Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 4366, a bill that would provide funding for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs. During the last Congress, $3 trillion was spent outside of the normal appropriations process. As spending soared, so did inflation. There was damage done to the economy, and the work of the Appropriations Committee changed significantly over those 2 years. That is why, earlier this year, I asked subcommittee chairs to evaluate all of the funding in the pipeline. When the President's budget finally arrived, I directed them to review each agency budget line by line. I thank the subcommittee chairs for their work to identify ways to save hard-earned tax dollars. These savings have allowed us to reduce overall spending without shortchanging--which is most important--national defense, homeland security, and veterans. The bill before us demonstrates our commitment to reduce overall spending and still honor our commitment to our veterans. This bill makes good on that promise by fully funding veterans healthcare. It will ensure our veterans get the medical treatment and benefits they deserve. Specifically, the bill prioritizes our Nation's heroes by providing critical funding for our military bases and facilities, improving the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families, and ensuring our veterans are appropriately honored in our cemeteries and battle monuments. The bill also prohibits funding to be used for biased and controversial programs. Mr. Chair, I thank the Members and staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work. This is a strong bill, and I look forward to supporting it. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 339; YEA on Roll Call No. 340; NAY on Roll Call No. 341; YEA on Roll Call No. 342; YEA on Roll Call No. 343; YEA on Roll Call No. 344; YEA on Roll Call No. 345; YEA on Roll Call No. 346; YEA on Roll Call No. 347; YEA on Roll Call No. 348; YEA on Roll Call No. 349; YEA on Roll Call No. 350; NAY on Roll Call No. 351; YEA on Roll Call No. 352; YEA on Roll Call No. 353; YEA on Roll Call No. 354; YEA on Roll Call No. 355; YEA on Roll Call No. 356; YEA on Roll Call No. 357; YEA on Roll Call No. 358; NAY on Roll Call No. 359; and NAY on Roll Call No. 360.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 361, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 362, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 363, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 364. personal explanation

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of one of my constituents, Ms. Denise Jones. Ms. Jones is retiring this May after 50 years of service to the public education system in North Texas. A lifelong resident of Haltom City, Texas, Denise grew up attending public schools around her including WT Francisco Elementary, Haltom Middle School, and Haltom High School. As a senior at Haltom High School in 1972, Denise joined the staff and never looked back. For the first 25 years, she faithfully served the Birdville Independent School District as a district administrative assistant. Then, in 1998, Denise joined the special education department where she has been a loyal servant for the past 25 years. As a former schoolteacher and daughter of an educator, I know firsthand how important the of work our public servants is. Denise's achievement of working in public education for 50 years is truly impressive and reflects her unwavering dedication to helping shape the minds of future generations. Her impact will be felt for many years to come. Again, I want to congratulate Denise on her retirement from Birdville Independent School District and wish her the absolute best.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of one of Fort Worth's very own, Elbit Systems of America. For 30 years, Elbit Systems of America's technology, products and spirit have served side-by-side with warfighters, first responders, civil aviators, and medical personnel to fulfill the company's core mission: providing innovative solutions that protect and save lives. With fewer than 10 employees, the company was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1992. But in 1993, the company started operating in Fort Worth after purchasing a manufacturing plant from another defense contractor. Operations in Fort Worth began with one contract to service the F-16 fighter aircraft with 170 employees, and with a commitment to helping its customers keep America safe. Today, Elbit Systems of America has grown to nearly 3,500 employees; annual revenues of almost $1.5 billion; and engineering and manufacturing facilities in seven states. It is no exaggeration to say that a huge contributor to the success of this business is its President & CEO, Raanan Horowitz. Raanan was one of the company's first employees, and since 2007 has led the company through America's times at war, economic challenges, and the uncertainty of the pandemic. While nearly doubling the company's revenue under this tenure, he's ensured that Elbit Systems of America operates by the highest standards. In fact, the Ethisphere Institute has honored Elbit Systems of America with its World's Most Ethical Company award five times since 2014, and back-to-back in 2022 and 2023. Elbit Systems of America's products are found in practically every major weapon system, they produce surveillance systems to help secure America's southern border, and blood diagnostic machines to help protect us from illnesses and diseases. I'm proud to say that despite all its growth and success, Fort Worth, Texas remains Elbit Systems of America's home and headquarters, where it is actively engaged as a valued member of our community. The company is a national sponsor for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising awareness and funds for groundbreaking cancer research. Employees across the company also volunteer their personal time to support local food banks, family shelters, children's programs, and animal rescue. Earlier this year Elbit Systems of America was named one of the Best Companies to Work for in the Great State of Texas, and I am proud to count them a member of Texas' 12th Congressional District. I congratulate Elbit Systems of America for 30 years of operations, thank them for being such good neighbors and supporters of America's warfighters, law enforcement, and medical professionals, and wish them good luck during their future efforts in the decades to come.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst, a highly decorated Navy SEAL who tragically died on February 19, 2023, while conducting military freefall training in Arizona. He was an American hero who dedicated his life in service of our country. Michael grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts playing hockey, lacrosse. and the drums, and was never far from his five siblings and loving parents. Following high school, Michael attended Denison University where he would meet his future bride, Megan, and earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 2008. Michael's spirit of adventure and commitment to service drove him to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 2010, and shortly thereafter he realized his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. During his 13 years of naval service, he became a highly decorated combat veteran with a multitude of deployments around the world, and host of awards for valor including the Silver Star Medal awarded for his heroic actions on a daring rescue operation. Michael was relentlessly committed to self-improvement and would also go on to cap his Navy career by earning a Master's of Business Administration, as a Sloan Fellow, from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2022. Michael truly excelled as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and teammate. He was a larger-than-life man and a warrior who served both our Nation and his family honorably. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join Michael's wife Megan, his children Reilly and Judah, and his parents, siblings, friends, and teammates in celebrating his life, recognizing the sacrifices he made for us, and extending our deepest gratitude for his noble service to our great country.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Sergeant Major Jason M. Cantu, who is retiring after 30 years of service to the United States Marine Corps. Sergeant Major Cantu enlisted in the Marine Corps in December of 1992 and completed his recruit training in September of 1993. Following his training at the School of Infantry, he was assigned as an infantry machine gunner. Throughout his 30 years of service, Sergeant Major Cantu has been deployed all over the world. In his early years as a Marine, he worked in Cuba to help Haitian and Cuban migrant's humanitarian missions as well as being deployed to South America and West Africa as a part of an air/ground task force and training float. He was later reassigned Bravo Company 1st Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment where he was a machinegun section leader and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. During this tour, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, then Sergeant. After a brief stint with the Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, VA, he returned to the 1st Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment in September 2000. While with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Sergeant Major Cantu, then a Sergeant, served as a section leader for the Combined Anti Armor Team. A year later, the battalion deployed to Okinawa, then Guam, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Then, in January 2003, the battalion deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After serving as a Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA, Cantu was assigned to the U.S. Naval Mission in Bogota, Colombia. After a stint in Colombia, and then Chile as a Marine Corps representative to the Chilean Marine Corps, Cantu was promoted to First Sergeant in September of 2008. He was deployed to support Operation Iraqi Freedom 9.1 as the Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Company First Sergeant. Sergeant Major Cantu rose to his current rank in May 2013 and currently serves as the Squadron Sergeant Major for a Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron. Sergeant Major Cantu's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with V and three gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars and the Combat Action Ribbon. He is the son of a 21-year career Marine and a brother to 7 siblings, 6 of whom also served in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy and are comprised of non-commissioned and commissioned officers. Our country owes the men and women of the United States military an enormous debt of gratitude, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sergeant Major Cantu. It is service men like him that safeguard our liberties and allow the people of this great nation to live under a blanket of freedom. On behalf of the people of the 12th Congressional District of Texas, we appreciate his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to his country. It is my honor to congratulate Sergeant Major Cantu on a job well done.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Center for Transforming Lives. Whereas in 1907, the Center for Transforming Lives, (formerly the YWCA of Tarrant County) was founded by Fort Worth women as the first YWCA to serve local low-income women. Early services included housing, employment support and social activities. Whereas in the 1920s, the Center for Transforming Lives founded the local United Way, as well as the local chapters of USO and Red Cross. Whereas in the 1950s, the Center for Transforming Lives expanded services throughout Fort Worth, as well as Arlington and Parker County. Whereas in 2013, the Center for Transforming Lives underwent a strategic plan that indicated that further expansion was needed to disrupt the cycle of poverty for women and children. As such, an increase was made in families serviced by homeless services, early childhood education and economic mobility services were added. Whereas in 2017, the Center for Transforming Lives became a safety net for more than 3,000 women and children in Tarrant County annually. Whereas in the early 2020s, the Center for Transforming Lives doubled the number of children served annually. Whereas in 2022, the Center for Transforming Lives is celebrating its 115th anniversary. Therefore, be it resolved, that we recognize the important work of the Center for Transforming Lives in disrupting the cycle of poverty and moving women and children to a place of prosperity.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Texas Congressional District 12's very own TCU Horned Frogs on a memorable college football season. Even though last night's result was not the one we were hoping for, the Horned Frogs proved to be the ultimate underdog story of the year. TCU was the smallest college or university to ever play a national championship in the modern era. They have shown great resolve and resiliency this year, which has inspired people across the Nation. I congratulate Coach Sonny Dykes, quarterback Max Duggan, and all the staff and players on a tremendous season. The whole Fort Worth community is incredibly proud of TCU's accomplishments. It is a privilege to represent Texas Christian University in Congress, and it was a pleasure to cheer on the team all season. Go Frogs.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2617, an omnibus appropriations package to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year. First, I have concerns about the size and the scope of the package, it totals almost $2 trillion, and it comes after nearly $3 trillion of spending was pushed through this Congress. This $3 trillion was enacted completely outside of the normal process and many programs received staggering increases. This record-high spending has been a key driver of inflation. It has led to record-high prices for the American people and for everything from gas to groceries. Instead of reflecting the economic realities we face, the package of bills before us represents continued spending in areas that have already received large increases. Second, this omnibus package bails out the administration for many of their self-inflicted wounds on issues like the border crisis and the energy crisis. In closing, I am disappointed that I am unable to support this bill that funds our Nation's military at the authorized level, but the excess spending on nondefense programs in this bill is just too much to gain my support. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us does not include and reflect the economic realities we face. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this short-term continuing resolution through December 23. I am very disappointed that we are, once again, discussing a CR because full-year appropriations bills have not been signed into law. I want to explain why we find ourselves in this place. Republican Members opposed the trillions of dollars in nondefense spending that Members on the other side of the aisle pushed through this Congress. That new spending was provided outside the normal process, and it is roughly twice the amount of funding we provide in a year through the annual appropriations bills. After these unprecedented levels of spending, nondefense programs should not require another large increase in fiscal year 2023. We need to focus on reducing government waste, fighting inflation, and focusing our limited resources on true priorities like border security and our Nation's military. Democrats have had all year to put bills on the floor that address these concerns and can be signed into law. Time is up. We should be passing a continuing resolution into next year instead of buying more time to rush through a massive spending package. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline), a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I 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 United States Space Force Major Brian K. Scheller on the completion of his Legislative Fellowship with my personal office. Major Scheller has been assigned to my staff since January 2022 and has done an outstanding job as my trusted advisor for national security, foreign operations, space/ technology, and veteran policy issues. Currently a Systems Engineer and Acquisition Project Manager for the United States Space Force, Major Scheller started his military service by graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 2010. While at the academy, Major Scheller was on the school's basketball team and served as an Assistant Coach for the first year following his commissioning. Throughout his 12 years of service, Major Scheller has been assigned as the F-16 Engineering Liaison at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as well as being deployed for 7 months at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates where he was responsible for leading construction and design projects at the base. Stateside, Major Scheller served as the Chief of the Director's Action Group where he responded to Congressional Inquiries for the Director of the National Security Space Launch Program. He also served as a Government Mission Integration Manager and led day-to-day operations that culminated in the successful launch of a Lockheed Martin GPS III satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. During his fellowship in my office, Major Scheller was instrumental in helping my staff and I develop the fiscal year 2023 House Defense appropriations bill. His direct contributions will help provide our nation's uniformed men and women with the resources needed to defend our great Nation. Additionally, Texas' 12th district is home to numerous DOD priorities including the F-35 program, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, and thousands of Active Guard and Reserve service members. Major Scheller quickly built a relationship with these entities, mastered their issues, and was essential in helping me fight for them. Additionally, Major Scheller coordinated dozens of engagements with senior administration officials, foreign heads of state, and industry leaders; and was a tireless advocate for servicemembers and veterans. Servicemembers like Major Brian Scheller are the reason why our Nation's defense forces are the best in the world. On behalf of the 12th District of Texas, I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Brian, his wife Christine, and children Jacob and Keegan, as they continue their military journey in service to our great Nation.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in opposition to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6833, a short-term continuing resolution extending government funding through December 16. I oppose this CR for several reasons. First, we should be here addressing the border crisis, the energy crisis, and the inflation crisis. This bill does nothing to fix any of these issues. In fact, this bill actually bails out the Biden administration for their failures and provides additional appropriations to put a Band-Aid on some of these problems for a few more months. For example, this bill includes nearly $2 billion in funding for children and families flooding the border. Providing more funding without changing the policies that led to this crisis will only encourage more migrants to come. Second, it is unfortunate this bill will be rushed through the House today with just hours to spare to avoid a government shutdown. The American people continue to wonder why Congress can't get its job done until the very last minute and why we don't have more time to review legislation. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.