Kevin Hern

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker and my dear friend, I rise today for what will likely be my last speech as a Member of this Chamber. Nine years ago, I was having coffee with my wife, Tammy, when she encouraged me to run for Congress. While I am sure there were times when she regretted that encouragement, she has remained the rock of our family and the reason I have been able to serve in the people's House. A lot has changed in my life outside these walls. I have watched my sons get married and build families of their own, and bless us with the incredible gift of five grandchildren. I also experienced the loss of both my parents, two people who helped shape who I am today. These years have brought great joys and difficult moments, reminding me of what matters most. In Congress, we spend a lot of time talking about titles: chairman, ranking member, leader, and so on. Husband, Dad, and Papi are the titles I am proud to hold most. I was sworn into Congress in November of 2018. While most freshmen Members have a few months to prepare for this job, I had less than 7 days. I learned early in my business career to surround yourself with people you admire and respect. Little did I know then that Steve Womack, who chaired the House that day, would be one of those people. He and I grew up in the small town of Russellville, Arkansas, and we both graduated from Arkansas Tech University. Steve's wisdom and advice guided me early on, and I thank him for his friendship and support. I often say there is no book written on how Congress works, but there is one man who knows how all of it works: my good friend and mentor, Tom Cole. Tom is our historian and who we go to when we need advice, a kick in the right direction, or just a moment to take a break with a cigar, or maybe two, or maybe three. I knew I wanted to serve on the Ways and Means Committee. I got advice from other Members, but Tom took me under his wing and showed me the full picture. I would not have been on Ways and Means today without his mentorship and support. Ways and Means is where I found my home in Congress, where I could use my business background to offer policy solutions and push back on the ideas that I believe would hurt the economy. I am honored to have served under the two great chairmen: Kevin Brady and Jason Smith, both who led the committee through major legislative victories and created tax policies that will allow our country to flourish for years to come. Ways and Means was also a place where I saw that bipartisan work can also get done. In 2021, after months of trying to meet with Biden's Treasury Department, I shared my frustration with my fellow Ways and Means colleague, Brad Schneider. Brad offered to help set up a meeting, which was something I thought was an empty gesture. Madam Speaker, I was wrong. A week later, I was on the call with those who I had been trying to meet with for months. It was a reminder that even when we disagree, we can still find ways to work together. I would be remiss if I didn't thank my friend, Richie Neal, who chaired Ways and Means during my first 2 years on the committee and now serves as the ranking member. Richie is a true professional, something that sometimes we are lacking in this place. He is willing to work with you where common ground can be found, while respecting differences when it cannot. One of my favorite jobs in Congress was chairing the Republican Study Committee. I worked with some of the best and the brightest staff in the world and brought together Republican Members to tackle critical issues, like government funding and debt ceilings. Those discussions helped to create policy proposals, many of which became law in Congress. I have no doubt that the RSC will continue to be a leading force in shaping conservative policy in Congress. I also recognize Speaker Johnson and our leadership team, which is navigating one of the slimmest margins in history. It is no easy task, and Mike and his team have worked tirelessly to keep the House moving forward and delivering for the American people. I am grateful for their leadership and everything they have done for our Conference. Lastly, I thank my staff who have worked alongside me for the past 8 years. I am proud to have one of the lowest turnovers on Capitol Hill. My chief of staff and district director have been with me from the very beginning, and the majority of my staff have stayed with me for multiple Congresses. I am equally proud to have watched others grow into new opportunities, including four who have become chiefs of staff for other Members and others who have taken on leadership roles in the Republican policy areas. My D.C. staff have worked countless hours to advance policy proposals, many of which have been signed into law. Back home, my district staff has achieved great successes in delivering for Oklahomans. Almost 8 years ago, I ended my first speech by saying: ``Let's get to work.'' While I am proud of the work that we have achieved during my time here, the American people rightly expect a lot from those who are elected to office, and our job is to deliver for them. My hope is that I will have the opportunity to continue that work on the other end of the Capitol. As I leave this great Chamber, I only have to say the same as when I started: Let's get to work.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this bill is coming to the floor today. Every patient's health needs are unique, and every person's situation is different. This is why it is so important to expand and protect the different options available to individuals, and this bill does exactly that. It gives the decisionmaking process back to the American people. I am honored that this package includes my bill, the CHOICE Arrangement Act, which makes it easier for small businesses--something that I know something about after 35 years in business--to offer healthcare coverage. It gives individuals more options to choose health plans that work for them. CHOICE accounts put individuals in the driver's seat when it comes to picking their healthcare plan and lets their employer financially support their decision. This empowers people in one of their most personal decisions, their healthcare. Over the last 15 years, healthcare has become unaffordable for everyone, including 164 million Americans covered by employer-sponsored plans. Yet, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to ignore these individuals in their healthcare conversations. The gentleman from California just stated, ``This is for 4 million,'' what they are talking about. We want to lower the healthcare costs for over 300 million people in America. Premiums are rising for all Americans, whether you are on the exchange or an employer-sponsored plan, whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, whether you are healthy or you are unhealthy. We should be focused on making healthcare affordable for all Americans and include those on the exchange, employer-sponsored plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. The provisions of this bill are a start to doing so by giving Americans what they need: lower costs, more choices, and increased transparency. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 1069, the PROTECT Our Kids Act, and I urge my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, to support this bill. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese Communist Party has been spreading its malign influence for over a decade. This initiative has one goal: to increase China's economic and political dominance over the United States and the world. Disguised as harmless global infrastructure, transportation, and production networks, this global campaign is anything but harmless. Education is one of the primary targets of the Belt and Road Initiative, and they are succeeding in their mission to indoctrinate American students with their Communist ideals. Mr. Speaker, Chinese state media has even bragged about the success of Confucius Institutes and other educational initiatives in spreading the CCP's influence. This doesn't stop at our college campuses. Right now, China is invading our K-12 schools through Confucius Classrooms. Over the last decade or more, the CCP has infiltrated our public education system, setting up Chinese language and cultural programs in primary and secondary schools. Similar to the Confucius Institute model at our universities, China rapidly expanded these programs to over 1,000 established worldwide by 2017, with over 500 in the United States. In exchange, their contracts allow China to staff these programs, provide curriculum, and require teachers to sign contracts, ensuring they do not damage the national interests of China. Make no mistake, this is not out of the kindness of their hearts. The CCP is not interested in helping American students learn Mandarin. They want to brainwash our children, plain and simple. Since 2013, the authoritarian Government of the People's Republic of China has sent curriculum and PRC-trained teachers into hundreds of K- 12 schools across America as an unofficial component of its global influence campaign. Concern over the threat posed by Confucius Classrooms is not new. In 2020, Secretaries DeVos and Pompeo sent a letter to State education commissioners, outlining their concern with these types of programs and urging schools to consider the threat they may pose to academic freedom. The State Department found that approval from the PRC's Minister of Education is required when filling teaching positions associated with Confucius Classrooms. Concerns over the threat posed by Confucius Classrooms are not always exclusive to the United States. In Australia, the New South Wales Department of Education ended the Confucius Classroom presence in public schools due to concerns of potential propaganda. They replaced the programs with Chinese language programs funded and managed solely by Australians. Similarly, in 2019, the Canadian Province of New Brunswick initiated a two-stage removal of Confucius Institute-funded programs from elementary and middle schools--once again, due to the threat of Chinese propaganda. The CCP has committed countless violations of human rights, and its authoritarian agenda is antithetical to the democratic principles our country was founded on. Chinese propaganda has no place in our education system. We have taken important steps toward mitigating Chinese influence at our American universities by cracking down on Confucius Institutes. Now that the Chinese Government has directed its attention toward our elementary and secondary schools, it is time we do the same and protect our children from the malign influence of the CCP. The PROTECT Our Kids Act would prohibit Federal funding for any elementary or secondary school that continues to host a Confucius Classroom. Schools will be notified of these requirements and given guidance for how to comply. To be clear, this legislation is only concerned with programs funded or supported by the CCP. Language programs in schools that do not partner with the CCP are not threatened by this legislation. The only objective is to prevent CCP propaganda from being taught to our kids. This should not be controversial. Mr. Speaker, I will say it again: Protecting our kids from Chinese propaganda should not be controversial. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Miranda Dabney who has served Oklahoma's First District with unwavering dedication since my very first day in office. For nearly 7 years, Miranda's tireless work and invaluable contributions have been the cornerstone of our team's success. From shaping our message to driving our mission forward, her impact is immeasurable. We simply would not be where we are today without her. I am immensely proud of her remarkable achievements and the legacy she leaves with us. Miranda is not going far. She will be working for the Committee on Appropriations under my dear friend and fellow Oklahoman, Chairman Tom Cole. As she embarks on her next chapter, I have no doubt her career will continue to flourish, inspiring us all. I thank Miranda for her service and for making Oklahoma stronger.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this one big, beautiful bill. The American people have heard a lot of lies about this bill. The left and their friends in the media have settled for demagoguing and fear-mongering to try to stop President Trump from delivering on his promises to the American people. Fortunately for all of us, the bill that they conjured up just simply doesn't exist. What does exist is a bill that champions working-class families. It strengthens the middle class and provides much-needed support to small businesses. It is thanks to President Trump's leadership on this big, beautiful bill that we have something we can all be proud of. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of the committees and the chairs who worked on this legislation, but particularly our chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Jason Smith, who knew 2 years ago that this might happen, that this might occur and that we would be in exactly this position. He spent those years ensuring that our committee was prepared, educated, and empowered to be ambassadors for the President's tax policies. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on its centennial anniversary. Established in 1925, this parish has served Tulsa and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for a century. The Church continues to be a strong and dedicated partner in the Tulsa community. This impressive anniversary highlights the congregation's devotion to the greater Tulsa community, as well as their unwavering faith in God and commitment to His will. One hundred years of service is an extraordinary accomplishment. The rich traditions of the Orthodox Church extend back to the earliest days of Christianity, established in the lands surrounding the Mediterranean, where the first Christian communities lived and worshipped. These traditions have survived millennia, connecting the modern Orthodox Church to the earliest practitioners of our faith and welcoming congregants of all races and cultures. Congratulations to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Tulsa for reaching this significant milestone. I join the congregation and Tulsa community-at-large in celebrating this centennial anniversary, and I sincerely wish the Church sustained success and prosperity for years to come.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation that will unlock the critical work the American people elected us to do. Let's not forget that the only reason we are in this position to be working on such important legislation is because of President Donald Trump. President Trump's message resonated with the American people, and they elected him in historic numbers. They delivered Republican majorities in the House and the Senate because they want Congress to deliver on the promises we made. Today, it is time for us to act so that we can get on with the real work in our committees. In passing this budget framework, we are unlocking the process to deliver on unleashing American energy production, permanently securing our southern and northern borders, and making tax cuts permanent for small businesses and working families. If we fail, every American will see the largest tax increase in American history. Just days away from tax day, this is as important a time as any to put the American people first. We cannot fail the hardworking Americans who are trusting us to get this done or the small businesses that rely on consistency in our tax code. President Trump has fully secured our border and eliminated over $100 billion in government spending on waste, fraud, and abuse. My Democratic colleagues speak of confusion, as we have heard today. Let me remove some of that confusion. President Trump's new proposal on tax cuts is for those making tips, not the wealthy; those on overtime, not the wealthy; and reducing the tax burden on those receiving Social Security, our seniors, not the wealthy. The President has talked about giving tax credits or deductibility for interest on automobiles made in America so our great union workers in America can have better jobs and continue to see jobs grow in America, not the wealthy. My Democratic colleagues want to talk about fear over facts, as we have heard from their leaders today. Let me remind them of what happened. They inherited a government in January 2021 with 1.4 percent inflation, and they delivered 9.1 percent inflation just 5 months later. That was almost a sevenfold, 700 percent, increase in inflation on the American people. When they talk about being good stewards of the American taxpayers' tax dollars, this is an outright abuse of the facts. The facts are they are the ones who increased inflation, as my colleague said, over 20 percent over a 4-year period. The reason the American people are suffering today is not because of the 70 days that President Trump has been in office. It is because of the 4 years of the Biden administration and the Democratic Party. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this budget, and I am proud to fight for President Trump's legislative agenda. I urge every one of my colleagues here to vote so we can get on to the debate that the leader on the other side of the aisle talked about.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the opportunity to speak. One of America's most famous sons, Will Rogers, once said: ``It costs ten times more to govern us than it used to and we are not governed one-tenth as good.'' That was in 1932. I can only imagine what he would say today. That is why this vote is so important. It moves us closer to delivering on the mandate the American people overwhelmingly demanded in November. We are on an unsustainable path, and every Member of this body knows it. This budget resolution commits us to investing in strong border security and strengthening our national defense. It directs committees to find ways to make the President's tax agenda permanent. It paves the way to unleash American energy production. The budget resolution calls for historic spending cuts as Congress works with the President to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, something that every single one of us, regardless of party, should applaud, all in one, big, beautiful bill. Failure to unite on this vote may very well result in breaking up the President's agenda. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Together we can build a stronger, more prosperous America before it is too late.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma

Mr. HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, combating the CCP's malign influence across the globe demands strong partnerships and a steady backbone. Our partnership with Taiwan is critical to that goal. In 2023, I led a delegation to Taiwan, where we met with former President Tsai and current President Lai. We saw firsthand the importance of the economic partnership between our great nations, a partnership meaningful not only in economic terms, but in the true friendship and goodwill we share, as well as our common values. Taiwan is fighting for the very thing that our Founding Fathers did: freedom and opportunity. Taiwan does not ask for our support without bringing their own strengths to the table. They have increased investment in domestic research and development to improve their own deterrence capabilities and are invested heavily in the semiconductor industry here in the United States of America. Unfortunately, without a formal tax treaty with Taiwan, double taxation is deterring further Taiwanese investments in the United States. This unique issue requires a unique solution. H.R. 33 will alleviate the double taxation burden and, in turn, bolster the U.S. supply chain. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support H.R. 33 today, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great honor and pride to the legacy of the remarkable Oklahoma Senator James Mountain Inhofe and to support S. 5314, a bill sponsored by my colleague Senator Lankford to name the new VA medical center in Tulsa after this towering figure in our State's history, and I would argue, in our Nation's history. This new 275,000-square-foot, 58-bed medical-surgical VA hospital will bear the name of James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his career to championing our military, our veterans, and their families. Senator Inhofe's legacy of service is unmatched. From his early days as mayor of Tulsa to his decades in the Senate, he fought tirelessly for the men and women who wear the uniform of this Nation. I thank Senator Lankford for leading this effort in the Senate and for ensuring the unanimous passage of this important bill. It was an honor to introduce companion legislation in the House alongside the Oklahoma delegation, knowing how much this hospital's name will mean to our veterans and their families. For those of us privileged to call Senator Inhofe a friend, this is deeply personal. His unwavering dedication to our State and our Nation, his tireless advocacy for those who served, and his steadfast leadership left an indelible mark on every corner of Oklahoma. Naming this hospital in his honor ensures his legacy will endure, reminding us all of the standard he set as a public servant. Oklahomans knew Senator Inhofe as their Senator, their mayor, their advocate, and most importantly, their friend. This designation is more than a tribute. It is a promise to carry forward his commitment to the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of our Nation.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Spina Bifida Awareness Month to pay tribute to the numerous individuals and their families across our country living with this condition. Spina Bifida is a condition I am very familiar with. My sister and my niece both suffer from spina bifida. I know how it can impact a family. Spina Bifida is the nation's most common permanently disabling birth defect-compatible with life. Spina Bifida stems from a hole in the spinal cord, a condition known as a neural tube defect, as the spinal column fails to close properly during development in the womb, and it impacts virtually every major organ system. Children born with Spina Bifida typically undergo dozens of surgeries before they become adults. Adults living with Spina Bifida face myriad physical health, mental health, and other challenges, such as unemployment and limited access to quality primary and specialty care. There are currently an estimated 166,000 individuals in the United States living with Spina Bifida, approximately 65 percent of whom are adults. This disease is now witnessing its first generation of adults, an incredible milestone, considering that the original designation of Spina Bifida as a childhood condition meant that the vast majority did not experience life beyond youth. We have taken tremendous steps forward in recent years due to dedicated medical research, but there is so much we still don't know. Unfortunately, funding for Spina Bifida is limited. The only place in the Federal Government that is specifically studying this complex condition for children and adults is the Spina Bifida Program at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the CDC through the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry and the Spina Bifida Collaborative Care Network. People with Spina Bifida deserve no less than the rest of us as we age. We must ensure that adults with Spina Bifida can receive high- quality medical care and that researchers have the funds necessary to continue the development of treatments for spina bifida.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of H.R. 9076. I am very pleased that this legislation is coming to the House floor today. The Supporting America's Children and Families Act includes two pieces of legislation that are important, not just to me, but to my home State of Oklahoma. The first is the Strengthening State and Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act. This policy finally allows Tribes who run their own child support enforcement programs to access Treasury offset programs. There are 38 federally recognized Tribes in my home State of Oklahoma, 10 of which run their own child support enforcement agencies. I would highlight this policy has the support of the National Tribal Child Support Association and the National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors. Not only does this policy help Tribes efficiently run their child support enforcement programs, but States will be allowed to continue to use the third-party contractors to help run their child support enforcement programs. Child support enforcement is not a partisan issue. It is the right thing for Congress to do. Without this fix, we risk States having to bring all child support enforcement services in- house, costing hundreds of millions of dollars, along with the immediate pause of child support programs to millions of families, an absolutely devastating outcome. We cannot let this happen to our families. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this piece of legislation to help the children that are growing up to be this country's next generation because it truly is about the children. This legislation also includes the Tribal Welfare Support Act, which allows child welfare funds from title IV-B to be paid directly to Tribes, reducing the regulatory burden for both States and Tribes. Right now, child welfare payments are made to Tribes through two different funding allocations, one of which goes through States rather than directly to Tribal guarantees, an outdated and fragmented system that needs to be updated. The Tribal Child Welfare Support Act modernizes this process so that title IV-B recipients can spend more time helping their children and families, and less time wading through the red tape. The Supporting America's Children and Families Act passed unanimously out of the Committee on Ways and Means and contains priorities that will help families and children all over this country. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this piece of legislation today.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of our Nation's paralegal professionals. Paralegals have been in use in the legal profession for nearly 60 years. These individuals are hard workers, held to the highest ethical standards, and provide essential support in legal offices. Anyone in business knows that your business is only as strong as the people who work there. Support is a vital part of the foundation of any success; within the legal ecosystem, paralegals play a vital part in building and sustaining that foundation. ``Liberty and justice for all'' is more than just a line in our national Pledge of Allegiance--it's the day-in, day-out mission for those in the legal profession. Paralegals are essential to that profession, working in government agencies, corporations, law firms, and more. Many professions are honored with a day of recognition. I am thrilled to commemorate this first National Paralegal Day on August 6, 2024. I thank our Nation's paralegals for their tireless and inspiring work and hope it will encourage others to pursue a career in this honorable field.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bernice Trotter, a World War II veteran, and Tulsa native, who turned 100 years old yesterday. Ms. Trotter was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Women's Reserve from 1944 to 1946. She enlisted within a few weeks of her brother, Franklin, who was killed in action in Germany in 1945. Ms. Trotter completed basic training at Camp Pendleton, California and she remained there to faithfully execute her duties driving a jeep for a Major she was assigned to. The only problem was that she didn't know how to drive. Ms. Trotter and the other 18,000 women that joined the Marine Corps Women's Reserve didn't make excuses, they learned, and did their jobs with honor. Our Nation stands on the strong shoulders of courageous, determined, and resourceful women like Ms. Trotter who answered the call to serve our Nation in one of our greatest hours of need. Happy birthday to Miss Minnie. She has done Franklin, and this entire Nation proud.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Alaska Right to Produce Act, and I thank my colleagues Pete Stauber and August Pfluger for the work with RSC's House Energy Action Team to put the legislation forward. Mr. Speaker, it has been noted here that we talk certain ways but vote others. I think nothing is more evident than what we just saw just a few minutes ago where the gentlewoman from Alaska supported the bill but is going to vote ``present.'' You are either with Alaska or you are not. The Republicans are with Alaska. I just want to note for the record that we are going to vote to support Alaska. This legislation is only necessary because of the disastrous policymaking coming out of the Biden administration. It is hard to believe today that the national average for a gallon of gas in 2020 was just over $2. Under President Trump, the United States was well on our way not only to being energy independent, but energy dominant. Where do we and our allies get our oil from when we are not producing it ourselves? We get it from Russia, Venezuela, and other bad actors around the globe. Let's be clear: Halting domestic production of oil and gas does absolutely nothing to lower our dependence on oil and gas, as the climate lobby wants you to believe. It just increases our dependence on people like Vladimir Putin. I don't want the United States to rely on anything from Vladimir Putin. The solution is so simple: Use the resources under our own feet. The Alaska Right to Produce Act reverses the damaging policies from Joe Biden to unleash our domestic energy potential. Alaska has been blessed with tremendous oil and natural gas deposits, and the people of Alaska are incredibly supportive of utilizing those resources. This bill empowers the Native Alaskan communities and residents of the State to profit from the resources under their own soil. In a future where America is energy dominant, the only loser is Vladimir Putin, and others like him. It helps our allies when we can provide them with oil and gas so that they are not reliant on Putin, either. It helps our own people by lowering costs and providing cleaner, more affordable energy sources, and it helps Alaska reap the benefits of the resources in their land.

Mr. HERN. It is just common sense, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this essential legislation.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable American, Hope Allison Dabney. To all who knew her, Hope's infectious smile and warm demeanor impacted the lives of so many. Hope was a cherished daughter, sister, cousin, niece, granddaughter, and friend. She was a dedicated gymnast, a talented singer, a skillful pole- vaulter, a fierce Auburn football fan, and hundreds of other things. As a testament to Hope's character, she volunteered at River Edge, a nonprofit organization in Georgia that provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment, as well as services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The news of her passing at just 26 years of age has left many hearts broken across the country. May we find solace in the knowledge that her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. May Hope's legacy inspire acts of kindness and warmth, echoing the love and friendliness that defines her time with us for so many years. My wife, Tammy, and I, along with the staff of Oklahoma's First Congressional District unite in prayer for the Dabney family and all those who were blessed to know Hope.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, as a result of President Trump's tax reform, our economy was strong, wages were up, unemployment was at all-time lows. We have a critical tax cliff fast approaching at the end of 2025--just 20 months from now--with the majority of President Trump's progrowth policies expiring. Extending these expired provisions is not just an economic issue, one could argue this is a national security issue. Mr. Speaker, we can't expect to compete with China when it is more expensive to invest, innovate, and grow here in the United States. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, which extends President Trump's progrowth policy agenda and increases U.S. competitiveness and resilience against China's economic influence.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Madam Speaker, because of the successes that I have had in life, not many people know that my life began very differently. My family was dependent on food stamps for most of my youth. My stepdad never worked, and my siblings and I paid the price for it. I knew from a young age that I would not let that be my life. From the moment I could start working, I did whatever it took to earn financial security--hog farming, welding, computer programming, the list goes on. If it weren't for the McDonald's franchisee program, I wouldn't be here today. After 11 years of working in the restaurants, I was able to work my way into the franchisee program and purchase my first franchise location. I was able to build a successful company with over 20 locations and thousands of employees. I have lived a truly American story, and my mission in life is to help every child who grew up like me--wondering where their next meal would come from, unsure if the lights would be on when they came home from school. I want those kids to know that our country is a place of opportunity and a place of hope for those who will work for it. Today, we are here to provide congressional disapproval of a rule that would completely destroy the franchise model that gave me the opportunity to be successful. I thank Congressman James for introducing the CRA to shed light on how harmful the National Labor Standards Board rule is to small businesses and especially the franchise model. This new rule would have grave consequences on small businesses and the franchise model. Have we not learned from our history? Under the Obama administration, the joint employer rule was expanded, and the data shows that franchises lost $33.3 billion each year, 376,000 jobs were lost, and losses increased by 93 percent. We have already seen this administration's spending habits wreak havoc on Americans in the form of inflation. We cannot allow the Biden administration to move forward with this rule that will have devastating effects on our economy. We should learn from the mistake the Obama administration made and reject this new joint rule. Madam Speaker, I urge my friends on both sides of the aisle to support H.J. Res. 98.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, it is great to see my colleague from Oklahoma from the Second District, our newest member of our Oklahoma delegation. I certainly know where his heart is on these issues that American taxpayers rely on us to be responsible for and for the money to be put to good use. We have a critical tax cliff fast approaching at the end of 2025, with the majority of the TCJA's progrowth tax policies expiring. We are already seeing the devastating economic effects of TCJA's expired provisions, including the EBITDA interest deduction limitation, immediate deduction of R&D, and 100 percent bonus depreciation. Ernst & Young projects that over 10 years, if the increased limitation on the interest deductibility is not repealed, 900,000 jobs will be lost; employee compensation will be reduced by $58 billion; and GDP will fall by more than $108 billion. Twenty-six OECD countries use earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization, otherwise known as EBITDA, as an earnings-stripping limit, and zero countries in the OECD use the new U.S. EBIT-based limitation. This stricter limitation on businesses will fall on the American worker in the form of lower wages and employment and make the U.S. less competitive in the global marketplace. We need to restore the EBITDA interest deduction limitation immediately. Since the harmful R&D amortization requirement took effect in 2022, R&D spending's rate of growth has slowed dramatically, from 6.6 percent on average over the previous 5 years to less than 1 percent over the past 12 months. China continues to offer a 200 percent super-deduction for R&D, and the United States remains uncompetitive at 20 percent. We need to restore immediate deduction for R&D costs, something that has been around since the middle 1950s. Bonus depreciation will continue to ramp down for ensuing years: 80 percent in 2023, 60 percent for this year, 40 percent for 2025, 20 percent for 2026, and zero percent beginning in 2027. Last year, the U.K. announced its commitment to make permanent its progrowth policy for full expensing. The U.S. should be looking to do the same to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Mr. Speaker, this is more than just an economic issue. This is a national security issue. How can we expect to compete with China when it is more expensive to invest, innovate, and grow here in the United States of America?