Laken's life, in a brutal and violent way. Laken's father, John, described her as an amazing daughter, sister, friend, who was selfless and considerate of others, with a laugh that was infectious and lit up a room. He also highlighted her faith to me and noted that her love for the Lord guided her steps and shaped the way she lived her life. Mr. Speaker, Laken should be alive today, running, laughing with her friends, studying for nursing school, and spending time with her parents and siblings, but she is not, and this tragedy was completely avoidable. Her murderer is a dangerous criminal alien who took advantage of weak and bad Biden administration border policies. This horrific story has truly shaken our State and our entire Nation, and for good reason. Laken's young life and bright future were cut short at the hands of an illegal alien. Her murder was 100 percent preventable because her murderer should never have ever been in our country. Yet radical, dangerous policies failed both her and her family. Athens-Clarke County, the county where I have my business, the county where I have lived for 30 years, the county where as a Navy officer I taught when the Navy Supply Course School was in Athens-Clarke County. This county is one of four sanctuary cities in the Peach State. This sanctuary jurisdiction undoubtedly incentivized illegal immigration, putting families, small businesses, and students in greater danger. Yet Athens' Democrat mayor shamelessly claimed that there is no connection between crime and immigration. This is a flat-out lie, but it is a lie the mayor would rather tell than admit the truth: that his own policies played a role in Laken's murder. But the buck doesn't stop with the failed leadership in Athens-Clarke County. This goes all the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As a candidate, Joe Biden instructed illegals to ``surge to the border.'' As President, he has ignored immigration law, destroyed our border security, and incentivized illegal immigration. Notably, Secretary Mayorkas has unabashedly carried out the President's marching orders, willfully establishing a wide-open border agenda that has violated our laws and emboldened dangerous criminals like Laken Riley's murderer to illegally enter the United States. Once aliens from across the world accept Biden's invitation, they are immediately released into our communities. In fact, Laken's murderer was released into the country due to the President's abuse of parole authority, which the Biden administration has weaponized to funnel millions of illegal aliens into the United States. For 3 years now, these open-border policies have been in effect. The result has been the Biden administration's intentional illegal invasion. According to recent estimates, nearly 7.3 million illegal aliens have entered the country under the Biden administration's watch, a number greater than the individual population of 36 States. That is a stunning and unsustainable figure. Clearly, we need to do more than secure the southern border. It is imperative that we also deport every solitary illegal alien who accepted the Biden administration's invitation to enter and reside in our Nation unlawfully. If we do not deport them, more Americans will suffer the tragic consequences of President Biden's open-border policies. The list of victims extends far beyond Laken Riley. In fact, a 32- year-old illegal alien was recently arrested for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Virginia. Another illegal alien was recently charged with first- and second-degree murder for a shooting that killed a 2-year-old child and injured his mother in Maryland. In Louisiana, an illegal alien was recently arrested for a series of violent crimes, including raping a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint and stabbing a man multiple times while robbing him. In Massachusetts, an illegal Haitian immigrant was recently charged with raping a 15-year-old girl in a hotel that housed asylum seekers. Now, let's go back a couple years. Honestly, what I just said happened just the last few weeks, and yet the Biden administration has done nothing. Let's go back a year or so. In July 2022, Kayla Hamilton, an American, was sexually assaulted and murdered in Maryland by a 16-year-old alien and MS-13 gang member from El Salvador who was allowed to enter the U.S. through the unaccompanied alien program. This 16-year-old illegal alien was initially apprehended by Border Patrol in Texas on March 23, 2022, and then referred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. According to the alien, members of his family paid $4,000 to a guide who smuggled them to the southwest border. On May 3, 2022, the Office of Refugee Resettlement placed the alien with a sponsor, his alleged first cousin in Maryland. As revealed in his case file, the alien had been arrested by police in El Salvador on January 21, 2020, for illicit association with the MS-13 gang. The illegal alien's case file also included information from law enforcement officials dated August 2022, noting that the alien had tattoos affiliated with gang activity. So how did he get here? Through the Biden administration's abuse and weaponization of the immigrant parole program. This 16-year-old murderer should never, ever have been allowed in this country. How many times do I need to say that? How many more Americans have to be murdered or raped or assaulted by an illegal alien for the President to act? How many more Americans have to be killed by fentanyl? How many more innocent Americans have to suffer? Right now, the President has the executive authority, the power to do everything, yet he continues to do nothing because this is all by design. So it is up to Congress to stop this madness by using our leverage, the power of the purse, to force the White House to do the right thing for the American people, yet Republican leadership has failed to do so. Two weeks ago, this body passed the first half of the swamp's omnibus. While this horrendous, backroom negotiated bill had many flaws, one thing stood out to me more than the rest: My policy rider to defund sanctuary jurisdictions like Athens-Clarke County where Laken Riley was murdered was removed from the bill. It was surrendered by our leadership. Yet the bill passed under suspension with more Democrat votes supporting it than Republicans, but 132 Republicans still voted for it. They voted to keep funding sanctuary cities. Americans are sick and tired of all talk and no action. Members continue messaging against the border crisis, then turn around and fund the Biden administration's policies that are creating this madness. If we are going to truly secure the border and deport every illegal alien residing in our great Nation, then we have to fight. We need more Republicans willing to fight for the American people. I hope to see more of my colleagues join the fight when we consider the second piece of the swamp's omnibus, which includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security later this week. Despite still not having the bill text, we have a pretty good idea that this massive government funding package fails to secure our southern border. Key border security provisions were surrendered, yet leadership is touting more resources, such as more detention beds for ICE as a win. I disagree. Simply adding more resources without actually changing the Biden administration's open-border policies allows President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to simply process and release more illegal aliens into the country. We don't need more Border Patrol agents that will simply be used as processing clerks. Let me be clear: Any Republican who votes for the swamp's second spending package that doesn't secure our border owns the border crisis just as much as President Biden. I am proud to have several of my colleagues here tonight to condemn President Biden's intentional illegal invasion as well as to discuss the power that Congress has to put a stop to this crisis. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs), my friend.

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Arizona for those inspiring words. I agree with him absolutely, we need to bring up our border legislation every solitary week. Now, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins).

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include in the Record extraneous material.

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana. Those are strong words, and those are correct words. Now I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Roy. I thank him for his work in the fight to secure our border. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I applaud his efforts to stop President Biden's illegal invasion. He is right. We need to attach H.R. 2, the border security bill, to this particular funding legislation. I thank all of my colleagues who participated tonight in this Special Order. We can and we must do more in the fight to protect Americans from Joe Biden's open border policies. The most powerful way we can do this is through the power of the purse. We have an opportunity to take a stand against the Biden administration's intentional illegal invasion through the funding fight, and I urge my colleagues to do so. Otherwise, more avoidable tragedies like Laken Riley's murder will continue to devastate our Nation, and we will create more victims of our citizens. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYDE

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

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, and our hearts do go out to her grieving family today. This bill is in remembrance of Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically murdered in my home community of Athens, Georgia, by an illegal alien who should never have even been in the United States. After illegally entering the country, Laken's murderer was arrested by the NYPD in September of 2023 for acting in a manner to injure a minor and for committing a motor vehicle license violation. Also, according to an Athens-Clarke County police report, this illegal alien went on to shoplift in Georgia the following month. Clearly, this illegal alien had a pattern of criminal history, one that started when he accepted Joe Biden's invitation to illegally enter our country and do so under an abuse of the parole system. He should never have been allowed to reside in the United States illegally, and ICE should have immediately issued a detainer after he committed these crimes because, ultimately, if ICE had issued a detainer, this illegal alien would never have been in the United States to commit the horrific murder of Laken Riley. We must enact changes now to protect communities across the country from facing additional avoidable tragedies. H.R. 7511 provides a commonsense solution to do just that. This legislation requires ICE to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens who commit crimes like theft, burglary, and larceny. Additionally, the local jurisdiction, the Clarke County Sheriff's Office, would also have to recognize and act upon the ICE detainer. When you have a sanctuary city like the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government ignoring these detainers, it makes them a magnet for criminal illegal aliens. Therefore, I call right now on Athens-Clarke County to publicly reject their sanctuary city policy. If they did, it would be a strong step in the right direction toward preventing our citizens from becoming future victims of violent crimes committed by illegal aliens. Additionally, the Laken Riley Act contains within it Representative Dan Bishop's own legislation that just passed out of the Judiciary Committee. It is called the Standing Up to the Executive branch for Immigration Enforcement Act. Hence, my friend, I want to recognize your part in making this legislation happen. These important provisions that Representative Bishop authored give State attorneys general standing to bring suit against DHS Secretary Mayorkas, Secretary of State Blinken, and Attorney General Garland for violating certain immigration laws that harm the State or its respective citizens. Representative Bishop's legislation also allows for appropriate injunctive relief and expedites the disposition of such civil actions. This important legislation is critical. As a cosponsor, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the Laken Riley Act. After all, one of the most formidable ways that Congress can deliver justice to the Laken Riley family is by passing this legislation.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable individual in Georgia's Ninth District, Dr. Eldred Causey. On February 11, Dr. Causey, a distinguished World War II veteran and the oldest living veteran in Rabun County, will celebrate his 100th birthday. Dr. Causey's life is nothing short of extraordinary. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, young Eldred knew he wanted to answer the call of duty. As a naval aviator, Lieutenant Junior Grade Causey courageously served our Nation, patrolling the Pacific Northwest throughout the war while stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. After his military service, Mr. Causey returned to the Peach State to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. He then opened his own veterinary practice in Athens and later returned to the university as a professor, leaving a remarkable impact on his students and the University of Georgia community. Dr. Causey's life represents a century of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication. As the Rabun County community celebrates Dr. Causey's major milestone birthday next week, I know I speak for the Ninth District in thanking Eldred for his honorable service and wishing him a wonderful 100th birthday.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Georgia National Guard's Cherokee Company soldiers. Over the weekend, I was honored to attend a send-off ceremony in Gainesville, Georgia, for Cherokee Company troops ahead of their deployment to Kuwait. The following day our Nation learned the tragic news that three U.S. soldiers were killed at Tower 22 in Jordan by a drone attack carried out by Iranian-backed terrorists. During these times of global instability, we must honor, support, and thank our brave servicemembers who answer the call of duty to defend our country, preserve our peace, and protect our precious freedoms. I firmly believe that one of the best ways we can support both our troops deploying overseas and their families is through the power of prayer. I urge Georgia's Ninth District and all others in our State to join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and protection for our soldiers as well, as for peace and comfort for their loved ones. Father, may Your mighty right hand protect our Cherokee Company troops, as well as all of our Nation's warriors who serve so that we can live in freedom in the greatest country on Earth. May Psalm 91 be their banner. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong opposition to the Wyden-Smith tax bill that is set to come to the floor tonight. From welfare expansion to inflationary deficits, this tax bill is a Trojan horse for bad policies disguised as tax relief. The most egregious problem is that this tax bill fails to close a loophole that allows illegal aliens with U.S. born children--that would be anchor babies--to claim the Child Tax Credit. After 3 years of Joe Biden's intentional illegal invasion, which is now being used by the uniparty as an excuse to pass a horrendous border bill that encourages more illegal immigration, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are set to expand the Child Tax Credit while subsequently allowing illegal aliens to cash in on those benefits. There is no denying that these cash welfare payments reward and incentivize more illegal immigration. This tax bill advances policies that only worsen the chaos and fuel the border crisis. It is a magnet for more illegal immigration, and I encourage all Members to vote against it. Americans simply deserve better.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on this body to champion fiscal responsibility. It is no secret that the U.S. is steamrolling its way to fiscal ruin, rapidly barreling toward economic collapse and unfairly burdening future generations, yet few here in Washington seem to notice this fiscal calamity, let alone care enough to fix it. Far too many have not only become numb to our ballooning national debt and out-of-control deficit, but completely addicted to spending money that we simply don't have. The U.S. national debt climbs higher every second, swelling at such an alarming rate that hitting new trillion-dollar milestones has now become routine. In fact, in June, just 7 months ago, the national debt reached $32 trillion. This figure surged to $33 trillion 3 months later in September, and, just days ago, in just another 3.5 months, our national debt surpassed $34 trillion, amounting to roughly $100,000 for every American, for our constituents. Racking up more than $2 trillion in national debt in just 7 months' time is not a historic milestone; it is a historic failure. At this rate, we are adding roughly a trillion dollars to our national debt every 90 days--think about that--a trillion dollars every 90 days, setting us up to hit, if not exceed, $37 trillion by the end of the fiscal year. Unsustainable is an understatement. Every solitary Member should be enraged by this ill-fated trend, but despite all the warning signs, it is business as usual here in Washington, as evidenced by the recently announced agreement on the overall price tag for fiscal year 2024 appropriations. Make no mistake, the bipartisan spending deal is a total sham. No amount of smoke and mirrors can hide the swamp's irresponsible, wasteful, and reckless spending agenda. While leaders from both parties claimed that the top-line spending level matches the $1.59 trillion statutory cap set last year by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the true total of programmatic spending is actually more than $68 billion higher at $1.658 trillion. The statutory FRA cap, which, in my opinion, is already far too high, should have been the ceiling, not the floor, to hide or excuse this excessive spending. That is right: New year, same uniparty. I vehemently oppose this sham bipartisan spending deal, and I am deeply disappointed that, yet again, at President Biden and Senate Leader Schumer's pleasure, critical leverage and key policy wins were abandoned. My constituents didn't send me here to greenlight more of the swamp's spending as usual, exacerbate our national debt, or concede in conservative policy battles. They sent me here to change the course of Congress, to change the status quo. I am fighting to do just that, but, if we are ever going to save our Nation, economy, and future generations from financial failure, we need more Republicans in both Chambers to join the fight. After all, we should be far more afraid of fiscal calamity than fighting the swamp. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to take our rapidly approaching financial ruin seriously by rejecting this irresponsible deal. Let's champion fiscal responsibility and return fiscal sanity to Washington by cutting spending, not carrying on business as usual while our fiscal House falls into a sinkhole of skyrocketing debt.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, I thank both of my friends from Texas. What an incredible job they have done so far in communicating that the swamp's compromise NDAA is, indeed, woke, weaponized, and wrong for America. Why, you may ask. It is because during backroom negotiations, virtually all of the conservative wins that the House Republicans fought for were removed. This is a disaster for both our military and the American people. Now, due to the so-called compromise, this year's NDAA green-lights the Biden administration's horrendous policies of treating our military like a social experiment. For a long time, I have firmly believed that our Nation's incredible military will never be defeated by an outside force before we rot from the inside first, and that is exactly what these woke policies are doing. It is the real reason that recruiting is at rock-bottom levels for our military. For example, the NDAA fails to eliminate the Pentagon's chief diversity officer, it fails to ban mask mandates on military installations, and it fails to prevent the Department of Defense education activity from teaching radical gender and racial ideologies. Not to mention, the NDAA allows Joe Biden's Department of Defense to waste taxpayer dollars on transgender surgeries, drag queen shows, and abortion travel. Abortion travel, imagine that. The radical left will stop at nothing to advance the evils of abortion, even if their vile efforts violate Federal law. Additionally, a vote for this year's NDAA is a vote to reauthorize warrantless surveillance on the American people. That is right. To make matters worse, a clean reauthorization of FISA 702, which has been dangerously abused to illegally spy on Americans--literally, last year 278,000 times--was attached to this year's National Defense Authorization Act. So let me be perfectly clear: the Fourth Amendment is not a suggestion, and I certainly will not be fearmongered by the intelligence community in order to allow this egregious and unconstitutional abuse to continue. So either get a warrant or let FISA go dark, which means let FISA's authorization expire on 12/31. Furthermore, FISA's reauthorization should never have been attached to the NDAA in the first place. An extension of FISA is not germane to the NDAA, meaning this legislation violates our January agreement of germane, single-subject bills. Nevertheless, since leadership plans to pass the NDAA under suspension of the rules, Members will have no opportunity to raise the appropriate point of order against this nongermane matter. Madam Speaker, this is not how Washington should operate. Members deserve the opportunity to debate legislation and vote on these matters separately. That is what we agreed to in January, and that is the standard we must now follow. For all these reasons, I am a hard no on the fiscal year 2024 NDAA, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in taking a firm stand against this bad bill. As a 28-year Navy combat veteran, I am disgusted by the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to weaken our great military with woke and weaponized policies. I am greatly disturbed by this body's blind acceptance of these nefarious efforts, so they can go home early for Christmas. Our military and our Nation deserve better.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Brenau University's 10th president, Dr. Anne Skleder, who tragically passed after bravely battling cancer at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Born in Pittsburgh, Anne studied psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and later earned her doctoral degree from Temple University. Dr. Skleder then incorporated her passion for people and learning into a successful career in academia--mentoring, teaching, and serving students for years. Breaking glass ceilings, Anne went on to become the 10th and 1st woman president of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Yet it was not the title that she cherished, but rather the opportunity to improve the lives and futures of Brenau University students. Her leadership extended beyond the campus, as she served on the executive committee of the Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education and was a board member for numerous organizations, including the Women's College Coalition, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. Our sincere condolences are with Anne's family as they mourn her loss. While her leadership and impact on our community will surely be missed, we cherish Dr. Skleder's legacy and find comfort in knowing that she has found eternal peace with her beloved parents and brother in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Georgia's Ninth District will always remember the incredible impact that Dr. Skleder had on students at Brenau University and on our community as a whole. Honoring Exceptional Businesses in Lumpkin County

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional businesses in Lumpkin County. The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual State of Economic Development meeting to recognize outstanding businesses in our community. On behalf of the Ninth District, I would like to honor this year's winners. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Development Authority of Lumpkin County's Economic Investment Award recipient, DahloneGO, a successful transportation and tour company in north Georgia. This honor is well- deserved as DahloneGO continues to make incredible investments in the Lumpkin County community. Additionally, I recognize this year's Corporate Responsibility Award recipient, R-Ranch in the Mountains, which creates a positive impact in Lumpkin County by offering northeast Georgians and tourists alike exceptional experiences through its more than 800 acres of campsites, trails, and lodging. Nestled in the beautiful north Georgia mountains, R-Ranch brings tremendous value to the community through its unique amenities and activities, cultivating economic growth and providing memorable adventures for families and outdoor enthusiasts. I also congratulate Blue Coolers, the recipient of the Workforce Development award. In addition to manufacturing top-notch, durable coolers, this thriving company received this exciting honor for its impressive initiatives to train and equip individuals with skills and knowledge needed to maintain a strong workforce. Next, I recognize Satellite Industries, a leading innovator in the portable sanitation industry, for receiving the Business of the Year Award. For over 65 years, Satellite Industries has been advance engineering their products, such as portable restrooms and restroom trailers to be strong and user-friendly for customers across the country. I congratulate Satellite Industries on this outstanding achievement. In addition, the city of Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority recognized several downtown businesses for their significant impact on the community this year. These honors include Black Bear Mercantile as Emerging Business; Dahlonega Inn on Main for Downtown Investment; The Station, as the Local Favorite; and Connie's Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop for Downtown Business of the Year. I congratulate the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce's 2023 State of Economic Development award winners. Mr. Speaker, I thank each of the recognized businesses for positively impacting our community, strengthening the future workforce in north Georgia, and fostering economic prosperity in Lumpkin County. Single Subject Rule

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the former majority leader on the Democrat side, just reminded us of our single subject rule that our Speaker cosponsored back in 2015. That is the current rule of the House, and yet my Democrat colleague wants us to violate it by lumping in aid for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel together with border security in one bill. No. We have already passed a bill to support Israel. We have already passed a border security bill, H.R. 2. Both are languishing in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Where was the call for the Senate to stay here and do their job? He should have called upon the Senate, as I do now. Pass the Israel bill, pass the Secure the Border Act, and give both countries a merrier Christmas.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act, or CARS Act, that I proudly co-led with Representative Walberg. This important legislation would prohibit the Biden administration's EPA from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing its radical proposed rule that seeks to eliminate gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, the CARS Act would restrict the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to promulgate similar rules moving forward. Hallelujah. In April, President Biden's EPA proposed this radical rule that would set emission standards so high for light- and medium-duty vehicles that auto manufacturers would be forced to produce a higher percentage of electric vehicles just to comply. This is a de facto electric vehicle mandate on the American people. With this rule's implementation, the EPA projects that EVs could account for as much as 67 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2032, as compared to electric vehicle sales of only 6 percent last year. From assaulting the American people's Second Amendment liberties to the online censoring of free speech, the Biden administration is routinely abusing its power in order to further control Americans' everyday lives. With this new EPA rule, it is very clear that President Biden is now coming for our combustion engine car keys in his war against our personal freedoms. Restricting consumer choice in the name of the left's Green New Deal garbage agenda represents an illegitimate power grab that hardworking Americans simply cannot afford. One thing is clear. The American people already burdened by soaring energy prices and record-high inflation cannot be further burdened by this disastrous EV mandate. I urge my colleagues to support the CARS Act, our commonsense legislation that would help save the American energy sector. It would protect both American consumers and auto manufacturers, and it would stop Biden's authoritarian government overreach in its tracks.