Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz), my friend and colleague from my committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I have one additional speaker. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, first, I thank the ranking member, my friend, Mr. Smith, who has been an outstanding partner. The Democratic staff has been very, very good to work with in fashioning this bill in a bipartisan fashion with our Republican staff, and I thank them for doing that once again. I take great pride in the fact that our country, for 63 consecutive years, has found a way to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, no matter which party is in the majority, no matter which party is in the White House. That speaks well of our country. I want this to be the 64th year that we do the same thing. Our national security is about to be challenged in ways that we have never imagined. The bill before us today will go a long way toward preparing our industrial base and our warfighters to overcome those challenges. Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1287, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This amendment would require the Air Force to begin restoring nuclear capabilities to B-52 bombers that had this capability removed under the New START Treaty. The treaty expires in 2026, and the prospect of Russia coming to the table for serious arms control discussions is incredibly unlikely, so we need to be prepared to face a nuclear environment without any treaty limitations. That is what this amendment does. It takes reasonable steps to ensure that we are prepared for a future threat environment that is more competitive and unconstrained by treaties. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague from California (Mr. Obernolte).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I strongly support requiring all of our NATO allies to meet their 2 percent obligation, but arbitrarily cutting off funding to NATO with a war raging in Eastern Europe and Putin threatening us with nuclear weapons is absolutely the wrong thing to do. It also shoots us in the foot. Our force posture in Europe is dependent on the investments we make to NATO. We need a stronger NATO for our own defense. Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to oppose this amendment.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Historic Main Street Oxford (HMSO), an exemplary economic and community development organization established by the Oxford City Council on July 24, 2014. For nearly a decade, HMSO has been a beacon of progress and revitalization in Northeast Alabama, embodying the principles and practices that make our communities thrive. Historic Main Street Oxford operates under the esteemed Four Point Approach strategy of Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Vitality as outlined by Main Street America. This approach ensures HMSO remains an effective tool for community-based, volunteer-driven, grassroots revitalization efforts. Since its inception, HMSO has been accredited by Main Street America and Main Street Alabama, a testament to its dedication to preserving the charm and vitality of downtown Oxford. Over the past decade, HMSO has welcomed 31 businesses, with 18 still successfully thriving in the downtown area. This is a clear indicator of the robust economic environment HMSO has fostered. In 2018, HMSO launched an innovative city-funded facade grant program. This initiative has significantly enhanced the aesthetic appeal of our downtown, with 28 projects funded, resulting in a public investment of $37,664 and a remarkable private investment of $163,296. This program not only beautifies the downtown, but also stimulates further private investment and economic growth and has had over $10 million of investment since 2014. HMSO has played a crucial role in coordinating community events and business development workshops. These activities support local businesses and foster a strong sense of community. HMSO stands as a model of success-based economic and community development. Its efforts have transformed downtown Oxford into a vibrant hub of activity and culture, reflecting the hard work and dedication of its leaders and volunteers. I commend HMSO for its outstanding contributions to our community and look forward to witnessing its continued success and growth. HMSO exemplifies the power of community-driven efforts in creating sustainable and vibrant local economies. Their accomplishments over the past decade highlight the importance of preserving our historic downtowns while adapting to modern needs and opportunities. Let us celebrate and support such initiatives that enrich our communities and our lives. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 10th anniversary of Historic Main Street Oxford.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th birthday of William Claude ``Bud'' Finley. Bud was born on May 1, 1944, in rural Jacksonville, Alabama. He was the fifth child and the only son born to William Lee Claude Finley and Nile Borden Finley. Bud was married to the late Barbara ``Bob'' Lipham Finley and was blessed with one daughter, Kristi. He also has a son-in-law, Danny Smith, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bud worked for years in parts management at Ft. McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the Weaver Fire Department and a councilman for the City of Weaver. Bud was a longtime member of Weaver First United Methodist Church and is an avid University of Alabama football fan. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Bud Finley and thanking him for his service to his community and wishing him a happy 80th birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 86th birthday of Dorothy Sanders Kendrick. Dorothy was born on April 24, 1938, and was the second child of 10 children born to George and Eugenia Sanders. Dorothy was married to the late William Earl Kendrick. They were blessed with six children: Leonard Kendrick, Barbara Scott, Valerie Cousin, Charles Kendrick, Anthony Kendrick and Sonya Kirk. Dorothy has 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Dorothy loves the Lord and is a member of Greenbrier Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama. She will be celebrated by family and friends on July 20, 2024. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dorothy Sanders Kendrick and wishing her a very happy birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jacksonville State University Women's Bowling Team for winning the NCAA Division I National Title in the program's first season. On April 13th, The Jacksonville State Gamecocks beat Arkansas State in a best-of-seven match to secure their title win. The game was played at Thunderbowl Lanes in Alley Park, Michigan. Impressively, the Gamecocks completed this accomplishment in the program's first year. This is the first national championship for Jacksonville State in over thirty years and the first ever at the Division I level. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Shannon O'Keefe, the Jacksonville State University Women's Bowling team, students, faculty, and all the fans. Go Gamecocks.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of all of these national security supplementals. The Armed Services Committee just completed our annual military posture review hearings with our combatant commanders. Each of them raised grave concerns about how China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are working together in a new axis of evil to harm our alliances and undermine our national security. Nowhere is this more important or apparent than in Ukraine. China, North Korea, and Iran are eagerly aiding and abetting Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine because they know a Russian victory there will seriously undercut American credibility and deterrence and leave our allies exposed. A Russian victory will embolden Kim, Xi, and the Ayatollah to confront South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, and ultimately the United States in new and fatal ways. I fear Putin will use victory in Ukraine as a springboard to invade Eastern Europe. We can't let that happen. We must restore American deterrence, and that starts by passing these national security supplementals.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th wedding anniversary of Robert and Katie Pyle. Robert was born in 1936 and Katie in 1940, both in Hobson City, Alabama. The Pyles attended school in Calhoun County. Robert graduated in 1956 and Katie was valedictorian of her class in 1958. After graduation, Robert was drafted in the U.S. Army and enrolled at Tuskegee Institute School of Nursing. After a few years of separation, Robert was stationed in Korea. Katie wrote him letters often to update him on her life in Hobson City. When Robert came home from Korea, he walked Katie to the bowling lanes because neither had a vehicle. The following day, Robert bought himself an XL500 red Ford. The Pyles married on April 10, 1964, and Robert was deployed to Vietnam in 1965. His service to the United States included assignments at Ft. McClellan, North Carolina, NATO-Naples, Italy, Georgia, and Korea. He retired from the Army in 1976. The Pyles have always put God at the center of their marriage and are active members at The New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Judge Stringer, III. The Pyles have also been active in their community. Robert served as a council member and as mayor of Hobson City while Katie served on various boards. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Pyles and thanking them for their service to their area and wishing them a happy 60th wedding anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the lives of fallen officers Allen Lee Harmon and Otis Lee Robison of the Lincoln Police Department. November 16th will mark the 50th anniversary of Officer Harmon and Officer Robison's paying the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty. On November 16, 1974, the two men tragically lost their lives. On November 15, 2024, the City of Lincoln will hold a remembrance event at Lincoln City Hall to honor the lives of Officer Harmon and Officer Robison. Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering Officer Harmon and Officer Robison and honoring them for their brave service and dedication to their community.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Spring Garden High School Girls Basketball Team for winning the AHSAA 1A State Title for the second time. On February 29th, the Spring Garden Panthers beat Marion County 63-31 to secure their title win. The game was played at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. The Spring Garden girls have won back-to-back state titles just like they did in 2004 and 2005. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Ricky Austin, the Spring Garden Girls Basketball team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Panthers.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Camp Cosby. YMCA Camp Cosby has offered youth safe and exciting adventures since 1922. It began when the YMCA purchased 200 acres of land just north of Trussville in Birmingham, AL, with a house and a 26-acre lake, establishing YMCA Camp Cosby in 1922. Later, another 400 acres were donated by the Hodges Milling Company. In 1972, YMCA Camp Cosby was relocated to its current location on Lake Logan Martin in Alpine, AL, with over a mile of waterfront, rolling hills and space for camp activities. Camp Cosby was named after W.M. Cosby, the President of the Birmingham YMCA at the time. YMCA Camp Cosby serves over 2,000 campers each summer for sleepaway camp and over 3,000 additional participants during year-round youth, teen, and adult programming. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of Camp Cosby.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jacksonville State University football team for winning their first bowl game in program history in their first season as an FBS team, On December 16, 2023. The Jacksonville State University Gamecocks battled it out at the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, beating the University of Louisiana 34 to 31 with a walk-off field goal in overtime to secure their win. The game was played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Jacksonville State University Gamecocks finished their regular season 8-4. This was head coach Rich Rodriguez's second year with the program, the first bowl game victory in program history, and the team's first year playing at the FBS level. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Rodriguez, the Jacksonville State University football team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Gamecocks.