Nicholas Langworthy

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Town of Erin, New York, as the community gathers to celebrate nearly 200 years of family, tradition, and proud history. Erin's very name reflects the deep Irish heritage of many of its earliest settlers, whose spirit, faith, and determination helped shape the identity of this town that we still cherish today. In the years following the War of 1812, those early pioneers arrived here to what was then dense wilderness. Through grit and sacrifice, they cleared forests, built homes, and established the farms that would become the backbone of Erin for generations. The hardworking loggers and woodsmen who made way for the next two centuries of community helped define not only Erin's economy, but its enduring character as well. Logging, timber, and woodworking were not simply industries here--they were a way of life. That same spirit of community continues today through the work of local volunteers, especially the Erin Volunteer Fire Department and the many dedicated people who make the Erin Wood Festival possible year after year. What began as a celebration of the town's timber heritage has grown into a cherished tradition that brings families together, supports the community, and reminds us all of the pride shared by the people of Erin. As Supervisor Dawn M. Schmidt and the Town of Erin come together in celebration of 200 years of shared history, I ask that this body join me in honoring their remarkable past and the promise of an even stronger future for the next generation of Erin families.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Fluvanna Fire Department as it celebrates 100 years of dedicated service to the communities of Fluvanna, Jamestown, and the surrounding region of Chautauqua County, New York. Since its establishment in 1926, the department has stood as a pillar of courage, volunteerism, and community pride. The origins of the Fluvanna Fire Department trace back to 1925, following a devastating fire in the Elmhurst area that revealed the urgent need for organized local fire protection. In response, members of the community came together with determination and a shared sense of duty to formally organize what would become the Fluvanna Fire Department. Through fundraising, volunteer labor, and steadfast commitment, the department purchased its first firefighting apparatus and began a century-long tradition of protecting lives and property. Over the past 100 years, generations of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical personnel, fire police, and support members have answered the call at all hours of the day and night. From structure fires and motor vehicle accidents to medical emergencies and rescue operations, the department has consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to public safety. Today, the department continues to provide critical fire and emergency medical services to the Fluvanna community while remaining deeply rooted in the values of volunteer service. As the Fluvanna Fire Department celebrates this historic milestone, we honor not only its proud history, but also the generations of volunteers whose sacrifice and dedication have made this achievement possible. Their service reflects the very best of Western New York and serves as an example of selflessness and civic commitment for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the United States House of Representatives join me in recognizing the Fluvanna Fire Department on its 100th Anniversary and in thanking its past and present members for a century of honorable and distinguished service to the people of Chautauqua County and New York State.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Juliet Szymanski for a lifetime of service, devotion, and civic engagement. She is an example to all of what it means to live the American Dream and to dedicate one's life to building up those around you. When Juliet's daughter, Stephanie, was diagnosed with Lyme disease at a young age, Juliet ensured that her family met that challenge head- on--not only through treatment and support for her daughter, but through a commitment to helping countless others facing the same struggle. Juliet has been a steadfast advocate in the fight against Lyme disease, working tirelessly to increase public awareness and leading efforts in prevention, treatment, and research advocacy. Her compassion and determination have helped shine a light on an illness that impacts families across Western New York and our Nation. In addition to her advocacy work, Juliet has been a dedicated member of the Erie County Republican Committee, serving for nearly 20 years as a committeewoman and supporting countless candidates, campaigns, and elected officials. Her commitment to public service and civic participation has strengthened her community and inspired others to get involved. Since 2008, she has served as Secretary to Erie County Board of Elections Commissioner Ralph Mohr and has been a tireless public servant administering elections across Erie County. For 250 years, the United States of America has thrived because of the freedom, self-determination, and civic participation enshrined in our democratic values. Our representative democracy depends upon citizens willing to serve their neighbors and invest in their communities. Juliet Szymanski's life--devoted to her family, her work, and her community--embodies those values in action. We all have a responsibility to leave our communities better than we found them, and Juliet has done exactly that. I know that her husband, Ken, and daughters, Natalie and Stephanie, along with her son- in-law, Dominic, are very proud of her many accomplishments. I am proud to join the Erie County Federation of Republican Women in recognizing Juliet Szymanski for her significant contributions to Western New York. I ask that this body join me in honoring an all- American mother, advocate, and community leader--Juliet Szymanski.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the profound bravery of Chemung County Sheriff's Investigator Michael Theetge. On March 29, 2024, while protecting his community during a retail theft operation, Investigator Theetge was critically injured in the line of duty. His life was changed in an instant, yet his commitment to the citizens he serves has never wavered. The recovery process for Investigator Theetge has been a testament to his incredible strength of character. Despite sustaining a traumatic brain injury, he has remained focused on ways to continue to serve his community. His perseverance in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to his colleagues in law enforcement. Beyond his primary duties, Investigator Theetge is an advocate for the first responder community. He has spearheaded initiatives to bolster specialized recovery resources throughout New York, turning his personal experiences into a catalyst for systemic improvement. His drive to effect positive change remains the cornerstone of his career. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring Investigator Michael Theetge for his service and sacrifice. We offer our full support as he continues his recovery. Our community is safer and stronger because of dedicated individuals like him.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 142.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the service of our brave men and women for Armed Forces Day, May 16, 2026. Armed Forces Day is a 76-year tradition to thank all of those who are currently serving, as well as those who have served and sacrificed to defend our freedom. As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, it is my privilege to recognize the contributions our active military members continue to make to our great Nation. Freedom was never free, and the men and women who stand up with valor and courage must always be held in the highest regard. As we speak, the Western New York Armed Forces Committee is preparing to recognize fourteen service members at its 63rd Military Ball, and it is my honor to include in the Record their names as a tribute to their service, and the service of their brothers and sisters in arms: SSG Owen Silver--United States Army SFC Ashley Blake--United States Army Reserve SPC Trevor Lock--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Jonathan D. Rieth--New York Guard SSgt. Kelsey Trevino--United States Marine Corps Cpl. Keane Kistner--United States Marine Corps Reserve MA1 Jordan Costello--United States Navy MA1 Amanda Paine--United States Navy Reserve Cpl. Wilyin Gao--New York Naval Militia SSgt. Danny Garrett--United States Air Force SSgt. Cameron Swick--United States Air Force Reserve TSgt. Gary Buchanan--New York Air National Guard MST1 Martin Mueller--United States Coast Guard MST2 Krishnan Muthaiah--United States Coast Guard Reserve Western New York and the Southern Tier are home to many proud service members and veterans, and our community has a long and proud tradition of military service. It is my honor to recognize their bravery. On behalf of the United States Congress and the constituents of New York's 23rd Congressional District, I thank these men and women for their service and all those who continue to serve with them.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, a commonsense measure that pushes back on the failed Green New Deal and puts reliability, affordability, and common sense back in the driver's seat. My bill repeals section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which would eliminate the use of onsite, fossil fuel- generated electricity for Federal buildings by 2030. Without repeal, section 433 would put the United States on a dangerous path of dependence on intermittent energy resources, like wind and solar, supported by battery storage, and dependent on supply chains for critical minerals that often run through China. Under past Democratic administrations, Washington has aligned itself with the most extreme elements of the environmental movement, advancing impractical regulations that hurt hardworking Americans and sidelining the reliable, affordable systems that they depend on every single day. Mr. Speaker, we have all seen where this leads. My home State of New York has embraced this same approach, pursuing policies that target reliable fuels and the infrastructure that supports them. The result is higher costs, tighter energy supply, and real concerns about whether the system can hold up when the demand is at the absolute highest. It is exactly what we can't afford to replicate on the Federal level. Think about the facilities impacted by these zero-emissions building policies under section 433: VA hospitals, where our veterans receive lifesaving care, our military installations that underpin our national defense, research labs, and emergency operations centers. In western New York, home of the Bath and the Buffalo VA facilities, winters are very unforgiving. We cannot afford policies that risk leaving our veterans, who served this country, sitting in cold buildings because Washington decided that ideology matters more than reliability. These facilities cannot afford ``hope for the best.'' They need systems that work 24/7 in any condition, at any time. Yet, instead of prioritizing that reliability, Democrats continue down a path that asks taxpayers to pay more for less, pushing policies that check political boxes but fail to deliver in the real world. The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act ends that. It restores common sense. It puts decisions back in the hands of real professionals, and it ensures that Federal buildings are powered by what works, not what is politically fashionable for the moment. Mr. Speaker, reliability matters. Affordability matters. Common sense matters. This bill restores all three. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4690.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the historic 100th anniversary of the Millport Volunteer Fire Company, a vital institution of safety and service in Chemung County. For a century, this dedicated department has stood as a courageous shield for the residents of Millport and surrounding communities. Throughout its storied hundred-year history, the Millport Volunteer Fire Company has been defined by the selfless spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. Since its founding, the company has remained unwavering in its mission to protect life and property. The bravery of members, both past and present, is a testament to the enduring strength of the volunteer fire service in Chemung County. Under the steadfast commitment of its officers and volunteers, the company has fostered a legacy of reliability, integrity, and sacrifice. Their tireless efforts have not only ensured the safety of their district but have also deepened the sense of community through active civic engagement and local leadership. These volunteers routinely leave their homes and families to answer the call, embodying the very best of the American spirit. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring the Millport Volunteer Fire Company on this momentous milestone, and in thanking its members for a century of heroic service to the community.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Marilla Country Store, an institution that has truly stood the test of time. Since opening its doors in 1851, this store has remained a constant in a world of change. Through generations, through wars, economic hardship, and even global pandemics, it has never once closed, serving as a steadfast presence in the heart of Marilla, New York and a symbol of resilience across Western New York. But what makes this place truly special is not just its age, it's the people. For 175 years, only a handful of families have carried this store forward, preserving its character, its traditions, and its deep connection to the community. Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Sandy Gingerich Grunzweig, whose family roots run deep in Marilla and whose commitment ensures the store remains a proud pillar of the community. The Marilla Country Store is more than a business--it is a gathering place, a living museum, and a testament to what endures when community, family, and tradition come together. As we celebrate 175 years, we honor not just the past, but the generations who will carry this legacy forward. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Marilla Country Store for its lasting legacy, and in celebrating the Grunzweig family as they carry this success long into the future.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1174 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, last night, the Rules Committee reported on a rule, House Resolution 1174, that provides for consideration of four measures. The rule provides for the consideration of H.R. 6387, H.R. 6398, and H.R. 6409, each under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their designees, and provides for each bill one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H. Res. 1156, expressing support for tax policies that support working families, under a closed rule with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means or their designees, and provides for one motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation. The rule before us provides an opportunity for Congress to rein in regulatory overreach, to restore common sense for our environmental policies, and to ensure that American communities are not punished for circumstances beyond their control. For far too long, States, workers, and job creators have been forced to operate under a system that is overly rigid and increasingly bureaucratic and disconnected from reality. Instead of working with States, Federal regulators have imposed one-size-fits-all policies that drive up costs, delay projects, and make it harder for communities to grow and to prosper. These measures begin to correct that course and put us on a more practical and more predictable path forward. Mr. Speaker, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6409, the FENCES Act. This legislation addresses a simple but important problem. States are currently being penalized for emissions that they have absolutely no control over. That includes pollution originating from foreign countries like China, as well as natural events such as wildfires beyond our borders. Yet under current policy, those emissions can still count against a State's ability to meet Federal air quality standards. This is not how this should work, and we have seen the impact firsthand. In my home State of New York, communities across western New York and the southern tier have repeatedly experienced severe air quality impacts from Canadian wildfires. This has become a reoccurring issue year after year. Smoke from wildfires in Ontario and Quebec have drifted south, triggering air quality alerts across our State. Families have been told to stay indoors. Schools, camps, and outdoor events have been disrupted and canceled. What should be time spent outside during the summer has, instead, meant staying inside because of conditions beyond anyone's control locally. In parts of New York, we have seen some of the worst air quality readings in the entire country on these days. This does not affect just families. It affects local economies, as well. Small businesses, outdoor workers, farmers, and manufacturers all feel the impact when air quality restrictions tighten because of pollution they did not create in the first place. Yet, under the current framework, those same communities can still face consequences--more regulation and more restrictions--for conditions entirely outside of their control. It makes no sense. The FENCES Act restores the original intent of the Clean Air Act by making clear that foreign emissions, whether manmade or natural, should not be used to penalize States when determining compliance. It allows States to account for those emissions earlier in the process instead of forcing them into costly delays, stricter requirements, or potential Federal penalties at the very end because the reality is simple, States like New York should not be punished for smoke coming from wildfires in another country like Canada. Mr. Speaker, the rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 6387, the FIRE Act. Across the country, communities are dealing with the growing threat of wildfires. At the same time, States are taking proactive steps to reduce the risk through prescribed burns, forest management, and other mitigation efforts. However, under current law, those efforts can count against them when it comes to air quality compliance. Now think about that. States are being penalized for trying to prevent catastrophic wildfires. This isn't just backwards. It creates a system that punishes proactive solutions and rewards inaction. Part of the problem is how the current system treats those emissions. While naturally occurring wildfires can sometimes be considered exceptional events, the very tools used to prevent those wildfires, like prescribed burns, are often treated the same as emissions from a factory. That is a clear gap in the law, and it leads to confusion, inconsistent decisions, and unnecessary delays for States trying to do the right thing. The result is a system that discourages mitigation even though we know that proactive land management reduces the severity of wildfires and improves long-term air quality. The consequences are real. When States are discouraged from carrying out these efforts, the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires only increases, leading to worse air quality, greater damage, and higher costs for communities. The FIRE Act fixes this by ensuring that emissions from wildfire mitigation activities are treated appropriately under the Clean Air Act. It brings consistency on how we treat emissions from wildfires and from the efforts used to prevent them, and it provides States with the clarity and predictability that we need to plan and to act. It also reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens on manufacturers and local communities while still maintaining strong environmental protections for communities. This is about encouraging smart land management, reducing long-term risk, and recognizing that proactive solutions should not be met with Federal penalties. Mr. Speaker, the rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 6398, the RED Tape Act. This measure takes aim at a specific and unnecessary layer of Federal bureaucracy that continues to slow down projects across the country. Right now, when a Federal agency completes an environmental impact statement, the Environmental Protection Agency is required to conduct a separate review and publicly comment on that work, even in cases where the EPA has already been involved in developing it. That second review often covers the exact same ground. It adds time. It adds cost. It adds uncertainty, without meaningfully improving any outcomes. We do not have to look far to see how duplication and delay affect real projects. In upstate New York, Micron announced a historic investment to bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States, an investment expected to support thousands and thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthen our domestic supply chain. This is exactly the kind of project we should be encouraging and putting a rocket booster on, but like many large-scale projects, it has to navigate a complex and very time-consuming environmental review process across multiple levels of government. That is the broader issue. It is not about identifying new risks. It is about how layers of review can stack on top of one another, adding delay and uncertainty, even when high standards are already being met. The consequences are real. When projects like this one are delayed, jobs are delayed, investment is delayed, and our ability to compete globally, especially in critical industries like semiconductors, is put at risk at a time when we are trying to onshore these critical industries and strengthen our domestic supply chain. This is exactly what is wrong with this approach. The reality is that the agencies responsible for these projects already have the expertise and the legal responsibility to conduct thorough environmental reviews. They prepare detailed environmental impact statements. They consult with experts and are accountable for the decisions that they make. The EPA is often already involved in that process as it develops. What this bill addresses is the additional, duplicative step that comes after the work has already been completed. Nothing in this legislation prevents coordination or input during the review itself. It simply removes a redundant requirement that adds delay without adding value. Recent Supreme Court precedent has reinforced this approach, recognizing that the agencies responsible for a project are best positioned to evaluate its environmental impacts that the scope of review should remain focused and practical. The RED Tape Act reflects that reality. It removes the duplicative requirement. It streamlines the process, and it ensures that projects that meet the standard can move forward without unnecessary delay because right now too often projects are not being stopped, they are just being slowed down by process. Finally, the rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 1156. Mr. Speaker, today is tax day, and families across the country are sitting down to file their returns and take a closer look at what they owe and what they keep. It is a significant day because it is a direct reminder of how the decisions that we make here in Washington show up in people's lives. Last year, House Republicans passed and the President signed into law H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cut Act, one of the largest tax cuts for working and middle-class Americans in history. The law prevented a $2.6 trillion tax increase on families making less than $400,000 a year, and it continues to deliver real savings to millions of Americans. Today, as families file their taxes, they are seeing the impact of these policies firsthand. For a family of four earning under $73,000, it can mean no Federal income tax at all, and the relief is targeted where it matters the most: no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, tax relief for our senior citizens in their golden years. These are changes that show up directly in what families owe, what they keep, and how they plan for the year ahead. Mr. Speaker, this is just the beginning. In 2026 alone, this law is expected to deliver $191 billion in additional tax relief, putting more money back in the pockets of American families, including roughly $1,000 more in refunds. Taxpayers are projected to take home an additional $91 billion in refunds and keep another $30 billion in their paychecks through reduced withholdings. The benefits don't stop there. This law locks in lower tax rates; strengthens the standard deduction; expands the child tax credit to $2,200, and indexes it to inflation; and provides continued relief through policy like no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and expanded support for childcare, paid leave, and savings. These policies are helping families keep more of what they earn, plan for their future, and build greater financial stability. This resolution recognizes the impact of H.R. 1 and reaffirms our commitment to making sure working families come first. I urge my colleagues to support this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, here we go again. Once again, the Democrats are trying to distract from the facts by recycling the same class warfare talking points, even as Americans across the country are sitting down this week to file their taxes and see the reality for themselves. Families are running the numbers. They are looking at what they owe and what they keep. Filing is simpler. For working people, that matters. Republicans passed this bill without a single Democratic vote. It was signed into law by President Trump, and 91 percent of tax filers now have a simpler tax code. Families pay no Federal income tax on the first $31,000 that they earn. The standard deduction is locked and loaded and expanded, which means less paperwork, less time spent dealing with the IRS, and more money staying in families' budgets. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the biggest beneficiaries of this relief are workers and families making less than $50,000 a year. That is why the rhetoric we keep hearing from Democrats doesn't line up with reality, especially for Americans sitting at their kitchen table filing their taxes right now. This is relief for the server pulling a double, the factory worker on the line trying to work a few extra hours of overtime, the barber running a small shop, and families trying to get ahead. Unfortunately, while Republicans fought to ensure that hardworking Americans keep more of their paychecks, because it is their money and not Uncle Sam's, Democrats under President Biden chose a different path. They flooded the post-COVID economy with trillions of dollars in new spending. They overheated the economy and drove inflation to 40- year highs. Working families were left to carry that burden that they still have a hangover on today. Rather than empowering the American people, Democrats prioritized massive giveaways to political allies through Green New Deal-style programs that layer costly, ineffective regulations. Those policies were not paid for in Washington. They were paid for by families at the gas pump and the grocery store. Mr. Speaker, President Trump and House Republicans have consistently worked to unleash the full potential of the American economy so that every American who works for a living can benefit. In stark contrast, Democrats in the last administration chose runaway spending, regulatory access, and leaving everyday Americans to pay the price through skyrocketing costs for basic necessities. Their policies hurt working families. Republican policies have helped working families, and that brings us back to the rule before us today. This legislation before us makes sure that States are not punished for what they cannot control, supports efforts to prevent disasters before they happen, not after, cuts through red tape that delay jobs and investment, and reinforces policies that help working families keep more of what they earn. That is what is before the House today. We are hearing concerns that this bill somehow weakens air quality protections or harms public health, but that misses what this legislation actually does. At its core, it is about fairness. Right now, States can be penalized for emissions that they have absolutely no control over. No one in Buffalo, New York, or western New York, or the southern tier has any impact on Canadian policy on how they manage their forests or why their forests catch on fire every summer. Whether it is pollution coming from those foreign countries or background conditions beyond our control, that is not a system that makes sense. When that happens, entire regions can fall out of compliance through no fault of their own, making it harder to build new facilities, modernize infrastructure, or bring jobs back to communities that need them the most. That has real consequences not just for economic growth but for the well-being of the people that live there. This bill fixes that problem. It ensures that States are judged based on what they can actually control while keeping the same underlying health-based air quality standards fully in place. Let's be clear: Nothing in this legislation changes those standards. The protections remain. What we are addressing is how those standards are applied in the real world so that communities are not unfairly punished and locked out of economic opportunity. That matters because modernizing facilities here at home means cleaner technology, stronger environmental oversight, and fewer emissions being outsourced overseas. While there are efforts to frame this as a rollback, it is actually about making the system workable, more predictable, and more grounded in reality. That is what this bill does and that is why it is needed. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Democrats want to lecture us on the environment, but let's take a look at their record. For 4 years in the last administration, they pushed policies that were more about ideology than results. They drove up costs. They added layers of bureaucracy. They made it harder for States and communities to actually manage real environmental challenges. They created a system that punishes States for factors outside of their control. It discourages proactive solutions and slows down projects with duplicative and unnecessary reviews. That is not environmental leadership. It is regulatory overreach. Now, under President Trump's leadership, we are taking a more practical approach. We are focusing on policies that actually work by supporting States, encouraging prevention, and cutting through red tape that has held back progress for years. The difference is very clear. Democrats defend a system that is more complicated, more expensive, and less effective. Republicans are focused on making environmental policy more predictable, more efficient, and more grounded in reality. Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what the legislation in this rule does. It makes clear that States shouldn't be penalized for emissions they can't control, including pollution from foreign countries and wildfire smoke drifting across our borders. It supports proactive wildfire mitigation instead of punishing States for taking steps to prevent catastrophic fires. It removes duplicative Federal review processes that slow down projects without improving environmental outcomes. It is not partisan. It is common sense. We have heard a lot from the other side that the EPA already has the tools to deal with wildfire emissions and that this bill is unnecessary. If that were true, we would not be here today. The reality is, the current system doesn't work. It is broken, and while EPA can exclude certain emissions as exceptional events, the process is complicated, time consuming, and, in many cases, unworkable for States. Mr. Speaker, here is the real problem. Under the current law, emissions from wildfire can only qualify as exceptional events, but emissions from prescribed burns used to prevent those wildfires do not. Think about that. States are effectively penalized for taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk. That is just totally backward. As a result, many States don't even attempt to use the existing process because it is too burdensome, too uncertain, and too resource intensive. In fact, for years, States and local agencies were unable to successfully use this process for prescribed burns. Mr. Speaker, this isn't about creating a loophole. It is about fixing a system that is clearly not working. The FIRE Act removes this barrier. It gives States the certainty that they need to carry out responsible wildfire mitigation without risking noncompliance with Federal air quality standards. That matters because prescribed burns are not the problem. They are part of the solution. They reduce the intensity of wildfires. They lower long-term emissions, and they help prevent the devastating economic and environmental damage that we see from large-scale fires like we saw in California. States should not have to choose between meeting air quality standards and preventing wildfires. This bill makes sure that they don't have to. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I heard the words ``purely political gain,'' and I completely respect the work that the Committee on Appropriations has done this year. Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro did a beautiful job navigating a process that has led us for fiscal year 2026 to get all but one of our appropriations bills passed with bipartisan support. They had a bipartisan agreement on how to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but it wasn't until the Democrats on the other side of the aisle figured that they had to answer to their political base that they decided to throw the biggest political temper tantrum in the history of the country. Here we sit with a Department still shut down, and they still won't agree to fund the entire Department. In fact, nearly every one of the Members, all but a few courageous Democrats, have voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security in its entirety time and time again right here in the House of Representatives. It is a matter of public record. Let's be honest about who is responsible for the shutdown. Republicans have put forward serious, good-faith efforts to fund the Department of Homeland Security and keep these critical operations running. It is Democrats that chose to walk away time and again, over and over. It is Democrats who chose to play politics with funding for agencies that protect the American people every single day. They did that knowing full well what is at stake: funding for FEMA and disaster response, our Coast Guard operations, and other core Homeland Security functions. That was all put at risk because Democrats refused to engage. They made the decision to do that. They were willfully aware that certain parts of the Department, like ICE, were already funded through the end of the year. This wasn't about policy. It was all about political theatrics, and it is all that we have had for the last 40, 50 days. The consequences are real. Since Democrats shut down DHS, we saw violent attacks at Old Dominion University, the Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan, and in Austin, Texas, and we saw a massive cyberattack on the Stryker Corporation. This is no time to be playing politics with the safety of our homeland. Instead of stepping up, Democrats chose to step back, and now they come to the floor trying to shift the blame, hoping the American people will forget who actually walked away from funding the very agencies responsible for protecting them. The facts are clear: Republicans are working to fund the government and keep Americans safe. Democrats chose to shut it down. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I yield myself the balance of my time. For years, Democrats have told the American people not to believe what they can see with their own eyes. They have defended a system that penalizes States for emissions they don't control, discourages wildfire prevention, and buries job-creating projects under layers of unnecessary bureaucracy. The legislation under this rule today takes real steps towards fixing those failures--restoring fairness to our air quality standards, supporting proactive wildfire mitigation, cutting red tape that delays jobs and investment, and reaffirming tax relief for working families through H.R. 1. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the rule before us today.

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Bunce family, the Tioga County Sheriff's Office, and the greater community in honoring the life and service of Investigator Ryan Bunce, who unexpectedly passed away on the morning of Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Investigator Bunce began his distinguished career with the Sheriff's Office on December 14, 2014, serving first as a Deputy Sheriff before earning his promotion to Investigator on November 11, 2021. Throughout his tenure, Ryan was the recipient of numerous awards, a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people he served. Ryan was a steady and calming presence in even the most difficult moments. As a devoted husband and father, he leaves behind his wife, Cassidy, and their two young children, Everleigh and Colter. He was deeply respected and loved by his family, friends, and colleagues, and his loss leaves a void that cannot be filled. His impact on his department and his community will not be forgotten. It is with a heavy heart that I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life, legacy, and service of Investigator Ryan Bunce, and to extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Murray Roofing Company, a proud family-owned business based in Western New York, founded on April 4, 1976. For five decades, the company has stood as a pillar of reliability and excellence in the commercial and industrial roofing industry. Throughout its history, Murray Roofing Company has built a strong reputation for quality workmanship and dependable service, becoming one of Western New York's leading flat rubber roofing contractors. Their commitment to excellence has earned the trust of clients across the region and contributed to the strength of the local economy. Under the leadership of Jeff and Pam Murray, the company has remained dedicated to the values of hard work, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Their stewardship has ensured the continued success of this family-owned business and deepened its positive impact within the community it proudly serves. Jeff and Pam are also committed philanthropists, generously giving back to Western New York while remaining actively engaged in civic life. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the United States House of Representatives join me in recognizing Murray Roofing Company on this significant milestone and in wishing Jeff and Pam Murray continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Town of Randolph in Cattaraugus County, New York, as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of its founding. Established on February 1, 1826, when the New York State Legislature divided the Town of Conewango, Randolph quickly grew from a small settlement of pioneering families into a strong and vibrant community in the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York. Early residents helped shape the town through hard work, civic participation, and a commitment to building roads, schools, and institutions that would serve future generations. By 1830, Randolph had grown to more than one hundred households, reflecting the rapid development of Western New York following the completion of the Erie Canal. Over the next two centuries, Randolph continued to evolve while preserving the values of community spirit, local enterprise, and rural character that define it to this day. Today, Randolph remains a proud small town with a thriving local business district, productive farms, manufacturing employers, and a strong educational presence through Randolph Central School. Its residents continue the tradition of public service and neighborly cooperation that began with the town's first meeting nearly two hundred years ago. On behalf of the people of New York's 23rd Congressional District, I congratulate the residents of Randolph on this remarkable bicentennial milestone and extend my best wishes for continued prosperity and success in the years ahead.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the resilience and faith of the congregation of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Elma, New York, as they prepare to break ground on a new sanctuary following the devastating fire that destroyed their historic church on May 13, 2023. For more than 150 years, St. Paul's stood as a pillar of worship and community life, and its loss was deeply felt by generations of parishioners and the broader Elma community. In the aftermath of the fire, the congregation of St. Paul's came together with determination and hope, supported by generous contributions from across the country. Continuing to gather in a temporary space, they remained steadfast in their mission while planning for the future. This month, they take the significant step forward as they officially break ground on a new sanctuary that will serve their congregation for generatIons to come. Throughout this journey, the leadership of Pastor Jonathan Haseley and the dedication of church members have ensured that St. Paul's remains not just a place, but a vibrant and enduring community. Their commitment has strengthened their congregation and preserved the spirit that has defined St. Paul's for over a century. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the United States House of Representatives join me in recognizing St. Paul's Lutheran Church on this important milestone, and in wishing them continued success as they rebuild and look toward a bright future.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1042 and ask for its immediate consideration.