Barry Moore

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 530, I call up the bill (H.R. 875) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that aliens who have been convicted of or who have committed an offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired are inadmissible and deportable, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 875.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today we consider a simple, commonsense bill that says if you are a guest in our country and you drive drunk, you should, in fact, be deported. To the average American, passing this bill is a no-brainer. Even in a polarized time, Democrats should be able to join Republicans to unanimously support such reasonable legislation. After all, deporting dangerous criminals is a rational, normal, and coherent step that this House should take. Unfortunately, I am skeptical that we will see much agreement from my Democratic colleagues on this bill. Regardless, I am thankful the House is considering H.R. 875, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect our Communities from DUIs Act, a bill that I introduced last Congress and again this Congress. Every 45 minutes, that is how often someone in the United States dies in a crash involving an alcohol-impaired driver. In 2022 alone, there were 13,524 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. In 2020, drunk driving crashes led to nearly 400,000 injuries. Those crashes do not discriminate, Mr. Speaker. The victim could be me, it could be you, it could be anyone in our families or in our communities. This issue hits close to home for me. There was a newlywed couple from my hometown of Enterprise, Alabama, named Angel and Jeremy Seay. I knew this couple personally. I knew their family. I played ball with their dad. Angel and Jeremy were riding a motorcycle together when, out of nowhere, an illegal alien under the influence of alcohol collided into the newlyweds with his pickup. Their lives were cut short by this senseless act. Tragedies like this are not uncommon across this country. In December of 2023, an illegal alien killed a 46-year-old woman and her 16-year- old son in Broomfield, Colorado, when he drove his truck up to 100 miles an hour and ran into the victims' vehicle, causing it to then crash into a tree. Despite having five previous DUI convictions, a Boulder, Colorado, county judge sentenced this illegal alien to probation, community service, and work release on December 8, 2023, in relation to two of those convictions, just 4 days before the drunk driver crashed and killed the mother and her son. Another case to consider is from Florida, where just earlier this year an illegal alien from Mexico was arrested for his third DUI after he hit and killed a kindergartner. In Texas, in December of 2024, an illegal alien killed a 7-year-old girl after he drove drunk, crashed into a car that was being driven by the girl's mother. Just months earlier, under the Biden-Harris administration, ICE had lifted a detainer which had previously been lodged against this illegal alien after he was arrested for assaulting a family member in June of 2024. H.R. 875 makes commonsense changes to immigration laws to make an alien who is convicted or who admits driving under the influence inadmissible. It also makes an alien convicted of doing so removable. In fact, 59 Democrats voted in favor of this legislation when I brought it to the House floor last February. If you are a guest in our country and you drive drunk, you should be removed from this country, period. Drunk drivers are involved in 31 percent of all crash deaths in this country. On average, drunk driving killed roughly 11,000 people in the United States every year between 2012 and 2022. Yet, current immigration law does not make aliens inadmissible or removable if they drive drunk and recklessly break our laws. My colleagues across the aisle will undoubtedly argue that this bill is unnecessary because current law already makes DUI inadmissible and a deportable offense. However, if that is the case, then why would they oppose this bill? Even more, their claim that this bill is redundant could not be further from the truth. Although some aliens who commit DUIs, such as those who kill or injure innocent victims, may be found inadmissible or removable, but the vast majority of the aliens with DUI convictions escape immigration consequences. In fact, on its website just last year, the Biden-Harris administration's U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearly stated: ``A single driving under the influence (DUI) conviction is not grounds to deny entry into the United States.'' Moreover, the Board of Immigration Appeals has held that a ``simple DUI offense'' is not a crime involving moral turpitude that would make an alien removable from the United States. Yet, as we know, any drunk driving event can lead to death, with consequences that are far from what they call simple. We shouldn't have to wait for repeat drunk drivers to injure someone or kill before they are deported. That is why H.R. 875 is so imperative. It creates safer streets and safer communities for all of us. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my good friend.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I would remind our colleagues that 59 Democrats voted for this legislation last February when I brought it. We cannot wait until an illegal driving drunk kills a family member or a member of our community. Time and time again, Mothers Against Drunk Driving say that on a DUI, normally it is 80 times they have driven drunk before they are actually caught. Statistics show that it is at least a dozen times that people drive drunk before they are caught. In Florida, that is why we saw the third time an illegal had a DUI was when he killed a kindergartner. The fifth time in Colorado, the judge released him 4 days before an illegal killed a mother and her 16- year-old son. A friend of mine, a judge who is no longer on the bench, texted me the other night and thanked me for this piece of legislation. He said that in the last administration, he knew in the courtroom when that illegal got the DUI and he turned him over to ICE, they went out, they got in a white van, and they drove off. They did not detain him. Time and time again, our communities are suffering because we are not taking these people and holding them to account and getting them out of this country. I encourage my colleagues to get behind this legislation. Americans look to Congress for solutions to real problems. Despite what my colleagues on the other side have argued today, drunk driving by aliens is an issue in this country that must be addressed. This bill does so. Making guests in our country inadmissible to and removable from the United States, because they have endangered our communities by driving drunk, is just plain common sense. The Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUI Act of 2025 is straightforward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the inauguration of the Sixth President of the University of Mobile, Dr. Charles Smith, who was unanimously elected to be inaugurated on May 1st and has taken charge of leading the university. Dr. Smith was born and raised in Montgomery before he pursued his PhD at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina. He served for eleven years as Senior Vice President for Institutional Relations and an Assistant Professor of Christian Leadership at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Smith also co-founded the ``For the Church'' resource platform, offering free online resources for churches across the Nation. I would like to congratulate Dr. Smith on his inauguration and thank him for spreading the Word of God and serving students at the University of Mobile.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the outstanding contributions, hard work, and legacy of Mr. Frank Caskey. His dedicated service to the Alabama Legislative over several decades has made a lasting impact on the lives of many Alabamians. Mr. Caskey has dedicated many years of his life to serving the Alabama Legislature and its citizens. Beginning his career in 1970 as a clerk for Senator James B. Allen, Frank's commitment to public service continued through his education at Auburn University and his work as a legislative aide. He joined the Alabama Legislative Reference Service in 1974 and served there until 1979 before pursuing a successful legal career. In 1992, he returned to the Legislative Reference Service, bringing with him a wealth of legal knowledge and expertise, making significant contributions to the legislative process. Throughout his career, Frank's work in areas like local laws, taxation, and environmental law had a lasting impact, and his advice was highly valued by legislators, lobbyists, and fellow attorneys. His exceptional memory and institutional knowledge of the legislature were unmatched, and his dedication to public service earned him great respect. Now retired, Frank's legacy continues, and we wish him happiness and fulfillment as he enjoys his retirement, exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. His contributions to the state will never be forgotten. I would like to congratulate Mr. Frank Caskey on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his public service.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the outstanding contributions, hard work, and legacy of Colonel Richard Tucker. His dedicated service to Alabama and the United States has made a lasting impact on the lives of many. Colonel Richard Tucker is a graduate of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, where he was commissioned in 1998. Mr. Tucker served as Chief of Staff at Ft. Novosel, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence. Colonel Tucker has served our Nation throughout a remarkable career spanning multiple continents, commands, and combat zones. He is highly decorated for valor and meritorious service, and his leadership has been instrumental across a wide array of assignments, from commanding aviation units in North Carolina, Central America, and Korea, to shaping strategic initiatives at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence. He has deployed in support of critical operations in Bosnia, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Haiti, and Central America. A Master Army Aviator and Senior Parachutist, Colonel Tucker holds advanced degrees in psychology, human resources, and strategic studies. His legacy of leadership, dedication, and excellence will leave a lasting impact on Army Aviation and all who have served alongside him. I would like to congratulate Colonel Richard Tucker on his well- deserved retirement and thank him for his service and dedication to the United States of America.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the outstanding contributions, hard work, and legacy of Mr. Milton Hudson. His dedicated service as a World War II Navy Veteran has made a lasting impact on our country. Mr. Hudson's time in the Navy has shown his bravery, dedication, and deep love for his country. Throughout Mr. Hudson's military service, he has had the honor of receiving the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, a Commendation by Captain Strauss of the U.S. Navy, an American Campaign Ribbon, and a Victory Medal. I would like to wish Mr. Milton Hudson a Happy 98th Birthday and thank him for his great service to our country.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heart full of appreciation and gratitude for one of the many incredible communities I have had the privilege of representing. At the end of the 118th Congress, I said goodbye to one of my beloved district offices located on the plains of Southeast Alabama in the City of Troy. As I reflect on my time serving south Alabama, it is not only the legislative victories and achievements that come to mind, but our constituent services and successes. The generosity and warm welcome from the City of Troy and Mayor Jason Reeves have allowed my team to grow aid work diligently for the citizens of Alabama's Second Congressional District to achieve these triumphs. I thank my staff who have helped me every step of the way. Their hard work and passion for public service have allowed benefits, dollars, and recognition to be restored to our citizens. I am forever grateful to the people of Troy for the trust they placed in me and the success we achieved. My commitment to serving the people of Alabama remains steadfast. I will continue to carry the friendships and the warmth of this community with me. I thank them once again for their kindness, and unwavering support. It has been an honor to serve them. May God continue to bless Alabama's Second Congressional District, the state of Alabama, and the United States of America.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heart full of appreciation and gratitude for one of the many incredible communities I have had the privilege of representing. At the end of the 118th Congress, I said goodbye to one of my beloved district offices nestled on the northern outskirts of Montgomery in beautiful Wetumpka, Alabama. As I reflect on my time serving south Alabama, it is not only the legislative victories and achievements that come to mind, but our constituent services and successes. The generosity and warm welcome from the City of Wetumpka, and Mayor Jerry Willis, have allowed my team to grow and work diligently for the citizens of Alabama's Second Congressional District to achieve these triumphs. I thank my staff who have helped me every step of the way. Their hard work and passion for public service have allowed benefits, dollars, and recognition to be restored to our citizens. I am forever grateful to the people of Wetumpka for the trust they placed in me and the success we achieved. My commitment to serving the people of Alabama remains steadfast. I will continue to carry the friendships and the warmth of this community with me. I thank them once again for their kindness, and unwavering support. It has been an honor to serve them. May God continue to bless Alabama's Second Congressional District, the state of Alabama, and the United States of America.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heart full of appreciation and gratitude as I say goodbye to many of the communities in Alabama's Second Congressional District that I have had the privilege of representing over the years. On the plains of southeast Alabama is the city of Troy. Nestled on the northern outskirts of Montgomery is beautiful Wetumpka. At the end of the 118th Congress, I said goodbye to both of my beloved district offices in those cities. As I reflect on my time serving south Alabama, it is not only the legislative victories and achievements that come to mind, but our constituent services and successes. The generosity and warm welcome from the cities of Troy and Wetumpka, Mayor Jason Reeves and Mayor Jerry Willis, have allowed me and my team to grow and work diligently for the citizens of Alabama's Second Congressional District to achieve many victories. To my staff who have helped me every step of the way, particularly to Bill Harris and Joan Cox who staffed those offices, I thank them. Their hard work and passion for public service have allowed benefits, dollars, and recognition to be restored to our citizens. To the people of Alabama's Second, I am forever grateful for the trust they have placed in me and the successes we achieved together. My commitment to serving Alabama remains steadfast. I will continue to carry the friendships and warmth of these communities with me into Alabama's First Congressional District. I thank them once again for their kindness and their unwavering support. It has been an honor to serve them. May God continue to bless Alabama's Second Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and the United States of America.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 364 and AYE on Roll Call No. 372. Amendment No. 51 Offered by Mr. Perry

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6162, my legislation to name the post office located at 379 North Oates Street in Dothan, Alabama, as the LaBruce ``Bruce'' Tidwell Post Office Building. Bruce Tidwell enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and served as a radio operator on the LCT 801. Born and raised in Dothan, Bruce returned to Dothan after the war ended in 1945 and began working at the Dothan Oil Mill. After a few years, Bruce decided he wanted to become a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. From radio room to mail room, the Navy veteran, Bruce Tidwell, was dedicated to serving his State and his country. Bruce was known for altering his usual mail route during the Vietnam war in order to ensure that those families with servicemembers received letters from home as quickly as possible because he knew how much that would mean to those families. He walked the route, and he changed the route to make sure those families got those letters to home. He was beloved by the Dothan community where he lived for 86 years. There is no better post office to rename than the exact location in Dothan where Bruce worked. I thank my Alabama colleagues and my colleagues here, Representative Aderholt, Representative Carl, Representative Palmer, Representative Rogers, and Representative Sewell, as well as Representative Strong for their support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation in honor of Mr. Bruce.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of amendment No. 129 that would cut $4.91 million from the DOD climate change research and reallocate that funding for the enhancements to the Army's unmanned ground vehicles, or UGVs. I start by thanking my friend and colleague from Alabama, Representative Strong, for cosponsoring this important amendment. Mr. Chairman, we should not be focusing on climate change research at the Department of Defense. Instead, we should be preparing for the next conflict and assure that our military is lethal and ready for combat. According to the Presidential budget item justification for this project submitted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, they claim that climate change will impact the full range of U.S. military operating environments. That is complete hogwash. Do we really think China cares about climate change that impacts their operations based on environment? Absolutely not. To better protect American servicemembers from enemy fire, we should upgrade unmanned systems that operate in enemy environments. UGVs have already demonstrated their transformative potential on the battlefield. They can perform a wide range of tasks from reconnaissance to surveillance to logistics to explosive ordnance disposal without putting human lives at risk. By increasing our investment in these technologies, we can significantly reduce the casualties and injuries among our troops, ensuring that fewer families will have to face the heartache of loved ones being harmed in the line of duty. Moreover, enhancing our UGV capabilities will give us a strategic edge over our adversaries. As geopolitical tensions rise and threats become more and more sophisticated, having a fleet of advanced UGVs will enable our forces to respond swiftly and effectively to any threat. These vehicles can operate in environments that are too dangerous and inaccessible for humans, providing critical support in situations where conventional vehicles or personnel could be compromised. This amendment aligns DOD dollars toward closing the most urgent warfighting gaps rather than funding climate research that does nothing to enhance national defense. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong).

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Increasing funds for Army UGVs is not just a matter of military necessity. It is an investment in safety, security, and the future of our Nation. Let us act decisively to equip our forces with the tools they need to protect and serve. I urge the adoption of my amendment, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of amendment No. 32 that would express congressional opposition to TSA's use of facial recognition technology at American airports. Facial recognition technology encroaches on the privacy of American citizens. This gives the government unprecedented surveillance capabilities that can track a person's movements in real time. At a time when the government already conducts warrantless searches of our data through the FISA programs, we should not give our weaponized government another inch when it comes to mass surveillance, especially without a sophisticated system of checks and balances. TSA has expanded its facial recognition technology at American airports. While TSA states that the program is optional, it is the stated intent of the TSA to expand this technology beyond the security checkpoint and require that passengers undergo facial recognition scans every time they travel. Further, there are several airports that I have traveled to that do not have sufficient signage to alert passengers that they have the option to opt out of this intrusive technology. In April of 2023, TSA Administrator Pekoske admitted at the South by Southwest Conference that we will get to a point where we will require biometrics across the board. The potential for misuse of this technology extends far beyond airport security checkpoints. Once Americans become accustomed to government facial recognition scans, it will be that much easier for the government to scan citizens' faces everywhere, from entry into government buildings, to passive surveillance on public property like parks, schools, and sidewalks. This powerful surveillance technology as deployed by TSA does not make air travel safer. As a matter of fact, the 3 percent error rate cited by TSA represents more than 68,000 mismatches per day if used on all 2.2 million daily travelers. Recent news reports that hundreds of passengers have bypassed TSA security checkpoints entirely in recent years suggest that TSA should focus on the fundamentals, not expanding its facial recognition program. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Massachusetts (Ms. Pressley) for cosponsoring this amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support this effort, as well. In closing, Mr. Chairman, I encourage all Members and friends to support this important amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th anniversary of D-day, where more than 2,500 Americans gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy for our freedom. On that night of June 6, 1944, President Roosevelt went on national radio to address the country for the first time about the Normandy invasion. His speech took the form of a prayer that I will read. ``My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. ``And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer: ``Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. ``They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest--until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war. ``For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. ``Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home--fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas-- whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them--help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice. ``Many people have urged that I call the Nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts. ``Give us strength, too--strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces. And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be. ``And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose. ``With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. ``Thy will be done, Almighty God. ``Amen.'' Several of my colleagues are here joining me tonight to read letters from American soldiers describing the events of D-day. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Steube), my good friend.