Paul Gosar

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, March 3, 2022, this body considered amendments and final passage of H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act. One amendment voted on before this chamber was Mr. Ryan of Ohio's amendment number 23 which added the text of the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act to the bill. While I did not support final passage of this bill, I did support several of amendments offered to it. Amendment 23 was one such amendment. Due to error on the House floor, my amendment was incorrectly cast as no. This was an error and I rise today to correct my vote and indicate that I intended to vote yes, in favor of amendment 23. While I have issues with the underlying bill, this amendment was a strong addition to ensure we provide an adequate level of care to our nation's veterans who are suffering from toxic exposure during their service to this country. Madam Speaker, I reiterate that I intended to vote in favor of amendment 23.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, we are living through a major international event. My position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has not changed, this is not our war and American forces need not be involved. Yet, Americans are still feeling the impact of this conflict, reminding us how dangerous our current policies of foreign reliance are in an international system inhabited with rogue regimes vying to be great powers. Over the course of several decades, through two hot wars, and one cold war, the U.S. went abroad to defeat forces of evil and tyranny threatening America and the freedom loving world. After leaving the international system based on the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, America came home but its officials remained abroad placing international affairs above American security, economic development abroad over economic prosperity at home, and foreign supply chains over American ones. In 2016, the American people through a collective voice announced its intention to return to our own domestic affairs, as the Founders intended, to disentangle from the system where foreign treaties and global corporations set our policy instead of the American people through their representatives. In short, to enjoy the security and liberty we had obtained for ourselves. But Mr. Biden has instead reverted to the old status quo. Ukraine is over 6,000 miles from my state of Arizona, yet my constituents are still feeling the consequences of bad policy and poor governance. The Biden Administration's decision making since the beginning has led to this conflict, signaling to foreign powers that such aggressive behavior is acceptable and intertwining the daily security and prosperity of the American people to actions of foreign adversaries, undermining their liberty as citizens of a secure power. Mr. Biden from the first day tied the energy security of the American people to foreign regimes in the name of politics. To appease radical climate change activists, Mr. Biden cancelled the Keystone pipeline and crushed oil and gas permitting on federal lands. With domestic demand not changing, we went from energy independent and a net exporter to purchasing 600,000 barrels per day from Russia which has some of the worst emitting pipelines in the world. These oil and gas profits grant it geopolitical leverage over America and its allies and fuels the Russian war machine now attacking another nation. U.S. imports of Russian goods since the Obama Administration are up over 22 percent. $13 billion annually in mineral fuels, $1.4 billion in iron and steel, nearly a billion in fertilizers, and the list goes on. A trade deficit of over $13 billion with Russia who is attacking a neighboring state. With Russian economic production slowed due to conflict and the possibility that it could retaliate against sanctions, Russia can cut the U.S. and its allies off from products we critically need. The damage reflected from foreign reliance does not end here, nor does Mr. Biden's involvement as the source of the pain. The U.S. is reliant on foreign adversaries for critical minerals needed to sustain our national defense, provide health care for our citizens, and more. Russia is particularly influential over American access to helium and uranium, with another foreign adversary, China, controlling other can't live without minerals. Yet Mr. Biden and this majority has killed mining projects across America, including copper and uranium mines in Arizona. Now our source of these materials is at war with another country and can turn off the flow of these materials to America based on how this conflict plays out. And let's talk about NATO, the trigger point for this conflict. President Trump cogently noted that NATO members were in violation of their contractual obligation to fund their military forces at 2.5 percent of their GDP. But they have been in breach of this agreement for decades. It is so bad that the German war minister reported that Germany had no military assets to contribute at this time. Commentator Mark America explains it well: ``Trump was not only right about European nations' contributions to NATO, but their underlying defense expenditures are cratering. Since Trump left, they've fallen off a cliff, with reports that the German Army couldn't deploy sufficient forces to repeal successfully much of anything. In short, Europe has left themselves virtually defenseless, with the brief exception of the period of Trump's presidency, with only new NATO member Poland substantially upholding the promise of expending at least two percent of their national GDP on defense. The United States has been bearing the burdens of defending Europe for most of a century now, yet we cannot get them to pay to defend themselves, and there is no will under the current administration in Washington, DC to hold NATO's feet to the fire. In 2020, Germany barely attained 1.57 percent of its GDP in defense spending, and that was after extensive prodding from President Trump. When he took office, the Germans were spending roughly 1.1 percent on defense. In short, don't look to Berlin for help.'' So when my constituents ask me why does a conflict 6,000 miles from our border increase prices on Americans at the pump, dent their 401ks, and raise the cost of everyday goods, the answer is because Mr. Biden consistently makes decisions which put Americans last. Rather than continuing the reorientation of governance towards American prosperity and security which started in 2016, Mr. Biden has turned back outward. But Americans are realizing who stands for and against them. On January 20, 2017, President Trump echoed the will of the American people when he said ``from this day forward, it's only going to be America First . . . every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families.'' The last year, culminating in a foreign conflict we are not fighting hurting our country, shows the folly of straying from such a simple proclamation, and we must return to a government for the People.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise on another somber day of remembrance of the Khojaly tragedy which occurred on February 26, 1992, 30 years ago. I am here once again to acknowledge this historic tragedy and commemorate the lives lost that day. Azerbaijan is an area of unlimited potential and the Azerbaijanis have carved out a remarkable society and a stable government after decades of struggle under Soviet rule. This success was not achieved without struggle. From its oppressive governance and collapse the Soviets created conflict in several regions. For Azerbaijan, problems with neighboring Armenia erupted into the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this initial conflict, one notable tragic incident occurred on February 26, 1992. In the town of Khojaly in the Karabakh region, civilian Azeris were subjected to indiscriminate shelling and targeting. From these attacks it is reported that up to 613 civilians died with more wounded and taken hostage. We cannot change what happened but we can remember the victims and remind the world that the targeting of civilians is never acceptable. We must learn from the past as we continue to pursue a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which continues today. The U.S. advocates for a peace which honors the memory of those who perished at Khojaly so no one will suffer the same fate. Madam Speaker, today we solemnly remember the Khojaly victims and we will keep them in our hearts and minds as we foster a strong working relationship between our two countries and pursue a peaceful and fair resolution to the conflict.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address a catastrophic mass death in our country because of our open borders--all due to fentanyl. Fentanyl is freely flowing across our southern border as seizures increased by nearly 135 percent in 2021 under Joe Biden's laxed immigration enforcement. In FY 2021. Customs and Border Protection seized 11,201 pounds of fentanyl, a historic rate that is more than all that was seized in 2018 and 2019 combined. This amounts to enough fentanyl to cause 2,540,341,996 deaths, or more than 7 times the U.S. population. The free flow of this deadly drug across our border is a direct result of the Biden administration's open border policies. The fact is, Joe Biden continues to ignore and fails to address the record high overdose deaths caused from deadly fentanyl-related substances crossing our border. As a result, the scourge of fentanyl is destroying our communities, killing our children and devastating our families. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. overdose deaths reached a devastating new height in 2021, claiming a new victim every five minutes. There is a direct link between fentanyl-related overdose deaths and criminal drug cartels in Mexico. The ease in which the drug cartels operate is shocking. The cartels control the borders and are taking full advantage of Joe Biden's weak immigration policies. Last December, in my home state of Arizona, the Scottsdale Police Department and the Arizona Attorney General's Office seized a record 1.7 million fentanyl pills and 10 kilograms of fentanyl powder. During a recent two-month public safety surge, the DEA Phoenix Field Division announced total seizures of over three million fentanyl pills and 45 kilograms of fentanyl powder. Just one fentanyl pill can kill. Yet our open borders remain a fentanyl pipeline. Instead of securing our southern border to stop the flow of fentanyl, Mr. Biden has doubled down on his open-border policies that will only worsen the ongoing border crisis and destroy more communities and lives. Just because Joe Biden ignores the fentanyl crisis doesn't mean Congress should. Congress must address the crisis at the border. Congress must also take action and permanently place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The emergency class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances is set to expire on February 18, 2022. Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats are wrong to allow this order to expire.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, the House is set to take up a third stopgap funding bill since the fiscal year started back in October 2021. Let me phrase that differently. We are nearly halfway into fiscal year 2022 and Congress has yet to fund the government. America is flat broke. Last week the Treasury Department announced that our national debt exceeds 830 trillion, reaching a calamitous level and tripling in the last decade. Inflation is at a historic 40- year high. Yet Congress cannot do its basic job and pass a budget on time. Instead of addressing real issues facing our nation, the House of Representatives is once again kicking the can for three more weeks to give Congress additional time to try to pass another bloated budget. Congress cannot spend its way into prosperity, and we must end the frantic habit of governing from one crisis to another. Instead of running up bills we can't pay for, we should be funding the common- sense priorities of the American people, including securing the border, adequately funding our military, reducing taxes and eliminating job- killing regulations. Today, I reiterate my call for a balanced budget. If we cannot balance the budget rationally, we need a balanced budget constitutional amendment that would force Congress to live within its means, like everyone else. I have spent my time in Congress trying to reduce spending and stopping this nonsense. I will be voting against this irresponsible kick-the-can-down-the-road continuing resolution. Spending more money that we don't have will not solve our nation's fiscal problems. All of us will pay the price in the future. Unfortunately, our children and grandchildren will be most impacted. This is immoral to harm future generations but that is what today's continuing resolution does.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address a catastrophic mass death in our country because of our open borders--all due to fentanyl. Fentanyl is freely flowing across our southern border as seizures increased by nearly 135 percent in 2021 under Joe Biden's laxed immigration enforcement. In FY 2021, Customs and Border Protection seized 11,201 pounds of fentanyl, a historic rate that is more than all that was seized in 2018 and 2019 combined. This amounts to enough fentanyl to cause 2,540,341,996 deaths, or more than 7 times the U.S. population. The free flow of this deadly drug across our border is a direct result of the Biden administration's open border policies. The fact is, Joe Biden continues to ignore and fails to address the record high overdose deaths caused from deadly fentanyl-related substances crossing our border. As a result, the scourge of fentanyl is destroying our communities, killing our children and devastating our families. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. overdose deaths reached a devastating new height in 2021, claiming a new victim every five minutes. There is a direct link between fentanyl-related overdose deaths and criminal drug cartels in Mexico. The ease in which the drug cartels operate is shocking. The cartels control the borders and are taking full advantage of Joe Biden's weak immigration policies. Last December, in my home state of Arizona, the Scottsdale Police Department and the Arizona Attorney General's Office seized a record 1.7 million fentanyl pills and 10 kilograms of fentanyl powder. During a recent two-month public safety surge, the DEA Phoenix Field Division announced total seizures of over three million fentanyl pills and 45 kilograms of fentanyl powder. Just one fentanyl pill can kill. Yet our open borders remain a fentanyl pipeline. Instead of securing our southern border to stop the flow of fentanyl, Mr. Biden has doubled down on his open-border policies that will only worsen the ongoing border crisis and destroy more communities and lives. Just because Joe Biden ignores the fentanyl crisis doesn't mean Congress should. Congress must address the crisis at the border. Congress must also take action and permanently place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The emergency class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances is set to expire on February 18, 2022. Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats are wrong to allow this order to expire.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the drumbeat for war in Eastern Europe we have been listening to for weeks now. For over two weeks the American people have watched with intense concern and uneasiness the heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia. It is not so much the border issues between these nations that concerns Americans, but the loose talk of the Biden Administration to involve the United States in a hot war against Russia. Americans do not dread that territorial disputes are taking place over 6,000 miles away. They dread that the Biden administration may involve them in another costly, stupid war, one with potentially devastating results for their families. The foreign policy issues of Eastern Europe are complex, but the law is not. The Constitution of the United States, written plain as day in Article I, Section 8, Clause 11, gives Congress the so le power to declare war. No one else. Not the president, not the lifelong bureaucrats in the State Department, or the diversity-trained generals in the Pentagon, and especially not the quote-unquote ``experts'' educated beyond their capacity. Only the people's elected representatives. I have served in this body for over a decade, and it's clear to me that Congress has no interest in picking up its constitutional prerogative or making itself accountable to the voters. In their absence, I believe the need for action must devolve to the states. Federalism requires as much. In Arizona, State Senator Wendy Rogers has introduced a bill called the Defend the Guard Act. It stipulates that unless Congress has formally declared war, Arizona National Guardsmen are prohibited from being deployed into active combat overseas. Rogers is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served for twenty years in the U.S. Air Force. And I think she speaks for a lot of soldiers who are tired of being sent into undeclared, no-win wars that go on for decades. One of America's finest soldiers, two-time Medal of Honor recipient and Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler, said of our troops, ``We Americans who will protect our flag should have a voice in where it is flown.'' I agree. The United States of America has the greatest, bravest fighting force in the history of the world. And if Congress has one ounce of respect for their courage and sacrifice, and the founding document they swore an oath to defend with their lives, we would vote before ever sending them into battle. Our names should be on the dotted line before their boots ever hit the ground, whether in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world. And until Congress declares war as required by the Constitution, not a single Guardsmen from Arizona or any other state should be deployed into combat. I believe Arizona ought to be the first state to pass the Defend the Guard Act and lead the way in protecting our sons and daughters in uniform from federal abuse and challenge this Congress to start following every part of the U.S. Constitution. If history has taught us anything it is this: we have lost trillions of dollars and tens of thousands of American lives fighting ridiculous wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We have the best military force in the world and some of the most inept military leaders. And to be fair, the political rules imposed on our military leaders, the so called Rules of Engagement, deprive our military of a clear path to victory. Indeed, the political aspects of those wars, to ``build nations'' or to win hearts, is as inane as it was unsuccessful. War is to destroy the enemy, not build nations. Historical failures of Western countries confronting Russia militarily in Eastern Europe in the winter taught us the foolhardiness of such an effort. We cannot make the same mistake, in a conflict which we have no justification to be in to begin with. Most critically, the United States has no interest to protect there. Certainly no interest strong enough to risk war with Russia. I denounce the war mongering.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on amendment number 150 sponsored by Representative Mike Levin. This amendment is modeled off the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act (PLREDA) which promotes wind, solar, and geothermal resources on public lands. You might ask me why I am speaking on a Democrat amendment, or why I seem to know so much about this amendment. It's strange because this amendment looks familiar to me. I wonder why that is? Oh that's right, that's because PLREDA is my bill, one which I have sponsored since the 112th Congress. When I introduced PLREDA in the previous Congresses, I solicited original cosponsors in a bipartisan manner. Mr. Levin was one such original cosponsor. After the 2020 election, we used Mr. Levin as the lead, yet with this current legislation I was prohibited from being part of its annual original sponsors. But that's fine, I am more interested in passing good governance for the American people than demanding the credit. I have done this in the past when we reformed the antitrust exemptions in the McCarran-Ferguson Act for the medical insurance industry and brought knowledge to the erroneous administrative exclusion in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act jeopardizing constituents in Mohave County, Arizona and Clark County, Nevada. If this were a stand-alone provision, it would earn my support because we need to pass the remainder of PLREDA, the rest which I was unable to get passed in previous Congresses. However, used as an amendment to a very disingenuous bill, I cannot support it. Not because of the theft of my bill but the poor process used today in this bad bill. I've always said good process builds good policy which makes good politics. The amendments being considered inside en bloc packages is a tactic of the current majority which would make the founders roll in their graves. This is not a counter China bill. This bill promotes a role for the government in the economy which is un-American and deals more in abstract social and climate policies than anything else. It is not good process. Everyone on the other side has not read the full bill, just like they have not taken the time to make themselves fully aware of anything they have passed so far, regardless if it's a bill, amendment, or resolution. The American people should be concerned about how this bill actually makes us weaker in the face of China, and no matter how many of my good policy ideas you add to it in the form of an amendment, you cannot change its rotten core.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Apache Junction Police Chief Thomas E. Kelly who is set to retire this January after nearly 50 years of service in law enforcement. Chief Kelly has been a steadfast defender of our community. In Apache Junction, Chief Kelly worked his way up through the department, serving first as captain of the criminal investigations division before serving as Deputy Chief and then Chief. This impressive period of service made Apache Junction safer under his watch, however we are only a portion of the country which has benefitted from his service. Prior to his arrival in Apache Junction, Chief Kelly worked in the Chicago Police Department. From there he accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working in various capacities in the U.S. and around the world. He finished his time with the DEA as Special Agent in Charge in the Chicago Field Division. Chief Kelly is a model law enforcement officer, which is why he has also worked with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, leadership of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, and trained law enforcement partners on a global scale. Chief Kelly will be greatly missed. While we claim his service in Apache Junction, Chief Kelly's retirement marks the end of extended service to the entire country. His commitment to protecting his community and setting high standards for law enforcement excellence will be greatly missed. We wish Chief Kelly a great retirement and thank him for giving his life to the protection of our community.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding such time. I rise today in strong opposition to the current form of H.R. 4352. In 1988, Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or IGRA, with the intent to restrict casinos to Tribes' original reservations. H.R. 4352 reverses a major 2009 Supreme Court decision, and the bill would lead to future abuses of IGRA. The bill gives unelected bureaucrats a blank check to take any land anywhere in America into trust without respect for impacted communities, including other Tribes. More importantly, H.R. 4352 allows reservation shopping and for lands to be taken into trust for off-reservation casinos in places where States, local governments, and other Tribes oppose such action. H.R. 4352 will result in a flood of new off-reservation casinos that cause harm to States and local communities. Many of these casino locations are nowhere near Tribes' historic reservations and will be handpicked by gambling investors and Washington bureaucrats. If H.R. 4352 passes, all Tribes would have to do in order to get land taken into trust and open off-reservation casinos is to show that they are federally recognized by the Department of the Interior. The reality is that this bill could be fixed. Last Congress, in committee, we talked about the importance of finding common ground on which to address community concerns about off- reservation casino abuse and the valid concerns brought to the committee by State and county governments. H.R. 4352 should be considered under an open rule and amended prior to being brought to the floor to address these real bipartisan concerns about the real-world impacts of the bill. Taking land into trust divests the affected State and local governments of jurisdiction. When land is taken into trust, for example, the Tribe will pay no applicable taxes on the land, but the county or city in which the land is located might nonetheless be required to supply the Tribe with county and city services, and non- Tribal residents will pay for it. At least consultation should be a minimum. Tribes demand this in reverse. The bill as currently drafted, therefore, increases the power of an unelected bureaucracy to divest nonconsenting State and local governments of jurisdiction over their land. This, by itself, is a great cause of concern. Let's be clear about H.R. 4352. A bill of this scope and magnitude deserves more careful consideration than is being given here today. Currently, there are almost 600 recognized Tribes in the United States. About 240 of them have gaming operations. H.R. 4352 removes the dam that provides some restraint on the number of Tribal casinos and would be a dramatic departure from the existing Federal law that has been in place for almost a century. Before voting on a bill of this magnitude, I hope Members all understand that H.R. 4352 will open the floodgates to off-reservation Tribal casinos all over the United States. If H.R. 4352 passes, all federally recognized Tribes will be eligible to receive land in trust and potentially open off-reservation casinos. This includes any Tribe recognized by the Department of the Interior that was ineligible to receive land in trust and/or was denied land in trust prior to H.R. 4352. According to the National Indian Gaming Commission fact sheet, as of 2016, approximately 329, or 58 percent, of the recognized Tribes have no gaming operations. There is a responsible way for Congress to address these issues. Just 1 month ago, the House passed H.R. 4881, the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act. The broad bipartisan bill was done exactly the way it should have been done, with community input, broad bipartisan support, and, most importantly, congressional oversight. But H.R. 4352 ignores all of that and more. It lets an unelected bureaucracy give whatever land it wants to all recognized Tribes. Thus, the important process that made H.R. 4881 a success would be ignored if H.R. 4352 passes. Let's be clear. Passage of H.R. 4352 will allow for new off- reservation casinos to be opened in your States, in your communities, and in your backyard, and for land to be ripped away from local jurisdictions without recourse. As I have constantly said, good process equals good policy equals good politics. This wasn't done. I urge all Members to vote ``no'' on H.R. 4352.

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

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address and reject the mischaracterized accusations from many in this body that the cartoon from my office is dangerous or threatening. It was not, and I reject the false narrative categorically. I do not espouse violence toward anyone. I never have. It was not my purpose to make anyone upset. I voluntarily took the cartoon down not because it was itself a threat, but because some thought it was. Out of compassion for those who genuinely felt offense, I self-censored. Last week, my staff posted a video depicting a policy battle regarding amnesty for tens of millions of illegal aliens. This was an anime that speaks to young voters who are too often overlooked. Even Twitter, the left's mouthpiece, did not remove the cartoon, noting it was in the public's interest for it to remain. The cartoon directly contributes to the understanding and the discussion of the real-life battle resulting from this administration's open border policies. This body is considering passage of Mr. Biden's reckless, socialist/ Marxist $4.9 trillion spending bill that provides $100 billion for amnesty to tens of millions of illegal aliens already in this country. This is what the left doesn't want the American people to know. Our country is suffering from the plague of illegal immigration. I won't stop pointing this out. Millions of illegal aliens, drugs, and human traffickers are being let in and moved around our country in the dead of night, all condoned by this administration. For this cartoon, some in Congress suggest I should be punished. I have said decisively there is no threat in the cartoon other than the threat that immigration poses to our country, and no threat was intended by my staff or me. The American people deserve to have their voices heard in Congress. No matter how much the left tries to quiet me, I will continue to speak out against amnesty for illegal aliens, defend the rule of law, and advance the America First agenda.

Mr. GOSAR. If I must join Alexander Hamilton, the first person attempted to be censured by this House, so be it. It is done.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, it has been over a year since the end of the 2020 44-day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This short, but furious and deadly, conflict stemmed from historical differences regarding geographic territory based on ethnicity and religion. I do not pretend to know the details of this conflict. The seeds for this conflict were sown decades ago, perhaps even a century ago, with the advent of the Soviet Union as well as the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Here is what I do know. The Armenians and the Azerbaijanis deserve to live and prosper in peace. Nations require territorial integrity. I am hopeful for the future that these two nations, both with a proud and great history, will be able to resume their relationship in peace and that the parties work, in good faith, to resolve their issues without bullets. God bless the people there and through His will it is my hope peace will prevail.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, it has been over a year since the end of the 2020 44-day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This short, but furious and deadly, conflict stemmed from historical differences regarding geographic territory based on ethnicity and religion. I do not pretend to know the details of this conflict. The seeds for this conflict were sown decades ago, perhaps even a century ago, with the advent of the Soviet Union as well as the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Here is what I do know. The Armenians and the Azerbaijanis deserve to live and prosper in peace. Nations require territorial integrity. The boundaries of a given nation should also reflect history, ethnicity, and religious differences to minimize conflict. I am hopeful for the future that these two nations, both with a proud and great history, will be able to resume their relationship in peace and that the parties work, in good faith, to resolve their issues without bullets. God bless the people there and through His will it is my hope peace will prevail.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Marine veteran James Kilcer, whose exceptional heroism and extraordinary courage prevented an armed robbery at a Yuma, Arizona convenience store. On October 20, three men, one of whom was armed, entered the convenience store where Mr. Kilcer was shopping. Acting without hesitation, Mr. Kilcer disarmed the gunman and detained him until police arrived. Because of his heroism and swift action, no one was hurt and the robbers were all arrested. James Kilcer is well-deserving of the Citizen's Valor Award recently presented to him by the Yuma Sheriff Department. Madam Speaker, I commend Mr. James Kilcer for putting his own life on the line while aiding his fellow citizens.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the malicious, false, and defamatory statements printed in Rolling Stone Magazine about me. Every statement about me in the October 24 article was false or misleading. Moreover, the author knew they were malicious and false when he made them. For example, the author lies and says that I offered ``blanket pardons'' for unknown people for crimes that had not yet occurred. First, there is no such thing as a ``blanket pardon.'' The author states that a ``blanket pardon'' can be used to convey legal immunity on a person forever in perpetuity, presumably for any crime including murder or arson. It is ridiculous to say this, but he did in fact write this, and he knew no such thing occurred and nothing like that exists. Rolling Stone did this to defame me and make it look like I was planning for violence on January 6. This is malice. My work on pardons is a public record on file with the National Archives. For example, I wrote letters to the White House and the Office of Pardons on behalf of Stephen Bannon, former Congressman Rick Renzi, and for members of We Build the Wall. The President in fact granted pardons to Mr. Bannon and Mr. Renzi. But these pardons pertained to specific allegations in a criminal complaint or an actual conviction. These are not ``blanket'' pardons that forgive a person of all crimes forever, like a Papal indulgence. The author and Rolling Stone Magazine falsely claim I planned for violence by merely attending a rally on January 6 or lending public support for this speech prior to January 6. Or by speaking out on the floor of the House under the Electoral Count Act. These allegations and statements are false, defamatory, and malicious. There is no evidence of this because it never happened. To conflate support for election integrity, and support for the President to speak, with support for violence is false and defamatory. To then claim I planned the violence and did so to such a degree I was inducing people to commit violence with the prospect of the mythical ``blanket pardon'' is beyond the pale defamatory. At this time Rolling Stone refuses to issue a correction. Indeed, it published a follow up article on October 26 doubling down on its malicious defamation. I continue to demand a retraction. And an apology. Rolling Stone Magazine has a history of lying and defamation. It's ivermectin story turned out to be pure fiction. So is this one about me. Since it refuses to correct the story, retract it publicly with a full apology, I will be investigating legal options. The malicious lies this magazine has spread went viral and I received hate mail, death threats, and opprobrium across the country by people who believe what this author wrote. I will not accept this.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support of victims of violent religious persecution in Bangladesh. I have been informed that currently, about 14 million people are facing religious persecution solely for their Hindu beliefs. There is documented numerous attacks on Hindu temples, businesses and homes. People have been brutally killed and raped due to their religious beliefs. l strongly condemn the violent and immoral actions of those who harm others simply because they have a different religion. Madam Speaker, the persecution of religious minorities will not end without strong action by the government, in this case Bangladesh. All governments are duty bound to protect their citizens and promote the freedom to worship. I call upon the government to make every effort to end the violence and protect religious minority populations within its borders. In order to protect its people, the government should restrict extremist groups that exert any violent influence over the country's political, social, legal, and religious affairs. Only then can peace and religious freedom be restored in Bangladesh. The United States and Bangladesh have a friendship with deep ties among and between its people. Like Bangladesh, the United States has religious minorities. To truly flourish and prosper, the rights of all people to be secure in their property and their lives must be ensured. I encourage the government of Bangladesh and offer the full support of the United States in helping it protect its religious minorities. May God bless both our nations.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Sergeant Michael Rudd. Immediately following his 2002 high school graduation, Sgt. Rudd served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force before going on to join the U.S. Army National Guard. After his military service came to an end, Sgt. Rudd continued to serve his country and community. He then became a law enforcement officer for LaPaz County, where he would remain in service to his community until his passing. Sgt. Rudd worked tirelessly for the people of LaPaz County, hoping to soon become a Lieutenant within the sheriffs office. His entire life was spent in service to the people of his community, state, and country. Madam Speaker, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to Sgt. Rudd's entire family. He is survived by his wife Amanda and their 6 wonderful children. His contributions and public service will never be forgotten by the state of Arizona or the people of LaPaz County.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I am compelled to use proxy voting this week as I am currently spending time with my father who had a terminal diagnosis and passed away this week.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to the Prescott Chapter of the Arizona Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and to commemorate the chapter's 25th Anniversary. Originally founded in 1997, the Prescott Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution have consistently honored the memory of our forefathers for over two decades. I deeply admire the chapter's unwavering commitment to our constitutional republic, our nation's rich history, and our deep-rooted founding principles. On the 25th Anniversary of the chapter's formation, we have gathered to celebrate and recognize the chapter's civic-minded mission and achievements. I commend the previous and current members of the Prescott Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for their achievements and continued impact on the Prescott community.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey C. Skoog. Harvey selflessly served his community as Prescott Valley Mayor for a total of 19 years, excluding the additional years he spent serving as a council member and vice mayor. Harvey maintained a consistent leading record in his local community through his involvement with the Arizona Society of Practicing Accountants, Arizona Association of Enrolled Agents, Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Chamber of Commerce, League of Cities and Towns, Northern Arizona Council of Governments, and Central Arizona Senior Association, to name a few. Harvey's accomplishments are widely recognized in the state as he was honored as a co-recipient of the 2015 Prescott Area Leadership Man of the Year award. He was also passionate about expanding home ownership, religious freedom, and educational opportunities for the youth. However, Harvey's contributions reach further than his professional, service, and leadership roles. After marrying Edna in 1960, Harvey raised 9 successful children who have raised 59 grandchildren and 63 great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to Harvey's entire family. His contributions will never be forgotten by the state of Arizona or the people of Prescott Valley.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Arizona State Representative Franklin M. Pratt. Frank represented the 8th Legislative District of Arizona well and served his community as a member of both the House and the Senate. A principled conservative who stood firmly for the values he believed in, Frank tirelessly advocated for the people of rural Arizona. He loved the state he called home and led a long and admirable life of civil service. In addition to Frank's public service as a state legislator, he also served his community as a farmer, rancher, businessman, and was a dedicated family man. Madam Speaker, I am here to express my appreciation for the impact of Frank's service in our Arizona communities and to offer my deepest condolences to his family and beloved wife, Janice. Frank's achievements and community impact will never be forgotten by the people of Arizona.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. This amendment includes the Grand Canyon Protection Act, falsely named legislation, which has nothing to do with the Grand Canyon and is a cover for a giant Federal land grab that hurts our economy and our national security. This land grab of over one million acres in my State will destroy as many as 4,000 jobs and cost $29 billion in sacrificed economic activity. Now, I am perplexed that the majority would bring this up under the National Defense Authorization as this reckless land grab actually hurts our national security. We heard from the gentleman from Colorado that these are areas where we have some high grade uranium. In fact, the costarter of Greenpeace, Michael Shellenberger, has actually said that if you want a green economy like the other side does, you definitely have to have nuclear, and this is one of those ways. But we constantly keep going down this road where we make ourselves dependent on other countries, like Russia, Uzbekistan, and those areas. Isn't it interesting that we want to subjugate ourselves to foreign interests and foreign oversight? That is not the way we should be doing it. We should have our own way of doing it. Last but not least, the way uranium is actually leached into the atmosphere is by air and by water, which are the portals that these breccia pipes have contained. Actually, taking the breccia pipes out of this area actually makes it easier for penetration of water in our subsurface areas. I urge this not be adopted and once again return it back to our States for any other jurisdiction.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Korean War Veteran and great American, Fred Eugene Barber and his wife, Yvonne Barber. Fred passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 90 years old. Fred's beloved wife, Yvonne, passed away only 13 hours earlier of heart failure at 88 years old. They are survived by their 2 daughters, Karen and Jan, in addition to 5 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren. Fred and Yvonne married in June 1953 after dating for only 6 months. This year involved several exciting milestones for the couple, as they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in June and family and friends gathered to celebrate Fred's 90th birthday in August. The couple was also extremely active in their community and held a deep love for Lake Havasu City. Fred and Yvonne were involved in the Republican Party, PACE, and their local church. Fred taught a Constitution class at various schools and other local organizations in addition to writing and publishing over 25 novels about American historical fiction and spy fiction. Madam Speaker, I am here to express my deepest condolences to the family of Fred and Yvonne Barber and to honor their memory. Fred and Yvonne's selfless public service and local impact will never be forgotten by the people of Lake Havasu City, Arizona.