Michael Guest

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I, again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1501, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3254) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a process to review applications for certain grants to purchase equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed any applicable national voluntary consensus standards, and for other purposes.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R. 3254.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3254, the First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act. It is a great piece of commonsense legislation that will put in place a better process for our first responders to access FEMA grants to purchase new equipment. I commend my colleague across the aisle, Mr. Payne, for his work on this legislation and supporting first responders. H.R. 3254 passed unanimously out of committee in May, and I urge my colleagues to support its final passage on the floor today. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to support this legislation, H.R. 3254, which would support our first responders, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kelle Strickland, who is retiring after 20 years of service to the House of Representatives. Kelle is currently serving as my counsel on the Committee on Ethics and has spent two decades providing invaluable advice to Members and staff. A native Alabamian, Kelle started her career on the Hill as an intern. She was quickly recognized as a leader and served for 6 years as the legislative director to former Congressman Jo Bonner. She served 5 years as chief of staff to Congressman Michael Burgess, 3 years as chief of staff in the Office of House Sergeant at Arms, and the last several years in her role as counsel to the ranking member and later chairman of the House Committee of Ethics. I could not have been able to make the transition into my role at the Committee on Ethics without Kelle's guidance. She has served as a wealth of institutional knowledge and a trusted adviser to me since last August. Kelle's presence in the House will be missed, but she will not go far. Kelle will continue to be a resource to the institution at the helm of the Congressional Institute, where she will undoubtedly enjoy continued success. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating Kelle and thanking her for her many years of service.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Sergeant Major John A. Thomas. Sergeant Major Thomas began his career in 1985 after completing both his basic and individual trainings. Over a 38-year career, Sergeant Major Thomas has served this great Nation to ensure the safety of American citizens and to provide support for military personnel. Sergeant Major Thomas's decorated career includes being deployed to Egypt in support of the Multi-national Forces and Observers, to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and his emergency rapid response participation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ida. Sergeant Major Thomas has received accolades for his service in overseas campaigns fighting terrorism and for his decisive actions in the line of duty. On behalf of Mississippi's Third Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, I thank Sergeant Major John A. Thomas for his service to our country.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Chief of the Reservoir Fire Protection District, Scott Berry. Chief Berry is a second-generation fire fighter who began his career as a volunteer at the Reservoir Fire Protection District. Over a 34-year career, Chief Berry has remained loyal to the same fire district and has led firefighters in the Reservoir District since 1996. For his exceptional leadership, Chief Berry was elected as the President of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association in 2012 and was selected as Mississippi Fire Chief of the Year in 2022. Chief Berry has also contributed to the wellbeing of his community--serving as Chairman of the Mississippi Burn Camp for Kids and a CPR/First Aid Instructor. Outside of his community service activities, Chief Berry spends his time as a dedicated husband to his wife, Christy Lane, and loving father to his 2 daughters, Sarah and Rachel. On behalf of Mississippi's Third Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, I thank Chief Berry for his service to his community and state.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, Scripture tells us ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.'' Our peacemakers make up the thin blue line that protects our communities from crime, and they dedicate their lives to defending innocent citizens from those who seek to do harm. It is of the utmost importance that we honor the men and women of law enforcement and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in this noble pursuit. Former 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.'' Law enforcement lives by a creed, to serve and protect. In the performance of their duties, danger is a routine part of their job, and we, on occasion, lose valiant men and women. This legislation recognizes by name the 556 officers, 224 who were killed in the line of duty in 2022, and 332 others whose stories were lost until now. Within this list are nine brave Mississippians who lost their lives in service to their communities, including Meridian Police Officer Kennis Winston Croom, who was killed in the line of duty in June of last year while responding to a domestic violence call. Officer Croom and 555 other officers are brave heroes who laid down their lives to protect those they served. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. It is legislation that would acknowledge that police officers and law enforcement personnel, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, should be remembered and honored. It expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers, and it recognizes the law enforcement community for their continual unseen acts of sacrifice and heroism. It expresses condolences to the loved ones of each of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to their fellow man and gave their lives in the line of duty. May God bless our peacemakers, and we ask His protection on them as they protect us.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake: Our border is broken. This administration, for over 2 years, has been unwilling or unable to secure our southern border. Statistics show that in FY21, President Biden set a record with 1.9 million encounters. In FY22, he broke that record with 2.7 million encounters. In FY23, President Biden is on pace to break that record once again. The numbers to my left paint a grim picture of the dire situation along our southern border, and these numbers will only grow worse as title 42 expires. Republicans from Homeland Security, from Judiciary, from Foreign Affairs, have worked together to craft legislation that will combat the border crisis, a crisis created by the failures of this administration. This legislation will hire thousands of new agents, pay retention bonuses to our frontline officers, invest in new technology, construct hundreds of miles of walls and barriers, and support our local and State partners. Congress must fill the gap of leadership created by the inaction of this administration. We must stop the flow of illegal drugs from pouring into our communities. We must end the flood of immigrants that are coming across each and every day. We must support the hardworking men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines of this crisis. We will not back down from this fight, and any veto threat by this President be damned. We will deliver security to the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge support on this measure.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Angie Womble Rawls on the occasion of her retirement as Director of Choral Activities at Pearl High School. Mrs. Rawls has dedicated her 30-year professional career in the Pearl Public School District to cultivating excellence in education through her role in the tine arts. Not only has she taught her students how to read music and stay on key, but she has also helped build leaders through guidance, encouragement, and persistence. Mrs. Rawls has provided her students with exciting opportunities and has given them lasting joy in music. Mrs. Rawls has been recognized by her peers as a phenomenal pianist, an award-winning choral director, and a respected clinician and adjudicator. Her choirs regularly receive all-superior ratings, and she has played an integral role in building a legacy of success in the Pearl Schools choral activities program. Mrs. Rawls received the Ernestine Ferrell Award, the highest honor for a choral director in Mississippi, in 2018, the Heart of the Arts Award for the State of Mississippi in 2019, and the Mississippi Music Educators Association Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award in 2020. Mrs. Rawls was named 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year for the Pearl Public School District in recognition of her dedication to her students and for her substantial role in the success of the district overall. I thank Mrs. Rawls for her dedication to Mississippi's future leaders and for her success in bringing the joy of music to so many in our state. May the Lord continue to bless her and keep her.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th year of distinguished service by a small business in the Third Congressional District of Mississippi--Brookhaven Monument Company. This also marks the 45th year that Mr. Dave Pace and the Pace family have operated the business. Since 1947, Brookhaven Monument has served families throughout the state with honesty and empathy. Like so many other small businesses in Mississippi, Brookhaven Monument is family owned, creates jobs for its community, and provides exceptional service to its customers. Brookhaven Monument and Dave Pace have been a constant presence in Brookhaven and Southwest Mississippi. I commend them for their years of service and join with my fellow Mississippians in wishing them many more years of success.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Chair, in many places across our great Nation, parents are being denied, being denied a voice in discussions around what their children are being taught in schools. As Republicans, in our Commitment to America, we made a promise, a promise to establish the rights of parents to protect their children from indoctrination in our classrooms. As a product of the public school system and father of two sons who graduated from public school, I understand the significant role our schools play in the education of our future leaders. However, far-left ideas have seeped into America's classrooms and have blurred the line between education and indoctrination. We cannot allow that to continue. This bill simply protects the rights of parents, the rights of parents to know what their children are being taught, what their children are hearing in school, the right to see the budget that the school is spending, the right to protect their children's privacy, and the right to keep their children safe. Simply put, this bill protects those parents who want to play a role in their child's life and to protect their children from indoctrination in the classroom. I encourage all my colleagues to support this critical and commonsense piece of legislation.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Brandon High School volleyball team and Coach Kelsa Walker on their remarkable achievement of winning the 2022 MHSAA 6A Volleyball Championship. This victory is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the sport of volleyball. Throughout the season, the team displayed an unwavering determination to succeed and a desire to push themselves to new heights. Their teamwork and camaraderie on the court was a true demonstration of what can be achieved when individuals come together and strive for a common goal. I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Coach Kelsa Walker and her staff who played a critical role in the team's success. Their guidance, support, and leadership have been instrumental in helping the team reach their full potential and in inspiring the players to strive for excellence. This state championship is a source of pride for the entire Brandon community and serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. The young athletes on the Brandon High School volleyball team have set an excellent example for others to follow, and we look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish in the future. In recognition of their achievement, I again congratulate the Brandon High School volleyball team on its state championship win. To be recognized are Coach Kelsa Walker, Assistant Coach Laine Marler, Captain Sunni Sheppard, Reagan Jordan, Emma Levingston, Cambell Herrington, Mia Williams, Katie Thornton, Layla Mccollum, Emily Davis, Ella Owens, Hannah Jo Sullivan, Brooke Bankston, Reagan Enis, Aubrey Dale, Kallie Johnson, Sophie Warren, Anna Claire Berry, Zendeh Wyatt, Fisher Enis, Avery Power, Taylor Shane Parker, Ragen Lamm, Ivy Bankston, and Kadence Anding.

Mr. GUEST

Mr. GUEST. Mr. 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. Res. 76.

Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 83, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 76) removing a certain Member from a certain standing committee of the House, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I come today to the floor pursuant to the process put in place by the previous majority in the 117th Congress. At that time, I served as a member on the House Ethics Committee. Today, I serve as chair of that committee. Roughly 2 years ago, on February 4, 2021, I publicly warned of the dangerous precedent set by the previous majority as they put in place an unprecedented process to remove minority Members from their committee assignments. Two years ago, Democrats offered a resolution. That resolution, based on clause 1, House rule XXIII, removed a Republican Member from all committees and referred the matter to the House Ethics Committee. However, the process instituted at that time by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, bypassed any Ethics Committee involvement and brought the matter directly to the House floor for a vote. I, and many other Republicans, warned that this majority veto over the minority party's committee assignment appointments removed important rights of the minority party. Republican Members also warned that this process set a precedent that future majorities would follow to remove Members from committee assignments. Following the roadmap previously approved by the Democrat-controlled 117th Congress, we are here today to debate and to consider H. Res. 76, a resolution to remove Representative Omar from serving on the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Today's resolution, as it relates to Representative Omar, details six statements she made as a sitting Member of Congress that, under the totality of the circumstances, disqualify her from serving on the Committee on Foreign Affairs. It is important to note that this resolution is very narrowly tailored and does not prevent Representative Omar from serving on other committees. H. Res. 76, instead, simply states that she cannot serve on a committee that receives classified briefings and is responsible for maintaining international diplomacy. The Committee on Foreign Affairs is a prestigious committee, viewed by nations around the world, both allies and adversaries, as speaking for Congress on matters of international importance and national security. All Members, both Republicans and Democrats alike, who seek to serve on the Committee on Foreign Affairs should be held to the highest standard of conduct due to the international sensitivity and national security concerns under the jurisdiction of this committee. Based upon the important mission of this committee and the precedent previously set to remove Members from their committee assignments, I support this resolution today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, before I yield time to the gentleman from Ohio, I do want to point out that H. Res. 72 of the 117th Congress, which is the resolution that stripped Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments, contained no language whatsoever relating to due process and set forth no appeals process for her to be able to appeal the ruling of the body as a whole. I will say that the resolution that we are debating today does contain language as to an appellate process. So I do believe that the resolution that we are debating today does contain additional rights to the Member that we are seeking to remove than what was offered in H. Res. 72 as it relates to Marjorie Taylor Greene. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from the great State of Ohio (Mr. Miller).

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Kustoff).

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis).

Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Spartz).