Mike Haridopolos

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 75.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel William ``Skate'' Parks, an exceptional officer in the United States Air Force, who was awarded the Silver Star Medal, one of our Nation's highest honors for valor. In early 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Parks served as mission commander for a 21-aircraft strike package in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. He led four F-16 Fighting Falcons on a suppression of enemy air defenses mission, deliberately placing himself in range of a heavily defended air defense zone. For more than 15 minutes, with enemy missiles exploding mere feet from his aircraft and fuel below minimum levels, Lieutenant Colonel Parks flew defensive maneuvers, coordinated emergency refueling, and prevented the likely loss of multiple aircraft. His courage and leadership contributed to a larger operation that defended our allies and advanced United States' security interests. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Lieutenant Colonel William Parks for his extraordinary valor and dedicated service to our Nation as a member of the United States Air Force. Securing Funding for Sea Turtle Conservation on the Space Coast

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a meaningful investment in conservation on Florida's Space Coast. We recently secured $1.75 million in Federal funding for the Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center at Port Canaveral and in Melbourne, building upon the amazing legacy of the Bowen family and so many other families that have been generous to the zoo and our community. This funding will expand rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured sea turtles and strengthen research and response capabilities along our Space Coast. Sea turtles face threats from boat strikes, fishing gear, and environmental hazards. The Healing Center provides critical medical care and returns these animals to the wild whenever possible. I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with some of these folks who care for our sea turtles just last week. This investment reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship and local priorities. I am proud this funding was secured to support marine life and the community that depends on healthy waterways for all. Honoring Brett Bolton and Team USA at Winter Paralympics

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, we all saw the exciting victory by the United States men's national ice hockey team securing a Gold Medal for the United States for the first time since the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Before that, the 1960 American team had won the Gold out in California. It was the first time we won it overseas, but there are still more Olympics to come. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding athlete from our district, Brett Bolton, as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Winter Paralympics. Hailing from Rockledge, Florida, Brett is a member of Team USA's Sled Hockey Team, which is pursuing its fifth Gold Medal. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence represents the very best in American competition. Representing our country on the world stage is an extraordinary honor, and our community is proud to see one of our own chasing that historic achievement of a Gold Medal, potentially the fifth in a row. Hockey holds a special place in communities across our Nation as it builds upon resilience, teamwork, and character as also recognized by our women's team that also won in overtime earning the Gold Medal over the Canadians. Brett's journey reminds us that the sport can unite us and inspire the next generation to push beyond its limits. As Team USA takes the ice in March in the Paralympics, we will be cheering on loudly for Brett Bolton and his teammates as part of Team USA. Go USA! Recognizing a Manatee Rescue in Melbourne Beach

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated effort of first responders and wildlife experts who rescued a trapped manatee from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach. Local police officers, firefighters, and wildlife officials quickly responded to the call. Working carefully and patiently, they assessed the situation, monitored the animal's condition, and coordinated a safe extraction. This rescue highlights something special about our coastline communities. Floridians understand that protecting wildlife is part of protecting our way of life. Our waterways are home to remarkable species, and safeguarding them requires vigilance and teamwork. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Melbourne Beach Police Department, local fire crews, and wildlife partners for their swift action. Their professionalism protected one of Florida's most cherished marine animals.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez, who has been selected as January's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Mr. Ramos Ramirez proudly served our Nation in the United States Army, answering the call to duty during a critical moment in our history. He served for three years, including time in Vietnam, where he conducted reconnaissance missions--some of the most dangerous and demanding assignments in combat. Not only did he serve honorably, but he also volunteered to remain in Vietnam for additional time, demonstrating extraordinary courage and selflessness. For his service, Mr. Ramos Ramirez earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal--decorations that reflect both valor and sacrifice. Like so many of our veterans, his legacy extends beyond the uniform. His commitment to protecting our freedoms reminds us that the liberties we enjoy today were secured by Americans willing to put country before self. On behalf of Florida's Space Coast and a grateful Nation, we thank Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez for his service, his sacrifice, and his example. It is an honor to recognize him here today.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Floridian and patriot, Captain Debby Moone, who was named Brevard County's November Veteran of the Month. Captain Moone dedicated 32 years of her life to serving our Nation in uniform, answering the call in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army. After serving 22 years in the Air Force and rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, she continued her service by becoming a commissioned Army officer, ultimately retiring as a Captain in the Medical Service Corps. Throughout her distinguished career, Captain Moone deployed in Operation Desert Storm, served overseas in Korea, and led soldiers as a medical company commander, ensuring that those who served had the care they needed when it mattered most. Her service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among many others. Mr. Speaker, Captain Moone represents the very best of the Space Coast--selfless, resilient, and devoted to something greater than herself. Our Nation is stronger because of her service, and Brevard County is proud to call her one of its own.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

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

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today, we rise to discuss the important issue of home affordability. As you just saw on this floor, we passed, with bipartisan support, led by our chairman of the Committee on Financial Services, French Hill, from the great State of Arkansas, a bill, with a 390-9 vote, to promote the idea of home affordability, the ultimate American Dream. Sadly, as we have recognized over the last few years, that dream has become further and further away for too many Americans. Starting today, we are moving in the right direction so that we might reduce those barriers to affordability and simply rely on the great economic mission of increasing supply to reduce the cost. Our first speaker tonight is from the State of Kentucky and serves on our Committee on Financial Services. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Barr for mentioning higher construction costs, more regulatory delays, outdated zoning laws, and, of course, the desperate need for more community banks in the process. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman), a fellow member of the Committee on Financial Services.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Stutzman for his comments. Mr. Speaker, as discussed, one of the major issues which caused the housing affordability crisis in America is simply the fact of the last 4 years at least 10 million people have come into this country illegally, and it has caused the reality that when you have too much demand and not enough supply, prices go up. We are pleased that we are meeting that demand and we are doing it in a commonsense way by reducing those barriers to entry, whether it be through banks, duplicate regulations, or the zoning laws that simply don't work. This is good work by our chairman of the Committee on Financial Services. Chairman Hill and Chairman Flood of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance have really made a difference. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, as we address these issues that you saw from the poster board, illegal immigration has a true cost, whether it be increasing demand, let alone the vital services that are strained under that increased number of people in a very short period of time. I yield to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Downing), who also serves on the Financial Services Committee.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thought the gentleman's words were spot on, simply getting the government out of the way. This is not about spending. This is about common sense and releasing the idea of the American free market system. It really shows the support this bill has by again a 390-9 vote. There is a great level of support for this bipartisan effort. We are simply increasing supply in order to reduce costs. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Crank for putting in perspective the true cost due to government regulations and red tape. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Mackenzie.)

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the good words of Mr. Mackenzie and putting in perspective what folks in Pennsylvania face every day because of the rising housing costs through the years. As I get ready to close, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank, first of all, again Chairman Hill. I have the pleasure of being in that committee, and it is so exciting to see a chairman who brings everyone together in a bipartisan fashion to pass commonsense legislation. What has been highlighted throughout the day today is the fact that it is not about spending more money, it is about reducing the regulatory burden that has caused prices to rise so rapidly as Congressman Crank brought up in the State of Colorado. Let's not forget again why we are facing this crisis. One is illegal immigration. Ten million people are increasing the demand when there is not enough supply. We are literally 5.5 million units short. Secondly, let's not forget that when the Biden administration began, interest rates were 2.7 percent. It got as high as 7.8 percent. To understand that number and put it in perspective, in the community that I live in, that means you are paying $1,200 more a month in interest payments, going from under 3 percent to almost 8 percent because of Big Government spending programs that simply failed in the Biden economy. Finally, as has been highlighted by Mr. Mackenzie and others tonight, the regulatory burden on the Federal, State, and local levels were so duplicative that you had costs rising dramatically. This bill tackles each of those issues. We are tackling illegal immigration. We are tackling the interest rate issue, which is finally coming down. Finally, the regulatory burden will be reduced so that we will liberate folks once again from this high regulation, Big Government debacle. Mr. Speaker, I thank each of the speakers tonight: Congressman Barr from Kentucky, Congressman Stutzman from Indiana, Congressman Kennedy from Utah, Congressman Downing from Montana, and Congressman Crank from Colorado, along with Congressman Mackenzie from Pennsylvania for lending their comments tonight, as well as our Speaker tonight, who encourages us every step of the way. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity tonight. This is so important that for once we are showing that Washington can work. We rarely see in a substantive bill like this a 390-9 vote. We can come together when good ideas are shared. I am just so proud of the work done by the Financial Services Committee and the staff which is with us 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 am honored to be here this afternoon to talk about what is so important to all of us, and that is healthcare, not just health insurance. A clean, 3-year extension brought by the minority would send $110 billion directly to insurance companies. As the chairman just mentioned, a recent GAO report showed that 23 out of 24 fraudulent enrollees were approved and received taxpayer subsidies directly to insurance companies. The GAO even reported that they were not required to provide documentation, such as Social Security numbers or income verification. It was money sent directly to insurance companies from taxpayers. Democrats said healthcare would be affordable, yet since the implementation of this bad idea, premiums are up 80 percent. At the same time, nearly 20 percent of the individual market claims are denied by insurance companies. In 2024, 87 percent of the revenue made by insurance companies selling ACA exchange claims came from taxpayer dollars. To quote an article from The Wall Street Journal, Democrats sold ObamaCare on the false pretenses that it would make healthcare affordable. Let me say that again: false pretenses. Extending the subsidies would perpetuate that fraud. We passed a bill before Christmas that would reduce costs by 11 percent, and that was from the CBO. The CBO said that, and we are not exactly the biggest fans of that unique organization. Our plan would actually fight fraud, which was highlighted in the GAO report. Finally, we would actually give choice to individuals as opposed to this one-size-fits-all debacle. We want healthcare, not a plan to simply fund insurance companies.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Robert Kniprath who was proudly recognized as October's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Mr. Kniprath answered our Nation's call during World War II, serving in the United States Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. As a petty officer second class, he carried out vital responsibilities supporting critical naval operations that contributed to Allied success in the Southwest Pacific. His service earned him multiple commendations, including the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. After his military service, Mr. Kniprath built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community in Brevard County. He was known as a devoted father, husband, and grandfather, and as a man who deeply believed in civic duty, the importance of voting to safeguard our Republic and our democratic values. Mr. Speaker, Brevard County and our Nation are stronger because of patriots like Robert Kniprath. Recognizing Debby Ellen Moone

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Floridian and patriot, Debby Ellen Moone. She was named Brevard County's November Veteran of the Month. Captain Moone dedicated 32 years of her life to serving our Nation in uniform, answering the call in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army. After serving 22 years in the United States Air Force and rising to the rank of senior master sergeant, she continued her service by becoming a commissioned Army officer, ultimately retiring as a captain in the Medical Service Corps. Throughout her distinguished career, Captain Moone deployed in Operation Desert Storm, served overseas in Korea, and led soldiers as a medical company commander. Her service has been recognized with numerous honors, including: the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among many others. Mr. Speaker, Captain Moone represents the very best of the Space Coast: selfless, resilient, and devoted to something greater than herself. Our Nation is stronger because of her service, and Brevard County is proud to call her one of our own. Honoring Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez who has been selected as January's Brevard County Veteran of the Month. Mr. Ramos Ramirez proudly served our Nation in the United States Army, answering the call of duty during a critical moment in our history. He served in Vietnam where he conducted reconnaissance missions, some of the most dangerous and demanding assignments in combat. He served honorably, even volunteered to remain in Vietnam for additional time, demonstrating his extraordinary courage and selflessness. For his service, Mr. Ramos Ramirez earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Two Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, decorations that reflect both his valor and his sacrifice. Like so many of our veterans, his legacy extends beyond the uniform. His commitment to protecting our freedoms remind us that the liberties we enjoy today were secured by Americans willing to put country before self. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's Space Coast and a grateful Nation, I thank Luis Francisco Ramos Ramirez for his service, his sacrifice, and his example of leadership.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, the Affordable HOMES Act is commonsense legislation that cuts red tape and lowers housing costs for hardworking American families. We all recognize between 2021 and 2024 that interest rates went from 3 percent to 7 percent. In my home community, that meant we spent $1,200 more a month for the average home in my community. We spent $1,200. We need to think of commonsense ways to turn this around and make housing more affordable. President Reagan once said: ``If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it.'' Today, Washington has regulated the same thing twice. Manufactured homes are being hit with overlapping energy mandates from HUD and the Department of Energy. The Affordable HOMES Act fixes this by repealing DOE's separate energy rules, restoring clear authority to HUD, which already oversees construction and safety standards. Lower costs mean more homes built and greater supply. More families will be able to build equity and secure their future. This is conservative policy at its best. It is less government, more opportunity, and more relief for American families. Let us also remember that home prices also went up because 10 million people came into this country in a 4-year time period. The simple law of supply and demand tells me that causes prices to rise radically, much like radical policies from 2021 through 2024. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the Affordable HOMES Act to cut red tape and help more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. I very much thank the chairwoman for leading this charge.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to be here this afternoon as we talk about the need to promote accountability, flexibility, choice, and to allow small businesses to galvanize together to find the best options for their employees in the changing health insurance market. I will start today by ceding some time to my friend from the State of Montana, Representative Downing, who has great experience in working with the marketplace in his home State of Montana. I yield to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Downing).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. We appreciate his expertise and understanding on these issues as we take it on toward the future. I want to read one comment before I call up the Congressman from Colorado. This is from The Washington Post, which may be the most liberal major newspaper in America. Their comments were simply: ``Many honest people will feel the squeeze next year, but any serious effort to extend ObamaCare subsidies would need to include lower income caps, require some out-of-pocket premiums and impose additional anti-fraud protections.'' The Washington Post said this. They recognize the reality that this has been a broken system that has been covered up for years at the expense of other taxpayers and the overall cost of healthcare. That is why we are having the discussion today. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank). I thank him for joining this conversation, and we look forward to his comments.

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Crank for his remarks. I yield to the gentleman from the 13th Congressional District of North Carolina (Mr. Knott).

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Knott for his comments. I yield to the gentlewoman from North Dakota (Mrs. Fedorchak).