David Taylor

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. 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 into the Record on H.R. 6422, as amended.

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6422, as amended, reauthorizes several longstanding EPA programs through fiscal year 2031, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Long Island Sound Program, the Colombia River Basin Restoration Program, the National Estuary Program, and the BEACH Act Program, among others. It also includes strong oversight provisions, requiring the GAO to study the management, effectiveness, and ethical practices of these and additional EPA geographic programs and report back to Congress. Additionally, the programs included in H.R. 6422 have bipartisan support. This legislation includes the ESTUARIES Act, which would reauthorize the National Estuary Program that helps local communities protect important estuaries and improve water quality, and the BEACH Act, which would reauthorize a program that helps local communities keep Americans recreating in coastal waters, safe from diseases and pollution. I am proud to say that these bills were previously reported out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with strong bipartisan support and that H.R. 6422 was approved by voice vote. Madam Speaker, it is our constituents on the ground who know what is best for their communities. Reauthorizing these programs will continue to empower them to address water quality and pollution issues where they live, yielding better results for all Americans. Madam Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 6422, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6422, the American Water Stewardship Act, is an important bipartisan bill that will empower local communities to continue to take the lead on improving water quality in coastal areas, as well as to ensure strong oversight of these EPA programs by Congress. I thank Mr. Stauber and Ms. McDonald Rivet for their leadership on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as Representatives Joyce, Larsen, Figures, Rouzer, Sykes, Huffman, Bonamici, LaLota, Pallone, Ezell, Scholten, Mast, Haridopolos, and Hoyle for their leadership on specific initiatives contained within H.R. 6422. Madam Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McClintock for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Deporting Fraudsters Act. As Mr. Harris just said earlier, estimates show that between $233 billion and $521 billion is lost to fraud each year. These funds are taxpayer dollars from American workers, intended to go to Americans who need help getting back on their feet, not to illegal alien fraudsters who shouldn't even be in our country to begin with. The massive fraud we have seen in Minnesota and other places around the country should be a no-brainer. If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country. The story that inspired this bill originally came from California where five foreign nationals were apprehended with over 160 fraudulent SNAP cards on them. These were non-Americans stealing from the most vulnerable among us. It needs to end. Democrats have used American taxpayer dollars to attract and retain an electoral majority for too long. To my Democratic colleagues, the bill before us is a binary choice. Do they support the American people, or do they support illegal immigrants who steal American tax dollars? Failing to support this bill is betraying the Americans whose interests Democrats claim to represent. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Raskin for the question. Mr. Speaker, it was not part of the original text. It was suggested in Committee. This was in the Judiciary Committee. I wasn't a party to those conversations. I was consulted about the decision to add that, and I fully supported it.

Mr. TAYLOR. I am not sure I got what you said there. It requires a conviction unless there is an admission.

Mr. TAYLOR. In looking back at that, it is probably something I should have included in the original text. If the person is going to admit it, they probably should be deported, obviously, if they are admitting it. It is something that is, honestly, apparently commonly occurring at the border as people come in.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, in this situation my read of the bill is an un-withdrawn admission is the same as a guilty verdict. This is a person who has admitted they have broken the law. Therefore, they sit in the same position as someone who has been convicted of it, if they are not even going to say: Oh, no, actually I didn't break the law. They admitted it. They are deportable.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Foxx for yielding the time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule which provides consideration of my bill, the Deporting Fraudsters Act. A few weeks ago during the State of the Union Address, Democrats confirmed to the American people who they really are and whom they really work for. When President Trump asked Congress to stand and reaffirm the fundamental principle that the first duty of the American Government is to protect American citizens and not illegal aliens, every single Democrat remained seated, every single one. Now, Madam Speaker, with this bill, we have the chance to see who will stand with criminal illegal aliens and against the American people. This bill should be common sense: Any person who defrauds the United States or steals money from Americans who need it most should not be able to walk freely in this country. This seeks to fix the numerous examples of criminal aliens stealing Social Security benefits or cloning SNAP cards and not facing any immigration consequences. It is time for that to change. This bill in front of us, the Deporting Fraudsters Act, will make it explicitly clear, Madam Speaker, that if you are not a citizen and you are defrauding law-abiding Americans, then you should be deported. Again, it should be common sense. It is a privilege to live in this country, and our laws should reflect that. To the American people: You should remember this vote. You should remember that those who vote against this bill are voting to support illegal alien fraudsters over the American people. To the elderly couple who has paid into Social Security their entire life, or to the working mother who is just trying to get by for her children but needs some assistance, this should be an eye-opening vote. That is because this vote provides a binary choice: Either they support the American people and their benefits, or they support illegal alien fraudsters. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to support this bill.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ezra and Cleo Teeters from Waverly, Ohio. Ezra and Cleo represent an extraordinary love story that spans more than eight decades. Ezra and Cleo met as children, growing up in the same neighborhood and sharing the same bus ride. Their life has been full of love and amazing memories as together they have one son, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Their marriage began in the middle of a snowstorm. During the Christmas season of 1945, when Ezra was on leave from his service in the Army in World War II, Ezra and Cleo drove across the Ohio border into Kentucky to get married at the age of 19. Ezra and Cleo kept this secret, telling everyone they were going Christmas shopping, but really they were going to get married. This year, both Ezra and Cleo will celebrate their 100th birthdays. I wish them continued health and congratulate them on their amazing life that they have shared together over the past eight decades.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton. With over three decades of service, Sheriff Stratton is a driving force, holding criminals accountable in our community and keeping illicit drugs like fentanyl off our streets. Over the more than 30 years I have known him, I have seen firsthand his tireless work ethic, strong leadership of his team, and his unwavering commitment to Buckeye families. Thanks to the action President Trump has taken to support our Nation's law enforcement, officers just like Sheriff Stratton now have the tools they need to do their jobs and better collaborate with Federal law enforcement to keep our communities safe. Through no tax on overtime that was passed in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, officers will take home more of the money they earn. It is because of incredible officers like him that southern Ohio is a safer and more prosperous place to live today. Buckeye families can breathe a sigh of relief because they have law enforcement that are tough on crime and a President who backs them all the way.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carl and Nancy Schneider. Carl and Nancy taught music in southern Ohio for 43 years before retiring at the end of the 2025 school year, leaving an indelible mark on the arts in Ohio's Second Congressional District. Carl served as the band director at West Union High School, the choir director at Manchester briefly, and later as music supervisor across the whole school district. Carl built West Union's marching band from the ground up, starting out with only 13 students and ultimately taking the program to the State and national level. He led musicals, ensembles, and challenged students to become the best they could be. Having taught at several schools and across all grade levels, Nancy touched the lives of countless elementary students and gave them the skills and encouragement needed to pursue their love of music. Beyond the classroom, Nancy is an amazing musician herself, serving as the pianist for her church and previously performing at county festivals. In retirement, she is looking forward to spending time with her first grandchild and continuing to stay involved in music at schools across southern Ohio. Teachers like Carl and Nancy Schneider represent the best America has to offer. They are the quiet heroes who made a difference in the lives of countless students. Our educators deserve the highest level of respect and should be recognized for the amazing work they do. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Carl and Nancy on their retirement, and I thank them for their service to our young people. Recognizing the Waverly High School Marching Band

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Waverly High School marching band. The Waverly band recently had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii and play in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Parade. This parade is an annual event that honors veterans, survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, and the men and women who actively serve in our incredible Armed Forces. As part of the ceremonies, the Waverly band played on the dock of the USS Missouri, which is an Iowa-class battleship used by the Navy in the 1940s. More than 140 members of the Waverly community participated in this trip, including students, parents, and support staff. This opportunity was particularly special because of the deep military roots in many of the band members' families. We are forever grateful for those who serve in our Armed Forces and the millions of Americans who fought in World War II to preserve our freedoms. I thank the Waverly High School band for the great lengths they went to in order to honor our Nation's heroes. Recognizing the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce. The Clermont Chamber recently earned a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its positive impact on the community. Ohio's Second Congressional District has been ground zero for problems facing rural America. For too long, communities like the ones I represent have been forgotten about at the Federal level. However, thanks to the work of community organizations like the Clermont County Chamber, Ohio's Second Congressional District is making a comeback. The Clermont Chamber is an integral part of local economic development projects and supports businesses of all sizes. Their work is helping to build a community where Ohioans can achieve the American Dream. Economic development remains one of my top priorities in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Clermont County Chamber on projects that make a difference in southern Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Clermont Chamber on their commendable achievement.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize C.J. Jones and Isaac Corcoran of the Ross County Junior Fair Board. C.J. and Isaac had a desire to help address hunger needs in their community and decided to participate in the Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer program, run by Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st. This program challenges junior fair boards to collect as many pounds of food as possible to donate to local organizations, addressing food insecurity in our communities. C.J. and Isaac set an ambitious goal of collecting 100,000 pounds of food throughout Ross County. While many questioned whether this goal was achievable, C.J. and Isaac ultimately went above and beyond, leading Ross County to break their previous record of food collected. They collected 122,640 pounds of food last year, which is 92,000 pounds more than what was collected in 2024. Efforts from youth like C.J. and Isaac will ensure that fewer Buckeyes will go hungry. Their actions show just what can be achieved when Ohioans set their minds to a common goal to look out for the needs of others.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Indiana for yielding me the time. Ohio families are working harder than ever day in and day out just to make ends meet. They are frustrated that they have to stretch their dollar as far as it can go just to keep a roof over their heads, afford to buy the basics, and deal with higher utility bills to keep their water and power on. Buckeye families have worked too hard to struggle this much, and I am standing here today ready to do something about it. House Republicans have listened to hurting families, and we are bringing forward legislation to help them get ahead. The Affordable HOMES Act will cut through unnecessary and complicated red tape that has been driving up the cost of manufactured housing for far too long. Who has ultimately shouldered the burden of these soaring costs? It is not the manufacturers. It is the hardworking families who are simply trying to buy a home and live the once-attainable American Dream. Owning a home shouldn't be this much of a challenge. This bill will help Ohio families check homeownership off the list, knowing they were able to achieve exactly what they worked for. House Republicans are also reining in the Biden administration's overregulation of everyday household water fixtures and bringing down costs for all Americans with the SHOWER Act. I applaud Representative Fry for leading on this legislation. Americans don't need the government to tell them which showerhead to use. They need the government to get out of the way so they can afford the necessities and have money to spend on other things in their lives. This bill will claw back ridiculous Biden-era red tape and put American families first. Lastly, I am working alongside my fellow Republicans to pass full- year funding for several critical programs. In my district, several water and police projects will be funded, which will benefit some of the poorest and most rural areas in this country. These projects will help fund long-overdue water infrastructure projects and make local improvements, ultimately driving down costs for communities throughout the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Representatives Houchin and Russell Fry, as well as our Republican leadership and the Appropriations Committee led by Chairman Cole, for their leadership on these critical pieces of legislation being considered. I urge Congress to pass these commonsense bills to lower the cost of living not only for Buckeye families but for families across America.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Graves and Chairman Collins for their hard work on this pragmatic and effective piece of legislation. I rise today in support of H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, which would cut red tape within the Clean Water Act's permitting processes. This legislation will provide much-needed regulatory certainty for America's farmers, small businesses, manufacturers, home and road builders, and many other permit holders. My colleagues across the aisle continue to promote the fallacy that improving permitting processes comes at the expense of the environment. Congress can continue to be good stewards of our environment while also removing regulations and processes that do not protect the environment but rather create obstacles that prevent economic growth and prosperity in Ohio and across the country. Among these provisions, the PERMIT Act makes commonsense reforms to the Clean Water Act permitting process that will continue to protect our Nation's water resources. These reforms increase transparency and provide clarity and consistency for permit holders so they can maintain compliance with the law and provide reasonable guardrails to prevent the weaponization of these permitting processes. In particular, I am proud that my bill, the Confidence in Clean Water Permits Act, is included in the underlying legislation. My bill provides reasonable protections for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit holders against frivolous lawsuits if they are acting in good faith and within the scope of their permits. Permit holders who are in compliance with these permits, and who often provide well-paying jobs to Americans, should not be punished with frivolous lawsuits when they comply with the terms of their permits. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the PERMIT Act to provide regulatory relief and certainty under the Clean Water Act for businesses in Ohio and across the Nation.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Brandan Holliday. Brandan recently returned home from deployment, serving with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in southwest Asia. While on deployment, Master Sergeant Holliday served as a night-shift flight chief, leading over 56 security forces members for U.S. Central Command. Master Sergeant Holliday's home unit is the 121st Security Forces Squadron based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. He also serves his community as a law enforcement officer, as an emergency management specialist for the Kettering Police Department, and as a part-time sergeant and deputy sheriff for the Aberdeen Police Department and Adams County Sheriff's Office, respectively. In total, Master Sergeant Holliday has 12 years of experience in the Armed Forces and over 15 years of law enforcement experience. Upon returning home from his recent deployment, Master Sergeant Holliday was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his outstanding leadership. What makes America exceptional are men and women like Brandan Holliday, the quiet heroes who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms. This country is forever indebted to our servicemembers and their families, who sacrifice so much to preserve our experiment in self-government. All of America thanks Master Sergeant Holliday. Recognizing University of Cincinnati Clermont Women's Volleyball Team

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Cincinnati Clermont women's volleyball team. The Cougars defeated Kent State Tuscarawas to win the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II championship. This is UC Clermont volleyball team's second title in its history. What makes this title even sweeter is that Kent State knocked the Cougars out of the playoff tournament last year. UC Clermont dominated the playoffs, thanks to their tireless work ethic and family culture. Ending the season 23-4, the Cougars secured the top tournament seed and rode the momentum to the national championship. Multiple Cougars were named to the all-tournament team, showcasing the amazing work the coaches and support staff do to develop these young women into star players. Winning titles is truly a joint effort between players, coaches, and parents. It takes teamwork to achieve great things, and that is something I hope the girls carry with them for the rest of their lives. All of southern Ohio is proud of the Cougar volleyball team. I look forward to their continued success.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Stewart. Ken is a proud resident of Ohio's Second Congressional District and a former firefighter with the Batavia Fire Department. Ken spent over four decades with the department, working his way up from lieutenant to chief. This past summer, at the age of 85, Ken participated in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, an Olympic competition specifically for first responders that draws competitors from around the world. Ken excelled in javelin throwing, high jump, and many other track events, ultimately contributing 9 medals to the total of 1,362 brought home by Team USA. Of his nine medals, three were gold and six were silver. Not only is Ken an accomplished athlete and public servant, but he was my science teacher at Amelia Middle School. I loved having him as a teacher. It is wonderful to see him continue to achieve greatly and inspire others around him. Ken worked tirelessly to prepare for the games by exercising at his local YMCA every day and allowing the thrill of competition to drive his desire to win. Ken reminds us all how important it is to keep moving and take care of ourselves so we can make the most of life at any age. Ken has centered his life around athletics, having been a high school track and field official for 47 years and track coach for 60 years in Clermont County. Ken even had the amazing opportunity to officiate the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. His dedication to improving the lives of young people is admirable. Mr. Speaker, coaches and officials play a key role in shaping the attitudes and beliefs of our Nation's youth, and my district is lucky to have many people like Ken to look out for our athletes. Madam Speaker, after a long and successful career, Ken plans to retire from athletic events. To celebrate his achievements and his dedication to his community, the Village of Batavia is naming July 14 ``Ken Stewart Day.'' I look forward to being in Batavia next year to celebrate. We congratulate Ken. All of southern Ohio is very proud of him. Recognizing Billy Ray ``Daddy-O'' Midkiff

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Billy Ray ``Daddy-O'' Midkiff and his extraordinary service to southern Ohio. Ray began serving as a volunteer firefighter in 1977 with the Wilkesville Volunteer Fire Department, and he became a charter member of the Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department. He has over 50 years of service including several years as fire chief for Salem Township. Ray's roots in the community run deep, as he has also worked as a dairy farmer and coal miner for the Southern Ohio Coal Company. Ray has received numerous awards such as the National Grange Volunteer Firefighter of the Year and was deemed a Hometown Hero by Modern Woodmen. To this day he is an active fire chief and continues to give back to southern Ohio. Madam Speaker, America is forever grateful for people like him and the millions of other first responders who put their lives on the line for us every day. All of southern Ohio thanks Ray for his service.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3427) to require the Comptroller General of the United States to review all clean water-related technical assistance authorities of the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 3427.