Julie Fedorchak

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the High-Capacity Grid Act. America's electricity demand is growing at a pace faster than it ever has. Domestic manufacturing, large load growth, electrification, and investments in aging infrastructure are placing unprecedented demands on our grid, and it is contributing to rising utility bills for American families. When people think about their electric bills, they often focus on the cost of generating power. However, transmission costs, the wires that carry the power, are one of the fastest growing components of those bills. According to research from the Brattle Group and the Energy Information Administration, transmission costs have increased by more than 180 percent since 2005 while generation costs have declined. Meanwhile, permitting and constructing new transmission lines can take years. On average, it would take more than 4 years just to permit a new power line, and sometimes over a decade, before a single shovel hits the ground. Of course Congress must continue working to reform our broken permitting system. However, even with those reforms, we cannot permit and build our way out of this challenge fast enough. We must make the most out of the existing infrastructure we have already built. That is exactly what the High-Capacity Grid Act will help us do. First, it requires utilities building or rebuilding interstate transmission lines to use the best available conductors when practical. Second, it encourages advanced conductors that carry significantly more electricity using existing structures and rights-of-way. Third, it protects ratepayers by requiring utilities to justify using lower performing conductors before passing those costs onto families. This is a commonsense approach. That is why this bill earned unanimous support from the Energy and Commerce Committee. Advanced conductors can dramatically increase the amount of electricity delivered over existing lines. It can also improve efficiency, safety, and reliability. In many cases, these technologies can double transmission capacity without requiring new rights-of-way or years of additional permitting. That is good for grid reliability. It is good for affordability, and it is good for hardworking families who ultimately pay the bill. That is a no-brainer. The High-Capacity Grid Act is about squeezing every possible megawatt out of the infrastructure we already have, and it is about delivering more power at the lowest possible cost. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Guthrie and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Latta for their leadership and for helping advance this legislation to the House floor. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished North Dakotan, Vance Taylor. After 26 years as president and CEO of the North Dakota Mill, Vance is retiring following a remarkable career of service. Under his leadership, the mill became the largest single-site flour mill in the Nation. That success was built through strategic investments, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to North Dakota farmers. Just as importantly, Vance built a culture rooted in teamwork and respect. His leadership strengthened one of the State's most important institutions and helped support communities across North Dakota. North Dakota agriculture is stronger because of Vance Taylor's service. We congratulate him on an extraordinary career and wish him all the best in retirement. Congratulating Dr. Marshall Stewart

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Marshall Stewart on his appointment as the 16th president of North Dakota State University. Leading one of North Dakota's premier public universities is both an extraordinary honor and an important responsibility. It means preparing the next generation of leaders, advancing groundbreaking research, supporting our State's world-class agricultural innovation, and strengthening the NDSU community for years to come. Throughout his career, Dr. Stewart has demonstrated a commitment to expanding opportunity and partnerships. Students are at the center of his work. His vision of serving North Dakotans in every corner of our State reflects the values that have long defined North Dakota State University. North Dakota is proud to welcome Dr. Stewart to the Bison family, and I look forward to working with him as NDSU continues to educate future leaders, drive innovation, and strengthen communities across our great State. Bowman County Veterans Wall

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bowman County Veterans Wall in Bowman, North Dakota. This remarkable memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who answered our Nation's call to serve. Each name etched into the wall represents a story of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to our country. Together, they remind us that the freedoms we enjoy each day were secured by those willing to defend them. What makes this memorial especially meaningful is that it continues to grow. Through the dedication of volunteers, families, and community leaders, more veterans are being recognized, ensuring their service will never be forgotten. That commitment to honoring those who served reflects the very best of North Dakota. The Bowman County Veterans Wall is more than a monument. It is a promise that the sacrifices of our veterans will be remembered, their legacy preserved, and their example passed on to future generations. I thank everyone who helped make this tribute possible. I also thank our veterans and their families, for their service, their sacrifice, and their love of our country. May God bless them all. Recognizing Cathy Dub

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cathy Dub on her appointment as president and CEO of the North Dakota Mill. This well-earned achievement reflects years of dedicated leadership and service to one of North Dakota's most important institutions. Since joining the mill in 2014, Cathy has helped strengthen an organization that plays a vital role in supporting our farmers, growing our economy, and creating value for communities across our State. The North Dakota Mill is a source of pride for generations of North Dakotans. As the only State-owned flour mill in the Nation, it has long demonstrated that ingenuity, work ethic, and agricultural excellence define our State. Cathy's experience, steady leadership, and deep commitment to the mill's mission have prepared her well for this role. I congratulate Cathy on this well-deserved appointment, and best wishes for continued success in the years ahead. Congratulating Casia Steinhaus

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young North Dakotan, Casia Steinhaus. Casia recently earned the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, one of the Nation's highest honors for undergraduate students pursuing careers in science, math, or engineering. This highly competitive scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and promise in scientific research. It is a testament to Casia's academic excellence and hard work at the University of North Dakota. Her accomplishment reflects not only her own dedication but also the bright future of North Dakota's next generation of innovators, researchers, and problem-solvers. I have no doubt this is only the beginning for Casia, and I wish her continued success as she pursues her studies and serves our country through her talents.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation celebrates America's 250th birthday, North Dakota has the extraordinary privilege of marking this milestone in a truly historic way. Tomorrow, on July 1, we open the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the Badlands of western North Dakota. It is a place that forever shaped one of America's greatest Presidents. First, I recognize the countless people whose vision, generosity, and determination made this remarkable library possible. They are too numerous to mention each individually, but I thank the TR Presidential Library Foundation Board, its staff, donors, volunteers, community leaders, Secretary Doug Burgum, Robbie Lauf, Ed O'Keefe, and so many more. Because of their efforts, future generations will come to North Dakota to experience the place that shaped Theodore Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt famously said: ``I never would have been President if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota.'' He arrived in the Dakota Territory as a young man, grieving unimaginable loss. He left transformed. The rugged landscape, hardworking ranchers, and independent spirit of the people he met there, these things forged the character that would later define his Presidency. North Dakota didn't just change Theodore Roosevelt. North Dakota helped shape the leader who would shape America. Roosevelt embodied what he famously called the ``Bully Spirit,'' an expression of enthusiasm, optimism, courage, and confidence in America's future. He believed in living boldly, embracing challenges, and approaching life with energy and purpose. This is a spirit that has defined our Nation for 250 years, and it is one we should carry forward into the next 250. TR was a rancher, a soldier, and a conservationist. He was a reformer, an explorer, an author, a statesman, a Nobel Prize recipient, and one of the most energetic Presidents our Nation has ever known. His life was filled with stories that have become American legend. After being shot while campaigning for President, Roosevelt refused to leave the stage. The bullet had been slowed by a thick, 50-page speech that was folded inside his breast pocket. He insisted on finishing his remarks before seeking medical attention. His White House reflected the same fearless, determined, and adventurous spirit. His children filled it with dogs, snakes, birds, ponies, and every imaginable creature. They showed us that public service and joy are not mutually exclusive. Theodore Roosevelt lived a big life because he believed America was meant to dream big, build big, and accomplish big things. Interestingly, today's President carries some of these same qualities. At President Trump's 2025 inauguration, he said: ``In America, impossible is what we do best.'' Consider some of the big accomplishments of Roosevelt. He strengthened our Navy, completed the Panama Canal, won the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating peace between Russia and Japan, and changed the way we think about conservation by protecting our public lands, forests, parks, and wildlife. Perhaps Roosevelt's greatest legacy wasn't simply what he accomplished. It was what he asked of every American. His words from ``Man in the Arena'' remain just as relevant today as when he first delivered that speech over a century ago. This strikes me so profoundly on the cusp of our 250th birthday, when our country is so divided, so angry, and so critical of each other. Theodore Roosevelt gives us encouragement. ``It is not the critic who counts,'' he reminds us. ``The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.'' Those words are a challenge to each of us and to every generation to participate, to lead, to serve, and to have courage to act rather than merely criticize. As we dedicate this remarkable library in my beautiful State of North Dakota, as we do this during America's 250th year, we are reminded that the strength of our Republic has never come from spectators. It has always come from the citizens willing to enter the arena. May every visitor who walks through the doors of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library leave inspired by the example of this President whose character was forged in North Dakota and whose leadership strengthened America. His enduring message still calls each of us to live courageously, serve faithfully, and leave our country stronger than we found it. That is Theodore Roosevelt's legacy. That is the Bully Spirit. As we begin our Nation's next 250 years, may it continue to inspire us all.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule providing for consideration of the Secure America Act. After 4 years of chaos at our southern border under President Biden, House Republicans and President Trump have restored order and delivered the most secure border in history. Illegal crossings have plummeted. Cartel activity has been disrupted, and law enforcement finally has an administration who is willing to enforce the law again. Maintaining that progress requires more than strong leadership. It requires resources, and it requires certainty. This bill does both. More importantly, it sends a huge message that Congress stands with the men and women who serve on the front lines every single day. ICE and Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm's way to stop fentanyl trafficking, to dismantle human trafficking networks, to remove criminals and terrorists from our country, and to protect American families. These officers deserve to know that Congress has their back. Unfortunately, the only reason we are here today is because of congressional Democrats. They don't want now--and apparently never did want--a serious agreement to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. We made good-faith efforts to negotiate reasonable reforms and funding solutions: body cams, more training, and the like, but Democrats refused. Instead of working toward a compromise, they dragged out negotiations for political purposes. At the same time, frontline officers and employees were left with long-term uncertainty. Time and again families have been left wondering whether they would get paid. That is irresponsible. Border security--our national security--should not be partisan. Protecting our homeland should not be a partisan issue. The Secure America Act fully funds ICE and Customs and Border Protection through fiscal year 2029. It gives these agencies the tools they need to continue securing our border and protecting our communities. It modernizes border technology, strengthens operational support, and prevents future Democrat obstruction efforts that put national security at risk. This bill sends a simple message: Republicans stand with law enforcement. We stand with border security, and we stand with the American people. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and support final passage of the Secure America Act.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act. I thank the gentlewoman from Maryland and our chairman for his leadership, especially for getting it through the House Natural Resources Committee with unanimous support. I can't thank him enough for that. As both have stated, this bill provides some important new changes for my State and addresses a unique land management challenge that dates back to North Dakota's statehood. They have both expressed it well, but let me reinforce what has already been said. When North Dakota became a State, the Federal Government granted 2.6 million acres of Federal land to support schools and other public needs. Specifically, the State received sections 16 and 36 of every township. As a result, North Dakota holds more than 31,000 surface acres and 130,000 acres of mineral rights inside Tribal reservation boundaries. This created a checkerboard pattern of ownership that makes land management and development difficult for everyone. The chart beside me shows the patchwork of State trust land on the Standing Rock Reservation. All the green land, green checks, squares, in this are land owned within the Tribal reservation by the State of North Dakota. This is just one of five reservations in our State. The Tribes struggle to efficiently develop land within their own reservation boundaries because of this fragmented ownership, and there is currently no pathway for the State and Federal government to exchange these lands. My legislation solves this problem. H.R. 2252 authorizes equal-value land exchanges between the State of North Dakota and the Department of the Interior. This allows the State to exchange scattered trust lands within reservation boundaries like this for Federal lands of equivalent values elsewhere in the State. Importantly, this bill does not automatically exchange a single acre of land. It simply creates a process that can be used if all parties choose to move forward. The legislation includes multiple safeguards and transparency requirements; specifically, consultation with affected Tribal Governments prior to any conveyance, environmental review authority for the Secretary of the Interior, independent appraisals using Federal appraisal standards to ensure substantially equal value, public inspection of final appraisals at least 30 days before any exchange, and public notice online and in North Dakota newspapers before exchanges occur. Upon exchange, State land located within reservation boundaries is immediately transferred to the BIA to be held in trust for the benefit of the Tribe. The State will manage the exchanged Federal acres for North Dakotans and public schools. The result is less fragmentation, clear ownership boundaries, and a greater ability for both Tribal and State governments to manage the land for the benefit of their people. Mr. Speaker, I also want to be clear about what this bill does not do. This bill does not reduce public access. It does not close hunting land. It does not impact recreation. Existing grazing permits and leases are protected throughout the exchange process, and every exchange must meet rigorous Federal appraisal standards to ensure equal value. The bill also includes significant protections for wildlife habitat, conservation lands, public access, and existing land uses. Federal lands specifically excluded include: areas of critical environmental concern, National Landscape Conservation System lands, research natural areas, military reservations, and lands designated for conservation purposes by Congress or the President. Protected conservation areas and specially managed wildlife landscapes are not eligible for exchange under this legislation. To be absolutely clear, the bill explicitly preserves all Indian treaty rights. In fact, this bill was shaped in consultation with Tribal leaders. It has strong support from Tribal nations in North Dakota. Steve Sitting Bear is chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. He has plans to grow beef and bison production for Standing Rock, and what a great opportunity that is. They reside on the rolling prairies along the Missouri River in southwestern North Dakota, perfect for grazing cattle and bison. This legislation would help correct this scattered ownership pattern that challenges Chairman Sitting Bear's vision. In his words, the current situation has made effective land management difficult for all parties. Mark Fox, who is chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes, says his nation was glad to help shape the legislation and supports restoring reservation land while preserving treaty rights. Due to this collaboration and broad support, this legislation passed the United States Senate unanimously in the last Congress. It passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Natural Resources earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, this is a practical, commonsense solution that benefits Tribes, benefits North Dakota, and improves land management for future generations. I urge my colleagues to support the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of North Dakota farmers and rural communities to support this step forward on year- round E15. For those of us who talk to farmers on a daily basis, we know that agriculture is hurting. Across the country, input costs are up. Interest costs are up. Fuel costs are up. Many of our producers are also dealing with uncertainty in domestic and foreign markets, and this is exactly why year-round E15 matters. This is the top priority for farmers in my State and across our Nation. I hear about it in every conversation in every townhall and every radio show: When will we get year-round E15? It is what they are asking for. They want markets, not disaster payments. They want an increase in the demand right here in America for their products, and this is what E15 creates. E15 is homegrown American energy. Most importantly, eliminating the artificial prohibition on summer sales of E15 is an important step toward creating the consistent demand that will allow this industry to grow and stand on its own without RFS one day. We have to get this done first. It will add $25.3 billion to U.S. GDP and support more than 128,000 full-time jobs. In North Dakota, the ethanol industry contributes $1.7 billion annually to my State's economy. Congress has a chance right now to find a lasting solution for year- round E15 with today's consideration of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation I was so proud to cosponsor. President Trump and Secretary Rollins support this effort, and rural America is counting on us to deliver. Let's get it done.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, during National Agriculture Week, I rise to recognize the men and women who keep our country running: our Nation's farmers and ranchers. In North Dakota, agriculture isn't just an industry. It is our way of life. It is early mornings, long days, and a commitment to see things through, no matter the conditions. As a lifelong North Dakotan, a fourth-generation, and the daughter of a proud farmer and rancher, I have seen this commitment my entire life. Our producers face real challenges: short growing seasons, unpredictable weather, and volatile markets, but they continue to deliver. They feed our families, fuel our economy, and sew together the fabric of rural America that is such a source of strength to our Nation. They don't ask for much, just a chance to do their work, pass their operations on to the next generation, and compete on a level playing field. This week and every week, we recognize the contributions of our farmers and ranchers and recommit to policies that support American agriculture and strengthen it for the future.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a proud North Dakotan, Britta Curl-Salemme, and the entire USA women's hockey team on their thrilling overtime victory against our neighbors to the north. North Dakotans know Britta well. She represents the very best of our State: hard work, grit, and team spirit. From the rinks of North Dakota to the world stage, she has carried those values with pride. Britta's dedication and leadership helped deliver a gold medal moment our country is still celebrating. I recognize the people who helped make this moment possible: her parents, Bill and Gretchen, and her siblings who have supported her every step of the way. North Dakota could not be more proud of Britta. We know she is gold through and through.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable North Dakotan--this handsome young man--Ray Curtis of Minot. On February 11, Ray will turn 109 years old. He is the oldest living World War II veteran in North Dakota and one of the oldest in our entire country. Ray served our Nation during one of the most defining moments in world history. Like so many from his generation, he answered the call without hesitation and helped secure freedom. Ray now resides at Minot Lodge Senior Living, surrounded by family and caregivers. North Dakota is so proud of Ray Curtis. We are grateful for his service, his sacrifice, and his example. Happy birthday to Ray. Congratulations on a life well-lived in service to our country.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, first I want to commend Chairman Tom Cole for leading the appropriations process as intended by our Founders. Fiscal year `26 will mark the first time in decades that Congress has funded the Federal Government through all 12 appropriations bills without reverting to a yearlong continuing resolution. As a freshman, I committed to working this process to this end during my time in Congress. I never dreamed I would see it my first year. I thank Mr. Cole for his leadership. Now, I rise today on behalf of North Dakota farmers and rural communities to support the step included in this measure to move forward on year-round E15. Farmers are hurting. Across the country, input costs and interest costs are up. Our producers are also dealing with tariff pressures and shifting markets, and at the same time, commodity prices are down. That is a difficult combination for anyone. The future of many farm families hangs in the balance both in my State and many others throughout the heartland. Year-round E15 offers immediate relief without costing the Federal Government anything. This is a top priority for farmers in my State and across our Nation. E15 provides an immediate, strong, domestic market for their bountiful harvest. E15 is homegrown energy. Year-round E15 eliminates regulatory uncertainty that prevents the industry from flourishing. It will add $25.3 billion to the U.S. GDP and support more than 128,000 full-time jobs. President Trump and Secretary Rollins support this effort. Rural America is counting on us to deliver. Mr. Speaker, please join me, and let's get this done.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valued member of my team, Pam Moll, who retired last week after an extraordinary career serving North Dakotans. Pam served as my constituent services director. During my predecessor, Kelly Armstrong's tenure, she had the same role. For 7 years, she has been a steady and trusted presence for veterans seeking answers, seniors seeking help, and families simply trying to be heard. Pam is the kind of public servant most Americans never see but whose work touches countless lives. She understood that behind every case file and every form is a real person, and she never lost sight of that. Her legacy is not just measured in years of service but in the countless lives she helped improve. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of North Dakota, I thank Pam and wish her the very best in this next chapter.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to be here today as a freshman Member. I didn't know Doug long, but I met him on one of our first days in the orientation sessions and the planning sessions for Congress. He was warm. He was friendly. He was helpful to a new freshman who didn't know much. From there, I learned how fun he was. He loved to play with my last name, ``Fedorchak.'' He used to say: ``How much wood could a Fedorchak chuck if a Fedorchak could chuck wood?'' It always made me laugh. I also learned quickly that not only was he fun but he was thoughtful, he was pragmatic, and he was a really, really good thinker. I turned to him on issues that I found to be difficult. I wanted to get his thoughts on them. He was a strong conservative. He was warm, kind, and principled. In my mind, he was exactly the kind of leader that Americans want. He is going to be dearly missed. I feel robbed that I didn't get to work with him more, and I will keep him and his family in my prayers.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Haridopolos' leadership on this issue and organizing this Special Order, inviting all of us freshmen and a few other nonfreshmen here to talk about an issue that is so important to our country and to all of our constituents. Mr. Speaker, our healthcare system is broken, and my constituents in North Dakota know it. The law that was supposed to make things better, the Affordable Care Act, has definitely not lived up to its name. If you like your plan, you can keep it, they promised. A typical family will save $2,500 a year, they assured. The ACA will help bring down healthcare costs and even reduce the deficit, they claimed. Well, none of that is true. Here we are, fixing the ObamaCare mess Democrats created 15 years ago. Families today are paying higher premiums, facing fewer choices, and watching Washington throw money at a problem that needs to be fixed immediately. Yet, somehow, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to paint this as a problem that Republicans created. The reality is, Democrats passed ObamaCare without a single Republican vote, not one. They also set the enhanced premium tax credits to expire this month. Ask them why. They had the votes. They could have extended this. They could have made it permanent, but they didn't. They set the expiration date for this month. This was completely their doing. The COVID-era enhanced premium tax credits expanded eligibility far beyond the ACA's original design, including households earning well into six figures. In North Dakota, that means a family of four earning over $125,000 a year. Making those temporary subsidies permanent would cost taxpayers $350 billion over 10 years. For all that money, it still won't fix the problem. Since the enhanced subsidies were enacted, premiums have increased 31 percent. These subsidies don't show up in people's wallets. They go straight to the insurance companies with no incentive to lower prices or improve care. Even worse, massive fraud plagues the marketplace. A recent Joint Economic Committee study found roughly 35 percent of marketplace enrollees are now considered phantom enrollees. These are people who exist on paper but generate zero medical claims. The chart on my right shows a massive growth of these types of claims, all the way up to almost 11 million of those types in existence today. Regardless of whether they have a single claim in a year, insurance companies still get paid anyway, while working families pay more and more for their premiums. Democrats call that affordable. North Dakotans sure don't. That is why Republicans offered a different path last night, one that focuses on patients, affordability, and real competition, not endless subsidies. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act takes practical steps to lower costs and expand options. It creates cost-sharing reductions that will actually stabilize the market. These will reduce marketplace premiums by 11 percent after the first year of implementation. That is nearly twice as much as the impact of extending the Democrats' credits. Our plan also cracks down on pharmacy benefit managers, the middlemen who drive up drug prices. Our plan requires transparency so employers and workers can finally see where their prescription dollars are going. It also expands association health plans, allowing small businesses and self-employed workers to band together and increase competition. This could lower premiums by as much as 30 percent. Our plan also protects employer-sponsored insurance and strengthens flexible tax- advantaged options like CHOICE arrangements. These reforms give workers control over their coverage dollars and lets employers offer benefits for the first time. Most importantly, this is just the beginning. We have many more policy reforms coming. Republicans' vision for healthcare is putting patients, not insurance companies, in control, with greater access, more choices, lower costs, and good quality care. These are commonsense reforms. It is past time we move beyond temporary patches and tackle the problem head-on and fix what is broken.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my good friend Morgan Griffith's bill, H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act. If you ask Americans to define ``common sense,'' I am quite certain that they would all agree that it is simply common sense to stop retiring reliable resources to generate power before you have adequate resources to replace them. The number one thing we need in this country is reliable power. More than anything else, people must have it for their safety and for our economy. Yet, our grid is facing a serious reliability crisis. How do we know that? Because the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, NERC, the one organization responsible for looking at the grid and ensuring its reliability, is saying we have a five-alarm fire, for good reason. We are seeing record demand for electricity at the same time that misguided policies are forcing reliable baseload power off the grid. That is a dangerous mismatch, and it is why we must pass H.R. 3632. It requires that if a power plant retirement would create a shortage of reliable electricity, States provide 5 years' advance notice. That is it, 5 years. That is just common sense. That transparency is critical for grid operators. You cannot plan transmission, build replacement generation, or ensure grid reliability without adequate time. We have gone too fast. The truth is, reliable power is affordable power. This map shows it. It just came out. The most affordable State on there is North Dakota, my home State. We still invest in reliable, clean coal.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, for affordable and reliable energy and a grid Americans can count on, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Steve Kahl on his retirement from the North Dakota Public Service Commission after 46 years. I had the honor of working with Steve for 12 of those years. When he began his career, staff typed on automatic typewriters, carbon copies were filed by hand, and all correspondence traveled by mail. Steve witnessed the first computer arriving at the North Dakota Capitol. It took up nearly an entire wall. As Steve would tell you himself, he had hair, a mustache, and a full beard when he started. Over the decades, Steve helped guide the commission through enormous change, modernizing regulation for auctioneers, grain licensing, trucking, and telecom. He helped develop one of the first GIS programs in the country and modernized the commission's permitting processes. I am a better public servant because of Steve's influence. North Dakota is stronger because of his steady leadership and commitment to getting things right. I congratulate Steve and thank him for the legacy that he has left behind. Steve should enjoy his retirement. He has earned it.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act. The truth is, interstate natural gas pipelines are what keep our lights on, our showers hot, and prices reasonable. To the gentleman from New Jersey's point, interstate pipelines also have provided the largest decrease in emissions in our country, and they have made it possible to deliver by backing up all of the renewables that are on the system. Mr. Speaker, overnight lows this weekend in my State of North Dakota are forecasted to be 20 degrees below zero. Having heat provided by natural gas is literally the difference between comfort and chaos, and, yes, between life and death in States like mine. If we want affordable and dependable energy in our country, then we must build the infrastructure that delivers it. However, too often these projects are delayed or blocked by a Federal permitting process that is far too inconsistent. When one State can derail an interstate pipeline, then entire regions pay the price. We have already seen this time and time again in the Northeast. In the Northeast, shortages have already threatened reliability and driven prices through the roof. This bill brings long-overdue accountability and coordination to the Federal permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines. It strengthens FERC's lead role, requires State and Federal partners to follow clear timelines, and requires reviews to take place concurrently, not in endless succession. Moreover, it still preserves every requirement under the Clean Water Act. This bill modernizes the permitting process so we can build the pipelines that keep energy affordable, so we can build the pipelines that power our economy, and so can build the pipelines that strengthen America's energy security. Mr. Speaker, did I mention that we can build the pipelines that keep energy available and affordable for Americans? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true North Dakota hero from Casselton, North Dakota, Commander Delbert Austin Olson. Commander Olson, as my colleagues mentioned, answered the call of duty not once, not twice, but across three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war. In Vietnam, he served with distinction, participating in some of the most dangerous missions of the war. He flew low over Ho Chi Minh Trail to gather intelligence that protected American servicemembers on the ground. On January 11, 1968, Commander Olson and his crew were killed in action when their plane went down. His name is etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and today we gather to take another step to make sure future generations know his story. My legislation will rename the Casselton Post Office as the Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office. This is a small way to show how much we value his sacrifice and to make sure his story lives on in the town he loved. North Dakota does not forget its heroes. Commander Olson's life reminds us of the quiet strength and devotion that defined the very best of this country. I am proud to bring this bill forward, and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Commander Olson's remarkable service and sacrifice.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of North Dakota for earning the Gold Award as a 2025-2026 Military Friendly School. UND was named among the nation's top 10 military-spouse friendly schools nationwide. This honor places UND in the top 10 percent of universities across the U.S. for its commitment to serving our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. UND's leadership reflects a long tradition of service that dates back to its founding. This gold recognition marks a proud milestone, especially with more than 2,000 military-affiliated students enrolled this year. From peer-to-peer mentoring to faculty training and veteran advocacy, UND continues to raise the standard for how universities can support members of our military. I congratulate President Armacost, Director Angie Carpenter, and the entire UND community for their dedication to those who defend our freedoms.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Guthrie for his leadership on this issue, on all energy issues, and for the entire Energy and Commerce Committee. He provides the exact type of leadership we need at this time in our country. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act and in strong opposition to what my colleague from New Jersey just said about this bill, much of which is just simply not true. Energy is the foundation of everything we do. It powers our homes, fuels our farms, and drives our economy. If we want to stay a global leader, we must build the pipelines and power lines that move energy from where it is produced to where it is needed. That is much more challenging than it needs to be under current law in our country. I know many of my colleagues across the aisle want to change that through permitting reform. My legislation begins to address that and is a step in the right direction. This bill is about strengthening American energy security, protecting good-paying jobs, and restoring common sense to a process bogged down by bureaucratic delays and partisan politics. For far too long, energy developers have faced an outdated and unpredictable permitting process that has delayed and even canceled critical infrastructure projects, costing taxpayers millions of dollars, and weakening American energy security. Right now, if you want to build a pipeline or a power transmission line between the U.S. and Canada or the U.S. and Mexico, you are stuck navigating a patchwork of executive orders, undefined agency processes, and shifting political winds. That is no way to build long-term infrastructure in our country. We need a cross-border permitting process that is transparent, predictable, and durable, a process that can't be undone with the stroke of a pen. The Keystone XL Pipeline should have been a wake-up call. It would have carried 800,000 barrels of oil each day from Canada to refineries in the Midwest and Texas. It would have meant real opportunity for North Dakota communities: more jobs, more tax revenue, and more energy produced for the entire Nation. After a decade of delays, protests, and litigation, Keystone XL was finally approved in 2017 by President Trump, but on day one of the Biden administration, that permit was canceled. It wasn't canceled because the project wasn't needed or because it wasn't safe, but to appease radical activists. With that single decision, the Biden administration cost the U.S. more than $3 billion in GDP and thousands of jobs, including many in my State of North Dakota. This uncertainty has created a chilling effect on investment in the infrastructure we desperately need for American energy dominance. That is why I introduced the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act. This legislation will help fix this problem. This bill requires Congress to approve the reversal of a cross-border project, no more unilateral decisions based on politics. This bill would also replace the outdated Presidential permitting process with a clear statutory framework: the certificate of crossing. This process will be overseen by FERC for oil and gas projects and by the Department of Energy for electricity. It establishes firm timelines for reviewing applications and puts subject matter experts, not politicians, in charge of decisions. By creating a consistent statutory framework that protects all existing requirements and environmental reviews, we can provide the regulatory certainty energy developers need to invest, hire, and build. Most importantly, this strengthens America's role as a global energy leader. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and stand with American energy dominance.

Mrs. FEDORCHAK

Mrs. FEDORCHAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Kevin Kallinen, who retired on August 13, for his remarkable 45\1/2\ years of service to the Grand Forks Police Department. Sergeant Kallinen holds the record as the longest serving sworn officer in the department's history, a distinction earned through dedication, remaining calm under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. He began his law enforcement career at just 20 years old and joined the Grand Forks Police Department in 1980. Promoted to sergeant in 1997, he chose to remain on patrol where each day brought the opportunity to meet people, solve problems, and make a difference in his community. On behalf of North Dakota, I congratulate Sergeant Kallinen on this incredible milestone and thank him for his decades of faithful service. His story will live on for years to come as a truly remarkable achievement.