Nicholas Langworthy

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, first, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding the time. I rise today in support of the underlying legislation to prevent the Biden administration from following through on its policy of appeasement toward the Iranian regime. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle insist that there are safeguards to ensure that the $6 billion unfrozen in the administration's agreement with Iran is spent purely on humanitarian efforts, but I ask my colleagues and this administration: If there is such an urgent need for access to that money for food and medicine and other assistance, then why has the Iranian regime invested for decades billions and billions of dollars into funding Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations that are intent on murdering Americans, murdering the Jewish people, and destroying our friend and ally, the State of Israel? The administration has lost its mind if they think that it can appease a fundamentalist regime that routinely calls for our annihilation and the annihilation of the Jewish people. On October 7, we saw pure evil on display as Hamas, bankrolled by this Iranian regime with funds that could have been spent on food, medicine, or other humanitarian needs of the Iranian people, murdered, kidnapped children, raped women, and brutalized the elderly. The evil we saw on that day was done at the behest of and with the resources provided by Iran's fundamentalist leaders. I remind you that there are still 240 hostages in Gaza, including 10 Americans. Some of my colleagues continue to insist that this $6 billion deposit to the regime in the form of aid will not be used for malicious purposes. I think we all know that it will be. We know that this administration has followed an utterly failed path of appeasing an evil regime in Iran, and the true cost of this failure is the violence and chaos brought upon the Israeli people by the Iranian-funded terrorist group Hamas. Enabling Iran to fund terror goes against every principle our Nation has been founded on. It rejects freedom, democracy, and justice, and it empowers fear, division, and hatred. Appeasing Iran is disgusting and deeply un-American. Mr. Speaker, let's stop pretending that we can move forward with the transfer of resources to a regime that wishes to destroy us and our allies. Let's stop pretending that we can negotiate with a regime that wishes genocide on the Jewish people. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the underlying legislation to halt this administration's reckless policy toward Iran.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to in honor of Veterans Day, and the service and sacrifice of those brave men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting the United States of America. Western New York has a strong tradition of service, and I speak today to join the Clarence community in recognizing the valor of 16 veterans who have served our Nation proudly. On November 11, 2023--this Veterans Day--these 16 names will be added to the Clarence Veteran's Memorial Honor Walls. I am honored to include in the Record their names to be remembered forever. Edward T. Ballow--Army Mark A. Callanan--Marine Corps Douglas J. Chadwick--Marine Corps John C. Gettens--Army Jack M. Leo--Air Force Vernon A. Miller--Navy Donald R. Miller--Army Claron R. Miller--Army Willis F. Miller--Army Christopher L. Odien--Navy John W. Patton--Navy Albert Rabin, Sr.--Army Robert H. Riegle--Army Kenneth G. Schroeder, Jr.--Navy Donald C . Valone--Air Force Donald H. Webster, Jr.--Air Force On behalf of the constituents of the 23rd District of New York, the United States Congress, and a grateful Nation, please join me in thanking these brave men for their dutiful service to the greatest country on earth.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor an extraordinary Vietnam veteran from Chemung County, Larry Sherman. After America entered the Vietnam war, Larry Sherman answered the call to serve his fellow Americans and enlisted in the United States Navy. Shortly after he completed training, he deployed to Vietnam to join the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 10, the Seabees. He spent his deployment supporting our military in building critical infrastructure under fire, often dodging mortars and rockets. When Larry returned home, he received the same harsh treatment that many Vietnam veterans faced, and he decided to take action. Larry has been a leader in local initiatives to support his fellow veterans. He now serves as the president of Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 803 and leads the Chemung County Honor Guard, which provides a ceremonial military presence at the funerals of veterans and other important events. Madam Speaker, I thank Larry for his courage and service and for going the extra mile to support veterans across the Southern Tier.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today and commemorate Sergeant Daniel J. Swift of Hornell, New York for his service and sacrifice to the City of Hornell. On October 24, 1973, Sergeant Swift was targeted and murdered by a young man who had stolen his father's car with the intention to wreak havoc within his community. At only 25 years old, Daniel was cruelly taken from our world: a world which he only sought to protect. His badge number--16-- has been retired from use within the City of Hornell Police Department ever since. On October 28, 2023, constituents of the Hornell community and greater Southern Tier assembled to view the unveiling of a memorial honoring Sergeant Swift, for his service and sacrifice to his community. While some choose to target and defame members of law enforcement because their presence in our lives, members of my district chose instead to rally around the memory of one of the many police officers who chose every day to leave the safety of their homes and families in order to protect all of ours. I am honored to join the City of Hornell in recognizing Sergeant Daniel J. Swift for his service and dedication to the City of Hornell. May his memorial forever remind us of the vital role which our law enforcement officers play in protecting our communities and freedoms.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a true American hero, Herman ``Pat'' Pawlicki, a 102-year-old veteran from Elma, New York, in my district, who served our Nation with unwavering dedication and valor. On December 7, 1941, Pat heard reports of the attacks on Pearl Harbor on the radio. He was so moved with love for our country and for his fellow Americans that he drove to the military recruitment station and enlisted the very next day. Pat went on to serve as a bomber pilot in the United States Army Air Force, completing an astounding 23 bombing missions over Austria and southern Germany, even striking Adolf Hitler's infamous retreat in the Bavarian Alps. Pat's dedication to our country extended beyond the battlefield. After the war, he continued to serve his community, working as a tool and die maker at Trico and was active in labor unions until he retired. He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Frances, and they raised two daughters together in western New York. His remarkable contributions to our community have also been recognized by Elma Supervisor, Wayne Clark. Now, at the age of 102, Pat Pawlicki is a shining example of sacrifice, service, and unwavering dedication to our great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I thank Pat. I thank Pat for his service and his unyielding commitment to the principles that make America the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a Vietnam veteran and Clarence, New York, resident, Walter Buechi. For most of his life, Walt has been dedicated to serving our country and our community. In 1965, he answered the call to serve our Nation and spent 18 months as a radio operator in Vietnam. However, his service didn't stop when he made it back home. Instead, he joined the Clarence Fire Department, where he continued to exemplify the qualities that make him a hero in the truest sense. As a firefighter, Walt put his life on the line once again. He has gone above and beyond the call to serve, and we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. Walt is facing his next battle as he has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer. When we support veterans healthcare in this body, he is the kind of hero that we are helping. Madam Speaker, I ask our Nation to pray for Walt. We are grateful for his remarkable contributions to our great Nation, to western New York, and to the town of Clarence.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, I thank my great friend and colleague from the Rules Committee, the gentlewoman from Indiana, for yielding the time. Madam Speaker, since January 2021, the Biden administration has been laser focused on making the fantasy of the Green New Deal a reality for Americans. Earlier this year, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed the so-called Climate Disclosure Project, which would require an entirely new level of burdensome, costly emissions reporting. Now, who will this rule impact the most? Not big business, as my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would like people to believe. Instead, all of these new compliance costs, as with almost every new rule and regulation imposed by this Biden administration, will be felt mostly and most painfully by small business owners, farmers, and independent manufacturers. Let me be clear: This misguided rule will hurt hardworking Americans and hinder economic growth at a time where we should be focused on creating jobs and lowering inflation. Madam Speaker, the bottom line is this: Main Street can't afford the Biden economy. The American people can't afford it. It hasn't stopped this administration from plowing ahead with even more bans and phaseouts and regulations on everything from internal combustion engines to gas stoves. My district sees some of the coldest and harshest winters in the country in a State that, thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, is already one step ahead of the Biden administration in eliminating natural gas as an affordable and reliable source of clean energy. We can't afford to allow this administration to take what climate extremists in States like New York and California are doing and turn it into a nationwide effort. At a time when this world is on fire and the rising cost of living is unsustainable, the last thing President Biden should be worried about is banning gas stoves, nickel-and-diming small businesses for emissions, and mobilizing a new IRS and a whole lot more agents to target hardworking families and small businesses. I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 4664 and protect American families, farmers, and small businesses from this administration's reckless agenda.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic and selfless actions of Buffalo Police Detective AJ Ortiz. On the evening of August 29, Detective Ortiz was off duty and traveling in my district near the town of Concord when he noticed taillights partially submerged in a pond. Without hesitation, he rescued the three elderly individuals who were trapped inside that sinking vehicle, saving their lives. In that moment, Detective Ortiz went above and beyond the call of duty, but I want to emphasize that his heroism goes beyond just this single act. As the second in command of the Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Team, he has demonstrated his dedication to public safety and extraordinary commitment to our community. His training and experience undoubtedly played a vital and pivotal role in the positive outcome that would and could have quickly become a tragic situation. I thank Detective AJ Ortiz for his heroic actions that night and his continued dedication to serving western New York every single day.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, on October 7, 2023, the world witnessed in real time on the internet the heart-wrenching images of innocent Israelis slaughtered in their homes. These attacks claimed the lives of more than 1,400 innocent people, including at least 30 American citizens that we know of. We saw pure evil on display that day as Hamas murdered and kidnapped children, raped women, and savagely attacked the elderly. They killed entire families in the most brutal and shocking fashion that the world has ever seen. Even worse, they went as far as to desecrate the bodies, and they celebrated their war crimes. Every single American should be heartbroken, should be disgusted, and should be enraged. Shame on my colleagues who have called for a cease- fire. Shame on my colleagues who have acted as apologists for the genocidal terrorist organization Hamas. Shame on my colleagues who have joined anti-Semitic rallies and waved Palestinian flags, especially here in our Nation's Capitol. Every American should stand with the Jewish people in Israel. The people of Israel are a lone beacon of freedom in the Middle East. I have been there. Many of us have been there. We all should go there. I have seen firsthand the threat that they face from radical terrorists. They are the very same ones who hate the freedoms that we enjoy here in the United States. It is in these moments of crisis that the strength of our convictions and the depths of our friendships are truly tested. In Israel's time of need, America cannot be silent. H.R. 6126 provides Israel with the support that they need to protect their freedoms and eradicate Hamas while offsetting the financial burden on the American people. It is time for Congress to step up and to send a message to the world that Israel is not alone. Unfortunately, this administration's foreign policy has failed. Their weak policies like unfreezing the $6 billion in assets for Iran starkly contrast the previous administration's work to establish the Abraham Accords and end ISIS. This weakness on the world stage leaves our Nation vulnerable as well. Combined with our wide-open borders, we cannot wait until there is an attack on American soil to act. The world is watching. Today we have an opportunity to send a message, both to our allies and our adversaries, that we will not allow this senseless terrorism to go unchecked. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 6126 to support Israel, to eradicate Hamas, and to fight global terrorism.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, the Biden administration, through the Department of Energy, is making life harder for Americans and jeopardizing our energy security. Through gradually increasing efficiency standards, rebate programs, and other regulatory carrot-and-stick measures, this administration is determined to take perfectly reliable, affordable, and efficient appliances off the market and out of reach for ordinary Americans. The regulatory agenda being carried out at the Biden Department of Energy is a death-by-a-thousand-cuts strategy that will leave Americans sincerely worried about how they will be able to afford to heat their homes in the coming years. From gas stoves and furnaces to air-conditioners, the Biden administration is forcing Americans away from appliances and technologies that genuinely work and pushing them toward more expensive and less available options. Time and again, the left tells us that this hardship is the price we all must pay for a so-called greener and cleaner future. In fact, these draconian measures do little to achieve that future while depriving Americans of a quality of life we once took for granted. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support the underlying legislation, H.R. 4394, because it will put the brakes on the out-of-control, out-of- touch regulatory state that has been unleashed on the American people by the Biden administration. This legislation rescinds billions of dollars in wasteful spending from the poorly named Inflation Reduction Act that was intended to force Americans away from affordable and reliable appliances toward more expensive and less reliable options. Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this rule and this underlying legislation today.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of a recorded vote on the question of reconsideration of the vote on adoption of House Resolution 712, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365), making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res 684), condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms be vacated to the end that the motion to reconsider be laid on the table.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable individual who has dedicated four decades of his life to the field of broadcasting, and in doing so, has become a cherished voice for the people of Northern Chautauqua County. I am proud to address this Chamber to celebrate the retirement of a true newsman, Dave Rowley. His long career in broadcasting is testament to his passion for storytelling and his dedication to keeping our community informed. Dave has worn many hats over the years, from reporting to anchoring, producing, and hosting his radio show, ``Viewpoint.'' Through his work, he has provided a space for meaningful conversations on the issues that matter most to the people of Chautauqua County. As we celebrate Dave's retirement, we can't help but feel a sense of loss as very few journalists possess the same integrity and reliability he has always displayed. His commitment to excellence, his passion for the truth, and his dedication to his community will be a lasting legacy for all that follow in his footsteps. Dave Rowley's retirement may mark the end of an era, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, and we wish him all the happiness and fulfillment in his next chapter.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for this evening's votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 392, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 393, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 394.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me some time today. I rise in support of this legislation that will put a full stop to my own State of New York from banning affordable, reliable gas-powered vehicles. Last year, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State--not to be outdone by Democrats in California--would move forward with a ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Mr. Speaker, this asinine approach is only the latest in a long list of actions taken by the Biden administration and by Democrats in my own State to foist new bans, regulations, and costs onto the backs of hardworking middle-class Americans. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, they want the American people to believe that ditching our internal combustion engines for battery-powered cars is a silver bullet to a greener, cleaner future. My constituents in rural upstate New York are facing energy costs that are 30 percent higher than previous years, and those costs are projected only to increase further and further. Rural towns and communities in western New York and the Southern Tier along the Pennsylvania border, they cannot survive on transportation that is solely battery powered, given the long distances driven, charger accessibility, and lack of reliability that comes with the current crop of EVs. Last week, President Biden's own Energy Secretary Granholm put on a master class on the issues rural Americans will face, from failing to find working charging stations to long wait times. Her EV road trip was a total disaster. It was like an episode of ``Veep,'' and we cannot make this a reality of everyday Americans. Not only is it costly, not only is it impractical, but our electric grids are not capable of handling this latest burden. The latest reports by New York's own independent service operator show that New York State's electrical grid is strained and approaching a breaking point as Governor Hochul and Democrats in Albany ban everything connected to fossil fuels, from stoves to cars to natural gas hookups in buildings and private homes. It is very simple, Mr. Speaker--banning gas vehicles forces New Yorkers and Californians, and one day all Americans if we keep going down this path, to live in an energy future that is less affordable, less safe, and more dependent than ever on our most dangerous adversary--China. I strongly support this underlying legislation today and this rule as a step towards ensuring America does not follow the lead of the radical left in California, and New York. Let's put a stop to these nonsensical bans that only benefit our foreign adversaries while making life much harder for everyday Americans.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero, Mr. Dennis Wolfe, Sr. Recently, during this recess, I had the privilege to visit the Vietnam War Museum in my district in Elmira, New York; the first museum of its kind in America. It was there that I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Denny Wolfe. Denny's story is one of sacrifice, service, and unwavering dedication to our great Nation. He served with distinction in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief with the Army's First Air Cavalry Division during some of the most challenging years of the war. In those years, we lost thousands of our brave American heroes, and Denny himself lost dear friends that he told me about. His service to our country did not end when he returned home. Instead, Denny chose to dedicate his life to preserving the legacy of his fellow servicemembers and those that paid the ultimate price in Vietnam. He and many other patriots in that region founded the Vietnam War Museum in Elmira. As its president, he has poured his heart and soul into telling the stories of those who served. Thank you, Denny, for your service, your unwavering commitment to your fellow veterans, and your love for our country. You serve as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of Monsignor Dino Lorenzetti. Monsignor Dino Lorenzetti, the eldest priest of the Buffalo Catholic Diocese, whose priesthood spanned 70 years and at least a dozen parishes and who headed the Office of Family Life for 20 years, died July 12, 2023, just 11 days short of his 102nd birthday. In the monsignor's powerful voice, he would famously start each Mass he celebrated with: ``Good morning, all you beautiful people of faith. You are loved.'' Dino served an incredible 70-year priesthood and undoubtedly impacted the lives of thousands of people across western New York with his warmth, his enthusiasm, and his upbeat personality. When you met him, you immediately realized you had just been in the presence of a very special and holy person. Monsignor Lorenzetti co-officiated my wife, Erin, and my wedding, as well as officiating my mother-in-law and father-in-law's wedding, and he baptized all their children. Many, many western New York families can say the same thing across multiple generations. Dino Lorenzetti served as a priest under 9 different Popes and 10 Bishops of Buffalo during his lifetime. He was born in Buffalo to Italian immigrants. Dino Lorenzetti's life of service and faith began with courage and dedication. As a young man he answered the call of duty during World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Africa and Italy from 1941 to 1945. His bravery and commitment during those challenging times foreshadowed the depth of character that would define his entire life. Monsignor Lorenzetti was a longtime pastor of Our Lady of Sacred Heart church in Orchard Park. He led efforts to purchase a former West Seneca school building to establish the parish school. It thrived to rank among the largest grade schools in the entire diocese. His influence extended globally when Pope Paul VI appointed him as a spiritual adviser to the National Federation of Catholic Physicians' Guilds. In 1978, he was honored to address the World Conference of Physicians in India alongside Mother Teresa where they both received prestigious awards. Until shortly before his passing, he faithfully celebrated weekly masses at St. John the Baptist Church in Kenmore and St. Martha's in Depew. In memory of Monsignor Lorenzetti, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life of profound service, and a life that will forever shine as an example of God's love. May he rest in eternal peace knowing that his impact will continue to touch hearts and transform lives for generations to come. Keep Flavored Milk in Schools

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my colleagues' bipartisan amendment to prevent the funds made available by our agricultural appropriations bill to go toward funding a rule that will ban flavored milk, like chocolate milk in our schools. School nutrition programs play a vital role in providing our students with healthy meals that contribute to their growth and well-being. Flavored and unflavored milk options have been an essential part of these programs, and research has consistently shown that flavored milk is a powerful tool for successfully delivering essential nutrients to our school-aged children. Dairy products are the cornerstone of a balanced diet and are an unparalleled source of calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for kids of all ages. These nutrients are crucial for bone growth, immune health, and optimal brain development during their school years. Numerous studies have demonstrated that removing flavored milk from schools leads to a decrease in overall milk consumption. Our children are more likely to enjoy and consume milk when they have flavorful options available to them. By preserving the allowance of nonfat and low-fat flavored milks at all grade levels, we encourage higher milk consumption and promote healthier habits among our youth. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and by doing so we show our commitment to the well-being of our Nation's children and their access to nutrition options in our schools.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024, in particular, the allocation of $6.61 million for the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund. This crucial legislation aims to ensure that the brave families of our servicemembers receive the dignified and safe housing they truly deserve. Our military families sacrifice so much for the security and prosperity of our country. They endure the long deployments, frequent relocations, and the emotional toll that comes with having a loved one in harm's way. The least we can do is provide them with housing that meets the standards that they deserve. Regrettably, we have heard from many of these families that their current housing situation is inadequate, and in some cases, unsafe and unsuitable for raising a family. This is unacceptable. The Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund will bring about much-needed changes and improvements to the lives of those that selflessly serve our Nation. We cannot afford to fail them any longer. Investing in our military families is not a matter of gratitude, it is a matter of national security and readiness. Our servicemembers perform at their very best.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy) for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, as we go through our appropriations process, as we started here today, we must ensure that the United States is prepared to combat China. While the left wants us to focus on the latest partisan pet project, China's actions demand comprehensive and strategic response to safeguard our national security, economic competitiveness, and democratic values. Internationally, China's aggressive military buildup poses a direct challenge to the United States. With the largest Navy in the world and efforts to rival our capabilities, it is crucial that we prioritize investments in our defense to deter any potential aggression and to protect our interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the PLA Rocket Force's efforts to build a significant stockpile suggests that China is preparing for long-term competition and conflict. China's global infrastructure projects further solidify its position as a trade and economic power. While economic cooperation is important, we must be cautious of the potential debt-trap diplomacy where China leverages loans to seize assets and influence the policies of indebted countries. This undermines the sovereignty of nations and challenges the rules-based international system, and directly counters democratic values. Closer to our own borders, China's ambitions in South and Central America and its plans to establish a listening station, as they call it, in Cuba to monitor U.S. bases are clear signs of their growing assertiveness and aggression. We must not underestimate their determination to expand their influence and challenge our homeland security. We are also engaged in a tech race with China. While we currently hold an edge in innovation and technology, complacency could lead to China overtaking our sector. We must invest in research, education, and technological advancements to maintain our lead and secure our national interests, not to mention the use of social media like TikTok to gather data on our citizens. Furthermore, the influx of cheap goods from China into the United States has had more adverse consequences, well beyond the surface that people understand. It cuts the incentive for American manufacturing and promotes China's use of forced labor, which goes against our values as a Nation that upholds human rights and fair labor practices. We cannot afford to ignore the challenges posed by China's rise and assertiveness. We must be prepared to take a comprehensive approach that combines strengthening our defense capabilities, upholding democratic values, investing in our economy and technology, and safeguarding our citizens' interests in data. This is not about escalating tensions or seeking confrontation, but rather about responsibly protecting our great Nation's interests and encouraging global peace and stability through American strengths.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4368, the Agricultural Appropriations bill which stands as a beacon of hope for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. This bill represents a balanced approach to funding necessary agencies and programs, and it also reclaims fiscal responsibility and reins in the wasteful spending that has plagued our government for far too long. We, as stewards of the American people's resources, owe it to them to utilize taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently. One of the key aspects of this bill is the redirection of billions from partisan bills that contained Democrats' priorities, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. By channeling these funds toward supporting America's producers and rural communities, we demonstrate our commitment to the heart of our Nation's economy: agriculture. Additionally, we recognize the need to address the changing circumstances brought on by the pandemic. The bill seeks to restrict the USDA Secretary's discretionary spending authority on unauthorized, nonemergency programs. We must put an end to wasteful Washington spending and hold our government accountable for every dollar spent. It also seeks to kneecap the bureaucracy in D.C. by empowering State and county offices. By directing USDA hiring efforts to assist producers and rural communities at the grassroots level, we acknowledge the importance of local knowledge and understanding in addressing the unique challenges that they face. Moreover, the bill includes essential clawbacks of prior appropriations, rescinding funds that were allocated for radical Green New Deal initiatives and other programs that have been deemed unconstitutional. Mr. Speaker, I remind my colleagues that the fiscal year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill is not just about funding, but it is about our values, our commitment to the American people, and our dedication to a prosperous future for this great Nation. Supporting Our Veterans

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. This legislation reaffirms our commitment to serving those who have served us so bravely, our military veterans. I recently had the privilege of visiting the Bath, New York, VA hospital in my district, in Steuben County, where I witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication of the VA staff and the challenges they face daily in providing the best possible care for our Nation's heroes. There are clinics across my district that act as lifelines for our veterans, offering crucial services that range from mental health care to cancer treatment and beyond. These facilities are responsible for serving thousands of veterans and empowering them to heal, recover, and rebuild their lives. They deserve our unwavering support, especially in their darkest hours. Mr. Speaker, we can agree that caring for our veterans is not a partisan issue, and I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation and secure the funds needed to uphold and strengthen our VA healthcare programs. By investing in these programs, we invest in the well-being of our veterans and their families and ensure they receive the highest standard of care that they rightfully deserve.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, both fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills we are considering this week will ensure that the Federal Government fulfills one of its main duties outlined in the Constitution, providing for the common defense of our Nation. Until our Republican majority took over, this body neglected this duty and failed to prepare our Nation for the threats posed by China and Russia. Our Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill will provide our military with the resources they need to succeed. This funding will be focused on investments in the Pacific theater, barracks, and other quality-of-life projects so that our men and women in uniform will be ready to meet any challenge that they face. Additionally, our agricultural appropriations bill will invest in strengthening our supply chain, so we don't have to rely on foreign adversaries for necessities like food and medications. In passing both of these critical bills, we provide for the safety and the prosperity of our great Nation for generations to come.

Mr. LANGWORTHY

Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding me time to address the House today. I rise today in support of keeping the promises made to our Nation's veterans. Millions of men and women served this Nation in uniform bravely, and they have been failed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Too often, the VA has left veterans and their loved ones with long delays, substandard service, and neglect. Now, rather than continue the Trump administration's work to hold the VA accountable, the Biden administration is instead focused on promoting divisive ideologies and radical leftist priorities. Mr. Speaker, the VA should be focused on the needs of our Nation's veterans, not promoting a political agenda. The legislation before us today puts the VA back on the task at hand, caring for the men and women who gave their all for this country, like finally pushing the VA to fix its electronic health record system, where patient safety issues have been so dire that they have even resulted in several deaths. Let me say that again. The inability of the VA to do its job has resulted in injury and death to veterans. Sadly, this isn't the first time we have heard of such negligence. We need to do better. We owe better, and this bill will help accomplish this today. I think I speak today for all the veterans in my district when I say that they are sick and tired of indignities and substandard care due to electronic records. I strongly support the underlying legislation before us today, and I hope my colleagues can overcome partisan outrage to stand with our Nation's veterans.