John McGuire

Mr. McGUIRE

Mr. McGUIRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the award-winning TV anchor, Mark Spain. On December 18, central Virginia lost a friend in WSET ABC 13 News anchor Mark Spain after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Mark Spain was known for his sense of humor, his smile, and his positive nicknames for his friends in the office. Mark was a consistent voice in the community and will be remembered as a pillar in the Lynchburg, Virginia, area. On January 4, a day after being sworn into Congress, I attended Mark Spain's celebration of life at the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today from the House floor I want to take a moment to remember Mark Spain and say that Tracy and I join our community in praying for Mark, his wife Lynita, their three children, and the WSET ABC 13 News family during this difficult time.

Mr. McGUIRE

Mr. McGUIRE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise today to honor an amazing person, Frances Mae West Byers from Bumpass, Virginia, in my district, Virginia's Fifth Congressional District. Mrs. Byers was born on January 25, 1915, in Hanover County, where my family is from, in the district, and she just celebrated her 110th birthday on January 25, 2025. In 1932, she married John Franklin Byers and became the proud matriarch of a lineage that now spans six generations. Her family's dedication to service is evident with three sons in the military. John was in the Navy. Thomas was in the Army. Paul was in the Air Force. Her son Dan served on the Louisa Board of Supervisors. Mrs. Byers has lived a life grounded in morality. In addition to her faith, which she has in common with me, we have never tasted alcohol, and we have never smoked. Instead, she invests her time reading the Bible and helping those in need, which I have no doubt has added significantly to her longevity and to the vitality of her spirit. At the remarkable age of 110, Frances Mae still leads a home Bible study, sharing her wisdom and faith with others. On behalf of the people of Virginia's Fifth Congressional District, I wish Mrs. Byers a happy 110th birthday.

Mr. McGUIRE

Mr. McGUIRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the March for Life. Life is a miracle, and it must be protected. I have this small camouflage backpack I have carried in the general assembly for 7 years and now in Congress with a small baby sock to remind us of our most vulnerable. This week I was proud to cosponsor the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, legislation that continues House Republicans' theme of commonsense measures for the 119th Congress. This bill requires that healthcare providers treat babies born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion with compassion and dignity. I encourage all of my colleagues across the aisle to vote for life in favor of this legislation. As thousands of people come to our Nation's Capital and rally to support the right for life, I would like everyone to take a moment and remember the millions of unborn feet this small sock could have warmed. Recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Mr. McGUIRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It can happen anywhere, and it can impact anyone, regardless of race, religion, or creed. During my time in the Virginia General Assembly, I have fought on the legislative front lines to stiffen felony penalties for human traffickers. Now as a Member of Congress, I am going to continue the fight, and I encourage everyone to help raise awareness so we can save lives. Whether it is learning more about the telltale signs of human trafficking or reaching out to your local authorities to learn about their efforts, if you see something, say something. Do something. I encourage everyone to do their homework. Learn more about human trafficking, and join the fight to protect the vulnerable.

Mr. McGUIRE

Mr. McGUIRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Representative of Virginia's Fifth Congressional District. I am honored to serve nearly 800,000 Virginians. Virginia, thousands of miles from the border, is a border State. Every county, city, and town is a border county, city, and town under the current administration. Last week, I voted on my first bill, the Laken Riley Act. Illegal aliens are robbing, sexually assaulting, and murdering American citizens. This bill detains illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes, like theft, until they get deported. Laken had a bright future, but her life was cut short when an illegal alien murdered her while she was jogging one morning. She fought and did everything right. The perpetrator kept getting released from jail because of weak America-last policies. I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation introduced by my good friend, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins), who is empowering law enforcement to do their job.