Keith Self

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, Islam is a culture with a patina of religion. Sharia is the law of Islam. Sharia is dangerous. Western values form the basis for the founding of America, namely that rights come from our creator. Ours is a Christian-based culture. Sharia, on the other hand, is a culture of violence and domination, totally anathema to the concept of individual freedom. The United States Constitution and sharia are fundamentally at odds with one another. The Constitution begins with: ``We the people.'' Sharia states: ``Allah has said.'' Followers of sharia believe Muhammad received a divine legal code that stands supreme over all man-made laws. While Western civilization has evolved, Islam has not. Islam is stuck in the eighth century, and if they succeed at imposing their beliefs upon us, we will be dragged back into the Dark Ages. The contrasts are stark when comparing sharia to the strides made by the United States in 250 years. The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery, but there has never been an abolition movement in Islam. The Koran and hadith even contain rules for slaves and the slave trade. Sharia prescribes inhumane punishments viewed as normative. Stoning to death for adultery is common, as are public beatings of women, the amputation of the hand of a thief, and the execution of Christians and Jews in accordance with the Koran. Several hardline clerics have even issued fatwas for the assassination of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Declaration of Independence states: ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'' That is not so in Islam. According to sharia, the testimony of a non-Muslim is not valid against a Muslim in a court of law. A woman's testimony is equal to one-half of that of a man. Non-Muslims living in majority Islamic societies are second-class citizens with few rights and little protection under the law. The Sixth Amendment speaks of an impartial jury, but the testimony of a non-Muslim is deemed inadmissible. In an Islamic sharia court, the only testimony allowed is that of a Muslim. That is hardly fair and impartial. Sharia prohibits marriage between a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man. A Muslim man may marry a Christian wife, but not vice versa. Sharia also gives the man, but not the woman, the unconditional right to divorce. Freedom of religion is in our First Amendment, but freedom of religion in sharia means one is permitted to embrace Islam but one is never free to leave Islam. Abandoning sharia is an apostasy punishable by death. Freedom of speech in America extends to expression not only of verbal communication but also in art, writing, the media, and action. Certain forms of expression are forbidden by sharia. Non-Muslims and moderate Muslims who openly criticize Islam, Muhammad, or the Koran face severe punishment. Remember Salman Rushdie, who was stabbed under a fatwa just for writing about Muhammad. America was founded on a basic concept of freedom of the individual, self-governing under the rule of law. John Adams said: ``Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'' We are witnessing the reality of Adams' wisdom in the clash of cultures as outsiders stream into our country without assimilating. A prominent Muslim attorney argued in the U.S. court: Islam is sharia; sharia is Islam. The two cannot be separated. There are acceptable actions in sharia that are illegal in America: murder of family members who dishonor the family, child marriage, spouse abuse, to name only a few. Our legal processes developed through centuries of Western civilization are not sufficient to confront the sharia influence spreading across America. Even legislation may not stop the encroaching danger. It will take more. In the streets of New York City, a Muslim imam recently proclaimed: ``We will not stop until Islam enters every home.'' There is no denying Islam's intent to dominate Western civilization. Their stated objective is to destroy us from within. All who serve in this Congress swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This is a time for choosing. Either we defeat the sharia advances in America, or government of the people, by the people, and for the people may indeed perish from the Earth.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 22 of our Nation's finest veterans. These individuals are exceptional American heroes who demonstrated selfless commitment to serving our Nation and their communities. This is a moment to acknowledge those who have sacrificed much and devoted all to safeguarding our country. This year, Texas' Third District is saluting brave veterans who have exhibited remarkable service, leadership, integrity, and dedication. These veterans represent true role models within our community, deserving our utmost respect, acknowledgement, and honor. The veterans from Texas' Third Congressional District receiving the 2025 Veteran Commendation Award are as follows: Sergeant Christopher Acevedo, U.S. Army. Captain Travis Mills, U.S. Army. Major Gary Billings, U.S. Marine Corps. Second Lieutenant Charles Neubecker, U.S. Army. Master Sergeant Fernando Cruz, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps. Senior Chief Petty Officer Vincent Riggs, U.S. Navy. Senior Airman David Davis, U.S. Air Force. Major Philip Shortino, U.S. Army. Staff Sergeant David DuBay, U.S. Air Force. Senior Airman Danny Stasik, U.S. Air Force. Staff Sergeant Robert DuBay, U.S. Air Force. Sergeant Willie Frank Stephenson, U.S. Army. Master Sergeant Patrick Ervin, U.S. Air Force. Captain Ean Sullivan, U.S. Marine Corps. Sergeant Ayman Hatkwa, U.S. Army. Colonel Dick Thompson, Jr., U.S. Air Force. Sergeant Paul David Hoch, U.S. Army. Chief Petty Officer Michael Thompson, Jr., U.S. Navy. Petty Officer Second Class James Johnson, U.S. Navy. Lance Corporal Frank Walker, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps. Command Master Chief Petty Officer Robert Jordan, U.S. Navy. Gunnery Sergeant Nick Mendoza, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Speaker, I salute these 22 veterans. God bless them, and God bless America. Honoring Captain Carol Young MacGibbon

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Carol Young MacGibbon, a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Commissioned into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1980 as part of the historic first class of female graduates, Captain MacGibbon served our Nation with distinction in leadership positions in Germany and beyond. Following her Active-Duty service, Mrs. MacGibbon dedicated 22 years to mentoring future Army leaders, assisting over 165 candidates in earning admission to West Point. Since 2003, Captain MacGibbon has been a West Point admissions representative. Since 2006, she served as the congressional district coordinator for Texas' Third Congressional District. In that capacity, she served as the West Point liaison officer for three successive Members of Congress, beginning with Congressman Sam Johnson from 2006 to 2018. Mr. Speaker, recognized by peers and leaders alike, Mrs. MacGibbon received the Congressional Veteran Commendation Award from Congressman Sam Johnson in 2017 and the Ray Colvin Service Award from the West Point Society of North Texas in 2023. Captain MacGibbon's legacy of service reaches well beyond her professional achievements. She met her late husband, Kevin Vance MacGibbon, while they were classmates at the United States Military Academy, and they married in October of 1981 after graduation. Captain Kevin MacGibbon served as an infantry officer stationed in Germany during the Cold War from 1980 to 1985, earning his Ranger tab and Airborne wings. Together, they raised three children, who continue the proud tradition of military service, including officers and graduates of West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy. The Army Lacrosse Endowment stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of Carol and Kevin MacGibbon to the values of West Point and the U.S. Army. Carol MacGibbon's dedication to West Point and to our Nation embodies the highest ideals of Duty, Honor, Country. Therefore, I honor Captain Carol MacGibbon for her lifetime of service to the United States, to West Point, and to the countless young men and women whose lives she has helped shape. We extend our gratitude and best wishes upon her retirement as academy liaison officer for West Point. The enduring legacy Captain Carol MacGibbon leaves at West Point stands as a beacon for those who aspire to lead and serve, ensuring that the academy's proud tradition endures for generations to come. May God bless Captain Carol MacGibbon. May God bless the United States of America.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 4700.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendments Nos. 476 and 478. We are at an inflection point in American history. China is investing heavily in AI, integrating it into its military and economy. America cannot afford to fall behind. My first amendment expands AI pilot programs and logistics, cyber defense, intelligence, and maintenance. AI is a vital force multiplier, cutting costs, speeding decisions, and keeping our warfighters ahead. It also mandates regular reports to Congress for swift, informed action to maintain our edge. My second amendment ensures an immediate pay raise for Department of War blue-collar workers, the mechanics and technicians who keep our bases and equipment ready. These Americans have yet to receive a 2025 pay raise because the fully partisan committee that was supposed to represent these blue-collar workers failed in its mission and had to be dissolved. Mr. Chair, I look forward to working with the Department of War on implementing recommendations to make sure these crucial workers are paid what they deserve.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Roy and Mr. Pfluger for those personal memories. I thank Morgan Luttrell, our Texas colleague, who has been in the river recovering bodies. When I look at the Texas flag, I see more than a symbol. I see a legacy: a legacy of grit, resilience, and people who never fail to rally when faced with adversity. The devastating floods that swept through Mr. Roy's district brought unimaginable loss. Homes were destroyed. Families were torn apart. Entire communities were forever changed. In the midst of destruction, Texans are still standing tall. We remain strong, as we always have, even in the face of overwhelming hardship. My wife, Tracy, my team, and I continue to pray for the victims and the families affected by this tragedy. As Christians, we are called to be there for one another. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us: ``Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.'' In the wake of this disaster, our Texas communities embodied those verses. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became friends, legislators became volunteers, local businesses donated millions to support recovery, and ordinary Texans became extraordinary heroes. More than 12,000 volunteers have flocked to Kerr County to help with search and recovery efforts. Together, we lift one another up. Texans have always exhibited an undeniable gift and a deep-rooted spirit of resilience. In the face of tragedy, we do not break. We build. We rally. We rise. As we begin the painful process of moving forward, let us never forget the lives that were lost, their families, their stories, and their names. I pray that when their sorrows begin to ebb, that cherished memories will begin to offer comfort, that all of us will remain mindful of the fragility of life and the strength found in the unity forged by the bonds of grief. May the peace that passes all understanding be felt by those whose hearts are broken, and may all Texans find hope in the unwavering spirit that binds us together. Finally, let us remember that the Lone Star State is not only defined by its wide open spaces and rugged land but by its people and by the guiding spirit and will of our creator. We will rebuild, we will recover, and we will remain Texas tough.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute our soldiers of tomorrow, the service-bound academy students of the Third Congressional District of Texas. This district of Texas is home to some of the best and brightest young people, and it is always an honor to recommend such fine students to our Nation's service academies. I am confident that they are ready to join the premier service academies and ultimately serve with the best in the United States military. This year, Texas' Third District is going to send nine cadets to the United States Military Academy, six midshipmen to the United States Naval Academy, eight cadets to the U.S. Air Force Academy, one midshipman to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, one candidate to the United States Military Academy Civil Preparatory School, three candidates to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, one candidate to the United States Naval Academy Civil Preparatory School, and three candidates to the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. Mr. Speaker, to these 24 appointees and 8 preparatory candidates, I say God bless them and God bless America. I salute them. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the names of the 32 academy students and their respective hometowns. u.s. military academy Nathan Ooreoluwa Adejokun, Melissa TX; Caleb Wesley Caldwell, Allen TX; Jordan Crandall Curtis, Plano TX; Reed William Hisle, McKinney TX; Blake Ryan McKenna, Plano TX; Owen Younghoon Ryu, McKinney TX; Dillon Avery Watt, Plano TX; Anna Faith Williams, Prosper TX; Matthew Sumin Wooton, McKinney TX. u.s. naval academy Brandon Preston De Vun, McKinney TX; Aden Tye Lewis, Greenville TX; Sophie Ella Lopez, McKinney TX; Matthew David McCoy, Allen TX; Nickole Sophia Rios, Allen TX; Joaquin Cruz Vargas, McKinney TX. u.s air force academy Sophie Belle Bridges, Prosper TX; Taylor Rae Carroll, Allen TX; Sara Elizabeth Compton, Prosper TX; Bryce Tanner Denton, Anna TX; Corbin Benzi Glass, Parker TX; Garrett Christopher Hutchins, Lucas TX; Luke Tyler Phillips, McKinney TX; Timothy Hunjae Seo, McKinney TX. u.s. merchant marine academy Jack Quinlin Flannery, McKinney TX. u.s. military academy civil preparatory school Ethan Hunter Hayward, Allen TX. u.s. naval academy preparatory school Trystan Rohan Hutchison, Sachse TX; Tyler Aiden Wall Sr., McKinney TX; Benjamin L. Yost, Princeton TX. u.s. naval academy civil preparatory school McKenzie Kendall Quigley, McKinney TX. u.s. air force academy preparatory school Howard Fisher IV, Wylie TX; Christian Rome Jeffers, Wylie TX; Aidan Marc Wylie, TX.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, America and our European Union allies find ourselves at an inflection point. We have an amazing opportunity, and the actions we take today will shape the outcome for generations to come. The world is significantly more dangerous because of the Biden administration projecting American weakness to the world. Under the previous administration, America turned away from policies that had our adversaries quaking in their boots and instead bent a knee to the axis of evil. Make no mistake, China, Russia, and Iran are exerting influence across the globe that is causing harm and posing major threats to both the United States and our allies. It is vitally important that the United States and our European Union allies work together to find solutions that both combat these adversities and ensure that we stay ahead of them in the process. All three are trying to impose their will physically, psychologically, and diplomatically on Europe, and we must be fully prepared for whatever approach they take. As the chairman of the Europe Subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to lead both reauthorization of the State Department and regional efforts under the leadership of Chairman Mast. A significant part of our focus is achieving the policies that put America's interests first while building our relations with allies abroad against our common adversaries. We have taken major steps in the right direction under President Trump and his administration, but there is still more work to be done. Our NATO partners must step up to the plate and give 5 percent of their GDP for the protection of Europe as America shifts its focus to the Indo-Pacific region. The CCP has made significant advances in warfare, and we must remain vigilant while also building up our defense industrial base in order to be prepared for any scenario. America must not remain idle while our adversaries are advancing their capabilities. The Europe Subcommittee will do our part.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I rise to support my amendment. I am outraged that our universities and institutions are receiving gifts or entering into contracts with foreign countries that seek to destroy or harm the United States. H.R. 1048, the DETERRENT Act, would strengthen disclosure requirements by reducing the threshold from $250,000 to $50,000, but those provisions are not strong enough. The American people deserve to know about every single dollar coming from adversary foreign sources, no matter how small. That is why I am introducing an amendment to slash the reporting threshold from $50,000 all the way down to $1; total transparency of every cent. Any foreign gift, no matter how small, can influence our democracy, and we must close any loophole that lets foreign actors purchase access or sway our institutions. This is not about research. This is about human intelligence collection and business espionage. Having spent time in the intelligence community while I was in the military, this is a serious matter. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and ensure full transparency. Our constituents demand transparency today, and I say let's give them transparency. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Texas. It is a real honor to be here tonight. I thank you for hosting this important Special Order hour. Michael Burgess and I have quite a history. We were primary opponents 22 years ago, and I finished third by 91 votes. Mike went on to win the runoff election and provide exemplary service to our Nation and the constituents in Congressional District 26. Shortly after that, I was recalled to Active Duty for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was obvious that God had his hand in both of our directions. My sister-in-law also worked for Michael Burgess for 18 years in your district office. You provided her the same leadership that you did your colleagues here in Congress. I am grateful for your friendship and for your tremendous service to our Nation. I am also proud of your track record of defending the Constitution and your bold leadership in the pro-life movement. I will tell you, abortion is a talking point for many Members of Congress, but not Michael Burgess. You delivered about 3,000 babies in your career as a physician. Let me tell you, most of them, along with their parents and siblings, voted for you, which I realized in 2002. Taking care of those mothers and their babies over the course of your 30-year medical career gave you a unique perspective on the value of life that you brought with you to Congress. You provided a bright beacon of light to the right-to-life struggle against those who advocate for abortion. You always showed up. You knew your stuff. You were prepared. I will tell you, we will strive to carry on the mantle of pro-life, pro- liberty, and freedom for the next generation of congressional Members. They have not only been your values, but they are our Texas values, and they are proving recently to be America's values. Dr. Burgess, I join my colleagues in letting you and Laura know that our hearts are heavy with yours. I will quote C.S. Lewis: ``Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.'' We are truly sorry for your loss. May God bless you and Laura.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my direct concern over the United States Department of Defense's lack of agility when it comes to warfare. Recently, my office hosted our annual defense roundtable with defense companies both in and out of my district. The theme of this year's defense roundtable was how to increase the readiness, engagement, agility, and delivery of lethality to the Department of Defense. It was quite telling that these companies reaffirmed the troubling RAND Defense report, which explained that the U.S. defense industrial base is not prepared to engage in all-out warfare. The modern-day axis of evil, China, Russia, and Iran, continue to work around the clock to advance their military capabilities and cause further chaos in the world, while the U.S. is woefully lagging behind. China continues to take steps that threaten the democracy of Taiwan, Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine, and Iran has sent hundreds of missiles toward Israel through its use of proxies throughout the region. Make no mistake: if America does not take monumental steps to reform, modernize, and expand our defense capabilities and in a rapid manner, then we will be in a difficult position of choosing which allies we can help around the world. During our defense roundtable discussions, it was made clear that, as the U.S. military stands today, we are not ready. We must immediately take significant steps to become ready. World circumstances demand that we do. A major point of discussion that was emphasized multiple times by the industry was the red tape and bureaucracy surrounding every government- funded project. Congress must get rid of unnecessary regulations and allow our American engineers, scientists, and great thinkers to innovate and streamline our defense programs. A key issue in the discussion was the fact that the foreign military sales process must obtain 18 different approvals, whereas in other countries, such as Japan, it takes only one. While extra oversight can, at times, be beneficial, given the state of the world, America must be willing to take on more levels of risk to keep pace with our adversaries. It is well past time for Congress to take steps to eliminate these unnecessary provisions, encourage defense contractors to take on more risk, understanding that there may be failures along the way, and ultimately put ourselves in a strong position to combat the axis of evil that we face now and those we will face in the future. In the words of former President Dwight Eisenhower: ``A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction. . . . American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. . . . '' I would add: not only of vast proportions, but also agile and innovative. Eisenhower's words still ring true today. It is imperative that Congress steps up to the plate to reduce these unnecessary regulations at the Federal level so our defense industry can be lethal, agile, and ready once more to accept the challenges of this increasingly dangerous world.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Major John ``Lucky'' Luckadoo, an extraordinary American hero who displayed remarkable bravery in World War II. Now 102 years old, Major Luckadoo is one of the last remaining members of the distinguished 100th Bomb Group, famously known as the Bloody Hundredth. Major Luckadoo grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He joined the Army following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. After training, he served with the Eighth Air Force's 100th Bomb Group based in Thorpe Abbotts, England. Of the 40 men from his training class who served in the 100th, only four completed their tour, highlighting the dangerous nature of their mission and Major Luckadoo's extraordinary fortune and resilience. Major Luckadoo undertook 25 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe, serving as both a pilot and copilot in the B-17 Flying Fortress, showcasing his outstanding bravery and expertise under highly challenging conditions and overwhelming odds. Lieutenant Colonel John Bennett, leader of the 100th Bomb Group, aptly remarked: ``What the 100th lacks in luck, it makes up for in courage.'' Major Luckadoo embodied this spirit, and his extraordinary story of survival is chronicled in his biography, ``Damn Lucky.'' Major Luckadoo's survival and the subsequent telling of his story contribute significantly to the historical record of World War II and stand as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. Major Luckadoo currently resides in Dallas, where he actively engages in his community and continues to share his story, ensuring that future generations will continue to draw inspiration from his courage and dedication. In light of his heroic service and enduring legacy, it is fitting that we honor Major John ``Lucky'' Luckadoo and express our deepest gratitude for his remarkable contributions to our Nation. In Recognition of Colonel Kenneth William Cordier

Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Kenneth William Cordier, who dedicated his life to serving his country and embodied the highest ideals of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice, including more than 6 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. Born in 1937 in Canton, Ohio, Colonel Cordier entered the United States Air Force through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Akron University in 1960, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades. After training as a Minuteman missile launch officer, Colonel Cordier earned his pilot's wings in 1963 and was assigned to the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying the F-4C Phantom jet fighter. On December 2, 1966, during his 176th combat mission, Colonel Cordier was shot down over North Vietnam. Captured and imprisoned for over 6 years, he endured harsh conditions in the infamous North Vietnamese prisons, in which he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and unwavering faith. After his release in 1973, Colonel Cordier resumed Active-Duty service with distinction, directing air operations at Sembach Air Base, reactivating the Wiesbaden Air Force Base, and serving as an air attache in England. Colonel Cordier's service to his Nation is dignified by numerous awards, including two Silver Stars, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars with Valor, the Purple Heart, seven Air Medals, the POW Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired with honors in 1985. After the war, he worked tirelessly to dissuade animosity against the Vietnamese people and culture, instead advocating for diplomatic solutions to bring peace to the region and heal old wounds. Colonel Cordier would return to Vietnam five separate times. A special note: On his second visit, this distinguished hero brought former POWs to help them find closure in their traumatic experiences as prisoners in Vietnam and to assist in their healing process. Beyond his military career, Colonel Cordier was a devoted husband and father to his wife and daughter, Barbara and Ann. Colonel Cordier's life and service are a testament to the values of duty, honor, country, and inspiring future generations to serve with the same dedication and courage. Therefore, I ask that all Americans take a moment to honor the legacy and life of Colonel Kenneth William Cordier, United States Air Force.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, it is no secret that China intends to take over America and become the world's superpower. It is all about control for the Chinese. They want to control our prices and our supplies. For the past few years, they have been on a spending spree, buying farmland across the United States. Today, one in four pigs raised in the United States is owned by the Chinese, and 18 beef and 12 pork establishments have been given export licenses by the Chinese Government. Even more alarming, not only do they intend to buy this land for their own benefit, but they also try to use these shell companies to buy land near classified military sites. One of the attempted purchases was in my district. The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act is an important step to stop this from happening. We must pass this legislation to permanently add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and to take necessary actions to prohibit the purchase of U.S. agricultural land by foreign adversaries. If we fail to act now, we risk more than just losing land. We risk the Chinese Communist Party controlling our future.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, my constituents in Texas did not elect a single member of the World Health Organization to represent them. This globalist cabal known as the WHO capitalized on the CCP bioweapon which we now call COVID-19 and pushed its tyrannical policies across the world. As my colleague across the aisle said, these were dark days under tyranny. Leftwing globalists surrendered American sovereignty and gave control to the WHO during the public health emergency. These power-hungry bureaucrats shut down our entire country and infringed upon the constitutional rights of Americans. The Biden-Harris administration cannot circumvent the treaty process defined by the Constitution. Any agreement with the WHO on international pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response must be considered by the Senate as a treaty. There are definite criteria that determine what constitutes a treaty. I recommend my colleagues across the aisle read those criteria. Our lawless President and his lawless administration should execute the law. Our Founders of the Constitution wisely included a requirement for the United States to agree to any international treaty a Senate supermajority would be required. Americans don't support empowering unelected bureaucrats at the WHO who don't hold American values. H.R. 1425 reaffirms Americans' voices through their elected Senators. There can be no WHO pandemic treaty without Senate approval.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on my bill to rename the Plano, Texas, VA Clinic after former Congressman, Air Force Fighter Pilot, and POW Sam Johnson. Congressman Sam Johnson served in the U.S. Air Force for 29 years where he was the director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School and flew the F-100 Super Sabre with the Air Force Thunderbirds precision flying demonstration team. He flew the slot. He was a combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars as a fighter pilot, flying 87 combat missions. On April 16, 1966, while flying his 25th combat mission over Vietnam, he was shot down and suffered a broken right arm, broken back, and dislocated shoulder. He was a prisoner of war for nearly 7 years, including 42 months in solitary confinement. He was part of a group of 11 U.S. military prisoners known as the Alcatraz Gang, a group of prisoners separated from other captives because they would not break. His heroic actions led him to be awarded two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and two Purple Hearts. In 1985, he was called on again to serve, only this time in the Texas State House of Representatives, where he served until being elected to this body in 1991. He went on to serve in Congress until his retirement in 2019. During his time in Congress, Sam was a force. His House tenure included many accomplishments, including holding a position on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. I am proud to serve as Representative for Texas' Third District, the same district that Sam served so honorably. As I reflect on Sam's life, I am reminded of a story that demonstrates his signature tenacity, toughness, and character. Gib Lewis, Texas Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time, tried threatening Sam regarding a piece of legislation. Sam put his old, crooked hands, those that had been broken many times in torture, on Gib's desk and said: What are you going to do, Gib? Break my hands? There was absolutely nothing that Gib Lewis could say. I truly can think of no individual who is more deserving of having a VA clinic named in his honor.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentleman from Tennessee, and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chairman, this amendment offered by Representative Ogles prohibits Federal funds from being used to make a mask mandate in Congress. Policies involving mandatory mask implementation are not about science or safety, but they are about control. Mr. Ogles and many other Americans recognized this years ago, and our views have been justified by Dr. Fauci's admission that these policies were not based on science. In the 117th Congress, then-Speaker Pelosi compelled everyday Americans who visited the House of Representatives to walk around wearing glorified muzzles. The House is supposed to be the most democratic body within our Federal Government. As Representatives, we are supposed to have the most direct connection with the people of any Federal officials. From the beginning of the Nation, we have been elected by a majority vote of our constituents. Yet, Democrats chose to make it more difficult for constituents to visit their Representatives by forcing them to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols that didn't protect anybody. We have a responsibility to ensure that any future Congress does not adopt these same policies again. My colleagues here have a choice between following the science that we now know or clinging to superstitions based on fear and ignorance. During the height of the COVID frenzy, policymakers relied on studies far removed from anything resembling a scientific method. What we have before us is the most rigorous and comprehensive analysis of scientific studies conducted on the efficacy of masks. Frankly, I am going with the science on this one. I am happy that many of my colleagues who argued in favor of these mandates realized their mistake and supported banning them last fall. Mask mandates destroyed our economy and damaged families for little discernible gain. Mr. Chair, we have tried mask mandates in this country. They failed to control the spread of respiratory viruses and set our fellow citizens against each other. They, along with other policies based on the same bad science, were used to restrict the access the people had to their elected Representatives. Mask mandates are ineffective at preventing the spread of disease, but they certainly infringed on our rights. They were part of a grotesque lockdown legacy that severely damaged our economy and instilled an unwarranted level of fear in the minds of Americans. Mr. Chair, I urge the adoption of Mr. Ogles' amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer my amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that will prohibit electric vehicle charging on the U.S. Capitol Grounds. Imagine how ridiculous it would sound if we told the American people that Members of Congress and their staff could get unlimited gasoline for their cars for just $27 a month. It would be outrageous. Nonetheless, that is what is happening inside the Capitol parking garages, but only for electric vehicles. For $27 a month, Members and their D.C. staffers are plugging in their Teslas and Priuses, draining my constituents' tax dollars who are paying full price for their gasoline back at home. This is especially egregious in light of the fact that huge subsidies for EV purchases already exist. The bottom line is this: It is a free market. The Federal Government should not be picking winners and losers. If you choose to purchase an electric vehicle with all of those subsidies, then you should pay for it and be prepared for higher costs. Americans should not be subsidizing the vehicle choices of D.C. elites. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I would like to remind the gentleman that those who drive gas-powered vehicles into work every day do not get reimbursed for their commute. Why is it acceptable, why is it correct, and why is it seemingly prudent to reimburse someone for the energy to commute here every day given the subsidies? Not only the purchase of their vehicle, but the energy to run that vehicle on a daily basis. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, this is a simple, commonsense amendment. Politicians should not get a free pass on the ridiculously high energy prices under the Biden administration. I choose to stand with my constituents. This amendment also reduces the cost of Federal spending within our branch of government and makes us more accountable to the constituents we represent. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Congressman Roy's bill to save our elections from illegal alien interference. Sacrosanct voting is only theory unless we protect the election process. Over the past 3\1/2\ years, President Biden has deliberately thrown the border open to over 11 million illegal aliens, many of whom now have Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, and other government- issued IDs, which enable them to vote in our U.S. Federal elections. Today, many States and municipalities have no way to detect whether an individual with a government-issued ID is a U.S. citizen or not. In some States, any noncitizen can simply check ``yes'' on one box: ``Are you a citizen of the United States,'' and boom, they are a registered voter. This is not right. If you are here illegally and interfere in our elections, you deserve a pair of handcuffs, not an ``I voted'' sticker. We must pass the SAVE Act to prevent these loopholes from debasing and ultimately destroying our election system. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SELF

Mr. SELF. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Mr. Roy's amendment to prohibit any government funding for the Biden administration parole-in-place mass amnesty scheme. This parole-in-place executive order clearly demonstrates that the Biden administration is not and has never been serious about securing the border. His process would grant mass amnesty to approximately 80,000 inadmissible alien spouses of American citizens per month. Make no mistake, the timing of this executive order was purposeful. On June 21, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Department of State v. Munoz and concluded that a U.S. citizen spouse does not have a fundamental liberty interest in her alien spouse's admission into the United States. The Biden administration rolled out his executive order directly contradicting this opinion just 3 days prior. The decision was obviously leaked to the Biden administration. This is another example of in-your-face tyranny. This administration is lawless. We must not pass a DHS appropriations bill that funds this mass parole order that would grant amnesty to possibly thousands of criminals and further endanger communities across the Nation, particularly in light of the cynical and lawless timing of this order. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.