Zachary (Zach) Nunn

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Chair, this is a big, bipartisan win to improve the lives of our members who are serving, including myself as a parent of foster children. Unfortunately, as a result of a backroom deal, we were not able to serve those who needed help from suicide prevention. In my home State of Iowa, we have almost four times the number of individuals who take their life after coming back from combat. We will not stop fighting for this, and what we can't include in this amendment we will move forward with the chairman to make sure we are able to protect those who have served overseas and take their own life when coming back.

Mr. NUNN

Mr. NUNN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at any time through July 20, 2023, to consider the following joint resolutions in the House if called up by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, or his designee: H.J. Res. 68, H.J. Res. 70, H.J. Res. 71, or H.J. Res. 74; that each such joint resolution be considered as read; that the previous question be considered as ordered on each such joint resolution to final passage without intervening motion, except for debate as follows: For H.J. Res. 68, 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by Representative McCaul of Texas, Representative Meeks of New York, and Representative Boebert of Colorado, or their respective designees; For H.J. Res. 70 and H.J. Res. 74, 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by Representative McCaul of Texas, Representative Meeks of New York, and Representative Gosar of Arizona, or their respective designees; and For H.J. Res. 71, 30 minutes equally and divided and controlled by Representative McCaul of Texas, Representative Meeks of New York, and Representative Crane of Arizona, or their respective designees; and That the provisions of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622) shall not apply to each such joint resolution through July 20, 2023.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize astronaut and Mount Ayr native, Peggy Whitson, on her return to space. Peggy has spent her career making history. She was the first female to command the International Space Station. At only 57 years young, she became the oldest woman to walk in space and holds the record for most space walks by any woman or American astronaut, male or female. In total, Peggy has flown three long-duration missions, conducted ten space walks, has over sixty Extra-Vehicular Activities, and performed hundreds of experiments on the International Space Station. She has spent a total of 665 days in space, making her America's most experienced astronaut. Last week, she rocketed back to Earth after another mission to the International Space Station as commander for the first-ever private space mission. Congratulations and we are excited to see her soar once again.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob King for his induction into the Volunteer Iowa Hall of Fame. Bob is known for his willingness to step up. and get involved wherever he can. The result of Bob's work can be seen in the growth of Dallas Center's park system, which is focused on expanding the outdoor spaces available for community members to enjoy. This has included the installation of benches and play spaces, the development of trails, the establishment of an athletic complex, and the planting of over eighty trees. Along with this work, he has served his community through his position as the president and facilitator of the Sustaining Active Independent Living in Dallas Center (SAIL-DC) program. With his help, this program provides a way for homebound residents to stay connected to the world and to continue to live independently. I thank Bob for his incredible service to our community.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable individual who has dedicated years of service to our community. Fire Chief Rick Roe will retire today after more than 34 years of service to the Clive area. Throughout history, heroes have emerged from all walks of life, ordinary people who rise to the occasion when the extraordinary is demanded of them. Chief Roe exemplifies the spirit of those heroes. His leadership and steadfast dedication to public service have undoubtedly impacted the lives of countless individuals, both within the Clive Fire Department and the broader community he has faithfully served. Firefighters are the epitome of selflessness, rushing into danger when others are fleeing from it, putting their own lives at risk to protect others. They are the guardian angels who provide solace amid chaos and bring hope to those facing unimaginable loss. Chief Roe has embodied these qualities with unmatched grace and resilience, inspiring all who have had the privilege to work alongside him. Under his guidance, the Clive Fire Department has grown stronger, more efficient, and better equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. His ability to lead with compassion, intelligence, and integrity has raised the bar for excellence and fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity within the department, ensuring that every firefighter feels valued and supported. His efforts to prioritize training, modernize equipment, and implement innovative strategies have enhanced the safety of our community, allowing the Clive community to face the most formidable emergencies with confidence and preparedness. Moreover, his commitment to outreach and education has empowered our citizens with the knowledge needed to prevent fires and respond effectively in times of crisis. I offer Chief Roe my deepest gratitude for his years of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. His impact will continue to shape the future of our fire department for generations to come. I thank him for an extraordinary career marked by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Krystal Colbert who was selected as the 2023 Iowa Teacher of the Year. Currently, a second-grade teacher at Mitchellville Elementary School, Krystal has 16 years of successful teaching experience, 14 of those years devoted to the Southeast Polk School District. Krystal embodies what it means to be a life-long learner and educator. She is a model teacher in the classroom and serves as a mentor for aspiring educators. Krystal continues to put her students first by prioritizing collaboration and problem solving in her classroom. These skills undoubtedly set her students up for bright, successful futures. I could not be prouder of Krystal, the work she has done, and the influence she will continue to have on students and educators alike. She has undoubtedly shaped the next generation of Iowans and serves as a beacon of light in the classroom and beyond. I congratulate Krystal and thank her for exemplifying the power of education and support through her work.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sydney Milani of Pleasant Hill, IA and a proud Southeast Polk graduate, for becoming a member of USA's Women's Winter Olympic Bobsledding Team. Sydney's story is unique and inspiring--she grew up as a military brat, a daughter, a track star, and now a future Olympian. The definition of resilience, breaking record after record in track, Sydney completed school and went on to help top-level military service members achieve peak fitness. However, as an athlete, she would soon find her way back to elite competition. Although the transition from running track to blindly racing down an ice tunnel did not come without challenges, she persevered and even won a silver medal in her first international meet. Her fierce determination and deep competitiveness helped her along the way and earned her a spot representing Team USA at the Olympic games. I want to congratulate Sydney Milani for her continued excellence, strength, and endurance. She is an inspiration to not just athletes, but all those who have ever had a dream worth chasing. I am so proud of her and cannot wait to cheer her on as she goes for gold at the 2024 Winter Olympic Games.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a one-of-a-kind event being held in the heart of our Nation's Capital. Earlier today, I visited A Celebration of Construction on The National Mall. This event, hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and more than 40 manufacturers and trade groups, brings together larger- than-life machinery to the steps of the U.S. Capitol and is enjoyed by both adults and many children alike. For 3 days, visitors to The National Mall will have the opportunity to see this equipment up close. This is a unique opportunity for policymakers to learn about the manufacturers across the country, including some Iowa manufacturers like Vermeer, Cemen Tech, and John Deere, who are creating American jobs and contributing billions annually to our economy. Iowa's Third District is home to more than 34,000 equipment manufacturers, more than any other district in the country. I applaud AEM for showcasing this work on The National Mall, and I encourage my colleagues to take time to visit this exhibition.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, Americans are demanding action. The President cannot put forth a budget that is 55 percent higher than it was at prepandemic levels. We must get together and work with what Chairman Arrington and the Speaker and House Republicans have put forward: A budget that holds our government accountable, a budget that addresses the debt ceiling now, gets Federal spending under control, and grows our economy by letting Americans keep more of the money they have earned. That is why I am honored as part of the Iowa delegation to hold firm in that America's fiscal security, energy security, and food security can be led with us. In Iowa, we will not allow government to balance its budget on the backs of America's farmers. That is why I am proud that this bill makes critical investments in biofuels. Biofuels empower American energy independence. Biofuel infrastructure decreases the cost of fuels overseas and helps our families at the pump. Biofuels grow our Main Street businesses. Biofuels empower our farmers for what they need to both feed and fuel the world. I salute the Iowans and the Americans who have worked to balance their own budgets every month, those who don't spend tirelessly and put it on their credit card.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grand View Christian Thunder boys high school basketball team for winning the Class 1A Basketball State Championship beating the Troy Mills North Linn Lynx. An exciting game from the beginning, as Troy Mills North Linn led until right before the halftime when the Thunder pulled ahead by a slim margin. After halftime and a solid third quarter, the Grand View Christian Thunder took the lead by double digits heading into the fourth quarter, The game was not over yet, however, as the Thunder kept in stride and outscored the Lynx 12-8 in the final quarter and clinched the championship. GVC ended with a 63-46 victory to claim their fourth state championship. I want to congratulate Grand View Christian Thunder high school boys basketball team for their perseverance, athleticism, and grit to get the job done. I also want to congratulate the coaches, staff, and parents who are all a part of this win. Everyone in Des Moines is proud of their win.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jorge Villeda of Ottumwa for receiving the Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Small Business Development Center of Iowa. Jorge is the type of individual who believed in the American Dream and worked hard to achieve it. He is the true definition of inspiration to us as Iowans and to all of us as Americans. His father was his encouragement all along as he had owned his own successful business in El Salvador. Jorge took the skills of good customer service and the value of hard work from his early days working in his dad's grocery store. He started his own construction business Villeda Construction in Ottumwa. He always loved hard work, so he started a business that combined his two favorite things--customer service and construction. Mr. Villeda's achievements, personally and professionally, are a testament to what can be done if you never stop believing and working hard. Jorge's story also demonstrates how, in a state like Iowa, anything is possible. I want to again congratulate Jorge for his achievement. His passion, dedication, and persistence are an encouragement to every person who has ever had a dream worth chasing.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley High School Boys Basketball of West Des Moines for winning the Class 4A Basketball State Championship beating the Waukee Northwest Wolves. Since 2018, the Valley Tigers had not been in the State Championship. However, when they showed up this year, they showed up to play. Making 80 percent of three pointers and nearly 70 percent of the shots taken, the Tigers were here to win. By outscoring and mastering the rebounding battle, they put up the points needed to maintain the lead. In the final 8 minutes of the game, the Wolves went for a comeback, but Valley was prepared. After a 4-year hiatus, the Tigers are Champions once again. The third state championship in the history of the school, and the second in the last seven years. Truly a monumental moment for the players, coach, staff, students, and parents. We are so proud of all of them and know how meaningful this win truly is.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dallas Center-Grimes Girls Basketball for winning the Class 4A Basketball State Championship beating the North Polk Comets. I congratulate the DCG ladies on achieving the first state title in program history. The Mustang ladies showed up to play, coming into the championship game with second-rank defense in 4A state basketball. Their strategy of defense and excellent teamwork kept them leading till the surge by the Comets in the fourth quarter. With 18 seconds left on the clock and a tied-up game of 46-46, the game went into overtime. With Mustangs forceful defense, they held off the Comets in overtime and led to their victory of 57-50. What a victory for the ladies and a phenomenal way to wrap the season. Iowa is so proud of every player, coach, staff, and parent.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bondurant-Farrar Bluejays boys high school basketball team for winning the Class 3A Basketball State Championship beating the Cedar Rapids Xavier Saints. Bondurant-Farrar Bluejays and Cedar Rapids Xavier Saints put up nothing short of exciting basketball throughout the whole game of the Class 3A State Championship. The Bluejays had a perfect, undefeated season coming into the final game, with exceptional execution of timely plays and solid free throws to beat the Saints 58 to 55. This was not without a fight as the Saints led the Bluejays almost the whole game. In fantastic fashion of what Iowans love to see in a final game, the ball went back and forth till the very last second of it. This was true championship level basketball by both teams. Congratulations to Bondurant-Farrar Bluejays high school boys basketball team for a heck of a season and a thrill of a championship game. Congratulations are in order as well for the coaches, staff, and dedicated parents. They have made me proud to call Bondurant home.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, March Madness is among us, and I am thrilled to say that the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and my own Drake Bulldogs have made it. Unfortunately, most of us are now out of our brackets and trying to pick up the pieces. I recognize that today, the University of Iowa women's basketball team with Coach Lisa Bluder, along with Caitlin Clark, a standout college basketball player with the Iowa Hawkeyes, is ready to take it to the court tonight. Iowa is ready to cheer on our Hawkeye women in the Sweet 16 tournament, and we wish them the very best of luck in their game today. The coaches, staff, parents, alumni, and all Iowans who are watching across the country and the world tonight have been there from the beginning. Thank you for your dedication to making this happen. I also send a shout-out to a very special player from West Des Moines, Iowa, Caitlin Clark. She is a favorite for National Player of the Year. On March 5, 2023, Caitlin put up 30 points, 17 assists, and 10 rebounds, leading her team to clinch its second straight Big 10 tournament title. You can tell I have been screaming and cheering her on from the sidelines the whole way through. Caitlin is the only player, male or female, in the past 20 seasons to achieve 25 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds in a single game, and she did it not once but twice. Caitlin has made Iowa so proud. She is in a league of her own with her record-setting career, and it is only just beginning. We look forward to watching Caitlin and the Hawkeye women do what they do best on the court tonight. Go Hawks.

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 161. Stated against:

Mr. NUNN of Iowa

Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Katie Lunning, a Critical Care Air Transport Team nurse in the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard. The wings of angels come in many forms. On August 26, 2021, those wings came in the form of Flight Nurse Lunning. Her medical evacuation team boarded a C-17 Globemaster, a massive flying ambulance, to evacuate critically injured Americans and allies in the evacuation of Afghanistan. Major Katie Lunning, an intensive critical care unit nurse manager in her civilian career, is no stranger to hard work and the harrowing missions with the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs in Des Moines, Iowa. Recently, Major Lunning became the first flight nurse in the Air National Guard to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, our Nation's highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement. As Afghanistan fell and Taliban forces converged on the capital, Major Lunning was one of the first to respond to a mass casualty suicide bombing at Kabul airport. The tragic death toll claimed the lives of nearly 200, including 13 American servicemembers, among them Iowa's very own Corporal Daegan Page. Major Lunning was on the scene within hours of the bombing and immediately worked to triage and prepare patients for evacuation while taking enemy fire. With few resources, Major Lunning provided medical care to patients, including five who were critically injured and a 2-year-old with a traumatic brain injury, during the 8-hour flight to safety. All 22 patients survived. She is the epitome of a winged angel: heroic, selfless, and providing rescue to those in times of critical need. With all of Iowa, I join in saluting Major Lunning as we could not be prouder. Moreover, her dauntless courage is an inspiration to the future women and men who will don the flight nurse's uniform and serve our State and country in the missions ahead.

Mr. NUNN

Mr. NUNN. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to join this House, the newest Representative from the great State of Iowa. I rise not to speak of division within this Chamber but to champion the importance of providing pragmatic, solution-oriented leadership for the American people. Serving the people of the Third District, I am humbled by the Iowans who voted for change and remain mindful that good representation includes being a fighter for every single Iowan, regardless of party. That is why I am committed to ushering in a new era of public service for our community, one that begins with transparent, pragmatic, and bipartisan work. With nearly two decades as a combat veteran, intelligence officer, and a former State legislator, service has always come before self. In the military, it is never 9 to 5. Deployments flying over Afghanistan meant spending time away from family, and tours overseas sacrificed memories shared with friends. But we had a call to serve, and our brothers and sisters in arms demanded that we complete the job. My call to serve now is being a Representative for every Iowan in all 21 counties. Whether in Des Moines or Atlantic or Ottumwa, common challenges facing Iowans are dire. Inflation is crippling families and small businesses, taxes and governmental overreach are burdensome, our communities just this week are hurting from violent crime, and providing quality education is top of mind across our State. As a servant in Iowa, we worked across the aisle, and we delivered, passing the largest tax cut in State history three times over. Growing productivity for Iowa's family farms, we are now first in corn, first in soybean, first in hogs, and first in high school graduation--not to mention, we are still first in the GOP caucuses. In Iowa, small businesses kept going during the pandemic, and we ensured that Iowa's schools were open so students and parents could work with educators to teach the next generation of Iowa leaders. I am a sixth-generation Iowan. I know the struggles we face. I come from a century family farm. My mother was a nurse, and my father was a high school math teacher; they taught my brother and me to take responsibility and to serve with grace in our hearts. Our community helped raise all of us. In high school, I met my future wife, Kelly, and we are blessed with four kids and two foster children. Our hope for them is that we can offer what our parents provided for us. In times of tragedy, we are reminded that family always comes first. This week we were saddened to lose my father-in-law, Kelly's dad, Jim. He was a union electrician, and he only voted once for a Republican. Thank you, Jim. He was the best grandpa to our kids, the best dad, and the best husband. He was a man who lived his life to the fullest with the ones he loved, which is what the world needs more of today. The importance of family is something every Iowan can agree on. In Congress, I would like to see more of this realized, that there are more things that can be done to achieve the 80 percent of priorities that we all agree on. Americans would rather spend time seeing us work together than in partisan dogfights. In 2023, we entered a period of divided government. But this is no excuse for gridlock or inaction. The American people demand and deserve leaders who are willing to work for meaningful policies to address the challenges that we all face: high inflation, educating our kids, protecting our communities, and energy independence that serves both our national security and protects our natural resources. There is always more that can be accomplished when we work together than when we are alone. Together we can ensure a prosperous American future for the next generation by making our country safer, stronger, and more accountable. With that goal in mind, I am honored to bring Iowa's influential voice to the House Agriculture Committee and bring Des Moines' expertise in the insurance industry to serve on the Financial Services Committee. We have the opportunity to bring homegrown Iowa values and priorities to the Nation's Capital. And as a D.C. outsider and citizen legislator, I plan to take full advantage of these opportunities to make what works in Iowa an opportunity for the entire country. Most importantly, I will strive every single day to be a servant to my fellow Iowans. I will also work to be the best father and husband to my family. This means being present right in my hometown back in Iowa where together we all work and live. I will be traveling across the district nonstop to hear from all Iowans in all 21 counties both urban, suburban, and rural in the new Third Congressional District. I look forward to delivering pragmatic solutions for Iowans and helping D.C. along the way to operate a little bit more like we do in Iowa: family and neighbors first, common sense, hard work, and--as always--a little bit of Iowa nice.