Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, the gentleman is conflating gun violence statistics at large with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. They not the same thing. The Civilian Marksmanship Program is selling basically antique weapons, surplus weapons, from the various services to collectors who buy them as collectors. The proceeds go into a trust fund that then funds the gun safety and marksmanship training I talked about earlier. It is a very worthwhile program. I urge its support. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Mrs. Biggs).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fong).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, I, too, support the en bloc package comprised of amendments worked in advance with the ranking member. I thank the Members for their contributions to the NDAA and their commitment to national security. I urge Members to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bipartisan en bloc package is comprised of amendments worked in advance with the ranking member. I thank the Members for their contributions to the NDAA and their commitment to national security. I urge Members to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 682, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, this is a bipartisan en bloc package comprised of amendments worked in advance with the ranking member. I thank the Members for their contributions to the NDAA and their commitment to national security. I urge Members to support the package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Mr. Charles ``Charlie'' Webb. Charlie graduated high school in Colorado in May 1970 and in August 1970 reported to Fort Knox, Kentucky. for Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at the Armor School. He was assigned to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in January 1971 in Bind Lach serving as border patrol between Germany and Czechoslovakia. He and his company referred to themselves as The Speed Bump because ``that's what it would have looked like if the WARSAW Pact had decided to come across.'' This was his favorite assignment. He was then assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, with the 10th Cavalry (part of the 4th Infantry Division). It was while he was there that he met his wife, Mary. His next assignment was back to Germany with the 1st Battalion 64th Armor Regiment for three years. During this time, he transitioned to the M1 series tanks. Later he was assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was there for a year and transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, because they already had M1 tanks. At Fort Hood, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 1st Cavalry Division. He served as a Platoon Sergeant, and eventually, as the First Sergeant for D Company. While serving as the 1st Sergeant, he was notified he'd be attending the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. It was there, in January of 1990, he went back to Fort Bliss for six months of school. After graduation, he expected to be assigned to Korea since he had never done a tour there, but instead, he was retained as faculty at Fort Bliss for the next three years as a lesson writer and instructor. In December 1992, Armor Branch contacted him concerning his next assignment. The Assignments person gave him a choice; he could be the First Sergeant of a tank company with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, or a tank company supporting the Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Neither choice was a desirable option, so he chose to retire and in 1993. he moved to Anniston, Alabama, to work at Fort McClellan. However, he had no intentions of ending his service to the United States. Here, he was responsible for running the Battle Simulation Center for the Chemical School. When Fort McClellan was closed, the Anniston Chemical Demil Facility (ANCDF) was being built, and Charlie was hired there in July 1999. While working at ANCDF, he had an interest in making a scale model of the plant. Because cameras weren't allowed on site, he observed and documented, from memory, the layout of the facilities. He worked on a model at home for over four years. The model is one of a kind, and the only one in existence. He donated the large-scale model to the Army and it's on display at the Museum Support Center in Anniston Alabama (MSCA). Charlie worked from July 1999 until the completion of the ANCDF mission and left in August 2013, He started in April 2014, as a volunteer at MSCA and is still volunteering today. Charlie's vast knowledge and dedication to detail has enhanced the effectiveness of the museum. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Charlie and thanking him for his service to our country and his dedication to the MSCA.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of William John ``Bill'' Baker, mayor of the City of Piedmont, Alabama. Bill was born in Far Rockaway, New York, to Edna McCracken Baker and Fred Stephenson Baker on October 27, 1949. He was awarded the Eagle Scout Award for Troop 501 in June 1962. He graduated from Piedmont High School in 1967 and graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973. After graduation, he worked at the Department of Human Resources as a social worker for 36 years. He also worked at Piedmont Health Care Center as the Alzheimer's Coordinator and Activity Director after his retirement from DHR. Mayor Baker was awarded a State of Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Civic Award in 2008 and received the Piedmont Journal Citizen of the Year award in 2013. Mayor Baker has served the City of Piedmont since 1988, when he was first elected to city council. He was appointed mayor August 4, 1996, after the death of Mayor Vera Stewart and served until October 7, 1996. Bill was appointed to the city council on November 15, 1999, after the resignation of Councilman Rick Freeman. He continued to serve on the council until October of 2013. He was appointed Mayor of Piedmont on October 4, 2013, after Mayor Rick Freeman resigned. He was reelected as mayor in 2016 and 2020. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing my friend, Mayor Bill Baker, and thanking him for his service to the City of Piedmont. Congratulations.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birthday of Wilbert D. Payne, Jr. Mr. Payne turned 75 on July 13th. Mr. Payne was born on July 13, 1950, and has devoted almost 50 years to serving his community and country, becoming a historic figure in the City of Opelika and a respected voice among Alabama veterans and civic leaders. In 2016, he made history as the first African American elected Chairman of the City of Opelika Board of Zoning Adjustments, breaking barriers and fostering inclusive representation for the citizens of Opelika. On February 17, 1970, Mr. Payne was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 19, serving with valor in the Vietnam War and later continuing his service through the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army National Guard until his medical retirement in 2004. As former Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Twin Cities Chapter 95, he spearheaded the Vietnam War 50-Year Commemoration in Central Alabama, organizing the first ceremony of its kind in Lee County in 2016 and ensuring hundreds of veterans were honored and presented with commemorative pins and the public gratitude they had long deserved. He became an advocate for veterans' rights, mental health care, and public recognition for Vietnam veterans who, like himself, returned home without fanfare or acknowledgment. His civic service roles include: Chief Voting Inspector for Lee County at the Covington Recreation Center, Chairman and member of the City of Opelika Zoning Board, Member of 100 Black Men of America. Inc., Greater Auburn-Opelika Chapter, where he served as All Pro Dad's Chairperson for Carver Primary School and West Forest Intermediate School, Longtime coordinator of the Lions Tamers Social and Civic Club's Family Fun Day/Juneteenth Celebration, Certified Member and Volunteer with the American Red Cross for 19 years, including service as a former Shelter Manager on the Disaster Action Team (DAT). Board Member of the Greater Peace Church Community Development Corporation, Facilities Coordinator for the J.W. Darden Foundation, Member of the Opelika-Auburn News Editorial Board, Board Member of the Lee-Russell County Council on Aging, Active with People of Action for Community Enrichment and recipient of the Arthur Hill Community Service Award (2023). Mr. Payne retired from the City of Opelika Engineering Department (1990 to 2000) after previous employment with the Augusta Environmental Company (1981 to 1989) and Diversified Products (1976 to 1980), while balancing his long and honorable military service in U.S. Army (1970 to 1971) and Army Reserve (1971 to 2000). He is supported by his loving wife, BBB4 Wilbert D. Payne, Jr., and has been blessed with 4 children and 12 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Payne on this milestone and wishing him a very happy birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for his leadership throughout this process. Mr. Speaker, years of chronic underinvestment in our national security have shattered American deterrence. It has allowed our adversaries to threaten and challenge us in new and unprecedented ways. That ends today because, with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we begin implementing President Trump's peace through strength agenda. H.R. 1 includes a historic $150 billion investment in America's national defense that will help us begin building the Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect our homeland, begin to revitalize our defense industrial base, help us secure our border because border security is national security, begin to rebuild our munitions stockpiles and critical mineral supply chains, and continue to improve the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families. With these investments, we will work to restore American deterrence and build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force President Trump promised. I commend the President, the Speaker, and Leader Thune for prioritizing national security in this bill, and I thank Chairman Wicker for his strong partnership throughout this process. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birthday of Helen Dramer Jarrell. Helen will turn 100 years old on July 3rd. Helen Dramer Jarrell was born the eighth child of the nine children Ida Mae and Walter Hubert Waldrop on July 3, 1925. Helen had two sisters and six brothers. On January 16, 1943, Helen married Efton Harrison. They were blessed with a baby girl, Helen Diane, on November 20, 1943. In 1945, Helen and Efton divorced, and she raised Diane on her own. On June 10, 1948. Helen remarried after meeting Jim Jarrell at work at the cotton mill. They were married for 55 years until Jim passed away in 2003. Helen has always had a servant's heart. She cared for her mother until her passing and worked for many years at the Mary Brandon Nursing Home in Oxford, Alabama, as a nurse's aide. Helen has two grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. After retiring from the nursing home, Helen helped raise her great-grandchildren and later helped at the Senior Center until she retired at 90 years old. On March 13, 2011, her daughter passed away. In December, she moved into the Oxford House Apartments. She has made many friends in the past 14 years. She enjoys playing dominoes and exercising. Helen is a woman of faith and loves her family deeply. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Helen on this milestone and wishing her a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Public Works Week, which takes place from May 18-24, 2025, and to offer a special greeting to the City of Oxford Public Works Department. Our public works professionals dedicate their time and talent to maintaining the infrastructure and facilities essential to public health and our quality of life. In Oxford, that work is carried out under the capable leadership of Rusty Gann who oversees a dedicated team of 73 employees. Without the efforts of the Public Works Department, essential services we all rely on, like safe roads, clean public spaces and functional public buildings--simply could not be provided. The Oxford Public Works team works every day to rebuild, improve and safeguard our transportation systems, structures and facilities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing National Public Works Week and thanking the City of Oxford's hardworking Public Works professionals, engineers, managers and employees for their unwavering commitment to help maintain our city's health, safety and advancing the quality of life.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Public Works Week, which takes place from May 18-24, 2025, and to offer a special greeting to the City of Anniston Public Works Department. Our public works professionals dedicate their time and talent to maintaining the infrastructure and facilities essential to public health and our quality of life. In Anniston, that work is carried out under the capable leadership of David Arnett and Supervisory staff who oversees a dedicated team of 58 employees. Without the efforts of the Public Works Department, essential services we all rely on, like safe roads, clean public spaces and functional public buildings--simply could not be provided. The Anniston Public Works team works every day to rebuild, improve and safeguard our transportation systems, structures and facilities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing National Public Works Week and thanking the City of Anniston's hardworking Public Works professionals, engineers, managers and employees for their unwavering commitment to help maintain our city's health, safety and advancing the quality of life.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Gadsden State Community College. Gadsden State is currently under the leadership of President Dr. Kathy Murphy. One of the initial founding institutions of Gadsden State is the Alabama School of Trades. It was established in 1925 as the first state-operated trade school in Alabama and the entire southern United States. Classes began on September 16, 1925, with 42 students enrolled in the inaugural class. Four courses were available: printing, electricity, bricklaying and cabinetmaking. All students lived in the newly constructed dormitory equipped with modern conveniences such as steam heat and plumbing that featured hot and cold running water. Students helped government workmen lay bricks to build the school's first permanent two-story buildings. The Alabama School of Trades continued to thrive as a training center for the area's technical industry with increasing student enrollment and course offerings. In 1942, courses were converted to War Training. At the close of World War II, new courses were added to help veterans re-enter the workforce such as: Radio, TV, Auto Mechanics, Machine Shop, Refrigeration, Drafting, Photography, Upholstery, Auto Body, Barbering, General Farm Dairy, Poultry and Heavy Equipment. In 1973, the school's name was changed to the Alabama Technical College and began offering associate in applied technology degrees. In 1985, the Alabama Technical College merged with Gadsden State Community College and is now known as the East Broad Campus. It is home to many of Gadsden State's workforce development programs such as Precision Machining, Mechanical Design, Industrial Automation, Welding, Electrical, Electronic Technology, Salon/Spa, Court Reporting, Truck Driving, Skid Steer Training, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy and Civil Engineering. As a result of mergers and expansion of services, Gadsden State is now a sprawling Community College with five campuses including East Broad, Wallace Drive, Valley Street (HBCU), Ayers and Cherokee. Gadsden State serves Etowah, Calhoun, Cleburne, Cherokee and St. Clair counties in northeast Alabama. There are 70 programs of study offered to over 5,000 students. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Gadsden State Community College a happy 100th anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Steven Folks as City Manager for Anniston, Alabama. Mr. Folks received an associate's degree from Gadsden State Community College and a bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University. He spent 21 years honorably serving our country in the United States Army Military Police Corp/Regiment. During his service, his assignments included Military Police instructor, Platoon Sergeant, Senior Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant and Battalion Operations Sergeant. He was honorably retired in 1995. Mr. Folks came to work for the City of Anniston on April 10, 1995, as Recreation Leader. In July of 1996, he was promoted to Recreation Center Director at Carver Community Center and established the Good Choices Program. In March of 2007, Mr. Folks was promoted to Parks and Recreation Director. He was appointed interim City Manager in June of 2019 and became City Manager on October 28, 2019. He is an active member of the International City/County Management Association and the Alabama City/County Management Association. Mr. Folks has been married to his wife, Vickie, for 42 years. They were blessed with three sons: Shannon (deceased), Dewan and Steven, Jr. They are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren and one great- grandchild. Mr. Folks serves as an ordained Deacon with Mission Church of God by Faith Ministry, where his wife serves as the Pastor. On April 10, 2025, Mr. Folks will retire from the City of Anniston after 30 years of service. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Steven Folks for his retirement and thanking him for his dedication and service to our country and to the City of Anniston. I congratulate Mr. Folks.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Beverly Graben from my Oxford District Office. Beverly, a native of Clay County, Alabama, was born on May 6, 1959, to W.T. and Eulene Buckhannan. She graduated from Lineville High School in 1977 and married Andy Dale Graben on April 8, 1979. Beverly obtained a cosmetology degree from Ayers State Technical College. She and Andy have been blessed with two sons: Adam (married to Jayme) and Kevin (married to Kimberly). They have five grandchildren who are the light of Beverly's life: Seth, Ella Jaymes, William, Charlotte and Joseph. Beverly is a former member of Center West Baptist Church and currently attends Barfield Baptist Church. Beverly has worked at Burger Quick, RL Harris Dam, Graben Wood Products, Midway Ford, Wright and Sprayberry Insurance and former Congressman Bob Riley. Beverly has worked for me since I took office in 2003. She is an outstanding employee and has a heart for the people of Alabama's Third Congressional District. She will be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Beverly for her retirement and thanking her for her dedication and service to our great State of Alabama. I congratulate Beverly.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I commend the Chair, the leader, and Chairman Arrington on their tremendous work. We have heard about all the ways the House budget resolution will deliver on President Trump's America First agenda. That includes making a generational investment in our national defense. The $100 billion in defense spending this resolution unlocks will enable us to begin restoring American deterrence, prioritizing lethality, and ensuring peace through strength. It will help defend the DOD's mission at the border because border security is national security. It will help improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. It will help us start to revitalize our defense industrial base and restore readiness accounts to ensure we can fight tonight. It will also help us start to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity and enhance our missile defense. It will also help begin restocking our Nation's arsenal of critical munitions. It will help us position our military to out-compete and out-innovate China. Achieving the President's goal of peace through strength will ultimately require us to get defense spending back above 4 percent of GDP. However, none of that can happen unless we pass this budget resolution today. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the life of the oldest living Alabama citizen, Rosa Cook. Rosa passed away on February 8, 2025 at the age of 112 years old. Rosa was born in Coosa County, Alabama on May 24, 1912, to Lewis McKinney and Georgeanna Ingram. She lost her mother at eight years old and was raised by her older brothers and sisters. She was married for 24 years to the late K.C. Cook, who died at a young age of a massive heart attack in 1965. She and K.C. were blessed with three children. Rosa moved to Sylacauga, Alabama, to live with her daughter Ruth. Rosa was a member of the Rising Star Baptist Church where she sang in the choir until she became disabled. She also was active in the Faithful Worker's Missionary Society Club, the Rising Star Senior Choir and Recreational Golden Keys. Rosa's life was celebrated on February 13, 2025. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the life of Rosa Cook.