Steny Hoyer

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of an outstanding civil servant, Sharon Ratliff-Gross, who passed on April 2, 2024. She dedicated 37 years of her life to federal service and specialized in workforce planning, recruitment, and diversity at the U.S. Department of Labor. Before Mrs. Ratliff-Gross retired in 2010, she received several Secretary's Exceptional Achievement awards to recognize her work at the Department of Labor. But family was the greatest joy for Mrs. Ratliff-Gross. Family members referred to her as ``Ma 2,'' and it became the cherished name by which she was known. When her grandson was born, the nickname was shortened to ``TuTu.'' Mrs. Ratliff-Gross loved to travel on cruises, play cards, attend church plays, and watch her favorite shows on television. One of her greatest joys was time spent with her husband. Mrs. Ratliff-Gross loved to join her husband on trips to the barbershop, grocery store, casino, and anywhere else in the neighborhood. She loved to bake and was known for her delicious sweet potato pie, pretzel salad, and brownies. In her spare time, she created her special ``money cakes'' and gifted them to friends and family for birthdays and retirements. In addition, she was renowned for her efforts to support cancer survivors and others who struggled with the disease. Mrs. Ratliff-Gross dedication to life helped her conquer Breast cancer twice. She served as a beacon of hope for local women who needed comfort and encouragement to deal with their difficult cancer diagnosis. Even today, she is an inspiring figure who showed hundreds of local women there is life and recovery after a Breast cancer diagnosis. Mrs. Ratliff-Gross left an indelible mark on everyone who was fortunate enough to meet and know her as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, or friend. She made a difference in countless lives with her infectious smile, laughter, and caring spirit. She cherished her family and friends with all her heart and embraced life with love and vitality. Her legacy of love and resilience will live on in the cherished memories of all those she touched. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Mrs. Ratliff-Gross' life of public service and extend the deepest condolences to her beloved family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker. I rise today, as I have at several special order hours these past six months, on behalf of Itay Chen and his family. This is the first time I've done so since we learned the devastating news that Hamas terrorists killed Itay on October 7. An American Israeli serving bravely in the IDF, he died defending innocent Israeli civilians from Hamas' brutal, cowardly surprise attack. He was only nineteen years old. Not satisfied with killing this courageous defender, the terrorists took Itay's body into Gaza, where it remains. Doing so was an act of supreme moral depravity and dishonor. When I first met Itay's father Ruby shortly after October 7, he gave me this dogtag which says: ``Bring Them Home Now.'' Mr. Speaker, I rise today because our commitment to bring his son home has not changed. Itay deserves to be laid to rest with the honor that befits a hero and with the dignity that befits every human life. His family deserves to sit Shiva and to process this terrible loss properly. They cannot get that closure, however, until we secure Itay's remains. They have my word, Mr. Speaker, that our Government will not yield until they are reunited with their son. Nor will we stop until all the remaining hostages--those living and those not--are returned to their families. Until then, we will keep supporting the Chens and the other families waiting to put their loved ones to rest. We will stand with the families who still hold out hope for their loved ones' safe return--a hope that we all share. And we will keep fighting for the release of those hostages who remain in Gaza. May Itay's memory be a blessing, and may his spirit continue to give us the strength necessary to bring these hostages home.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, a great Marylander and important member of our University of Maryland community celebrated her eightieth birthday: Dr. Ann Wylie. She has educated countless students from across Maryland and America ever since she first became an Assistant Professor for the University of Maryland's Department of Agronomy in 1972. The following year, she became a founding faculty member of the University of Maryland's renowned Department of Geology. From the President's Medal and the Scholar-Teacher Award at the University of Maryland, College Park, to the Butler Prize awarded by the Geological Society of Washington, Dr. Wylie has received widespread acclaim for her research and leadership in academia. Crucially, Dr. Wylie has displayed a commitment to service that deserves the admiration of every Member of this Congress. Her work on how exposure to minerals--including many mined in Maryland--affect human health has helped us better safeguard the well-being of the American people. Whether for the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. geological survey, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, she has made important contributions to our government's understanding of these issues. As a Terp, I'm also grateful for her leadership in the University of Maryland, College Park's administration. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as Interim Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Provost, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Interim Dean of the Graduate School, and many other vital positions. My staff and I have had the pleasure of working closely with Dr. Wylie on many occasions over the years--especially when she served as Chief of Staff to my friend Dan Mote during his tenure as the university's president. Mr. Speaker, we at the University of Maryland, College Park, could never have known just how lucky we were to have Dr. Wylie join our community more than a half century ago. She has propelled the university and its students to greater heights and leave an indelible mark on campus. I ask that all my colleagues join me in wishing my fellow Terp well as she marks this terrific milestone. May they also join me in thanking her for her many years of service and leadership.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend Amy Markowich as she retires as Executive Director for the Digital Analytics Infrastructure and Technology Advancement (DAiTA) and Mission Systems Groups, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)--located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in my district. For over 30 years, the United States Navy and our community, state, and country have benefitted from her sound leadership. Our Congress owes her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her service. As Executive Director, Amy managed thousands of civilian and contractor personnel across multiple installations. She guided them in their work developing and testing state-of-the-art naval aviation systems. Amy also successfully oversaw $1.3 billion in National Asset laboratories, ensuring that these resources were used as effectively as possible to advance new technologies vital to keeping our servicemembers--and our Nation--safe. Amy's tenure as Executive Director was just the latest chapter in a career defined by service and success. Appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2009, Amy also served as the Department of Navy (DON) Naval High Performance Computing (HPC) Principal, Deputy DON Test & Evaluation (T&E) Executive, the DON Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Executive, and a number of other important positions. From spearheading development of the Air Combat Environment Test and Evaluation Facility, including the large anechoic chamber, and the Joint Simulation Environment to helping establish test configurations for various key aircraft, she has made numerous technical contributions. These cutting-edge systems continue to help prepare our men and women in uniform to face down challenges in the field. Crucially, no matter the post or project, Amy fostered a spin of innovation and culture of collaboration that will long endure. Amy's work has also extended to representing the United States in many capacities at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other international organizations. Amy's leadership in both domestic and international situations often placed her as a top leader and often as the only woman in key technical roles where she established herself as a respected authority. I've been proud to work with Amy to ensure that Congress provides the hardworking team at Naval Air Station Patuxent River with the resources it needs to conduct this essential work. She has been an excellent host during my many visits to the base over the years, and I--like many others--will be sad to see her go. Her leadership in building capabilities for the Department of Defense has always been forward- looking and provided our Nation with the tools necessary to remain at the forefront of development and testing of the most complex weapons systems in the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues join me in thanking one of the smartest, most dedicated people I know: Amy Markowich. Although she is stepping back as Executive Director, I know that her commitment to serving her fellow Americans will never waver. For that, she has the gratitude of her Congress and her country. I wish Amy and her husband Brian well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, 1 minute is too little time. The Financial Services bill is a good bill. It is the responsible alternative. It is ironic that the group that has made compromise the most difficult over the last year continues to oppose compromise. Legislative action is about compromise. This is a responsible compromise. As so many of the chairs of the subcommittees on the Republican side have said, the alternative is the least responsible action that we could take. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill as the responsible, effective alternative, notwithstanding the fact that the operations up to this point of the Appropriations Committee have not been what they ought to be, and we all understand that. It is our collective failure caused, as I said, by a group who does not want compromise. Pass this bill. America needs this bill. It is a shame it is not going to be followed by passing aid for Ukraine.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today, we took the responsible step of funding the people's government. Unfortunately, we did not, however, fund our allies in Ukraine. The Speaker has said publicly and privately that he is going to bring Ukraine to the floor when we come back. I rise to assure our Ukrainian allies and those brave young men and women and not-so-young men and women who are in the field at the point of the spear defending freedom and democracy that I believe that there are over 300 votes on this floor, as there have been seven times, to support them in their battle, which is our battle as well. I urge all of us, as soon as we return, to defend freedom through our Ukrainian warriors.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, we have less than 25 hours until we adjourn for 2 weeks. We will go home. We will see our families. We will see our constituents. Nobody on the front lines of Ukraine will be going home in 25 hours. That is a privilege that our Ukrainian and Israeli allies do not have, and I would say those who are at risk in Gaza do not have. If the Speaker agrees that we should move forward, that we need to secure the aid that Ukraine so desperately needs, why hesitate? Why put this off? Putin won't in his quest to conquer Ukraine. Hamas won't in its mission to destroy Israel. We cannot afford to delay in our defense of freedom and democracy. Madam Speaker, the clock is ticking. May it sound in our ears as loudly as the Russian salvos that batter the trenches in Ukraine, the missiles that slam against the Iron Dome in Israel, and yes, the bombs that fall on the helpless. Madam Speaker, the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia don't get to adjourn their captivity, neither do the 134 hostages held in captivity in Gaza, nor do those who are craving humanitarian relief in Gaza. When Russian troops encircled the city of Avdiivka last month, the Ukrainian defenders within didn't get to pack up and head home for 2 weeks. No, the city fell so quickly that hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers were trapped even before they received the order to withdraw. Why? One soldier who made it out explained: It was the lack of ammunition, no question. There are 435 of us that sit in this body that can send that ammunition today, or at the latest tomorrow, yet we fail to act. This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue. The world relies on America to be its leader, to bring stability where stability can be accomplished, to bring safety and freedom where it is achievable. Madam Speaker, let us act. Let us act together with the over 300 votes with respect to Ukraine and some 400 votes with respect to Israel. That is the American majority that we represent. Not Republicans and Democrats, but America that is willing to stand not only for its own freedom but for the freedom of others around the world. I was at the Elton John concert last night. It was a wonderful concert by a wonderful musician. He stood and said to us at the end of that concert: As I was growing up as a teenager and in my early 20s, all of my heroes were American. He was talking about the spreading of American music throughout the world and particularly to his home country of England. America has been the hero in coming to the aid of those in Europe and other places in the world whose freedom was at risk. Yet we remain silent in the sense of voting to pass a bill that was passed by 70 Members of the United States Senate, Republican and Democrats, all Americans, saying: We are here, we are coming, and we will stay steadfast to defend you, your people, and your freedom against the aggressors who would undermine freedom's holy light. We are America. We have a responsibility that no other nation has, and it is to be that city on the hill, to be that beacon, to be that torch of liberty, and to be that country that will respond in a timely fashion to defend freedom here and around the world. Let us act before we leave this town.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, we should not shut people up who are trying to defend freedom across this world. Let us stop sleeping in this Congress. Over 300 Members of this body have consistently voted to aid Ukraine. Even more wish to aid Israel. Put the national security bill that received 70 votes in the Senate on the floor. Give us a vote.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, time is wasting. Time is running out. We are sleeping while Ukraine is burning, the victim of an international criminal. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as I have too many times before, just 72 hours before Members return to their districts for weeks despite failing to secure aid for our allies in Ukraine and Israel. The men and women of Ukraine on the front lines will not sleep for those 2 weeks. This past weekend, Vladimir Putin reminded the world that he isn't going anywhere. He celebrated ``victory'' in Russia's Presidential election, imposing his power until at least 2030. Mr. Speaker, Putin knew that there was only one possible outcome of that election. He would like the world to think that Russian victory in Ukraine is inevitable as well. Every day, however, Mr. Speaker, the brave men and women of Ukraine prove him wrong. Our NATO allies, who continue to supply Ukraine with vital military assistance, prove him wrong. Now, this House, this week, in the next 72 hours, needs to stand up and give Ukraine the aid they desperately need. We must reject aggression and terror. For 447 days, we have signaled reluctance over resolve, doubt over determination, and division over decisiveness. We have emboldened freedom's enemies while leaving its protectors defenseless. How sad for America to be in that position. How sad for the leadership of this House to leave us in that position. We have failed to aid Ukraine in 447 days and Israel in 165. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks back in our districts may feel short for us, but that will be a very long time for our Ukrainian friends. They already must contend with the consequences of our inaction. Thus far, Ukrainian air defenses have tried to shoot down four of every five Russian missiles fired at their cities. Hear that: four out of every five. Now, because of our negligence, because of our reluctance and ammunition shortages, they will soon be able to target only one in every five. In Bakhmut, a Ukrainian artillery squad explained they are only shooting an average of 15 shells a week. My colleagues, they are shooting 15 shells a week to confront the Russian bear. Before American aid dried up, they were shooting 400 shells per week. One Ukrainian soldier, shivering in his foxhole on the northern front line, recently said that because of these shortages: We are losing so many people. There are so many bodies we can't even bring them back. How demoralizing is the inaction of this Congress. How irresponsible is the lack of action of this Congress to watch the Russian invader receive aid from North Korea, Iran, China, and the rest of the axis of evil while we fail to act. Have we lost our courage, our commitment to freedom? Putin is a Russian invader who massacres civilians in Bucha, a dictator whose greatest political opponent is found dead in a Russian gulag, and a tyrant who forces occupied Ukrainians to vote at gunpoint in an election with but one choice: Vladimir Putin. Putin wants this House to think his victory is inevitable because he knows that his victory is impossible if America stands with Ukraine. Let us stand with Ukraine, not in 2 weeks but today. Let us stand with Israel in its effort to defeat Hamas and recover the 134 remaining hostages in Gaza. Speaker Johnson says he is looking for a path forward to work with the Democrats on Ukraine and Israel. Take it today. We will work with you in that path. Mr. Speaker, the path has been clear for quite some time.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, the students at Mt. Harmony Elementary School, located in my district, accomplished a terrific feat: they became published authors. Each grade wrote and illustrated a book documenting their recent visit to the National Mall right here in the heart of our Nation's capital. I thank their librarian Melaney Sanchez, Mt. Harmony PTA Treasurer Jennifer Franco, National Mall Education Specialist Ranger Jen Epstein, and everyone else who helped make this extraordinary, hands-on learning experience possible. Together, they took more than 600 kids to Washington, D.C. During these visits, the students learned about American history and the principles upon which our democracy rests. From the sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the statue of President Abraham Lincoln, the dark stone walls commemorating the Americans who died in Vietnam to the quiet fountains that honor the fallen of World War II, they saw monuments and memorials that pay tribute to the men and women who have sustained our country for the past 246 years. Some of the children even had the chance to sing patriotic songs for Veterans at the World War II Memorial. Back at school, students worked together to write down their impressions and sketch what they saw on the field trip. Mr. Speaker, young Americans like the ones at Mt. Harmony give me hope for this country's future. It is inspiring to see them take such a great interest in America's civic culture and history. We all ought to be grateful to the educators, parents, and community leaders who gave them that opportunity. One day, these children will be the guardians of our great American experiment. They will carry on the same work of the historic figures they learned about on their trip--that sacred American duty `to form a more perfect Union.' Their authorship of these books proves that they have already started to contribute to that crucial mission. For that, they have my thanks and the gratitude of the Congress. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in applauding the students--and authors--at Mt. Harmony.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sorrow, one that sears me not only as a Member of Congress, not only as a supporter of the State of Israel and its people, not only as an American, but as a parent. Since October 7, I have become close with Ruby and Hagit Chen. They are the parents of Itay Chen, a brave American who was serving in the IDF when he was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. When last I saw Ruby and the other families of the American hostages held in Gaza less than a week ago, I repeated the refrain: ``Send not to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.'' Sadly, Madam Speaker, we know that bell tolls for Itay. Just this morning, intelligence emerged indicating that shortly after Hamas took Itay hostage on October 7, they executed him; an unarmed, defenseless hostage. It was an act of supreme cowardice, terror, murder. Theirs was a crime that violates every international law, every rule of war, every moral ideal, and every principle of basic human decency. His murder satisfied only one tenet, the one Hamas laid out in its own charter, which states their terrorist organization was put on the Earth to ``fight Jews and kill them,'' and to eliminate Israel. These terrorists robbed Itay of his future. He was only 19 years of age. They robbed Roy and Alon of their brother. They robbed our Nation of a great American, a young American, an idealistic American, an American who loved his country, the United States of America, and loved his family's homeland, Israel. Crucially, they robbed our world of a generous soul. Madam Speaker, there is no sequence of words, no order of syllables that exist in any language that can dull the pain that Itay's family feels this hour, but they ought to know that our commitment to secure their son's return is unbreakable. We will not yield until we have recovered his remains, for his family cannot put him to rest and sit shiva until his body is returned. We will not relent, Madam Speaker, until we get every last hostage returned home. Madam Speaker, I wish Itay's family strength as they grieve this terrible loss--the same strength that they have shown throughout this grueling ordeal. Many of you have met him, and Hagit, his mother, and maybe his aunt. Indeed, the bell tolls for them and their son today, but it tolls for all of us, all of us who are vulnerable to the acts of terrorists and murderers and those without conscience. May the Chens take comfort in knowing that bell's peal resonates in the hearts of every person who cherishes the human decency, courage, and generosity that Itay displayed. May Itay's memory be a blessing.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the other week, we lost a great American, renowned civil rights activist, and legendary radio host: Joe Madison. He passed away on January 31 at age 74. Some knew Joe as `the Judge' who would hear out his callers and guests even if they had different views but cut them off if they tried to spread misinformation. Others knew him as `the Black Eagle'--his longtime radio nickname. I had the pleasure of knowing him as a friend and as a crucial member of the local community. Regardless of how we knew Joe, however, we all recognized him for who he was: a man of supreme integrity, character, and intellect. The airwaves defined Joe's life, and Joe's life defined the airwaves. From the start of his radio career as a DJ for the campus station at Washington University in St. Louis to its end on SiriuxXM's Urban View with a daily listenership in the tens of millions, Joe captivated his listeners. They knew they could trust Joe. He made a point never to violate that trust. Joe understood both the nuances of radio as a medium and its power to change minds and change the country. Before his radio career took off, Joe was a leading figure in the Detroit chapter of the NAACP. He was only 24 when he became executive director of the Detroit branch of the organization--the youngest person in history to hold the position. Never losing sight of his roots in advocacy, Joe used his platform on the radio to highlight the most pressing challenges of the day, especially those facing the Black community. His perspective was invaluable in an era when conservative talk radio dominated the airwaves. Throughout his life, Joe proved to be a powerful force for change both on and off the air, always asking his famous question. `What are you going to do about it?' He posed that question not only to others but to himself. In 2001, he was arrested for protesting human rights abuses in Sudan. Breaking records with a 52-hour long broadcast in 2015, Joe raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. He went on a 73-day hunger strike in 2021 to protest Republicans' legislative blockade of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. I saw his passionate advocacy firsthand when we worked together on the historic Emmett Till Antilynching Act. Joe and I, along with many others, were frustrated that America still lacked a law that made lynching a federal crime more than a century after the idea was first proposed. During the 116th Congress, we worked with Rep. Bobby Rush and then-Representative Karen Bass to rectify that failure. After Republicans blocked the bill's passage in 2020, we renewed our push in the 117th Congress. At long last, President Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law on March 29, 2022. It wouldn't have been possible without Joe Madison. Joe's work on the bill and on a variety of other causes over the years drew the admiration of millions. Listeners were excited to tune in every day and guests were eager to come on Joe's show because they knew the commentary and conversation would be just as meaningful as his principled advocacy. Whether discussing the opportunities that the new FBI consolidated headquarters will create for Greenbelt, Democrats' efforts to address inflation, or my longstanding work to protect voting rights, I had the pleasure of coming on Joe's show many times over the years to talk about critical issues in Maryland's Fifth District and beyond. Many other leaders sought out these meaningful conversations with Joe, from former President Barack Obama to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. He inspired each of his guests--and each of his listeners--to reflect more deeply on their principles, their politics, and their perspectives. Mr. Speaker, Joe's voice was defined not by its earthy baritone but by its moral clarity and commitment to truth. Like so many others across the country and around the world, I will miss hearing it crackle through the radio in the morning. Joe may be gone, but the question he posed to his listeners remains: `What are you going to do about it?' Although he can no longer ask us that question, we can still answer. Mr. Speaker, I offer my prayers to Joe's incredible wife of 47 years, Sherry; his three daughters, Monesha Madison Lever, Shawna Collins and Michelle Borleske; his son, Jason Madison; his four half-siblings; his five grandchildren; and his great-granddaughter. I ask that all my colleagues join me in wishing them strength and in mourning Joe Madison--a titan of the airwaves. May God bless and keep Joe Madison.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, for more than 2 years, the world has watched as Ukraine defends freedom and democracy and international law. Disgracefully, this House has failed to pass additional supplemental aid to that effort for 427 days, more than half the length of this war. Our inaction is an abandonment not only of our allies but of our values of liberty, democracy, and international law. We are the leaders of the free world, not by choice, but by necessity. We ought to be ashamed. We ought to be disgusted. Indeed, most of us are. As our Congress sleeps, the enemies of freedom rain hell down upon the defenders of democracy. They do so with greater fury, thinking that this Congress will do nothing to stop them. Recently, we watched Russian forces take back the city of Avdiivka. Putin's regime killed Russian opposition leader Navalny, silencing a heroic, principled voice against Putin and his criminal invasion of Ukraine. Yet Speaker Johnson brings no bill to this floor. Ukrainian soldiers now face a 10-1 disadvantage in artillery. They report watching Russian forces approach and having to decide in the moment how many grenades they can afford to launch, how many shells can they afford to fire, and how many bullets can they afford to shoot. That calculation ought to be self-evident--as many as it takes--but it is not. The world is watching what is happening in the trenches of eastern Ukraine. The people of Ukraine are watching what is happening on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. How can we rationalize that, that we stand silent without action? The first question Ukrainian troops ask journalists who visit the front line is: What is happening in Washington? What is happening in the House? What is happening when the Speaker does not bring to the floor a bill to respond to the threats to us, to democracy, to freedom? Ukrainians know that only America can provide them with the aid on the scale and timeline necessary to achieve a victory. Elsewhere on the front lines, other soldiers told a reporter: You Americans have to decide whether you want to remain a global power. Think in your heads as to whether we want to do that, for not doing so will cause great danger to the global community and ourselves. Mr. Speaker, bring this bill to the floor. Let us act. The votes are here to pass that bill in a bipartisan fashion. For the majority of Members, that decision is clear. We must help Ukraine, as well as our allies in Israel and beyond. As I said, over 300 votes are on this floor to do just that--a bill to defend democracy, a bill to strike fear into the hearts of Putin and the axis of evil, a bill to restore America's reputation. Speaker Johnson has been unable to handle this issue and fund our government simultaneously, but managing multiple priorities is the most basic part of his job. It is disgraceful that the speakers from 23 parliaments, our allies, our friends, have written to us and said: America, America, America, respond as you have in the past to defend democracy, defend freedom, and defend the fighters for freedom. It is disgraceful that they had to write us, but perhaps the Speaker needs that reminder. Leaders ought to lead, Speakers ought to speak up, and the United States Congress ought to stand united in its defense of freedom. Mr. Speaker, history is watching at this pivotal moment. America ought not to be absent without leave. This is not a partisan issue. This is an issue for the leader of the free world--America. Let's act. Mr. Speaker, bring the bill to the floor.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, we leave today a day early. We essentially have 4-day weeks. That is, 25 percent of the work that we were planning to do, we are not going to do. We leave, I think, because we either can't do our work or we won't be allowed to do our work. Madam Speaker, I rise again, as I have so many times when we were leaving without doing the critical business of America and the world. I rise, again, for our allies in Ukraine and Israel. I rise for the defense of democracy and freedom of people who are fighting for their very survival as a democracy. The other week, I read a story, Madam Speaker, about the desperate situation on the front lines outside Kharkiv in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Defense soldier positioned outside the city spotted a salvo of Russian missiles rising over the horizon. He stood there helplessly. His unit lacked the equipment and ammunition necessary to shoot missiles down. Within minutes, the missile struck a residential complex, killing numerous civilians. Yet, we stand here ready to walk out of this Chamber, our work undone. The soldier later told the journalist: ``I understood they would fly and hit people and that I couldn't do anything to prevent it from happening.'' He was right. There was nothing he could have done because he did not have the weapons that were necessary. The Congress, of course, cannot say the same. We can do something. We must do something. This Congress stands silent in this House. The Senate has acted late, but it is never too late to do the right thing. This Congress remains silent. For 413 days, our Congress has failed to secure additional aid for Ukraine. For 131 days, we have failed to do the same for Israel. This inaction is born not of a lack of consensus because we have over 300 votes on this floor for either one of those bills and, I think, the Senate bill. Instead, we see Trump's and the far right's astounding sympathy for Putin. Just the other day, Senator Tuberville said to blame America first, that it is our fault, that we made Putin, a war criminal, invade Ukraine. All seven times supplemental aid for Ukraine came to the House floor in recent months, over 300 Members supported it. So, it is not that we do not have consensus. It is that the Speaker will not allow consensus to be spoken. The Senate just passed a bill to provide this aid to our allies with 70 votes. Seventy percent of the Senate sent us a bill. The question is not whether this legislation would receive enough votes to pass this House. The question is whether Speaker Johnson will give us the opportunity to vote on it at all. The Speaker's refusal to do so is causing Ukrainians to die. The Speaker is preventing the people's House from working its will as the Senate did. The Speaker should give the victims of Putin's war crimes a vote and hope. Tell Putin: ``Nyet.'' Every minute that we don't signals retreat instead of a resolve. Incomprehensibly, Trump amplified that dangerous message over the weekend, explicitly saying he would not only refuse to defend our NATO allies but would encourage the Russians ``to do whatever the hell they want.'' Is that America? Is that the leadership we want to portray to the world? Is that the leader of the free world? Mute. That, Madam Speaker, is aid and comfort to our enemies. Those aren't the words of someone who seeks to lead the free world. They are the words of someone who would turn his back on the free world. Every Republican, no matter what office they hold or seek, ought to go on record and condemn those comments. Governor Christie would agree with that statement. Putin salivates, Madam Speaker, at this inaction and division sown by the isolationist, authoritarian-loving factions of one of our parties that leads this House. That is why he recently sat down with Tucker Carlson. The Speaker should give us a vote. We have the votes. Ukraine and Israel cry out for America's help and leadership.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness and with great disappointment. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave, and continually tells the world that we will protect them to be lands of the free and the home of the brave. Yet this week, we are about to consider a bill that tells people, particularly those in distress, we don't care. I believe all of us want to defend Israel and give her the resources she needs, but the people in Ukraine want to be the land of the free and the home of the brave, and yet we continue to stand silent. I rise, Mr. Speaker, to say that it is beneath the principles, image, and reality of America that we are not passing a comprehensive bill to make sure that whether you are in Asia, the Middle East, or any place else, we will help you be the land of the free and the home of the brave. Let's do that, Mr. Speaker. Let's do it now.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Dr. John Brooks Slaughter--a towering figure in academia and the science community in America. He passed away last month at the age of 89. Some will remember John as the gifted engineer who devoted the first 15 years of his career to supporting the crucial work at the U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory as a civilian employee. Later, he became the director of the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington, and assistant director for Astronomics, Atmospherics, Earth, and Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Others will remember John for his leadership in academia and the sciences--especially after President Jimmy Carter selected him to serve as the sixth Director of the NSF in 1980. He excelled in that position during his two years, advocating for greater investment in science education, including at minority-serving institutions. In Maryland, we will remember John as the man who transformed the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) for the better as its Chancellor between 1982 and 1988--the first Black American to hold the position. He made our university more efficient, inclusive, diverse, collaborative, and prosperous. John was beloved by UMD's students, faculty, and staff alike. The same was true at Occidental College, where John served as President between 1989 and 1999, and at the University of Southern California, where John was appointed the Melbo Professor of Leadership in Education in 1999. I'm sure John's wife Bernice, their two children Jacqueline and John, and the rest of his relatives will remember him as a devoted family man. No matter who we are or how we knew John, however, we will remember him as a man of high intellect, great character, and unwavering devotion to serving others. For that, he has the gratitude of this Congress and this country. I hope all my colleagues will join me in mourning him and praying for his family.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today, as I have before, to speak up for a brave American, Itay Chen. It has been 115 days since Hamas took Itay hostage while he was serving in the IDF. He is only 19 years of age. This Friday is his 20th birthday. Itay may be young, but I know from his dad, Ruby, that he is already someone of great character, courage, conviction and compassion for others. Crucially, as his dad tells me, he is New York tough. I have no doubt that Itay has the strength, resilience, and determination to endure any hardship, no matter how grueling, no matter how long. That is the type of person Itay is, but he should not have to. He shouldn't have to sit in a Hamas covert cave for 115 days awaiting rescue. He shouldn't have to wonder whether he will see home again. He shouldn't have to display the courage that I know he is showing this very moment. Instead, Mr. Speaker, he ought to be at home right now watching tonight's NBA game and rooting for the Lakers, much to his dad's chagrin. He ought to be horsing around with his brothers, Roy and Alon. He ought to be celebrating his birthday with them and their parents, Ruby and Hagit. Sadly, he is not. Behind every single face we see on these posters tonight are families and friends who have done everything they possibly can to bring their loved ones home. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, Ruby has come to Capitol Hill almost every week since October 7. Mr. Speaker, these families are doing everything they can, but their Congress is not. It has been 102 days since President Biden requested emergency supplemental aid for Israel, as well as Ukraine. For 102 days, this Congress has failed to deliver. We are not powerless, but we are lacking in action. We are Members of Congress of the United States of America. We are privileged to be in a position where we can do more than say prayers and offer condolences, although that is important. This Congress needs to take action to put Israel in the strongest position possible to bring these hostages home safely--every one of them--and to prevent this tragedy from ever occurring again. For the sake of Itay, his family, and all of the other hostages and their families, we must act. We must show an ounce of the resolve they display every moment this nightmare continues. Mr. Speaker, I will keep coming to this floor until we do. I will not stop until I see Itay in his family's embrace and all those hostages returned home safely. Let us act as we can.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, a few days ago, we lost a great Minnesotan and great American: Michael S. Berman. He passed away on January 12 at age 84. A skilled lawyer, shrewd political advisor, and principled public servant, Mike made indelible contributions to our nation. Mike's penchant for politics was evident when he was a young man. Shortly after graduating the University of Minnesota Law School in 1964, he volunteered on President Lyndon B. Johnson's reelection campaign and organized a successful voter registration drive in his community. Impressed with Mike's work, Walter Mondale--then Attorney General of Minnesota--hired Mike to serve as his special assistant. Mike later moved here to Washington, D.C. in 1966 to serve on Mondale's Senate staff as Counsel. He quickjy became one of Mondale's most trusted advisors. Mike's close professional and personal relationship with Mondale continued after Jimmy Carter made the Senator his running-mate. Mike led Mondale's transition team following the 1976 presidential election and went on to serve as the Vice President's Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff. After leaving the White House, Mike continued to advise numerous political leaders and mentor up-and-coming political operatives from across the country--and across the generations. They trusted his judgment, enjoyed his humor, and appreciated his honesty. Between 1968 and 2004, Mike also scheduled every Democratic National Convention. Indeed, few people could match Mike's understanding of the innerworkings of the Democratic Party. He was a fixture of the Washington political landscape for decades. Mike also remained a prominent voice on some of the most pressing issues facing our nation and world--from promoting gun safety to advocating for civil and human rights. Crucially, Mr. Speaker, Mike was a man of character and kindness. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 42 years, Carol--especially in the final months before she tragically passed away of lung cancer in 2007. He showed the same devotion to his second wife, Debbie, whom he married in 2012. My wife Elaine and I are praying for her and their three children and their spouses: Rachel and Dr. Steven Feinleib, Ben and Jen Cowan, and William Cowan. My thoughts are also with their four grandchildren and with Mike's two sisters, Sheila Teitelbaun and Nance Alexander. They ought to take comfort in knowing that we grieve with them. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Mike Berman and praying for his many friends and family.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, last night, I joined Members on both sides of the aisle for a candlelight vigil to mark 103 days since October 7; 103 days since Hamas tore through Israeli communities leaving slaughter, rape, and destruction in their wake; 103 days since these terrorists took hundreds of Israelis and Americans hostage; and sadly, Mr. Speaker, 103 days of inaction by this Congress. I believe the sentiments and prayers our Members shared at the vigil are genuine. Indeed, the vast majority of this Congress wants to aid Israel as well as Ukraine, but our actions--rather, I should say, inaction--belie our words. The far right has prevented this Congress from delivering the resources necessary to give our rhetoric meaning and impact. Hollow words, empty threats, and unfulfilled promises are poor substitutes for military hardware, munitions, and humanitarian relief. From partisan IRS cuts to a complete overhaul of our immigration system, Republican leadership has made supplemental aid to our allies contingent on completely unrelated issues. Mr. Speaker, I should point out that the Speaker of this House, Mr. Johnson, sponsored a bill just a few years ago that said only one subject per bill because he didn't want to be forced to vote for something that he liked at the same time he voted for something he didn't like. From partisan IRS cuts to immigration, the effort to unnecessarily complicate this aid is ironic considering that bill was called the One Subject at a Time Act. Mr. Speaker, there is one subject that ought to be at the top of our minds right now: the defense of democracy. Every moment we fail to act disheartens our allies and emboldens the enemies of freedom. Hamas doesn't have to question its allies' commitment to their cause. The Houthis have made their devotion clear, as have Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies. Putin knows he has the backing of the new axis of evil, as well. North Korea supplies him with artillery shells and ballistic missiles that rain down on Ukrainian civilians. Iran sends him suicide drones that buzz over trenches and through city streets across Ukraine. Iran gives those same weapons to Hamas and its other proxies to use against the people of Israel. We, on the other hand, are sowing doubt daily for our allies and for our enemies. At least 132 Israeli and American hostages remain in Gaza awaiting rescue. Innocent Palestinians await our humanitarian aid as Hamas continues to use them as human shields. In Ukraine, our allies scavenge the husks of burnt-out Russian tanks for spare parts. Ukrainian commanders are forced to ration ammunition. Artillery crews wait days for resupply, and when it finally comes, they can often count the number of shells on one hand. Has the wellspring of freedom run dry? We must answer them now. Our answer must be a resounding no. Our actions now will be our only reply that is heard. The strong words of yesterday will be drowned out by the thunder of inaction today. America, a beacon of freedom and democracy, stands inactive in the light of Putin's criminal aggression and Hamas' terrorism. Mr. Speaker, let us come together and let us act. There are over 300 votes in this House for Ukraine. There are over 400 votes in this House for Israel and for humanitarian relief. Let us not stand silent, inept, inactive, unable to help those who are on freedom's front line this very hour.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, it has been 687 days since Putin invaded Ukraine. It has been 379 days since we secured our last aid package for the Ukrainians. It has been 97 days since Hamas launched its brutal terror attack on Israel and took numerous Israelis and Americans hostage. It has been 79 days since Mike Johnson became speaker, 71 days since he made aid to Israel contingent on completely unrelated partisan IRS cuts, breaking not only 75 years of bipartisan precedent but also the principles of the One Subject at a Time Act, which he sponsored back in 2017. Madam Speaker, how many days will it be until Congress stands up for freedom and democracy once again? The answer ought to be today. Instead, we find ourselves mired in the chaos sown by a majority party that refuses to give us a clean vote. It must stop or I fear democracy's days may be numbered. Let us act and let us act now for the Ukrainians and for the Israelis, to oppose criminal invasions and terrorism.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tremendous firefighter, invaluable leader, great Marylander, and dear friend: Chief Ronald Jon Siarnicki. After 22 years of faithful service as the Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, Ron recently retired. We ought to pay tribute to Ron and his commitment to serving his community and his country. I've known Ron and worked with him ever since we met decades ago over lunch at a drug store counter below my law office. Even then, it was clear that Ron was a man of strong character, good humor, and selfless devotion to serving others. Indeed, service was a family tradition. Both Ron's father and grandfather were volunteer firefighters. Ron followed in their footsteps, becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department, Hose House No. 2, in western Pennsylvania as a young man. In 1978, Ron brought his talents to the Prince George's County Fire/ EMS Department. Over the following 24 years, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of the Department, overseeing all fire, rescue, and emergency medical services in the county. In that time, he also became a revered leader in our community. Prince Georgians knew they could rely on Ron to protect the safety and prosperity of their community. Firefighters and first responders trusted that Ron would always do everything possible to provide them the resources, tools, and direction necessary to do their crucial work as safely and effectively as possible. Ron also served on the county's Joint Fire and Police Pension Board for four years. Additionally, starting in 1997, Ron served as a faculty member for the Fire Service Curriculum at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC)--where he had previously earned both a BS in Fire Science Management and a master's degree from the School of Management and Technology. Ron's leadership and career in fire services extended beyond Maryland. In 2001, he became the Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. For 22 years, he managed the foundation's day-to-day operations, supported the families of our fallen firefighters, and fought for policy reforms to keep our firefighters and first responders safe. As a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I was pleased to work closely with him on that mission. As Executive Director, Ron also oversaw the construction of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park and the renovation of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Year after year, I've had the great--and solemn--privilege of standing with Ron in Emmitsburg during the annual National Firefighters Memorial Weekend to honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives to protect others. Ron has received many awards and accolades from a variety of organizations for his contributions to the fire services, including the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award, Alan Brunacini Fire Services Executive Safety Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Presidents Award of Distinction, UMUC Distinguished Alumnus, American Burn Association's Moncrief Award, and the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Silver Medal of Valor. Ron is a man of great humility, however. He did not become a firefighter out of a desire for recognition or reward. He became a firefighter because he wanted to help others. He became a firefighter because that's who he is. Ron may be bringing his career as Executive Director to a close, but his contributions will forever endure. Men and women throughout the fire services will continue to look at Ron as a leader and to rely on his wisdom and expertise for many years to come. Knowing Ron, he'll be happy to help however he can. He exemplifies a firefighter's best traits: selflessness, courage, dedication, and intelligence. For that, he has the gratitude of his community, country, and Congress. I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his continued service. We wish him and his family well as they start this next chapter.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, we spend a lot of time in this House focusing on that which we disagree on. I think if we spent more time focusing on what we have been able to do together and agree on, we would be a better House. So I rise not to talk about the disagreements that the Speaker and I had, we had many differences, we are of different parties, and we had different perspectives, but I rise and thank Speaker McCarthy for that on which we could agree, because when we could agree, he took that opportunity to act upon that agreement. It was good for the House, it was good for the country, and it was good for me. So I thank Kevin for what we agreed upon and what we were able to do together here and abroad to try to bring us together, try to lift us up, and try to make sure that when we could work together we did work together. It is an example that we ought to follow because it was a positive example. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Calvert for giving me the opportunity to come to this floor as a former majority leader, as a partisan Democrat, to say and recognize the work that Speaker McCarthy did to try to, when we could, move forward in agreement in a positive, constructive way. Good luck and Godspeed.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. He is one of the great gentlemen of this institution, a man of faith, a man of great intellect, a man whose heart and conscience form his stances on issues. I am so blessed to be his friend. Mr. Speaker, save for the gentleman from Texas, these seats are empty. The House of Representatives has adjourned for the year. We have adjourned to go home. Mr. Speaker, I say we have adjourned. We won't adjourn technically until we finish special orders and perhaps 1 minutes. We have no more business, but we have an unfinished agenda, an unfinished agenda to confront the enemies of freedom and democracy. Mr. Speaker, when President Zelenskyy came to our Nation's Capital back in September, he visited the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution in the National Archives. Standing before our Nation's founding documents, he said, and I quote President Zelenskyy: ``It is not the evil empire but the lack of unity that can bring freedom to its knees.'' He reiterated that message this week as our Members prepare and are currently returning home for the holidays. We get to return home and celebrate with our families in comfort and warmth. Mr. Speaker, the Ukrainians huddled amid snow and mud on the front lines of freedom will not have that luxury. The tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Putin's regime do not get that privilege. Neither do their families. Zelenskyy is right, Mr. Speaker. We do face another evil empire today, a new axis of evil: Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un, and the autocrats in Iran and in other parts of the world and its many proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels, and others who all stand as threats to democracy and freedom. As these dictators and despots continue their assault on democracy, freedom, and international law, they watch whether the free world, of which we should be and for all intents and purposes are the leader of, waiting for that free world to stand together to oppose them. We will not have that opportunity until 25 days from now. These past few months, Congress had an opportunity to send them that message of unity and strength. We have not done that. Over 300 Members of the House, Mr. Speaker, voted to provide Ukraine additional aid all seven times it came to this floor. We are not not united on this issue. We simply have not brought it to the floor to express that unity and message to all the world. An overwhelming majority of Members also wanted to provide aid to Israel, including myself. Mr. Speaker, Speaker Johnson acknowledged the need to aid our allies, saying in Florida the other day: ``Ukraine is another priority. Of course, we can't allow Vladimir Putin to march through Europe, and we understand the necessity of assisting there.'' Mr. Speaker, we have all gone home without undertaking that responsibility. Sadly, we apparently don't understand the urgency of that assistance. Instead of giving us a clean vote to act on that consensus, Speaker Johnson needlessly complicated the issue by tying it to his Conference's partisan proposal to overhaul our border policy. That decision, Mr. Speaker, was inconsistent with his cosponsorship of H.R. 395 back in 2017, which said the purpose of that bill was ``to end the practice of including more than one subject in a single bill . . . enacted by Congress.'' Mr. Speaker, the reason we have not acted on Israel, the reason we have not acted on Ukraine, the reason we have not come to the defense of democracy and freedom in Ukraine and to oppose terrorism in Israel, the reason is contrary to that one-purpose bill that Speaker Johnson was the sponsor of. He wants to put multiple issues in that, including border security, which we have been working on for 15 years but haven't been able to come to consensus. We should be and we are in consensus on Ukraine, but we did not act. Evidently, they think that ethical principles only apply when it is politically convenient. I agree that we need to fix the broken immigration system and address the situation at the border, but this is not the way to do it, not at the expense of the defense of freedom and democracy. House Republican leadership spent the last week advancing a sham impeachment inquiry, a bill about whole milk, and legislation about duck stamps while Ukraine twisted in the wind. Our House should have had only one priority this week--ensuring democracy's survival. By failing to provide this aid, our Congress signaled to our friends and foes alike that America chooses reluctance over resolve, doubt over determination, and division over decisiveness. That posture of uncertainty puts our national security at risk. The America First contingent of the Republican Party sends an even more damaging message. Time and time again, leaders of the American far right praise Putin, demonize Ukraine, and spread misinformation about the war. Tucker Carlson, once one of the most-watched people on American TV, has become one of the most-watched people on Russian state television, where propagandists often play clips of his segments. President Trump continues to play into Putin's hands, as well. Trump recently said that if reelected in 2024, he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours. There is only one way to do that--give up, retreat, turn tail on the defense of democracy and Putin. In response--and this is instructive--Putin said, ``We cannot help but feel happy about it,'' meaning Trump's claim that he would end the war in 24 hours. Giving up is the only way to do that. Mr. Speaker, we have seen this kowtowing just recently on Capitol Hill. This week, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted: ``Zelenskyy is here in D.C. today begging for your money, and warmongering Washington wants to give him limitless American dollars.'' That, of course, is not true, but it warms the heart of Vladimir Putin. She went on to say: ``How much money will Washington spend to slaughter an entire generation of young Ukrainian men as Washington fights its proxy war with Russia?'' I can remember, because I have been here a long time, when Republican friends accused the Democratic side of the aisle of too often blaming America first. Of course, that is what Marjorie Taylor Greene said. It is disgusting to say that we are slaughtering Ukrainians when Putin's forces are doing just that every day. We are doing everything possible to keep Ukrainians alive. Ukrainians courageously give their lives, as so many of our American forebearers have done, in defense of their country, in defense of their sovereignty, and in defense of their people's lives. Ukrainians courageously give their lives to defend their democracy, their country, and their families. They will continue to do so with or without our support. Our aid, however, may well determine whether their sacrifice leads to victory or defeat. Yet, Mr. Speaker, the chairs are empty. In another tweet, Congresswoman Greene asked: ``Why doesn't anyone in Washington talk about a peace treaty with Russia, a deal with Putin promising he will not continue any further invasions?'' Putin's promises have no credibility. ``Washington wants war,'' she said, ``not peace.'' That is a lie. Washington wants peace, but it is not prepared to pay for peace with being dominated by a dictator. Believe me, we want peace, but we want a peace that lasts. A promise of peace from Putin is worthless. He is a former KGB officer turned dictator who has built his career one lie, one deception, and one betrayal at a time. He already broke one peace agreement, the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Putin, on behalf of Russia, agreed to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and borders in exchange for Ukraine's nuclear arsenal. He has the nuclear arsenal. Ukraine was either the third or fourth largest holder of nuclear weapons in the world, and they gave them up in return for Putin's promise that their borders would be secured and unviolated. Then it went into Crimea, and the West's response was weak. He is in Crimea today, notwithstanding the fact that that is under Ukrainian sovereignty. Putin went back on that pledge when he took Crimea. He didn't stop with Crimea, however. He went into eastern Ukraine, and there is no reason to expect that he will stop with Ukraine. Winston Churchill once said, an appeaser is one who hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last, but surely the crocodile will eat him. John F. Kennedy shared the same wisdom in his book, ``Why England Slept.'' He wrote, ``Any person will awaken when the house is burning down. What we need is an armed guard that will wake up when the fire first starts or, better yet, one that will not permit a fire to start at all.'' The seats in this House are empty today while the fire threatens democracy and freedom in Ukraine, which is the front line of democracy and freedom today. Mr. Speaker, the fire rages. Our inaction only stokes the flames. If you don't believe me, listen to what Russian State TV is saying. Allow me to quote from the transcript of a broadcast earlier this week: What is happening in the U.S. is beneficial for us. That is a quote from Russian TV, controlled by Putin. The seats are empty, and Putin is happy. They went on to say: ``Ukraine is losing. Russia is winning. This is it. Their funding and weapons came to an end.'' They were relying on the United States of America, that shining city on the hill that stands for freedom, individual rights, democracy, religious freedom. That beacon on the hill is less bright today because these seats are empty. Putin said: As of now, well done, Republicans--his words, not mine-- well done, Republicans, for standing firm. That is good for us. ``Us'' is Russia. ``Us'' is the dictator. ``Us'' is the aggressor. ``Us'' is the international lawbreaker, criminal, and murderer. Just a few hours ago, at an end-of-the-year press conference, Vladmir Putin said of Ukraine: ``Everything is coming from the West, but the free things will run out some day, and it seems it is already happening.'' In other words, Putin is saying the West is retreating from the defense of freedom, and the seats in this body are empty. There is nothing that Putin and the rest of the axis of evil likes to see more than our Congress divided, our country divided, and our coalition divided. We must not give them that satisfaction. If we neglect to send these resources without condition and without delay, we fail not only the people of Ukraine, but the people of Israel and the people in Palestine, to whom we want to give relief and humanitarian aid. We fail the America envisioned by our Founding Fathers, a Nation with the courage to stand up to forces of empire and despotism. We fall short of the principles they enshrined in our founding documents, the very same documents that President Zelenskyy made his pilgrimage to a few months ago. Mr. Speaker, when we return to the Capitol on January 9, each Member of this Congress will face a choice. Will we, as Zelenskyy said, allow freedom to be brought to its knees or, Mr. Speaker, will we be standing strong, standing united against the evil empire. Regrettably, the seats are empty today. Every week, every day, every hour we fail to act, we risk allowing the enemies of freedom to make that decision for us. We must not let that happen. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished public service and career of a hardworking, talented, and principled Marylander from my district: Mrs. Michelle Y. Cromwell. I thank her for her 43 years of dedicated service with the Department of Defense, more specifically, the Department of the Army from December 29, 1980, to December 31, 2023. Throughout her career, Mrs. Cromwell has served the Department of the Army faithfully and personified the Army's values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. As the Chief of the Congressional Inquiry Division within the Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison (OCLL), Mrs. Cromwell worked with many Congressional offices on a wide variety of Army issues and programs with the highest degree of professionalism and outstanding resourcefulness. We all ought to recognize and celebrate her many accomplishments. Mrs. Cromwell began her career working for OCLL's Congressional Inquiry Division on December 29, 1980, as a Clerk Typist. Mrs. Cromwell has served in many positions within the Congressional Inquiry Division, including a two-year stint in the Senate Liaison Division on Capitol Hill. She has worked her entire federal career in the OCLL, supporting and responding to countless inquiries from Members of Congress and their staffers, the Army Senior Leader, and constituents. Mrs. Cromwell has also helped with the release of Army contract and casualty announcements to Congress, ensuring the needs of contractors, civilians, soldiers, and their families were met. Additionally, she was tasked with several special missions directly supporting the Secretary of the Army. From these successes she was ultimately promoted to Chief of the Congressional Inquiry Division in 2018. During her tenure, Mrs. Cromwell has guided the division and organization through numerous major events. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Cromwell has loyally served the Department of the Army throughout the Cold War, Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, the September 11, 2001 tragedy, Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel. For her indelible contributions to our country, Mrs. Cromwell received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, Superior Civilian Service Award, Commander's Award for Civilian Service, and the Civilian Service Achievement Medal. She did not serve because she wanted awards and accolades, however. She served because she believed in the vital importance of her work. Mrs. Cromwell has been an invaluable asset to our government, our men and women in uniform, and the American people. Although many will be sad to see her departure, she deserves a long and happy retirement. As she starts this next chapter, I wish her, her husband Stewart, her two sons, and the rest of their family and friends well. I am certain that all my fellow Members of the House will join me in thanking Mrs. Michelle Cromwell for her commitment and contributions to our Nation.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, we have less than 10 hours left until we go home for the holidays, less than 10 hours when we leave the field, and less than 10 hours before we act responsibly. The men and women of Ukraine will not go home for the holidays. They will not leave the lines in eastern Ukraine. They will not have a Christmas dinner without the fear that they will be bombed in Kyiv or assaulted in eastern Ukraine. Why is that? I ask that to both Chambers: Why are we going home and leaving our Ukrainian allies unarmed? Why do we shrink from our responsibility to confront those who would undermine democracy, freedom, and international law? Why, Mr. Speaker, do we retreat from the field while our Ukrainian allies are at risk? Mr. Speaker, we have 1 day left. We can accomplish the goal of passing Ukrainian dollars. We can achieve the goal of giving aid to our ally, Israel. We can achieve the goal of making Taiwan a little bit stronger. Or we can send a message to Mr. Putin, to Mr. Xi, to Iran, and to Hamas that America is unable to stay the course. I am told that the reason we can't do that is because it is absolutely essential to have border security addressed. It is. I am for doing that. Nevertheless, I want to call to the Speaker's attention, so that he can remember that in the 115th Congress, as a Member of Congress, he cosponsored a bill, H.R. 395. Some others cosponsored that bill who may be at least hearing me, Mr. Speaker, or maybe even on the floor. That bill said that it was incumbent that we ``end the practice of including more than one subject in a single bill by requiring that each bill enacted by Congress be limited to only one subject.'' Was that situational ethics, situational principles, or just temporary principles to be thrown away when they are not convenient, perhaps? That bill was sponsored by Speaker Johnson; by Mr. Meadows who became Chief of Staff of Donald Trump; by Mr. Emmer, the majority whip; and by Mr. DeSantis, candidate for President. It was a temporary, perhaps just political, piece of rhetoric. Mr. Speaker, America is better than that. America needs to be a more reliable ally than that. America needs to create confidence, not undermine confidence. America needs to be reliable. America needs to confront the criminality, the venality, and the murderous acts of Vladimir Putin. Yet we are scheduled to go home in just a few hours. John Kennedy wrote a book, ``Why England Slept.'' It was about why they thought that Hitler was going to stop. It just involved, after all, the mainland, not England, and they paid a terrible price for that negligence, and the free world paid a terrible price for that negligence. Mr. Speaker, let us not go home, let us do our duty, and let us be the kind of America that we say we are.