Austin Scott

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want the American citizens to know we have had an honest debate over the balance between security and the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. Sometimes that debate takes a little longer than we wish it would. I wish my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would read this document, the United States Constitution, just as we as Republicans read it and take it seriously. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the chair of the Rules Committee.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 1175, providing for consideration of H.R. 8035, to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20 of 2027 and for other purposes. The rule provides 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective designees and the chair and ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to debate a rule on H.R. 8035, which would extend FISA 702. Currently, it faces expiration on April 20, 2026. Let me be clear at the outset. We cannot allow section 702 to lapse, not at a moment when our adversaries are expanding their capabilities, accelerating their operations, and exploiting every gap in our intelligence posture. Allowing this authority to expire would leave the United States blind to threats that move at the speed of modern conflict. As many here know, FISA 702 was first authorized in 2008 and has since been reauthorized three times, with broad bipartisan support each of those times. Each time, Congress recognized the same truth we face today. This authority is indispensable to protect the homeland from the threats that we face. This extension should be no different. Section 702 allows the United States Government to collect intelligence on foreign nationals located overseas--I repeat, foreign nationals located overseas who are reasonably believed to possess foreign intelligence information. The FBI can only access FISA 702 data if the foreign section 702 target is relevant to an existing, open, predicated, full national security investigation. Yes, Mr. Speaker, we are talking about terrorism and narcoterrorism. Section 702 cannot be used to target any U.S. person at home or abroad. That prohibition is explicit and reinforced by multiple layers of oversight. I am not saying the 2008 legislation was perfect. It required modifications and reforms. To account for the needed reforms, Congress passed RISAA, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act in 2024, the largest FBI and FISA reform in decades. This law mandated 56 different reforms, including strict limitations on FBI queries involving U.S. persons and a severe reduction in the number of FBI personnel with access to 702 data, from 10,000 to only 3 percent in the Bureau. Additionally, to address concerns of FBI's compliance on U.S. person queries, RISAA required the Bureau to provide an annual report detailing any noncompliant query and what accountability measures were imposed on each FBI personnel that were determined to have conducted a noncompliant query. This has led to 100 percent of queries on U.S. persons being reviewed by National Security Division and the FBI's Office of Internal Auditing. These reforms were not symbolic. They were structural, enforceable, and designed to ensure that section 702 remains both effective and accountable. A quick example of effectiveness can be seen when comparing 2021 FBI inquiries, which numbered 2.9 million, to 2025 inquiries, which numbered 7,413. As effective as RISAA was, over the last few days, it has been clear that this body feels like more reforms are needed before section 702 can be extended again. Mr. Speaker, at the conclusion of debate, I will offer an amendment to the rule. The amendment will self-execute an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 119-25. The changes being made include: changing the reauthorization period from 18 months to 5 years; enhancing criminal penalties on individuals who unlawfully use or disclose 702 information on a U.S. person or conduct unauthorized queries; ensuring Members of Congress and certain staff may have access to proceedings of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; ensuring only FBI attorneys can authorize U.S. person queries conducted by the FBI; implementing probable cause requirements for U.S. person targeting; requiring a GAO audit of targeting procedures; and requiring ODNI review of FBI queries of U.S. persons. The legislative process has worked here, Mr. Speaker. It is time for the House to move this legislation. Today, our adversaries, state and nonstate actors alike, are investing heavily in cyber operations, covert influence, terrorism networks, and advanced weapons systems. They are moving faster, hiding deeper, and coordinating across borders with unprecedented sophistication. FISA section 702 is one of the few tools that allows us to detect and disrupt these threats before they reach our shores. Our purpose here today is to give law enforcement the ability to operate in a timely manner to stop terrorist attacks on United States soil. That is it. Failing to reauthorize this authority would be a massive setback and one that our adversaries would exploit immediately. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to consideration of these pieces of legislation and urge passage of this rule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1175 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Bishop for yielding. I will be brief before Mr. Fuller has his 10 words. He is a district attorney from north Georgia. He has done an exceptionally good job there. He is still a JAG officer in the Georgia National Guard, and he brings a lot of valuable insight and experience to the House of Representatives. Let's hope we use it. I am glad to introduce you to the newest member of the Georgia delegation of the United States Congress, Mr. Clay Fuller, and his family.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you what is true about what Mr. McGovern said. It is true that last night, after midnight, the Republican majority leader introduced a piece of legislation on the floor of the Senate. It is true that no Republican Senator objected to that. I can tell you, I am very disappointed in the Republican leader and in the Republican Party over there for not objecting to it. I want to read, for the American citizens, what is written in the bill because I want you to understand why we cannot accept, and it is not in your best interest as American citizens for us to accept, the language that the Senate sent over here. While this is boring, I do think the words on the sheet of paper matter, and you need to understand the consequences of accepting the language. Section 4, Explanatory Statement: ``The explanatory statement regarding this act, printed in the House section of the Congressional Record on or about January 22, 2026, and submitted by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations of the House, shall have the same effect with respect to the allocation of funds and implementation of this act as if it were a joint explanatory statement of a committee of conference, except that all contents printed under the headings `U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement' ''--that is what they want you to think it is about, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--``and `Border Security Operations' under the heading `U.S. Customs and Border Protection' shall have no force or effect for purpose of this act, and amounts specified in the `Final Bill' column under the subheading `Border Security Operations' ''--not just ICE, but border security operations--``and under the heading `U.S. Customs and Border Protection' and under the heading `U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement' in the `Department of Homeland Security Act, 2026' table shall all be $0.'' That is what you are demanding, that we zero out Customs and Border Protection so that the border can be open the way you want it to be open, the way you did it under Joe Biden. Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed in the Republican leader, and I am disappointed in the Republicans in the Senate for not objecting to this madness.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, after listening to that, I can't help but go back to when 99 percent of Republicans voted to keep the government open just a couple of months ago, and 100 percent of Democrats voted to shut it down, how the Democrats were running around saying: See what the Republicans did. I mean, it is a totally false narrative. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House can advance three simple pieces of legislation under this rule. H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, addresses uncertainty and makes clear that States may not be restricted from choosing to work with pregnancy centers and that TANF funds may be used for these services consistent with Federal law. This is not a mandate, Mr. Speaker. We are not saying that the States have to do this. H.R. 6359, the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, requires colleges and universities that receive Federal student aid to clearly disseminate information regarding pregnant students' rights, available accommodations, and both on-campus and community resources. H.J. Res. 140 rescinds the Biden administration's mineral ban on almost a quarter of a million acres in the Superior National Forest and allows a transparent process to develop the minerals in the Duluth Complex to move forward. Mr. Speaker, all three of these measures are worthy of support, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule. The text of the material previously referred to by Mr. McGovern is as follows: An Amendment To H. Res. 1009 Offered By Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 4. Immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. 12) to protect a person's ability to determine whether to continue or end a pregnancy, and to protect a health care provider's ability to provide abortion services. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees; and (2) one motion to recommit. Sec. 5. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX and clause 8 of rule XX shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 12. Sec. 6. The Clerk shall transmit to the Senate a message that the House has passed H.R. 12 no later than three calendar days after passage.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I know a lot of people who work in these centers. They are honest, dedicated, hardworking people who care about the pregnant mothers and the unborn children. I think that the attacks on them are unfounded, unwarranted, and unprofessional. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on the rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want everybody to take a deep breath, and I want you to know that Donald Trump, nor the United States is going to invade Greenland. It is not going to happen. It is just not. Now, Russia might invade it, and China might invade it. As far as Canada and the NATO alliance goes, I just have to tell you that Canada committed to buying approximately 90 F-35s. Do you know how many they actually purchased? Less than 20. Canada's national security strategy is to pick up the phone and call Donald Trump to protect us. Donald Trump has done the right thing by making NATO and our partners stand up and acknowledge that they don't have the defenses in place that they need. While some people might not want to believe it, I will tell you one that does. Mark Rutte, NATO chief, praises Trump at Davos by saying that he forced Europe to step up on defense. Now, this is the head of NATO. He is the head of NATO. A couple of comments about President Trump. `` . . . I'm not popular with you now because I'm defending Donald Trump, but I really believe you can be happy that he is there because he has forced us in Europe to step up, to face the consequences that we have to take care more of our own defense,'' Rutte said. Wednesday, in remarks at Davos, Switzerland: ``No way. Without Donald Trump, this would never have happened. They are all on 2 percent now.'' It went on during a panel at the World Economic Forum. ``I'm absolutely convinced, without Donald Trump we would not have taken those decisions. And they are crucial, particularly for the European and the Canadian side of NATO to really grow up''--``grow up,'' this is the head of NATO saying this about NATO--``in the post- Cold War world.'' ``The Americans still have over 80,000 soldiers in Europe. . . . including in Poland, in Germany . . . they are still heavily invested in European defense. And yes, they have to pivot more towards Asia. So, it is only logical for them to expect us in Europe to step up, over time.'' I will tell you: Donald Trump doesn't have any plans to invade Greenland, but the Russians do. The Russians do. If NATO is not willing to do what it takes to defend Greenland, then the United States should. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend from North Carolina (Mr. McDowell).

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, while the gentlewoman was speaking, I did take a second to pull up a couple of things on gas prices since they are blaming President Trump for it. They are correct. In Worcester, the gas price is $2.91 a gallon on average. In Oklahoma, it is $2.21. In Wyoming, it is $2.22. In Texas, it is about $2.23. In Georgia, it is about the same thing. Do my colleagues know what the difference is? We all have Republican Governors. Our Republican Governors are working to lower the cost of energy. The Democratic Governors are obviously keeping energy prices high and blaming the President for that. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank).

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before I yield to Mr. Bost, I will say that by my count, I think my colleague blamed Donald Trump 14 times for the things the Democratic Party did before he got elected. Gas is very close to $2 a gallon in Tifton, Georgia, and I think it costs a lot less for gasoline in most Republican States than it does Democrat States right now because of the Democrats charging more and more taxes on their citizens. As for the Affordable Care Act or ObamaCare that you all take so much credit for and are so proud of the way you wrote it, the benefactors of that legislation, the large insurance companies' CEOs are actually going to be on the Hill this week and will get to be questioned. I hope you will question them fairly hard, but I did bring one of my bills because I expected you to say that. The charge is $546.53. The insurance carrier discount is $509.93. Insurance paid zero, nothing, not one dime. I paid $36.60. Now, if you wanted to fix it for the American citizens, the question is: Why was it even a $500 charge if the fair value is $36? Republicans are trying to work to fix that. Unfortunately, we can't get a single Democratic vote for a piece of healthcare legislation that will actually work for all of the American citizens. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost), my friend and chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, last night the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 1009, providing for consideration of three measures. H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, is under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. H.R. 6359, the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, is under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Education and Workforce or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. H.J. Res. 140, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN, is under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to debate a rule on three pieces of legislation. Beginning with H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Mr. Speaker, across the country, pregnancy centers serve as trusted, community-based nonprofits that offer a wide range of material assistance and support, including pregnancy testing, prenatal education, parenting classes, ultrasounds, diapers, baby clothing, adoption referrals, and connections to housing and other services. In 2024 alone, these organizations assisted nearly 2 million individuals nationwide, Mr. Speaker. Despite their longstanding role in supporting families and advancing the core purposes of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, a proposed rule under the previous administration raised uncertainty about whether States could continue partnering with pregnancy centers even though these services clearly align with helping children remain in their homes and reducing dependence on government assistance. H.R. 6945 addresses that uncertainty by making clear that States may not be restricted from choosing to work with pregnancy centers and that Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds may be used for these services consistent with Federal law. This bill does not mandate participation. Again, Mr. Speaker, this bill does not mandate participation, but instead preserves State flexibility and protects against future administrative overreach. At a time when families are facing rising costs and difficult choices, ensuring access to proven community resources matters. This legislation reinforces support for pregnant and parenting women, respects State decisionmaking, and strengthens efforts to help families thrive. Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6359, the Pregnant Students' Rights Act. Mr. Speaker, today's student population looks very different than it did decades ago. Nearly one in five undergraduate students is raising children while enrolled, yet many pregnant students remain unaware of the rights and accommodations already available to them under Federal law. While Title IX clearly prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy and requires reasonable accommodation, those protections are only meaningful if students know they exist and understand how to access them. Too often, that information is buried, inconsistently shared, or not communicated at all. H.R. 6359 takes a straightforward approach by requiring colleges and universities that receive Federal student aid to clearly disseminate information regarding pregnant students' rights and available accommodations, as well as both on-campus and community resources. This bill also ensures students know how to file a Title IX complaint if those rights are violated. This legislation does not expand Federal authority or create new rights. Instead, it promotes transparency, consistency, and accountability so that pregnant students can remain enrolled, complete their education, and plan for their futures. By reinforcing access to information respecting existing law, H.R. 6359 supports students, families, and institutions alike. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the rule provides for the consideration of H.J. Res. 140, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN. The Duluth Complex is home to one of the largest undeveloped mineral reserves in the world. It contains roughly 8 billion tons, Mr. Speaker, of copper and nickel, in addition to cobalt and platinum. It is the world's second largest copper deposit and the world's third largest nickel deposit. Currently, China controls approximately 60 percent of global critical mineral production, and we have seen them use their control over the industry as a bargaining chip. It is clear, Mr. Speaker, that increasing domestic production of critical minerals is vital for America's economic and national security. However, in 2023, the Biden administration issued PLO 7917, which withdrew 225,504 acres from mineral development in the Superior National Forest. This PLO locked these reserves for 20 years and prematurely ended the permitting process. H.J. Res. 140 is simple. It permanently ends this irresponsible withdrawal and allows a transparent process to potentially develop the minerals in the Duluth Complex to move forward. As the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), the sponsor of this bill, stated in the Rules Committee last night, this legislation doesn't green-light mining in the Duluth Complex. It reverses the Biden administration's mineral ban in the area and allows companies to continue to compete while following Federal permitting and environmental processes. Again, they will continue to follow Federal permitting and environmental processes. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to consideration of these pieces of legislation. I urge passage of this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1009 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I have, as other Members, gotten a number of calls over the last couple of days about whether or not I think the President did the right thing or not. I will read this to you: ``. . . President of the United States of America, find that the situation in Venezuela, including the government of Venezuela's erosion of human rights guarantees, persecution of political opponents, curtailment of press freedoms, use of violence and human rights violations and abuses in response to antigovernment protests, and arbitrary arrest and detention of antigovernment protestors, as well as the exacerbating presence of significant public corruption, constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. . . .'' Now, what I want you to know is that wasn't Donald Trump that wrote that. That was Barack Obama that wrote that. If President Obama or President Biden had taken the same actions to remove Maduro from power and help not just the United States but the Western Hemisphere and the world as a whole, I can honestly tell you that Republicans would have applauded those actions. Because it was President Trump and the Trump derangement syndrome and the hatred that Democrats have for him, he has been attacked for it. Remember this: President Trump did put a bounty on Maduro, but it was President Biden that raised the bounty to $25 million in January of this year. Chuck Schumer in 2020 attacked: ``And the President brags about his Venezuela policy. Give us a break. He hasn't brought an end to the Maduro regime. The Maduro regime is more powerful today and more entrenched than it was when the President began.'' That was Chuck Schumer in 2020. What is Chuck Schumer saying today? ``This is reckless. And the American people are just, this morning, in fear of what is going to happen here.'' Let me tell you something. The world is a safer place because of what Donald Trump ordered and what our military carried out this past week. The Western Hemisphere cannot be a safe space for China, Russia, Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, or the other terrorists that were being given safe haven in Venezuela. Speaker Pelosi in 2019 ended her round table comments with a resounding: ``It is clear Maduro must go, the sooner the better.'' Madam Speaker, you should congratulate President Trump. Instead, what did she say: ``Venezuela is ruled by an illegitimate regime, but the administration has not made the case that an urgent threat to America's national security existed to justify the use of U.S. military force.'' Mr. Speaker, I am thankful that we have a President in the White House with the guts to get it done, who has helped us build a military with the capability to get it done. It was one of the most impressive military operations that I think the world has ever witnessed. Those men and women, whether they were on the ground, in the air, or supporting that mission, deserve commendations, not criticism, as does the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say Doug was a kind and gentle giant. He was firm and fair. He was wise, and he was funny. I remember one day in the Agriculture Committee when he spoke for 5 minutes. He spoke so long that he finally remembered that he forgot to leave people any time to answer his questions. It was a pretty funny moment for the committee. He laughed about it, and he didn't make that mistake again. Mr. Speaker, I will say this about him. He was 100 percent American. When the local sheriff's department asked for help with people who knew how to operate diesel equipment, Doug showed up. Doug is the one. He is the Member of Congress that we saw on camera, getting on a bulldozer, saying: I love the smell of diesel power in the afternoon. It smells like victory. Mr. Speaker, Doug LaMalfa and only Doug LaMalfa.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lowndes County in Georgia's 8th Congressional District. Lowndes County was established by the Georgia State Assembly on December 23, 1825. Since then, the county has grown to be home to more than 118,000 people and spans 511 square miles. What was once a railroad town dominated by cotton sales has grown to serve as home to Valdosta State University, the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area, Moody Air Force Base, and many charming Georgia towns. Lowndes County has served our airmen at Moody Air Force Base for many years and sets the example for how we can best support our soldiers and their families. I am honored to represent this community and look forward to seeing Lowndes County continue to grow for years to come.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.