August Pfluger

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues, the ranking member and the chairman, for bringing this bill to the floor. I rise today in support of my bill to rename the veterans community- based outpatient clinic in San Angelo, Texas, the Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic. I cannot think of two people more deserving of this honor than Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell. They are both true American heroes who, for their entire lives, dedicated their service to this country through a distinguished career not only in the U.S. Air Force but later in civilian life when they became two of the most ardent and fervent leaders for military and veterans issues. They shared a love story not only between themselves but also for this country. Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell met in preschool in Nashville, Arkansas. They graduated high school together, and they were married in 1954 after Charles graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and then joined the Air Force. No matter where Charles' missions took them around the world to different locations, JoAnne was right there, serving alongside him. Colonel Powell and JoAnne first flew into San Angelo in 1980, and he became the base commander of Goodfellow and JoAnne the honorary first lady. Their mission was daunting, as they were tasked with saving Goodfellow, which was slated for closure. Not only did they immediately spring into action to save the base, but they built a lasting partnership that lasts today between the community and the base, completely converting the base mission into one of a premier intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and fire training installation for every branch of the U.S. military. After Charles retired, they settled in San Angelo, and their legacy has left over 360,000 graduates from Goodfellow Air Force Base that have joined all branches and all intelligence agencies, including not just the military but the CIA, DIA, FBI, NSA, and more. Thankfully, their professional service has made this country better, but it is there where they decided to plant their roots and set to work in their community, making it a better place. In addition to her service as a military spouse, JoAnne Powell gave of herself through immeasurable community involvement on countless boards and civic organizations. Through her 35-year career as a congressional liaison for the 11th District, she worked for Representatives Tom Loeffler, Lamar Smith, Mike Conaway, and, lastly, myself. She served thousands of veterans in this position. She helped in any way she possibly could. Not only did she spearhead the annual process of nominating young men and women to the service academies, which was a year-round position for both her and Charles Powell, but she also achieved what I think is probably more lasting in helping those cadets and those midshipmen go through the academies, including myself, which was probably her most generous contribution.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the August 31, 2019 mass shooting event in Odessa and Midland, Texas, recognize the citizens of these communities, and thank the EMS and other first responders, hospitals, emergency rooms and trauma centers, as well as city leadership. I commend the preparedness of those who were flooded with casualties, and wish to emphasize the importance of medical leadership and preparedness throughout the United States. Medical and law enforcement throughout the area were propelled into action during this shooting event, including city EMS medical director Dr. Sudip Bose, Incident Commander Chief Rodd Huber; Odessa Fire Rescue Chief John Alvarez; Medical Center Hospital CEO Russell Tippin; the men and women of the Odessa Police Department and the city's SWAT team; Texas Highway Patrol officers; Midland Police; trauma teams, first responders, nurses, administrators, citizens, and so many unnamed others throughout the area who provided aid where and when they could. The seven victims include 15-year-old Leilah Hernandez, 40-year-old Joseph Griffith, 29-year-old Mary Granados, 25-year-old Edwin Peregrino, 57-year-old Rodolfo Julio Arco, 30-year-old Kameron Karltess Brown, 35-year-old Raul Garcia. 25 others were injured, including three police officers. Every city needs to formulate a preparedness and response plan for a mass casualty event. Medical leadership is paramount. A multiagency team, created years in advance, was the driving force behind getting a plan in place before the Odessa-Midland area shooting took place. This team was medically led by Dr. Sudip Bose, an emergency physician double board certified in emergency medicine and EMS (disaster medicine). After the horrific event, he used his expertise as a former front-line Army medical officer who treated casualties in the battle of Fallujah, Iraq to address world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on how to keep cities safe before and after medical disasters. Given the risks to all involved, it is imperative that communities and first responders make rational risk/reward decisions about when and how to handle an active shooter and provide medical care to victims during and after an event. This kind of action does not happen without prior preparation and practice. I am proud to know the preparedness for this kind of event is a priority in the Odessa-Midland area, and I am proud to represent the citizens, police and medical respondents who handled those innocently caught in the field of fire of the perpetrator. We must continue to champion preparedness training and ensure our medical leaders are equipped with the tools they need to address any situation that comes through their door.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak against this so-called Inflation Reduction Act, a piece of legislation that weakens America, weakens our businesses, increases the cost of energy for all Americans and our families, and funds a new 87,000-person army of IRS agents that are coming after low- and middle-income families. Here is a pretty good rule of thumb for this legislation. If you are one of Biden's chosen Green New Deal companies, you are probably going to get a handout from American taxpayers. But for small, independent American energy producers in districts like mine, the Permian Basin, your reward for keeping the lights on is a new, poorly conceived natural gas tax that will raise the cost of everything and give China an edge on our American manufacturers. In fact, I offered an amendment to strike this provision, but Democrats voted it down in the Rules Committee, voting against U.S. energy and voting for foreign energy. The Democrat response is tax credits for the rich, a slush fund for loans to their favorite green companies, and more regulatory red tape to drive up energy costs for all of us. Families have to decide whether to fill up their tanks or to pay for everyday essentials at grocery stores because of high gas prices due to President Biden's policies. The crowning achievement of this legislation won't be inflation reduction. It will be making America more dependent on our adversaries, more dependent on our adversaries for energy, dependent on China for medical manufacturing and supply chain issues, and dependent on China for critical minerals. If the Democrats' goal is to reduce baseload, reliable power sources and increase our dependency on foreign nations, they are succeeding. If their goal is to create regulatory red tape to drive up energy costs for Main Street businesses and families, once again, they are succeeding. If their goal is to help American families and small businesses, this piece of legislation is a fail. America asked for relief, and instead, Democrats will deliver new and higher taxes that will be enforced by an 87,000-person IRS army. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for America and against this bill.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, I am voting against the erosion of constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. In the long history of mankind, freedom and liberty are not lost overnight. It comes by way of a slow and gradual burn. We have seen an unprecedented assault on our First Amendment through the legacy media and social media giants censoring the thoughts and opinions of individuals of the right while propping up their favorite candidates and covering up stories that could be detrimental to their public personas. Policies are then implemented that are antireligious freedom, anti- due process, anti-free assembly, and, today, anti-Second Amendment, the right to bear arms. These rights shall not be infringed. Instead of making families and communities safer, this backward, gun- grabbing attempt does nothing to harden school security, address our mental health crisis, or reverse the depreciation of our morals and values. No, it does nothing for that, but it tears at the fabric of our Constitution. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to protect the Constitution and vote ``no.''

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor National Buffalo Soldiers Day, a day commemorating the formation of the first Army regiments comprised of African American Soldiers. In 1866, Congress passed the Army Organization Act to allow former slaves to fight for our Nation during the Civil War. More than 180,000 African-American men served their country with pride and distinction despite challenging terrain, limited supplies, and discrimination. More than 100 years later, to recognize their valiant service, Congress passed a law designating July 28th as National Buffalo Soldiers Day. Today, we honor the incredible bravery of these 180,000 men who helped secure lasting freedom for our Nation. The Buffalo Soldiers answered the call to fight for our country's freedom while also paving the way for many future service members. Their service was pivotal to securing our country's freedom, and today, we commemorate and honor their sacrifice. Each of these men earned the recognition they receive on this commemorative day. Even through hardship, their service to the United States was unwavering, offering a glimpse of their American pride and incredible character. In my hometown of San Angelo, the local NAACP chapter is hosting a three-day celebration to commemorate these brave men and the sacrifices they made. Under the leadership of President Sherley Spears, San Angelo's NAACP is ensuring soldiers from our local community receive the recognition they deserve for their sacrifices for our country. Thank you to Mrs. Spears and the San Angelo NAACP for honoring the life and legacy of The Buffalo Soldiers both in the Concho Valley and across our Nation. The Buffalo Soldiers, along with generations of service men and women who have fought for our country both before and after these brave men, are true American heroes. May we never forget the sacrifices they have made and may God bless all current and former service men and women.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. I rise today to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider H.R. 1255 and bring forward my good friend Mr. Guest's resolution that will support the brave men and women in the U.S. Border Patrol. I think it is the right time to be talking about fires, the right time to be talking about not only fires in the literal sense of the fires that have affected my district, but, also, fires in the figurative sense that I believe our President has led us into, especially when it comes to the fires that are going on at our border. In the figurative sense, if you were there last year as I was under the bridge in Del Rio--and I wish that more of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would actually join us to see those ``fires'' that are going on every single day with the thousands, the hundreds of thousands of people that are crossing illegally. The administration's policies have been a complete failure at every single turn: the illicit drugs that are flowing into our country; the over 100,000 people who have died needlessly as a result of fentanyl; the known and suspected terrorists that have gotten into our country. I believe the number that has been published by the administration is at 56, though it only took a handful to orchestrate the events of 9/11. I spent the day talking to the National Narcotics Officers Association. These officers from every walk of life, every corner of this country, and every demographic are completely abandoned. They feel abandoned by the Commander in Chief. If you want to talk about a fire, let's talk about that fire. They feel abandoned while they are trying to do their job. While the powers that be are pursuing the wrong-headed policies, these brave men and women not only of the Border Patrol, ICE, and other CBP officers, but, also, in every law enforcement category are trying to restore law and order to our country while we have the other side of the aisle in favor of lawlessness and chaos. That is a fire that is worth talking about. It was shocking when we heard President Biden before an investigation was convened, before we knew the facts say: ``I promise you, those people will pay,'' referring to the Border Patrol agents who were doing their job to put out the figurative fires on the southern border. ``I promise you, those people will pay.'' Can you imagine if President Trump had said that? The outcry that would have happened, the outrage. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to right this wrong against those Border Patrol agents, their reputations, and their families. Their livelihoods and their careers need to be righted. They have been completely exonerated, but where are my friends on the other side of the aisle? What a shame to have that platform and to use that platform to denigrate these people who are putting their lives on the line to secure our country. They deserve better. While others on the other side of the aisle may be laughing right now at this discussion, I don't think it is funny, and the people that are securing our country, those Border Patrol agents, certainly don't think it is funny. The American people deserve better. The Border Patrol agents deserve better. Our law enforcement agents deserve better. I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and to support our law enforcement and Border Patrol.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Washington for yielding time. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Democrats' extreme pro- abortion agenda. Today, I am voting against two bills that go far beyond Roe v. Wade, which is the decision to move these types of unenumerated decisions to the State level, as the Constitution clearly says, backed up by the Supreme Court. But what my Democrat colleagues are pushing would permit elective abortions, up to and including a baby's due date, an extreme position legalizing abortion based on the child's race, sex, or disability. Tragic. Another of their initiatives opens up dangerous loopholes for child traffickers to cover up their crimes by forcing victims to receive abortions across State lines, and it criminalizes those who might encourage delaying an abortion, including parents or healthcare providers. Parents. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Democrats at all levels, including the White House, have spread misinformation and fear surrounding the decision. Presenting the killing of a child as a woman's only avenue to success in her career or life is inhumane and wrong. Madam Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote against these bills.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a Texan, a father of three young girls who go to school, and a defender of constitutional rights. This is not just about doing something; this is about doing something that matters. The horror of the school shootings is an unforgivable tragedy due to the evil we see in people. There is room for bipartisan solutions. Unfortunately, Democrats don't want to make law; they want to make politics. Republicans offered an alternative, a bill that would fund school resource officers and mental health counselors, close gaps in security, and strengthen active shooter preparations, with all the costs being offset by the unused COVID funds. Unfortunately, this has been blocked by House Democrats. There is nothing more important than ensuring our children are safe. I know this because I take my children to school and drop them off and pick them up. But in no way are the recent tragedies justification for an infringement upon the rights of law-abiding Americans. I won't support legislation that infringes upon those rights being stripped without due process. This is an emotional issue, but it is our job to step back and have an adult conversation.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so that we can immediately consider H.R. 7690 to DEFUND the Biden's Administration DHS Disinformation Governance Board. However, before I get into that, I would remind my colleague that just a couple months ago, that the administration did offer a ride to President Zelenskyy, offered him a ride out of Ukraine to leave the country that he so valiantly has been fighting for. I want to make sure that that is set straight. And we will get back to the business at hand: The Disinformation Governance Board. The fact is that the administration thinks that they should be policing disinformation. It is beyond alarming. And I am trying to put myself back into the shoes of the Founders 240 years ago, to think that the government would be in charge of personal views of the First Amendment. The antics, as it has been called here, my 750,000-plus constituents don't think what I am saying right now are antics. What they are proud of is we are standing up to say that we do affirm that the government does not get to determine what is true and false. Personally, I have heard the Secretary of Homeland Security, Mayorkas, claim that our border is secure, but millions of illegal immigrants are allowed to pour into our country, including known and suspected terrorists. Even more disturbing, is that Secretary Mayorkas has put an outspoken partisan person, who has mocked stories, including those about Hunter Biden's laptop, has praised the now-debunked Steele dossier, and other stories out into the public, while claiming to now be the purveyor of truth. The lack of credibility and the misinformation is beyond laughable. The Department of Homeland Security should be focused on one thing, and this is not a partisan issue. It is our security. It is our Nation's security. That is what DHS was founded on after September 11. That is what the focus should be on right now, not fact-checking social media or censoring Americans. Today, every Member of Congress will be put on Record, and the question will be: Do you stand on the side of free speech or not? I stand on the side of free speech for my constituents, the 750,000 who I believe would not call what I am saying antics.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, today is a momentous day, as we have just received the news that my constituent, Trevor Reed, a Texan, a marine, and a patriot, has been released from a Russian prison after being held for an anguishing 985 days as a political pawn. Trevor's parents, Paula and Joey Reed of Granbury, Texas, have been tireless advocates for the release of their son, and I cannot imagine the relief that they are feeling right now. The Reeds have been living a 2\1/2\-year nightmare, fighting every day for their son's release. And today, our prayers have been answered. I thank my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle for working in a bipartisan manner to pass the resolution calling for Trevor's release, and continuing to draw attention to his case, including my predecessor, Mike Conaway, Chairman Mike McCaul, Senator Cornyn, Leader McCarthy, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, and Congressman Castro, and my entire office that represents the 11th District, my staff. I especially recognize Ambassador Sullivan and his team, as well as those that work in the NSA, the NSC, and the SPEHA. Finally, President Biden, thank you for bringing Trevor Reed home. Thank you for believing in leaving no American overseas.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6387, the School and Daycare Protection Act. This bill establishes a school security coordinating council within the Department of Homeland Security to ensure the coordination of security plans and policies regarding terrorist threats. Importantly, the bill requires consistent reporting to Congress on metrics regarding the efficacy of such activities and any engagement with the stakeholder community outside of the Federal Government. Additionally, it ensures that DHS is involved in Federal efforts to maintain and publicize a clearinghouse of resources for schools to assist them in security preparation and planning. The Federal Government must do all it can to be a resource and to offer support to schools in the face of terrorism. I commend the gentleman from New Jersey for his leadership on this important issue and ensuring security for all schools. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 6387, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5633, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Transparency Act. An important element of all Federal departments and agencies, especially DHS, is the Office of the Inspector General. Although we all wish there was no waste, fraud, or abuse within government, the reality is it does exist, and it is the inspector general's mission to help the Department identify and address those issues as much as possible. I am fully supportive of the critical role that IGs play throughout the Federal Government, including my own time serving in the military. They are vital to ensuring accountability and transparency into each department and agency's activities. This is especially important in a department like DHS with a mission so vital to the security of our country. DHS is tasked with safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and our values against all enemies foreign and domestic. To do this on a daily basis, we must ensure that the men and women of the Department are able to focus on their mission, and the IG's office ensures this is done with integrity and honor. This bill, introduced by Chairman Thompson, requires the DHS inspector general to submit to Congress various reports that until now have not necessarily been provided or available to the public. The American public deserves to know. The requirements in this bill would help to make the IG's office and its important work more transparent not only to Congress but also to the American people. I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 5633, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I am prepared to close. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just as a side note here, we have been talking about transparency in this bill, and I think it is important that we do keep in mind that this is something that helps us in a nonpartisan way, regardless of the administration, and regardless of ``who is in power at that time.'' It is my sincere hope that this particular bill will actually advocate for the mission of DHS and not for political gain, not for political outcome. It has been my experience in Federal Government that a well-operating and well-oiled machine within the inspector general's office can help to be that check and that balance. And I think at this point in our history in the Department of Homeland Security, we face threats that we have probably never faced in six or seven decades. And we haven't seen the level and the intensity and the magnitude of those threats since before World War II, in my humble opinion. I believe, with this piece of legislation, that we can get to a point where the Department of Homeland Security does have that check and that balance, and provides the American public the information that is needed and the transparency that is needed. Whether it is on issues that are cyber; whether it is on issues that are directly targeting our homeland, or even on border issues, we do deserve transparency, and I think that is what the American public is asking for. I believe that is what this bill would do, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on this, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 1540, the Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism, or the REPORT Act. Too many times, when a terrorism incident occurs within the United States, consistent and accurate information is not communicated to Congress. Many of us, especially from Texas, experienced this firsthand recently, when a British national, Malik Faisal Akram, took hostages at the Beth Israel Congregation in Colleyville, Texas. And not only were the initial facts and circumstances of the incident unclear, but many questions remain unanswered regarding Akram's travel and admission into the United States. This is completely unacceptable. Not only should Congress have all of the necessary information regarding terrorist attacks and other terrorism incidents, but the American people deserve to know what happened and how our government is responding. The REPORT Act requires the DHS Secretary, the Attorney General, the FBI Director, and the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, to submit an unclassified report to Congress regarding any incident of terrorism that occurs in the United States. The report must include the following: A statement of facts; any gaps in our homeland or national security that could be addressed to prevent future acts of terrorism; and recommendations for additional measures, or legislative issues, to improve homeland or national security and prevent future acts of terrorism. I commend my colleagues, and specifically my colleague from California, for bringing this legislation before the Homeland Security Committee and to the floor today. I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 1540, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I think this bill really strikes at the heart of what the Constitution says. We are a coequal branch of government, and the check and the balance on the executive branch, the executive agencies, is very important. We are elected, and we have a responsibility to go to our districts to report back about incidents that are affecting our country negatively. And it is heartbreaking to hear any sort of terrorist attack, any sort of incident that is aimed at undermining our national security. That is why this committee was formed in the wake of 9/11. The purpose of our committee is to make sure that we have the ability to give the tools to those that are carrying out these missions; whether they are Customs and Border Protection, whether they are TSA agents, or any other agency that is entrusted with protecting the American public. We deserve to have that transparency, as we have mentioned in a previous bill, and now to be able to report back. So I commend my colleague for bringing this up. And it is my sincere hope, similar to the other bills that we have discussed, that we can, as a coequal branch of government, offer that check and that balance on the executive branch, regardless of who is in power, regardless of the administration, to provide the necessary tools to continue to protect our country and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4209, my bill, the DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act. I thank my colleague from New Jersey for his support. It is important to say that this is one step. It is not the solution for all the problems that we face at our southern border, but it is one important piece. Since President Biden took office in January 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has had over 2.2 million migrant encounters along the southwest border. Due to the sheer numbers of migrants that are flooding across the border, CBP personnel, including Border Patrol agents, are often diverted from their essential jobs, their daily tasks to process migrants, most of whom crossed the United States-Mexico border illegally between ports of entry. With Border Patrol agents occupied with other tasks and not patrolling the border, the security of our southwest border, and, therefore, the security of our Nation, has been crippled while cartels take full advantage. In addition to the record number of migrant encounters, CBP has been interdicting growing quantities of illegal narcotics, especially methamphetamines, fentanyl, and other fentanyl-laced drugs, along the border. For the first time, the United States has reached a tragic record, an unfortunate number of over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in a 1-year period. I want to repeat this: over 100,000 overdose deaths directly related to fentanyl in this past year, the most ever recorded in the United States. Additionally, according to the CDC, fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. In one of the communities that I represent, Odessa, Texas, law enforcement officials have reported 22 fentanyl overdoses in just 90 days. Parents nationwide are scared for their kids, and there is good reason for that fear. Fentanyl-related deaths nearly doubled the death rates from COVID-19, car accidents, cancer, and even suicide. We need a plan, a strategy. A cornerstone of this strategy must be to stop the supply of drugs that are flowing into our country. Mexico is now the primary source of fentanyl and synthetic opioids entering the United States. Of course, smuggling those drugs across the border comes with the risk of packages being seized by our border and law enforcement agencies. To minimize this risk, in 1989, the Sinaloa Cartel built their first-ever narco tunnel, as has been heard this morning on this House floor. Back then, narco tunnels were short and unsophisticated. Over time, the cartels have learned and perfected these tunnels. They are longer, more sophisticated. They come with lights, with ventilation systems, with rail carts. They facilitate the movement of drugs and other illicit commodities, including the trafficking of people, bulk cash, and weapons. Since 1990, law enforcement officials have discovered more than 230 of these cross-border tunnels, and there are likely more tunnels that exist between Mexico and the United States that are yet undiscovered. That is the heart of this bill. CBP's tunnel technology program has matured over the years. Under the direction of U.S. Border Patrol, this program has been testing and acquiring technologies that do three essential things: predict tunnel locations, detect and project the paths of the tunnels, and confirm a tunnel's existence and location through mapping and measurements. As CBP develops enhanced capabilities that will do the detection of the tunnels, drug cartels have become more emboldened, and they are creating more elaborate and harder-to-detect tunnel systems. Without this critical legislation, CBP truly lacks the ability to scale their tunnel interdiction and remediation operations. The DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act addresses this issue by requiring CBP to develop a counter tunnel operations plan that would address risk-based criteria for interdicting and remediating illicit tunnels. They will also look at the processes for sharing information on these tunnels, key indicators of tunnel construction to educate field personnel, and require an assessment of technology and personnel needs. Additionally, this legislation would authorize funding for CBP to counter tunnel interdiction and remediation operations. With the surge of illicit border activity both above and below ground, CBP needs resources to combat illicit cross-border tunnels to secure our homeland and protect our national security. Passage of this legislation will disrupt and dismantle cartel smuggling operations, safeguarding American communities from the illegal narcotics problem that we see is completely devastating our country, including my home State of Texas. Border security is national security. I thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Katko for bringing this important legislation to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of my bill, H.R. 4209, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler).

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko), who is the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee and my good friend.

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker I think it is important to note here that we are not going to declare victory. Celebrations will be minimal should this bill pass, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye.'' I appreciate the support of the gentleman from New Jersey, of the chairman, and of the ranking member. This is step one out of 100 different steps. As somebody with a military background who was charged with protecting airspace, defensive counter-air, the border is very similar. It is layered. It is not just one piece that really is the magic solution. There are many different approaches that need to be considered. This is one, as I said, out of hundreds of steps that need to be accomplished to prevent the fentanyl that we just heard about that could kill every American multiple times, to prevent the rest of the drugs that are flowing into our country, to prevent the trafficking and the crime, and really the overwhelming of our local communities. As I mentioned, in Odessa, Texas, recently, we uncovered the fact that in 90 days we had almost 20 overdoses from fentanyl. It is a layered defense that is required, so many more steps need to be taken. I am proud to sponsor this legislation to continue to push for that defense and that architecture to be in place. We need strength, we need deterrence, we need resolve, and, most importantly, we need the political will in a nonpartisan way to bring America back together and the Committee on Homeland Security to secure the safety of every single American. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to vote for this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4476, the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council Act. The past few years have been incredibly difficult for Americans across the country, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain crisis, and record inflation, among many others. These challenges have shown all of us the importance of our economic security and the impact that our economy can have on both our homeland and/or national security, and that of our partners and allies. Our reliance on foreign products and manufacturing, from personal protective equipment like masks and gloves to key technology components like computer chips, have had drastic impacts on this country over the past few years. While there is ongoing work within the Federal Government with regard to trade, supply chain, and economic security, it is clear that we still must do more. The Department of Homeland Security has a unique position within our government to safeguard the homeland and the American people. This is no longer only limited to overt acts of terrorism as we have talked about today, but the security and stability of our economy is critical to our national security. H.R. 4476 addresses this by codifying the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council as well as the DHS Assistant Secretary of Trade and Economic Security. This will ensure better preparedness of U.S. supply chains in the face of future pandemics, disasters, and emergencies. I commend my friend from Michigan for his leadership on this issue, and I encourage DHS to lean into its unique role to strengthen our economic security. Mr. Speaker, I also urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4476, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer), the leader of this bill.

Mr. PFLUGER

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Odessa and Midland Chambers of Commerce during their fly-in to Washington, D.C., this week. It was incredible to host nearly 70 business and community leaders, elected officials, students, teachers, and staff from all throughout the Permian Basin, including the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, engaging with lawmakers, advocating for their community and advocating for energy independence. Thank you to the Odessa Chamber president, Renee Earls, the Midland Chamber president, Bobby Burns, and all the fantastic staff, leaders, and volunteers who helped make this fly-in successful. Title 42 Rescission

Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, the Biden administration's handling of the border crisis is not humane. It is heartbreaking. Yesterday, the White House confirmed their intention to rescind Title 42, one of the only policies in place that is helping quell the border crisis. This decision will have disastrous consequences on the already several million illegal immigrants who have flooded into this country. Human trafficking and smuggling across our border have reached historic highs, and our border States are paying the price. In fact, every State is a border State. Texas is suffering from record-high levels of fentanyl and drugs pouring across the border, increased crime, high-speed chases, and more. DHS already lacks the capacity to process, retain, and apprehend illegal immigrants along the border. Rescinding Title 42 will only double down on the amount of people that are illegally crossing the border, making it that much more difficult for those in the Border Patrol and Customs, and other agencies, who are trying to do their job to keep this country safe. The small communities along the border are already overwhelmed and they cannot withstand a surge of hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants reportedly waiting on the other side of the border to get in once Title 42 is rescinded. Migrants will pour into this country in a flood as our communities experience the catastrophic results. Patrol facilities and local communities will once again be forced to absorb at least double the current number. Title 42 is the only policy that is helping. The administration has abandoned Texas, has abandoned other border States, and has abandoned its duty to secure our country. Making any changes to this policy will have disastrous consequences. And get this straight, I remind everyone in this House that we still have a mask mandate on board aircrafts in this country to keep us safe from COVID. Yet, we are rescinding Title 42, also in place because of the pandemic. Think about that. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stand with us and to help come up with a reasonable solution. Title 42 rescission is not that solution. President Biden must not rescind Title 42. Recognizing Elizabeth Ann Mafford