Andrew Clyde

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I rise today to oppose Representative Jackson's amendment to add a 5-year sunset period. We cannot risk funds going to terrorism ever, certainly not now and certainly not in 5 years. Additionally, the only thing standing in the way of $14.3 billion going to support Israel's eradication of Hamas is Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer. The House has done its job. The Senate and the President have so far done nothing but be a roadblock. Yes, we are witnessing a Biden- Schumer roadblock, a B-S roadblock, and it is totally unacceptable. It is a dangerous state of affairs, and Biden and Schumer are the problem. How can we support our closest ally in the Middle East when the President and the Senate stand in the way? The House has done its job. It is now time for the President and Mr. Schumer to clear their B-S roadblock.

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of this amendment offered by my colleague from Texas, Representative Pfluger. It will strengthen H.R. 5961 by unequivocally blocking sanctioned Iranian funds from potentially being unfrozen and keeping these dollars out of the hands of the world's leading state sponsor of terror. This amendment will close troubling loopholes that allow President Biden to abuse waiver or license authorities to release billions in frozen Iranian assets. Enough is enough. We cannot continue policies that enrich Iran, embolden terrorists like Hamas, and put American troops in harm's way. Representative Pfluger's amendment also aligns with and reaffirms the goal of my bill, the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act, because the Houthis are also proxy terrorists for Iran. His amendment prevents Iranian funds from being used against our national security interests and limits President Biden's ability to circumvent Congressional oversight. Mr. Chair, I applaud Representative Pfluger for his work on this critical amendment, and as a cosponsor of it, I urge all Members to support it. We must stand united in stopping Iran from financing terrorists and in protecting American troops and allies abroad.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Ambrous Oliver Findley, Jr., affectionately known as ``Butch,'' who recently passed and is survived by his loving wife, Wanda, and his children, grandchildren, sister, nephews, and dear friends. Butch's life was filled with tremendous acts of service. After obtaining a bachelor's in psychology from the University of South Florida, Butch's commitment to the well-being of others led him to the U.S. Navy where he selflessly served as a hospital corpsman. A man of diverse talents and interests, Butch then returned to the University of South Florida and obtained a bachelor's in biology and premed. Butch's devotion to the medical profession later led him to attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and complete his residency at the General Hospital in Pinellas Park, Florida. After this pivotal chapter, Butch once again answered the call of duty, this time as a physician in the United States Army where he served at the rank of captain in Fort Stewart, Georgia. For 42 years, Butch then dedicated himself to the well-being of Georgians in Rabun County, leaving an indelible mark on the northeast Georgia community that he served--first at Ridgecrest Hospital and later at MedLink Rabun. He was not merely a physician; he was a beacon of hope and healing, touching countless lives. Beyond the stethoscope, Butch reveled in the simple joys of life. Whether exploring new adventures or finding solace in the comfort of home, he cherished precious moments with his family and friends. Butch's kindness, compassion, and profound sense of duty will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. As we bid farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, we find peace knowing that he is now with our Heavenly Father. Georgia's Ninth District will always remember and honor the incredible legacy that Dr. Butch Findley, Jr. left behind. 15th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hall County's top industries for 2023. Earlier this month, the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce held its 15th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville. On behalf of the Ninth District, I would like to recognize this year's winners. First, congratulations to Mar-Jac Poultry for receiving the Top Large Employer award for 2023. Based in Gainesville, the poultry capital of the world, Mar-Jac Poultry plays a pivotal role in our community's economic prosperity. With the help of its 1,400 dedicated employees, Mar-Jac Poultry processes 2.4 million birds per week with plans to expand capacity by 50 percent and create 100 new jobs. I am proud to recognize Mar-Jac Poultry for this exciting award, and I thank the company for investing in our community. This year's top Medium Sized Employer award is Corporate Storage, a successful third-party logistics provider with 56 hardworking employees. Over the years, Corporate Storage has evolved from the initial moving and storage company, Adams Transfer Company, which was founded in Athens back in 1903, into a thriving business that provides commercial warehousing, records management, and logistic services. Corporate Storage recently completed a $15 million expansion to improve service for manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing customers throughout north Georgia. Congratulations, Corporate Storage, for this well-deserved recognition. Last but not least, I would like to honor the Top Small Employer, pdblowers, Incorporated, which employs 28 Georgians at its headquarters in Gainesville. Founded in 1990, pdblowers is a custom manufacturer of positive displacement blower systems, including fabrication, design, and systems integration. The business has built an outstanding reputation as a leading distributor in its field due to years of exceptional customer service, innovative solutions, and on-time delivery. Congratulations, pdblowers, Incorporated. Additional companies honored by the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce include: Carroll Daniel Construction for workforce development, Performance Foodservice for workforce excellence, Marel for safety performance, ZF for corporate responsibility, and Harris Products Group for environmental responsibility. Congratulations to Hall County's 2023 top industry winners. I thank each of the recognized companies for investing in our community, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth in Hall County.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), and I move to strike the last word.

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, just a few weeks ago, the administration issued a proposed rule which imposes radical sexual orientation and gender identity policy on the child welfare system. I rise in strong support of my colleague Representative Brecheen from Oklahoma's amendment which prohibits funding for the finalization of this rule. By requiring States to deem some foster care providers as safe and appropriate, the administration has created a policy which implies that faith-based providers who have traditional views of marriage and sexuality are incapable of providing a safe environment for children and adolescents. I vehemently oppose such a notion and strongly believe that faith- based providers often fill gaps in a child welfare system and provide quality, loving care rooted in a deep calling and conviction to care for those in need. The foster care system in the United States is in a deep crisis, with over 400,000 in the system and over a 100,000 awaiting adoption. We must stand up and support faith-based providers across this country. We must object to the villainizing of these organizations, and we must defund the imposition of radical political policies in the child welfare system. Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment by the gentleman from Oklahoma, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 639.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 638, I mistakenly voted Nay when I intended to vote Yea.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Nation's veterans. This Veterans Day we recognize those who have selflessly served our Nation and as well we honor the sacrifices they have made so that we can live in freedom in the greatest country on Earth. Our veterans, those living and those who have gone before us, represent our Nation's finest heroes. These men and women answered the call of duty to defend our country, preserve our peace, and protect our precious freedoms. Their valor, love of country, and unwavering commitment has ensured all Americans continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. On Veterans Day and every day may we recognize our Nation's champions of liberty and honor their service by safeguarding our freedoms. President Ronald Reagan once said: ``Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they have suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us. That is our duty. They have never let America down. We will not let them down.'' Madam Speaker, this Veterans Day may God bless our veterans and their families, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. CLYDE

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

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer my amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it, which would eliminate funds for official receptions within the Department of the Interior. Our national debt is quickly approaching $34 trillion, and yet wasteful and unnecessary spending is still rampant in our Federal Government. The American taxpayers deserve to know that their hard- earned money is being spent responsibly and conservatively, but the underlying bill still includes thousands of taxpayer dollars for government operations that are neither relevant nor essential for the success of our Nation in the Department of the Interior. One such account is the receptions and representation expense account, which provides funds for hosting cocktail receptions and catering for Department of the Interior events. Our Department of the Interior should not be holding such events as the Department's actions simultaneously jeopardize our Nation's energy security. For example, earlier this year, the Department of the Interior announced its plans to withdraw millions of acres within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, as well as efforts to cancel the lawfully awarded leases to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority within the nonwilderness coastal plain that were issued in early 2021, as required by law. It is ridiculous that the Biden administration is penalizing Alaska's right to produce more oil but allows Iran to produce more of its oil while Iranian-sponsored terrorists wage war on Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East. It is abundantly clear that the Biden administration--in this case, the Department of the Interior--needs to reevaluate its priorities and put America first. These individuals should not be rewarded with taxpayer funds to pay for cocktail receptions while advocating against American security amidst a dire debt crisis. When it comes to budgeting, every little bit counts. We need to clawback all wasteful spending and unnecessary spending to get our fiscal house in order. Mr. Chair, for this reason, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to this bill, which eliminates this frivolous use of funds, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, eliminating official reception funds is not a new or novel idea. We should be fiscally responsible with every solitary dollar that we spend. We eliminated almost a half a million dollars of official reception funds in the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriation. Of that half million, $284,000 was in the FBI, $36,000 was in the ATF, and $50,000 in the Office of the United States Attorney, among other amounts. This is only $15,000, not a huge amount of money, but every dollar counts. We must be fiscally responsible in every area, especially regarding money spent on cocktail receptions. Who can forget the picture of the GSA official, Jeffrey Neely, pictured in the hot tub with a wine glass in Las Vegas. That was a complete abuse of funds. This is $15,000 that will be going to the funding reduction account. We will be saving $15,000. We do not need a reception fund in the Department of the Interior for them to do their job better. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act which provides $14.3 billion in critical military assistance to our great ally, Israel, while also replenishing our own defense stockpiles and ensuring the safe return of American citizens impacted by Hamas' barbaric terrorist attack on Israel. On October 7, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists committed heinous attacks on the people of Israel. In the days following this savage onslaught, the world has watched in horror as images and reports reveal the vile depths of Hamas' depravity. These terrorists have perpetrated barbaric, sadistic, and evil acts against innocent Israelis, including burning and decapitating babies, raping women, abducting families, and murdering over 1,400 people. Tragically, more than 30 Americans were also murdered by Hamas in Israel on that day while several Americans remain held hostage by the terrorists in Gaza. In response to these atrocities, the Israel Security Supplemental reinforces Israel's defense systems by providing $4 billion to replenish the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems, $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, and $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system to counter short- range rockets and mortar threats. This is not time for a cease-fire or a pause in any way, Mr. Speaker. This is a time to crush Hamas, eliminate their leadership, and obliterate their fighters. I am so thankful that there is humanitarian aid here that could possibly get into the hands of Hamas. This bill will help Israel do exactly what it needs to do, and that is defend itself. This bill also provides 200 million for the protection of U.S. personnel in Israel and evacuations of U.S. citizens to ensure that Americans can return safely to the United States. Finally, under Speaker Johnson's leadership, this bill is fully offset by a rescission of IRS funding taken out of the reckless inflation expansion act. This commonsense solution ensures that we can assist our strongest ally in the Middle East without further burdening American taxpayers by irresponsibly borrowing millions of dollars. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CLYDE

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

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment No. 82, which would simply prohibit funds made available by this act to be used for the cancellation or suspension of oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. On September 6, 2023, the Biden administration's Department of the Interior posted a press release announcing Secretary of the Interior Haaland's cancellation of seven oil and gas lease permits covering 365,000 acres in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, also known as the ANWR. The former dean of our House, Congressman Don Young, once told me that his mission in Congress--a mission that he worked for for decades to accomplish--was to allow drilling in the ANWR. That was his passion. This mission was finally accomplished during the Trump administration with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Now, just 1\1/2\ years after Congressman Young's passing, the administration is reversing his important work. President Biden's disastrous America last energy policies and his embrace of the radical Green New Deal agenda have jeopardized American energy independence and have cost hardworking Americans significant inflation, both at the gas pump and in their utility bills. First, the Biden administration halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Then President Biden froze all oil and gas lease permits on Federal lands, and later he drained our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to boost political capital while putting American national and energy security at risk. Previously under President Trump's America first agenda, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established an oil and gas leasing program in the coastal plain of ANWR, increasing our Nation's energy security and lowering oil and gas prices for hardworking Americans. However, on President Biden's first day in office, he issued a disastrous executive order, Number 13990, titled: Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis, and it imposed a temporary moratorium on the statutorily mandated oil and gas lease activities in the coastal plain. So now President Biden is waging his latest battle in his war on American energy independence, the outright canceling of these oil and gas leases in the coastal plain of the ANWR while citing a dubious source of statutory authority and potentially losing out on 7.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This action by the Biden administration is blatantly circumventing the democratic process and subverting the will of Congress. My amendment to the fiscal year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill would prohibit funds from being used to implement the Biden administration's cancellation of the statutorily mandated oil and gas leases in the coastal plain of the ANWR. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment to prevent the cancellation of oil and gas leases in the coastal plain. Vote to unleash American independence and vote to lower your constituents' gas prices and utility bills. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chairman, it is vital that we unleash and support American energy, fossil fuel energy, and pursue pro-American energy policies. I am deeply concerned that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to put the needs of Americans first. Given the current state of affairs globally, we should not be relying on energy supplies from foreign powers. Therefore, I again urge my colleagues to support my amendment, which defunds this disastrous BLM rule. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I concur with my colleague on the other side of the aisle that climate change actually does happen. It happens four times a year--spring, summer, fall, and winter. Congressman Don Young represented Alaska. He knew Alaska better than anyone did, and he knew what was best for the ANWR. It was his passion that ANWR be open for drilling for the security of America, the entire country, for energy independence. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to vote for this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of my amendment No. 83 to the FY24 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which halts the funding for the Bureau of Land Management's misguided proposed rule on energy development in the Alaska National Petroleum Reserve. In these times of global upheaval, record-high gas prices, and economic instability, restricting American energy production would be unwise to the point of recklessness. It undermines the pillars of our national strength, our national security, fiscal health, and the prosperity of the American taxpayer. Yet, the Biden administration seeks to drastically limit access to responsible energy production on our own soil--resources that rightfully belong to the American people. The Alaskan reserve holds the potential to supply hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day, lessening our reliance on untrustworthy foreign sources. Yet, this administration seeks to negligently barricade access to our invaluable domestic resources. The Bureau of Land Management rule plainly defines the clear intent of Congress within the National Petroleum Reserves Production Act, which is to responsibly harness these resources through competitive leasing. The rule imposes arbitrary restrictions and redundant regulations that serve no purpose other than obstructing energy development. We cannot allow Washington bureaucrats to override the legislative mandate from this Congress and push a radical anti-American energy agenda down our throats. Utilizing the Alaskan reserve's resources is crucial for our energy security and the operational viability of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Leaving this vital infrastructure stranded would weaken America's strength on the world stage amidst looming threats from adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran. Our energy independence must stand resolute. In short, my amendment wisely prevents the squandering of taxpayer dollars on stifling our tremendous American energy potential. I urge my colleagues, those who cherish our working families, fiscal prosperity, and national security to rally behind this necessary course correction. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I was inextricably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 538. Amendment No. 28 Offered by Mr. Perry

Mr. CLYDE

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to amendment 36 offered by my colleague on the left. Protecting free speech is a vital duty and founding principle enshrined in our Constitution. Our Founders embedded this protection in the First Amendment, the very bedrock of our Republic. Yet, today, forces inside our government seek to trample this freedom through censorship and intimidation. The so-called Disinformation Governance Board was a dystopian scheme allowing unelected bureaucrats to silence dissent. Though now dismantled, its specter remains. Recently, shocking evidence emerged of Federal agencies, specifically CISA, pressuring social media platforms to suppress lawful speech. Make no mistake: Any attempt by the government to dictate approved narratives, stifle open debate, or chill free speech is unconstitutional. The Founders rebelled against such tyranny and wrote those protections into law, but, once again, Americans face efforts to control thought and decree acceptable speech. Amendment 36 would remove vital protections against these abuses of power. It would open the door to continued coercion with Big Tech, the harvesting of private data without warrants, and other violations of the First and Fourth Amendments. I call on each Member here to search your conscience. Will you defend the bill of rights or bow to illiberal forces attacking our liberties? The choice is clear. Stand alongside the Framers of our Constitution in upholding freedom. Oppose this amendment and affirm that government has no place policing protected speech or compromising privacy rights without due process. The American spirit rejects thought control and censorship. Our Constitution enshrines the right to voice beliefs openly, however controversial. Let's uphold this heritage. Vote down amendment 36 and any attempt to enable silencing of dissent. The integrity of our Republic hangs in the balance. Will you defend it or will you attack it? Amendment 36 attacks it, and so I urge all my colleagues to vote against it.

Mr. CLYDE

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

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

Mr. CLYDE

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

Mr. CLYDE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to cut the funding levels for the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, also known as CISA, by 25 percent, which equals about a $592.7 million reduction. On CISA's website, the agency's mission reads: ``We lead the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to our cyber and physical infrastructure.'' Great mission statement. Unfortunately, CISA has dangerously and nefariously migrated far from its mission, kind of like one of the illegal aliens coming across our southern border. Last year, CISA was involved in the infamous Disinformation Governance Board established under the Biden administration's Department of Homeland Security to regulate and police Americans' speech. While this dystopian Disinformation Governance Board was rightfully disbanded a few months later after enormous public outcry, many will be shocked to learn that CISA has not stopped monitoring Americans' free speech. According to a draft copy of DHS' ``Quadrennial Homeland Security Review,'' CISA drafted plans to target ``inaccurate information'' on a wide range of topics, including ``the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, racial justice, U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the nature of U.S. support to Ukraine.'' Moreover, Twitter's business records suggest that CISA migrated its true mission to protect the Nation's critical cyber and physical infrastructure into controlling what Americans can say and what speech is accessible online. This is wrong, dangerous, and a massive violation of our constitutional rights. Americans' First Amendment freedoms shall not be regulated or controlled by a rogue government agency either directly or indirectly through Big Tech. This government by proxy censorship has no place in our constitutional Republic. For some background, CISA was first created with overwhelming bipartisan support prior to my service here in the House. Under the Trump administration, CISA focused on countering foreign cyber influence. Unfortunately, since the current administration took office, CISA has aggressively shifted beyond the original mandate of countering foreign threats. In January 2021, CISA officials renamed the Countering Foreign Influence Task Force, one of the key bodies countering foreign disinformation founded during the Trump administration. They renamed it to the mis-, dis-, and malinformation team, or MDM team, meaning they took the word ``foreign'' out of the title. This shift in name represents a shift in CISA's mission from foreign to domestic to censor American citizens. Earlier this year, information was reported that showed members of CISA had privately characterized those who raised concerns over government censorship of free speech. CISA had labeled these individuals bad actors. CISA needs to return to its original mission of strengthening and protecting our national cybersecurity and infrastructure, not censoring free speech and infringing America's First Amendment liberties. As CISA's budget has drastically increased by 44 percent over the last 3 fiscal years, this agency has dangerously expanded its mission to police free speech and to silence the American people. There is a clear connection here. Given an extraordinary boost in funding, CISA has weaponized tax dollars to censor Americans and target speech they find disagreeable. It is time to end this injustice in order to protect the American people's unalienable First Amendment rights. Therefore, I offer this amendment to reduce CISA's funding closer to its fiscal year 2019-2020 funding level. This agency must be refocused on its true mission and not get expanded funding to continue undermining our constitutional rights. There is nothing like a budget cut to get an agency's attention. Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support my amendment in an effort to stop CISA's Orwellian practices and defend our cherished First Amendment freedoms. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.