Jim Jordan

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend to the House the Mansfield Noon Optimist Club. Members of the club gathered earlier today to kick off an extended celebration of the centennial of their organization. Optimist Clubs date back to the early 1900s, established to support young people and encourage their development. The Mansfield club, founded in October 1923, is the second oldest in the State of Ohio. Through the years, its members have devoted countless volunteer hours to promote youth-related programming throughout Richland County, from clothing drives to college scholarship competitions and Adopt-a-Child gift drives. To commemorate this special anniversary, this year the club has donated $50,000 to build a children's playground at the Buckeye Imagination Museum in downtown Mansfield. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place next month. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I congratulate the members of the Mansfield Noon Optimist Club as they mark 100 years of being ``Friends of Youth.''

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend to the House the 50th anniversary of the first concert of Ohio Wesleyan University's Gospel Lyres Choir. From its founding in October of 1972 by students Cheryl Smith and Marteal Pitts, the Gospel Lyres Choir provided a place for African American students at Ohio Wesleyan to gather in fellowship and friendship and to use their musical gifts to praise God. At its debut concert on campus on November 4, 1973, the Choir numbered an impressive 22 members. Through the years, Choir members served as unofficial ambassadors of Ohio Wesleyan, performing at churches not just in the city of Delaware, Ohio, but across our great state and beyond. Its members formed strong, lifelong bonds as they touched countless lives with the Gospel message they shared through their music. Mr. Speaker, Choir alumni will gather on campus during Ohio Wesleyan's homecoming weekend this October for a reunion concert and celebration. On behalf of the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I thank the members of the Gospel Lyres Choir for contributing so richly to the musical landscape of our great state. I wish them all the best as they mark their golden anniversary.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr Speaker, I was absent from the Floor during today's roll call vote (No. 251) on H.R, 3099, the Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act. I strongly support this legislation, which builds upon President Trump's important work toward greater stability between the State of Israel and other countries in the region, and would have voted in support of it had I been present,

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 3091, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, since Joe Biden took office: 5 million illegal border crossings have been encountered, another 2 million illegal aliens have been released into the country, and over 370,000 unaccompanied alien children have been encountered on the border. The Biden administration has lost track of 85,000 kids of that number. Nearly 200 on the terrorist watch list have been encountered on our border. At midnight tonight, it gets worse. It gets worse tonight. Here is the kicker. It has all been done intentionally. Day one, January 20, 2021, Joe Biden said: No more wall. No more remain in Mexico. If you get to the border, you get released into the country. Well, shazam, everyone is going to come. That is exactly what has happened. They are all coming. Tonight, it gets worse. It was done in a premeditated fashion, deliberate fashion, purposely. It was all done intentionally. I cannot figure out why they would do this. Who seized on this? The cartels. They are making tons of money exploiting people and kids. It is terrible. This bill, the strongest immigration enforcement legislation in modern times, does all kinds of good things on E-Verify, visa overstay, parole authority, the Flores decision, unaccompanied alien children, and asylum reforms. The best part of this bill, the key component of this bill, is where we say that if you come to our country, you will get, according to the law, to file your asylum claim. We are going to follow the law, but you will be detained or returned while your claim is adjudicated. We changed the incentive. If you don't do that, you never solve this problem. That is what this legislation does. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership of our Conference, the Speaker, the leader, the whip, and the Conference chair, their staff, Andrea Loving and her staff for doing an amazing job. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Biggs, Mr. Bentz, Mr. Roy, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Carter, Mr. Moran, Chairman Green, and Mr. Diaz Balart, who sponsored the legislation. The guy who deserves the most thanks is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. Without his work, his effort, and how he has stuck to this issue and got it done, this doesn't happen. This is a good day for the country. Let's hope that the Senate will take up this bill after we pass it. This is the only thing that will help stop the craziness that, for 28 months now, has been going on, on our southern border.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor will hold a ceremony at the statehouse in Columbus today to mark the induction of its 2023 class. Selection for the Hall of Fame is a high honor that has been accorded to only a few hundred Ohioans since 2000. To be considered for induction, individuals must have been decorated for heroic actions in a combat situation. I am honored to commend to the House seven inductees from Ohio's Fourth Congressional District: Specialist Fourth Class William Arnold, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. Lieutenant Victor Dodds, recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device, Navy veteran of the Vietnam war. Specialist Fourth Class Gary Dotson, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. Private First Class Willard Humphrey, recipient of the Silver Star, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. First Lieutenant Roger Leasure, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war. Senior Chief Petty Officer Steven Van Horn, recipient of the Silver Star, Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Private First Class Ronald Wenger, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam war.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend to the House the memory of Kristopher W. Jordan of Ostrander, who died unexpectedly at the age of 46 on February 25. Kris ably served the people of Delaware County in the Ohio House of Representatives. Kris was a man of strong faith and strong conservative credentials. He was a leader of the pro-life movement in the General Assembly and a champion of smaller government throughout his time in government service, which included 8 years in the Ohio Senate and 6 as Delaware County Commissioner. His dedication and connection to the people of his district was so strong that he would knock on thousands of doors each election season even when running unopposed. Mr. Speaker, we are grateful that good men like Kris Jordan are willing to dedicate themselves to public service. We offer his family and especially his 3 children--Macy, David, and Everly--our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce in Ashland, Ohio, will hold its annual awards banquet this Thursday, March 9. I am honored to commend to the House this year's recipients, who were selected based on business performance, customer service, community involvement, and promotion of Ashland County: Small Business of the Year: The South Street Grille, Sean and Carly Little, owners. Manufacturing/Industrial Business of the Year: Cowen Truck Line, Tim Cowen, President. Professional Services Business of the Year: Directions Credit Union, Jill Comer, Branch Manager. Health and Medical Services Organization of the Year: Brethren Care Village, Mindy Scurlock, Chief Executive Ofticer. Non-Profit and Social Services Organization of the Year: Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, Jerry Strausbaugh, Executive Director. Hospitality and Recreation Services Business of the Year: The Salvation Army Kroc Center--Ashland, Billy and Annalise Francis, Officers. In addition, these four area young professionals have been selected as winners of the 4 Under 40 Award for their leadership potential and commitment to long-term career excellence: Brianna Noel, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones. Angela Ringler, President, Advantage Marketing. Brittaney Reep, Chief Financial Officer, Ashland County Community Foundation. Stephen Knowlton, Integrator and Director of Innovation, Spire. On behalf of the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I am pleased to join in the accolades for all of these distinguished professionals and thank them for their dedication to Ashland.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I always appreciate the opportunity to share positive news about young people from Ohio's Fourth Congressional District. Today, I am pleased to commend to the House 12 high school students who are being honored for their outstanding leadership skills and volunteerism. On Wednesday, the Noon Optimist Club of Lima will recognize Emma Core, Gabi Croft, Brady Shea, Lauren Cunningham, Elena Oliver, Grant Hardeman, McKenna Bader, Jordane Dues, Jacquelyne Lynch, Alora Patel, Ryan Kaverman, and Sabrina Heffner at its annual youth appreciation luncheon. These students were each nominated by their schools for being good role models for their peers. I thank the Optimists for their efforts to celebrate the many achievements of these students and am proud to join in the accolades to them. They have my very best wishes for continued success in their lives in the years to come.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, this morning we will read the full text of the United States Constitution. The text read today reflects the changes to the Constitution made by the 27 amendments. Those portions superseded by amendment will not be read. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy).

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the State of California (Mr. Kiley).

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline) control the time.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 5, I call up the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 3) expressing the sense of Congress condemning the recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. Greene).

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 3.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the FACE Act prohibits threats of force, obstruction, and property damage intended to interfere with reproductive healthcare services. Let me just go over that again. It prohibits threats of force, obstruction, and property damage intended to interfere with reproductive healthcare services. The Justice Department has said that this act is not just about abortions but applies, as well, as to ``pro-life pregnancy counseling services and other pregnancy support facilities providing reproductive healthcare.'' So it applies across the board. Here is the problem. On May 8, 2022, Mother's Day, activists targeted a pro-life, nonprofit center in Madison, Wisconsin, setting it ablaze and vandalizing it with the words, ``If abortions aren't safe then you aren't either.'' On June 3, 2022, leftwing anti-life activists targeted the Capitol Hill Crisis Pregnancy Center throwing red paint on the door, eggs at the window, and spray painting the window with, ``Jane says revenge.'' On June 25, 2022, in Longmont, Colorado, vandals graffitied and set fire--set fire--to the Life Choices free pregnancy center. This has happened dozens and dozens and dozens of times all across the country. What has the Justice Department done? To my knowledge, no one has been prosecuted on the FACE Act--not one single person, to my knowledge. But, oh, Madam Speaker, if you are a pro-life activist and you are praying outside an abortion clinic, like Mark Houck, then guess what happens to you? The FBI kicks in your door, arrests you, puts you in handcuffs, and does it in front of your wife and seven children. That is what happens. Madam Speaker, we don't want violence anywhere. As Mr. Cicilline said in his 1-minute speech, we don't want any violence anywhere. But let's not have this double standard. Not to mention this: Think about what happened after the Dobbs decision was leaked, the leak draft of that opinion; we had activists protesting at every Supreme--well, not every one because only the conservative Justices' names were doxed, and information put out there. We had protests at their homes. In direct violation of the statute 18 U.S.C. 1507: You are not supposed to be protesting and interfering when a decision is pending in front of a Supreme Court Justice's home. This was a direct violation of the statute, and, again, nothing happened. That situation, as we all know, got real serious. It got real serious with the assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh. So this resolution is straightforward. What has happened literally now at hundreds of crisis pregnancy centers and churches around the country this past year is just flat-out wrong. This is a resolution that says that we appreciate the good work that happens at crisis pregnancy centers where they take in women and where they help them and help that unborn child and make sure that that unborn child gets to experience the gift of life. The sanctity of life is what this is all about. I commend my colleague and friend, Mr. Johnson, from the great State of Louisiana for this resolution and the people across the country who volunteer and who work every day at these centers to help these ladies who are in a tough situation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. What purpose? It says it right in the title: ``Expressing the sense of Congress condemning the recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches.'' Over 100 churches and pro-life facilities have been attacked in the last 7 months. That is all this resolution does. Republicans condemn violence every time it happens. We condemn it when it happens to abortion clinics. We condemn it when it happens to churches. We condemn it when it happens to pro-life centers. We condemned it when it happened in the summer of 2020 all over the country. We condemned it when it happened on January 6. We condemn it every single time. This is just highlighting what has happened in the last 7 months with churches and pro-life centers around the country. It is that simple. This should be unanimous. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Johnson), my friend and the sponsor of this great legislation.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I point out to my friend from Tennessee that it is not that I believe the DOJ has the ability to use the FACE Act to prosecute people who vandalize and attack crisis pregnancy centers; they have said it. The Department of Justice says they can do that. I am just asking why they haven't. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Carl), my good friend.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup).

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany).

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Guest).

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the great State of Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), a pro-life leader and good friend.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose).

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).