Tim Walberg

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, it is my special privilege to recognize Michael Fry of Fulton as the Veteran of the Month for April and to honor him for his extraordinary and enduring service to our great Nation. Michael Fry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during his senior year of high school and served with distinction from 2005 to 2018. Throughout his 13-year career, he was trained as a Signals Intelligence Analyst, a Special Intelligence Systems Communicator, and a Persian-Farsi Crypto-Linguist. He deployed to Iraq with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later to Afghanistan with Special Operations Task Force--West in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Michael also served as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) of Recruiting Sub-Station (RSS) North Columbus, where he led his Marines to earn RSS of the Year during his final year on recruiting duty. Michael attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in September 2018 after more than a decade of faithful service. Following his military career, Michael continued to serve his community as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the Michigan State Police, supporting the Southwest Enforcement Team and assisting multi- jurisdictional efforts to combat transnational organized crime and major drug trafficking networks. He now serves as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, where he plays a vital role in supporting investigations. Michael's leadership extends far beyond his professional service. Since returning to Michigan, he has remained deeply engaged in the veteran community. He served five years on the Kalamazoo County Veterans Affairs Committee, including three as Chair, and currently serves as the Detachment Commandant of the Marine Corps League's Kalamazoo Detachment No. 879. He is also the Vice Chair of the Kalamazoo Veterans Coalition, where he advocates tirelessly on behalf of local veterans and their families. His commitment to ensuring veterans receive the care, recognition, and support they deserve is an inspiration to all who know him. In service to his community, Michael received the Kalamazoo County Veteran of the Year award in 2024 and the Marine of the Year award from the Marine Corps League's Kalamazoo Detachment No. 879 in 2025. Michael Fry's life of service clearly demonstrates the Marine Corps' motto of being always faithful. His leadership working on behalf of America's veterans inspires us all. May others know of my high regard for Michael, as well as my deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to the country we love.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nathan Martin, a dedicated cross-country coach and substitute teacher at Jackson High School, who has earned national recognition by winning the 41st Los Angeles Marathon. Nathan's story is one of grit, heart, and perseverance. During the race he told himself: I can't give up. It was a simple but powerful motto that carried him to pass the international leader and cross the finish line as the champion in the final seconds of the race. However, Nathan's impact extends far beyond his own personal achievement. As a coach and substitute teacher, he inspires young runners and students, teaching them the values of discipline, resilience, and believing in themselves. His victory is a win for the entire Jackson community and for every student he has encouraged along the way. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nathan on his remarkable and historic accomplishment.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4624) to amend the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to establish requirements for unified boxing organizations, to further enhance the well-being of professional boxers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WALBERG. 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 H.R. 4624.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ``float like a butterfly'' and ``sting like a bee'' in support of H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026. For much of the 20th century, boxing stood at the heart of American sports and culture. It gave us legends like Christy Martin, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey, and Muhammad Ali, but the sport today looks very different. For too long, professional boxing has operated under an outdated patchwork of regulations that leaves fighters vulnerable to injury, exploitation, and limited opportunity. The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act would bring the sport into the modern era. This bipartisan legislation would create new frameworks to enhance safety standards, expand opportunities for fighters, and restore integrity to the sport, revitalizing one of America's most iconic sports. This bipartisan bill would allow unified boxing organizations, UBOs, to operate alongside existing sanctioning bodies. That means more options for fighters and more choice in how they compete. For boxers fighting within UBOs, the bill would strengthen health and safety protections. The legislation also extends stronger safety protections and increases wages for all professional boxers, whether they compete inside or outside of a UBO. In short, the bill gives boxers more choice, better pay, and stronger safety protections, while encouraging the growth and modernization of this historic sport. Muhammad Ali, who was my constituent at one time, said this: ``Don't count the days; make the days count.'' Today, we have the opportunity to make this day count for the fighters who step into the ring, for the future of this sport, for the integrity of the competition itself, and for the fans like me and others who will experience a benefit from this bill. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4624, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Jack), the author of this legislation.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and a doggone good wrestler in his time as an NCAA champion.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harris), a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Mackenzie), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I express my appreciation to Ranking Member Scott for his efforts and work on this bill. It is always good to work with him. I greatly appreciate the work of the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Jack, and his cosponsor Representative Davids, as well as Representative Omar for the efforts that they have put into making this bill what it appears to be and stands to be and the impact that it can have as we have noted today. Like many Americans, I enjoy boxing movies like ``Rocky'' and ``Cinderella Man.'' I think the reason those stories resonate with so many is because it reflects what boxing is meant to represent: discipline, opportunity, a fair fight, and doggone toughness in the American way. I so enjoyed my colleague Mr. Jordan as he went through names that I recollect, sitting with my twin brother and my father watching those historic boxing matches. Now, I am a short distance from the Kronk Gym, a historic gym where Emanuel Steward and others trained fighters to do the American thing: discipline, opportunity, and a fair fight. This bill is also reflective of the story of the American Dream that anyone can earn his or her shot through grit and determination. But in the real world, a fair fight requires rules that protect competitors as much as they promote competition. Today, professional boxing too often falls short of that standard. Too often, fighters are pushed into dangerous matches without proper medical oversight, even in the training that they do. They are left navigating contracts with a lack of transparency and forced to shoulder risk without adequate recourse. That reality undermines athlete safety and public confidence in the sport. The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act modernizes the framework of professional boxing to meet the expectations of today's athletes and today's fans. It strengthens protections for fighters, creates more opportunities, and helps restore integrity in the sport. At a time when interest in boxing is growing again, we have the chance to restore confidence in a sport that once inspired generations of Americans. Mr. Speaker, for the fighters of today and tomorrow, for the fans who believe in this sport, and for the enduring principle of fair competition, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4624, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Samuel ``Sam'' Struth of Monroe as the Veteran of the Month for March and honor him for his dedicated service to our great Nation. Sam Struth served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1980. He completed basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and attended U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning in Georgia. He was assigned to the 548th Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he participated in numerous emergency relief operations, including earthquake relief in Guatemala in 1976, as well as flood recovery efforts in Virginia and West Virginia in 1979 and 1980. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Marksmanship Badge. Sam's service did not end when he took off the uniform. Sam has stayed actively involved in the veteran community, dedicating a significant amount of time to volunteer for various organizations such as Angels for Veterans and AMVETS of Monroe County. These organizations strengthen the bonds of fellowship, provide practical assistance, and remind our veterans that their sacrifices are both remembered and honored. In service to his community, Sam also co-founded Flags O'er Veterans with Ken Moore after identifying that several local cemeteries lacked American flags honoring deceased veterans. The organization pays tribute to veterans in Monroe by raising funds to install flagpoles, American flags, lighting, and memorial plaques in cemeteries where they are laid to rest. What began with a simple but powerful conviction that every veteran's resting place should be marked by the flag they defended has grown into a lasting local tribute. Sam Struth's remarkable life of service and his leadership working on behalf of America's veterans inspire us all. May others know of my high regard for Sam, as well as my deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to the country we love.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, in the engrossment of H.R. 6392, the Clerk be directed to make the correction I have placed at the desk.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6472, sponsored by Congressman James Moylan of Guam, which allows residents of U.S. territories to access in-State tuition rates at public universities across the U.S. I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 6472, which ensures students of the U.S. territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive in-State tuition at public universities across the country. I am pleased that all of the Delegates from each U.S. territory are original cosponsors of the bill and that it received strong bipartisan support in the committee markup. Under H.R. 6472, public postsecondary institutions will be required to offer in-State tuition rates to residents of U.S. territories. Through this bill, a student from Guam would pay the same tuition at a public university just as any in-State student. This isn't a novel idea. Under current law, servicemembers and their families already receive in-State tuition rates, creating new pathways for more Americans to get high-quality educations at a competitive cost. However, H.R. 6472 doesn't just help students. It helps the territories, too. After graduation, students can return home with advanced degrees and credentials they can reinvest back into their homes and local economies. This isn't just an investment in our students. It is an investment in the economic strength of American territories. Students can contribute their newfound expertise to help develop new industries and drive economic development. That investment also strengthens American national security. As competition with our adversaries, like China, intensify in the Pacific and drug trafficking continues in South and Central America, we must ensure our territories have the infrastructure and brainpower needed to promote a strong national security posture in the region. Last year, we passed the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which included some of the most conservative reforms to higher education in decades, massively lowering costs and helping create new pathways for students to chase the American Dream. We now have a chance to build off that success of the Working Families Tax Cut Act and lower postsecondary education costs for U.S. residents in U.S. territories so they can continue supporting our vital military operations. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I look forward to passing H.R. 6472 and supporting our territories. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan), the sponsor of the bill and a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Guam.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, as President Trump said in his State of Union Address last week, America's military is the strongest in the world, but we continue to have enemies around every corner of the globe who would like to undermine our power. That is why H.R. 6472 is so important. This bill ensures residents of U.S. territories receive vital workforce training and skills as our U.S. military continues to operate out of these critical geographical outposts. The working families tax cuts were a strong step in lowering costs for students and borrowers. Now, we are continuing these efforts and supporting our military and our territories. As chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I am steadfast in my commitment to reducing college costs and opening up workforce pipelines. I thank Congressman Moylan again for sponsoring this legislation and helping expand educational opportunities for residents of U.S. territories. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WALBERG

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

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding me the time and for his leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor. Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong motorcycle rider, it is a privilege to be here today and to speak in support of my legislation, the America the Beautiful Motorcycle Fairness Act, which will ensure fair access to our Nation's national parks and public lands for motorcyclists. Historically, the America the Beautiful pass has permitted entry for one noncommercial passenger vehicle with multiple passengers, two motorcycles, or a group of bicyclists accompanying one passholder. However, in 2024, the Biden administration changed its policy, I believe, to unfairly restrict access for motorcycles to one bike per pass instead of two. Thankfully, President Trump and Secretary Burgum have restored common sense, and in November, they announced the America the Beautiful pass would once again allow for entry for two bikes per pass. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we can ensure motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country have access to our Nation's national parks. These most magnificent places are testaments to America's greatness and the majestic landscapes that stretch across our great Nation. By restoring parity for motorcycle riders, we will expand access opportunities, strengthen local economies that depend on tourism as well, and allow our fellow Americans to explore our historic landmarks in the best way possible: on two wheels in the open air. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4307) to direct the Secretary of Labor to train certain employees of Department of Labor how to effectively detect and assist law enforcement in preventing human trafficking during the course of their official duties, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 4307.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act. I thank my friend and colleague, Representative Lucy McBath, for her partnership on this important legislation. In my time on the Committee on Education and Workforce, I have come to the realization that the Department of Labor employees have a frontline view to detect patterns of human trafficking and labor exploitation. This is where my bill, H.R. 4307, comes into play. Specifically, this legislation directs the Department of Labor to educate appropriate staff in how to effectively detect instances of human trafficking, ensure personnel regularly receive information on current trends and best practices, and establish a clear course of action for referring suspected instances of human trafficking to law enforcement. In other words, it turns Department of Labor employees into an early warning system against human trafficking. One of the greatest obstacles in the fight against human trafficking is a lack of awareness. Too often, visible signs of human trafficking go unnoticed or unreported simply because individuals lack proper training. By arming these employees with critical information on how to identify potential trafficking situations, we can strengthen our ability to intervene quickly and efficiently to hold traffickers accountable and protect those who are most vulnerable. I am proud to say that, last Congress, this legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, with a vote of 407-0. Protecting more people from falling victim to the scourge of human trafficking is not political. I urge my colleagues to put an end to this modern-day slavery and to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4307. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan), a great member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, this legislation and the policies it supports have been important to me for quite some time. That is because behind every statistic is a name, a face, and a heartbroken family. Human trafficking doesn't just rob these individuals of their dignity. It robs them of their future. Department of Labor personnel already interact with workplaces, review labor conditions, and identify irregularities. H.R. 4307 ensures that when red flags appear, they are recognized for what they are and are acted upon swiftly and responsibly. The earlier they can intervene, the greater the chance we have to stop exploitation before it becomes prolonged abuse. That proactive approach is both compassionate and common sense. This approach also utilizes resources and tools already in place. It supports law enforcement without expanding government unnecessarily. It honors taxpayers by making better use of the workforce we already have. H.R. 4307 better arms DOL employees to disrupt criminal enterprises and uphold justice, but most importantly, it helps bring victims back home to safety. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.