Mike Ezell

Mr. EZELL

Mr. EZELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Police Week. As a 42-year veteran of law enforcement and a former patrolman, detective, police chief, and sheriff, I know firsthand how much our law enforcement officers and their families sacrifice to protect our communities. At a time when law enforcement officers across the country have been vilified by far-left activists, it is more important than ever that we show them our honor and respect. Today is Peace Officers Memorial Day, and I take this time to honor two fallen heroes from south Mississippi, Bay St. Louis Police officers Sergeant Steven Robin and Officer Branden Estorffe. Sergeant Robin and Officer Estorffe were shot and killed in the line of duty this past December. Like so many other fallen officers, they leave behind grieving families and a community grappling with the consequences of senseless violence. As we honor both National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, our fallen officers, their loved ones, and their communities are in the thoughts and prayers of myself, this body, and the United States of America. May we always remember their selfless commitment to service and, ultimately, their sacrifice.

Mr. EZELL

Mr. EZELL. Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. For the last 2 years, the Biden administration has implemented radical energy policies that have caused the price of gas and other household expenses to skyrocket. At the same time, this administration has forced us to become more dependent on hostile foreign nations and has caused us to lose high-paying American energy jobs. H.R. 1 is commonsense legislation that addresses these problems. It would increase domestic energy production, reform outdated permitting processes, and support the production and processing of critical minerals. Ultimately, this bill works to support the energy needs of hardworking American families who are struggling with the high prices created by this administration's policies. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud of the way H.R. 1 improves water quality certification by streamlining an outdated permitting process. Bureaucrats often weaponize the process by slowing down certification for projects that don't fit their radical agenda.

Mr. EZELL

Mr. EZELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the lives of 2 fallen heroes, Bay St. Louis Police officers Sergeant Steven Robin and Officer Branden Estorffe, who were shot and killed in the line of duty this past December. Sergeant Steven Robin served 3 years with the Bay St. Louis Police Department after prior service with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Officer Branden Estorffe served 2 years with the Bay St. Louis Police Department. During their law enforcement careers, both men received numerous accolades for their dedication to protecting their community. Sergeant Steven Robin received Overall Top Academic Honors with the Hancock County Law Enforcement Training Academy. Sergeant Robin took on supervisory roles during his tenures with both the Waveland Police Department and the Bay St. Louis Police Department, serving as a Field Training Officer and Sergeant with both departments. Officer Branden Estorffe was recognized for Top Academics with the Combat Readiness Training Center. Officer Estorffe also earned the Firearms Award with the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy and maintained high firearms standards with the National Rifle Association and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team. Sergeant Steven Robin is survived by his wife, Amy, his parents, Michael and Julie Robin, his son, Brandon Boudreaux, his 2 special girls whom he considered daughters, Tessa Delsied and Emmaleigh Melton, his granddaughter, Rosie, his 2 brothers, Brian and Glenn Robin, his father-in-law, Lester Bush, his mother-in-law, Mary Bush, his brother- in-law, Brad Bush, his sister-in-law, Stephanie Bush, and his 2 godchildren, Braeleigh, and Addilyn Delsied. Officer Branden Estorffe is survived by his parents, Ian and Heather Estorffe, and his siblings, Lilly and Sophia Estorffe, Jordana and Chloe Gilkerson, and Andrew Porter, his grandparents, Rex and Lynda Estorffe and Tommy and Sheila Burkett, and his aunts and uncles, Lauren and Greg Walters, Jennifer and Jason Polk, and Chad Goodfellow. May we remember their selfless commitment, their service, and ultimately their sacrifice. Their families are in the thoughts and prayers of myself, this body, and everyone in Mississippi.

Mr. EZELL

Mr. EZELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor two fallen heroes: Bay St. Louis Police officers, Sergeant Steve Robin and Officer Branden Estorffe, who were shot and killed in the line of duty this past December. Sergeant Robin served 3 years with the Bay St. Louis Police Department after prior service with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Officer Estorffe served 2 years with the Bay St. Louis Police Department. During their law enforcement careers, both men received numerous accolades for their dedication to protecting their community. May we remember their selfless commitment, their service, and ultimately their sacrifice. Their families are in the thoughts and prayers of myself, this body, and everyone in Mississippi.