Diana Harshbarger

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chairman, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been hard at work removing statues and renaming military bases because they believe they can and should erase history. The Board on Geographic Names was initially designed to be a part of the United States Geological Survey to ensure uniform naming on maps. However, when Secretary Haaland took over as Secretary of the Interior, she immediately repurposed the Board on Geographic Names to the Interior Department's woke renaming board. One of the Secretary's top priorities was to deem the word ``squaw'' derogatory and remove any word with ``squaw'' in it from any geographic landmark or unincorporated town. She pursued this policy using the Board on Geographic Names. This affected my district because the board changed the name of unincorporated ``Squawberry'' to ``Partridgeberry'' despite the opposition of local leaders. This is complete government overreach, and it is unacceptable to allow the Federal Government to force their ideals down the throats of east Tennesseans. This is not what the Federal Government is supposed to be tasked with, and I question how long it will be until Secretary Haaland decides to turn her attention to every geographic landmark named for Columbus or Washington or Jefferson. I do not trust this administration to discontinue using the Board on Geographic Names to push their agenda onto Americans, and for this reason, I believe that we need to prohibit funding for the Board on Geographic Names. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support the passage of this important amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, this is really, really a simple concept. If you don't think the Federal Government should be changing the names of localities, especially with the opposition of locales, then support my amendment. This is Federal overreach plain and simple. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, our Founding Fathers believed that democracy and our system of government could only prosper in a Western society guided by Judeo-Christian values. I raised my son with these values, and he is raising his sons with this same set of values. For nearly 30 years, I have instilled these same values to our youth as a Sunday school teacher. As we have all observed, America is at a social and political crossroads, which stems from a profound loss of traditional Judeo- Christian values that make up the foundation of our families and, therefore, our Nation. Religious devotion among Americans is collapsing. More than a third of the country declines to attend religious services. Less than 75 percent of the country holds strong, solid religious beliefs. Is there any wonder we see the crime rates continue to surge and America's mental health crisis continue to worsen? The conclusion is simple. It is the direct effect of the erosion of our Christian values, and it started with taking prayer out of the schools. America needs spiritual guidance now more than ever. Christian values promote personal responsibility, compassion, and a sense of community. These are the essential pillars missing in today's society. When these values are absent in a family or in a society, you will see a decline in morality that can be generational. We, as leaders, need to not only remind ourselves but our colleagues and constituents that restoring the Judeo-Christian values that our country was founded upon offers a pathway for our country to heal. If our country or our families fail to embrace the principles that made our Nation great, our Nation risks further division and decline. That is why I am proud to co-chair the Congressional Family Caucus, which seeks to restore the guiding Judeo-Christian values and principles that exemplify our Nation's greatness by promoting God- driven and family-focused policies. It is time to reinstate the teachings of Jesus Christ and chart a course toward renewal, reconciliation, and revival for our great Nation.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. William ``Bill'' Greer, a distinguished leader, educator, and advocate for higher education who has announced his retirement as the 15th President of Milligan University. Dr. Greer's exemplary tenure, spanning more than 13 years, is marked by significant transformation, growth, and achievement for Milligan University. A proud alumnus, Dr. Greer graduated from Milligan in 1985 and returned to his alma mater in 1994 as a Professor of Economics and Business. With a wealth of experience after a decade in the private sector, Dr. Greer led the institution's business initiative as the founding director of Milligan's MBA program. His leadership as Vice President for Institutional Advancement was instrumental to the success of the ``Forward Ever'' campaign, raising $28 million for the university in its first phase of implementation. Since assuming the role of president in 2011, Dr. Greer has been a visionary, guiding Milligan University to unprecedented levels of achievement. Under his leadership, the university has received recognition as one of the Best Regional Universities and Best Values in the South. In 2020, Dr. Greer helmed the impressive modernization and expansion of 25 additional academic programs, elevating Milligan's status from a college to a university. Dr. Greer's presidency is highlighted by a series of significant accomplishments, including record enrollment, giving, and endowment growth. He presided over the integration of Emmanuel Christian Seminary, the establishment of Milligan Village, and the growth of multiple academic and athletic facilities. His efforts have significantly increased the university's footprint to 355 acres and brought numerous national recognitions to Milligan. Additionally, Dr. Greer's focus on Milligan's mission as a premier, Christian liberal arts institution has resulted in the education and support of thousands of students, overseeing nearly 4,000 graduates under his tenure. Furthermore, his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified compassion and resilience, guiding the university through unprecedented challenges. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Bill Greer for his outstanding service to Milligan and our region. His retirement marks the end of an era of exceptional service and dynamic leadership. I am certain his legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations of Buffs. I wish him and his family all the best in his retirement and his continued service as Chancellor of Milligan University.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Bloomingdale Baptist Church, who serves as a beacon of faith and hope to the residents of East Tennessee, as the oldest Baptist church in the region. Since its founding, the church has been a cornerstone of spiritual guidance and unwavering support to the Bloomingdale community. On April 2, 1944, a council of eight preachers and thirteen deacons answered the call for faith services and formed the Bloomingdale Baptist Church, the first Baptist church in the area. Since then, thirteen charter members, in an assembly of letters, statements, and baptisms, built community service, faith, and charity as the strong foundations to rest the church. To this very day, these spiritual values live loudly within the hearts of Bloomingdale Baptist Church congregants and its leadership. Throughout Bloomingdale Baptist's history, a tradition of devoted leadership has remained a perennial source of inspiration and renewal. The first elected pastor, James Taft Richards, led worship services with a passion and faith that invigorated church members until 1950. His successor, Pastor Joseph William Byrd, renowned as a symbol of resolve, served as the longest-tenured Southern Baptist pastor to lead a single church. Following Pastor Byrd's tenure, Pastor Phillip R. Whittemore helmed the church, upholding its enduring legacy of faith and community service until his retirement in 2023. Now, as the church looks forward, Pastor Wade Childress provides stability and an uplifting vision for the future as Bloomingdale Baptist Church's interim pastor. Bloomingdale Baptist Church has not only served as a place of worship, but a welcoming center for community life. It has witnessed countless baptisms, marriages, and gatherings, each event enriching the lives of its congregation and the Bloomingdale community at large. As Bloomingdale Baptist Church celebrates this remarkable milestone, we recognize its steadfast and profound impact for generations of church members, instilling faith, love, and service to the community it serves and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bloomingdale Baptist Church on its 80th anniversary. I wish Pastor Childress and the entire congregation another 80 wonderful years of continued faith and service in the Bloomingdale community.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent Captain Kevin Mitchell of the Kingsport Fire Department in Kingsport, Tennessee, who is retiring after more than 26 years of dedicated service to our community. Captain Mitchell began his Journey with the Kingsport Fire Department on September 2, 1997. Over the span of his illustrious career, he has not only served as a firefighter, but also advanced to become a paramedic serving in this capacity for over two decades. His dedication to continued education extended far beyond his immediate duties as a respected instructor in both fire service and medical fields, where he taught crucial lifesaving techniques such as CPR, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and more. Beginning his career as a firefighter, Captain Mitchell was soon promoted to the position of engineer, where he was responsible for driving and operating complex firefighting vehicles. He continued to rise through the ranks in recognition of his exceptional service, culminating in his promotion to Captain, a role he held until his retirement. His commitment to safety and excellence led him to join the Kingsport Fire Department Technical Rescue Team, where he specialized in Search & Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Confined Space, High & Low Angle Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue, and Structural Collapse. His leadership and expertise in these areas earned him the role of Technical Rescue Team Leader. In addition to his remarkable service at the Kingsport Fire Department, Captain Mitchell also dedicated eight years as a member of the State of Tennessee Emergency Service Board in Nashville, where he played a pivotal role in regulating EMS activities across the state. His service to the community extended well beyond his professional obligations to include his participation with the Big Brother/Big Sister Program of East Tennessee, H.O.P.E. (Help Our Potential Evolve), the Kingsport Life Saving Crew, and the Kingsport Firefighters Association Local 2270. His advocacy efforts also saw him participate in state legislation, lobbying for the rights and welfare of firefighters across Tennessee, advocating on critical issues like PTSD and cancer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Captain Kevin Mitchell for his outstanding service to the Kingsport Fire Department and the citizens of Kingsport, Tennessee. His retirement marks the end of an era of exceptional service and leadership, and his legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations of public servants. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of Chair Rodgers' Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, which addresses the Federal Government's discriminatory practices toward disabled and chronically ill patients through the use of quality-adjusted life years. Quality-adjusted life years are used by bureaucrats and healthcare administrators to assign a numerical value to an individual's life, which is then used to make coverage decisions for medical treatments and services. Current law already largely prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from using this metric in Medicare ``in a manner that treats extending the life of an elderly, disabled, or terminally ill individual as of lower value.'' This discriminatory metric has even been proposed to be used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The bottom line is this: The Federal Government should not play a role in determining the value of a patient's life. As a pharmacist for over 30 years, I understand that ensuring patients with disabilities and chronic illnesses have continued access to quality care is of utmost performance. The Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act will ban the use of quality-adjusted life years in Federal healthcare programs, expanding access to healthcare for Americans and protecting patients across the country. As a healthcare provider, we take an oath to first do no harm. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this landmark legislation led by Chair McMorris Rodgers and put the interests of patients first.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent and a true American hero, Major Jeffrey Eggers of the United States Marine Corps, as we celebrate his retirement after twenty-seven years of distinguished service to our Nation. Major Eggers was born in Elizabethton, Tennessee to Jerry and Diane Eggers. A leader from his early days, he served as the student body president at Unaka High School, excelled as a star athlete on the football team, achieved academic excellence, and graduated with honors. His commitment to education continued at East Tennessee State University, where he majored in Biomedical Engineering while serving in the Marine Corps Reserves. Major Eggers quickly rose through the ranks of the Marine Corps, beginning as an infantryman in Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment to achieving the prestigious distinction of a commissioned officer. His journey sent him from Basic Training on Parris Island to the Basic School in Quantico, and finally to flight school in Pensacola. As a skilled aviator, Major Eggers mastered the AH-1 W attack helicopter and flew numerous missions as support for our troops and allies across the globe. His service record is nothing short of remarkable. Major Eggers served in a critical role during the non-combatant evacuation of Lebanon, supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and provided vital aid during NATO operations in Libya and classified missions in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. His leadership and skillset in these challenging environments earned him numerous commendations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several Air Medals as testament to his bravery and dedication. Beyond his distinguished military career, Major Eggers is a man of faith and community. His involvement as a youth leader, deacon, and Bible study leader reflects his commitment to service, both in uniform and in his community. His beautiful wife, Stacy and his two wonderful children, Charles and Elijah have provided constant and unwavering support to him throughout his career. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major Jeffrey Eggers for his outstanding military service to our nation. His retirement marks the end of an era of exceptional service and fortitude. We are certain his legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations of United States Marines. We wish him and his family all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to posthumously recognize and extend gratitude to Airman Bobby Ray Stinson for his honorable military service during the Vietnam War Era. Airman Stinson was a man defined by his resolute and enduring love of country. Airman Stinson joined the United States Air Force in August 1964. Soon after, he was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. During this assignment, Airman Stinson served as an aircraft mechanic. He dreamed of one day becoming an Air Force Pilot like his father-in-law. However, due to a service-related injury, Airman Stinson instead received an honorable discharge from the Air Force. Following his military service, Airman Stinson returned home to his beloved wife, Shirley Jean in Tennessee. As a stalwart patriot, he made sure the American Flag flew high in their front yard in Blountville. In his civilian life, Airman Stinson served a multidecade career at Eastman Chemical. At Eastman, Airman Stinson's leadership and character proved indispensable. He helmed the maintenance division, where he oversaw and managed large-scale machinery repair and power operations until his retirement in 1998. Airman Stinson's word was his bond. His colleagues, friends, and neighbors knew him as a man of integrity, honor, and conviction. As a father, he taught his three sons, Mike, Travis, and Jeff Stinson of Blountville, Tennessee the difference between right and wrong, the value of hard work, and to never take the easy way out. Even in his retirement, Airman Stinson's duty of service never wavered. Both as an active member of the Ruritan Club and a dedicated volunteer to the Blountville First Baptist Church, he would always lend a hand whenever he could. Airman Stinson loved to spend time with his family, especially his six wonderful grandchildren. A year before his passing, Airman Stinson and his wife celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. He is remembered by all who knew him as a great Christian man, who always stood true to his faith in God. Please join me in honoring the life of Airman Bobby Ray Stinson and for his patriotic service to our country.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the rising cost of healthcare due to inflation and the need to address Medicare physician payments to ensure quality care for our seniors. Adjusting for inflation and practice costs, Medicare physician pay has declined over 25 percent since 2001. Despite this important statistic, Medicare payment updates are scheduled for all healthcare providers except physicians in 2024. Last November, CMS finalized a rule that would decrease Medicare reimbursement for physician services by 3.37 percent this year. Combined with 3 years of consecutive cuts to Medicare and the rising practice costs, Medicare payments have been cut by nearly 10 percent. Mr. Speaker, what physician will continue to practice when their salaries are being cut by 10 percent? It is critical that Congress takes action to address these unsustainable Medicare cuts immediately in order to ensure that patients continue receiving quality care. The negative effects of these cuts will hit our seniors living in rural areas the hardest; areas that already face significant healthcare challenges. As a community pharmacist in one of the country's most rural districts and co-chair of the Rural Healthcare Caucus, I urge the House and Senate to act swiftly on passing legislation that would stabilize Medicare payments to physicians and other providers to ensure that our seniors maintain access to quality healthcare.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Rural Health Month and to highlight the work of the congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, which I am proud to cosponsor with my colleague, Representative Tokuda from Hawaii. Over 60 million hardworking, everyday Americans live in rural communities throughout the United States. As my co-chair, Representative Tokuda, is fond of citing, nearly 97 percent of our Nation is designated as rural. Compared to their counterparts living in urban and suburban areas, rural Americans experience lower life expectancy, poorer health status, and more difficulty accessing quality and affordable healthcare. Rural patients face these challenges due to a limited number of rural healthcare providers and professionals, higher rates of uninsurance and underinsurance, and long journeys to care providers, sometimes lacking transportation entirely. Having served as a community pharmacist for over 30 years in east Tennessee, which is a rural area, I understand the unique healthcare challenges and obstacles faced by our patients and healthcare providers each and every day. It is crucial that Congress takes action to address the issues that rural healthcare providers grapple with such as workforce shortages, supply scarcities, reimbursement challenges, limited access to telehealth, and difficulties ensuring their patients receive the care they need. The congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus is here to provide a forum for Members of Congress to advocate for legislative action that will help increase access to quality, affordable healthcare and mental health services for all rural Americans. As co-chair, I will continue my work to advocate for legislation and policies that will ensure long-term sustainability of rural communities. Earlier this year, I introduced the bipartisan Rural Physician Workforce Production Act, which improves Medicare reimbursement and enhances the current structure of the Medicare-funded graduate medical education program, bringing more medical residents and doctors to rural areas in need. I also worked with my fellow colleagues from the Tennessee delegation to introduce the Rural America Health Corps Act, which would provide incentives for healthcare professionals to work in rural health facilities in exchange for forgiving medical student loans. In addition to these bills, I am a proud cosponsor of the Save Rural Hospitals Act, bipartisan legislation that will aid in curbing hospital closures in rural communities by ensuring fairness in Medicare hospital payments. This legislative work is absolutely critical and complements House Resolution 870, which I introduced with the majority of the Members of the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus to support the goals and ideas of National Rural Health Day. National Rural Health Day, the third Thursday of each November, was established to honor rural communities and the contributions and efforts of rural healthcare providers to address the unique challenges faced by the patients they serve. Given the aforementioned healthcare disparities faced by rural Americans and the continued difficulty experienced by rural healthcare providers in keeping their doors open, it is vital that Congress prioritizes improved patient care and access in rural areas. Our rural healthcare professionals and patients showcase a selfless and community-minded spirit. It is altogether fitting and proper that we celebrate rural healthcare providers and the millions of Americans that rural healthcare providers serve, and to express a commitment to advancing policy to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability in rural areas in our country. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Tokuda and my colleagues for joining in this cause.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise to address the Biden administration's reckless decision to use taxpayer dollars to purchase weapons and ammunition for the IRS, which is a tax collection agency. Last year, the American people were shocked to learn that the Biden administration was providing billions of dollars to the IRS to hire 80,000 new agents, whose job it will be to go after hardworking, middle-class Americans. The IRS should be focused on assisting our constituents with tax compliance and ensuring Americans receive their entitled refund, not focusing on arming its agents with the aim of further extorting the American taxpayer. The majority of Americans don't trust the government to be good stewards of their tax dollars. Arming the IRS certainly will not inspire new hope in our system. Let me make one thing clear. Washington does not have a tax collection problem. It has a spending problem. By disarming our tax collectors, this amendment offers us an opportunity to refocus the image of the IRS and restore faith in our government. After all, under President Biden, our agencies have been weaponized enough. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chairman, I understand why the IRS criminal investigation agents carry weapons. I am looking at a 2019 report where it was reported that by the end of 2017 the IRS already had 4,487 guns and over 5 million rounds of ammunition. I don't know what they need that for. When we have more agents carrying weapons than we do marines carrying weapons, that is a problem. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chairman, the last thing I heard is that we have a couple people who haven't paid taxes. Hunter Biden is one, and more than likely so is President Biden. The IRS should not be the agency that goes after criminals. That is an agency called the FBI. If they want to enforce the border with guns, then go after the 8 million plus illegals that are coming across the border and also the known terrorists that we have in this country. Mr. Chairman, this is my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chair, nowhere in my remarks did I mention the Hyde amendment. I am talking about a gender policy council that should not exist. For over 40 years we have had the Hyde amendment in place to where American taxpayer dollars didn't go to fund abortion. Nowhere did I say that a woman shouldn't have a right to do what she wanted to do, but with the Roe v. Wade reversal, that decision went back to the States where it rightly belonged. In my opinion, over the last 40 to 50 years women have been indoctrinated to think it was a constitutional right to abortion, and it never was. I am here to set the record straight. It went back to the States where it belongs. All I am trying to say is that we need to get rid of the Gender Policy Council. If they want to put that anywhere, HHS is the Department that it should fall under. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my commonsense amendment which would defund and effectively eliminate the Biden administration's pro-abortion and pro-transgender policy council which is housed in the Executive Office of the President. The Biden administration has declared war on science, basic biology, and the concept of gender. The American taxpayer should not be funding an office in the White House that is dedicated to spreading this administration's woke DEI agenda. Americans should know what DEI really stands for: division, exclusion, and indoctrination. Through various directives such as the Department of Education, President Biden has made it abundantly clear that his priorities are not promoting the policies that benefit the majority of Americans but are promoting an extreme agenda. They are forcing our daughters to compete against biological males in sports, forcing young women to share locker rooms and bathrooms with men, and launching pressure campaigns to encourage minors to take life altering hormones or undergo experimental surgeries. One must ask: Why are we promoting these radical policies, and why is the taxpayer funding it? The White House Gender Policy Council's executive director wants to lecture Americans, specifically our children, about her belief that racism and sexism are somehow built into our health system. The White House Gender Policy Council exists in a White House that is incapable of defining what a woman is. This amendment is as much about curbing wasteful and unnecessary government spending and being good stewards of taxpayer money as it is about putting an end to the Biden administration's far left ideology being forced on Americans and their children. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chairman, I have a question as to why we even have a gender policy council when that authority should fall under the Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Becerra. I think it is a redundancy that we do not need. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, known locally as the Mountain Home VA, as they celebrate 120 years of providing unparalleled healthcare and support to our Nation's brave veterans. This facility, located in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee, opened its doors to its first veteran patient in 1903, marking the inception of over a century of dedication to those who have valiantly served our Nation. Throughout its history, Mountain Home VA has stood as a pillar of medical excellence and constant support for veterans from all service branches. As our Nation has advanced to a new global military landscape, this facility has always offered a sanctuary, providing critical, compassionate, and comprehensive care to our Nation's heroes. Our veterans deserve nothing but the utmost care and respect upon returning to civilian life. For 120 years, the Mountain Home VA has done just that, creating a space that not only attends to the physical well-being of our service members but also provides resources to navigate the oftentimes complex journey of post-service life. Through generations, the dedicated staff of Mountain Home VA have exemplified an unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who have defended America's freedoms are afforded the dignity, respect, and care they have so rightfully earned. From innovative medical treatments, rehabilitative services, to mental health and wellness initiatives, Mountain Home has been at the forefront of advocating for and addressing the needs of our veterans. As we commemorate this monumental 120-year legacy, let us pay tribute not only to the institution, but to every nurse, doctor, specialist, administrator, and support staff member who has contributed to making Mountain Home VA a beacon of hope and healing for veterans. Your dedication and service have improved the lives of our veterans and their families, and for that, we owe you a debt of gratitude. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Director Dean Borson and the entire staff of Mountain Home VA. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honor the sacrifIce and service of our military men and women, who are forever remembered, valued, and supported.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and acknowledge a cornerstone of our community and a leading source of news and information in Northeast Tennessee and surrounding regions, WJHL- TV. This year marks the 70th anniversary of WJHL's dedication to broadcasting excellence. On October 26, 1953. WJHL made its debut, serving as the first voice of television in Northeast Tennessee and the second station to sign on in our great state. It was the vision and determination of founders Hanes Lancaster, Jr., Hanes Lancaster, Sr., and Jay Birdwell that brought this dream to fruition. Nestled in the heart of downtown Johnson City, WJHL has since been a familiar presence, illuminating our homes with news, information, and entertainment each day. Over the decades, WJHL has been dedicated to informing, educating, and entertaining over 300,000 households, spanning not just our Tennessee counties of Washington, Sullivan, Carter, Greene, Unicoi, Johnson, and Hawkins, but also extending its reach to into Virginia and Kentucky. The expansive reach of WJHL's signal is a testament to its leadership and trust within the region. Under the leadership of General Manager Paula Jackson, the station has maintained its commitment to broadcasting excellence. Paula and her team of over 80 employees--writers, producers, reporters, technicians, and staff members--all play a crucial role in ensuring that our region stays connected and informed. Their commitment to integrity, fairness, and community service is more than admirable. For seven decades, the dedicated staff of WJHL has been firm in their mission to report accurate local news that is vital to our region. Their creed is simple: news that matters to you and your family. Throughout its history, WJHL has seen numerous milestones. For many decades, they have proudly operated as a CBS affiliate. And in February 2016, they expanded their broadcasting network, adding ABC to their second channel, further adding to the content available to their viewers. However, it wasn't just in content where WJHL sought change. In the Fall of 2019, the station embarked on a new chapter, unveiling a state-of-the-art studio, certainly fitting for a station of its legacy. As part of the Nexstar Media Group, WJHL, which encompasses News Channel 11 and ABC Tri-Cities, is poised for continued growth and success. As they celebrate their 70th anniversary this year, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Paula and the entire WJHL team on 70 years of broadcast excellence. May they continue to shine brightly, informing and uniting our communities for many more years to come.

Mrs. HARSHBARGER

Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Chairman, I go back to my original statement. The Federal Government has no business renaming towns and erasing our history. That should be left to local and State entities to decide. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.