Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2196, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2196, the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act, which is sponsored by Representative Hudson. Emergency medical service providers are often the first people on the scene in a moment of crisis. They respond to accidents, natural disasters, public health emergencies, and everyday calls for help. More than 1 million Americans serve as EMS providers across the country under one shared mission: to save lives and protect the public. Despite that service, there is still no permanent memorial in our Nation's Capital dedicated to EMS professionals who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In 2018, Congress authorized the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish such a memorial. Since then, the foundation has moved through the Federal approval process and is now working on site selection and environmental review. Like many memorial projects, progress has been steady but slow due to design approvals and the need to raise private funds. Unfortunately, the authorization for this important memorial expired last year, and the foundation needs this authorization extended to finally complete its mission. Representative Hudson's bill provides a straightforward solution. His legislation extends the foundation's legislative authority for an additional 7 years, allowing their work to continue so that this memorial can finally be completed. Importantly, this memorial will remain funded entirely through private contributions, with no cost to the taxpayers. This legislation also does not expand the project or change its purpose. It simply ensures that the effort to honor fallen EMS providers can be finished. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Hudson for his leadership on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2196, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act provides the time needed to complete a project that honors the service and sacrifice of EMS providers without imposing a cost on taxpayers. Representative Hudson's legislation keeps the memorial on track and ensures that EMS professionals are recognized alongside other public safety heroes in our Nation's Capital. Once again, I thank Representative Hudson for his leadership on this effort and for his dedication to those who serve this Nation humbly and selflessly. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 528) to require the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a program for Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 528, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 528, the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act, sponsored by Representative Pettersen. Madam Speaker, this bipartisan legislation, which is also part of the Fix Our Forests Act, would create a post-disaster reforestation and restoration program at the Department of the Interior. Across the country, catastrophic wildfires are burning hotter and more severely, turning once-pristine landscapes into charred moonscapes. Hurricanes, windstorms, mudslides, and other natural disasters can also leave behind millions of acres of land in need of reforestation. In many cases, if Federal land managers don't move quickly to replant and restore scorched or uprooted lands, once-lush forests can permanently decay into low-lying scrublands that are unproductive and vulnerable to future fire and erosion. When these forests disappear, they take with them clean water, wildlife habitat, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them for recreation and employment. With millions of acres of forests lost to catastrophic wildfires and other disasters, our Federal agencies are bearing the strain of an enormous backlog of replanting and restoration work. In 2021, Congress passed legislation to partially address the Forest Service's priority reforestation needs, although no similar authority was included for the Department of the Interior. H.R. 528 offers a straightforward solution to tackle the crisis and provides consistency across all Federal land management agencies. This bill directs agencies within the Department of the Interior to identify priority landscapes most in need of reforestation and to proactively partner with States, Tribes, local communities, and institutions of higher learning to advance high-priority restoration projects. This bill is a practical, bipartisan way to prioritize vital restoration work that requires immediate action. By allowing Federal agencies to work with trusted partners, we can clear the way for reforestation, get to faster restoration, and serve the communities that rely on healthy, resilient forests. I thank Representative Pettersen for her work on this bill, as well as for her work on Fix Our Forests Act. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, September 5, 2025. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 528, the ``Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025.'' Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on the matters within our jurisdiction. The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over any subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees, should it become necessary, and ask that you support such a request. We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 528 and request a copy of our letters on this matter be published in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration Sincerely, Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, this bill is a bipartisan, commonsense step to help land managers within the Department of the Interior tackle forest reforestation after wildfires, storms, and floods by working with capable non-Federal partners in the areas that need help the most. This legislation will help restore desolate landscapes to thriving forests. As I mentioned before, the legislation previously passed the House as part of the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. I hope to see that legislation sent to the President's desk soon so that land managers have every tool they need to restore forest health, prevent wildfires, and protect communities. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6380) to establish the Chiricahua National Park in the State of Arizona as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 6380, the bill before us for consideration.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6380, the Chiricahua National Park Act, introduced by Representative Ciscomani of Arizona. This simple, bipartisan bill redesignates the Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park. Located in southeast Arizona, Chiricahua is a remarkable place that is known as the Land of Standing-Up Rocks. It is a home to unique volcanic formations, miles of scenic trails, and a landscape shaped by both natural forces and human history. From its ancient volcanic hoodoos and pinnacles to historic sites conserving the history of prehistoric and indigenous people, early pioneers, and ranchers, there is truly no place in the country like Chiricahua. Every year, visitors to this area enjoy unique outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, stargazing, camping, bird-watching, and horseback riding. Across the country, outdoor recreation contributes $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy. Last year, Arizona saw the second highest growth rate in its outdoor recreation activity amongst all States. By creating the Nation's 64th national park and Arizona's fourth national park, Representative Ciscomani's legislation would further boost Arizona's outdoor recreation economy, create jobs, and support small businesses in rural gateway communities. Importantly, this bipartisan bill does not expand the site's boundaries or change its management. It simply recognizes the national significance of Chiricahua by elevating it to full national park status. The change would place Chiricahua alongside other flagship parks and help raise its profile and support increased tourism. The bill has significant local support. Representative Ciscomani has worked hard with all affected stakeholders to address any potential concerns. Representative Ciscomani added new language to the bill this Congress to ensure continued access for traditional uses for Tribes in a way that respects cultural heritage while maintaining public access to the park without creating new precedents. In short, this bill honors a place of exceptional natural, historical, and cultural value without changing its footprints or management framework. I commend Representative Ciscomani for the years of hard work that he has put in to make the dream of Arizona's fourth national park a reality. I cannot think of a better time than during America's 250th anniversary to send this meaningful legislation to the President's desk, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani), the lead sponsor of the bill.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6380 recognizes the national significance of the Chiricahua in southeastern Arizona while helping unlock more tourism and investment for surrounding communities. Elevating this site to national park status will raise its profile, attract more visitors, and support local jobs without expanding its boundaries or changing its management. I thank Representative Ciscomani once again for his strong leadership, his dedication, and his passion for this effort. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 831) to establish an interest-bearing account for the non- Federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 831, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 831, the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative Calvert from California. The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program aims to conserve native fish populations, increase habitat for migratory birds in the Lower Colorado River Basin, and allow for continued water and power deliveries. The Federal Government contributes 50 percent of its funding, and three Lower Basin States provide the remainder. In recent years, however, the pace of funding has outpaced the pace of work, leaving available funds idle. This legislation would authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to place the program's non-Federal funds in an interest-bearing account, providing approximately $2 million annually that would otherwise be borne by the Lower Basin States. I commend Representative Calvert for his continued leadership, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 831. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I also want to reflect on Representative Elfreth's words, and that is the incredible work by the Natural Resources Committee, the leadership there with Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman, and an incredible staff. They do a lot to bring these bills to the floor to make sure, too, that they work through to make sure they can receive bipartisan support. Truly, what Congress needs to do is get bills through that have impacts on these districts. Madam Speaker, you heard from Members today about the incredible impact these bills have on people's lives and on their districts. That is what makes legislating important. We should never forget that. People send us here to get things done, to get bills like this done. While they may be somewhat parochial in how they affect certain regions, it is critical to the Nation that we understand that all of us benefit when these great national treasures and natural resources are enhanced and conserved. That is really what makes it great. I appreciate Representative Elfreth's work and her cooperation on H.R. 4294 in making sure we find a way to productively use a resource that is now in overabundance and making sure that we do everything we can within that realm. It is key to us as members of the Natural Resources Committee to make sure we get these things done. We are entrusted not only as legislators, but we are entrusted by the people who elect us to be the stewards of what they own: the great lands, treasures, and natural resources of this Nation. That is what makes us great. There is no other place on the planet that has this great abundance of resources that have such great impact on communities. We are all honored to be here today as advocates for that, along with our fellow Members, to make sure these pieces of legislation see their way to being signed into law. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I thank the incredible staff on the Natural Resources Committee for what has culminated today in a number of fantastic pieces of legislation that will make a difference in people's lives. We will continue to preserve what we hold great in this Nation, and that is our true national treasure, our natural resources. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

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

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia for being named 2026 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This prestigious designation is a testament to the hospital's unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, patient-centered care to the residents of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck communities. Since 1977, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital has served the people of Virginia's 1st District with state-of-the-art technology and 24/7 emergency and medical services. Rural hospitals serve as the backbone of healthcare access in communities like ours, where families depend on local providers for emergency services, primary care, specialty treatment, and long-term wellness. Riverside Walter Reed Hospital has consistently demonstrated excellence in quality care, patient outcomes, operational performance, and patient experiences. Being one of only two Virginia hospitals on the top 100 list highlights the devotion, professionalism, and compassion of its physicians, nurses, administrators, and support staff. In rural regions especially, hospitals are more than healthcare facilities, they are economic drivers, community anchors, and lifelines in times of crisis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for this outstanding achievement and in thanking them for their continued service to the people of Virginia's 1st District. Their commitment to quality care strengthens our community and reflects the very best of rural healthcare in America. I wish them all the best as they continue to serve the community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional public servant and partner to Congress, Kathryn Yurkanin, Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison, as she retires after 41 years of dedicated service to our Nation. Kathryn's remarkable career includes 20 years of honorable service in the United States Army. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, she began as a Transportation Officer and later transitioned to serve as an Acquisition Officer, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Near the culmination of her military career, she expanded her service into the policy arena as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman Silvestre Reyes. From there, she went on to hold numerous critical leadership roles, including Congressional Budget Liaison Officer, Acting Director of the Acquisition Policy and Oversight Directorate, and Director of Congressional Affairs for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, among many other distinguished assignments. Ms. Yurkanin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Mount Saint Mary's University, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University. Her academic achievements reflect the same discipline, commitment, and pursuit of excellence that have defined her professional life. As Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison for the Department of the Army, Kathryn has provided steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and seamless coordination for the daily operations of the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison. Across changing administrations, shifting priorities, and complex legislative challenges, she has remained principled, dependable, and unwavering in her commitment to service. In every role she has held, she has embodied integrity, professionalism, and an enduring devotion to the mission of the institution she has served. Mr. Speaker, I thank Kathryn Yurkanin for her selfless dedication, unyielding leadership, and steadfast commitment to our country. As she concludes her 41 years of honorable service, I extend my deepest gratitude to Kathryn for her sacrifices and contributions to the strength and security of our Nation. I wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life, and I know that Ms. Yurkanin will continue to be an inspiration.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of critical minerals. They are the backbone of our economy, but the U.S. has ceded supply chain dominance to China, our primary adversary. In recent decades, China has overtaken the United States and our allies in production, processing, and smelting of critical minerals. Take rare earth elements, for example. Rare earths, a type of critical mineral, are crucial inputs into various consumer technologies, including smartphones, laptops, batteries, and cars. China controls 70 percent of rare earth mining, 90 percent of rare earth separation and processing, and 93 percent of rare earth magnet production. They exercise their monopoly in two ways: first, by dumping their product onto the global market to deliberately undercut U.S. producers; and second, by threatening to cut off our access to their exports, as they recently did in October of 2025. We have outsourced our supply chains to them, allowing them to engage in unfair trade practices that put our Nation's strategic and economic security at great risk. The Trump administration has long recognized the threat China poses to our critical mineral supply chains and has taken bold actions that I applaud. Additionally, I have introduced several pieces of legislation that will help counter China's threat. In January, I introduced the SECURE Minerals Act, which is aimed at supporting domestic critical mineral supply chains. The SECURE Minerals Act would establish a Strategic Resilience Reserve that would be tasked with stabilizing critical mineral prices and supporting domestic production and extraction supply chains. The Strategic Resilience Reserve established under this bill would send a signal to the private sector that the United States Government is ready to take action, ultimately aggregating demand, stabilizing mineral prices, and reshoring critical advanced manufacturing. We cannot counter China's choke hold on the global mineral marketplace alone. If we are to break their monopoly, we have to coordinate with our allies. I have also introduced the Finding ORE Act, which would enable the administration to work in coordination with our allies to map critical mineral research around the globe. Madam Speaker, the time is now to act to save our future. Our economic and national security depend on it. Protecting Our Marine Wildlife

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, recently the House Committee on Natural Resources voted favorably to report H.R. 4294, the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act, better known as the MAWS Act. It is an effort I co-led with Congresswoman Elfreth. Having grown up on the Chesapeake Bay, I understand how important it is to protect our marine wildlife and restore the Bay's ecosystem. Since their introduction, the blue catfish have become an invasive species, posing a growing threat to the biodiversity of the region's waters and inflicting severe economic damage to seafood industries that rely on the Bay. This legislation aims to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through its existing Chesapeake Bay office to coordinate with non-Federal partners to accelerate the removal of invasive blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This effort will incentivize the harvest and sale of blue catfish, while providing valuable data for future efforts to combat invasive species in our waterways. I would be remiss if I didn't thank Representative Elfreth for her work on this effort, as well as her staff member, Allie. I also thank the House Natural Resources Committee staff. They include Richie, Kirby, Doug, Jackson, and Hannah on the majority and Rachel on the minority staff. Finally, I thank the many stakeholders who have helped in understanding the issues and supporting this legislative effort including the National Fisheries Institute, the Pet Food Institute, and the American Sportfishing Association, among many others. Madam Speaker, I look forward to seeing the full House consideration of this important bill very soon.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) Program in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Launched in 2016, Sheriff Karl Leonard initiated the program after recognizing the alarming rate of overdose deaths in his own county. HARP is a transformative initiative that is making a real difference in the lives of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Since the program's establishment, HARP has instituted a multi- faceted approach to behavioral modification. Their approach is based on a unique combination of tools and techniques that are peer driven, professionally guided, and spiritually based. As news spread of HARP's devotion to both those incarcerated and former program participants, incarcerated individuals from other jail systems began to request transfers to Chesterfield specifically to join the program. HARP's commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence has strengthened Virginia's First District and improved the lives of countless individuals and families. They place a large emphasis on former participants as well, helping them gain access to recovery housing and allowing them to return to therapy sessions and group meetings. HARP offers a hopeful alternative to tragedy for families affected by addiction. They represent a proactive partnership between local government, health professionals, and community stakeholders dedicated to reducing the devastating impact of substance use disorders. I am proud of the work being done by Sheriff Karl Leonard and all those involved in HARP's implementation. Their efforts are a reminder that compassionate, evidence-based approaches can save lives and build stronger communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring the 10-year anniversary of the Chesterfield County HARP Program as it continues to address critical social and spiritual needs, and strive to help treat not just symptoms, but the root causes of addiction. I wish Sheriff Karl Leonard, along with the entire HARP team, all the best as they continue to serve the community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to formally recognize an exceptional young student, Madeline Brobst, a senior at Franklin Christian Academy who has received a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT exam. Through disciplined study, steady composure during examinations, and unwavering commitment of time and talent, Ms. Brobst has achieved academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country. In addition to her intellectual capability, Ms. Brobst serves as a mentor to eighth grade students at Franklin Christian Academy; she is a member of the Student Leadership Team, National Honor Society, and the worship team during school chapel services. During her time at Franklin Christian Academy, Ms. Brobst has participated in numerous theatrical and musical productions. It is with great distinction and pride that I honor Madeline for achieving a perfect ACT score, a remarkable feat accomplished by only a very small percentage of students nationwide. This achievement places her among the most academically accomplished students in our country and reflects a level of brilliance that is truly commendable. Earning a perfect score on the ACT is a testament to remarkable intellectual ability, diligent preparation, and an unparalleled commitment to academic excellence. It demonstrates not only mastery across English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, but also the persistence, focus, and determination required to perform at the highest level under rigorous testing conditions. Madeline's dedication to learning and pursuing the highest standards of performance speaks to both her exceptional aptitude and her strong character. Achievements of this caliber do not occur by chance; they are the result of sustained hard work, personal sacrifice, and a devoted commitment to excellence. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Madeline Brobst on this milestone of academic distinction. We commend her for this outstanding accomplishment and look forward with confidence to the many successes that will undoubtedly follow in her academic and professional journey.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Joe Schumacher in honor of his 25 years of dedicated public service to Virginia's 1st Congressional District. Joe has had a profound impact on my work in Congress, and he is truly one of the finest leaders I know. Mr. Schumacher served as Chief of Staff and District Director for my predecessor, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis. I am grateful that Joe brought his past public service expertise when he began serving as my District Director in 2007. Joe is a native Virginian, an Air Force veteran, and a graduate of the University of Virginia. In his 25 years of service, Joe has proven to be an indispensable member of my team. His pride for the 1st District extends into everything he does. Not only is Joe passionate about his work, his commitment to bettering the lives of Virginians and Americans alike is unparalleled. Joe is unwavering in his effort to go above and beyond to serve constituents and support his fellow staff. For example, his work as the Academy Coordinator has inspired countless young applicants as they begin their careers in service to this Nation. Joe's leadership is an outstanding example of what other District Directors should strive to be and truly embodies what it means to be a servant leader. I am deeply grateful to Joe for his years of service, his expertise, and his countless contributions. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me to recognize Joe Schumacher for his 25 years of selfless dedication to Virginia's 1st District. Joe is a crucial member of our team, and I am forever grateful for his service to our office and to Virginia's 1st District.