Michael Rulli

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 217; YEA on Roll Call No. 218; NAY on Roll Call No. 219; and YEA on Roll Call No. 220.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walberg for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand in support of H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026. I am honored to see my bill added into this package today. We are here talking about commonsense legislation to just stop fraud. The Government Accountability Office estimates that the Federal Government loses between $200 billion and $500 billion every year to fraud. This bill makes sure fraudsters are stopped by adding commonsense requirements like agency coordination and data sharing to monitor fraud, explaining the processes used to investigate and recover improper payments, and highlighting the procedures used to impose sanctions when fraud is actually found. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to support this bill, strengthen integrity, and safeguard taxpayer dollars in the childcare block grant program.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Senator James E. Carnes, 84, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, who passed away on April 25, 2026. Born February 19, 1942, in Wheeling, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Edward A. and Avis E. Carnes. A lifelong Belmont County resident, Carnes graduated from Flushing High School in 1960 and dedicated his career to the Ohio coal industry, rising to President and later President-Emeritus of Cravat Coal Company after 57 years of service. He also owned and operated the Plaza Motel and Carnes Mobile Home and Appliances. He was a prominent figure in Ohio Republican politics for over five decades, serving as Belmont County GOP Chairman, on state and national party committees, and as a delegate to multiple conventions. He later served in the Ohio Senate from 1995 to 2004, representing southeastern Ohio and chairing key committees, including Energy and Finance. Following his Senate service, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and later served on the Ohio Liquor Control Commission until 2025. Known for his pragmatic leadership and ability to work across party lines, he was widely respected for his service to Ohio. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Senator James E. Carnes. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a man of faith, and a lifelong public servant.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Seymour Wyatt, Jr., a beloved constituent from Leetonia, Ohio, who passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Philippi, West Virginia, Mr. Wyatt served honorably in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 and carried that same dedication into his work as a machinist, salesman, and security officer. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he shared more than 60 years of marriage with his wife, Audrey, and leaves behind a proud legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A proud patriot, Mr. Wyatt often reached out to my office to share his deep love for this country and belief in its promise. He will be deeply missed, and his life of service and devotion will not be forgotten. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring and remembering the life of Seymour Wyatt, Jr.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Robert ``Bobby'' Douglas, an esteemed wrestler and coach who exemplified the grit and toughness that define what it means to be from eastern Ohio. Born in Bellaire, Ohio, Bobby attended Bridgeport High School, where he rose through the wrestling ranks, winning the Ohio 112-pound state title as a sophomore. As a senior, he captured the 127-pound title. His success in high school led him to West Liberty State College, where he won an NAIA championship and finished second at the NCAA Championships. After two years at West Liberty, he transferred to Oklahoma State, where he claimed the Big Eight Conference 147-pound title and helped the Cowboys secure the 1964 NCAA team championship. At the senior level, Bobby won three national freestyle championships. He competed as a featherweight at the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games, placing fourth in 1964. His leadership and skill led him to captain the United States Olympic freestyle team at the 1968 Games. He earned a silver medal at the 1966 World Championships and a bronze medal at the 1970 World Championships. He retired from competition in 1970 with an extraordinary record of 303-17. Bobby's passion for wrestling and for developing the next generation of athletes was evident in his coaching at UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State University, and Iowa State University. He is one of only a handful of collegiate coaches to win more than 400 dual meets, and he won an NCAA team national title at Arizona State in 1988. He coached multiple United States Olympic teams and continued to cement his legacy as an all-time great by coaching Cael Sanderson to a gold medal in the 185-pound weight class at the 2004 Olympic Games. Bobby's coaching accomplishments include 13 NCAA champions, 110 All-America performances, and 68 conference titles. After his induction into the NAIA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1985, Bobby rightfully earned his place in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring and remembering the life of Robert ``Bobby'' Douglas.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate J.T. Miller on his selection to the Team USA hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. From East Palestine, J.T. Miller showcases the grit and toughness of a community that is built on pride. J.T. has represented his country at multiple hockey events, including the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. J.T. was drafted in 2011 by the New York Rangers with the 15th overall selection. Following his tenure with the Rangers, J.T. was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. After Tampa Bay, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he scored over 150 goals in six seasons with the team, and his stellar play earned him an alternate captainship. In 2024, J.T. was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game and went on to net 37 goals and record over 100 points. Currently, J.T. is back in New York City, playing for the Rangers, where he serves as the team's captain. Having played in over 900 games, J.T. has scored more than 250 goals and has assisted on more than 450 goals. J.T. has 17 overtime goals, which rank eighth all time, showcasing his ability to perform in high- pressure situations. His coast-to-coast goal against the Arizona Coyotes in February 2022 demonstrates his exceptional skating skills, his ability to deke defenders, and his knack for burying the puck in the back of the net. There is no doubt in my mind that J.T. will do everything in his power to ensure that the United States men's hockey team brings home gold at the Olympics in Milan. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating J.T. Miller on his selection to the Team USA hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Congressman Fry's SHOWER Act. I am not going to pull a Nancy Pelosi, Mr. Speaker. I am not going to rip up the speech that I had written, but I am not going to give that speech. I have to talk about the opposition party, and I have to talk about their complete lack of interaction with the blue-collar Joe Bag of Donuts, which is Youngstown and Akron and Canton and Cleveland and Pittsburgh. These are working people that they have forgotten. They bring up electricity, sir, but they do not allow us to address power plants. They shut down coal plants. They put regulations on gas- powered generated plants, but then they say there is an electricity problem. Let's talk about prices. In my district right now, eggs are $1.29. We have chicken breast at 99 cents. In Trumbull County, we have gas at $1.99. I have 45,000 jobs that I cannot fill. We are on the ground. We are listening to the people. You guys are promoting the Ford Lightning, which nobody who is a working person even gives a crap about. They want to have Silverados and they want to have their Mopar and they want to have gas-powered engines inside of those cars, but yet they say they have it. All they work on is the narrative, Mr. Speaker. That is what they do. I will tell you how I came to Congressman Fry's bill and how I got interested in it. We were replacing a showerhead at my mom's house, and I said to my plumber, Marty: What is going on with these showerheads? He said: You tell me. The people in Washington messed this up. Nobody can have a darn good shower in the last 10 years. Why does that matter? What did they say? They say we are worried about showerheads. We are worried about the working man. We are worried about the standard of living that they have taken away from them. They have taxed them to death. They play this game with healthcare. They created ObamaCare. They never had a solution. It was never a permanent fix. Mr. Speaker, the Democrats kicked it down the road, and then they said to just extend it without even dealing with it. What my Democrat colleagues are doing to the American people is wrong. When a person goes on vacation, they go to a motel and take a shower. It is the worst shower they have ever had. It is cold. It is dripping out there. The working man cannot even enjoy his daily life. That is what they have missed. We want to talk about how grand their philosophy is. When we look at the mayor of New York City, he wants to have government-owned grocery stores. People will be able to choose about 400 or 500 items instead of the 30,000 or 40,000 items they could choose today, all in consideration of the blue-collar Joe Bag of Doughnuts, the forgotten worker. This is why Donald Trump was elected. We care about the forgotten worker. We are going to fix healthcare. We are going to fix affordability. Gas prices are already coming down. Grocery prices are coming down. Wait until that tax cut hits in 2026. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 4593 and so should you.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary courage of one of my constituents, 19-year-old Logan Fomenko, whose selfless actions reflect the very best of Ohio's 6th District. On October 9, 2025, Logan saw a house fire and learned that an elderly man may have been trapped inside the home. Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Logan ran toward the danger and entered the now fully engulfed house in an attempt to save a life. Unfortunately, an explosion inside the home forced him to retreat, and despite first responders' best efforts, the fire consumed nearly the entire structure, and the man inside tragically perished. Logan's decision to run toward the flames was pure instinct, reflecting his bravery and deep compassion for a man he did not know. These actions demonstrate his exemplary commitment to serving his community, even in the face of danger. I am praying for Logan and his family as they continue their journey of recovery, for the healthcare workers who took care of him in the days after the fire, and I will continue to honor the memory of the gentleman who lost his life. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the heroism and bravery of Logan Fomenko.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, especially after last weekend, I take a second to thank the chairman for his comments. Mr. Speaker, the CLASS Act prohibits K-12 schools from accepting funds or contracting with the People's Republic of China or the CCP. Let's just let that sink in for a second. My honorable friend on the other side of the aisle is literally defending the Chinese to invade our schools. That is what this is about. It will also prohibit any person or entity acting on behalf of other such governments or parties. It also requires K-12 schools to submit a report to the Secretary of Education with the name and country of origin, the amount of funds that are being put into our public schools, and any terms of that contract. The CCP is anti-American to its core. We stand for freedom of speech, expression, and religion. They stand for none of our values. Confucius classrooms are propaganda, and they are often set up near our military bases, just to give it another layer. There are CCP and Chinese affiliations in 143 schools throughout this country. Honorable Speaker, I was shocked myself to realize that one of them sits right outside our capital city of Columbus, Ohio. This is unacceptable. They could be coming to a school near you very soon. That is why I urge a ``yes'' vote from all my colleagues, especially from the other side of the aisle. We do not want them to be labeled as pro-Chinese, but as pro-American. This is not going to have a lot of cost that will be put onto a school district. I was a school board member. This bill contains very, very few requirements to actually log in and say where this money is coming from. I urge a ``yes'' vote today on H.R. 1005, otherwise known as the CLASS Act.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 306, and YEA on Roll Call No. 307.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 308.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 303; and YEA on Roll Call No. 304.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 305.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 298; YEA on Roll Call No. 299; YEA on Roll Call No. 300; YEA on Roll Call No. 301; and YEA on Roll Call No. 302.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 289; YEA on Roll Call No. 290; YEA on Roll Call No. 291; YEA on Roll Call No. 292; NAY on Roll Call No. 293; YEA on Roll Call No. 294; YEA on Roll Call No. 295; YEA on Roll Call No. 296; and YEA on Roll Call No. 297.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 286; YEA on Roll Call No. 287; and NAY on Roll Call No. 288.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to Washington, D.C. A true beacon of peace, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew leads 250 million Orthodox Christians. Elected in October 1991, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has continuously shown his desire for peace, even in the face of attacks and persecution. He has championed international peace conferences, bringing together Christians, Muslims, and Jews for the purpose of alliance and understanding. His efforts across multiple realms have been recognized by the United States Congress, the United Nations, and the European Union. His influence extends beyond the Orthodox Christian community and has been instrumental in promoting global unity and harmony. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew continues to stand as a symbol of hope. I am very pleased to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch to Washington, D.C. as he meets with President Trump. Invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Latta for his leadership, and I rise in support of H.R. 3015, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act. Mr. Speaker, for decades, the National Coal Council was a powerful voice for coal and a timeless champion for American workers and American communities. Coal fueled the factories, powered our homes, and helped build the greatest economy this world has ever known. It is ridiculous to neglect this. I feel today is a Paul Revere moment, where we are calling to everyone to realize that the meltdown is coming. What I mean by that is the grid is going to melt down. Simply, all one has to do is go back in time three Christmases ago, when the American grid pretty much was hours away from melting down. Mr. Speaker, look at California and Texas. Look at the meltdowns that have happened there. The grid is not stable. The grid needs to be redone, and every coal plant that I toured in Ohio said three Christmases ago, the call was: We need more generated power, and we need it right now, and there was no more to give. All we have to do is look at is the opposition party wants to celebrate the European Union, and what does the European Union do? They look for power from countries like Russia, like China, and like India to use their coal-powered, generated plants to support their grid. However, in America, we cannot wait to put coal factories out of business. Just like in my district, with the Sammis factory, Joe Biden couldn't wait to celebrate putting 800 jobs in the garbage and putting our grid at jeopardy. Paul Revere would be turning in his grave if he saw the jeopardy that these people are putting our country through by putting the grid up against the wall. We have to take into consideration what could come in the future. I do want to take a moment, and I want to thank President Trump and his executive order that he knows that this bipartisan committee for coal was established over the last 30 years, and it was a bipartisan approach to make sure that national security, which is our grid, because if our grid melts down, there is no security. Particular to my district, I have seven or eight investors who, right now, want to invest in new coal. They want to make sure that the artificial intelligence companies and the data mining companies come to Ohio. However, if there is no energy, then nobody is coming to Ohio. Today, more than ever, let's worry about national security, let's worry that we can keep these lights on, and let's worry that this grid is protected for our grandchildren who are not even born yet, so when they say that this is a meaningless bill, it couldn't be further from the truth. This is the bill for national security. This is the bill that President Trump signed into executive order. Today is the day that we codify this into law. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues today to have a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the East Palestine Fire Department, a pillar of our beloved Ohio community since 1875. It is a privilege to honor these firefighters who have dedicated themselves to keeping our village safe. For 150 years, these brave men and women have put their lives on the line, responding to countless emergencies with unwavering courage. Beyond their role as first responders, they connect with our community daily and strengthen the bonds that make East Palestine a special place in which to live. I also want to recognize their heroism during the 2023 train derailment. When disaster struck, with flames and toxic hazards threatening our village, they stepped up with incredible bravery. Their actions that night, and in the days that followed, will be remembered for generations to come. The East Palestine Fire Department stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, meeting new challenges and staying true to their mission. Their work embodies the spirit of East Palestine, and I am proud to represent them. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the East Palestine Fire Department for 150 years of exemplary service and to wish them continued strength and success for many years to come.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the victims of the June 29, 2025, plane crash in Howland Township, Ohio, that claimed six lives. This tragic loss has taken beloved family members and respected professionals who contributed significantly to the Mahoning Valley. Their influence on the community will endure for generations. James Weller was the President and CEO of Liberty Steel Industries Inc., a staple of Warren, Ohio. His passion for his faith and his family inspired him to treat others with respect and dignity. Veronica Weller, James's wife, was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, making the community around her a better place. Veronica's involvement with charities showed her true devotion to those in need. John Weller, son of James and Veronica Weller, was known for his humor and positive outlook on life, spreading love and positivity to those who knew him. John Weller was the vice president of Liberty Steel Industries. Maria Weller, John's wife, was a volunteer at the St. Edward's food pantry, showing her dedication and love for the community that she sought to make better. Maria's creation of a fashion camp designed to help STEM students showed her willingness to give her time and energy to serve others. Joseph Maxin, the pilot of the airplane, used his enthusiasm for public service to positively touch the hearts and minds of those he interacted with. Joseph's service in the Youngstown Prosecutor's Office showed his desire and eagerness to keep his community safe. Timothy Blake, the co-pilot of the airplane, used his fondness for aviation to train the next generation of pilots at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring and remembering those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 160; YEA on Roll Call No. 161; YEA on Roll Call No. 162; and YEA on Roll Call No. 163.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 104, and YEA on Roll Call No. 103.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Youngstown State women's bowling team on winning the 2025 NCAA bowling championship over Jacksonville State on April 12, 2025. In the ``Entertainment Capital of the World'', Las Vegas, the Youngstown State women's bowling team certainly put on a show. The path to the championship was vigorous, playing against very tough competition to secure the championship win. The Penguins cruised through the regional rounds on the way to the championship and in the semifinals, the Penguins fell short to Jacksonville State 2-1. In the finals, the Penguins defeated the No. 2 seed 2-0 to advance to the national championship against Jacksonville State. Looking for revenge, the Penguins came out of the gate swinging, winning the first two games by the scores of 204-199 and 248-210. The Penguins threw five strikes in the final four frames to win the first match and threw a strike on each of their final eight rolls in the second game. After Jacksonville State won game 3, the Penguins won game 4, taking a 3-1 lead and one win away from the glory. Games 5 and 6 were won by Jacksonville State to even the series 3-3. In game 7, the Penguins started strongly. Strikes and spares were the theme for the Penguins, showing the consistency that led them to the national championship game. With every strike and spare, the crowd roared, bringing the team one step closer to immortality. After back-to-back strikes to end the game, the team embraced, realizing their dreams and all their hard work had come to fruition. The Penguins forever etched themselves into history as champions. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Youngstown State women's bowling team's players, coaches, staff, families, and friends as we celebrate this historic victory and national championship. Go Penguins.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 61.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Dawn Baker for her service in my office and to the people of the Ohio Sixth District. For seven years. Ms. Baker has dedicated herself to the aid of my constituents and I am proud to have witnessed the positive impact her work has created. Dawn began her journey of public service at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government. While attending university, she met her husband of 24 years and the father of their two exceptional daughters, Jason Baker. She dedicated herself fully to her family, taking an active role in her children's education and their passion for athletics. In 2017, she decided to put her degree to use as an advocate for the people of Ohio within the office of former Congressman Bill Johnson. Under the administration of my predecessor, Dawn began her federal career as a Field Representative and caseworker. Being a delegate for OH-06, she took great pride in going out in public and listening to the needs of the people. She worked diligently and, within a few short years, was promoted to Director of Outreach; mentoring those under her tutelage in all aspects of championing the residents of our district. I have known Dawn and her family both personally and professionally for many years, so upon my election to this esteemed office, I was pleased to make her my Director of Constituent Services. In this role, Dawn has been on the front lines of my office answering calls to assist my constituents. She saw firsthand the struggles many in East and Southeast Ohio face and has never wavered in her commitment. Dawn's strength is one of her greatest assets, affording her the will to get the job done, but so too is her compassionate spirit as she works tireless]y to assist in any way she can. As we, the Members of the House of Representatives well know, our staff are often the unsung heroes working hard behind the scenes. So, I ask you today to assist me in thanking Ms. Dawn Baker for her many years of vigorous and dedicated work for the people of Ohio's Sixth District and the Nation, and I wish her the best in her next endeavor.