Mike Haridopolos

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize and honor seven remarkable Americans whose military service embodies the very best of our Nation. Colonel Mark R. Baaden, Colonel John W. Mansur, Sergeant Raymond L. Burkard, Chief Warrant Officer Thomas W. Thompson, Sergeant Jeff William Patterson, Specialist Pascuale F. Coniglio, and Sergeant Lloyd Lasenby each served our country with honor and unwavering commitment. Though their paths and ranks differed, all shared a common purpose, to defend our freedoms and protect the values that define the United States of America. Their careers reflect decades of sacrifice and discipline. They represent the strength and resilience of our Armed Forces and the patriotism of those who serve out of a deep sense of duty. Some among them have borne the scars of war. Others have shaped the lives of those they led and mentored. All have left a lasting impact on their units, their communities, and this country. It is my distinct privilege to include their names in the Record. May their example inspire future generations to serve with the same courage, integrity, and selflessness.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Indian River County, Florida, founded on June 29, 1925. For a century, this community has stood as a jewel on the Treasure Coast, a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in extraordinary ways. It has grown from humble roots to a thriving community, celebrating a strong economy, welcoming neighborhoods, and stunning environment. From the pristine shores of Vero Beach to the citrus groves of Fellsmere, Indian River County embodies the very best of Florida living. Mr. Speaker, today, we recognize and celebrate a century in paradise. I congratulate the people of Indian River County on their 100th anniversary and 100 remarkable years.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, today, I honor Colonel Craig Fournier for his 34 years of distinguished service in the United States Army and the Florida National Guard. He is this month's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Throughout his career, Colonel Fournier held several crucial roles, including Executive Officer of the 2nd Battalion and project manager for the Missile Defense Agency. He earned numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, and Combat Action Badge for his role in the global war on terror. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank Colonel Fournier for his outstanding service to the citizens of the United States and for his dedication to our country, its values, and our State of Florida.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership on this and for the opportunity to present today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support to ask my colleagues to support H.R. 3343, the Greenlighting Growth Act, a bill which I introduced with the subcommittee chair, Ms. Wagner. This bill will make business easier for small companies right here in America. That is something we all agree on. Too often, regulations make it harder than it should be, especially for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses trying to make the next step. In 2012, Congress worked to fix that problem, passing the JOBS Act to create a more affordable path for smaller companies to go public, raise capital, and fuel the next wave of American innovation, but there is a problem. After going public, these same companies can get hit with extra paperwork if they try to grow through acquisitions. The current law undermines the incentives that the JOBS Act set up, so we look to change it with H.R. 3343. The bill fixes the problem and keeps the rule simple and consistent so that small companies can focus on growing, not growing government paperwork. That means more companies will go public, raise capital, grow, and create jobs. That was the goal of the JOBS Act, and that is what this bill will accomplish. Small businesses shouldn't be punished for success. They should be encouraged to grow, build, hire, and do that right here in the good old USA. This is a simple, targeted fix with a big impact. It cuts red tape and keeps America's capital markets open and accessible for the next generation of job creators. Let's green-light growth. Let's pass this bill and keep America's strong economy. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3343.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, once again, we are showing that we can lead here in Washington, D.C., getting things done with the leadership of our President and our leadership here in the House, working together with the United States Senate. It shows that we are offering that certainty and stability once again for our economy to make America first. We are going to make the dollar dominant once again, and we are going to lead on digital currency payments. It will increase, of course, the demand for U.S. Treasuries and move us toward that dominant position we need to have in the financial markets. I applaud our chairman. As a new member of this committee, it has been wonderful to watch a person in action who is attempting to work with the other side, pushing through bipartisan legislation, and, once again, proving that Washington can work if we have leadership at the helm.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize our Chief of Police in Palm Bay, Florida, Chief Mario Augello, who has been serving for 25 years in our community. Throughout his career, the chief has exemplified amazing dedication, leadership, and deep commitment to public safety. In addition to his service, he founded the Palm Bay Blue Foundation, a nonprofit that supports well-being of the department's employees and their families. On behalf of a grateful community, I thank Chief Augello for his outstanding service and the commitment to the people of Palm Bay. Congratulating Brevard, Indian River, and Orange Counties in Florida

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three amazing school districts in my community. Brevard, Indian River, and Orange County have each earned the distinguished A rating from the education standards in Florida. It is a true honor to represent these school districts for their hard work, and, most importantly, the hard work of the students in the classroom, as well as the teachers that lead them. As a former teacher myself at the college level, we all understand the commitment and importance of education. It is the ultimate civil right. It unlocks so much potential, and it makes sure that America stays number one in the world in intellectual capacity. These A ratings are proof that Florida's educational system works. We are a State that believes in school choice where the parents, not the bureaucrats, have the final say in where their child goes to school each and every day. I am immensely proud of the Brevard, Indian River, and Orange County School Districts for doing the right thing and making education a priority and leading the way so that Florida can truly be the future of not only space but of all intellectual abilities. Mr. Speaker, I thank each of these counties, the teachers, the administrators, and the team that makes Brevard, Indian River, and Orange County schools true A school districts.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, it is great to be here in the people's House once again. Just a week ago, when I was celebrating with friends the July Fourth holiday, watching the fireworks go off and celebrating the freedoms we enjoy, many people actually came up to me in Palm Bay. In fact, one mom came up to me and said: How can you vote to take away my child's Medicaid? He is disabled. For about 5 minutes, I talked to her at length, talking about what this bill is versus what people are talking about, especially the media, especially those right now on my right. To her great happiness, I think, I told her that her child would not be left behind, that this bill keeps coverage for the most vulnerable, especially our disabled. I literally pointed it out to her, by looking at pages 630 to 633 in the bill. I even told her to simply read the bill and not believe some of the statements she read in the media or the scary texts that were coming out. A few days later, I heard back from her. She said: You were right. It is in the bill. My son will still be protected. That was a really happy day for me because people were seeing the true story. They were moving beyond some of the bogus headlines and to the truth. We owe it to those folks who are vulnerable to take care of them. We are a just and civil society that shows compassion, especially for folks who are in need. When you read the bill closely on pages 630 to 633, it outlines: If you are a senior in a nursing home, you are protected; if you are a child of low-income parents, you are protected; if you are a pregnant woman, you are protected. Those are important items. We made those promises to our most vulnerable. We also sent a very clear message that if you are able-bodied, get out there and work, be a part of the American Dream, the American experience, and make sure that we are all playing on a level playing field. We were recently at a hotel. Can you imagine if you walked into a place, you had to pay the full freight for that hotel room, and someone else who made the exact same amount of money didn't have to pay a dime because they either lied on the application or maybe they no longer did a check to verify what their income was? That is not fair. However, the good news is that with this new bill, there are incentives to get back into the workplace. The latest numbers that came out indicate 10 million Americans are going to be going back to work. The odds are they will actually get health insurance paid for by their employer or, because they are earning more money, they can afford to do so. That is the American Dream. It is not to be a ward of the State. It is to live the American Dream. It is to be on this Earth because God wanted us to be active members in our community, not a ward of the State. These are commonsense ideas in which jobs matter and dignity matters. That is what we did in this bill. The other overwhelming rhetoric I kept hearing over and over is, this is somehow a big tax cut for the rich. Again, for those people who don't know, the tax rate for the wealthiest Americans did not change. I want to make sure that it echoes through the next few years, that they recognize the folks who are working and happen to be earning the most money will stay at the same exact tax rate. What we did do is help out folks who were hardest hit the last 4 years by higher prices: grocery stores, restaurants, their rent, and of course gasoline. Those were all up 20 and 30 percent, and people were hurting. There was no tax relief in 2021 or 2022. Now, they are saying suddenly they want to give tax relief to the middle class. They had the trifecta back in 2021 and 2022. They chose to do nothing. We stepped up and said: If you earn tips, if you earn overtime, especially if you work for a lifetime and you earn Social Security, we are going to give you a tax cut. Some of those, in fact, are retroactive. That is real money in people's pockets. We are moving this country forward. I am happy to be a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to back up what we talked about on the campaign trail and to have a leader in our President who is willing to put it all on the line for people who are in an unfortunate situation. That is the American Dream, and that is why I am proud to support this bill. I can't wait until a year from now when they see some of the mistruths that were stated on this floor come to reality, that we protected the most vulnerable, stimulated and grew this economy, and really took on the status quo in Washington, D.C.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, promises made, promises kept. Voters wanted change for one simple reason: It was too expensive to live in America for the last 4 years. Gas prices, rent prices, and food prices were up radically. This bill is designed to help those very people hurt over the last 4 years. People who earn tips or overtime, as well as those who earn Social Security get a big tax cut. Mr. Speaker, let's be clear, so the American public hears it loud and clear: The current tax rate on the wealthiest Americans is 37 percent. Under this bill, it remains at 37 percent. At the same time, we are protecting the most vulnerable. Please read the bill. Seniors in nursing homes are unaffected. Persons who are disabled are unaffected. Pregnant women on Medicaid are unaffected. Low-income kids, whose parents aren't making much, are unaffected. Isn't it nice to see that Washington actually keeps its promises from the campaign trail? This is a welcome change. Donald Trump said that we are going to bring America back by putting more money back in their pockets, instead of sending it up here to Washington, D.C. He promised a secure border. Mr. Speaker, there is a 99 percent reduction in the number of people coming across the border illegally. That is action. What are we putting in this bill? We are putting in the money needed to make sure it stays that way. I am proud to support this bill because I came to Washington for one reason: I came to Washington to make promises, keep promises, and prove that the Republicans can lead and are willing to make sure that the great American comeback continues.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Suhina Mitra, a remarkable high school student from Brevard County, who has shown an incredible commitment to service in our community. While attending West Shore Junior and Senior High School, she became youth ambassador for the Children's Home Society of Florida. She has volunteered with groups like Who We Play For and HOSA Future Health Professionals. Through a web-based campaign, Mitra raised over $20,000 to enhance STEM education activities at Endeavour Elementary School and even served as her senior high class president. For her efforts, she earned the national Peter R. Marsh Silent Servant Scholarship Award. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ms. Mitra for her leadership and her service to community.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sergeant First Class Juan Santiago, a decorated veteran and American patriot residing in Melbourne, Florida. Sergeant Santiago began his career in 1958 in the United States Army at Fort Buchanan and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He went on to serve our Nation with distinction around the globe with deployments in Cuba, Italy, Germany, and five tours in Vietnam. His exceptional service earned him a place in the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame as well as many other numerous honors, including the Honorable Order of St. Michael and two Purple Hearts. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, we thank Sergeant Santiago for his bravery.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, elections matter. Isn't it refreshing to see a President who actually keeps his campaign promises? He promises not only safety but also economic opportunity. On the safety front, it is clear that our border is once again secured with a 99 percent reduction of people coming through the border. We finally have a secure border, thanks to the work of our President leading by example and making sure now, with the big, beautiful bill, they will actually have the funding to make sure that is a long-term solution. In that same vein, as we face increasing threats from around the world, he is making the Golden Dome happen. We are seeing the success of the Iron Dome right now in the Middle East. We will now have this Golden Dome so that, God forbid, if something radical happens, we have the protective measures in place to make sure that all American citizens are safe. That is the kind of leadership that people were asking for last November, commonsense security not only economically but, of course, for national security. When we talk about the big, beautiful bill, what I am most happy about is that the folks who were left behind the last 4 years are finally being taken care of. We are in a situation where America is truly moving in the right direction. Those folks who earned tips or overtime, people who earned Social Security, and families who worked hard after being hard-hit by higher gas prices, rent prices, and food prices are being helped in this bill. This is what the American Dream is all about, looking to Washington, D.C., and finally seeing a Washington, D.C., that cares about the everyday Americans who make America work every single day. Finally, I will say this about our President. My entire lifetime, I have watched the chaos in the Middle East created by one nation, Iran. They wreaked havoc on the region. They undercut the idea of democracy, let alone freedoms, not only around the nations that surround them but within their own nation, depriving people of basic rights, especially women. The President said enough is enough. This Nation has put too many nations in peril, and he has stood up and eliminated the threat of a nuclear weapon so that we no longer have this unrest in the region. Because of his prior policies as President, we now have economic energy security so we are not as reliant on the Middle East because the truth is our true threat now lies in China. If we can secure this area in the Middle East because of the President's bold actions, we finally have security and certainty, which so many American families are hoping for. This is the kind of leadership that people expect out of Washington, D.C., and probably why I chose to run for office once again. It simply wasn't working in Washington, D.C. We needed a leader who would actually enforce the laws, and that is exactly what our President has done. We are just getting started, and I am optimistic that, over the next few days if not a few weeks at the latest, we can pass this bill and offer economic certainty and security to Americans so that we can see the results as the years go by. Everyday Americans don't care what happens in Washington. They care what happens in their family and their local communities. We need to make America work, and when Washington works, we all thrive. I applaud our President for keeping his campaign promises, pushing forward this agenda of peace and prosperity to make not only America great again but make the world a much safer place.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I will be brief with this explanation. I will first say that it is so nice to see our economy moving in the right direction. This bill will give more opportunities to Americans to invest with not as many regulations in their way. With these challenging times overseas, it is nice to see that we recognize that economic security equals national security, and by expanding the qualified investor rule, which will give exactly that: more opportunity to others. This bill, led by our chairman, expands access to private capital markets with those who have proven expertise. The bill allows investors to qualify based on licenses, education, and job experience, not just net worth. It truly modernizes our investor standards to reflect today's knowledge-based economy by widening their pool for investors who are qualified. It fuels private investment and business growth while at the same time keeping protections in place by the SEC and FINRA. For these reasons, I support the good bill by our chairman.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I bring good news today talking about what is happening right here in our great House. First and foremost, what I am most pleased about is, isn't it refreshing that when politicians talk during election time, they actually for a change keep the promises that they made to the public. The President promised the idea that we would get America back on track, secure our border, and reduce taxes for those hardest hit over the last 4 years. When people look at the tax bill they are working on, what is called the big, beautiful bill, the great thing about it is that who gets helped most. Those folks who earn overtime, who earn tips, who have earned Social Security, those are the folks being helped by this tax package we are putting together. One of the myths that is out there, over and over I hear on this floor every day, is that somehow this is a big tax cut for the rich. Mr. Speaker, let me inform the public very clearly: The current tax rate for the rich is 37 percent. Under this bill, the tax rate will be 37 percent. When you look at the actual tax cut package to those folks who are hardest hit with high food prices, rent prices, and gas prices and are now, finally, getting relief, let alone families who are enjoying the largest tax cut in American history with this package, it is smart policy to reward those families that make America work every single day and to recognize that sometimes the government has left them behind and that we need to step up and help those folks most in need. The second issue that a lot of people talk about--in fact, in my campaign the most--was the issue of the border. They talk about almost 10 million people coming here, not just illegally, but we don't even know who the heck they are. They could be all kinds of vicious. We want to make sure that we let people into this country who are the right people who assist and contribute to society as opposed to taking from it, let alone commit violent actions against society. The good news to report is that the number of people coming across the border is down 99 percent. It didn't take a new law. It simply meant enforcing the law. Those people who are enforcing the law are actually men and women in the military, including my own son, who is in the United States Air Force. The great news is that because America's spirit is back, the enlistment numbers are at record levels. A year ago, they were at record lows. Now, they are at record highs. That is the kind of enthusiasm that people have, once again, for America. The chants of ``USA, USA'' will permeate not just, of course, at the baseball stadium tonight but across America because we believe that America is back. The respect is back, especially after the failures of what happened in Afghanistan. With this in mind, how do we move forward? One of the things that has really disappointed me is this debate we have had about Medicaid. I happen to know a lot about Medicaid because I am a former member of the Florida State Senate, and Medicaid is the fastest-growing government program in our State. Just so everyone understands, it is not Medicare. It is Medicaid. Medicaid is the program that is simply known as welfare healthcare, which helps people most in need: persons in nursing homes, the disabled, kids from low-income families, and pregnant women. That is an essential program, and we want to help those people who truly are most vulnerable. Yet, the demagoguery on this issue has really gone over the top, and it is really frustrating, as a person who actually understands Medicaid, that we are not cutting one single person out of that program who truly qualifies for that program. The only people who will be out of that program or ``lose healthcare'' are people who lied on their applications and are no longer eligible. Second, if a person is an illegal alien, they will not get Medicaid. People will say that is not true. Ask the Governor of California. He even talked about how he is going to make sure that we can't allow illegal aliens on Medicaid. Third and finally is the issue that if you are able to work, you should work. You should not be a ward of the State. You should not be getting free healthcare when other people are working hard to pay their $1,500 or $2,000 a month to get healthcare. These are commonsense realities. This is something that Bill Clinton and others talked about in the late 1990s, the idea of for welfare to work, that it should not be a permanent state because God did not put you on this Earth to be a ward of the State. I am proud to support the One Big Beautiful Bill Act because it keeps the campaign promises that the President talked about. We helped the people hardest hit over the last 4 years, and we bring the American Dream back to America by investing in people instead of investing in more and more government. I am looking forward to working with the President and, more importantly, to signing this bill later this year so that we can see these programs in action, move this country forward, and empower America.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Sergeant Charles Martin, a proud veteran of World War II and today's Brevard County June veteran nominee and honoree. Charles began his service in the merchant marine, bravely taking on the dangerous mission of guarding Allied shipping routes from prowling U-boats and Stuka dive-bombers. His commitment carried him across the globe from the Atlantic to the shores of Japan. There, he took part in the Allied occupation as a member of the 5th Air Force and, in his own words, had the incredible honor of being saluted by General Douglas MacArthur himself. Sergeant Martin was part of the Greatest Generation, a group of Americans who gave years to defend liberty and defeat tyranny. We owe it to them and to Charles to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. So, today, Mr. Speaker, we honor Sergeant Charles Martin, our good friend from Brevard County. Recognizing Aviator Ava Hernandez

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ava Hernandez, a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Ray Aviation Scholarship, an honor that will support her journey to earning a private pilot's license. Ava was nominated for this scholarship by the Brevard County Experimental Aircraft Association chapter in appreciation of her love for aviation, constant volunteer work, dedication to flight training, and her stellar academic performance. Ava's passion for aviation grew from her involvement in The 99th Squadron, a Brevard County-based nonprofit organization that exposes middle and high school students to the fundamentals of flight. Ava's commitment to aviation is truly admiral, and I thank those who have encouraged youth involvement in the industry, such as the EAA and The 99th Squadron, for shaping the next generation of pilots. Congratulations to Ava on her accomplishment, an honor well-earned.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Stephan Wiggins, a Vero Beach native and Vietnam war hero who was recently awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his past service this past Memorial Day, 57 years after making the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. In 1967, Sergeant Wiggins was drafted into the United States Army and quickly rose to the rank of sergeant and tank commander. Sergeant Wiggins was leading a combat patrol during the Tet Offensive when his unit encountered an obstacle. Acting quickly, he directed his track through a nearby gap, exposing a hidden enemy ambush and drawing heavy fire. The 4-hour firefight claimed 10 American lives, including Wiggins', whose bravery saved many others. I am proud to have been part of a recent ceremony honoring his legacy and his bravery to the American public.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished Brevard County resident and Army veteran, Lyndsay Gray. Enlisting in 2006, Ms. Gray served over a decade as a radiology technologist. After training at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Leonard Wood, she was stationed at Walter Reed, where she led the mammography department and was selected as a cadre for the Combat Medical Badge course. She later deployed to Afghanistan, where she trained over 200 coalition troops and American troops in combat lifesaver skills. Lyndsay medically retired in 2017 after service-connected injuries, but today, Lyndsay is pursuing her Ph.D. and continues to serve fellow veterans in our community. Mr. Speaker, I salute Lyndsay Gray for outstanding service and her lasting contribution to Floridians and all Americans.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, every day I hear this big story about how we are making big tax cuts for the rich. Let's be abundantly clear once again, today, that the current tax rate on the wealthiest Americans is 37 percent. Under the new law we will be passing soon enough, it will stay at 37 percent. The people who will get the true tax cuts in this bill are people who have earned Social Security, people who have earned tips, and have earned overtime pay. That is the message we need to make clear. It is 37 percent now, and it will be in the future. We are not cutting taxes for the rich. We are looking out for the folks that make America work every day and who have been hardest hit in the last 4 years by high inflation and failed government policies.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I had a great conversation with their interns the other day. They said: I have been studying the tax bill. The current tax rate on the wealthiest Americans is 37 percent. The new tax rate, so to speak, will be 37 percent. They asked me: Why do they keep on talking about cutting taxes for the rich? It is who is getting the cut. It is simple. It is the person who has earned Social Security. It is the person who earned those tips. It is the person who has earned that overtime pay. The people who make America work have been suffering for last 4 years from failed government policies.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of Congressman Barr's good legislation. Let me remind those listening about this idea that the tax issue is so important. Let's be clear here. The current rate on the highest earners in the United States is 37 percent. If our resolution passes, it will stay at 37 percent. There is no big tax break for the rich, as they claim over and over. It is 37/37. Let's be very clear on that message. Second, who is getting the big tax cuts in this resolution? It is seniors, Social Security, people who earn tips, and people who work overtime. Those are the hardworking Americans who have supported the President and want to push this resolution forward so that we all enjoy economic success. Getting to this issue today, I think it is so important, and Congressman Barr has put it perfectly. This is consumer protection. This is fair competition because the prior administration's OCC rule burdened businesses with excessive red tape, particularly targeting small banks and limited beneficial mergers. Reversing this rule allows for essential mergers that drive innovation, lower operational costs, and benefit consumers. Remember, this rule was issued without coordinating with any other Federal agency. This is why the smart decision Republicans are making today will codify and make a strong decision because we finally have true competition against the big boys that people say they are fighting against. This is a commonsense issue, and I am proud to support Congressman Barr on this as a Member of the Financial Services Committee.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, on May 10, 2025, the Fourteenth Annual Footsteps in the Sand Kidney Walk took place in Cocoa Beach. This event this year raised $22,000 for kidney patients in need. Today, I rise to honor the memory of those individuals whose lives were tragically cut short and to recognize the courage of their family members who gave the gift of life on their behalf: Chase Agudelo, Seth Anthony Beyrooti, Michael Robert Brown, Shawn Carpenter, Jose Collins, Linda Marie Couch, Giovanni Cruz, Brooke Dawkins, Andrew Dorsey, Blake Eden, ``CJ'' Jordan-Michael Grey, Melissa Houser, Kory Humphrey, Jacob Monroe, Tribhawan Anand Persaud, Dylan Rowe, Decobe Esters, Deja Thompson, Donald Walker, Nathan Walker, and Geoffrey Wasden. Mr. Speaker, I thank them for their sacrifice.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here with you this morning to talk about the good news. Every day, I hear in so many newscasts that somehow the sky is falling. Let's get to the facts about what is actually happening in our economy and, most importantly, how America is moving in the right direction. Gas prices are down. Inflation, despite all the worry of the last month, was held in check. Food prices are down. The border is secure. Enlistments are up. Respect is back around the world. Look at the scenes we are seeing overseas and the respect the United States enjoys once again. Peace is on the horizon, both in Ukraine and, of course, now that we have negotiated a deal with India and Pakistan. This is about promises kept and about leadership met. That is why I am so excited to see America back again. When we look at a lot of these things, one of the things that is so refreshing, that so many people tell me about back at home, is that the President of the United States is finally talking directly to the American public. He actually talks to the press. He takes questions. He illuminates what he is working on and why he is pushing different policies. This is what is called open government. For the last 4 years, we have seen behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Now, we see open government and not just in talk but in action. I know there has been some criticism of DOGE, and nothing is ever perfect. Let's be candid here. Mr. Speaker, it is your money. You deserve to know where every single dollar is spent. That is all DOGE is doing, in addition to making recommendations on how we can actually save money. In case everyone hasn't noticed, we are running a deficit of $1 trillion, let alone over $36 trillion in overall debt. When I hear the other side talk about these different adjustments that might be made, what solutions have they offered other than higher taxes, that we need more money? There is plenty of money here in Washington, D.C. Let's figure out how to spend it in a smarter way. That is all DOGE is trying to say. One of the smartest people in the world is literally saying there are some alternatives we might want to take into consideration on how the real business world works, as opposed to what happens in Washington, D.C. That is why a lot of us new folks ran for office. Back at home, we actually balanced budgets. We are forced to work with a balanced budget amendment. Here, money just flows. If we dare cut spending in any possible way, somehow we are seen as heartless. I don't buy that. For years, they talked about prescription drug changes. Guess what? The President did it. He didn't talk about it. He acted, and it is such a refreshing change. Again, he kept promises made on the campaign trail as opposed to the bait and switch. Mr. Speaker, this is what American Government should be all about and why I am proud to work with the President every single day, trying to figure out how we actually reduce the size and scope of the government and how we reduce costs so you have more of your own money in your own pockets. You earned it, after all. Here is the other refreshing thing. He talked about reducing Social Security taxes during the campaign. Guess what? If you make under $75,000, you are going to have a nice tax cut if you are on Social Security. Let's remember that is on a tax you have already paid. Second, he talked about the idea of no tax on tips. Again, this is in the proposal we are putting forth. That is not Elon Musk getting breaks. That is not some rich billionaire getting a break. These are everyday, working Americans who make this country operate every single day. It is a welcome change to what we saw over the last 4 years, when they just kind of told people what they were doing behind the scenes but never actually addressed the public directly on it. I want to say one last thing. I was here last night. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of serving in the chair where you are. For a long time, I heard a Member from the other side talk about tax cuts for the rich. Guess what? The tax rate for the rich is staying the same. It is 37 percent now. It is going to be 37 percent when we pass this bill. That is not a tax cut. Get it straight. They are on the same level. They are in a situation where they are paying high taxes. Mr. Speaker, think about 37 percent. Thirty-seven percent of every hour and 37 percent of every dollar you earn goes to the government in that regard. There is no tax cut for the rich. It is simply keeping the current tax rate. I wish the other side would recognize that. This is not a tax cut. Finally, I will end with this, Mr. Speaker. The issue of China is very important. As we know, once they joined the WTO many years ago, they were supposed to play by the rules. We were all supposed to be on a level playing field. Instead, what they have done is abuse the privilege of being in the WTO, the World Trade Organization. They steal our technology. They pollute the world. They still have slave labor today. It is an unlevel playing field. What does President Trump do? He put the pressure on them, and they capitulated right away. We brought down the rates, and we have a more logical agreement. I think that, with the good work of our Secretary of the Treasury, we will actually put it in order. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to address the American public about what is really going on in our economy.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, a distinguished resident of Indialantic, Florida, Lance Corporal Carl Miller. While serving in Vietnam, he was critically wounded by a mortar but survived through remarkable courage. For his valor, he received the Purple Heart and was later inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. However, his service did not end on the battlefield. Corporal Miller continues to lead and inspire. He has served as commander of the Space Coast Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and he actively mentors Brevard County JROTC programs and students, shaping the next generation of proud Americans. Mr. Speaker, Lance Corporal Carl Miller exemplifies the very best of our Nation's values. I am proud to honor his service and his lifelong commitment to his fellow veterans and our home community. I salute my friend, Lance Corporal Carl Miller.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Frank Abbate on his upcoming retirement next Thursday, marking the end of a 36-year career in public service in Brevard County. Frank has spent the last several years, since 2017, serving as our Brevard County manager. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in guiding Brevard County through a period of substantial growth and change. Frank's steady leadership helped preserve the unique character of our community while meeting the evolving needs of our residents. Mr. Speaker, as he prepares to close this chapter, I thank Frank for his dedicated service to Brevard County, and I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.