Mike Haridopolos

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Darcia Jones Francey, a true champion of Brevard County whose impact will be felt for generations. A third-generation Brevardian, Darcia devoted her life to making her community and our community stronger. She was known as a connector of people, someone who brought together people in support of causes that mattered and endured. This effort is not unnoticed. Darcia served on countless boards and different community groups, supporting organizations across the Space Coast, from the arts to healthcare and programs helping those truly in need. Her dedication as a volunteer and community work leader helped raise awareness, build partnerships, and strengthen the fabric of Brevard County. Darcia also had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel valued and important, leaving a lasting impression on all of us who knew her. Today, we remember Darcia not only for what she did but how she lived--with purpose, passion, and a deep love of our community. Honoring Alec Hall of Alliance Cyber

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a major investment on Florida's Space Coast. I was proud to join local leaders at Port Canaveral to announce a $20 million Federal grant that will support the construction of new cargo berths that will strengthen one of the Nation's most important ports. Port Canaveral is far more than just a cruise destination. It is a critical economic engine for our region, supporting jobs, commerce, and supply chain necessary to keep Florida moving. This investment will expand not only the cargo capacity but the overall infrastructure that is needed in challenging times. For the Space Coast, this means more opportunities, more jobs, and continued economic momentum for the families and businesses that call the Space Coast home. They will have the fuel necessary in all times of trouble. This is exactly the kind of practical investment that we need to continue to make sure Florida continues to lead the Nation in growth. Honoring the Life of Darcia Jones Francey

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary event on Florida's Space Coast. At the 2026 Space Coast Enlistment Ceremony, more than 230 young men and women took the next step in their commitment to serve our Nation by enlisting in the United States Armed Forces. This is a remarkable event and was the vision of Brevard Public Schools Board Chair Matt Susin, whose leadership helped create a meaningful opportunity to honor these young Americans as they begin a life of service. As the father of a servicemember, I recognize that these individuals are choosing a path defined by duty, sacrifice, and love of their country. They will serve in the Air Force, Marine Corps, Army National Guard, Navy, and Coast Guard, carrying forward the legacy of those who have defended our freedoms in the past. The ceremony also brought together 241 Junior ROTC cadets from across Brevard County, a reminder that the next generation is already preparing to lead. On the Space Coast, we understand freedom is protected by those who are willing to step forward, and today we honor these enlistees, their families, and the leaders like Matt Susin and the members of the Brevard County Schools Board, who are helping to inspire the next generation of American service. Strengthening Port Canaveral and Florida's Space Coast Ceremony

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, what I did notice across the aisle here is that they didn't defend what happened. What happened? The people stole money. This isn't a theory. It is a reality. In Minnesota, a person was recently convicted and will serve now 41 years in prison because they committed fraud. These bills are simply designed to show the reality that people are stealing money from people who make America work every single day. There was no defense here. It was just the usual hyperbole, the same hyperbole that brought us 9 percent inflation, the same hyperbole that doubled interest rates, and the same hyperbole that raised food prices. It is the reason why we are now in the majority. Voters simply want accountability, and they want action. That is exactly what we provide. We help people who are truly in need and don't turn a blind eye to fraud. Now we all know why they hated DOGE. It is because it exposed fraud. That is why they didn't like it. We finally put the lights on and said: Hey, enough is enough. That is why we are here today to talk about fraud. It is because a society that tolerates fraud weakens the bonds of trust that hold this Nation together. It is not just in healthcare. It is now even in education. For those who don't know, I used to be a teacher, and I know the ultimate civil right is a fantastic education. Now, because of identity theft, people are taking money from those people who want to improve their lives for the better by getting a first-class education. This is the most commonsense bill that we have had in the 2 years that I have been here. I am proud to support this so the folks who truly need the resources will finally get the resources.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work being done by our Brevard County public schools. At the Boeing Destination Moon Awards Ceremony, more than 500 students were recognized for competing in a yearlong STEM design challenge to look at real-world lunar missions. These students developed solutions using coding, robotics, and engineering and got hands-on experience that prepares them for a career in aerospace and amazing new technologies. These students applied their talents to these challenges and led by example. I was proud to be at this event most recently, and it just shows that Brevard County schools are not only putting students first, but they are putting the future in the hands of these students, so they can decide that ultimate civil right, which is a great education.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of Eastern Florida State College men's golf team on the Space Coast. In fact, I used to teach at Eastern Florida and am especially proud of their incredible work. The team is currently ranked eighth in the Nation, and they are moving up due to their hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence. This recognition reflects not only the talent they have on the golf course, but of course, their performance in the classroom, as well. Eastern Florida continues to produce student-athletes who represent our region with pride and integrity. We congratulate the team on this achievement and wish them continued success this season. Recognizing Boeing's Destination Moon Student Achievement

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, we not only live on the Space Coast, but we live on the beach. So today, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery and quick action of the lifeguards on Florida's Space Coast. Recently, a Brevard County Ocean Rescue team led that fight to take on these dangerous waters. In a moment where every second matters, they acted without hesitation, demonstrating skill, courage, and deep commitment to protecting others. In 1 day they rescued 15 different individuals as they faced strong rip currents and hazardous conditions on our beaches. These lifeguards are often the first line of defense between safety and tragedy. Their work requires vigilance, training, and the willingness to put others first. Their actions serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the ocean and always providing safety guidance. We thank the entire Brevard County Ocean Rescue team for their dedication and saving lives each and every day. Recognizing Eastern Florida State College Men's Golf Team

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew L. Miles, a proud veteran from Florida's Space Coast and our Veteran of the Month. Technical Sergeant Miles served our Nation honorably for 23 years in the United States Air Force, dedicating his life to our country and our military. In fact, while overseas in Madrid, he met his wife, Angeles, and they shared a life together. His distinguished service earned him the Air Force Commendation Medal with Oakleaf Cluster, Outstanding Unit Award, and the Good Conduct Medal, reflecting a career marked by professionalism and dedication. Mr. Miles also reminds us of this civic truth: that democracy depends on participation. So today, we thank Andrew L. Miles for his service to our Nation, his example of patriotism, and continued commitment to our community. Recognizing Lifesaving Actions on Brevard County Beaches

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the legacy of William P. Bass, a pioneer who helped found America's space program. After serving in World War II, Mr. Bass continued his service as a civilian leader in the United States Air Force. In 1950, he came to Florida to help establish the Eastern Test Range, building the infrastructure that would launch the American space race and its ultimate success. As the highest ranking civilian manager at the Eastern Test Range, he oversaw operations that supported the Gemini and the Apollo missions between the Air Force and NASA and led an organization of tens of thousands of men and women in the missile and space operations program. At a time when Brevard County was largely undeveloped, his leadership helped transform it into the birthplace of American exploration. His legacy of that work is clear. It helped put Americans on the Moon and secure our Nation's leadership in space. Today, we honor William P. Bass for his service, his vision, and his lasting impact for the space coast. Honoring Andrew L. Miles

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, our country lost a true patriot on Saturday night. He loved this country like no other and taught all of us here so much about our country and about what love is all about. His wife, Katie, his high school sweetheart, was always there by his side. He loved his daughters, Pam and Cathi. He was just a remarkable guy who really never ``went Washington.'' His heart was always in Brevard County. As Mr. Diaz-Balart and Ms. Wasserman Schultz said as well, he had a passion for the space industry. Before he was ever elected, he served at Kennedy Space Center. He was a part of those amazing rockets that led us during the Cold War. He served his community with honor. He was always the guy showing up at every meeting. After the 2000 election, was the one who fixed our election system in the State of Florida and became a national model. But I knew Bill best as a friend. He was a person who always took the time with all of us who wanted to understand the intricacies of how legislation was passed and how to really get things done. If you had a problem to solve back in the State Legislature, you went to Bill. Here in Congress, he served so ably for 16 years. Most importantly, as I mentioned before, his heart was always in Brevard County. But his heart was closest with his wife, Katie. As was said so well, and I want to say it again, they were inseparable. It was such a thrill to always see them because they were on a mission to make sure that the values and principles that founded this Nation were always pushed forward. Mr. Speaker, I request a moment of silence to remember our good friend and an American patriot, former Congressman Bill Posey.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to visit Merritt Island High School to highlight their outstanding work being done in astronautics and flight exploration. The program is a 4-year program that prepares students for careers in aerospace, aviation, and engineering. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, using the tools that are used in the everyday workplace. Programs like this show that success does not just follow one path. Not every student follows the traditional 4-year degree to build a strong future. Career-focused education gives students the opportunity to graduate with the practical skills necessary to step into aerospace jobs. On the Space Coast, where aerospace drives our economy, this program and others like it are essential. They connect students with real opportunities right in our home community. The students and educators at Merritt Island High School are building the workforce of the future. This is what education should look like--relevant, practical, and focused on results. Honoring Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Lieutenant Commander Mark Majcher, United States Navy, retired. He proudly served our Nation as a naval aviator. His service reflects the discipline, courage, and commitment that define the very best of our military. Beyond his time in uniform, he remained a part of our veteran community, carrying forward the values of service and sacrifice that have guided his life. I had the privilege of meeting Lieutenant Commander Majcher on Veterans Day last year, and it was clear he took great pride in his service and the men and women who served beside him. I also recognize his loving wife, Fran, whose support and devotion were a constant in his life. Today, we honor not only a veteran but a life defined by service to others and a love of country. May we never forget his contributions or the example set by this remarkable American. Highlighting Artemis II Mission sucess

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the successful mission of Artemis II, a defining moment in American leadership once again in space, as these four brave astronauts traveled further than any astronauts have ever traveled before, marking our next new era in space exploration. I also, of course, applaud our President, who has steadfastly committed to space as he has created the Space Force, and our amazing new NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman, who has brought new life to NASA as we are reaching further than ever. It confirmed the strength of American engineering, the precision of our NASA employees, and the skill of our amazing astronauts. Artemis II is more than exploration. It supports national security, drives our economy, and creates jobs across the country, especially on Florida's Space Coast. As we look ahead to future missions, we celebrate this achievement to reaffirm our commitment to space. Madam Speaker, America is going back to the Moon, and we are leading the way forward. Honoring Rita Vastano Simas on Her 100th Birthday

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent, Rita Vastano Simas of Melbourne, Florida, as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Born on April 24, 1926, Rita's life is a testament to resilience, love, and devotion to her family and our country. During World War II, she married the love of her life, George Simas, in Italy before coming to the United States to build a life together based on faith, hard work, and opportunity. Her husband earned multiple Purple Hearts and served our Nation with pride, as they are part of the Greatest Generation. Together, they represent a generation that sacrificed, endured, and helped shape the freedoms that we enjoy today. Rita's life reflects the values of our Nation. Today, she celebrates 100 years. I wish Rita a happy birthday.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I like that recent quote I heard on the floor just a few minutes ago: Let us not forget the dishonesty here. That is a very rich comment. I see the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee is here. They worked out a deal in order to fund DHS, not part of it but all of it, and the one part they keep leaving out is the idea about ICE. ICE is somewhat important. Ten million people entered this country illegally and so many of them--as we have seen on the website, wow.dhs.gov, which has outlined clearly the crimes that were committed. You need ICE agents to actually go after people who committed the crime, not just of coming here, but crimes committed once here. Many of these are violent crimes. We can go through name after name of tragedies, destroyed lives. They want to play politics with this. This idea of we are wasting time--we are wasting time for one simple reason: They won't fully fund DHS, all of it. The reality is, right now, not just 10 million people have entered this country, but we are in a conflict overseas. We have seen twice in Michigan, once in Texas, and once in Virginia that the homeland is under attack, and they play politics. As a person who has been here since 1996, the rules are pretty simple. We all know them. You need 60 votes in the Senate to pass anything, and they play this game like we didn't take a history class. As a history teacher myself, let's go back and teach history the right way instead of playing games. More importantly, let's actually fund the homeland so that we can keep our people safe because there are people in harm's way and we need ICE agents, not just playing whack-a- mole with different agencies.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary citizen from Florida's Space Coast, Dorothy Linson, affectionately known in our community as Ms. Dot. She is actually joining us here today on this very special day. I had the pleasure of meeting with her earlier today and sharing her experiences in the Sunshine State. She came here at the age of 19 from the State of Alabama with her four kids to make a new start. Today we celebrate that success in helping others in our community. Ms. Dot has dedicated her life to one simple powerful mission. No child in her community should ever grow hungry. Through the years of tireless service, compassion, and leadership, she has worked to provide meals, support families, and ensure children have the nourishment they need each and every day to learn, grow, and succeed. Because of her tireless lifelong commitment to serve others, Ms. Dot earned the 2026 Citizen Honors Award Service Honoree by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Each year the award is personally selected by living Medal of Honor recipients, our American heroes. They recognize the courage, character, and dedication of our Nation's finest just like Ms. Dot. Ms. Dot's work reminds us that service is not limited to grand stages or national headlines. Often the most powerful acts of service and leadership come from our neighbors helping our neighbors. Florida's Space Coast is proud of Dorothy Linson, an American leader and community champion. I recognize her for this well-earned award. Honoring Alec Hall of Alliance Cyber

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding veteran, entrepreneur, and leader from Florida's Space Coast, Alec Hall. Alec is the president of Alliance Cyber, a service-disabled, veteran- owned small business based in Cocoa, Florida, right in Brevard County. Through his leadership, Alliance Cyber provides cybersecurity and IT security solutions to others. However, Alec's most important impact goes far beyond business success. Through the Alliance Cyber Gives Foundation, his team supports STEM education, workforce development, and career pathways for those transitioning servicemembers, investing directly in the next generation. In recognition of his leadership and service, Alec was named the 2025 National Small Business Vetrepreneur of the Year and received the Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year Award from the National Veteran-Owned Business Association. These honors reflect a continued commitment to service first in uniform and now in our communities. Florida's Space Coast is proud of Alec Hall and the work of Alliance Cyber. Vero Beach High School CTE Programs

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the incredible work being done at Vero Beach High School through its career and technical education programs. During my recent visit to the school, I had the opportunity to tour programs in automotive technology, biotechnology, culinary arts, digital design, business management, and nursing. These programs are equipping students with real skills that translate directly into the workforce. Career and technical education provides a strong alternative to a traditional 4-year college path. It allows students to graduate high school with hands-on experience, industry certifications, and a clear path into high-demand careers. This approach strengthens our workforce, supports local industries, and gives students the opportunity to succeed on their own terms. The leadership of the school districts in Indian River County and the educators at Vero Beach High School are preparing the next generation for the practical tools they need to find success. These programs reflect what education should be: focused, forward-looking, and connecting to real-world opportunity.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Ted Kimmey, who served in the United States Army and has been selected as Brevard County's Veteran of the Month. Captain Kimmey served our Nation honorably, rising to the rank of captain before his honorable discharge from the Army. Like so many veterans, Captain Kimmey answered the call to serve during a critical time in our country and handled himself with professionalism and integrity. After his military service, Captain Kimmey continued to exemplify the values of service and civic responsibilities at our home in Brevard County. Mr. Speaker, it is because of veterans like Ted Kimmey that our Nation remains strong and free. I am honored to recognize his service and thank him on behalf of a grateful nation. Honoring Veteran Dr. Jason Comerford

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. James Comerford, a servant leader whose life reflects a deep commitment to our country, community, and public service. Dr. Comerford retired as a captain in the United States Army after serving 25 years. During his career, he served as company commander, brigade medical officer, and U.S. Army combatives instructor, earning numerous commendations along the way. Following his service, Dr. Comerford continued to serve as a college professor, collegiate chiropractor, and mentor to young students across our community, especially at-risk students. Today, he serves as the associate coach and team doctor for Palm Bay athletics and operates a chiropractic practice that provides care to veterans throughout the VA Community Care Network. Now, in his third year as chairman of the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine, Dr. Comerford continues to lead with integrity. He embodies the Army's core values every single day. I thank Dr. Comerford and his family for their sacrifice and service to our community. Protecting Indian River Lagoon

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share important news for the families of Florida's Space Coast. Through the recent appropriations package, I was proud to help secure nearly $14 million to improve water quality projects and protect the long-term health of the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. It supports wildlife, sustains local fisheries, drives tourism, and anchors the quality of life for all of us in Brevard County. In recent years, harmful algal blooms and water quality challenges have threatened this vital ecosystem. This funding will support restoration efforts, strengthen habitat protection, and advance projects that reduce nutrient pollution that has entered the lagoon. The Indian River Lagoon is more than just a waterway. It is essential to our life on the Space Coast. I will continue working on this project and many more to make sure that our quality of life stays high. Thanks to the work of the Congress, we are able to give the funding necessary to keep this national treasure in place. Recognizing Holy Trinity's Class 2A Soccer State Championship

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy boys' soccer team on winning the Class 2A State soccer championship. With discipline, resilience, and relentless effort, these student athletes earned the State championship as a testament to their commitment on and off the field. This victory belongs not just to the players, but also to the coaches, the families, and the community who supported them every step of the way. Championships are built through long practices, strong leadership, and a belief in one another. This is one great example of just that. The Space Coast takes pride in its student athletes, and this team has given our community a moment to celebrate. Their success represents the strength of high school athletics and the character it builds in young leaders. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Holy Trinity on an outstanding season and a well-earned State soccer title. Supporting America's Commitment to Space

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that affirms America's commitment to exploration, innovation, and leadership in space. The bill reauthorizes NASA's priorities for lunar and Mars missions, strengthens our presence in low Earth orbit, and encourages scientific and commercial partnerships that expand our capabilities and grow our economy. Working through the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, led by Dr. Babin, we have emphasized continuity, strategic investments, and maintaining the U.S. competitiveness in space, making sure we stay number one in space. As the President said: ``You can't be number one on Earth if you are number two in space.'' This legislation supports exploration and innovation, uplifts STEM education, and solidifies America's role at the forefront of discovery for generations to come. As an original cosponsor of this bill, I am proud to stand with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance these goals and defend our Nation's legacy of space leadership.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the recent speech given by our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, a fellow Floridian, who spoke to the world in Munich about the path for freedom in the 21st century. He spoke with clarity, strength, and even at times humor to paint a vision that we can all embrace. Our transatlantic alliance faces both strain and opportunity. The United States and Europe are not merely strategic partners. As Secretary Rubio said so well, we are bound by history, culture, sacrifice, and a shared belief in liberty. Ours is not a temporary arrangement of convenience but a partnership of a shared civilization that has shaped the modern world. History teaches us something important. Alliances endure not through sentiment but through seriousness. They thrive when nations are confident, self-reliant, and clear-eyed about the future challenges before them. Today, I want to speak about the renewal of the West and how that renewal reflects the best traditions of American diplomacy and traditions embodied by some of our greatest Secretaries of State: John Quincy Adams, William Seward, George Marshall, and James Baker. Each faced a fractured world, each acted boldly, and each understood that American strength, wisely applied, could shape a more stable international order. The United States is a nation born in the European political tradition. Our constitutional order, our philosophy of rights, and our understanding of sovereignty all trace their roots back to this continent. When we say America and Europe belong together, we are not describing a temporary security arrangement. We are acknowledging a shared inheritance. However, shared heritage does not excuse complacency. The lesson of the last several decades is clear: Alliances weaken when economic foundations erode, when clear defense burdens fall unevenly, and when world leaders avoid hard conversations. A renewal of our alliance requires candid, honest conversations. In what form will those conversations take? Secretary Rubio started that conversation in Munich. As a history teacher myself, I trust we will look to actions taken by some of our finest Secretaries of State when they served both their President and our Nation. John Quincy Adams: After the War of 1812, John Quincy Adams recognized that America was fragile. The great powers of Europe were reorganizing themselves at the Congress of Vienna. It would have been easy for the young United States to be pulled into European alliances, and, unfortunately, European rivalries. However, John Quincy Adams, a former Massachusetts Senator and diplomat, who helped negotiate the Treaty of Ghent that ended the War of 1812, understood something profound: American strength depended first on national independence and economic resilience, and, as George Washington warned in his Farewell Address, away from entangling alliances. As Secretary of State of our fifth President, James Monroe, Adams negotiated the Adams-Onis Treaty, securing Florida, my home State, from Spain and clarifying the American borders along the Atlantic Ocean. Later in 1823, he crafted what became known as the Monroe Doctrine, a declaration that the Western Hemisphere would not be subject to European recolonization. The lesson was that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy, but neither should it allow others to define our destiny. That balance, strength without recklessness, independence without isolation, is deeply relevant today. When we insist on fair trade, secure supply chains, and reciprocal defense commitments, we are not retreating from the world. We are doing what Adams did: ensuring that American sovereignty underwrites American diplomacy. William Seward, a former Governor and United States Senator from the State of New York, was appointed Secretary of State by his own political rival, President Abraham Lincoln. There Seward guided the United States foreign policy during the Civil War and adroitly kept Great Britain out of our tragic conflict. After the war in 1867, Seward approved the purchase of Alaska. While his critics in the press mocked this as Seward's Folly, those critics would soon be proven wrong. Today, we know that acquisition was strategic brilliance. Seward saw beyond immediate criticism. He understood geography, trade routes, and long-term power competition. He expanded America's footprint in ways that would matter for generations to come. He believed deeply in commercial expansion as a tool of diplomacy. The lesson here is that great statesmanship requires the courage to invest in long-term national power. Today, securing critical supply chains, revitalizing domestic industry, and preventing adversaries from dominating strategic industries is not economic nationalism for its own sake. It is modern statecraft. Seward understood that economic strength is strategic strength. General George Marshall led our American military during World War II as the United States Army Chief of Staff. Though not in the direct field of battle and thus not as well-known as some of the famous generals and admirals of World War II, it was Marshall whose strategic leadership in concert with Franklin Delano Roosevelt proved decisive in defeating both the Japanese and the Germans in World War II. Two years after the conclusion of the war, President Harry Truman appointed this wartime leader as Secretary of State, our chief diplomat. As Europe lay in ruins, the United States could have turned inward. Instead, Marshall proposed the European Recovery Program, what we know today as the Marshall Plan. The genius of Marshall was not charity. It was clarity. He recognized that American prosperity required European stability. He understood that free societies require functioning economies, and he insisted that the European nations take responsibility for designing their own recovery. The Marshall Plan was not a blank check. It was a partnership. Marshall demanded coordination, reform, and seriousness from Europe. In return, the United States invested heavily. Due to these actions, nations on the brink, like Greece, my home country, stayed free, and NATO proved to be the alliance that blocked the evil of communism. The lesson? Strength begets strength. When we call today for greater European defense spending, for fairer trade balances, and to bring industry home, we are echoing Marshall's insistence that a partnership must be reciprocated. Secretary of State James Baker. In the final years of the Cold War, James Baker navigated one of the most delicate diplomatic transformations in modern history. After serving as chief of staff and later Secretary of the Treasury under Ronald Reagan, Baker served as Secretary of State under George H.W. Bush. During this time when the Berlin Wall fell, Germany reunified, and the Soviet Union collapsed, these circumstances, these changes could have triggered chaos. Instead, through disciplined diplomacy, Baker helped manage NATO expansion, reassured allies, and negotiated arms control arrangements that prevented instability. Baker's approach was pragmatic, not ideological. He listened. He negotiated firmly. He protected American interests while recognizing the dignity of other nations. The lesson here? Diplomacy must adapt to new realities. The institutions built after World War II were vital, but institutions cannot become frozen monuments. They must evolve to address new forms of economic competition, technological disruption, and geopolitical rivalries. Reform is not rejection, it is preservation through adaptation. Today, in conclusion, we confront the issues highlighted by our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio: economic fragmentation, technological competition, supply chain vulnerability, military imbalances, and political polarization. The temptation too often is denial or even an overreaction, but the better path, the Adams path, the Seward path, the Marshall path, the Baker path, and hopefully the Rubio path that we can follow is disciplined renewal. That means restoring industrial capacity, ensuring defense reciprocity, reforming global institutions rather than abandoning them, and maintaining alliance unity grounded in sovereignty. When we call on Europe to invest more in its own defense, we are not weakening NATO, we are strengthening NATO. When we insist on true fair trade that does not hollow out our middle class, we are strengthening democratic legitimacy. When we call for reform in global institutions, we are ensuring that they reflect the realities of 2026, not 1945. Each of these Secretaries of State that I have highlighted understood something enduring: America must be strong at home to be credible abroad. Adams secured borders, Seward expanded territory, Marshall built alliances, and Baker managed transition. None confused cooperation with dependency. None confused sovereignty with isolation. The United States remained committed to Europe, but commitment does not mean complacency. It means candid conversations about defense spending. It means honest assessments about economic policy. It means joint responsibility for the future of Western civilization. We stand at the threshold of what can be the new century of Western strength if we choose seriousness, not political correctness. The West succeeded in the 20th century because it combined economic dynamism, military preparedness, cultural confidence, and institutional flexibility. Those traits must define us again. The path forward is not nostalgia, it is renewal. When future historians look back at this moment, they will ask: Did we retreat from our responsibilities? Did we allow economic complacency to erode democratic stability? Did we allow alliances to drift into imbalance or did we act with the clarity of John Quincy Adams, with the foresight of William Seward, with the strategic generosity of George Marshall, and with the disciplined diplomacy of James Baker? The answer depends on whether we remember the core principle that unites them all: American diplomacy works best when it combines strength, reciprocity, and long-term vision. The United States and Europe belong together, but belonging together requires effort from both sides. Let us rebuild industrial strength. Let us renew defense commitments. Let us reform institutions, and let us move forward together. Let us do so with the vigor worthy of the statesmen who came before us and now the vision offered by our United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

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