Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angie Giancarlo, a valued staff member of the House Committee on Appropriations, who has 25 years of experience working in the federal government. Her commitment to our country exemplifies the hard work and commitment of an esteemed public servant. Angie began her government career in 1999 when she joined the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works as a Staff Assistant. She was eventually promoted to Professional Staff Member. During her time on the Committee, she had a major hand in securing key legislation, such as the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 and the Safe Accountable Flexible Transportation Equity Act--A Legacy for Users. In 2011, Angie took her twelve years of policy expertise to the House Committee on Appropriations, specifically the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, where she would oversee accounts pertaining to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works program, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Department of Energy's power marketing administrations and petroleum reserves programs. In September of 2017, Angie became Majority Clerk and Staff Director for the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Her achievements during that Congress include the enactment of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Acts for Fiscal Year 2018 and Fiscal Year 2019. When the House Majority switched hands in 2019, Angie continued to serve as Minority Clerk during the 116th and 117th Congress. In the Minority, Angie fought and secured many conservative priorities in the final full-year bills. Her extensive experience earned her the position of Majority Clerk and Staff Director of the Subcommittee at the beginning of the 118th Congress. In times of divided government, her ability to negotiate resulted in significant wins. Her efforts to find common ground also led to the completion of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024. It is my distinct honor to recognize Angie's significant contributions to the federal government and our Committee as she transitions from her role in Congress to her next endeavor. Her tireless commitment, characterized by countless early mornings and late nights, has been invaluable to our country. Her expertise and knowledge on energy and water issues will be greatly missed. I wish Angie the best in the adventures to come, and I thank her for her dedicated service to the United States of America.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I use today to recognize an invaluable staff member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Johnnie Kaberle, whose 30 years of tireless work for the federal government--and more specifically the United States House of Representatives--exemplifies the devotion and commitment of a distinguished public servant. Johnnie's government career began in 1994 when she joined the office of former Congressman Nick Smith, serving as Legislative Assistant. Johnnie served in this same capacity for Representatives Dick Chrysler and Lamar Smith until August of 1999, when she joined my team as Legislative Director. In 2003, at the start of the 108th Congress, Johnnie assumed the position of Senior Policy Advisor for Majority Whip Roy Blunt. In this role, Johnnie's ability to negotiate, build coalitions, and remain calm in crisis made her stand out amongst the crowd. She aided the Whip team in identifying roadblocks and negotiating directly with Members of Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the passage of pivotal legislation on the House floor. In addition to conducting comprehensive research and legislative analysis, Johnnie drafted speeches and talking points for Whip Blunt on key policy positions. Having mastered these responsibilities, Johnnie directly assisted in advancing the Republican Leadership's agenda and contributed to the development of the party's long-term strategic policy goals. When the House Majority switched hands in 2007, Johnnie continued to serve as the Senior Policy Advisor for then-Minority Whip Blunt. This role was a pivotal part of Johnnie's development into the politically savvy leader she is today, but just as importantly, she made lifelong friendships with a cadre of Members and staff who would lead the House Republican Conference in the coming decades. After six years with Congressman Roy Blunt, Johnnie returned to work for me at the beginning of the 11th Congress. Serving as my Senior Policy Advisor, Johnnie acted as the point of contact for all appropriations issues as well as defense, homeland security, and transportation authorizing policy. Johnnie's work ethic and expertise earned her the promotion to Policy Director. While I served as the Chairwoman of the State and Foreign Operations and Defense Appropriations subcommittees, Johnnie provided me with direct support by serving as a conduit between my team, committee staff, federal agency leadership, and heads of state. Johnnie worked to align my agenda with the broader leadership goals and closely coordinated with the appropriations subcommittees in drafting and negotiating legislative proposals. She handled each issue--from meetings with the King of Jordan and the President of Egypt, to advocating for critical resources for Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth--with her patented expertise and enthusiasm. Having displayed her broad skillset throughout her years of dedicated service, Johnnie transitioned into the role of Deputy Chief of Staff in January 2015. In this position, Johnnie managed 17 direct reports to drive my legislative agenda and effectively represent the 12th district of Texas. This included setting policy priorities, conducting policy research, and managing constituent engagement. Equally important, during her tenure in my personal office, Johnnie took seriously the professional development of the young staffers and defense fellows that were part of Team Granger. Many of these young professionals have gone on to capably lead their own teams or military units. Johnnie truly left a lasting impression on each of them. When I was named the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations to begin the 116th Congress, I could think of no one I wanted more as my Deputy Staff Director than Johnnie. Given her wealth of knowledge and leadership abilities, Johnnie effortlessly managed a team of 30 direct reports to liaise with Members of Congress, Executive Branch agencies, and external stakeholders to develop appropriations legislation that reflected House Republican priorities. She served as one of two principal Republican Appropriations staffers in negotiating six omnibus and consolidated appropriations acts--balancing various political interests and addressing priorities to ensure continued government funding. As the new Republican leader of Appropriations, responsiveness to Member requests and questions was critical for me. In response, Johnnie launched a first-of-kind ``concierge Member services'' program and centralized operational support for congressional offices. Further, she created an ``Appropriations 101'' class to educate Members and their staff on the nuances of the appropriations process. She also coordinated with congressional leaders, committee chairs, and administration officials to reach agreements on funding and policy provisions. Johnnie aided the Staff Director in advocating for my priorities and those of Leadership in annual spending bills and supplementals. When the Defense Clerk role was vacated, I asked Johnnie to wear two hats, one as the Deputy Staff Director and the other as the Minority Clerk of the Defense Subcommittee, where she successfully fought for Republican priorities in Fiscal Year 2020 through Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations bills. Johnnie deservedly reached a pinnacle of the Appropriations Committee by becoming Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Majority Staff Director and Clerk when Republicans gained the Majority in 2023. In this critical role, she drafted and served as the principal House negotiator for the Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations bills, which funded the entire Department of Defense and Intelligence community to the tune of over $800 billion per fiscal year. She facilitated daily communication with Members of Congress, senior administration officials, and industry leaders, while leading and mentoring a high-performing team of 14 direct reports. Of her many accomplishments in this role, her staunch advocacy for Chairman Ken Calvert's vision of defense innovation will have a lasting effect on out national security. This includes the allocation of nearly $2.5 billion to foster innovation, including funding to identify, invest, and rapidly produce promising defense technologies through the Defense Innovation Unit and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. It is my distinct honor to recognize Johnnie's significant contributions to the entire federal government, the House Committee on Appropriations, and--most significant to me--the office of Texas' 12th District. Throughout her storied career, Johnnie has exemplified what it means to be a selfless public servant. She has consistently exhibited unparalleled knowledge of government and has bridged the gap between countless diverse stakeholders within the appropriations process. Johnnie's commitment to the United States and the American people will remain unmatched as she leaves a legacy within America's national security apparatus that will live on for generations to come. On behalf of the American people and the lucky ones who were privileged enough to learn from her and work alongside her, we thank Johnnie for her many years of devoted service to the United States of America.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary woman, a true american hero, and a beloved member of the Montrose, Colorado, community--Betty Jeanne Hayes. Today, Betty celebrates her 100th birthday, and I can think of no better way to mark this occasion than by recognizing her lifelong dedication to service, during World War II and throughout her years in our community. Betty Hayes embodies the courage and resilience of the `Greatest Generation.' In the early 1940s, when our country faced one of its darkest hours, Betty answered the call as a `Rosie the Riveter.' At North American Aviation in Kansas City, she worked to build B-25 bombers, aircraft that played a crucial role in the war effort. Betty and women like her stepped into roles that were then unconventional, taking on tasks vital to our Nation's success. For nearly two years, she worked diligently, earning 95 cents an hour and, more importantly, earning the gratitude of a Nation. Her contributions enabled our servicemen, including her own husband, Rudy Neill, to serve on the front lines. When Rudy returned, deeply affected by the war, Betty stood by him, raising their three children with love and determination. After the war, Betty continued her commitment to service. She worked at TWA in the accounting department, applying the same care she brought to her wartime work. Even after retiring over 30 years ago, she found new ways to serve. Since moving to Montrose, Betty has become a pillar of the community, volunteering with organizations like Christ's Kitchen, Shepherd's Hand, and Region 10. At 100, she still gives her time to the Warrior Resource Center every Monday. Her warmth, kindness, and dedication to veterans have made her invaluable to the Center. As Amy Eifling, the volunteer coordinator, put it: `She is sweet, has kind words, and is uplifting. She makes all of us better.' Betty's service hasn't gone unnoticed. This year, she was named Woman of the Year at the Women of Distinction event, reflecting the deep respect she commands. Her daughter, Sherry Neill, calls her a role model and pioneer--one of those women who stepped up during a time of need and never stopped serving. Mr. Speaker, Betty Hayes is more than a volunteer, more than a `Rosie the Riveter,' and more than a centenarian. She is a shining example of the best of America. Her story is one of selflessness, resilience, and unending generosity. On behalf of this Congress, I wish Betty a very happy 100th birthday. We honor her for her lifetime of service and thank her for reminding us all what it means to serve with humility, strength, and grace.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anne Marie Chotvacs, who has selflessly served the United States, most prominently on the House Committee on Appropriations, for nearly 23 years. Her commitment to our country has benefited Congress tremendously, and her dedication to service has set an example for generations to come. Anne Marie entered federal service through a highly competitive Presidential Management Intern program at the U.S. Department of Commerce. There, she reviewed budget and policy proposals, served as a liaison to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget, and prepared briefings, testimony, and talking points for senior Department officials. While at the Commerce Department, she was detailed to the Office of Management and Budget during the development of the President's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2002 and the House Committee on Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2004 appropriations process. What she didn't realize at the time was that the latter detail would pave the way for a successful career on the most powerful committee in Congress. In March of 2004, Anne Marie officially joined the House Committee on Appropriations as a Professional Staff Member, working for a handful of subcommittees. Just a few years later, I was named the Lead Republican of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. Anne Marie's drive and hard work earned her the position of Minority Clerk for the Subcommittee, which is where I really got to know Anne Marie. In 2015, I had the honor of becoming the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. Given her foreign policy expertise, it was a natural transition for Anne Marie as she continued as the lead policy staffer for the Subcommittee, ultimately becoming the Staff Director and Majority Clerk. Serving on such a wide-ranging, impactful subcommittee, she knew it was important to conduct strict oversight of foreign programs and initiatives and made it a point to travel to all continents and more than 50 countries, ensuring taxpayer resources were being utilized responsibly and as intended by Congress. During her time on the Subcommittee, she was named in the National Journal's ``Five Staffers to Watch on Foreign Aid,'' a befitting accolade. After more than 12 years with the House Committee on Appropriations, Anne Marie had the opportunity to leave the federal government and work as the Senior Director of International Operations and Policy for The Boeing Company, managing a team representing the company's international commercial and defense business interests. When I was elected by my colleagues to be the Lead Republican of the House Committee on Appropriations for the 116th Congress, I knew immediately I wanted Anne Marie to be the Minority Staff Director, the top Republican staffer for the Committee. In this well-deserved role, she counseled Members of Congress on more than $1.5 trillion in annual federal funding and drove legislative outcomes by coordinating across 12 subcommittees. It is no secret that the 116th and 117th Congresses were full of unprecedented events, and as expected, Anne Marie remained a steady force, navigating through the longest government shutdown in history and the COVID pandemic. She was once again acknowledged for her outstanding work in 2019 when she was named in ``Key Players for the Fall Season'' by Congressional Quarterly. When Republicans gained the Majority for the 118th Congress, Anne Marie was elevated to Clerk and Staff Director of the Full Committee, where she led a team of more than 100 staff working with Members of Congress, Executive Branch agencies, foreign governments, and external stakeholders to develop appropriations legislation. In a particularly tense Congress, I know we wouldn't have accomplished what we did without her work as Clerk and Staff Director. She navigated one of the most difficult appropriations processes in recent history, finding common ground on controversial issues and winning key Republican priorities in the final Fiscal Year 2024 bills. Anne Marie's breadth of experience is a rare find on Capitol Hill, having had a hand to completing 20 appropriations cycles. She rose through the ranks from Agency Detailee to Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee Majority and Minority Clerk, Minority Staff Director, and finally to Full Committee Clerk and Staff Director. Anne Marie has been an exceptional leader--her reputation and experience are unmatched. It is my distinct honor to recognize Anne Marie as she leaves the halls of Congress. While she departs with a successful career on the Hill behind her, I know she won't stop achieving great things, and I am excited to see all that she accomplishes in her next chapter. I wish the best to Anne Marie, her husband Chuck, and her son Charlie, who will be turning three this December. Anne Marie will be incredibly missed in Congress--especially by me, and I thank her for her dedicated service to the United States of America.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN. Dr. Riddle will soon complete his year as national president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). I am proud that Dr. Riddle was elected as the 2023-2024 president of this prestigious healthcare organization. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year. They work in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered including hospital surgical suites, obstetrical delivery rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and the offices of dentists, podiatrists, and specialty surgeons. They also provide acute and chronic pain management services to patients in need of such care. CRNAs provide anesthesia for all types of surgical cases and are the sole anesthesia providers in many rural hospitals. CRNAs have full practice authority in the Army, Navy, and Air Force and are the predominant provider of anesthesia on forward surgical teams and in combat support hospitals. As an AANA member for 14 years, Dr. Riddle has contributed greatly to the healthcare community in the Fort Worth area and nationwide. Dr. Riddle is an associate professor of Professional Practice and director of Clinical Education at Texas Christian University School of Nurse Anesthesia. He also serves as the Director of the Center for Translational Research. A JBI Center of Excellence and Co-Chair of the Cochrane U.S. Network. Dr. Riddle's research interest included evidence-based healthcare, pharmacogenomics, and genetic implications for anesthesia care. Additionally, Dr. Riddle has spoken nationally and internationally on evidence-based healthcare, systematic review strategies, and various clinical anesthesia topics. In addition to his research and teaching roles, Dr. Riddle maintains an active clinical anesthesia practice through NorthStar Anesthesia. He was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2018. Dr. Riddle earned his PhD from Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. During his AANA presidency, Dr. Riddle has been a prominent advocate for the patients and practice of nurse anesthesia before federal agencies and members of Congress. He has worked tirelessly to promote anesthesia patient safety and the value of CRNAs to our healthcare system. Dr. Riddle has advocated to eliminate burdensome regulations for CRNAs, to have CRNAs recognized as full practice providers in the Veterans Health Administration, and to address underlying causes of surprise billing such as provider discrimination. I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Riddle today on a job well done. His service to AANA and to his patients, and his commitment to safe, quality anesthesia care nationwide, are highly commendable. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Riddle's notable career and outstanding achievements.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor NiKolas Rogers on being named the 2024 Youth of the Year at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. NiKolas has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence that truly sets him apart, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. NiKolas has shown an unwavering passion for academic success and personal growth. His involvement in Upward Bound has not only enriched his own life but also positively impacted those around him. He has a unique ability to inspire his peers and lead by example, always striving to make our community a better place. As a student at Trimble Tech High School, NiKolas excels, maintaining high grades and a strong commitment to his education. He approaches every challenge with determination and a positive attitude, embodying the values of hard work and perseverance. His intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn are truly commendable. NiKolas is also willing to lend a helping hand at any time and offer support to those in need. His genuine concern for others and his ability to connect with people on a personal level make him a beloved member of Upward Bound and our community in Tarrant County. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating NiKolas Rogers on receiving this award and in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Hayden Marie Marchant's graduation from The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas. Hayden entered The Hockaday School as a pre-K student and attended the school for her entire academic career. Her graduation, years in the making, as she highly distinguished herself both inside and outside of the classroom and earned the respect of her peers and teachers. Among her many accomplishments at Hockaday was to serve as the editor of the school yearbook Cornerstones. The Hockaday yearbook is an exceptional annual challenge, trying to capture the year for the over 1,000 students coming not just from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, but from across Texas and the globe. This was in addition to her many athletic talents, being a member of the high school crew, soccer, and track & field teams. Her extracurricular experiences were not limited to journalism and sports, but also included a significant focus on religious life and values. Hayden frequently led Bible study at Hockaday and served as an active member of North Dallas Young Life. She is also a member of First Baptist Church and is a major volunteer at the Fields Youth Group. Each Sunday morning, she manages the sound and lights for the youth service, mainly out of view, but her service is essential. She has demonstrated servant leadership at both ends of the spectrum, being out in front and behind the scenes. This balanced leadership approach will serve her well in the future and will benefit many as she continues to grow. Hayden is the daughter of proud parents Matthew and Lindsay Marchant of Dallas and the sister of Kendall who graduated from Hockaday two years ago. Her supportive grandparents, Rodney and Sherry Hill of Frisco, and Kenny and Donna Marchant of Coppell, join in celebrating her graduation. The Hockaday School prides itself on their four cornerstones of character, courtesy, scholarship, and athletics. For fourteen years, Hayden has lived up to and excelled at these school values, and they will guide her well as she starts college. Hayden Marchant will attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas in the fall of 2024. Hayden was admitted to the Hankamer Scholars and Business Fellows programs, as well as the Honors College. Hayden has chosen to be a Business Fellow which is a highly selective program for high- ability students. Through the Business Fellows program, Hayden will be a student in both entrepreneurship and religion. She has already taken the entrepreneurship mantra very seriously at a young age, as she is the creator and head designer of the Rocking M Beads jewelry business. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Hayden Marchant on her high school graduation and all of her classmates on this important milestone. Our best wishes for her continued success as she starts her studies at Baylor University this fall, sic'em Bears.

Ms. GRANGER

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

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce), the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the appropriations package. I thank all the Members and staff who were involved in this process. We looked hard at our needs and developed a package to carry us through the process. Two weeks ago, I talked about the changes House Republicans made regarding how we fund the government. We made targeted cuts to wasteful programs and developed a package that is proof of that. We looked at each need, and it was clear that the world is becoming a more dangerous place. We made changes and decided on efforts that include countering China, developing next-generation weapons, and investing in the quality of life of our servicemembers. I am proud to say that this bill strengthens our national security and funds critical defense efforts. This package also includes other key priorities. It continues our strong support of Israel, combats the flow of illegal drugs, and fully funds medical research for cancer and chronic diseases. Against all odds, House Republicans refocused spending on America's most crucial needs at home and abroad. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield 10 minutes of my time to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), and that she be allowed to control the time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1102) providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2882, with an amendment.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I missed today's votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall no. 86.

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 rollcall No. 73, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 74, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 75, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 76, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 77, and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 78.

Ms. GRANGER

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

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

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

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his important contribution to this bill. He has been wonderful to work with side by side, and I appreciate that very much. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies.