Ronny Jackson

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support my amendment to rein in the overreach of the Fish and Wildlife Service under the Biden-Harris administration by restoring funding to the fiscal year 2021 level. Under this administration, the Fish and Wildlife Service has caused significant harm to the industries that are most important to our rural communities. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their entire administration have weaponized the Endangered Species Act to target America's agricultural and oil and gas producers in an effort to advance radical Green New Deal initiatives. In contrast, during the Trump administration, the Fish and Wildlife Service undertook efforts to add and remove species from the endangered and threatened species list based solely on the best available scientific and commercial information. Unfortunately, the Biden and Harris administration has proven they are more focused on political motivations and appeasing the radical left than they are in undertaking efforts to responsibly conserve species. Make no mistake: The listing of the lesser prairie-chicken, the northern long-eared bat, and the Texas kangaroo rat are nothing more than an attempt to destroy the livelihoods of America's farmers, ranchers, and oil and gas producers. The conservation of our wildlife and natural habitats can only be done successfully when it is driven by local conservation efforts that balance responsible stewardship and economic development. This cannot be done by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., who are pushing a climate-change narrative. This body must restore fiscal sanity and curb the Fish and Wildlife Service's abusive power and out- of-control funding level. Mr. Chair, I urge every Member of this body to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentlewoman from Ohio's comments, and I understand that the government does spend too much money. I am also interested in looking for ways we can stop useless or wasteful spending. However, I will say that you are right that the money is in the bill for this particular project. I also agree with you that I don't want to take the autonomy away from all of these departments. I think they should have some autonomy to do what they need to with their budget and with their money. However, I feel strongly about this because, as I mentioned, this is a single point of failure in our nuclear supply chain. I have spent lots of time at Pantex talking to them about the consequences of this, some of the problems with the single-source vendor that we currently have. I feel like this is important enough that we need an insurance policy in the form of this amendment to make sure that this money that is currently in the bill does not get taken out and used for any other process. I would be interested in looking at other areas to save money, but I don't think this is the particular area that is in our best interest, from a national security standpoint, to save that money. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the comments of the gentlewoman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, Amarillo, Texas, is home to the Pantex plant, our Nation's only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility. The saying within the nuclear enterprise is ``all roads lead to Pantex'' because this facility in my district is a mandatory stop for every single nuclear weapon within our Navy and Air Force that provides continuous global strategic deterrence. Despite the critical importance of Pantex, the Biden-Harris administration tried to cancel a key modernization project at the site, the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production facility. However, Congress successfully rejected that proposed cut and restored funding for the project in March to help keep it on track. Well, here we go again. The FY25 budget request once again seeks to pause this important project and provide zero funding for the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production facility. While the underlying bill provides some funding for the project, I believe that we need to take steps to ensure the Department of Energy cannot stop this vital project. That is exactly what my amendment does. It prohibits the administration from halting construction of the much- needed High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production facility at Pantex. This major construction project will enhance our nuclear deterrence capability by allowing the National Nuclear Security Administration to modernize and scale its high-explosive production capabilities to meet the pressing and urgent stockpile requirements. Right now, Pantex relies on a single, external vendor for large-scale synthesis, formulation, and blending for high-explosive products and, unfortunately, we have seen significant issues with that vendor, including lack of prioritization and late deliveries. As it stands right now, this reality presents a single point of failure in the nuclear enterprise that could bring our nuclear weapons production to a grinding halt if anything goes wrong. Once this project is complete, NNSA will be able to meet all long- term high-explosive material needs for the weapons stockpile while successfully mitigating nearly all risks associated with production. The new facility will improve the control systems for formulation and allow for higher confidence in repeatability between batches, something that is incredibly important when you are talking about high explosives combined with nuclear weapons. Most importantly, I repeat that this will eliminate a single point of failure in our nuclear weapons supply chain that currently exists. We can no longer afford to delay investments in the Pantex plant and the nuclear enterprise. The world is in a dangerous place with constant global threats from China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, nonstate actors, and more, and our nuclear deterrent is quite possibly the most important tool in our arsenal. Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support my amendment to prohibit the administration from halting construction on this critical modernization initiative. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I would still continue to make the argument that there was care provided to this body before the pandemic with the budget that was in place at the time. I think we can reasonably go back to that same budget now that COVID is no longer a threat to this body, and I recommend that we do so. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, my amendment seeks to reset the budget of the Office of the Attending Physician to appropriate levels. The Office of the Attending Physician to Congress was created nearly 100 years ago following the unexpected deaths of several Members of Congress. I think we can all agree there is a need for medical care here in Congress to provide things like preventative medicine, vaccinations for travel, and occasional emergency medical care. I do not disagree with that concept. That being said, during the pandemic and in the years following, the Office of the Attending Physician was provided substantial increases in funding, which might have been necessary to meet the unique challenges being presented at the time. However, the pandemic is long over, and it is time to restore fiscal sanity to the Federal Government across the board, and that includes bringing this office's budget back to prepandemic levels. In addition, and, unfortunately, what was meant to be a nonpartisan role of Attending Physician to Congress has been highly politicized by the current Attending Physician. Dr. Monahan was appointed to his current position in 2009, and according to the Congressional Research Service, has been the longest serving person in the role since the 1960s. During his historically long tenure, the attending physician has grown extremely close to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In 2021, he actively did her bidding by implementing a politically motivated mask mandate here in the House of Representatives despite that not being in line with the best available science or the CDC recommendations at the time. What made this mask mandate particularly political was that there was no mask mandate across the Capitol in the United States Senate. Under Speaker Pelosi, masks were required in the House; however, crossing to the upper Chamber, the mandate went away. Members might ask how that is possible. Well, it is possible because Nancy Pelosi directed it to occur. Dr. Monahan compromised himself and abandoned good medical judgment in order to appease the left's radical COVID lockdown agenda as part of their power-seeking political agenda. While there are ample reforms needing to occur in this office and despite the fact that the person currently occupying the job has become political, I am not calling to completely slash funding. I simply want to bring the funding back to a reasonable level. Before the pandemic, the Office of the Attending Physician received roughly $3.8 million per year. Since then, the budget has ballooned by nearly 15 percent. While that increase might have been necessary to address some of the unique challenges created by COVID, it is certainly not justifiable now. Some might argue that this is a small amount of money and that we should look the other way because it is just a drop in the bucket. However, I personally refuse to stand by as taxpayer dollars are funneled to a now highly politicized office, which was weaponized at the time to advance the left's radical lockdown agenda at the Capitol during the pandemic. Mr. Chair, I urge every Member of this body to support my reasonable amendment to restore the funding to appropriate levels in this particular office, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I arrived just after the vote closed on the floor. Had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 327.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was talking on the floor and did not vote. I was not paying attention. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 283. Stated against:

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, first, I thank the chairman for his leadership in crafting such a powerful Defense bill that takes transformational strides to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers. As a former servicemember and as a father and father-in-law of Active-Duty members, I understand how truly important this is. This year's NDAA also ensures Texas' 13th Congressional District is at the heart of supporting our military. It takes steps to designate a new Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence, which Sheppard Air Force Base is well positioned for. The bill improves the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families living in Wichita Falls while also helping to get the T- 7 program back on track. This bill provides key support for our employees at Bell helicopter in Amarillo and will significantly modernize the Pantex Plant. Last, I will give a special thanks to my defense fellow, Travis Clay, for his outstanding work in my office this year. Travis brings invaluable experience to the team as a Navy pilot, and the United States Navy is lucky to have him. Mr. Chair, once again, I can't stress how important this year's NDAA is to the national security of our country. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this NDAA.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I was not paying attention and missed the vote. I was on the floor. Had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 244. Amendment No. 45 Offered by Mr. Steube

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Paul Frederick Engler of Amarillo, Texas. Paul was a lifelong entrepreneur and innovator, whose passion and dedication transformed the cattle feeding industry. Born in Stuart, Nebraska, Engler's passion for the cattle industry started at a young age, buying his first cattle herd at age 12. At 15 years old, Engler graduated from High School and went on to complete his undergraduate degree in agriculture at the University of Nebraska. Engler moved to Hereford, Texas in 1960, founding Hereford Feedyard, where his entrepreneurial instincts and determination allowed him to drive economic development in the Panhandle. By 1972, he had become an executive at Iowa Beef Processors, once the largest beef processor in the Nation. While Engler had already established a notable reputation for himself in the cattle feeding industry, in 1975, he moved to Dumas, Texas, where he founded Cactus Feeders, and under his leadership, Cactus Feeders would become one of the largest feeding operations in the world. Through innovative feeding programs, rigorous quality standards, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Paul Engler elevated the standards of excellence in beef production, earning the respect and admiration of his peers across the globe. To name a few, he was named a ``Top 40 Beef Industry Giant,'' received the Cattle Business of the Century Award, the Industry Advancement Award, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Vision Award. He was an initial inductee to the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame and the first recipient of the Industry Achievement Award. He was also inducted to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Meat Industry Hall of Fame. Beyond his professional achievements, at heart, Paul Engler was a philanthropist dedicated to giving back to the communities that have supported him throughout his journey. Through the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation, he has made significant contributions to West Texas A&M University, where he received an Honorary Ph.D. in Business Administration and Agriculture from the College of Business and the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, both bearing his name. The Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation also helped establish the Engler Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to support agribusiness and establish a student program focused on entrepreneurship with the goal that students who graduate from the program would return to their communities inspired to build strong businesses. Engler was laid to rest in Amarillo, Texas on May 8, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. His contributions to the agriculture industry will remain unmatched, and he will be truly missed by the countless individuals he impacted. Engler was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, and his oldest daughter Teresa Raizen. Engler is survived by Michael Engler and wife Dalia, Matthew Engler, Mark Engler, Jennifer Coleman and husband Tom, and Sara Cady and husband Steve. He also leaves grandchildren Rachel, Nat, Garrett, Ryan, Ben, Claire, Jaxon, Emma, and Sofia, and four great-grandchildren Able, Trevor, Tyler, and August. Engler is also survived by stepdaughters Claudia Gilson and husband John, Cathleen May and husband Jeff, and Caroline Faulks and husband Steve. Paul also leaves behind his beloved sister, Katherine Anderson. A mentor and friend to many, I join his family, friends, and the people of the Texas Panhandle in celebrating Paul Frederick Engler's life and legacy.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 109, I mistakenly voted ``yea'' when I intended to vote ``nay.''

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5961, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering, and cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 680. Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Ogles

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 679. Stated against:

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable legacy of Dr. John Pipkin of Amarillo, Texas. On December 11, 2023, Dr. Pipkin will retire from West Texas A&M University, where during his 30 years of service he created one of the most successful equine programs in the United States. At West Texas A&M University, Dr. Pipkin acted as a Regents Professor of Animal Science and the Director of the Equine Industry Program, preparing thousands of students to succeed in a career in the horse and agribusiness industries. As the head coach of the distinguished horse judging team at West Texas A&M, Dr. Pipkin led his teams to over 160 national champion and reserve champion titles, and his competitive equine and ranch horse teams have won over 60 national and reserve national championship honors. Outside of his accomplishments in the university setting, Dr. Pipkin's legacy in the equine industry spans over 40 years, officiating over 400 horse events across the globe, including over 20 world championships. Dr. Pipkin also serves as a National Director for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and was the Chairman of the AQHA Judges Committee, AQHA Show and Professional Horsemen Committee, AQHA Show Council, and the World Conformation Horse Association Judges Committee. In 2022, Dr. Pipkin was named the Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year for his lifelong commitment to the equine industry and his development of numerous educational and testing materials for the AQHA judging program that have been instrumental in developing many of the scoring systems currently used to judge classes such as western riding, trail, showmanship, horsemanship, and equitation classes. On December 4, 2023, Dr. Pipkin will transition to his role as the American Quarter Horse Association's Director of Officials. There, Pipkin will be responsible for working alongside the AQHA show department and judges committee to manage the direction of the AQHA judges, stewards, and drug-testing programs. I would like to thank Dr. Pipkin for his dedication to the success of the students and faculty of West Texas A&M University Equine Department and wish him the best as he supports the AQHA membership and continues to advance the equine industry.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I was briefly detained off the floor and missed two votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 663 and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 664. Amendment No. 104 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have noted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 606. Stated against:

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment which will stop the Federal land grab happening in my district by the Fish and Wildlife Service. My amendment will prohibit funds from being used to implement the horrible, proposed rule to list the Texas kangaroo rat as endangered. Under its proposed rule the Fish and Wildlife Service will designate 600,000 acres as critical habitat across five counties in my district. This decision is a massive overreach by the Federal Government that will simultaneously harm the farmers and ranchers in my district which, by the way, is the number one ag district in the State, and it will simultaneously crush the struggling oil and gas industry. The State of Texas has long been committed to promoting and protecting our wildlife and natural habitats through voluntary conservation efforts that balance responsible stewardship and economic development. This horribly flawed rule proposal is a completely unnecessary action from the Biden administration as the State of Texas has already taken the initiative to preserve the Texas kangaroo rat. Action has already been taken to address the conservation needs of the species while accounting for the unique needs of landowners in north Texas, which results in thousands of acres of land already being utilized to conserve the species without punishing private citizens or the ag and energy sectors. Unfortunately, the always radical Biden administration decided to ignore the ongoing efforts and impose unnecessary and aggressive Federal interference. The Fish and Wildlife Services endangered listing of the Texas kangaroo rat will have drastic ramifications on the farming and ranching industry in Texas. If this proposed rule goes into effect, agriculture producers in my district could be subject to civil and criminal penalties handed out by radical Biden administration officials who will stop at nothing to advance its Green New Deal agenda, meaning farmers and ranchers could face up to 1 year imprisonment and tens of thousands of dollars in fines for accidental or even perceived injury of a Texas kangaroo rat or its habitat. The Texas kangaroo rat can only thrive when there is sparse, short grasses and small stubble which is exactly what our farmers and ranchers provide when grazing cattle. The farming and ranching industries are the backbone of our unique Texas history, heritage, and economy. Unfortunately, the heavy hand of the Federal bureaucracy, once again, is looking to destroy that. If this proposed rule goes into effect, it will significantly restrict the way our ranchers can use their land, setting a dangerous precedent of Federal overreach into agriculture production that will have far-reaching consequences for not only Texas but our entire Nation. The agriculture industry is already being hit with rising costs due to the historic inflation caused by ``Bidenomics'', and this new rule will only intensify these struggles. Texas has a proud history of responsible land management and conservation, and for any effort to succeed, it must be driven by local communities rather than bureaucrats in Washington. Madam Chair, I urge every Member in this body to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Madam Chair, there are no better stewards of the land and the animals in Texas than the farmers and ranchers in Texas' 13th Congressional District. We do not need the Federal Government telling us how to accomplish this. Madam Chair, I appreciate having the support of all of my colleagues, I urge everyone to vote ``yes'' on the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.