David Taylor

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. It was established in 1988 by the American Trucking Association. This week gives communities across the United States a chance to honor the dedication truck drivers bring to their careers and the impact they have on our communities. Truck drivers are critical to the United States' supply chain, often being the last mode of transportation delivering food to grocery stores, medical supplies to hospitals, and other vital goods to our constituents which they rely on every day. Virtually every time you purchase something, you can thank a truck driver for making it possible. Annually, truck drivers haul more than 11 billion tons of goods and navigate over 330 billion miles across the United States, rain or shine, day and night, to ensure communities have access to the items we need. Along with some of my colleagues, I am proud to have founded the first Congressional Trucking Caucus to provide a forum for lawmakers in Congress to suggest ideas and policies to support truck drivers across the United States. Earlier this year, the caucus introduced a resolution highlighting the administration's ``Our Roads, Our Safety'' campaign to promote safety tips on our Nation's roadways to keep all drivers safe. I thank Congresswoman Hageman for hosting this Special Order hour and members of the Congressional Trucking Caucus who came today to highlight truck drivers. Lastly, I thank our American truck drivers for their hard work and dedication and recognize the role they play in our great Nation.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a homegrown veteran and great American hero, Mr. Robert Bentley. Known as ``Bob'' by his friends and family, Mr. Bentley was a student at Jefferson High School in Adams County, Ohio, in 1968, when he made the courageous decision to leave school and answer the call to serve his country as a teenager. After attending basic and advanced military training, Bob served in Vietnam as a Specialist 4 in the United States Army from April 1969 to December 1970. Bob joined countless young Americans who set aside their own personal ambitions to defend the Nation they loved. His honorable service left a lasting legacy in his family, community, and our great Buckeye State. I am proud to not only commend Bob for his selfless service but to congratulate him for being awarded an honorary high school diploma by the Adams County Ohio Valley School Board in recognition of his sacrifice and dedication. My staff was honored to attend his ceremony and present him with a congressional commendation as well. We congratulate Bob. This year, his high school education is complete. Veterans like Bob continue to inspire those in southern Ohio and the whole Nation through outstanding courage, deep patriotism, and remarkable selflessness. It is heroes like him that preserve our Nation's values and the freedoms that we hold so dear. We thank Bob for his service. Recognizing Coach Chris Veidt's 500th Career Win

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the White Oak High School's head baseball coach Chris Veidt for his 500th career win this year. As a long-standing head coach of 35 years, Coach Veidt has made his mark not only on the diamond but throughout Highland County as well. Buckeye baseball has always been in Coach Veidt's blood. After graduating from Logan High School in 1982, he played competitively at the University of Rio Grande and Wilmington College, where he ultimately earned a degree in physical education. He went on to obtain a master's in health and sports science from the University of Dayton. Go Fliers. Afterward, he applied his extensive knowledge as an assistant coach for the Wilmington baseball team, helping the Quakers clinch the State championship in 1989. Over the course of his coaching career, Coach Veidt has earned five SHAC Coach of the Year Awards, nine Southeast District Coach of the Year honors, multiple State and regional recognitions, and was inducted into the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2024. He earned a place in the Southeast District Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014, and has served as an OHSBCA State Poll voter since 1993. To top it all off, Coach Veidt was awarded the OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award at the end of the 2026 season. It is devoted figures like Coach Veidt whose impact stretches far beyond the baseball field and into the lives of their players, their families, and their communities. The mentorship, leadership, and commitment he has demonstrated toward hundreds of student-athletes has developed the next generation of leaders. He has cheered his players on for nearly four decades, and now Ohio is rooting for him. I congratulate Coach Veidt on a storied career and 500 wins. Recognizing Dr. John Seidensticker

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding southern Ohioan who has served thousands of Chillicothe families for nearly six decades, Dr. John Seidensticker. Following in his grandfather's footsteps, John attended medical school and started working in internal medicine at the Chillicothe Hospital in 1967. After gaining experience, he moved over to endocrinology, which he ultimately specialized in. Over the decades of practicing medicine, John served multiple generations of Buckeye families and witnessed firsthand how advancing technologies changed the medical field. When the Chillicothe Hospital became Adena Health in the late 1990s, John was instrumental in creating their hospice program after seeing a need for additional care in our local aging population. John took pride in getting to know his patients over the years and became well known in the community for his genuine concern and excellent care. This year marks his retirement after an incredible 59 years of practicing medicine. John shared that he loves his work and will find it challenging to step back into this new season but is looking forward to spending time in his home workshop making canes and walking sticks. Even in his retirement, he will be contributing in a new way to help people meet their community's needs. I thank Dr. Seidensticker for his tremendous dedication to our community and congratulate him on his retirement. It is because of outstanding health care providers like him that generations of southern Ohio families are able to live healthier and more prosperous lives.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. America's veterans represent the best our country has to offer, and it is time for Congress to deliver meaningful reforms to our veterans' benefit programs that improve the quality of life for America's warfighters. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, which will modernize and enhance the delivery of VA benefits for veterans across our country. As we continue to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, it is important that we realize that freedom is not free, and we wouldn't have this amazing country without the sacrifices of countless servicemembers and their families. Now is the time to reaffirm Congress' support of our veteran community and put veterans first by passing this legislation. I am particularly proud that this legislation includes the expansion of GI Bill benefits, increases benefits for severely disabled veterans and their families, and ends the wounded veterans tax, thanks to the inclusion of the Major Richard Star Act. These reforms are long overdue, and I applaud Chairman Bost and the work of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for their role in crafting this legislation. This bill upholds the promise we made to our Nation's veterans that upon completion of their service, we would take care of them and their families. It is our duty as temporary caretakers of our Republic to fight for those who keep us safe, and veterans are at the top of that list. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of southern Ohio, I thank all our veterans and their families for the countless sacrifices they have made to keep our Nation safe. This vote is for them. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a treasured member of our Buckeye community, Jana Detty, and celebrate her retirement after a storied career spanning 50 years. While studying at Hocking Technical College to pursue a career in medical records, Jana set out to look for a summer job. At the time, she had no idea of the great career it would launch for her. Her neighbor was the manager at a local McDonald's on Western Avenue, so Jana threw her hat in the ring. She nailed the interview and started her job as a crew member, quickly climbing through the ranks and moving to shift manager, then assistant manager, general manager, supervisor, and, finally, human resources manager in 2009. Jana is known for her kindness and commitment to excellence. She also demonstrated her leadership by raising over half a million dollars for charity, to provide a home away from home for families of children undergoing serious medical treatments. Mr. Speaker, southern Ohio is proud to call Jana one of our own. We thank her for her years of dedication to our community and congratulate her on her retirement.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill to rename the Georgetown, Ohio, post office the Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building. President Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He spent his childhood in Georgetown, Ohio, a small town in Brown County, in what is today Ohio's Second Congressional District, before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839. Grant's time at West Point kicked off a legendary military career, beginning in the Mexican-American War and ending with the rank of general of the Army of the United States, the position he held until he became President. His accomplishments in the Civil War are too numerous to list, but after winning the battles at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, and Petersburg, he eventually accepted Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, ending the Civil War and keeping the Union intact. Following his military service, on March 4, 1869, Grant was sworn in as the 18th President of the United States, becoming the second Ohioan to serve as President. Throughout his two terms as President, Grant worked on civil rights issues, including the establishment of the Department of Justice, the adoption of the 15th Amendment, and other Reconstruction efforts. Ulysses S. Grant was an extraordinary American worthy of being remembered. At a time when our Nation was divided, much more divided than we are now, he was instrumental in bringing us back together. Without him, our Nation and world would be a much different place. By renaming the post office in his hometown of Georgetown after him, we are further solidifying his profound legacy. I thank the entire Ohio delegation for supporting this legislation, and I thank Chairman Comer's staff for working with us throughout this process. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Houchin for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule, which includes H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027. Through this bill, Republicans are making critical investments in American agriculture, considering to fund broadband expansion programs in rural regions like mine in Appalachian Ohio, and providing funding for critical community projects. Counties like those in my district have been left behind for too long when it comes to internet connectivity and repairing water infrastructure that our communities rely on every day. This bill delivers long-overdue support for rural Ohio families so they can have the tools they need to thrive. Four of my community project funding requests are included in this bill, which would bring $2.5 million back to Ohio's Second Congressional District to fund vital projects, including freshwater infrastructure, outdated wastewater systems, and workforce training, leading to well-paying jobs for the poorest Ohioans. These funds are critical to improving the quality of life for Ohio families in my district, their access to education and employment opportunities, and will make our region a better place to live, work, and raise a family. In regard to broadband, this bill encourages USDA to coordinate closely with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to avoid duplication of benefits, protecting funds to ensure every family has access to the internet and, thereby, the modern economy. It additionally encourages USDA to work with all relevant stakeholders, including those with new technologies that may help expand service. This bill also cracks down on foreign ownership of American farmland by making the Secretary of Agriculture a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and transferring responsibility of tracking foreign land ownership from the Farm Service Agency to the USDA Office of Homeland Security. Republicans are actively tracking, monitoring, and taking action against adversaries buying farmland. This will better align national security efforts and ensure our Nation's critical food supply is protected for generations to come. After all, food security is national security. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my Republican colleagues and urge passage of this bill to protect critical Federal resources for taxpayers who depend on them, ensure our food supply chain and farmland are able to keep food on our families' tables for generations to come, and make sure every rural family can connect to the modern economy. I thank Chairman Tom Cole, Subcommittee Chairman Harris, and the entire Appropriations Committee for all the hard work they did getting this bill to the floor. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my Republican colleagues to deliver real results to the American people.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael ``Gator'' Harrod, who recently eclipsed an impressive 1 million miles as a truck driver--accident-free. Michael moved from Florida to Chillicothe, Ohio, and started his journey to a million miles just 7 years ago. One of the perks Michael shared from his experience has been seeing many of the beautiful parts of America and Canada. Responsible for making hundreds of decisions on the road every day that impact the safety of both himself and other drivers, Michael has an exceptional track record of safe driving. He is known for taking necessary precautions, following speed requirements, and vigilantly looking out for potential obstacles. Generating nearly $906 billion in revenue in 2024, America's trucking industry powers our economy, creates 8.5 million jobs, and secures America's supply chains. Michael is just one of the Nation's highly skilled truck drivers who we all depend on to transport valuable goods and keep our Nation's economy moving forward. In Congress, I am a vocal advocate of this industry, ensuring that our truck drivers are fully equipped to be safe on the road. I proudly founded the first-ever Bipartisan Congressional Trucking Caucus to create a forum for lawmakers to address issues relating to the industry and policies that promote integrity, safety, and growth. I also introduced a bill called Connor's Law, which was included in Dalilah's Law and passed through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. My bill will ensure that all truck drivers are proficient in the English language before being granted a commercial driver's license to prevent any more Americans from being killed or injured at the hands of truck drivers who can't read road signs. It is outstanding drivers like Michael who set the standard of excellence in our trucking industry, and I commend him on this tremendous achievement. I look forward to continuing to advocate for the needs of our amazing truck drivers in Congress. recognizing budder manley

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Budder Manley of River Valley High School. Budder recently won the first State wrestling championship in River Valley history and the third State championship in the history of the school. Budder, who is only a sophomore, dominated the tournament in the 190- pound Division III weight class by beating competitors across Ohio on the way to the State championship. He was supported along the way by southern Ohio and the River Valley community. A special streaming party was even held for those who could not make it to the tournament in Columbus, so they could watch Budder compete. All of southern Ohio is proud of Budder for his achievement and cannot wait to see his continued success during his junior and senior years and beyond. Everybody ought to watch out for Budder Manley. He means business. recognizing portsmouth high school athletes

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of outstanding Portsmouth High School athletes, including the Lady Trojans girls' basketball team, Serinity Kalb, and Bailey Waughtel, all of whom recently won back-to-back State championships. The Lady Trojans basketball team repeated as Division V State champs by beating Ottawa-Glandorf 53-48 on the back of junior Keke Woods' 26- point performance. Portsmouth's victory ended Ottawa-Glandorf's 28-game winning streak. Additionally, Serinity Kalb and Bailey Waughtel won State championships for the second year in a row in powerlifting in each of their respective weight classes. Claiming her title, Serinity lifted a total of 730 pounds between the squat, dead lift, and bench class. Bailey lifted an impressive 930 pounds. These girls' dedication, hard work, and skill are evident through their high achievements, and I commend them for their outstanding accomplishments. Portsmouth High School is a force to be reckoned with. I give a heartfelt congratulations to all these stellar athletes. I know I speak for all of southern Ohio when I say we are proud of the Trojans.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to solemnly honor the life of an American hero who gave his life in service to his country. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, while deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury, six crewmembers were killed when the U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tanker crashed in Iraq's airspace. Two crewmembers were from our Buckeye State, and one was from my district: Captain Curtis Angst of Wilmington. Curtis was a standout student, earning honors from both Wilmington High School, where he graduated in 2014, and at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a degree in aerospace engineering. Curtis had a great love for aviation, which began in his childhood. Curtis' mother, Lisa, remembers how Curtis would play with toy airplanes outside of his family's home. Curtis' father, Matt, was a private pilot and took Curtis up in the air for the first time when he was just a toddler. Lisa worked as a flight attendant for airlines, so Curtis seemed destined to take flight when he got older. Captain Angst was only 30 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice. During his final mission, he was serving as a pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. With a decade of service, Captain Angst had completed 880 flight hours and 67 combat hours, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and a deep commitment to protecting our Nation. Earlier in his career, Captain Angst had also deployed in 2015 in Operation Spartan Shield and was responsible for flying worldwide for air refueling, aeromedical services, cargo transport, and passenger operations. Captain Angst leaves behind a loving wife, Mary. My heart goes out to her and the rest of Curtis' family as they navigate this unthinkable loss. This tragedy is a solemn reminder that freedom is not free and that we owe a debt of gratitude to Curtis and the other servicemembers who have given their lives in service to this country. I continue to stand resolutely behind our courageous servicemembers and their families as they prove time after time that America is the land of the free because of the brave. Captain Angst's service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I salute Captain Angst for his courage and speak on behalf of southern Ohio when I say that he will be remembered as an American hero. My prayers and deepest condolences will continue to be with Captain Angst and his family in the months ahead.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2474) to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include low-orbit satellites in broadband projects, 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 into the Record on H.R. 2474.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to introduce the Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act, which directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to include satellites in its broadband projects. Currently, the ARC can support targeted broadband projects in distressed, rural communities to attract businesses and jobs. However, Appalachia is a vast region, and not all of its communities have access to fiber optic broadband service, which can be economically isolating for local businesses. I represent 13 counties in ARC's service area. The topography challenges in my district and the rest of Appalachia create unique challenges for traditional fiber optic broadband. Satellite broadband, on the other hand, with its far-reaching capabilities, can enable the delivery of high-speed internet to those more remote, difficult-to-access communities that do not currently have fiber optic infrastructure. Expanding access to this modern necessity will help incentivize the growth of new businesses in the region. With the potential to leverage this technology for business growth, ARC funding could go further in addressing economic development challenges in distressed communities. That is why it is crucial for GAO to begin studying the ARC's ability to apply this critical technology to its mission of promoting regional economic growth. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, by directing a study on the Appalachian Regional Commission's ability to implement satellite broadband projects into its portfolio, this legislation will help the Appalachian economy continue to advance and grow. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 2474, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6480) to direct the Administrator of General Services to submit a report to Congress on the state of the real estate portfolio of the Public Building Service, and for other purposes.

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 into the Record on H.R. 6480.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6480 directs the Administrator of General Services to submit a report to Congress on the state of the real estate portfolio of GSA's Public Buildings Service. I thank the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management ranking member, Mr. Stanton, along with the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Perry, for their work on this legislation. H.R. 6480 improves transparency and supports congressional oversight of the GSA's real estate portfolio by directing the GSA to begin reissuing its state of the portfolio report. The GSA used to produce a state of the portfolio report that contained critical and useful information each year. The report provided the taxpayer and Congress with a clear accounting of the GSA's real estate holdings, including a breakdown of costs and liabilities and updates on deferred maintenance. Since the GSA stopped issuing this report nearly one decade ago, the information has become less accessible. This bill will ensure that the GSA reissues these reports to improve congressional oversight and ensure that the GSA is accountable to the American taxpayer. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will increase transparency of GSA's real estate holdings and ensure there is greater accountability to the American taxpayer for the management of our Federal real estate portfolio. I urge support of H.R. 6480, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6481) to direct the Administrator of General Services and the Director of the Federal Protective Service to establish guidance relating to emergency communication protocols for public buildings, and for other purposes.

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 into the Record on H.R. 6481.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Building Threat Notification Act directs the Administrator of General Services and the Director of the Federal Protective Service to establish guidance on emergency communication protocols for public buildings. This legislation was developed after the committee received a report detailing crime that occurs in and around Federal buildings. The report detailed that in fiscal year 2024, there were over 3,500 incidents of crime in and around Federal buildings recorded nationwide. This data paints a clear picture of the current system in which the safety of Federal workers and visitors to GSA buildings is not a guarantee. It is even more critical today, given the heightened security threats, to ensure there are clear communication protocols for occupants and visitors to Federal facilities. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management ranking member, Mr. Stanton, along with subcommittee chairman, Mr. Perry, for their work on this very important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will ensure that the GSA and FPS establish standard operating procedures that will help keep agency tenants better informed when there are threats to the building or its occupants. This is an important step Congress can take to increase safety in Federal buildings for both Federal employees and visitors. I urge support of H.R. 6481, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7388) to direct the Administrator of General Services to convene consultation meetings to identify alternative financing solutions for the construction of new public buildings that will reduce costs to the Federal Government, and for other purposes, as amended.