Cindy Hyde-Smith

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I would like to enter into the Record a resolution honoring Representative Becky Currie in this role in history that she plays. Today, I am introducing a Senate resolution honoring the Mississippi Gestational Age Act: Whereas, on January 15, 2018, Mississippi State Representative Becky Currie of Brookhaven, Mississippi introduced the Gestational Age Act to protect unborn children from elective abortion after 15 weeks gestation; Whereas, on March 19, 2018, the Gestational Age Act was passed by the Mississippi State Legislature, approved by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, and enacted into law; Whereas, in May 2021, the United States Supreme Court agreed to review Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health . . . a challenge to the constitutionality of the Gestational Age Act, where the question before the Court was whether all pre- viability prohibitions on elective abortion are unconstitutional; and Whereas, on June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court issued its historical decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, holding that ``the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Roe and Casey must be overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion must be returned to the people and their elected representatives.'': Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) expresses profound gratitude to Mississippi State Representative Becky Currie for introducing the catalyst that ultimately brought about the historical victory of overturning Roe v. Wade . . . and Planned Parenthood v. Casey; and (2) honors life-affirming States across the country that have enacted laws aimed to value and protect the inherent dignity of every mother and unborn child.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, this is an incredibly special week for pro-life Americans. We have welcomed back a life-affirming administration with the second inauguration of President Donald Trump. Both Chambers of Congress are united in our pursuit of commonsense legislation to protect the most vulnerable Americans among us with a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This Friday, we will join thousands of pro-life Americans who will faithfully participate in the 52nd annual March for Life in our Nation's Capital. The National March for Life always reminds us of why we continue to fight for stronger protections for our unborn children and for their mothers. Thankfully, the march also serves as a bright reminder of the progress we have made as a movement. Now, thanks to efforts led by my fellow Mississippians in the Governor's Office, the Attorney General's Office, and in the State legislature, we live in the Dobbs era. The entire process that brought us to this historical overturning of Roe v. Wade almost 3 years ago began with the introduction of a bill in the Mississippi State Legislature called the Gestational Age Act. My dear friend Representative Becky Currie is responsible for introducing this legislation, which turned out to be a catalyst for such great change in our Nation. (The remarks of Mrs. HYDE-SMITH pertaining to the introduction of S. Res. 30 are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to recognize Harry Dendy as he retires from the sales committee of the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions. Each year, hundreds of young agriculture enthusiasts gather at the State fairgrounds in Jackson, MS, to show their livestock at this sale. Mr. Dendy has attended every sale since 1975, making this year's sale on February 6 his 50th. The Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions consistently raises money for 4-H and Future Farmers of America scholarships and programs that shape Mississippi youth to become the State's agriculture leaders. The sale and the programs it supports enable youth to develop both the technical knowledge and soft skills that they will need to become professionals working to feed and clothe the world. There is hardly any better way for youth to learn essential life skills like patience, persistence, hard work, and personal responsibility than by working with livestock. Mr. Dendy has been a cornerstone of this sale for decades, and his hard work and support have been essential to the sale's success in youth development. Mr. Dendy's passion for agriculture and its future has been evident throughout his entire life. He first joined 4-H in Chickasaw County, MS, at the age of 10 and later worked for the Farm Credit System for 33 years. He served multiple roles on the 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees and was instrumental in the development of the Mississippi 4-H Learning Center and Pete Frierson 4-H Museum. He was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2011. I look forward to watching the future of the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions continue to grow on the foundation that Mr. Dendy has laid. Mr. Dendy leaves behind big shoes to fill, but I am confident his legacy will continue to inspire the sale and its youth toward success for decades to come.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to ask unanimous consent that the Senate adopt my resolution honoring the life and legacy of my dear friend Patrick Gottsch. Patrick was a strong friend and ally of rural America, and it is only appropriate that the Senate commemorate his life. Along with so many other rural Americans, I miss Patrick every day. It is an honor to remember Patrick by advocating for and promoting the American rural way of life in the Senate. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I know of no further debate on the resolution.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as if in legislation session, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration and the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 733. The clerk will report the resolution by title.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. I ask unanimous consent that the preamble be agreed to.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. I ask unanimous consent that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, every single State in the United States suffered market losses this crop-year. The Office of Management and Budget recently submitted a disaster supplemental request to Congress asking for $21 billion in ad hoc support for producers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and in 2024, and I certainly support that because many producers across the country deserve it. However, OMB's request failed to mention anything pertaining to market losses. How can we ignore $31 billion in market losses this year alone and expect to keep U.S. agriculture afloat? We shouldn't, and we can't. Farmers need market loss assistance, too. We need an additional $15 billion for market losses. The House and Senate Agriculture Committees have been working on a proposal that would cover market losses on top of natural disaster losses. It is estimated to cost about $15 billion. Congress should support that, whether through supplemental appropriations or a farm bill extension, in addition to what has been proposed for natural disasters. Producers should be eligible for both. State farm bureaus from all 50 States have sent letters to Congress asking for both market and disaster assistance--both, not one or the other. Further, every major agricultural organization across the country--the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice, and Western Peanut Growers Association--have endorsed marker legislation, introduced in the House, focused on market losses. If Congress fails to recognize the importance of providing market loss help and only focuses on natural disaster, my fear is that, one, farmers and farm groups across the country are going to be very angry that Congress decided to address only half the problem while ignoring every farmer across the country impacted by record input costs and depressed prices, and, two, we are going to have a farm crisis in this country worse than the 1980s crisis. I will leave my colleagues with this question: Are we going to learn from lessons of the past and take appropriate action or take the path of least resistance today and be required to pay hundreds of billions on the back end after it is too late? I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, our farm economy is headed in a dark and scary direction. I hope all of my colleagues here in the Senate and on the other side of the Capitol recognize that. It is time for Congress to deliver meaningful assistance to our agricultural producers. They have been devastated by unprecedented market conditions and natural disasters over the last 2 years, and they need help recovering from both, not one or the other. I rise today to urge my colleagues to take action and to support those who support you. The economic landscape for farmers is looking more like the farm crisis of the 1980s every day. That is pretty scary. There is not a farm crisis looming--it is already underway--but it is not too late to keep it from snowballing out of control if Congress acts. The farm crisis of the 1980s--I remember so well--was one of the worst economic disasters since the Great Depression that decimated rural America and took years for many communities to recover from. Some never did. What caused the crisis? Inflation, high interest rates and production costs, low farm income, depressed crop prices, declining exports, and inadequate Federal price support policy. Does that sound familiar? The U.S. farm income has dropped $41 billion over the last 2 years-- the worst decline we have ever seen. Our trade deficit is expected to reach a record high of $45.5 billion for fiscal year 2025. Input costs and interest rates are close to an alltime high; commodity prices are low; and the Federal farm safety net is not providing any support because the Price Loss Coverage Program's reference prices haven't been updated since the 2014 farm bill. These are unprecedented market conditions. Believe me, I know. To break this down in greater detail, market losses suffered by producers for the 2024 crop year alone are estimated at $31 billion-- $31 billion with a ``b.'' I have a breakdown of the market losses by State and commodity. I ask unanimous consent that they be printed in the Record.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I rise today with a deep sense of respect, admiration, and sadness to honor the remarkable life of Jeanne Luckey. Her legacy of service, strength, and compassion will leave a lasting impact on Mississippi, our Nation, and beyond. A proud daughter of Biloxi, MS, Jeanne was a woman of extraordinary character--dedicated to her family, her community, and her country. She was a tireless leader and key figure in Mississippi's Republican Party, serving in the roles such as president of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, as the cochair of the State Republican Party, and as the Republican National Committeewoman. Her voice and influence over the decades shaped the party at the State and national levels, and her work touched the lives of countless individuals across our State. She faced extraordinary challenges with unmatched grace. Even after a car accident left her in a wheelchair just days after Hurricane Katrina reshaped the coast of Mississippi, Jeanne didn't stop. She kept working. She continued her work with an unwavering commitment to the values she held dear, always finding a way to move forward. Jeanne's influence went far beyond politics. Jeanne cared deeply about education and the people of Mississippi. As a member of the board of trustees for the Institutions of Higher Learning, she worked tirelessly to make Mississippi's universities stronger and more inclusive, especially for those with disabilities. Always focused on serving others, her contributions will be felt for generations. What truly defined Jeanne was her strength of character. She was a woman who made others better. Her husband always said it best: She made me a better person than I otherwise would have been. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing her can attest to that. Her wisdom, her kindness, and her ability to bring people together left a permanent mark on everyone she met. Jeanne leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire those whose lives she has touched. My heart goes out to her husband Alwyn, to their two daughters Laurel and Taylor, and to her grandchildren Cornelius and Toxie Ray. Mississippi has lost an amazing woman and a true leader, but Jeanne's spirit, her passion for life, and her commitment to making our State and country a better place will endure.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Tadlock Stockyard in Forest, MS, which was celebrated November 8, 2024. This fourth-generation, family-owned business is recognized as a cornerstone of the cattle industry in Mississippi for more than a century, serving producers as they seek to provide wholesome, safe, and nutritious beef to the American people. Originally founded by O.T. Bishop in 1924, the stockyard moved to its current location along Highway 35 in 1960 under the ownership of Luther and Ouida Jean Tadlock. David Tadlock, who assumed ownership of Tadlock Stockyard in 1974, has managed the sale barn and a weekly Monday sale at the current location ever since. The family-owned business is currently operated by all four members of the Tadlock family--David and Sandy Tadlock and daughters Greggina Brown and Char'lesa Tadlock. Given the remarkable changes in our Nation over the past 100 years, including economic disruptions and global competition, the success of Tadlock Stockyard is a testament to the fortitude and commitment of the Tadlock family. Tadlock Stockyard is the largest sale barn in Mississippi today, and it has consistently served to provide cattlemen across the State and region with a place to market their cattle. Given its proximity to Interstate 20, it serves as a hub for cattle marketing in the Southeast, especially as a gateway for stocker cattle to be shipped to feedlots out West. Recently, the stockyard raised over $35,000 for the victims of Hurricane Helene. During the sale on October 7, a Brangus heifer calf was donated by an anonymous producer and resold 18 times in 10 minutes. This represents the generosity of Mississippi cattlemen and women and the sense of community among them that Tadlock Stockyard has fostered over the past 100 years. Rural America is the backbone of this country, and Tadlock Stockyard is an important part of the backbone of rural Mississippi. I am thankful for the many important ways Tadlock Stockyard has contributed to the cattle industry and central Mississippi as a whole. I wish the stockyard and the Tadlock family continued success in their endeavors and look forward to watching another century of their legacy unfold.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, we are now well into the month of July and less than 3 months away from the current Farm Bill extension expiring. As such, I would like to bring renewed focus on the framework proposed by my colleague and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. I commend my friend Senator Boozman from Arkansas for presenting us with a framework that answers the call of farmers, ranchers, stakeholders, and taxpayers across the country. For the greater part of 2 years, we have heard time and time again from those who elected us to be here: ``In the next Farm Bill, Congress must''--and these are some of the things they say we must do: Strengthen the farm safety net--ARC, PLC, disaster assistance, and crop insurance, among other important safety net mechanisms; enhance conservation programs, especially those designed for our working lands, such as the CSP and EQIP programs; provide greater opportunities for U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace; ensure that our domestic food assistance programs serve as a hand up and not a handout; offer better access to credit and financing, particularly for young and beginning farmers; dedicate adequate resources to our rural communities, which are built around agriculture; invest more in agricultural research, in which America is currently lagging behind our competitors and adversaries, despite having the brightest minds in the world and a storied history of innovation; modernize existing policies pertaining to forestry, energy, and horticulture among many others. In short, put more farm in the Farm Bill. The farm bill framework released by our Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member would achieve all of these things and in a bipartisan, fiscally responsible manner. It is our responsibility in Congress to listen to those who know best about what they need to make a living so they can continue to feed our Nation and the world. When the Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade conducted a hearing last year on producer perspectives of the farm safety net, a producer described the current farm safety net as being ``two inches above the concrete.'' That is insufficient in today's farm economy, where producers face extraordinary volatility, historic inflation, record high input costs, catastrophic natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions that disrupt markets. Times are changing. New challenges and threats to rural America emerge every day. This is why Congress revisits this important multiyear legislation: to keep what is working, fix what is not, and eliminate what is no longer necessary. I commend the House Agriculture Committee for advancing a strong, commonsense farm bill proposal out of committee, and I commend our Senate Ag Committee chair for all of her efforts throughout this process. But the bottom line is it takes time to move away from partisan disagreements. It is time to do that and, instead, work on finding common ground. It is time to graduate from concepts and proposals and, instead, start advancing actual legislation. Simply put, it is time for Congress to enact a new farm bill, one that our farmers, ranchers, and rural America have been asking for, for quite some time. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, my pro-life colleagues and I most certainly do not oppose any individual's freedom to travel across this great country, but we do take issue with this effort to give bad actors cover from prosecution. While this bill poses as protecting pregnant women from prosecution, it would actually put vulnerable women and girls in harm's way if it became law. This would allow traffickers and abusive partners, parents, or relatives to take vulnerable women and girls across State lines to obtain abortions in an attempt to cover up their abuse. These same abusers would also be given the freedom to travel across State lines to stockpile dangerous chemical abortion drugs to bring back to a life-affirming State. The chemical abortion regimen can pose dramatic complications that a woman or girl should never have to deal with, especially without medical care at her home. According to the FDA's own label, these abortion drugs send roughly 1 in 25 women to the emergency room. With this legislative effort before us, we see pro-abortion advocates promoting the scariest possible scenario by allowing a teenage girl to start the chemical abortion process across State lines with mifepristone, only to be sent back to her home State to deal with the physically and emotionally painful process alone. We can and must do far better to protect women and girls from this heartbreaking and dangerous situation, and we certainly should not be shielding bad actors from prosecution. It is for these reasons that I must object.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, in a few moments, I would like to ask unanimous consent for the Senate to take up and pass legislation I have introduced to support genuine solutions to infertility and empower couples with autonomy over how they build their families. First, I want to take a moment to recognize the second anniversary of the Dobbs decision, a ruling that underscores the great significance of bringing life into this world. It still doesn't feel real that we were able to overturn Roe. What a blessing for this country that that was. However, we are still fighting daily to protect Americans from the harmful pro-abortion agenda being pushed by the Democrats. Pro-abortion advocates have been creative in spreading fear by using issues that Republicans support, such as access to IVF. I have been clear about my strong support for access to IVF and am grateful for its ability to bring God's beautiful creations into this world. And while the left wants to stoke fear in this arena, it is time that we hone in on the real problem and find long-lasting, affordable solutions. Infertility affects 15 to 16 percent of couples in the United States and is a profoundly emotional experience. While IVF is a procedure used to create life, it does not treat the underlying conditions that cause infertility and make it difficult for a woman to sustain that life in the womb. If we are going to address the issue of infertility, then we need to start with solutions that promote genuine healing. This is the mission behind the RESTORE Act, which I introduced with Senator Lankford last week. ``RESTORE'' stands for reproductive empowerment and support through optimal restoration. Provisions of this budget-neutral bill include: educational tools for women seeking information about reproductive health conditions and restorative reproductive medicine, training opportunities for medical professionals who feel called to help couples build their families. They will learn how to diagnose and treat reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, hormone imbalances, and thyroid conditions, ovulation dysfunctions, and other health conditions that cause infertility and painful menstrual cycles. The RESTORE Act also directs HHS to conduct data collection and implement ongoing reports to assess the access women have to restorative reproductive medicine and infertility care. We also ensure strong religious and conscience protections in the bill. What we are trying to do here is promote long-term healing for couples struggling with infertility. We want to empower childbearing generations so that families can address fertility concerns in a cost- effective manner. This bill is separate and complementary to IVF. We have seen great success numbers come from fertility clinics that take a holistic approach to healing the root cause of infertility, and if IVF is still necessary, these clinics see a greater success rate in the first round of IVF. This pro-family bill is one more step toward increasing successful fertility treatments for women and men. I will continue to support those going through infertility and search for ways to help families who dreamed of bringing children into this world. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of S. 4533 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I also rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend Patrick Gottsch, the founder and president of Rural Media Group, who passed away May 18. Mr. Gottsch was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who dedicated his life to supporting and promoting rural America through television. Patrick was born on June 3, 1953, in Elkhorn, NE, and raised on his family's farm and cattle operation. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and the unique value that rural communities bring to our Nation. Having worked as a commodity broker on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, in home satellite sales, and as director of sales for the Superior Livestock Auction, he founded Rural Free Delivery Television, RFD-TV, in 2000. And it is on my TV every day. Rural Media Group grew to additionally consist of many other things, including the Cowboy Channel--one of our very favorite--giving rural America the visibility it lacked through traditional media outlets. Rural America owes much to Patrick's innovation and his tenacity. Not many people have the ability to articulate and describe the true essence of how special life in rural America is like Patrick did. Rural communities are the heartbeat of our Nation, often overlooked but essential to our Nation's survival and prosperity. Patrick gave rural America a voice. In an increasingly urbanized world, Patrick reminded us of the value of rural America. He advocated for the 2 percent of Americans who feed the other 98 percent. He reminded Americans that our clothes and food don't magically grow on shelves at the store. We honor Patrick Gottsch for his unprecedented work to promote the American rural way of life that my family and I get to enjoy every single day. He was truly a great ambassador for rural America, and I know he would want us to continue to tell the story to the entire world. I offer my deepest condolences to the Gottsch family during this time, and I will strive to honor Patrick's legacy by stressing the continued need for access for rural and agricultural media and programming for all Americans. May Patrick's determination, love for rural America, and persistence in telling the great story of rural America never be forgotten. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, every year, our Nation comes together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens. This week, National Police Week, stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across our Nation, including those in my own State of Mississippi. Every day, our law enforcement officers put on their uniforms, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and head out into the unknown, knowing that they may encounter danger at any moment. They stand as guardians of our communities, ensuring that peace, law, and order prevail, often at great personal risk. We owe a debt of gratitude to these heroes, whose selflessness and bravery serve as an example of what it means to be a patriot. Their commitment to uphold the law, protect the innocent, and serve justice is at the foundation of what makes our Nation great. As we honor those who have fallen, it is important that we also remember the families they have left behind. This week, we, as a nation, join the spouses, children, parents, siblings, fellow officers, and friends in mourning the loss of these men and women. Their sacrifice is no less profound, and their resilience and strength get at the heart of what it means to be an American. Even in the face of adversity, our officers have remained steadfast in their commitment to serve. It is important to me that every officer in Mississippi knows that I greatly admire you for your loyalty, grit, and determination throughout such challenges. I will continue to work to ensure you have the resources you need to do your job. My State of Mississippi is blessed with amazing law enforcement, who are not only hometown heroes, but also an integral part of our communities. Every loss of an officer is deeply felt by all. I would like to specifically remember and honor the two fallen officers from Mississippi whose names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year. These officers died heroes in service to their communities, and we are humbled by their service and sacrifice. We remember: Madison County Police Department's Officer Horren Randy Tyler, 64, who was tragically shot and killed on June 1, 2023, after a man opened fire on officers during a hostage negotiation. Randy's colleagues regarded him as a leader and mentor, seeking his guidance in challenging situations, trusting his 27 years of experience. He leaves behind his wife, four children, and three grandchildren. And we also remember: Mississippi Bureau of Investigation's Lieutenant Jeris Deon Davis, 51, who succumbed to Covid on December 29, 2020. Lt. Davis served in law enforcement for 22 years, including as an officer with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. As we reflect on the lives lost and the sacrifices made, let us recommit ourselves to supporting those who serve and protect us. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement officers, offering them the respect, appreciation, and support they deserve. Let us honor the memory of those who have fallen, and pledge to carry forward their legacy of courage, integrity, and service. In doing so, we ensure that their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and that their spirit will continue to guide and inspire us for generations to come. I will continue to be an advocate for law enforcement professionals and provide support where possible and do all I can to honor their sacrifice. I am praying that their families and loved ones of our fallen officers find comfort in knowing that not only is their loss deeply felt, but it will also never be forgotten. God bless our law enforcement officers, their families, and the United States of America.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, the Biden administration continues to fail the American people with its consistent attacks on our Nation's energy supply and production. These attacks are happening as Americans continue to suffer through the burden of record inflation caused by this administration. Energy is the lifeblood of civilization: lighting our homes; fueling our transportation; powering innovation; and for those of us in rural America, heating our poultry houses--much like the area where you and I come from, Madam President. Energy of all forms--from oil and gas to nuclear, to wind, to solar-- not only powers our world, but it protects our world. To threaten any energy source is to threaten the vitality of our Nation and its communities. But from day one, President Biden did just that. It started with a barrage of excessive Executive orders aimed at American energy production, including the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline, and only got worse from there. Agencies under this administration have been emboldened to ram through harmful policies and rules that are driving us straight toward a cliff. The Department of the Interior continues to hold domestic energy production back by releasing a 5-year leasing plan for oil and gas production that contains the lowest amount of lease sales in history, with the option for the Secretary to cancel any one of them as she deems necessary. The Bureau of Land Management has issued rules that weaken our domestic energy production and create additional more redtape. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued rules that weaken our domestic energy production and limit consumer choice for vehicles. The Department of Energy has issued rules that weaken our domestic energy production, limit consumer choice for natural gas appliances in our houses, and place a pause on liquefied natural gas export. It makes no sense. Even the Securities and Exchange Commission has now decided it wants to get involved with climate policy, releasing a greenhouse gas disclosure rule that would lead to mountains of burdensome paperwork for companies and higher costs for consumers. The SCC is meant to protect investors, facilitate capital formation, and maintain markets. It has absolutely no authority to address political or social issues, much less serve as a climate change taskmaster. If you threw a dart at a dartboard labeled with all the Biden Agencies that have a hand in targeting energy production, chances are that you will hit an Agency that has committed an overreach of its statutory authority. The administration continues to slow-walk permitting, most recently attacking LNG facilities for climate considerations, whatever that is. Well, is the administration aware that by continuing to ignore the law and not holding lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, it hamstrings future GOMESA funds that would come back to the Gulf States to support critical coastal protection activities, including conservation, coastal restoration, and hurricane protection? That is right. The administration's Interior Department is jeopardizing actual climate and conservation goals for my State, and we aren't the only State sounding the alarm on these terrible policies. These policies are driving up energy costs and emboldening our enemies. President Biden and his allies continue to paint the fossil fuel industry as the enemy, but both the Secretaries of Energy and Interior have stated that fossil fuels will be around for a long time because they are needed. Yet they continue to try and diminish its production without the necessary technology and grid capacity replacements. Not only could we see higher energy costs under these policies, but we could see more blackouts during extreme weather events, something that has Mississippians very concerned. The American people deserve better than failing energy policies from a tone-deaf administration and Agencies that are doing everything they can to circumvent Congress and force their radical energy agendas on this entire Nation. Still, the hard-working people in our energy industry are not letting President Biden crush their spirits. My colleagues and I are battling back with everything we can to challenge these rulings on behalf of the American people. With CRA resolutions of disapproval, appropriations, and committee hearings, we have the opportunities to try to hold these Agencies accountable for their continued overreach. I will keep fighting alongside my colleagues until this ship is back on the correct course of independent energy production for the betterment of the United States. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I wish to pay tribute to the life and service of a Mississippi coaching legend and close personal friend, Coach Bob Tyler, who passed away on April 28, 2024. Born and raised in Water Valley, MS, Coach Tyler attended Water Valley High School and, later, the University of Mississippi. Following his service in the U.S. Army, Coach Tyler began his remarkable 45-year career as a coach and teacher. This journey started at Water Valley High School, with stops at high schools in Okalona, Corinth, Senatobia and Meridian. After posting an impressive 91-19-6 record over 11 years at the high school level, Coach Tyler began coaching at the collegiate level, including years at Northwest Community College, North Texas State, Millsaps College, and on John Vaught's Ole Miss staff, Bear Bryant's Alabama staff, and as head football coach and athletic director at Mississippi State University. Induction into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame, the Mississippi State Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, are among the numerous honors awarded to acknowledge Coach Tyler's achievements. In 2023, the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery was also renamed the ``Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery,'' in his honor. Coach Tyler's accomplishments and impact extended far beyond the football field. Following his retirement from coaching, he would go on to serve as deputy director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, help start the Archery in Mississippi Schools program, and support the Fallen Officers Memorial. He also served as the director of economic development for Yalobusha County for 15 years until 2022. Coach Tyler, an active member of the First Baptist Church of Water Valley, MS, was a dedicated family man, married to his high school sweetheart and wife of 69 years, Dale. They raised three children-- Breck, Cam, and Drew--and wholeheartedly welcomed eight-grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. For myself and all those who knew Coach Tyler, I honor his years of service and a life well lived. He will be remembered as a great Mississippian, who dedicated his life to the game that he loved and to the generations of players and people that he educated on the field and in life. I pray his family and friends find solace in that legacy. My condolences go out to all of them.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, Americans across the country, led by Concerned Women for America, CWA--the Nation's largest public policy organization for women--and other faith-based organizations will again celebrate April as Faith Month. I commend this noble effort calling on all people of faith to join in prayer, to give thanks, and to celebrate their faith. Faith is at the very core of who we are as Americans. Every nation before us was based on either a shared ethnicity, a common language, or a unifying monarch. But the United States of America was the first nation in history founded on the belief that every human being has inherent value and natural rights granted to them not by any earthly government, but by an all-powerful God. In the words of our Declaration, we are ``endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable Rights,'' based on ``the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God,'' acknowledging our ``reliance on the protection of divine Providence.'' Many of our Nation's earliest settlers were people of faith, seeking a land in which they could freely practice their beliefs. The Puritans of New England, the Pennsylvania Quakers, and the Catholic founders of the Maryland Colony were all men and women who came to these shores in search of a haven for religious freedom. The Founding Fathers after them carried on that faithful torch by enshrining that freedom of religion in the very First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as ``the free exercise thereof.'' They knew that a nation founded on the belief in a higher power must encourage a faithful population. When religious freedom is protected, communities thrive. Ample research shows that faith strengthens the family unit, promotes stable marriages, and discourages drug abuse and violence. Regular church attendance is linked to lifting young people in inner cities out of poverty, and faithful people tend to be happier and more satisfied in life. The role of religious organizations in America is invaluable. An estimated 350,000 religious congregations operate schools, pregnancy resource centers, soup kitchens, drug addiction programs, homeless shelters, and adoption agencies throughout the Nation, with more than 2,600 of them in my state of Mississippi alone. These organizations selflessly care for their communities and deserve to be celebrated and uplifted for the work that they do. Today, it is distressing that attacks against particular faith communities have become all too common. Individuals and charities alike have been forced to compromise their sincerely held beliefs to keep their jobs or participate in certain government programs. Worse, some Federal Agencies are promoting policies and regulations that make it harder for faith-based charities and social service organizations to care for the need. It is a sad fact that, today, too many people of faith feel unsafe on their college campuses, in their workplaces, or where they worship as attacks against their communities rise. No religious American should be afraid to openly practice their faith in the land of the free. It is imperative that the American Government clearly state that such discriminatory actions and hateful attacks are intolerable and that they must be met with speech that unwaveringly speaks the truth and calls out evil for what it is. Attacks against faith, against the freedom of conscience, undermine the very foundation of America. In a 2023 Gallup Poll, nearly three out of four Americans said they practice some kind of religious faith. This rich, diverse religious heritage is to our credit and should be encouraged. This Faith Month, I join millions of Americans in honoring the right to worship freely and openly, with public displays and celebrations, unashamed to share in our common American heritage as a people of faith. In this manner, we reaffirm our commitment to the religious liberty principles of our founding.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I also rise to discuss the Biden administration's failure to contain the crisis at our southern border and how that is having extreme consequences and endangering our very own citizens. Time and time again, Republicans have warned about the damage being done to our country by open border policies launched on President Biden's first day in office. For more than 3 years, we have witnessed this President and his administration tell us over and over that there is not a border crisis and that the border is secure. I, like most Americans, know that is absolutely not true. President Biden will deliver his State of the Union Address tonight, and I hope the American people will listen with some level of skepticism should he discuss his recent election-year plans to address illegal crossings at the border. The American people deserve for him to be forthcoming about the border crisis, a crisis that is manifesting itself more and more in serious and violent crimes committed by illegal migrants allowed to stay in our country. The American people deserve to know why or how Executive action would be better than simply enforcing the law--the laws that are currently already on the books. Yes, Executive orders have the force of law, but they are based on existing statutes. Simply put, this administration needs to enforce the law. Americans are taking the brunt of Joe Biden's policies as crime runs rampant at the hands of illegal immigrants. Last year, Border Patrol agents encountered thousands of illegal aliens with prior criminal convictions, including assault, rape, and murder. Make no mistake, it is thanks to Joe Biden's policies and his refusal to enforce the law that has allowed such criminals into our country, and now Americans are becoming victims of their crimes all across the country. Over just 2 weeks this January, law enforcement arrested more than 100 illegal immigrants in 25 different U.S. cities. Over half of the illegal aliens arrested had convictions or pending charges for assault against children, including sexual assault against children. A month ago, just outside of Minneapolis, a man who was previously detained, dressed as a delivery driver, snuck into a home and murdered three people while two small children witnessed this crime. Just a few weeks ago in New York, several migrants were arrested for assaulting a pair of police officers. Of course, they were almost immediately released when the Manhattan District Attorney's Office did not seek bail. They were seen smirking and using obscene gestures for the media, showing no remorse for their actions. From the same mob assault, one of the migrants allegedly involved was arrested again just days later--this time, for robbing a Macy's in Queens. Now, just the other week, a University of Georgia nursing student, with her whole future ahead of her, went running on a popular trail in broad daylight only to be brutally murdered. The man charged with her murder entered our country illegally. These crimes, combined with the liberal district attorneys and mayors across the country--those who advocate for sanctuary cities and other soft-on-crime policies--have created a nightmare for everyone who wants to live peacefully and safely in their homes and communities without violence. Where is President Biden's compassion for American families and communities experiencing these horrible acts? During his brief and sanitized visit to Brownsville last week, why did the President dodge questions about the murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley at UGA? Why is his administration reluctant to prioritize their safety? I pray that the perpetrators receive justice, and I pray the families of these victims receive God's comfort. Sadly, my home State of Mississippi has also felt the consequences of Joe Biden's policies with the many instances of human trafficking. Last year, four illegal immigrants were discovered with a 7-year-old migrant child after being pulled over and detained for driving without a license. After Homeland Security Investigations was contacted, the driver attempted to flee on foot and was captured. HSI determined the child was not related to anyone in the vehicle. In another situation, a Mississippi Highway Patrol trooper identified an illegal migrant driving on I-10, in Jackson County, with no ID. A passenger--also an illegal immigrant--revealed that they were on their way to Houston, TX, to pick up another man or woman and three or four children. After a legal search of the vehicle, items consistent with human trafficking were discovered in the vehicle. Instances like these are, unfortunately, happening across the country, and our communities are in danger. If you think this isn't happening in your backyard, then think again. Because of the state of our country, there is growing concern and fear among Americans, who are wondering if they or someone they love will be the next target. In fiscal year 2023, there were over 15,000 criminal noncitizen arrests. There were over 2,000 criminal illegal drug possessions and trafficking convictions. Additionally, there were almost 9,000 driving under the influence convictions. There have been nearly 200 murders committed by illegal immigrants since Joe Biden took office--200 lives lost under President Biden's watch. This is not how the greatest country in the world should operate. Robberies, sexual assault, crimes against children, human trafficking, and murder are just some examples of the crimes these illegal migrants are willing to commit in our country. We have to stand against this. President Biden claims he needs more authority to get control of the border. This is blatantly false. The previous administration successfully enforced border laws to get crossings to record lows. The Biden administration repeatedly refuses to acknowledge the border crisis for what it is--a crisis. He opened the border, and he can close it. As the President prepares his State of the Union speech, I call on the Biden administration and the Democrats, who simply need to enforce the law. Let's just start with that. We must make this a priority. Americans deserve nothing less. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Reserving the right to object.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I support the ability for mothers and fathers to have total access to IVF in bringing new life into the world. I also believe human life should be protected. These are not mutually exclusive. Let's be clear about what the Alabama case is about. This was a case brought by families whose human embryos were killed when an unauthorized individual walked into the fertility clinic through an unsecured door, removed several human embryos, and dropped them, causing their deaths. The court's holding in favor of the parents found that these frozen human embryos are children under Alabama law. It did not ban IVF, nor has any State banned IVF. The bill before us today is a vast overreach that is full of poison pills that go way too far--far beyond ensuring legal access to IVF. The act explicitly waives the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and would subject religious and pro-life organizations to crippling lawsuits. Religious and pro-life organizations could be forced to facilitate procedures that violate their core beliefs, including their health insurance plans. This would be the first time the bipartisan Religious Freedom Restoration Act introduced by then-Representative Chuck Schumer was explicitly waived. The bill's expansion definition of ``artificial reproductive technology'' sweeps in much more than IVF and has far-reaching implications. It would legalize human cloning. It would legalize commercial surrogacy, including for young girls without parental involvement. It would legalize gene-edited designer babies and lift the Federal ban on the creation of three-parent embryos. It would legalize the creation of human-animal chimeras. Other developed countries like Germany, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as States like Louisiana, have policies that allow for IVF coupled with commonsense protections to respect human life. Creating rights to human cloning, the genetic engineering of human embryos, and surrogacy is too extreme and goes far beyond IVF. This bill misses the mark. We should strive to do both, and this bill does not do that. Therefore, I object.