Mike Kennedy

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, on February 25, 1846, beleaguered residents of Nauvoo, Illinois, began leaving their homes and farms behind, crossing the frozen Mississippi River by ferry and wagon to escape persecution. Only the sickest and poorest remained behind, and even they were finally forced out by mob action. All crossed Iowa to Nebraska, just north of Omaha, their winter quarters on the Missouri River. Why do I bring up these sad memories from long ago? Utah still celebrates the day when they finally arrived at a place of safety, the valley of the Great Salt Lake, on July 24, 1847. July 24 is a State holiday for Utahns. Those hardy, resilient pioneers, carrying with them the sick and desperately poor from burning Nauvoo, found temporary refuge among the kind members of the Omaha Tribe. They made an agreement with the Omaha through their Chief, Big Elk, who welcomed the pioneers, understanding the trouble they had recently escaped. The pioneers would stay in residence, building houses, planting gardens and fields, and then move on after 2 years to ensure all of their number had enough time and resources to make the trip West. Afterwards, the improvements would belong to the Omaha. This vanguard party of 148 pioneers, who had been on the road for 111 days, followed Brigham Young down Emigration Canyon into the Salt Lake Valley. They immediately began organizing a community, diverting water for irrigation, plowing fields, and planning their first city, Salt Lake City, our State's capital. Salt Lake was founded that very day. Denver wasn't founded until 1858 and so was Carson City. Phoenix was founded in 1867, Boise in 1863, and Helena in 1864. Of all Western States' capital cities, only New Mexico's, Albuquerque, is older than Salt Lake. From that small beginning of 148 souls, a city and metro-area population of over 1.2 million and a State population of over 3.5 million have grown. From that small beginning, a mighty State has grown with an annual GDP of over $234 billion. Utah has three research universities, four regional universities, and other great institutions of higher education. Utahns value education, and we are good at it. The Salt Lake City metro area has professional sports teams competing at the highest level, with basketball, the Utah Jazz; soccer, Real Salt Lake; and hockey, the Utah Mammoth. They have already hosted the Winter Olympic Games and are set to host another in 2034. If you travel across the State, Mr. Speaker, you will find communities with baseball fields, football fields, soccer fields, pickleball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, ski resorts, and golf courses. Utahns value sports, and we are good at them. Utah is an international center for technology, including space tech. Just south of Salt Lake City is a business park called Silicon Slopes. About 100 miles north of Salt Lake City is the Space Dynamics Laboratory. Utahns value technology and research, and we are good at them. Utahns may leave Utah, but they take Utah with them wherever they go. The football coach who takes the job in the Big Ten, the medical school graduate who interns at Brigham and Women's, the ROTC grad who learns to fly in Enid, Oklahoma, and the mother of five who gets that promotion and follows her work to Seattle, all of them take a piece of Utah with them. On July 24, you may just see every one of them pulling kids in a wagon in a neighborhood parade or hear them singing a pioneer song or making the trek downtown to the shelter to drop off bedding and clothing. Each in his own way honors July 24, and I ask you today to honor those long-dead pioneers as well as those whose hearts hold Utah close. This place west of the Great Divide and east of Salt Flats, north of the Grand Canyon and south of the lava flows and potato fields of Idaho is my home. I wasn't born in Utah. In fact, my father wasn't even born in this country. I am a pioneer like my brother and sister Utahns. Just like those 148 brave and desperate souls, I have made this place my home. I, like Brigham Young and those other 3.5 million souls, came to this place, saw that it was good and said: ``This is the right place. Drive on.''

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Georgia, for this opportunity to speak. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule for H.R. 3633, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 and H.R. 1919, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. Together, these bills provide much needed clarity on digital asset regulation and ensure critical consumer protections so Americans retain their financial freedom. Before basketball became the great sport that we know and love, it needed rules. Without structure, the game could not grow and thrive. The same is true for digital assets. Innovation depends on clear, reliable guardrails. For too long, this space has been clouded by legal uncertainty and regulation by enforcement, leaving the industry without direction and consumers without protection. The CLARITY Act addresses that gap. It defines the role of the SEC and CFTC, establishes clear rules of the road for responsible innovation, and protects the rights of Americans to hold and use their own digital property. At the same time, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which I cosponsor, defends the foundational principles of financial freedom. A government-run central bank digital currency would allow unelected bureaucrats to surveil, program, and ultimately control how Americans spend their money. This legislation protects Americans by ensuring the Fed cannot issue CBDCs to individuals. Last year, Representative Tyler Clancy and I, in the State of Utah, passed a law banning CBDC, but we all recognize that State laws cannot pertain or prevail throughout the country. This bill allows us to establish security and protections for the American people all over our country. When the Chinese Communist Party thinks CBDC is a good idea, I think that tells us exactly how we should vote, against CBDC. These bills promote free market innovation, protect privacy, and ensure the next generation of finance is built on American values, not Federal overreach. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the city of Provo, Utah, for earning the top rank as America's number one best-run city. In WalletHub's 2025 study, Provo outperformed 148 other large U.S. cities, excelling at financial stability, public services, safety, infrastructure, and education. Mayor Michelle Kaufusi aptly noted that getting the fundamentals right is the most important part of governance, like delivering quality education, maintaining safe neighborhoods, ensuring well-maintained infrastructure, and practicing responsible fiscal stewardship. This approach is validated by this national ranking, showing that going back to the basics leads to residents prospering, businesses flourishing, and a community thriving. Provo's success also reflects the vital presence of my alma mater, Brigham Young University, at the heart of the community. Home to over 35,000 students and a world-class private university, BYU provides a steady flow of educated graduates, drives economic activity, and fosters a culture of excellence that enriches every neighborhood. I am also proud to note that our district office calls Provo home, and I am grateful for the support from the local community there. I am proud to represent the residents of Provo and to champion the excellent qualities that they have on the floor of this House.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be here and speak in favor of the rule for the big, beautiful bill. As a provider of healthcare myself, as a doctor, and as a recipient of Medicaid services--my first three children were born on Medicaid--in addition to the fact that as a child, I was receiving food assistance not only from free school lunch programs but church programs, recognizing the vital need associated with Medicaid as well as with these food programs, we need to rightsize these programs. Mr. Speaker, if we don't take a different trajectory, these programs will collapse under the economic failures of prior administrations. The reality behind this is, this bill that we are discussing today is insisting on work requirements associated with the recipients of Medicaid. If you are an able-bodied, working adult, you should be able to go out and find a job. If you can't find a job, you need to go to a training program and try to find training so that you can get a job and ultimately get off Medicaid. One of the components about Medicaid, we all know, is that it was formed in favor of pregnant women, disabled people, as well as the elderly. What the Republicans are trying to do is rightsize the Medicaid program so that it survives for the long-term, vital needs of the people of the future.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the time you have granted me to acknowledge a stunning accomplishment by one of our high school athletes in Utah's Third District, Jane Hedengren. Jane runs track for Timpview High School in Provo, Utah. In an invitational meet in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 5, she swept the field by more than 12 seconds, setting a national high school women's and national women's 1-mile record for those under 20 years old of 4 minutes 23.5 seconds, only 0.04 seconds over the women's collegiate mile record. Just 3 days later, she broke her own national high school 2-mile record by 17 seconds. She has also set national records for high school women in the 2K, 3K, and 5K. Forbes magazine recently said of her: ``Is this Utah teenager the best girls track athlete in history? She certainly looks the part.'' Jane's post-graduation plans include running for the BYU Cougars women's track and field and cross-country teams during the upcoming school year. I congratulate Jane and wish her good luck and much success. I am excited to see what the future will hold for her.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate the outstanding Whitehorse High School team from Montezuma Creek, Utah, for achieving national distinction in the Capitol Hill Challenge. Out of hundreds of teams from across the country, this remarkable group finished in the top ten. This is a truly impressive accomplishment that speaks to their academic excellence and their strong grasp of financial markets, economics, and civic engagement. These students demonstrated exceptional teamwork, discipline, and a genuine passion for learning throughout the competition. The team members who I met today, along with their teacher, are Hope, JaSea, Gabrielle, Nateo, and Kalvin, and they excelled under the leadership of their dedicated teacher, Mr. Gosney. Their success is a testament to both their individual talents and the support and guidance that they received. I am immensely proud to have such bright and committed leaders representing Utah's Third District. Their achievement reflects the strength, resilience, and character of our community.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of our Nation's aviation professionals and their need for mental health support. Scientific studies of aviation professionals reveal that many are hesitant to seek mental health treatment due to fears of professional consequences. For example, pilots often speak about their careers with deep passion, and the prospect of losing their wings is seen as one of the worst possible outcomes. As a result, many choose not to self- report mental health concerns, fearing they might be grounded or face stigma within the industry. As a physician, I understand how deeply mental and physical health are connected. When a profession so crucial to our daily lives faces this challenge, I believe it is time we take a second look and see how we can aid in combating this. Destigmatizing mental health treatment for FAA employees and pilots is essential to fostering a culture of safety, trust, and well-being in aviation. Encouraging open dialogue and providing confidential, nonpunitive access to mental health support helps ensure pilots receive the care they need without fear of professional repercussions. We cannot allow these essential professionals to suffer in silence. Instead, let's create a system that supports their well-being and keeps our skies safe.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the yielding of that time. Mr. Speaker, as a family physician, I have seen both the benefits and issues associated with Medicaid. Currently there are 7.6 million people on Medicaid who should not be there. Mr. Speaker, there are 1.4 million illegal immigrants, 1.2 million who are ineligible for Medicaid, and 4.8 million able-bodied adults who choose not to work. It is time we crack down on fraud, waste, and abuse on such a vital program for those who need it. As we assess the state of Medicaid, we find that roughly $1 in every $4 are spent improperly with more than 80 percent of these payments stemming from eligibility errors. Medicaid is critically important for countless Americans, and this bill will ensure that those who truly need it can continue to access the care they depend on. Medicaid was designed to support the disabled, pregnant women, children, and those who are in need. It has ballooned with able-bodied adults who are currently not required to be working. Mr. Speaker, Republicans are trying to fix Medicaid and preserve it for those who need it.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Knott for shining much-needed light on this issue and for the opportunity today to speak about some of the consequences of the Biden-Harris administration's irresponsible actions over the past 4 years and how Congress and the Trump administration are working to claw our way back to sanity for the United States of America. We have lived through the most devastating border crisis in modern American history. Let's be honest. It wasn't a natural disaster, and it wasn't an accident. It was the direct result of bad choices made by the Biden-Harris administration. This wasn't mere mismanagement. It was facilitation, it was incentivization, and it was done at the expense of our laws, our national security, and our people. During their time in office, President Biden and Vice President Harris dismantled nearly every meaningful safeguard at the southern border. Their administration presided over a record surge in illegal immigration, over 700,000 illegal aliens were apprehended at the border from October through December of 2023 alone. That was more than any full year during the Obama Presidency when President Obama famously stated that over 1,000 illegal border crossings a day would be considered a crisis. The Biden-Harris Harris administration frequently allowed in 6,000 a day. Unfortunately, instead of restoring our control and protecting our sovereignty, they did the unthinkable. They rewarded the lawbreakers. Rather than empower border enforcement, the Biden-Harris administration threw open the Federal checkbook, funneling billions of taxpayer dollars to private nonprofits like Family Endeavors Incorporated, Southwest Key Programs, and Global Refuge. These NGOs didn't just shelter illegal aliens. They pampered them. Those contracts paid for luxury hotel rooms, room service, 24-hour snacks, laundry, bilingual television, recreation, cultural events, and individual tutoring for mathematics and social studies. Most shockingly, it paid for pet therapy, music therapy, and horticultural therapy for illegal alien children. In 2021 alone, Endeavors paid Christy Merrell, a music therapist, $533,000 for her services. In addition to this nonsense, the nonprofit conducted 1,656 people-plant interactions and 287 pet therapy sessions between April 2021 and March 2023. This wasn't emergency aid. It was five-star treatment funded by hardworking American families, families that are struggling to pay their own rent and put food on their own table, much less providing themselves with music, plant, and pet therapy. I know many taxpaying American families who would love to be able to provide their children with one-on-one academic tutoring but simply cannot afford it. This all begs the question: Why are we investing in illegal families while stripping financial resources from our own citizens to do so? In one case, Endeavors Incorporated, a Texas-based NGO, received a $1.3 billion contract from the Federal Government in a single year. Meanwhile their top executives are paid over $600,000 annually, and the group spends more than $700,000 on lobbyists all to keep the money flowing. Contrast that with the conditions our military servicemembers faced during the same time: moldy barracks, sewage overflows, and rodent infestations to highlight a few. In 2022, a mere $56 million was spent on housing maintenance for military families, less than one-twentieth of what was spent for illegal aliens. Who did the Biden-Harris administration care about? It certainly wasn't our men and women in uniform. Unfortunately, the extreme misuse of funds wasn't their only slight to the American public. The Biden-Harris administration relaxed vetting standards for those who claimed to sponsor alien children. DNA testing was scrapped, and background checks were watered down. There were no public records checks required for other adults living in a sponsor's home, and tragic consequences followed. In one case, a 24-year-old Honduran man posed as a 17-year-old child and was placed with a sponsor in Florida who he later murdered. Sadly, that was not a one-off failure. This type of senseless violence became a regular news story. While Americans were working multiple jobs to afford rent and groceries, the Biden-Harris administration was funding a billion-dollar pipeline for unaccompanied aliens, and empowering NGOs that had no incentive to solve the crisis, only to profit from it. They called it compassion, however, in reality, it was corruption, recklessness, and disregard for the rule of law. The good news is this: Their time in office is over. However, the ramifications of their decisions persist. While our southern border is certainly more secure now, we have hundreds of thousands of illegal alien cases that will overwhelm our legal system for years. The nonprofit industry they supercharged is still bloated, and the American people are still waiting for real accountability. Now is the time to fix what they broke. We must defund corrupt NGOs, restore vetting and enforcement, and put the American people first again. We owe it to our citizens. We owe it to our troops, and we owe it to the integrity of this Nation. The crisis wasn't spontaneous. It was built, funded, and incentivized. Let's make sure it is never repeated.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the passage of my legislation, the United States Research Protection Act. H.R. 1318 is a critical piece of legislation that seeks to protect the future of our Nation's scientific and technological advancement. The stakes could not be higher in this era of rapid global innovation and increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics. I thank Chairman Babin for working with me to bring this important bipartisan legislation to the floor quickly. I also thank my colleague from Michigan, Congresswoman Stevens, for co-leading this bill with me. I am proud that my very first bill to pass the House will protect crucial research done here in the United States from adversarial foreign actors seeking to exploit our research, talent, and resources for their own gain. Everyone in this Chamber knows the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party. This adversary has made no secret of its intentions to surpass the United States in key technological areas, from artificial intelligence to quantum computing to biotechnology. In 2022, Congress passed the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act as part of the CHIPS and Science Act. That bill prohibited researchers who receive Federal funds from participating in malign foreign talent recruitment programs in which foreign countries incentivize or compensate researchers for activities that present a conflict of interest for the researcher or that are otherwise unauthorized. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee has been conducting vigorous oversight of the implementation of the CHIPS Act and has found that complicated and confusing language in the bill was impeding the ability of American researchers and their institutions to protect taxpayer-funded research. This ambiguity could also allow for loopholes, allowing malign foreign talent recruitment programs in our universities and other research labs to recruit researchers or access sensitive data, effectively funding breakthrough research for the Chinese Communist Party with American taxpayers' dollars. China's government has embarked on an aggressive strategy to acquire critical American research and intellectual property. We have seen a troubling pattern of intellectual property theft, economic espionage, and illicit influence over academic institutions. These efforts are not just limited to the economic realm. They are a matter of national security. The United States Research Protection Act updates and clarifies the definition of malign foreign talent recruitment programs to protect our national investments. If we do not act now, we risk losing the technological edge that has kept our country secure, prosperous, and at the forefront of global innovation. We have a responsibility to protect American research, safeguard our intellectual property, and ensure that the innovations of today will remain in the hands of those who work to benefit our Nation, not those who seek to undermine it. By passing this bipartisan bill, H.R. 1318, we are making a strong commitment to future generations of Americans. We are telling them we will not stand idly by as American innovations are put at risk. We are telling the world that the United States will continue to lead in the global technological race, and we will do so on our terms. I thank Chairman Babin for his leadership on this issue. He is a thoughtful and dedicated patriot who is making certain that our grandchildren are better off as a result of our efforts today. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to congratulate the Duchesne High School girls' wrestling team on their remarkable achievement of winning the 1A/2A State championship. I also recognize their coach, Shane Ivie, for being honored with the prestigious title of Outstanding Coach of the Year. Individual champions include Breann Ivie, Ariana Jones, McKenlee Sprecher, Daniella Spencer, and Abigail Woods. Additionally, Duchesne's Leah Ivie and Altamont's Preslee Thacker each earned second-place finishes in their respective categories. Their success is a testament to their resilience as they overcame countless challenges along the way. Breann Ivie faced serious heart issues; Daniella Spencer competed with a broken arm; and Ariana Jones, with profound strength and courage, competed while mourning the recent passing of her mother. These young women embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and grit. I am in awe of their determination and spirit. They have shown us what true resilience looks like. We are incredibly proud to have such talented and dedicated individuals representing Utah's Third District. Their success is not just their own. It reflects the strength and character of our community.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the gentleman from Florida, our new chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, for inviting me to join him tonight. I am excited to join him as a new member on the subcommittee and highlight Utah's exciting role in the future of space exploration. When we think of iconic American places associated with NASA, Houston and Cape Canaveral come to mind, but I am here to tell you tonight, Mr. Speaker, that Utah should be added to that list. While Utah has played a pivotal role in the history of NASA since the dawn of the space age in the mid-20th century, we are fast moving into a starring role. We stand at the crossroads of an exciting new era in space exploration. Utah, known for our pioneering spirit, is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of space. From producing cutting- edge technology to visionary companies, Utah is helping propel humanity into the next frontier. Utah is also the proud home of the Dugway Proving Ground in the west desert, which has become a prime landing location for returning space missions. I want to highlight one of the most pivotal players in Utah's contribution to space exploration, Northrop Grumman, which has more than an 80-year history in the State. The global aerospace and defense leader has become a cornerstone of America's space ambitions. Northrop Grumman's state-of-the-art facilities in Utah are central to the development of solid rocket boosters for some of the most ambitious missions we have ever embarked upon. These boosters are key to propelling spacecraft, like NASA's Space Launch System, which is set to carry astronauts deeper into space than ever before, including the planned missions to the Moon under the Artemis program and eventually to Mars. The combined economic footprint of Utah's space-related businesses, along with those in the aerospace, defense, and advanced materials sectors, already account for 20 percent of our annual GDP, and the space segment is among the fastest growing within that combined category, according to Aaron Starks, former chief revenue officer for World Trade Center Utah and now 47G's president and CEO. He said: ``I think and firmly believe that Utah's future will be shaped more by this industry than any other.'' Northrop Grumman's solid rocket boosters are integral to the success of space programs that will shape the future of exploration. These powerful boosters provide the thrust necessary to lift spacecraft into orbit, and their innovation is a testament to Utah's growing influence in space technology. The company's Utah facilities, including those in Promontory, have been producing these boosters for decades, and they are renowned for their precision, reliability, and power. With the capabilities of these solid rocket boosters, missions that were once the stuff of dreams are becoming a reality. In January of last year, two of Northrop Grumman's extended, 63-inch- diameter Graphite Epoxy Motors, more commonly known as GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters, helped power the inaugural flight of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket in the first certification mission. The GEM 63XL boosters are the longest monolithic, single-cast solid rocket boosters ever manufactured and flown. The boosters delivered more than 900,000 pounds of thrust, nearly two-thirds of the vehicle's total thrust at liftoff. It is not just about technology. It is about what this technology enables. Northrop Grumman's advancements in propulsion have opened up incredible possibilities for deep-space exploration, including human missions to the Moon and Mars, asteroid mining, and future scientific discoveries beyond our current cognitive capabilities. Each launch of a rocket booster is not just a moment of technological achievement; it is a step closer to answering the big questions about our place in the universe and the potential for future generations to reach the stars. Utah is developing a future built on innovation and collaboration. The State is becoming a hub for aerospace innovation, with new startups and established companies like Northrop joining the effort to advance technologies that will transform space travel. Whether it is satellite development, propulsion systems, or mission planning, Utah is becoming a vital piece of the puzzle. Northrop Grumman has sought to form partnerships and tap into expertise in Utah's colleges and universities, and the company has worked with students and faculty at the University of Utah, Weber State University, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and Bridgerland Technical College in Logan. Top-tier research institutions Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and Utah State University are preparing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators who will take the torch from us and continue driving humanity's exploration of space. With these resources, the State's workforce is uniquely positioned to lead in areas that complement Northrup Grumman's work, creating a synergy that ensures the continued success of space missions. Utah State University boasts one of the longest histories of connections to space technologies with the establishment of Electro- Dynamics Laboratories in 1959. It would later join forces with the University of Utah's Upper Air Research Laboratory to form the Logan- based Space Dynamics Laboratory in the early 1980s. Utah universities have also been big contributors to the NASA- sponsored BIG Idea Challenge to power the Artemis program forward. The 2024 BIG Idea team was from Brigham Young University, and they developed an untethered and modular inflatable robot for lunar operations. In 2023, we had a BIG Idea team from the University of Utah that won first place overall as the Artemis Award Winner with their development of the ``Production of Steel from Lunar Regolith through Carbonyl Iron Refining'' project. As the space industry continues to grow and evolve, Utah is at the heart of it all, leading through ingenuity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the future. Mr. Speaker, I say to my good friend from Florida that his Space Coast district might be where the rockets are launched, but they wouldn't get off the ground without Utah's ingenuity. As we look toward the stars and the limitless possibilities of the cosmos, it is clear that Utah's contribution to space exploration will be integral. From Northrop Grumman's groundbreaking solid rocket boosters to the innovation happening across our State, Utah is not only playing a role in the future of space exploration, but it is helping to define it. The work that is being done here today will shape the course of humanity's future and space for generations to come. Together, we are laying the foundation for the next great leap in human exploration. Mr. Speaker, I again thank the gentleman from Florida for this Special Order tonight. I greatly look forward to working with him to make sure NASA is in a position to return to the Moon and take the next step of planting the Stars and Stripes on Mars.

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah

Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce myself as I undertake this awesome responsibility to serve the citizens of Utah's Third Congressional District. My name is Mike Kennedy, and I am both a physician and an attorney. As a doctor, I am a trained listener. As a lawyer, I am a trained advocate. As a legislator, I intend to honor the promises I made to my constituents when I asked for their votes: to take seriously the problems we confront, which include a porous border and a massive national debt. I will be a foe to those who would work to turn the people over to the government and a friend to those who will turn the government over to the people. Our common oath, when we begin this service, is to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It is a call to actively search for all that unites us in our common citizenship without fear or favor. The vision of our Founders, that we be ``one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,'' burns brightly in me and will be my daily touchstone as I do the work of the people. Mr. Speaker, let us go forward with renewed energy to keep all that makes America the great country that we know it to be.