Pete Stauber

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, as a father of four, I believe that life is a gift that must be cherished and defended. For me, a pro-life father of four, a huge part of my story is my son Isaac. Isaac was born with Down syndrome. I know that with our love and support, he is capable of moving mountains. The sad news is that many don't believe that people like my son deserve a right to life or to reach their full potential. This is why I am a cosponsor of legislation like H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. This bill will help ensure that taxpayer dollars do not go toward taking away any child's right to life. Imagine a world where every child was given the opportunity to dream, accomplish, and succeed. The world would be a much better place, our future brighter than ever. That is why I will always support legislation that ensures every life is protected. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this Congressional Review Act resolution, which would nullify a rule put in place by President Trump that contributed to our American energy domestic dominance. Unfortunately, for Democrats, this misguided solution in search of a nonexistent problem trades American livelihoods for radical activist priorities. The United States leads the world in emissions reductions, thanks to the natural gas revolution. Our emissions declined significantly over the last few decades, while natural gas production spiked by more than 50 percent, proving that renewable resources like natural gas provide a clean, low-cost energy alternative. This CRA will only limit our domestic supply and force us to look abroad, once again, empowering OPEC and Russia to determine the price of living our daily lives. As the ranking member of the Energy and Minerals Resources Subcommittee, I know that our domestic energy producers are the best in the world. With many being small business owners, they are a testament to American innovation as they deliver us low-cost energy while reducing emissions. We need to return to American energy first policies that empower our workers and American innovation, and not failed policies that hand the keys over to our rivals. Mr. Speaker, therefore, I urge a ``no'' vote on this resolution.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, over the past year, it really has felt like our small businesses, our middle class, our communities have really taken one punch after another. First, we were handed mandatory shutdowns of our restaurants, our small businesses, and our churches, while Walmart and Lowe's and other big box retail stores were allowed to remain open. In some places around the country, we were not even allowed to leave our homes unless it was for a purpose that the government deemed essential. Like all Americans, I am extremely excited and pleased to see that most of the economy in our communities have reopened. But we can't help but observe that it seems like the reopening is occurring because of the independence and resilience of the American people, despite the best efforts by some to keep us shuttered indefinitely. It is baffling that during this time when our neighbors have the opportunity to finally get back to work, Democrats are pushing policies to hurt them. Oh, you are trying to find employees for your diner so you can reopen? Well, they are paying those employees more to sit at home. You have a corner store in central South Dakota? Sorry, but President Biden canceled the Keystone XL pipeline and instantly caused your customers to lose their jobs. You want to go back to work, but have two children at home? Well, unbelievably, the Biden education plan included zero requirement that your son's or daughter's school reopens. You were excited for your hotel to be busy this spring? Well, the CDC was still advising Americans not to travel, even if they were vaccinated. Your bait shop along the Canadian border has been struggling since the border closure? Too bad President Biden and Justin Trudeau decided that couldn't be solved at the G7 last week. You need gas to get to work, to get to your job site? Well, it costs you $50 more this year than it did last year. Mr. Speaker, this is a staggering laundry list of policies that individually would be an enormous impediment to our success, but together it is a brick wall. Without urgent changes to these antijobs, anti-small business policies, our communities will continue to struggle to reopen completely, and more families will feel the negative impacts of the Biden-Pelosi economy. As a small business owner myself, I know what these men and women are going through. I know that they were the ones who built their business, not the government. And despite opposing efforts, they won't let the government take it away from them either.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a true American hero. Neal Kenneth Todd of Akeley, Minnesota, enlisted as a Fireman First Class in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the USS Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor. He tragically lost his life on Sunday, December 7, 1941, when Japanese torpedoes caused the ship to capsize. Initially, Neal Todd was reported missing in action, and his family went almost 3 months without answers before learning of his death. To make matters worse, his body was never identified, leaving his family without the closure that they deserved. After nearly 80 years of unimaginable grief and unanswered questions, Neal's remains have finally been identified, beginning the process of returning him home to Minnesota. On July 10, Neal Todd will be buried with full military honors next to his brother and parents. It will be my distinct privilege to join his family in Akeley when he returns home. Witnessing this American hero laid to rest after decades will be an honor, but it will also be a somber reminder that freedom comes at such a heavy price. Madam Speaker, we can never forget the sacrifices made by heroes like Neal Todd. Americans like him are the reason that this Nation is known as the land of the free and the home of the brave. God bless Neal Todd and God bless his family.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of my bipartisan legislation that improves the safety of air travel. I would also like to thank my colleague, Mr. DeSaulnier, for his support and leadership on this piece of legislation. In 2020, the United States was home to 7 of the top 10 busiest airports in the world. This means that, as Americans, we have no room for error when it comes to aviation safety. Although aviation is the safest form of travel, we must always strive to do better. This is why we must address the notice to airmen, or NOTAM, system. NOTAMs are critical, as they relay safety information to pilots that allow them to understand the possible hazards and conditions of airports and runways before actually getting to the destination. The current system simply is not working as well as it should. NOTAMs are often buried in lengthy reports, conflating important safety information with more common alerts. These inefficiencies have the potential to create life-threatening situations, as described earlier. My legislation addresses these issues and creates a task force at the FAA with important input from safety experts and industry professionals to address what changes need to be made to NOTAMs to make air travel even safer than it already is. Americans are more comfortable and excited to travel than they have been in over a year. Let's ensure that we support this sentiment and bolster the safety in our skies. I was proud to work with my colleagues to get this reported out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously, both last Congress and this one. The House also passed this legislation with strong bipartisan support during the 116th Congress, and I urge the same support this Congress of the Notice to Airmen Improvement Act.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I rise with my colleagues in the Congressional Western Caucus to discuss abuse of the Endangered Species Act, a law passed with good intentions, but weaponized by radicals to fight hunting, fishing, mining, logging, transportation, and our way of life. In my district in northern Minnesota, the dramatic rise of the gray wolf has posed a threat to our deer herds, our livestock, and our family pets. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association considers it a top threat to our hunting way of life. Meanwhile, it wreaks havoc on our cattle ranchers throughout northern Minnesota. One rancher lost 26 cows to wolves in just 1 year. In 2013, then-President Obama's Fish and Wildlife Service rightfully delisted the gray wolf. Why? Because the gray wolf had clearly recovered. It had exceeded population targets by as much as 300 percent. And, no, this is not a statistic from hunters or ranchers. This is straight out of a 2013 Fish and Wildlife Service press release. Dan Ashe, Obama's Fish and Wildlife Service then-Director, when the gray wolf was delisted, stated: ``An exhaustive review of the latest scientific information . . . shows that we have accomplished that goal with the gray wolf.'' Madam Speaker, what happened next? Activist judges in Washington, D.C., put the gray wolf back on the list just a couple of years later. And when Obama's Fish and Wildlife Service Director took a well- paying job with an activist group, his tune suddenly changed, and he wanted the gray wolf back on the endangered species list. Fortunately, the Trump administration did the right thing, listening to the science, and delisted the gray wolf last fall. However, the same problem with the ESA and activist groups remain, and it is widespread. Recently, the Fish and Wildlife Service declined to list the moose as an endangered species because their numbers are above targets. This time, the radical activist lawyers said the quiet part out loud. In a Minneapolis Star Tribune article, the Center for Biological Diversity, which has significant influence over House Democrats, stated: ``Now it is going to be a lot harder to ensure that things like mines . . . don't go forward without protections for moose in place.'' Could their intentions be any more clearer, Madam Speaker? The purpose of the ESA is pretty straightforward: to protect endangered species. Tragically, the ESA is not always being used for conservation. It is being weaponized as a way to advance the far left's radical agenda. It is being used by the Green New Deal Democrat Party to stop progress. We need to update the Endangered Species Act to allow us to hunt, fish, mine, harvest timber, farm, and for other responsible uses. Let's reform the Endangered Species Act and maintain our way of life.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the career of Wadena broadcast legend, Mike Danvers, who is retiring after forty years in the radio industry. His last show was today, May 28, 2021. Mike moved to Wadena, Minnesota in the Fall of 1984 and has been with KWAD-AM, KNSP-AM and the Superstation K106 ever since. Most recently, Mike was the morning show host for the Superstation and grew a strong base of listeners and fans along the way. He is beloved in Wadena and the surrounding communities that make up the Superstation K106 listening area. However, he is not just known as the man on the morning radio. Mike is especially passionate about high school wrestling and coached wrestling in the Wadena area for 22 years. He has broadcasted live from 23 Minnesota State High School League Wrestling Tournaments and called play-by-play for hundreds of high schools sporting events. Mike has been a friend and mentor to dozens of young broadcasters, and his legacy will continue through the lives of everyone he has touched throughout his time in the Wadena community. Mike is the epitome of a true broadcaster. While we will miss him on the airwaves every morning, we wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. I was recorded as a ``no'' roll-call 140 and intended as a ``yes.''

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Johnson for holding this incredibly important Special Order this evening. For 23 years, I had the privilege of serving my hometown of Duluth, Minnesota, as a police officer. I know firsthand the sacrifices law enforcement officers make for the safety and security of their communities. Policing is a noble profession and often a dangerous one. Ninety-one officers have been shot so far in 2021. Despite this danger, countless men and women still put on the uniform, leave their loved ones behind, and put their own lives on the line every day. During National Police Week, we celebrate and honor these heroes, but they deserve our respect for more than just 1 week. They deserve it year-round and so do their families. This past year has been especially challenging for our law enforcement officers. There are some in the media and some in this very Chamber who choose to vilify our police officers for the actions of a few bad apples. Some have even called to defund the police. This reckless and dangerous message has had a chilling effect on our society. Low morale is causing some officers to retire early. New officer recruitment is strained, and crime is on the rise in many cities. This irresponsible rhetoric must change, and I call on all of my colleagues to help. We must all honor the noble profession of policing, which has provided every one of us here in this Chamber with safety and security. We must all encourage the American people to respect the rule of law and those who are entrusted to enforce it. I, for one, am proud to stand here today, to publicly send my thanks to our dedicated police officers and to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. To all my brothers and sisters in the blue and brown, please know that you are appreciated, needed, and valued. God bless, and may He protect you all.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, on day one of this administration, Joe Biden destroyed thousands of jobs at the stroke of a pen. One of these jobs was held by my constituent, Patrick Thorssen, an operating engineer and a member of Local 49. By stopping the Keystone XL pipeline, Joe Biden devastated countless families and communities. Madam Speaker, I am asking tonight: Mr. President, where are these 1 million jobs? These families and communities deserve better.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, when I speak to families back home, they understand that there are individuals and children in the country who were brought here through no fault of their own. They are understanding and compassionate people who want a solution that is fair and just. But something that I also hear from these same families is their concern and fear for providing green cards and paths to citizenship to gang members and criminals. The text of this bill only compounds those fears--preventing the United States Government from using readily available information to remove gang members who are national security threats and other public safety threats. This motion to recommit ensures that those individuals whose applications would be denied on the basis of criminal grounds, national security grounds, public safety risks, or as gang members, are considered by the Department of Homeland Security for removal from the United States. Madam Speaker, under H.R. 6, information provided in an application for a green card may not be used for the purposes of immigration enforcement, even if the DHS denies the application or it is withdrawn. This means that if an applicant has a murder conviction, a rape conviction, or if the applicant is a gang member, and DHS knows about it because of the application, DHS can't even refer that person for removal. To be clear, this MTR does not direct the DHS to remove an applicant if they are denied on any other basis. Only applicants who are denied on criminal or national security grounds as public safety risks or as gang members would be affected. As crime rates skyrocket in cities across the country, the American people are asking for serious solutions. They are crying out for help. And this bill only further enables murderers, rapists, and gang members to exploit our system. If the Democrats see fit to listen to the American people and exclude these criminals and gang members from receiving green cards under H.R. 6, then they should vote for this motion to recommit to ensure dangerous individuals are denied a safe haven here in our neighborhoods and communities where our children go to school and play.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today a retired law enforcement officer and the victim of two violent gun crimes. While off duty, a repeat offender shot me through my car window while I was with my wife, Jodi. While on duty, another violent criminal pointed his gun at me and pulled the trigger. By the grace of God, his gun malfunctioned. Mr. Speaker, I was fighting for my life. I am lucky to be here today to speak to this body. Criminals who are willing to take someone's life don't care about the gun legislation we debate in Congress. And the bills we are debating this week would not have prevented those two criminals from attempting to take my life. So let's talk about who is going to be impacted by these bills. The law-abiding citizens who are looking to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from death or great bodily harm. They will be the ones who are penalized for and prevented from exercising their Second Amendment rights. Defending my constituents' constitutional rights will be something I do until my very last day in office, and I implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, this is a bill that will, no doubt, make our communities less safe. We all want police reform and we all want change, but until such time as we work together, this legislation is just another messaging bill from my Democrat colleagues.

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. With something as important as police reform, it is important to garner many perspectives. The JUSTICE Act, legislation Senator Scott and I introduced, is a product of my perspective as a law enforcement officer from Minnesota and Senator Scott's perspective as a Black man from South Carolina. The JUSTICE Act increases body cameras and implements duty to intervene and deescalation training. It improves hiring and recruitment practices. It reinvigorates the principles of community policing to rebuild the relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities that they serve. The JUSTICE Act, which received bipartisan support last Congress, includes several critical provisions that are supported by Democrats: the Walter Scott Notification Act, the National Criminal Justice Commission Act, and the Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act. It even includes legislation that Vice President Harris introduced, the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act. Unfortunately, we are not considering the JUSTICE Act today. We are, instead, once again, exploring political gamesmanship through H.R. 1280. Now, when we voted on this legislation last year, the Democrats knew it was dead upon passage, but my good friends and I in the Problem Solvers Caucus decided that this conversation was too important to let go. So we worked for months with Representatives from both sides of the aisle, with Representatives from the Congressional Black Caucus, with Representatives from law enforcement and legal backgrounds, on areas where we could find compromise between the Justice in Policing Act and my bill, the JUSTICE Act. We discussed no-knock warrants, the 1033 program, use of force, record retention, and so much more. We were making such great headway. I truly believed that we could have put together a bipartisan package of reforms for our American communities that have been calling for change. Unfortunately, the other side walked away. As the election drew near, the priorities of my Democratic colleagues shifted. Their fight to retain power became more important than providing police reform for the American people. So now we are here again, Mr. Speaker, to vote on the exact same bill without a single change; a bill that has zero input from Republicans, zero input or support from our law enforcement community. And I will repeat that. Zero input or support from our law enforcement community.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the tragic loss of K-9 Luna, a beloved member of the Duluth Police Department, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last week. Luna was a 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd who joined the department's K-9 unit less than 2 years ago, after her handler, Officer Aaron Haller, lost his K-9 partner, Haas, in a similar incident. As a former Duluth police officer with the Duluth Police Department, I know firsthand that our K-9 partners perform their duties bravely and with great loyalty. To their handlers, a K-9 is more than a dog. They are a partner, protector, and a valued family member. K-9 officers go home with their handlers each night, so their dedication to their handlers and their job does not end after each workday. K-9 Luna was a guardian of the Duluth community. She died a hero's death, giving her life to protect her partner and fellow officers on the scene. My heart is with Luna's handler, Officer Aaron Haller, the Haller family, and the entire Duluth Police Department during this time of deep sorrow. I know it cannot be easy to say goodbye to such a good and loving friend. I speak for the entire Duluth community when I say that we are eternally grateful for Luna's service and sacrifice.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I am disappointed because we are again on the floor in a closed rule, where zero Republican amendments were made in order because, again, we are here voting on a package that has hundreds of billions of dollars in non-COVID-related spending. Again, I am down here on the floor, disappointed that the majority disallowed my amendments. One of my amendments would have reported on the impact the Biden job- killing Keystone XL order would have on small businesses. My other amendment, which was denied, prevented taxpayer dollars from funding child slave labor. No, you did not hear that wrong. In fact, this is the fifth time the Democrats have blocked this type of amendment from me. What is the issue with being anti-child slave labor? Like I said, I am not sure how this is controversial, but when faced with the binary decision to source these minerals from human rights abusers in Africa and China or source them from Minnesota under the best labor standards and the best environmental standards in the world, I will take made in America 150 percent of the time. I join my constituents' disappointment in this process. This is very concerning.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this en bloc, and a ``no'' on the underlying bill.

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendments contained in this en bloc package, which includes three of my own and two I offer on behalf of my good friend and colleague, Mr. Gosar. The amendments I offer restore control to locals who not only recreate in the areas impacted by the underlying bill, but live and earn their livelihoods there, too. This is about northern Arizona and western Colorado. This is about uranium formations in Representative Gosar's district, and oil and gas in Representatives Lamborn's and Boebert's districts. This is about local governance and listening to those who live and work in the area, not just those who make it a short weekend retreat. The amendments I offer today move control of land back to those who govern best. These amendments exempt the bill from taking effect in Arizona's Fourth, Colorado's Third, and Colorado's Fifth Congressional Districts, and require county input. Those who represent these districts were not meaningfully consulted on these bills. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the Mohave County Board of Supervisors in support of Representative Gosar's amendment No. 7. These are the folks who know best for their families, their neighbors, and their land. Mohave County Board of Supervisors, Kingman, AZ, February 24, 2021. Hon. Paul Gosar, Washington, DC. Congressman Gosar: The Mohave County Board of Supervisors is writing to offer our support for your amendment to H.R. 803--Colorado Wilderness Act of 2021. As you know, the passage of this legislation will have a grave effect on Mohave County, Arizona, and our neighboring counties in Utah. Uranium mining in the past has been the forefront of our economic growth in Mohave County and if allowed to continue will bring in nearly $29 billion to our local economy over a 42 year period. The passage of H.R. 803 would make permanent a 2012 moratorium on uranium mining in our area. The language of your amendment would help alleviate the permanent economic loss we would sustain under the passage of H.R. 803. We strongly support the passing of this amendment as presented in the Rules Committee and the House of Representatives. Without this amendment, the financial stability of our economy in Mohave County would drastically suffer. In 2012, the Secretary of the Interior imposed a 20 year ban on over 1 million acres of land in the Arizona Strip Area for the purpose of Uranium mining. This ban included both public lands and National Forest System lands. This ban took away much needed growth and jobs from our area. Secretary Salazar at the time issued this withdrawal without complying with the law requiring coordination with local governments. The Federal Land Policy Management Act, 43 USC Section 1711 requires that the Secretary and his designees ``coordinate'' with local government as to development and implementation of any plan or management action. Coordination is defined in the Act as requiring prior notice of proposed plans and actions to the local government officials (``prior'' meaning prior to public announcements, and early enough to provide ``meaningful'' participation by the local officials in the ``development'' of the plan or action.). The congressional mandate or coordination also requires the Secretary to use all practicable means to reach consistency between the federal plan/management action and local policy, plan or law. All of which Secretary Salazar did not do. Making this ban permanent based on misinformation will have lasting effects on Mohave County. We respect and take a responsibility for protecting the Grand Canyon, but saying that the Grand Canyon will suffer because of mining is inaccurate. Secretary Salazar's reasoning behind the withdrawal was out of concern that it could damage the region's drinking water and the park's water quality. Bureau of Land Management officials contradicted those claims by explaining that their Arizona Strip field office had no evidence of contamination of water, and had no evidence of problems with the safe operation of the uranium mines in operation on the lands. Uranium mining is important and useful for many reasons. The lands in the ``Strip'' contain the nation's high grade uranium deposits and enough uranium to provide power generation for the state of California for over 20 years. Uranium is useful in many ways. It is used by our military for national security and defense. Uranium metal is very dense and heavy. When it is depleted (DU), uranium is used by the military as shielding to protect Army tanks, and also in parts of bullets and missiles. The military also uses enriched uranium to power nuclear propelled Navy ships and submarines, and in nuclear weapons. A permanent withdrawal of uranium mining from the ``Strip'' harms the American people by removing between 326-375 million lbs (the equivalent electricity generating capacity for the entire state of California's 40 million people for 22.4 years) of uranium. From a national security standpoint, domestic utilities now import 90% of the uranium used to operate America's 104 nuclear reactors. Thirty years ago, these reactors used U.S. mined uranium for 100% of electricity production. The nation cannot be pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear fuel. In sum, these deposits represent the last available use of our public lands for economic growth in our region. The opponents of uranium mining have chosen to ignore the fact that mining with environmentally sound reclamation was conducted from the early 1980s until the price of uranium collapsed in 1993. No mining at all occurred from 1993 until 2010, and the Denison mine which is now operating, is following and often exceeding all environmental and safety laws. Arizona needs to go back to the roots that led to Arizona being developed, and that is mining. The strict federal and state environmental laws already on the books will protect the public from environmental damage to the Grand Canyon watershed. The mining of uranium however does not affect ground water nor destroy the natural resources of the land. It does not require open pit mining. Upon completion of mining one Breccia Pipe (4 years) the land is placed back into its native state. We want to thank you for putting forward this amendment. Nuclear energy can be the future of clean energy. We have the resources in this Country to ensure that happens and we have the technology and means to ensure mining that energy is both environmentally safe and protects our natural resources. We stand in support of the amendment. Sincerely, Buster Johnson, Chairman, Mohave County Board of Supervisors.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, nuclear power is a huge contributor to our electric grid. By withdrawing areas from uranium and other mineral development, it furthers our reliance on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia--who I assure you, do not have the labor or environmental standards that we demand in our country and who do not have our best interests at heart. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this legislation.

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 803, a package of Democrat land-grab bills that were not marked up in the Committee on Natural Resources and are opposed by several members and the constituents they serve. H.R. 803 is a 330-page partisan package containing 8 different bills. Not one bill or one page was marked up or heard in committee this Congress. Unfortunately, Democrats on the Committee on Natural Resources have waived responsibility. There have been zero markups or committee hearings this Congress. Mr. Speaker, we have 8 new Republican members on our committee, and 3 on the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources alone, a committee which I lead. Our membership deserves to debate these bills and mark them up. Let's have our new members hear from the stakeholders and make decisions based on the evidence presented. We need to end this practice of just giving away committee jurisdiction and jamming through legislation. H.R. 803 dovetails with the Biden/Harris agenda and puts America last by outsourcing our supply of critical minerals and endangering our national security. Our submarines and aircraft carriers are powered with clean nuclear energy.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on Rollcall No. 35.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Joe Berklich, a World War II veteran and Hibbing, Minnesota, native, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today. In 1943, Joe enlisted in the Army and courageously served in the Pacific theater until the end of the war. In fact, all four of the Berklich brothers were proud to serve during our country's time of need. Upon returning home, Joe married the love of his life, Margaret. He still lives in the family home in Hibbing, Minnesota, where they raised their four children: Michael, Danny, Timmy, and Mary. Always a family man, Joe's favorite memories are spending the Fourth of July at their cabin on Bear Lake and spoiling his grandchildren on Christmas Eve. After the war, Joe worked for U.S. Steel, the Sherman Mine, and Minntac in Mountain Iron. He became a foreman and also traveled the Nation working with vendors of mining equipment. In his free time, Joe has been an active member of the Hibbing community, serving as a Hibbing city councilor to the president of the Hibbing Curling Club. Mr. Speaker, members of the Greatest Generation like Joe Berklich are the pride of our communities. As the Hibbing community gathers today for a drive-by past his house to celebrate this major milestone, I am proud to stand here on the House floor to thank Joe for his service and wish him the happiest of birthdays.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for this opportunity. I rise with my colleagues today out of serious concern for the well- being of America's workers and American energy independence. Under the Trump administration, America came first. The priority was lowering energy costs for Americans and ending our supply chain dependency, along with supporting high-wage jobs in the energy industry. Sadly, within just 2 weeks, Joe Biden has started destroying much of that progress and setting our Nation back. President Biden's executive orders have ended high-wage pipeline jobs on Keystone XL. He has banned oil and gas development on Federal lands and forced America to rejoin the unfair Paris climate agreement which gives a free pass to polluters like India and Communist China. His actions have serious consequences for my rural district and districts like mine. In my district, gas prices have started to dramatically increase as Joe Biden keeps punishing American families with executive order after executive order. In fact, since November 30, the gas prices have already risen $0.32 and counting. A 60-mile round trip for work is not uncommon in northern Minnesota. Already, that is a $244 a year increase per driver. Imagine what it will be like for middle class families if these increases continue. Furthermore, Joe Biden's executive order canceling critical projects like the Keystone XL pipeline sends a chilling message to union members nationwide, including in my district where many are currently working to replace the Line 3 pipeline. Many workers are asking themselves: Will Joe Biden cancel their job next? And what about those individuals who were employed with a good- paying, high-quality job working on pipelines or in oil fields on our Federal lands? Because of Joe Biden's anti-jobs agenda, these individuals are not only being denied a living wage, but the dignity of work. Meanwhile, they will still need to put gas in their vehicles. Prices will keep rising and the gas they use won't be produced by hardworking Americans any longer. Instead, they will be purchasing gas for their trucks from hostile countries like Russia, Venezuela, and China, all of which signed the Paris climate agreement, but not one of these countries has met their obligation. Madam Speaker, Joe Biden's unilateral executive orders are harmful. It may not be understood here in the Beltway, but my constituents know that these executive orders mean job loss and higher energy costs for the American family. It has been less than a month and Joe Biden has already made his agenda very, very clear. American jobs, American families, and American energy independence are no longer first. At this time of economic uncertainty, I urge the Biden administration to change their reckless course. I urge the Biden administration to abandon the failed Obama-era policies and support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that will create jobs, keep energy costs low, and maintain our energy independence which will enhance our national security. And by working together to support energy jobs and reduced dependence on foreign nations, we have the chance to create a tomorrow with unimaginable potential.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, due to personal reasons, I had to miss votes on December 16, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 244.

Mr. STAUBER

Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, Mike's Western Cafe, a family-run diner for 38 years, closed its doors in Duluth, Minnesota, for good on October 7. On October 25, Waters of Superior, an art gallery and boutique, went out of business. On the 27th of last month, Grandma's in the Park Bar and Grill, a local watering hole in Hibbing, Minnesota, was forced to call it quits. And after 10 years in business, the Duluth Candy Company is closing up shop for good on December 31. These are just a few stories of so many real people, real small business owners in my district who are losing their livelihoods due to effects of the COVID-19 closures. Yet here we are today, with mere days left in the year to get something done for the American people who are suffering, and Speaker Pelosi has brought up a drug legalization bill as mom-and-pop shops close for good, as families remain uncertain where their next paycheck is coming from, as children struggle to receive their education, and as childcare facilities close. As seniors remain isolated from their families, this is their solution: a drug legalization bill. Mr. Speaker, my friends on the other side of the aisle like to point out that they have passed the Heroes Act, so they claim they have done their part. The Heroes Act was filled with so many partisan wish-list items that it was embarrassing. In fact, Speaker Pelosi is so obsessed with pushing drug legalization efforts forward, she even puts provisions in the Heroes Act--if you can believe this--a new annual study on diversity and inclusion within the marijuana industry. Come on, man. Families are losing their livelihood. People are hurting. Mr. Speaker, Speaker Pelosi's answers to these families is: ``It is out of our hands.'' It is not out of our hands. We have the responsibility and opportunity to provide relief to the American people. We have the power to do better and work harder and be better than this. It is time we think about the real needs of our constituents and get back to work on legislation that matters. Our priority should not be legalizing drugs or banning tigers; it must be bipartisan, targeted COVID-19 relief.