Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson), who is the ranking member of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), the vice ranking member of the full Committee on Appropriations, and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the ranking member of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the dean of the House of Representatives.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Alaska.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing. Madam Speaker, the bills we are considering today have some fatal flaws I simply cannot support. Again, there is no agreement on top-line spending levels, and the bills include some of the most concerning policy changes I have ever seen in an appropriations bill. The package before us includes excessive spending, jeopardizes our security, reverses the provisions that protect life, and adds burdensome regulations. Moving this package is simply a wasted opportunity. This is a partisan measure. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Courtney Renken, who will be leaving my office after seven years of distinguished service to the people of Texas Congressional District 12. Born and raised in North Texas, Courtney became involved in her community at an early age. From her association with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, to her membership in the Lake Worth chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, to her work with the Azle Lions Club, Courtney has pursued every opportunity to learn from and support those around her. In 2014, while attending law school, Courtney joined my team. Balancing her schoolwork and a research job, she managed to take on some of the most detail-oriented duties in my office, the kind most people try to avoid. She gravitates not to the glamorous tasks, but to those that are essential for an organization to function smoothly. I was finally able to hire Courtney full-time after she earned her law degree, from Fort Worth's own Texas A&M University School of Law. She quickly became an irreplaceable part of my office, rising to the role of Deputy District Director. Courtney's responsibilities include day to day management of my district office and ensuring our local office staff stays in close touch with our Washington, D.C. staff, but her contributions have gone above and beyond those required of her position. She is always looking for ways to innovate. She led the transition of my district office to a digital-based, paperless operation, and she was the driving force behind practices that led to my office winning a Democracy Award for Innovation and Modernization in Constituent Service from the Congressional Management Foundation. Courtney is known for her hospitality when welcoming people to Fort Worth. She has introduced countless visitors to the 12th District's charms, as well as its workout classes. She is always available to her colleagues and to constituents, many of whom she calls friends, whether it's to discuss a work issue or to try a new local restaurant. Courtney's work ethic shows even in her hobbies. She manages popular social media accounts for both her dog and herself. She is a fantastic cook and baker, a talent she balances with a dedication to fitness, including once completing 42 spin classes in 30 days. Courtney is a world traveler, has flown an airplane, and taken a ride in a race car going 180 miles per hour around the Texas Motor Speedway. Courtney will be leaving my office to pursue a career in federal law enforcement. As much as we will miss her, we are proud of her commitment to public service and will continue to support her as she embarks on this new journey. On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer her congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dena Baron, a long-time member of the professional staff of the House Appropriations Committee, who is retiring after more than 25 years of service in the Federal Government. Dena began her career at the Environmental Protection Agency in 1995. While a budget analyst at the Environmental Protection Agency, she was detailed to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development. Following her detail, in 1999, Dena became professional staff for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development. In 2004, she moved to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury until the House Appropriations Committee reorganized in the 109th Congress. Following the reorganization, Dena became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and the District of Columbia. When the House of Representatives switched control in 2007, and the House Appropriations Committee underwent another reorganization setting the subcommittees to their current form, Dena became Minority Clerk for the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee. Continuing her trend of versatility, Dena simultaneously worked on the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Financial Services and General Government subcommittees. When the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in the 112th Congress, Dena became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and then in 2017, she became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. When the House of Representatives switched control in 2019, as only fitting, Dena ventured into uncharted territory and became Minority Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. This opportunity presented a range of new challenges, and she, once again, demonstrated her ability to handle any task put before her and performed remarkably. Dena was an exceptional member of the Appropriations Committee staff for more than twenty years, and she served on my staff for three of those years. I asked Dena to work on some of the most divisive issues of the day, and she saw us through one of the longest government shutdowns in history two years ago by finding common ground with her colleagues. Dena has spent many hours away from her loved ones over the course of her long Federal career, and I know she is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Jim Smith, her son, Andrew, and her daughter, Emily. Dena will be greatly missed, and I wish her the best in her next chapter and thank her for her dedicated service to the United States.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, the Hyde amendment is an essential protection for the conscience rights of Americans and has saved over 2 million innocent lives. The prohibition on the use of taxpayer funds for abortion has been enacted annually on a bipartisan basis despite our country's divisions on the question of abortion itself. Yet, despite President Biden's decades of support for the Hyde amendment, his budget request bows to the radical left and fails to include these longstanding protections. As ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to protecting all existing pro-life protections and advancing the pro-life cause whenever possible. I will strongly oppose the elimination of the Hyde amendment from annual appropriations bills. But to strengthen the Hyde amendment, we must make it permanent law. That is why I support H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator Zackary Miller, a highly decorated Navy SEAL, who was taken far too early by cancer at the age of 39. He died on June 4, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia with his family, closest loved ones, and teammates by his side. He was an American hero who dedicated his life in service of our country. Zack grew up in Columbus, Georgia and Mobile, Alabama. In 2000, he graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School where he played baseball, basketball, and was captain of the football team. Zack received a scholarship to play football at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi before transferring to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He graduated in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in political science. Zack's athletic prowess and leadership aptitude drove him to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 2004. He first served as an Aviation Ordnanceman onboard the USS Nimitz before realizing his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. During his 16 years in the Navy, he became a highly decorated combat veteran with seven deployments and numerous awards for valor including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, and three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Valor, each for distinct heroic actions during combat operations worldwide. Zack was a devoted son, partner, friend, and teammate. He was known for his unparalleled work ethic that was only matched by his endlessly positive attitude, sense of humor, and charm. Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join Zack's family, friends, and teammates in celebrating a life well lived, recognizing the sacrifices he made for all of us, and extending our deepest gratitude for his service to our country.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Josefa ``Josie'' Flores who is celebrating 14 years of service to the people of Texas Congressional District 12 on June 22, 2021. Josie was born a first generation American in Grand Prairie, Texas. She has a servant's heart and a strong commitment to her faith and family. She is never flustered and has been a beacon of hope in my office and my district for the last 14 years. At 17, Josie joined the United States Army. Her 11 years of military service included a tour of duty in Bosnia, which she describes as one of her fondest memories. Upon returning to her husband, Jose, and firstborn son, Dee, Josie continued serving members of the armed forces in the fleet and family support center. Shortly after her second son, Leo, was born, Josie came to my office as a bilingual caseworker where she has been assisting constituents ever since. Josie is not just good at her job; she is the best at her job. People from all over the world contact my office in hopes of having Josie pick up their case because they know that if there is a way to do it, Josie will get the job done. Josie often says her job is to help people and helping people is what she loves to do. No matter the stresses involved, she does all in her power to help every individual or family that reaches out. Her passion for others has carried her on to be a successful caseworker with a wealth of knowledge that few, if any, can match. In addition to helping constituents, Josie is a resource for others in the congressional casework community. She mentors' caseworkers from all over the nation, sharing her experience and passion. The respect she has earned is a direct reflection of the work and dedication she has demonstrated to my office for the last 14 years, and during her entire 25 years of public service. Josie will always provide an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on. She is a sounding board for my staff and a lighthouse for my constituents. I have been beyond blessed to work with this incredible woman during my time in Congress, and I am forever grateful for her service to our nation. May her light never extinguish. On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer my congratulations and best wishes on this special occasion.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3237, a bill to provide funding for Capitol security and other purposes. Unfortunately, after several weeks of discussion, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have chosen a path of partisanship instead of working together. I want to explain how we ended up in this situation. In January, the Speaker of the House directed a retired lieutenant general and his team to review security needs on the House side of the Capitol following the events of January 6. This review was directed without even consulting House Republicans or the Senate. Even though the review by General Honore began as a partisan effort, members of the Appropriations Committee hoped things could get back on track and we could negotiate a funding agreement that could be supported by both parties in both Chambers. That is why it is so disappointing that we are now left with the bill before us. This is a one-sided solution that does not even have buy-in from Democrats in the Senate. The bill we are considering today implements permanent recommendations before ongoing security assessments are complete; it creates a multi-million-dollar fund for future expenses at the Capitol prior to knowing what is really needed; and it delays much-needed reimbursements for agencies that have protected the Capitol since January 6, such as the National Guard and the Capitol Police. It also provides $200 million to establish a force within the D.C. National Guard to respond to incidents at the Capitol, raising serious concerns about the role of our military on American soil. Some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have also raised concerns about using the National Guard in this way. The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Leahy, has said that it is important for the Capitol to remain open and accessible to the public and not feel like a militarized zone. I agree with him. Matters of such importance like this should be handled in the proper way, marked up in the Appropriations Committee and authorizing committees so that Members' positions can be fully considered. At the very least, amendments to this bill should have been allowed on the House floor today. Unfortunately, Members on both sides of the aisle have been shut out. Madam Speaker, the events of January 6 were tragic and exposed serious security vulnerabilities around the Capitol complex, as well as an inability to properly respond and act when intelligence is provided. Congress must prevent anything like this from ever happening again, but the bill before us today is not the solution. There is no reason why we cannot continue discussing in good faith and reach a bipartisan compromise. For this reason, I must urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this package. I hope we can get back to the negotiating table soon. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Washington.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Daniel Naske of the U.S. Air Force, upon his departure from the Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Legislative Liaison. As Executive Officer, Major Naske serves as the critical bridge between key senior leaders within the Department of Defense, to include the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Chief of Space Operations and Members of Congress and the White House. His responsibilities include leading a 6-member team in executing senior leader communication and resource support responding to 535 Members of Congress. His role as the principal advisor to the Director of Legislative Liaison's ensures the Department's strategic communication and vision is synchronized and thoughtfully executed across 6 divisions and 85 members in the planning of over 200 Member engagements on Department programs, policies and weapon systems. Major Naske is a native of upstate New York and is a Distinguished Graduate from Clarkson University ROTC with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Arts in Military History from American Military University, and is a 2019 graduated Defense Legislative Fellow. Major Naske began his flying career in 2009, and was first assigned as a pilot of the MC-12W reconnaissance aircraft. In 2011, Major Naske became qualified on the C-17A Globemaster Ill and became an Instructor Pilot in 2013. Additionally, he is a graduate of the esteemed U.S. Air Force Weapons School. Major Naske's exemplary U.S. Air Force career spans more than 2,741 hours in airlift and reconnaissance aircraft, and of that, 1,002 are in combat. Major Naske and his wife, Caitlin, have two beautiful daughters, Ava and Mara and his family continues to support him and his service to our nation. We wish Major Naske the best of luck in his new role leading an operational C-17 unit as the Director of Operations. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Major Daniel Naske for his dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force, and to our Nation.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Nancy Dolan, a key member of the Senior Executive Service of the Department of the Air Force, upon her promotion and departure as the Deputy Director of the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison. As Deputy Director, Nancy is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and resourcing the Legislative Liaison Directorate. She develops and executes the Department of the Air Force's legislative program and ensures the Department of the Air Force provides a consistent and cohesive message through congressional engagements, inquiries, and correspondence. She works with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and senior Department of the Air Force leaders on legislative issues that affect Department programs, policies, and weapon systems. She will be deeply missed by all after three and a half years of exceptional service. Nancy is a native of New York and is a graduate from Cornell University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Engineering. Prior to her current assignment, Ms. Dolan served as the Deputy Director, Strategy, Concepts and Assessments, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements. Ms. Dolan was responsible for developing and synchronizing Air Force strategy and strategic planning efforts and assessing alignment of planning products with strategic guidance. She supported the Chief of Staff of the Air Force with U.S. and Allied Strategic Studies Group, led Air Force transformation by developing, exploring, and advocating joint and combined force employment concepts, and executed the CSAF's Title 10 Futures Capabilities and unified engagement wargames. Nancy also previously served as the Staff Director in the U.S. Congress for the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, where she was responsible for the operations of four subcommittees. She coordinated the work of the Full Committee minority to provide and update the legislative and fiscal authorizations for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, we wish Ms. Dolan the best of luck in her new role as the Deputy Director of Staff, Secretary of the Air Force. I extend our deepest appreciation to Ms. Nancy Dolan for her dedicated service to the Department of the Air Force, the U.S. Congress, and to our Nation.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 18. Stated against:

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 9.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 4. Motion to Refer

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 5.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I missed votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call No. 6, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 7, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 8.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), the ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the former chairman of the full committee and ranking member of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry), the ranking member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of the fiscal year as well as provide another round of desperately needed relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The appropriations package we will consider today is critical because it will allow us to prevent an unnecessary government shutdown and avoid a wasteful continuing resolution that simply straight-lines funding until the end of next year. The bill makes us safer by ensuring we have the funding and the tools necessary to both discourage our enemies and defend ourselves against them. The funds provided in this bill are also critical to continue the fight against public health threats both at home and abroad. The bill ensures that longstanding provisions to protect life, reduce burdensome regulation, and preserve our way of life are retained. I would like to highlight some specific programs in the appropriations package. This bill supports another significant increase for the National Institutes of Health, including funding for vital research on Alzheimer's disease and to find cures for cancer. It provides more than half a billion dollars for NASA, to help maintain our superiority in space. We will need to continue to do more in future years to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon. The bill also funds the U.S. Space Force so the United States has a leading edge against China and Russia. The bill keeps us safe by providing the same level of funding as last year for the border wall. It also rolls back attempts to limit the President's authority to provide additional funds, if needed. The bill continues to rebuild our military, modernize our nuclear weapons stockpile, and strengthen our allies, such as Israel. This bill strongly supports our veterans and our troops by increasing pay for our military; addressing the healthcare needs of our brave warfighters and their families, as well as those who previously served; and ensuring that the United States military has cutting-edge equipment, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the V-22 Osprey, so that they can discourage and take on any fight against our enemies. The bill retains longstanding Second Amendment and pro-life protections that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle wanted to eliminate. In fact, it secures the largest pro-life victory in a generation by maintaining the Trump administration's Title X Family Planning regulations. It drops the dangerous policy provisions my colleagues on the other side of the aisle included in the House bills, including riders aimed at defunding the police. Billions of dollars of unnecessary emergency spending that the majority included in their bills is stripped away in this package. Many of these provisions are considered poison pills that were opposed by Republicans and the White House. Also before us today is another round of coronavirus relief. Specifically, our package will: ensure the timely distribution of vaccines across the country; help small businesses affected by the economic downturn; and provide much-needed relief for airports and the airline industry, which is so important for thousands of hardworking Texans in and around my district. I am glad we were able to come together on this agreement today, and I want to thank my colleagues, Mrs. Lowey, Senator Shelby, and Senator Leahy, for working together in good faith. Plain and simple, this package is good for our economic security and our national security because it addresses the most pressing threats we face as a country. I hope it will be supported. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.