Mike Collins

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to speak for consideration of H.R. 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act. America has seen great innovation in its 250 years, from the lightbulb to the internet and now artificial intelligence. The benefits of AI must be made available for more than big corporations. They must reach every facet of our economy. Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy, representing nearly 43 percent of the U.S. GDP and employing 46 percent of the workforce. These are our neighbors, our friends, and our families. They are the heart of Main Street USA. As AI and industries advance, we must ensure that they are not left behind. Too often, small businesses lack the technical know-how or financial resources to adopt AI, which is putting them at a growing disadvantage. That is why I introduced H.R. 3679. This bipartisan legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop resources to voluntarily educate small businesses on best practices when integrating AI into their businesses. Through this legislation, we will level the playing field. We will ensure small businesses have the ability to modernize and remain competitive against their larger counterparts. Main Street is what keeps the American spirit alive. With this bill, we will ensure that Main Street is safe for generations to come.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his leadership on our committee and for this piece of legislation, as well as all my colleagues who had input into this piece of legislation. Mr. Chair, it is a great piece of commonsense legislation. I tell folks all the time I have got more years behind me than in front of me. One of the reasons that I came to Washington, D.C., was to make sure that my kids and the next generation had the same opportunities that I did when I was growing up. This piece of legislation addresses that. It is one of many pieces, but it addresses that with the fact that all we are doing is asking for the Federal Government to become more efficient and more productive. When we do that, we make life more affordable for everyone. Mr. Chair, it just does not make common sense that it takes over 10 years to build a road out. It does not make sense when we spend over 7 years fighting for permits and fighting frivolous lawsuits with environmentalists on a build-out plan of 2\1/2\ or 3 years. It doesn't make common sense when an electric generating power company wants to build a natural gas facility but they will miss the economic growth because it takes over 10 years to get a permit to lay the pipeline. It doesn't make common sense when our rural communities out there are struggling. The water treatment facilities are worn out and they are old, but they can't participate in the economic growth that is coming because it will take them over a decade to get a permit. That is not just to mention the fact this bill addresses clarity for our farmers out there or more affordable homebuilding. Mr. Chair, I know this is not a big, sexy headline topic, but this is an important piece of legislation. It will help improve efficiency and productivity with our Federal Government and make sure that life is more affordable so that these young people can get out there and chase their version of the American Dream. Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. Let's get H.R. 3898 passed out of the House and sent over to the Senate.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, by mistake, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 282 on September 19, 2025, which was the resolution honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. I would have voted in favor of this resolution, as Charlie was a valiant warrior for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our great country.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, campaign promises made and soon to be campaign promises kept. I spent my entire career in the private sector. I know what those Trump tax policies did for me and for my business, my community, my State, and my country. Now, with this bill, we are going to bring inflation under control, have energy dominance, make sure that small businesses have certainty with our tax policies out there. Also, Mr. Speaker, we are going to bring these Federal agencies under control by deregulation. If we do that, we will unleash the American entrepreneurial spirit out there. This is a big day for Main Street. Wall Street has had their time. I encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill, and let's get this thing to the President's desk.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, as a small businessman who started his business career under George H.W. Bush and operated that business all the way through all the administrations up to and including the Biden administration, I can unequivocally say that the Trump tax policies in the Trump administration were the best for small businesses, period. That is why I joined the majority of the Americans across this country to vote to make those Trump policies permanent. You see, Mr. Speaker, it doesn't matter if you have two college degrees, no college degrees, Brown, Black, White, Trump's policies lifted all boats. That is why I encourage my colleagues to join me, pass this bill, and vote for Main Street.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. They commit larger and more heinous crimes, and that is exactly what happened here in the Laken Riley murder. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to get this passed today. Let's get this done. I will leave you with one other thought, too. I have always heard a saying that there is nothing with any meaningful legislation that happens up here in this town until the American people demand it, and by God, they are demanding this get passed and we get these criminals out of our country.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I will take a minute to talk a little bit about the journey of this bill. When this tragedy happened and we took a look at what possibly could be done to make sure that this doesn't happen again, I talked with the family and asked them if we could put Laken Riley's name on it. Their response was: Congressman, if there is anything that Congress can do to make sure that this doesn't happen to another family, then please put her name on it and get this thing passed. Mr. Speaker, and that we did. Thirty-seven Democrats with all Republicans in the House passed that bill in the 118th Congress. We sent it over to the Senate and where so many of the other good bills went, it fell into the black hole of the Senate never to be seen again. I had another discussion with the family later and told them where the bill was sitting and what was going on. I told them that I can never let it go. I just couldn't let this go because Laken fought with every ounce in her body to stay alive that day. I vowed I would fight with every ounce I had to make sure that we protected families across this country, and that we did. Mr. Speaker, I thank the family for allowing us to do that. I also thank my colleagues for sticking in here and voting with us, not just the Republicans but the Democrats, people on the other side of the aisle and not just in the House, it went through the Senate. We had Senate Democrats that went with this bill, as well. This is a good bill. It is a commonsense, law enforcement bill. It simply states that for minor-level crime local law enforcement can contact ICE to get these people detained, processed, and deported. These people, these criminals that come across and inflict violence on American families, they just get more and more emboldened. The Speaker pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support the Laken Riley Act. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that we record into history exactly what happened to this young lady. This young lady didn't have a care in the world. She was just out for a jog, enjoying the day, when an illegal criminal took her life away. He didn't even have any remorse. He never hesitated. This legislation could have prevented her death. Her murderer was in our country illegally and was a known criminal. He had abused a child in New York City and was flown to Athens, Georgia, a sanctuary city, all of this on the taxpayers' dime, where he was once again cited for shoplifting. Every part of our system failed Laken that day, and there is nothing we can do to bring her back. I will tell you what, we can make sure this never happens again. Right now, ICE is unable to detain and deport illegal criminals who commit these minor-level crimes, but the Laken Riley Act will fix this and give ICE and our local law enforcement the tools to get these criminals out of our country and make our communities safer. We need to get these people off the street. These criminals are getting bolder and bolder while our communities become more and more unsafe. Our lax policies gave her murderer the courage to kill Laken Riley. We have got to make sure that this doesn't ever happen again. Mr. Speaker, he bashed her head in with a rock. This is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. People need to know what this animal did to her. I am going to tell you what, they also need to know how she fought back. Laken fought back with every ounce in her body. When I spoke to the family about this bill last year, I told them I would never let it go. I will fight with every ounce that I have to make sure that no family has to suffer a loss like they have to these illegal criminals. Mr. Speaker, it is a sad day in America, it is a sad day when we allow these thug criminals to invade our homes, our country, and impose their violence and their will on the American people. We have the opportunity today, we have the opportunity to fix this, and I encourage all my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes.'' I will leave you with an excerpt from a statement made by Laken Riley's family: The Laken Riley Act has our full support because it would help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the kind of heartbreak we have experienced. Laken would have been 23 on January 10. There is no greater gift that could be given to her or our country than to continue her legacy by saving lives through this bill. Every single Member of Congress should be able to get behind this purely commonsense bill that will make our country and communities safer. Mr. Speaker, God help us. God help us.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the retirement of Morgan County Sheriff Robert Markley. From the beginning of his career as a beat cop patrolling the streets to keep our community safe to serving as Morgan County's law enforcement officer, Sheriff Markley has dedicated his life to protecting the innocent, delivering swift justice to criminals, and keeping all of us safe. He has been a pillar in the community, a mentor to everyone in local law enforcement, and the leader Morgan County needed. I thank him for his dedication and leadership over these last two decades. He truly will be missed. I hope he will continue to advise and guide the next generation of local law enforcement. Madam Speaker, I thank him for everything he has done.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to demand that Texas be sent back to the Big 12 and to congratulate the 2024 SEC champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. After the Dawgs' historic win over the Longhorns the SEC's championship over the weekend, which, by the way, was the second time Georgia has beat Texas this season, the Dawgs have proved, without a doubt, that Texas just ain't ready for SEC ball. What an incredible win, Mr. Speaker. Not only did the Dawgs absolutely smoke Texas in overtime, but they did it with class, style, and a backup quarterback. This is the 15th SEC championship in Georgia history, and the Dawgs aren't done yet. As we move into the playoffs, don't let off the gas. The Dawgs have got a national championship to bring back to Athens, and don't let anyone stop them. Mr. Speaker, Go Dawgs.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of one of Georgia's finest law enforcement officers. Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum will be leaving the force at the end of this year, marking an end to an incredible and historic 39-year career. Since 1985, Sheriff Mangum has devoted her life to protecting the innocent, keeping dangerous criminals off our streets, and serving as a leader to the law enforcement officers in Jackson County and throughout Georgia. From her time as a radio operator to being elected as the second female sheriff in Georgia history, Sheriff Mangum leaves a legacy that saved countless lives and struck fear in the hearts of Georgia's criminals. She was named 2023 Georgia Sheriff of the Year, and has received so many accolades and awards for her hard work and dedication, that I truthfully do not have time to list them all. Know this, when there was a call to serve, she answered. On behalf of Georgia's 10th Congressional District, I thank her for her commitment to Jackson County and the sacrifices she has made to keep us safe. She will truly be missed.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to recognize and honor the retirement of Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman. Starting out as a beat cop, spending every day on the front lines keeping our community safe, to serving as Walton County sheriff, Joe Chapman has dedicated the last 40 years of his life to bringing no excuses, commonsense law enforcement to Walton County. There is a sign above Sheriff Chapman's door that reads, ``I hate excuses,'' and that is exactly how he operates. He is a true servant leader, a pillar to the community, and a mentor to the next generation of Georgia law enforcement. In addition to being one of the most respected and admired lawmen in Georgia, Sheriff Chapman is a Marine Corps and Georgia Army National Guard veteran and a commissioner for the Sheriff's Retirement Fund of Georgia. Sheriff Chapman's legacy and impact on Walton County will not be soon forgotten. I want to express my gratitude to Sheriff Chapman for his selfless work over these last 20 years. On behalf of Georgia's 10th Congressional District, I thank him for his service. I wish him a happy, healthy, and safe retirement. He has certainly earned it.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Madam Speaker, in John 15:12-13, Jesus says: ``This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.'' Madam Speaker, Greene County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Eddy laid down his life for his friends on September 4, 2024, while battling a tractor-trailer fire on Highway 15 north of Greensboro. Chief Eddy grew up in Greene County and graduated from Nathanael Greene Academy in Siloam, Georgia. He spent his life dedicated to this community and lost his life in its service. He leaves behind his wife, Lindsey, and son, Bryson, who are enduring the pain of loss that the families of all first responders know they could face. Words can't adequately express our deep sadness at the loss of this incredible man and public servant, who was so dearly loved by his family and community. We are thankful for who he was and know that it is men like him who keep our communities strong and safe. May Chief Chris Eddy rest in peace. May he always be remembered for his honorable service to Greene County.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, it has been a rough year in the 10th District of Georgia. We started out the year with the brutal and heinous murder of Laken Riley over at the University of Georgia, and then last Wednesday, at the Apalachee High School in Barrow County, we had an active shooter enter the school. Christian Angulo, a 14-year-old student; Mason Schermerhorn, another 14-year-old student; Richard Aspinwall, a teacher and coach; and Christina Irimie, a teacher, lost their lives. Nine other people went to the hospital, and numerous people were hurt. Mr. Speaker, I ask that our colleagues join us for a moment of silence to reflect and remember those people who lost their lives and their families and those people who are still healing from this incident.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jayden Daniel, a young man from Eatonton, Georgia, who has earned the esteemed Congressional Award Gold Medal. Jayden is the son of Shannon and Mark Daniel and a 2024 graduate of Gatewood School. An athlete, Eagle Scout, student pilot, and entrepreneur, Jayden has become quite the accomplished young man. In fact, he is the founder and operator of Lake Country Driveway Cleaning, a pressure-washing business that he started at the age of 17. Jayden is also a young man dedicated to improving his community through service, having already devoted more than 600 volunteer hours. Every year, he leads a community-driven Easter basket project aimed at spreading joy to local kids in foster care. This project is known locally as ``Baskets of Hope'' and has distributed more than 2,350 baskets filled with treats, toys, and essentials to foster children in 12 Georgia counties. According to Jayden, ``whether it's supporting charitable causes or extending a helping hand to the less fortunate,'' his goal is to ``make a positive impact in the lives of others.'' From raising money for children who are battling cancer, to laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, to working at the local food bank, Jayden has continued to rise to the occasion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the service and commitment of Mr. Jayden Daniel, who has earned the highest honor that the U.S. Congress bestows upon American youth. His extraordinary achievements are not only worthy of the Congressional Award Gold Medal but also of our respect and gratitude. God Bless Jayden in his future endeavors. I thank him for everything he does and for allowing me to represent him in Congress.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 which addresses the needs of the water infrastructure nationwide. This bill is a win for my home State of Georgia. It includes my amendment to protect the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam from the U.S. Corps of Engineers' plan to reduce water levels for Augusta, Georgia, an issue I was proud to work on with my colleague Rick Allen. It allows the deepening of the Port of Savannah. It includes report language reinforcing the authority of power marketing administrators to set hydropower rates, which we are currently seeing have a large impact on energy prices in the district. Thanks to Congressman Dale Strong, it immediately provides a cost estimate to repair the Wilson Lock and Dam on the Tennessee River. I look forward to the final passage of this vital piece of legislation and securing America's water resources for generations to come, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jayden Daniel, a young man from Eatonton, Georgia, who has earned the esteemed Congressional Award Gold Medal. Jayden Daniel is the son of Shannon and Mark Daniel and graduated from Gatewood School in 2024. He is an athlete, an Eagle Scout, a student pilot, and an entrepreneur, actually starting his first business at the age of 17. If he is not helping with the local Easter baskets for foster kids or out there raising money for children with childhood cancer, Jayden is certainly making an impact on others. That is why, Madam Speaker, I applaud Jayden and congratulate him on being bestowed Congress' Congressional Award Gold Medal. May God bless Jayden. It is an honor to serve him in Congress.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during this National Police Week to honor four Georgia sheriffs. Sheriffs Janis Mangum, Melvin Andrews, Robert Markley, and Joe Chapman are each distinguished officers from Georgia's 10th District, who, after a career of serving others, are retiring later this year. Our law enforcement officers and first responders risk their lives every time they don their uniforms. Mr. Speaker, in a time of the defund the police movement out there from the left, it is more important than ever that we back our men and women in blue. Mr. Speaker, I join millions of Americans out there in expressing my gratitude to every law enforcement officer during this National Police Week for their service, dedication, and courage. I also thank Sheriffs Mangum, Andrews, Markley, and Chapman on behalf of Georgia's 10th District.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to pass a full reauthorization of the FAA. Right now, we have a Federal Aviation Administration that is operating under 20th century technology. Full reauthorization ensures the United States remains the gold standard on the world stage in aviation by bolstering U.S. technology and restructuring the FAA to improve efficiency. As a matter of fact, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes a handful of amendments many of my colleagues have worked with industry experts on for several months, one of which I was proud to have included in the House-passed version. This amendment encourages private-sector investment in hypersonic technology so we can remain competitive on the world stage. Our aviation sector drives over 5 percent of the GDP and supports 11 million jobs. Full authorization ensures that our skies remain safe, and our aviation industry stays competitive. I urge my colleagues to get this good piece of legislation across the finish line.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a close family friend, Don Leebern, Jr. He was 6'3'' in stature, but he was a whole lot larger than that in life. He was a Georgia football player, and he played in the AFL, but he was also a highly successful businessperson. In addition, he was also a person who gave back to society, his community, serving on boards and foundations. The last time I had dinner with Mr. Leebern, he grumbled about the fact that his wife was making him eat healthy and he was going to have to order off the healthy side of the menu. After he grumbled, he promptly ordered right. The reason I say that is because he dearly, dearly loved his family. A man who will be truly missed, Don Leebern, Jr., led a life well lived.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also thank the gentleman for his commitment not just for his district, not just for the communities in his district and the industry, but the communities and industries across this whole country. Mr. Speaker, we had the opportunity last year to visit his district and hold a field hearing. As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, there was not a single colleague from the other side of the aisle that attended that field hearing. If they did, they would have learned a few things. Number one, that it is one of the largest deposits of critical minerals in the world. That Federal land sits beside State land that does have permits for mining the same thing, but the Federal land is being held up. As a matter of fact, 80 percent of all critical minerals that are mined in this country are sent over to China to be processed because we have shut down smelters in this country. We are down to three. My colleagues would have also seen the look on the faces up there, the face of people in a community that is being devastated. They are worried not just about themselves, but for the generations that are to come. These are people that set the standard for mining around the world. Mr. Speaker, this bill is one more step in overturning and untangling this web these out-of-control Federal agencies have placed on a good industry, a great industry in our country. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to please vote for this bill.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Georgia's Jeff McLendon on the conclusion of his tenure as chairman of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. This association is comprised of the companies that keep America moving while employing 6 million Americans, many of them Georgians, in high-paying, rewarding careers. With Jeff's guidance as chairman, NAW expanded its educational opportunities for emerging leaders, enhanced its thoughtful leadership in a rapidly innovating world and continued to be an effective voice for distribution-friendly policies here in Washington. NAW's success under Jeff's leadership shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, knowing Jeff's success in the business over these past 20 years leading Duluth, Georgia's, Specialty Building Products. I had the opportunity to visit one of his facilities last year and to meet with him and members of his impressive team. Jeff is a humble leader and a man of faith who cares deeply about his employees, his community, and his country. I, again, congratulate Jeff on his tenure as NAW chairman, and I appreciate his continued servant leadership in the Georgia business community.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Bishop for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have introduced the Laken Riley Act, and I urge you to join me in voting to pass this bill today. As Joe Biden comes to the Capitol tonight to defend his atrocious record, the House is voting to rebuke him for the open border policies that led directly to Laken Riley's murder. Enough is enough. The President and the DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have released millions of illegal aliens into this country and they refuse to secure our border and keep Americans safe. Unfortunately, the man who murdered Laken was among those millions. Despite committing several crimes in multiple jurisdictions, he was allowed to roam free in America before brutally murdering Ms. Riley on the campus of the University of Georgia on February 22. Mr. Speaker, Laken was only 22 years old, a nursing student. She had her whole life and a bright future ahead of her. This young woman was an exemplary daughter, sister, and friend. She was cherished by so many people for her loving nature and her servant's heart. She would be with us today if elected leaders who took an oath to preserve our Constitution and faithfully execute our laws had kept their word, but they didn't. While we can't bring Laken back, we must now turn our focus to doing everything we can to prevent this from happening to another American. The Laken Riley Act is a key piece in our fight to restore the rule of law and get criminal illegal aliens off our street. This legislation will give Immigration and Customs Enforcement more tools. It will add theft to the list of crimes for which the agency must detain and deport an illegal alien. This is crucial. Many people who commit petty crimes go on to commit worse crimes. Laken's murderer, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is a prime example of this. Ibarra was cited for shoplifting in Athens, Georgia, just prior to murdering Laken, but under current law, ICE would not have been required to pick up Ibarra, even if local law enforcement had reported him. Let's change that. Let's also give States the legal recourse when the Federal Government fails to enforce immigration law. The Laken Riley Act does that. States will be able to sue the Federal Government for injunctive relief when illegals released into this country harm our people. Lastly, the bill condemns the President's border policies and calls on him to end catch and release, reinstate remain in Mexico, and secure the borders of the United States. Mr. Speaker, today we act on behalf of those who are no longer with us because of Joe Biden's policies. I thank my colleagues for rallying alongside me to highlight Laken Riley's life these past 2 weeks. Let's continue to pray for her family and friends as they grieve her loss and resolve to continue fighting for the American people against the lawlessness created by this administration. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the Laken Riley Act, and when it passes, I also urge my colleagues in the Senate to take this up immediately. Let's ensure justice for Laken Riley.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, we, the Georgia delegation, rise tonight to honor the life and legacy of Laken Riley, who was murdered last week in Athens, Georgia, on the campus of the University of Georgia. Allow me to share a few words about Laken directly from her parents: Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, and friend. She was selfless, lived to be an example for others, and was a dedicated servant of her community from a young age. Laken's servant heart came from her love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who guided her steps and shaped the way she lived. Her faith informed her decision to enter the nursing program at Augusta University where she joined the A Chi O sorority and made countless friends who loved her and miss her dearly. I will conclude with this message to Laken from her mom and dad: ``Rest in peace, our angel. We look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven. Until then, we will do our best to make you proud.'' God help us. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of the House taking up the remaining appropriations legislation as soon as we get back in the new year. The past 12 months have certainly been trying, but our Conference has shown that we can pass strong conservative policy that puts America first. To my colleagues, enjoy your time with your family. Come January, let's be prepared to finish what the American people expect us to do, and that is to get these remaining appropriations bills across the finish line.