Tracey Mann

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, the Big First District of Kansas is home to more than 20,000 small businesses who employ over 80 percent of working adults in my district. These small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Their stories, defined by sacrifice, hard work, and determination, serve as a reminder of what the American Dream is all about: that anyone, from anywhere, can come to the U.S. the right way, work hard, make an honest living, and succeed. That is what it is all about. Many of the small businesses I represent are family owned and operated. As the fifth generation to grow up on my family farm and feedyard in western Kansas, I understand the immense sense of pride and gratitude that comes with growing up around a family business. It is much more than a 9 to 5; it is a personal investment of endless hours to see a dream come to life. When that dream gets off the ground, families give it their all to keep it afloat. They take pride in serving their neighbors and leaving their communities better than they found them. Our Federal policies ought to help them do just that. Since I came to Congress, I have worked nonstop to make this a reality. Every year, I have introduced legislation to preserve stepped- up basis and to stop far-left Democrats' farm killer tax. For decades, stepped-up basis has protected families from being forced to pay capital gains taxes on inherited assets. President Biden tried his best to remove this provision, which would have resulted in the destruction of family farms across my district and around the country. I have always and will continue to oppose any effort to impose new taxes on small, family-owned businesses, period. I have fought to protect similar exemptions for students from family farms and small businesses. Last year, new FAFSA provisions altered the Federal formula for student aid, counting assets in small businesses and family farms as part of the family's net worth. My Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act seeks to correct this flaw and to level the playing field for students who come from these families. When these students are applying for higher education financial aid, assets tied up in a small business should not count against them. As their families work tirelessly to make an honest living and serve their neighbors, we should make it easier for them to succeed and pass on these businesses to the next generation. My bill evens the playing field and protects the American Dream for every student. I was proud to see it included in the bill that the House Education and Workforce Committee marked up last week. Congress should also roll back burdensome regulations that further handcuff our small businesses in an already challenging environment. For the last 4 years, our small business owners navigated regulation after regulation imposed by the Biden administration. President Biden attempted to regulate every aspect of small business owners' livelihoods if they didn't fall in line with his Green New Deal agenda. Small business owners, already struggling with sky-high inflation, begged Washington, D.C., for less regulation and more freedom to just make a living. The Republican majority has spent the last 4 months rolling back these regulations. That is what our small business owners want and that is what they deserve. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, over the last few months, this body will work to further support small business owners by extending the 2017 tax cuts. These historic tax cuts by President Trump during his first term ushered in an economic boom that benefited America's small businesses and the communities they serve. We have a duty to bring back the growing economy and to ensure that family businesses that are the backbone of our country can thrive again. If we fail to extend the Trump tax cuts, small businesses will see their tax rates nearly double, harming local economies and Main Street. This financial burden would limit small businesses' ability to grow and force some to reduce the size of their staffs or even close their doors entirely. America can't afford to leave these men and women out to dry. During this National Small Business Week, we thank the hardworking men and women who make up the more than 33 million small businesses across our great Nation, employing nearly 62 million Americans, and equipping them to feed their families, put a roof over their heads, and clothes on their backs. I look forward to working with my colleagues in this body to see America's small business community thrive once again. Mr. Speaker, if our small businesses fail, America fails, and the world cannot afford that. I recognize that over these next few weeks we will have very difficult conversations on the best way to extend these cuts and enact President Trump's agenda, but they are conversations worth having. Mr. Speaker, America is counting on us.

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of an American patriot, Craig Beam. I congratulate Craig on his well-deserved retirement from the U.S. Marshals Service. When most Americans hear of a fugitive on the run, their natural instinct is to protect their loved ones within and avoid coming across the wanted criminal at all costs. Craig's approach to protecting his family and loved ones is a little different. When danger or bad actors present themselves to our communities, Craig has run toward them and worked swiftly with his fellow marshals to remove these criminals from the streets. In August 1993, a convicted marijuana grower walked into the Frank Carlson Federal Building in Topeka, Kansas, for his sentencing. What was a normal day in Topeka suddenly turned into gunfire and tragedy as the convict's car and his person were covered with explosives and pipe bombs. As building staff hid in fear, Craig and his fellow law enforcement agents put their fear aside to get innocent civilians to safety. In all, five Kansans were injured that day, and a court officer, Gene Goldsberry, was tragically killed. Deputy Marshal Beam and three of his fellow marshals were recognized for their heroism with the Director's Distinguished Service Award. Serving in law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service is a selfless calling, and for the last 34 years, Craig Beam has done it effortlessly. Not many people openly run toward danger and put their safety at risk for the sake of their communities, but for Craig, it is second nature. I thank Craig for his selflessness and for 34 years of dedication to keep Kansas safe. I congratulate Craig on his retirement.

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, since President Trump was sworn in, illegal crossings have plummeted at our southern border. This past February saw the lowest level of illegal crossings ever recorded in our Nation's history, down 94 percent from February 2024 and 96 percent from the all-time high under the Biden administration. Along the Del Rio Sector of the border, there was a 98.8 percent decrease in apprehensions compared to the highest day under President Biden. For 4 years, President Biden and radical progressive activists tried to blame President Trump and congressional Republicans for the crisis at the Nation's border. It turns out the only thing we needed all along was a President who doesn't run from common sense and isn't afraid to enforce the law. Thankfully, President Trump is not afraid. Just last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, will resume construction of President Trump's border wall. Border Patrol agents have told us again and again that a physical barrier on our southern border is a key deterrent to the trafficking of humans and illicit drugs by the Mexican cartels across our southern border. Yet, on day one of his Presidency, President Biden stopped construction of the border wall. President Trump is gladly reversing this madness and making our border secure. President Biden's failed leadership continuously put innocent American lives at risk as nearly 400 individuals whose names appeared on the terrorist watch list attempted to enter the country and gang members from MS-13 and Tren de Aragua invaded the interior of the U.S. Some of these monsters took the lives of innocent Americans, like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray. While President Biden barely expressed empathy for the lives he put at risk, President Trump took action, deporting these violent criminals and gang members from the start of his Presidency. On November 5, 2024, 77 million Americans, including myself, voted to restore commonsense border policies to our Nation's Capital. The President is providing that common sense, and I am deeply grateful to have his strong leadership back in the White House. I thank President Trump for standing for our country and securing our border. Promises made, promises kept. Honoring Craig Beam

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, the Big First District of Kansas is the third largest ag-producing district in the country. Agriculture is the key component of our DNA, and it is in our blood. It is a lifeline for many of the communities I represent. When I was elected to Congress, I knew that I needed a team who understood Kansas agriculture and who would fight relentlessly for the farmers, ranchers, and ag producers in my district. The Lord provided abundantly by introducing me and my chief of staff to Riley Pagett. Riley grew up in Woodward, Oklahoma, but he was born in the Big First District in Liberal, Kansas. Growing up on his family's farm and ranch, Riley's leadership skills developed early on. He was involved in FFA, serving as a State officer for Oklahoma and eventually as the national president of the organization. After graduating from Oklahoma State, Riley moved to Washington, D.C., to work for then-Chairman Lucas on the House Agriculture Committee. There he was part of the 2014 farm bill and later spent a few months with Senator Lankford before serving as the director of advocacy and government relations for the national FFA organization. He would go on to serve in the first Trump administration as the chief of staff of USDA's Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement for almost 2 years before joining my team as my agriculture staffer, legislative director, and deputy chief of staff. Riley has excelled in these roles and has been a key player in helping me establish the Congressional FFA Caucus, craft sound food and farm policy, and fight for Kansas priorities in the next farm bill. Those who know Riley know that that just scratches the surface of who he is. Riley is an incredible friend, a loyal advocate and mentor for his teammates and colleagues, a proud son, a champion for agriculture, a caring father to his kids, Blakely and Ford, a loving husband to his wife, Lauren, and most importantly a man with a deep love for the Lord. Next week, Riley will start a new endeavor in the second Trump administration at USDA. There are few words to describe how much he will be missed at 344 Cannon and the Big First, but Audrey and I cannot be more proud of him or grateful for his service to our district and to the team. Team Mann will be praying over this next chapter for him and Lauren and cheering him on every step of the way. I thank Riley for his service. Godspeed.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, on November 5, 2024, America endorsed the greatest political comeback in modern history by electing President Trump the 47th President of the United States. The country rejected the chaos sowed by the Biden-Harris administration for the past 4 years and voted for the candidate that could lead our country and make America strong again. On day one, President Trump, alongside the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, moved full steam ahead to deliver on the country's mandate, and we are committed to upholding the promises made to America. Last night, I joined Members of this body to hear President Trump's first joint address in this very room to the Nation since he was sworn in for a second term. President Trump's vision and direction for the country could not be more clear, and I applaud him for keeping the promises that he made to the American people. President Trump has worked to make America secure and competitive again. We are leading on the world stage and actually establishing peace through strength. Our border is secure again, and President Trump is making it clear to the drug cartels and bad actors that if they enter the United States illegally, they will be deported. During his first full month in office, there were only 8,326 apprehensions at our Nation's borders. Compare that to President Biden's failed leadership where 8,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended in one day. It is amazing. Deploying common sense and actually enforcing the law goes a long way. House Republicans passed legislation like the Laken Riley Act and the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act that protect American citizens. That is what Americans overwhelmingly voted for in this past election, and the work has only just begun. Last week, House Republicans took a crucial first step to unlock the process to advance President Trump's full legislative agenda. This Republican majority will not stop fighting until the President's agenda is in place. That means rooting out wasteful, fraudulent, and abusive spending. That means responsibly stewarding the American tax dollar and putting those dollars in places that they can see a return. That means investing in our national security and protecting the safety of our fellow Americans. It means extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and preventing American families from seeing a 22 percent tax hike next year. As the President stated last night and in his inauguration address, the golden age of America is just beginning. I have never been more thankful to have a President who isn't afraid to keep his promises to the American people and to fight tooth and nail to put American Families first. I thank President Trump for his leadership. I look forward to working with him and his administration to deliver policies that deliver for American families and usher in a new era of American greatness. Farewell to Riley Pagett

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, there is still a lot to uncover about this accident, and we are confident that the NTSB is reviewing the evidence so that we can learn from this accident to prevent future loss of life. As we express our deepest condolences and prayers, we join our beloved Kansas and Nation in mourning the lives lost. Psalms 34:18 reminds us: ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.'' We lift up the loved ones of the 67 lost souls and rest in the knowledge that no matter the circumstances we are facing, God is always with us. Kansas is the heartbeat of the country, and our State motto reminds us that we will persevere together through this difficult time. Mr. Speaker, by adopting this measure, we honor the memory of these victims and ensure that they will never be forgotten. I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes), my good friend.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 153, which expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of American Flight 5342 and PAT 25. This is a bipartisan resolution to honor the 67 lives that were lost during the tragic collision that occurred over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025. January 29 is typically a day of celebration in Kansas. From Manhattan to Goodland, Topeka to Liberal, Kansas City to Dodge City, Kansans come together to celebrate the rich history of Kansas and the anniversary of our statehood. January 29, 2025, changed the meaning of this day for Kansas and for the country forever. The world lost 67 bright, innocent lives that day, and I speak for all Americans when I say that this is a day that we will never ever forget. When we celebrate Kansas Day in years to come, we will also feel the nudging of the somber emotions aroused by this tragic accident. We will remember our fellow Americans whose lives were tragically lost: farmers, parents, professors, college students with bright futures taken from us far too soon. For more than a century, the United States has led the world in aviation safety and innovation. Wichita has been known as the Air Capital of the World for more than a century due to our historic ties to aviation history. Although tragic accidents like these are rare, none of us are strangers to the hazards involved in man's pursuit of flight. We must continue to strive to learn as much as we can about this accident so that it never ever happens again. H. Res. 153 also lauds the heroism displayed by the many local, State, and Federal officials who sprang into action to perform recovery efforts. These men and women are heroes who demonstrated tremendous respect for the fallen, working in cold temperatures and icy waters for several days. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H. Res. 153.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 153) expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25, and for other purposes.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Laura Francis, an American patriot, a selfless neighbor, and a great friend. Since 2018, Laura has served as the chair of the Kansas Republican Party's Big First District. Over the last 6 years, Laura oversaw the helm of a historic chapter of the Kansas GOP's First Congressional District. Laura led our district in a historic election of delegates to secure President Trump's nomination. She rigorously defended our Nation's motto from being erased from law enforcement vehicles, fought to protect our children and their parents' ability to choose an education that is right for them, and grew our conservative base that will reverberate through Kansas politics for many years to come. Somewhere in the middle of her historic term, she fell in love with her husband, Drew. On the same day as their first date, they attended an event that I hosted in my district in Garden City. They shared a phone call with President Trump that day, and the rest of their love story is history. Laura and Drew married nearly 2 years later. Laura is a fierce and loyal leader, but she is an even brighter neighbor, law enforcement community member, friend, mom, wife, and follower of Jesus. Kansas is the pilot light of the country, and I can attest that the pilot light burns stronger and brighter because of Laura. I thank Laura for her commitment and dedication to our congressional district, State, and Nation. It is so deeply appreciated.

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, January 29 is typically a day of celebration in Kansas. From Manhattan to Goodland, Topeka to Liberal, Kansas City to Dodge City, Kansans come together to celebrate the rich history of Kansas and to celebrate the anniversary of our statehood. January 29, 2025, changed the meaning of this day for Kansans forever. The entire world stood in disbelief as we watched a tragedy unfold in the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 out of Wichita and a U.S. Army helicopter. The world lost 67 bright, innocent souls that day, and I speak for all Kansans when I say that this is a day that we will never forget. When we celebrate our statehood in years to come, we will also feel the nudging of the somber emotions aroused by last month's accident. We will remember our fellow Kansans whose lives were tragically lost. They were farmers, parents, professors, college students with bright futures, all taken from us far too soon. Audrey and I continue to grieve, and we are praying for the victims and their families. We express our deepest gratitude to the efforts of local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers and first responders. It is our prayer that God would continue to provide comfort to their families, communities, and loved ones. There will be a lot to uncover in the days ahead. For now, we join Wichita, our beloved Kansas, and the Nation in mourning the lives lost. Psalms 34:18 states: ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.'' God is near us. Kansas is the heartbeat of the country. As our State motto reminds us, we will persevere together through this difficult time. Farewell to Laura Francis

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, with the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, it is a new day in America. On November 5, 2024, 77 million Kansans and Americans gave Washington, D.C., a mandate to restore commonsense solutions to the Nation's Capital and to get our country back on track. We heard America loud and clear and look forward to delivering on that mandate. Our constitutional rights are not up for grabs. Sadly, our rights are under relentless attack from the ever-growing Federal Government. The right to life, to bear arms, and even the freedom of speech have become top targets for radical activists. Americans are not interested in sacrificing our freedoms, and I will never stop fighting to uphold and defend these rights. With President Trump back in the White House and Republican majorities in the House and Senate, Americans' rights are safe and protected. I will bring more Kansas values and commonsense solutions to our Nation's Capital. Gone are the days of the Biden administration's burdensome regulations that handcuffed Kansans across the Big First District. From their Green New Deal regulatory agenda to their refusal to work with congressional Republicans to pass commonsense legislation, it seemed that Washington Democrats were more interested in scoring political points than actually helping Americans. The Biden administration's failed policies ushered 16 million illegal immigrants into the country with no proper vetting or background checks. They spent billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars trying to implement an electric vehicle mandate that the majority of Americans are not interested in. They oversaw the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan with no remorse for its failures. There is a reason that President Trump and a Republican Congress are trusted more on issues like border security, the economy, and lowering crime. I will work day in and day out to advance President Trump's agenda and commonsense solutions which reflect our Kansas values in the Nation's Capital, not an out-of-touch agenda that picks winners and losers. I hear and agree with Kansans when they say Congress needs to get our fiscal House in order and make this government efficient again. Today, our national debt exceeds $36 trillion. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that our current rate of Federal spending is unsustainable. If the entire country decided to pitch in and tackle our debt today, every American household would need to contribute almost $273,000 to bring our balance to zero. Compare that price tag with the average mortgage in the United States, which is about $245,000. This level of spending is not normal. We must get serious about reducing Federal spending and putting taxpayer dollars in places where we can see a return. As a Member of the Congressional Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency Caucus, or DOGE, I will work with President Trump to eliminate wasteful spending and roll back burdensome, overreaching regulations that have made life harder for everyday Americans. The Federal Government should make life easier for Americans or get out of the way, period. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we need to restore the American Dream. As a fifth-generation Kansan, I take the American Dream seriously. For five generations, my family has farmed, fed cattle, and been involved in our western Kansas community. Today, the American Dream feels more out of reach than it ever has. By making the Trump tax cuts permanent, though, Congress has an opportunity to usher in a new era of economic prosperity and growth for the country. If Congress fails to extend those tax cuts, Kansans could see a tax hike of $2,000 next January. That is the last thing we need after navigating 4 years of record levels of inflation. Congress must return to helping Americans thrive and stop playing political games with their livelihoods. Our government of, by, and for the people has a duty to help Americans succeed, not make life harder. The agriculture community alone faces so much uncertainty as it works to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. They, too, had a mandate and told us to stop holding them hostage to political games and deliver a 5-year farm bill that provides certainty. I will work with anyone to pass a fiscally conservative 5-year farm bill that gives our farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers the certainty they deserve. I look forward to working with President Trump to delivering on this mandate in the 119th Congress. I do not serve in Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of America. I serve to fight to make it a country that we can all be proud of, while ensuring that our brightest days are yet to come.

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, agriculture is the heart of the First District of Kansas. It is our lifeblood. When I built my team in the District, it was important for me to find someone who knew agriculture and would fight for the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers of Kansas. Sarah Henry was the perfect choice. As a graduate with a degree in agricultural education from Iowa State University, Sarah moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked in several congressional offices and for the National Corn Growers Association. It was during her time in the Nation's Capital that she met her now- husband, Dalton, and the two moved back to Dalton's old stomping grounds in Randolph, Kansas. The move back to the Plains allowed Sarah to serve as my district ag director and later as my district director. This month, Sarah will begin a more part-time role with the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers so she can focus on her two precious sons, Samuel and Abraham. I thank Sarah for leading our district team well, for being an incredible advocate and friend, and for caring about Kansas. Audrey and I are excited for her in this next chapter of life as she adjusts to being a family of four. I thank her again for being such an integral part of our team.

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, last week in the Nation's Capital, 6.8 inches of snow closed Federal office buildings. Nearly 1,300 miles away in Kansas, blizzards brought more than 18 inches of snowfall to parts of the Big First District. Farmers, ranchers, and ag producers in the Big First didn't have the luxury of closing down for the week. When you answer the call to feed, fuel, and clothe the world, you are required to show up, even when the temperatures are far below freezing. My congressional district is one of the top agricultural producing districts in the country. It is home to more than 60,000 farms along with farmers, ranchers, feedlot managers, dairies, nutritionists, veterinarians, ethanol producers, ag lenders, and agribusiness owners who bring the agricultural ecosystem to life. When the snow piles and the temperatures refuse to rise past freezing, these men and women don't get a break. They throw on their warm layers, and they get the job done. Those of us in agriculture understand full well that Mother Nature is not a reliable business partner. At the end of October, much of my district was still navigating dry to severe drought conditions. On top of navigating an already challenging farm year, these droughts severely squeezed margins for farmers and ranchers. Approximately 2 months later, Mother Nature changed course once again with more than a foot of snow. In true Kansas fashion, families and neighbors came together to help one another in time of need. Kansans helped move snow to ensure livestock could still be watered and fed. Kansans helped move calves to make sure that they were warm after they were born, so they could get to a place to be properly fed and nourished in negative temperatures. Kansans stayed up through the night to make sure livestock had a chance of surviving or to guarantee that their equipment was ready to go by sunrise the next morning. Why on Earth would anyone do this, Madam Speaker? It is a special calling that many families in my district have answered. In a world where Instacart and Amazon Fresh can deliver groceries to your door in nearly an hour if you are in an urban area, it can be easy to forget that our food doesn't just come from the grocery store shelf. It comes from the men and women who work tirelessly day in and day out to answer the call to feed, clothe, and fuel the world. On days with lots of extreme weather like we saw last week, these men and women bust their backs to ensure that we can still have food on our plates when the storms are long gone. It can often be a thankless job. On behalf of Kansas and the Nation, I thank these brave men and women for keeping us fueled, clothed, and fed. Their tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for their efforts to feed a hungry world. Recognizing Sarah Henry

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, for 4 years, the Biden administration's weak foreign policies allowed Communist China, Russia, Iran, and other adversaries to take full advantage of America. This weakness has put Americans in danger, made America less secure, and hurt America's reputation with our longstanding allies and friends. When President Biden campaigned for President, he promised Americans that he would be a unifying figure. Rather than sticking to his word, he spent much of his tenure undoing President Trump's popular policies, foreign and domestic, regardless of their effectiveness. This stubbornness and pure partisanship have backfired and made America less secure than it was just 4 years ago. For example, President Biden orchestrated the largest botched withdrawal of American troops of our generation when he abandoned vulnerable Americans in Afghanistan and allowed the Taliban to regain control and diminish the freedoms our country worked so hard to preserve. When President Trump worked on the Doha agreement, he required the Taliban to curb terrorist activity in Afghanistan and the region. President Biden, on the other hand, never required the Taliban to agree to those same conditions, withdrew without a long-term strategy, and allowed terrorists to make themselves at home in Afghanistan once again. President Biden's weakness on the world stage continues to be on full display in the Middle East in his appeasement strategy with the Iranian regime. Iran is not America's friend. We all know that, yet President Biden ignores Iran's bad intentions and Iran's possession of resources that pose a great threat to our allies, including Israel. While President Trump applied a maximum-pressure strategy that constrained Tehran financially, President Biden was at the helm as Iranian-backed militias attacked our troops more than 170 times without consequence. President Biden's so-called strategy only emboldened Hamas and other Iran-backed proxies to attack our ally Israel, launching the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Other adversaries are closely watching. China continues planning its invasion of Taiwan and increases its influence in America's absence. Just this week, several of my colleagues joined me in expressing concerns to President Biden about Communist China's growing influence at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. A recent proposal from the current FAO director-general and former Chinese Vice Minister would extend the director-general's tenure from 8 years to a decade, increase his already $300,000 salary, and give Communist China more control of the U.S.-led World Food Program. America cannot afford to sit by idly, even during our time of political transition, while China positions itself to expand its influence. I have been blessed to grow up in a world where the United States has led the free world. I want my children, their children, and future generations to grow up in a similar world, but I understand that leadership didn't come from being passive or trying to tap dance around communism. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of Kansas' favorite sons, military hero, and our 34th United States President, dedicated his entire career to promoting freedom and waging peace. He helped shape the global U.S. leadership many of us know today. In his inaugural address, he said: ``History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.'' Unfortunately, the Biden administration has chosen timidness and tiptoed approaches to foreign policy to placate far-left activists. Luckily, Mr. Speaker, this will soon be over. I would say to America that we got it right. President Trump is committed to securing American peace through strength and making it clear to our enemies that we will not tolerate any nonsense. It is a new day in America, and the days of American weakness are gone. I look forward to working with President Trump and the incoming House and Senate Republican majorities to restore America's leadership and make the country safe again. Our brightest days are yet to come.

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, when I come to this floor, I often speak about how our brightest days are yet to come, about the next generation of Americans, and about the future we should be working to build for them. Currently, the Biden administration and Washington's embrace of fiscal insanity is a stumbling block to reaching that future. In November, America's national debt climbed to $36 trillion. This is not normal. Washington, D.C., has a spending addiction, and it is just expected that Americans and future generations of Americans will pay for it. Our Nation, our children, our future grandchildren, and our future great-grandchildren cannot afford for us to continue kicking the can down the road. Last year, the U.S. Census revealed that the median household income was nearly $80,000. Today, if everyone decided to pitch in and tackle our debt, every American household would need to contribute almost $273,000 to bring our balance to zero. Compare that price tag to the average mortgage in the United States, which is about $245,000. Our national debt 4 years ago was nearly $28 trillion. Over the course of 1,400 days, the United States accumulated a debt of $68,352 per second. No American family could survive that way. Yet, year after year, this is the way our Federal Government acts. This is not sustainable. If any Member of this body had a loved one who was racking up debt at this rate, none of us would encourage them to mindlessly continue their spending habits. We would do what we could to help them evaluate their spending and get them back on the right track. Yet, only about half of this body seems to care about how our Federal Government spends our tax dollars. Our fiscal house is in utter disaster, and we need to get serious and start finding solutions. Since I was sworn into Congress, I have sounded the alarm on our national debt. I have opposed bloated spending packages that only focused on funding far-left wish lists. I fought to reduce and reprioritize our Federal spending. I have challenged this body to think about the blank checks we are writing and ask ourselves: Is there a way to do this more efficiently? This petition has often been ignored while Washington sticks to business as normal and spends, spends, spends. Enough is enough. This is not fiscal responsibility. This is fiscal insanity. On November 5, 2024, America made it clear that we no longer want business as usual in this town. It is time to get our fiscal house in order and to get our country back on track. As America approaches its 250th birthday, President-elect Trump was spot-on in creating the Department of Government Efficiency as a perfect gift to our Nation and to the next generation of Americans. Mr. President, hear me loud and clear: We will work with you to make our government work for the people again, to make it efficient again, and to clean up our fiscal house. Let's work together to end the Federal Government's out-of-control spending once and for all. This challenge is not going to be easy, but America is worth it. The future of our country is worth it. The next generation of Americans is worth it. I know that we can do it. We are going to have to do it together, and our brightest days truly are yet to come.

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, for the past 2\1/2\ years, my family and team have been blessed and honored to call Sydney Robinson a colleague and, most importantly, a friend. Sydney is a fellow believer, an incredibly hard worker, and one of the best that Capitol Hill has to offer. Sydney joined my team in 2022 and has served as staff assistant, scheduler, and, most recently, as our director of operations. She often served as the face of the front office, ensuring that whether it was a Kansans' first or fiftieth trip to our office, they were met with enthusiasm, kindness, and professionalism. Over the years, she oversaw our internship program; assisted Kansans during their visits to the Nation's Capital; balanced an ever-changing schedule, prioritizing time in the district, votes, and committee activity; and much more. On top of all that, Sydney helped our team host weekly prayer breakfasts for Members of Congress and the 2024 National Prayer Breakfast. As the co-chair of the National Prayer Breakfast, I am honored to plan and host the event for congressional leaders, the President of the United States, and spiritual leaders. It is no easy task, but Sydney served as a partner in bringing every detail and logistic to life. Sydney will always be part of Team Mann, and Audrey and I are deeply grateful for her service to our team, my family, and to the Big First District of Kansas. She will be deeply missed in Cannon 344, but we will all be praying for her and rooting for her in the days ahead. I thank Sydney for serving so incredibly well. She makes everything she touches better. It is an honor and privilege to call her a friend.

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, when I last spoke on this floor, I laid out the choice the country had before us. Then, on November 5, 2024, America made its choice loud and clear. America gave Washington, D.C., a mandate endorsing the greatest political comeback in American history with the election of President Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States and Republican majorities in both the House and the Senate. Kansas and the Big First District rejected 4 more years of the chaos we have experienced under President Biden and Vice President Harris. They voted for a government that works for the people and makes their lives easier, not one that handcuffs them and their families with overreaching regulations. They voted for a government that enforces the law and seeks commonsense solutions, not open-border policies that put our national security at risk. They voted to reduce Federal spending, to end the weaponization of the Federal Government once and for all, and for our future. When I came to Congress almost 4 years ago, America was strong, our streets were safe, and our border was much more secure. House Republicans and President Trump had passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, putting more money in the pockets of American families and spurring economic growth that led to the strongest U.S. economy in decades. The Trump administration had spearheaded historic trade agreements and peace agreements across the globe that kept Americans competitive and secure. Rather than capitalizing on that momentum and strength, the Biden- Harris administration wasted 4 years pushing through partisan, trillion-dollar spending packages and using the Federal Government to air its grievances with the previous administration. America clearly said: No more. Mr. Speaker, those days are long gone. This House Republican majority, alongside President Trump and the incoming Senate Republican majority, are ready to restore American greatness and the American Dream. We are committed to securing a future American families can feel optimistic about. When I ran for Congress, I promised to fight for agriculture and our conservative Kansas values. That commitment stands. While there is a lot of work to do to get this Nation back on track, I humbly accept that challenge. I am committed to working with my colleagues to unleash American energy and finally rein in energy prices that have crippled American families for the past 4 years. I will fight to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent and once again empower working and middle-class families who have been strangled by the record-level inflation caused by Washington Democrat spending. I will work for commonsense policies that don't empower the Mexican cartels or incentivize illegal immigration. Americans deserve an immigration system that makes it easier for people to come here legally and more difficult for people to come here illegally. That should not be controversial. The task before us is a big one, but I have never been more confident in our ability to deliver for America and get this country back on track. Farewell to Sydney Robinson

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for hosting this Special Order hour and for yielding me some time. This month, Americans celebrate National Rural Health Month, where we believe every American should have access to quality, affordable healthcare regardless of their ZIP Code. The Big First District of Kansas is made up of 60 primarily rural counties and is home to more critical access hospitals than any other district in the Nation, several rural emergency hospitals, and a number of rural health clinics, community health centers, and federally qualified health centers. This network of care facilities is an essential pillar for providing everyday health services and lifesaving care to Kansans. I am committed to supporting this network and networks like it, removing red tape that handcuffs providers from providing care to rural communities, advocating for increase in telehealth services, and supporting programs that provide a safety net for rural America. While this still is very much a work in progress, we celebrate the dedicated rural healthcare workers, hospitals, and service providers who provide care day in and day out to rural America. We are incredibly grateful for their service this rural healthcare month and every month.

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge this will be the very last time I speak in this Chamber before the next Presidential election. In the coming weeks, the American people will head to the polls, and we will have a choice before us. We can choose 4 more years of Vice President Harris chaos and madness, or we can choose 4 years of law and order and American strength. When I came to Congress almost 4 years ago, America was strong, our streets were safe, and our border was more secure than at any time in recent history. Prior to the pandemic, the U.S. had one of the strongest economies we have had in the past 20 years. Even in the face of adversity, President Trump led the Federal Government in empowering America's small businesses and families. Just a few years before, House Republicans passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that put more money in the pockets of American families, put more food on their tables, and better positioned them to care for each other. Mr. Speaker, 4 years ago, America's strength was well understood on the world stage. The Trump administration spearheaded the historic Abraham Accords, and the U.S. was tough on adversaries like Communist China, Iran, and their terrorist proxies. We saw an era of historic trade deals with the passage of USMCA, President Trump's trade deal with Japan, and his administration's work to hold China accountable for the deal it agreed to. It truly was an era of American greatness. Unfortunately, much of that greatness has been undermined. I once looked at the Nation and felt optimistic about the future that awaited my children. I felt that when it was time for them to spread their wings and build their own lives, they would inherit a country that gave them the opportunity to pursue their American Dreams. I was confident that when their time came for them to purchase a home, choose a college or university, or start their own small business, they would step into an economy that would empower them to successfully do these things. On January 21, 2021, that started to change. Vice President Harris and President Biden have made America less safe, destroyed the American economy, and made America look weak on the world stage. Since day one, Vice President Harris and President Biden have been laser focused on rolling back President Trump's policies that actually worked. Their open-border policies have ushered 16 million illegal immigrants into the country without adequate background checks or vetting, making every State in this country a border State. Rather than fixing their open-border policies, they coddle radical activists and leave Americans at risk. Under their leadership, cartels and drug lords have been the winners, and the American people have been the losers. Vice President Harris and President Biden's economic policies are the primary reason for the skyrocketing inflation that has haunted America over the past 3 years. In the Big First District of Kansas, American families, small business owners, farmers, ranchers, and our agricultural producers have struggled to manage sky-high interest rates, higher input costs, and a crumbling economy. For young Americans, homeownership feels like a distant dream. Rather than reversing bad policies or coming up with solutions to these challenges, the Biden-Harris administration's proposal is more reckless government spending that got us here in the first place. Vice President Harris and President Biden have failed to capitalize on the strength of President Trump's trade deals and have formed zero new trade deals in the last 4 years. The country is facing the largest agricultural trade deficit that we have faced in years, hurting American farmers, ranchers, and ag producers, who desperately want access to new markets to help feed a hungry world. Vice President Harris and President Biden's weak foreign policy gave Russia a green light to attack Ukraine while their appeasement to the Iranian regime emboldened Iran-backed Hamas to attack our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. As anti-Semitism rotted our own Nation, college campuses, and universities, the Biden-Harris administration turned a blind eye and instead held up congressionally approved arms for Israel to protect itself. Mr. Speaker, is this the future that we want? Do we want to gift our children a nation with wide-open borders? Do we want them to grow up in a country with an economy that fails to work for the average family and fails to address our $35 trillion debt? Do we want a nation that is unsafe or where the American Dream is no longer attainable? In a few short weeks, we will head to the polls, and we have a choice. We can vote for a candidate who has told us what she wants to do to address her own failing policies, or we can vote for a candidate who has shown us what his policies can do to strengthen the Nation. I know the choice that I will make.

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a milestone in American history. In the aftermath of the Civil War, longhorn cattle ran free in Texas, and markets in the East had a dire need for beef. To meet that need, the Nation called on young cowboys to gather the wild cattle and move them north to the railroads in Kansas. They brought the cattle to stockyard towns like Abilene, Wichita, and Ellsworth. As cattle diseases moved west, cattlemen needed another route to bring cattle north, and in 1874, the Western Trail was pioneered along Kansas prairies. According to Kansas historians, the Western Cattle Trail would last longer, carry more cattle, and cover a greater distance than any other trail. These historic cattle drives set the stage for today's modern beef industry where the Big First District is the number one district for beef production in the country. On November 1 and 2, the Western Cattle Trail and International Chisolm Trail Association will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Western Cattle Trail in Dodge City. I commend those celebrating the history of cattle trails, while giving thanks to the farmers, ranchers, stockmen, and communities who continue the cowboy tradition while helping feed the world.

Mr. MANN

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, as a Member of Congress from one of the largest agricultural producing districts in the country, I am concerned with Communist China's impact on American agriculture. Over the past decade, China's investment in American assets like farmland and intellectual property have grown tenfold. Kansans are rightly concerned about China's questionable ambitions, so I supported legislation that requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report on foreign transactions. No other nation allows its adversaries to go unchecked in purchasing its property, and America shouldn't either. Since 2000, the U.S. has more than doubled the total imports of used cooking oil from China. That is equal to displacing more than 5 years of soybean harvest from my home State of Kansas. Kansans are concerned about China taking America's place in the market, so I led 40 of my colleagues in demanding that the U.S. Treasury reserve the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit for domestic fuel made from domestic feedstocks. American tax credits must be used to benefit American producers. That should be a no-brainer. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to adversarial behavior and put our national security at risk. We must let China know in no uncertain terms that America is not up for grabs.