Tim Moore

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Ambassador Christian School football team from Huntersville, North Carolina, on an impressive victory in Dublin, Ireland. These student-athletes traveled across the Atlantic to represent North Carolina in the Global Ireland Football Tournament, where they took on Grapevine Faith Christian School from Texas. I am pleased to report the Ambassador Christian Lions came away with a 24-point victory, putting their hard work and dedication on full display. Ambassador Christian School opened its doors in 2024, and this football program is already making its mark. Mr. Speaker, the players and coaches represented Huntersville, North Carolina, and the United States with great pride. I look forward to seeing what this team accomplishes next. Congratulations and go Lions. I would be remiss, Mr. Speaker, if I did not point out that they were not the only North Carolina team that dealt a defeat to a Texas school in Ireland. I would just simply say God bless America and go Heels.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of the House budget resolution. This resolution in this reconciliation package builds on the working families tax cuts that were passed into law last year that have lowered taxes for more Americans than probably any tax bill in decades. I will talk about one thing, though, that seems to get glossed over by my friends on the other side, and that is the SAVE America Act that is in here. The overwhelming majority of Americans support voter ID when it comes to voting. My home State in North Carolina, a little over a decade ago, adopted it, and we have actually seen even greater voter participation since doing so. I raise the question to some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: Have they not seen the news that just showed where 6,600 votes were cast in New Jersey by noncitizens? Voter fraud is happening. That has been discovered. That is documented. The SAVE America Act--which is a part of this, voter ID-- makes it very clear that for someone to vote, they need to be a citizen as required by the Constitution. They also must present a form of ID. This is easy, simple stuff. That is in this resolution, as well. Those who vote against this resolution also vote against this commonsense reform where we want it easy to vote but hard to cheat. I will say, Mr. Chair, that I am very proud of what the Budget Committee has done in building a responsible budget that funds critical needs right now with our military, with threats that we have against us from around the world, and, at the same time, responsibly spends money and maintains these tax cuts that we passed. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 9535.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Steve Stroud, a friend and a true leader who transformed North Carolina. After attending North Carolina State University, he built one of North Carolina's most respected commercial real estate firms, shaping the growth of the Triangle region. His impact extends far beyond commercial development. As the first chairman of the Centennial Authority, he played a pivotal role in the building of what is now known as the Lenovo Center and bringing the Carolina Hurricanes to North Carolina. His determination helped secure our State's first major league professional sports franchise, boosting economic growth, tourism, and pride throughout all of our communities. He was a leader who saw possibilities where others saw obstacles. He believed in North Carolina, invested in our people, and dedicated his life to creating opportunities for others. From humble roots in Rutherford County to the Research Triangle, he left a positive, lasting impact on communities all across North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we mourn his passing, may we remember Steve Stroud for his enduring legacy of leadership, service, and love of our great State. Our prayers are with his family and friends.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and memory of Maxine Peacock Holley, a devoted public servant of Benson, North Carolina, who passed away at the age of 82. Maxine dedicated her life to serving others as a teacher's aide, a magistrate judge, and a Benson town commissioner. She was a trailblazer. She was the first woman to chair the Benson Housing Authority and made history as Johnston County's first successful write- in candidate elected to public office. With deep faith, Maxine showed what it means to love your neighbor. Even while battling cancer, she continued to serve with grace and an unwavering commitment to others. Above all, Maxine was devoted to her family. She was a proud mother to Reggie, Nikita, and Shawn, and she instilled in them that same spirit of service. Mr. Speaker, as we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived: a life of faith, a life of service, and a life of selflessness. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering her and thanking her for her public service.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise on a sad occasion but to honor the life and the service of Ashley Moore of my home county, Cleveland County, North Carolina, who tragically passed away just one day after celebrating her 37th birthday. On July 6 of this year while Ashley was a paramedic with the Cleveland County EMS, while she and her team were responding to an emergency, an impaired driver struck the ambulance from behind, injuring the patient, another paramedic, and unfortunately, killing Ashley. Ashley served Cleveland County for 9 years as a paramedic, a field training officer, and an EMS instructor. She dedicated her life to caring for others with compassion and professionalism. Every day, first responders put themselves in harm's way to protect their communities, and Ashley embodied the very best of that calling, putting the needs of others before her own until her very final moments. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in praying that God will bring comfort and strength to Ashley's family and her fellow first responders during this time.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I will first start off with thanking my colleague on the other side of the aisle for his support on this. It is great when we can do bipartisan things, particularly on such subject matter. I rise today in support of my bill, the Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act. When Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina and so many other States, small businesses were on the front lines of recovery. They stepped up to serve their communities and support their neighbors. They led, in a lot of ways, the response when it was needed most. When disaster hits, speed matters. Delays can determine whether businesses reopen or whether homes are repaired. The longer it takes for a community to rebuild, the greater the strain on the local economy. That is why the Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Program is so important. It provides low-interest, long-term loans that help homeowners and businesses recover, rebuild, and get back on their feet. Unfortunately, a few years ago, the SBA failed to notify Congress that the disaster loan account was running dangerously low on funds. So what happened? As a result, the program experienced a 66-day funding shortfall. What that did, Mr. Speaker, was leave homeowners and small businesses unable to access critical disaster assistance when they needed it most. Hurricane Helene exposed serious weaknesses in the oversight and management of this account. We should learn from these failures rather than allowing them to be repeated. That is why I introduced this bill. It strengthens oversight, increases transparency, and also puts in place even better financial safeguards within the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program. These reforms are going to help ensure that Congress receives timely information, that resources are managed responsibly, and that disaster assistance remains available when Americans need it, not after it is too late. Homeowners and small businesses cannot afford delays after a disaster. This ensures that the Federal Government is better prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and responsibly when disaster strikes. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, many parts of this country are facing a major housing affordability issue. In my home State of North Carolina, there is an estimated housing shortage of 750,000 units. With over 100,000 more people moving into North Carolina every year, that gap is only going to grow. One way--in fact, the way to solve the housing affordability issue is to build more houses. It is really that simple, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act does exactly that. Instead of piling on new mandates or subsidies, it removes the burdens that are standing between American families and an affordable home. Building more homes is only half of the equation, though. That is why the banking reforms in this bill are so critical. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act expands mortgage access for working families and includes my bill, the TRUST Act, which also lifts unnecessary regulatory burdens off of well-managed community banks. These reforms will help banks provide more construction loans that get shovels in the ground and opportunities for first-time buyers as well as those buying a second home. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I, too, thank the chairman for his excellent leadership on this.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week is Police Week, and I think our law enforcement officers would agree that public safety should not be a partisan issue. What we have seen around the country are leftist judges and DAs who are pushing policies that put criminals back on the streets and take tools away from law enforcement. One of the ways that happens is through cashless bail. I was an attorney for 30 years, and I practiced all levels of court, including criminal practice. I have seen, particularly in certain areas in my home State and other areas around the country, where violent criminals are released on either very low bail or sometimes cashless bail. As Mr. Harris pointed out, you had the tragic situation of Iryna Zarutska who was brutally murdered on the light rail in Charlotte. She would be alive today had that criminal been in jail. He had been released over and over and over again. The Cashless Bail Reporting Act that we are debating today at least creates a list of jurisdictions that release individuals accused of serious offenses like murder, rape, and carjacking without requiring cash bail. Now, I do think that the ranking member's assessment of bail--I would not disagree with the gentleman's assertion of how bail is set up. I would submit, and perhaps the gentleman would agree with me, that there are instances where the courts simply are getting it wrong. Someone with common sense should look and say: Why was this guy released on the street? Look at the seriousness of the underlying crime, the criminal record. When you see someone who has been through the courts over and over again, and when the crimes get more serious every time, it starts off with maybe just stealing, then it goes to robbery, then it goes to assault, then it involves a weapon. Why in the world would that person be released on a cashless bail? Let alone, why would they not be held in jail awaiting trial? Here is what happens. When you look at the statistics of the folks who commit crimes in my State and your State and other States, a lot of the crimes are committed by the same folks over and over again. The statistics are out there showing the folks who go out and commit crimes while they are awaiting trial on other charges. We have to rein this in, and we have seen situations around the country where that hasn't happened. Look, I will tell you, in my home State of North Carolina, former Governor Roy Cooper actually released over 3,500 convicts, people who had already been convicted, he released them early from prison with lengthy criminal records, and the stats are showing of those folks released, most of them have reoffended since then. The reality is there are some people who are dangerous. They are criminals. They are going to rob. They are going to murder. They are going to commit crimes, and they should be incarcerated. What this bill does at least, is this is going to shine a light--and I appreciate you doing this, Mr. Harris--this is going to shine a light on those jurisdictions where the judges are just letting these violent criminals back out again. I hope a day will come when even folks who are on the left where some of this stuff is happening in these districts will realize it is not about left or right because when these criminals offend, they don't pick and choose who their victims are. They often terrorize those communities that can least afford to have that done to them. So I appreciate this work, and we have other steps. There is a bill I am supporting that would actually create liability in the case of gross negligence when folks are released out on cashless bail. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this bill, and I hope we pass it.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill, the Tailored Regulatory Updates for Supervisory Testing Act, otherwise known as the TRUST Act. Back home in western North Carolina, and in so much of rural America, community banks are very often the only financial institution in so many of our small towns. These are the banks that are helping a young couple get approved for their first mortgage or sitting down with someone who wants to open a business to be able to extend that line of credit that they need to do so. Our community bankers are involved in the community. They give back to charity, as they truly are a part of the community and a key part of our economy. Right now what is happening is these small-town banks are suffocating under a regulatory system that just does not make sense. It is one- size-fits-all, and it really makes no sense to treat a small, rural community bank to the same exact regulatory and compliance standards as you do with the really super large banks that you have around the country. It is just not fair. They can't keep up with it, and it just causes ridiculous costs that don't make sense. The central issue that this bill goes to is to address the examination cycle that these banks are required to undergo. The way it works is Federal regulators routinely examine banks to make sure they are operating safely and responsibly; something that is extremely important. We cannot cut down on oversight. Under current law, the healthiest community banks can qualify for examinations every 18 months instead of 12 months, but the eligibility for that relief is tied to an outdated asset threshold that was set back in 2018 which has not been updated since then. At that time, about 94 percent of community banks fell under the $3 billion threshold that allowed them to qualify for the longer examination cycle. Today, because of inflation and economic growth alone, it takes nearly $6 billion in assets to cover that same share of banks. Let's call this what it is. These banks did not suddenly become reckless overnight or stop serving their communities responsibly. The only thing that changed was the economy grew, and Washington never bothered to modernize the rules. That means that well-run community banks are now being pushed to more frequent exam cycles simply because of an outdated number on paper that no longer reflects the reality. Here is what happens. Every hour spent preparing paperwork for regulators is an hour not spent helping small businesses and helping individuals who need to get access to credit. What has to happen is this has to be updated. Congress can do this, and I believe they will do this today. Passing the TRUST Act would update the threshold from $3 billion to $6 billion. What that would do is allow this law to reflect today's economy, and community banks will continue to qualify for the same regulatory relief that Congress originally intended. Absolutely just as important, the bill does not weaken the safety and soundness standards one bit. These institutions must still maintain strong ratings, be well-capitalized and operate without enforcement actions. To someone who is watching at home today or hears about this and wonders, why is this important? Well, it is important because if you cut down on the amount of regulations, the amount of red tape, the amount of money that just goes into the bureaucracy to feed this, if you stop spending that money there, you have that money to put into small businesses and to provide money to working families, folks who need access to capital. For that reason and so many more--I know this is a great bill, and I appreciate the support--I urge the body's passage.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is celebrating 250 years since our founding. During this time, we reflect on the patriots who founded this country, but I also want to recognize those who have kept it strong. In my district, that story goes back nearly a century. In the early 1900s, Stuart Cramer, a Naval Academy graduate, and his family purchased a small textile mill in North Carolina and built out the town of Cramerton. By 1929, they developed a lightweight khaki fabric that would go on to clothe millions of American servicemembers throughout World War II and beyond. This placard shows their sign in town. When World War II broke out and demand surged, the Cramer family could have held on to their patent for profit. Instead, they released it so that factories across the country could produce more uniforms for our troops and help us to win the war. Mr. Speaker, that is true patriotism. On our Nation's 250th anniversary, let's honor everyday patriots who carry forward the legacy of freedom and pass it on stronger than they found it.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the student athletes of Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia, North Carolina, for winning the North Carolina boys' State basketball championship. In North Carolina, basketball is a part of who we are. From packed high school gyms to college arenas, our State takes great pride in the game. This tradition is alive and well at Hunter Huss High School. These students spent countless hours practicing, preparing, and pushing themselves to be their best. Their hard work and determination paid off in a season that we will never forget. A State championship is never won by just one person. It is a testament to the coaches, to the families, to the teachers, and the supporters who stood behind this team all season long. Mr. Speaker, achievements like this bring our community together, and I can say that Gaston County and all of North Carolina are very proud of this great team. We congratulate the Hunter Huss Huskies for an outstanding season and a well-earned State title.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 24.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act. America is facing a substantial housing shortage. Right now, we are short more than 8 million homes nationwide. In North Carolina alone, that gap is projected to exceed 750,000 homes. The reality is simple. The only solution is to build our way out of the problem. Building new housing right now is slower and more expensive than it should be, largely because of regulatory costs and outdated Federal requirements. Regulations now, Mr. Speaker, add over $93,000 to the cost of building a single new home. The Affordable HOMES Act takes a step to address this problem by eliminating the duplicative Department of Energy regulations that drive up costs for manufactured housing. Affordability requires more homes to be built faster at a lower cost. I am proud to support the Affordable HOMES Act because I believe it makes it easier for Americans to achieve the dream of homeownership.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Carl J. Stewart, Jr., a proud son of Gaston County, North Carolina, and a former speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, who passed away on December 23 at the age of 89. Carl grew up in a working-class family as the son of two Firestone Mill employees. He earned a scholarship that helped him attend Duke University and Duke University Law School. He then went on to serve in the North Carolina House for 13 years and made history as the first speaker elected to serve two consecutive terms. Throughout his life, Carl was a very well-respected attorney in our area with an absolutely great law practice. He combined his legal work with public service, along with serving in the legislature. He held leadership roles on the North Carolina Board of Transportation, the North Carolina Economic Development Board, the North Carolina Ports Authority, as well as the North Carolina Ethics Commission. His legacy lives on in the infrastructure and educational access that he helped build, especially at Gaston College. For six decades, Carl Stewart served the community college, first as a business law instructor, then as legal counsel, forming a partnership with college presidents and board members rooted in innovation, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student success. In every role, he focused on building a stronger North Carolina, and he really put in so much time to improve the lives of folks in Gaston County. Whether it was education or other things, you name it, he was always there. I will tell you one thing about Carl. He never lost sight of where he came from, and he spent his life helping. I got to know Carl even before I was speaker of our statehouse, and I can tell you, he was a great mentor. He was somebody who loved nurturing folks who were coming up in public service and getting involved and folks who really wanted to try to make our State a better place. I am going to tell you, North Carolina is a better place because of Carl Stewart's work and his example. I join our community in mourning this tremendous loss. I ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers in appreciation for all that he has done for so many in our great State. Honoring Life and Service of Officer Michael Miles

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and service of Officer Michael Miles, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. He was a proud marine, a loving father, and a dedicated police officer serving the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for more than 13 years. He spent much of that time protecting and mentoring others in the Freedom Division. Before wearing the badge, he wore the uniform of the United States Marine Corps and served his country with honor. That same spirit of service guided him every day on the job and at home. His sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss for his loved ones, his fellow officers, and our entire community. Officer Miles leaves behind his partner, Hannah, and four children. I ask my colleagues to join me in lifting up his family in prayer.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize three outstanding high school football teams from North Carolina's 14th Congressional District who brought home State championships. From my home county of Cleveland County, I congratulate the Crest High School Chargers, the 5A State champions. These young men showed grit, discipline, and heart all season. Also from my home county, I congratulate Shelby High School, which earned the 3A title, continuing a proud tradition of excellence, proving that Cleveland County is a football home. In northern Mecklenburg County, Hough High School captured the 8A championship. This incredible achievement reflects the talent and determination in communities like Cornelius. However, these victories actually reflect much more than athletic skill. They reflect the support of coaches, parents, teachers, and communities who stand behind these teams. These young athletes made us very proud to represent the best of the 14th Congressional District. I congratulate all three teams.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, before giving my remarks about the Affordable Care Act, I want to mention a couple of things. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I mention on the House floor the tragic passing of Greg Biffle, his wife, and two children in an airplane crash that happened just a few hours ago in North Carolina. On behalf of this body and all North Carolinians, I want to express my condolences to this wonderful family on this terrible tragedy. They will be in the thoughts and prayers of so many around the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I want to let this body know about the passing of a great leader in our State, former Governor Jim Hunt, who passed away today. The news came out a little bit ago from his daughter who currently is our State's Lieutenant Governor. He was a great man and a great leader in North Carolina. He loved and cared a lot about public education in our great State. He was a man I came to know during my time as speaker of the statehouse and he was someone who loved his State. Our thoughts and prayers and condolences are with his widow and with his family, particularly as we go into this Christmas season. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos) affording some time to not only myself but to a number of our colleagues today to talk about the legacy of ObamaCare that we find ourselves inheriting here in this Congress. It is a program that passed some 15 years ago before I believe any of the Members who have spoken so far today were even serving in this body. Here we are in a situation where we have to try to clean up this mess. Why would I say it is a mess? Mr. Speaker, I can think back to a time before ObamaCare, back before this passed. Healthcare was less expensive. Healthcare was more accessible. A person could go out and afford to buy health insurance. Prescription medications were more affordable. In fact, when I talked to colleagues, when I talked to businessowners, and when I talked to folks, it was easier to be able to get good health insurance. ObamaCare passes. What happens? We see healthcare costs spike. We see prescription drug costs go out of control. We see total inefficiencies in the system. We see a lot of wasted money. We see these phantom insured folks. These people aren't really insured, but insurance companies are receiving billions of dollars every year for coverage that simply does not exist. Look at the premiums. Look at a lot of the sticker shock that a lot of Americans are getting right now during this time of year, as we are in the Christmas season, where they are told, they will have to pay more. They need to understand ObamaCare is what has caused all of this mess. When we move away from a free-market system where we are allowed to have greater efficiency, when we have a system that strives for cost containment but, at the same time, great health outcomes, it works better. Today, we hear stories of denials and delays, everything on insurance, and it costs more. That, my friends, is unfortunately the legacy of ObamaCare. It is why this body is not going to continue to throw good money after bad. It is an investment that is not paying off economically, and it is an investment that is not paying off for the health of Americans around this country. On the planned premiums, the actual cost, the premium cost, ObamaCare premiums have risen two times faster than employer plans. We have a chart. We probably can't see it on TV. There is a chart where we can see this thing spiking up right there out of control. Those are the resulting ObamaCare premium increases that are happening. This is not acceptable, and it is not appropriate to keep throwing money after it. These surging premiums are also driving a higher Federal subsidy cost. So what do we mean? The ACA subsidy grew from $18 billion in 2014 to $92 billion in 2023. Now, how many people out there think that they have actually gotten better healthcare in that period of time? I don't think many are going to speak up and say that they are. Get this. I have talked about it going from $18 billion to $92 billion. This year alone, in 2025, costs are projected to reach $138 billion. Again, it just keeps going up. The only thing my friends on the other side of the aisle know to do is to keep throwing money at it--keep throwing money at it; nothing to try to improve efficiency, nothing to try to improve coverage, nothing to try to improve the system, nothing but wasting more and more money in a system that is not working. The COVID extension is what a lot of talk has been about. There was a temporary COVID extension that, when Democrats were in charge, they solely passed, right? They passed to put that in place. The Biden administration put that in with an expiration date. Well, they knew it could not continue. They knew it wouldn't sustain. I think, frankly, they knew it wasn't going to work. Get this. Let's say we went along with extending that. It would cost right now $335 billion over 10 years, which is going to, again, only put the budget more out of balance, is going to affect our national debt, and it is simply not sustainable. The other thing that we looked at earlier was what is called the zero-claim enrollment. That is where folks really aren't even assured. I think they are called phantom insured. It is not real, but it is money being paid to insurance companies. These zero-claim enrollments have more than tripled--more than tripled--rising from 3 to 4 million in 2021 to nearly 12 million in 2024. Get this. In 2024, about 35 percent of the marketplace enrollees had zero claims, up from 20 percent before the subsidy expansions. At the same time, these insurers received billions in taxpayer subsidies for enrollees who received no care, including--this is real numbers--$21 billion in 2023 alone. To those folks watching, those folks who are genuinely concerned about improving access to healthcare and affordability, know that Republicans are serious about this. We passed legislation this week to deal with that--to look at some marketplace reforms, to look at association health plans, to look at PBM reform and transparency, and to do things to drive those costs down and to make healthcare more accessible. Also, look at the bill we put in a few weeks ago to put $50 billion into rural healthcare that will help all of America. It will help my State in North Carolina, but it will help all 50 States because there are areas of our country where simply they do not have access to healthcare because of the rural location, distance to hospital, distance to provider, you name it. Republicans are putting those funds in there to make this more available. Don't believe a lot of the hype on the other side out there of just spend money and spend money on a system that isn't working. Republicans are serious about improving healthcare for all Americans. The bills we have passed this week and the statements we have made are clear to that. I appreciate Congressman Haridopolos, my good friend from Florida, for doing this. I have to say, Congressman, you helped them bring attention to this. You did a great job in Florida when you were in the State legislature, the work that you all did, the work to help there and bringing this issue to the forefront here in Congress. Sir, as a colleague, I appreciate what you are doing, and I appreciate the time to speak today.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cleveland Community College on the anniversary of its founding. Since July 1, 1965, when fewer than 40 students gathered in two rented buildings, Cleveland Community College has grown into a cornerstone of progress and opportunity for Cleveland County and our region. Cleveland Community College has always risen to meet the needs of our community, training returning veterans in its earliest days, and now preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and others. Thanks to strong leadership from the founding president, Dr. James Petty and the current president, Dr. Jason Hurst--and the presidents in between all those years--the college now boasts state-of-the-art centers for technology, emergency services, allied health, and workforce development, along with strong partnerships with local schools and businesses. Today, it stands as one of North Carolina's highest performing community colleges. In fact, it is one of the highest performing community colleges in the country. Mr. Speaker, again, I congratulate Cleveland Community College on its 60th anniversary.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the heroism of paramedic Mary Jolly of Gaston County, North Carolina, who tragically passed away at just 27 years old. On November 15, Mary stopped along Interstate 95 in Florida to help a driver who had been struck by a vehicle. While rendering aid, she herself was hit by another car and critically injured. Mary, sadly, died exactly the same way she lived, which is serving others. Since joining the Gaston County EMS in 2021, Mary distinguished herself as a highly-skilled and deeply compassionate paramedic and a member of the Swift Water and Surface Water Rescue team. She was named B-Shift Outstanding Paramedic in 2023, which is a reflection of her dedication and her professionalism. Her colleagues described her as courageous and kindhearted to every patient she encountered. It is clear that her loss is felt across Gaston County and our greater region. Mr. Speaker, we extend our deepest condolences and our prayers to her family, her friends, and her fellow first responders.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we take up the Senate- passed bill to reopen the government, I want to clarify that we should be proceeding through regular order before taking any action that could potentially impact the entire hemp industry and affect more than 220,000 American jobs. Authorizing policy through an appropriations bill is counter to House rules and undermines the jurisdiction of our authorizing committees. Appropriations bills are intended to fund the operations of government, not to rewrite permanent law. The Agriculture Committee is the proper venue to hear from stakeholders and debate this change. This provision should never have been added to an appropriations bill on the floor of the Senate without input from the farmers and small businesses who will be potentially impacted. What we need is a measured, transparent approach that prioritizes public safety while preserving a viable path forward for an emerging American industry. Once the government is reopened, I look forward to working with my colleagues to restore certainty and stability for farmers in North Carolina and throughout the U.S.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of Boy Scout Troop 39 from Matthews, North Carolina. While on their way up to Camp Grimes, these scouts noticed the side of Calvary's Cross Church, in Casar, North Carolina, catching fire from an arson attempt. These young men did not hesitate. They pulled over, grabbed the water bottles and drinks they had packed for the trip, and started working together to put out the flames. Their troop leader said that at one point, the flames were shoulder height. Thanks to their quick thinking and resourcefulness, they helped stop the fire before it could spread and cause severe damage to the church. This is exactly what the Boy Scouts of America stand for--being prepared, stepping up in the moment, and serving others without being asked. These Scouts set a powerful example for all of us. They didn't wait for someone else to act. They saw a need, and they took responsibility. I am proud of these young men for their courage and presence of mind. Their actions made a real difference, and they reminded us all of the kind of character and leadership we should be encouraging in the next generation. Casar is lucky to have had them passing through that day.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this debate about keeping the government open is not just an academic debate. I have been here about 8 months. Before that, for about 10 years, I had the opportunity to write budgets for our State of North Carolina in our State legislature. We showed how you can lower taxes, cut regulations, and turn things around, which we have done successfully. I am new in this game here in Washington. I want to talk about something that is very important to my home State, and that is disaster relief after Hurricane Helene, which has been almost a year ago when that happened, and the ongoing efforts that are happening right now. I want my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to hear this very loudly and clearly. If the government is shut down, those relief efforts, which are vital to my State and other States, including California, that are dealing with cleaning up from disasters, those efforts will stop. That is malpractice. We cannot do that. It is vital to make sure that those things continue. I am reminded, and I am going to give a shout-out to Chairman Cole here. Back before I was a Member last year, we came up with a delegation from North Carolina. We met with the chairman and other members of the Appropriations Committee. I am very proud of the way that they, on a bipartisan basis, funded that initial tranche of relief for our State and that we have done additional work.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we need to continue the efforts to make sure that we rebuild in western Carolina and any other part of the country that has been impacted. My request to my friends on the other side of the aisle: There is time to debate all of these other issues as this appropriations bill passes through the process, but this CR simply gives additional time to work through this and will make sure that these disaster relief efforts continue unabated. This is important. We owe it to the people of my district, of my State, and, frankly, to everyone in this Nation.

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina

Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Officer Gabriel Stainback, a young man taken far too soon in a senseless tragedy. Officer Stainback had just begun his career in law enforcement, sworn in last December to the Cornelius Police Department in North Carolina. He had a bright future ahead of him. He was recently married. He and his wife, Teonna, were out on a bike ride together when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. No family should ever have to endure that kind of loss. This was a young man who put his heart into his community. He was a State champion athlete, a college graduate, a pilot, and, above all, someone who loved his faith and his family, as well as his community. Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, his parents, and fellow officers. Officer Stainback represented the very best of us, and we will not forget him. Honoring the life of Officer William ``Bill'' Broadway