Daniel Meuser

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, this past week, House Republicans passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which ensures that biological men cannot compete in women's and girls' sports. It makes sense to about 99 percent of America. The idea that we even need a bill like this is disturbing in itself. Think about it. We are debating whether boys or men should compete against girls or women in athletics, all athletics. When Title IX was enacted back in 1972, Mr. Speaker, it opened the doors for women and girls to have equal opportunities in sports. When Title IX was enacted back 1972, it opened the doors for women and girls to have equal opportunities in sports. It is worth repeating. Before Title IX, women's sports were almost nonexistent, but since then, we have seen great progress. Women's sports have flourished, and we have seen amazing accomplishments in basketball, soccer, swimming, and so much more. Athletes like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Simone Biles, and Lindsey Vonn are now household names, inspiring young girls everywhere. Yet we have been faced with a narrow but loud group of activists and media who think it is acceptable for a 6-foot-4-inch biological male to compete against an average-sized, yet athletic, woman in sports. Let's be clear, it is not acceptable. Also, it is not acceptable to force women to share a locker room with a biological man, forcing them to shower and change together. This is not an overstatement, Mr. Speaker. It is happening, and it is traumatizing to women and girls to have a man walking around naked in their locker room or spiking a volleyball full force into their face. This failed ideological social experiment is disrupting the very fabric of what Title IX was designed to protect. One example, without mentioning names, is a male swimmer, who was ranked 554th among male athletes, but became the top-ranked female swimmer in the women's category in the Nation. We can go back to Caitlyn Jenner, who as Bruce Jenner competed in the Olympics and won the decathlon. As Caitlyn Jenner, she stated that if she would have transitioned earlier, she would have won every gold medal. Clearly, that is not fair. This does not respect the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by female athletes. This was a commonsense bill, and there was a right way and a wrong way to vote on it. In my view, as I stated earlier, 99 percent of Americans agree that men and boys should not be competing in women's and girls' sports, which is why my Republican colleagues and I voted to pass this bill yesterday with only two Democrats voting along with us. That is kind of disturbing in itself. Our Republican Conference will continue to stand with women throughout this Congress and advocate for the protection of their rights.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the agreement reached between the two houses, the incoming Trump White House and the Republican-led United States House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, CRs are not ideal. They are not preferred, but come the New Year, we will begin a new era of regular order. As well, I expect we will be working in a concerted manner for the next 4 years to, borrowing a phrase, ``Make America Great Again.'' As we are all aware, the vacuum of leadership from the current White House has been filled already by the incoming White House. The Trump DOGE team also proved to be consequential, Mr. Speaker, rooting out unnecessary provisions throughout this government-funding process, streamlining bloated legislation, and exposing it to the American people, which resulted in a better, leaner deal and a reduction of pages in the bill from 1,547 to 118, a huge reduction, all done in Trump time. This legislation delivers responsible disaster relief, targets spending reductions, includes an agreement to address the debt ceiling, and avoids a government shutdown. Our work will reflect the will of the people to carry out the America First agenda. We must deliver results to show the American people that we are serious about correcting the course of our Nation, and this bill is the first step in that direction.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, supporting our servicemembers and their families is absolutely essential to ensuring our military readiness and ensuring the United States has the greatest fighting force in the world. That is why I and many are urging all our colleagues to support the NDAA, which we will be voting on tonight, which prioritizes the well-being of those who defend our freedom. This bill delivers critical resources: improved housing through investments aimed at upgrading military facilities, better health coverage for servicemembers and their families, expanded accessibility of childcare and enhanced support for military spouses, including professional licensing portability programs. It also authorizes a significant pay raise for servicemembers, with a 14.5 percent increase for junior enlisted personnel and a 4.5 percent for all other ranks. This will provide the recognition and compensation they have earned and deserve. As well, this legislation tackles pressing challenges facing our Nation, strengthens our southern border by allocating funding for advanced surveillance technology and additional personnel, counters rising aggression from China by supporting increased funding for Indo-Pacific defense initiatives, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to Israel by authorizing continued funding for missile defense systems like the Iron Dome. House Republicans are committed to cutting wasteful spending, slashing the so-called military bureaucracy, and standing with those who fight for our country. This NDAA reflects that commitment by ensuring our Armed Forces have the resources they need, whether on the front lines or here at home. By passing this bill, we are making sure our military is prepared to meet today's challenges while safeguarding the freedoms of tomorrow.

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, today I--I think we will--rise in strong support for the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, known as the NDAA. The world, Mr. Speaker, is an increasingly dangerous place, and the threats we are facing continue to evolve. Over the past 4 years, we have witnessed Ukraine under siege, Taiwan under constant pressure from China, and on that fateful day, October 7, Israel was attacked-- devastated, massacred, brutalized--by Iran and its proxies, and they responded. We have also witnessed the persistent threat of terrorism, Mr. Speaker, in Africa and the drug cartels creating continued danger and death closer to home. These are not just far-off challenges, Mr. Speaker. They directly impact our national security, economic stability around the world, and the safety of the American people. This bill is about making the necessary investments to ensure that the United States remains the most powerful military in the world. It supports our troops and ensures they have the resources they need to carry out their missions safely and effectively. It provides for weapons upgrades, the development of cutting-edge technologies, and revitalization of the defense industrial base, ensuring our readiness to face all adversaries. Too often, we hear stories of military families struggling to make ends meet, and that is simply unacceptable. This bill takes a stand for them, providing better pay and support so that no servicemember ever has to rely upon food stamps to feed their family. Let's address those who oppose this bill because it doesn't include more social engineering or ideological experiments. The United States military is not a social engineering experiment. It is a fighting force designed to protect our Nation and ensure global stability. The American people as well should be confident that with Pete Hegseth, President Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, at the helm we can trust that the Department of Defense will prioritize ending divisive ideologies and enhancing military readiness. As well, there are some who argue we could cut more from defense spending. This bill represents a modest 1 percent increase over last year's budget, but it is a critical investment in our safety and future. Do we need more efficiency measures? Yes, we DOGE. Next year, with the new administration, we will make our defense spending leaner, sharper, and more effective and always putting America first. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is about prioritizing what truly matters: military readiness, modernization, and the security of the American people rather than a social and ideological agenda. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill and in supporting our troops. 2025 NDAA Delivers Critical Resources

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the strength of our economy, employing half of all Americans and driving prosperity across our communities and our country. We all know that. Yet, these businesses are continually put under siege by an avalanche of Federal regulations. The Biden administration has imposed $1.5 trillion in regulatory costs and 326 million hours of paperwork on small businesses. That is hard to believe, but it is true. That is time and money that entrepreneurs should be spending to grow their businesses and, of course, create jobs. That is why I strongly support the Prove It Act, which we will be voting on today. This legislation forces Federal agencies to analyze the true costs of their regulations and consider the direct and indirect burdens on small businesses, which is so very important. It allows small businesses to challenge unfair rules, ensures greater transparency, and even exempts entrepreneurs from regulations if agencies fail to comply with these requirements. Small businesses should be able to focus on expanding operations, hiring workers, and serving their customers, not navigating the Federal Government's continuous red tape. The Prove It Act will empower businessowners, protect jobs, and restore common sense to our regulatory process. Let's defend the American entrepreneurial spirit by passing the Prove It Act and unleashing the full potential of every small business throughout our country and certainly throughout my State, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Stop Terror- Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. Ryan Corbett, who grew up in my district, has been held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan for 832 days. It is inconceivable that Americans like Ryan, who endure such brutal hardship, should come home only to face a tax bill or penalties from our government, but that is what the current law prescribes. Our Tax Code offers Americans held hostage just 1 year of relief before late fees and interest begin to accrue. This bill ensures that those individuals can return home without the added burden of financial fallout, allowing them to rebuild their lives. This legislation also strengthens our stance against terrorism by revoking tax-exempt status from U.S. nonprofits that provide financing to groups like Hamas. Just as captors holding American citizens should not receive a dime in American taxpayer aid, neither should terrorist sympathizers receive tax relief from our Federal Government.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the chairman of the subcommittee and a great leader in Financial Services, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4790, the Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies, as introduced by Mr. Huizenga. This bill, Mr. Speaker, limits the disclosures that securities issuers must provide to the SEC, ensuring they only report information that is material to investors' decisionmaking. H.R. 4790 also includes my bill, H.R. 4653, the Protecting U.S. Business Sovereignty Act. My legislation defends American businesses from the overreach of foreign regulations like the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which threatens U.S. businesses by imposing costly compliance burdens on U.S. businesses for participating even in a minor way in the EU. Republicans are not against ESG, Mr. Speaker, as an investment choice. If individual investors want to prioritize environmental, social, or governance factors, that is their freedom. What we oppose is when these ideological views are mandated, when investors are forced to comply with burdensome regulations that prioritize political ideology over profitability, prioritize ideology over outcomes, which harms the economy and undermines the freedom to invest one's own wealth. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Let's choose economic growth and the freedom of choice for American investors.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, a very fine gentleman and good friend by the name of Bill Rosado, who is a first-generation, very successful, and self-made Mexican-American entrepreneur in my district, recently said that allowing a free-for-all immigration system is in total violation of the law and unacceptable for most of us who came here legally. Mr. Speaker, a free-for-all, out-of-control immigration system is exactly what the Biden-Harris administration and far too many in this House have delivered over the past 3\1/2\ years. Mr. Speaker, 10 to 15 million-plus illegal crossings, drug cartels, human trafficking, migrant crime, and, yes, noncitizens registering to vote is an unmitigated disaster. Nonetheless, the legislation we are considering here gives us an opportunity to address part of the problem by prohibiting noncitizens from voting while keeping our government running. Mr. Speaker, while it is written in our Constitution that only U.S. citizens can vote, the SAVE Act attached to this continuing resolution prohibits bad actors from registering noncitizens and noncitizens from registering to vote and requires States to purge their voter rolls of all noncitizens, such as illegal immigrants. To anyone considering opposing this bill, a ``no'' vote implies and states to the American people why the Biden administration has left the border open in the first place. It is for potentially more votes.

Mr. MEUSER. The American people want this bill to pass. They need this bill to pass. It will help, as well, restore confidence in our elections. Let's do the right thing on a bipartisan basis as we head towards this momentous election. We came here today to ensure that only U.S. citizens can register and vote in Federal elections. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass the SAVE Act, safeguard our elections, and fund our government.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Knoebels Amusement Park, a legendary family-based institution located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Knoebels started from very humble beginnings in 1926. What began as a simple gathering place along a roaring creek has turned into a top amusement park in Pennsylvania and throughout the Northeast. I especially want to recognize Mr. Dick Knoebel and the entire Knoebel family for their dedication to Pennsylvania and to making very happy and lasting memories for so many. Knoebels recently earned two prestigious Golden Ticket awards from Amusement Today for best food and best wooden coaster, which I highly recommend, for the Phoenix. These awards are the pinnacle of recognition in the amusement industry. Knoebels is truly a place where families come together from around the country to create lasting, memories, and I was very, very happy to host my first annual constituent appreciation picnic at the park just this last month. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the entire Knoebels family for making Pennsylvania the happiest place on Earth.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, Prime Minister Netanyahu's joint address yesterday sent a bipartisan message of patriotism, strength, and unity. It underscored our joint responsibility to uphold freedom, prosperity, and security for our citizens and the world. On October 7, Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas. Babies were burned, women were raped, and people were murdered in the worst ways possible. Israel has the obligation to respond to these atrocities, ensuring Hamas is unable to perpetrate another attack on future generations of Israelis, which Hamas has promised to do. In his address, Netanyahu praised the diplomatic progress achieved in the Middle East under the Trump administration as well as the Biden administration, the Abraham Accords chief among them. The Prime Minister ended with a message of hope, hope that Israel and its partners can bring long-lasting peace to the region. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Prime Minister for his unifying message and will continue to stand strongly with Israel as they fight to defeat Hamas, ensure hostages are released, and return peace and stability to the Middle East. As the Consul General of Israel said to me just recently in reference to the hostages, and in the words of Moses, who stands atop this House Chamber, ``Let my people go.''

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Texas, very much for yielding time. I rise today in support of H. Res. 1367, which forms a task force to address the shocking attack on President Trump. I thank my colleague, Mike Kelly, very much for bringing this resolution to the floor. This attack tragically took the life of a brave Pennsylvanian, Corey Comperatore. As an eyewitness to this event, along with my colleague, Mike Kelly, I stand here on behalf of the American people, especially Pennsylvanians, who deserve answers to critical questions about this tragedy. Why was the building the gunman used allowed to be outside of the security perimeter? Why was there no Secret Service stationed on the roof? Why wasn't there a plan executed and a high sense of emergency and urgency taking place? Director Cheatle's remarks the other day did nothing to inspire confidence or for us to believe that this situation is going to be corrected appropriately and in a high-priority manner. Senseless political violence demands nothing else than a unified response from both Democrats and Republicans. We must come together and form a bipartisan task force to uncover the truth and provide answers. Mr. Speaker, I am very happy and proud to support this legislation, H. Res. 1367, which aims to achieve just that.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise as well to express my deep sympathy, and yes, eulogize a great Pennsylvanian, Corey Comperatore. I too, with my colleague, Representative Kelly, attended the rally last Saturday. Of course, it started as any rally does. People were very enthused and looking forward to the remarks of former President Trump. Madam Speaker, 7 or 8 minutes into the speech, the shots rang out, and many lives were changed forever. It was a tragic day that could have been worse, but for the Comperatore family, it was a tragedy that they will live with forever. We are here this evening to honor the life, legacy, and ultimate sacrifice of Corey Comperatore. As was expressed, he was a quintessential family man, and as has been expressed, the best girl dad, as well as a dedicated public servant and true local hero. As the Nation now knows, Corey's life was taken by the shooter, by the gunman, at the rally in Butler last Saturday. In his final moments, Corey gave his life while shielding his wife and daughter from the bullets as they rang out. He exemplified unparalleled bravery, shielding his wife and daughter and protecting them in his last moments. His courageous act saved his loved ones from the gunfire and truly serves as a testament to his character and his dedication to others. Corey Comperatore served his community with distinction for so many years, for decades, actually, particularly as a firefighter in Buffalo Township where he served as chief in the early 2000s. In addition to his service as a firefighter, Corey was a 10-year veteran of the United States Army Reserves, demonstrating his commitment to our Nation and its values. He will always be remembered by his family as a man whose life was guided by faith, saying Corey inspired those around him to live with purpose and grace. His passion for family, life, and service to others will never be forgotten.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, Biden's border policy has resulted in well over 10 million illegal immigrants entering our country since he was sworn in. This dangerous influx of illegal immigrants has created concerns about the integrity of our elections. Even though Federal law does state that only citizens can vote, it is still highly possible that illegal immigrants are registering to vote, particularly considering many States offer driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Despite laws prohibiting individuals from illegally crossing our border, we know it is still happening by the millions. Clearly, laws aren't always followed, so we must take greater steps to ensure illegal immigrants aren't further skirting our laws by attempting to vote. That is why, in an effort to safeguard our elections, House Republicans passed the SAVE Act, which prohibits illegal immigrants from voting in our elections, and only U.S. citizens can vote. This makes a lot of sense to the American people as it will require proof of American citizenship to register to vote in Federal elections. A vote by someone here illegally, Mr. Speaker, counteracts a vote by an American citizen. The SAVE Act is about protecting our elections, and it is also about protecting the very foundation of our democratic constitutional Republic.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true pillar of my community, my friend, John L. Augustine, the recipient of the Leadership Northeast Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award. Now serving as president and CEO of Penn's Northeast, John's service to northeastern Pennsylvania has extended over the past 25 years. Community leaders like John are essential in economic and industrial development in communities throughout Pennsylvania. As president and CEO of Penn's Northeast, John has played a vital role in planning over 45 million square feet of new industrial development throughout our district, throughout our communities, which host over 350 businesses and employ more than 35,000 people. I have known John for many years, and it is people like him who make communities thrive, expand job opportunities, and improve the quality of life. John Augustine proves that you don't need to be in elected office to make communities better. I appreciate the service of all those who do just that.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman McCaul very much for his assistance and leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor and for his leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee. I also thank Representative Tenney, my good friend, for everything she has done to advocate on behalf of Ryan Corbett, as well as Representative Keating and others who are engaged in this important resolution. I do rise today in strong support of this resolution, which calls for the immediate release of Ryan Corbett, who has been wrongfully detained by the Taliban since August 10, 2022. Ryan, who is originally from Susquehanna County in my district, relocated his family to Afghanistan in 2010 with the mission of aiding and assisting the Afghan population, eventually founding Bloom Afghanistan, a firm that provides consulting and microloans to Afghan small businesses. After evacuating his family in the wake of the Afghanistan withdrawal, Ryan returned to Afghanistan in 2022, during which time he was imprisoned by the Taliban and forced to endure the most inhumane conditions, rarely being able to communicate with his family. He has never been accused of a crime. My team and I, and many teams, as you can see here, have been involved in efforts on behalf of Ryan Corbett. We have all met with Anna Corbett, who has been mentioned here now several times, and her children many times. Anna Corbett is working tirelessly, covering every department that she possibly can, having meetings from the top people at the State Department to all Members of Congress and with other nations' ambassadors, doing everything possible for the release of her husband, Ryan. Today, we continue to implore the State Department to use all appropriate pressure to ensure Ryan's release. Alongside calling for his immediate release, we also recognize Qatar for its effort in helping free Ryan and facilitating many visits, calls, and medical check-ins. The humanitarian funding from USAID for the Taliban should be, Madam Speaker, scrutinized, minimized, or perhaps terminated until all wrongfully detained Americans in Afghanistan are returned home. Ryan has been held hostage, as has been stated, by the Taliban for 671 days. Any sign of appeasement from the Biden administration should be hardened, and we should deal from strength. We certainly need more stick and less carrot when it comes to the release of American hostages. We appreciate the work of the State Department, but we need to get the job done. That means getting Ryan and other American hostages in Afghanistan home immediately. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, what we saw in New York City this past few weeks was an abuse of our justice system against an individual who happened to be the former President of the United States and perhaps the next President. It was a frivolous case, and it was a clear attempt to undermine democracy. Between the lack of evidence, the inability to clearly define a crime, the questionable players involved, and the timing, the American people saw it for what it was. Prosecuting political opponents like this happens in Third World countries, not in America. I look forward to the players involved, the district attorney, having to answer for their actions before the Judiciary Committee's Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government in near time. Make no mistake that this verdict will be appealed and the outcome overturned.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our great country and preserving the freedoms we hold dear. As Benjamin Franklin said: It is `` . . . a Republic, if you can keep it.'' It has been kept for nearly 250 years, largely thanks to patriots who have sacrificed so much. Let us renew our commitment to the ideals for which they fought. As Abraham Lincoln said: ``We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.'' May we strive to build a Nation worthy of their sacrifice, where liberty and justice are more than words, but a reality. Their legacy will live on through our dedication to these principles. On Memorial Day, we will be flying a flag to remember our Nation's heroes, but it is up to us, the people, to keep our flag flying, and we do this by continuing to strengthen our faith in America, our patriotism, our economy, and our national security. May God bless America and those who have died protecting it.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, on this National Police Week, I rise to honor the brave men and women of law enforcement. This week could not have come at a more important time. Many members of law enforcement, both rookies and 30-year veterans, are disheartened far too often by the treatment police officers have experienced in recent years. Their dedication is to protect and serve their communities, yet far too often, they are disrespected, defunded, demoralized, and even demonized--not by many, but enough, and too often by elected community leaders. This must stop. Many criminal prosecutors also need to do their jobs. There are too many violent criminals who break firearm possession laws and are released. We must enforce the firearm laws that exist. This will reduce so-called gun violence. Too many prosecutors are failing to prosecute violent criminals. This endangers citizens, diminishes public safety, and puts police officers at high risk. As the son of a former police officer, I always back the blue. There is always room for improvement, but we all should always respect the men and women who do, in fact, risk their lives to protect and serve and too often give their lives for their job, community, and for the people they work for.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Nurses Week. This year's theme is Nurses Make the Difference. Nurses fulfill diverse roles as caregivers, advocates, educators, and leaders, leaving a profound impact on their patients and communities. In Congress, I am dedicated to strengthening America's nursing workforce. I have supported increased funding to title VIII nursing workforce programs, which include crucial funding to Nurse Corps Loan Repayment and Scholarship programs. These programs will make nursing schools more accessible and help bolster the nursing workforce, especially in rural areas. I have also cosponsored the National Nursing Workforce Center Act, which seeks to curb burnout and address nurse retention issues. I am also fighting to close the pay gap between clinical nurses and nursing educators. Mr. Speaker, this week, let's thank a nurse in Pennsylvania's Ninth from Sayre to Pottsville, to Sunbury to Williamsport. We are so very grateful for our great nurses.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tragic loss and memory of Bryan Kendall. His tragic passing in a farm accident last weekend has left an immense void in our community, touching the hearts of Lebanon County and beyond. Bryan was a proud dairy farmer, and he was known as the heart of Villa Dale Farm, a legacy spanning three generations. Though his life came to an end far too early, Bryan's memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He cherished his role as a devoted husband to Alyssa and as a father to two sons. Farmers like Bryan are essential to keeping food on every American's table. It is important to recognize the risks that farmers face in their profession, and we should all be thankful for the hard work of the men and women who feed our nation. In echoing the sentiments of countless others, Bryan will very surely be missed.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank our chairman, Mr. Roger Williams from the great State of Texas, for yielding and for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Small Business Week in support of H.R. 5333, the Investing in All of America Act of 2023, introduced by myself and Representative Scholten. This legislation aims to incentivize greater private capital investments in small businesses located in rural or low-income areas, and those operating in the national security sector by providing additional bonus leverage for funds participating in the SBA's SBIC program. The Small Business Investment Companies are privately owned companies that are licensed and regulated by the SBA. SBICs raise private capital that is matched with leverage by the SBA, currently capped at $175 million for individual licensees. SBICs then deploy these private funds, along with the SBA-guaranteed funding, to invest directly in small businesses. It is important to note that the SBIC leverage operates at zero subsidy cost to the American taxpayer. In other words, taxpayer funds are not utilized for the credit extended in SBIC investments. Throughout the last two decades, SBIC-backed businesses have created 5 million new jobs and supported an additional 10.5 million jobs. Last year alone, SBICs invested over $8 billion in small businesses across America, including $412 million in small businesses located in my home State, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Though, the SBIC program has been very successful in responsibly deploying capital to small businesses, recent studies have shown that close to 20 percent of the SBIC investment reaches only 20 percent of low- to middle-income communities, but with this legislation this number will significantly increase. The Investing in All of America Act would incentivize the deployment of additional capital to small businesses located in rural or low- income areas as well as small businesses, again, in the national security technology sector. Dollars invested in these areas will not count against individual SBIC's $175 million leverage cap. By creating this incentive, the Investing in All of America Act will increase investment for these underserved communities. It is important to note that the bonus leverage included in this legislation does not change the cost or risks of the SBIC program. The existing successful private capital ratio to SBA leverage that has kept the program operating at no subsidy will remain the same. This legislation would also adjust the SBIC leverage caps to account for inflation. SBIC leverage caps have not been adjusted since 2015 for single licensees and since 2018 for a family of funds. Since the last adjustment, as we know, inflation has risen rapidly. As we continue to deal with increasing inflation, reinstating the inflation adjuster for the leverage cap is necessary to ensure the investment power of the SBIC's remain consistent with the broader markets and ensure the program can continue to provide small businesses with the capital they need. Recently, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, which I chair, held a hearing examining the SBIC program. In addition to discussing the positive effects of the program, we discussed the improvements that could be made. I am happy to say that a number of the reforms suggested by the witnesses are included in this legislation. While there is more work to do, this legislation will make a very positive impact on those participating in the SBIC program and assist them in deploying even more capital to these worthy small businesses. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Scholten for her partnership on this legislation and the bipartisan group of 14 Members who have cosponsored it. Again, I thank Chairman Williams and the ranking member for their leadership and support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, just the latest devastating consequence of the atrocious Biden border crisis is the dramatic rise in the number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes. We have heard story after story of migrants squatting on Americans' property to the point of a viral Venezuelan TikToker urged illegal immigrants to take advantage of States' adverse possession laws, which caused even more migrants to squat. Just last week, Homeland Security officials arrested eight illegal immigrants on drug and gun possession charges who had been squatting in a Bronx, New York, home. I am taking action to curb this trend, which is why I recently introduced the Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling Act, or SHIELD Act. My bill would make trespassing a deportable offense for illegal aliens, as well as deem the alien permanently inadmissible for entry or return back to the United States of America. This legislation should serve as a deterrent and make illegal immigrants think twice before attempting to trespass on our homes in an unlawful manner.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of Battery Council International or commonly known as BCI. In March of 1924, 25 firms launched the National Battery Manufacturer's Association--the group that would eventually become Battery Council International. Since then, BCI has been the leading trade association for unlocking the potential of energy storage and supporting the commercial integration of essential products. BCI members are committed to safe, responsible battery manufacturing and sustaining the world's most successful circular economy. The domestic lead battery industry is an American manufacturing story that should make us all proud to be a part of. The industry in the United States has more than 165 GWh of manufacturing capacity, 39 lead battery manufacturing facilities, over 250,000 lead battery collection and distribution sites, and 9 lead battery recycling facilities. Lead batteries have a nearly 100 percent recycling rate, an industry sustainability achievement deserving of our recognition. The U.S. battery industry powers roughly $8.1 trillion worth of domestic industrial economic output annually, or roughly 20 percent of the U.S. economy. Forty-eight million jobs are related to or reliant on the battery industry and related downstream businesses. And the industry continues to invest to meet the future. The batteries made by BCI members over the past century have powered nearly a billion vehicles in the U.S. alone--a staggering contribution to American mobility. Fifty percent of the world's energy storage capacity is reliant on lead batteries, which are a particularly vital part of virtually every industry sector, including transportation, traditional vehicles, electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles emergency and remote power, data centers, telecommunications, and renewable energy storage. I am especially proud of the work of East Penn Manufacturing, which is the largest single-site, lead battery facility in the United States. East Penn is located in my former congressional district in Lyons, Pennsylvania, and employs over 10,000 people. The President and CEO of East Penn, Chris Pruitt, leads this important company with its remarkable workforce in our state, and also currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for Battery Council International. The battery industry continues to be vital for our economy, our low carbon future, and our manufacturing sector, as well as the many industries that rely on energy storage. I would like to congratulate my friend and BCI board chair, Chris Pruitt, as well as BCI President, Roger Miksad, and all of the members on the 100th Anniversary of Battery Council International.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, last week, President Biden claimed here in this House that the state of our Union is strong, but the American people disagree. From soaring inflation, the national debt, a catastrophe at our southern border, an assault on American energy, rising crime, and geopolitical chaos, the state of our Union, sadly, is not strong. It has been in decline for 3 years, 1 month, and 22 days. Americans feel the cost of inflation whenever they check out at the grocery store. They feel the anti-American energy agenda whenever they fill up their gas tanks as they remember the prices of January 2020. They see this administration's failure as they watch millions of migrants illegally cross our border and watch the world thrown into global conflict as a result of the policies of appeasement. The President has claimed that crime is improving. Not only is crime not down, but it is out of control. Americans, unfortunately, feel it and see it in our streets almost every day. What is needed is a recognition of the realities our Nation faces and a real plan to correct course. Rather than the state of the Union, President Biden's address was a state of delusion.