Michael Guest

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 2246, a bill to designate the United States Postal Service facility at 201 West Cherokee Street in Brookhaven, Mississippi, as the Deputy Donald William Durr, Corporal Zach Moak, and Patrolman James White Memorial Post Office Building. These three men lost their lives in the line of duty, and with the passage of this legislation, we will ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten. Donald William Durr, age 36, died in the line of duty May 27, 2017. William was a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department where he had been employed for 2 years after serving as a police officer with the Brookhaven Police Department for 4 years. William is survived by his wife, one son, his mother, and his sister. James White, age 35, died in the line of duty September 29, 2018, by gunfire. James was employed with the Brookhaven Police Department for 3 months and was previously employed with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department where he worked many years. He was a soldier in the Army National Guard and served his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. James was also a Purple Heart recipient and was the father of two. Zach Moak, age 31, died in the line of duty September 29, 2018, by gunfire. Zach was employed with the Brookhaven Police Department for 3 years. He previously worked for Wesson and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Departments. Zach enjoyed spending time working, helping people in his community, and in the company of his family. President Ronald Reagan once said there could be no more nobler 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 duties than our law enforcement. Law enforcement we know lives by creed. That creed is to serve and to protect. In the performance of their duty, danger is a routine part of their job, and we, on occasion, lose some valiant men and women. Because of the sacrifice of these three officers, we want to make sure that their valiant deeds will never be forgotten. I hope you will join me in supporting this legislation to dedicate this post office in the memory of three heroes who gave their lives in honorable service to their community.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, the State of Mississippi is known for many things--its magnolias, catfish, southern charm, and Sonny Montgomery. Today, August 5, is the 100th anniversary of his birth and I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to this legendary figure in Mississippi history. Congressman Sonny Montgomery was a soldier, a public servant, a Veteran, and a southern gentleman. His friends called him ``Mr. Veteran'' and ``Mr. National Guard.'' He loved his family, his friends, his university, his state, his country and our God. No one could meet Sonny Montgomery and not love his infectious smile and genuine warmth. He had an easy grin that made almost everyone he encountered feel like an old and trusted friend. While he travelled around the world, everyone knew Sonny's home was Meridian, Mississippi. And Mississippians knew and loved Sonny and they will for many generations to come. Sonny Montgomery was guided by faith and principle. His strong character and integrity endeared him to many no matter their political allegiances or social status. He was genuinely well liked on Capitol Hill, and no one on either side of the aisle ever questioned his sincerity, his integrity, or his independence. Sonny believed that partisanship should never get in the way of what he saw was good for the nation. His philosophy for life and leadership focused on faith, patriotism, relationships and perseverance. This is what Sonny Montgomery called ``staying the course.'' After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1943, Sonny Montgomery was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served with the 12th Armored Division in Europe during World War II and earned the Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' for Valor device for capturing a German machine gun nest. After World War II, he joined the Mississippi Army National Guard. In 1951, he served on active duty again during the Korean War as a member of the 31st Infantry Division. In May 1961, as a Lieutenant Colonel, Sonny escorted a group of Freedom Riders from the Alabama border to Jackson. Our late colleague John Lewis was on that bus. Sonny retired as a major general in 1980 after 35 years of military service. On January 3, 1967, Sonny Montgomery was sworn in as a Congressman from the district I represent today. Sonny's greatest legislative victory is the enactment of the bill which bears his name--the Montgomery GI Bill. As a World War II Veteran, he believed the country should provide educational benefits to its service members, and the combination of military service and a college degree would make these individuals valuable assets to the country. Sonny Montgomery saw the educational shortfall as a direct threat to America's military readiness and national security and used the GI Bill to reinvigorate the volunteer base of America's military. In October 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Montgomery GI Bill. Under the new education benefits, Veterans with two years of active service who contributed $1,200 of their own money were eligible to receive tuition payments of $300 a month for 36 months. The new GI Bill was also the first to offer education benefits to National Guard and Reserve personnel. Another of Sonny Montgomery's achievements was the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs. His bipartisan efforts elevated the Veterans Administration into an official cabinet department in March 1989. President George H. W. Bush offered Montgomery the position of secretary of the new department, but he decided to continue to serve the people of Mississippi in Congress. As freshman members of the 90th Congress, Sonny Montgomery and George H. W. Bush began a friendship that lasted until the Congressman passed away. It is said this bipartisan coalition was only challenged during their ``do or die'' dollar a game paddleball matches in the House gym with more bragging rights on the line. President Bush wrote, ``While I served in Congress and after that in the Executive Branch of government, Sonny remained a close confidant, a man whose judgement I always trusted, a man whose friendship gave me comfort when the going got tough.'' Sonny was a frequent visitor to the White House and often spent holidays with the Bush family. Sonny Montgomery served along with the administrations of seven presidents during his three decades in the House chamber. His legacy of public service stretches across generations and party lines and is a testament to America's strong national defense. Sonny retired from Congress in 1997 and returned to Meridian. Sonny was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2005. Sonny Montgomery was a loyal son to Mississippi, from his birth to his passing, he was one of ours. But his work and legacy belong to America. We are all indebted to Sonny for making our great nation what it is today. Sonny Montgomery said, ``Patriotism is a pretty simple word, but also a beautiful word to most Americans.'' Sonny Montgomery exemplified patriotism. The gentleman from Mississippi is recognized and remembered on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize retiring Mississippi State University Dean of Libraries, Frances Coleman, for her outstanding contributions to Mississippi's higher education and to the Starkville community. Over the course of her career, Dean Coleman championed unprecedented expansions of facilities, technologies, and programming throughout the MSU library system. She was instrumental in the transfer of the Ulysses S. Grant collection to Mississippi State's Mitchell Memorial Library, which established the university as one of only six campuses to hold a Presidential library. Dean Coleman has received numerous recognitions for her service to our State, including the G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery Excellence in Leadership Award, and the lifetime achievement honor bestowed by the Mississippi legislature. In addition to her professional achievements, she is also active in her community through the Rotary Club, the Starkville Chamber of Commerce, and the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Please join me in recognizing Dean Frances Coleman for her significant contributions to the great State of Mississippi.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, this evening, I rise to honor the life of Charles Evers, who passed away earlier today. Charles and his brother, Medgar, dedicated their time on this Earth to the advancement of civil rights for all Americans. Following the tragic murder of his brother, Charles assumed Medgar's position as head of the NAACP in Mississippi, to continue his efforts to expand civil rights for African Americans in the Magnolia State. In 1969, he became the first African American mayor elected in Mississippi since Reconstruction, making Mr. Evers a symbol of the civil rights that he and his brother fought to advance. He served as an adviser and mentor to many public officials, from local governments, to the President of the United States. Today, I join our Mississippi family in thankful prayer for his time on Earth, and that he returned to our Heavenly Father having accomplished his goal of creating a better nation for all people. Please join me in a moment of silence as we remember his service to our State and our Nation.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great Mississippian. Billy Mounger helped shape the landscape of State and national politics. He helped build the Mississippi Republican Party from an almost nonexistent political group to a party with a supermajority in the State legislature that holds all statewide elected positions and five out of six of Mississippi's seats in the United States House and United States Senate. He also served as Mississippi's chairman at the 1976 Republican convention for someone who would later become one of the greatest Presidents in our lifetime: Ronald Reagan. Billy Mounger's dedication extended beyond politics, as he led in a variety of community interests. From the United States Military academies and his alma mater of West Point to the International Ballet Competition, he excelled in building institutions to serve the people around him. Our State and our Nation will benefit for generations to come, thanks to the life well lived by Billy Mounger.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, last week, we were reminded once again of the great sacrifice made by the men and women of law enforcement as family, friends, and fellow officers gathered to pay their respects to Deputy James Blair, who lost his life in the line of duty on Friday, June 12 in Simpson County, Mississippi. Deputy Blair was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great- grandfather, who devoted his life to his family, his community, and to law enforcement. He was a generous man who was deeply loved and worked to support his grandchildren following the passing of their mother. Deputy Blair spent over 50 years of his life in service to his fellow man through law enforcement. He will be deeply missed by our Mississippi family, but his selfless spirit will live on through the memory of his sacrifice and through those who had the privilege of knowing him during his time on this Earth. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance of Deputy James Blair.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, this bill would forever fundamentally alter our elections. It would provide a bailout to unsustainable pensions. It would release criminals from jail. It would provide protection and payments to illegal aliens. And it would discourage individuals from returning to work as we seek to reopen the economy. Furthermore, the $3 trillion price tag should be greatly concerning to every American. It is disappointing that the Democrats developed this legislation behind closed doors and without consulting their Republican counterparts. The Speaker has presented a partisan bill that does more to divide our Nation than to address the current national crisis. The coronavirus outbreak is not a time for political posturing but is, instead, a time to put country before party. Congress has worked in a bipartisan way to respond to the needs of Americans, and I hope that future negotiations will return to that level of cooperation. Mr. Speaker, I intend to vote against this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I would like to wish Mr. Robert E. Hill a happy 100th birthday and recognize his service to our nation as a citizen and veteran. After graduating from Paulett High School in Cooksville, Mississippi in 1939, Mr. Hill joined the United States Army. After completing Basic Training, Mr. Hill served our nation for over four years and saw service during World War II. Mr. Hill served his country honorably on the Italian Peninsula and was a part of the Rome-Arno, Northern Appennines, and Po Valley campaigns. At the end of his service, Mr. Hill held the rank of sergeant. On behalf of our country and state, I would like to thank Mr. Hill for his service to our great nation and wish him a happy birthday.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the memory of Christopher Michael Allen, who passed away at the age of 47 in his home in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 28, 2019, while surrounded by his family and friends. Chris dedicated much of his attention to raising his three daughters, Anna Leigh, Addy Katherine, and Mills, was an avid Ole Miss sports fan, and loved attending sporting events with friends. Chris also enjoyed spending time with his many friends and loved ones and was known as a loyal friend. A close companion of Chris once said that every one of his friends has thought of Chris Allen as their best friend at one time or another. Chris used his smile, humor, and kind heart to comfort those around him and to create joy in those who shared his company. His family and his friends viewed his company as a blessing. Earlier last year, Chris was diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare viral brain disease that never impacted Chris's desire to care for his loving family and close friends. He is survived by his daughters, Anna Leigh Allen, Addy Katherine Allen, and Mills Allen; their mother Leigh Ann Allen; his mother, Debbie Allen; siblings Robby Allen (Ashley) and Brooke Chandler (Chan); and a multitude of extended family and friends who continue to remember the joy he brought to their lives.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, recent polling shows great optimism about our country, as Americans believe they are better off today than they were before President Trump's conservative economic policies were enacted. According to a Gallup poll released on February 5, almost 60 percent of Americans say they are better off financially now than last year, and close to 75 percent say that they expect to be even better off financially in 1 year. This is the highest level on record. Strong, conservative principles have created historically low levels of unemployment for Americans regardless of their race, age, religion, or gender. Our Nation was built by Americans working to create a better future for their children and their grandchildren. Both Democrats and Republicans must fight the growing calls for socialism and instead support the proven conservative policies implemented by this administration that allow our economy to grow and help build a brighter future for generations to come.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I rise today to express my strong opposition to the New Way Forward Act, which would completely eliminate our Nation's ability to control our borders and determine who enters our country. It would cripple the efforts of our law enforcement officers to remove dangerous criminals from our streets, and it would undermine the sacrifice that the men and women of law enforcement make every day. Additionally, the New Way Forward Act would encourage and open new pathways for convicted criminals to enter and remain in the United States. Meanwhile, conservative policies like building the wall and supporting law enforcement agencies reduced the number of apprehensions by almost 75 percent since May and led to the seizure of more than 50,000 pounds of drugs across our southwest border. Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose the New Way Forward Act.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, this morning, my father, my son, my father- in-law, and I attended the National Prayer Breakfast, and joined thousands of other men and women to pray for our country and our President. This was one of the most humbling experiences of my life and will remain one of the greatest honors that has come with the position of my office. Prayer is an important part of my Christian faith. It is an act that people of faith value immensely, and every person should be able to pray, free from persecution, in any institution of the United States. Additionally, our children should never feel ostracized for displaying their faith and expressing their religious beliefs in our schools across our Nation. It is more important than ever to defend our First Amendment rights and to support efforts made by our President and his administration, and Members of Congress should uphold these values and protect prayer.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, today, President Trump signed the historic United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and fulfilled a campaign promise to modernize trade with two of our largest trading partners. The USMCA is projected to generate $68 billion in new economic activity and create over 175,000 new jobs for hardworking Americans. President Trump and Republicans fought to complete the USMCA on behalf of American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small business owners. As a rural State with strong agricultural, manufacturing, and business sectors, Mississippi stands to benefit greatly from this agreement by expanding markets for high-quality Mississippi poultry and livestock and hundreds of manufacturing products. This trade agreement will provide a boost to our economy that has grown significantly under Republican leadership and is another example of free market economic principles at work to provide new employment opportunities for all Americans.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, the people of Iran are protesting the current Iranian regime that has for decades suppressed the Iranian people and denied them the freedoms that we as Americans hold near and dear. The Iranian people are protesting to hold the Iranian Government responsible for the history of brutality against its own citizens and the world. They are marching in the streets for the 1,500 Iranians killed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard in December of 2019. They are marching in the streets for the deaths of 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 20 Ukrainians, 4 Afghans, 4 Britons, and 3 Germans when the Iranian military destroyed the passenger plane upon which they were flying. They are marching in the streets against years of brutality at the hands of the Supreme Leader and the terrorist Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, these people are marching for their freedom and the future of their country. President Ronald Reagan in his farewell address to our Nation described our country as a bright, shining city on a hill that served as a beacon for freedom-loving people everywhere. As that beacon, we must stand with the protesters who seek freedom from this brutal regime.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, Jeremiah 1:5 states: ``Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.'' In the 47 years that have passed since Roe v. Wade, over 45 million Americans have tragically been robbed of their lives through abortion. The fight to protect the lives of our unborn children, however, has grown stronger since Roe v. Wade. As we have developed a better understanding of the immense consequences that abortion inflicts on the mother, our society, and, most importantly, the child in the womb, individual States, including my home State of Mississippi, have enacted more than 1,000 preventive laws to protect the unborn. As a pro-life Member I am proud to join the bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators who have filed an amicus brief that outlines the arguments of why Roe v. Wade should be overturned. I am grateful for the tremendous leadership of President Trump and his administration to ensure the Federal Government's regulatory efforts to preserve life. Mr. Speaker, I encourage every American to join the movement to protect our unborn children and support efforts to defend the right to life.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, the United States has adopted an aggressive, proactive approach of gathering intelligence on our enemies and removing those individuals who seek to cause us harm in order to save American lives. President Trump did just that. On January 3, our military, acting under the direction of our Commander in Chief, killed Iranian General Soleimani to protect the lives of Americans and to end his reign of terror in the Middle East. The actions of our President and our military have damaged Iran's ability to sow unrest in the Middle East, and we have no doubt saved countless lives by removing a terrorist who intended to harm our Nation. We must continue to support our troops serving abroad, and we must remain vigilant in our fight against terror and our ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace to the Middle East.

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 this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria. 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, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 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.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution states that the President of the United States may be removed from office for treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors. As a former prosecutor, I am confident that no court would accept these Articles of Impeachment as having met the standards set forth by our Founding Fathers. The impeachment articles rely almost exclusively on hearsay and opinion testimony, and they present no direct evidence of wrongdoing. As a former district attorney, I am dismayed that the Democrats have submitted Articles of Impeachment against a sitting President using circumstantial evidence that fails to offer proof of an impeachable offense. Additionally, the charges levied against the President in the Articles of Impeachment lack historical precedent and are motivated by pure political reason. If the House of Representatives passes the Articles of Impeachment, the Democrats will have set a dangerous precedent by undoing America's vote for President because a single party disagreed with the 2016 Presidential election results. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Articles of Impeachment.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Representative Ray Rogers as he completes his distinguished service in the Mississippi House of Representatives. Representative Rogers has served his hometown of Pearl and Rankin County with honor and integrity for 36 years. In that time, he was appointed chairman of the Military Affairs Committee and vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and he served as a member of the Management and the Education Committees, to name a few. Earlier this year, Representative Rogers was presented the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Award by the Mississippi National Guard for his distinguished career in public service. Known as a man of wisdom, kindness, and selflessness, Representative Rogers has made a positive impact on our State that will last generations. I am grateful for the example Representative Rogers has set for those serving in elected office, and I wish him many years of happiness in his much-deserved retirement.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, on December 13 through December 15, First Baptist Church of Jackson will present Carols by Candlelight, a much- loved Christmas music tradition in Mississippi that shares the good news of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, through a magnificent Christmas concert. This year, Carols by Candlelight celebrates its 50th anniversary, with more than 325 choir members, 60 orchestra members, and hundreds of volunteers. They will present five live performances for more than 16,000 people while many more will watch online. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate First Baptist Jackson on achieving this special milestone. May God bless this 50th anniversary performance of Carols by Candlelight. ``Soli Deo Gloria.'' To God alone be the glory.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, on November 22, Louis Brinner, a World War II veteran from Mississippi, will celebrate his 100th birthday. Mr. Brinner served in the United States Army as a private first-class with the 645th MP Company. After enlisting at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, on May 8, 1941, he fought alongside Allied troops in Italy, which were successful in liberating Italian cities such as Rome and Naples in the Rome-Arno campaign. For his service, Mr. Brinner earned decorations, including the American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Brinner was discharged from the Army on October 16, 1945, after more than 4 years of honorable service to the United States. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Brinner for his dedicated service to our country and to wish Mr. Brinner the happiest of birthdays.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, the Founding Fathers understood the important role that our farmers and ranchers would play in the construction of our great Nation, and Congress has always played a pivotal role as a friend to our agriculture community. The USMCA is an agreement that would strengthen trade relations with two of our largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada, and would give a much-needed boost to the American farmer. In August of this year, I toured Mississippi with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. During these visits, and in subsequent meetings, the Mississippi agriculture community has consistently discussed the importance of the USMCA and asked for its approval. Unfortunately, the House majority has chosen impeachment instead of ratifying this trade agreement. The majority is prioritizing a partisan political process over substantive policy issues that would strengthen our country. Madam Speaker, I ask that we focus on the real work that needs to be accomplished this year and pass the USMCA in support of our Nation's farmers and ranchers.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, on Veterans Day, we remember the devotion of the brave men and women of the military who have honorably served our Nation. Our veterans have fought to preserve this Nation, its ideals, democracy, freedom, and prosperity. American veterans not only have helped maintain the rights that were established by our Founding Fathers, but they have also set an example of enduring patriotism, returning home to become leaders in their communities, States, and Nation. Back home, they have helped advance our country by embodying the American spirit of hard work and preservation. Today, we acknowledge these men and women who have served our Nation as members of our military. We thank them for their many contributions to our country. We remember in prayer those men and women who never returned home from foreign soil.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, long before he captured the attention of football fans with his exemplary play and iconic 1970s style, Gardner Minshew inspired my hometown in Mississippi. I remember sitting in the stands, watching Gardner Minshew's first game when, as a freshman, he took over for the injured starting Brandon High School quarterback. I was among many who watched the young man grow and mature into a leader, both on and off the field. After four amazing seasons, Gardner left Brandon and found his way to Pullman, Washington, to play for Washington State University. At Washington State, Gardner showed composure in the face of adversity, overcame all doubts, led the Cougars to an 11-win season, and won the Johnny Unitas award as the Nation's top senior quarterback. Gardner has taken this same mentality to the NFL, where he now faces a similar challenge. Just like his first start in high school, when Gardner was asked to step up and play at the next level, Gardner was recently called on to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars. Again, Gardner overcame all doubts, and he has continued to excel, just as he did when I watched him on Friday nights a few short years ago. Madam Speaker, we know Gardner will keep representing our State and hometown well. Good luck, and go Jags.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, the impeachment of a President is a serious process that will have lasting effects on our Republic. It requires a transparent and trustworthy Congress to conduct a proper investigation because of the attempts to undo the will of the American people. As a former prosecutor, I know that holding hearings behind closed doors is not transparent. Withholding information from the American people does not promote trust. Misconstruing the facts to the American public is not proper. These actions alone point to an illegitimate process that will continue to divide our Nation for the sake of partisan politics. I ask, is the political gamesmanship worth letting our infrastructure continue to crumble? Is it worth ignoring the opioid crisis in our country? Is it worth undermining our democracy to attack a duly elected President? We have real problems in this country that the American people elected us to solve, and we cannot ignore these problems while we focus on this improper and partisan political process. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to stop the political games so that we can get back to work on the issues that are important to the American people.