Ronny Jackson

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the support of my colleagues on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 1, a commonsense piece of legislation that will provide the American people the relief they need from Biden's war on American energy. As someone who grew up in the West Texas oilfields, I know firsthand how vital energy production is to our national security, and I know that energy security is national security. Under President Trump's leadership, America reached energy independence. Gas prices were low, the economy was thriving, and the world saw America as not only an energy leader but also as an economic and military force that must be taken seriously. However, the Biden administration has taken a drastically different approach. In the first few weeks in office, Biden waged war on American energy. Biden's assault on America's energy independence has eliminated thousands of American jobs, raised the cost of domestic energy, and left the United States dangerously dependent on foreign energy sources. Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills and gas prices are at record highs, yet this administration continues to do nothing but make matters worse. This legislation will not only alleviate burdensome energy costs for my constituents in Texas 13 but will do so for all Americans. Mr. Chair, I am proud to support this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation.

Mr. JACKSON of Texas

Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 125. Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mrs. Boebert

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 504, I mistakenly voted ``yes'' when I intended to vote ``no.'' Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Baird (Bucshon) Bass (Cicilline) Beatty (Neguse) Brooks (Fleischmann) Cole (Lucas) DeFazio (Pallone) Demings (Blunt Rochester) Doyle, Michael F. (Pallone) Duncan (Norman) Dunn (Cammack) Frankel, Lois (Meng) Gallego (Cicilline) Gosar (Weber (TX)) Gottheimer (Pappas) Grijalva (Neguse) Herrera Beutler (Moore (UT)) Johnson (TX) (Pallone) Kildee (Pappas) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lieu (Beyer) Lowenthal (Beyer) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Newman (Correa) O'Halleran (Pappas) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Pascrell (Pallone) Pressley (Neguse) Rice (NY) (Morelle) Roybal-Allard (Correa) Ruppersberger (Sarbanes) Ryan (OH) (Correa) Simpson (Fulcher) Sires (Pallone) Stanton (Huffman) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Titus (Pallone) Welch (Pallone)

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Glenn Blodgett of Guthrie, Texas. Affectionately known as ``Doc Blodgett,'' Dr. Blodgett was a skilled horseman and veterinarian whose passion for horses motivated him through an extensive career in the equine industry. Dr. Blodgett began working at the Burnett Ranches, which included the legendary Four Sixes Ranch, in 1982, and continued to work until he passed away in November of 2022. Dr. Blodgett served as the ranch veterinarian and manager of the horse division for the Four Sixes Ranch for 40 years while also serving on the board of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. As the head of the horse division at the Four Sixes, Dr. Blodgett made the ranch an industry leader in equine embryo transfer and artificial insemination by consistently producing and developing some of the most highly recognized racing and western performance American Quarter Horses in the world. He dedicated his career and life to the betterment of horses and constantly sought to improve the practice of equine medicine. Born in Spearman, Texas and raised in the Panhandle, Dr. Blodgett discovered his passion for equine medicine early in life which led him to complete his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State University and his veterinary degree at Texas A&M University. He continued his educational advocacy and support of the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine while mentoring young people and helping foster their passion for horses and veterinary careers. Dr. Blodgett's years of service are reflected by his numerous positions and collected accolades. To name a few, Dr. Blodgett was appointed to the first Texas Horse Racing Commission in 1988; was named the Texas Veterinary Medical Association's equine practitioner of the year in 1990; became director of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) in 1991; served as a vice chairman for the Texas Horse Racing Commission from 1993 to 1995; became director-at-large of the AQHA in 2011; became the 65th President of the AQHA in 2015; and was the recipient of the 2017 National Golden Spur Award which is the most prestigious honor given to a member of the livestock and ranching industries. Dr. Blodgett was also inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2019 and the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2021. Aside from his steadfast involvement in Texas racing, Dr. Blodgett was instrumental in the passing of parimutuel horse racing and pushed other legislative efforts which will be felt by the racing industry for generations to come. Dr. Blodgett was an industry leader and trailblazer; leaving some very large boots to fill. As his daughter described, Dr. Blodgett was ``quiet, gentle, and patient'' and ``had a special love for all animals and had a way of communicating with them like no other.'' Dr. Blodgett was laid to rest in Guthrie, Texas on November 26, 2022, surrounded by family and cherished friends. He will be truly missed by those who knew him and by the community he truly affected. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Karen, their daughters, Buffie (Michael) and Brandie (Mike), and their five grandchildren, Catherine, Rebecca, Claire, Myla, and Maddox. A mentor and friend to many, I join his family, friends, and the people of the Panhandle in celebrating Dr. Blodgett's life and legacy.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Mr. Gary Fletcher. Gary Fletcher embodied everything it means to be a west Texan: hard work, God-fearing, and service oriented. He lived a life of service before self, with a steadfast commitment to his family, his country, and his community. He was an Amarillo-born hero who joined the U.S. Army in 1968. He served his country in the worst of times, during the Vietnam conflict, providing lifesaving medical care to countless young men who would have never returned home otherwise. He was decorated for his service with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Mr. Fletcher later returned home to the Texas Panhandle and built a successful career as a banker and rancher and was a well-respected citizen in his community. He was also an active member of the Washington Avenue Christian Church and a longtime volunteer for organizations like the United Way and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He left behind an incredible legacy that will be carried on by his loving family, and now he will be forever memorialized through today's congressional action. I humbly ask my colleagues to vote in favor of my bill to officially name the U.S. Post Office in Canyon, Texas, the Gary James Fletcher Post Office Building.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight a hard-working group that has had tremendous impact on the City of Amarillo and those who live there, including my family. The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), led by its' President and CEO, Kevin Carter, has worked with businesses over the last 30 years to bring jobs and innovation to the Amarillo area. Focused on its work at the local level, AEDC offers economic development incentives and training programs to connect job searchers with meaningful employment opportunities. These programs enable businesses to either relocate or stay in Amarillo and provide a breeding ground for new and up and coming business ventures. AEDC helps to cultivate the true economic potential that Amarillo and the Panhandle have to offer. Starting a business is risky and many people do not know where to start. AEDC has been there for more than 30 years to help existing local businesses expand while also helping to attract new businesses to Amarillo. One of AEDC's largest ventures is the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge, which over the last 25 years has connected AEDC with the WT Enterprise Center to help over 90 companies develop their business aspirations. The impact that AEDC has had on the businesses and residents of Amarillo cannot be understated. On behalf of the entire Amarillo community, I want to thank Kevin Carter and all AEDC staff for their unwavering commitment to promoting economic growth, and for helping our workforce maximize their potential.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major Earl ``Rusty'' Leslie Russell, USA, Ret. Rusty exemplified the American fighting spirit. He lived his life honorably through serving his country, loving his family and friends, and devoting himself to his faith. Rusty embodied the bravery, honor, and patriotism of what it means to be an American. Born January 25, 1944, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Rusty was n man of many talents, interests, and pursuits. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and a man of God. At his core, Rusty was a deeply patriotic person. He began his military career in middle school in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and continued to serve in the ROTC throughout his high school and college years. In September 1966, upon graduation from Fort Hays State University, Rusty received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Soon afterwards, Rusty attended the Army Aviation Center and School at Foti Rucker, Alabama, where he earned his pilot wings. He served two tours in Vietnam (1967-68 and 1971-72) where he flew reconnaissance missions and aligned artillery. During these intense combat tours, Rusty earned the following military honors: Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Bronze Service Stars, Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Palm. In 1975, having attained the rank of Major, Rusty was honorably discharged from the United States Army. Following his military career, Rusty and his wife, Jan, opened a real estate firm, Hallmark Homes, in Manhattan, Kansas. In 1982, the opportunity arose to join Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. Without a backup plan, Rusty and Jan decided to move their family to Gainesville, Texas, to start their new adventure. Throughout his quarter-century career with Edward Jones, Rusty was valued as a trusted advisor, educator, confidante, and mentor. Rusty was civic minded and generous with both his time and financial blessings. He served his community by participating on several boards including the Gainesville Municipal Airport Board, the North Texas Medical Center Board, the First United Methodist Church Board, the State Bar of Texas Ethics Committee Board, and the Longhorn Council. Rusty was also an active member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge No. 210 where he served as Past Master. A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Rusty earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later in life, the Order of the Arrow's Vigil Honor. He served as leader of Gainesville's Troop 668 for many years, mentoring new generations of Scouts. He lived his life according to Scout Law, to be: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Rusty will be truly missed by everyone he met and by the community he so deeply affected. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan, and their son, Lee. Rusty was a friend to all, and I join his family, friends, and the people of Gainesville, Texas in celebrating Major Russell's life and legacy.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to honor Sergeant Michael ``Mickey'' Blackmon of the Potter County Sheriffs Office as he retires after 48 years in law enforcement. For the last 19 years, Sgt. Blackmon has served the fine people of Potter County with distinction. I know I speak for his colleagues at the Potter County Sheriffs Office, and for the entire community, when I say we are grateful for his service and wish him well in retirement. Sgt. Blackmon's career has been defined by service. Particularly as Crime Prevention Sergeant for the Sheriff's Office, he has made an important mark through his instruction of the Potter County Citizens Academy, Student Academies, safety classes, and CRASE. Sgt. Blackmon has also been a familiar face to the community as he kept us safe at hockey games, car shows, local schools, and many other local events. Sgt. Blackmon will be missed, but thankfully he isn't going far. He is described as an inspiration to law enforcement and a great friend to many. Even though Sgt. Blackmon is retiring, his legacy will live on through the countless people he trained in his classes and seminars, and though the positive impact he had on residents daily for so many years. I wish Sgt. Blackmon the very best as he retires and enters this next chapter, and I thank him for his dedicated service to the people of West Texas.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of The Honorable Robert C. ``Bud'' McFarlane, who passed away on May 12, 2022. An Eagle Scout and son of William McFarlane, former Congressman from the Thirteenth Congressional District of Texas, Bud McFarlane's public service encompassed ten years in the White House and State Department in posts including service as Military Assistant to National Security Advisors Henry Kissinger and Brent Scowcroft, Counselor to the Department of State, the President's Special Representative in the Middle East, and President Reagan's National Security Advisor. After his graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1959, Bud was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps--the first step in what would become nearly 60 years of dedicated service to his country. A model Marine, Bud served as a Platoon Commnnder--155mm Howitzer and Heavy Artillery Rocket (Honest John) Batteries, Gunnery Instructor (awarded the Army Commendation Medal) and the 3rd Marine Division's Battery Commander, commanding the artillery battery in the first landing of U.S. forces in Vietnam. After being nominated for the Legion of Merit and receiving the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medal, both with Valor device, Bud assumed the Executive Assistant and Aide to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs position at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. During this time, he prepared the Deputy and Commandant for meetings with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and served as the Marine Corps Action Officer for Europe/NATO, the Middle East, and Latin America. In 1971, Bud was selected as a White House Fellow, serving as Executive Assistant to the Counselor to the President for Congressional Relations. In this role, he prepared and carried out highly sensitive intelligence work as Military Assistant to Dr, Henry Kissinger. Promoted early to Lieutenant Colonel, Bud was subsequently selected to attend the National War College in 1978, co-authored the book ``Crisis Resolution,'' and one year later won The Alfred Thayer Mahan Award for Literary Achievement. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps in 1979, Bud went to work in the Senate Armed Services Committee, aiding in the consideration of the SALT II Treaty. In 1981, he managed sensitive exchanges between Secretary of State Alexander Haig and Heads of State and Government in the Middle East and South Asia as Counselor of the Department of State. The next year, Bud was appointed to serve as the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs at the White House and led the integration of the policy recommendations for the Departments of State, Treasury, and Defense. Serving as the President's Special Representative to the Middle East in 1983, he was responsib1e for sensitive negotiations between Israel and neighboring Arab states. Following this assignment, Bud was named Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. This position proved to be a defining moment in a career devoted to serving the public interest. Bud utilized this role to function as the architect of policies that stressed the Soviet economy and drove it towards its collapse and failure of Marxism in the former Soviet Union. After the fall of the USSR, Bud continued his work in achieving the first reduction of nuclear weapons in history. After the end of the Cold War, Bud embarked on a distinguished career in the private sector, assuming the position of Counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in 1986. Concurrently, he established the international consulting firm McFarlane and Associates. Three years later, Bud founded Global Energy Investors, sponsoring major international power projects. In the mid-2000s, he became Chairman of Energy and Communication Solutions, leading the firm in organizing, financing, building, and operating successful global infrastructure projects with a geographic focus on the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and other emerging markets. After more than 25 years of specialized energy experience, Bud co-founded the bipartisan U.S. Energy Security Council in 2012, collaborating with former Cabinet Officers, Fortune 500 Corporate CEOs, and senior retired military officers to focus on forging a more coherent national energy policy for the U.S. The tremendous respect Bud commanded around the world is reflected by the many accolades he has received throughout his extraordinary career, as well as the significant leadership positions he has held. Bud served as the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security's President, Senior Advisor for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, The France Fund (Dillon, Read Country Fund), The Travelers (since merged to form Citibank), and Church & Dwight. He was awarded the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award, the Secretary of the Navy's Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Distinguished Service Medal, and The American-Swiss Friendship Man of the Year Award. Bud is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jonda Riley McFarlane, and the families of their 3 children: Lauren (Steve; Maggie, Tom); Scott (Malinda; Cara, Pierce, Elliott, Aidan); and Melissa (John; Tulley, Piper). We remember Bud's warmth, wisdom, and deep belief in God as well as his unwavering commitment to serving others.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, today I recognize a lifetime of service and the retirement of Chief Master Sergeant Ivan Miguel Ruiz, a native of the great State of Texas. After 26 years of service as an Air Force Pararescueman, CMSgt Ruiz is relinquishing the responsibilities as Chief Enlisted Manager 58th Rescue Squadron, 563rd Operations Group, 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The Air Force has consistently relied upon Ivan's exceptional leadership and unparalleled work ethic. He has led our Nation's men and women both overseas and at home, leading numerous joint combat rescue and humanitarian operations around the world. Ivan has excelled in numerous other leadership positions in the Air Force, as well as becoming a physical fitness legend in the Special Warfare Community. The Pararescue Creed is ``It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placingthese duties before personal desires and comforts. These things I'do, that others may live.'' Ivan committed these words to every aspect of his career and especially displayed them during a nighttime operation in Afghanistan on December 10, 2013. During a raid in Kandahar Province, Sergeant Ruiz engaged and neutralized four insurgents, becoming isolated from his element. Sergeant Ruiz and two teammates quickly encountered insurgent crossfire. Sergeant Ruiz eliminated one enemy fighting position; however, enemy fire wounded his two comrades, rendering them immobile and exposed to the enemy. Sergeant Ruiz courageously pressed ahead through intense small arms fire and grenades to reach his wounded comrades. He successfully brought them back to a covered position, where he administered life-saving trauma care to his teammates. The heroic actions of Sergeant Ruiz saved the lives of two teammates and contributed to the elimination of eleven insurgents. Through his extraordinary heroism, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, this native Texan was awarded the Air Force Cross, the United States Air Force's second highest military decoration for Airmen who distinguish themselves with extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. On November 1st of this year, Ivan will retire back to the great State of Texas. On behalf of the entire Congress and a grateful Nation, I express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Chief Master Sergeant Ruiz for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support for the missions of this nation. I would like to also recognize the dedicated service of Ivan's family to our country. His mother, Josefina, a civil servant, his father, MSG Ruiz, USA, Ret., his siblings, SFC Aerial Ruiz, USA, Ret., MAJ Elizabeth Ruiz, USA, MAJ Ino Ruiz, USA, and Lt Jazmin Reed, USN, and SrA Charles White, USAF, all have served or are serving honorably. I would also like to recognize his supportive and loving wife of 12 years, Mrs. Maria Ruiz, and their children, Jason, Sofia, Elijah, and Elena. I wish the Ruiz family safe travels back to Texas, and I look forward to seeing Ivan continue to excel as he enters his next chapter.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize a true American Patriot, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Scott Volkert, USMC of Verona, New Jersey. This evening he will gather with friends, family, and fellow service members to celebrate his retirement after 27 years of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps. As the Executive Officer and Chief of Staff for the Presidential Helicopter Squadron, HMX-1, and during his long tenure at the White House, Lieutenant Colonel Volkert was entrusted with the lives and safety of four U.S. Presidents, including Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald J. Trump, and Joseph R. Biden as the pilot and eventually the Operational Test Director of Marine One and Marine Two. When I started at the White House in 2006, Lieutenant Colonel Volkert was one of the first people I met, and he went out of his way to make sure that I felt at home and that I had the tools I needed for success. He has become a dear friend of mine over the last 17 years, and I can say with certainty that his successor has some big shoes to fill. Lieutenant Colonel Volkert is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to his country, and I would be remiss if I did not also thank Lieutenant Colonel Volkert's wife, Kathy and his son, Jack, for their sacrifice and unwavering dedication to our country as well. I stand here today to thank Lieutenant Colonel Volkert for his service to our great nation and to wish him the best of luck in his next endeavor.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of one of the most important bills that comes before Congress, the NDAA. The NDAA includes important wins for all Americans, and for my district included. It provides support for servicemembers and families at Sheppard Air Force Base while continuing to modernize Sheppard's fleet of fighter trainer aircraft. It supports work at Pantex in Amarillo, including accelerated funding to improve critical infrastructure at the plant. This legislation also includes: Resources needed to compete and win in any potential conflict. Support for our allies, like Taiwan and Israel. Investments in Future Vertical Lift. Increased funding to improve our fleet of V-22s. Critical oversight of the Military Health System. The reinstatement of the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, which reinforces our commitment to the absolute best medical care for our marines on the battlefield. It also provides protections for any servicemember who has reservations about taking the COVID-19 vaccine. As we consider amendments, I hope this bill remains focused on national security and can be passed in good faith, as we did almost unanimously in committee. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rogers for his leadership on this year's NDAA.

Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rogers for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment as it would irresponsibly cripple our nuclear deterrent. As China, Russia, and Iran are rapidly advancing their military capability, the House Armed Services Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that the U.S. military can compete and win in a future conflict. We included an important prohibition on the reduction of ICBMs in this year's NDAA because military leadership has repeatedly told us that 400 is the bare minimum number of deployed ICBMs needed to deter both Russia and China. This number wasn't pulled out of thin air; it was provided to us by STRATCOM. However, the reality is that even the current fleet of 400 ICBMs is not enough. That is why this year's NDAA takes active steps to invest in modernization of our nuclear weapons, our skilled workforce, and the infrastructure at our facilities like Pantex in Amarillo. We need to listen to our military leadership and provide these strategic investments to modernize our triad. This amendment runs counter to our national security objectives. For these reasons, I urge everyone to oppose this far-left amendment. To unilaterally disarm the United States with this would be a travesty.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a serious issue facing all of rural America: the Biden Administration and the radical Left's War on Agriculture. Today, the House will vote on H.R. 7606, which will exacerbate fractured supply chains, skyrocketing input costs, and historic levels of inflation, all of which are hammering American consumers. This bill is the latest attempt to scapegoat private industry rather than address the real needs and concerns of farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans. We know the Biden Administration and my colleagues across the aisle see Americans in the oil and gas industry as the enemy, and I truly believe they now see farmers and ranchers as the enemy too. I want my constituents back home in Texas to know this is something I'm fighting every day. I represent the number 1 Ag district in Texas, and the farmers and ranchers in my district are experiencing out of control input costs for fertilizer, fuel, and basic parts for equipment. I can assure you the legislation we're voting on today will make matters worse. A spending and regulatory agenda that compounds the situation and further limits the American Ag industry's ability to meet global food demands is not the answer. Instead, I urge the Speaker to abandon this bill and bring H.R. 8069, the Reducing Farm Input Costs and Barriers to Domestic Production Act, to the House Floor. H.R. 8069 will actually support our farmers and ranchers by ensuring they have regulatory certainty so that they may grow abundant and affordable food and fiber. Rather than generate additional layers of bureaucracy and regulatory compliance with H.R. 7606, Congress should take up H.R. 8069 immediately. I thank Ranking Member G.T. Thompson for his leadership on the right approach, H.R. 8069, and I urge my colleagues to vote NO on H.R. 7606.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a serious issue facing all of rural America: the Biden administration and the radical left's war on agriculture. Today, the House will vote on H.R. 7606, which will exacerbate fractured supply chains, skyrocketing input costs, and historic levels of inflation, all of which are hammering American consumers. This bill is the latest attempt to scapegoat private industry rather than address the real needs and concerns of farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans. We know the Biden administration and my colleagues across the aisle see Americans in the oil and gas industry as the enemy, and I truly believe they now see farmers and ranchers as the enemy, too. Mr. Speaker, I want my constituents back home in Texas to know that this is something I am fighting for every day. I represent the number one ag district in the State of Texas, and farmers and ranchers in my district are experiencing out-of-control input costs for fertilizer, fuel, and basic parts for equipment. I can assure you the legislation we are voting on today will make that worse. A spending and regulatory agenda that compounds the situation further limits American ag industry's ability to meet global food demands is not the answer.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize Judge Hugh Reed of Claude, Texas as he gathers with friends, family, longtime colleagues, and members of the community to celebrate his retirement and 70th birthday. After nearly 34 years of distinguished service to the fine people of Armstrong County as County Judge, I know I speak for the whole county when I say we are grateful for his service and wish him well in retirement. When asked about the best part of the job in a 2015 interview, Judge Reed expressed gratitude to his constituents for giving him the honor to serve them. Representing the people of Armstrong County is a clear passion for Judge Reed, and I am confident that he will be missed in his retirement as he served Armstrong County with diligence and honor. In addition to his service as County Judge, Judge Reed also served our country in the U.S Marine Corps for 21 years. He is someone who truly knows what it means to make sacrifices for the betterment of his community and country. Judge Reed is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to West Texas. His legacy will be remembered in Armstrong County for generations to come. I stand here today to thank Judge Reed for his contribution and service to the people of Armstrong County, and to wish him a happy 70th birthday.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Indiana for the time. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about two great patriots who I am proud to call my friends, Dan Scavino and Peter Navarro. These two men have served our country honorably. Sadly, they are now targets of the political witch hunt simply because they served our country and they are loyal to our great former President, Donald J. Trump. The illegitimate January 6th Committee's ruthless crusade against President Trump and his close allies is yet another smear on this great body. It will go down in history as another failed attempt by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to bring down good people simply because they disagree with their political beliefs. As someone who has been a target of the left and their ruthless tactics in the past, I know firsthand how damaging this can be. The American people are tired of this partisan January 6 circus. It is time to stop this nonsense now. I urge my colleagues to stand up against this charade and oppose this baseless resolution.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize the City of Valley View, Texas, as residents come together to celebrate the Valley View Post Office's 150th birthday on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Located in Cooke County, the town was first settled by the Lee family in 1870. By 1872, L.W. Lee had plotted a beautiful new town on his land and named it Valley View, presumably for the view offered at the site of Spring Valley. With the grand opening of the Valley View Post Office that same year, the community would start with 18 families and prosper tremendously over the next 150 years. The community's first school, hotel, steam gristmills, cotton gins, churches, and general stores tell an important part of Valley View's history, but I believe it is the fine people of Valley View who represent the best aspects of the town. This community has reached its 150th birthday through the generations of hard work and love for their community. Today, the United States Congress honors them. I am honored to represent the residents of Valley View here in Congress. This community is rich in history and its people are rooted in our shared Texas values. I wish them a joyous celebration of the past 150 years. Here's to 150 more.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of a critical piece of legislation that comes before Congress each year, the National Defense Authorization Act. First, I thank Ranking Member Rogers and his staff for their outstanding leadership in this effort. This bill modernizes our force, gives a well-deserved raise to our servicemembers, and provides them with the equipment they need to compete with China, Russia, and Iran. For the 13th District of Texas, this bill will protect the nuclear triad, it will modernize the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, and it will support training done at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. It also included provisions that I authored to put servicemembers first and ensure the safety of all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and guardians. This NDAA also pushes back on the unconstitutional vaccine mandate, and it holds the Biden administration accountable for its failed Afghanistan withdrawal. Just as important, there are some notable provisions that are not included. This bill does not contain harmful provisions that threaten the Second Amendment and it does not require our daughters to register for the draft. Bottom line: This bill is a win for the military, it is a win for the Texas 13th Congressional District, and it is a win for this country.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, I missed votes today fulfilling my official duties and meeting with constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 307.

Mr. JACKSON

Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment, as it cuts funding for the W87-1 warhead, which will be assembled at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. These are funds that have been mentioned or requested by President Biden and are broadly supported across all of Congress. Cutting funding for the W87-1 would be irresponsible and unsafe, as it is slated to replace the W78, which will soon be the oldest weapon in the stockpile. This program was started by Obama, continued by Trump, and is now being funded by Biden. It has been a great success as it has hit all of its markers and is on track to reach IOC and deliver the first unit in 2030. Further, plutonium pits for the W87-1 will eventually be produced at the Los Alamos National Lab and Savannah River Site, giving us a production capability that we do not currently have. For these reasons and the others mentioned by my colleagues, I urge everyone to oppose this far-left attempt to unilaterally disarm the United States.

Mr. JACKSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment, which clearly states that Israel is a critical defense partner of ours. Our national security is inextricably linked to our relationship with and our military's support for Israel. As our strongest ally in the Middle East, it is critical that we conduct military exercises with Israel to improve interoperability and readiness. We must ensure that Israel has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against terrorists with consistent and reliable transfers of defense articles. Last year, President Trump negotiated the historic Abraham Accords, and to honor that, my amendment states clear support for Israel's work to promote peace. While some in this body have made their disdain for the Jewish State of Israel clear, I believe our relationship with Israel is nonnegotiable. Our friends in Israel are currently questioning our commitment because some of my more radical colleagues forced the Speaker to withdraw financial support for the Iron Dome yesterday. I urge all Members of this body to support my amendment. We must take this step to show the only democracy in the Middle East that they can count on us for support.