Steve Womack

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bipartisan en bloc amendment that has the endorsement of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Breaking news: This en bloc has proven that Democrats and Republicans can work together and find common solutions--on some things anyway. The amendments set forth in this en bloc highlight the priorities in the Financial Services and General Government bill that address critical policies to strengthen our economy and bolster our workforce, and I look forward to incorporating these amendments into my bill. Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague and good friend Ranking Member Hoyer for his consultation and all Members who have worked with me on this bill. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the en bloc amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro).

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Chair, Community Development Financial Institutions stimulate economic growth and create and sustain employment opportunities in rural and low-income areas, like a lot of America. The CDFI fund ensures CDFIs are able to provide these underserved communities access to capital by awarding certified CDFIs with tax credits and monetary support. I am proud that my own State greatly benefits from the CDFI fund and have seen the far-reaching impact it has had on the community. Defunding the program would only serve to harm the most vulnerable communities in America. So it is under that pretense, Mr. Chairman, that I oppose the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for her leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of our friends in Israel. I thank the chairwoman and my friend, Ms. Granger, for bringing this vital legislation to the floor, for the opportunity to speak on it. Mr. Speaker, the choice today is pretty clear to me. We either support our Israeli friends, or we don't. We have heard, and we will continue to hear complaints about the funding offset and the lack of non-Israel funding in this bill, and each Member is entitled to their opinion, but, at the end of the day, this bill will provide over $14 billion in support of Israel in its war against these murderous terrorists. That is the important part. These aren't just numbers, Mr. Speaker, on a piece of paper. Real lives are at stake here. This funding will save Israeli lives through replenishment of its missile defenses, it will give Israel the ability to rid the world of dangerous terrorists, and it will help reestablish deterrence in the Middle East at a time when Iran is aggressively advancing on all fronts. What happened on October 7 was tragic. No one, not one person, can argue that the cruel and gruesome atrocities were justified. Israelis were killed in their homes, massacred for having different religious beliefs than their terrorist attackers. Unfortunately, these actions have not been met with universal condemnation, not even in this very House. Mr. Speaker, I have personal experience in this region. I commanded troops with a U.S. battalion of a multinational force and observers in the Sinai Peninsula responsible for maintaining peace between Israel and Egypt. Thankfully, we were and continued to be successful at that mission, but unfortunately we still see terrorists' violence aimed at Israelis simply trying to live their very lives. Israel has a right to defend itself. It needs their freedom of action to do so. We did not accept arbitrary restrictions on our actions following 9/11, nor should we place any restrictions on Israel's response. This House has a habit--on both sides of the aisle--to search for the perfect bill instead of taking something that is good for the moment, a bill that makes incremental progress, as we speak. I implore all Members to reject the demand for the perfect and, instead, support the good. Support this vital funding, and then we can move to support our Ukrainian friends, rebuild our defense industrial base, and improve our conventional military capabilities to enhance our deterrence against PRC threats. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 4365, H.R. 4367, and H.R. 4665, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering and cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger).

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment which prohibits security assistance for Ukraine. The bill contains funding and conditions for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is different from the funding that has been included in supplementals for Ukraine. This funding is not sent directly to Ukraine; rather, it pays for training and procurement of U.S. equipment. Congress has funded this initiative every single year since it was authorized in 2016 during both Democrat and Republican administrations. Just last month, the House voted to authorize this funding at the same level. Madam Chair, this assistance and the partnership between Ukraine and the California National Guard is what enabled the Ukrainians to beat back the Russian invasion and greatly diminish Russia's conventional military forces. I have been very clear to the Department: No blank checks. That was why this bill contains many new oversight provisions and funding for a special inspector general for Ukraine, if authorized in the final NDAA. The gentleman has often noted that funds used in support of Ukraine should go to securing our southern border. I argue that we should secure the border and partner with Ukraine to degrade Russia while never taking our eye off China. We do not yet know how the war will play out, but I do know that voting for this amendment will send the wrong message at the wrong time. Madam Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the amendment. As the ranking member of the Defense Subcommittee just said, the Defense Subcommittee is united in this entire process to try to bring accountability to the table. It is practical and it is rational that we have complete accountability and oversight. That is why this bill contains many new oversight provisions, including notification requirements before funds are spent, a GAO review of the Defense Department's execution of Presidential draw-down authority, a reporting requirement on increasing burden-sharing for Ukraine, and a requirement that the inspector general review the Department's end use monitoring program. These are provisions that go directly to the heart of the gentleman's concerns about accountability. This bill also includes funding for a Special Inspector General for Ukraine, if authorized, in the National Defense Authorization Act. This amendment furthers these efforts. Madam, I urge a ``yes'' vote. I think I can speak for a good segment of our Defense Subcommittee, including those on the other side of the aisle, and I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of an incredible leader and a dedicated public servant, who we lost yesterday. Mark Lowery committed much of his life to serving Arkansans as an elected official, educator, and journalist. During his time as State representative for 10 years, he had Arkansas youth and families top of mind. He brought significant reforms to the education system and fought hard for fairness in elections. Most recently, he was elected the Arkansas State treasurer. Although Mark will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on. My prayers are with Mark's family and friends as they navigate this incredibly sad and difficult time. I offer them my sincere condolences. My hope is that we can all find solace in knowing Arkansas is better off because of Mark Lowery's dedicated work for the people of Arkansas.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to submit extraneous material for the Record.

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, in this magnificent Chamber, we have honored Presidents and other heads of state. We have honored titans of business and industry, science and medicine, the arts and entertainment, and academia and sports. Young and old, we have welcomed the best and brightest America has to offer, and we have been the envy of the world when it comes to personal achievement. Mr. Speaker, that is why I am here today, to recognize and honor an individual with remarkable accomplishment. His name is Bruce Rollinson. He is affectionately known as Rollo. For the past 34 years, he has been the head football coach of one of America's truly elite high school football teams, the Mater Dei Monarchs of Santa Ana, California. Rollo announced some weeks ago that he was going to retire from coaching. Now, as a fan of high school athletics, I could not let the moment pass without recognizing this legend in coaching. I first got to know Rollo back in 2019 when he brought his football team to the Nation's Capital for a game against one of this area's top teams. I was asked by a parent of one of his players to escort the team through the United States Capitol. Little did I know that team happened to be the Nation's top-ranked high school football team and was led by a young quarterback who was on his way to glory. That quarterback was a kid named Bryce Young, who that very week had decommitted from the University of Southern California and announced to the world that he was going to become a member of the Crimson Tide at Alabama. As you know, this young man became the second such player under Coach Rollinson to win the coveted Heisman Trophy. The tour became one of my favorite memories of my service in Congress. The relationship I forged with Rollo and his staff and players has been life-enhancing for me. While most who follow Mater Dei and Coach Rollinson are well aware of the records, well aware of the championships and the elite style of football they represent, I became fascinated with Bruce the man, not just the coach, and his legacy of building young men of character and positioning them for success. Football was his method. Excellence was always the goal. Mr. Speaker, the results speak for themselves. Today, Mr. Speaker, we are going to highlight a lot of Rollo's credentials. It is fitting, in my judgment, to begin this tribute with a colleague of mine who knows the Mater Dei success story better than anyone in this Chamber and certainly anyone in Congress. He is Mike Gallagher. He is a Mater Dei alum, and he is here to share some personal insights into this man we honor today. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher).

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, back in October I was invited by our current majority leader, then the minority whip, to accompany him on a West Coast swing. We landed in Santa Ana, California, about 2 hours ahead of a program that we were going to have. I asked the whip at the time: What are we going to do for 2 hours? I think the answer was: I don't know. We will go find some coffee or we will kill some time before our program begins at 5. I said: Well, I have an idea, why don't we Google how far Mater Dei High School is, and let's go over there and watch the high school football team play. They are going to practice in a few minutes. He agreed to do that, and we did. It was a remarkable visit: five Members of Congress with a police escort pulling up to Mater Dei, and getting to see this remarkable football team ready to practice. My colleague, Mr. Gallagher, talked about sacrifice. This next gentleman is a living example of somebody who has endured personal sacrifice on behalf of something greater than himself--this country. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the distinguished majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, and my friend.

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leader for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, another Member of Congress who was on that trip to the West Coast was my friend from Texas, Pat Fallon. Pat played for Lou Holtz at Notre Dame--a national championship when he was there. I have got to tell you, Mr. Speaker, when we walked in the foyer of the gymnasium and saw the trophy case with three prominent Heisman Trophies side by side, it made an impression on me because you can walk into virtually any high school in America and not see one. But at Mater Dei there are three, and one of those, in particular, ended up moving on to the University of Notre Dame where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1964. Here to share some of his insights, as well, based on that trip is my friend from Texas, Pat Fallon. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Fallon).

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Pat for his words. Yes, we have come a long way since the days when you played with leather helmets without face masks. There is little doubt that coaching a player who wins the Heisman Trophy is a distinction that few can claim. Rollo has coached two. The first was Matt Leinart, the 2001 graduate of Mater Dei whose playing career at the University of Southern California earned him college football's highest honor. I spoke with Matt ahead of this tribute, and he asked me to include these words into the Record in recognizing his former high school coach. Matt Leinart: As an athlete growing up, you have big dreams, and you can be only so lucky to have people that can help you reach those dreams. Coach Rollo had that impact in my life. He was not only a coach, but a mentor and a father figure. He has had a tremendous impact in my life in only ways that he knows. This past year has been one of the best of my life because I got to watch my 16-year-old son play for Mater Dei and play for my coach. As I watched Cole throw his first varsity touchdown pass, he walked off and hugged Rollo on the sideline. It was a full circle moment for me that I will always remember. Rollo is family and one of the greatest men I know. Thank you for teaching me the many life lessons that I have needed to grow into the man I am today. Love you Coach. Matt Leinart. But there was a second Heisman Trophy winner who followed, and I spoke of him earlier. Ms. Kamlager-Dove is a colleague of mine in this bipartisan tribute to Bruce Rollinson. Sydney Kamlager-Dove represents the 37th District in California, and she has some special words for the coach and I believe some comments from his second Heisman Trophy winner. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her remarks. Bruce Rollinson is a 1967 graduate of Mater Dei. His team won the CIF 4-A championship in 1965 and played in the game of the decade against Anaheim High School in Anaheim Stadium. He played defensive back and wide receiver for John McKay at USC. He played in the 1970 Rose Bowl when USC beat Michigan. Coach Rollo became the head coach in Mater Dei in 1988 after 7 years as an assistant. By the time it is all over, here are the numbers that qualify him for legendary status and precisely the reason we are standing here today: Overall record: 341 wins, 87 tough losses, and two draws. Eight CIF championships, four State championships, five national championships, and a parade of NCAA players, many of whom went on to prosperous national football league careers. Mr. Speaker, I have also asked one of my distinguished colleagues from California across the aisle to join us in this tribute today. He happens to be Rollo's own Congressman from the Santa Ana, California, area. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, a number of friends, family, and colleagues of Coach Rollinson wanted to offer their congratulations as part of this tribute today. Time will not permit me to read all of those comments, but I do want to read one because this comes from the Rollinson family. This is from Caroline Flanagan and Catherine--who I know as Cat--Pederson: ``We are so incredibly proud of our dad, Coach Rollinson, known to his grandchildren as Coach or even occasionally, Coachie. ``Growing up, he made us a part of the Mater Dei football family, but he also made sure that when he came home football was on the back burner, and he was just our dad. He stayed up late to help us study for tests, got up with us when we had an early-start class, and was present in every way. ``When we were in college, a call from him was an instant mood boost, and he knew how to fire us up for a test so that we walked in feeling like we could either take an exam or play a football game. ``He is truly the best person we know. He lives his values day in and day out. He makes us better people, and he has that rare gift of being able to bring out the best in everyone who knows him. His faith and his family are what drive him, and for the past 7 years we've gotten to see him in possibly his greatest role--as a grandfather. Our kids get to learn from the best and be loved by the best. ``Coach Rollinson has won numerous championships and accolades on the football field, but we are most proud of him for who he is to our family, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter brings. We love you, Coach.'' Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record of today's tribute the remaining comments from family, friends, fellow coaches, and others. Tribute to Coach Bruce Rollinson John Hopkins Rollo, from my initial hiring in 1989, ``get him a shirt'' to your last game in 2022, it has been my honor and privilege to have coached with you. Your daily message of, ``you control the effort and God controls the outcome'', has made me a better coach, husband, father, grandfather, and businessman. Competition is what has made this Country GREAT, and competition amongst our players and Coaches is what you have instilled in us, to be Great. We have been together for 34 years and 430 games, and while we have had some highs and some lows, the highs have far outweighed the lows, and the experience coaching with you is a memory I will cherish forever! Love ya brother, and all the best . . . Coach Hops Leo Boese THANK YOU, on behalf of all your players over the last 34 years for the love, dedication and life lessons you have taught them. THANK YOU, on the half of all the parents who have experienced through their sons the many life lessons you have taught them. THANK YOU, on behalf of all your coaches over the years and your ability to teach them what an outstanding husband, father, leader and mentor is. THANK YOU, for teaching all of us discipline, toughness, dedication, loyalty, hard work, accountability, perseverance, how to handle adversity, and integrity in all we strive to do. THANK YOU, constantly demonstrating to all of us the qualities of a true Monarch, POISE--PRIDE--COURAGE. For all of those you have touched and imprinted in our hearts and minds the virtues of our three stripes! THANK YOU, always taking time to listen to your players or their families in times of need. THANK YOU, being a true and unwavering friend. You will never be forgotten by those you have touched . . . Leo Boese Geri Campeau Bruce Rollinson has been a dedicated and inspiring teacher, mentor and friend for over 35 years. His passion for education and commitment to developing his players is truly admirable. A true servant leader, Bruce challenges those he works with to achieve their full potential through the values of pride, poise and courage. I am honored to know him and blessed to be his friend. Rollinson Family--Caroline Flanagan and Catherine Pederson We are so incredibly proud of our dad, Coach Rollinson, known to his grandchildren as ``Coach'' or even occasionally, ``Coachie.'' Growing up he made us a part of the Mater Dei football family, but he also made sure that when he came home football was on the back burner and he was just our dad. He stayed up late to help us study for tests, got up with us when we had an early start class, and was present in every way. When we were in college a call from him was an instant mood boost, and he knew how to fire us up for a test so that we walked in feeling like we could either take an exam or play a football game! He is truly the best person we know. He lives his values day in and day out. He makes us better people, and he has that rare gift of being able to bring out the best in everyone who knows him. His faith and his family are what drive him, and for the past seven years we've gotten to see him in possibly his greatest role--as a grandfather. Our kids get to learn from the best, and be loved by the best. Coach Rollinson has won numerous championships and accolades on the football field, but we are most proud of him for who he is to our family, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter brings. We love you, Coach! Michael Brennan--President, Mater Dei High School Bruce Rollinson has been a dedicated Mater Dei High School employee for 47 years and our Head Football Coach for the last 34 years/seasons. While known for being a winning football coach, he is equally known for being a eucharistic minister during Mass. His love for God, Christ and Mary Mater Dei is first and foremost who he is. This faithful relationship allows him to express a deep commitment and authentic care towards each and every football player. His players understand that he loves and cares for them and thus are willing to accept the grind of being a member of the Mater Dei High School Football program. On behalf of the entire community, and with Honor-Glory-Love, we humbly say, `Thank You Coach!' Patrick Murphy--Former President, Principal & Assistant Principal, Mater Dei High School (1990-2020) It was my tremendous honor and privilege to work alongside Mater Dei High School Football Coach Bruce Rollinson for 30 years. Bruce enjoyed unprecedented success on the football field but more importantly Coach Rollo positively touched and influenced the lives of countless Monarchs off the field in so many profound ways. Bruce Rollinson impacted thousands of young men and women, in the classroom, on the athletic fields and through his philanthropic outreach efforts for almost 5 decades at Mater Dei High School. Bruce's faith, passion, enthusiasm and commitment to Catholic Education and to his beloved alma mater are unmatched. The positive impact that Coach Rollo had on growth and development of MDHS will be felt for decades to come and I am blessed to have been able to call Bruce Rollinson my friend for 3 decades. Bruce, congratulations on an amazing and unparalleled career of incredible success, influential impact and caring outreach as an educator and coach. You truly are One of a Kind and Mater Dei High School has been blessed with your presence for almost 50 years. All my very best to you, Laurie, your beautiful daughters and your wonderful grandchildren. Take care and God Bless, my friend. Kevin Turner I will preface by noting I have had the honor to work as a broadcaster in Southern California covering high school, college and professional sports for 30 years. What I have always found remarkable about the coach was his God-given ability to communicate and teach not just football but what it takes to champion life skills that extend well beyond the gridiron. The coach always talks about his former players, not the ones that are NFL stars, Heisman trophy winners, or olympians, but the young men and women who run companies, fighting fires, practicing law, policing our streets or serving our country. The everyday heroes is what coach wanted the most for his players and support staff. Coach mastered and executed his plan everyday and did it with passion. He provided a platform and a place in what I believe is what this country needs more than anything--an opportunity, that's it. He had a famous saying you provide the effort God will provide the outcome. Simple formula, all through structure and discipline using tough love, faith-based principles and a belief that through hard work and dedication dreams can come true. God bless America and Bruce Rollinson. Tim Strader, Jr. Coach Bruce Rollinson is way more than just a football coach. From teaching me U.S. History 40 years ago to coaching both of my sons at Mater Dei, Bruce has had a positive impact on multiple generations in Southern California. While his accomplishments on the field speak for itself, it is his way of turning raw young athletes into respectful, faith-filled young men that has set him apart. I congratulate him on an incredible career and his recognition by the United States House of Representatives is well deserved. Sincerely, Tim Strader, Jr. Josh Higgins It's been a great privilege to both play for Coach Rollinson then get to stand by his side as a coach for so many years. The effect he has had on me is one that is shared by hundreds of his former players over the past 34 years as Mater Dei's Head Coach. Coach Rollinson is foremost a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He has led by example, especially when it comes to family. His players proudly bring their families back year after year to visit him and introduce their young families to the man who help build them into who they have become. A true leader and builder of men, one of the very few men I have known who could both yell and challenge you without you ever thinking he didn't absolutely care and love you. His tremendous ability to command and lead was by continually demanding high expectations while knowing he put you in a position to succeed. Coach Rollinson always preached to parents to never make excuses for their boys and for his players to always respect their parents. He taught us to honor our country and the men and women in the military who keep us safe. The legacy Coach Rollinson has achieved will endure for generations. His fingerprints will remain on Mater Dei High School in addition to the thousands of souls he has taught, led, and guided to be successful people throughout life.

Mr. WOMACK. In October, Coach Bruce Rollinson coached his last game after 34 years of distinguished service. The sport has said good-bye to a legend. Today, here on the floor of the people's House, you have heard of the remarkable accomplishments of this dedicated coaching professional. I want the country to know what the hundreds of young men who have worn the Mater Dei Monarch colors already know, that Rollo is not just a coach, he is a great man. From all of us, for my colleagues who have spoken here today, for sports fans across America who love and appreciate excellence in coaching, we offer our congratulations to Bruce Rollinson from his players, his coaches, his friends, and his family. Enjoy a well-earned retirement. Go, Monarchs. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sorrow and endless appreciation I rise today to honor the life of Detective Paul Newell of the Benton County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas. He was one of Arkansas' finest law enforcement officers, a man who lived his life driven by a call to serve. For more than two decades, he donned the badge. More importantly, he embodied the integrity and principled character the shield demands. He wore the uniform knowing it brought risk, but it also brought the reward of keeping Arkansans safe. Detective Newell was one of the brave. He didn't pursue a career of comfort but one where he faced danger, helped those in need, and upheld the rule of law. He was devoted to being a guardian of the community he so loved. It was in that spirit of service, Madam Speaker, while escorting the Wreaths Across America procession in northwest Arkansas, that Detective Newell was tragically killed in an accident involving his motorcycle in the line of duty 4 days ago. He served in the military and was a veteran, patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, training sergeant, lieutenant, detective, and volunteer member of the Gravette, Arkansas, Fire Department. Wearing the uniform was fundamental to his life. Those roles are only second to the titles he cherished most: proud son, husband, father, and grandfather. Our heartfelt sympathies are with his parents, his wife, his daughters, and his grandchildren. I end with a sentiment that epitomizes the many accolades that have been shared by his fellow brothers and sisters in blue from Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway. ``We are beyond saddened at the loss of our fallen brother and friend. Detective Paul Newell was one of the most respected deputies at our agency. His presence can never be replaced, but his legacy will remain through the hundreds of people he has trained. I ask that everyone continue to keep his family and fellow deputies in their prayers.'' Madam Speaker, God bless Detective Paul Newell. His memory is a blessing, and the Third District of Arkansas is forever thankful to have had such a dedicated hero keeping us safe.

Mr. WOMACK

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of a pillar of the Third District of Arkansas, lifelong Arkansan, and exemplary public servant, Mayor Jackie Crabtree of Pea Ridge. As a former mayor myself, I have high standards for those in this position. I can say with certainty, Jackie has been a very distinguished leader. Few can remember a time in Pea Ridge when Jackie wasn't the mayor. To love, to serve, and to promote Pea Ridge have been the pillars of his service. There is no growth project or improvement of consequence that has happened in the last quarter century that doesn't have the fingerprints of Jackie Crabtree all of over them. From new sidewalks, parks, sewer infrastructure, to city buildings, walking trails, water lines, his vision has transformed the city. He also led many firsts. He was the first full-time mayor, he brought in the first full-time fire and paramedic departments. He even started the Christmas tree lighting and decorations in downtown, to name a few. Those examples only scratch the surface of Jackie's accomplishments. To me, there is no greater illustration of his success than the thousands of new residents who have flocked to Pea Ridge. It is a vibrant destination, one where people want to live, work, and raise their families. I congratulate Jackie on a terrific career and life of service to his community. His hard work has been instrumental in building a better future. While I know his high school sweetheart and wife, Freida, son, Eric, and granddaughters will enjoy the extra time he will have for them, know that his leadership will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, I welcome my friend to the former mayor's club. Congratulations, Jackie. Honoring Sheriff Tim Helder on his Retirement

Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a trusted protector of the people of Arkansas, and a man I am blessed to know as a friend, Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder. For nearly four decades, he has nobly worn the badge. His heart for service is core to his character; it could even be argued it is in his blood. That point is only further reiterated by the fact that both his father and grandfather also wore the uniform, and I know they would be proud. It is poignant that his law enforcement career is beginning and ending at the Washington County Sheriff's Office. After starting as a dispatcher, he attended the police academy, went on to work for the Fayetteville Police Department where he climbed the ranks. After 21 years in Fayetteville, he returned to the sheriff's office and holds the honor of being the longest serving sheriff in its history. On a personal note, I will miss the sheriff breakfasts that he would host for the community as a time to catch up and build trust. I hope that tradition will be carried on. When reflecting on his career, I could list his many accomplishments or accolades or the names of the men and women he has helped lead, but I want to read the creed on his challenge coin, it sums it up: I pledge before God and my community to faithfully perform my duties with integrity, professionalism, respect and fairness. I will bring a good attitude to work and take responsibility for all of my actions. I will have the courage to do the right thing for the right reasons without exception. More than just words. That is how Sheriff Helder has lived his life. The Third District is safer and stronger because of his service. Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his principled integrity, and I wish him a blessed retirement.