Lisa McClain

Mrs. McCLAIN

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound respect and gratitude to recognize the extraordinary service and unwavering dedication of Sgt. Richard Loughran, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and our distinguished Veteran of the Month for July 2025 from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. His exceptional military career and steadfast commitment to duty, excellence, and patriotism embody the very best of American service. Richard Loughran answered the call to serve his country at the young age of 17--with his father's permission--when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from the Detroit Institute of Technology in 1942 and enlisted in 1943. He began basic training and soon after completed training as a Private First Class, demonstrating his strong performance upon graduation. Richard continued to demonstrate his strong performance and high skill set when he was recruited to the Communication Intelligence Group as a Japanese Code Interpreter in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Over his three years of service, Richard was on the battlefields of Tinian, Saipan, Guam, and Okinawa. During these years, Richard also took part in the Wind Talkers Initiative. This initiative involved the use of the Native American language of Navajo by the U.S. military to create coded messages the Japanese couldn't decipher. Being a part of this initiative highlights Richard's high aptitude in languages and his deep dedication to serving our country. Richard was also a part of the radio deception that led to the 1942 Battle of Midway. In this operation, codebreakers successfully deciphered Japanese naval codes and intercepted messages detailing an attack, which was later confirmed to be targeting Midway. Richard's group also contributed to the Buckner Bay capture of a German Enigma Code Machine. Being involved in such critical turning points in United States history is a testament to Richard's intelligence, bravery, and impact. After his service, Richard earned an Associate's Degree in Engineering from Valparaiso Institute, using that knowledge to become a manufacturer's representative. In 1961, he launched his own business-- Data Electronics--which grew across five states and demonstrated his entrepreneurial drive and success in the field. In the years that followed, Richard pursued a wide range of interests, from photography to the art of stage makeup. He even revitalized a struggling makeup studio in Chicago, turning it into a thriving business. More recently, he continued his service to others through volunteering for the Marine Corps. Richard helped run the Toys for Tots program in Illinois and served as an ombudsman for local nursing homes. His dedication earned him the title of Volunteer of the Year, further demonstrating his compassion and commitment to community. Richard is also a frequent guest speaker at local elementary and middle schools, where he shares his World War II experiences with younger generations, ensuring that the legacy of service and sacrifice lives on. Above all, Richard is a loving husband and devoted father. Together with his wife, he raised three children. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday, surrounded by over fifty family members including seventeen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, a remarkable milestone befitting a remarkable man. Mr. Speaker, let us express our sincerest appreciation to Richard Loughran for his outstanding military service and for his excellent acts of valor that have protected our country and our freedoms in our great nation. His story is a testament to the American spirit of service, sacrifice, and resolve, and it is an honor to recognize him as our Veteran of the Month.

Mrs. McCLAIN

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act, better known as the WIPPES Act. This commonsense, bipartisan bill addresses a costly and growing problem in our communities. Every year, Michiganders' water utilities spend over $18 million responding to clogs and damage caused by nonflushable wipes. These products, when disposed of incorrectly, create massive blockages in our wastewater systems, which lead to backups, environmental hazards, costly repairs, and, ultimately, higher rates for our constituents. The solution is simple: clear, honest labeling. This bill does not ban wipes. It does not burden small businesses. It simply requires manufacturers to label packaging for wipes that aren't designed to be flushed. This legislation isn't just about preventing clogged pipes. It is about protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring our infrastructure can last for years to come. The WIPPES Act passed the House last Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I am proud to lead this legislation alongside Congressman Kevin Mullin again this Congress and call on the Senate to take it up. Functioning infrastructure and lower utility costs are not partisan issues. They are priorities we should all share. Let's pass the WIPPES Act. Let's give our local public works departments, utilities, and consumers the tools they need to keep our systems flowing and our communities safe.

Mrs. McCLAIN

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Randall S. Fernandez, who is retiring after twelve years of dedicated service as the City Manager of Marysville, Michigan. His unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership have greatly impacted our community. Mr. Fernandez's tenure as City Manager was marked by numerous accomplishments that have left a lasting effect on the Marysville community. Under his leadership, the city made significant progress in Marysville. He was instrumental in streamlining municipal operations, fostering strong relationships with local businesses, and supporting projects that enhanced the quality of life for Marysville residents. Prior to his service in Marysville, he also served over 28 years in many governmental positions within the city of Port Huron, Michigan. He began his career as a Community Development Specialist, City Treasurer, City Assessor, Water Office Supervisor, Director of the Downtown Development Authority, and later as General Manager of McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center. Throughout his career, Mr. Fernandez has been known for his problem- solving mindset, collaborative leadership style, and ability to bring people together to achieve common goals. Whether revitalizing downtown spaces or ensuring financial accountability, he has consistently gone above and beyond for the communities he served. His contributions have also been shaped by a strong academic foundation. Mr. Fernandez holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, and a Masters of Arts degree in Management and Supervision with a concentration in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Fernandez's work ethic, experience, and devotion to civic duty have made a profound difference in the lives of countless Michigan residents. His legacy is one of progress, leadership, and a genuine desire to improve his community. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Randall S. Fernandez for his outstanding public service and in extending our best wishes as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.

Mrs. McCLAIN

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep respect and heartfelt appreciation to recognize the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. For three-quarters of a century, the Chamber has played a vital role in advancing the economic well-being of the Orion community and fostering a spirit of collaboration and service among its members. Since its founding, the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce has grown to include nearly 350 dedicated members--each committed to enhancing the quality of life in the region and supporting one another in the pursuit of economic growth and shared prosperity. This remarkable network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals exemplifies the Chamber's enduring mission: to build a vibrant, connected, and thriving local economy. Throughout its history, the Chamber has been a steadfast advocate for small businesses, providing valuable resources and opportunities in the areas of advocacy, visibility, networking, and growth. Signature events such as ribbon cuttings, community festivals, and live music nights not only highlight the exceptional talent and variety of local enterprises but also strengthen the bonds among neighbors, business owners, and civic leaders alike. These events serve as a testament to the Chamber's unwavering commitment to building community through commerce. Moreover, the Orion Chamber has demonstrated exceptional dedication to workforce development by connecting residents with meaningful employment opportunities. Through job postings and partnerships with member businesses, the Chamber continues to support a robust and resilient local labor market--contributing directly to the economic stability and prosperity of the Orion area. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and commend the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce for 75 years of extraordinary service, leadership, and impact. Their tireless efforts to uplift local businesses and strengthen community ties have left an indelible mark on the region. I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued success in the years to come.

Mrs. McCLAIN

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 499, I call up the bill (H.R. 4) to rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025, in accordance with section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I request that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my strong support for H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025. Last November, the American people sent a clear message to Washington: Stop wasting our tax dollars and get our fiscal house in order. The President and House Republicans heard the American people. We heard them loud and clear. We are keeping our promises to end the waste, the fraud, and the abuse. This rescissions package sends $9.4 billion back to the U.S. Treasury. That is $9.4 billion of savings that taxpayers won't see wasted. It is their money, Mr. Speaker. It is, along with our One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the first of many important steps House Republicans are taking to rein in wasteful spending. In 2024, the Federal Government spent over $1.8 trillion, and that is just in discretionary spending. The rescissions are only addressing one-half of 1 percent of that total. Democrats would consider this a rounding error. This administration has spent months combing through our Federal budget, line by line, identifying waste, fraud, and abuse. Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, there is a lot. I think the American people would be hard-pressed, or anyone would be hard-pressed, to say that the government runs so efficiently that we can't find any more efficiencies. However, don't let the fear-mongering from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle fool you, Mr. Speaker. Those claiming that these rescissions will harm people in other countries--I am going to say that again--those Democrats who are saying that these rescissions will harm people in other countries are missing the point. It is about people in our country being put first. It is about putting Americans first. What a concept. That is because American citizens support ending the waste, the fraud, and the abuse in places like USAID. A ``yes'' vote today will stop wasteful spending on programs like $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda, $4 million for bean systems research, $67,000 for feeding insect powder to children in Madagascar, and $3 million for Iraqi ``Sesame Street.'' Lord knows, the Iraqi children need a little Big Bird in their life. It is a good use of $3 million of taxpayer money. I might want to use the $3 million on homeless vets. How about we take some of that cash back. Mr. Speaker, $4 million for sedentary migrants in Colombia. That seems like an oxymoron. There is $2.5 million for teaching young children, get this, how to make environmentally friendly reproductive health decisions. I scratch my head on that one. There is $833,000 for services for transgender people, sex workers and their clients and sexual networks in Nepal. The list goes on and on. I am sort of embarrassed to read it. Americans know the Federal Government is wasting money, and they are wasting Americans' taxpayer money. House Republicans are going to stop wasting our tax dollars. It is really simple. We are focused on actually putting the American people first. We are focusing on the American people whom we represent, not whether the people in Zimbabwe have vegan food to eat, and not electric buses in Rwanda. This is what those on the other side of the aisle want to defend: the waste, the fraud, and the abuse. They actually advocate for it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' to end the insanity and actually put Americans first. Let's rescind wasteful spending. It is really simple. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I just want to clarify: We are having a debate on the rescissions package, correct, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Hinson).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I will just remind you, that is fear- mongering at its best. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bean).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, we can have free speech in America. The government just doesn't need to fund it. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messmer).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harris).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, that was fear-mongering at its best. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Davidson).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the sponsor of the bill and the majority leader of the House.

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I can't take the fear-mongering anymore. Let me correct the truth with the other half of the truth. We are talking about PEPFAR: $4.4 billion, and we are talking about cutting less than 1 percent from that whole entire program. We are not saying that you have to cut AIDS. Perhaps let me tell you what other programs that we could cut for the American people. You are saying that people are going to die because you want to cut the funding. We are not saying that. How about we do this? How about we cut $3 million for circumcisions, vasectomies, and condoms in Zambia? How about that? How about we cut $5.1 million that is used to strengthen the resilience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer global movement? I have got an idea. How about instead of spending it there, how about we spend that money and invest in American healthcare? I could go on and on, but this fear-mongering has absolutely got to stop. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gill).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McDowell).

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I never realized Elmo was more important to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle than the American people, but anyway. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).