Michael Guest

Mr. GUEST

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

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, the people of the great State of Mississippi are grateful for the service of the 12,500 National Guard servicemembers of our State and for the leadership of General Durr Boyles. Our guardsmen are dedicated to keeping Mississippi safe by providing response to disasters and by serving our Nation on domestic and foreign military missions. During floods and hurricanes, our guardsmen transport and rescue civilians inundated by high waters. After the storms, National Guard engineers repair infrastructure and utilities and provide logistics support to citizens. With 65 readiness centers statewide, the Mississippi Army National Guard can quickly respond to any number of events at a moment's notice. The Mississippi Air National Guard, operating from the 186th Air Refueling Wing, the 172nd Airlift Wing, and the Combat Readiness Training Center, provides access to services across the globe. On behalf of the people of Mississippi, I thank every man and woman who serves in the Mississippi National Guard for their dedicated service to our State and our Nation.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the previous question. Right now, the men and women of law enforcement are battling to secure our borders. Every day they are pushing back against drug smugglers, human traffickers, and the cartels. Make no mistake, this is the worst border crisis in our Nation's history and this administration took just over a year to bring our national security to this state. I know because I have seen it myself. I was at the border a few days ago for my second trip in two weeks and I heard from the men and women on the border. Every single person we talked with told the same story. They told us that this administration, President Biden's administration, has abandoned them. They asked us to please provide help. Instead of providing help, President Biden and many of my colleagues on the left have attacked the last tool the men and women of law enforcement have to perform their duties. Without the Court's intervention, this administration would have stripped the last tool these law enforcement officers have to secure our border. I am glad that some of my colleagues across the aisle have seen the value in preserving title 42. They have seen the importance of securing our borders against criminals and terrorists that we know are exploiting the crisis to enter America. They see the devastating impact that 18,000 encounters a day would have on communities across our Nation if title 42 is removed. Most importantly, they see the hard work of the men and women of law enforcement on the border, and like Republicans, they want to help. I hope the rest of the Democratic Caucus will join them and support these men and women who are risking their lives to secure our Nation.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life and service of the late Congressman Don Young of Alaska, former dean of the United States House of Representatives. It is fitting that this Coast Guard reauthorization, which we are considering today, is named in his memory. Congressman Young made a lasting impact on this institution and his legacy of service will endure far into the future.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Mr. Mike McGrevey for his outstanding service to the people of Mississippi and the United States of America. He has committed himself to the service of his fellow man through a long and distinguished career, and I rise today to recognize him as a dedicated American leader whose example will inspire many who wish to make the world around them a better place for their neighbors, friends, and family. Most recently, Mr. McGrevey served as Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Mississippi Development Authority, but he also served in senior leadership positions in the academic, public, and private sectors as well as in the military. He served as Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President of Finance and Administration at Mississippi State University, where, under his leadership, the university received high accolades for research and was praised as a top university for military and veterans. In his tenure, Mississippi State University was designated as one of ``America's Best College Buys.'' Mr. McGrevey also served as President of The Montgomery Institute, where he led an effort to create a network for public and private entities that promoted entrepreneurial activities and workforce development systems across 36 counties and 8 community college districts. As President and Chief Operations Officer of a Mississippi-based education company, Mr. McGrevey led a team of over 200 education professionals to improve student performance in over 400 schools throughout 12 states. Mr. McGrevey also served our nation for 20 years in the United States Air Force with honor and distinction. His military career included tours in Washington, D.C., at the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill, as well as in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Mike McGrevey in the House of Representatives for the many contributions he has made to create a brighter future for our state and our Nation, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking Mr. McGrevey for his service and commitment to Mississippi and to the United States of America.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate Chief M.E. ``Gene'' Waldrop on 50 years of service in law enforcement. He has enjoyed a distinguished career, and we are grateful for his dedicated service to defend the safety of our great state for more than half a century. As a native of Greenville, Mississippi, Chief Waldrop graduated from Greenville High School and later served as Staff Sergeant in the Mississippi National Guard. After being honorably discharged, Waldrop began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer. Chief Waldrop served 20 years for the Greenville Mississippi Police Department and retired in 1991 as Chief of Police. With Chief Waldrop's oversight and encouragement, the City of Greenville coordinated with local agencies to develop efficient disaster response plans that heightened the region's security. After retiring, Chief Waldrop was appointed as Chief of Police in the City of Madison, Mississippi, holding to his commitment to public service. In this role, he continued his steadfast dedication to keeping the great state of Mississippi safe by establishing advanced emergency response plans. Under his courageous leadership, the City of Madison has been rated the Safest City in Mississippi by several crime prevention organizations. Chief Waldrop is also a dedicated community servant. He helped to establish the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Firefighters' Memorial Burn Center Association. There, he served as the Vice- President of the Board of Directors, one of his many achievements that earned Chief Waldrop the Jim Ingram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. I commend all that Chief Waldrop has done to valiantly protect the lives of Mississippians, and I thank him for his contributions towards bettering our state's law enforcement. I extend my very best wishes to him and look forward to working with him in the future to make our state an even better place to live, worship, and raise a family.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, as gas prices across the country continue to soar, and with President Biden's announcement to ban Russian oil imports, it is time that America looked to our own backyard to meet our energy needs. To ease the burden on hardworking Americans, we must increase domestic production to make America energy independent again. We can no longer allow Russia, Venezuela, or oil from the Middle East to meet our energy needs. The Biden administration must commit to an America first strategy in oil production. America must increase production so that we are not only energy independent but so that we can once again become a net exporter of oil and natural gas. We must drill America, refine America, and we must buy American oil. That is why I joined many of my Republican colleagues in a letter to President Biden requesting the administration open Federal lands to energy production, end unnecessary and burdensome bureaucratic regulations, and approve and expedite construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. President Biden must commit to these actions immediately to ease the burden on Americans at the pump.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, former President Ronald Reagan once said: ``America was founded on the moral proposition that human life--all human life--is sacred. And this proposition is the bedrock of our national life, the foundation of our laws. It is the wellspring of our Constitution.'' If our Nation can unite around any singular issue, it should be that life is sacred, especially the life of a child. This week, tens of thousands of Americans will coalesce around that issue as they visit our Nation's Capital for the purpose of protecting life. I join with these peaceful Americans in supporting laws that ensure every child has the opportunity for the most basic right defined in our Constitution, the right to life. As a member of the Pro-Life Caucus and a father of two wonderful boys, I want to welcome all these great Americans as they visit Washington, D.C., to help defend the life of the unborn.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the Brandon Bulldogs and Coach Sam Williams on their MHSAA 6A South State Championship victory. Coach Williams led the talented team to an impressive 11-3 season with stunning wins over some of the best teams in the state. I commend Coach Williams for his success at the helm of the Bulldogs football team and wish him and his team continued success in the future. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the young men who worked tirelessly for their successful season. Every early morning, every extra rep, and every sacrifice they made to better themselves and their team resulted in victory time and time again until they became one of the best high school football programs in Mississippi. l would encourage those young men to reflect deeply on the investment they made to realize such a successful season. They will never forget the feeling of their great accomplishment; but in the future, as they reminisce on this season, I would challenge them to remember the qualities that made them one of the best teams in the entire state. Those qualities of hard-work, commitment, and determination will continue to serve them well in the future as they transition from leaders on the field to leaders in their families, communities, state, and Nation. Congratulations to the Brandon Bulldogs on their very successful season.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the Madison Central Jaguars and Coach Toby Collums on their MHSAA 6A State Championship victory. In his first year, Coach Collums led the Jaguars to a 13-1 season and finished the season with a victory at the state championship. I commend Coach Collums for his explosive start at the helm of the Jaguars football team and wish him and his team continued success in the future. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the young men who worked tirelessly for the championship trophy. Every early morning, every extra rep, and every sacrifice they made to better themselves and their team has resulted in the top prize. In the coming days, as the thrill of victory begins to fade, I would encourage those young men to reflect deeply on the investment they made to realize this championship. They will never forget the feeling of their great accomplishment; but in the future, as they reminisce on this victory, I would challenge them to remember the qualities that made them champions. Those qualities of hard-work. commitment, and determination will continue to serve them well in the future as they transition from leaders on the field to leaders in their families, communities, state, and Nation. Congratulations to the Madison Central Jaguars. They earned this victory.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the Jefferson Davis County Jaguars and Coach Lance Mancuso on their MHSAA 3A State Championship victory. This is Coach Mancuso's ninth straight state championship, an unprecedented accomplishment. I commend Coach Mancuso for his record-setting success at the helm of the Jaguars football team and wish him and his team continued success in the future. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the young men who worked tirelessly for the championship trophy. Every early morning, every extra rep, and every sacrifice they made to better themselves and their team has resulted in the top prize. In the coming days, as the thrill of victory begins to fade, l would encourage those young men to reflect deeply on the investment they made to realize this championship. They will never forget the feeling of their great accomplishment; but in the future, as they reminisce on this victory, I would challenge them to remember the qualities that made them champions. Those qualities of hard-work, commitment, and determination will continue to serve them well in the future as they transition from leaders on the field to leaders in their families, communities, state, and Nation. Congratulations to the Jefferson Davis County Jaguars. They earned this victory.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the Bay Springs Bulldogs and Coach Dan Brady on their MHSAA 1A State Championship victory. Although the Bulldogs have reached the playoffs multiple times, Coach Brady led the talented team to a 32-12 victory over Simmons High School. I commend Coach Brady for his success at the helm of the Bulldogs football team and wish him and his team continued success in the future. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the young men who worked tirelessly for the championship trophy. Every early morning, every extra rep, and every sacrifice they made to better themselves and their team has resulted in the top prize. In the coming days, as the thrill of victory begins to fade, I would encourage those young men to reflect deeply on the investment they made to realize this championship. They will never forget the feeling of their great accomplishment; but in the future, as they reminisce on this victory, I would challenge them to remember the qualities that made them champions. Those qualities of hard-work, commitment, and determination will continue to serve them well in the future as they transition from leaders on the field to leaders in their families, communities, state, and nation. Congratulations to the Bay Springs Bulldogs. They earned this victory.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the Scott Central Rebels and Coach Eric House on their MHSAA 2A State Championship victory. Coach House led the Rebels to an almost unchallenged 15-0 season with huge margins of victory over their opponents, ending the season with a MHSAA record-breaking 72 points in the championship game. I commend Coach House for his success at the helm of the Rebels football team and wish him and his team continued success in the future. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the young men who worked tirelessly for the championship trophy. Every early morning, every extra rep, and every sacrifice they made to better themselves and their team has resulted in the top prize. In the coming days, as the thrill of victory begins to fade, I would encourage those young men to reflect deeply on the investment they made to realize this championship. They will never forget the feeling of their great accomplishment; but in the future, as they reminisce on this victory, 1 would challenge them to remember the qualities that made them champions. Those qualities of hard-work, commitment, and determination will continue to serve them well in the future as they transition from leaders on the field to leaders in their families, communities, state, and Nation. Congratulations to the Scott Central Rebels. They earned this victory.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, former President Ronald Reagan once said, ``Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.'' The answers in the Bible have provided our Nation with valuable wisdom over the course of history. In times of fear, God's Word has provided encouragement; in times of joy, it has supplied words of praise; and in times of uncertainty, it has offered peace. My hope is that all Americans will continue to live by the truth and the wisdom of the Word of God. As we face the future, we must never forget that our Nation was divinely inspired on biblical principles. We must recognize that we are blessed to live in a country where we can worship freely, and we must work to see that we always remain one nation under God. But perhaps most important to our challenges today is to heed the greatest commandment, love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might, and love your neighbor as yourself. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I rise today on Thursday, November 18, in honor of National Rural Health Day. My home State of Mississippi is leading the way in rural healthcare innovation, which is important because 54 percent of our State's population lives in rural areas. Thanks to a strong network of hospitals served by dedicated healthcare providers, as well as a world-class telehealth system anchored by the University of Mississippi Medical Center, patients in Mississippi can receive the care they need in their communities. I am proud of the partnership between two universities in my district to improve health outcomes in rural communities across our State. The University of Mississippi Medical Center, our State's only academic medical center, and Mississippi State University, with its land grant mission and extension expertise, are partnering on critical healthcare and public health challenges and are working together to meet the healthcare needs of their fellow Mississippians. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for Mississippi's role in advancing rural healthcare and the selfless service of our healthcare providers.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, West Virginia, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, Vermont, and Wyoming. During President Biden's first year in office, the number of illegal immigrants that the Border Patrol has encountered on our southern border has surpassed the population of these 12 States and the end is nowhere in sight. I am not sure if the Biden administration knew that their policies would lead to the number of illegal immigrants surpassing the population of over 20 percent of U.S. States, but by reversing the successful policies of the previous administration, they have created this crisis. This administration has listened to special interest groups over the will of the American people. This administration has implemented catch- and-release policies. This administration has canceled the remain in Mexico policy, and on his very first day in office, President Biden issued an executive order ending border wall funding. This administration has turned their back on every State of the Union to pursue a far-left agenda. This administration has created a new State of chaos in our Nation with their failed policies. It is time for us to reverse course and to return to commonsense policies that work and that protect our Nation's borders. Remembering Our Veterans

Mr. GUEST. Former President Ronald Reagan once said: ``Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they've suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.'' Today, we remember the service of our veterans, the price they have paid and the Nation that they helped build and fought to protect. We know that America's veterans risked their lives on the field of battle to preserve this Nation and the ideals of democracy, liberty, and freedom. But we must not forget that they not only fought to protect the rights that were established by our Founding Fathers, but they also returned home to set an example of enduring patriotism and leadership in our communities, our States, and our Nation. When their service ended, our veterans helped advance our country by embodying the American spirit of hard work and perseverance. Today, we thank them for the example they set. This day, more than any other, let every American reach out to a veteran and say: Thank you for your service; we are grateful for your many sacrifices that you have made on behalf of our Nation. As we stand in this great institution of democracy that our veterans helped build and then fought to preserve, let our Nation remember the hundreds of thousands of men and women who fought for our freedoms, and let us always remember that our Nation would have been forgotten to history long ago if not for those men and women brave enough to protect it. May God bless our country, and may God bless our veterans.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close. H.R. 3709 makes disaster recovery easier for victims by improving State and local communities' abilities to coordinate with FEMA when determining the impacts of major disasters. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this important bipartisan legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3709, the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act of 2021, introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko). FEMA's preliminary disaster assessment is crucial when determining eligibility for disaster assistance. This bill will ensure State and local stakeholders are involved in reviewing and developing recommendations for improving this process. This bill will help reduce unnecessary delays and get assistance to disaster survivors more quickly so they can recover faster and move forward with their lives. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, in closing, it is appropriate to honor Judge Horton's service to our country by naming this building after him. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1917, the Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects Act. This bipartisan legislation will let communities recover from disasters more efficiently, and even more importantly, better prepare these communities for the next disaster. H.R. 1917 provides assistance for certain mitigation projects that began before the grant was applied for. Last Congress, the House also worked in a bipartisan manner to pass this very practical bill under suspension of the rules. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time as I have no additional speakers. In closing, H.R. 1917 benefits our communities by allowing them to be eligible for Federal disaster mitigation assistance for projects started prior to their request for assistance. I believe that this bill is a good bill, and I urge support of this bipartisan legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank Ranking Member Graves for his leadership on this important piece of legislation that would eliminate hurdles and leverage Economic Development Administration dollars to invest in broadband deployment across America's rural communities. By utilizing public-private partnerships and consortia between internet service providers and economic development agencies, EDA dollars could be leveraged to deploy broadband and spur modern economic development for rural and economically distressed communities. Many of these consortia exist within the private sector, including many large corporations working to deploy broadband across vast rural areas. However, EDA funds have been held back from small towns and communities working to attract private investment in their communities. The E-BRIDGE Act would directly respond to the needs of these communities and provide flexibility to leverage in-kind services and other Federal resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the necessity of the internet in our lives and the need to close the digital divide that exists between rural and urban areas. This bill is supported by The App Association, American Farm Bureau, and the National Association of Development Organizations. I appreciate the chairman and ranking member for bringing this legislation to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2220, which would allow the General Services Administration, or GSA, to enter into bargain-price purchasing agreements in situations where the buying of Federal property is the cheaper alternative to a long-term lease. Designed as a measure to bring free-market efficiency into Federal real estate, H.R. 2220 would save taxpayers from costly, long-term lease contracts where bargain purchases better suit the situation. For example, the Tacoma Union Station purchase approved by the Transportation Committee earlier this year shows the benefits of allowing these bargain-price purchases. Prior to a scoring rule change, the GSA negotiated a $1 purchase price of the facility in order to undertake necessary seismic and building system modernizations. By purchasing the property, the GSA will be making the needed investments to modernize the facility for Federal use while realizing a lease cost avoidance of approximately $6.4 million and protecting American taxpayer dollars. This legislation provides a commonsense correction that will continue this committee's work in reducing the taxpayers' burden in Federal real estate. I appreciate the chair and ranking member of the committee for bringing this legislation to the floor and my colleague and friend from Indiana, Congressman Greg Pence, and his office's work on this issue in the previous Congress. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence).