Bryan Steil

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1341, I call up the bill (H.R. 8281) to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill, H.R. 8281, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE Act, introduced by my colleague, Representative Chip Roy of Texas. As chairman of the Committee on House Administration, I have been focused on improving election integrity and increasing confidence in our elections. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of jurisdictions across the country that allow noncitizens to vote in their elections. Right here in our Nation's Capital, noncitizens are eligible to vote in municipal elections. In Washington, D.C., a noncitizen only has to reside in the District for 30 days in order to vote. Last month, 143 Democrats voted to approve noncitizen voting in our Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C. We cannot allow this to spread across the United States. Let me be clear: Noncitizen voting reduces confidence in our elections. American elections are for American citizens, and we intend to keep it that way. Today, we consider the SAVE Act, and we will see if my Democratic colleagues are once again in support of noncitizen voting. The SAVE Act will strengthen our election administration and restore Americans' confidence in our elections. The SAVE Act contains critical reforms to update the National Voter Registration Act, an act that requires States to give voter registration forms to everyone who receives a driver's license, regardless of citizenship status. The bill before us will help States prevent noncitizens from voting in Federal elections by requiring States to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identify in person when registering an individual to vote in Federal elections. You are sure to hear my colleagues today on the other side say that noncitizen voting doesn't exist, or that it rarely happens, so we don't need to do anything about it. First, I point you to a 1996 congressional race in California where an investigation by this body revealed that 624 noncitizens voted in that congressional election. I also point you to a race less than 4 years ago where our colleague from Iowa won by six votes. Every illegal vote cancels out the vote of a legal American citizen. Illegal voting risks swaying elections. Ensuring our laws are being enforced to prevent noncitizen voting is critical. Some will say that illegal voting is already illegal for noncitizens, but it is also illegal to evade the Border Patrol and enter our country illegally. Yet, that hasn't stopped almost anyone. In the last 3 years, Border Patrol has encountered 7 million illegal migrants at our southern border. We must strengthen our election laws to make sure that they are being properly enforced. On top of the previously mentioned examples of noncitizen voting, we also have seen examples of noncitizens on the voter rolls in different States across our country. Just a few years ago, Illinois removed almost 600 noncitizens from its voter rolls. A Georgia audit recently determined that more than 1,600 noncitizens had attempted to register. In Pennsylvania, almost 10,000 noncitizens were removed from their rolls. Every State needs access to the tools necessary to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls. A crucial element of the SAVE Act would provide States with cost-free access to existing Federal and State databases so they can perform this important voter list maintenance. Today, we see the Biden administration has weaponized our border, and they are weaponizing Federal agencies to conduct a partisan voter registration scheme using taxpayer dollars under an executive order. I have subpoenaed each agency's strategic plan. So far, no agency has produced its strategic, secretive scheme to get out the vote, and the left continues to register folks to vote. By passing the SAVE Act, we can ensure only eligible Americans are registering to vote. Americans deserve confidence in their elections. We must pass the SAVE Act to prevent noncitizens from voting. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lee), who are not is the chair of the Subcommittee on Elections.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), who is the bill's sponsor.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, the right to vote is sacrosanct, and that is why we need to protect it for U.S. citizens. In New York City, a law was passed to allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections. Here in our Nation's Capital, 143 Democrats voted to allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections here in our Nation's Capital. In the State of New York, there is no photo ID requirement. If there was, it should be noted that the State of New York provides drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants. It is the reason that the SAVE Act is necessary, to make sure that we are protecting U.S. elections for U.S. citizens only. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito), a great State.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Palmer).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Alabama.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hunt).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Nehls).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams).

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. This is our opportunity to safeguard American elections for American citizens. We have heard time and again from those on the other side of the aisle that this problem doesn't exist; yet, in our committee hearings, we have shown where noncitizens have voted in U.S. elections, whether it is the 1996 election in California, fully investigated by this House, or Fairfax, Virginia, which in 2011 found 278 noncitizens were on the voter rolls and determined 117 of those individuals had voted illegally, or counties across the country. Chicago, Illinois; San Diego County, California; and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, all found noncitizens had participated in Federal elections. This is our opportunity to make sure that U.S. elections are for U.S. citizens. We have also heard that it is already illegal in Federal elections for individuals who are not citizens to vote. That is true, but it is also illegal to cross the border into the United States illegally. That hasn't stopped millions of individuals. This is our opportunity to safeguard our elections, to make sure that U.S. elections are for U.S. citizens only. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the SAVE Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I rise, along with my fellow members of the Architect of the Capitol Congressional Commission--Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle, former Chairwoman Kay Granger and incumbent Chairman Tom Cole of the Committee on Appropriations, and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, as well as my Senate colleagues, the Senate Majority and Minority leaders, the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations--to congratulate Thomas Austin on his appointment to the role of Architect of the Capitol. The Architect of the Capitol plays a vital role in welcoming millions of visitors to our Capitol and ensuring it is a functional workplace. Thomas Austin has managed construction projects and facilities of all sizes, maintained one of our nation's most hallowed landmarks, and served our country in the military. We are confident that with his extensive experience, Thomas Austin will be an adept and capable Architect of the Capitol. The Commission also wants to thank Chief Engineer Chere Rexroat and Chief of Operations Joe DiPietro for their service as successive acting Architects of the Capitol over the past year. Their leadership over the past year provided stability for the AOC and reassured us all that the AOC could continue to fulfill its important mission to serve Congress and the public. They have the appreciation of a grateful congressional community.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, to celebrate his retirement, I rise to thank Mr. Tom Coyne for 33 years of outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Tom has served this great institution as a valuable employee of the House Chief Administrative Office, both in the Office of Logistics & Support, and the Office of Finance. His journey was not without its challenges, but his resilience and dedication have been unwavering, and we are all the better for it. Before embarking on his 33-year journey with the U.S. House of Representatives, Tom Coyne dedicated four years of his life to the U S. Army, serving with honor in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, ``The Old Guard'' Unit. His military service concluded in 1984, and he then pursued his passion for numbers, earning a degree in Accounting from George Mason University. Tom began his career at the House in February 1991 as an equipment counselor in the Office Equipment Services, and due to his excellent service, he was promoted through many positions, leading up to his role as Chief Logistics Officer. Tom assisted with multiple computer system implementations, which include the fixed asset and inventory management system (FAIMS), work ticketing, point of sale, finance, and online flag ordering systems. Additionally, Tom was instrumental in initiating and managing the first Office Services department, allowing offices to request CAO support and services more quickly. For 33 years, Tom's logistical, technical, analytical, communication, and financial skills have not just served the House, they have enriched it. His commitment and dedication have provided a wealth of institutional knowledge, resulting in numerous successful initiatives and programs. He has been a pillar of support during all significant events over the past three decades, such as 9/11, Anthrax, the pandemic, 17 Congressional transitions, five Inaugurations, and nine House leadership changes. His professionalism, solid presence, and unwavering confidence has been a source of reassurance for his team, the Chief Administrative Office, and the U.S. House of Representatives. While Tom's physical presence will be missed in the halls, his legacy will continue to guide us. The Logistics & Support employees will continue to rely on his example, asking themselves daily, ``What would Tom do?'' This commitment ensures that the House Members will continue to receive the best service, a testament to Tom's lasting impact. In retirement, Tom looks forward to embarking on new adventures. He plans to spend more time exploring the world with his wife, Susan, and cherishing family moments with his sons, Tom and wife Amanda, Joe, James, and daughter Jennifer. The most recent addition to the family is his grandson, Henry, who will undoubtedly bring joy and laughter to their lives. Tom is excited about the opportunities and future endeavors that retirement will bring, and we wish him all the best in his new chapter. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend our warmest congratulations to Tom Coyne. We celebrate his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Tom many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams. May this new chapter be filled with joy, adventure, and fulfillment.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7199 to designate the post office on Janesville Road in Muskego, Wisconsin, as the Colonel Hans Christian Heg Post Office. Colonel Heg had deep roots in both the Fifth District and the First District of Wisconsin. The Muskego settlement straddles the line between Waukesha County and Racine County. As we know, Colonel Hans Christian Heg would ultimately lose his life in the Battle of Chickamauga. Colonel Hans Christian Heg was an immigrant who moved to the United States and signed up to serve the Union in the Civil War. He was a devout abolitionist and was opposed to slavery. Ultimately, he gave his life in defense of our Nation. Two statues were built to honor Colonel Hans Christian Heg. One was located in the town of Norway in Racine County and the other in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol. In the summer of 2020, a group of rioters would tear down that statue outside the Wisconsin State Capitol. They would take the head off the statue, and they would carry it into the lake. The ignorance of those rioters should not be lost on us today. They tore down the statue of an abolitionist who gave his life preserving the Union and fighting against slavery. Naming the post office in Muskego, Wisconsin, after Colonel Hans Christian Heg is a statement against the vandalism we saw in the summer of 2020, but it is also a way to recognize and remember the heroic bravery of Colonel Hans Christian Heg. This bill will serve his legacy, and it will serve to remind all of us in Wisconsin of the sacrifice that he made on behalf of our country. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7199.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Will Neitzel, a member of my staff for the last five and a half years. Will joined my team as I opened a new office and started my first term, serving Wisconsin's First Congressional District. Will has been an integral member of my team. While serving in my personal office, Will's candor, hard work, and humor have been tremendous assets to my office. When first starting my office, Will was essential in getting my mail program up and running, working tirelessly to produce dozens of letters each week. As a policy staffer Will helped Wisconsin families and small businesses better understand and navigate federal programs. After serving as one of my lead staffers in my personal office, Will then moved to the Committee on House Administration when I became Chairman in January of 2022. Will quickly became my Wisconsin advocate with the Committee, always thinking of ways House Administration can benefit the people of Wisconsin's First District. Will also jumped right in and helped lead the Committee's widely successful ``Running an Effective Committee in the Majority Series'', ``Level Up: GOP Staff Development Course'', and the ``Intern Lecture Series'', among many others. With Will as a part of my Member Services team, the Committee has held briefings and education trainings for over 2,000 Members of Congress and their staff. This team has also successfully completed over 600 Member-related requests. Will also spearheaded the planting of the Sugar Maple tree on the U.S. Capitol Grounds commemorating the 175th anniversary of the State of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt in my mind that the great people of Wisconsin are better off because of Will's service here in the U.S. House of Representatives. I'm so appreciative to have had him in my personal and committee offices. On behalf of my personal office and the Committee on House Administration, we want to thank Will for his great services and friendship. We wish the very best of success to Will, Steph, Jack, and Ada as they start a new chapter back home in Wisconsin.