Zachary (Zach) Nunn

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Construction Electrician 2nd Class Cody J. Streeby of Eldon, Iowa, for being named Navy Recruiting Command's Junior Recruiter of the Quarter for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, and for his leadership in preparing the next generation of American Sailors. As a 20-year Air Force veteran, I know our military is only as strong as the men and women willing to answer the call to serve. Cody comes from a family that has answered it for generations. His grandparents, his father, his uncles and aunt, his older brother, and his brother-in- law all served in uniform. Cody carries that tradition forward by helping other young Americans find their own path to serving our Nation. Before he became a recruiter, Cody spent nine and a half years on active duty in the Navy. He deployed aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville and served at United States Fleet Forces Command. His path to recruiting began after a severe vehicle accident during transfer leave placed him on a humanitarian assignment. As he recovered, Cody chose recruiting duty and turned a personal setback into a new mission: bringing future Sailors into the Navy. Today, Cody leads Navy Recruiting Station Southridge in Des Moines as its recruiter-in-charge, and over the past two and a half years his leadership has brought the station top regional honors. Under his direction, NRS Southridge earned three Medium Station of the Month honors, Medium Station of the Quarter, and Fiscal Year 2026 Medium Station of the Year. Cody was named Fiscal Year 2026 Recruiter-in- Charge of the Year and has twice been named Junior Sailor of the Quarter. This quarter, that record earned him national recognition from Navy Recruiting Command. Every young American Cody helps enlist is one more Sailor ready to defend our freedom and strengthen our national security. Beyond his recruiting duties, he gives back by coordinating and taking part in local blood drives and by volunteering as a judge at high school Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps drill meets. Mr. Speaker, our Navy needs leaders who put service before self and inspire others to do the same. Cody is one of those leaders, and Iowa is proud to call him one of our own. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Construction Electrician 2nd Class Cody J. Streeby on being named Navy Recruiting Command's Junior Recruiter of the Quarter, and in thanking him for his dedicated service to our Nation.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding public servant and valued member of my team, Ms. Allyson Aves, as she concludes nearly a year and a half of dedicated service to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. Allyson first joined Team Nunn as an intern and quickly demonstrated that no task was too big and no challenge too great. Through her hard work and dedication, she rose through the ranks from Staff Assistant to Legislative Correspondent, taking on new responsibilities and eventually leading the very internship program where her own Capitol Hill journey began. One of Allyson's defining moments came during a late-night Farm Bill markup; an experience she called her ``Super Bowl.'' While most Iowans were sound asleep, Allyson was on Capitol Hill until 2 a.m., watching the legislative process unfold and helping secure 21 provisions in a bill she proudly took home with a signed copy to remember. Her passion for Iowa agriculture extended to our fight for nationwide, year-round E15 and our unofficial campaign to ``Make American Butter Great Again.'' Of course, Allyson made her mark on Team Nunn in other ways, too. She earned the nickname ``Crash'' for her adventures navigating Washington traffic, finding creative parking solutions, making sure I arrived at my next meeting on time, and even asserting her official federal status to deter a would-be car-thief and saving one D.C.-driven and ``gently used'' Jeep Grand Cherokee from a near certain grand theft auto. Allyson approached every drive with the same determination she brought to the rest of her job. Her car may have collected a few battle scars along the way, but Allyson never let that slow her down. Allyson also proved willing to tackle even the most unconventional assignments, including a memorable mission to secure a pie at the Congressional Gourmet Gala. When her plan to sneak it out in a colleague's purse fell through, Allyson adapted and simply carried it out herself--a fitting example of her resourcefulness and determination. But beyond the humor and memorable stories, what truly distinguishes Allyson is her selflessness. She's the colleague who stays late to finish an assignment, offers a ride home after a long day, and gives up her weekend to help a teammate move into a new apartment. No matter how demanding the day or difficult the task, Allyson consistently puts others first and approaches every responsibility with a commitment to serving her colleagues and the people of Iowa. That same spirit made Allyson an exceptional mentor and leader. When she took charge of our internship program, she welcomed new interns with patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to help them succeed. Under her guidance, young people who arrived on Capitol Hill with little experience gained the confidence and skills to provide valuable contributions to our team. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Allyson Aves for her outstanding service to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. Her work ethic, leadership, humor, and unwavering commitment to others have left a lasting impression on Team Nunn. While we will miss having her on our team, I am excited to see her carry those same qualities into her next role with the Senate Agriculture Committee. I have no doubt Allyson will continue to serve with distinction, and I wish her every success in this next chapter.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chad Donahue of Des Moines, Iowa, for receiving the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence and for his outstanding commitment to preparing the next generation of Iowa's skilled workforce. A welding instructor at Des Moines Public Schools Central Campus, Chad brings two decades of field and shop experience with Sheet Metal Workers Local 45 into his classroom. He did precision work in food- grade stainless and structural steel for companies like Firestone, Cargill, and Tone's Spices, won his local apprentice welding contest three years in a row, and has a decade of experience teaching apprentices. Chad understands firsthand the difference a great teacher can make. He overcame his own early difficulties as a student with the encouragement of an empathetic educator, and he shows that same patience with every young person who walks into his lab, including English language learners and students with individualized education programs. His results speak for themselves. In 2025, his program's all-girls welding team captured the overall state championship, and in 2026, a Central Campus student won the Missouri Welding Institute national competition against top trade schools from across the country. Through partnerships with John Deere Des Moines Works and Plumbers and Steam fitters Local 33, his students are gaining direct pathways into rewarding careers. On September 29, Chad was surprised with the news that he had been selected as one of just 25 skilled trades teachers nationwide, out of more than 550 applicants from 49 states, to receive the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. He is one of two Iowa teachers honored this year. The full $75,000 prize will go toward strengthening the Central Campus skilled trades program and expanding opportunities for young Iowans. Mr. Speaker, educators like Chad Donahue are helping build the next generation of American craftsmanship. His dedication to his students, commitment to excellence. And passion for the skilled trades embodies the very best of Iowa. I congratulate Chad on this well-deserved national recognition and thank him for the lasting impact he continues to make on our students, workforce, and community.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ray Gaesser of Corning, Iowa, who passed away tragically in a farm accident on September 5, 2026, at the age of 73. His loss is felt by those who loved him, and Iowa mourns alongside the entire Gaesser family. Ray grew up on a small farm in southern Indiana, where he began farming at just 15 years old, taking over the family operation after the death of his father. In 1977, he and his wife, Elaine, began farming near Corning with a few hundred acres, and over the decades they built it into a family operation of more than 5,000 acres. Ray was a devoted family man, a trusted friend, and a leading voice for Iowa agriculture. He believed farming was a privilege, and he treated the land as something to be cared for, strengthened, and handed down to the next generation to carry on Iowa's oldest tradition. Ray's impact on Iowa agriculture reached far beyond his own fields. He was president of the Iowa Soybean Association in 2007 and, in 2014, became president of the American Soybean Association, carrying the priorities of Iowa's farmers on trade missions around the world. He co-founded Solutions from the Land and led the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum, championing conservation and homegrown energy. His service extended beyond agriculture as well. He was appointed to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission in 2022 and chaired it until this past July. Ray often said that ``when we work together, we all benefit.'' He lived by that motto, and Iowa agriculture is stronger because of it. I had the privilege of calling Ray a close friend, and time and again I saw that commitment up close. Whenever I had a question about agriculture, Ray was my first call. He had a lifetime of knowledge and never hesitated to share it. If I needed his counsel, Ray would drop what he was doing, drive to Des Moines, sit down with me, and talk through how we could deliver for Iowa's farmers. That is one of the things I will miss most about him. Ray and Elaine were in my corner from the very beginning, but more importantly, they were always in Iowa's corner. From his glass-topped silo looking over his slice of Heaven on the Gaesser farm, to leading delegations around the world, Ray brought an unmatched knowledge of agriculture and a genuine friendship wherever he went. Oftentimes, just his smile and a good farm story were enough to forge a new partnership, build trust in Iowa, and strengthen a legacy of service he spent a lifetime creating. Ray leaves behind his wife, Elaine; their children, Chris and Jennifer; and a legacy that will endure in the land he cared for and the farmers he spent his life fighting for. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Ray Gaesser: a devoted farmer, a national voice for American agriculture, and a faithful friend to all who worked the land.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, every family is now impacted by this. Every American knows someone who has come into contact with an AI fraud, a pig butchering scheme, a romance theft. Right now, criminals on the other side of the world are stealing the life savings of people in our own communities, and the local officers who answer those calls oftentimes can't even do anything about it. The money moves through digital currencies, including crypto, faster than anyone can even trace it. By the time a deputy who answers the call files a report, the life savings of that family, individual, or loved one is gone. I will share a story of what happened in my district in rural Iowa, of all places. A farmer in Wapello County was targeted through social media by an account posing as a Russian model. Over months, this Russian woman began to earn his trust and then took him for $1 million, including farm equipment that he had to mortgage. Over months, the people behind it further earned his trust. When they realized that he had money on his farm, in cash, they hired mercenaries on U.S. soil to drive from New York to a rural farmhouse in Iowa, where, when he refused to give up his cash, they opened fire on him. Due to this smart-thinking farmer locking himself in his barn and calling local law enforcement, his life was spared. His monetary loss was immeasurable. Sheriff Don Phillips of Wapello and his deputies worked with Federal agents. They arrested the men who showed up that day. Out of the three, they were able to keep one. The other two ended up getting away. The people who ran the schemes, the real perpetrators of this, were far overseas. They still haven't answered for a single dollar of the more than $1 million that this farmer lost. This is no longer a rare story. In Iowa alone last year, families lost $96 million to these types of frauds, and Americans lost as much as $200 billion. To put that in another context, the entire budget for the U.S. Army is gone in 1 year, mainly to foreign actors committing fraud on U.S. citizens. Those citizens are retirees, farmers, and families. This is now the number one financial crime impacting families. That is why, 2 years ago, I brought together Iowa sheriffs, investigators, and local detectives and asked them what they needed to combat this rising number of scams and fraudsters targeting our communities. I am proud to say that their best ideas are now in the process of potentially becoming law with this bill, the GUARD Act. Together, we are fighting for 21st century solutions to address criminals who are using cutting-edge technology, but we are still dealing with it built from a different era. The moment that their money crosses a State line or an ocean, they hit a wall that only the Federal Government can help them climb. This bill aims to fix that. That is why our bipartisan bill, the GUARD Act, brings together real solutions and puts legislation in place for real-time tracing tools, including blockchain tracking, as well as Federal backup when these things happen, so that we can combat it on the front line before it becomes a national catastrophe. It helps not only my State and local law enforcement. It helps the deputy who is just trying to help a community member follow up, identify the money, and stop it before it leaves the district or the country. Most importantly, it goes after the people running these scams. I am grateful to AARP, financial lenders across the country, law enforcement, veterans groups, and other advocates who brought these ideas forward. This is exactly what Congress should be doing: taking and hearing concerns from our local communities and distilling them into a law that can actually help save money, save lives, and, most importantly, help people right here in our own country. Mr. Speaker, I thank colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of the GUARD Act.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Major Jeffrey ``Jeff'' O'Brien of Waukee, Iowa, who was killed on March 1, 2026, in an Iranian drone strike while deployed to Kuwait with the 103rd Sustainment Command. Jeff was 45 years old, and he left behind a life defined by service to his country, devotion to his family, and a deep and quiet faith. Jeff was born on October 13, 1980, and grew up on a farm near Coggon, Iowa, the oldest of three brothers. He was a star athlete, served his church and community, and played saxophone in the jazz and pop bands. He was also a lifelong Cubs fan who, through every tough season but one, could always fall back on the same line: ``Well, there's always next year.'' After graduating from North-Linn High School in 1999, Jeff followed his interests to Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Computer Engineering and built a career in cybersecurity. Ames is also where he met Roxane, the love of his life, whom he married in 2009. Together they spent the next sixteen years building a life and raising their three children, Samira, Nicolete, and Conor. For all Jeff accomplished, nothing made him prouder than being a husband and dad. He coached Conor in track, cheered Niki on at her gymnastics meets, and became a proud music and theater dad to Sarni, who followed in his footsteps and picked up the saxophone. Whether the O'Briens were traveling, exploring the outdoors, or simply together at home, Jeff's favorite place in the world was at Roxane's side and among his kids. Jeff brought that same devotion to the U.S. Army Reserve. After completing Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, he was commissioned as a Signal Corps officer in 2012 and later served as an Information Systems Engineer. He deployed to Kuwait in 2019 and rose to the rank of Major with the 103rd Sustainment Command. His service earned the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Jeff dedicated his life to protecting others: through his work in cybersecurity, his service in uniform, and simply by being the husband, father, and friend people could count on. As someone who has served far from my own family, I know the quiet weight a soldier carries when duty calls him thousands of miles from home. Jeff carried it without complaint, and even half a world away, he never stopped finding ways to care for the people he loved. Jeff is survived by his wife, Roxane; his children, Samira, Nicolete, and Conor; his parents, Dan and Helen; his brothers, David and Greg; and the many relatives, friends, and fellow soldiers who will carry his memory forward. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major Jeffrey O'Brien--a devoted husband, father, soldier, and proud Iowan who gave his life in service to our Nation--and in keeping the O'Brien family and the families of every soldier lost in that attack in our prayers. Iowa will never forget his sacrifice.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed on March 1, 2026, in an Iranian drone strike while deployed to Kuwait with the 103rd Sustainment Command. Declan was just 20 years old. In a life cut far too short, he showed a rare devotion to service, to his country, and to the family he loved. Declan was born on May 5, 2005, in Manassas, Virginia, the third child of Andrew and Katherine Coady. He grew up in West Des Moines alongside his siblings, Aidan, Keira, and Rowan, The Coady's spent their time camping in our national parks, hiking, rafting, and exploring the outdoors. Declan and his brothers all earned the rank of Eagle Scout, but ever competitive, he set out to earn the most merit badges--and finished with 56. After graduating from Valley High School in 2023, Declan enrolled at Drake University to study information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science. He also enlisted in the Army Reserve, completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill in March 2024 and Advanced Individual Training that July. At Drake, Declan joined ROTC and faced a choice that says more about his character than any words could. He could have signed an ROTC contract and stayed home when his unit deployed. Instead, he chose to go with the soldiers he had trained beside. In August 2025, he deployed to Kuwait with the 103rd Sustainment Command. His family could hear in every call home how much his service meant to him. Even from halfway around the world, he made time to play video games with Aidan and to talk with his parents, Keira, and Rowan about their lives and their plans for the future. He dreamed of becoming an officer, talked about extending his deployment and going on to active duty, and stayed enrolled at Drake the whole time--studying online from Kuwait, an ocean away from campus. Declan had his whole life ahead of him. Yet at just 20, he had already made a choice generations of Americans before him had made: when his country called, he answered, and when his fellow soldiers deployed, he chose to stand beside them. I have served beside men and women who made that same choice, and it tells you everything about the kind of person Declan was. Declan is survived by his parents, Andrew and Katherine; his siblings, Aidan, Keira, and Rowan; his grandparents, Larry and Sandra Coady; and the many relatives, friends, classmates, and fellow soldiers who will carry his memory forward. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergeant Declan Coady, a devoted son and brother, a soldier, and a proud Iowan who gave his life in service to our Nation. May we keep the Coady family and all those who loved Declan in our prayers. Iowa will never forget his service or his sacrifice.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend Nesar Ahmad for his extraordinary service to the United States and his unwavering commitment to the Americans and Afghan allies who served alongside one another in Afghanistan. During the Afghanistan War, Nesar served alongside American forces as an interpreter, putting his own life at risk to protect American servicemembers and advance our mission. His understanding of the language, culture, and people made him an invaluable partner to the Americans serving in harm's way. After coming to the United States in 2014, Nesar continued answering the call to serve. In the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, I helped found Task Force Argo to evacuate Americans and our Afghan allies, and Nesar once again joined our mission to stand with the interpreters and families who risked everything to stand with us. For nearly five years, Nesar has continued to volunteer helping Afghan interpreters, allies, and their families find safety, stability, and a new beginning. Nesar understood personally what was at stake, and his mission was to never leave an ally behind. The people we were fighting to save had to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops, often risking everything to do so. He helped ensure America continues to stand with them in return. As a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, I know firsthand how our troops relied on courageous interpreters like Nesar. Through Task Force Argo, I have also had the privilege of seeing his courage, loyalty, and commitment to others. Now, Nesar is sharing that story through his book, The Terp: A Life Between Languages and Loyalties. His story preserves the sacrifices of the interpreters who served beside us and reminds future generations of the human cost of war and the bonds forged through service. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Nesar a friend and fellow member of Task Force Argo, and I commend him for his continued service to the country he now calls home.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for your combat service and my combat service, but, most importantly, the combat service of those currently on the front line. As a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a colonel, I respect America's strength and that it starts at home. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2027 has been delivered in a bipartisan way, and I am proud to share that the NDAA passed yesterday with eight of my amendments, one of the most of any Member of Congress, and in a bipartisan fashion. They included enhancing our Air National Guard capabilities, countering Chinese aggression, rebuilding our defense arsenal, supporting our servicemembers' health, pay, and support increases for our veterans and our members. However, I am most proud of my amendment No. 930, which directs the Air Force to identify bases that already have runways and technical expertise to support the next generation of aircraft but currently lack a permanent flying mission. The 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines is a perfect example. The 132nd has a proud history as the premier flying unit in our Nation's history for F-16s, both training and operational. Together, the F-16 and the 132nd have built a world-class drone, cyber, and intelligence operation mission while still having access to a fully operational runway. This gives the 132nd a rare winning combination of top-tier expertise, a secure facility, and an active runway. I thank all of my friends at the Iowa Air National Guard.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Steil for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I think there are now 200 million good reasons to vote for this bill, because that is exactly how much Members of Congress made in trading stock, most of it insider information contributing to their $200 million in take home. Now, here is the reality. Most Members of Congress are not trading stock on the job. Most of them are not day traders. They are in their districts. The reality is true; 35 Members of Congress beat the S&P 500 last year. As my colleague on the other side of the aisle just highlighted, one of the biggest stock trader wins in this is an app called Autopilot that tracks the trades of Nancy Pelosi and her husband. In the last 3 years alone, their stock trades have gone up more than 200 percent. Nobody believes that this is just Washington being smarter than Wall Street. Everyone recognizes that somebody here is getting ahead while the rest of America is falling behind. Let's talk about real solutions to hold Members accountable. Republicans wish to end insider trading happening in Washington, and it starts by legislation that Republicans are leading today. One of the first bills that I led on the floor was to make sure that we could stop this level of stock trading. When I came to Congress, I had very little stock to begin with--with 20 years serving in the military--but I sold it all because I think it is important that Members of Congress prioritize oversight and prioritize their constituents, not get rich while serving. For the first time, there is a bill before us that bans congressional stock trading, and it has reached the House floor with a lot of hard work on both sides of the aisle. To my colleagues back in Iowa, watch this vote. Watch who talks about ending stock trading and who delivers on ending stock trading. Watch who is committed beyond the rhetoric to holding Washington accountable. Together, Republicans are working to clean up Congress and working to secure our elections. These are two easy votes on the floor today. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Brad ``Slate'' Hovey of Adel, Iowa, who was killed on June 15, 2026, when his B-52 crashed on takeoff during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Seven fellow airmen were lost with him. Brad was 35 years old. His family says his life was woven with threads of bravery, integrity, and service--inspiring all who knew and loved him. Brad was born on March 5, 1991, in Algona, Iowa, and came to Adel in 2001. At Adel Desoto Minburn High School, he did it all--football, track, choir, band, mock trial, drama--and with Adel Troop 152, he earned Scouting's highest rank of Eagle, fixing with him a love of the outdoors he never lost. Adel is also where Brad met his wife, Megan, in the ninth-grade band. They married in 2012. Brad's love of airplanes led him to Iowa State University, where he studied aerospace engineering and served in the Air Force ROTC with Detachment 250. After graduating in 2014, he was commissioned by his own father-in-law--a fitting start for a man who never drew a line between family and service. He earned his wings in 2015. Through 12 years of service, Brad served as a B-52 and B-1 bomber pilot, completing three combat deployments and flying over 200 combat hours across 20 combat sorties. In 2022, Brad and Megan moved their family to Edwards, where he was selected for the United States Air Force Test Pilot School with Class 23A--one of the most demanding schools in American aviation. With the 419th Flight Test Squadron, Brad flew B-52 and B-1 test missions to ensure the next crew in the cockpit had safe, lethal and combat-ready equipment ready to fly in defense of our Nation. Over the course of his career, Brad logged more than 1,890 total flight hours and over 350 sorties across 29 distinct airframes. Mr. Speaker, as a 20-year Air Force Veteran, I know I speak for my fellow airmen when I say that the flight test is some of the hardest and least recognized work we do. On the morning of June 15, 2026, Brad took a sixty-year-old bomber into the sky with a new radar on it so the crews who fly it next would know it worked. He did that without fanfare and with mission first. He is survived by his wife, Megan, and their two children; his parents, Kent and Sondra; and his brothers, Lane and Kyle, who will remember him for his love of the stars and the sky, his devoted service to his Nation, and, most of all, the way he loved them. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major Brad ``Slate'' Hovey--a devoted husband, a loving father, a distinguished Airman, and a proud Iowan--and in keeping his family and the families of all eight Americans lost that day in our prayers. Iowa will remember their sacrifice.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Omar J. Hunt as he retires after more than two decades of service to our Nation in the United States Air Force. In that time, he became one of the Air Force's most trusted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance professionals--entrusted with some of the most demanding missions our Nation asks of anyone in uniform. Omar's work supported critical airborne operations, special operations forces, and national-level intelligence missions. Over his career, Omar logged more than 3,400 flight hours, over 1,750 of them in combat, flying across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in defense of our Nation and our allies. I had the privilege of serving alongside Omar on several of those missions, taking off from RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom for missions high above the mountains of Afghanistan. In every assignment and on every mission, Omar conducted himself to the highest standards of leadership and effectiveness that we Airmen pride ourselves on. When a mission grew tense, his was the calm the whole crew leaned on--always steady and dependable. That same standard carried into every leadership role Omar held. At Headquarters Air Combat Command, he became the Air Force's first Airborne ISR Evaluator, building the evaluation standards that still shape how enlisted aircrew are trained today. Ask anyone who served with Omar, and you'll hear the same thing: he invested in younger Airmen, he led by example, and he left every unit stronger than he found it. That is the truest measure of any career, and Omar met it every single day. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Master Sergeant Omar J. Hunt for his extraordinary service to our Nation, and in wishing him and his family every success in the years ahead.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional individual and valued member of my team, Ms. Caroline Sayers, as she concludes nearly three years of dedicated service to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. A proud native of Georgia and devoted University of Georgia Bulldogs fan, Caroline and I have shared a friendly rivalry since her first day on Team Nunn. While her Bulldogs wear red and black and mine wear Drake blue, our shared commitment to hard work, teamwork, and service quickly made Caroline an invaluable member of our team. As our Senior Policy Advisor, Caroline became one of the most trusted and respected voices on our team. She led our work on some of the most consequential and complex financial services issues before Congress, including housing, banking, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. Her expertise, diligence, and strategic leadership helped advance four pieces of legislation through the House this Congress alone. Earlier this year, Caroline joined me on a congressional delegation trip to Taiwan, where we engaged key allies and partners to strengthen our national security, expand economic opportunities for Iowa producers, and reinforce America's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Many of Caroline's contributions happened behind the scenes. Anyone who has watched a Financial Services Committee hearing knows I occasionally request a prop or visual aid with very little notice. Time and again, Caroline was the one tasked with making it happen--and somehow, she always delivered. Beyond her impressive policy achievements, Caroline is a mentor to younger staff, a trusted colleague, and a steady presence in our office. Her professionalism, good humor, and unwavering commitment to public service left a lasting mark on Team Nunn and the constituents we serve. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Caroline Sayers for her outstanding service to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. We are deeply grateful for her contributions, and we wish Caroline every success in the next chapter of her career and service.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I am one of the last Members of Congress still serving in the Reserves, as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force. I have spent the last two decades serving in the intelligence community and the national security community. It doesn't take an intel expert to let us all know what we see before us. This bill is important for the safety of our country. It does one simple thing: It funds the men and women who defend our country and help secure our border. That is it: clean funding for the agencies that stop fentanyl, clean funding for those who check the ports, clean funding for those who help immigration claims, and clean funding for those who remove criminals from our communities. For months, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have refused to join us in funding law enforcement. Those officers who are keeping our Nation safe and who are keeping our mothers, daughters, and children from being killed, what we have seen too tragically here in the last 4 years. Now, we are ready to pass a clean bill, but my friends are lining up on that side to say no. That tells you the objectives were never about the details. They were about our mission: border apprehensions are down 94 percent; 12 consecutive months of zero releases at the border, the securest border in America's history; over 100 million lethal doses of fentanyl seized this year. It is the number one killer of kids my children's age up to my age, and we are stopping it. Let's move forward. The other side is lined up against these policies, and these policies are delivering results. Let us fund law enforcement on the frontline. It is the same story on the other side, on fraud. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office estimates that the Federal Government loses up to $500 billion a year to fraud. That is money being bled out of the country that hurts America's families. I encourage everyone watching to pay close attention to those who vote to close loopholes like we are doing and stop the bleed out of tax dollars, and those who are voting for the status quo of fraudsters taking your hard-earned dollars. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to listen to the American people and pass the Secure America Act.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Members on both sides of the aisle. I understand the passion behind this. As a still-serving combat veteran--and also for the Chairman's combat service--I think we are committed to making sure that aggressors are held accountable. That is exactly why I authored the bipartisan PEACE Act--targeted sanctions that truly stop the Russian war machine. Peace through strength was mentioned tonight. Peace through the PEACE Act can be delivered. My bill passed the Committee on Financial Services 53-1, with great credit to Mr. Meeks. This is something we worked on together and both support. Challengingly, I would offer that the bill before us tonight takes us on a different path. I would be remiss to not say this is a bill more about politics than policy, and I am concerned that it is a tactical error to move forward when it threatens real strategic deterrence of what this body can deliver. I understand our mutual aim is to hold Russian aggression accountable, but, my friends, this is not the plan. We have a better option, and we have a clear plan before us. The PEACE Act moved through committee. It earned bipartisan support, and it is ready for consideration now. And, yes, it has been months in the making, but we have held it every single time. Challengingly, the bill before us is now more than a year and a half outdated. Our bill would cut off foreign financial assistance to Russia, and it includes Chairman Hill's REPO Act, money that would be seized back so that it can go back to help the Ukrainian people and pay for Russia's aggression. It stops the shadow fleet. It ends Russia's illicit oil sales, and it truly does what we want through targeted sanctions that have been approved. My friends, if we truly want to stand together, let's stop Russia. Let's lead with a plan that truly restores peace to Europe. This is our greatest strength. Let's enforce the penalties, enact a timeline, incentivize a ceasefire, and let's make sure that peace can be achieved with the PEACE Act.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, together, in a bipartisan fashion, this Chamber passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant update to rural housing programs in decades. I fought to make sure my Rural Housing Service Reform Act was front and center in this package, because in rural Iowa, the Federal programs meant to help families buy, repair, or keep their homes are running on technology that is almost as old as the internet itself. Families are paying the price. Iowa families are waiting, in some cases up to a year, for a U.S. Department of Agriculture's housing loan while interest rates change and prices continue to rise. Those essential home repairs are capped so low they won't even cover a new roof or plumbing repairs. My legislation fixes this. It modernizes the broken USDA system, doubles the home repair loan limits, and preserves affordable housing that would otherwise disappear. I am proud this reflects the true American Dream of homeownership. In fact, I worked across the aisle with my very good friend Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver to write these reforms. If a Democrat from Kansas City will drive all the way to Iowa to help build a home, you know this is truly a bipartisan effort. Because of this bill, our families are in a better spot. Now, I am ready to go to work with the Senate and the President to get this signed.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Fischbach for her leadership on this. Here is the reality. Republicans and Democrats should all be wanting to help drive down costs for Americans right now: supply chain costs, costs for the home, and costs at the pump. Right now we have got a viable solution, 50 cents off per gallon with year-round nationwide E15. Whether you are filling up a truck or a tractor-trailer, a motor home or a minivan, this has a direct impact on families, and it is something we have been asking for in this Chamber for a long time on both sides of the aisle. Why hasn't this come to the floor for a vote? I was just back in Iowa a couple weeks ago at a farmers roundtable in Atlantic, Iowa, and I heard the same question that I have heard from hundreds of roundtables in listening sessions across Iowa's 21 counties: How are we going to get year-round, nationwide E15 across the finish line? And when is Congress going to make sure that they are fighting for a waiver so that every spring our growers, our planters, and our farmers aren't asking this question? Today, we have a chance to answer both those questions. This bill that we are about to vote on fixes the outdated regulations that have been holding E15 back for years and replaces it with a nationwide, permanent solution that is voluntary. Importantly, throughout this fight, we have been able to focus on things that matter: American energy independence. Now, Mr. Speaker, I have flown more combat missions in the Persian Gulf than I care to remember in my time with the U.S. Air Force all to be able to provide foreign energy sources to places like today in China where they consume 80 percent of the oil coming out of the Middle East. We should be focused on a domestic-based energy source, one that pairs up our traditional fuels with our biofuels, and this bill has that privilege of doing it. Now, there is a lot of misinformation out there. There is insider lobbying going on, and there have been back-room deals on this very floor between people who are putting Iowa farmers and American consumers last. I stood up. I was not going to let that happen. I am proud that we have been able to stand together in this. We have been able to negotiate and do what Congress should do: stand firm. They tried to kill it by making sure it never reached the floor, and foreign companies flooded this building with lobbying dollars. We have stood to reject that, and I think we have been able to bring forward a strong path to make E15 year-round. Just weeks ago, President Trump came to Iowa and said he would sign an E15 bill into law. The Vice President was just in my district on Tuesday and said that they would sign this into law. This is an opportunity for American-made energy independence to start right here, not just in what we grow in our cornfields but what we produce in America. Every dollar saved at the pump is a dollar back in America's pocket. I want to make sure that Iowa producers who support this industry receive the certainty that Congress will stop treating year-round access like a favor instead of recognizing it as a solution. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, today, we have the opportunity to save every American at the pump up to 50 cents per gallon. We know because we have proved it right in my home State of Iowa. The value of yearlong, nationwide E15 is real money in the pockets of families, communities, and our supply chain nationwide. Today, we get to choose if we save every American family those dollars and put it back in their pockets to reinvest in their families when they fill up, or if we are going to continue to allow energy prices to strain families' budgets. Today, we get to choose between a fuel that is grown literally right here in the United States for energy independence, or if we continue to be reliant on foreign powers and adversaries, subsidizing their ability to get fuel to the rest of the world while America does the heavy lifting. Today, we get the chance to deliver for producers, family farmers like the 87,000 small family farmers that are building that next generation of not only feeding our country but also fueling it. Our farmers work hard for our families. Today, we get to work hard for both families and farmers by putting this bill on the floor, the first time E15 has ever been voted on. We defeated backroom deals in D.C. to secure this vote that will bring down costs for American families. Now, we have the chance today to finish that job. Mr. Speaker, I ask my friends on both sides of the aisle--this is an opportunity for affordability for families, certainty for producers, and American energy that grows right here in America. I ask for their support.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Biggs for helping us bring this resolution forward. Today, I rise for National Police Week where thousands of officers and their families are in Washington, D.C., right now for memorial services, honoring the men and women who have given everything in the line of duty. I will start by honoring one of those Iowans, our own, who lost his life while serving in my community. Officer Phoukham Tran was with the Des Moines Police Department, and he lost his life when he was hit while serving in the line of duty by a drunk driver outside of the Iowa State Fair. He served for more than three decades with the Des Moines Police Department. And while he succumbed to his injuries, his legacy of service for our community made us all recognize how much safer we are based on what he did for all of us. He is only 1 of 198 officers honored at the Iowa Peace Officers Memorial in downtown Des Moines, sacrificing their lives for a safer community, and this week we honor all of those losses, and we remember each of those families, and our communities are better because of what they did for us. These are the heroes that we recognize this week. This is their resolution, and that is what this is about. The officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty are the loved ones who have served, as well as the loved ones who are left behind, and the officers who continue serving our communities every day despite the loss of a friend, a comrade, and a wingman. Unfortunately, there is a reality, as Mr. Biggs has stated, that some elected officials, including some here in Congress and across this country, have refused to honor or even recognize their sacrifice and service by standing with our law enforcement. Whether it is the radical idea of defunding the police or the self- described sanctuary cities, these policies are a choice, a choice that undermines the very communities they are serving, a choice that puts officer safety at risk every single day. I am proud to say that my State of Iowa has resoundingly rejected these policies. In Iowa, we led the Back the Blue Act that increased penalties for violent crimes, particularly those against officers, and increased law enforcement pay. That is truly how you stand with law enforcement. We also banned sanctuary policies back in 2018. Just last year, Iowa increased penalties for assaulting a law enforcement officer, including a mandatory minimum for a violent offense. These policies in Iowa have led to a historic decline in crime. As noted, we now have the lowest homicide rate in over 125 years. Fewer murders are good for every American. Iowa has made its position clear, and now Congress has the opportunity to do the same. The good work being done on the Judiciary Committee is executing on exactly that. Last year alone, sanctuary city jurisdictions declined almost 18,000 ICE detainer requests, many against violent offenders and habitual offenders who were turned back onto the streets. Nearly 18,000 times, local officials chose not to allow the police to cooperate with Federal law enforcement and released these individuals back into the communities, making not only local officers' jobs harder but those at the Federal level, as well. I know this much is true: When we support local law enforcement, it works, and we have proven it. Homicide rates are the lowest in over a century. Drug overdose deaths are at their lowest in over a decade. Federal law enforcement is working alongside departments in States like Iowa and so many others to remove real public safety threats. That happens when we stand with law enforcement. That is what this week is about: honoring those who have fallen, those who continue to serve, and the communities that stand with our men and women on that thin blue line. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I thank Austin Scott for his leadership on this farm bill. I am from Iowa. We are home to 87,000 proud farmers. We are the home of American Gothic, and we are home to some of the best technology, particularly in ag, this country has ever seen and the world can benefit from. That is why it is so important that we move forward a farm bill this year that helps not just farmers but everyone in this country and leads with energy and biofuels the world over. I am speaking specifically to year-round nationwide E15. Not only is it 30 cents cheaper at the pump, not only is it 50 percent more fuel efficient and cleaner for us, and not only does it bleed off our need right now for foreign energy sources, it starts right here in America. Here is the reality: For the last 4 years under the Biden administration gas hit its highest price of over $5 a gallon. We have the opportunity to rein it in with this. The reality is we have done more in the last 4 months than the last administration had done in the last 4 years. We have moved forward on summer waivers with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. We have worked for 45Z, and we have helped sustainable aviation fuel. Iowa's producers should not have to win it back every single year. We should make this permanent, year-round, and nationwide, and help not only farmers grow, but my consumers, like my six kids, have a more affordable cost of living right here in Iowa and right here in America. The 21 counties across Iowa that I pass through have all asked for certainty. This bill delivers it. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this in a bipartisan fashion, Republicans and Democrats, so that we can have energy independence right here in America with E15 year-round nationwide.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chair, this has truly not only been a bipartisan effort, but this is an effort that leads for America. Mr. Chair, I would like to speak today on behalf of Iowa's farmers and the millions of Americans who depend on a strong farm economy. Known for both food security--something Iowa does very well--as well as national security, something we have all participated in here, the hardworking men and women who drive Iowa forward, who feed and fuel our country and the world are the driving force behind this year's farm bill, a bill which I believe Congress has worked hard to deliver for them. Whether it be corn or soybeans, pork or cattle, poultry, as a sixth-generation sheep farm kid, all of our livestock, we are making a positive impact here. During my time, I have spent a lot in the Third District of Iowa talking to all 21 counties, and I am proud to say in this farm bill with our leadership team, we have been able to pass 21 of my provisions. That includes everything from helping a beginning farmer, improving water quality, investing in rural broadband, and cracking down on illegal puppy mills. Challengingly, at the start of today, we were set to start debate on passing this bill, but D.C. sometimes does what D.C. does, and Washington deals threatened to undo the hard work we have done across the aisle to deliver for our farmers. However, Mr. Chair, we stood up, and I apologize to our Speaker because I shout out on the floor that this farm bill has to move forward. After working through this, a long night indeed, we were able to move forward. I thank both Speaker Johnson, the majority leader, and the whip for staying in the room and committing to both sides to have a vote on the farm bill and making sure also that we move forward on nationwide, year-round E15 when we come back from recess. This is a bipartisan win for farmers. It is a win for rural Iowa. Most importantly, Mr. Chair, it is a win for all of America. I am proud to be part of this farm bill.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor six Americans, including two Iowans, who gave their lives for our country. On March 1, an Iranian drone struck a U.S. Army command center in Kuwait and killed six members of the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command in the Army Reserve, which operates out of Fort Des Moines, Iowa, in my district. I will speak first about these two young Hawkeyes. Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines was only 20 years old. He was one of the youngest men in his unit and, by every account, one of the best. Sergeant Coady trained as an IT specialist with the Army Reserves while studying cybersecurity at my alma mater, Drake University, right here in Des Moines. He was taking classes online from Kuwait while he defended our country in order to become an officer in the U.S. Army. Last week, he proudly told his father that he had been recommended for promotion from specialist to sergeant. I am happy to say that he posthumously achieved that very honorable rank. With him was Major Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Waukee and Indianola, Iowa, a senior officer in the same unit who spent decades in service. He gave his life keeping our forces in Kuwait safe and Americans at home guarded. I will say the name of every one of our fallen because every family represented here today, amongst my colleagues from each State where they grew, lived, and served, deserves to be honored by this Nation in our moment of national heartbreak. Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Captain Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida. Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California. Out of grief, we renew our resolve. Out of loss, we strengthen our unity, and out of sacrifice, we carry forward an obligation to the families, to the survivors, to our Nation, and to every man and woman still standing the post today. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that the House now observe a moment of silence in honor of our fallen.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who has been an indispensable member of Team Nunn since the very beginning--Andrew Bohn, whose dedicated service strengthened both our office and Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. A proud son of West Des Moines and a graduate of the University of Iowa, Andrew brought Iowa common sense, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to every role he held in our office. From Legislative Aide, where he established our constituent mail program and mentored younger staff, to Legislative Assistant, where he drafted his first bill, the CLARITY Act, to strengthen our national security and counter China. These efforts built the foundation that culminated in his promotion to National Security Advisor, where he became one of the most trusted voices in our office on some of the most consequential issues before Congress. Andrew played a central role in advancing our national security priorities, helping us secure more provisions in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act than any other Member of Congress. He helped lead on several marquee pieces of legislation, including the AI Plan Act and the Maximum Pressure Act to expand Iran sanctions, both topics that remain top of mind today. His diligent work strengthened our national security, supported our servicemembers and their families, and ensured that Iowa's voice was clearly represented in shaping America's defense policy. Yet Andrew's greatest contributions extend beyond legislative achievements. He approached every responsibility with steadiness, humility, and a deep sense of duty to the people of Iowa's 3rd District. Whether navigating complex policy challenges or welcoming visiting Iowans to the Capitol, Andrew exemplified professionalism and kindness. My own family experienced this firsthand, as he was often the first to go on a scavenger hunt or take my daughters for ice cream-- small gestures that reflected his character and genuine commitment to service. Through long hours, demanding negotiations, and pivotal legislative moments, Andrew remained focused on delivering results for Iowans and upholding the trust placed in our office. Andrew Bohn strengthened our team and advanced our mission to serve Iowa's 3rd Congressional District with integrity and purpose. We wish Andrew success in his next endeavors and have no doubt he will continue to lead and serve with excellence in the next chapter of his career. The distinctive accomplishments of his service greatly reflect himself, the people of Iowa, and the United States.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill and the team here for a bipartisan bill that helps rural America have a successful pathway to housing in the 21st century. My legislation includes the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, the most meaningful update to rural housing in decades. Whether you are in Des Moines or Ottumwa, the number one expense Iowans are facing is housing. The American Dream of homeownership is starting to slip away. In Iowa, renters spend 40 percent of their income just making sure they have a roof over their head, and the average home buyer is now in their mid-forties. It doesn't have to be like this. This bipartisan legislation, led with my colleague Representative Cleaver, a Democrat from Missouri, makes commonsense changes to fix the housing programs that have been broken for far too long. My bill means a young couple in Creston, Iowa, can buy their first home, and seniors in Osceola, Iowa, can stay in their communities. This bill will help hundreds of thousands of Iowans and millions of Americans into homeownership and continued homeownership. Let's restore the dream of homeownership for all of our country. This is a win for everyone. It is affordable. It is achievable. Let's get it done.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of a great friend and true patriot, Master Gunnery Sergeant Wesley ``Wes'' Helms. His meritorious service to our Nation spanned more than 22 years, including the past three years as a Defense Congressional Fellow and Legislative Liaison through the House of Representatives Liaison Office, Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs, where I had the honor of knowing him. During this time, I had the privilege of working closely with and traveling alongside Gunny Helms across the Middle East, East Asia, and to several of our NATO-allied countries. In every environment and under every circumstance, Wes proved himself a master of professionalism far beyond his years--a Marine with a get-it-done attitude who always delivered. He planned and executed several Congressional and Staff Delegation visits to forward-deployed units, giving lawmakers like me and their teams firsthand insight into the lives, challenges, and capabilities of our servicemembers stationed around the world. No matter the complexity of the itinerary or the conditions on the ground, Wes took care of the people under his charge, and he always succeeded in the mission of getting everyone home safely, usually with a laugh, and when appropriate, a well-earned drink at the end of a long day. Beyond his professional excellence, I am especially grateful for the kindness he showed my family. He took particular care of my wife, Kelly, and my daughter, Addi, who experienced her first international trip alongside Wes--a memory I will always cherish. On Capitol Hill, Wes Helms has earned a reputation for sound judgment and steady leadership that will be deeply missed. His counsel has been trusted by Members of Congress and their staff alike, who have leaned on his ability to translate complex operational needs into clear, actionable priorities. His work has strengthened congressional understanding of Marine Corps capabilities and requirements, ensuring that national security decisions are informed by firsthand insight and grounded expertise. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in a salute to a man, a father, and a friend for a lifetime of service in defense of our freedoms. I am eternally grateful for his friendship and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.