Michael Guest

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Chair, as we look to the basis of the amendment, we see that this amendment deals with election interference, something that I believe both parties share concerns about. We know that in less than 60 days people from across this great land will go to the polls, and they will select our next President. They will determine which party controls the majority here in this Chamber as well as which party controls the majority in the United States Senate. I have great concerns that China and our other adversaries across the globe will use this opportunity to try to sow dissent among the American public, that they will try to pit Americans versus Americans on their disinformation platform, that they will be pushing across traditional and across more than not social media. I believe that this is why it is so important that we do everything within our power to protect our election integrity, whether it be to stop the influence of China, Russia, Iran, any of our adversaries, but also to do what we can to protect our election by ensuring that only United States citizens vote in our election. We know that many of our municipalities and some of our States have opened up elections, both on State and, many times, on municipal levels, to allowing non-United States citizens to vote in those elections. That is why I support the effort of Speaker Johnson to attach the SAVE Act to a continuing resolution, to make sure that those individuals show proof of citizenship when they register. Mr. Chair, I support the basis of this amendment. I support election integrity. I support us doing all that we can to ensure that those who are voting actually should be allowed to vote. However, I support the basis of this amendment, which stands for the principle that our foreign adversaries, particularly those such as, in this case, China, be prevented from interfering in our elections. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, even though I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, today, we heard varying opinions on what our Nation must do to secure our universities from the CCP's malign influence. H.R. 1516 is one of the strongest bills the House has considered to counter the threats posed by the CCP on our educational system. This legislation safeguards taxpayers' hard-earned dollars from going to our Nation's top adversary. It undermines the CCP's influence apparatus that has been used to sway public opinion and protects the critical research and development taking place at our universities across the country. To those who claim that this bill will do more harm than good or that this bill is overly broad, I disagree with those assertions and argue that this bill instead sends a clear message to the CCP that their interference will not be tolerated on our college campuses. I hope that we have a strong bipartisan vote today to demonstrate that we can work together in addressing threats from America's greatest adversary. Mr. Chair, I thank Congressman Pfluger for offering this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse).

Mr. GUEST. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Steel).

Mr. GUEST. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar).

Mr. GUEST. Madam Chair, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger), my good friend.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, I rise in support of Congressman Pfluger's bill, H.R. 1516, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act. We all know that the Chinese Communist Party will stop at nothing to undermine the United States and our allies as they attempt to reshape the world order. Proving this point is the extent the CCP is willing to go to expand its intelligence and influence apparatus. In the past 2 years, we have seen the CCP fly a spy balloon across the continental United States. We have seen troves of data collected from CCP-aligned mobile applications. Also, recently, we have learned of an aide to the Governor of New York who acted covertly with her husband to advance the agenda of the CCP within the New York State capital. One of our Nation's most glaring vulnerabilities is the CCP's attempt to influence our Nation's educational system. It should concern every American that billions of dollars from the CCP are flowing into our K- 12 classrooms and institutions of higher education. Originally established to promote Chinese language and culture, Confucius Institutes have increasingly come under scrutiny for their ability to influence and control the narrative around critical issues affecting our Nation's interests. These organizations have helped the CCP advance their strategic goals and gain valuable intelligence on the United States. Congress has taken steps to address this issue, but more remains to be done. The legislation that we are here to debate today is a critical step in stopping the CCP's reach into the American educational system by prohibiting DHS dollars from going to institutes of higher education if these institutes maintain a relationship with a Confucius Institute or a Chinese entity of concern. H.R. 1516 is delivering on our promise to the American people that House Republicans will do everything in our power to counter the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. This bill protects American values by safeguarding our institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring our academic environment remains a space for free and independent thought. I also thank Congressman Pfluger for his work on this legislation, and I look forward to today's debate and encourage all my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1516.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize ``Nashville's nu- metal king,'' Hardy, from my home state of Mississippi. Hardy was born in Meridian and grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he attended Neshoba Central High School. Born on September 13, 1990, to Mike and Sarah Hardy, Hardy started playing guitar around age 13. When he was in high school, he took pen to paper to write his first song to,``Impress a Girl.'' His song writing skills gave him an opportunity to move to Nashville in 2010. While in Nashville, Hardy penned the words to the well-known country song made famous by Blake Shelton called, ``God's Country.'' in 2013, Hardy landed a publishing deal with Relative Music Group. Hardy is the pride of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and has earned his reputation as ``a promising purveyor of keeping the spirit of classic heavy Southern rock alive,'' according to American Songwriter. He is a five-time ACM award winner and two-time CMA award winner. In 2022 he was named the BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. Music has always been the heartbeat of Mississippi, and I am proud to see Hardy soaring to the top like other Mississippians have done before him. I thank Hardy, for his dedication to the art of music and contributions to our great Nation through song writing.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Meridian High School basketball team and Coach Ron Norman on the exceptional achievement of winning the 2024 MHSAA 7A Basketball State Championship. This championship is a result of the team's incredible work ethic and determination throughout this season. The 2024 MHSAA 7A championship is the team's first championship since 2017 and is a testament to what can be accomplished when a group of individuals come together as a team. During this season, these young men were put to the test against tenacious opponents, and they did not waver. In the end, their spectacular efforts culminated in a prized championship victory. I would also like to offer my congratulations to Coach Ron Norman for winning his second state title during his tenure at Meridian High School, as well as to his staff for such a successful season. These coaches have been excellent leaders for these young athletes throughout the season and have set them up for great future successes. The young men on this team are great examples to their classmates and community of what can be achieved through working together towards a common goal. We look forward to seeing what all of these exceptional young men achieve in the future. Again, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Meridian High School basketball team for their state championship victory.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, this week we remember the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Known as Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion began on the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, on the southern beaches of France, landing at beaches named ``Utah,'' ``Gold,'' ``Sword,'' ``Juno,'' and ``Omaha.'' Over 4,400 Allied soldiers lost their lives that day. The invasion of France allowed Allied troops to establish a beachhead in Western Europe and would go on to change the course of the second great war. Many of the courageous men who fought that day have since passed away, but we still have their recorded oral testimonies and letters to loved ones about the role that they played. Today, I want to read a brief segment of a fellow Mississippian that landed at Normandy shortly after the initial invasion. Bilbo Rodgers, born in Louisville, Mississippi, said this about his service: I was unloading the ships there in France, unloading guns, trucks, and ammunition, food, medical supplies, and all that in France after I got there, but we were still involved in battle because they were shooting at us, trying to kill us. I didn't pull my shoes off in 3 weeks because they didn't allow you to pull them off because you may have to run at any time. We had to sleep in our shoes, and when we were in France, we slept in foxholes. You dig a hole in the ground about 4 feet, and you get down there, you and your partner. You have one partner, two people in one foxhole with dirt falling in your face and all that. Bilbo Rodgers was one of the countless heroes that placed themselves in harm's way to help America and her Allies defeat Nazi Germany and to protect the liberties and freedoms we still enjoy today. May we always remember the sacrifice of our brave warriors.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 100 years of the United States Border Patrol. What began as a small unit of mounted watchmen has become one of our Nation's most important law enforcement agencies. The Border Patrol is tasked with protecting the American people, securing our borders, and enhancing our Nation's economic prosperity. The mission has become increasingly more difficult because of the open- door policies enacted by this administration. While I condemn the policies that have led to the border crisis, I continue to stand with the frontline men and women of the United States Border Patrol. These men and women place themselves in harm's way to stop the flow of illegal immigration and to stop human trafficking and drug trafficking into our country. These officers deserve our thanks, our support, and, most importantly, our prayers.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. This week, National Police Week, we thank and reaffirm our support for our peacemakers. This week, we honor those men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty, the brave men and women who serve and protect, who dedicate their lives to defending innocent citizens from those who seek to do evil, and who routinely place themselves in harm's way. They are the heroes we call in our time of need. President Ronald Reagan once said: ``There can be no more noble vocation than the protection of one's fellow citizens. . . . No single group is more fully committed to the well-being of their fellow Americans and to the faithful discharge of duty than our law enforcement personnel.'' In the performance of their duties, danger is a routine part of their job, and we, on occasion, lose some valiant men and women. Mr. Speaker, let us never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow man, and let the families of our fallen officers be comforted by the words in the Gospel of John, 15:13: ``Greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for another.'' May we never forget our heroes and their sacrifice.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Ridgeland in Madison County, Mississippi, on the occasion of its 125th anniversary in 2024. The land that is now Ridgeland was once only a footpath along the Natchez Trace for the local Choctaw Indians. Over time, the footpath became a common road for travel and commerce. Turner Brashears, an early settler in Mississippi, opened a stand nearby in 1804 after seeing the potential of the area for business. In 1811, Silas Dinsmor opened the Choctaw Agency in the area. Though small and seemingly insignificant at the time, in 1812 Andrew Jackson camped with his army at Brashears Stand returning from New Orleans. By 1829, Madison County, named after former President James Madison, was established in Mississippi. The growth in the area was recognized and in 1832 William J. Austin was granted land along the Natchez Trace. In 1853, Austin sold the land to James Burroughs from North Carolina. By 1865, the area was called Yellowley's Crossing by the Illinois Central Railroad, which operated there. This changed the old footpath forever. The local community began to swell with people and the locals started calling the area Jessamine. The old Brashears Stand was destroyed by a fire in 1896 and Yellowley sold his land to the Highland Colony Company owned by Gorton W. Nichols and Edwards M. Treakle. In 1899, the village was incorporated as Ridgeland. Since its incorporation in 1899, Ridgeland has been a center for trade and travel and offers a vibrant life for its residents. Through many decades of forward-thinking leadership, including that of longtime mayor Gene McGee, Ridgeland has continued to prosper. In 1999, Ridgeland celebrated 100 years and here, in 2024, I am proud to offer these remarks in honor of her 125th anniversary. Ridgeland has done much through the years to contribute to the betterment of society and I'm proud to represent Ridgeland, Mississippi, in the United States Congress.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Mississippi native Dr. Daniel P. Jordan. Dr. Jordan served as the executive director and the President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in Charlottesville overseeing the historical process and interest of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. As a native Mississippian, he was known for his ``Magnolia Alerts'' which would alert him to any vehicle with a Mississippi license plate. David would personally go to the visitor's center and welcome his fellow Mississippians to Monticello. He was known as ``the most consequential president on the Mountaintop since Jefferson himself.'' He worked hard to raise money for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and to expand the research capabilities at Monticello. David made the history of Jefferson accessible to everyday Americans through expanding Monticello's programing and growing their audience. Dr. David Jordan was a frequent visitor to the Neshoba County Fair in Mississippi, even during his long tenure in Virginia. I'm thankful for Dr. Jordan's dedication to the scholarship of history, the years of research into Jefferson's life, and his unwavering commitment to his Mississippi roots. I will end with some of David's words about President Jefferson. ``We have 200 people trying to keep up with one man--one dead man, and we will never catch him.'' If anyone got close to catching Jefferson, it was Dr. Daniel Jordan.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mississippi State University (MSU) Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) on being recognized as the 2024 Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year. Director Mark Scott has worked tirelessly to make the MSU VBOC a place where Veterans are served well. Natalie Rhode, the program director, has also played a key role in the center's success. The Veterans Business Outreach Center is focused on small business development for Veterans and their spouses. The center was founded in 2015 and covers Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The Small Business Administration selected the MSU VBOC this year for its successes and unique contributions to the local community. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. The MSU VBOC is committed to excellence while supporting many local Veterans as they invest in their communities. This award is a testament to the hard work by the outstanding team on the front lines at the VBOC. I am thankful to have the opportunity to congratulate the Mississippi State University Veterans Business Outreach Center on the occasion of this award, and I look forward to continuing to work in Congress on behalf of our Veterans.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 206, the END FENTANYL Act. I am a proud sponsor of the House companion bill. I thank my friend, Senator Rick Scott, for leading this bipartisan effort in the United States Senate. I also thank Congressman David Trone for co-leading this legislation in the House. This bill would require the United States Customs and Border Protection, CBP, to regularly review and update their inspection practices at ports of entry. It would also require them to respond to any new or innovative smuggling methods. This bill would require CBP to brief Congress on new inspection practices. The goal of this bill is to ensure that CBP is employing the most up-to-date methods to interdict and prevent illegal activities, such as the smuggling of deadly narcotics like fentanyl into our country. As Chairman Green said, this bill was introduced in direct response to a 2019 Government Accountability Office report, which found that CBP's inspection techniques were not uniform across different ports of entry and in some cases found that they were entirely outdated. The GAO report determined: ``Because CBP has not updated many of its policies-- in a few cases for almost 20 years--they do not always reflect changes in technology or processes, such as those for conducting searches and handling fentanyl.'' Mr. Speaker, the END FENTANYL Act will be a valuable tool in our fight against the deadly scourge of fentanyl, which has devastated families and communities across our country. From May of 2022 to May of 2023, the U.S. suffered over 112,000 overdose deaths, with many of those deaths being attributed directly or indirectly to the use of fentanyl. Fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. As cartels continue to develop new methods to traffic these deadly drugs in the United States, this bill will ensure that CBP responds to any new smuggling techniques in a uniform manner, with the most up-to- date and effective practices. In closing, this bill will save lives and is a first step to securing our border from those smuggling drugs into our communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 206.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for reasons outlined in both Articles of Impeachment, but specifically for Article II, breach of public trust. Secretary Mayorkas has repeatedly testified falsely, misleading Congress and the American people. He has done so by saying that the southwest border is secure and that his department has operational control of the border. Secretary Mayorkas in his previous appearances before the Committee on Homeland Security has told me personally multiple times, testifying while under oath, that the border is secure. Time and time again, Secretary Mayorkas has appeared before Congress, both the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and has repeated that the southwest border is secure. These declarations, Madam Speaker, are patently untrue, and they contradict statements made by both his former Border Patrol Chief, Raul Ortiz, and by the President himself. President Biden just recently said and admitted that the border was not secure, and he went on to say that the border has not been secure for almost a decade. Madam Speaker, Secretary Mayorkas' dealings with Congress indicate a lack of transparency and an attempt to mislead the public on the true conditions that exist at the border, and we, as Congress, must now hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable. This is a grave day in our history, a grave day for this Nation, and not one that we take lightly. However, in light of all the facts, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to impeach Secretary Mayorkas.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I want to push back. What is happening here is not political theater, as my friends on the other side of the aisle wish to make this. The Democrats have sought to blame Republicans, saying that our inaction has helped cause this border crisis, but I will tell you that nothing is farther from the truth. Almost a year ago, this body passed H.R. 2, a border security bill, a border security bill that would find a record number of Customs and Border Patrol agents, a bill which would give raises to those men and women who were there on the front lines trying to secure our border, a bill which would invest in technology to stop the flow of illegal drugs coming across our border, a bill which would have restarted wall construction. That bill, for almost a year, has sat in the other Chamber, has sat in the Senate, and Mr. Schumer has refused to bring that bill to the floor. This body also passed the Homeland Security appropriations bill, giving the Department of Homeland Security more money than that Department has ever received. We funded those additional agents. We funded those pay raises. We funded additional detention beds. What has happened to that appropriations bill? It also sits in the Senate waiting for the Senate to take action. Today, my friends across the aisle seek to hide behind this Senate bill that was crafted behind closed doors, in the cover of darkness, a bill that did not include any input from the House of Representatives, did not include Homeland Security Chair Mark Green or Ranking Member Bennie Thompson from Mississippi. Three Senators out of 100 got behind closed doors for weeks, and they sat down and crafted a bill.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, with no input on behalf of the House of Representatives, we are now supposed to adopt that bill before it even passes the Senate. I want to give you a number, Mr. Speaker. That number is 370,000. That is the number of immigrants who came into our country last month alone. That is not a year; that is not 6 months; that is a single month, 370,000 people, yet our Homeland Security Secretary continues to maintain that the border is secure. My friends across the aisle seek to blame Republicans for this crisis. I will tell you that their blame is misplaced. If they want to blame someone for what is happening on the southwest border, they need to look in the mirror. They need to look at what their Secretary has done, and they need to look at what their President has done. They can no longer blame Republicans for their failures. I will close with this, Mr. Speaker. If we are unable to hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable for his failures, for his failure to enforce the law, we can hold no one accountable. Secretary Mayorkas must be impeached.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Eitan Levy. Eitan Levy was a cab driver from Bat Yam. On October 7, 2023, Eitan called his son to let him know that he would be dropping off a passenger, and 15 minutes later, he called back again to tell his son about the Hamas attack. Eitan's son heard him shouting and was told that a drone had landed on his father's car. His son stayed on the phone with his father until terrorists kidnapped him. Eitan was not heard from again. In December, his family was notified that Eitan had been murdered by Hamas. His body is still being held by Hamas in Gaza to this day. I stand here today to demand that Hamas release the body of Eitan, that it be released immediately to his family, as well as to release all remaining hostages. We must stand with Israel as it works to destroy Hamas and free its citizens wrongly held by the terrorist group. It is time to bring Eitan's body home. It is time to bring them all home.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Mrs. Kay Pace of Madison County, Mississippi. Mrs. Kay Pace made history as the first and only female elected to the position of Madison County Tax Collector. Throughout her 36 years of serving Madison County, 22 of them were as Tax Collector. Born and raised in Madison County, Kay has always sought to give back to her community. One of the biggest ways she gave back as Tax Collector was to research and implement Mississippi's first fully automated online county tax sales and online payments. Leading the charge in Madison County, Kay opened the door for easier ways of paying taxes and supporting the local community. Kay is a member of the former First Methodist Church of Canton, now called First Church of Canton. Kay was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson where she sang in the choir. Church has been an important part of Kay's life and service to Madison County outside of her job as Tax Collector. Another way of service has been through her leadership in the Madison County Republican Women. Kay has served in various roles in the organization, including as President and as an officer. While politics is an important role in her life, Kay also served the Jackson Symphony League as co-chair for Sub Debs. Additionally, she served in other clubs and organizations over the past 30 years throughout Madison, Jackson, and other local communities. She also has been a member of the Madison County League and Foundation. While Madison County is her home and her lifelong place of service, Kay says her most important relationships are her family. Kay was married to the late W. K. Pace, Jr. for 40 years. Kay is the mother of four children and the proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Kay is retiring from her role as Tax Collector and is looking forward to spending more time with her family. I am thankful for all the service Kay Pace has given to Madison County through the years. I wish her well in retirement.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the Gospel of Luke: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.