J. Hill

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer).

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline).

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. ``In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my proclamation of the 22d of April 1793 is the index to my plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice and by that of your representatives in both houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it. ``After deliberate examination with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take--and was bound in duty and interest, to take--a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, as far as I should depend upon me, to maintain it with moderation, perseverance, and firmness. ``The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all. ``The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and amity towards other nations. ``The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections and experience. With me, a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. ``Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration I am unconscious of intentional error. I am nevertheless too sensible of my own defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. ``Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government--the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.'' Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Mike Kennedy of Utah, Don Beyer of Virginia, and Ben Cline of Virginia, for joining me in this renewal of tradition in this, our semiquincentennial year, of reading George Washington's Farewell Address. Indeed, as that Member of the very first Congress from Virginia, American Revolutionary War hero Light-Horse Harry Lee, said at George Washington's eulogy, he was, in fact, ``First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'' I give my thanks also to Speaker Johnson and the Republican vice chairman, Blake Moore, for allowing us to use this time on the House floor. I encourage all of our citizens to participate in America's 250th birthday in this year of 2026 as we celebrate on July Fourth the signing and publication of our Declaration of Independence from July Fourth, 1776. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate President Robert Arrington on his recent selection to lead the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. President Arrington succeeds President Mark Conine, who served the authority from May of 2021 until his departure during 2025. President Arrington has worked at the authority since 2014 and was previously the vice president of homeownership and public finance. The ADFA was established by then-Governor Clinton in 1985 to promote economic growth and community development across Arkansas. President Arrington is a former municipal securities principal with over 25 years of public finance experience and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate President Arrington on his selection and wish him many years of faithful service to the great State of Arkansas. Petit Jean State Park 100th Anniversary

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recent celebration of the 100th anniversary of Petit Jean State Park, a landmark of natural beauty and historical significance in central Arkansas. Established in 1923 and dedicated in 1925, Petit Jean was Arkansas' first State park and helped inspire and initiate the entire Arkansas State Park System. The Civilian Conservation Corps later built many of the enduring features, including cabins, trails, and the historic Mather Lodge. For a century, families have enjoyed its scenic overlooks, hiking trails, Cedar Falls, and the landscape. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Petit Jean State Park on its centennial and its enhancement of the beauty of the Natural State. I thank the many State park rangers and related staff for all of their contributions to conservation, recreation, and enjoyment in the Natural State. Commending National Guard Enlistment in the Second District of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding patriotism of Arkansas' Second Congressional District, which was the highest-producing district for Arkansas National Guard enlistments in fiscal year 2025. Our district led the State in Army National Guard recruitment, contributing 314 new soldiers, and accounted for 47 percent of all Air National Guard recruits statewide. In total, the Second District produced 351 enlistments in 2025, surpassing any other congressional district in the State. These young men and women have chosen a path of duty, sacrifice, and leadership. Their decision to serve reflects on the strong values of central Arkansas and the deep respect our communities all hold for our Nation, its defense, and the men and women who wear the uniform. Honoring Dr. Linda Jackson

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Linda Jackson. Last year, Dr. Jackson was honored with the Outstanding Alumna of 2025 Award from the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. This incredible woman overcame life's toughest challenges and hardships, experiencing extreme poverty at a young age. She was forced to drop out of school in the eighth grade to take care of her disabled brother. Despite this, Mr. Speaker, she earned her associate of science and associate of arts degrees at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton in 2014 at age 33. She continued her education, earning seven more degrees after leaving UACCM, balancing her time between her studies and raising her 10 children. In 2025, she passed the State board exam for the credential of family nurse practitioner. Dr. Jackson's story is a story of hard work, perseverance, determination, and triumph. Celebrating Doug Zollner's Retirement

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend Doug Zollner, dedicated advocate for the Natural State. After three decades of being a mentor, leader, and giant in the world of conservation, Doug has decided to retire from the Nature Conservancy offices in Arkansas. Doug's efforts and expertise in conservation have enriched our State. Doug's leadership helped drive more than $30 million in public funding to Arkansas for forest management. He also cofounded the Fire Learning Networks, a national collaboration of fire practitioners helping 14 countries around the world. Just last year, he visited Tanzania to share fire and forest management strategies and tour Katavi National Park. Congratulations to Doug for his dedication to conservation, to the Nature Conservancy, and to forest management practices. I wish him the very best in retirement.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5616) to amend title 31, United States Code, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $2.50 numismatic coins and $2.50 circulating coins, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill sponsored by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), my good friend, the $2.50 for America's 250th Act. The greatest experiment in the history of the world, the United States of America, is still going stronger than ever, and 2026 marks our Nation's 250th birthday, an incredible feat as our Founders came together, found common ground, and voted to declare independence from Great Britain. Over the past 250 years, America has embodied the shining city on the hill that John Winthrop envisioned in his famous 1630 sermon. Grounded in the ideas at the heart of the Declaration that all men are created equal and that governments derive their power not from the divine right of kings but from the consent of the people, the United States has made the world more free and more prosperous over our two-and-a-half centuries. To celebrate our semiquincentennial, H.R. 5616 will authorize the United States Secretary of the Treasury to issue special $2.50 numismatic coins. This continues a long tradition of marking significant milestones with coins that give everyday Americans tangible reminders of these historic moments. Mr. Aderholt and I are both old enough, Madam Speaker, to recall the bicentennial tradition of that feature of special coin or printed bill issuance and how our grandfathers instilled in us American history and a love of country. We were not there for the first $2.50 coin authorized under the legislation that we have today because it marked the 150th anniversary of the United States a century ago. America is the land of freedom and the beacon of hope for many around the world, something that all of us who have the privilege and honor of living here should never take for granted, and certainly no one on this House floor who has the privilege of representing our citizens takes for granted. Every day I wake up proud to be an American, and I thank Mr. Aderholt for his contribution in celebrating 250 years of independence. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a CBO estimate for this bill.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), the author of this bill for our semiquincentennial, and the chair of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Aderholt for using this historic precedent to, again, have a numismatic memory of our semiquincentennial with this $2.50 coin. I commend him for his work, his loyalty to this country, and for his service to the people in Alabama. Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons I explained earlier, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6644) a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support today of our collaborative and bipartisan bill titled: ``Housing for the 21st Century Act.'' Americans across our Nation have faced the tough reality of out-of- control costs because of the recent spike in inflation coming out of the pandemic. President Trump has prioritized addressing affordability, and the Financial Services Committee has been working on solutions in our Committee's area of jurisdiction. Alongside Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood of our Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, and Ranking Member Cleaver of our Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, together, we have introduced the Housing for the 21st Century Act to deliver a straightforward approach to housing. This includes building more homes and removing barriers standing in the way with an eye towards driving down that marginal cost of a new unit. Mr. Speaker, the Housing for the 21st Century Act will streamline approvals and simplify the Federal and local housing process to give rural and urban communities the tools they need to build homes faster. Importantly, our bill helps banks access stable deposit funding. It streamlines the exam process that is tailored particularly for our vital community banks. It helps promote more community banks to do what they do best, which is lend locally and support their communities. I think it is important, Mr. Speaker, that on this House floor all of us know that without our community banks and without vigorous lending, homes don't get built. Our communities and regional banks play a key role in that housing construction ecosystem. When there are not enough homes, prices go up. The Housing for the 21st Century Act includes real bipartisan solutions to expand supply, lower costs, and, more importantly, give our families more options. Let's deliver this real solution and return the housing market back to working for the very people that it should serve, the very people we do serve in the people's House. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I include in the Record the CBO estimate for this bill.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, from Los Angeles, California, to the capital city of Little Rock, Arkansas, I have heard directly, Mr. Cleaver has heard directly from Kansas City, and other Members hear directly about what is wrong at HUD. We are asked about how we can improve these programs and make them work for the American people and how they can have more accountability and more effectiveness for the taxpayer dollars that are expended. That is at the heart of the work that Mr. Cleaver and Mr. Flood have done, as I say, benefiting a big city like the Los Angeles Basin all the way to a capital city like Little Rock, Arkansas, and certainly to Lincoln, Nebraska. I am so pleased to have the leadership of the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Flood), who serves as the chair in this Congress of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee. Mr. Flood has spent a lot of time working with Mr. Cleaver to do exactly that: How to make these programs more effective for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Flood), the author of the bill.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Nebraska.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Cleaver for his work with Mr. Flood on this bill and his leadership in trying to find bipartisan solutions. Mr. Speaker, I met last week with the community development folks from Little Rock, Arkansas. Kevin Howard, my friend who runs Housing and Community Development for the city of Little Rock, was in, singing the praises of this bill of how it will make their work so much more effective were the 21st century housing proposal enacted into law today. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a link to a list of over 70 organizations that support this bill being enacted: https:// financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle. aspx?DocumentID=411018 Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga), the vice chairman of our full committee, the Committee on Financial Services, for remarks on this bill.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work of my friend from Illinois on this bill, the important work he has done both in the housing portion and on the work we have done together on nonbank designations. I appreciate his leadership. Mr. Speaker, he mentioned the importance of community banks, from Texas to California, Arkansas, and across this country. The reason why it is so important to link housing and lowering housing cost policies, these HUD-related policies, to banking is because our banks under $10 billion, Mr. Speaker, make about 60 percent of all the home construction loans in our country. Therefore, that is why the ranking member and I, and our committee, have chosen to come to this House floor to talk about some specific housing measures. I want to make sure that the American people know that we know that the supply of housing has to be financed. Some 60 percent of that is done by our local community banks and credit unions spread across this country. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. De La Cruz), the author of section 106 in this bill.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose), who has authored the very important manufactured housing provisions, which will immediately help our consumers, our families, across this country have a more affordable housing option.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Tennessee.