Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, before I yield, I would like to point out that in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we can disagree, oppose, debate, and we remain friends both within our parties and across the aisle. I am proud of the committee for that, both the minority and the majority side. In fact, I am very proud of that aspect. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens).

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins), the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee chair and the bill's sponsor.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act, or the PERMIT Act, which will make permitting processes under the Clean Water Act more efficient, consistent, and transparent while continuing to protect our Nation's water quality. Our Clean Water Act permitting regime is broken. When it takes up to 18 months to receive a permit under just the Clean Water Act to build a pipeline, dam, road, pond, or home, something is simply wrong. When wastewater utilities are being sued by radical environmentalists because the EPA didn't give them a permit they could trust, something is wrong. When one State can weaponize the Clean Water Act to stop a pipeline that would allow citizens in other States to move off heating oil in the winter to a cheaper and more reliable source of energy, for reasons not remotely related to water quality, something is wrong. When the Federal Government is allowed to write water quality standards that no one can afford without passing on costs to the ratepayers, or for which the technology to achieve such standards isn't even available in this country, something is wrong. I believe that regulations should be simple to understand, achievable, and easy to follow. Good process often leads to good decisionmaking, more consistent outcomes, and prosperity, and that is what this bill seeks to achieve. The partnership between the private sector, States, and the Federal Government envisioned by the Clean Water Act has worked to improve water quality nationwide. This is a very good thing. We all share the goal of achieving clean water. However, 50 years after its passage, the Clean Water Act needs modernization. It is just as simple as that. This bill makes commonsense reforms, such as clarifying the section 401 process to stop it from being weaponized; codifying longstanding, bipartisan exemptions from the definition of waters of the United States; placing clear timelines on judicial review for permits; and increasing transparency in the development of water quality standards. It also directs the Corps to eliminate the backlog of outstanding section 404 permit applications and jurisdictional determinations and eliminate duplicative and unnecessary permitting processes for areas such as pesticides, aerial fire-retardant use, and so much more. The bottom line is that without reforming the Clean Water Act, America cannot efficiently build roads, bridges, pipelines, ponds, dams, levees, airports, homes, farms, and other infrastructure that we need. This bill acknowledges that we can both protect our natural resources and allow for development that benefits everyone in this country. Because of this, H.R. 3898 enjoys support from a wide range of stakeholders, from water utilities to energy developers, the construction industry, farmers, and Main Street businesses. I urge my colleagues who support commonsense solutions to vote in favor of H.R. 3898. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. 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 H.R. 3898.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026, which includes the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This bill will allow the Coast Guard to continue its vital missions of defending our maritime borders, saving lives at sea, and ensuring safe and reliable maritime commerce. The measure also builds upon the historic $25 billion investment the Coast Guard received in reconciliation, providing necessary oversight and much-needed support for the service's ongoing efforts to recapitalize its cutter and air assets, shoreside facilities, and its IT capabilities. As the Coast Guard faces increasing demand for its services, the bill authorizes the service to grow to 55,000 Active-Duty members by 2027 and supports the training, assets, and programs necessary to attract, retain, and advance the personnel needed to carry out the Coast Guard's missions. To that end, this bill ensures that the morale, well-being, and safety of our Coast Guard personnel are prioritized from the day they enter boot camp to the day they retire. In line with President Trump's efforts to rebuild America's maritime capacity, this bill strengthens America's maritime base, including provisions that streamline the merchant mariner credentialing process and laying the groundwork for the responsible deployment of new technologies at sea. Through this legislation, the United States Coast Guard will possess the assets and personnel it needs to execute its safety, enforcement, and national security missions. Finally, I thank the committee's ranking member, Rick Larsen; Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee chairman, Mike Ezell; and Ranking Member Salud Carbajal for their hard work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 1071.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I missed a vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 310.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I missed a series of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 286, YEA on Roll Call No. 287, and NAY on Roll Call No. 288. personal explanation

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Esten Cook III and his service to his country. Frank was born in Washington, D.C. on March 25, 1963, and passed away in Richmond, Kentucky on September 13, 2025. He was an avid outdoorsman, boater, and hunter. Frank was a U.S. Army veteran and served his country as a commissioned officer. His first love, however, was serving as a non- commissioned officer as a Blackhawk helicopter Crew Chief with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). In 1994, Frank was awarded Night Stalker Soldier of the Year for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Army Special Operation Aviation. This award was sponsored by Robertson Research Group, Inc. Frank was tough in every sense of the word, but he also cared deeply for his friends, family, and country. He would give you the shirt off his back, if you really needed it. He taught his family the value of being tough and rolling with what life gives you. He was fond of the saying ``rub some dirt on it, you'll be fine'', which carries weight with everyone who knew him. Frank took immense pride in being a Night Stalker. These men and women are some of the best rotary wing aviator crews in the world. Frank's attention to detail, his skills, and his tenacity drove him to join this elite regiment. Frank was very proud of both of his sons, Frank E. Cook IV (Frankie) of Jersey City, NJ and Anthony Guidi of Aloha. OR. As Frankie says, ``My dad wouldn't want anyone to cry over him.'' So today Mr. Speaker, we won't cry over him but rather honor this man as a veteran, a father, a brother, a son, and an American.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I missed a series of votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 265 and YEA on Roll Call No. 266.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, this legislation provides support for the men and women of the Coast Guard to be able to do their jobs. As we know, these servicemembers often go above and beyond the call of duty, including when responding to emergencies and disasters. That fact was clearly demonstrated during the response to the tragic flooding in Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 aircrew were first on the scene at Camp Mystic, the historic girls' camp that was caught in the catastrophic flooding, and helped save 165 lives. The men and women who serve in the Coast Guard carry out heroic acts each and every day, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they have the resources that they need to carry out their missions. I will take just a moment to thank my subcommittee staff who worked tirelessly on this legislation: John Rayfield, Reed Linsk, Lindsay Sakal, Spencer Thompson, Nicole Bredariol, as well as Matt Dwyer and the ranking member's team. Madam Speaker, I urge support of the bill on both sides of the aisle, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I don't have any further speakers. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McDowell).

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Webster).

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Ezell) who is also the chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4275 which is the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. The bill before us provides the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard with the authorities and resources that they need to carry out their missions which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing the United States laws at sea, and protecting our Nation's borders. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes Coast Guard funding for the fiscal years 2025 through 2029. The bill will support Coast Guard operations and enable the service to continue its efforts to recapitalize its cutter fleet, shoreline facilities, and IT capabilities. The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law by President Trump earlier this month which provides historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Coast Guard service secretary providing the Coast Guard parity with other military services and ensuring the service has a voice to advocate for its needs. The bill also advances the administration's vision to strengthen our domestic maritime sector by facilitating an increase in the pool of qualified United States merchant mariners. I very much appreciate Ranking Member Larsen, Subcommittee Chair Ezell, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal for working to reach a bipartisan agreement on this bill. Madam Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 23, 2025. Hon. Sam Graves, Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Westerman: I write concerning H.R. 4275, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. As a result of your having consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 4275 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services, I agree to forego any further consideration of this resolution so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. The Committee on Armed Services takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 4275 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this resolution or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. This legislation contains provisions that may require further modification prior to final consideration to ensure the support of the House Committee on Armed Services. Finally, I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included by House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Michael D. Rogers, Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 4275.

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4275) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, to establish the Secretary of the Coast Guard, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I missed a series of votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 215 and YEA on Roll Call No. 216.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I missed a series of votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 213 and YEA on Roll Call No. 214.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I missed a vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 185.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I missed a series of votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 183 and YEA on Roll Call No. 184. Personal Explanation

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, in closing, naming the House Press Gallery after Frederick Douglass is going to honor his commitment to the free press, his legacy, and his work reporting on the official business of Congress. I urge support of House Resolution 137, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I will take a moment to recognize someone who has made a particular impact on myself and this body, and that is Transportation and Infrastructure Republican Staff Director Jack Ruddy, who is leaving the Hill after 15 years. Jack started out in my office as an intern. He liked it so much he decided to come back as an intern four more times. No matter what we did or how hard we tried, we just could not get rid of him. I am incredibly thankful that he stuck it out because this entire body has benefited from his public service and his expertise. Jack has come a long way from his days as an intern. He went on to serve as my legislative director in my congressional office. For the last 6\1/2\ years, he has been with me at the T&I Committee, first as deputy staff director and, most notably, as staff director, which he led my entire team since 2022. It is uncommon in this Chamber that a staff member makes such a lasting impact, but Jack is a very uncommon staffer. He is a trusted adviser, not only to me but to many members on the Transportation Committee on both sides of the aisle. Over the years, he has played an integral role in shepherding through Congress numerous major legislative priorities to improve America's transportation network and build our infrastructure. This includes: the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and other important aviation safety legislation; multiple water resources development acts; Coast Guard authorizations; public buildings and Federal office space reforms; and pipeline safety reauthorizations, just to name a few of the things that are out there. It takes hard work, skill, extensive knowledge, and a deep understanding of the legislative process to get these things across the finish line, and Jack has all of those qualities. It also takes sacrifice, and Jack, his wife, Paige, and their two boys, Joel and Barrett, know that all too well. I thank Jack and his entire family for the sacrifices that they have contributed in more ways than I can describe. Their sacrifices over the last 6\1/2\ years have contributed to the success of the T&I Committee and the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, I close by saying that anybody who has ever worked with Jack knows that these things are very true: He is fair, he is pragmatic, and he knows how to get the job done. The most important thing that we know is that Jack is a true friend, and I can say that from personal experience. We are all going to miss him, and I wish him the best of luck as he begins his new chapter in life. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Donalds).