Paul Gosar

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the serious and deadly incompetence displayed by Mr. Biden and his current military staff, including General Milley and Secretary of Defense Austin. The military leadership has been irresponsible, careless, and incompetent regarding Afghanistan. After 20 years, over $2 trillion wasted, and thousands of American lives lost, our military leadership lost this war and did so in a humiliating defeat played out in real time before the world. Our enemies are emboldened as our military leaders showed cowardice and incompetence. Instead of resolve and a plan of action to exit a war they could not justify or win, they evacuated our troops and abandoned civilians. They abandoned our allies and left them to fend for themselves. The British were so incensed over this humiliating defeat and abandonment of their servicemembers on the field that the British Parliament passed a resolution censuring Mr. Biden, a first in our nation's history. Our allies lost faith in their ability to count on us. In addition, our military leaders, led by the strange General Milley, who is obsessed with homosexuality in the military and flying gay pride flags at every opportunity, informed Congress that we did not need to keep Bagram Air Base before the civilians were evacuated. His bungling led to a disaster with 13 of our servicemembers unnecessarily killed trying to control an airport that we had no control over and had many weak points compared to Bagram Air Base. His decision cost the lives of his troops. On top of this disastrous incompetence, General Milley and Secretary Austin abandoned over $80 billion in our top-notch military equipment and allowed it to fall into the hands of the very military we had been opposing. Milley and Austin failed to create a plan to retrieve, scuttle or destroy our valuable equipment. Helicopters, airplanes, drones, missiles, automatic weapons, MRAPS, Humvees, ammunition, mortars and howitzers were all lost to the enemy even though our leaders knew where the equipment was yet did nothing to stop the acquisition by the Taliban. This is gross incompetence and dereliction of duty. Both the very weirdly obsessed General Milley and Secretary Austin should have resigned in shame for the humiliation they brought to this country. But they have not. Therefore, we need to remove them. I will vote to impeach both Milley and Austin and remove the stain they have left on our military and our people. I include in the Record a letter from Arizona Representative Walt Blackman. His letter needs to be read and shared and I join him in his conclusions. September 3, 2021 To Whom It May Concern: I proudly served 21 years in the United States Army. Several times during my service I was on deployment to other countries. I was responsible for military equipment valued at millions of dollars. I was trained as a private whose job was imperative to track, secure and dispose of military equipment in accordance with military regulation. While I was stationed at Fort Hood there was a time when our military installation was on complete lockdown because a soldier had misplaced a set of night vision goggles. Securing and tracking military equipment, especially sensitive items is a practice that is constantly drilled into all soldiers. According to UCMJ any servicemember of the United States Armed Forces who either willfully or by neglect sells, damages, destroys, disposes of, or otherwise mismanages U.S. military property may face charges under Article 108 of the

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, as we honor the loved ones lost 20 years ago. The horrific events that unfolded that day claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and forever impacted many more. The senseless terrorist attacks that took place in New York City, Washington, D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania fundamentally altered our nation. Commercial airliners were weaponized, our Pentagon attacked, and the World Trade Center Towers fell. Yet, in one of America's darkest hours, Americans were united by God, heroism and compassion. As we take a moment to commemorate the great losses our nation suffered 20 years ago, we also continue to be inspired by the raw strength and resilience displayed by our great nation in the grief and aftermath. To this day, America's fortitude continues to set an international example, even during trying times. While this day is still difficult and we cannot bring back those precious American lives that were tragically lost by the brutal attacks, we must never forget their sacrifice and those that protect our freedom. I commend the participants of Lake Havasu City's 9/11 Rededication Ceremony for honoring the memory of the Americans lost on the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 attacks. May God continue to comfort the families who lost loved ones and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great man, a great lawyer, and a great Arizonan. I speak of Robert S. ``Bob'' Lynch. Mr. Lynch is a proud graduate of the University of Arizona, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (1961) and Bachelor of Laws (1964) degrees and a Master of Laws degree with a specialization in natural resources law from George Washington University (1972). Well known as one of the most competent water lawyers in a state where water law governs prosperity, Bob represented clients before Congress and the state legislature. His practice also included representation of clients before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Arizona Corporation Commission and in state and federal courts. His litigation experience includes matters before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as cases before 9 of the 13 federal appellate courts, and three state supreme courts. One area in which I was able to get to know Bob included his work as counsel and Treasurer to the Irrigation and Electrical Districts' Association of Arizona (IEDA). The irrigation districts form a key part of the water and agricultural infrastructure in Arizona. Bob guided this important group for years and guided them well. Professionally, Bob devoted most of his practice to water, electricity, and environmental law issues. Bob was appointed in June 1996 by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives to the seven- member Federal Water Rights Task Force, a federal advisory committee, established by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act, P.L. 104-127. I also found Bob to be an invaluable advisor on energy and water issues. Bob was devoted to several organizations related to his specialty, including Serving on the Advisory Committee of the American Public Power Association and on the Board of Directors of its political action committee, PowerPAC (Chairman 2000-2007). He is a 2003 recipient of APPA's Kramer-Preston Personal Service Award. Bob also served on the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's Legal Advisory Committee, the Water and Property Rights (Chair) and Energy Issues Committees of the National Water Resources Association, as well as on task forces on the Endangered Species Act of both national associations. He served as President (1991-1996) and Chairman of the Board (1996-2000) of the Central Arizona Project Association. He belongs to the Arizona, Maricopa County, and Federal Bar Associations, and is a member of the District of Columbia Bar. A gentleman of the highest order, Bob is also a scholar. His publications include ``Complying With NEPA: The Tortuous Path to an Adequate Environmental Impact Statement,'' 14 Arizona Law Review 717 (1973) and ``The 1973 CEQ Guidelines: Cautious Updating of the Environmental Impact Statement Process,'' 11 California Western Law Review 297 (1975). One case where Bob's talents came through was the case, Davis v. Agua Sierra Resources, L.L.C., 220 Ariz. 108, 203 P. 506 (2009) vacating 217 Ariz. 386, 174 P. 3d 298 (2008), where Bob successfully convinced the Arizona Supreme Court to overturn the Court of Appeals on a significant groundwater issue. Bob is a devoted husband to his wonderful wife, Anne, in addition to a giving father and grandfather. I can say that the joy of being a grandfather cannot be exceeded and I could see that joy in every conversation I had with Bob. I would like to take this moment out of day to let the world know that Arizona is blessed to have such a talented and good man like Bob Lynch.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish the Meadview VFW Auxiliary a wonderful 30th anniversary. The Meadview Auxiliary embodies the very best our country has to offer. Their work with Mt. Tipton Elementary school--particularly Constitution Day in September--teaches our future leaders to respect and engage with our great republic. We are in debt to your service. Their Resource and Stand-down fairs assisted countless veterans and ensured our nation's finest have their voices heard in Congress. Each and every one of the Auxiliary's members and contributors are patriots; their collation of 100,000 poppies when disabled veterans were unable to meet proved as much. The United States is in short supply of men and women such as yourselves. The Meadview community and the people of Arizona are blessed to have great Americans setting an example for generations to come. I am proud to be a friend of the Meadview VFW Auxiliary, and I look forward to continue fighting for Veterans' issues here in Washington.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise to address matters concerning the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Others have addressed how the Committee was formulated, and how the Democrats vetoed all the Republican nominees for the Committee, and instead chose two jack-Republicans. Allowing the Democrats to control who the Republicans can pick to serve on their side is like having the Milwaukee Bucks choose the starting lineup of the Phoenix Suns. That is not my concern today. Today, I want to point out the travesty of evidence selection. If we want the American public to get to the truth of January 6th, you must be able to handle the truth, that means all the truth, including facts you don't like or facts that may reflect poorly on people you like. In that regard, I object to the failure to release all the evidence regarding January 6th. The 14,000 hours of surveillance video has been suppressed. Thousands of hours of body camera footage has been suppressed. Video and still photographs from official and home security systems have been suppressed that would have, and did, record the Republican National Committee pipe bomber. The investigation and report of the officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt has been suppressed. All we have seen is one video, which clearly shows an unlawful killing by the officer. If there are other videos exonerating him, why haven't they been released? We know that Rep. Mullins has stated publicly that the officer who unlawfully shot Ashli Babbitt felt remorse and guilt for his wrongful actions. But we do not have his own words of contrition. Moreover, many criminals show remorse and guilt after the event, yet we still prosecute them. That brings me to the most well-funded per capita police force in the world, the United States Capitol Police. With 2,500 officers, protecting the Capitol should have been obtainable. What happened? Why were there so many breaches so quickly? Well, we know that the rank-and-file officers want to tell us why, but they were not invited to testify. We need the truth, and these men and women need to be able to tell their stories, the story of how their own leadership, and the political leadership in Washington, D.C., failed them and led to the breaches. I include in the Record the press release dated July 28, 2021 from the Capitol Police Labor Committee whose voice, like so many, has been silenced by this Committee. They need to be heard and the truth needs to come out, even if the truth makes political leadership look inept. Capitol Police Union to House Committee: ``Hear All Our Voices'' United States Capitol Police Labor Committee Washington, D.C.--Capitol Police Officers are suffering a whole-of-force effect from the January 6th attacks on the U.S. Capitol, says the union representing those officers. The Capitol Police Officers' Union welcomed today's testimony from two Capitol police officers and two MPD officers to the House Committee investigating the Jan 6th insurrection. Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou said: ``Their testimony is a crucial start to understanding the broad and far-reaching effects on all our officers from the violence that day.'' ``In support of all our officers, our Union stands ready to provide the Committee with the depth needed to fully grasp the enormity of the events that day and provide the context for how events went so terribly, and tragically, wrong.'' ``The police response to January 6th represents a disastrous collapse of leadership that was not simply an aberration confined to that one day. It was months and years in the making.'' ``To fully understand why our officers felt so abandoned, requires an understanding of how they came to be left uninformed and lacking in defenses when it mattered most-- when an attack on the U.S. Capitol was being fully realized.'' ``Most importantly, we arrived at that position of vulnerability because the voices of the rank-and-file- officers had been ignored for years. There was no collaboration from Capitol Police leaders with the frontline officers, instead it was a top-down approach that left a void of information and planning. As an officer working that day, I can attest, there was NO plan, and certainly no contingency plans by the Chiefs.'' ``That lack of leadership had tragic consequences. The riots led to the deaths of officers, and injuries to an estimated 140 Capitol Police and MPD officers, some of whom will never return to service.'' ``As individual officers testified today, they did their best and succeeded in their mission to protect all members of Congress and their staff that day. The Committee needs all the facts to understand why the U.S. Capitol was so vulnerable, and why it will remain vulnerable if the broader rank-and-file officers are not heard.'' ``The most urgent challenge, is to keep the officers we have right now and that requires a renewed faith in their mission and a restored belief that Congress has their backs.'' ``Poor morale, inequitable pay and conditions, and a leadership that refuses to engage--these are contributing factors to the events of January 6th and they remain factors still, today.'' ``The Union asks that the Committee listen to the active- duty police officers who have been chosen by the rank and file to represent them.''

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the first Mohave Electric member connections for MEC's fiber-optic project and broadband service. In a first-of-its-kind endeavor for an electric co-op in Arizona, MEC is building a fiber-optic network to enhance electric operations and provide reliable broadband service for each member in MEC's service territory which consists of 33,000 members and 42,000 end points. MEC was created in 1946 by local residents who took initiative to provide themselves with electricity investor-owned utilities refused to supply. MEC crews have now already installed more than 190,000 feet of fiber line, increasing that number every day. The work the MEC is producing for reliable internet is very important because it helps small businesses, local emergency responders, and hospitals to be able to do their job and help the people of Mohave County. Madam Speaker, I express a sincere form of gratitude to MEC, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating a successful project and legacy as a valuable organization to the people of Arizona. These notable efforts and accomplishments to provide reliable broadband service should be recognized and acknowledged. For these reasons I stand with MEC for their remarkable impact on the Mohave County communities.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated service and life of the loved firefighter, Bryan Jeffrey Boatman. Known as ``BJ'' to his loved ones and friends, BJ passed away at the young age of 37 in the service of his community, while assisting the U.S. Forest Service fighting wildland fires on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, near Payson, Arizona. BJ leaves behind his devoted wife, Elizabeth Marie Boatman, and his young 8-year-old daughter, Claire Elizabeth Boatman. BJ loved what he did, serving and helping others his whole life. In this steadfast support of his community, he made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life battling wildland fires, which so threaten our Western communities. Boatman is a hero whose selflessness and sacrifice exemplifies the best qualities of what it means to be good father, husband, and American. Madam Speaker, I express a sincere form of gratitude to BJ Boatman, and I offer my prayers to Elizabeth and Claire, who lost a father and a husband far too soon. I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring BJ's legacy and bravery, standing humbly in his memory having benefitted from the protection he gave our country. It is on the backs of great men like BJ that our Nation is protected, and how we can sleep peacefully at night knowing people watch over the safety of our families, homes, and communities. BJ will never be forgotten.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the chairman of the U.S. Slovenia Friendship Caucus to commemorate today, July 1, as the first day of the Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Slovenia takes the helm of one of the EU's main decisionmaking bodies at a challenging time not just for the EU, but for the world at large. Slovenia will manage a Europe working to control the COVID pandemic, seeking to repair the economic and social damage from this virus; all the while dealing with the ongoing and critical issues with the EU and the U.S., such as countering Chinese and Russian influence, bolstering cybersecurity, and charting an economic path for the future. As Slovenia begins its 6-month presidency, it is doing so under the slogan, ``Together. Resilient. Europe,'' which outlines an agenda where Slovenia seeks to facilitate the European recovery while also reflecting on Europe's future, strengthening the rule of law and European values, and increasing security and stability in the European neighborhood. Slovenia officials have also made their intentions known to Balkanize the EU through engaging Western Balkan states which have yet been able to join. Slovenia's presidential platform makes it clear they are up to the unique challenge. The challenge is not just recovering from a once-in- a-generation pandemic, but thinking strategically to promote a more resilient Europe in the future. I wish our strong friend and ally, Slovenia, all the best.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the rule. While I do not support the legislation this rule brings up, that is not the main reason for my objection. I am opposed to the rule before us because provision 6 in the rule turns off section 202 of the National Emergencies Act relating to the COVID-19 national emergency for the remainder of the 117th Congress. What this line really does is kill a joint resolution I introduced 2 weeks ago in accordance with the National Emergencies Act. The framers of this act wrote the law to inject congressional oversight to rein in the emergency powers codified into U.S. law that give the President additional powers in times of declared emergency. Section 202 outlined the process where, 6 months after an emergency is declared, Congress meets to consider a joint resolution of termination, forcing the debate on the necessity of continuing the national emergency and correlating powers given to the President. Over a year later, Congress has never met to debate the merit of the COVID-19 declared emergency, even after the President extended the emergency another year. This is because Congress has a poor track record in enforcing our emergency duties. In fact, there are over 30 active emergencies on the books dating back to the Carter administration--hardly emergencies, I take it--few of which this body has ever met to debate the merit of the emergency and the powers it invokes. With nationwide cases falling, vaccine rates rising, mask mandates being lifted, and States reopening with no capacity limits, it would seem appropriate to debate whether or not this Nation is truly in a state of emergency, not to mention, once again, the mandated duties of oversight of the executive branch. Therefore, I introduced H.J. Res. 52 to have this debate. I did this because the first joint resolution I introduced was killed in a prior rule. Now the majority is killing debate on the COVID emergency for the entire 117th Congress unless the majority leadership determines we can have this debate. I guess that is not part of the law. This completely goes against the explicit expedited procedure in the law providing for quick and efficient oversight. This is tyranny of the majority at its finest. Why must we continue to neglect our duties? Why must we continue the congressional track record of being asleep at the wheel and yielding more power to the executive? The National Emergencies Act mandates that we have this debate, and that is all my joint resolution does--require the people's Representatives to meet, debate, and vote on a termination resolution of the COVID emergency powers in accordance with the law. Madam Speaker, you may feel that we are still in an emergency. You may still feel COVID is a threat but not a national emergency, or you may feel the national emergency is over. However you feel, I am simply asking that we engage in the debate as the law requires. Using the National Emergencies Act, the executive has requested powers outside the scope of Article II. As this declared emergency continues, the executive could request even more. This body should debate on whether to rein in the extraordinary powers, especially among the backdrop of a radically different COVID situation in this Nation. In a time when this body is trying to reassert its claim on Article I authorization, simple oversight like this restores trust. Trust is a series of promises kept with the citizens of this great Nation. Imagine that, trust, just by following the definitions and the law. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this rule.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address what I think, and what I think the record will establish, are errors pertaining to my inquiry into circumstances surrounding the killing of Ashli Babbitt. There are rules of decorum in the House of Representatives. In debate, members are to ``avoid characterizing another Member's personal intent or motives and discussing personalities.'' Another rule is that members are to ``refrain from speaking disrespectfully of the Speaker, other Members.'' When made on the floor, such disrespectful behavior and boorish conduct is subject to objection to take down the words. But no such process applies when rude, impolite and candidly false statements are made about one member by another off the floor. So, I take this opportunity now to address and correct the incorrect statements uttered by Rep. Liz Cheney, the now former conference chair. On June 16, 2021, Rep. Cheney tweeted the following: ``On January 6, as the violent mob advanced on the House chamber, I was standing near @RepGosar and helped him open his gas mask. The Capitol Police led us to safety. It is disgusting and despicable to see Gosar lie about that day and smear the men and women who defended us.'' First, I did not wear a gas mask on January 6. Second, at no time have I ``smeared'' any of the ``men and women who defended us'' nor did I ``lie about that day.'' What I have done is ask questions and demanded transparency. I did express concerns over the actions of one Capitol Police officer, the one who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt. Merely questioning the actions of one officer does not equate to questioning (much less ``smearing'') ``all'' the ``men and women who defended'' us, as stated by Ms. Cheney. This is a false comparison and not true at all. I will not be intimidated by false implications. I will continue to seek transparency and find out why, who, and how the officer that killed Ashli Babbitt did what he did. There could be good, solid reasons for using lethal force at that moment. Perhaps he thought Ashli was armed with a knife, a bat, or a gun. Maybe he simply panicked. Unfortunately, with the evidence currently released, we have one video (taken by a CNN collaborator who, while filming for CNN, urged people to ``bum'' the Capitol) and that video does not show a gun, a bat, or any weapon whatsoever. The video simply shows an unarmed woman starting to climb a window. If there is evidence to the contrary, I have called for its immediate release. I call for all the evidence, all video from that day, whether it incriminates or exonerates. The goal, my goal, is truth. I have maintained my demand for release of all surveillance video. As it stands, all the American public has, in terms of evidence, is that (1) Ashli Babbitt was in the process of a misdemeanor (entering federal property without permission); (2) Ashli was unarmed; (3) Ashli was a 14-year military veteran who loved her country, the Constitution, and wanted election integrity; (4) no verbal instructions or warnings were given; (5) no escalation of force continuum was considered or used prior to using lethal force; and (6) no aid was rendered by the officer once he killed Ashli. All of these factors suggest an unlawful use of force, and the American public has a right to find out if that is true. Getting to the bottom of this incident is not an indictment of all Capitol police officers and such a suggestion is not logical or fact based. I have spoken to law enforcement experts. I have watched the only video that is publicly available of the shooting of Ashli Babbitt. The officer that shot Ms. Babbitt is seen on the video hiding in a vestibule. All that can be seen are his hands holding a loaded side arm pointing at Ms. Babbitt. For approximately 14 seconds. The only video available shows no verbal or non-verbal warnings. No effort to tell Ms. Babbitt not to climb through the window. No effort to push her back or use non-lethal force of any type. Rather, after hiding in a vestibule and aiming for 14 seconds, the officer fires one round from the side, killing Ms. Babbitt. Thus, this officer went from ``officer presence'' straight to lethal force, and skipped verbal commands, soft controls, hard controls and intermediate weapons. The jump to lethal force needs to be fully reviewed and investigated. At present, it does not appear justified. If there is justification, release the evidence now. One law enforcement expert I talked to described this as lying in wait to shoot someone and a criminal offense. This was not acceptable police work. I reject the comment that one must either support every police officer 100 percent of the time or be ``against'' law enforcement, or to quote my colleague, to ``smear'' all police officers everywhere. Such notions are not worthy of serious discussion. I put my record of support for law enforcement up for comparison to anyone. But support need not be blind . . . or stupid. I can take issue with a bad cop. I can take issue with a bad killing. To see this swept under the rug under some false pretext of ``he was protecting Congress'' is as ridiculous as it is insulting. Using that logic, no police officer would ever be challenged on any killing--``He was trying to uphold the law.'' Using this logic, that would end the inquiry. That is not how our laws work. Life is not that simple. The law of self-defense and the defense of others is based on the circumstances. Was the attacker armed? Did the officer have time to use non-lethal force? Was there backup? Was the suspect warned or commanded? What exactly was the risk? Trespassing risk is different than a risk of assault or murder. In this case, Ashli may or may not have been trespassing. I say this only because depending on what door she went through, some of the people in the Capitol on January 6th were literally invited in by the guards. But assuming she was trespassing, did she pose an imminent risk of death to the officer or someone else? This unarmed 110-pound woman, who was draped in a flag and trying to climb a window? Why did the Officer wait 14 seconds to shoot all the while aiming at her? Why did he not audibly warn her? Why didn't he step out of his hiding place and confront her? Or use a taser? Or a baton? Or simply push her back out? These issues, and the professional opinion of a law enforcement expert, lead to the conclusion that the officer that shot Ashli Babbitt was lying in wait, hid for 14 seconds, then used lethal force to kill an unarmed, non-threatening woman. If that is true, then no way does this constitute a lawful killing. The fact that some members think it is acceptable police work, and call me a liar for pointing out these so far undisputed facts, reflects more on naked hatred for the truth than a love of transparency and honesty. If anyone thinks this is good police work, release all the evidence so we can discuss it. I stand by my concerns, and my questions, and I stand with the American people who demand answers.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifelong career of a great Fire Chief, Mike Farber. In a 40-plus-year career, Mike has selflessly risked his life as a firefighter for the people of Arizona. His courageous leadership and expertise was reflected in his role as a serving member of the Mesa Community College Curriculum Committee and Fire Science Advisory Committee. For three consecutive years, Mike facilitated a Leadership Academy and brought numerous recognized leaders from the fire service to share their wisdom and to help mentor the district's officers and staff. Mike was also well known for his extensive experience and educational background. For more than 20 years, Mike has taught courses at Mesa Community College and Central Arizona Community College in Tactics & Strategy, Hydraulics, Supervision, Algebra, and Communication. His commitment and work ethic to civic duty and his community is a characteristic that all Americans should strive for. I believe that Fire Chief Mike Farber is a great example of what being an American is about. His impact and involvement will not be forgotten by his local community and state. Madam Speaker, I express a sincere form of gratitude to Fire Chief Mike Farber, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating a successful career and legacy as a valuable protector to the people of Arizona.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan on its 103rd anniversary of their annual Republic Day as well as its 30th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. I do not want my good wishes to be seen as ignoring the issues currently going on between Azerbaijan and Armenia. I am putting my faith and confidence that the hostilities are resolved, and the appropriate borders will be restored. Independence for Azerbaijan is a time to reflect on the territorial sovereignty and right to independence for other nations as well, as liberty benefits everyone. Azerbaijan is an important partner in the region. I find this year's occasion special because it marks 30 years since Soviet occupation. The Soviet Union and its ideas of communism subjected millions of people to authoritarian rule, stripping them of their natural, human rights. However, the people of Azerbaijan have successfully emerged from this dark period in history and continue to be a shining example of democracy and independence. It's important that the people of the United States recognize the nations that emerge from authoritarian rule to contribute to the ever- growing push for liberty and self-governance. Azerbaijan, after being subject to centuries of oppressive rule under the Russian Empire and USSR, were rewarded with the gift of independence. That is why this week we can proudly stand with our friends in Azerbaijan to celebrate their 103rd Republic Day and share in our collective belief in freedom. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in celebrating Azerbaijan's Republic Day and in recognizing our shared commitment to freedom, democracy, and the principle of self-governance. I would like to share my most heartfelt congratulations on this momentous occasion.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, this week is National Police Week. I rise today to honor the courageous men and women in blue. We know that a single week is simply not enough to recognize the service and sacrifice that police officers and their families make. Thank you for your dedication and thank you for putting your lives on the line in order to make our communities safer each and every day. Unfortunately, our brave law enforcement officers have come under attack by the liberal media and leftists who dangerously and wrongfully suggest that the answer to all problems is to defund the police. This growing antipolice rhetoric is disgusting, and it threatens the safety and security of communities across America. Members of our law enforcement community regularly face dangerous and demanding circumstances, yet they possess a willingness to set aside their own safety for the sake of others. Let me be perfectly clear, I back the blue 100 percent. You have our unwavering support and gratitude. Once again, during National Police Week, thank you for your sacrifices and leadership you provide our communities. May we never forget how appreciated you are every single day.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize those that fight for true economic independence in this country, the mining industry. Recently, the Arizona State Senate passed a resolution recognizing and honoring the importance of mining in Arizona and the nation at large which was joined by the Arizona House of Representatives in a Concurrent Resolution, No. 2009. As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, a variety of energy subcommittees, and as former Chairman of the Western Caucus, I have worked with the mining industry and I understand the difficult job the industry has in navigating a political climate that takes for granted its indispensable and vital products. Indeed, many misguided, naive, or simply ignorant people seek to ban mining, restrict it, or eradicate it from our lands. This is foolish and only increases the costs of every product made with mined resources (which is almost everything) and makes us reliant on China and Russia. I am proffering the Arizona Concurrent Resolution for the Congressional Record for all to see that at this time in history, the leaders of Arizona understand the importance of mining and will not allow federal bureaucrats and radical environmental socialists to shut down our key industry.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and valor of law enforcement hero, Deputy Sheriff Jason Lopez upon the 20th anniversary of his passing. As a part of the Pinal County Sheriff's Department for six years, Lopez used his talent to valiantly serve and protect Arizonans and their communities. Deputy Sheriff Lopez emulated all the traits of a selfless public servant as he fought to ensure the safety and security we take for granted. While on duty and serving a lawfully issued warrant, Officer Lopez was brutally murdered by a suspect who pulled out a weapon unexpectedly. The suspect then fled and took a hostage and engaged in a gunfight with pursuing officers before being arrested, convicted and jailed. Deputy Lopez faced the risk all law enforcement officers face-- the constant threat of a dangerous encounter. Deputy Lopez was only 26 when he was killed and left behind a then 3 year old and a one month old child. I continue to be deeply inspired and moved by his deep commitment to our nation and its laws. May his sacrifice in the face of danger serve as a consistent reminder of our law enforcement officers' service to this nation. Madam Speaker, I am here to express my deepest condolences to the family of Deputy Sheriff Lopez and recognize the sacrifices made as we approach the 20th anniversary of his death. His brave sacrifice will never be forgotten by the people of Pinal County, Arizona.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, 30 days ago, I invited Mr. Biden to Yuma County in my district to view firsthand the crisis his open border policies have created. My invitation was as urgent as it was sincere. The crisis all along the southern border has only gotten substantially worse. Illegal alien crossings are at a 15-year high; border facilities are 1,700 percent over capacity; 5,000 illegal aliens crossing the border have prior criminal records. Mr. Biden recently named Kamala Harris as a crisis manager for the border crisis he created. Under her watch, the problem has gotten dramatically worse. Over 172,000 illegal-alien apprehensions have occurred, including 20,000 unaccompanied minors taken into custody in March--the highest monthly total in the history of the United States, and it is much greater. The situation is charitably called a disaster. This needs to stop. We need order restored to the border and we need faithful execution of existing Federal laws. To date, Mr. Biden has not responded to my invitation. Therefore, I stand on the House floor today to re-invite Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris to visit Yuma to see what my constituents are experiencing from this historical surge of illegal-alien border crossings.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of representing Yuma County, Arizona. And as many of you know, Yuma is the epicenter of the Biden-created border crisis. When Mr. Biden says he is not going to enforce our immigration laws, when he says he is not going to build a border wall, it has dire consequences. We are seeing the tragic consequences of that right now in Yuma. Mr. Biden's decision last month to release illegal immigrants in Yuma County on a daily basis has opened up a spigot of border crossings into my great State of Arizona. Now my worst fears are coming through: Illegal aliens are flooding into Yuma. We have now ceded operational control of the border to the cartels. In less than 2 months, the Biden administration has destroyed much of President Trump's progress in securing the southern border. The Biden administration's open border policy, coupled with Nancy Pelosi's amnesty bills taken up this week--this very day in Congress will only exacerbate the growing humanitarian health and security crisis along the southern border. It is shocking to me that the House Democrats' answer to the Biden- created border crisis is to take up legislation that would give amnesty, plus a path to citizenship, to more than 5 million illegal aliens. This is like pouring gasoline on a wildfire. We should be enforcing the immigration laws we have on the books. We should not be giving amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Mr. Biden should never have halted final construction of the border wall. Unfortunately, Democrat's hatred for President Trump clouds their ability to work together towards commonsense reforms. Instead, Democrats rammed their radical amnesty legislation through Congress, even with confirmed reports that suspects on the terrorist watch list have attempted to enter into our country. What is happening in Yuma and all along the southern border is unconscionable. The crisis is only getting worse. Unfortunately, today's action on the House floor sends exactly the wrong message. We should not be incentivizing more illegal immigrants to unlawfully enter our country. Instead, we must condemn these attempts, enforce the laws on the books, and take all necessary steps to get our border under control. God help us all if these two bills become law.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to promote the strategic partnership between the United States and the Arab Republic of Egypt. I find it of the utmost importance to advance diplomatic relations with a nation that has proven many times to be a dedicated friend to the United States and our allies. It's no secret that the Middle East is a complicated region with divisions deeply rooted in ancient conflict dating back thousands of years. Egypt has been a proven partner to the U.S. foreign policy goals in the region, with the hopes to end these conflicts and bring peace to a region that so desperately craves it. Without Egypt's partnership, the fight against terrorism and the strive for curbing proliferation would not be possible. I've always said that trust is a series of promises kept. The Arab Republic of Egypt has proven time and time again that they can be a trusted ally and friend to the people of the United States. Egypt has been, and will continue to be, a beacon of hope for all nations across the Middle East and North Africa and a leader for prosperity, culture, and education for other nations to follow. Using this foundation to advance interfaith tolerance and freedoms, I have long been inspired by the Egyptian people, their freedoms, and their diligence to make the region and world a better place for their children. I am of the belief that the Egyptian government and the Egyptian people have played a vital role in the success of American foreign policy in the region over the recent decades. Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. and Egypt became even closer allies in the fight against terrorism. I hope that the Biden administration will support the Egyptians as much as President Trump did during his time in office. Regional peace is a goal of not only myself, but the people of the United States, Egypt, and many other nations across the globe. Therefore, it's critical that we recognize the sacrifices and efforts that Egypt has played in the regional peace agreements that have surfaced under recent years. Ever since the 1979 peace treaty with Israel, Egypt, and the United States, both nations have proven to be effective regional partners. Madam Speaker, I'm thankful for the close friendship that the U.S. shares with Egypt. I hope that we can continue to advance this great relationship with our friends in the Middle East. I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognizing the strategic partnership between our nations and to continue to advance our shared goals going forward.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great Republican leader and public servant, Royanne Ortiz. As a resident of Bullhead City for 10 years, Royanne graciously and selflessly used her leadership skills to benefit Arizonans. Her bold leadership was reflected in her role as District Director for Mohave County Republican Central Committee since 2017 and through the many successful Lincoln Day Dinners she oversaw in District 2. Royanne was also well known for her fearless approach towards education policy issues. Her tenacity and passion for education reform even led her to running for the 2020 Mohave Community College Board. Her commitment to civic duty and her community was regularly reflected through her participation in meetings hosted by the Bullhead City Council, Colorado River Republican Women Club, and Colorado River Union High School District. I believe Royanne Ortiz is a great example of a Republican woman and her impact and involvement will not be forgotten by her community. Madam Speaker, I express my deepest condolences to the family of Royanne Ortiz on her passing, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating her life and legacy as a valuable civic servant to the people of Arizona.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Arizona State House Bill 2111, the ``Second Amendment Firearm Freedom Act''. This bill takes an originalist and strong stance on Arizonans' right to bear arms. I am grateful for the work by all members of the state legislature who introduced this legislation. I would especially like to thank State Representative Leo Biasucci for his support of the Second Amendment. This legislation purports to allow the State of Arizona to protect the Second Amendment rights of its citizens, barring them from compliance with any restrictions or infringements that the federal government enacts as federal law. Arizonans value sovereign state authority to the highest regard. Any infringements on their constitutionally protected rights are dangerous and federal overreach. I applaud Arizona HB 2111 and its clear purpose of refusing to allow any federal overreach into the state and its citizens. The people of Arizona are strong supporters of the Second Amendment and the Constitution's clear permission of allowing American citizens to keep and bear arms. As such, this legislation is a great movement for the citizens of the great state of Arizona. I look forward to the day that Governor Ducey signs this legislation into official Arizona law. Madam Speaker, Arizona's state motto is ``Ditat Deus,'' meaning ``God Enriches''. I hold this phrase dear to my heart, and I know the citizens of Arizona do also. Through God's enrichment, I'm confident the governments at the local, state, and federal level will see any infringements on constitutionally-protected rights as dangerous and un- American. I pray for the future of this nation every day. I believe that Americans have the right to keep and bear arms. This legislation is a great step forward for the people of Arizona and their rights that are protected under the Arizona Constitution and the Constitution of the United States.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, my amendment would require us to know what we are doing before we take the overwhelming radical step of withdrawing more than a million acres of federal lands from mineral development. It may come as a shock but even today we know little about the geologic mineral makeup of our lands. Minerals that were very important in the past like gold and silver are not always the key to our future technologies. Today, we are finding a whole new suite of minerals that are critically important to our future, while rare earths and lithium are the stars, important minerals like cobalt, manganese and copper are quickly becoming equally both important and challenging to find and produce. However, this bill in front of us has no recognition of the importance of the breadth of minerals that may be included in the areas covered by this legislation. Which is why my amendment is so important today. This amendment will require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a full mineral resource survey of the withdrawal areas prior to enacting this withdrawal. This is important because of the national security impacts of this proposed withdrawal that seeks to permanently ban oil, natural gas, geothermal, uranium and other critical minerals and rare earths on over a million acres of land in Arizona, I will continue to make the case that the importance of the uranium alone is key for keeping these lands open, however I believe that without this amendment this bill will have a negative impact on our national security as it aims to permanently prohibit mining of rare earths and critical minerals on a massive, massive swath of land. Earlier I mentioned the importance of lithium and there is no question that lithium is critically important to our technology and energy future. However, we don't often know where all the lithium resources are in the United States. For example, in September of last year, the USGS funded an earth MRI program in Arizona to study the lithium resources of the Big Sandy Valley in Arizona. I include in the Record the press release from USGS. This study will help us to define and understand the lithium resources in this region. Yet it is important for us to reflect on the fact that we didn't know about these resources until recently, had we closed off this area, like this bill proposes to do to more than one million acres of Arizona, we may have never known. Yet because we have the ability to examine this area, which is not subject to a withdrawal, we are going to study and hopefully find rich resources we can produce to secure our nation's future. Before I close Mr. Speaker, let me stress, the underlying bill represents one of the largest legislative land grabs ever considered by Congress. This effort to permanently lock away the highest grade and largest deposit of uranium in the country will further increase our reliance on foreign adversaries like Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Instead of rushing headlong into the endeavor of permanently making this million acre area off limits, we should know what the true impacts of this legislation will be on the long-term national security of our country. This amendment would not kill this legislation, instead it would ensure that the proposed withdrawal can only go ahead once we clearly access the region, clearly understand the picture of what we are withdrawing and what other resources may be impacted by this action. I say to my colleagues, lets slow down this process so we know what we are doing, what we are impacting and the real impacts of making such a large and bountiful parcel of land off limits could have on our mineral security. I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment. Earth MRI Funds Critical Minerals Projects in Arizona [Sept. 28, 2020] A total of $133,016 will fund new research and preserve important data across the Grand Canyon State Flagstaff, Ariz.--The U.S. Geological Survey and the Association of American State Geologists are pleased to announce $133,016 in funding for critical minerals projects in Arizona. These funds are for the fiscal year 2020 under the USGS Mineral Resources Program's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, or Earth MRI. The funds include grants to the Arizona Geological Survey for geologic mapping and geochemical analyses for an area of the Big Sandy Valley with a focus on lithium and to preserve and publicly available information on critical mineral resources. ``These new projects in Arizona represent the next step in our ambitious effort to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources,'' said Jim Reilly, director of the USGS. ``The identification and prioritization of prospective areas were done through our strong partnership with the state geological surveys in a series of workshops in Fall 2019.'' ``This program will revitalize and update the science and geologic research and data compilation that is needed in many states for the United States to identify new geologic associations,'' said John Yellich, director of the Michigan Geological Survey and president of AASG. ``The Earth MRI effort is an outgrowth of the strong partnership between the AASG members and the USGS,'' said Warren Day, Earth MRI lead scientist for the USGS. ``The USGS is grateful for the scientific input and support from the state geological surveys, resulting in a robust body of information useful for many applications beyond mineral resources.'' The geologic mapping efforts, which are managed through the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, will refine our scientific understanding of the geologic framework of areas of interest. In addition to helping identify mineral potential, these maps also support decisions about use of land, water, energy and minerals and help to mitigate the impact of geologic hazards on communities. In 2017, President Trump issued Executive Order 13817, a Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals. This executive order called on agencies across the federal government to develop a strategy to reduce the nation's susceptibility to critical mineral supply disruptions. In May of 2018, DOI released a list of 35 minerals deemed critical to the U.S. economy and security, based on a methodology by the USGS. This list forms the foundation of the full federal strategy.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, my amendment is very simple, it only asks Congress to do one thing, respect the will of the local people in the management of our lands. This amendment would remove from the bill the lands included in my Congressional district from the massive mineral withdrawal included in the bill. My local constituents and counties support this amendment and I encourage my colleagues to respect our wishes. Under general leave, I include in the Record a letter from Mohave County opposing this legislation. Mohave County Arizona, which is the primary area which this amendment would help protect, is currently facing nearly 10 percent unemployment and has a per capita income of less than thirty-five thousand dollars a year. These economic conditions should be proof enough that we need to be promoting economic development in these regions, not simply closing off an important path to economic security for the people of Mohave County. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle will argue that these lands belong to all the American people, which is true, but we must respect the local concerns. When I highlight that offshore oil drilling in California would reduce our dependence on foreign oil, stop us from subsidizing Russia and Saudi Arabia, my colleagues from California scream out ``respect our wishes, we don't want drilling''. So I call on them here today, join me in supporting my constituents who are crying out for the chance, just the chance to keep the potential of high paying jobs open and support this amendment. It may come as a shock but even today we know little about the geologic mineral makeup of our lands. Minerals that were very important in the past like gold and silver are not always the key to our future technologies. Today, we are finding a whole new suite of minerals that are critically important to our future, while rare earths and lithium are the stars, important minerals like cobalt, manganese and copper are quickly becoming equally both important and challenging to find and produce. This area in Mohave County has tremendous potential and keeping that potential open and available to the people of the county is critical to ensuring a rich economic future. This amendment only removes the area within my district, it will allow other members to do with their regions as they will. This amendment would not kill this legislation, instead it would ensure that the people I represent in Arizona have their wishes respected and the land managed in a manner consistent with the will of the local communities. I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment. Mohave County Board of Supervisors, February 24, 2021. Hon. Paul Gosar, U.S. Congress, Washington, DC. Congressman Gosar: The Mohave County Board of Supervisors is writing to offer our support for your amendment to H.R. 803--Colorado Wilderness Act of 2021. As you know, the passage of this legislation will have a grave effect on Mohave County, Arizona, and our neighboring counties in Utah. Uranium mining in the past has been the forefront of our economic growth in Mohave County and if allowed to continue will bring in nearly $29 billion to our local economy over a 42 year period. The passage of H.R. 803 would make permanent a July 2012 moratorium on uranium mining in our area. The language of your amendment would help alleviate the permanent economic loss we would sustain under the passage of H.R. 803. We strongly support the passing of this amendment as presented in the Rules Committee and the House or Representatives. Without this amendment, the financial stability of our economy in Mohave County would drastically suffer. In 2012, the Secretary of the Interior imposed a 20 year ban on over 1 million acres of land in the Arizona Strip Area for the purpose of Uranium mining. This ban included both public lands and National Forest System lands. This ban took away much needed growth and jobs from our area. Secretary Salazar at the time issued this withdrawal without complying with the law requiring coordination with local governments. The Federal Land Policy Management Act, USC Section 171 requires that the Secretary and his designees ``coordinate'' with local government as to development and implementation of any plan or management action. Coordination is defined in the Act as requiring prior notice of proposed plans and actions to the local government officials (``prior'' meaning prior to public announcements, and early enough to provide ``meaningful'' participation by the local officials in the ``development'' of the plan or action.). The congressional mandate of coordination also requires the Secretary to use all practicable means to reach consistency between the federal plan/management action and local policy, plan or law. All of which Secretary Salazar did not do. Making this ban permanent based on misinformation will have lasting effects on Mohave County. We respect and take a responsibility for protecting the Grand Canyon, but saying that the Grand Canyon will suffer because of mining is inaccurate. Secretary Salazar's reasoning behind the withdrawal was out of concern that it could damage the region's drinking water and the park's water quality. Bureau of Land Management officials contradicted those claims by explaining that their Arizona Strip field office had no evidence of contamination of water, and had no evidence of problems with the safe operation of the uranium mines in operation on the lands. Uranium mining is important and useful for many reasons. The lands in the ``Strip'' contain the nation's high grade uranium deposits and enough uranium to provide power generation for the state of California for over 20 years. Uranium is useful in many ways. It is used by our military for national security and defense. Uranium metal is very dense and heavy. When it is depleted (DU), uranium is used by the military as shielding to protect Army tanks, and also in parts of bullets and missiles. The military also uses enriched uranium to power nuclear propelled Navy ships and submarines, and in nuclear weapons. A permanent withdrawal of uranium mining from the ``Strip'' harms the American people by removing between 326-375 million lbs (the equivalent electricity generating capacity for the entire state of California's 40 million people for 22.4 years) of uranium. From a national security standpoint, domestic utilities now import 90 percent of the uranium used to operate America's 104 nuclear reactors. Thirty years ago, these reactors used U.S. mined uranium for 100 percent of electricity production, The nation cannot be pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear fuel. In sum, these deposits represent the last available use of our public lands for economic growth in our region. The opponents of uranium mining have chosen to ignore the fact that mining with environmentally sound reclamation was conducted from the early 1980s until the price of uranium collapsed in 1993. No mining at all occurred from 1993 until 2010, and the Denison mine which is now operating, is following and often exceeding all environmental and safety laws. Arizona needs to go back to the roots that led to Arizona being developed, and that is mining. The strict federal and state environmental laws already on the books will protect the public from environmental damage to the Grand Canyon watershed. The mining of uranium however does not affect ground water nor destroy the natural resources of the land. It does not require open pit mining. Upon completion of mining one Breccia Pipe (4 years) the land is placed back into its native state. We want to thank you for putting forward this amendment. Nuclear energy can be the future of clean energy. We have the resources in this Country to ensure that happens and we have the technology and means to ensure mining that energy is both environmentally safe and protects our natural resources. We stand in support of the amendment. Sincerely, Buster Johnson, Chairman, Mohave County Board of Supervisors.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my dismay that members of Congress are making unfounded claims of treason and sedition against their colleagues without evidence to back their outlandish claims. By this, I mean the numerous members alleging that members aided in ``reconnaissance'' tours for those individuals who would storm the Capitol during the Electoral College certification. These accusations leveled by several members make these bold statements without offering a shred of evidence. In fact, over 30 members put their names on a letter which made these allegations without even an indication to whom they were referring to. In the absence of fact, these accusations have allowed conspiracy to permeate the narrative from the deepest enclaves of the Internet. Leftist media sources, from major 24 hour broadcast companies to biogs, have picked up on these hollow accusations, and the effects have been damaging. Since evidence and due process have been replaced with speculation, members of Congress are being deemed guilty of these crimes, including myself. In fact, there is now a narrative running that since I supported the objection to the certification of the count, I must be one of the members guilty of this treason. Multiple media sources have reported as ``fact'' that me and other objectors conducted tours of the Capitol to do some type of ``reconnaissance''. This is patently and unequivocally false. They offered no proof of this scurrilous and defamatory falsehood. I asked Capitol Police to pull and preserve all video footage from House security cameras which can establish with finality who, if anyone, gave even one tour during the days leading to the unrest. I can say this: my office has not given a tour since February 2020. The continuing publication of this defamation by members of Congress and media is unprofessional, unethical, and actionable. The increase in violent, threatening messages received in our offices because of the irresponsible political messaging from my colleagues in coordination with their media pals is sickening and indicative of our larger societal issues, such as a media which tells their viewers what they know to be true, not what the facts are. So, let me set the record straight. I have not given a tour of the Capitol since 2017, and my staff has not given a tour since they closed to the public early in 2020 as a COVID-19 response. Further, at no time did anyone with Stop the Steal talk to me about violence, and my efforts to speak to the American people and fight for my constituents were guided by the First Amendment and the Electoral Count Act of 1878. Madam Speaker, the purpose of this body is to serve as the voice of the American people, a voice which speaks with honesty to conduct the business of this country and contribute to the overall good. Yet, the passions of humanity can undermine these principles, and these unfounded accusations are a menace to the traditions of this body. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I condemn my colleagues irresponsible actions and their use of their official powers to fuel a media spectacle for their own political benefit. Their willingness to set these mistruths into the public and not interject when the truth is deviated from and innocent people are blamed is defamation, conspiratorial, and faulty justice. Much like McCarthyism or the witch hunt conducted these last four years, history will not look kindly on this abuse of Congressional power, and therefore I implore my colleagues to either set the record straight with evidence or retract these claims immediately to resecure their position in history.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 21 and its invocation for Vice President Mike Pence to activate Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. The Resolution appears to be ill-conceived, vindictive and disassociated from any factual basis. There is no medical, scientific or other evidence that the President is operating under an infirmity that prevents the faithful execution of our laws. Indeed, no one even so much as asked for such evidence. No independent medical exam was sought. No interviews of cabinet members or testimony was proffered where one or more cabinet members could have presumably attested to some medical or physical infirmity warranting immediate intervention. While it is true the President has his detractors, almost all of whom support this ill-advised resolution, attacking one's political opponents by invoking the most dramatic and emergency based provisions in the Constitution is reckless and poses serious harm to the Republic. Unfortunately, as it has been brought to the floor, the political bar has been lowered. I voted no as there is no merit to it and it is plainly a vengeful attack at the outgoing President who has been vilified by leftist media and others. I remain concerned that this provision will be brought up against the next president, and the next, and the next, for mere political opportunism. Indeed, in light of the incoming president's age and existing infirmities, I fear a movement to remove him without just cause using this provision. I am told that Mr. Biden won the presidency in the greatest popular vote on record in the history of the United States. To me that means the American people knew what they were voting on, embraced him as their choice, and that choice should not be easily disturbed, if ever. More concisely, the American people were well aware of Mr. Biden's age and health issues and that cannot be used as a pretext to remove him before the natural expiration of his term. This historic victory, greater than the then-historic victory of Obama, cannot be tarnished by congressional machinations to remove the next president. I will not countenance such villainy, nor will the Republic. Invocation of the 25th Amendment should be used in the rarest and most exceptional circumstances. That does not exist relative to President Trump, and none was even whispered. And it does not, and will not, exist for President Biden. I go on record now to register my objection to such loose talk, including the formation of a commission to ``investigate'' the 25th Amendment. This is dangerous. It is breezy talk, a bit too comfortable about removing elected officials to replace them. That is the sole prerogative of the people every four years. Section 4 of the 25th Amendment addresses an incapacitated President unable to make the decision to relinquish their duties. As the current president is not incapacitated, the current effort falls far short. Laughingly short. Improbably short. Ridiculously short. I restate my call for civility. I call for unity. I ask the leftists here, the socialists who want to deconstruct this great Nation, to stop the nonsense and join with me in building our country, not tearing it down. I condemn the violence we saw all over the United States from May to the present, from Portland to Washington, D.C., led by domestic terrorist organizations like Black Lives Matter and the pro-fascist, protocommunist Antifa. I call out the rioters at the Capitol last week and condemn their violation of our House proceedings, indeed directly stopping me from conducting House business. My request for a remand for the state legislature to double check electoral integrity lost cosponsors and lost immediacy because of the violence that day. I thank the overwhelmed Capitol Police. Unlike some of my colleagues, I note my long-term support for our police. It is not a fashion for me, as it is others, who condemn police and seek to defund it on one day, and then after feeling scared and vulnerable, call for more police. I remain consistent in my support for ethical law enforcement. I wish they had back up that day and were able to arrest and stop any incursion. The leftists in this body have brow beaten our law enforcement to such a degree the rules of engagement are not known to even themselves. All law enforcement knows is one mistake and they are cancelled. It does not have to be that way. It should not be that way. For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I stand in opposition of the resolution and the invocation of the 25th Amendment and I voted No. Now, more than ever, God bless these United States.