Wiley Nickel

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead. Last night, the Dead and Company closed out their final act in San Francisco, and while this marks the end of an era, it also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the immense impact they have had on generations of fans. Jerry Garcia said it best when he said: ``Maybe we are just one of the last adventures in America,'' and for those of us who are fans who follow the Dead, they truly were an amazing American adventure. For over five decades, their unique blend of rock, folk, and improvisation transcended boundaries inspiring countless artists and enchanting millions of dedicated fans. In a world often divided, the Grateful Dead reminds us that music has the power to bridge divides and bring people together. Their music served as a beacon of hope, an escape, and a testament to the power of artistic expression. Through their music, the Grateful Dead taught us the value of community, compassion, and the beauty of living in the moment. As we celebrate the Grateful Dead, we also pay tribute to the late Jerry Garcia and all the band members who graced the stage with their exceptional talents. Let's also acknowledge the unwavering dedication of the Deadheads, the devoted fans who traveled far and wide to be part of the Grateful Dead experience. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm nurtured a unique bond between the band and its audience, making each concert totally unique. There was never a concert that was the same as the last. As we celebrate Dead and Company's final performance last night, let's remember that their music and spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all those that they touched. Their journey may have reached its final destination, but their melodies resonate across time, reminding us of the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and to bring us together. Madam Speaker, I like people who like the Grateful Dead, and whether in the Halls of Congress or back home in North Carolina, I will always be thankful for the memories they gave us, the music they shared, and the profound impact they had on the lives of everyone in this country.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, America's national defense has historically been a source of bipartisan agreement, not a battleground for divisive, extreme partisan politics. Unfortunately, House Republicans chose to use the NDAA to advance controversial and harmful amendments rather than work in a bipartisan way to bolster our national defense, strengthen our national security interests, and protect our servicemembers. Through the amendment process, House Republicans inserted extreme anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-DEI amendments that infringe upon the rights of individuals, notably those who serve in our armed forces and their families, threaten their liberties, and undermine their principles of freedom and autonomy that they work every day to defend. With these poison pills, I could not vote to advance this year's NDAA, as amended. I will work tirelessly with my Senate counterparts and reasonable Republicans to ensure that damaging anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-DEI amendments are not included in the final text of this legislation.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, in such a closely divided Congress, the only real solutions are bipartisan solutions that can pass the House and get 60 votes in the Senate. For me, bipartisanship is more than just a buzzword. That is why as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I am working on advancing commonsense, bipartisan legislation. Since January, I am proud to have advanced three bipartisan bills through committee and one through the floor of the House. The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act, which I co-led with Congressman Mike Flood, recently passed on the House floor with 383 votes and would help cut through government red tape and ensure well- qualified and more diverse individuals are able to invest in our private markets. The second bill, Improving Disclosures for Investors Act, which I co- led with Congressman Huizenga, is the next step in the decades-long process of modernizing the SEC's electronic delivery rules, while providing strong investor protections. The China Exchange Rate Transparency Act, which I co-led with Congressman Meuser, would enable us to learn more about China's exchange rate policies to level the playing field for American businesses and promote domestic manufacturing. As we look ahead, I know that we can reach consensus and find common ground on the issues facing the American people. One of those areas is stablecoin legislation. I am proud of the work we have done this Congress on bipartisan stablecoin legislation. The most recent draft includes many of my suggestions, like protecting State regulators in North Carolina, adding consumer protections, and ensuring banks can safely hold digital assets in their custody. I hope that we can continue to come together, put politics aside, and reach a bipartisan agreement that can pass through committee with support from Democrats and Republicans. I stand ready to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to find solutions and get things done for the people of North Carolina's 13th District. Celebrating Distinguished North Carolinians

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and congratulate a distinguished North Carolinian, Dr. Mandy Cohen, on her recent appointment as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Dr. Cohen's commitment to public health and her exceptional leadership skills. North Carolina has a rich history of contributing remarkable individuals to our great Nation. Our State has always nurtured talent and fostered innovation. Dr. Cohen's appointment as the head of the CDC exemplifies North Carolina's continued influence on the national stage. Throughout her tenure as the secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services--where I served in the State senate during her tenure, as well--Dr. Cohen has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to improving the health and well-being of our citizens. In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she led North Carolina's robust response efforts with compassion and expertise. Today, as we honor Dr. Cohen, we also take pride in recognizing two other North Carolinians appointed to critical national positions. Michael Regan, a native of North Carolina's 13th Congressional District, serves as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA. Mr. Regan's passion and expertise have propelled us toward a greener, more sustainable future. Erik Hooks, the deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, also hails from North Carolina. In his role, Mr. Hooks has played a pivotal role in disaster response and recovery efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across our Nation. As we celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Mandy Cohen, Michael Regan, and Erik Hooks, we also recognize the collective achievements of North Carolina. I was with our Governor, Roy Cooper, just last week and he made note of these important contributions from these three North Carolinians in this administration. Our State has consistently produced exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to our Nation. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mandy Cohen on her appointment as the Director of the CDC. I am confident she will bring the same passion and expertise to this new position that she demonstrated throughout her career in North Carolina. To Michael Regan and Erik Hooks, I express my deepest appreciation for their invaluable contributions to our Nation. North Carolina is proud to call these exceptional individuals our own, and we look forward to the positive impact they will play and continue to have on our country.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow former President Donald Trump will be arraigned in Federal court in Miami. He has been indicted on 37 different felony charges, including false statements and representations, scheme to conceal, concealing a document in a Federal investigation, corruptly concealing a document or record, withholding a document or record, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information. Mr. Speaker, I read the incredibly detailed and evidence-based indictment, and it is deeply troubling and disturbing, to say the least. These charges show a complete and total disregard for the national security of the United States. The former President's actions compromised the lives and safety of U.S. military personnel around the world. No one is above the law, and anyone who undermines U.S. national security must be held to answer for their actions. Mr. Speaker, he had our nuclear secrets stashed away in boxes in his bathroom. Listen, I am here on the floor today because prodemocracy Republicans in North Carolina's 13th District rejected extremism and sent me to Washington because I ran to protect our democracy and our rule of law. This is about our rule of law. Mr. Speaker, as the American people try to make sense of these indictments, I think we should listen to the comments from Republicans who served in the Trump administration and other leading Republicans. John Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor in the Trump administration said: ``The indictment is devastating. Those who defended Trump before the charges were made public or those who have not yet spoken, should very carefully weigh how history will consider their statements.'' Mick Mulroy, a senior Pentagon official in the Trump administration, said: ``The classified documents described in the indictment are some of the most sensitive information we possess. . . . This type of information should never be removed from a secured facility and once discovered should have been immediately returned.'' Bill Barr, who served as Attorney General in the Trump administration said: ``If even half of it is true, then he is toast. It's a very detailed indictment, and it's very, very damning. And this idea of presenting Trump as a victim here, a victim of a witch hunt, is ridiculous. ``He is not a victim here. He was totally wrong that he had the right to have those documents. Those documents are among the most sensitive secrets the country has.'' Asa Hutchinson, former Bush administration official, former Governor of Arkansas, said: ``Donald Trump's actions--from his willful disregard for the Constitution to his disrespect for the rule of law--should not define our Nation or the Republican Party.'' Mitt Romney, the junior Senator from the State of Utah said: ``Mr. Trump brought these charges upon himself by not only taking classified documents, but by refusing to simply return them when given numerous opportunities to do so. ``These allegations are serious and if proven, would be consistent with his other actions offensive to the national interest, such as withholding defensive weapons from Ukraine for political reasons and failing to defend the Capitol from violent attack and insurrection.'' Mr. Speaker, we are a nation of laws. No one is above the law in the United States of America. No one is entitled to keep top secret national security documents. The documents in this case are among the most secret we have in this country--nuclear secrets. We need to know just how much the careless and cavalier storage of these documents has compromised our Nation's national security. I came to Congress to get things done for the people in my district, and I have been glad to build relationships with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. We should work in a bipartisan way whenever we can, but if we are going to truly heal as a country, we need to hold people accountable. As a lawyer, I know allowing this process to play out in a court of law and ensuring a fair and impartial trial is critically important. However, this is already a sad and somber moment in our Nation's history. Democracy should never be taken for granted. We must be vigilant and proactive to protect it. In closing, Mr. Speaker, history will remember those who defend this lawless behavior, and it will not be kind.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Pride Month. From trailblazing activists and leaders who fought tirelessly for equality to artists and entertainers who shattered barriers and inspired generations, the impact of the LGBTQ community is felt in every aspect of our culture. While we commemorate the progress we have made, we must acknowledge that attacks against the LGBTQ community from State legislatures have reached an all-time high. It worries me that these attacks most directly impact LGBTQ youth, so we must continue to uplift young people and reaffirm our commitment to equality in America. In North Carolina, y'all means all. I will continue to work to build a world in which everyone can live safely and openly as themselves and where everyone is treated equally, no matter who they are or who they love.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise as the co-lead of the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act with my Republican colleague, Mike Flood, from the great State of Nebraska. Our bipartisan bill cuts through government red tape to improve choices for investors regardless of their net worth. This will result in greater access to capital for minorities, veterans, and women, and will also spur economic growth in places like North Carolina's Research Triangle Park. Under the current system, only millionaires can be accredited investors. We want to open up lucrative private securities investments to individuals who have the financial knowledge to understand the risks they are taking on but aren't necessarily millionaires. Our bill does just that by expanding the accredited investor definition which is what allows people to invest in private securities to include individuals that are certified through a robust exam established by the SEC and administered by FINRA. If you are able to pass a test demonstrating you are financially sophisticated enough to take on the risk of investing in private securities, you should be considered an accredited investor without having to be a millionaire. North Carolina's Research Triangle Park is an essential economic driver from my district. It is home to many small biotech companies working on critical life-changing technologies. Many of these companies rely on accredited investors for capital, so our larger pool of investors will improve their access to funding, spurring growth, and bringing good jobs to working families in North Carolina's 13th Congressional District and around the country. Additionally, according to Brookings, the average net worth of a typical White family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family. By allowing individuals to become accredited investors, regardless of their net worth, this bill will enable more diverse investors to participate in that asset class. Underrepresented entrepreneurs often struggle to access capital, and they greatly benefit from a larger pool of more diverse investors that look like them. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and co-lead Mike Flood and our Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters for her support and her leadership of this bill, along with Chair Patrick McHenry. Mr. Speaker, the only real solutions in this Congress are going to be bipartisan solutions. This legislation is the result of Democrats and Republicans working together to improve the lives of the people we represent. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, today, ahead of Memorial Day, I am thinking about the 49,000 veterans in my district whose VA benefits hang in the balance due to the risk of debt default. It is incredibly disappointing that we would leave Washington before this important holiday without resolving the default crisis. Our veterans who have given so much deserve much better than this. They deserve our unwavering dedication and commitment not just in words but in action. They don't deserve partisan political games. As we prepare to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, let's also honor the veterans still with us by staying true to our duty. Let's remember the debt we owe to them and the responsibility that we bear. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to get back to work and prioritize the needs of our veterans. Let's stay. Let's get to work. Let's find a solution.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, June 1, that is when the Treasury estimates that we will no longer be able to fulfill our financial obligations if Congress has not acted. Defaulting would have catastrophic consequences on our economy. It would shake financial markets, send interest rates skyrocketing, risk millions of jobs, and create higher costs for working families. We can't allow the full faith and credit of the United States Government to be called into question by defaulting. I am encouraged by ongoing conversations and discussions that are moving us in the right direction, but we need to get this done. I am committed to being at the table and being ready to work in a bipartisan way to find short-term and long-term solutions to avert a crisis and get our fiscal house in order.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, an important occasion that holds great significance for the Tamil people around the world and for all those who advocate for peace, justice, and human rights around the world. As the first U.S. legislator to officially acknowledge the Tamil Genocide in Sri Lanka and as a steadfast supporter of the Tamil community in North Carolina and Sri Lanka, I'm proud to offer this statement in commemoration of this solemn day. The Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day is observed on May 18th of each year to mark the events of mass atrocities that unfolded during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Ethnic War in 2009. It serves as a day of remembrance for the tens of thousands of innocent lives lost. It's a reminder that we must express solidarity with the survivors who continue to grapple with the painful memories and consequences of this devastating conflict. The Sri Lankan Ethnic War, which spanned nearly three decades, resulted in immense suffering and loss of life. We must recognize and remember these tragic events to foster healing and justice and to ensure non-recurrence. The final months of the conflict were particularly brutal. Mullivaikkal, a small coastal strip in the northeastern part of the country, became the site of a large-scale offensive that led to the ethnic slaughter of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians. We must acknowledge the pain and suffering endured by the Tamil People on the island and ensure that the voices of survivors are heard to foster healing, justice, and reconciliation. I commend the Tamil Americans working tirelessly to promote awareness of the Tamil Genocide and advocate for the rights of the Tamil community. Their dedication and commitment to justice and peace are commendable. As we observe Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, let's remember the lives lost, the families torn apart, and the enduring resilience of the Tamil people. May this day remind us of our responsibility to stand against injustice and work towards a world where everyone can live in peace, equality, freedom, and dignity. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, North Carolina is a hub of innovation and diversity. People with roots from all over the world have come together to build a prosperous and growing community in our State. My district is stronger because of its diversity, and we need an immigration system that reflects North Carolina's needs and values. I believe it is possible to have a fair and efficient immigration system while also protecting our national security and ensuring the safety of American citizens. That is why I was discouraged that, with title 42 set to expire, the majority chose to advance partisan legislation rather than bipartisan solutions that can pass the House, Senate, and get signed into law. Likewise, while the administration announced several short-term steps leading up to the expiration of title 42, it was too little too late, and now Congress must act. It is unfortunate that addressing the situation at the southern border has become a political issue. Border security is not a Democrat or Republican issue. It is an American issue that we must address. I was proud to join a bipartisan coalition of Members to introduce legislation that will secure the southern border while giving us more time to enact meaningful, long-term reforms to our overburdened immigration system. The legislation is the House companion to the one introduced by North Carolina's own Senator Thom Tillis and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema. I am proud to join this effort with Congressmen Golden, Ciscomani, Don Davis from North Carolina, Fitzpatrick, Valadao, and Nunn. This legislation grants the Biden administration a 2-year temporary expulsion authority for migrants who enter the U.S. illegally and serves as a proactive measure to tackle the expected surge of migrants at the southern border. Importantly, this legislation also ensures that migrants facing persecution or torture due to their membership in social, political, or religious groups will not be subject to expulsion. Furthermore, border agents will have the discretion to exempt migrants on a case-by-case basis. The urgency of decisive action at our southern border cannot be overstated, and this legislation will help in both the short term and the long term. In the short term, it would effectively extend title 42 restrictions. It would equip the U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the tools and resources to secure our borders and keep Americans safe. In the long term, this legislation grants more time for Congress to take up and address our overburdened immigration system. Right now, there is strong bipartisan support for this, and we can work together to find commonsense solutions that can pass into law. I believe in strong border security and improving technology at our ports of entry. I also believe people who wish to come to our country seeking a better life deserve a pathway to visas or citizenship that doesn't take decades to complete. North Carolina's economy relies on immigrants to come here on skilled work visas, and I will work to find solutions to address the visa backlog and expand processing. We should address the root causes of migration with a comprehensive approach that includes not only immigration policy but also economic development, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic engagement. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus and member of the New Democrat Coalition's Immigration and Border Security Task Force, I remain focused and committed to working across the aisle to secure our border and advance comprehensive immigration reform. A solution to our broken immigration system is long overdue, Madam Speaker. Let's work together to secure our borders and ports, create a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants already in the country, and reform our visa system so we can strengthen economic development.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, it has been just over 100 days since I was sworn into office, and it is an amazing honor and privilege to represent the people of North Carolina's 13th District. Over the last few months, I have had the pleasure of hearing from so many of my constituents through phone calls, emails, texts, townhall meetings, and meetings all over the district. Right now, the reality is that North Carolinians need help keeping up with the rising costs of goods and services. Seniors and young parents alike deserve the opportunity to build their families and put down roots. However, with an unfair and overburdensome tax system, coupled with the increasing cost of living, making ends meet is tough. To show this, I commissioned an economic impact report using a sample budget based on the median costs for basic necessities through the Economic Policy Institute and the United States Census. The report shows that working families are finding it hard to pay for things like rent, groceries, childcare, and healthcare. Madam Speaker, when you take a closer look at the budget breakdown, it is a real wake-up call. A working family could spend about 19 percent of their income on childcare, 21 percent on housing, and 22 percent on healthcare. I have collected testimonials and survey responses from hundreds of constituents who shared their personal experiences dealing with the rising cost of childcare and the rising cost of housing. I heard from a former State employee and mother of three who shared that she spends 50 percent of her income on childcare. She noted that over the past several years, childcare prices have not decreased and that salaries are not commensurate with inflation and the cost-of- living increases. I also heard from a family whose youngest son, a recent college graduate with a job at the median salary in North Carolina, can't pay rent or purchase a small home in Raleigh or in the suburbs. They are worried because we want our young people to succeed, but it is hard to do so under the current circumstances. Madam Speaker, it is clear, working families are struggling to keep up. Working families deserve to know that their leaders are willing to roll up their sleeves and find bipartisan solutions that will make a real difference in their lives and their budgets. I am working to do just that. In Congress, I am working in a bipartisan way to level the playing field for working families by lowering out-of-pocket costs and creating a fair tax system that benefits everyone. I am leading the charge against a proposal to implement a 30 percent national sales tax instead of a Federal income tax. That would be a disaster for working families. I have cosponsored the COVER Now Act to lower healthcare costs. I have cosponsored the Food Deserts Act which will increase access to grocery stores and help address the cost of food. I have cosponsored the Child Care for Every Community Act to expand access to affordable childcare. I have also just introduced today the ACRE Act to help lower mortgage costs for rural communities and enable North Carolina farmers to have greater access to credit through community banks. Madam Speaker, as I stand here in this absolutely magnificent Chamber, I am constantly reminded just how fragile our democracy is-- our government of the people, by the people, and for the people. As the Representative for the people of North Carolina's 13th District, I will keep working hard in a bipartisan way to find solutions to get results for our families, our friends, and our neighbors.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 85th anniversary of the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Raleigh Alumnae Chapter was chartered on May 7, 1938, as the Alpha Zeta Sigma Chapter by Founder Jimmie Bugg Middleton, and has been a pillar of service and activism in our community ever since. Throughout its 84-year history, the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter has engaged in a variety of activities to improve the lives of those around them. From providing a traveling library to Franklin County in the 1950s to sponsoring the ``Candystripers'' program at the Carolina School for the Blind, to donating books and magazines to local hospitals, the chapter has consistently demonstrated its commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was incorporated in 1930, less than two months after its founding. From the very beginning, Delta Sigma Theta women have been involved in political activism and social justice causes. Their first public act involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. in March 1913. The Delta Sigma Theta women marched with honorary member Mary Church Terrell under the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority banner on the day before Woodrow Wilson's inauguration, advocating for the right of black women to vote. Today, the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. continues to make a significant impact in our community through their educational programs for children living in Wake County, their efforts to raise college scholarship funds, and their workshops on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. They also highlight black-owned businesses in our community, helping to promote economic growth and prosperity for all. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. on their 85th anniversary and to thank them for their unwavering commitment to service, advocacy, and social justice.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, just over a week ago, I spoke on the House floor in support of a bipartisan debt ceiling framework proposed by the Problem Solvers Caucus. Unfortunately, rather than taking up this framework, or one that can actually get signed into law, the majority advanced a partisan framework that will leave working families, seniors, and veterans behind. According to the Joint Economic Committee, this partisan proposal could slash education funding for 143,000 students, cut funding for 44,000 veterans, jeopardize 17,000 families living below the poverty level, threaten housing access for 35,000, roll back investments in the Triangle's new, innovative technologies that support good-paying jobs. That is just in North Carolina's 13th Congressional District alone. I support fiscal responsibility, but this proposal is anything but responsible. Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come to the table in good faith because the stakes are too high. Let's have a reasonable and responsible conversation to avoid defaulting on the debt.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, we need to raise the debt ceiling and we need to do it soon. I rise today in support of the bipartisan debt ceiling framework unveiled today by the Problem Solvers Caucus. In such a closely divided Congress, the only real solutions are bipartisan solutions that can get 218 votes in the House, 60 votes in the Senate, and on to the President's desk. This framework proposes reasonable and responsible steps to ensure that we won't default on our debt while also ensuring that Congress takes short-term and long-term steps to address spending and balance the budget. I came to Washington to get things done, and I am firmly committed to working with the Problem Solvers Caucus and my colleagues across the aisle to find solutions for the most pressing issues facing our Nation. I am proud to support this bipartisan framework, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5, a partisan effort to bring culture wars into our Nation's classrooms. My grandfather had a way of saying no to me as a kid. He would hold up his hand and he would say, when red hair grows right here in the palm of his hand. That was his way of saying no. It is the same with this legislation in the Senate which will go nowhere in the Senate. It opens the door to more book bans in our local school libraries by requiring schools to report each and every book in their inventory. Let's be clear: Recent attempts to restrict access to books are an attack on the fundamental values of our democracy. Banning books is not only a violation of our First Amendment rights, but it also undermines our children's education and intellectual growth. As a father of two, I am disappointed by these partisan attempts to restrict access to books that could inspire and educate our children. We should be working together to build a better future for our kids, instead of engaging in more partisan political games.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to pay tribute to the distinguished career of Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchinson. It's my privilege to recognize his invaluable contributions to the people and communities of Wake County and to wish him a well-deserved and happy retirement. Born in west Texas, Commissioner Hutchinson moved to Raleigh after graduating with a bachelor's degree from Texas Technical College and earning a master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina. He began exploring Wake County's greenway trails with his family recreationally and saw the untapped potential to make Wake County a more accessible and sustainable community. Commissioner Hutchinson has served on the Wake County Board of Commissioners since 2014 and has successfully led seven bond referendums totaling over $400 million in Wake County and the City of Raleigh. Commissioner Hutchinson's efforts to preserve open space, expand the greenway system, and make communities healthy and livable have earned him a reputation as a champion for the environment and for public health. In addition to his work as a county commissioner, Commissioner Hutchinson has held leadership roles in numerous regional and State boards and associations, including the Triangle Land Conservancy, Advocates for Health in Action, and NC Prevention Partners. He currently serves in leadership positions with the Upper Neuse River Basin Association, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Live Well Wake, National Association of Counties, and Go Triangle. I'd like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Commissioner Sig Hutchinson for his years of service to North Carolina and to wish him all the best in his retirement from the Wake County Board of Commissioners. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of community development and environmental stewardship will endure for generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating Commissioner Sig Hutchinson.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 212, a resolution I was proud to introduce earlier this week with Congressman Sorensen and Congresswoman Pettersen. My resolution is simple and opposes the 30 percent national sales tax plan proposed by several of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. A 30 percent sales tax would be a disaster for working families in my district who are already dealing with high prices of gas, exorbitant housing costs, and rising costs of living. It would hit seniors living on a fixed income especially hard. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve more than mere messaging and performative politics over the next 2 years, and this plan is just that. I came to Congress to get things done, and I will work with anyone-- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents--to lower costs, simplify the Tax Code for the middle class, and tackle the most pressing kitchen table issues facing North Carolina families.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the free and independent nation of Ukraine. It has been over a year since Vladimir Putin ordered his tanks and troops into Ukraine. In the past year, the United States has led an extraordinary coalition of global partners to stand against Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, I traveled to Ukraine with then-Vice President Al Gore in the 1990s as a staffer, and it fills my heart with pride to know that Kyiv still stands strong. Ukraine is still free, and democracy still prevails. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. I wish we didn't have to spend any money in Ukraine, but if Putin wins, we will spend a thousand times more trying to contain an emboldened and aggressive Russia. We must continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom and democracy.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, seven Jewish worshippers were murdered in cold blood outside a synagogue in Jerusalem. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, this was no random act of violence. This was a heinous and cowardly attack rooted in hate, bigotry, and anti-Semitism. In the face of such evil, it is imperative that we come together not as Democrats or Republicans but as Americans committed to fighting against anti-Semitism and defending the sacred relationship between the United States and Israel. ``Never again'' is more than a mere hashtag for social media. It is a solemn oath. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to act against anti-Semitism wherever it is or whomever it comes from.

Mr. NICKEL

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

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of amendment No. 77. Listen, the American people have been hit so hard by inflation and the rising cost of goods. In its current form, the Strategic Production Response Act deprives the Federal Government of one of the most important tools in its toolbox to fight inflation and to lower gas prices. Mr. Chair, my amendment is simple. It would protect our ability to fight inflation by releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and would create an exception clause to ensure that the Secretary of Energy can draw down the reserve if a delay in drawdown would worsen inflation. Releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a critical strategy that helped lower gas prices for American families. This bill, without my amendment, could hurt working Americans struggling so hard with rising prices. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to protect American families from rising gas prices and runaway inflation. Lowering gas prices is not a political tactic; it is a question of survival for many Americans. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, it is the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of North Carolina's 13th District. While we have seen chaos and confusion play out in this very Chamber over the past week, I want to make it clear that I am here to solve problems and not get caught up in politics as usual. It is important for the American people to know that there are adults in the room, and reasonable minds will prevail. I am committed to working across the aisle to do what is right for North Carolina. North Carolina's 13th District is one of the fastest growing districts in the country, and Congress needs to address the challenges that come with that growth. My constituents need their tax dollars to be used responsibly to improve roads and bridges. They need solutions that bring down the cost of housing and childcare. We need immigration reform that allows our economy to prosper. Madam Speaker, I support immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented immigrants known as the Dreamers, along with robust border security. From Apex to Goldsboro, my district has a diverse set of needs and priorities, and the time for action is now.