Zachary (Zach) Nunn

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Foxx for the incredible work of the Rules Committee. I know we worked through the night on something that is very important. That is ethanol--E15, to be specific. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the farmers, families, and small businesses in Iowa's Third District and, really, rural communities across America right now who need someone to be a fighter. We have a good group here in Washington on both sides of the aisle who are championing the importance of renewable biofuels, giving Americans the freedom to choose cleaner, more affordable, American-made fuel at the pump. That fuel is E15. E15 is simply gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol, or corn. Ethanol is grown, produced, and refined right here in the United States, often in towns and communities where agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, where every dollar spent at the co-op, in the grain elevator, and at the plants and refineries that support it is directly invested back into the families and communities that produce it. Authorizing year-round E15 nationwide, a free market approach that is American-made, benefits not only farmers but consumers, the environment, and our national security. Approximately 33 percent of all U.S. corn produced is used for ethanol, so imagine this the next time you drive down the road: a cornfield where every third row goes toward helping to fuel this Nation. Permanent E15 could boost corn demand by up to 2.4 billion bushels annually. It would increase our domestic market access for corn farmers and support viability for farmers, manufacturers, and our community. E15 clearly saves up to 30 cents per gallon. E15 provides higher octane for better engine performance. E15 is vital for national independence, especially in light of national conflicts. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 aims to authorize year-round E15 sales nationwide to eliminate the annual uncertainty of whether it can be completed. This legislation that we are leading adds to the billions of dollars that could be grown right here in the U.S. economy. It saves every American, and if you come to Iowa right now, at the local Casey's, it is $1.85 per gallon. That is a pretty good return on investment for your family's minivan or your truck. Mr. Speaker, right now, Iowa farmers see this not as an abstract policy but a direct threat. This is about demand for their crops, stability for markets, and the ability to plan for the next season without wondering whether Washington will pull them out of their challenges or pull the rug out from under them by failure to act. For Iowa families, this is about affordability. E15 consistently costs less than standard gasoline. At a time when families are watching every dollar, and this House is supposed to be focused on affordability and cost savings, this is a direct win. For our country, this is energy independence, but what is more, it is national security for all of us. Every gallon of ethanol blended in our fuel supply is a gallon that we don't have to buy from overseas. It means less reliance on unstable foreign markets and more reliance on American farmers, American workers, American innovation, and American families. It is good for our economy. It is good for our Nation. E15 is a must- pass bill.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Isaiah Davis for his outstanding service as a Staff Assistant in my office. As he concludes his time with Team Nunn, I cannot speak higher of the dedication, professionalism, and patriotism he brought to serving the people of Iowa's 3rd Congressional District every day. Over the past year, Isaiah was the first-person Iowans met walking in the office and was the man who welcomed me to Washington and sent me off to Iowa at the end of the legislative week. Whether navigating the fast pace of Capitol Hill or keeping us on schedule between meetings, events, and flights, Isaiah handled every responsibility with urgency, reliability, and good humor. His steady presence and positive attitude made even the longest weeks run smoothly. Beyond the front desk, Isaiah played a vital role in the daily operations of the office. He supported logistics, prepared materials, assisted with research, and helped coordinate events, always approaching his work with focus and a team-first mindset. His dependability and attention to detail made him a valued and trusted member of our team. Isaiah's strong sense of service is rooted in his upbringing as a military child. That experience taught him adaptability, discipline, and a deep respect for those who serve. This foundation is reflected not only in his work ethic, but also in his academic pursuits. While serving full-time in our office, Isaiah has been earning his master's degree at night at American University, with a focus on Cybersecurity and Foreign Affairs. His commitment to continuing public service at the highest level is clear. Isaiah--referred to in the office as ``Mr. Olympia'' for his 400- pound weightlifting capabilities and ``Mario Andretti'' for his speed navigating the perpetual obstacle course that is District of Columbia driving--delivered with skill, strength, and a champion's heart in the race to serve others well. Mr. Speaker, Isaiah Davis strengthened our office, our team, and our ability to serve lowans. I am deeply grateful for his contributions, and as he begins his next chapter, I am confident he will continue to lead with the same integrity, discipline, and purpose that defined his time with Team Nunn. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Isaiah for his service to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District and in wishing him continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional service of Whitney Hutson, who served with distinction as Director of Operations in my office over the past year. Her tireless work, sound judgment, and steady leadership played a vital role in ensuring our team delivered results each day for the people of Iowa's 3rd District. From her very first day on Team Nunn, Whitney stepped into one of the most demanding roles in any congressional office and excelled. She managed our daily, weekly, and long-term schedules--both in Washington, D.C. and across Iowa--ensuring every meeting, event, and engagement reflected our shared priorities and unwavering commitment to Iowans. As Director of Operations, Whitney prepared schedules and briefing materials that kept our office moving forward--even through the longest shutdown in U.S. history, shifting legislative demands, and the day-to- day unpredictability of public service with exceptional skill. Her calm under pressure mindset and ability to anticipate challenges kept us mission-ready in every circumstance and focused on what matters most: delivering for Iowans back home. Equally important, Whitney brought warmth and creativity to our team culture. She mentored junior staff, supported colleagues through busy weeks, and brightened the office alongside her Cavalier companion, Lady the dog. When things moved fast, Whitney stayed focused. When the pressure mounted, she delivered. Her professionalism, reliability, and example set a high standard for our entire team. A graduate of Western Kentucky University, a Nashville, Tennessee native, and a trusted colleague to all, Whitney's service to the people of Iowa reflects the character and work ethic that define Team Nunn. I am grateful for her contributions and confident she will continue to lead and succeed in the next chapter of her career. Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Whitney Hutson for her contributions to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District and wish her continued success in all that lies ahead.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the legacy of James ``Jim'' Arthur Albert, a remarkable Iowan whose lifetime of service has left a profound mark on our state, Nation, and communities far beyond our borders. Jim has served as a Professor of Law at Drake University for 43 years, earning national recognition for his teaching and shaping generations of attorneys through his steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity, and the rule of law. He has been named Professor of the Year at Drake on eight occasions, a distinction that reflects both the esteem of his students and his enduring influence on the legal profession. Prior to entering academia, he was a longtime trial lawyer and a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School, class of 1976. Beyond the classroom and courtroom, Jim has devoted himself to public service and ethical leadership. Since 1997, he has served as Chair of the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Finance Disclosure Board, providing principled, steady leadership and strengthening transparency and accountability in Iowa's political process. Jim also served as a Federal Communications Broadcast Attorney in Washington, D.C., demonstrating his lifetime commitment to public service. Jim's impact extends well beyond the borders of Iowa through his visionary leadership of the James Arthur Albert Foundation. Through this nonprofit, he has personally led more than 30 service missions to Belize.where he has worked to expand access to education by awarding scholarships, directing construction projects in underserved communities, and establishing workforce development programs for young Belizeans. What began as a modest initiative has grown into a nationally supported effort, as Professor Albert has forged lasting partnerships across Des Moines, throughout Iowa, and across the country--raising millions of dollars to promote education, economic opportunity, and lasting transformation in Belize. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jim Albert's extraordinary contributions to the people of Iowa, the people of Belize, and the countless lives he has touched through a career defined by service, leadership, and generosity.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the remarkable leadership and service of Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University, who is retiring after years of distinguished service to the university, the State of Iowa, and the agricultural community nationwide. Dr. Wintersteen's career stands as a testament to the power of education, innovation, and public service. A proud Iowa State University alumna, she earned both her bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the institution she would later lead, showing the next generation of students what it means to enact the Cyclone values of hard work, humility, and service to others. Before becoming Iowa State's 16th and first female president in 2017, Dr. Wintersteen spent decades advancing Iowa's land-grant mission. Her work in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program helped strengthen Iowa's leadership in agricultural research and community development. She built partnerships that lasted, connected classrooms to family farms, and ensured that students learned not just from textbooks but from the people who grow our food and fuel our economy. Through her efforts, she ensured that Iowa's innovation in agriculture continues to feed our Nation and fuel the world. Under her leadership as president, Iowa State saw record-breaking research funding, significant campus improvements, and expanded opportunities for students from all walks of life. She guided the university through challenges with resilience and vision, always putting students first and keeping Iowa at the heart of every decision she made. President Wintersteen represents the very best of what a Cyclone can and should be. Mr. Speaker, President Wintersteen's dedication to education and public service has inspired thousands across our state. Her legacy will endure in the classrooms she strengthened, the students she championed, and the future leaders she helped shape. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing President Wendy Wintersteen for her extraordinary contributions to higher education, agriculture, and the people of Iowa.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Madam Speaker, today, the Iowa delegation, myself, along with Representative Hinson, Representative Miller-Meeks, and Representative Feenstra, and other members of the floor, including those who have served in uniform and those who support those in uniform, rise today to honor two brave Iowans, Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, of Marshalltown, Iowa, who this week gave their lives in service of our country. On December 13, while serving with the Iowa National Guard in Syria, Edgar and Nate were killed by an ISIS terrorist attack. Three other guardsmen were wounded, and a U.S. interpreter was also killed. This was the first combat loss of American troops in Syria in over 5 years, and every American grieves alongside the families of the fallen. Edgar was just 25 years old. He was the first in his family to answer the call to service. He was full of energy, known for putting service before self, and just months from coming home. Nate was 29. He was a man of faith, a loving husband, and a guardsman with over a decade of service. He led by example--first in, last out, never leave a brother behind. They were young men. They could have chosen easier paths, but instead they chose service to our Nation. They stood their post when it mattered most. They carried the weight of our Nation's safety on their shoulders, and they did so with courage, humility, and honor. In return, we, the U.S. House of Representatives, give them our gratitude, not just in words, but in remembrance of the solemn promise that justice will be served. Out of grief, we renew our resolve. Out of loss, we strengthen our unity. Out of sacrifice, we carry forward hope, hope grounded in the values that Edgar and Nate lived every day: service before self, faith in something greater, and a love of country. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the House of Representatives to now observe a moment of silence in honor of Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres- Tovar and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to begin by thanking Representative Collins for his leadership on the PERMIT Act and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their joint work in a bipartisan way on many of these issues in this bill, as well. I rise in support today of an amendment to the PERMIT Act that would establish a new State-led water quality pilot program through the Environmental Protection Agency. This amendment is straightforward, and like my home State in Iowa, it is something that can help in our rural communities. It supports States across the country in working to address water quality challenges using voluntary, science-backed conservation practices that our landowners and local partners are already engaged in implementing. This issue hits particularly close to home for me. In the Hawkeye State, we have seen some of the highest nitrate levels ever recorded in our rivers and streams across Iowa. This year alone, the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers exceeded Federal nitrate limits multiple times, requiring expensive water treatment to provide safe drinking water for more than 600,000 Iowans. More than 600 water segments across Iowa are now listed as impaired, with just over 60 percent of our nutrient-impaired watersheds remaining on the 303(d) list. Iowans worked hard, as have many States, to address this issue, but the scale of the challenge demands better coordination and support from our Federal Government. My amendment would create a new pilot program to strengthen the State and Federal collaboration in areas with nitrogen and phosphorus impairments, exactly what Iowa is struggling with. It would bring the Environmental Protection Agency to the table with States to help advance water quality improvements more efficiently and ensure that our existing tools and conservation programs work together as effectively as possible in a hybrid model. This pilot is fully voluntary and keeps the Federal Government in its proper lane. It does not impose any new obligations on a producer or private landowner. What it does do is it helps best practices already being implemented in places like Iowa and many other States that are working to meet ambitious nutrient reduction goals. This amendment will help ensure that projects designed to improve water quality can move forward smoothly and with support, particularly in those areas with watersheds. This approach is the type of State-led partnership that focuses on solutions the PERMIT Act is intended to help support. It accelerates the forward progress of water quality projects. It strengthens State leadership on this issue. It gets buy-in from communities. It promotes voluntary conservation work that everyone agrees is the best way to help our family farms, local communities, rural hometowns, and, most importantly, water quality across this country. I respectfully ask my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment as we move forward with the PERMIT Act. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, while I appreciate the feedback from my colleague on the other side of the aisle, I will remind the gentlewoman from Michigan that not every good answer comes out of Washington, D.C. In fact, many of them are best practice right in our family hometowns. In a State like Iowa and in Des Moines, who helped lead in water quality--and we want to do more--the lag time, the bureaucracy, the delay, and the permitting coming out of Washington has made it only harder. This is a voluntary opportunity to create a pilot program that can create a new idea, make a good recommendation, capture a best practice, and help to instill it in a way that improves water quality not only at source, but downstream for every State, as well. While I support what the EPA is trying to do at the Federal level, I think we all recognize that the EPA alone can't solve this. They need help from great leaders on the ground. Let's empower locals to have the opportunity to also be part of the solution and not turn to, as you have noted several times, a long, delayed permitting process in Washington to be a final solution for every challenge that America faces. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, in closing, this amendment is about helping States succeed to improve their water quality--not creating a new mandate and not creating a new bureaucracy. It gives States the support that they need to do the things that currently aren't being executed under current law. This is a good, project-focused effort to help innovators at the source. It is smart. It is targeted solutions. It supports a cleaner water for our country. It is strong State leadership. It is better outcomes for communities. It is locally driven, not federally mandated. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 3898 and my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chair, Chairwoman Ann Wagner has been a great leader on capital markets and driving real innovation, but also real investment across this country through our INVEST Act. That is why I rise in support today of the INVEST Act, legislation that will transform the way we bring capital to the heart of the heartland, in places like Missouri and Iowa. Consider, if you will, Mr. Chair, a precision agriculture company in Atlantic, Iowa, that develops a new soil monitoring technology. They want to raise capital to manufacture sensors and hire engineers. Under current rules, they face excessive auditing requirements that cost up to $200,000 just in compliance alone. That is an amount that a coastal tech giant might spend in a day, but for a heartland company, that is a year's worth of an entire payroll for multiple employees. My ELEVATE Act, included in this package, fixes this challenge. It reduces auditing requirements for emerging growth companies from 3 years to 2 years, cutting costs while protecting investors. Iowa's innovators and America's innovators are creators of solutions that help feed the world and drive America forward. We should remove barriers, not continue to create or make them harder, because a startup in Perry, Iowa, deserves the same shot at success as one in Palo Alto, California. The INVEST Act delivers fairness, and my work on the ELEVATE Act delivers it right to the heart of this country. Mr. Chair, I urge passage.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a lifetime of service and leadership of Terry E. Branstad, Iowa's longest serving Governor and America's Ambassador to China. Terry was born and raised on a family farm near Leland, Iowa, where Governor Branstad lived the values that define the State of Iowa: hard work, faith, and service before self. He carried those values from the fields of northern Iowa to the halls of government, where he helped shape a legacy that touched every corner of our State. In every corner of our State, he knows a story about an Iowa family and how he helped them. When Terry first entered public service, he brought boundless energy and a deep sense of purpose. As a young candidate for Governor, he was known for literally running to the stage. His predecessor said that is not very Governor-like, but it was very Terry Branstad-like. It is something we have all tried to live in our lives going forward. He went on to become the longest serving Governor in history, with 22 years of steady leadership. He served as U.S. Ambassador to China, advancing trade, advocating for human rights, and strengthening America's agriculture. I had the honor of a lifetime of interning for Governor Branstad in 1995. His example of integrity, discipline, and humility is shaping who I am today. We are both Drake grads, military members, veterans, and committed to serving Iowa. Governor Branstad and his wonderful wife, Chris, are more than just mentors. They are friends to every Iowan. He is a leader who helped build our State, and we are proud to call it home. I congratulate Ambassador and Governor Branstad on receiving this year's Iowa Award. He more than earned it.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Ambassador and Governor Terry E. Branstad, a lifelong Iowan whose leadership has left an enduring mark on our state and our country. Terry Branstad was born in 1946 in Leland, Iowa, and grew up on his family farm. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa and before his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, he served in the United States Army as a military policeman, earning the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. His commitment to faith, family, and country has been a guiding principle throughout his life. Branstad began his political career in the Iowa House of Representatives and then served as Lieutenant Governor before being elected Iowa's 39th governor in 1982. During his campaign, Branstad often brought a spark of energy to the podium and ran to the stage, inspiring crowds across the state. At the time, outgoing Governor Robert Ray tried to convince Branstad that running was not gubernatorial--but he did it anyway, and I carry that same energy every time I take the stage or meet with Iowans. He went on to become the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, with over 22 years in office across two tenures. Branstad led Iowa through remarkable economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and educational reform, leaving a lasting legacy of service to Iowa families. But his contributions did not end there. In 2017, Branstad strengthened Iowa's role on the international stage upon being appointed as U.S. Ambassador to China, continuing a lifetime of public service. Terry has also been a mentor, a friend, and a boss to me personally. I had the privilege of interning in his office in 1995, where I learned firsthand the values of servant leadership and integrity. We share a connection through Drake University, our Catholic faith, and military service. I was proud to support his continued leadership when he served as President of the World Food Prize Foundation from 2023 to 2025. Mr. Speaker, Terry Branstad's life is a testament to the power of service, leadership, and friendship. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Governor Branstad, a remarkable Iowan, mentor to so many, and a true friend of mine, for his decades of service to Iowa and to our country.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I could not make today's vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 305.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of William C. ``Bill'' Knapp, a proud veteran of the United States Navy, a devoted husband and father, and one of Iowa's most influential builders of opportunity and community. At the age of seventeen, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy during the final year of World War II. He deployed to the Pacific theater as a landing craft pilot during the Battle of Okinawa, where he carried Marines ashore under fire and returned with the wounded and fallen. That experience, faced at such a young age, instilled in him a lasting sense of duty and courage. After the war, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Irene, and began a life marked by hard work and vision. He moved to Des Moines in 1948, attended AIB College of Business, and soon founded Iowa Realty. Under his leadership, the company expanded into commercial development and hospitality, becoming the largest real estate firm in the state and helping shape modern Iowa. Bill believed success came with a responsibility to serve others. He gave generously to strengthen Iowa's communities, supporting institutions such as Drake University and the Iowa State Fair, as well as numerous local efforts to expand opportunity and civic life. A proud veteran, he never forgot those who served, donating the land for the Iowa Veterans Cemetery and sponsoring a Central Iowa Honor Flight so that fellow veterans could visit the memorials built in their honor. Mr. Speaker, Bill Knapp's legacy is one of service, generosity, and enduring love for Iowa. He is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Ginny, stepdaughters Sara and Anna, his grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. He leaves behind a state shaped by his vision, strengthened by his leadership, and made better by his unwavering commitment to others. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of William C. ``Bill'' Knapp, a patriot, a community leader, and a faithful servant of the people of Iowa.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant Matthew Tyler Young, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, marine, and friend. A man of uncommon strength and deep compassion, Sergeant Young lived a life defined by service, sacrifice, and love for his country and community. Matt answered the call to duty as a United States marine and served honorably in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, Fox Company, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. To those who served beside him, he was more than a fellow marine. He was a brother, remembered for his quiet leadership and unwavering loyalty. Following his military service, Matt remained committed to serving others. Whether coordinating evacuations of American and Afghan allies or standing beside a veteran in crisis, he showed up--consistently and without hesitation. He did not seek attention or accolades. He believed that the measure of a life was found not in recognition, but in how faithfully we lift others up and how steadfastly we keep our promises. Matt's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rachael, and their children, Owen, Trystan, David, and Mekenzie, as well as his trusted service dog, Trooper. Matt's Marine Corps family remembers him as strong, loyal, quick to smile, and always ready to offer a helping hand. His character, shaped by discipline and compassion, left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Matt's legacy lives on in the veterans he stood by, the families he comforted, and the community he helped strengthen. We carry his name forward in the way we serve, the way we show up for others, and the values we live by. Mr. Speaker, this stands as a tribute to Sergeant Matthew Tyler Young's enduring impact. May it remind us that even in grief, there is gratitude--for the joy he gave, the lives he touched, and the example he set. And may it call each of us to live as he did, with honor, with heart, and with unwavering devotion. Semper Fidelis, Sergeant Young. Never Forgotten.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Trenton N. Twedt of the Iowa National Guard, whose nearly four decades of distinguished service in uniform exemplifies unwavering commitment to our state and our country. Colonel Twedt began his military career in 1986, enlisting in the United States Air Force as an avionics specialist. From those early days working on aircraft systems to later roles in command, he carried a steadfast dedication to mission and to the Airmen and women with whom he served. After earning his degree from the University of Iowa, Colonel Twedt received his commission in 1999. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in a remarkable career that advanced from the enlisted ranks to the highest levels of leadership within the Iowa Air National Guard. His service carried him to many parts of the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Germany. Yet through all his overseas assignments, his heart remained in Iowa, where he guided and mentored Guardsmen to ensure they were trained, supported, and prepared to serve. His mentorship, including to myself as a Squadron Commander, where he imbued his leadership traits upon the next generation of Air Force officers as our Group Commander, reflects his enduring commitment to building leaders of character and service. Over the years, Colonel Twedt has been a steady hand in moments of challenge, a trusted advisor to his peers, and a mentor to the next generation of Air Force leaders. His leadership has been recognized with the Legion of Merit and many other commendations. However, his most enduring legacy will be found in the lives he has influenced, the careers he has shaped, and the high standard of integrity he has upheld throughout his service. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Trenton N. Twedt has lived a life of service that exemplifies the very best of the Iowa Air National Guard and the United States Air Force. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude for his dedication to duty, his leadership through decades of change, and his contributions to our state and our Nation.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Rogers, as well as Representative Smith for their leadership on this. As an Air Force counterintelligence officer, it is good to see America's defense being lead again by great leaders. Not only does it include troop pay, but it also ensures innovation in our technology, a force for good in the world. Yet challengingly, we have seen on the world stage leaders flock to Beijing. From Moscow and Pyongyang, they have come to kneel at the altar of Xi Jinping. The reality here is that China is looking deep to degrade the West, fracture our allies, and capture emerging nations around the world. It illustrates why the U.S. must now, more than ever, continue to lead. Luckily, we are not alone in this fight. In just the past 5 years, over $100 billion in private capital flowed to our defense technologies, signaling that our best innovations and our ability to solve our Nation's largest security strategies happen not just in this Chamber but across the whole Nation. These new entrants need a welcoming defense environment, something the Department of Defense has struggled with in the past. This bill takes a long-overdue step to ensure the quick delivery of advanced capabilities to our warfighters when and where they need them. I am confident that this bill, along with the number of targeted amendments that we have been privileged to lead, will help lead in that fight. To begin with, expanding private financing. My amendment would expand the private financing opportunities for equity and private credit providers. This ensures that the taxpayer alone is not on the hook for defending our entire national security. Just today, I spoke to another Member who wanted to invest another $100 billion into private initiatives to help protect our country. Additionally, we need to harness the best who are out there, including those in the defense innovation unit, through putting forward a joint reserve detachment to bring in our technological partners; as well as our partnership with Taiwan, an amendment to ensure that we extend that innovation to where it can do best. Together we are working on amendments to include blockchain for CLARITY, an artificial intelligence plan for our defense industrial base, and integrated air defenses for U.S. CENTCOM. As someone who has served, as well as our 2,000 members from the Iowa National Guard, they demand this level of support not only in their pay but in their protection.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ted Corrigan on the occasion of his retirement. Through more than three decades of steady leadership at Des Moines Water Works, Ted has played a central role in ensuring clean, reliable water for families across Central Iowa. Since joining Des Moines Water Works in 1990, Ted has been a trusted steward of one of Iowa's most critical resources. He helped oversee major infrastructure improvements, expanded watershed protection programs, and worked with partners across the region to strengthen collaboration among local water providers. His leadership helped bring about the creation of Central Iowa Water Works, a new regional utility model built on cooperation and long-term planning. Ted guided the DMWW through both steady progress and unforeseen challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when basic services could not be taken for granted, he made certain that more than 500,000 Iowans continued to receive safe drinking water without interruption. His leadership during that period and beyond earned the Water Works national recognition, including the 2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Management from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. Ted also understood that public service extends beyond pipes and pumps. He championed the transformation of Water Works Park into a welcoming community space, helping to lead the development of the Lauridsen Amphitheater and creating new opportunities for Iowans to gather, enjoy outdoor recreation, and build stronger community ties. I have had the opportunity to work with Ted on matters of regional infrastructure and public health. His professionalism, clarity, and focus on long-term solutions made him a valuable partner to many, and his example has helped strengthen public trust in the institutions that serve our state. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ted Corrigan for his decades of committed service to the Des Moines community and to the people of Iowa. We extend our best wishes to him and his family as he enters this next chapter.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dan Houston on the occasion of his retirement and to honor his more than 40 years of service at Principal Financial Group. From his first role in the retirement division to serving as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Dan has exemplified steady leadership, a deep sense of responsibility, and a commitment to doing right by others. His career reflects the integrity and work ethic that define our state. Throughout his four decades at Principal, Dan helped guide the company through times of change and growth while staying true to its mission of serving everyday Americans. Under his leadership, Principal remained a reliable partner for working families and small businesses, helping them prepare for the future, plan for retirement, and weather economic uncertainty. He championed a people-first approach to financial services that created long-term security for those Principal served. Beyond the workplace, Dan remains a strong supporter of education, civic engagement, and local leadership. He serves on the boards of the Iowa Business Council, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Iowa State University College of Business, the Partnership for a Healthier America, and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. Through these roles, he continues to lift others up and strengthen the communities we call home. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dan Houston for his commitment to Iowa, his more than 40 years of service at Principal Financial Group, and in wishing him well as he steps into this new chapter.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill for his leadership on this, as well as Ranking Member Waters. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2384, the Financial Technology Protection Act of 2025, a bill that I am honored to both lead and author that was created out of a vast network of partnership on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, as you know, this Congress cemented the United States as the crypto capital of the world. The leadership of Members of this Chamber on both sides took meaningful steps to lay a foundation for a robust digital asset framework, one that fosters innovation, creates clarity, and protects consumers. Now we can start making sure that this foundation is built in a safe and secure way for every American. We build directly on the momentum and the strength of our national security posture at this very critical time. We all know that blockchain technology and digital assets are here to stay, and it is good that they are here in America. The question is not whether this technology will shape the future. It is whether the U.S. or other competitors, particularly those in China and the Chinese Communist Party, will write the rules of the road for the future. As a counterintelligence officer, I have seen firsthand how terrorists and hostile regimes weaponize technology for illicit finances and cybercrime. That includes the use of anonymous digital platforms to launder money, to fund terrorism, and to bypass the very sanctions this Chamber has helped lead. However, the transparency and traceability of blockchain enhances our law enforcement's ability to intercept these threats, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for everyday Americans. In fact, just weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Justice used blockchain analytics to intercept over a quarter of a million dollars intended to go to deadly Hamas terrorists who would have used it to threaten U.S. forces in the region. Last year, the United States, working with our international partners, utilized blockchain technology to help dismantle a Russian money laundering scheme that seized more than $22 million in illicit funds, many of those taken from Americans right here at home. This is a threat to America's very national security. From dollar- backed digital assets, we have the ability to help not only defend our men and women serving on the front line from illicit actors who would use weapons bought with this technology to threaten them, to the very mothers, fathers, and grandparents who are being taken advantage of by foreign actors to steal their money to fund this type of threat. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan bill establishes a working group, a task force of sorts, of key Federal agencies that include our intelligence experts, private organizations, and private sector leaders who are experienced in this, all focused on combating terrorism and illicit finance on digital platforms. This team is helping to develop the legislative technology infusion of critical information to help establish the best techniques, tactics, and procedure to be able to stop this at its very inception. By preventing money laundering and addressing national security risks, we are able to help stop the illicit finance activities that do real harm to the United States. By passing this bill, we strengthen national security, protect digital assets, and ensure the next generation of financial and technological innovation is created right here in the U.S. I thank Chairman Hill for his leadership and long vision in making this happen. I particularly express my gratitude to my Democratic colleague Representative Jim Himes, who is also the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, the HPSCI, and who knows firsthand the threats that are posed. I also thank Senator Ted Budd, who is championing this effort in the Senate. Together, we have worked on this vital legislation for empowering our government, as well as our private sector leaders to be the vanguard in protecting our Nation.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan OFAC Licensure for Investigators Act, which I am proud to co-lead with my friend on the other side of the aisle, the Representative from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty). Terrorist networks like Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Russian Mafia, and North Korean cybercriminals are no longer relying solely on traditional cash couriers or shell companies. They now exploit financial platforms, adopting increasingly sophisticated approaches to fund acts of terrorism. These organizations adapt quickly, using every loophole in the global financial system to mask the origin and the destination of their funds. Fortunately, the United States is home to some of the world's most advanced financial technology firms and data analytics companies. Just this spring, the FBI, working hand in hand with blockchain forensics firms, seized $1.5 billion in stolen digital assets from the North Korea-affiliated Lazarus Group. That is why I am so proud to be able to work together on legislation which establishes a pilot program within the Department of the Treasury to enable private-sector firms to collaborate with Treasury to enhance our investigative leads. These teams, working together, fusing the best information, help provide a vital tool in combating the evolving threats posed by terrorism. I thank Representative Beatty and the House Financial Services Committee for their leadership.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Thompson, as well as Ranking Member Craig for leading a truly bipartisan opportunity to help America deliver as a crypto capital for the entire planet. As a member of both the Agriculture Committee and the Financial Services Committee, I have been able to see this issue on both sides: commodities versus securities, CFTC versus the SEC. In my home State of rural Iowa, we know commodities: corn, soybeans, hogs. The CFTC does this very well. In downtown Des Moines and on the Main Streets of hometowns across Iowa, our banks handle stocks and bonds, securities, those handled by the SEC. That level of clarity works, but when it comes to digital assets, the lines become blurred, confused, and overly burdensome. That regulatory uncertainty doesn't just cost dollars. It costs jobs, innovation, and America's global leadership. The CLARITY Act is exactly what America needs now to drive toward the future to ensure the next generation of financial internet technology and blockchain success is built in America, that our innovators come from the U.S., and that we have a future going forward. Mr. Speaker, I endorse the CLARITY Act.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Calvert not only for his leadership on this but for the fight to make sure that our men and women in the field have the resources, tools, and capabilities to win the next generation of fight. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 4016, particularly our amendments, the wireless power transmission, No. 371, as well as the MAPS Generation II, a precision navigation and timing system. As a combat veteran myself, I know firsthand how critical it is to provide our warfighters with the tools they need to be able to achieve mission success. To that end, I am proud to offer two bipartisan amendments with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to make sure that we strengthen this bill and help our warfighters on the front lines. This first amendment increases the investment in wireless drone charging. This keeps our unmanned aircraft operational longer and reduces the need for a long-term resupply. We know this is important. As we see in Ukraine today, this is not the fight of the future. This is the fight of today, and the U.S. gets to be a leader in our ability to help present this. The second supports the MAPS Generation II, a next-generation system that allows vehicle crews to operate in GPS-denied environments, preserving our battlefield advantage. As someone who has flown combat operations in environments where GPS denial can be a critical disablizer to our U.S. forces, this allows us to not only fight forward but to make sure that we can have precision both on target as well as defending ourselves. This system, I will note, is proudly manufactured in the heart of the heartland, in my home State of Iowa. It is creating American jobs while protecting American troops. I thank Chairman Calvert for his leadership and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these amendments. Let us give our servicemembers the tools they need to succeed and honor their sacrifice by defending them on the front line as we defend them right here on the home front.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life and legacy of Gloria Kay Mazza of Clive, Iowa, who passed away on July 1, 2025. A small-town Iowan with a world-class heart, Gloria's unwavering strength and resilience in the face of cancer inspired all who knew her. Born on February 17, 1953, in rural Iowa, Gloria was the embodiment of lowan values. She married her beloved husband, Tom Mazza, who became a stepfather to their daughter, Kelly. She cherished her role as grandmother to Cassidy, James, and Lilly, finding joy in their laughter and endless antics. Gloria lived her life as ``just a country girl.'' She served the people of Iowa with distinction as Iowa Outdoor Skills Coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources, empowering young women though the Outdoor Skills Journey for Girls program and championing education and conservation with her characteristic passion. In her hometown of Clive, Gloria was an active member of the Parks and Recreation Board. Her dedication to public service extended into the political sphere, where she volunteered first as office manager for the Republican Party of Polk County before serving as its Chairwoman from 2021 to 2025. Her tireless contributions were deeply impactful with leadership roles at every level, including as President of the Capitol Region Republican Women and President of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women, where she also served on subcommittees for the National Federation of Republican Women. Gloria was also a dedicated volunteer in numerous Federal, State, and local campaigns and initiatives, including her statewide signature idea, ``Build the Base,'' emphasizing that all politics is local and getting everyday Iowans involved in grassroots organizing. Her exemplary service earned her multiple awards and accolades from the Republican Party. Gloria Mazza will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, public servant, and patriot. Her legacy of leadership and service to both Iowa and our Nation will endure. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring her memory and her impact, which will surely endure for years to come.