Vicky Hartzler

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Well said, and I thank the gentleman so much. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Fischbach), the first female president of the Minnesota Senate. She is a mother of two and grandmother of five.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Thank you, Dr. Green. That is excellent. ``Biology is not bigotry.'' It seems like common sense, but we are not talking about common sense with the Equality Act. And that is why we are here tonight, to let the American people know about the ramifications, the very serious, permanent ramifications of this bill. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), another doctor, who I am proud to be joined by, who is a dentist from Texas. Please share your thoughts about this bill and what it is going to mean to Americans.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I thank Dr. Harris, and I appreciate his firsthand experience and thoughts on this very, very, serious matter. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), cochair of the Values Action Team.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, so well said. Up is down, and right is wrong. Our last speaker is the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), a doctor of education. I want to thank the other colleagues who are here. We are running out of time, but I want to thank Representative Rick Allen, who objects to this bill, for being here as well. Dr. Foxx, will you share, in closing, why we should oppose this bill this week? I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Louisiana, for that very heartfelt time recognizing Mr. Letlow and his family. Our hearts are with them. I now move on to another topic that is also very, very important to all of us and to America, and it deals with a bill that will be on the floor this week. It is shamefully called the Equality Act, but it shreds the principles of protecting our children. In fact, under this bill, children, beginning with the womb, will be targeted and victimized. Under this bill, children in the classroom will be bombarded with unscientific, confusing materials questioning the reality of their biological sex. Under this bill, children struggling with gender dysphoria will be pushed toward medical treatments and even surgical procedures, which will disrupt their natural development and may leave them sterile and physically altered for life. Under this bill, children's privacy will be violated when locker rooms, restrooms, and homeless shelters will no longer be single sex. Under this bill, parents may face custody battles for making healthy, wholesome choices for their children's health. This scenario was not hypothetical for the Ohio couple who lost custody of their daughter for not affirming hormonal treatments. Under this bill, foster care and adoption agencies will be forced to shutter. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The so-called Equality Act jeopardizes the well-being of our children. It jeopardizes the role of parents, the privacy and safety of vulnerable women, the competitive edge of female athletes, the livelihood of charities and businesses, and the integrity of our healthcare system. We demand better for our children and their futures, and we will not be silent. We are here tonight to expose the Equality Act for what it is, a far-reaching policy that will upend all aspects of life, and turn basic decency and common sense into discrimination. I appreciate my colleagues who have joined me tonight to let America know why this bill must be defeated. Madam Speaker, first, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris), my friend and colleague who is a practicing anesthesiologist.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Lamborn, such great remarks, so much common sense there. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Green), my friend, and an emergency room physician.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. It is an honor to work with him and to stand with him and some of the colleagues for life--for the unborn. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to remember 62\1/2\ million children who have lost their lives at the hands of abortionists. It has been 48 years since the passage of Roe v. Wade, and our children continue to suffer and die by the millions. It is unfathomable. We know many of these children perished in the most horrendous and brutal of ways. The pain must have been excruciating, yet we are still failing to hear their cries. The single most-effective life-saving protection to stopping the spread of this scourge is the Hyde Amendment. Over 2.4 million children are alive today because of Hyde's protections, which prevents taxpayer dollars from going to pay directly for abortions. We know the Hyde Amendment can't save every life, but it can and it has saved many. Yet this limitation on Federal funds is the number one target for many of my colleagues. Eliminating Hyde protection will cause more child deaths, not less. Madam Speaker, I also rise today to remember women like Keisha Marie Atkins and Jamie Morales, who died as a result of the abortion procedure. I also remember the women who mourn the loss of their babies, who suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma from their abortions. I remember abortion-seeking women today who are offered hopelessness and death and unsanitized, dirty, and subpar clinics when they should be offered hope, prenatal care, and life for the baby inside. Today is a day of remembrance. So let us not forget the women and children who have suffered and perished from abortion. Let us hear their cry and silence them no more.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker I rise today to honor the centennial birthday of Bob Franklin. He was born on January 25, 1921, in Dallas County, Missouri to John and Iva Franklin. Bob graduated from Halfway High School in Polk County and served his country in World War II with the U.S. Army, which took him to the Middle East and Asia. From 1953 through 1957 he served as the sheriff of Dallas County. Bob was also an auctioneer and owner of the Buffalo Sale Barn. He is the proud father of state Senator Sandy Crawford, Dr. Tama Franklin, and his son Randy who preceded him in death. Throughout his life, Bob has dedicated himself to his family and helping his community. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing Bob Franklin and his family a happy birthday as they celebrate a century of life and service to the Dallas County community.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam, Speaker, I was unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 18.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the long-term care and nursing home workers of Missouri's Fourth District, who have witnessed the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic on a daily basis. These frontline healthcare workers cope with the deaths and illnesses brought on by this virus and are witnesses to the heartbreaking losses family members experience whose loved ones pass away without benefit of that final embrace before saying good-bye. For these noble and selfless individuals, the impact of COVID-19 isn't restricted to emotional wounds opened through witnessing the suffering of others, but by the personal physical health risks posed by being on the front lines to conduct their day-to-day activities. These frontline workers in our nursing homes and long-term care facilities are heroes who have chosen to possibly put themselves in peril by answering the call. They have been a source of encouragement, hope, and help to our Nation's greatest generation, a lifeline amidst a challenging time. On behalf of myself and the caring families of Missouri's Fourth District, thank you. We appreciate you, and we pray God blesses you in a very special way during this special season and throughout the year.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report to accompany H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. I am grateful that this bill bears the name of a public servant who has fought tirelessly throughout his 26 years in Congress for our men and women in uniform, and whose steadfast and wise leadership has made such a difference. This legislation is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. As ranking member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, I am pleased this conference agreement builds on the progress we have made in rebuilding military readiness after years of deferred modernization. Through targeted oversight, this agreement will set the right conditions to ensure needed capabilities required for the national defense strategy and credible deterrence are delivered in a timely manner to maintain our competitive edge against Russia and China. A few examples of these critical capabilities include funding for 12 F-15EX aircraft; an additional $1.2 billion for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for a total of 93 F-35 aircraft; funding for 24 F-18 Super Hornets to include an additional $28 million for advance procurement; strong support for the Army's identified big six modernization priorities, such as future vertical lift and long-range precision fires; an additional $104 million for Army Ammunition Plant modernization; and an additional $150 million for National Guard and Reserve Component Equipment modernization. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to, again, thank Ranking Member Thornberry for his leadership, thank Chairman Adam Smith for his steadfast and fair handling of the committee and this vital bill, and thank our subcommittee chairman, Donald Norcross, for his spirit of bipartisanship. In addition, this conference report wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire subcommittee staff, and I thank them all. The NDAA has always been a product of bipartisan consensus, whose purpose has always been to support our troops and to protect American national security. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6395 for the 60th year in a row.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Hope Lecci, a dedicated reporter at the Sedalia Democrat, who passed away just days from writing the news articles about the passing of community leader, Ron Ditzfeld. Hope began her career, not as a journalist, but as a teacher of English and history at Smithton School District, where she influenced countless students and future leaders, including our current State representative, Brad Pollitt. Mr. Speaker, Hope was respected and revered by all who knew her. She was professional, kind, and loving to those around her, dedicated to her family and her faith. I enjoyed getting to know her and interacting with her as a journalist. She was always fair and dedicated to ensuring every quote was accurate and the topic was thoroughly covered. I am sorry she will no longer be covering news in the area, but I know she is rejoicing and receiving her heavenly reward. Mr. Speaker, may her example inspire all of us to be our best in our professions and in our interactions with others.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Ron Ditzfeld, a beloved business leader, philanthropist, and a true pillar in the Sedalia community. Ron Ditzfeld was born and raised in Sedalia, Missouri. His parents, Jon and Bernice, founded Ditzfeld Transfer, Incorporated, in 1960, with two straight trucks. In 1968, Ron Ditzfeld and his brother, Donnie, began working for the family business. In 1996, Ron took over as the President of Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc. Today, Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc., has more than 80 employees and provides trucking services, bus transportation, container services across the United States, trash pickup services, and provides warehouse and distribution services. Ron also served two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Ron was not only a beacon in the business community, he also was very active in the community serving on the board of several organizations, such as the State Fair Community College Foundation, CHS Cooperative Workshop, and Sedalia Airport. His civic involvement includes the State Fair Foundation, the Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County, Daum Museum of Contemporary Art at State Fair Community College, Sacred Heart Foundation, Child Safe of Central Missouri, Sedalia Bomber baseball, JROTC, and local/ national disaster relief efforts. Ron was dedicated to his community and he lent a hand whenever he could. Ron was even known to drive the Smith-Cotton High School JROTC and Team SCREAM robotics team to national competitions through Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc.'s charter services. Ron will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and community. Please join me in honoring Ron Ditzfeld, whose legacy will continue to impact countless lives for many generations to come. Honoring the Life of Hope Lecci

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of my friend, Pastor David Baker of Belton, Missouri. On November 29, Pastor Baker went to be with the Lord--a loss for us, but a gain for Heaven. This last August marked his 39th year as senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Belton, Missouri, and 37 years from his founding of Heartland Christian Schools. Through these two ministries, more than 6,000 people accepted Christ and over 2,000 people were baptized; truly remarkable. Mr. Speaker, Pastor David Baker had a tremendous impact on countless lives and was a leader in the community. He was respected for his knowledge as a Bible scholar, his kind heart, his love for others, and his willingness to share what God's Word says about the issues of the day. He was not afraid to take a stand for what is right and good, which is refreshing in today's world. Most of all, Pastor David Baker was a wonderful husband and ministry partner to his wife, Claire, and a loving father to his three children--Brian, Brett, and Brooke--and to his nine grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Baker will be deeply missed, but I know his legacy will live on in the thousands of lives he touched and influenced for eternity. I am thankful for his friendship through the years and I am grateful for the positive impact he made on our community and this Nation. Honoring the Life of Ron Ditzfeld

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the MORE Act, which legalizes marijuana across the United States. As a mother and a former public schoolteacher, I am appalled at this legislation's disregard for the health and safety of our children, schools, and families. I am also shocked and appalled by the previous speaker's claim that this legislation is good for children and using children as an excuse to pass this bill and legalize it across this country. The MORE Act would grant the marijuana industry unfettered access to our Nation's youth by allowing the sale of edibles and flavored marijuana vapes and permitting marijuana businesses to be located within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, private kindergartens, public parks, and recreational facilities. The bill also opens the floodgates for advertising high potency and extremely dangerous products on TV and social media, a place where our kids are spending countless hours every day. We need to consider three critical points before voting today: First, research has shown that people who use marijuana at a young age are more prone to addictive habits later in life as it activates the pleasure center receptors of the brain. Second, long-term marijuana use has been linked by research to mental illness such as hallucinations, temporary paranoia, depression, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, and schizophrenia. And, third, these findings were serious enough to lead the U.S. Surgeon General to declare an advisory for marijuana use, emphasizing that: ``Recent increases in access to marijuana and in its potency, along with misperceptions of safety of marijuana endanger our most precious resource, our Nation's youth.'' The House should be discussing a responsible COVID relief package to aid the American people during the pandemic. Instead, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are focusing on legalizing marijuana. Where are our priorities? The MORE Act completely undermines current research and health warnings and puts our children in danger. I call on my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this irresponsible and dangerous bill.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, last June marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean war. I rise today to honor a selfless hero of that war, William Lane. He is a resident of Lebanon, Missouri, and a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Sergeant First Class Lane was a medic in the 24th Infantry Division, among the first contingent of U.S. soldiers sent to Korea in 1950. He frequently risked his life to render medical assistance and evacuate wounded soldiers in the Battles of Chonan, Taejon, and the Pusan Perimeter. Assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, his unit sustained a casualty rate of 39 percent by mid-August. By the end of the month, there were only 184 men of the original 1,898. This casualty rate is equivalent to some of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Without the efforts of men like Sergeant Lane and his fellow soldiers, the outcome of the war may have been decisively different. Sergeant Lane would later go on to serve his country for 21 years in the United States Army. From the frozen tundra of Korea to the jungles of Vietnam, Sergeant Lane went wherever his Nation called him. I commend him for his service, and I thank him for his commitment to defending our Nation and the freedom-loving people of Korea and Vietnam. Recognizing Bates County Memorial Hospital

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the All Saints' Church in Nevada, Missouri, and to celebrate its 150th year of incorporation as a parish on All Saints Day, which will be recognized on November 1. In November 1870, the All Saints' Church in Nevada was officially organized, and their church building was completed. The parish began making positive impacts in their local community that continue today. The All Saints' parish expresses their love for their fellow neighbors through supporting the community outreach food pantry with donations of food and volunteering. All Saints' also has been a pivotal supporting figure through their care for domestic violence victims and their selfless service to their neighbors and strangers alike. I want to congratulate the All Saints' Church in Nevada, Missouri, for 150 years of service to the Lord and to the community. I wish them God's continued blessings in the coming year. May your next 150 years be just as impactful as your first 150 years. Honoring the Life and Service of William Lane

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Swisher Acquisition, Inc., of Warrensburg, Missouri, on their success producing American-made products. Swisher-branded products were chosen to participate in the White House's fourth annual Made in America Product Showcase on October 5. This event celebrates the hard work and dedication of American workers, businesses, and their products. Businesses from each of the 50 States have been invited to display their American-made products at the White House. It is an honor and achievement for Swisher Acquisition, Inc. to be selected to represent the great State of Missouri, and I am proud to represent them in Congress. Swisher Acquisition, Inc. is an outdoor power equipment manufacturer dating back to 1945. All products are American-made and commercially graded and carried in stores around the world, such as Home Depot, Cabela's, Atwoods, and more. At the showcase, the Swisher Brand Outdoor Power Equipment; ESP Branded Safe Rooms, Tornado, and Storm Shelters; Swisher Branded Agricultural Products; and the new 2021 Huckleberry's Hammers and LogOX Brand Products will be on display. I encourage all to take the opportunity to view all displayed American-made products and see the outcome of American ingenuity. Please join me in congratulating Swisher Acquisition, Inc. on this tremendous accomplishment. Recognizing All Saints' Church

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bates County Memorial Hospital and their continuous community service over the last 60 years. In 1926, a dedicated community servant, Mrs. S.C. Stayton, saw a need for a local rural hospital in the growing city of Butler, Missouri. After renting a two-story house, she furnished the five rooms upstairs for patients, and the first patient was admitted shortly after, on June 17, 1926. In 1932, during the Great Depression, Stayton convinced the city to purchase property for a new hospital. On September 16, 1960, Bates County Memorial Hospital officially opened. In its first 5 months, 564 patients were admitted, and 87 babies were born. Over the years, Bates County Memorial has gone through many additions, improvements, and regulation demands. However, Stayton's original vision remains, a vision of keeping a healthy hospital presence in rural communities. Please join me in congratulating Bates County Memorial Hospital on 60 years of service and giving a huge thank-you to all the staff for continuing to serve during these uncertain times.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Harold Lee Dick, Gunner's Mate Second Class, who was one of 43 brave men who paid the ultimate sacrifice on July 24, 1944, aboard the USS Colorado. While serving aboard the USS Colorado, Gunner's Mate Second Class Dick supported landings on Tarawa, the Marshall Islands, Saigon, Guam, and Tinian, where he ultimately lost his life. Although he was initially listed as missing in action, his body and those of his deceased shipmates were recovered and preserved in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Saipan. Once the war had ended, Dick's remains were preserved for identification and transportation back to the United States. Unfortunately, Gunner's Mate Second Class Dick's remains were unable to be identified, so he was buried as unknown at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. However, thanks to modern forensic techniques, Gunner's Mate Second Class Harold Dick was identified on November 26, 2018. Now, after 76 years, Harold Lee Dick will finally be returning to his hometown of Tipton, Missouri, on October 10 to be laid to rest next to his parents and his sister. Please join me in honoring Gunner's Mate Second Class Harold Lee Dick's ultimate sacrifice as he finally returns home. Congratulating Ernie Cecil

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good friend Ernie Cecil on his retirement after serving nearly 28 years as senior pastor at Antioch Southern Baptist Church. Ernie impacted the lives of so many through his weekly services and through the pivotal role he played in our community as a spiritual leader. During his time at Antioch, Ernie expanded the reach of the church by using modern technology during services, a revamped website, and social media pages. During the pandemic, Ernie was instrumental in establishing a drive- in worship service even though it prolonged his retirement. These virtual services, complete with live music, united our community during these difficult times. Through his love for his community, his leadership, and his dedication to his faith, Ernie touched the lives of many people during his time at Antioch Southern Baptist. His legacy of love and service will be felt into eternity. Missouri's Fourth Congressional District is blessed to have Cecil serving others and the Lord. Mr. Speaker, let us wish Ernie the best and God's richest blessings in his well-deserved retirement. Recognizing Ken and Sue Molzahn

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Scott Phillips as the recipient of the annual Chairman's Award during the 2020 Missouri Pork Expo. I first met Scott when we were children and his dad wanted to talk to my dad about raising hogs. Scott's dad had served in the Air Force and wanted to try his hand at farming. Scott followed in his dad's footsteps, serving his Nation flying A10 jets in the Air Force and then returning to his lifelong passion of farming, expanding the operation and now operating two hog farms with his brother and nephew. Scott's dedication to producers and his positive influence on the pork industry can be seen throughout his leadership roles, from the local level to the national level. I wish Scott the best and am proud to represent him.

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Mr. Blake Hurst. Blake has led the Missouri Farm Bureau as president since 2010 with compassion, family values, fierce support for his members' needs, and a dose of creative humor. Blake understands agriculture is a family affair as he raises row crops with his father, brothers, nephews, and sons-in-law, while also operating a greenhouse business with his wife, daughter, and sons-in- law. As Blake prepares to retire at the end of this year, his legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration for those of us who have worked alongside him as he aggressively advanced Farm Bureau's priorities for the past 25 years. It has been an absolute honor to work with Blake and his team throughout the years, and Missouri's agriculture industry is better because of his leadership. I sincerely hope Blake will be able to enjoy a well-deserved retirement amid the farm, the greenhouse, and the grandkids, and I wish him the best. Honoring Scott Phillips