J. Hill

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank Mr. Sherman for his good work on this and his partnership with Ms. De La Cruz of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I also express my deep empathy and support of Representative Sherman, Representative Chu, Representative Kim, and others in the L.A. basin who are coping with the horrendous results and tragedy connected with the fires at Pacific Palisades and elsewhere where some 45,000 California homes were destroyed in just the blink of an eye and lives lost. I thank Mr. Sherman for his focus on housing the least fortunate, our veterans, but also I know that he is concerned about what is going to happen in the months ahead as southern California recovers. In this regard, Mr. Speaker, we will have a bipartisan roundtable tomorrow in the House Financial Services Committee where Members on both sides of the aisle will talk with experts about how best to improve resilience and think through recovery for southern California. I thank my colleagues for their bipartisan work on H.R. 965. I urge a ``yes'' vote on both sides of the aisle, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 965) to amend section 3(b)(4) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude certain disability benefits from income for the purposes of determining eligibility for the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19), and for other purposes.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that you note the comment made by Mr. Meuser on the subject of 20 employees or $5 million. The definition of this bill says that a small business that has to report, these 32-plus million businesses that we are talking about, the definition is that they have fewer than 20 employees and fewer than $5 million. My friend from California rightfully said that the concern of the Federal Government is about illicit finance through the use of shell companies incorporated in one of our States. Let that sink in for everybody listening to this debate: $5 million in revenues, 20 employees. Mr. Speaker, for decades, before I came to Congress a few years ago, I helped start businesses and helped finance businesses, all of which would dream to have $5 million in annual revenues and 20 employees. Think about your best friend who has an HVAC contracting company to help people with their air-conditioning and heating. He works there. His son works for him. They have a couple of million dollars in revenue. It is his whole livelihood. He loves it. He is the best at what he does, but in this world, in this House, he is accused of being a shell company and is being burdened by this rule. Once again, so many times the government goes after the bad guy and sweeps up everybody. That is why Mr. Nunn has come to this floor to say that we need another year to think about this. I would certainly urge the incoming administration to rethink the whole process because Mr. Vargas is right: It is an important thing to do, to try to capture illicit finance, but it is another thing in the world to sweep up every American trying to live the American Dream with their own small business. We want people who want $5 million in revenue and have 20 employees. What a joy. We are united on this today, Mr. Speaker, and I think that is good for the American people to see, too, that we care about what is happening. Occasionally, we get it wrong in government, and we work hard to try to rectify it. That is what Zach Nunn of Iowa is fighting for small businesses to do. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos), the committee whip.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the critical steps that my colleagues and I are taking to protect Americans and their families from the illicit fentanyl crisis that has been harming our communities for years. Illicit fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 and ravages communities in every corner of Arkansas. In 2019, my Fentanyl Sanctions Act became law, imposing sanctions on Chinese drug manufacturers that supply synthetic opioids and transnational criminal organizations that traffic fentanyl into our country. In 2022, my Preventing Overdoses and Saving Lives Act passed the House with overwhelming support and became law. That bill expands lifesaving drugs like naloxone by promoting its coprescription with opioid medications. Later this afternoon, the House will come together again and pass the HALT Fentanyl Act, permanently extending President Trump's 2018 classification of illicit fentanyl-related substances in schedule I. Mr. Speaker, together, this Chamber and President Trump will continue our work to save American lives by keeping illicit fentanyl off of our streets and out of our communities.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional central Arkansan, Eddie Martin, for his dedicated service to Habitat for Humanity. At last year's Gratitude Gathering, Eddie was honored for his tireless efforts to support Habitat's mission of providing affordable housing to families in need. Over the years, Eddie has exemplified service, and his creative ideas and hard work have raised over $350,000 for the organization in central Arkansas. When faced with the challenges of the pandemic, Eddie helped organize zoom fundraisers and other creative events like a pickleball tournament and BAGGO, Brats N' Blues to make sure that Habitat's work continued to benefit lives across our community. On behalf of all central Arkansans, I thank Eddie for his generosity, ingenuity, and service. Our community is better off because of Eddie Martin and his efforts.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Westerman for yielding to me. It is such a pleasure to be with him, Congressman Crawford, and Congressman Womack in tribute to our late friend and former Member of Congress, Beryl Anthony. His unwavering commitment to Arkansas and its people has left an indelible mark on our State and this institution. Born in El Dorado in 1938, Beryl graduated from El Dorado High School and, as Bruce said, went on to become an Arkansas Razorback. He came to the people's House in 1979 as Representative of the Fourth District, and he brought a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to the people of LA, lower Arkansas. Over the next 14 years, he proved himself to be a tireless advocate, a thoughtful policymaker, and a champion for the working families in the Fourth District. As a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, he was instrumental in preserving Social Security's future through the Social Security Amendments of 1983. I was a Senate staffer in the early 1980s, and I witnessed Beryl's dedication to the Natural State firsthand while working with the Arkansas delegation on the passage of the Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984. In a time when politics often divided us, Beryl understood the power of working across the aisle, and that dedication enabled him to achieve lasting results for his constituents. His commitment to bipartisanship became personal. While attending new Member orientation in Williamsburg, Virginia, Beryl's daughter, Alison, met her future husband, Sam Bethune, the son of then Arkansas' Second District Congressman, Ed Bethune. Now, that is an Arkansas small-world, bipartisan love story. Arkansas and our Nation have lost a great public servant in Beryl. My deepest condolences to Sheila, Alison, Lauren, and the entire Anthony family. It is a privilege to have witnessed his service to our State and our country.

Mr. HILL

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Arkansan, my friend, Jim Shenep. It is unbelievable that three decades after we started working together, it is time for him to retire. I want to say how thankful I am for our three decades of friendship, and Martha and I treasure our relationship with him and his family. It has been such a privilege to watch his continued success, starting when we were at First Commercial, then Regions, then Delta Trust, and now at Simmons. He has always put his customers first, and that was at the heart of what we tried to build at Delta Trust, and I know it is at the heart of Simmons Trust Company. I wish him well in his retirement and I wish I could be there with him in person to celebrate, but I wanted to thank him for his dedication to his customers and our friendship.

Mr. HILL

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable young athlete from central Arkansas, Morrilton High School's standout quarterback, Maddox Berry. Maddox recently made Arkansas sports history by throwing a State record 11 touchdown passes in a single game, a feat that speaks to his skill, dedication, and poise under pressure. The game itself was an offensive clash, with Morrilton and Farmington combining for 153 points and 1,519 yards, nearly setting an all-time State record. Despite Morrilton's narrow 78 to 55 loss, Maddox's performance stands as one of Arkansas' all-time great athletic accomplishments. Maddox made central Arkansas proud, and we are all excited to see where his talents take him next. Recognizing Point Remove Brewing Company

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Point Remove Brewing Company, an outstanding Arkansas business that has become a staple of our State's craft brewing industry. Point Removed recently opened a new location in Russellville, furthering its impact on the local economy and the community. Based in Morrilton, Point Removed Brewing produced over 24,000 gallons of beer last year and partnered with Little Rock Central Moon Distributors to place its products throughout stores in The Natural State. Point Removed Brewing is more than just a brewery. They are also ambassadors for The Natural State because the beers that they make are named after Arkansas landmarks, like Long Pool and Petit Jean State Park. They proudly celebrate our heritage. As Point Removed Brewing opens this new location in Russellville, I hope they will continue to embody the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our State growing. Recognizing Hakeem Jordan

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a really brave, dedicated Arkansan, Hakeem Jordan. This extraordinary central Arkansan heroically rescued 26-year-old Jelani Proctor of North Little Rock following a tragic car accident. After witnessing the crash on Interstate 630, Hakeem immediately called 911. He ran to the site of the crash and rescued Jelani from his burning vehicle. He was treated at a Little Rock hospital, and is in stable condition. Unfortunately, Jelani's father, Conrad, did not survive the crash. Martha and I send our condolences to the entire Proctor family during this difficult time. Make no mistake, Hakeem's actions are nothing short of heroic. Without this incredible display of bravery and selflessness, Jelani would not be alive today. Central Arkansas stands better off because of our citizens like Hakeem. Recognizing John Jumper

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate central Arkansan, John Jumper. John recently won the 2024 Noble Prize for chemistry. John graduated from Pulaski Academy in 2003, and is the youngest chemistry laureate in over 70 years. John and his research partners developed an AI model called AlphaFold2, which can predict the protein structure of nearly 200 million proteins. Today, over 2 million people in 190 countries have used this technology to improve their understanding of proteins and their potential for antibiotic resistance and even decomposing plastic. John's tremendous scientific success serves as an inspiration to us all. I am proud of his achievement. What a role model for excellence for all of our students across our city, district, State, and the globe. To those chemistry students out there: Study hard. Concerns From Small Business

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 30th annual Red Mass of the St. Thomas More Society, which was held in Little Rock in October. The St. Thomas More Society is a nonprofit organization of lawyers and judges dedicated to honoring the life of St. Thomas More, the Lord High Chancellor of England, who opposed Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church. The Red Mass brings together lawyers, judges, and government officials to pray for the holy spirit's guidance over their work. At this year's mass, Reginald Rogers was honored as the 2024 St. Thomas More recipient, an award that recognizes Catholics in legal professions who demonstrate exemplary character. To my longtime friend from high school, Reggie, what a great recognition of his wonderful, caring approach to his professional and civic life. Recognizing Aircare's Pedestal Humidifier

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aircare's Pedestal Humidifier, which was recently named the coolest thing made in Arkansas in 2024. Organized through a partnership between the Arkansas State Chamber and Arkansas Business News, this contest highlights the most innovative and noteworthy products manufactured in The Natural State. Nearly 16,000 votes were cast in a highly competitive final round, and the Pedestal Humidifier emerged as the champion from a field of 16 products made by companies across our State. This product not only showcases Aircare's ingenuity but also reflects the broader excellence of Arkansas' manufacturing sector. I congratulate Aircare and all the visionary companies that contribute to our State's growing reputation for high quality, innovative products. I look forward to seeing more achievements from Arkansas businesses in the years ahead. Recognizing Maddox Berry

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I have heard many concerns from small businesses across Arkansas and across the country about the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, FinCEN's, new detrimental beneficial ownership reporting rule. As many of you may know, this rule is required by the Corporate Transparency Act, a law that I strongly opposed and fought against its basic design. As a former entrepreneur and small business owner, I understand the significance of this substantial new reporting requirement that forces small businesses to upload an individual ownership interest report into a new national database maintained at FinCEN, in my view, Mr. Speaker, potentially endangering the privacy of millions of American citizens. The worst part is that the Biden-Harris administration has failed to properly educate and inform small businesses and millions of others connected to small businesses about this new rule and the harsh penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and even 2 years in jail for failure to comply by submitting the form by January 1 of 2025. That is right, Mr. Speaker. This form is due January 1, 2025. Now, breaking news: Of the 322 million businesses in America that Treasury believes should be filing this new form, only 2 million have filled it out as of the first of October. Certified public accountants are eligible to help small businesses make the necessary filings on a company's behalf, but the issue is that many CPAs are reluctant to make the filings given the high threshold for accuracy and the potential civil and criminal penalties for a mistake. Further, in some States, filing such a form is considered the practice of law and therefore not covered by a CPA's liability insurance. This burdensome reporting requirement is due, as I noted, in just a few short weeks. That is why I am fighting against it in this House on this floor by using my position as vice chairman of the House Financial Services Committee to delay this new beneficial ownership reporting requirement, the penalties, and the due date. In August, I supported the Protect Small Business From Excessive Paperwork Act, which would extend the filing deadline by a full year to January 1 of 2026, buying small businesses more time to even understand this is a new rule they are required to follow, much less be educated about it and figure out what the least costly way is to comply with it. I also introduced my own bill, the Financial Privacy Act, to rein in the massive amount of personal financial information that FinCEN collects in the name of its anti-money laundering mission. That is an important mission, but this is a flawed methodology for fighting it. I stand tonight on the floor to create awareness about FinCEN's reporting requirement to the American people and deliver this crucial message that time is running out. Please know that the concerns of small business owners across the country are valid, they are heard, and I will continue to do everything I can, along with my colleagues here in the House, to push back against FinCEN's reporting requirement and that fast approaching deadline of January 1. Tigran Gambaryan's Wrongful Detainment

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, after almost a year of being wrongfully detained by the Nigerian Government, Tigran Gambaryan is now home here in America with his family in Georgia where he should have been all along. Last February, Nigeria took Tigran into detention on money laundering and tax charges as leverage in Nigeria's goal of pressing Tigran's employer, Binance, into a relationship, a negotiation, a satisfaction of concerns that Nigeria had about Binance. This deserves repeating, Mr. Speaker. Nigeria arrested an American citizen with an American passport in Abuja on business and charged this American citizen with money laundering and tax evasion because the Government of Nigeria has a dispute with an international company, a crypto finance company called Binance. While I was traveling to west Africa over the summer with the House Intelligence Committee, I visited Tigran in Kuje prison where I saw firsthand his deteriorating health condition. Kuje prison, Mr. Speaker, is a tough place. It is where the Boko Haram terrorists were locked up and where there was a major Boko Haram attack and prison break. It is a tough place. During his detainment in Nigeria, Mr. Gambaryan suffered malaria, double pneumonia, and had a herniated disc. Mr. Speaker, Nigeria is considered a friend of the United States, yet their government's treatment of Tigran, who devoted his professional life to fighting money laundering and tax evasion as an agent of the U.S. IRS for over a decade, in my view, that treatment was unacceptable and shameful and not commiserate with a Nation that is on friendly partnership terms with our country. It was well past time for the Nigerians to drop the trumped-up charges of tax evasion and money laundering against Tigran Gambaryan personally, which they finally did, Mr. Speaker, last month. Let me be clear: Tigran should have never been wrongfully detained by the Nigerian Government in the first place. I thank my friends and colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, particularly Chairman Mike McCaul and Representative Rich McCormick who worked with me and led efforts to bring Tigran Gambaryan home to his wife and children for the holidays. I am thrilled to report to this House floor that he is home safely with his family in Georgia, in Representative McCormick's district, and he is on the road to health recovery. Mr. Speaker, let Tigran's case be heard, and let it be a clear example to the incoming Trump administration about how not to handle an American citizen who is wrongfully detained by our allies and friends. Chevron Deference Reversal

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, recently, in recent months, the Federal courts have taken decisions that are rolling back what is termed the ``Chevron deference.'' This dates back to the 1980s and the 1984 Supreme Court case that basically said that if an independent Federal agency issued a rulemaking and published it in the Federal register and put it in final form, that in effect it had the rule of law, that it was in compliance effectively with our statutes here in the House; in other words, that it is deferring to the agency that it is in compliance with the Article I power here in the House. Recently, in recent years, several important cases of the Supreme Court are rolling that deference of 40 years ago back. In a post-Chevron deference world, I believe balance must be restored, primacy must be restored to the Article I powers given to this body and the Senate under the Constitution and end the activist regulatory agencies that have grown too large, too out of control, and been, in this administration, weaponized against the American people. This Chevron reversal did not automatically turn off the power of that administrative state, and it did not instantly empower Congress to be more directive of agency and Cabinet rulemakings. Mr. Speaker, while various interest groups must continue to bring lawsuits in this area where they believe congressional intent is not being followed, Congress must be proactive in identifying areas where we can tighten statutory language and make congressional intent crystal clear. I believe Congress needs to look at three big areas in this post- Chevron deference universe. First, we need to strengthen the role of Congress and consider changes to the Administrative Procedures Act and the Congressional Review Act to require more collaboration between Congress and even the administration about making sure that they are clear that we have the authority to approve or disapprove regulations. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I think it would be good if the incoming Trump administration modeled good behavior here by actually, in every Federal rulemaking that a Cabinet agency or independent agency puts forward, they say they are in compliance with the intent of Congress, that they are following the statute and the statutory intent of Congress in designing that rulemaking. I believe agencies should do regular reviews of all of their regulations to ensure they are not outdated, they are necessary, and that they ensure that they are tailored to limit their compliance impact, cost, liability risk, and other burdens. I would encourage the Trump administration to work with Congress to where we can have the right kind of cost-benefit analysis on evaluating the true cost, both marginal and cumulative cost, of regulatory rulemakings. We must increase the transparency of how agency rulemakings are made. We must tailor specific statutes so that it is clear that Congress, Article I power, is in charge, our intent is clear, and that we are seeing that the Cabinet agencies and the independent agencies are following that intent. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. HILL

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Rep. Tenney's H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which will address a profound injustice faced by Americans who return home after being wrongfully detained abroad. As Co-Chair of the Hostage Task Force in the House alongside my friend Haley Stevens of Michigan, I have seen the unimaginable stress and hardships these Americans and their families face while being detained firsthand. The last thing they should have to worry about when they return home is a notice from their own government telling them that they now face penalties and fines for missing tax deadlines because of circumstances entirely beyond their control. This bill fixes that irksome issue and sends a clear message: That the U.S. government stands by its citizens when they are put through these unthinkable circumstances. With this measure, we are standing up for Americans who have already been through so much. I am proud to see this commonsense measure come to the floor for consideration, and I urge my colleagues to support it so we can ensure these Americans have the relief they desperately deserve. And, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for her leadership on this critical need.

Mr. HILL

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the 19th Airlift Wing's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for their efforts in securing dangerous military explosives during a recent traffic incident on I-40 in central Arkansas. Based out of Little Rock Air Force Base, the 19th Airlift Wing supports the largest C-130 transport fleet in the world, providing humanitarian relief to victims of disasters and essential supplies to troops in the heart of enemy territory. Following a tragic accident involving a tractor-trailer carrying military explosives, the 19th Airlift Wing's EOD team sprang into action, along with our State's first responders, to secure the hazardous cargo and move it away from civilian populations while also restoring use of the highway, in short order. I was proud to meet with the airmen during my recent visit to Little Rock Air Force Base and thank them for their bravery during this incident. It was truly impressive. Hats off to these brave airmen from Team Little Rock. All of Arkansas is proud of their efforts and service to our country. Recognizing Peggy McCall

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peggy McCall for the nearly two decades of devoted work with Miracle League of Arkansas, an organization that provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play America's pastime. While working at KIDsource Therapy, Peggy realized that children with special needs and their families should be able to make the same kind of memories at the ballpark that she had with her own children. She partnered with Rotary Club of Little Rock's Club 99 in the spring of 2005 to bring a Miracle League field to central Arkansas, and that field hosted its first season that next year in 2006. Since then, Peggy has been the cornerstone of Miracle League of Arkansas and currently serves as executive director of the organization. In honor of nearly two decades of work to create unforgettable memories, Miracle League's field has a new name: Peggy McCall Field. Peggy exemplifies passion and excellence for her work in our community, and all of Arkansas is better off because of her efforts. Congratulating Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Margie Scott, the medical director of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, on a happy and healthy retirement. Dr. Scott has devoted 26 years to serving veterans at the Central Arkansas VA, including 8 years as the director. Dr. Scott orchestrated the challenging mission of providing care to nearly 70,000 veterans each year with an innovative and creative approach that has, over the years, modernized how the Central Arkansas VA operates. The positive impact she has had is unquestionable, and the standard of care that she has set, I hope, will endure for many years to come. I thank Dr. Scott for her steadfast commitment and service to our veterans. All of us in central Arkansas appreciate her tireless efforts that have led to veterans receiving the healthcare they rightfully deserve. I congratulate Dr. Scott and wish her the best for a happy retirement. Recognizing the 19th Airlift Wing's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs on becoming the new director of the Army National Guard. Lieutenant General Stubbs is the first Arkansan and National Guardsman to be elevated to the rank of the Lieutenant General and the first to be assigned as the director the Army National Guard. Governor Sanders had named General Stubbs as her adjunct general of the Arkansas National Guard. General Stubbs' quality, his character, his work ethic, and his leadership sharpened as our own TAG and are now fully recognized nationally with this great honor of leading the Army National Guard across our Nation. Throughout his 27 years spent serving the Arkansas National Guard, Lieutenant General Stubbs has demonstrated the extraordinary ability to inspire and lead those under his command. Whether it is at home or deployed in defense of America's Constitution and interests, Lieutenant General Stubbs has exemplified dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to our country. Lieutenant General Stubbs knows what it takes to lead our brave men and women in uniform. Though we will miss him and his leadership at home in Arkansas, we look forward to the now impressive, positive impact that he will make in this crucial role in our national defense here in Washington. Commending George H. Dunklin, Jr.

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend Steve Finnegan on his first year of his broadcasting debut with his own radio show on 102.9 KARN in central Arkansas. Steve is a passionate and gracious host who always strives to tell the truth and make sure that Arkansas voices are heard each Saturday from 12 to 3 central time. Prior to his newfound radio career, Steve proudly served our Nation in the United States Army, helped lead the American Legion in Arkansas, and in the early 2010s, was CEO of Green Blue Environmental, a service- disabled, veteran-owned small business, for over a decade. Over the past year, he has taken an impressive veteran and small business owner background and brought his voice and expertise to the people of Arkansas and beyond across KARN's Arkansas signal and its streaming reach. Steve Finnegan is a dedicated patriot both in his service and love of country and love of our great State of Arkansas and her people. I congratulate Steve on an outstanding accomplishment. I look forward to the show's continued success in the years ahead. Recognizing Master Sergeant Michael Hester

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the exceptional work of a friend and great Arkansan, George H. Dunklin, Jr. George has worked over the past four decades with conservation efforts to benefit Arkansas and the Natural State. George has worked with Ducks Unlimited as an area chairman, president, chairman of the board of Ducks Unlimited, and has left a lasting mark on quality habitat preservation efforts for decades to come. He also has devoted time to serving as chairman of our Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. George has led a life of service to the people of Arkansas and its wildlife and their habitat. All of us from the Natural State thank him for his lifetime of hard work and tremendous dedication to waterfowl. Arkansas' reputation as a world-class place for outdoor recreation and field sports stands taller thanks to the efforts of citizens like George. Congratulating Steve Finnegan