Randy Weber

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. 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. 3616.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 951, I call up the bill (H.R. 3616) to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review regulations that may affect the reliable operation of the bulk-power system, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to a family illness, I missed the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 335; YEA on Roll Call No. 336; YEA on Roll Call No. 337; YEA on Roll Call No. 338; NAY on Roll Call No. 339; YEA on Roll Call No. 340; NAY on Roll Call No. 341; and YEA on Roll Call No. 342.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Gosh, Mr. Speaker, fairy tales begin ``once upon a time.'' You know how those begin. We are hearing one today right here in our very presence, saying that somehow the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has caused this problem. Mr. Speaker, the plain and simple fact is that America's population is growing, our economy is growing, and natural gas already provides more than 40 percent of the electricity Americans rely on every day. Mr. Speaker, during the time period of 2013 to 2021, several pipeline projects were canceled, leading to a pipeline capacity growth of only 26 percent. Let that sink in. Meanwhile, natural gas demand has increased by 49 percent. Do that math. This trend will be compounded if there are not statutory reforms. It is absolutely dishonest to try to blame LNG for this. America can't run without energy, Mr. Speaker. Like it or not, a lot of that energy comes from natural gas. Listen to this. When we stopped building pipelines between 2013 and 2021, over 25 million homes were put at risk. That is exactly what H.R. 3668 fixes. This bill clarifies that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is the leading agency for coordinating the environmental review process for interstate natural gas pipelines. It requires other Federal and State agencies to align their reviews with FERC's timeline. It is written with a clear objective, reducing delays and approving coordination. Did I mention that gas has really needed to be given to a lot more American households? Here is what we are going to do. We have already seen what happens when we don't build. Again, pipeline cancellations put over 25 million, with an m, homes at risk. Do the math. With the average 3.15 people in that household, that is nearly 79 million, with an m, 79 million people affected. Mr. Speaker, that doesn't even account for higher prices or the hit to our energy security or the actual possibility that our energy security will be severely damaged. Mr. Speaker, if we want reliable power and lower costs, we have got to stop telling fairy tales, and we have got to start doing. That is exactly what my friend and colleague, Congressman Hudson's, bill does. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chair, the things that make America great are the things that America makes. How do we do that? We have an electric grid, Mr. Chair, and that electric grid is under real pressure. Demand is climbing fast and driven by manufacturing, by technology, and the needs for a modern economy while large amounts of dependable thermal generation are scheduled to retire. Mr. Chair, when you put those two trends together, you get a grid that must work harder than ever and cannot afford any weak links. That is exactly why the Electric Supply Chain Act is on this floor this day. The bill directs the Department of Energy to regularly assess the supply chains for the components that keep our bulk power system running--not after a crisis, not after a breakdown, but proactively. We know the risks are real, Mr. Chair. Our Nation's electric grid is the largest machine ever built, and it depends on thousands of specialized parts: transformers, inverters, control systems, many of which have long lead times or limited manufacturers. Any bottleneck, any shortage, any compromised component puts reliability at risk and drives costs higher for families and businesses. This legislation strengthens our posture. It gives us the visibility we need to stay ahead of threats, support domestic production, and ensure Americans have access to secure, dispatchable, and reliable power. The things that America makes are the things that make America great. We do this with dispatchable power. Mr. Chair, this is exactly the kind of forward-looking policy Congress should be doing. I thank Chairman Latta and Chairman Guthrie for their leadership. Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support the Electric Supply Chain Act now.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to say that tonight I rise to speak as we continue to examine what is unfolding before us. It is important to remember that the fight for the Iranian people is not some distant, unfamiliar struggle. In many ways, it echoes the very heartbeat of our very own American story. Long before America became the beacon of liberty it is today, we were a people under the heavy hand of those who believed power belonged to rulers, not citizens. Our Founders knew what it meant to challenge an authority that refused to listen. They understood what it meant to stand up, too often alone, and declare that sovereignty belongs to the people. They risked their livelihoods, Mr. Speaker, their reputation, their families. They risked everything so that future generations might inherit a nation grounded in rights, not repression, but grounded in freedom. Mr. Speaker, that spirit is alive today in the streets of Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, and more than 1,000 towns and villages across Iran. We often talk about the American Revolution, but we rarely pause to recognize what it really was: a movement of ordinary people who refused to accept that their destiny would be decided for them by somebody else. They believed they had a God-given right to shape their future, and that is precisely what the people of Iran believe today. The parallels runs deep, deeper than we sometimes see. When America endured the Great Depression, it was a time of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. But leaders like Franklin Roosevelt reminded the American people that despair is never destiny. Let me repeat that. Despair is never destiny. He told them that courage, unity, and faith could rebuild an entire nation from the brink of ruin. Mr. Speaker, today the Iranian people are living through their own era of hardship--economic collapse, political oppression, and constant fear. Yet, they continue to stand, continue to march, and continue to hope. When the free world faced aggression in the 20th century, voices like Winston Churchill refused to surrender to hopelessness. He spoke truth when others stayed silent. He strengthened resolve when others faltered. He understood that a single courageous leader speaking plainly, boldly, and without apology could ignite the moral energy of millions. We are seeing that in Maryam Rajavi right now, and I will talk more about that in just a minute. The same need exists today for the Iranian people: leaders like her who speak truth and nations that stand firmly with her and behind her. Perhaps the strongest parallel of all comes from our own civil rights movement, a time when America confronted its deepest flaws, yet emerged stronger, more just, and more faithful to its founding ideals. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said: ``The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.'' That arc bends when brave people stand up. It bends when people refuse to be silenced. It bends when free nations lend their voices to those who have been denied one. Mr. Speaker, that is what we are witnessing in Iran today: a movement not controlled by foreign powers, not directed by political elites, but born from the ordinary people of Iran, who simply want the dignity that God intended for them. Mr. Speaker, I will say this plainly: The return of sovereignty in Iran will come from the Iranian people themselves. They will write their own destiny. They will determine their own future. America must stand with them, not to orchestrate their path but to affirm it, and not to impose our own will but to support their right to express theirs. That is why I am behind Maryam Rajavi. We know from our own history that when people rise for freedom, the greatest thing the free world can do is stand beside them. Mr. Speaker, she has a 10-point plan. I will read that 10-point plan. One, rejection of the velayat-e faqih, absolute cleric rule: affirmation of the people's sovereignty in a republic founded on universal suffrage, as well as pluralism. Two, freedom of speech, freedom of political parties, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press and the internet: dissolution and disbanding of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC; the terrorist Quds Force; plainclothes groups; the unpopular Basij; the Ministry of Intelligence; the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution; and all suppressive patrols and institutions in cities, villages, schools, universities, offices, and factories. Mr. Speaker, we heard the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle) speak about women getting their rights and girls getting their rights. Madam Rajavi is fighting for the rights of women, girls, and men, too, by the way. Three of the 10-point plan is a commitment to individual and social freedoms and rights in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: disbanding all agencies in charge of censorship and inquisition, and seeking justice for massacred political prisoners, prohibition of torture, and the abolishment of the death penalty. Four of the 10-point plan, separation of religion and state, and freedom of religions and faiths. Five, complete gender equality in the realms of political, social, cultural, and economic rights, as well as equal participation of women in political leadership, Mr. Speaker; abolishment of any form of discrimination; the right to choose one's own clothing--figure that out, how simple that should be, the right to choose one's own clothing freely; the right to freely marry and divorce; the right to obtain education and employment; and prohibition of all forms of exploitation against women under any pretext. Six, an independent judiciary and legal system, consistent with international standards based on a presumption of innocence, Mr. Speaker: the right to defense counsel, the right of appeal, the right to be tried in a public court, full independence of judges, abolishment of the mullahs' sharia law, and dissolution of the Islamic Revolutionary Courts. Seven, autonomy for and removal of double injustices against Iranian nationalities and ethnicities consistent with the NCRI's plan for the autonomy of Iranian Kurdistan. Eight, justice and equal opportunities in the realms of employment and entrepreneurship for all the people of Iran in a free-market economy: restoration of the rights of blue-collar workers, farmers, nurses, white-collar workers, teachers, and retirees. Nine, protection and rehabilitation of the environment, which has been absolutely massacred under the mullahs. Finally, 10 of her 10-point plan, a nonnuclear Iran that is also devoid of weapons of mass destruction: peace, coexistence, and international and regional cooperation. Mr. Speaker, I can't say it any better than what Maryam Rajavi has said. This matters for even our security. It matters for regional stability, absolutely. Most importantly, it matters because America has always believed that human liberty is not a Western idea and not an American idea; it is a universal truth. A sovereign Iran built by its people, powered by its people, and accountable to its people would be a force for stability, not chaos. It would be a force for prosperity, not destruction. It would be a force for hope, not despair. The stories of the Iranian people today sound strikingly similar to the stories of the American people throughout our history: resilient, courageous, unwilling to surrender to tyranny, and determined to leave a better world for their children. Mr. Speaker, history shows us this: When people demand sovereignty, and the free world supports them, the world changes. It happened in 1776. It happened throughout Europe in the darkest days of the 20th century. It happened in the movements for justice and equality on our own soil, and it can happen again for the people of Iran. Mr. Speaker, that is our prayer. That is our thought for today. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to welcome our guest preacher here today, our guest chaplain, if you will, Dr. Yancey Arrington. Dr. Arrington serves as teaching pastor at Clear Creek Community Church. Dr. Arrington is from my district, in my district, and does a great service in our district. He has a vibrant congregation under his tutelage. He is in the heart of Texas' 14th District. He is a devoted follower of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the righteous. For decades, he has been a shepherd to families across our communities, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. Dr. Arrington preaches about the Savior with conviction, clarity, and a heart firmly rooted in service. I have known Dr. Arrington personally, and I can tell you he is the real deal, and I know that because his wife told me. His walk matches his talk. Whether he is teaching Scripture about Jesus, mentoring young leaders, or helping folks through some of life's hardest moments, he does it with humility and a steady faith that strengthens everyone around him. He also happens to be the brother of my friend and Texas colleague, Congressman Jodey Arrington, a true family known across Texas for their Christian leadership. Mr. Speaker, we are so grateful to have Dr. Arrington open today's proceedings in prayer. May God continue to bless him; his bride, Jennefer; their three boys; and the great work being done at Clear Creek Community Church.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, led by my friend and fellow Texan, Representative Pfluger. For years, America has been blessed with abundant natural gas. In Texas, we have been at the heart of it all. We are the world's number one producer of oil and natural gas and the top exporter of LNG. That didn't happen by accident. It happened because American workers, American innovators, and American energy producers were finally unleashed. Under the previous administration, we launched an indefensible freeze on LNG export permits, a politically motivated blockade that put our economy at risk, undermined jobs, and was just simply wrong for global security. That was wrong for Texans, wrong for America, and wrong for our allies working to wean themselves off of Russian gas. H.R. 1949 fixes that. This bill removes outdated restrictions on natural gas imports and exports and puts decisionmaking authority back where it belongs--with FERC, not some bureaucrats using climate reviews or climate change as a backdoor veto. Some of you have seen that even the Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, is now backing up on his climate claims. This is ridiculous. This bill restores certainty for developers who have already committed more than $70 billion--with a b--in new investments since President Trump took office. It strengthens our hand abroad by ensuring our allies that they can rely on American energy instead of their adversaries'. Most importantly, it reinforces a simple truth: Energy security is national security. In southeast Texas, we understand that better than anybody. We produce it. We refine it. We ship it. We keep America moving every single day. H.R. 1949 is pro-jobs, pro-growth, pro-ally, and proudly pro-American energy. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1949 and keep America the world's energy leader.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, that is exactly the opposite of the energy dominance vision that we are working toward under President Trump. Let me tell you this, Mr. Speaker--you know this--in Texas, we know what happens when refineries thrive. We fuel the Nation. We even supply our allies. We make money doing this, and we support thousands of good- paying jobs. The REFINER Act recognizes that refining isn't an afterthought. It is a foundational piece of our national security, as well as our economic strength. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3109.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time. Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to me that our friends across the aisle say that we already have enough oil. It is also interesting that President Obama, when he--the gentleman from Georgia, Buddy Carter, mentioned the Keystone pipeline. It would have come into my district in Texas, 830,000 barrels of oil a day. That is what we are talking about refining on the Gulf Coast of Texas. If you transfer that to 18- wheelers, it is about 5,253 18-wheeler tankers on the road every day. The pipeline is the best way to do this. Mr. Speaker, in Texas, we understand better than anyone else that America's energy strength depends on what happens to the oil after it comes out of the ground. The Keystone pipeline is a good example. Mr. Speaker, it is our refineries, the men and women who run them, and the communities built around those businesses that turn our resources into fuels and products that power everyday life. The REFINER Act takes on a question that Washington has ignored for far too long: Are we doing enough to protect and expand America's ability to refine the energy we produce? Right now, unfortunately, the answer is no, we are not. Over the last several years, America's refining capacity has gone backward. We have lost more than a million barrels of capacity per day, and several facilities have shut down altogether. The gentleman from California mentioned one of them. In several States, hostile policies are pushing refineries out so fast that families are now facing higher prices and increased dependence on foreign fuel. That is not how you build energy security, Mr. Speaker. That is how you weaken it. Meanwhile, global demand for fuels is still rising and is expected to grow as much as 20 million barrels a day by 2050. The world isn't slowing down, Mr. Speaker, and neither should American energy. The REFINER Act takes a serious look at that situation, directs the National Petroleum Council to review our refining capacity, identify where we are vulnerable, and highlight opportunities for us to expand. In other words, it gives us the facts we need to strengthen a critical part of our energy supply chain. When refineries close, families suffer; small businesses suffer; transportation costs rise; and prices jump at the pump. The whole region becomes dependent on foreign suppliers.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate a true Texas treasure, 200 years of the Port of Galveston. It is an honor to mark this historic milestone and to recognize the men and women, past and present, whose hard work, grit, and vision have made this port what it is today. I especially want to thank Rodger Rees and the Port's leadership for their stewardship of this vital gateway to the Gulf. Mr. Speaker, I've lived on the Texas Gulf Coast my whole life. Down here, ports aren't just infrastructure, they're the backbone of our economy. Representing seven ports, more than any other Member of Congress, I know firsthand how critical they are to jobs, commerce, energy, and America's security. The Port of Galveston is a shining example. Established on October 17, 1825, by the Congress of Mexico, it quickly became a hub of strategic importance. During the fight for Texas Independence, it served as the home of the Texas Navy, brave men who risked everything to secure freedom. That fight laid the foundation for Galveston to grow into one of the most important cities on the Gulf Coast. In 1940, the people of Galveston, proud, determined, and invested in their future, came together to purchase their port. That move secured local control and ensured the Port's place as an engine of growth for generations. From a vital shipping center to one of the busiest cruise ports in the nation, the Port of Galveston continues to adapt and expand. This fall, a fourth cruise terminal will open, bringing more visitors, more commerce, and more opportunity for Southeast Texas. Two hundred years is no small achievement. The Port of Galveston has stood the test of time, through storms, wars, and economic change, and it has remained a symbol of Texas perseverance and prosperity. Mr. Speaker, here's to the next 200 years of success for the Port of Galveston, for Galveston Island, and for the great state of Texas.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chair, this is going to create jobs, not just for Texas but for the entire Nation. The gentleman across the aisle just mentioned Iran, that somehow this is going to help make it easier for Iran in the nuclear realm. I think Iran just discovered that President Donald J. Trump is serious when he says they will not be allowed to get a nuclear weapon. I think they probably figured that out by now. Mr. Chair, I will end by saying kudos to the Energy and Water appropriations bill under this committee. We appreciate the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann). Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill as we continue along the path of making America great once again.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer my support for this year's Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act. Mr. Chair, I will talk about Texas for just a minute. The Texas Gulf Coast boasts 23 commercial seaports, 7 of America's largest petroleum refineries, 3 LNG plants, and 60 percent of the Nation's strategic petroleum reserve. As the energy capital of the world, we understand the critical importance of this very important, very good bill. Our hardworking families on the Texas Gulf Coast depend on a robust energy sector, as do most Americans. Even other countries depend on our energy sector. This legislation, Mr. Chairman, will help us to continue to lead in producing the cleanest, most affordable oil, as well as gas. Many of the projects within this bill will advance many of President Trump's goals. It is working. He is making progress. We are making progress. His goal is to advance returning to an era of American energy independence. Let me repeat that. America will be, once again, energy independent. We will be revitalizing critical ports. We will be revitalizing the waterways that serve, actually, as a lifeblood for maintaining our dominance in the global marketplace. It is just that simple, Mr. Chairman. This great Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, let me tell you what it will do. It will bolster our economic strength. It will bolster our economic strength, which suffered the last 4 years, under the current administration. It will create jobs. It will create jobs that are much needed by Americans.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Officer Larry Blacksmith of the Lakeview Police Department. On July 15, 2025, while on his way to protect and serve the people of Lakeview, Officer Blacksmith was called home to be with our Lord. Officer Blacksmith lived a life defined by duty, service, and sacrifice. A proud veteran of our United States military, he later retired as a deputy with the Harris County Sheriffs Office. But even in retirement, his calling to serve never faded. He answered that call once more by joining the Lakeview Police Department, continuing his mission to protect his fellow citizens. But he was more than his uniform and badge. He served with heart. He mentored others with patience and purpose, encouraging young men and women to walk the noble path of public service. He had a calm, steady hand and a clear voice, always leading with grace, even in the toughest of circumstances. Over the course of his remarkable 45-year career in law enforcement, Officer Blacksmith treated everyone he encountered with dignity, compassion, and respect. He stood firm in his convictions and lived out the values represented by the badge, integrity, courage, and honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Chamber join me in lifting up Officer Blacksmith's family and the entire Lakeview law enforcement community in prayer. We mourn this tremendous loss, and we thank God for the life of this good and faithful servant. May his legacy inspire others to serve with the same dedication and heart.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the well- deserved retirement of Dr. Tom Johnson, a dedicated leader and public servant who has made a lasting impact on Lamar State College Orange and the community of Southeast Texas. For seven years, Dr. Johnson has led Lamar State College Orange with passion, determination, and a hands-on approach. He rolled up his sleeves every day to deliver real results, record-breaking enrollment and graduation rates, new vocational programs, the opening of a satellite campus, and the construction of important new academic buildings. He even helped launch a nationally successful bass fishing team and established the Gatemouth Brown outdoor plaza to honor the legacy of the late Orange blues musician. These achievements are more than just accomplishments, they are the foundation of opportunity for countless Texans. His impact on the community spans beyond Lamar State College. Johnson began his career as an officer in the Houston Police Department, where he served in a variety of patrol and administrative positions before retiring from a 20-year law enforcement career. Dr. Johnson's leadership has not only transformed Lamar State College Orange but has paved the way for future generations to pursue the American Dream right here in Texas. On behalf of Texas' 14th Congressional District and this great Nation, I want to thank Dr. Johnson for his service and dedication. His hard work and vision set an example for all leaders. I congratulate Dr. Johnson on his well-earned retirement. May it bring him the rest and reward he so richly deserves.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the illustrious career of Colonel Rhett A. Blackmon, Commander and District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, a true servant leader. Colonel Blackmon assumed command of the Galveston District on July 15, 2022, and quickly became a vital partner in Texas' 14th Congressional District. Under his leadership, Mr. Speaker, the team oversaw more than $7.4 billion, with a b, in infrastructure projects, ranging from flood control to coastal protection that directly strengthened our communities. His military service spans decades with combat and command roles across Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific, as well as academic service as an instructor at West Point. Mr. Speaker, his leadership has always been defined by integrity, courage, and excellence. Our Nation is stronger and safer because of dedicated men like Colonel Blackmon. As he retires from Active Duty, we honor his legacy of military service, unmatched professionalism, and his deep love of country. We thank Colonel Blackmon for his selfless sacrifice and faithful service. Brenda Gail and I wish him, Lindsay, and his family every blessing in retirement. God bless him. God bless the United States of America.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, our hearts are breaking across the Lone Star State, especially for our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Chip Roy, and his beautiful district as they recover from unimaginable devastation caused by those Fourth of July floods. In the dead of night, the Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet in just 45 minutes. Think about that--20 feet. Families were forced to fight for their lives. Homes were overtaken. Children at summer camps ran for safety. It was the worst-case scenario and one that was unfolding in total darkness. Mr. Speaker, down on the Gulf Coast, we are no strangers to disasters, as Chip mentioned. We know hurricanes. We have weathered our fair share of storms, but this--this was something else. It was sudden, swift, and heartbreaking. This was the very center of Texas, the very part of the heart of the center of Texas, and Texans across the Nation felt it. Many knew someone who was impacted. We have all seen the images, Mr. Speaker. We have heard the stories. The pain is real. The loss is deep. Yet, through it all, our God is still great. Even in the midst of destruction, the light of faith and courage shone through and still shines through. Children gathered were heard singing hymns. Neighbors rescued neighbors, Mr. Speaker. Total strangers became heroes. Our first responders and our great Coast Guard saved countless lives. Everyday Texans are stepping up, Mr. Speaker, helping with cleanup and recovery, giving comfort where it was needed the most. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, we also mourn the lives lost. From my district, five precious souls along with the countless, as was said, maybe up to 300. District 14 lost five precious souls: Mary Grace Baker, attending Camp Mystic, whose young life was so tragically cut short; Ella Cahill; Joyce Catherine Badon; and Aiden Heartfield, all from Beaumont, my district, celebrating Independence Day together; and Brad Perry, a volunteer firefighter from League City who, together with his wife, was swept away in his RV by the floodwaters. His wife, Tina, was miraculously rescued after clinging to a tree for 5 hours. These were the mothers, the fathers, the daughters, the sons, and friends. Their loss is felt deeply not just in our hometowns and their hometowns but across Texas and beyond. We do thank Governor Abbott and President Trump for coming and supporting and making a way and making sure that we had every resource that we needed. Mr. Speaker, it has been said here that Texans are tough. We rally, we rebuild, and more than anything, we pray. We pray for Congressman Chip Roy's district. We pray for every grieving family. We pray for healing, for strength, and for the peace that only God Almighty can bring. May we, Mr. Speaker, as leaders never forget our duty to stand beside them not just in words but in actions. I will end, Mr. Speaker, by saying God bless Texas, and may God bless the families walking through this storm.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a man who has been more than just a reliable IT, or internet technology, guy. Bob has been a quiet, constant, behind-the-scenes hero, and for many of us here, a trusted partner and friend. Bob Turney is retiring today, Mr. Speaker, from the Chief Administrative Office after nearly three decades of dedicated service to this institution. Let me tell you, in this business, it is rare to find someone as steady, sharp, and, yes, selfless as Bob Turney. It is even rarer to find a tech guy who not only understands computers but understands people. Bob Turney is that guy, Mr. Speaker. I am proud he is a fellow Texan. He started in the House way back in the summer of 1996, working in the district office for a Member of Congress. He later served in the D.C. offices of two different Members before making the leap into IT in the year 2008. That is when Bob officially became the go-to guy who could fix just about anything with a keyboard, a cable, or even a calm word of advice. He is great. He has seen Congress through dial-ups, shutdowns, upgrades, and upheavals, Mr. Speaker. He kept us wired. He really had things wired. He kept us wired when the system crashed, and he kept calm when the screens turned blue. Believe me, that is no small feat when you are dealing with a bunch of Members of Congress and a great staff, Mr. Speaker, who, by the way, need help unlocking their iPhones. More than his technical skills, Bob Turney brought wisdom, humor, as well as humility. He understood the importance of servant leadership, Mr. Speaker. He never sought the spotlight. He simply showed up and did his job when it mattered the most. Bob is retiring under circumstances, Mr. Speaker, he did not choose, but he is doing so with grace and grit that reflects the very best of who he is and who we all aspire to be like. His health challenges may have forced this chapter to close, but knowing Bob, the next one will be just as meaningful. Mr. Speaker, if Bob is watching, I say thank you to my friend, my pal, and my buddy. I thank him for his blood, toil, tears, and sweat, as Churchill would say. I thank him for his service to the people's House. I thank him for being one of the good ones. Bob may be hanging up the laptop, but his legacy is logged in for good. May God bless him. Godspeed.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Juneteenth, a day that holds deep meaning not just for our Nation but especially for the proud people of Galveston, Texas. One hundred sixty years ago, Union troops arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3--delivering long-overdue news: that the enslaved people of Texas were free, in accordance with President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Though that proclamation had been signed more than two years earlier, it was on June 19, 1865, that the promise of freedom finally reached our shores. Galveston, which I have the honor of representing, is where Juneteenth was born. And I'm proud that our community continues to lead in preserving this history. From the mural that commemorates where General Order No. 3 was read to the many community events held throughout the month of June, Galveston is living proof that remembering our history makes us stronger--not weaker. Not long ago, Juneteenth was not even recognized as a federal holiday. But in a rare moment of unity, Congress came together to pass H.R. 1320. I was honored to cosponsor this legislation and even prouder to see it signed into law on June 17, 2021. It marked the first new federal holiday in nearly four decades--and rightfully so. Juneteenth is a reminder that while freedom may be delayed, it must never be denied. We must always strive to live up to the founding principles of this great country: liberty, justice, and opportunity for all. Let us honor the past, reflect on our progress, and commit to forging a future that preserves liberty--not just in word, but in action.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American patriot, Mr. Loys Virgil Sadler, known to his friends as ``LV.'' Born on June 6, the day we celebrate as D-day, Mr. Speaker, he was born on June 6, 1925. This Friday, he will celebrate an incredible milestone, 100 years of life, liberty, and his pursuit of happiness because of his love for this great Nation. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sadler is a proud member of the Greatest Generation. When our country called during World War II, he answered without hesitation, serving honorably in the United States Coast Guard as a ship's serviceman barber, 3rd class. He put his hands to work and his heart into service, just like so many of the men and women of that time who built the great America that everyone knows today, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I worry that too many have forgotten that spirit that Mr. Sadler has, the grit, the patriotism, the unwavering belief in American exceptionalism. Mr. Sadler reminds us. He reminds us all what it means to serve, to sacrifice, and to live a meaningful life in the greatest country on Earth. He remains active in his community, and today people join together to celebrate his life, his service, and his century of American greatness. Mr. Speaker, I wish LV a happy 100th birthday. God bless him and God bless these United States.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I am kind of amused listening to our friends from the other side, all of the facts and the things that they are bringing up. You know, it is not, Mr. Speaker, that they are ignorant, it is just that so much of what they know ain't so. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on S.J. Res. 31, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie), the distinguished chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee.