Dale Strong

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for his Special Order. The gentleman I am soon to recognize was raised in his district in California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true American patriot, Grammy Award winner Lee Greenwood. May 21 marked the 40th anniversary of his song ``God Bless the USA.'' This song has withstood the test of time and remains an anthem for Americans to proudly express their love of God and country. ``God Bless the USA'' is one of the most recognizable, patriotic songs in America, uniting people both in times of celebration, like the Fourth of July, and during some of our Nation's darkest hours, like 9/ 11. Lee wrote ``God Bless the USA'' in 1983 and published it in 1984. Lee Greenwood has performed ``God Bless the USA'' for 10 American Presidents and traveled on 20 USO tours. Not only is he a tireless entertainer, doing more than 160 concerts this year, but he also cares deeply about his family. He cares about America, our military, and our veterans. He is a supporter of Helping a Hero and has been a part of hundreds of welcome-home ceremonies for our brave and courageous wounded warriors. I thank Grammy Award winner Lee Greenwood for his contribution to this great Nation. I end by saying: God bless the USA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Green for his support, as well as that of my colleagues who join me in introducing this legislation, H.R. 6174, the DHS Biodetection Improvement Act. Threats from America's enemies have continued to evolve and become more complex. The anthrax attack of 2001 opened our eyes to a new threat landscape that includes acts of bioterrorism. In the wake of the 2001 attacks, the Department of Homeland Security established the BioWatch program, which monitors, collects, and tests air samples for biological agents likely to be used in a terrorist attack. This technology is vital in protecting Americans against bioweapons, and we must have full confidence that it will deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive information to our partners that operate this system. As a first responder myself, I know the difference that early detection makes. This becomes more vital when responding to an act of bioterrorism, which could have catastrophic consequences. We have worked across all levels of government to improve prevention, detection, and response capabilities, but there remains work to be done. DHS has faced continuous challenges in developing and acquiring new technologies to move toward the next generation of national biodetection. This legislation would ensure that DHS is fully leveraging every tool and resource to accomplish this goal, to include utilizing the Department of Energy's national labs to develop new technologies related to biodefense, developing a plan to acquire existing technologies that can meet the Department's biodetection mission needs, conducting external evaluations to identify gaps and potential failure points, and reporting to Congress a defined plan for the future of biodetection. As our adversaries watch on, we cannot afford to fall behind. America's security depends on it. I was proud to introduce this legislation, the DHS Biodetection Improvement Act, to ensure DHS is prepared to protect Americans against bioweapons. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Madam Speaker, today's legislation is about delivering accountability on behalf of the local and State leaders unable to bear the weight of thousands of illegal immigrants flooding their communities, hospitals, and schools; on behalf of the thousands of families who have lost loved ones at the hands of illegal immigrants; and on behalf of hundreds of Border Patrol agents stripped of their tools to do their job. The situation at the border cannot continue. I have seen it firsthand during my trips to the southern border. Mayorkas' refusal to enforce the laws of our Nation has encouraged millions of illegal aliens from 160 different countries to cross the border. Over 85 percent of them are being released into the United States. This is in clear violation of Federal immigration law. Failure to act is not an option. The yearlong investigation held by the committee confirmed what every American already knew to be true. The actions that we will take today against Secretary Mayorkas are warranted and utterly urgent. Our country is under attack, and the Secretary of Homeland Security is working against America. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to act at this critical time.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. I thank the gentleman from Kansas for yielding. I rise to support the extension of critical provisions from President Trump's signature tax law, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This tax policy unleashes America's ingenuity and the full potential of the American economy. It helps individuals and families take home more pay each month. It supports American investments in research and development. It signals to our business community that America values and supports domestic innovation. This tax policy is also necessary to stay ahead of global competitors. Small businesses in north Alabama directly benefit from research and development expensing. It allows them to reinvest in their products and people. It stimulates the economy, encourages investment, and creates jobs. President Trump's legislation started an era of increased investment in the U.S. and produced an economy with record gains. If we fail to extend this critical tax provision, we fail American businesses. I urge Congress to act and extend these provisions.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. Madam Speaker, I commend Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership, and I thank both sides of the aisle for their vigorous debate while working together to create a bill that is focused on the defense and security of our Nation. The NDAA passed through the House Armed Services Committee by a vote of 59-1. This shows that Republicans and Democrats can work together to solve our Nation's problems. This committee put national security first and set an example on how to bring a bipartisan bill to the United States House floor. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the fiscal year 2024 NDAA on behalf of our Nation and the American warfighter.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of Lieutenant General Dan Karbler, commanding general of Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, on his upcoming retirement. When he took command at Redstone Arsenal, General Karbler shared a vision of a people-first team, providing unmatched expertise to support joint warfighting readiness across all domains. This vision has not only been achieved but set an example for what excellence looks like, with SMDC and JFCC IMD being named the best place to work in the Department of Defense for 2 years in a row. Known for his candor, thoughtfulness, and humility, his legacy will live on much longer than his 36 years in Active-Duty service to the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, I speak for many as I thank General Karbler and his wife, Leah; his dad, Tim; and his children, Lauren and Tim, for years of extraordinary service. Mr. Speaker, I wish General Karbler a happy and restful retirement.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. STRONG. Madam Chair, I offer an amendment to H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bill. My amendment is simple. It expresses Congress' support for public housing authorities to conduct drug testing as a condition of receiving benefits. My colleagues across the aisle will argue that the purpose of this amendment is to punish. I want to be clear: The purpose of this amendment is to protect. It is to protect taxpayer-funded resources and ensure that they are available for those who truly need them and are prepared to make positive contributions to society. Drug testing would put drug abusers on notice and provide a clear incentive to get off of drugs and to work toward self-sufficiency. Shouldn't that be something we all support? We must have protections in place and tools to enforce them which discourage lifelong dependency and ensure these programs are used as they are intended, as a temporary safety net for our most vulnerable and needy, not a way of life for generations. I am under no illusion that drug testing alone would solve all the problems of abuse and dependency that plague our welfare system. However, I do believe that any tool that helps to accomplish this goal should be fully leveraged and fully supported by Congress. Drugs are absolutely ravaging our country. It can be seen in every community. In 2020, over 37 million Americans 12 years and older--think about it, 12 years and older--were illegal drug users. As a first responder, I have seen the devastation and impact of drug abuse on individuals, their families, and our communities. We have a real drug problem on our hands in this country, and it is not getting any better with this administration's border policies which allow massive quantities of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, to pour into our country. Not only would drug testing ensure the responsible use of taxpayer- funded benefits, it would also provide a valuable opportunity to identify drug users and connect them with existing resources to get the help that they need. Voting against this amendment ignores the obligation we have to the American people to be responsible stewards of their hard-earned taxpayer money. Voting for this amendment sends a clear message to each of our constituents: Protecting Federal resources for those who wish to improve their lives and break free from the cycle of dependency is a priority of Congress. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jody Singer, director of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on her upcoming retirement following 38 years of dedicated leadership to NASA. Director Singer's leadership, expertise, and vision were vital to the success of the International Space Station, the James Webb Telescope, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer mission, the DART mission, the Space Launch System development, and the Artemis I mission. It is also with great pride that I commend her in leading over 110 space shuttle launches. For over three decades, she has advocated for human spaceflight, science and technology development, and deep space exploration. As an industrial engineer, she possesses the technical skills necessary to excel in advanced exploration projects, science flight mission programs, and technology demonstration missions. Through two NASA fellowships, she also gained expertise in business operations, project management, and executive leadership. I congratulate Director Singer for her service to our community and dedication to the future of space exploration. I have no doubt that her successor will continue to advocate for Marshall. Together, we will continue to uphold the Rocket City's legacy of human systems development, scientific discovery, and technological advancements.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Chair, I also rise in opposition to the amendment. Chair Rogers is exactly right. I want to emphasize one of the points that he made. The language in the bill that this amendment is proposing to strike is effectively the same language Congress agreed to last year. As the chair said, this is a commonsense provision that extends a restriction Congress passed on a bipartisan basis last year. The administration wants to retire a nuclear weapon, and we are saying to tell us how they are going to replace the capability before they retire it. That is a responsible policy, and I strongly oppose the amendment striking this provision.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Chairman, the NDAA is laser-focused on one thing, national security. It shuts down woke programs and protects America's men and women in uniform. Since 2021, the DOD has spent $47 million per year to store and secure unused southern border wall construction material. It is shameful to waste over $300 million just to prove a point. This spring, I went to the border and saw miles worth of border wall material rusting on the ground. During the NDAA markup, I championed a provision that directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan to use, transfer, or donate unused border wall material to border States. My amendment, No. 1495, expedites the plan's due date and mandates its execution. This saves taxpayer funds and keeps the DOD on mission. I am proud to have worked on this effort with SASC Ranking Member Roger Wicker, and I thank HASC Chairman Mike Rogers for his support. Together, we will make sure the DOD spends its money wisely and provides for its servicemembers and installations like Redstone Arsenal in north Alabama and Huntsville, Alabama.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because fentanyl is an epidemic in America. In counties and cities across America, families are being destroyed by fentanyl overdoses. Doctors and nurses in emergency departments throughout our country see it every day. Paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, and deputy sheriffs see it on the front line. China provides precursors to Mexico, who, in turn, produces this deadly drug. We have seen what happens next. Every day mules illegally cross the U.S. border by the thousands, bringing fentanyl to communities across our country. It is killing 300 people every day. The Secretary of Homeland Security has testified before Members of this body that we have operational control of the southern border. Americans know the truth. At this rate, fentanyl is on track to steal an entire generation from our country. As a first responder, licensed emergency medical technician for more than 34 years, I have seen it up close. I have personally had to shoot Narcan up the noses of children in an effort to save their lives. That is something that no child should have to experience and no parent should have to witness. According to the CDC, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. So far in fiscal year 2023, Customs and Border Patrol have seized over 17,000 pounds of fentanyl coming across the southern border. Again, in 2023, Customs and Border Patrol have seized 17,000 pounds of fentanyl coming across the southern border. This year Madison County, Alabama, which I represent, is reporting 25 confirmed fentanyl overdoses through the coroner's office with 35 suspected overdose cases pending. The devastation this drug is leaving as it infects the United States is something to be mourned. I can say this gruesome nature of fentanyl is destroying lives, families, and communities. It does not discriminate. More and more often we see other dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and even marijuana, being laced with fentanyl without the knowledge of the user. In the wake of surge in illegal immigration and drug smuggling at the southern border, we are at risk to witness unprecedented spikes in fentanyl overdoses. Fentanyl is already running rampant in our country, and we must take action. My concerns reflect those of my own constituents and countless others around the United States, especially those who live and have been forever changed by fentanyl. To solve problems, you must first admit you have one. We have gotten here because of this administration's reckless border policies. I am proud of the legislation that we have come together to advance in the House this Congress. We must continue to look for ways to equip law enforcement with essential tools to stop the spread of fentanyl and give us the support we need on more research of this vicious drug. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens).

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud).

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congressman for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Moran).

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I thank those who have participated in this Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, as I said, I speak firsthand as an emergency medical technician for 34 years in town. We have seen so many things occur, so many families that have been affected. I can tell you this, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and also the committees that have gone to the border, you start looking at what we saw firsthand and just trying to protect our country. We were there at the southern border for about 5 minutes at a point of entry. In less than 5 minutes, here comes a vehicle. What would you imagine? Seventy pounds of cocaine right in front of 12 United States Congressmen. We went again to McAllen, Texas, and had a full committee hearing--or what was supposed to have been a full committee hearing. It was only Republicans who showed up. Mr. Speaker, the only way that we can solve problems is to admit that we have a problem and then work together to solve it. It is obvious that we have a problem with thousands of pounds coming across the southern border, and we have to act on it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of those in law enforcement who gave their all from the Fifth District of Alabama: William Street, Tim Anderson, James Foster, William Russell, W. L. Steele, William Baber, Lem Jones, Frank McKissack, Frank Bass, James Eubank, Carl Anderson, Ed Kirby, Burns Almon, James Drake, Hugh Craft, Thomas Wright, William Barr, Matthew Wann, William McMinn, Bedford Brackeen, Ewell Starr, Alan Logel, Kelly Vaught, Charles Drake, Wayne Boggus, Billy Daly, Preston Butler, William Gaskin, Benton McLemore, Leo Glover, Kenneth McDonald, Billy Clardy, Jr., Michael Twitty, David Temple, Simmie Jeffries, Charles Biles, Steven Ticer, Dewey Dorsey, Thomas Lewis, Billy Thrower, Willis Von Moore, Haskel McLane, Anthony Mims, Larry Russell, Daniel Golden, William Freeman, David Young, Keith Earle, Billy Clardy, III--and yes, you heard that right, Billy Clardy, Jr. and Billy Clardy, III, a father and son both lost in the line of duty some 50 years apart--Walter Johnson, Steve Finley, Garrett Crumby, who was ambushed just 52 days ago. I stand before you today to honor these fallen officers of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. We will not forget the sacrifice they have made. I will not stop fighting for the brave men and women of our law enforcement until the day that I do not have a single name to read. Furthermore, I take this moment to recognize retired Sheriff Joe W. Patterson, who served as Madison County, Alabama, sheriff for four terms. Sheriff Patterson inspired many at a young age to serve our community. To this day, he is a mentor to law enforcement officers across north Alabama. In 1990, Sheriff Patterson offered me the opportunity to attend the police academy. While I did not take him up on that offer, he later swore me in anyway as a deputy sheriff, and later in life I served with the sheriff's department in the narcotics division. I am grateful for his continued leadership and years of service to our community and to the greater Madison County, Alabama, region.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. This legislation is the culmination of months of hard work and collaboration of three House committees: Homeland Security, on which I serve as a member; Judiciary; and Foreign Affairs. It represents what is possible when we work together for the good of our Nation. In my very first floor speech as a Member of Congress, I echoed the concerns and fears I have heard from the constituents that I represent and what I have seen firsthand at the southern border. Americans are not safe, and our country is under attack at the southern border. Illegal immigrants, drug runners, and human smugglers continue to exploit this administration's open southern border policy as this administration looks the other way. This last weekend, in just 72 hours, Border Patrol apprehended over 26,000 migrants, had approximately 7,500 got-aways, and seized 11 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill 2.5 million Americans. If this is what operational control looks like to this administration, it is no wonder why Americans are worried. Title 42 is set to expire tomorrow, bringing not a surge but an invasion of illegal immigrants that our communities, hospitals, schools, and law enforcement officials simply can't handle. This debacle created by this administration has not seen its worst day. Just this morning, the administration released a statement outlining how they plan to deal with this incoming invasion. The Department of Homeland Security press release says they have finalized a rule to incentivize the use of lawful immigration pathways. They are choosing to incentivize illegal immigrants to follow our laws when we should be punishing those who don't follow our laws. The fact is, President Trump's border policies worked for America. Now more than ever, we must pass this legislation and move toward a lawful, safe, secure, and orderly border. We don't have time to waste. Among many important provisions, this legislation would grant DHS authority to suspend entry and gain operational control of the border, similar to title 42. I am pleased to stand here today with my colleagues in support of this legislation that begins to address the massive failure of this administration. H.R. 2 reflects Republicans' commitment to make America safer. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is up to us to stop this invasion of America at the southern border because no one else will.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Israel alliance. This historic partnership has been a critical driving force behind the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. It is a partnership based on shared values and strategic interests. As we take a moment to commemorate this milestone, I draw attention to the unique relationship between Israel and my home State of Alabama. Alabama was one of the first States to recognize the state of Israel back in 1948 and, in 1997, presented a formal memorandum of intent to promote trade and technology transfer. Today, Israel is Alabama's 23rd largest export market, with significant collaboration on a number of projects, including missile defense and cybersecurity. More than half of the U.S. military's foreign weapon sales are managed through the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal. Redstone is also proud to lead four joint U.S.-Israeli programs at MDA, including David's Sling and the Iron Dome. Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance and continue to work together to build a brighter future for both of our nations.

Mr. STRONG

Mr. STRONG. Madam Speaker, I rise because no American is safe. The United States Secretary of Homeland Security says that the American border is secure. The American people know better. It is for these reasons I traveled to our southern border with several of my colleagues from the Committee on Homeland Security. Two adults attempted to climb the U.S. border fence the day we got there. They fell and were critically injured. American taxpayers are paying the bill. Hospitals are inundated with non-U.S. citizens. They are not paying a dime for care. Schools and teachers are attempting to teach students that are here unlawfully. Many don't speak English, and they are delaying the education of those who do. Illegal aliens attacked a Border Patrol agent while we were there. They are trying to kill American law enforcement agents. Under this administration, these agents in many cases are instructed to respond by firing pepper balls. Some schools are placed on lockdown 4 to 10 times a week because Border Patrol agents are chasing drug dealers and human smugglers that have crossed the border and entered their elementary and middle school campuses. Cartel members are recruiting 11- to 14-year-old children to drive vehicles to smuggle illegal aliens through multiple States and counties. Practically everyone crossing illegally claims asylum. Think about it, they are coming from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti, Cuba, El Salvador, Iran, and, yes, they are coming from China, too. They are flying, in many cases, to the southern border to cross illegally. Our meeting at the border port of entry had to be delayed because a mule tried to smuggle 70 pounds of cocaine right in front of 12 United States Congressmen. The American people are being told by the Secretary of Homeland Security that our borders are secure. There is nothing further from the truth. While heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, and human smuggling are flowing into our country at alarming rates, America is under attack. The same laws in effect today were in effect when Donald Trump was President of the United States of America. You can talk about him all you want, but tell the facts. He sent them back and protected America. Two weeks ago, President Trump's Border Patrol chief, Rodney Scott, gave us a brief. He said the problem is not with the laws; the problem is with this administration because they are not enforcing the laws that are already on the books. It is time to return these that are invading our country at the southern border to the country of their origin immediately. On average, 300 United States men, women, and children are dying every day by overdose. EMTs, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and emergency rooms see it every day. America is under attack. On our visit to the border, we met with Texas National Guard, United States Homeland Security, Border Patrol, Customs and Immigration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas State Troopers. Not one of these agencies or officials we met with could say that the U.S. border was secure. Not one. Drug overdoses are a common occurrence in every county and city in America. This threat to America does not discriminate; rich, poor, Black, White. This is not a Democratic issue, nor is it a Republican issue. It is an American issue. Our country is under attack. No American is safe, and the American people deserve better. During our trip, I was reminded that on his first day in office, the President terminated the emergency declaration at the southern border and halted border wall construction. Over the last 2 years, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have encountered over 4.7 million illegal immigrants trying to enter our country. That does not include the 1.2 million that have evaded Border Patrol. Yet, the administration tells the American people that the border is under control. If our border is secure, then why over the last 2 years has the administration continued to send troops to our border? That alone signals to every American that we have a problem. Why are they stopping border wall construction, which is an important first step in securing our border? I will introduce legislation to address this question. My bill will resume border wall construction and ensure the President cannot withhold resources while sending our troops to the front line. Our country is under attack. I am proud to introduce this legislation and other measures to ensure that if the administration expects our troops to defend our border, then we expect the administration to provide every tool, resource, and means of support to each of our brave men and women protecting our homeland security. My fellow Americans, our country is under attack.