Erin Houchin

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I commend the other side for finally saying that some of these things that they have been harping on for the last several hours and 24- hour segments is not true. There is nothing in this budget resolution that presumes cuts to specific programs. Our Democratic colleagues admitted this much themselves last night. Mr. Speaker, this legislation simply provides flexible spending targets for authorizing committees to best determine what is feasible within their jurisdiction. I remind my Democratic colleagues that this resolution is the first step in a process to let reconciliation begin, when the real work will happen in the committees. If my colleagues have concerns about potential cuts being proposed once the authorizing committees begin their work, there will be ample opportunity to debate, provide amendment, and find opportunities in the reconciliation instructions for common ground. Unlike my friends on the other side, we don't view the Rules Committee as the first stop in the legislative process, but, rather, the last. We should let the committees do their work and not prejudge the outcomes or make baseless accusations and presumptions. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman), my friend.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), chairwoman of the Rules Committee.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the ranking member has discussed a number of votes taken at the Rules Committee markup last night. Once again, the budget is the first step in the process, not the last. Many of these amendments will have the opportunity to be debated thoughtfully and ad nauseam, I have no doubt, in the authorizing committees. The Democrats are speaking fear, not facts. Saying something that is false over and over again does not make it true. These amendments can be given consideration in the committees of jurisdiction. That is the process of regular order. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, I will reiterate that saying something false over and over again doesn't make it true. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, despite what Democrats may claim, the American people know the Biden-Harris administration caused enormous damage to our economy, weakened our national security, allowed millions of illegal immigrants and deadly fentanyl to flood across our southern border, and crippled American energy independence. That is exactly why voters rejected their failed leadership in the last election. Once again, this resolution does not cut a single specific program or benefit. The Democrats are speaking fear, not facts, and saying something over and over again that is false does not make it true. Democrats have told these lies before and were proven wrong. The Democrats want to continue 4 more years of Bidenomics. We want to put us on a path to prosperity. These are the same people claiming that there is no waste, fraud, or abuse in Washington. This resolution will begin a process that sets a fiscal framework to meet the agenda the American people demanded in November. Let's talk about some of their claims, that this is a handout to billionaires. It is their party that abandoned the middle class by spending like crazy. Not extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts would be the ultimate betrayal of the middle class. The average taxpayer in my district, in the Ninth District of Indiana, would see a 26 percent tax hike if the tax cuts the Democrats oppose expire. A family of four making $67,000, the median income in my district, would be a $1,289 tax increase. More than 6 million people were lifted out of poverty under Republican tax reform, dropping the poverty rate to 10.5 percent, the lowest in U.S. history. They claim this budget slashes food assistance. This resolution makes no changes to current law, no cuts in benefits, zero. They claim costs will go up. We will reverse Biden's spending spree and bend the curve on mandatory spending that is driving our debt. Inflation skyrocketed 21 percent under the Biden administration. That is why 77 million Americans voted for President Trump, to fix the economy and rein in Washington's waste, fraud, abuse, and reckless spending. Let's go with facts, not fear. This resolution doesn't say the words ``SNAP'' or ``Medicaid'' or ``school lunch'' once. We are cutting waste, fraud, and abuse for people who are here legally. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped people get off SNAP, which is a good thing. A GAO report last year showed improper payments could be costing the Federal Government more than $500 billion annually. I am not here to fight with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I am here to fight on behalf of the American people, and that is exactly what we are going to continue to do. In the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, my friends want to scare the American people into thinking that this is a tax cut for billionaires to detract from the fact that the 2017 tax cuts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have been extremely successful. Let's look at what has made it a success. By every conceivable measure, American workers and the economy were better off. Americans earned bigger paychecks, unemployment for every group was at a historic low, and poverty dropped to its lowest level in history. The 2017 Trump tax cuts lowered tax rates for all Americans. In fact, the lowest earning individuals gained the most benefit. The bottom 20 percent of earners, those with incomes up to $26,000, saw their Federal tax rate fall to the lowest point in 40 years. Earnings under $100,000 received an average cut of 16 percent, while the share of taxes paid by the top 1 percent increased. This is not simply a tax cut for the rich. Finally, if these tax cuts expire, it will devastate our Nation's families, workers, and small business owners. The average taxpayer would see a 22 percent tax hike, meaning on average they will pay $1,695 more in taxes; 40 million families will see their child tax credit cut in half; and 26 million small businesses would be hit with a 43.4 percent top tax rate. This is over 20 points higher than what businesses pay in Communist China. Because of House Republicans and President Trump, American workers enjoyed the fastest wage growth in a decade. This spread to Americans across the income distribution with lower-wage workers experiencing 50 percent higher wage growth than high-income workers. Higher wages led to a rapid growth in household income. Just 2 years after enactment of the tax cuts, real median household income rose by over $5,000. In total, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's pro-growth policies helped contribute to 3 percent growth in 2018 and 2.6 percent growth in 2019, well above CBO's pre-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act projections of 2.2 percent and 1.7 percent respectively. Meanwhile, we have seen what Bidenflation has cost American families. Again, this budget resolution does not cut a single specific program or benefit. The budget resolution sets a framework. It is a first step toward delivering on the America First agenda and getting our country back on track. We will secure our border. We will rebuild the American economy. We will unleash American energy and safeguard our financial future. Madam Speaker, 77 million Americans voted for this agenda, and it is our job to deliver on those promises. I look forward to moving these bills out of the House this week. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional leader, dedicated public servant, and my dear friend, Major General Dale Lyles, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard. General Lyles' journey of service began when he enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard in 1986. Over the years, he has demonstrated dedication and leadership in every role. His services included key positions, such as commander of the 219th Engineer Brigade and chief of staff for the Indiana National Guard where he oversaw operations and strategic initiatives. In 2019, General Lyles was appointed adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard by our Governor, Eric Holcomb. Since then, he has led efforts to modernize the force, ensuring Indiana's National Guard is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Under his leadership, the Guard has excelled in responding to national disasters, deploying overseas in defense of our freedoms, and serving our communities in times of crisis. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of his soldiers and their families has had a lasting impact in Indiana and beyond. As he retires from nearly 40 years of service to the United States, it is my honor to recognize Major General Dale Lyles for his outstanding service and dedication to a grateful State and Nation. Mr. Speaker, on behalf Indiana's Ninth District and a grateful country, I thank General Lyles for his years of sacrifice and dedication to America.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Republicans stood united to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, reaffirming a simple but critical truth: Men are men, and women are women. It is that simple. As the mother of two daughters who are athletes, I have seen firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes for girls to compete in sports. Sadly, we have witnessed biological men entering women's competitions, robbing female athletes of fair opportunities and, in some cases, even causing injuries. Under House Republican leadership, that ends now. This legislation, which I am proud to cosponsor, sends a clear message: Female athletes deserve fair competition, secure locker rooms, and a safe and level playing field. Thanks to House Republicans, the days of biological men competing in women's sports are over. This legislation is about restoring common sense. It is about standing up for objective truth. The American people have called for this national mandate supporting women and girls in their sports and spaces, and thanks to Republican leadership, we are delivering on that promise. I am proud to stand with Congressman Steube on the side of fairness, safety, integrity, and the protection of women's sports.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

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

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate my friend, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a dedicated leader whose two decades of service to Washington's Fifth Congressional District and our Nation have been truly exceptional. If I only had one word to describe Cathy, it would be trailblazer, and many people have said that yet tonight. She has been a great example of how it is possible to balance a demanding career in public service, while also being committed to her family. She was the 200th woman elected to Congress, the first female chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the first woman to have three children while serving in Congress. She embodies grace and resilience. She is kind and caring. She always desires to help others achieve success. Quite frankly, Cathy McMorris Rodgers is one of the driving reasons I stand in this Chamber today. Thank you. Those are not the only reasons or the only qualities that make her stand out. Her leadership as chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce has been transformative. She has led efforts to advance energy security, promote healthcare innovation, and build a stronger, more competitive economy. We could go on and on tonight on her policy success. She has been a champion for rural communities, small businesses, and families. She has advocated for policies that reflect the values of the American people. Her legacy is one of tireless advocacy, principled leadership, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. It has been an honor to serve alongside Cathy and witness the incredible impact she has made while serving in Congress. While it is bittersweet and the Conference will miss her, we are overjoyed that she will spend more time with her beloved family, with Brian, Cole, Grace, and Brynn. Cathy, best wishes and congratulations. Thank you for your guidance and friendship. You have shown us all what true servant leadership looks like.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday, December 9, 2024, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my colleague and dear friend, Kelly Armstrong, for his dedication not only to the people of North Dakota but to the United States of America. A true friend, reliable, prepared, selfless, wise, a mentor, witty, principled, and a distinguished leader, these are all the words that we have already heard this evening to describe Kelly Armstrong, and as a new Member of Congress this is something that I have witnessed. These are qualities that I have witnessed firsthand. One that hasn't been mentioned, though, is sarcastic, of which Kelly Armstrong certainly is, and it is one of the qualities that I love most about him. While serving in Congress, Kelly Armstrong has been a strong voice for rural America, always advocating for the values that make this Nation great: freedom, opportunity, and justice. His commitment to conservative principles has been admirable and reflects the kind of lawmaker he is and his dedicated service. His leadership on critical issues from energy independence to protecting our Second Amendment rights have been key in shaping policies that empower families, farmers, and businesses. Beyond his policy achievements, Kelly has been a trusted partner and principled legislator who is truly a public servant. He understands that leadership is about listening, about collaborating, and about standing firm when it matters most. Kelly Armstrong's work in Congress has made a lasting difference. It has been an honor to serve alongside him. I am grateful for his service, and I am looking forward to seeing all he will accomplish in his new role as the Governor of North Dakota. It is bittersweet, as our conference will miss him, but let us wish him and his family nothing but success. I am honored to be Kelly Armstrong's friend.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, as the mother of two college students, I am all too familiar with the concerns voiced by the nearly 18 million students and their families who attempted to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid this year and who are dreading a failed rollout again this year. I am here today to speak on their behalf. I am especially frustrated considering the Department of Education has had 3 years to simplify the FAFSA as Congress has dictated. This clear misplacement of priorities led the 2024 FAFSA to be delayed by 3 months with continuous technical issues. A scathing report from the Government Accountability Office found not only did the Biden- Harris Department of Education repeatedly fail to release FAFSA, when they finally released it, it didn't work. Then they left millions of calls from American families unanswered. Three-quarters of calls to the Department of Education about the broken FAFSA were not answered, and when they did answer the phone, they told parents to just keep trying. It is as if we need to take the Department of Education, unplug it, plug it back in, and hope that it might work, but it is not going to. They are still unprepared. The Department of Education has already failed students again this year with the expectation that the form will now again be 2 months late. My bill, the FAFSA Deadline Act, sets a firm October 1 deadline to publish FAFSA consistent with what has been expected for years. Thankfully, this wasn't an issue under President Trump. We can look forward to prioritizing FAFSA once again in this next administration. It is imperative that we do not allow this to become precedent and that we work together to make sure that American families are taken care of when applying for the FAFSA. We want this program to work. We want to make sure that families that want to send their kids to college have the availability to do that and that the FAFSA is available and workable. For parents and students across the country, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of a critical piece of legislation, the Think Differently about Education Act, as a proud cosponsor. This bill is about empowering families, ensuring transparency, and providing the necessary support to students with disabilities as they navigate their educational journey. Each year, in thousands of schools across the Nation, individualized education program meetings, or IEP meetings, are taking place. Parents and school staff come together to develop a personalized plan that addresses the unique needs of every child. However, many parents face these meetings feeling overwhelmed and unsure. Some may not realize they have a right to bring an advocate, therapist, or lawyer to help them through the process. Unfortunately, most parents sit in these meetings without the support they deserve. This is where the Think Differently about Education Act steps in, a simple, commonsense solution, but one that can make a world of difference. It would require K-12 schools to inform parents of their right to bring a third-party advocate to IEP meetings. By empowering parents with this knowledge, we can ensure they are fully supported as they advocate for their child's education. This isn't just about informing parents. It is about creating a culture where families feel supported and engaged in their child's educational journey. Every child deserves a quality education that meets their unique needs, and every family deserves to be empowered to advocate for their child. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Think Differently about Education Act so that we can support more families on this journey.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, last night, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, H. Res. 1455, providing for the House's consideration of seven pieces of legislation. First, the rule provides for H.R. 3724, the End Woke Higher Education Act, to be considered under a structured rule. Second, the rule provides for H.R. 4790, the Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act, under a closed rule. Third, the rule provides for H.R. 5339, the Protecting Americans' Investments from Woke Policies Act, under a closed rule. Fourth, the rule provides for H.R. 5179, the Anti-BDS Labeling Act, under a closed rule. The rule provides for H.R. 7909, the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, and H.R. 5717, the No Bailouts for Sanctuary Cities Act. Mr. Speaker, I support this rule and the underlying legislation, beginning with H.R. 3724, the End Woke Higher Education Act. As a Member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, we have spent countless hours addressing the serious issues within higher education under the Biden administration, where activism is often prioritized and differing viewpoints are silenced. These conversations have become increasingly necessary, as we have seen waves of anti-Semitic protests where students are supporting terrorist organizations, and these protests are sweeping the Nation. Too many institutions of higher education have cowered to the mob of protesters, often compromising the safety and well-being of their students. Freedom of speech is under attack on our campuses nationwide, and it is our students who are paying the price. This mindset weakens what has historically been the strength of America: free-flowing and open debate at our institutions of learning. We must not let campus activists, woke faculty, and partisan administrators turn post-secondary education into DEI indoctrination camps. Denying speech undermines the very fabric of the Nation and is against everything our Founders intended. Mr. Speaker, I am glad this legislation includes my Students Bill of Rights Act of 2024, which aims to address the erosion of First Amendment rights faced by students, and provides protections for academic freedom and expression. Our students should never feel afraid to express their point of view or fear retribution or negative consequences for their future. This woke mind virus doesn't stop there, which brings me to H.R. 5339, the Protecting American Investments from Woke Policies Act. It protects the retirement savings of workers, retirees, and their families by rolling back woke ESG requirements that have nothing to do with the bottom line. The bill ensures that financial institutions are focused on maximizing returns in retirement plans rather than advancing the Biden- Harris administration's radical agenda at the expense of American workers. Forcing often underperforming and relatively high-risk investments on our seniors is not what they are asking us to do in this Chamber. In this spirit, I am glad the bill includes one of my pieces of legislation, the Retirement Proxy Protection Act. The bill ensures that fiduciaries prioritize economic interests of plan beneficiaries when voting on shareholder proposals. Finally, the rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 4790, a comprehensive bill package targeting unelected bureaucrats. Time and time again, this administration has prioritized, again, an ESG agenda and initiatives that are against the well-being of workers and American businesses. Democrat-appointed bureaucrats are attempting to use regulation to create climate and social policy in our financial markets, ultimately raising costs and limiting growth. This legislation aims to stop unnecessary political reporting requirements for companies, make Federal regulators more transparent, and reduce the SEC's power over shareholders. I am proud that another one of my bills, the No Expensive, Stifling Governance Act, or No ESG Act, is included as part of this package. I will also touch on a bill brought forward by the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota), my friend, H.R. 5717, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill. Despite the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 clearly stating that no restrictions can be placed on communication between local or State authorities and Federal immigration officials about someone's immigration status, many cities still choose not to comply. We have known for years that sanctuary cities create incredible challenges for Federal law enforcement, and in doing so, public safety is endangered. Let's take Aurora, Colorado, for example. They are experiencing unprecedented gang violence due to a neighboring sanctuary city. We also know that the Biden-Harris administration has been a master class in how to not handle border security. This administration has totally failed, alongside the sanctuary cities, in enforcing our immigration laws because the crime that finds a home in a sanctuary city spreads to other jurisdictions. If sanctuary cities choose to operate this way and endanger their own communities, neighboring communities, and, ultimately, the entire Nation, then they must be forced to balance their irresponsible choices with the loss of other Federal support. It is pretty simple: If you fail to comply with the law, you should not expect support. Our constituents understand and also demand that their tax dollars not support sanctuary cities that actively undermine their public safety and our immigration law. The rule also provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 136 to push back on EPA overregulation, H.R. 5179 to end anti-Israel boycotts, and H.R. 7909, the Violence Against Women Act, which would crack down on crime caused by the Biden-Harris administration's open-border policies. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to consideration of these important bills, and I urge the passage of this rule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), my colleague and the chair of the Rules Committee.