Mike Haridopolos

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I keep hearing the term ``constitutional crisis'' over and over again. Candidly, the only constitutional crisis that has taken place over the last 4 years was the last administration abandoning their responsibility to defend our border and allowing over 10 million people to enter this country illegally, cutting in line over people who want to come here legally and add to the American Dream. We don't know who these 10 million people are, where they came from, or if they could be a danger to our community and country. On top of that, they put a strain on our social welfare system, schools, hospitals, and law enforcement, taking away resources from the tax- paying citizens in areas not just on the border but around the country. When food, gas, and rent prices were going up by 20 and 30 percent, if not more, over that time period, the very people who were breaking the law were actually getting free things, whether it be rent, phones, cash cards, and other things that Americans were struggling to pay for every single day. Cleaning up this mess has become our responsibility, the new majority, the new administration that has committed itself to actually keeping the promises from the campaign trail in 2024. Instead of bending over backward to help people who are breaking the law, they want to look at it and say: How about those folks that were left behind? They were facing a constitutional crisis in the sense that their own government was not enforcing the laws of this land. As the new administration is moving forward to deport gang members, wife-beaters, and others, the real constitutional crisis is finally being defined, that America should finally stand up for the citizens who make this country great and allow people to enter this country in a legal way so they can contribute to the American Dream. I am so proud of this administration for keeping those campaign promises and working swiftly and in a smart way to deport those folks who broke the law, not just coming to this country but once here in this country. For a change, I think a lot of people are finally saying that the government is working for them instead of against them. Let's send a clear message that law and order mean something, the Constitution means something, and we can finally end this constitutional crisis. I applaud the President for moving forward and allowing the American people to stand up. Let's just look at it candidly: When you are standing up exclusively for judges, you are not having a checks-and- balances system. You are putting one single judge above the American public's popular vote, let alone the electoral college. I am so glad that this House said that we are going to move forward in a thoughtful way and not allow, again, one single judge, who is not elected by the people, to decide the policies of this government. I thank the President for his leadership. We stand with him in making sure that the rule of law is finally followed, ending the constitutional crisis that existed for the last 4 years.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize a valued member of my staff and a true American hero, Mr. Keith VanBuren. Keith's service in the United States Army reflects the very best of sacrifice and devotion to our Nation. While deployed in Afghanistan, Keith was severely wounded when his vehicle was struck by an IED in Logar Province. For his bravery, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After completing his military service, Keith continued his commitment to our country. He served on my predecessor's staff, Congressman Bill Posey, and he still proudly serves now on my staff assisting veterans and so many people in our community. Keith recently was elected commander of the Space Coast chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In his role, he will continue the proud tradition of honoring local heroes who have sacrificed in the line of duty. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Keith and salute him for his courage, his service, and his unwavering dedication to our State, our Nation, and our district.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Knott for yielding and for holding this hearing. Mr. Speaker, these are the kind of conversations the American public needs to hear. They need to understand the impact that illegal immigration is having on our country and how it undercuts the rule of law and really undercuts those people who truly want to play by the rules and enter the United States in a legal fashion. It is frustrating when we can bring so many bright, conscientious people who want to come into the United States, yet they are deprived of these opportunities because of the long line that exists because of the challenges we have with illegal immigration. I very much appreciate the Congressman leading the charge on this and bringing in some of us who have experience with Medicaid to talk about the impacts that it has on our individual States. As we know, Medicaid is designed to help our most vulnerable citizens--seniors, veterans, kids, low-income families, and especially the disabled. Today, that lifeline is being strained by illegal immigration and open-door policies. While Democrats and sanctuary States deny the problem, the data is clear. Let's be clear that every dollar spent on illegal immigration is a dollar taken from a senior, a veteran, a child, and a family struggling to pay the bills. For the past 4 years, the pattern has been very clear. Migrants cross the border and surrender to authorities. They repeat carefully rehearsed lines, provided by NGOs, to meet the bare minimum threshold for asylum. They are released into the country and set a court date years in the future. They will begin to actually receive healthcare benefits at the expense of taxpayers, who have already been hard hit by higher prices for basic things like gas, food, and rent. The burden is real. From 2017 to 2023, the Federal and State Governments spent $27 billion on emergency Medicaid for noncitizens, according to the CBO. Also, according to the CBO, around $18 billion came directly from Federal taxpayers, and I mean every single American. Under the Biden-Harris years, Medicaid spending on illegal immigrants surged 124 percent higher than under President Trump. In 2021 alone, $7 billion was spent on emergency care for illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, Democrats in Washington and blue States are demanding we actually pay even more. To put this into perspective, as the Congressman from North Carolina (Mr. Knott) mentioned, I am from the State of Florida. We actually audited how much we spent on Medicaid emergency care last year. It was $660 million for hospital care for illegal immigrants, according to the Agency for Health Care Administration in Florida. That was $660 million that was intended to be spent on healthcare for American citizens, or to maybe move the dollars around for education or roads, or to help our environment. Instead, $660 million was spent on people who came here illegally. That is a substantial amount of money, and we will never get it back. Again, it rewards bad behavior. How the system works is very frustrating. Mr. Speaker, if you pay taxes in America, you are paying for illegal immigrants to get healthcare, whether you like it or not. Federal law requires Medicaid to cover emergency healthcare, period. That is just the law. If they go to the emergency room and that person qualifies, the American public pays for it. States, of course, pick up the costs initially, but the Federal Government reimburses somewhere between 59 and 73 percent of those costs to the States. American taxpayer dollars are being spent on this program, whether we like it or not. Reimbursement quietly channels billions of Federal dollars into care for illegal immigration through State Medicaid programs. States like California and New York are actually the most abusive of this law. These sanctuary States choose to allow illegal immigrants to receive State Medicaid programs and then send the bill to Washington, D.C., for all taxpayers to pay for it. It is not like they are being generous with just their taxpayer dollars. It is spread across the entire system in the United States. States like California and New York manipulate provider taxes and use creative accounting to maximize Federal reimbursement, thus shifting more of the burden to taxpayers across the country. Here is the gall of it all. New York even promotes free medical care for illegal immigrants with official State flyers, encouraging them to use emergency services. That is pretty rich. I mean, think about it. They are saying they are just using their State tax dollars. That is not the truth. They are promoting, with taxpayer dollars, this push to have, again, other people pick up the costs. This is not some federalism deal where it is handled by one State. This is, again, real life in that someone else will pay the bill. Thus, they are being generous with other people's money. To counter this myth that the Democrats are trying to push, that illegal immigration does not cost taxpayer dollars--it is just not true. This is why I want people to look closely at what Medicaid is. Again, every Republican that I talk to--and I go across the country to talk about this issue--wants to provide Medicaid for seniors in nursing homes. We want to provide it for pregnant women. We want to provide it for kids. We want to provide it for the disabled. Mr. Speaker, when that relationship is upset by having people here illegally, you are actually potentially putting Medicaid programs at risk. For those who really want to study the issue, there is a water balloon effect here. Medicaid really doesn't reimburse doctors for their care. It causes private healthcare costs to go up. Imagine the ire that so many people have. Mr. Speaker, if you talk to a family of four and talk to the parents, they are going to say, for a family of four, they pay like $1,500 to $2,000 a month for private healthcare. Yet, a person who comes into the country illegally pays zero in healthcare because they get Medicaid services where there is not even a copay. That is the ironic part about this. They break the law and are rewarded for it. That undercuts the American Dream. People start thinking logically: Why do I play by the rules? Maybe I will manipulate a form so that I qualify for Medicaid, and they might never check it again. Mr. Speaker, that is happening today. People are even objecting to the idea that we check to see if the person still truly qualifies for Medicaid; that is theft from other taxpayers. So as the CBO confirmed, $18 billion in Federal spending was put on emergency care, and these are just the facts that play out. Again, let's have the honest conversation. If the other side wants to fund it, then say it; but don't say it is not happening or bury it under the typical bureaucratic or political doublespeak. These are the conversations we need to have. Just so you know, Mr. Speaker, in the policy that we are looking at today where we are going to let's say reconsider the budget, they are going to spend $45 billion for basically jails for illegal immigrants who come across, because if we don't have that jail space or the detention centers as they are looking at asylum, then they go into the country. That means they might not have a court case for a few years. Let's just think logically here, Mr. Speaker, there are 10 million people. How many judges, lawyers, public defenders, bailiffs, and other folks do you need to actually have 10 million court cases in their version of due process? As our lead prosecutor today, Mr. Knott, will tell us: The law is simple. If you came here illegally, then the only thing you are allowed is a ticket out of here. Let's be honest about immigration. This is about the rule of law. I want to bring in a lot of folks. I want to have an immigration system that works and they actually sign up, they get online, and we find out who these folks are. Just like they check us on an airline, they check them at the border. Instead, this previous administration literally said: Here is the script. Tell them this, you will get the court case in years to come, and you can go into the interior of the country. That is a double standard. I applaud Congressman Knott for taking this opportunity to talk about this in a real way and my friends from North Carolina talk about how it impacts every one of us. It is taking from the system, causing people to pay more for insurance, and undercutting the rule of law. That is why we had an election last year, and the voice was good. The President said that he would stop this crazy idea because we are already $1 trillion in debt year by year and $37 trillion in debt overall. This is common sense, and the President has finally stood up for those people who have been left behind the last 4 years. So, Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Knott very much for taking on this real issue. It is the kind of discussion we need to have. If the other side feels that we have not been telling the whole story, then come up and have the debate. We would love to see it.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bill McInnish for his outstanding contributions to education and workforce development at Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne, Florida, where he teaches aviation fabrication and assembly technology. His 27 years of technology and CTE teaching experience are best defined by his passion and dedication to helping students succeed in the aerospace industry. As a veteran of the Coast Guard, where he performed search and rescue missions, he established the first-ever aviation fabrication and assembly program in an economically disadvantaged high school. Under his leadership, this program became the first in the Nation to award high school students with the National Aerospace/Aircraft Assembly certification. It is with great pride that I recognize his exceptional achievements in building the local talent pipeline, with graduates securing positions at companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance, and others. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for his incredible contribution to our district.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize the achievements of several students from my district who accepted their appointment to the service academies. These students demonstrate not just academic achievement but also strong devotion to our country. Young students like these will become our Nation's leaders in the future. It was my honor to call these students this weekend to congratulate them on this true accomplishment. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Libby Russell and Zanna Paraskevas, who were accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. I congratulate Savion Kirby, Natalie Doig, Audrey Ponton, and Maximilian Perez, who were accepted into the United States Air Force Academy. I congratulate Victoria Nelson, who was accepted into the United States Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent each one of them in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution to overturn the CFPB's overdraft rule. This is a classic midnight maneuver from the previous administration that ignored market realities. Let's be clear: It is competition, not heavy-handed regulation that drives down costs. According to the CFPB's own data from 2020 to 2023, overdraft fees fell by 50 percent without this rule. That means the market is working, and that is why I support this resolution.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the extraordinary work done in my district at Kennedy Space Center. I recently had the privilege of touring this iconic vehicle assembly building, a structure that rises 716 feet into the Florida sky. For almost 60 years, it has stood as a symbol of American space ambition. This is where the mighty Saturn V rockets were assembled, launching Apollo astronauts toward the Moon. It is where three decades of the space shuttle fleet took shape, and that legacy continues today, where work is being done to prepare the Artemis II mission. During my visit, I saw firsthand the progress on the SLS, the Space Launch System, the rocket that will carry astronauts on a 10-day journey to the Moon, further than we have been from the Earth for over 50 years. I saw up close the SLS core stage, a 212-foot fuel tank engineered to launch the next era of human spaceflight, and the two solid rocket boosters that have already been stacked onto the mobile launch platform. Just days ago, the core stage has been integrated with the boosters, a major milestone in the path to launch. In the coming months, the crews at the KSC will add more hard work to the SLS, culminating in securing the Orion spacecraft to the top. The Artemis II mission is currently on track to launch in April of next year. When it lifts off, 9 million pounds of thrust will carry American astronauts further from Earth, as I mentioned before, in over 50 years, into our lunar orbit. When Artemis II succeeds, America will aim to return astronauts to the lunar surface in 2027. These missions are a statement to the world that America still leads, still explores, and still dares. That is why the work being done by NASA at Kennedy Space Center is so critical. This team is working tirelessly to keep Artemis II on schedule, pushing through complex technical milestones with focus and determination. This mission matters. Returning to the Moon opens the door to the future, deep space exploration, technological breakthroughs, and a new chapter in American space leadership. It is a reminder to every child looking at the sky that there are still frontiers to cross and still dreams to chase. Mr. Speaker, this is a race. China has made no secret of its lunar ambitions. This Communist dictatorship is building, planning, and pushing to plant their flag on the Moon and to shape the rules that follow. We cannot afford to yield that ground. The Nation that leads in space will shape the world order on Earth, and that leadership must be American. Kennedy Space Center is where we make that stand, and I applaud the work of the men and women who are making Artemis II a reality. I am proud to say the future of American spaceflight is alive and well at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, we honor the life of our district's finest. Junny, the beloved police bloodhound and trusted partner of Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, sadly passed away this week after a battle with cancer. Gifted to the sheriff's office at just 10 weeks old, Junny was brought onto the force to help find missing and abducted children and played a role in Sheriff Ivey's advocacy programs to report abuse. In 2022, Junny was named Florida's Top Dog for enforcement, winning a statewide March Madness-style competition held by the Florida Sheriffs Association. Often seen with Sheriff Ivey while on patrol, Junny became more than just a loyal working dog. He was a symbol of service and loyalty. To Brevard County, he was America's top police dog. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, it is March Madness. With America currently fixated on basketball, I recognize today the Palm Bay girls' basketball team on their recent statewide victory. The team made history by capturing the State's Class 4A State championship here in Florida. The Pirates overcame a tough American Heritage squad where they rallied from a 14-point deficit to win the State title. Leading the way was Senior Guard Jaida Civil, a University of Tennessee commit and McDonald's All American, who grabbed 9 rebounds and scored 20 points. The entire team made critical contributions, showing their depth and the unity of this team. The championship caps off a season where the Pirates won by an average of 57 points. I congratulate the entire Palm Bay Pirates team. They have made our entire community proud.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 64.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, Lieutenant Commander John Paul Surprenant, a retired officer in the United States Navy, as we celebrate his upcoming 100th birthday and service to our country. Paul joined the Navy as a seaman recruit in 1943. He rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant commander over a distinguished 30-year career. He served on 13 Navy vessels, including the USS Tirante during World War II, where his crew was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. He is the last surviving member of that crew. Beyond his wartime service, his greatest legacy is his family: his wife, Louise, a fellow Navy veteran, and their five children, two of whom served in uniform. Now retired in my hometown of Melbourne, Florida, Paul remains a proud patriot whose century of life has been dedicated to the service of our country and his family. Madam Speaker, today, I honor Lieutenant Commander Surprenant. The Nation salutes him.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary service of Master Sergeant Arcadio Santiago-Rodriguez, a proud member of the Army's 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers. During the Korean war, then-Private First Class Santiago-Rodriguez displayed extraordinary heroism in the face of danger. When his squad leader was gravely wounded, he swiftly took command, rallying his fellow soldiers and leading them safely with unwavering courage and determination. Later, while evacuating a wounded comrade, he singlehandedly engaged five enemy soldiers, killing four and capturing a fifth, forcing that captured soldier to carry the wounded soldier to safety. For his heroism, he was awarded the Silver Star. At 101 years old, Master Sergeant Santiago-Rodriguez continues to inspire us. I join my predecessor, the Honorable Bill Posey, in honoring Mr. Rodriguez, and I hope that he will be recognized for his unwavering service to our Nation.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight some good points made by our opinion editor at Florida Today, John Torres. He writes: ``The pushback over DOGE's cuts and the doomsdayers on social media have me perplexed. ``Don't we want our tax dollars to bring back the biggest bang for the buck? Don't we get angry when we buy something that in the end isn't worth what we paid for it? ``This shouldn't be a red or a blue issue. Everyone, on both sides of the aisle, should want our government to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible.'' He adds: ``Outrage over Elon Musk's email surprised me. ``I couldn't believe the outrage on social media and broadcast news because DOGE asked government employees to write down five things they did at work the previous week.'' He adds, ``Here's a news flash: Anyone working in the real world has to constantly justify what they are doing. From the baseball slugger mired in a hitting slump to the journalist not writing enough stories to traffic cops not writing enough tickets, we all have to prove our worth. It's real life. ``I've had friends and colleagues over the years,'' he adds, ``working in the private sector, who actually had to reapply for their own jobs and then get interviewed by outside human resource professionals in order to try and keep their positions. Many didn't.'' You can read the rest of that article on the Florida Today website. I will continue by saying, we are at a turning point, a moment when we must ask ourselves: Do we want a government to serve the people efficiently, or do we want a bureaucracy for the sake of bureaucracy? That is the question that DOGE is forcing Washington to confront, and from where I stand, it is about time. For decades, we have watched government agencies balloon in size and cost, with little accountability and even less justification. We have seen waste. Some of it egregious, some of it so routine that people barely blink an eye. Let me be clear: Demanding transparency, efficiency, and accountability from our government is not extreme. It is common sense. It is what every hardworking American does when they balance their budget, scrutinize their receipts, or shop around for the best deal. Consider the recent controversy over DOGE's request that Federal Government employees account for what they did that week, as I mentioned earlier. That is it. Simple thing: What five tasks did you accomplish? Tell me, as Mr. Torres said, who among us doesn't have to justify our work? Why should government be any different? DOGE understands something fundamental: Washington should work for the people, not the other way around. That means questioning contracts, finding and cutting waste, and making sure that when the government spends a dollar of your money, it delivers value. Critics argue that some government contracts canceled by DOGE haven't led to immediate savings. Isn't canceling wasteful government spending before it can be renewed a step in the right direction? Shouldn't we be cleaning house rather than just accepting bad deals because they are already in motion? Let's put it in terms we can all understand: If you saw a suspicious charge on your credit card, would you just shrug it off and pay for it? I think not. You would demand answers. You would challenge it. That is exactly what DOGE is doing with your tax dollars. Let me remind you of something else. In November, the American people voted for change. They chose a different direction because the status quo simply wasn't working. Now, because DOGE is doing what it promised, delivering transparency and charting a better course for America's fiscal future, some people are alarmed. The American people deserve a government that works for them, not against them, a government that values every dollar that it spends, a government that for once is accountable to the people who actually fund it. That is what DOGE is delivering, and that is why I proudly support this effort for transparency and making sure that every dollar sent to Washington, D.C., is spent in a manner that makes us proud.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a resident of Cocoa, Florida, a true American hero and decorated Green Beret, Army Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris. His extraordinary courage in Vietnam reflects the very best of our Nation's values. In 1969, while leading his Special Forces team, then-Staff Sergeant Morris braved relentless enemy fire to recover a fallen comrade and safeguard classified information for our country. Despite being shot many times, he fought through enemy positions, ensuring his mission's success. For his valor, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, but history had more to say. Decades later, a review of military records rightfully upgraded his honor. In 2014, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, recognizing the courage and sacrifice that may have been overlooked for too long. Sergeant Morris' service did not end in combat. He continued to inspire future generations, reminding us that a nation must always recognize its heroes. Mr. Speaker, today, I salute Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris and his unwavering dedication to duty.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to honor Colonel Anthony W. Young, a distinguished veteran and dedicated public servant in our community. Colonel Young is a retired United States Army officer who has devoted his life to serving both our Nation and our local community. Tony is a native of Vero Beach. He has served as mayor, councilman, and vice mayor, and he has been a key leader in the Florida League of Cities. Tony's military career spanned over 30 years, serving with the 24th Infantry Division, the 1st Armored Division, and the 30th Medical Brigade. His dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on our military, city, and Nation. Most recently, under his leadership as the president of the Indian River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, Tony spearheaded the creation of a permanent memorial for local World War II veterans, ensuring that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Colonel Tony Young is a true patriot and an embodiment of service. We are grateful for his unwavering commitment to our community and country.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I offer good news today. I rise to honor the extraordinary bravery of Judie Kent, a young woman and nurse from my district in Vero Beach, Florida. This past week, Judie's quick thinking and courageous actions saved the life of a motorcyclist and father of five who was struck by a car on his way to work. As she drove past the scene, Judie instinctively pulled over and used her incredible medical knowledge to administer critical aid. Her swift response stabilized his wounds, and she is credited with saving the man's leg and possibly even his life. It is selfless acts like these that exemplify the best of our community, and I am honored to recognize Judie's heroism today. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to share her story, and I thank her for her amazing service and resolve.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues, in fact, the freshmen Members of Congress, to reach far beyond party lines, beyond State borders, and even beyond our planet. It affects every American, shaping our economy, our security, and our future. I am talking about space. As President Trump said, you can't be number one on Earth if you are number two in space. I am going to yield to our senior Member of the freshman class this year, Vince Fong. Congressman Fong represents the 20th District of California. He is on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the Science Committee, specifically serving on the Space and Aeronautics Committee. He proudly represents the Central Valley of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fong).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, next we have, from the great State of Alaska, the at-large Member from Alaska, Congressman Nick Begich, who is on the Natural Resources Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Begich).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Begich for his thoughtful words. I next will introduce the Congressman from the Third Congressional District in Utah. Congressman Kennedy is one of the few legislators in Washington who has both a medical degree and a law degree. He is a former Utah State Senator, he is the proud father of eight, and he will speak tonight on the issue of space and its importance in his district. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind words and, more importantly, his efforts in Utah to promote the industry and make sure we have American dominance in space. As was mentioned, I am proud to be the new chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. It is not only imperative to our district but to the Nation for so many different reasons. I think the chart behind me is really telling the story about America today. Just a few short years ago, we ceded space dominance to other nations. We actually had to get a ride to space from, of all people, our former adversary, Russia. Here we are today, as you look at this graph, with, last year alone, 155 launches into space, 93 from the Kennedy Space Center in my home district. We are well on our way toward space dominance, and we are not slowing down. In 2025 alone, 26 additional flights have left our skies and, of course, are orbiting around our world today, providing the telecommunications necessary not only for commercial use but for military use, as well, to make sure that our men and women are protected when GPS is essential. Tonight, we will have yet another launch into the sky as SpaceX is propelling this movement forward. As we recognize, space is important for our economy, infrastructure, and national defense. It enables modern life, from powering GPS communications to weather forecasting, artificial limb technology, solar cells, fire-resistant fabrics, and even medical imaging and biotechnology. Space is research and development, and space is a return on investment. The latest estimates have a 10-1 return for taxpayers when we lead the world in space and innovative technology. We have been in this space race before. Everyone can ask their parents, or maybe a few of us in the Congress, to know that 1969 was a life changer for so many people. When you ask those folks alive in 1969 what it was like to see a man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, making that famous proclamation, it was a game changer. We proved that anything is possible here in America. We moved forward from that with shuttle technology and, more recently, with some of the amazing advancements with SpaceX. We are in a new space race today, unfortunately, with another communist dictatorship, that being China. The question is: Will we win that space race once again? I am confident we will do so for one simple reason: Our President is confident we can accomplish this. Remember, our President literally created the Space Force. He is a true believer. Back in 2019, he created the Space Force because he knew that space dominance would allow us to not only improve technologically but make sure that our men and women in the military are protected. We are confident that Artemis II, which is scheduled to go off in early 2026, will propel us to the Moon once again and beyond. We like to say: From the Lagoon to the Moon and Beyond. That is our slogan back in the Eighth District of Florida, and we are confident that that will be a reality. It is about leadership. It is about job security. It is about economic security. It is about military security and making sure that we make the next innovations and reach the next frontier. Dominance means not just military, but it also means jobs and a brighter future for so many. When you talk about jobs in the space industry, it is not a job to so many; it is a career. The dedicated folks at NASA are moving forward with these new technologies. They are working hand-in-hand in public- private partnerships with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Boeing, L3Harris, and so many others, along with Northrop Grumman, to make sure that we are dominant in space so that we do not take second place in space and lose that technological dominance, which is so necessary to win this latest cold war. Just a few years ago, we were playing catch-up. As I mentioned before, we were literally relying on the Russians to get our men and women off to the space station. Now, since 2016, we have moved forward, and as this graph shows behind me, we are once again space-dominant. It is again the great American comeback, and we are moving beyond it today. In just a few weeks, we will see the SpaceX Dragon making sure that our men and women on the space station are returned back to Earth. More and more companies are developing space technologies so we can have satellites and space infrastructure, keeping ahead of our global competitors. We cannot be complacent. Just because we lead today does not mean it is permanent. We must defend ourselves against China and Russia, which are not standing still. They are major competitors, and they are making important investments in trying to militarize space, despite the treaty from 1967. We must innovate. We must invest. We must push forward to keep our strong position today. Sadly, China especially does not play by the rules. Just a few years ago, they literally on purpose created a collision that has led to so much space debris around our Earth today. We must use our technology for missile detection, surveillance and reconnaissance, and global communications to stay ahead of this communist dictatorship. Fortunately, the U.S. Space Force, which, as I mentioned, was established in 2019, maintains our dominance and ensures that we are going to develop hypersonic defense, space-based missile interceptors, and AI-driven surveillance to keep us ahead of those adversaries. We cannot afford to fall behind because the price of inaction is just too high. The economy of space has also grown dramatically over the last few years. In 2022 alone, it added $132 billion to the U.S. GDP. It is projected that, by 2040, it will be over $1 trillion, creating 350,000 private-sector jobs across multiple fields, including launch technicians, software developers, engineers, researchers, construction, and manufacturing everything from satellites to heat shields. Space is not only a source of innovation but also a pillar of the American economy, fueling growth in both high-tech and blue-collar industries, as I mentioned. Small businesses are also benefiting from this emergence. Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of visiting a small company called Eta Space. It is a company in my district that employs 20 people, but they are having a massive impact on the changing space world. They developed a satellite that will experiment with cryogenic fuels in orbit, a key technology for orbit refueling. This innovation will pave the way for long-distance space travel, making missions to Mars and beyond more viable and more cost effective. I might mention, as a member of the Financial Services Committee, which our Speaker is today, as well, this is an example of community banks. It was a community bank that allowed Eta Space to get the financing they needed to put this project together and lead the technological development we need to go to Mars in the future. Despite their small size, they are launching their satellite this year, a testament to the power of American ingenuity. These public-private partnerships are key. It is not just a government program. Companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin have dramatically reduced launch costs and are saving taxpayers billions. These firms work alongside NASA and the Department of Defense, proving that the private industry of America can be a powerful force in advancing the United States' space leadership. Their success creates jobs, strengthens our national security, and keeps America at the forefront of the global space race. Commercial space is the free market revolution. If you haven't already done so, read the recent book by Isaacson about Elon Musk. He basically looked at NASA, saw some of the challenges they faced after the Apollo program, the cancellation of our shuttle program, and even the challenges we face in the ARIES program, which was canceled, the Constellation program, which was canceled, and the X-33 program, and he said we can do it better at a better cost and win the space race. Commercial space is the future as they work in partnership with NASA. Before SpaceX, launch costs were prohibitively high with a single mission costing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Falcon 9 rocket, with its reusable booster system, has slashed costs by a factor of 10. This cost reduction has made space more accessible, spurring new industries, as I mentioned before, like satellite internet, space-based manufacturing, and even orbital tourism. There are more players and more innovation. The Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launched recently; Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, future markets--space manufacturing, asteroid mining, and orbital energy production are all emerging technologies. When these companies compete and innovate, they drive down costs for everyone and, more importantly, will have on-Earth benefits. One of the issues that people have asked me about is this issue of rural broadband. For those who don't know, this is a program that has been allocated over $40 billion so that everyone, not just a select few in higher urban areas, can enjoy high-speed internet access. This program, which is allocated over $40 billion, is one which takes time, because as everyone knows who is in business, you need to get the permits. It takes a while to get the rights-of-way purchased, and it takes a while to lay that cable for high-speed internet access. With the new Starlink system which SpaceX is launching up now, this can be not only at lower cost but, more importantly, can get to market faster so that every American can enjoy the access to high-speed internet. It will save us billions so that we can not only pay down the debt but also afford the tax cuts which Americans deserve. In conclusion, we are in the golden age of American spaceflight. We are witnessing a true renaissance of space exploration where the future is literally being built today. I don't know what is next. There are stories about mining asteroids for rare-earth metals to support global industries; large commercial space stations that can replace the ISS and host research; permanent human habitation on the Moon laying the foundation for deeper space travel; and the human exploration and the settlement of Mars, an achievement that will truly define this century. These are not science fiction novels. These are active projects by American companies, American scientists, and American engineers bringing in the golden age of American spaceflight. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the urgency of action is now. America's leadership in space is hard-earned, but it is not guaranteed. Our economy, our technological future, and our national security all depend on continued space investment. Congress must act to ensure that the United States remains the leader in the final frontier. This is our moment. If we invest in space today, then we will be stronger, safer, and more prosperous for generations to come. As I conclude, as the President said well: You can't be number one on Earth if you are not number one in space. Mr. Speaker, I especially thank Congressman Fong, Congressman Begich, and Congressman Kennedy for joining me tonight. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I come from the great State of Florida, and we believe in government and spending in the sunshine. As a leader in the Florida Senate, we created a website that allowed for every dollar to be seen how it is spent, how every contract is spent, not just for government officials. Every Floridian, every American, can look at how their dollars are being spent. They deserve to know. They are the ones who earn the money to pay those taxes. It is an American issue, especially considering the fact that our prices have gone up over the last 4 years by 20 and 30 percent, and they are hearing about these nefarious acts in which, let's just say, money is spent on questionable items, to be generous. We must continue to fight for transparency to make sure every tax dollar is spent in a wise fashion. More importantly, Americans deserve to know with a website that shows everyone where those dollars are spent.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, this is an important issue which has affected us all. We have seen prices rise by 20 to 30 percent over the last 4 years. Unfortunately, because of the policies of the previous administration, we have seen these challenges become more and more difficult as we take the reins of power once again in Washington, D.C. There is no other way to put it other than energy dominance is essential. It is the best way to ensure we have American prosperity, national security, innovation, excellence in energy, and a reliable grid, as the Congresswoman has talked about today. Fortunately, we have persons who are experts right here in the United States Congress, a new Member of Congress, Mrs. Fedorchak, on the Energy and Commerce Committee. She understands firsthand the essential nature of energy and why it is so important to all Americans as they face challenges here and abroad. If we can meet all of those criteria--prosperity, national security, innovation, and reliable energy--we will once again have lower prices at the grocery store, lower prices for the gas tank, and make sure we stay warm in the winter and cool in places like Florida in the summer. Mr. Speaker, I applaud this effort. If we have an all-in energy solution and energy dominance, once again, as the Congresswoman has talked about, America can move forward and meet the challenges of tomorrow. I appreciate the opportunity to speak this afternoon on this Special Order and make sure that we are moving forward with the leadership of Donald Trump and leaders like Congresswoman Fedorchak on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Willett family and the life of Corporal Robert Willett, Jr. Ninety-eight-year- old Corporal Willett bravely served our Nation in both World War II and the Korean war. The son of World War I veteran Roger Willett, Sr., he fought for his family's legacy. When Roger Willett, Sr., passed away, he was laid to rest at Canaveral National Cemetery. Corporal Willett made a simple request to honor his parents, which was that his late mother receive the memorial plaque next to her family where Corporal Willett himself will one day rest. However, due to bureaucratic resistance, this has resulted in 3 years of denial from entrenched bureaucratic agencies. Denying recognition is a failure to those who serve. My office will not stand by as bureaucracy overrides honor. We will continue to fight for all Americans. The Willetts' dedication reflects our Nation and serves as a powerful reminder. It is my privilege to speak today, and I thank him for his service and resolve.