Bryan Steil

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley), my friend and colleague.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The SAVE Act is clear. Only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections. Let's summarize the arguments here. My colleagues on this side of the aisle believe that only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections, and we should keep it that way. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle just moments ago said that there is no appreciable illegal voting. Well, how much illegal voting should be allowed in the United States of America? In my opinion, no noncitizens should vote in U.S. elections. We can go down and look at the data. Illinois had to remove 600 noncitizens from their voter rolls. Pennsylvania had to remove 10,000 noncitizens from their voter rolls. In Georgia, 1,600 noncitizens attempted to register. In our Nation's Capital, where they allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections, this past November, 388 noncitizens voted here in our Nation's Capital in municipal elections. You will hear the argument from my colleagues across the aisle that it is already illegal to vote if you are a noncitizen in a Federal election. I tell them, as I said earlier, it is already illegal to evade Border Patrol and to come into this country, but Joe Biden was happy not to enforce the law. Millions of illegal immigrants have come into the United States of America. The National Voter Registration Act, as drafted by this body, if you broke it, you have to fix it. We have to fix the voting laws. The National Voter Registration Act requires States to give voter registration materials when an individual comes to get a driver's license. In States that give driver's licenses to illegal aliens, like the State of Illinois, just to the south of my home State of Wisconsin, they are handed voter registration materials. Mr. Speaker, I view that as insane. We should be making sure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections. You will hear arguments about it is burdensome. Mr. Speaker, I think it is absurd that we are protecting beer more than we are protecting ballots. You have to show a photo ID when you go in to buy a six-pack of beer. You should have to go in and show that you are a U.S. citizen when you register to vote. It is just that simple. I remind my colleagues that we had this debate in this Chamber last Congress. Five Democrats joined us in voting for this bill. In a few moments, we will be voting, Mr. Speaker. It will be darn interesting to see how many Democrats have the courage to come across the line and say ``yes'' to only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections. My colleagues should support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL

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

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 22, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the resolution (H. Res. 198) providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and the Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle, I rise today to recognize J. Mark Sweeney, Principal Deputy Librarian of Congress, for his exemplary service to Congress and the American people upon his retirement. Mr. Sweeney began his career at the Library in 1985 as a Library Technician, sorting, organizing, and shelving government publications. Nearly forty years later, he retires as one of the agency's most impactful leaders, leaving behind a commendable legacy of public service. His legacy includes advancing several critical Library-wide initiatives that have enhanced the Library's services and enriched its offerings to users. Since stepping into the role of Principal Deputy Librarian in 2018, he has provided executive leadership to further the institution's priorities, including leading a process to develop and launch a user-centered strategic plan and improving the visitor experience for Americans traveling to the Library's Thomas Jefferson Building on Capitol Hill. His strong management skills also successfully guided the Library's operations through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. As Associate Librarian for Library Services, beginning in 2015, he was responsible for acquiring, securing, and preserving the Library's universal collections. His career contributions include playing an instrumental role in preserving and ensuring access to hundreds of years of American newspapers, from the eighteenth century to the present. His work with the United States Newspaper Program, along with his leadership in expanding digital accessibility within the National Digital Newspaper Program, continues to serve as a model of national cooperation in preserving important aspects of America's cultural heritage for Congress, researchers, and future generations. Throughout his distinguished career in public service, Mr. Sweeney has held multiple positions at the Library, including Chief of the Preservation Reformatting Division, Chief of the Serial and Government Publications Division, Chief of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division, and Director of Preservation, among other roles. On behalf of the Committee on House Administration, Ranking Member Morelle and I commend Mr. Sweeney for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the Library of Congress.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 17, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 469) to provide for the creation of a Congressional time capsule in commemoration of the semiquincentennial of the United States, and for other purposes.

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.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 469, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act. This nonpartisan legislation would authorize a time capsule to be buried on the Capitol Grounds to mark the Nation's semiquincentennial. America is turning 250 on July 4, 2026. This time capsule represents one way that Congress will participate in the Nation's yearlong celebration of democracy and freedom. Amongst our toughest challenges of the day, this legislation reminds us that we can all work together. The contents of the capsule will be selected by the Speaker of the House, House minority leader, and the majority and minority leaders in the United States Senate. Maybe we can even ask Speaker Johnson to include a pair of his glasses. The capsule will remain sealed until July 2, 2276, the Nation's 500th anniversary. The gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman) introduced H.R. 469 as a Member of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission with an additional 54 cosponsors. The Architect of the Capitol provided technical input to the Commission and will work with the congressional leadership to implement the capsule. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have worked with Ranking Member Morelle on these efforts. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 469, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Morelle), the ranking member on the Committee on House Administration, for his work. The gentleman correctly noted that we are in challenging times as we face difficult national issues. As we reflect back in 2 years, we will have a celebration of 250 years of the greatest country in the world. This time capsule, when viewed 250 years from now in 2276, may it be a reflection that, at the midpoint then, which will be today, we navigated these challenges that we faced with great courage and great vigor. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's work and support on both pieces of legislation today, and I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 469. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL

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.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 250) to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the Capitol.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today I bring forward two bills. Our Nation faces major challenges and concerns, and this body continues to work on those. While we do that, these bills are simple and noncontroversial and do require legislative action to take effect. I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 250 to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the Capitol. The nonpartisan legislation will allow Congress to place a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the Capitol. The legislation will require that not later than 2 years after enactment, the Joint Committee on the Library shall enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Benjamin Franklin. It will also be required that the statue be placed in a publicly accessible permanent location no later than December 31, 2026. Madam Speaker, I thank Representatives Houlahan and Fitzpatrick and their 72 additional cosponsors for bringing this legislation forward. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 250, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) to speak on the bill.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared close.

Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I would like to say, once again, I thank my colleagues, Representative Houlahan and Representative Fitzpatrick, and my long working relationship with Ranking Member Morelle for being able to bring this to the floor. It is correctly noted that as we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, I think it is true and important that we put this statue here in the United States Capitol. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 250, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and dedication of Charlotte Cremin. Charlotte served my office for over six years. She was one of the first members of my team when I came to Congress in 2019 and has remained a loyal and trusted advisor throughout her tenure. As every Member of Congress and staffer knows, taking on a new role in a freshman office is no easy task. Even throughout the challenges we faced as my office was stood up, Charlotte was always ready to take on something new for the team. I tasked Charlotte with managing the health care, veterans, foreign affairs, and defense legislative portfolio. Whether it was late nights reviewing NDAA amendments, or spending time listening to and helping each health care group or veteran who walked through my office door, I could always rely on Charlotte to get the job done well. Charlotte has treated her colleagues and my constituents with kindness, professionalism, and respect. Everyone in the office could always rely on Charlotte. She has been a trusted advisor and staffer for Wisconsin's First Congressional District and her dedication and service will be greatly missed. While Charlotte's title in my office has been Senior Policy Advisor, she has recently taken on the new role and title as a mom. Charlotte and her husband David welcomed Isabel Loretta Cremin into the world on November 20, 2024. I thank Charlotte for her steadfast commitment to serving Wisconsin's First Congressional District and wish her and her family the very best.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, on this past Saturday, February 1, 2025, United States Capitol Police Recruit Officer Christopher Katz was tragically killed in a car accident in Glynn County, Georgia. Five other Capitol Police recruits were seriously injured in the crash, as well. Chris was an ambitious young man who had dreams of serving his country and his community. He had several career options in law enforcement but chose the United States Capitol Police due to their rich history and dedicated service to the United States. He had tremendous respect for the critical role in protecting the Nation's elected officials and the institutions of democracy. Chris' family and friends remember him for his unwavering dedication to service and his love of life. He was a young man with a bright future taken far too soon, but he will be forever remembered for his passion, kindness, and commitment to making a difference. We are thankful for his service. Every single day members of the Capitol Police put themselves in the line of danger to protect this great institution and those of us who work and visit here. Our prayers and sympathies are with the United States Capitol Police community, these officers, and their families. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, Ranking Member Joe Morelle, and the House of Representatives, I ask that the United States House of Representatives observe a moment of silence.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Ranking Member Morelle and myself, I kindly request that you join me in congratulating Joseph C. Picolla on his retirement from the position of House Inspector General. His retirement marks the culmination of 16 years of dedicated service to the House. Joe began his service with the House in the Office of the Inspector General in 2008 as a Management Analyst. Over the years, Joe advanced to management and then leadership roles, initially serving as Assistant Director and Director of the Management Advisory Services team. He later became the Deputy Inspector General before assuming the role of Acting Inspector General in June 2021. On April 25, 2022, Joe was officially named the sixth Inspector General of the House of Representatives. During his tenure as Inspector General, the Office of the Inspector General completed numerous audits and advisories targeting high-risk areas within the House and identifying significant process improvements and efficiencies to benefit the institution in the future. Prior to joining the House, Joe held positions in major financial institutions managing IT service operations, including Technology Help Desks, Availability Management, Incident and Problem Management, and Software Portfolio Change Management, targeting high-risk areas. In addition to his professional work, he dedicated 15 years to volunteering with local law enforcement in his community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Joe for his unwavering commitment to service, his dedication, and his leadership while serving the U.S. House of Representatives. We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his life.

Mr. STEIL

Mr. STEIL. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Alaska seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 3 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 3 votes for Vice President. Senator KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Arizona seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 11 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 11 votes for Vice President.