Beth Van Duyne

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Officer Brad Mitchell of the Grapevine Police Department on the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service in law enforcement. Officer Mitchell's career has been defined by dedication, professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our North Texas communities. Officer Mitchell began his law enforcement career in September 1993 with the Colleyville Police Department, where he served until April 1996. He then joined the Grapevine Police Department, where he dedicated the remainder of his career to protecting and serving the residents of Grapevine and the surrounding North Texas community. Throughout his tenure with the Grapevine Police Department, Officer Mitchell served in numerous assignments, including Patrol, Traffic, the Mall Substation, and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). He also served as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and guiding new officers entering the profession. His work in Traffic as a DWI/DRE Traffic Investigator and in CID as a Traffic Investigator and Fraud Investigator reflects the breadth of his experience and his steadfast commitment to public safety. His career exemplifies the very best of public service, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on the Grapevine Police Department and the community he has served for three decades. I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to him as he begins this well- deserved retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Lieutenant Tim Gill for his distinguished 29-year career in law enforcement and his dedicated service to our North Texas community. Lieutenant Gill began his career with the Grapevine Police Department on February 24, 1997, and was certified as a Texas Peace Officer on July 7, 2004. Over nearly three decades, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership, and professionalism in every role he has held. Lieutenant Gill holds a master's degree from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Bluefield College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Police Executive Research Forum, reflecting his continued commitment to professional development and excellence in law enforcement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Gill has served in a wide range of impactful roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Instructor, and Explorer Advisor. He made significant contributions to community engagement and public safety through his work as a Crime Prevention Officer, Crime Prevention Inspector, and Homeowner's Insurance Inspector. He also served in both the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions before advancing to Lieutenant in Patrol and later serving as the Office of Professional Standards Lieutenant. In addition, Lieutenant Gill played a critical role as the Accreditation Manager for the Grapevine Police Department's first accreditation through the Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, helping to advance the department's professional standards and accountability. Lieutenant Gill's career exemplifies integrity, leadership, and dedication to service. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the Grapevine Police Department and the community he has faithfully served. As he moves into this next chapter, I offer my best wishes for his well-earned retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Arbor Creek Elementary School in Euless, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 50 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Berkner High School and STEM Academy in Richardson, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans Program. Through this initiative, students created more than 20 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of RISD Academy in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 290 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Bedford Heights Elementary School in Bedford, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 30 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Moss Haven Elementary School in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 20 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3971) to extend the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes.

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which reauthorizes the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs through September 30, 2031. The SBIR and the STTR programs are critical to American innovation and help ensure the United States remains a step ahead of foreign adversaries. This reauthorization package is the culmination of countless hours of bicameral and bipartisan negotiations over several months. I thank my colleagues in the House--Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez with the Committee on Small Business and Chairman Babin and Ranking Member Lofgren with the Committee on Science, Space & Technology--for their work to get these programs reauthorized. I thank Chairman Ernst and Ranking Member Markey for advancing this bill through the Senate. Today is the day we get these programs back online for small businesses across the country. The SBIR and the STTR programs have helped small businesses turn big ideas into real solutions by providing early-stage funding for more than 40 years. These investments have produced groundbreaking technologies that strengthen America's economy and our national defense. Unfortunately, both these programs were shut down for the first time for the last 5 months due to the Senate's inability to pass a short- term clean reauthorization while negotiations continued. This lapse created uncertainty for small businesses, delayed critical innovation, and risked allowing critical technology to fall into the hands of foreign adversaries. This reauthorization package contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies. This bill also aims to bridge the valley of death between research and commercialization by providing training for acquisition officials, improving data collection across participating agencies, and modernizing technical and business assistance for small businesses. The chairman and ranking member have shown their commitment to ensuring these programs remain strong, operate efficiently, and support small business innovators, while advancing research and development. From lifesaving medical advancements to next-generation defense capabilities, the SBIR and the STTR programs empower Main Street to deliver real solutions for both the government and the private sector. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and their staff for working to find a bipartisan path forward to reauthorizing these critical programs. I look forward to seeing this bill enacted and the new innovative ideas that follow. I urge my colleagues to support this unanimous commonsense solution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, we must pass S. 3971 to ensure that Federal investment yields results for our country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 3971 to support small businesses across the country in advancing technology and innovation. It is time for small businesses to access SBIR and STTR programs again after 5 long months. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students from the National Art Honor Society created more than 90 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend the members and sponsor for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Good Elementary School in Carrollton, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 100 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office, This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Early College High School in Farmers Branch, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 80 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, Junior ROTC students created more than 130 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Harry C. Withers Elementary School in Dallas, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 320 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. I would also like to recognize the members of their Student Council for their leadership in organizing and supporting this project. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make it a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students and Junior ROTC members created more than 170 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Central High School in Keller, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, Student Council members created more than 55 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 130 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and faculty of St. John the Apostle Catholic School in North Richland Hills, Texas for their participation in our 2026 Valentines for Veterans program. Through this initiative, students created more than 35 Valentine's Day cards for veterans in our North Texas community, sharing encouragement, appreciation, and heartfelt support with those who have served. Their commitment to honoring our heroes helped make this project a tremendous success, contributing to over 1,800 Valentine's Day cards received by our office. This outpouring of kindness reflects the deep gratitude for our veterans that remains strong throughout North Texas. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by these students are a testament to the caring spirit present throughout their school. I commend them for their generosity and community involvement and thank them for helping make this year's Valentines for Veterans program so meaningful. It is an honor to represent them in Texas' 24th District.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the remarkable career of Captain K. Todd Dearing of the Grapevine Police Department as he retires after 35 years of dedicated service to North Texas. Captain Dearing began his public safety career in 1991 as a dispatcher and security officer with the University of North Texas. In 1992, he joined the Grapevine Police Department, where he served in numerous roles throughout his career, including Patrol Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, before becoming Captain in 2018. His leadership and commitment to public safety helped strengthen the department and our North Texas community. During his tenure, Captain Dearing helped launch the department's Police Explorers program, mentoring local youth interested in careers in law enforcement, and pioneered the Grapevine Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, which continues to support the department through thousands of volunteer hours each year. In 2021, he was appointed to lead the department's Management Services Division, where he played an important role in shaping the department's operations. As a Master Peace Officer, Captain Dearing holds a Master of Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University and has completed nearly 3,300 hours of professional training throughout his distinguished career. Captain K. Todd Dearing's service to law enforcement and our community has left a lasting impact. As he enters his next chapter, I extend my best wishes to him for a well-deserved retirement.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate north Texan Hannah Bilka of the U.S. Women's Hockey Team for winning gold at the 2026 Milan Olympics. Hannah grew up in Coppell, Texas, where she began skating with local hockey clubs at a young age. She graduated from Coppell Middle School North and completed ninth grade at New Tech High School before moving to pursue more opportunities in competitive hockey. At just 24 years old, Hannah competed on the world stage against rival Team Canada in the Olympic final. Her talent and sportsmanship were on full display this year in Milan, where she scored four goals over seven games and helped lead Team USA throughout the tournament and on to a gold medal victory. Her journey from local rinks in north Texas to Olympic champion is inspiring to many young Olympians and many young athletes across the Lone Star State. I thank Hannah for representing north Texas and the United States in such an incredible way.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas. The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Corporal Ronald Frank Moore, United States Marine Corps, of Coppell, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. Corporal Moore enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1973 and was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division Headquarters Company during the Vietnam era. While serving, he demonstrated outstanding leadership, character, and dedication to his fellow Marines, earning the Good Conduct Medal for exemplary service. During his time in uniform, he was frequently invited to organize and lead morale-building events for his unit, including speaking engagements and community programs across Okinawa and the Pacific. Following his military service, Corporal Moore dedicated his life to communication, mentorship, and community service. For more than five decades, he has worked as a national broadcaster, speaker, and community leader hosting programs such as Higher Life and Morning Cup of Motivation, and serving as a voice for K-LOVE Radio. Through these platforms, he has inspired thousands with messages of resilience, leadership, and hope. He is the Founder of Fields of Grace Church, an outreach-focused organization that provides encouragement and service to others, and continues to lead programs across Texas and beyond that uplift and strengthen communities. Corporal Moore's lifelong commitment to service, both in uniform and as a civilian leader, reflects the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and brings great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.