Michael Guest

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, on October 3, Ian Alan Cochran, a talented young man from Brandon, Mississippi, joined our Heavenly Father after a courageous fight with a rare form of brain cancer. Ian graduated as an A student from Brandon High School in 2018, where he also excelled in extracurricular activities. He was a member of the tech club, served as president of the chess club, and was a talented soccer player. Ian was well liked for his humor, talent, and high-spirited attitude. Everyone who knew Ian remembers his lighthearted and friendly approach to life. As members of their Brandon Baptist Church family, my family and I joined Ian's parents, Joel and Kim; his sisters, Hope and Kayla; his grandparents; and his extended family and friends in remembering and celebrating his life and the positive mark he left on all of us who knew him. Madam Speaker, I now ask this body to join me in a moment of silence to remember Ian Cochran and to thank our Heavenly Father for the joy of Ian's life.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, September is National Recovery Month, a time to look for ways to support recovery strategies for mental health and substance use disorders. Mississippi State University's Extension Service is working to reduce opioid misuse by farmers and ranchers across our State. Farmers have to face changing markets, weather events, financial hardships, leading to farm stress while operating in one of the most hazardous occupations. A valid opioid prescription given to a farmer can lead to opioid misuse. Three out of four farmers have reported that they have been affected by opioid misuse, and that opioids can be easily accessed. Through support from the USDA and SAMHSA, Mississippi State University is training extension service agents to deliver mental health first aid to farmers, as well as working with pharmacists and medical personnel to better recognize misuse. This program is already demonstrating incredible results as farmers are utilizing extension agents to seek care. I applaud the work of Mississippi State University and other organizations in Mississippi that recognize needs in our community and are finding creative ways to reach Mississippians with care.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and a former prosecutor, I rise today to express my concerns regarding H.R. 2203. While the bill is referred to as the Homeland Security Improvement Act, the legislation does not make improvements to our homeland security, and, in fact, would have no positive impact on resolving the crisis at our southwest border or preventing any future homeland security crisis. It is the responsibility of Congress to fix gaps in our immigration system that benefit criminals such as human traffickers and drug smugglers. Instead of addressing these needs, this bill would create even more loopholes. H.R. 2203 would establish a new and unnecessary position at the Department of Homeland Security that would serve as an additional barrier for law enforcement officers charged with protecting our communities. This new position would overlap with existing positions at DHS, and a panel of appointees or bureaucrats with no prior experience in law enforcement would oversee the border and immigration enforcement process. Democrats must recognize the efforts, dedication, and sacrifices made each day by members of our law enforcement community to uphold the rule of law. Rather than undermining their roles and duties, we should be focusing on how we can assist these brave men and women who work to maintain our Nation's security. I recently introduced H.R. 3990, the Operation Stonegarden Authorization Act. This bill would establish a grant program for States bordering Mexico or Canada or those with a maritime border. These grants would provide much-needed resources to help Customs and Border Protection and local law enforcement officers efficiently carry out their mission on behalf of the American people. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in promoting respect for our law enforcement community and providing a sense of gratitude for the work they do to keep us, our families, and our communities safe. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I voted against this bill when it was considered in committee. Now, I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in voting against this partisan measure and to, instead, work across the aisle to find real solutions, bipartisan solutions, to make America a safer place to live, to worship, and to raise a family.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, on September 5, 2019, the Madison County Sheriff's Department responded to a hostage situation near Canton, Mississippi. Upon arrival, the suspect fled and led deputies on a high-speed chase throughout the northeastern part of the county before spike strips were deployed to stop the suspect's vehicle. Once immobilized, the suspect began to fire on deputies, striking two officers. Deputy Brad Sullivan was shot multiple times as he arrived on the scene and was later transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Deputy Sullivan remains in serious condition as our community unites with prayer, donations, and medical skill to save the life of this brave officer. On behalf of Mississippi's Third Congressional District, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude and respect for Deputy Sullivan, the other deputies who responded, and the entire Madison County Sheriff's Department. We ask all Mississippians to continue to pray for Brad's recovery and for God's hand of protection on all our law enforcement officers.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Since World War II, 138,103 American soldiers have been listed as prisoners of war, and 83,114 American soldiers have been listed as missing in action. National POW/MIA Recognition Day was created to honor the sacrifice of the men and women who were imprisoned during wartime and to remember those brave soldiers who never returned to American soil. Today, we thank our heavenly Father for returning home those American soldiers who found themselves confined on foreign soil, and we bow our heads in prayer and remembrance of those still missing. I ask the Members of this body and American citizens everywhere to include these soldiers, their families, and their communities in your prayers and to join me in thanks for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy every day because of their sacrifice.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. H.D. Broome of Bassfield, Mississippi. Mr. Broome was an American patriot who served the U.S. Army during World War II and the perilous Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns. Private First Class H.D. Broome was inducted into the U.S. Army on August 11, 1944, at the age of 18. Assigned to C Company of the 8th Infantry, Mr. Broome participated in the American march across Europe and the famed ``Battle of the Bulge.'' For his service, Mr. Broome was awarded the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Mr. Broome was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army in August 1946 and returned to Mississippi. After returning to Bassfield, Mr. Broome married Gracie Williams; served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and church treasurer at Bethel Baptist Church; and enjoyed a 30-year career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Mr. Broome passed away May 11, 2019, and is buried at Lowland Cemetery in Bassfield, Mississippi. Today, I join Mr. Broome's family in remembering his service and celebrating his life. I am grateful for all he has done in service to his country, his state, and his community.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, the United States has long stood guard against ideologies that would undermine the principles of our democracy. Historically, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, or BDS, movement has been regarded as inconsistent with American values and in opposition to alliance with Israel. Unfortunately, support for the BDS movement has been voiced in the House of Representatives. Supporting this measure shows disregard for the longstanding bond that the United States has developed with Israel as a trustworthy ally in the Middle East. The United States has never turned a blind eye to our allies, and every Member of this legislative body should take steps to ensure that we do not betray the enduring trust we have developed with our friend, the nation of Israel, and its people. We, as the House of Representatives, should bring up H.R. 336, the comprehensive legislation addressing the anti-BDS issue. I encourage my colleagues to support additional measures to protect against the BDS movement and uphold our friendship with the great nation of Israel.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, 50 years ago, rockets tested at the Mississippi Test Facility, now known as the Stennis Space Center, carried Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins high above the Earth's atmosphere. These brave Americans were aided by the technical and engineering expertise of Mississippi scientists and engineers. The men and women at the Stennis Space Center conducted 2,475 man-years of rocket engine testing to ensure that the astronauts successfully carried American ingenuity toward the stars and returned home safely to a proud nation. Following the successful mission, the Stennis Space Center team continued to support the Apollo program by performing tests on the Saturn V rockets and continues today to support NASA in our exploration of space. As a Mississippian, I join the rest of our States as we remember the crucial role we played in this historic accomplishment of our great Nation.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, Mississippi lost a talented young woman when she tragically died in an airplane accident. Lake Little had accomplished a great deal in her lifetime. She was an honors student, a skilled athlete, and a volunteer in her local community. Lake had a bright future. She held dreams of serving her country in the United States Air Force and had already enlisted in the Mississippi Air National Guard. Mississippi is proud of the life that Lake lived, and we are grateful for the positive impact she had in her community and on our State. Today, Lake's friends, family, and community have gathered to remember her and celebrate her life. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence on the House floor at this time as we join Lake's loved ones in honoring her memory.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker to immediately reschedule this important bill.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize an outstanding athlete from the State of Mississippi. Jake Mangum is Mississippi State University's center fielder who has recently led the Bulldog baseball team to its fourth straight Super Regionals and second straight College World Series. Jake ranks fourth on the all-time NCAA hits list with 380 hits. During the regular season, Mangum earned a 375 batting average, scored 65 runs, and totaled 95 base hits, the most in the Southeastern Conference. Achievements of this magnitude come only with discipline and determination, characteristics that all Americans should strive to promote in their everyday lives. I would like to congratulate Jake on this impressive accomplishment and thank him for 4 great years at Mississippi State. I wish him and the Bulldogs the best of luck in Omaha. Hail State.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, 75 years ago, in a letter to his troops, General Dwight D. Eisenhower encouraged the invasion forces of D-Day. ``The eyes of the world are upon you,'' he wrote. ``The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.'' He ended this famous letter with a call to pray: ``Let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.'' On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we turn our attention and admiration to those young soldiers at sea, in the air, and on land who sought to liberate Europe from tyranny. This is the time to humbly remember the sacrifice of over 4,000 American soldiers who died on the beaches of Normandy to liberate the world from evil; and it is a time to thank Almighty God for his blessings in delivering some of the heroes of D-Day home after the war and for welcoming those who did not into his heavenly kingdom.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, our Nation has been built on democratic ideas. Over the course of our Nation's history, these principles have been threatened by forces that do not share our ideas of democracy. Due to the heroic efforts of the men and women of our military, our Nation has stood against these threats. Memorial Day is the time to honor these men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country and the blessings of liberty that we enjoy today. This Memorial Day, I hope that all will join me in remembering the soldiers who laid down their lives for this Nation and to celebrate the rights, liberties, and institutions that they preserved.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the 38th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service honored the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice upholding the rule of law and protecting the people of our great Nation. Last year, Mississippi lost five officers in the line of duty. I would like to honor them as we remember their service and sacrifice. Please join me in honoring Police Officer Emmett Paul Morris, Corporal Walter Zachery Moak, Patrolman James Kevin White, Patrol Officer LeAnn Simpson, and Police Officer Robert McKeithen. President Ronald Reagan once said there can be no more noble vocation than the protection of one's fellow citizens. May we remember these brave officers, their sacrifice to protecting our communities, and the sacrifice they made for the people who call Mississippi home.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, earlier this week, the 38th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service honored the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice upholding the rule of law and protecting the people of our great nation. Last year, Mississippi lost five officers in the line of duty. I'd like to honor them as we remember their service and sacrifice. Please join me in honoring: Police Officer Emmett Paul Morris Emmett Paul Morris, 61, lost his life in the Line of Duty May 17, 2018, in a vehicle crash. He served with the Raleigh Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dean King Morris; daughter, Candice Lea Morris; son, Paul Scott Morris; three step sons; and twelve grandchildren. He served with the Reservoir Police Department prior to his service with Raleigh Police Department. Corporal Walter Zachery Moak Walter Zachery Moak, 31, lost his life in the Line of Duty September 29, 2018, by gunfire. He was employed with the Brookhaven Police Department for three years and had previously worked for the Wesson Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriffs Department. Zach devoted his time to his family and enjoyed working with and helping people in his community. Patrolman James Kevin White James Kevin White, 35, also lost his life in the Line of Duty September 29, 2018, by gunfire. He was employed with the Brookhaven Police Department for 3 months and was previously employed with Lawrence County Sheriffs Department, where he worked for many years. He was a soldier in the Army National Guard and served his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. James was a Purple Heart recipient. He is survived by two children. Patrol Officer LeAnn Simpson LeAnn Simpson, 23, lost her life in the Line of Duty November 24, 2018, in a vehicle crash. She worked with the Philadelphia Police Department for 15 months. She was also a U.S. Army veteran joining the U.S. Army at the age of 17. She is survived by her parents, James and Wilma Simpson-McMillan, three sisters and four brothers. Police Officer Robert McKeithen Robert McKeithen, 58, lost his life in the Line of Duty May 5, 2019, by gunfire. Officer McKeithan was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He had served with the Biloxi Police Department for 24 years and was planning on retiring by the end of the year. He received the Medal of Valor when he risked his life to save four children during Hurricane Katrina. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was deeply involved in his community. He is survived by his wife, daughter, stepdaughter, and two stepsons. Ronald Reagan once said, ``there can be no more noble vocation than the protection of one's fellow citizens.'' May we remember these brave officers, their service to protecting our communities, and the sacrifice they made for the people who call Mississippi home.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1590, the Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise Act of 2019. This legislation seeks to better position the United States Government and relevant State, local, and private-sector agencies to detect and prevent terrorist and foreign fighter travel. In 2015, the Committee on Homeland Security developed a bipartisan task force to investigate the threat from individuals leaving the United States to join terrorist groups abroad. The task force reported that nearly 4,500 individuals from Western countries, with over 250 from the United States, traveled to join Islamic terrorist groups. It goes on to detail 32 findings and over 50 recommendations to address this national security issue. During both the 114th Congress and the 115th Congress, former Representative and now Senator Martha McSally introduced this legislation. Both times, the bill passed unanimously in the House. Senator McSally previously stated: ``The abilities of these hardened fighters to return to the United States is a legitimate security concern to the homeland. Catching individuals who are looking to join the ranks and train with ISIS and other terrorist organizations prior to their initial departure is equally important and should be a goal for law enforcement as well.'' Mr. Speaker, these words still ring true today. Just last year, an Ohio man was arrested at the John Glenn International Airport trying to fly to Kazakhstan. His intent was to be smuggled into Afghanistan to train with ISIS with the possibility of conducting terrorist projects in the United States. According to an FBI release on this matter, when the terrorist was asked what sort of training he wished to receive, he allegedly stated that he wanted to receive ``weapons experts training, planning, executing, hit and run, capturing high-value targets, ways to break into homes and avoid security.'' The ability of these foreign fighters to return to the United States is a legitimate security concern. Preventing their initial departure should be a law enforcement priority as well. Furthermore, last year, the White House released the National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel. It ``outlines how the United States Government will expand coordination and maximize the full capabilities of Federal departments and agencies to identify, detect, and deter terrorists from transiting international borders.'' One of the Strategy's primary goals is to identify and deter terrorists before they travel, to enhance intelligence gathering and analysis, and to improve the sharing of terrorist-related identity data. H.R. 1590 complements and supports these efforts. The bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the appropriate Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies, foreign governments, and appropriate private-sector entities, to develop and conduct an exercise related to the detection and prevention of terrorist and foreign fighter travel. The bill also requires the Secretary to produce an after-action report to Congress, presenting the findings of the exercise and to quickly incorporate those lessons learned into future operations of the department. Finally, it requires that the National Exercise Program be designed to include emerging threats. I cannot stress enough the importance of H.R. 1590. This bill represents continued action in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of our Nation. As the threats of terrorism continue to evolve, we must remain vigilant in our resolve to combat our enemies. Our Nation's law enforcement, of all jurisdictions, whether it be Federal or local, need to have access to the valuable information and resources that this bill would provide so that our communities can be protected from terrorist activity. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bipartisan and commonsense bill. I urge the adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1589. We all know that terrorist groups have long sought to develop capabilities to attack our Nation with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. H.R. 1589 would address this threat by requiring the Office of Intelligence and Analysis within the Department of Homeland Security to conduct analysis of terrorist capabilities relating to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials, as well as threats to the homeland from global and infectious diseases. To improve coordination with local law enforcement, H.R. 1589 requires the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to share threat information not only with Federal entities, but also State, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies. I commend my colleague, Mr. Walker of North Carolina, for introducing this important legislation, and I urge all Members to support it. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today I rise in support of H.R. 1593, the CLASS Act. While the Department of Homeland Security already coordinates its policies relating to school security and safety across the Department, codifying this council into law will ensure important channels for information sharing and coordination are maintained during changes in administration. Currently, DHS utilizes a number of tools to assist in the protection of our Nation's children. For example, the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center has created an operational guide to provide actionable steps that schools can take to develop specific violence prevention plans for their students. Additionally, DHS' Office of Academic Engagement, or OAE, supports the Department's mission by building, improving, and leveraging relationships with the academic community. OAE's work focuses on outreach, engagement, and resiliency by supporting institutions of higher learning and the K-12 community in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk. OAE offers a Campus Resilience Program Resource Library, which provides the academic community with access to guidelines, strategies, and resources to address the risks and vulnerabilities on their campus. The library is organized into categories according to a specific threat or hazard as outlined in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Preparedness Goal. While numerous DHS components and agencies provide resources and recommendations with regard to school security, it is imperative that the work be done in unison and there is coordination across all relevant agencies within DHS. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.