Ralph Norman

Mr. NORMAN

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I do.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the House of Representatives has a responsibility and a duty to protect the integrity of this institution. What we learned from the documents released by Jeffrey Epstein's estate is nothing short of alarming. Those documents show that Delegate Stacey Plaskett, a sitting Member of Congress, coordinated her questioning during an official oversight hearing with a man who is a convicted sex offender, a man whose crimes against minors shocked this entire Nation. Let me be clear: This was not just casual contact. There were deliberate communications, and they shaped her official line of questioning in a congressional hearing. The American people expect honesty. The American people expect integrity and judgment from their elected officials. They expect Members of Congress to conduct themselves with one word--decency--not to seek advice from a predator who exploited minor children. This resolution does not accuse. It acknowledges what is documented. It censures Delegate Plaskett for her conduct; removes her from the Intelligence Committee, where her judgment is paramount; and directs a full investigation into the extent of her relationship with Mr. Epstein. Some will try to spin this as politics, but protecting the honor of this body is not partisan. It is not Democrat. It is not Republican. Standing against a convicted predator's influence in our proceedings is not partisan. It is basic decency. We cannot pretend this didn't happen. The American people deserve better. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, before I yield time to my good friend from Louisiana, to Representative Raskin, I will be careful in my remarks. You need to be careful with your facts. You have an 11-year veteran of this body who should know better. You have an 11-year Member of this body who took money. It wasn't a newspaper article. It was a fact. She took money from Jeffrey Epstein. It is ironic that you are taking up by defending Ms. Plaskett, which is going to the Ethics Committee, but she has lost her willingness or lost her ability to serve because she got irrational judgment by taking money from a convicted pedophile of young children. It is unfathomable that you are taking the position that you are. These are facts. You mentioned Ghislaine Maxwell. She is not a sitting Member of Congress. She, as a sitting Member of Congress, has relinquished any sense of duty to serve on these committees. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins).

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire about how much time is remaining.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, let me just say for my good friends on the left, you know, we are hearing words. That is all this is, words. You are taking the side of a young lady who should have known better. She served for 11 years. She disparaged herself. She did it to herself. This is not smoke and mirrors. These are actual texts that pretty well indict Ms. Plaskett. Would she probably take it back? Yes, but it is too late now. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my good friend.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before I recognize Mr. Clyde, let me just say I don't know Ms. Plaskett. My overall impression of her has been good. She gives these words about protecting families and children. Where is that demonstrated when she took money from a convicted pedophile that had served time? Where was that? The words are beyond believability. I think she is a nice person, but she missed the boat. She lost her--I don't know the word to describe it. For what she has done, she deserves to come off of the committees. Let me remind you, we want to go to the Ethics Committee. To those listening, the Ethics Committee is five Democrats and five Republicans. Let them find it, but in the meantime, you do not deserve to serve on a committee, a national committee.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde).

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I find it interesting that the minority leader mentioned that we aren't really a majority. I will tell you, 77 million people are a majority. They rendered the consequences to elect the President that has revived this country from a disaster, 4 years under the Biden administration. Let's go back into a little bit of history here about the hearing. The messages show that Plaskett texted Epstein before the hearing that started that day, at 7:55. She texted him, the sex offender, the predator on the children she says she protects. They had comments like he told Ms. Plaskett to talk about his grades. He mentioned that she had a great-looking outfit. This is from Mr. Epstein. At 10:40, a broadcast feed cut to Ms. Plaskett, showing her moving her mouth as if she was chewing something. Ms. Plaskett mentioned that she had multiple, multiple texts. According to the records--and I don't know how many of her texts came from those convicted of felonies, but at 2:25, minutes before Plaskett began questioning Cohen at 2:28, Epstein messaged back ``Good work'' at 2:34, 1 minute after Plaskett finished her questioning of Cohen. So the whole 5 minutes was pretty much conducted under the direction of a convicted pedophile. Ms. Plaskett was reached by phone Thursday. Plaskett declined to answer questions about the text messages and directed all inquiries to her congressional staff. Plaskett's chief of staff said Thursday she was ``not in a position to confirm or not'' whether the Congresswoman was texting with Mr. Epstein at the hearing. She did not respond to follow-up questions. Bottom line, these are facts. These are text messages. This wasn't smoke and mirrors, so it is interesting that they are taking that tact. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I find it interesting that the President is occupying the minds of my good friends on the left rent-free, and essentially, they bring him up every time. Keep doing it. Keep doing it. This President has a record that is second to none. I hope my listeners in the audience can distinguish between just words and babbling on when they reject the facts of what has been presented. Texts don't lie. They can offer all the excuses--and I do think Ms. Plaskett is a nice lady. She made a mistake here, a bad mistake. She took advice from a convicted pedophile. That is indefensible in this discussion here today. Mr. Speaker, I have listened to my colleagues defend the indefensible. I have heard everything from this is old news to this is just politics. Not a single person has disputed the key fact: written records in Epstein's own estate documents show Delegate Plaskett sought his input for an official hearing. This is the issue, that alone. Everything else is just noise. This Chamber cannot overlook that a sitting Member of Congress coordinated with a convicted sex offender to prepare questions for an official proceeding. Imagine telling the American people that that is acceptable. Imagine explaining to parents all across this country that Congress sees no problem with relying on the counsel of a predator of our innocent children. Some of my colleagues want to blur the edges, soften the facts, or bury this under procedural fog--noise, as I call it. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and accountability is not optional. This resolution is not excessive at all. It is appropriate. It is measured. It is necessary at this time. The question before us is very simple: Do we uphold a minimal--a minimal--standard for ethical conduct, or do we just shrug and say: Well, maybe next time? Mr. Speaker, the public deserves better. The House deserves better. The American people deserve better. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly great South Carolinian, Mr. Jeff Wilson. He is an outstanding public servant and beacon of our farming community. As head of Cotton Hills Farm in Lowrys, South Carolina, he recently was named the South Carolina Farmer of the Year for 2025 by the Sunbelt Ag Expo. This distinct honor is for his decades of dedicated service to farming, conservation, and community. For over 40 years, Jeff Wilson has exemplified the very best of what it means to be a South Carolina farmer. He is hardworking, he is innovative, and he is deeply committed to preserving the land and the legacy of his family. Cotton Hills Farm has been in the Wilson family since 1882. That is over 143 years ago. Originally starting with only 100 acres gifted to Jeff by his great-grandmother, it now spans over 1,000 acres producing a diverse array of crops. Jeff's story is one of dedication not only to the land but to the family. After serving our Nation in the Air Force during the Vietnam war, Jeff returned home to carry on the farm. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who took over the farm at the age of 13. Now, four generations later, Jeff farms alongside his sons, Jeb and Pete. Jeff has truly been an innovator in the agriculture industry. He has upheld sustainable farming practices long before they were commonplace and adopted no-till methods, cover cropping, and efficient underground irrigation to conserve water and to protect the soil. His commitment to conservation has earned him statewide and national recognition, including leadership roles on the soil and water conservation state board and the Southeast Region Hall of Fame award for the National Association of Conservation Districts. Jeff also works outside the family farm. He and his family operate three retail markets and a GAP-certified packing facility. These bring the fresh, local produce directly to the consumers. Throughout his life, Jeff has been deeply involved in serving his community. He has served 50 years with the Ruritan Club, 30 years with the Young Farmer and Agribusiness Association, and he is on the Clemson Extension Advisory Committee. He was also awarded County Conservationist of the Year. Jeff's commitment to education through programs like the annual Farm & Tractor Day and the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour reflect his desire to share the values of agriculture with future generations. Above all, Jeff Wilson's character stands as a shining example of integrity and of gratitude. His faith in our Almighty God and his humility are shown in everything he does, always reminding us of how important it is to give back to our community and to our country. I can personally attest to the genuine and forward-thinking spirit that Jeff brings to every opportunity. His leadership strengthens South Carolina agriculture, ensures the future of family farming, and honors the heritage that makes our State proud. On behalf of the people of South Carolina, I thank Mr. Jeff Wilson for his extraordinary contributions to our State, to our city, to our county, and to our country. I pray this work continues to inspire young people to lead by his strong values. We just had the tragic passing of a great American, Charlie Kirk, who extolled the values of faith, family, and freedom. Jeff Wilson extolls the values that Mr. Kirk extolled for 31 years of his life. Godspeed.

Mr. NORMAN

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, my amendment prohibits provisions of gender transition procedures including surgery or medication through the Exceptional Family Member Program. The Exceptional Family Member Program provides resources to military families with special needs. This program is designed for military spouses, children, or other dependent family members who require ongoing medical or educational services, such as individuals with asthma, autism, chronic respiratory illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and much more. Under the Biden administration, the Air Force suggested using the Exceptional Family Member Program for families who want to help their child transition. Democrats also introduced a bill to expand this program to include transgender dependence and specifically lists gender dysphoria as a qualifying medical need to be included in the program. My amendment ensures that we reserve this valuable program for its original intent to help families with special needs by prohibiting the use of the program for the provision or referral for gender transition procedures such as gender surgery or medication. The Exceptional Family Member Program, otherwise known as EFMP, should be used fully to support families with special needs and chronic illnesses, not for gender transition procedures, as has been mentioned. The program, as it was intended, specifically lists certain things for identifying families with special needs which includes the following: potentially life-threatening or chronic conditions, current or chronic mental health conditions, asthma or other respiratory- related diagnoses with chronic recurring symptoms, intellectual or developmental delays, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, chronic conditions that require adaptive equipment which assistive technology devices, or environmental or architectural considerations. Allowing gender transitioning procedures through the EFMP goes against the very intention the program was designed for. It provides valuable resources for families who otherwise would not have the funds to do so. Gender transitioning is not covered under any of the criteria for identifying individuals eligible for the EFMP. Mr. Chair, I ask for adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, all I would add to that is we have got an obligation to the American people to keep this country safe and to support our finest military men who are willing to risk it all in defense of America. My friend on the opposite side of the aisle mentions hip surgery. I think that is entirely different than a sex change operation. That doesn't say the person doesn't have it. With regard to the military and the funding, that is not where the money should come from. How about telling that child who has asthma that he has no treatment? How about telling that child with a mental impairment there is no money to do it and that we have to put the money toward somebody who is not sure about what sex they are? It is just not a priority in the military. The funding should not be set aside for that. There is a set amount of dollars that have to go toward this valuable appropriations process, and it is not to determine what somebody's sex is. This needs to be decided in other places with their own money and at other times. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, let me just put some numbers to this. Over the course of 5 years, the Pentagon spent $15 million--$15 million--in treating 1,892 transgender troops, including $11.5 million for psychotherapy and $3.1 million for surgeries, according to the Department of Defense. The price tag for individual gender-affirming surgical procedures and other medical treatments can range from $8,000 to $100,000. To compare hip surgery to a sex-change operation, it is two different worlds and two different thoughts that we just have a complete difference of opinion. I think if you take a survey of any of the troops, Mr. Chair, who are serving this country, the vast majority would say that transgender surgeries have no place in the military. The public to be borne with that price tag is, to be honest with you, Mr. Chair, incomprehensible. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an extraordinary public servant, Ms. Melinda Woodhurst, whose unwavering dedication to our Nation's veterans has left a lasting mark on York County, South Carolina. Her strong advocacy and innovative thinking has transformed the landscape of veteran services and has created meaningful change for our servicemembers and their families. She is a prime example of servant leadership. Since 2017, Ms. Woodhurst has served as the York County veterans service officer. Month after month, she attends meetings with numerous Veteran Service Organizations and the York County Veterans Advisory Council to stay closely connected with the needs of her community. Her involvement also extends to partnerships with the hospice network of York County and other vital support institutions. Ms. Woodhurst's service to our community has been far-reaching, particularly through her work with the Disabled American Veterans. The chapter's aging transportation van, affectionately known as the bag of bolts, finally gave out during a trip to Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Even when fundraising progress stagnated, Melinda stepped forward on her own time to raise over $30,000, enabling the purchase of a new van. She also worked to submit an application for a Disabled American Veterans Trust Fund grant, bringing the potential total funding to nearly $60,000. Ms. Woodhurst's leadership goes much further than fundraising. Understanding that the certification process for volunteer drivers through the Dorn VA could take up to 9 months, she collaborated with VA representatives and identified a solution. Thanks to her coordination, Melinda streamlined the entire certification process, condensing it into a single trip to Dorn. As of January 10, 2025, this process has resulted in 14 certified drivers, which was a dramatic improvement that is now being considered for statewide implementation. Her vision extends beyond boundaries, as she prepares to transition the management of the Veterans Transportation Program to the newly opening VA community-based outpatient clinic this summer. This will ensure that the impact of her work continues long after her tireless efforts. Melinda Woodhurst is not only a dedicated public servant but also a compassionate leader and an unwavering advocate for our veterans. Her work is a shining example of what true civic responsibilities look like that I know will shape generations to come. Her efforts have cut red tape, saved time and money and, most importantly, provided critical services to those who have sacrificed for our Nation. We recently found out that Ms. Woodhurst, due to family reasons, is going to retire as of this week, and I just want to extend to her a slogan that Winston Churchill said years ago when Great Britain was under attack. He said: There will be a time when doing your best isn't good enough. You have got to do what is required. Melinda Woodhurst has done what is required to serve her community, her State, her country, and more importantly, her God. On behalf of the Fifth Congressional District of South Carolina, I extend my deepest appreciation for her tireless efforts and exemplary service for those who serve our Nation. I thank her and wish her Godspeed in her retirement.

Mr. NORMAN

Mr. NORMAN. 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 materials on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde), my good friend.

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, I want to point out, from the outset, that there is no species, no animal, that kills its own. My family has been in the horse business for a good while. We raise pleasure horses. There is no mare that we have that kills its born, the new horse. We are in the cattle business. There is no cow that I have ever seen that has killed what it births. Yet, we as humans, for some reason, take that as a right that we can have. The Dobbs decision was one of the most important decisions of our lifetime. For nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade took power away from the people and handed it to unelected judges, but Dobbs finally made it right. The Court didn't outlaw abortion, as my friends on the left tried to claim. What it did was restore the fundamental truth that States and the citizens who live in them have a right to decide how we protect life. In South Carolina, we have chosen to stand for the unborn, and I stand before you today in unwavering support of our State's rights to do just that. In 2018, Governor McMaster took a bold step. He blocked abortion clinics, like Planned Parenthood, from receiving Medicaid funding because these dollars should go toward real healthcare helping women, children, and families, not to organizations that end innocent lives. Despite what my good friends from the left claim, killing a child is not a birth control measure. When Planned Parenthood sued to undo the decision, it wasn't just about funding. It was about undermining the rights of our States, our government, and our people. That is why I led a bicameral amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to take up Medina v. Planned Parenthood. This case is about far more than Medicaid. It is about whether the States, like South Carolina, can align their healthcare policies with their values and whether the courts will respect these values. Dobbs and Medina both point to the same truth. Washington, D.C., clearly doesn't get to decide everything. The Constitution makes it clear those decisions rest squarely with the American people. I will continue to fight for States' rights and for the rights of South Carolinians to govern ourselves without Federal interference. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NORMAN

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.