Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Maxwell (Max) Huntley and his service to Virginia's First District and the Nation. Max earned his bachelor's degree in English and master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Military Operations from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College. As a NCAA All-American athlete, Max dominated the mats as the University of Michigan's first three-time wrestling team captain in the school's history. Max joined my office in April 2017 and became my Military Legislative Assistant in February 2019 and Senior Advisor in May 2021. During his time serving Virginia's First District, Max admirably staffed my House Armed Services Committee, including my role as Sea power and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman and Ranking Member. Max labored tirelessly to advance the shared goal of a larger and more capable United States Navy and Marine Corps in an era of Great Power Competition. Max has devoted his talents to the common good and the nation's defense as he follows the distinguished Huntley family tradition of service to the United States. I would like to thank Max for his contributions over the last 4 years. l wish Max the best as he continues his journey on the other side of the Capitol with Senator John Kennedy. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Max Huntley for his dedicated service to Virginia's First District. May God bless Max as he continues his career in public service.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted yea on roll call No. 23 and 24.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 15.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember Aubrey M. ``Bucky'' Stanley, Jr. of Hanover, Virginia, who passed away on December 31, 2021. Bucky was a longtime Hanover County resident who spent many years of his life serving his county. Bucky graduated from Patrick Henry High School and attended North Carolina State University. He returned to Virginia to work in the lumber and timber industry, first working with a family business, Stanley Lumber, and after that, owning his own company, AMS Timer, LLC. In 1983, Bucky won his first election in Hanover, serving 38 years on the board, and six terms as chairman. He was the longest-serving Board of Supervisors member not only in the history of Hanover County, but the Commonwealth of Virginia as well. Bucky also served as chairman of the Capital Region Airport Commission for four terms. Bucky was a true servant leader in everything that he did and always put others first. In addition to serving his beloved Hanover, Bucky was passionate about softball, managing and sponsoring teams including Stanley Lumber, Crossfire, Buckeye Softball, Mid-Atlantic Softball, and Andy's of Ashland. He travelled around the nation to participate in the sport and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of several of the sports sanctioning organizations. Bucky was a great family man and showed his love to them in many ways. Bucky was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey Mae Stanley Sr. and Helen Harris Stanley, and his wife, Ellen Epps Stanley. He is survived by his son, Darrell Stanley (Sheila) and his grandson, Wyatt Stanley. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the life of Aubrey M. ``Bucky'' Stanley, Jr.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Gregory Ronald ``Ron'' Herring, Sr. Ron spent his life dedicated to his family and the people of the Northern Neck. He was the kind of person who never met a stranger. Ron graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1968 and went on to apprentice and graduate from Newport News Ship Building in 1972. He met the love of his life, Linda Lee, and they were married on March 14, 1970. Together they started the Home Crafters in 1987 where they erected more than 300 homes and completed countless renovations. Throughout his life, Ron was very involved with the Morattico Baptist Church, the Northumberland County Republican Committee, the Northern Neck Home Builders Association, and the Northumberland County school system. Ron was also an avid outdoorsman with a deep love for the Northern Neck's waters. He enjoyed spending his time fishing, boating, and advocating for commercial and sport fishermen. Ron is survived by his wife and sweetheart, Linda; sister, Georgena Herring Strawderman; daughters, Angela (Shawn) Clarke and Sara Bishop; son, Greg (Shannon) Herring; grandchildren Madison, Bobby and Jacob Clarke, Luke and McKenna Dooley, and Danielle Thompson. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me and countless others as we recognize the life of Gregory Ronald Herring, Sr.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Rogers for yielding. Madam Speaker, our national security is in jeopardy. Russia literally has over 100,000 troops sitting on Ukraine's doorstep. Iran continues to threaten the viability of Israel and other regional nations, and China is preparing to bully the ASEAN nations into submission and declare their regional hegemony, not just in Hong Kong but the entire region. Just this year, China surpassed the United States in battle force ships and is rapidly approaching parity in our combat aircraft. Do we have the courage to stand up to these regional tyrants; do we oppose an Iranian regime who threatens to destabilize neighboring countries while they seek nuclear capabilities; or even do we seek to appease a North Korea who continues to threaten South Korea and even the United States with their nuclear expansion? Our Nation sits at the precipice of a national security inflection point. I know which path our Nation should select and I am emboldened to ensure our Nation is prepared to choose, at a time of our choosing, what will be in the best interest of our Nation. A strong national defense is necessary to preserve our democratic ideals and the nations who seek to live free from subjugation and oppression. Madam Speaker, that is why I am particularly pleased that we have rejected a multitude of national security objectives proposed by the Biden administration. This bill authorizes a 20 percent increase in ship construction, partially rejects an ill-advised ``divest to invest'' strategy, and blocks a multitude of poison pills that were haphazardly tacked on to this bill. I thank Ranking Member Rogers and his leadership during the top-line debate this year. We are adopting his authorization vision today, a vision that ensures real growth for defense. I also particularly thank Chairman Smith and Chairman Courtney for their approach to national security and their desire to reach a bipartisan consensus, doing what is in the best interest of our Nation. Madam Speaker, I say to my friends that this is a good bill, worthy of support. It sends a strong message to our democratic partners and allies that the United States stands with countries that oppose regional hegemony. We need to pass the National Defense Authorization Act to ensure our national security.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 392. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Barragan (Beyer) Bucshon (Walorski) Bustos (Brownley) Cardenas (Soto) Casten (Foster) Crist (Wasserman Schultz) DeFazio (Carbajal) Demings (Soto) Fulcher (Johnson (OH)) Hagedorn (Moolenaar) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Khanna (Raskin) Lawrence (Johnson (GA)) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lesko (Miller (WV)) Moore (UT) (Curtis) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Payne (Norcross) Porter (Wexton) Posey (Cammack) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Quigley) Schneider (Wasserman Schultz) Stewart (Curtis) Swalwell (Gomez) Tiffany (Arrington) Underwood (Quigley) Vela (Gomez) Watson Coleman (Norcross) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember Frank D. Hargrove, Sr., who passed away on October 16, 2021, at the age of 94. After serving in WWII in the Army Air Corps, Frank started his political career in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1981. He went on to serve for 28 years, which is the longest tenure of any state legislator in Hanover County's history. Frank was an adventurous young man, he learned to fly planes as a teenager and, enlisted in the Army Air Corps after graduating high school. After his service, he attended Virginia Tech where he often reminisced about his adventures with his airplane over his studies. Upon graduating, he joined his father's insurance business. He was a brilliant businessman; he assembled a team, and together they built up A.W. Hargrove Insurance Agency. He grew what started as a small family business into one of the largest independent insurance agencies in Virginia before selling it in 1997. When Frank married Oriana Robertson, she took credit for channeling his energy to productive ends. This same energy led Frank to teach himself to sail, pick-up long-distance biking and running, and be well known for his flying stories. In 1960, he and a group of friends promoted building the Hanover County Airport, which was eventually named after him in recognition of his work. In 1981, Frank was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates where he loved making the government work for his constituents and believed their trust had to be earned every day. He represented his constituents by serving in leadership on different committees, one being the Vice- Chairman of the Commerce and Labor Committee. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as the legislative member on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia War Memorial, where he was instrumental in securing funding to restore the Memorial Shrine and Building and to create the education center and programs. He spent his off time supporting charitable organizations and was especially proud of his work on the governing bodies of Ferrum College and Randolph-Macon College. Frank aligned his philosophy closely with that of Thomas Jefferson's maxim ``the government that governs best, governs least''. Although his constituents did not always agree with his stances, they continued to elect him until he retired. Frank's life was filled with patriotism and public service. He will be missed for his direct manner, vice grip handshake, and storytelling. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Dale Alderman (Richard Alderman), Frank Jr. (Elizabeth), Stewart (Lynn), and Wellesley (Kim), and grandchildren Oriana (Douglas Fletcher), Stewart (Dana), Sarah, Mark (Amber), Frank III, Madeleine, Mollie, Hannah, Graeme, and Bailey, and one great-grandchild, Stewart. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Frank D. Hargrove, Sr.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember Edward Colston Newton IV of Warsaw, Virginia, who passed away on November 3, 2021. ``Colston'' to his loved ones, he was a man not only known for his love of family and their farm, but for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Colston was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Edward Colston Newton III and Janet Daingerfield Van Winkle. He was a graduate of Warwick High School, the College of William & Mary, and the Marshall Wythe School of Law, joining the Army Judge Advocate Corps upon his graduation. Most notably, Colston was part of the prosecution of the Mai Lai Massacre in Vietnam. Following his release from the Army, he went on to serve as counsel with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during the Ford and Carter Administrations. After Colston's service with the OMB, he went on to a private practice, then became a private practitioner, and later, a Commonwealth's Attorney for Westmoreland County. Once he no longer practiced law, Colston became a freelance journalist, winning various awards for his distinct and strong writing style. Colston had a passion for fly fishing and nurtured his children and nephews' enjoyment of the pastime. His love for the scenic beauty of Virginia was second to his love for family. Colston is survived by his sisters Lawrence ``Ludie'' Newton Stevens, Elizabeth Daingerfield Newton Beam, and Mary Dillon Suiers, his son John Tyler Newton (Shannon), his daughter Cynthia Macomber Newton, his companion Jayne McQuarde, 7 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son Edward Colston Newton V, who served in the U.S. Army with the Asymmetric Warfare Group, and lost his battle to cancer on July 11, 2018. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the life of Edward Colston Newton.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I take this time to remember former Virginia Governor Linwood Holton Jr., who passed away on October 28, 2021. Linwood was the state of Virginia's first Republican governor elected post-Reconstruction, and his tireless efforts for political cooperation between the two parties led to progress that would impact not only the Commonwealth, but the entire nation. Linwood's love for politics was sparked at a young age. In high school, he was involved in a mock government program that was run through Virginia Tech. It was at this point that Linwood realized his long-term goal in life was to serve as governor of Virginia. He then began his studies at Washington and Lee, but in 1943, he entered the Navy as an engineering officer, serving with the Submarine Force. After the war, Linwood finished his undergraduate degree at Washington and Lee and was admitted to Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1949. Throughout Linwood's time as Governor from 1970 through 1974, he was a champion for civil rights that led the effort to end racial discrimination in Virginia. He was the first governor of Virginia to appoint black individuals to high-level government posts. He also led by example during the integration of public schools in Virginia, when he sent his children to schools being integrated. Linwood's life was filled with patriotism and public service. Linwood believed in two-party cooperation, often reaching across the aisle to consider and enact state-wide policies that would benefit Virginians. He will be missed for his passion for change, but his impact will live on. He is survived by his wife Virginia, his four children, Anne, Tayloe, Woody, and Dwight, and several grandchildren. His son-in-law, Senator Tim Kaine, continues his legacy of public service. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Linwood Holton, Jr.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Pastor Jeremy David Smith. Jeremy spent over 20 years as a leader and minister in local churches. He strove to create a family environment that shared both the challenging and celebratory times with the members of the church. Pastor Jeremy was devout to his congregation and he was dedicated to continue Sunday Worship throughout the pandemic. He held outside services and worked to ensure the safe and comfortable experience for all members of the church, especially caring for the older members so they would be able to attend, experience, and hear the Word of God, no matter what. David is survived by his wife, Audra Smith; children, Nicholas, Logan, Katiana, Kalista, and Korinna Smith. Madam. Speaker, I ask that you extend your thoughts and prayers to Jeremy's family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one. I pray that God is with Jeremy's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember Harry David Jansohn of Virginia Beach. Harry ``Dave'' passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 18, 2021 at the age of 64 years. Harry was born in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 1957 and raised in Annandale, Virginia by his parents, Harry and Janice Jansohn, beside his two sisters, Gloria and Karen and his brother, Matthew. Dave graduated from WT Woodson high school where he was an honor student and also a first chair trumpet player in his school's orchestra. In addition to his parents and siblings, Dave is survived by his wife, Deana and two sons, Kurt and Connor. Dave was retired from his job at NOAA as a Port Engineer in Norfolk, VA which was a job he loved. He was well thought of and respected by his coworkers at NOAA. His NOAA work colleagues visited him on a regular basis the last 10 years while he was living in nursing homes. They loved bringing him his favorite treats, beer and chocolate chip cookies. His childhood friends, Tim and Vince Laria and college friend, Lee Daniels were also frequent visitors over the years which made Dave very happy. His friend Jesse Bacon was also someone who was a big supporter of Dave when he became ill. Dave was previously employed by the Maritime Administration as a Marine Surveyor which was also a job he loved. Dave's true passion was deep sea fishing out of Oregon Inlet and Hatteras, NC. He was known for his ability to always find the Tuna and Marlin on fishing trips. After high school and through college he worked as a mate on charter boats there. He attended Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dave also earned the Professional Engineer designation by passing the exam on his first try. During his High School years he achieved the highest honor in scouting, Eagle Scout, which he was very proud of. Madam Speaker, I ask you to rise with me in memory of Mr. Harry David ``Dave'' Jansohn and in thanking the Jansohn family for his incredible sacrifices, devotion, and service to our Nation; words cannot express our gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember one of my constituents and a special Virginian, The Honorable W. Tayloe Murphy of Westmoreland County. Tayloe Murphy passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the age of 88. A statesman and conservationist, Tayloe will long be remembered for his service to the Commonwealth and the Northern Neck. Tayloe represented the 99th District as a member of the Virginia General Assembly from 1982 to 2000. As Delegate, Murphy's legislative accomplishments include numerous efforts championing a healthy Chesapeake Bay, including passage of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in 1986. Appointed by then-Governor Mark Warner, Mr. Murphy served as Secretary of Natural Resources, where he continued to advance measures protecting the Bay and preserving the Commonwealth's natural resources for future generations. In addition to a life of public service, he also dedicated his time to improving the community in any way he could. Tayloe sat on multiple community boards. Most notably, he spent fifty-five years serving community banks in a variety of roles, including Vice Chairman with Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation. Preceded in death by his wife Helen of 63 years, the Murphy's were active in the Episcopal Churches of Couple Parish and greatly contributed to historical preservation and education at Francis Lightfoot Lee's Menokin and Westmoreland State Park. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Tayloe Murphy, a true Virginia Gentleman. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Republican leader for yielding. Similar to the previous amendment, I believe this amendment is extremely misguided. In fact, on March 24 of this year, I invited both Ms. Lee and Mr. Pocan to attend a classified briefing on the existential threats we face in great power competition. Mr. Speaker, instead of taking me up on that offer, they continue to turn a blind eye. The chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus don't want to learn about what the threats are. They don't want to learn more about the critical capabilities that would be out of the hands of our warfighters if this amendment were to pass. I can stand here and tell that caucus about how this plus-up has $9.8 billion in procurement that is aimed directly at deterring China. That means building additional ships, among other capabilities, to keep up with China. Or I can tell them that there is $3 billion for sustainment operations that allow our warfighters to conduct global operations, including humanitarian operations in places like Haiti. Or I can tell them there is $3.8 billion for military construction to improve facilities in districts across the country to make sure our servicemembers aren't working in rundown facilities. I can even tell them there is $5.2 billion for research and development that assures our future servicemembers will have what they need when called upon to do the job or to fight to victory and come home safe. But I don't think any of that is going to resonate because these progressive Members don't want to learn about the existential threats we face. These far-left Members just want to play progressive politics, and that means weakening our national security. To the rest of my colleagues here today, this plus-up is good for national security and good for this country. Mr. Speaker, you can ask any service branch chief or combatant commander--because we have asked them--and they have told us these are the things that they need going forward. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge everyone to vote against this amendment.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. I want to preface by saying that I do not agree with everything in this bill, but the committee-passed bill is worthy of support. I want to especially thank Ranking Member Rogers and Chairman Smith for their attention to minimizing extraneous provisions in the markup that have little to do with our national security or supporting our servicemembers. Our struggle to close conference last year because of these issues were wholly associated with provisions that are not connected to national security. And these attempts, I believe, were offensive, and similar attempts to include these unnecessary provisions this year should be rebuffed. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi has not listened to the lessons learned from last year's conference and has decided to add several non-germane bills to the NDAA at Rules that have nothing to do with defense. I want to make this clear for my colleagues offering these amendments: We should not use servicemembers as a tool to achieve partisan gain. I repeat: We should not use servicemembers as a tool to achieve partisan gain. And I voted in opposition to the rule, but I hope that I can vote for final passage of this year's NDAA. As to the committee mark, we started with an anemic budget request from the Biden administration that in the Seapower portfolio requested only eight ships, two of which were fleet tugboats. How the administration can set China as the pacing threat and reduce Navy force structure is simply baffling. Fortunately, with the leadership of Ranking Member Rogers and others on the committee, we were able to authorize additional funds to the defense top line to provide the real growth necessary to dissuade future conflict. With this, we authorized 13 battle force ships and rebuffed the administration's request to retire three cruisers. Additionally, we sought to expand the submarine industrial base by authorizing funds that enable a submarine construction build rate of three by 2025. The mark also includes critical capabilities to support our Nation's deterrence with continued strong investments in the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and the B-21 Raider bomber. I think this is a good bill in its current form, and it is worthy of my colleagues' support. MR. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes just to address a couple things the gentleman from Virginia said. I want to be clear, it is the longstanding practice of our committee that we take issues that are not in our jurisdiction. We have done it under Republican leadership. We have done it under Democratic leadership. It is also the longstanding practice of our committee to work with the committees of jurisdiction, and only if in a bipartisan, bicameral way those committees of jurisdiction agree, does it ultimately go into the conference report. So you don't need to be afraid of stuff that you don't like. Work with your committees of jurisdiction and it goes into the conference report if we get agreement. If it doesn't, it doesn't. Second, last year that is not what held us up. The two things that held us up last year were one thing that was very much within the jurisdiction of this committee, and that was whether or not to rename military bases; to change the names of the bases named for Confederates, very much in our jurisdiction. And the second thing was President Trump's last-second desire, out of nowhere, to add section 230 to the bill. We weren't held up by these things, and we will not be held up this year. If the committees of jurisdiction do not agree, we don't do it. We just have that negotiation. If they can, we give them a ride. So don't need to worry about that. It is a good bill. Go ahead and vote for it. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Speier), the chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Melvin Rosson Post 8356, Veterans for Foreign Wars' seventy-fifth anniversary. Melvin Rosson Post 8356 was founded on September 18, 1946, by veterans who had just returned home after World War II as a sanctuary for combat veterans to gather. Over seventy-five years, the Post has displayed Virginia's commitment to advocacy and civic engagement. The Melvin Rosson Post lends a needed and well-deserved voice to America's veterans, going above and beyond to raise awareness and honor the Nation's brave heroes in our community. Their displays of courage and determination set an excellent example for all of those around us. Today the Post's mission remains much the same. With a membership of forty plus, the current members strive to serve the community and veterans. The Melvin Rosson Post has served as a support system to not just the veterans but the surviving spouses and children of military, lending a hand whenever possible. Therefore Madam Speaker, I ask that you rise with me today to honor and celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Melvin Rosson Post 8356, Veterans for Foreign Wars. I look forward to hearing about the future projects and stories of your continued commitment to our community and great nation.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember one of my constituents, Mr. Ferdinand ``Doc'' Dugan, III of Hague, Virginia. Mr. Dugan passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at the age of 88. Mr. Dugan was born in Catonsville, Maryland, and completed his undergraduate degree at the U.S. Naval Academy. Dugan honored his country with lifelong service, first with the United States Navy, and then in business. After retirement, Mr. Dugan went on to open an art gallery, where he sold original artwork and provided custom framing in the Northern Neck. In addition to a life of leadership in the military and active participation in local politics, Mr. Dugan was known as a family man and a valuable member of the community. Along with his wife, Bobbie Dugan, together they have nine children, twenty-eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Doc Dugan and applauding his contributions to Westmoreland County and the Commonwealth. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you to Doc Dugan.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, since moving to the United States from Gujranwala, Pakistan, Mr. Sheikh has served his community diligently through successful entrepreneurship and advocacy for the Pakistani American and Muslim communities. Mr. Sheikh's dedication and commitment to the Pakistani American community has had a great impact not only those in Virginia's First District but the Greater Washington area. Throughout the years Mr. Sheikh has worked tirelessly to support Muslim communities through the creation of the Muslim Community Center and the Islamic Circle of North America Sunday School. Mr. Sheikh is the Founder and Chairman of the U.S.-Pakistan International Chamber of Commerce (USPICC), previously known as the Pakistan American Business Association (PABA), a representative body of entrepreneurs of Pakistani-origin, created in 1985. USPICC has worked with various business and academic entities to provide guidance and support to entrepreneurs, professionals, and the community in general. In conjunction to advocating for the Pakistani American and Muslim community, Mr. Sheikh has also been a great supporter of several academic boards and business institutions, including George Mason University's (GMU) education program. Through his positions on the board of visitors with George Mason University and Pakistan's National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Mr. Shiekh has been able to create opportunities and connections abroad for both the students and faculty at GMU and NUST. Madam Speaker, I have had the privilege to know Mr. Sheikh for many years and count him as a friend. I ask you to join me in recognition of Mr. Mohammad Siddique Sheikh's leadership, passion, and determination in service to our great Nation.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, our Nation should be in the midst of a booming economic recovery. Unfortunately, what we see is the exact opposite. Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently warned against wasteful government spending, and the real harm that it would cause not only to our economy, but to the everyday lives of Americans. And this was even before President Biden began pushing through this reckless government spending agenda that will raise taxes on American families, destroy jobs, and saddle future generations with a massive debt. It has also created another crisis: inflation--something House Republicans warned would occur as a result of the President's massive increase in government spending and mismanagement of the economy. Inflation is a tax on all Americans, and it has increased every month since President Biden took office. The Consumer Price Index increased 5.4 percent from a year ago. This is the largest jump since just before the 2008 financial crisis. Business owners are worried. Nearly half of America's small businesses have no choice but to raise their prices because the cost to do business is skyrocketing. And that means consumers end up paying more. The Biden administration has attempted to downplay the harmful effects of inflation, claiming it will resolve itself in the next few months, but top economists project that inflation is here to stay. Worse yet, now our Democratic colleagues are attempting to push through a partisan $3.5 trillion package that is nothing more than a reckless tax-and-spending spree, which will indeed stick more families with higher taxes and lower wages. Madam Speaker, make no mistake about it, these are not just numbers. Americans across the country are spending more money on everyday goods and services. Now more than ever it is critical that we are supporting our workers and families and making sure they succeed. We should be focused on supporting policies that create more jobs, spur growth and innovation, and put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans. The President's and our Democratic colleagues' plans are doing the opposite.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize those men and women who have served this great Nation with honor--men such as Colonel William C. Bentley III, United States Marine Corps. Colonel Bentley's long and distinguished career began after graduating from The Citadel and commissioning through the Platoon Leaders Class. From there, a fruitful career as a USMC Helicopter Pilot blossomed. During this career, Colonel Bentley was stationed and deployed across the globe--from Djibouti to Iraq to Europe, Colonel Bentley has seen it all. In his final command, Colonel Bentley led Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico. In this role, I've had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand his passion for the USMC mission. He has assisted me, my staff, and the citizens of Virginia in navigating complex issues with an attention to detail that every public servant should work to emulate. Colonel Bentley's work ethic, duty to mission, and commitment to servant leadership are without equal. I believe that his personal drive to achieve excellence in his work has and will set a very high standard for his peers. I would also like to thank Colonel Bentley for the service and sacrifice he has made, both for our Nation and our Marine Corps. His impeccable integrity, boundless work ethic, and loyal devotion to duty earned him the respect and admiration of myself, my staff, and the First District of Virginia. In retirement, I have no doubt that Colonel Bentley will continue to serve the Nation honorably and with distinction in whatever path he chooses to pursue. I wish William and his family the best of luck as they continue their journey together. It was an honor and a pleasure having William serve at Marine Corps Base Quantico. We all can sleep soundly at night knowing that members of our all-volunteer force like William stand ready to defend our country and take the fight to our enemies, far away from their families and the comforts of the United States of America. I thank Colonel William C. Bentley III, as he has done a fantastic job. Best of luck to him and may God bless him and his family as he moves into this next chapter.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Jon Holt for his heroic actions and continued outstanding service. Most recently, Deputy Holt has been recognized for his courageous act of heroism in the line of duty. Single-handedly, Deputy Holt rescued a woman from being crushed and suffocated underneath an overturned car when he lifted the vehicle off the trapped woman. Both the mother and her child were able to walk away from the accident unharmed. This was not the first time that Deputy Holt has exhibited bravery and commitment to public safety. Deputy Holt was also recognized by the Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Line as both the local and regional ``Top Cop'' after rescuing two people trapped in a burning house. In addition to his eight years with the Gloucester County Sheriff's Department, Deputy Holt served his country in Iraq as a member of the Virginia National Guard. In 2007 he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Baghdad. Following several years of rehabilitation and after medical retirement from the military, Holt joined the Sheriff's Department. Currently, Deputy Holt is completing his master's degree in National Security and recently began his assignment with the Gloucester Investigations Unit where he hopes to continue to serve his country and community. Deputy Holt has repeatedly put his own life on the line to keep others safe. It is an honor to recognize his valiant efforts and know that his substantial contribution to law enforcement has not gone unnoticed. I commend Deputy Jon Holt for his service throughout the years. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you rise with me to recognize the brave and humble service of Deputy Jon Holt.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember one of my constituents, Mrs. Darlene Agnes Tallent, of Chiltons, Virginia. Mrs. Tallent passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the age of 74. Darlene was born and raised in Westmoreland County. She married her high school sweetheart, Joe Tallent, and together they raised their two daughters Kathleen and Lisa in Montross County. Darlene spent her career working as the Westmoreland County Museum's Genealogical Library Assistant. She assisted countless researchers, authors and visitors in her 25 years of employment by sharing her extensive knowledge on the history of Westmoreland County and helping others trace their heritage and connect with who and where they came from. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Darlene Tallent, and applauding her contributions to Westmoreland County and the Commonwealth. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, for decades, the Hyde amendment has shielded the American taxpayer from being forced to fund abortion. And for decades, the Hyde amendment has enjoyed broad bipartisan support. Even President Biden supported the Hyde amendment as recently as 2019. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Now, President Biden has reversed course, proposing we repeal the Hyde amendment. In turn, this would require American taxpayers, no matter what their personal beliefs, to fund abortion. Madam Speaker, this is wrong. Every life is blessed with inherent worth, infinite potential, and sacred dignity. As a child of adoption myself, I would not be here today if not for my mother's decision to choose life over abortion. I urge my colleagues to stand strong in support of the Hyde amendment and against this radical new position of President Biden. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Friction Science, Inc. and Goodyear Brakes' contribution and support to a thriving domestic manufacturing sector and the ``Buy American'' initiative. With 50 years of service, Goodyear Brakes and FDP Friction Science Inc., headquartered in Tappahannock, Virginia employs more than 150 local residents and contributes significantly to the local economy. Goodyear Brakes and FDP Friction Sciences Inc. continue to do their part to ensure a strong domestic manufacturing workforce. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you rise with me in congratulating to Goodyear Brakes and FDP Friction Science Inc. on their monumental effort to build brake pads and shoes in the United States and support the goal of ``Buy American.''

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember Milton V. Peterson of Fairfax, VA. Mr. Peterson passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the age of 85 surrounded by his family. The founder of Peterson Cos., Mr. Peterson will long be remembered for his outsized impact on developing numerous major projects across the Washington, D.C. region. He developed some of the most successful and award-winning mixed-use retail, residential and office developments in Northern Virginia. In addition to being a visionary developer, Peterson and his wife, Carolyn established the Peterson Family Foundation, donating more than $100 million to area charities. Mr. Peterson was a thoughtful, hardworking, and passionate individual who greatly contributed to countless lives in Northern Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask you to rise with me in memory of Mr. Milt Peterson. He will be profoundly missed.