Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Jimmy Johns from Elbit America. Prior to his work with Elbit America, Jimmy served in the United States Marine Corps from 1979 to 1983. Following his honorable service to our country, he joined International Enterprises (now known as Elbit America) as a Technical Assistant. Jimmy has been a fixture at Elbit America for over 42 years working up to be the site lead for the entire Talladega operation. In this capacity, he oversees over 150 employees. Elbit America is a treasured part of the Talladega community generating over $150 million in revenue every year. Under Jimmy's leadership, Elbit has prospered and regularly gives back to the community generously. Jimmy's colleagues are extremely grateful for his leadership and friendship over the many years he has served with them, and his presence will be dearly missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Jimmy Johns for his many years of service and wishing him the best in retirement. I congratulate Jimmy.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Jana McGinnis as Head Coach for the Jacksonville State University softball team. Jana, a native of Spring Garden, Alabama, spent 31 years as the head coach of the Jax State softball team. She retired with a 1,038-607 career and the all-time 30th most wins among Division I coaches. That record number wins are the eighth-most-all-time by a Division I coach at the same institution and give her more games won than any coach in the university's history. Jana was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference guard in basketball at Jax State. She holds the school's career and single season assists records. After graduation, she started coaching at Cherokee County High School and within two years brought home a state title. In 1994, she took over as head coach of the softball team at Jax State winning the Trans America Athletic Conference title in her third season and advanced to the 1996 NCAA Regional. It was the first conference title for Jax State at the Division I level in any sport. Jana spent most of her career in the Ohio Valley Conference winning regular season or tournament championships in 11 of her 17 seasons in OVC and won both in the same season three times. She has also been named OVC Coach of the Year, a conference-record six times. The Jacksonville State University softball complex has been named Jana McGinnis Field to recognize her success over the years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Jana on her retirement and thanking her for her dedication and service to Jacksonville State. I congratulate Jana.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Colonel Anthony J. Cloud. Colonel Cloud assumed the duties of Chief of Staff, Alabama Army National Guard on January 15, 2023. In his previous assignment Colonel Cloud served as the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Joint Force Headquarters. Colonel Cloud began his military career as a Combat Engineer in the Alabama Army National Guard. Colonel Cloud received his commission in 1996 from the Alabama Military Academy, Officer Candidate School. Commissioned as an Engineer Officer, Colonel Cloud held various leadership and staff positions that made a significant impact on the ALARNG Engineer and Chemical community. He is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, The Chemical Advanced Course, Airborne School, the Command and General Staff College and the U.S Army War College. Command assignments include: Commander, HHD, 145th Chemical Battalion, 31st Chemical Brigade, ALARNG, Commander, 151st Chemical Battalion, 31st Chemical Brigade, ALARNG and Commander 31st Chemical Brigade. Key staff assignments include Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel ALARNG, Deputy G3 ALARNG, Executive Officer/Administrative Officer for the 62nd Troop Command, Plans, Programs, and Environmental Division Chief, and Mobilization Plans Officer, Joint Force Headquarters; Engineer Platoon Leader, Battalion Operations Officer, 145th Engineer Battalion, 31st Armored Brigade, ALARNG; Executive Officer and TAC Officer in 2nd Battalion (Officer Candidate School), 200th Regiment, ALARNG; Executive Officer, 1203rd Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, Iraq. Colonel Cloud holds a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Alabama and a Masters of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army National Guard Components Achievement Medal with 2 Bronze Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Device, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass Device and Mobilization Device, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Alabama National Guard Distinguished Service Ribbon, Alabama National Guard Commendation Ribbon, Alabama National Guard Veterans Service Ribbon with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Alabama National Guard National Emergency Service Ribbon with 9-11 Device, Alabama Special Service Ribbon, Alabama National Guard Faithful Service Medal with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze St. Andrews Cross Devises, Alabama National Guard Basic Training Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Colonel Cloud, and thanking him for his service. Congratulations.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Louis Bass, CEO of Regional Medical Center Health System (RMC) in Anniston, Alabama. Louis has dedicated 26 years of his career to RMC Health System, culminating in a decade of service as CEO. Prior to this leadership role, he served as the system's CFO. During his tenure, Mr. Bass led RMC through the COVID pandemic and spearheaded several key accomplishments. He integrated Stringfellow Memorial Hospital into the RMC family, allowing the transformation of inpatient care. He helped transform RMC Foundation to better invest in needs of the hospital and expanded access to serve the community. Bass improved nurse education through the donation of Jacksonville Medical Center to Jacksonville State University and helped position RMC for a financially stable future and success by securing HUD funds to refinance and make needed capital improvements. Louis is a dedicated community leader, serving on the boards of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Vizient Southeast, the JSU Foundation and the RMC Foundation. He is also an active member of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Louis and his wife, Debbie, are the proud parents of Jordan and Ashley Bass, Corey and Hazuki Bass, and Lauren and Trey Shaw. They are blessed with four grandchildren: Claire, Jonathan, Emma, and Owen Bass, and Baker and Brewer Shaw. Mr. Bass is a devoted member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where he serves as a Deacon. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Louis on his retirement and thanking him for his service to Northeast Alabama. I congratulate Louis.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mayor Johnny L. Smith, Mayor of the City of Jacksonville, Alabama. Mayor Smith graduated from Collinsville High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Jacksonville State University. He furthered his studies with a Master of Mathematics from the University of South Carolina, Doctor of Education with a Special Emphasis in Mathematics from the University of Alabama and Post Graduate Study in Mathematics from Emory University. Mayor Smith served on the Jacksonville City Council for 12 years and has served as mayor for 20 years. He has served in the Alabama League of Municipalities, the Alabama Recreational Trails Commission, Past Chairman and member of the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and Past Chairman and member of the Calhoun County Metropolitan Planning Organization. His children include: Laura A. Smith (deceased) (David), Jennifer Smith Aguilar (deceased) and Lyle Smith (Jennifer). His grandchildren include: Glenn M. Smith (deceased), LeeAnn Smith (deceased), Kristen Aguilar, Camden Aguilar, Amelia Smith, Olivia Smith and Luke Smith. Mayor Smith is a member of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Exchange Club. In 2017, he was the recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds and the Jacksonville News Citizen of the Year. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing my friend, Mayor Smith, and thanking him for his service to the City of Jacksonville. Congratulations.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Executive Vice President and Acting President of Freedom House, for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in the protection and growth of global democracy during these challenging times. For over 15 years, the world has witnessed the troubling rise of autocracy--a reality that has threatened fundamental freedoms and the rule of law across the globe. Amid this daunting backdrop, Ms. Sedaca has led with profound vision and unwavering commitment, steering Freedom House with extraordinary resolve to meet the ever-evolving challenges of our time. Under her leadership, Freedom House has not only preserved but expanded its critical mission to defend and promote the values of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. Her efforts have significantly bolstered the organization's reach and impact, addressing the critical needs of communities striving for liberty and justice in the face of oppression. Freedom House has long been a U.S. national treasure since its founding in 1948 by Eleanor Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie. As a beacon of hope and a defender of democratic ideals, Freedom House has stood resolute against tyranny for decades, embodying the principles that make our Nation a global leader in the fight for Democracy. Ms. Sedaca's leadership has ensured that this historic institution continues to thrive in its vital role on the international stage. Her work has been nothing short of extraordinary, and her dedication to the cause of democracy exemplifies the highest standards of public service. Nicole Bibbins Sedaca's tireless advocacy inspires us all, and her achievements remind us of the enduring importance of safeguarding the freedoms we cherish. I extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. Sedaca for her invaluable contributions to the cause of democracy and human dignity. Her unwavering resolve and steadfast leadership have ensured that Freedom House remains a force for good in an increasingly complex world. I applaud Nicole Bibbins Sedaca's exceptional service and to the enduring legacy of Freedom House--a legacy that continues to shine as a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples everywhere.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 44) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of the bill H.R. 5009, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the retirement of Tony Russell, the Superintendent of FEMA's Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama. As Superintendent, Mr. Russell has provided executive level management and leadership for the CDP, which provides unique, hands-on training to more than 60,000 emergency responders a year from state, local, tribal and territorial agencies. He oversees operations of the CDP's 176-acre campus, which is home to the only training facility in the country where civilian responders can train in a toxic agent environment and the Nation's only hospital training facility dedicated solely to preparing the healthcare, public health and environmental health specialists for mass casualty events related to terrorism or natural disasters. Mr. Russell previously served as the Superintendent of FEMA's Emergency Management Institute. During his tenure at EMI, he was deployed in support of critical agency priorities. In 2012, Mr. Russell assisted with the Superstorm Sandy response and recovery activities in New York. In 2014, he was designated as the Acting Region VIII Administrator, serving as the Senior Executive for all FEMA priorities and requirements in the states of Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming and Utah. In 2009, Mr. Russell was appointed by the President as the FEMA Region VI Regional Administrator and served in that capacity until 2012. In this role, he was responsible for all FEMA operational decisions within the states of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana. During 2003 and 2009, Mr. Russell served as a Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA's Region VIII. In addition to his FCO duties, in 2009 he assumed the role of Acting Director of the FEMA Louisiana Recovery Office for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, with offices throughout the state. He also managed FEMA operations in many complex disaster response and recovery operations across the country, including potential hurricanes in Texas, the Pandemic Influenza Regional Team, and the agency's support to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Russell, a former United States Marine Corps Officer, holds an undergraduate degree in political science and management from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He earned two master's degrees from National University in San Diego in the areas of business administration (MBA) and management (MA). He also received a Master of Arts degree in Homeland Security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, and completed Executive Leadership Education at Harvard University. Mr. Russell is an active member of the emergency management community, including the International Association of Emergency Managers, and holds the designation of Certified Emergency Manager. Mr. Speaker, please Join me in recognizing this milestone for my friend, Tony Russell.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1612, I call up the bill (H.R. 5009) to reauthorize wildlife habitat and conservation programs, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the House amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5009 and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5009. For the first time in decades, this year's defense bill carries a different name. It is the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act. We did that to underscore the tremendous gains this bill makes toward improving the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families. No servicemember should have to live in squalid conditions. No military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children. No one serving in the military should have to wait to see a doctor. That is exactly what many of our servicemembers are experiencing, especially junior enlisted personnel. This bill goes a long way to fixing that. It includes a 15 percent pay raise for the junior enlisted. It expands allowances for housing and food. The bill significantly increases funding to improve existing barracks and build new ones. It encourages the services to pursue public-private partnerships to provide better unaccompanied housing. The bill reduces dangerous healthcare wait times by waiving referral requirements for specialty care and expanding the number of DOD doctors and nurses with new special recruitment and pay incentives. The bill improves access to childcare for military families by increasing investment in DOD childcare centers and fully funding childcare fee assistance programs. The bill helps military spouses gain and retain employment by making it easier for them to transfer professional licenses between States. We are making these historic improvements in the quality of life of our servicemembers because, now more than ever, we need to recruit and retain the best and the brightest. That is because the threats our Nation faces, especially those from China, are more complex now than they have been in over 40 years. To deter these threats, the FY25 NDAA reforms acquisition authorities and fosters private-sector innovation to speed the fielding of game- changing new technologies that will give us the advantage in a conflict with China. It strengthens our security partnerships with Taiwan and our Pacific allies. It fully funds the modernization of our nuclear deterrent; protects U.S. military bases, the defense supply chain, and academic research from Chinese espionage; and builds the logistics networks in the Pacific the military needs to carry out operations against China. It includes new investments to retool and revitalize the industrial base to ensure it can deliver the systems we need to prevail in any conflict. In the face of growing threats from China, it is also critical we restore the military's focus on lethality. The FY25 NDAA does so by ending divisive policies that have hurt recruiting, unit cohesion, and military readiness. We all know that deterring these threats will be an expensive endeavor. That is why this bill includes over $30 billion in savings from cutting systems that can't survive a conflict with China and by reining in programs like the F-35 that are not delivering on existing requirements. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill and a fair compromise that will go a long way to ensure our Nation can successfully deter and defeat any adversary. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, below is a table representing $31.6 billion in savings over the Future Years Defense Program included in the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), my friend and colleague who chaired the task force and worked hand in hand with Representative Houlahan from Pennsylvania in fashioning the 32 recommendations for the quality of life improvements that are embedded in this bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), who is my friend and colleague from the Alabama delegation and also a great member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), who is the chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gimenez).

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson), who is another outstanding Armed Services Committee member.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), who is one of the senior members of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain).

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

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan).