Charles (Chuck) Edwards

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trooper Jeffrey Dunlap, a devoted public servant, for his heroic actions on the evening of Monday, July 3. For more than 13 years, Trooper Dunlap has served in the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, risking his life every day to protect and serve the people of Buncombe County. On the evening of July 3rd, Trooper Dunlap stopped his vehicle to assist a stranded motorist on I-26 West. In a horrific turn of events, the motorist pulled out a gun and shot Trooper Dunlap in the chest. Thankfully, the round was stopped by Trooper Dunlap's bulletproof vest, and he was able to swifty return fire. In the face of imminent danger, Trooper Dunlap neutralized the threat, saving his own life and protecting the lives of innocent bystanders. Following the shooting, Trooper Dunlap was taken to a local hospital and has since been discharged. The true essence of heroism is the willingness to sacrifice one's own personal safety for the protection of others. Trooper Dunlap has and will continue to show up to work every day willing to place himself in danger for the greater good. I thank Trooper Dunlap, for exemplifying what it means to protect and serve.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James (Tre) Williams, for his work as an intern in my D.C. office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions he has made to the office this summer. Tre is from St Louis, Missouri, and is a rising sophomore at Loyola Marymount University where he is studying business marketing. Tre enjoys playing intramural basketball and making music during his free time. Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th congressional district. Tre was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation with his positive attitude and impressive work ethic. It was a pleasure to work with Tre, and I am so proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Tre exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that our Nation has to offer. I congratulate Tre on this successful completion of his internship, and on behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I thank him.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wesley (Bob) Bessell for being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his service and bravery in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II. Bob began his maritime career at the age of 15, as a member of the crew of the Corsair, an impressive private yacht owned by the J.P. Morgan family. Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, and it was during his training that America entered World War II. Upon the completion of his training, Bob joined the U.S. Merchant Marines as an Able-Bodied Seaman. He served as a merchant mariner for more than 4\1/2\ years, which included a deployment on the SS West Hardaway when it was sunk by a torpedo from a German U-boat in 1942. After the U-boat attack, Bob and his fellow sailors took refuge in the small town of Porlamar on Isla de Margarita in Venezuela. The island's inhabitants, though facing their own challenges, extended a warm welcome to the stranded crew, offering them shelter, sustenance and a renewed sense of hope. Bob forged bonds of friendship with the local community, transcending language barriers and cultural differences, and he recalls walking around the island like a rockstar, always surrounded by 10 or 20 smiling faces. In 1943, Bob completed Officer Candidate School and rose to the rank of a lieutenant commander. It was in the same year, on a mission to deliver documents in Liverpool, England, that Bob met Susan, the British love of his life. Bob still describes their chance encounter in a rainstorm great detail. Amid heavy rain, Susan stood illuminated by single a beam of sunlight. For 3 years, the couple communicated through letters, finding peace in each other's presence amid the chaos of war. Immediately after the war, Bob called Susan and proposed marriage. They were married in a Nissen hut outside the ruins of a bombed English church in 1946. They spent 72 wonderful years together and had three children. They now have 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Bob selflessly put his life on the on the line to defend America's freedom during one of its most challenging periods. President Roosevelt famously referred to the Merchant Mariners' mission during World War II as ``the most difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken. It is my humble privilege to present Bob with the highest honor bestowed by Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal. This award is 1 of numerous honors that Bob has received for his service, including the Atlantic War Zone Medal, the Merchant Marine Combat Bar with Silver Star device, and the World War II Victory Medal. I congratulate Lieutenant Commander Bessell, on this well-deserved recognition. A grateful Nation thanks him for his service.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two of my constituents, Alfredo and Jane Calvo, who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 30 this year. They will be spending this milestone anniversary with their family: Al, Michael, Kari, Leigh, and their young grandson, Tucker. Jane served in the Henderson County PTA, the North Carolina General Federation of Women's Clubs, and spent 16 years of her career as a staffer for one of my predecessors, the Honorable Congressman Charles Taylor. Jane has also worked for the Social Security Administration. Alfredo was a volunteer soccer coach at Flat Rock Middle School and East Henderson High School and served in the Social Security Administration for more than a decade. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Alfredo and Jane Calvo on their 50th wedding anniversary. Here is to many more.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Robert Womble for his invaluable work as a Congressional Intern serving in my D.C. office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions he made at the office this summer. Robert Womble is from Bryson City, North Carolina. Robert is a rising senior at High Point University majoring in International Relations. He will graduate from High Point University in 2024. Robert has experience working for the High Point Office of Student life as a Resident Assistant and is extensively involved in volunteer work with his local church and public library. Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Robert was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation. It was a pleasure to work with Robert, and I am proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Robert exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that Western North Carolina has to offer. Congratulations to Robert on the successful completion of his internship.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Rachel Lepine for her invaluable work as a Congressional Intern serving in my D.C. office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions she made at the office this summer. Rachel Lepine is from Hendersonville, North Carolina. Rachel graduated from the Honors College at Western Carolina University in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and minor in Journalism. Rachel previously completed a successful internship for the City of Hendersonville in communications and was an Undergraduate Research Associate at Western Carolina University. Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Rachel was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation. It was a pleasure to work with Rachel. and I am proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Rachel exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that Western North Carolina has to offer. Congratulations to Rachel on the successful completion of her internship.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the West Henderson High School baseball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 3A State championship. This is West Henderson's first State championship baseball victory since 1992. It stands as a testament to the team's unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and remarkable self-discipline and teamwork. Led by their esteemed coach, Jackie Corn, the West Henderson High School baseball team's dedication and passion for the great American pastime has inspired everyone in western North Carolina. I thank Coach Corn, along with Assistant Coaches Ryan Anderson, Anthony Lindsey, Jimmy Gash, and Chip Koontz, for leading West Henderson High to this exciting victory. In recognizing this achievement, we also honor the parents and families who have helped these talented athletes to bring this prideful moment to western North Carolina. As a proud graduate of West Henderson High School myself, I rise to say: Go Falcons.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 43) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H. Con. Res. 43.

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 43 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby later this month. Every year, we authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for this event. The national All-American Soap Box Derby has been running since 1934 and provides opportunities for young people to demonstrate their innovation and ingenuity through a family-friendly competition-- something we need much more of this day and age. The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is one of many local races that will qualify winning competitors for participation in the national Soap Box Derby . Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Diann Ball, a devoted public servant, as she celebrates her retirement after 50 years of service to the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City, North Carolina. For more than half a century, Ms. Ball has served the Marianna Black Library and the Fontana Regional Library system with unwavering commitment and passion. Ms. Ball began her journey at the Marianna Black Library on February 3, 1973, marking the inception of her career within the library system. Starting at the age of 18, like many others, Ms. Ball began with recording and cataloging books, diligently placing them on shelves and assisting patrons in finding their desired titles. As time progressed, she took on additional responsibilities, including organizing and conducting library programs, eventually taking on the role of program coordinator. Through these endeavors, Ms. Ball played a pivotal role in expanding access to learning and fostering a love for reading among individuals of all backgrounds throughout the rural and historically underprivileged mountains of Western North Carolina. Ms. Ball's involvement in the Marianna Black Library's mobile library program, called ``Rover the Bookmobile;'' demonstrated her enduring dedication to promoting literacy. Through this program, books were brought directly to patrons who would otherwise be unable to visit the library themselves. Ms. Ball contributed to educational advancement by supporting persons of all ages in their research and educational endeavors, facilitating an environment conducive to teaching and learning. Her dedication to empowering individuals to grow intellectually is truly commendable. Ms. Ball's contributions have elevated the Marianna Black Library and the Fontana Regional Library system, making them better, more accessible and inclusive places for all. Her extensive knowledge of both the library and her community has made her the go-to person for information, particularly for visitors seeking information regarding their family history. Ms. Ball's warm and familial approach to assisting individuals has left a lasting impact on countless citizens in Swain County. As we celebrate Diann's 50 years of service to the people of Swain County and the town of Bryson City, we extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude for her invaluable contributions. She has truly exemplified the spirit of public service throughout her distinguished career, and represents the best that Western North Carolina has to offer.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, due to a flight cancellation, I was unavoidably detained from voting today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 213 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 214.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 47 courageous law enforcement officers who have fallen since 1906 in North Carolina's 11th District. It saddens me to say that in the past 3 years, we have lost Ryan Phillip Hendrix from the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, Donald William Ramey from the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office, and John Horton from the North Carolina Highway Patrol. In towns and cities across our Nation, citizens are traveling to Washington, D.C., this week to participate in National Police Week to honor and to remember our law enforcement officers past and present. President John F. Kennedy, from the other side of the aisle, announced the first Police Week in 1962 to honor police officers for their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, and for their courage and dedication to their communities. It is a distinct honor to represent the numerous brave men and women in law enforcement in western North Carolina, and I rise today to thank all of our law enforcement officers in cities and towns across the Blue Ridge, across the entire State of North Carolina, and across our Nation. We need them now more than ever, and we must never stop backing the men and women in blue who protect us, our loved ones, and our communities. May God continue to bless our Nation's law enforcement officers.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Limit, Save, Grow Act. This legislation takes monumental steps in reining in Federal spending by not cutting but just returning to spending levels of just a year ago and spurring economic growth and restoring the fiscal sanity that our Nation desperately needs. As our national debt is at nearly $31.5 trillion or $95,000 per person, our current fiscal trajectory is simply unsustainable. It is immoral, and it is unfair to future generations who will be the ones responsible for paying off this insurmountable debt. This legislation will help restore the American economy, unleash American energy, and reverse decades of runaway spending. I applaud the work of Chairman Arrington, his leadership, and his tireless efforts to help bring us to this critical moment in our Nation's history. I am proud to support this legislation.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1, to lower energy costs. United States energy independence is critical to meeting domestic demand, and growing needs from the rest of the world. Rather than pulling out all of the stops to keep domestic production moving forward to meet this increased demand, the Biden administration has instead begged the OPEC cartel to boost their output, culminating in a failed appeal from President Biden to the Saudi Crown Prince in July of last year. To me, this is exactly why we are here in support of H.R. 1 today. As a result of the historic increases in inflation under the Biden administration, the average American family is spending an extra $395 to purchase the same monthly necessities as they did a year ago. In November 2022, one in six families were behind on utility bills, and we are not out of the woods yet as natural gas prices rose over 14 percent just last month. This is especially concerning as 47 percent of U.S. households use natural gas to heat their homes. The Lower Energy Costs Act seeks to reverse the troubling energy policy strategy that the Biden administration has carried out, and it prioritizes American energy dominance ahead of misguided Green New Deal-style policies. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the Lower Energy Costs Act.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, due to a district emergency, I was unavoidably detained from voting today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 143.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 140, Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act, and I applaud and appreciate Chairman Comer bringing this bill forward. In a recent hearing held by the Oversight and Accountability Committee with former executives from Twitter, a clear and very disturbing pattern emerged: A coordinated effort between a privately owned social media giant and the Federal Government to suppress critical reporting ahead of the 2020 Presidential election. Mr. Chairman, the Federal Government and its legions of unelected bureaucrats must not be the final decisionmaker of what information Americans can and cannot read. The onus is on Congress to provide a way to effectively prevent Federal bureaucrats from suppressing lawful speech. This bill, H.R. 140, would do just that. For almost 100 years, the Hatch Act has served as an important barrier against taxpayer-funded employees participating in political activities while on official time, and added suppression of free speech to its list of prohibited activities. I urge strong support for this legislation, and I am encouraged by Chairman Comer's commitment to thoroughly investigate the ever- increasing encroachment by Big Tech companies into the privacy and First Amendment rights of millions of Americans.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Philip Evola as he celebrates his 100 birthday on February 16, 2023. Mr. Evola is a first generation American who was born into an Italian immigrant family on February 16, 1923, in Flushing, New York. He has dedicated his life to working hard, and being a dutiful husband, father and neighbor. He and his late wife, Norma, moved to Western North Carolina more than 30 years ago, where he still enjoys the beautiful scenery and his loving community. Mr. Evola is the epitome of the American Dream, and it is my honor to recognize him today.

Mr. EDWARDS

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the dangerous crisis our Nation is experiencing on our southern border. Two weeks ago, on a tour of my district, I had the honor of meeting law enforcement officers in Clay, Madison, and McDowell Counties. These counties are in very different parts of North Carolina's sprawling 11th Congressional District, yet these officers all shared with me that the number one problem they face every day--number one--is the flow of fentanyl into our mountains. Keep in mind that western North Carolina is a thousand miles away from the southern border. Yet, because of the Biden administration's lax border policies, every State is now a border State, and we are all suffering from the consequences. Since day one, this administration has ceded control of our southern border to drug cartels and dangerous gangs. In addition to fentanyl, we have seen a flow of unlawful migrants and illicit contraband pour into our country at rates never seen before, and China is a key source of the ingredients used to make fentanyl that is killing our children and fueling this crisis that is affecting so many. There needs to be a change.