Sarah Elfreth

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2196, offered by my colleague, Representative Hudson of North Carolina, which provides the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation with a straightforward extension to establish the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial right here in Washington, D.C. This is a deeply meaningful and important project that deserves our full support. Congress first authorized the establishment of this memorial in 2018, and the foundation's work to finalize its design and construction is almost complete. Unfortunately, the initial 7-year authorization recently expired. Today, this bill allows us to take the simple step and let the foundation continue its work to honor the service and sacrifice of the medical emergency service community for generations to come. Every year, EMS providers around the Nation respond to millions of calls, ranging from health emergencies to mass shootings. Whether they serve at the Federal, State, local, private, volunteer, military, or Tribal level, these brave men and women are dedicated to commitment and service. The memorial will be a small token of our appreciation for those who help others when they need it most. It is the least we can do to give to these heroes, who serve our communities around the Nation and across the globe, a place of honor in our Nation's Capital. I look forward to the completion of this meaningful memorial, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical and timely piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of Representative Pettersen's H.R. 528, the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act. Madam Speaker, this legislation would establish a program at the Department of the Interior to address ecological damage caused by unforeseen events, including wildfires and weather events, and support efforts to restore ecosystems, particularly those where disruption has hindered the natural recovery. As the impacts of climate change cause more frequent and intense natural disasters, we must take a whole-of-government approach to respond to these crises and rebuild. This includes critical investments in predisaster mitigation measures, like strengthening infrastructure and housing, enhancing early detection, supporting our country's wildland firefighters, and focusing on post-disaster resilience. These kinds of upfront investments will ensure communities impacted by wildfire can rebuild and recover in a way that makes them more resilient against future natural disasters. This bill is a commonsense step toward better land management and stronger community resilience in the face of climate-driven wildfires and extreme weather. Recovery after a wildfire is a lengthy and challenging process, and this bill will help build stronger, more resilient communities that can stand up against the threat of wildfires for generations to come. Madam Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 528, and I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6380, offered by my colleague, Representative Ciscomani of Arizona, which would redesignate the Chiricahua National Monument as the Chiricahua National Park. Located in the unique Sky Island ecosystem of southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument is known as the Wonderland of Rocks, which sounds magical. This unique and stunning landscape is filled with pinnacles, spires, and balancing rocks that inspire a sense of awe and wonder. Chiricahua's rock formations are also a biodiversity hotspot that supports a variety of wildlife amid the flowering desert environment. This includes Apache foxes, javelinas, black bears, mountain lions, white-tailed deer, and over 200 bird species. The monument is truly a special place that protects beautiful and important ecosystems, but that is only a part of its story. Tribal communities have deep ties and connections to the landscape. Justine Jimmie, the deputy attorney general of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, testified on this proposal during the 2024 hearing before the House Committee on Natural Resources. Her written statement noted: ``The land that is now Chiricahua National Monument has been our homeland since time immemorial--long before the formation of the United States and before the U.S. Cavalry took our land to give to settlers, pioneers, and miners.'' This history is a history that cannot be ignored, which is why Tribal engagement has been such a critical component in building support for this bill, and I thank the bill sponsor for doing that. The bill ensures Tribes can continue to access important and sacred sites, even permitting temporary closure of areas of the park for Tribal ceremonies. That is a key part of upholding our trust obligations and ensuring Tribal support for this redesignation. The National Park Service itself has noted that the wealth of cultural and natural resources across Chiricahua's landscape makes it a strong candidate for national park status. I am excited about the prospect of designating our Nation's next national park, but I also want to be very clear about what comes next. Our parks and public lands have been short-staffed and underresourced by the current administration, with nearly a quarter of the National Park Service staff departing the agency, some voluntarily and many others involuntarily, since the beginning of last year. Madam Speaker, after approving the designation of this new national park, I urge for full resources and full staffing so that it can meet its mission. As Congress continues to come together to create new national parks to protect our Nation's most special places, we must continue to do everything in our power to make sure our national parks have the staffing and resources they need for the next 250 years and beyond. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I thank the sponsor of the bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this exciting legislation to create America's next national park. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, if I could, this is the last of a marathon of bills. I think the breadth of the bills we saw today are a testament to this committee, from protecting sequoias in California to addressing invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake to supporting national parks in Mississippi, Missouri, and Arizona to the bill before us now. I am just in awe of this committee's work product. I thank the chair, the ranking member, and the committee staff. This is what Americans sent us to do, and I am grateful to be a part of it. I thank my colleague from Virginia for his professionalism, as well. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 831, offered by my colleague Representative Calvert of California. As we stand here today, the seven basin States are continuing negotiations on an agreement that will shape the future of the Colorado River, which has ramifications across the region. The post-2026 operations are critical to managing the already overallocated river in a changing climate which has led to unprecedented drought conditions and declining water levels at key reservoirs. I appreciate the work the States have already done to move toward a solution and urge them and the Department of the Interior to continue working together to reach an agreement. The Department of the Interior must also ensure that the 30 Tribal nations in the basin are part of a long-term solution, as part of the long history of collaboration in the basin, to accomplish the shared goal of continued delivery of water and power while protecting ecosystems. Lower water levels have accelerated the spread of invasive, nonnative species and the reduction of critical habitat for native fish and wildlife. H.R. 831 authorizes an interest-bearing account for non-Federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, allowing these funds to accrue interest that can be reinvested back into the program. This program brings together Federal, State, and local partners to protect endangered species while also ensuring the continued water operations and maintenance activities of the Lower Basin. It is funded through a 50/50 cost-sharing agreement between the Federal Government and the three Lower Basin States. Currently no non-Federal contributions to the program are held in a non-interest-bearing account. By authorizing an interest-bearing account, H.R. 831 will help provide additional funding to further support the stability of the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program and help balance water operations and ecosystem health in the Lower Basin. I urge support of H.R. 831. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stanton).

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for helping out today and using the word ``riparian'' on the House floor. That is always one of my favorite things. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Billy Keyes, a friend and a beloved Annapolitan, who we lost last week at the age of 104. Mr. Keyes was a World War II veteran, police officer, public school teacher, artist, proud Alpha man, husband, father, and devoted community member. Everyone fortunate enough to know Mr. Keyes knew him for his wisdom, his compassion, and his unbridled wit. He served in the 761st Tank Battalion, the first all-African-American unit to enter combat during WWII. He then shared his experience with the next generation as a teacher for over three decades in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools. He retired only 5 years ago at the young age of 99. Mr. Keyes was an example of how to live well and how to live generously. When I visited him to mark his 100th birthday, he requested that I bring vanilla ice cream and Maryland-distilled whiskey. He made sure that I let people know that, while he was a lifelong registered Republican, he appreciated sharing his wisdom with service- minded Democrats. He accomplished more during his lifetime than many of us can dare to imagine, not taking a single moment for granted. He touched so many lives through his dedicated service to our community. Mr. Speaker, he leaves behind a historic legacy here. I will forever be inspired and grateful for having known him.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 90th birthday of Ellen O. Moyer, one of Annapolis's most beloved and influential public servants. A graduate of Penn State University and the first and only woman ever elected Mayor of Annapolis, Ellen set a lasting example of leadership and integrity for young women looking to serve their community. During her years of public service, both as a member of the Annapolis City Council and later as Mayor, Ellen worked tirelessly to preserve the character of the city, strengthen its institutions, and make Annapolis a better place for future generations. Ellen was a driving force behind preserving Annapolis's maritime character. During her time in office, she championed maritime zoning, the creation of a Maritime Advisory Board, and laid the groundwork for the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Ellen was also an inspiration through her work on environmental conservation. She led the creation of waterfront street-end parks, expanded walking and bike paths, and the revitalization of Back Creek Nature Park, now Ellen O. Moyer Park. A passionate champion of the arts, Ellen helped establish the Art in Public Places program, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, and the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. Among her most far-reaching economic achievements was the creation of the West Street Arts District, which evolved into one of Annapolis's most economically vibrant neighborhoods. Annapolis would not be the same without her devotion to the city and all of its beauty. I ask that you join me and the residents of Maryland's Third Congressional District in offering well wishes and a very happy 90th birthday to Ellen O. Moyer--a trailblazer, mentor, and steward of Annapolis. We are grateful for all she has done and continues to do for our community.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, we are taking up time on the floor today because, from coast to coast, I guarantee that we are all hearing the same message from our constituents: The cost of living is just too high. I feel it, too, as the daughter of a single mom who made everything work because of access to affordable childcare, as a millennial with student loan debt that I am still years away from paying off, and as a first-time homeowner who finally was able to buy a house in the district that I represent after renting for over two decades. This is something I believe everyone in this Chamber, Republicans and Democrats alike, can agree on: Congress must do more to cover the crushing costs of electric bills, groceries, prescription drugs, housing, and more. While I would love to take a full hour today running through what we can and should do on all these crises, I have only a few minutes to focus on one. Mr. Speaker, from my very first conversations 9 years ago, when I first asked my neighbors to place their trust in me to represent them, to even just this weekend at the grocery store, I have heard from parents, grandparents, and small businesses alike that the childcare crisis is suppressing our economy and forcing families to make impossible decisions. It is more expensive to send one infant to daycare than it is to send an 18-year-old to the University of Maryland. Like every State, Maryland saw devastating losses in childcare providers after the pandemic. We lost 15 percent, or 1,135, home-based childcare providers, and that further pressured the market and limited options for families. I come to this floor with good news. I am proud to share that, in our State, education and nonprofit leaders are working to find innovative solutions to help families afford childcare through scholarships and tax credits, but also, and this is crucial, to grow the supply of childcare providers and create critically needed seats. The Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care program has opened nearly 300 daycares, or 2,000 childcare slots, in just 3 years by providing training, coaching, and resources to individuals who happen to be almost entirely women-based businesses in opening and operating family care childcare businesses. Now, this is a win-win-win. We create more jobs in childcare, allow more parents to enter the workforce, and lower the cost of care through increased supply. As a Congress, we need to work together to find commonsense policies that will make it easier for our neighbors not just to get by but to get ahead. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to join me in tackling issues head-on together through difficult conversations as we seek to do the unfashionable thing here in Washington: find common ground. That is because that is the fundamental promise of our country: to be able to give our kids and the next generation a better life than we had. We can only do that by offering real, comprehensive, innovative solutions to the affordability crisis that families across this country are experiencing.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise here today on behalf of the 2026 National School Counselor of the Year, Ms. Danielle Crankfield of Annapolis. Ms. Crankfield of Crofton High School in Anne Arundel County is the first Marylander to earn this national distinction for going above and beyond and inspiring young minds. When she first arrived at Crofton, she found that African American and Hispanic students were underrepresented in advanced classes, so she created a framework for teachers when making course recommendations and worked from the ground up to better publicize high-level courses for students. Thanks to her efforts, the gaps in advanced coursework decreased and now these advanced classes more closely reflect the composition and diversity of our students. As we all know, good teachers, good counselors, and good classes stay with us for a lifetime. I would not be in Congress today if I did not have my own Ms. Crankfield. Mr. Speaker, closing disparities and exposing more students to new ideas and opportunities sets them up for success in the years to come and perhaps even a seat in this very Chamber. Congratulations to Ms. Crankfield.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Chair, 2.8 million acres of farmland protected; 35,000 miles of fish passages opened; nearly 1,500 new public water access sites established; upgrades to every large wastewater treatment plant in the watershed to improve water quality; and the largest oyster reef restoration in the world: These are just five of the biggest wins in the last 43 years of the landmark Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. In fact, it was just updated last week after years of careful and difficult negotiation and public input to unite States across the bay to think bigger and bolder to restore the beloved watershed we all share. We know that water does not adhere to arbitrary political boundaries. Pollution in Pennsylvania will and does flow downstream to Maryland and Virginia. All States rely on the EPA to conduct oversight and enforcement of pollution entering our waterways and to hold everyone accountable to our shared communities. Yet, the bill before us today, the PERMIT Act, attempts to dismantle this partnership between States and the EPA by watering down the key enforcement mechanisms that are needed to ensure compliance with evidence-based pollution standards. I know these bipartisan, multistate partnerships are not easy. I was a part of them before I joined this Chamber. They take years of collaboration. Mr. Chairman, that should be fostered and not dismantled by this and future Congresses, which is why I urge my colleagues to support this decades-long partnership by voting ``no'' on this bill.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I will start by thanking Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership. I came to Congress wanting to join the Armed Services Committee in particular because it is one of the few committees that still works together to collaborate and legislate. We don't always agree on every position, as reflected in this year's bill and even in this floor debate, but the final product before us represents the bipartisan nature in which the committee is run, and the wins within the NDAA are proof. It represents the work that my friend on the other side of the aisle, Representative Schmidt, and I collaboratively put into improving availability and accessibility for healthcare for veterans in DOD facilities, including the world-renowned Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in my State of Maryland. The bill also means that the United States Naval Academy and all military academies will be better equipped to brace for the impacts of extreme weather and sea level rise. I worked on that with Representative Wittman. The bill delivers a well-deserved pay increase for our servicemembers and ensures DOD cannot arbitrarily RIF its employees. This bill includes crucial support for our allies like Ukraine and provides critical checks on this administration's power. I spent most of this year, including yesterday, visiting every military installation in Maryland, meeting with and listening to servicemembers of all ranks. It helped inform my priorities, and today, I am proud to stand before this Chamber requesting that my colleagues support this bill.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, Howard County lost a giant: former county executive, Dr. Ed Cochran. A chemist by trade, he was a pioneer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory where he contributed to our national security, but he was also a pioneer of our community. As a member of the Howard County Board of Education, he worked to help end segregation in our schools. A scholar at heart, Dr. Cochran was instrumental in the founding of Howard Community College. As county executive, he took our county from rural to modern and laid the foundation for many parts of Howard County's government that we now take for granted. His life and legacy will be felt deeply from the scientific innovation he laid the groundwork for at APL to the next generation of young minds and leaders at Howard County public schools and Howard County Community College. We are all better off because of Dr. Cochran's unwavering spirit of innovation and inquiry. My thoughts are with his six children, his 23 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren during this difficult time.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. Mr. Speaker, I asked for 2 minutes. I only need seven words: We should not be fueling our adversaries. This bill strips the Department of Energy's authority to provide oversight on exports of liquefied natural gas to foreign adversaries like China and Russia, which poses what should be an obvious and grave threat to our national security. Unfettered sale of LNG to countries like China and Russia would power their data centers, AI systems, and cyber missions, all by using American energy. This legislation, importantly, is a departure from how we regulate all other energy sources. Sources like oil and coal, we have laws that impose certain restrictions on exports to foreign entities of concern, like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Mr. Speaker, under this new bill, LNG would not be subject to this policy, and I have to ask: Why? If this bill is really about better supporting our allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, I support that, but there are currently no restrictions from literally fueling our adversaries. In fact, by exporting LNG, we could be risking higher domestic natural gas prices, meaning our constituents and our neighbors would face higher electricity bills and pay more at the gas pump. That is why I planned on introducing legislation requiring DOE to certify that LNG exports to our foreign adversaries are actually in the public interest and aligned with our Nation's national security needs. We must close this current loophole exempting LNG from oversight and affirm DOE's role in the process. The premise is simple. It is not and should not be controversial or partisan. We should not be fueling our adversaries.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give voice to an issue that has gone unaddressed for far too long, and it is one this body must take up before it is too late and lives are lost. We must address the alarmingly low staffing levels of firefighters on our military installations. Recent reports indicate that the military service intends to eliminate vacant firefighter positions, restrict the use of overtime, and interpret requirements in a manner that could lead to station closures. Let me be clear. While staffing level shortages have been an ongoing challenge, these new actions, coupled with the continued hiring freeze, put our servicemembers in harm's way. It is why Congresswoman Kiggans and I wrote to the Secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force to ensure robust emergency services that maintain safety and mission readiness across the Force. Across the DOD, more than 8,800 civilian firefighters respond to structural fires, aircraft emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other life-threatening events each year. Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of a more critical and all-American cause or more of a win-win than having the backs of our fire firefighters and our servicemembers.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, on May 30, Severna Park and Maryland's Third Congressional District lost one of our youngest members of our community, Hugh Nie. Hugh was not even 18 months old when he died of sudden, unexplained death in childhood, or SUDC. Hugh's parents, Eddie and Jessica, who are here today, described him as joy personified. He loved going to the park, circle time at the library, and getting booped in the nose at bath time. With his loved ones, Hugh read over 1,000 books and was a dear friend to our public library system. In Hugh's memory, our community is now building Hugh's Corner at the Severna Park Library. Mr. Speaker, there are approximately 400 cases of SUDC in the U.S. every year. Without a known cause or form of prevention, the NIH research conducted on SUDC is critical and could be lifesaving. I urge my colleagues to join in supporting full funding for the NIH's lifesaving work so that not another family has to experience what the Nies have endured.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, House Natural Resources Committee Democrats strongly oppose Biggs amendment No. 29, which seeks to weaken the Department of Defense's work to preserve habitats crucial for military readiness and recovering vulnerable species. The DOD covers millions of acres, spanning a vast array of natural habitats and providing that realistic backdrop for training and testing. Healthy and well-managed natural ecosystems play an essential role in maintaining the readiness of our military troops, an advantage that is unique to the U.S. military. The military has even used ESA-listed wildlife to add complexity to training exercises, treating them as sensitive infrastructure to avoid as they would for schools or hospitals in another environment. This amendment not only erodes this longstanding work, but it also doesn't reflect what the DOD actually needs. The DOD has not now or ever before requested this language. Madam Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer).

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Tokuda).

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, I will close by reiterating that the Department of Defense has not now nor ever before requested this language. Over 20 of my Republican colleagues recognize this very real truth, having voted against this exact language and understanding that responsible conservation and strong national defense go hand in hand. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. ELFRETH

Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Chair, I thank Ranking Member Smith and Chairman Rogers for their leadership and sincere and deep commitment to collaboration. As a freshman and new member to this committee, I was thrilled to see that collaboration and bipartisan commitment throughout the 9-month NDAA process, and there are good things in this bill, as we have heard. Together, we secured language that defends the critical work of university-affiliated research centers that support the Department of Defense, like the Johns Hopkins applied physics lab. We required our military academies to address the very real readiness threats posed by extreme weather and sea-level rise. We delivered $10 million to better track suicide, sexual assault, harassment, and domestic abuse in the military. Those are just three of the many wins our committee secured through the bipartisan process, which is why I am now pleading with my colleagues to ensure that this process does remain bipartisan. I am old enough to remember that just 54 days ago, we passed this bill out of committee. We did not cede to the pressure to politicize this bill, and we worked together to support those who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. That is why we cannot allow these poison pill amendments. Just a few of those amendments will strip the collective bargaining rights of 400,000 civilian employees of the Department of Defense, collective bargaining rights they have held for 60 years. This bill does nothing to make sure we don't have U.S. troops used on U.S. civilians. We cannot throw away the 9 months of good faith negotiations.