Burgess Owens

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. First of all, congratulations to the vice chair. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protecting Our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act. Biden's open border policies have led to a historic surge in illegal border crossings, affecting not only traditional border communities but every community across the country. Last year alone, the Customs and Border Patrol reported a record- shattering 2.4 million illegal crossings at our southern border. This year, a shocking 21,000 pounds of fentanyl were smuggled into our communities, with a staggering 90 percent seized at U.S. ports of entry. These alarming statistics paint a vivid picture. The White House has failed to enforce our immigration laws, securing the border, and safeguarding families in Utah and across the Nation from the deadly influx of fentanyl. Equally concerning is the President's wrongheaded policy of housing illegal immigrants in our national parks. This disastrous policy endangers the safety of local communities and strains resources meant for families to enjoy safe and wholesome activities on our Federal lands. House Republicans are taking a stand against these reckless policies. This week we will bring to the floor H.R. 5283, the Protecting Our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act. This is crucial legislation that will prohibit Federal funding from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on any Federal land. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 5283 and send a clear message that we are united in our commitment to protecting our communities and securing our borders.

Mr. OWENS

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

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 121 that prevents any funds in today's bill from being used to implement recommendations made by the Biden administration's Interagency Working Group on Mining. This last September, the Working Group released a 168-page report containing 65 different recommendations. There are a few recommendations in this report that were helpful but, unfortunately, the vast majority further undermine, rather than facilitate, our industry and congressional efforts to secure our own domestic mineral supply. The Biden administration knows and acknowledges that a strong U.S. mining supply chain is critical. They are aware that demand for minerals is skyrocketing, doubling over the last 5 years and will continue to grow. They know that we are dangerously dependent on overseas suppliers, in particular adversaries like China, Russia, and other unstable countries, for minerals that are essential to our economic competitiveness and national security. Examples of this can be seen in countries like Peru and Chile, which combined produce about 40 percent of the world's supply of copper. Peru has gone through seven Presidents in the last few years. In Chile, the government is now making plans to nationalize the country's lithium supply. Despite acknowledging this as a national security issue, the Biden administration continues to attack our American suppliers with layer, upon layer, upon layer of burdensome, duplicative, and unworkable regulations. The Biden administration needs to do more than just talk about a strong, stable American economy. They need to act by fostering a strong domestic minerals supply. Unfortunately, they continue to do the opposite by proposing inconsistent, uncoordinated, and insufficient policies that slow our progress to independence through self-imposed barriers. The recommendations in this report embolden our adversaries and are not beneficial to America. Countries like Australia, Canada, and even the European Union have committed to increase domestic production. All of them have developed long-term strategies to be the global suppliers of choice for minerals. Under this administration, the United States has yet to put together a long-term strategy. Other countries will be competing for the same global mineral supply, at the same time, putting stress on America's ability to source additional volumes outside of our country. My State of Utah produces large amounts of copper, gold, magnesium, and silver. We are the global leader in beryllium, which is used for aerospace and national security applications. We need to allow these producers to thrive and to do what they do best. It is well known that the United States has a higher standard than any other country when it comes to quality, safety, cleanliness of process and product. We have an opportunity to emerge as a world leader in the mineral mining space. This administration needs to stop standing in our way. Many of these dangerous report recommendations would only reinforce China as the permanent leader in minerals. This is not good for our country, our economy, our jobs, our industry, and, most importantly, for our national security. We should not, therefore, use Federal funds to administer or enforce these recommendations. Hopefully, the administration will go back to the drawing board and, with an America First mindset, create a durable and sustainable strategy that would actually help our domestic mineral supply chain and the American worker, not the Communist Chinese Government. The risk is far too great when we are already decades behind. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Chair, I think the question is why is it so difficult for us to understand that independence is the American way. Independence is what we have always sought. It is allowing the middle class to grow because it is powered by a strong business segment. It appears that at every turn that is possible. The Biden administration-- and this is a good example of that--finds a way to put more regulations to stifle that ingenuity, that innovation, and our opportunity to become independent. We have to make sure that we are, in particular with rare-earth minerals, leading the charge and not falling behind and taking advantage of the remarkable wealth we have in this country. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 798) condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff, as amended.

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 798, as amended, the resolution now under consideration.

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 798, condemning the hateful acts of anti-Semitism spreading like wildfire across American college campuses. Last year, I made my first trip with a few of my colleagues to Israel, where we were welcomed by Jewish citizens of all backgrounds-- Black, European, Russian, Arabian, and Palestinian. During a visit to a Jewish family's home near the Gaza border, I held a bomb fragment that had landed in their front yard. I saw a lifestyle where the norm was always being on edge. There were bomb shelters built on both ends of elementary soccer fields and at every bus stop. One of my colleagues asked our guests: You live so close to people who literally hate you simply because of your religion and culture. Why do you stay? The answer stuck with me: Because I love my country, and this is our home. None of us could have imagined, a little over a year later, the pure evil that would visit that home. They never knew how vulnerable they were to satanic barbarism. Those who would film, call home, and bolster the torture and death they rained down on innocent, defenseless men, women, and children. What does evil look like? The German Nazis attempted to hide their acts, but these nazis have posted their acts on social media for the world to see and remember: a pregnant mother shot in the face, her baby cut from her womb and then beheaded; a female raped with such evil voracity that her pelvis was broken, and she was then murdered; grandmothers, children, and babies huddled together and then burned alive; a young 20-year-old woman who was shown half-naked and unconscious as she was paraded through the streets of Gaza, tortured and desecrated by these cowardly devils. She was later found beheaded. Within hours, 1,400 innocent, defenseless men and women, children in their bedrooms, and teenagers celebrating peace at a music festival were murdered without mercy. What was the response on American campuses? At Cornell University, a professor called the Hamas attacks exhilarating and energizing. At George Washington University, less than 4 miles from where I stand, students projected the phrases ``from the river to the sea,'' and ``glory to our martyrs'' on the side of Gelman Library, a building named after a Jewish alumni. These phrases are an explicit anti-Semitic call for the violent eradication of Jews in the State of Israel. At Cooper Union, Jewish students were forced to lock themselves in the library to avoid a rabid mob chanting: ``Murder to the Jews.'' These hate-filled college students have no shame and no fear. Imagine the accountability they would face if they were chanting: ``Murder to the Blacks,'' or ``Murder to the trans.'' As this mob pounded on the front door of the building, the Jewish students were quietly ushered out the back door. This is America 2023, not 1960. No students, regardless of race, creed, color, or religion, should ever have to use the back door of a campus library out of fear for their safety--not now, not ever in the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to strongly condemn the pure evil of Hamas, affirm Israel as our greatest ally in the Middle East, and proclaim our unwavering support as they assert their right to self- defense. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 798, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Houchin).

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley).

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bean).

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, in concluding this discussion, I have five words for American colleges: You reap what you sow. After failing miserably to condemn student support for terrorism on your campuses, Jewish students are now living in fear. The violent anti-Semitic protests of students educated on your campuses have brought to light what for decades has thrived in the dark. Many American universities are fundamentally adrift. Instead of an environment of enlightenment and one that unites diverse ideas, they have become incubators of hate. They call for inclusion yet exclude the Jewish people. They call for neutrality yet stoke the flames of culture wars that have brought us here. Deep in the humanities department, seas of bigotry have taken root. The poison fruits of a sanction ideology are now ripe for all to see. In the Committee on Education and the Workforce, we will call out rotten ideologies when we find them. At this moment, though, we must offer in the clearest terms the condemnation of Hamas brutality and violence. Now is the time for Congress to shine as an example of moral clarity both at home and abroad. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 798, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Rollcall No. 417.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act. The Department of Education's decision to block funding for hunting and archery education under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act eliminates valuable opportunities for students to participate in safe and responsible firearm handling, recreational shooting sports, and outdoor recreational activities. School programs such as hunting and archery have enjoyed longstanding bipartisan support, and for good reason. The National Archery in the Schools Program has served over 18 million students since 2002. Forty percent of these students claim to be more engaged in the classroom, and a remarkable 91 percent pursue, or express their desire to pursue, other outdoor activities. Hunting and archery programs provide more than dexterity and mental skills. They foster character development, a sense of responsibility, and a profound connection with the natural beauty of our Nation. In Utah, hundreds of thousands of Utahns spend quality time with their family, friends, and neighbors during the hunting season. Additionally, these sports provide 13,000 jobs and generate $550 million for the Beehive State's economy annually. There is a bipartisan consensus that students should be able to receive safe, responsible hunting and archery education. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues across the aisle to support H.R. 5110, bipartisan legislation to stand behind student hunters and archers, and ensure these programs are preserved for future generations of Americans to use these recreational tools safely.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 684, the resolution condemning Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's unconstitutional actions violating New Mexicans' Second Amendment rights. The Second Amendment is not an optional legal provision that bureaucrats can toss aside at their whim. It is a fundamental principle to ensure that every law-abiding citizen has the God-granted right to protect themselves, their families, their property, and their liberties. Growing up in the Deep South, I witnessed how Black Codes and Jim Crow laws unjustly restricted minority communities from owning firearms. In the mid-1950s, Martin Luther King, Jr., kept firearms for self-protection, but his application for a concealed weapons permit was denied because of racist gun control laws in his State. Gun control laws proposed by Democrats and State legislatures, Congress, and the White House aggressively erode our basic constitutional rights. As it was in the civil rights era, the Black community has seen this movie before. As Democrats abridge our rights to self-protection, they legislate away the commonsense tools for Black Americans to protect themselves. As they push ``defund the police'' and ``soft on crime'' policies, it is the urban Black community that suffers. We are now experiencing all-time highs in homicide, robbery, car thefts, physical assaults, and destruction of Black-owned businesses. House Republicans will never waver in our commitment to defend the rights of all law-abiding citizens, regardless of race, creed, color, or ZIP Code. We will continue to fight to safeguard Americans' inalienable rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. It is an honor to lend my support to this House resolution. I pledge to continue to champion the Second Amendment rights of all Americans. I thank Representative Johnson for bringing us together for this purpose.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of the House Republicans' formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Several months ago, House Republicans returned oversight to the people's House. We worked consistently day after day to make our government more accountable, as promised in our Commitment to America. Since January, concerning and credible allegations against President Joe Biden have emerged, including abuse of power, obstruction of justice, corrupt foreign business dealings, and influence peddling schemes that led to tens of millions of dollars in the pockets of several members of the Biden family. I think we can all agree: Americans deserve accountability from our President. Our impeachment inquiry is not a political ploy. It is an opportunity for Congress to continue its duty, digging into the potential of corruption and bringing facts to light. The evidence is deeply troubling. Our witnesses have testified to President Biden's involvement in phone calls, interactions, and dinners that resulted in significant financial gains for his son and his son's business partners. The Treasury Department alone has more than 150 transactions involving the Biden family and other business associates that were flagged as suspicious activity by U.S. banks.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding me the time. I rise today in full support of House Republicans' formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Seven months ago, House Republicans returned oversight to the people's House. We have worked consistently day after day to make your government more accountable as promised in our Commitment to America. Since January, concerning and credible allegations against President Joe Biden have emerged, including abuse of power, obstruction of justice, corrupt foreign business dealings, and influence-pedaling schemes that led to tens of millions of dollars in the pockets of several members of the Biden family--so far $20 million in profits to a family that has nothing to do with our government at this point. I think we can all agree Americans deserve accountability from our President. Our impeachment inquiry is not a political ploy--it is an opportunity for Congress to continue its duty, digging into the potential of corruption and bringing facts to light. The evidence is very troubling. Our witnesses have testified about President Biden's involvement in phone calls, interactions, and dinners that resulted in significant financial gains to his son and his son's business partners. The Treasury Department alone has flagged more than 150 transactions involving the Biden family and other business associates as suspicious activity by U.S. banks. Even a trusted FBI informant has alleged a bribe to the Biden family. There is evidence that President Biden used his official office to coordinate with Hunter Biden's business partners regarding Hunter's role with Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company. These actions, and more, raise serious questions about the integrity of our highest office. Our government serves the interests of all Americans, not just a select few. Rest assured, House Republicans will follow the evidence wherever it leads, and the truth will come to light. I thank the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Johnson, for yielding and for bringing this team together tonight.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, this year, the entire state of Utah celebrates a remarkable milestone in our community's history--the 75th anniversary of Salt Lake Community College. As Utah's largest college with more than 45,000 students across 10 campuses, SLCC has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless individuals and has been a cornerstone of education and progress in the Beehive State. Over the past seven and a half decades, Salt Lake Community College has been a beacon of opportunity, offering a pathway to success for students from all walks of life. It has embraced the values of collaboration, community, inclusivity, learning, innovation, integrity, and trust, providing a welcoming environment for students of varying backgrounds and aspirations. As we commemorate this milestone, we must recognize the dedication and hard work of the faculty, staff, and administrators who have tirelessly supported and guided our students throughout their educational journeys. The impact of their commitment extends far beyond the walls of the classroom, touching the hearts and minds of our community members. The successes achieved by Salt Lake Community College alumni are a testament to the institution's commitment to excellence. Graduates have gone on to become leaders, innovators, and contributors to our society in various fields. Their accomplishments reflect the quality of education and opportunities provided here. I would also like to acknowledge the role of the community in nurturing and sustaining this institution. Salt Lake Community College has thrived because of the unwavering support of the people it serves. Your investment in education has paid dividends in the form of a more skilled and empowered workforce, contributing to the prosperity of our region. As we look ahead to the future, let us continue to support Salt Lake Community College's mission of empowering individuals through education. Let us rededicate ourselves to the values of learning, growth, and community that have defined this institution for 75 years. Together, we can ensure that SLCC remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come. Congratulations to Salt Lake Community College on this momentous occasion and may the next 75 years be even more fruitful and inspiring. I thank them for their dedication to our community and its future.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to support the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. I recently joined a congressional delegation to visit Taiwan. While in Taiwan I met with President Tsai Ing-wen and discussed our shared national security, economic, and political interests. I also witnessed firsthand how patriotic and fiercely resilient the people of this island nation are in the face of an increasingly aggressive Communist China. Taiwan is a critical partner to the United States in the Indo-Pacific region and shares our unwavering commitment to freedom, liberty, and democracy in every corner of the world. Moreover, we have longstanding economic ties. Taiwan is America's eighth largest trading partner, and America is Taiwan's second largest trading partner. Taiwan's ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and skilled workforce have resulted in an island nation of just 23 million people producing 90 percent of the global semiconductor supply--vital components in the microelectronics ecosystem--and essential to life in our modern digital age. In addition to strong economic collaboration, Utah and Taiwan have strengthened their relationship through educational and cultural exchange programs. The decades-long economic, cultural, and geopolitical bond between our two beloved countries has established a legacy of mutual understanding, regional security partnership, and deep appreciation for our shared values. Unfortunately, the Chinese Communist Party's evil regime increasingly encroaches on the territorial integrity of Taiwan with provocative military exercises and the buildup of its armed forces in the region. This threatens the rules-based international order. That is why I joined the House Republican majority to establish the Select House Committee on the Chinese Communist Party to counter the imminent danger posed by the CCP to the strength, resilience, and sovereignty of Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to vote ``yes'' on the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the NDAA, to provide robust investment in our defensive capabilities in the Taiwan Strait and support their right to defend themselves from CCP aggression. As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I reaffirm my commitment to policies that continue to improve the U.S.-Taiwan ties and enhance America's military infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region and ensure peace in the South China Sea.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.