Eli Crane

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for those remarks and also thank her son for serving in the Armed Forces. I too served in the Armed Forces, went on three wartime deployments, and I can tell you I didn't fight for any of this: global censorship, domestic propaganda, regime change politics, and many other things that this organization is doing. Mr. Chair, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison).

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 45 seconds to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Luna).

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chairman, a vote against this amendment is a vote to preserve the status quo, censorship, unrest, and erosion of our values. The American people may be busy, but they are not stupid. With this vote, they will see clearly who is fighting for them and who is not. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, regarding the vote on H. Res. 719. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 282.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the lives of Brenna Kulikowski and Damon Thompson of the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District. On Sunday, these brave firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty following a head-on collision while returning to Show Low. Although I had not met Damon, I knew Brenna, and my heart goes out to all of those who are grieving this loss. Please continue to pray for their families and the White Mountains region as they mourn this tragedy. As the community gathers in remembrance and gratitude, Brenna and Damon will be escorted back to Show Low, Arizona, and welcomed home as heroes. We are all forever grateful for their dedication and service to their fellow Arizonans.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in proud recognition of the Hopi Code Talkers and to honor their extraordinary contributions during World War II. At a time when the free world stood in the brink of destruction, ten courageous Hopi men answered the call and helped turn the tide of world history. Using their native language, these legendary warriors relayed critical intelligence during combat, creating an unbreakable line of communication that helped give America the upper hand. They served valiantly with the U.S. Army's 81st Wildcat Division and the 5th Air Force, shielding vital operations and saving countless lives. This week, members of the Hopi Tribe are hosting their annual event, honoring their important legacies. On behalf of all Americans, we are grateful for the heroic efforts of the Hopi Code Talkers.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of my bill, the Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2025. This legislation would transfer Federal land currently under the purview of the U.S. Forest Service to Navajo and Apache Counties. For more than a decade, the communities of Pinedale and Alpine have struggled to find appropriate cemetery space to meet the needs of family members wishing to enter and pay respects to their loved ones. My bill would expand the land adjacent to the Alpine Community Cemetery, preventing the need for members of the community to be laid to rest in a distant cemetery. These communities have storied histories dating back to the pioneers, and they deserve to lay their loved ones to rest in a place that means so much to them. My primary objective as a public official is to remain principled and effective for the district that I represent, ensuring that rural communities are not forgotten by the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Chairman Westerman, Navajo County Supervisor Seymore, and Apache County Supervisor Nelson, and also my colleagues on the other side for their support and their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this sensible solution.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of my bill, the Subterranean Border Defense Act, a bipartisan piece of border security legislation that I have introduced alongside the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa). Effective border security is created by overlapping deterrents, something we always need at our borders. The Subterranean Border Defense Act would help us address the growing threat of illicit cross- border tunnels by requiring annual reports to Congress on counter- tunneling operations, fortifying our security system at the border. Put simply, this would help ensure that Congress has the necessary data to forge another much-needed layer of defense. As transnational criminal organizations continue to grow in both size and sophistication, illicit cross-border tunnels along the southwest border of the United States represent a significant and growing threat to national security. Congress must address this deadly threat and ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the resources needed to acquire counter-tunnel technology. Since 1990, officials have discovered more than 140 tunnels that have breached the U.S. border, with an 80 percent increase in tunnel activity occurring since 2008. Over the years, CBP has worked to combat these tunnels as part of their overall strategy. In fact, the United States conducts research, development, and test activities with Israel, which must contend with a vast network of Hamas tunnels originating in the Gaza Strip. This partnership helps us to detect and destroy tunnels in our respective countries. The FY23 NDAA mandated that CBP submit a one-time report to Congress on a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. This singular report has since led Congress to conduct critical oversight and has enabled CBP to formalize many of the processes, technologies, and resources needed to counteract illicit tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border. My bill would expand on this success by mandating a report every year going forward to ensure Congress has sufficient knowledge and oversight regarding this dynamic threat. With border crossings thankfully going down since January, I think it is safe to assume this will drive threats at our border underground through these tunnels. I thank Mr. Correa for co-leading with me, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation for a secure southern border.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my bill, which passed the House last Congress and was the first piece of legislation I introduced in my first term. It is a testament to veterans in Arizona. Specifically, my bill would enable Gila County, Arizona, to operate a veterans' center on 232 acres in Young, Arizona. As a former Navy Seal, I know the importance of providing this resource cannot be understated. This legislation will serve our State and its heroes well. The veterans' center would protect and maintain the rich history of the property while providing family housing, meeting and activity spaces, resource rooms, veteran ceremonial grounds, and outdoor recreation. It would be the first of its kind in northern Arizona, providing resources and support to primarily rural veterans and their families. Furthermore, this legislation is an exemplary model of efficient land management. Out West, the Federal Government retains vast amounts of land, limiting States' ability to maintain, conserve, recreate, and responsibly produce on lands within their own State. Mr. Speaker, anytime Congress can vote on legislation that returns power to the States is a good thing. In this case, veterans of northern Arizona will get a space to heal and reconnect with their families after putting their lives on the line for the peace and freedom of all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Arizona (Mr. Gosar), who helped lay the foundation for this effort, as well as Senator Kelly, who is leading this bill in the Senate. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can get this bill across the finish line, and I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent 14 of Arizona's Tribes. One of the leaders I have been able to work with is Chairman Robert Miguel of the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Maricopa, Arizona, who will complete his final term this month due to term limits. Chairman Miguel first joined the Ak-Chin Tribal Council in 2014 and was elected chairman in 2016. During this time he has been a strong leader focused on serving his community with an entrepreneurial spirit, creating jobs and economic growth and promoting educational opportunities. We have worked together on efforts with the Indian Health Services, ensuring healthcare coverage for the Tribe, along with prioritizing flood control improvements with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The first time I met with Chairman Miguel, he shared with me the Ak- Chin slogan: ``We all win with Ak-Chin.'' I will remember his enthusiasm and hard work as we continue to work with the Tribe on important issues. I thank Chairman Miguel for his leadership and service. I wish him the best in his future endeavors and know he will continue to make Ak- Chin proud.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity tonight from Mr. Biggs. Here we stand, 3 years after Kamala Harris was installed as the border czar helping to spearhead this administration's deadly open- border policies, a task she has carried out with exceptional success for 42 months. The number of individuals apprehended illegally crossing our southwest border who are on the terror watch list increased roughly 3,000 percent from the previous administration. That is a 3,000 percent increase on the border czar's watch. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to call it what it is: an invasion. I also point out that we just commemorated the 23rd anniversary of 9/ 11. I have said this time and time again, but it bears repeating. It only took 19 depraved individuals to carry out the horrific attacks on that day. Since Biden installed Kamala as the border czar, close to 400 members of the terror watch list have attempted to infiltrate our Nation. When you combine that number with the nearly 2 million known got-aways that have evaded apprehension and permeated our communities, the likelihood of potential terror attacks in the near future is chilling. What has to happen for this administration and this Chamber to say: Enough. We will finally take who we are letting into this country seriously? How many foreign threats do we have to let in? How many Americans have to be slaughtered at the hands of criminal aliens? How many sexual predators have to be granted access to our communities before this administration wakes up? Kamala's record as border czar is a guidebook for what not to do to secure our border and ensure the safety of American families.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, last week, contestants competed in the 72nd Annual Miss Navajo Nation Pageant in my district. To become Miss Navajo, contestants participate in a rigorous week- long annual competition, which requires contestants to demonstrate proficiency in both the Navajo and English languages, knowledge of Navajo culture and beliefs, business interviews, contemporary talents, and traditional skills such as sheep butchering and preparing traditional foods. I'd like to recognize Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye, who has served as Miss Navajo for the past year. I met Amy last year during her first trip to the U.S. Capitol and learned about her experience and background and the process of becoming Miss Navajo. We've had a few chances to connect throughout the years and I've been impressed with her hard work and professionalism. She's been a strong leader and advocate for Navajo history and culture. I thank Amy for her leadership as Miss Navajo over the last year. I wish her the best in her future endeavors and know that she will continue to make the Navajo Nation proud.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Madam Speaker, last week, contestants competed in the 72nd Annual Miss Navajo Pageant in my district. To become Miss Navajo, contestants participate in a rigorous weeklong annual competition which requires contestants to demonstrate proficiency in both Navajo and English languages, knowledge of Navajo culture and beliefs, business interviews, contemporary talents, and traditional skills such as sheep butchering and preparing traditional foods. I recognize Amy Begaye, who has served as Miss Navajo for the past year. I met Amy last year during her first trip to the U.S. Capitol and learned about her experience and background and the process of becoming Miss Navajo. We have had a few chances to connect throughout the years, and I have been impressed with her hard work and professionalism. She has been a strong leader and an advocate for Navajo history and culture. Madam Speaker, I thank Amy for her leadership as Miss Navajo over the last year. I wish her the best in her future endeavors and know she will continue to make the Navajo Nation proud.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of my bill, the Subterranean Border Defense Act, a bipartisan piece of border security legislation that I have introduced alongside Congressman Correa from California. Effective border security is created by overlapping deterrents. That is something we are desperately lacking at our border. The Subterranean Border Defense Act would help us address the growing threat of illicit cross-border tunnels by requiring annual reports to Congress on counter-tunnel operations, fortifying our security system at the border. Put simply, this would help us ensure that Congress has the necessary data to forge another much-needed layer of defense. As transnational criminal organizations continue to grow in both size and sophistication, illicit cross-border tunnels along the southwest border of the United States represent a significant and growing threat to national security. Congress must address this deadly threat and ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the resources needed to acquire counter-tunnel technology. Since 1990, officials have discovered more than 140 tunnels that have breached the U.S. border with an 80 percent increase in tunnel activity occurring since 2008. Over the years, CBP has worked to combat these tunnels as part of their overall strategy. In fact, the United States conducts research, development, and test activities with Israel who must contend with a vast network of Hamas tunnels originating in the Gaza Strip. This partnership helps us detect and destroy tunnels in our respective countries. The FY23 NDAA mandated that CBP submit a one-time report to Congress on a strategic plan for countering illicit cross-border tunnel operations. This singular report has since led Congress to conduct critical oversight and has enabled CBP to formalize many of the processes, technologies, and resources needed to counteract illegal tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border. My bill would expand on this success by mandating a report every year going forward to ensure Congress has sufficient knowledge and oversight regarding this dynamic threat. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation for a secure southern border.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Chief Wynn as he retires after more than 34 years of law enforcement service, the last 22 in my district, with the Town of Chino Valley. Upon retirement Chief said his law enforcement career will come full circle as he will continue to serve the department and the community in a reserve role back out on patrol. ``It was what I loved most and look forward to the ground level interaction again,'' Chief stated. ``My goal during a traffic stop was always to get a smile or a laugh.'' Chief Wynn has been a valued employee and his commitment to the community was evidenced on a daily basis. He is a loyal representative of the law enforcement community and admired for his hard work, dedication, and positive work ethic.

Mr. CRANE

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

Mr. CRANE. Madam Chair, today, I rise in support of my amendment, which clarifies that any veteran who is reported to NICS by a VA fiduciary was done so incorrectly in violation of their constitutional rights. It also forces the VA Secretary to instruct the Attorney General to remove these veterans from the NICS list. Congress should not turn a blind eye to the 260,000 veterans who have been wrongfully submitted to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Earlier this year, Congress passed appropriations which prohibited this. In fact, last year, this exact language passed with 221 Republicans and 9 Democrats supporting it when it was considered by the House. Since then, a majority of House Democrats have come out against this policy and are working with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to blatantly misuse VA funds, in conflict with congressional intent and the will of the people, to continue disarming veterans; create an unauthorized process for dragging veterans before judges for red flag disarmament proceedings; and using unconstitutional State-level gun confiscation laws against veterans, even outside the fiduciary program. These lawless suggestions by my Democrat colleagues are the nightmares of veterans that I represent and veterans across America. President Biden will have no problem plowing ahead and stripping veterans of their Second Amendment rights, and if this administration can do this to veterans, they can do it to the rest of Americans. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of my bill, which was the first piece of legislation I introduced and is a testament to veterans in Arizona. Specifically, my bill would enable Gila County, Arizona, to operate a veterans center on 232 acres in Young, Arizona. As a veteran myself, I know the importance of providing these resources cannot be overstated. This legislation will serve our State and its heroes well. The veterans center would protect and maintain the rich history of the property while providing family housing, meeting and activity spaces, resource rooms, veteran ceremonial grounds, and outdoor recreation. It would be the first of its kind in northern Arizona, providing resources and support to primarily rural veterans and their families. Furthermore, this legislation is an exemplary model of efficient land management. Out West, the Federal Government retains vast amounts of land, limiting States' ability to maintain, conserve, recreate, and responsibly produce on the lands within their own States. Anytime Congress can vote on legislation that returns power to the State is a good thing. In this case, veterans of northern Arizona will get a space to heal and reconnect with their families after putting their lives on the line for the peace and freedom of all Americans. I would like to take a moment to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar), my friend who helped lay the foundation for this effort, as well as Senators Sinema and Kelly, who are leading this bill in the Senate. It is my hope that we can get this bill across the finish line. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Madam Speaker, I am going to be voting ``no'' for this bill. Madam Speaker, first, for my Republican colleagues, it is important that we understand that the American people don't expect us to win every time, but they sure as hell expect us to fight. That is not what we are doing. We should not be fighting for this. This is garbage. The next thing I want to address real quick is for the American people. The American people should pay attention to who votes for this. When they come back to their hometown in their district and talk at the next Lincoln Day Dinner about fiscal responsibility and securing the border, if they voted for this, let them hear about it.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-introduce this legislation to officially establish the Office of Native American Affairs at the Small Business Administration, and I thank Representative Davids for her leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent over half of Arizona's Tribes. Something I hear often is there is a need for economic growth and opportunity. Tribal entrepreneurs who run businesses on reservations face complex hurdles when it comes to understanding tax implications, property rights, regulatory burdens, and lending. Tribal entrepreneurs should have the ability to access SBA's programs just like anyone else, but in reality, these communities do not experience adequate access or outreach. Most importantly, they need specialized expertise to assist them in navigating the unique complexities of running a business on a reservation--complexities mostly created by us, the Federal Government. Economic development in our Tribal communities is crucial. I am hopeful that establishing the Office of Native American Affairs into statute will bring attention to resources the Small Business Administration can provide to Tribal businessowners and encourage the office to continue developing new methods for outreach to ensure that Tribal businesses are not overlooked. This bill would also ensure that Congress can practice proper oversight of the office's activities and effectiveness going forward. I encourage representatives from this office to come out and visit Tribal communities in my district and begin a dialogue with small business owners who may be unaware that this office even exists. Doing so will allow the Office of Native American Affairs to adjust and enhance their programs so they can best serve Tribal small business owners.

Mr. CRANE

Mr. CRANE. Thank you for saying the quiet part out loud. Yes, your policies are so bad that no matter whom you put in there it will cause the same amount of damage to the American people. The people of this country are watching. Let's get this done.

Mr. CRANE. Madam Speaker, Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution, often known as the invasion clause, says that this government will protect every State from invasion. That is something that clearly this Secretary is in complete dereliction of duty of, and I know that he swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Now, I am not sure how many Americans have to die of fentanyl or have their kids raped and murdered by MS-13 gang members. We had one in Homeland Security just a couple weeks ago begging us to do something about this absolutely atrocious leadership from the Secretary. Nonetheless, it is high time that this individual be held accountable for his complete dereliction of duty at our southern border. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. The last thing I want to say is that I think it tells you everything you need to know when my colleagues say that it doesn't matter if you impeach Secretary Mayorkas, we are just going to have somebody come in and do the same exact job.